Question:

We are going on a backpacking excursion through SE Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Brunei, Singapore) for about 6 months. We think that we would like to have a very open itinerary, i.e.-fly to Bangkok, get around however we see fit, and then fly home whenever we’ve had enough. Our options seem to be an open-jaw to a central place like Bangkok, or one of the around-the-world type flights (which may be too restrictive for us). We’re planning everything else well, but are having trouble deciding how to actually fly. Any help or ideas out there? There are so many bucket shops offering deals, it becomes overwhelming. Thanks for all the help we’ve recieved from this newsgroup! Kevin Oppenheimer, D.V.M. and Sandy Raders, D.V.M. To reply by email, please remove "NOSPAM" from address Once you go Mac, you’ll never go back. "The curious thing about fishing is that you never want to go home. If you catch something, you can’t stop. If you don’t catch anything, you hate to leave in case something might bite."

Question:

Here is a sight that claims to list the "Deadly Dozen" http://www.islandroots.com/finecast/products.htm I posted the same q a while back and told all I was going to take a poll. Let me have a day to dig up those results. Jamie http://clik.to/flyfish – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What are your favorite flies for fly fishing brookies?  I’ve had quite a bit of luck at times with muddler minows and a few other flies, but I’m really not an expert fly fisherman. What works best for you?  Which flies, and what type of presentation? — Richard Jackson Before you buy.

Response:

I always try to match the hatch. Watch what is in the air over the water or kneel down and grab some rocks to see what is there. Presentation: if you are trying to duplicate what is in the air use dry flies, in the water use wet flies – latter category almost always nymphs. WLM – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What are your favorite flies for fly fishing brookies?  I’ve had quite a bit of luck at times with muddler minows and a few other flies, but I’m really not an expert fly fisherman. What works best for you?  Which flies, and what type of presentation? — Richard Jackson Before you buy.

Response:

What are your favorite flies for fly fishing brookies?  I’ve had quite a bit of luck at times with muddler minows and a few other flies, but I’m really not an expert fly fisherman. What works best for you?  Which flies, and what type of presentation? — Richard Jackson Before you buy.

Response:

What are your favorite flies for fly fishing brookies?  I’ve had quite a bit of luck at times with muddler minows and a few other flies, but I’m really not an expert fly fisherman. What works best for you?  Which flies, and what type of presentation?

I try to "match the hatch" whenever possible.  If I am fishing for dinner, I will open up the first one that I catch and see what it has been feeding on.  I usually start out with a stonefly or a Royal Coachman.  As you probably know, Brookies can be extremely frustrating to catch at times.  If you get one to follow or even take a swipe at your bait/fly/lure and he doesn’t take it, leave him alone and come back later and try again.  If a brookie has found a nice spot in the stream, he may stay within a few yards of that spot for months. — "Our eyes and hands and feet will give us the same assistance in doing mischief as in doing good; but it would not therefore be better for the world, that all mankind were blind and lame.  Arms are not to be laid aside by honest men, because carried by assassins and ruffians; they are to be used the rather for this very reason." -George Campbell (1719-1796)

Response:

Question:

I was in Orlando on business a couple of months ago. I looked in the Yellow Pages for fishing guides and was just overwhelmed. There were so many that I just couldn’t pick one. Orlando is such a tourist trap that I felt my chances of picking a loser at random were too great. My only other trip to Orlando was about 45 years ago when I was a child. I recall it as a sleepy little place, but it’s sure changed, and much for the worse. If there’s anything in Orlando that isn’t a Disney-like fake I never found it. Their convention center is so big you’d better take a bicycle or roller skates. What’s happened to much of Florida is sad. Do we really need umpteen billion people on the planet? All the good places are being trashed, one after the other. Pretty soon you’ll have to be a billionare to enjoy anything decent. Rant mode off. — something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Florida has many sites on the net.  Check out Florida in the Unitred States section at http://www.davisbrown.com/ffgeo.htm – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am going to Orlando, Florida the 30 of January and I am going to stay there for 6 weeks. I am considering to bring my flyrod, if the flyfishing are good. I’m also looking for a good flyshop with a wide range. If you can help me, I would appreciate it. Tight lines. Jon Arne

Response:

Stick with the Fly Fisherman.  That is unless your in the market for expensive clothing, then by all means Downeast. Regards, David – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – By all means bring the rods, there are some great places to FF within an hour or two of orlando.Both fresh and saltwater.Try these: The Fly Fisherman Inc. 1213 N. Orange Avenue Orlando, FL 32804 (407) 898 1989 and Downeast 538 Park Avenue South Orlando-Winter Park, FL 32789 (407) 645 5100 — Bragging may not bring happiness, but no man having caught a large fish, goes home through the alley. Anonymous http://fish-n-net.com/

Response:

I am going to Orlando, Florida the 30 of January and I am going to stay there for 6 weeks. I am considering to bring my flyrod, if the flyfishing are good. I’m also looking for a good flyshop with a wide range. If you can help me, I would appreciate it. Tight lines. Jon Arne

Response:

By all means bring the rods, there are some great places to FF within an hour or two of orlando.Both fresh and saltwater.Try these: The Fly Fisherman Inc. 1213 N. Orange Avenue Orlando, FL 32804 (407) 898 1989 and Downeast 538 Park Avenue South Orlando-Winter Park, FL 32789 (407) 645 5100 — Bragging may not bring happiness, but no man having caught a large fish, goes home through the alley. Anonymous http://fish-n-net.com/

Response:

I am going to Orlando, Florida the 30 of January and I am going to stay there for 6 weeks. I am considering to bring my flyrod, if the flyfishing are good. I’m also looking for a good flyshop with a wide range. If you can help me, I would appreciate it. Tight lines. Jon Arne

   !’st off, the Orlando area is comprised of other towns nestled together. Being north of Orlando proper 2 shops come to mind, an Orvis (small shop) in Winter Park, there is a larger shop just north of the junction of 434 and 17/92 and I also believe there is a shop in one of the Disney villages. Have no idea from your post as to the type fishing you are interested in. From Orlando you have the choice of the space coast flats on the east coast to bass and panfish in the St.Johns to the north to the Gulf coast to the west. Orlando also has an extensive group of lakes in it’s area ranging from small 1 acre to 20 or more acres, lake info is available from the Fl. game and fish commision on thier site under the heading "fish orlando". Also lake Okachoby (headwaters of the glades(biiiig bass) isn’t all that far. That time span is rather early in the season for fresh but you never know. Good luck.                                                            John Popp                                                         in Sanford Fl.

Response:

Question:

Don’t let a little rain dampen your fishing!  Last weekend the west coast of Florida suffered a deluge; 12 to 15 inches of rain in two days.  As crazy as it sounds two brothers from Charleston, SC showed up wanting to fish, come hell or high water.  Well, we got the high water, but the low pressure turned on the fish.  In two days we caught over 100 redfish and more than 25 snook.  We didn’t even count the trout and snapper.  All I can say is Mal and Jim Rhodes are as game a couple of crazies as their intrepid guide.        Thursday last the sky was cloudy and the air heavy with the coming storm.  Phil Saul asked me to take him snook fishing and, because Phil is an expert with a bait casting rod, I opted for top water plugs.  We took fish all morning with a variety of lures; Mirrolures, Reel Magic, Bait Busters and Zara Spooks.  The best were a 30 inch snook and a 30 inch redfish.  There is little that tops the resounding strike of a snook on top water.  It sound like a rifle report!  Kraak!      Here is a tip for anglers that love top water fishing.  When you find an active tide under a cloudy sky and a dropping barometer it’s time to pull out the big rods.  The fish will searching the mangrove edges for wayward mullet and larger bait fish.  If the water is a little choppy try a noisy bait like a Zara Spook or Jumpin’ Minnow.  When in calmer conditions go to a Mirrolure, Bait Buster or Reel Magic, lures that push water and disturb the surface.  Capt. Dennis Lily did just that last week and was rewarded with a ten snook day, all on top water. Great action!      Next week will see some different activity.  Mackerel, Bonito and Kingfish are showing up crashing the schools of bait that roam our near shore gulf water.  Some of the first winter low tides will occur causing redfish to tail on the flats.  Today we found numerous "flags" along the grass edges of fully exposed bars.  A top water fly or a surface film lure like a Reel Magic will attract a lot of attention from some very nice redfish.  Snook activity is on the increase in the back country as the fish move from the gulf into their winter locations.  Expect to find snook almost everywhere.        Our next report will include an update on inshore fishing for sheepshead and snapper.  It will not be long before a few triple tail will make their appearance on the crab trap buoys.  Watch for a subtle change to winter conditions over the next few weeks.        Until next week, keep a tight line,      Capt. Pete — http://www.floridaflyfishing.com

Response:

wanting to fish, come hell or high water.  Well, we got the high water, but the low pressure turned on the fish.  In two days we caught over 100 redfish and more than 25 snook.  We didn’t even count the trout and snapper. Bait Busters and Zara Spooks.  The best were a 30 inch snook and a 30 inch redfish.        Until next week, keep a tight line,      Capt. Pete

Well "Capt." sure hope you were just catching and releasing all them fish. The last time I checked the limits: Redfish limit 1 (27"MAX) Snook limit 2 As far as the "we didn’t even count the trout and snapper….Here is a list for you to look over, some of us fishermen use and obey it. Amberjack…28" minimum/fork…bag 3 (New: one fish per person in Monroe County) Bluefish…12" minimum/fork…bag 10 Bonefish…18" minimum/overall…bag 1 Cobia…33" minimum/fork…bag 2 Dolphin…bag 10 Drum, Black…14" min/overall…24" max/overall…bag 5 Flounder…12" minimum/fork…bag 10 Grouper (a)…20" minimum/overall…bag 5 Hogfish…12" minimum/fork…bag 5 Mackerel, Spanish…12" minimum/fork…bag 10 Mackerel, king…20" minimum/fork…bag 2 Marlin, blue…86" minimum (b)…bag (b) Marlin, white…62" minimum (b)…bag (b) Mullet…bag 50 per boat Permit…10" min/overall…20" max/overall…bag 10 (c) Pompano, African…24" minimum/fork…bag 2 (c) Pompano, Florida…10" minimum/fork…bag 10 (c) Redfish…18" min/overall…27" max/overall…bag 1 Sailfish…57" minimum (b)…bag (b) Seabass…8" minimum/overall Sheepshead…12" minimum/fork…bag 10 Seatrout, spotted (e)…  15" min/fork…20" max/overall (e)…bag 5 Seatrout, spotted, NW zone (e)…  15" min/fork…24" max/overall (e)…bag 7 Shad…bag 10 Shark…bag 1 (f) Snapper: cubera…12" minimum/overall…bag (g) Snapper: gray (mangrove)…10" minimum/overall…bag 5 (g) Snapper: lane…8" minimum/overall Snapper: Mutton…16" minimum/overall…bag 10 (g) Snapper: vermilion (Atlantic)…10" minimum/overall…bag 10 Snapper: vermilion (Gulf)…8" minimum/overall Snapper: queen, blackfin, dog, mahogany, silk, yellowtail  12" minimum/overall…bag 10 (g) Snapper: red (Gulf)…15" minimum/overall…bag 5 (g) Snapper: red (Atlantic)…20" minimum/overall…bag 2 (g) Snapper: schoolmaster…10" minimum/overall…bag 10 (g) Spearfish…bag (b) Tarpon (h)…bag 2 Triggerfish, gray…12" minimum/overall Tripletail…15" minimum/fork…bag 2

Response:

Old Crow, You just pass out insults or dip into your namesake?

Yes you do and you make highly insulting insinuations You do your namesake proud,  Hope that shoe isn’t squeezing your toes too bad.

Response:

Old Crow, Congratulations,  You have just made the biggest blunder on any of these boards.  Capt. Pete is one of the most respected and conservation minded Capts. on the FL west coast. You just pass out insults or dip into your namesake? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – wanting to fish, come hell or high water.  Well, we got the high water, but the low pressure turned on the fish.  In two days we caught over 100 redfish and more than 25 snook.  We didn’t even count the trout and snapper. Bait Busters and Zara Spooks.  The best were a 30 inch snook and a 30 inch redfish.        Until next week, keep a tight line,      Capt. Pete Well "Capt." sure hope you were just catching and releasing all them fish. The last time I checked the limits: Redfish limit 1 (27"MAX) Snook limit 2 As far as the "we didn’t even count the trout and snapper….Here is a list for you to look over, some of us fishermen use and obey it. Amberjack…28" minimum/fork…bag 3 (New: one fish per person in Monroe County) Bluefish…12" minimum/fork…bag 10 Bonefish…18" minimum/overall…bag 1 Cobia…33" minimum/fork…bag 2 Dolphin…bag 10 Drum, Black…14" min/overall…24" max/overall…bag 5 Flounder…12" minimum/fork…bag 10 Grouper (a)…20" minimum/overall…bag 5 Hogfish…12" minimum/fork…bag 5 Mackerel, Spanish…12" minimum/fork…bag 10 Mackerel, king…20" minimum/fork…bag 2 Marlin, blue…86" minimum (b)…bag (b) Marlin, white…62" minimum (b)…bag (b) Mullet…bag 50 per boat Permit…10" min/overall…20" max/overall…bag 10 (c) Pompano, African…24" minimum/fork…bag 2 (c) Pompano, Florida…10" minimum/fork…bag 10 (c) Redfish…18" min/overall…27" max/overall…bag 1 Sailfish…57" minimum (b)…bag (b) Seabass…8" minimum/overall Sheepshead…12" minimum/fork…bag 10 Seatrout, spotted (e)…  15" min/fork…20" max/overall (e)…bag 5 Seatrout, spotted, NW zone (e)…  15" min/fork…24" max/overall (e)…bag 7 Shad…bag 10 Shark…bag 1 (f) Snapper: cubera…12" minimum/overall…bag (g) Snapper: gray (mangrove)…10" minimum/overall…bag 5 (g) Snapper: lane…8" minimum/overall Snapper: Mutton…16" minimum/overall…bag 10 (g) Snapper: vermilion (Atlantic)…10" minimum/overall…bag 10 Snapper: vermilion (Gulf)…8" minimum/overall Snapper: queen, blackfin, dog, mahogany, silk, yellowtail  12" minimum/overall…bag 10 (g) Snapper: red (Gulf)…15" minimum/overall…bag 5 (g) Snapper: red (Atlantic)…20" minimum/overall…bag 2 (g) Snapper: schoolmaster…10" minimum/overall…bag 10 (g) Spearfish…bag (b) Tarpon (h)…bag 2 Triggerfish, gray…12" minimum/overall Tripletail…15" minimum/fork…bag 2

Response:

Old Crow, Congratulations,  You have just made the biggest blunder on any of these boards.  Capt. Pete is one of the most respected and conservation minded Capts. on the FL west coast.

No I didn’t blunder.  I’m not the one who posted about the number or size of the catch.  If the good old Capt had posted that he caught his limit, or caught and released___ many fish, that would have been fine.   If he runs a head boat he could have stated x number aboard, his comments were I quote "In two days we caught over 100 redfish and more than 25 snook.  We didn’t even count the trout and snapper.  All I can say is Mal and Jim Rhodes are as game a couple of crazies as their intrepid guide". Now lets see…the Capt makes one, Mel and Jim make 3 times two days… by the book the limit would be SIX (6). You just pass out insults or dip into your namesake?

Response:

Question:

what is the best way to clean line?  I use Wilson Creek the night before I go Fishing.  I can not handle my line not flowing through the rod when I am mending a drift.  What do other people do to clean line?

Response:

what is the best way to clean line?  I use Wilson Creek the night before I go Fishing.  I can not handle my line not flowing through the rod when I am mending a drift.  What do other people do to clean line?

Unfortunately, I don’t clean my lines as often as I should.  When they no longer fit through the guides, I know I’ve got too much crud on them. Seriously, the cheapest way to actually clean a fly line (in my opinion) is to wash it in a tub with soapy water.  Then, rinse in clean water and wipe dry.  That deals with the cleaning issue.  Keeping a line conditioned is another matter.  I have purchased a lot of lines over the years and have a desk drawer full of the line conditioners that come with the fly lines.  I use these for the most part…just because I have them, they work and I haven’t found a need to purchase anything else.  I’ve also used Armor All (sp??) on lines at times and it seems to work…but I’ve not checked with any of the line manufacturers about it.  Perhaps someone can tell me if I’m doing any damage to the lines with it.  It sure helps with my shooting line in terms of decreasing friction and adding to the length of my casts. Barry Brown

Response:

   I like Bon Ami, a sponge and a bucket of warm water. When the line is dry run some Russ Peaks over it. Like new till it gets dirty again.     On the water I use those abrasive pads sold by SA fo rcleaning lines. They’re great for a couple of times then they get all gunky.    -Ralph what is the best way to clean line?  I use Wilson Creek the night before I go Fishing.  I can not handle my line not flowing through the rod when I am mending a drift.  What do other people do to clean line?

Ralph and Lisa Cutter. California School of Flyfishing http:www/flyline.com  /v/                             /v/

Response:

what is the best way to clean line?  I use Wilson Creek the night before I go Fishing.  I can not handle my line not flowing through the rod when I am mending a drift.  What do other people do to clean line?

By default, I use Glide.  It’s all the two local shops sell. Does anyone still sell the "Greased Lightening" line cleaner?  I don’t even see it in the catalogs anymore.

Response:

I have been using that Scientific Anglers stuff.  It has a small cleaning pad and then some goop to put on the line.  It seems to work very well although the cleaning pads get dirty very quickly.  BTW, the Orvis line cleaning kit is exactly the same as the Scientific Anglers one. MikeH

Response:

what is the best way to clean line?  I use Wilson Creek the night before I go Fishing.  I can not handle my line not flowing through the rod when I am mending a drift.  What do other people do to clean line? By default, I use Glide.  It’s all the two local shops sell. Does anyone still sell the "Greased Lightening" line cleaner?  I don’t even see it in the catalogs anymore.

There is some new stuff by Tiemco that is really slick. Russ Peak line dressing has been popular for years. Many use Mucilin paste. I would first wash the line in mild soap, Ivory liquid, and dry it, if it is really dirty. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

Response:

(sp??) on lines at times and it seems to work…but I’ve not checked with any of the line manufacturers about it.  Perhaps someone can tell me if I’m doing any damage to the lines with it.  It sure helps with my shooting line in terms of decreasing friction and adding to the length of my casts. Barry Brown

Barry and Others: Armor-All is a repolymerizer, and yes, does well to protect your Vinyl lines.  However, it is an emulsion and the emulsifiers stay on the line. This allows the stuff to be washed off the line when you use it in water.  A better formulation is the Blue Coral non-aqueous stuff with "Fomblin".  It repells water and helps you line float like a cork. Nothing shoots line like this stuff and nothing lasts longer. Jason Beary

Response:

Question:

Does anyone know  source for a White Snow Shoe Hares Foot? Thanks, Vic

Response:

Vic,How many do you need? James Ehlers Uncle Jammer’s Guide Service Underhill, VT

Response:

Does anyone know  source for a White Snow Shoe Hares Foot? Thanks, Vic

I got mine from Hunters Angling Supplies in New Boston (NH). Look for their number in any ff journal or mail back and I will try to find it Thomas (not affiliated with Hunters…) — Thomas Urbig

Response:

Vic, Mike Houge has some listed on his Web Site http://www.commonlink.com/~Midwestflytying/ I met him at a recent Fly Show and he was very helpful with good prices. Rick — Richard Padgett – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone know  source for a White Snow Shoe Hares Foot? Thanks, Vic

Response:

Does anyone know  source for a White Snow Shoe Hares Foot?

A most reliable source, Vic, would be a wilderness area where you could catch a White Snow Shoe Hare and chop its f*cking feet off. Spinolio

Response:

I’m looking for a white snow shoe hares foor to use as wing material for the comparadun.  Does anyone know of a source for one or two of those. Thanks, Vic

I think Feathecraft Fly Fishing in St. Louis has them in their catalog. 800-659-1707 Steve Rosenblum

Response:

I’m looking for a white snow shoe hares foor to use as wing material for the comparadun.  Does anyone know of a source for one or two of those. Thanks, Vic

Response:

Question:

Hi everybody Unfortunately I broke the tip of my (about 12 to 15 year old) Shakespeare fly fishing rod (a President carbon rod, 9 foot). Does anybody know the adress of Shakespeare so I can ask them for a replacement tip? Any hints are welcome!!! Chris

Response:

Hi everybody Unfortunately I broke the tip of my (about 12 to 15 year old) Shakespeare fly fishing rod (a President carbon rod, 9 foot). Does anybody know the adress of Shakespeare so I can ask them for a replacement tip? Any hints are welcome!!! Chris

Chris, Here is the u.k. address of Shakespeare Shakespeare Company Ltd P.O. Box 1 Broad Ground Road Lakeside Reddich Worcs  B98 8NQ England Hope this helps — john buchanan

Response:

Question:

I have just moved to England for a two-year stint courtesy of my wife’s job.   Sadly, I have had to leave behind my favorite stretches of "free" water in exchange for a country where I have been told you must "pay as you play." There must be some salvation for me somewhere.  The thought of not flyfishing for trout and/or salmon for two years (unless I take a second mortgage on the house) does not sit well.   Likewise, my supply of tying materials becomes more depleted by the day and unless I find the location of some fly shops (if there are any) I am likely to resort to catching local pigeons and plucking the occasional stray cat.  Help me.   Should there be an angel of mercy out there that can offer any advice in these matters I would be most indebted.  I am residing approximately 30 miles west of London but am willing to travel if it means being able to wet a line without draining my pocketbook. Cheers! Rhett

Response:

Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly I have just moved to England for a two-year stint courtesy of my wife’s job.

All is not lost, there is plenty of fishing well within most peoples budget, ie

Question:

I am new at this art, So I recived a gift of a 8′ # 7 rod with reel. Set up with a flouting line. I have a small pond near home that is stocked with browns and brook trout.  Is this setup to heavy and if not what type of fly should I get (buy) or should I get a lighter tackle. I need some advise. oh! I also took a class on casting a year ago so I think I now how to hold the rod and get a cast off.

Response:

I am new at this art, So I recived a gift of a 8′ # 7 rod with reel. Set up with a flouting line. I have a small pond near home that is stocked with browns and brook trout.  Is this setup to heavy and if not what type of fly should I get (buy) or should I get a lighter tackle.

This is only an opinion of course, but I think a 7wt is heavy for trout. an 8′/7w might be great for bass – I’d even use it for schoolie striper fishing (if it was another foot longer). I have to believe an 8′ 7wt must feel a bit on the "clubby" side… If you haven’t used this rod/reel yet, perhaps you might be able to exchange it for a more "troutie" rod? I’d go for a 9′/5wt as an all-rounder trout/panfish rod myself… /dave (who caught and released 29 rainbow clones on a single Gray Ghost this         afternoon. The shredded remains were retired with full honors…;^) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <           "Read this and nobody gets hurt"           < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am new at this art, So I recived a gift of a 8′ # 7 rod with reel. Set up with a flouting line. I have a small pond near home that is stocked with browns and brook trout.  Is this setup to heavy and if not what type of fly should I get (buy) or should I get a lighter tackle. This is only an opinion of course, but I think a 7wt is heavy for trout. an 8′/7w might be great for bass – I’d even use it for schoolie striper fishing (if it was another foot longer). I have to believe an 8′ 7wt must feel a bit on the "clubby" side… If you haven’t used this rod/reel yet, perhaps you might be able to exchange it for a more "troutie" rod? I’d go for a 9′/5wt as an all-rounder trout/panfish rod myself… /dave (who caught and released 29 rainbow clones on a single Gray Ghost this         afternoon. The shredded remains were retired with full honors…;^)

My first fly rod was a 7 wt also.  I used it for a season or so until I was sure I wanted to persue the sport (duh?).  Then I saved up and got a nice 5 wt.  The 7 wt is now my spare, and I haven’t used it since, although like Dave says, it would make a good bass rod, but I’d rather fish for trout.   A sunny day,      a box of midges,         and a wandering stream…   Man, this MUST be heaven!   <    Steve Kulpa    <<

Response:

I am new at this art, So I recived a gift of a 8′ # 7 rod with reel. Set up with a flouting line. I have a small pond near home that is stocked with browns and brook trout.  Is this setup to heavy and if not what type of fly should I get (buy) or should I get a lighter tackle. I need some advise. oh! I also took a class on casting a year ago so I think I now how to hold the rod and get a cast off.

Go out right now and build an addition on to your house to store all your fishing equipment that you will eventually buy. I can’t afford to purchase all the rods that I would like to have.. But I have a great time with ones I have.. I fished with an 8wt for 15 years till I broke it just this past spring. I caught everything on that rod. from Trout on up to chinook salmon. I actually wore out a pfluger reel. So I guess what i’m saying is that the 7wt you have is fine for fishing on just about any waters in the US. Of course who wouldn’t want a nice little 9′ 5wt for going after trout, or maybe a 9′ 1wt for eastern brook trout or farm pond bluegill.. I’ve only purchased three rods in my lifetime. My first 8wt.. my new 7wt.. and then a powerhouse of a rod a 9.5′ 10wt. I got a tuna on the 10wt just last september. But I sincerly believe that the 8wt could have handled it with a large enough spool capacity. Anyway, thats my story.. and I’m sticking to it.. keg

Response:

Dave, There are lots of differences in fly rods. It’s hard to say that a 8′ 7 weight rod is definitely too big for your conditions.  Athough, I would venture to say that most fly fishers would tend to tell you that. Give it try.  If your horseing fish out of your pond as if your holding a broom stick, you might consider something smaller.  Contrary to poplular believe, you don’t have to spend a small fortune on a fly rod that will give you many hours of enjoyment. Dave Burks, Loveland, CO.

Response:

Question:

The shad run here in the Annapolis River of Nova Scotia is now at or near its peak peak.  The annual Shad Fishing tournament was just completed and for the second year in a row, the prize for the flyfishing catagory was determined by lot – i.e no shad were caught on the fly. Does anyone have any general advice re catching those darned things on a fly?  Sure would appreciate any help re patterns, method etc. Les

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The shad run here in the Annapolis River of Nova Scotia is now at or near its peak peak.  The annual Shad Fishing tournament was just completed and for the second year in a row, the prize for the flyfishing catagory was determined by lot – i.e no shad were caught on the fly. Does anyone have any general advice re catching those darned things on a fly?  Sure would appreciate any help re patterns, method etc. Les

These shad drove me nuts on the Merrimac for years. I always fished them quartering down, expecting a hit on the drift, like most salmonid type fish. Finally started hooking them by using a Hi-D head with a weighted fly on the bottom with very slow strips. Lose a lot of flies that way, but it’s the only way I could get them to hit. They fight great, but it’s almost like bait fishing :-

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It’s possible that our western experiences in flyfishing for Shad might be of some assistance.  We usually fish them in heavy water (8,000 cfs or better), and the key is finding their depth in the particular channel you are casting to.  I usually start with a Hi-D, extra fast sink shooting head, then work up.  Shad seem to travel at very specific depths on their upstream movements, and I have found they will not move very much to look at a fly.  The casting we use is a quarter upstream, then mend to give the fly a dead drift. ANY drag on the fly, and you might as well shoot again. Some strikes are very soft, so keep your index finger lightly under the shooting line to detect.  Other strikes (usually near the end of the drift) are like freight trains.  To summarize: look for proper depth, and MEND. If you’ll E-Mail me, I’ll send you by regular mail, two patterns that work very well out here.  They are bright (flourescent yellow is good) and beady-eyed.  The common crappie fly, available anywhere, works very well.

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