Question:

Man, that does sound like a fun technique! Here, fishy, fishy… john – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My kennel manager is on vacation, so lots of work for me, but I have been getting out for an hour or two after dinner. Fishing has been good and I’ve come across something I find interesting. At sunset, there are large numbers of spinners (I’m guessing they’re spinners but I haven’t been able to catch one) flying just over the surface occasionally skimming it. There are also some large Mayfly duns and a small Mayfly duns on the surface. There are a few splashy rises from fish chasing emergers but by far the majority of the "risers" are fish jumping clear out of the water to snag one of the spinners flying over the surface. I’ve seen this on an occasional basis, but some of the fish are doing this from a set feeding station and are jumping for the flies on a regular basis. This includes some decent fish. They totally ignore any of the duns that drift by. The flies are only about a size 16/18, so this jumping doesn’t seem "energy efficient" but me, but I’m no fish. I’ve been able to catch a few of them swinging soft hackles. I’ve also caught a some on a dry or emerger tied on an upper a bloodknot dropper with a weighted nymph below. The weighted nymph serves as an anchor and by holding the rod high, the fly on the dropper can be made to skim the surface, stay above it or bounce on the surface. It’s the closest I can come to imitating the hovering flies. It’s been moderately effective with lots of missed fish jumping at the fly but it’s a fun technique. Willi

Response:

……The flies are only about a size 16/18, so this jumping doesn’t seem "energy efficient" but me, but I’m no fish……

I suspect the energy expenditure is not as great as you might think. Fish are streamlined.  Putting on a short burst of speed which will carry them out of the water probably doesn’t cost them a great deal of effort.  The fact that they do so frequently for what seems a small reward bears suggests it is energy efficient. Wolfgang

Response:

Willi    Try dapping.  Get some unwaxed dental floss (or silk floss, I prefer sky blue, the fish seem to ignore it) and cut about six 8 foot pieces.  Lay ‘em out side-by-side and knot the ends together.  Put a 3 foot tippet on one end and tie the other end to your fly line.  Get the longest pole you have and wait for a little bit of a wind.  The floss works as sail and you can skitter the fly over the surface of just above the surface like a hovering insect.  I’ve only caught two fish with the fly in the air but its a trip (okay, I snagged a couple more).  You just let the fish set the hook on itself.  Your natural reaction is to pull it away, don’t move.  Bigger the fly, the more lines of floss and vice versa.  You can use this technique while hiding in bushes on the bank. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply.

Response:

Willi   Try dapping.  Get some unwaxed dental floss (or silk floss, I prefer sky blue, the fish seem to ignore it) and cut about six 8 foot pieces.  Lay ‘em out side-by-side and knot the ends together.  Put a 3 foot tippet on one end and tie the other end to your fly line.  Get the longest pole you have and wait for a little bit of a wind.  The floss works as sail and you can skitter the fly over the surface of just above the surface like a hovering insect.  I’ve only caught two fish with the fly in the air but its a trip (okay, I snagged a couple more).  You just let the fish set the hook on itself.  Your natural reaction is to pull it away, don’t move.  Bigger the fly, the more lines of floss and vice versa.  You can use this technique while hiding in bushes on the bank.

        this is the weirdest damn place i have ever been.         yfitons wayno

Response:

My kennel manager is on vacation, so lots of work for me, but I have been getting out for an hour or two after dinner. Fishing has been good and I’ve come across something I find interesting. At sunset, there are large numbers of spinners (I’m guessing they’re spinners but I haven’t been able to catch one) flying just over the surface occasionally skimming it. There are also some large Mayfly duns and a small Mayfly duns on the surface. There are a few splashy rises from fish chasing emergers but by far the majority of the "risers" are fish jumping clear out of the water to snag one of the spinners flying over the surface. I’ve seen this on an occasional basis, but some of the fish are doing this from a set feeding station and are jumping for the flies on a regular basis. This includes some decent fish. They totally ignore any of the duns that drift by. The flies are only about a size 16/18, so this jumping doesn’t seem "energy efficient" but me, but I’m no fish. I’ve been able to catch a few of them swinging soft hackles. I’ve also caught a some on a dry or emerger tied on an upper a bloodknot dropper with a weighted nymph below. The weighted nymph serves as an anchor and by holding the rod high, the fly on the dropper can be made to skim the surface, stay above it or bounce on the surface. It’s the closest I can come to imitating the hovering flies. It’s been moderately effective with lots of missed fish jumping at the fly but it’s a fun technique.   Willi

Response:

Question:

"Mike S. Medintz" wrote… Even though I had dry feet at the end of it, it turned out to be a looong day.

I hear that – getting soaked through and through is really uncomfortable. Reminds me of a time on Mud Run in PA.  Was downstream from the flyfishing only section, in a steep gorge.  Only way in or out was through the creek itself.  Had just cautiously approached what appeared to be a big brown in a pool, when the sky cracked and the downpour started.  It was one of those Pennsylvania downpours where you can’t see two feet in front of you.  Pelting pounding driving rain. No way out, lightening strikes all around.  Would have stayed drier if I’d gone into the creek. Afterwards, my tobacco was in a foil pouch and was fine, but the disposable butane lighter was soaked on the flint and striker, and I had nothing to dry it with. Most uncomfortable walk back to the truck and drive home.  In retrospect, should have taken off the clothes and wrung them out good – probably would have been more comfortable. Timothy Juvenal

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That was super funny Tim.  I read your post and was thinking capsized boat, not rain. bruce h

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Not waterproof: my rain jacket. (snip)

Hmmm, effective marketing eh? Natty

Response:

Not waterproof: Expensive Motorola handheld radios. Thank god the thing worked again once it dried-I’d have hell to explain otherwise.  Not waterproof: expensive cell phones with 100+  numbers painstakingly entered into memory.  And  no, it didn’t work again after it dried.  Maybe  because the wave that got it was saltwater …

Not to put too fine a point on it, however I would consider that a good thing. ; ^ ) Sorry honey I could not phone the cell broke! Sorry honey I waited for your call but turns out the cell got wet and I Just a thought!   M. Wm.

Response:

When will the Institute release its findings on the relative flammability of fisherpersons? — Michael Collier Citizen Fisherman

Response:

After conducting a controlled scientific experiment to determine the relative water resistance of sundry articles commonly carried by fisherpersons, the Juvenal Institute of Scientific Inquiry has reached the following conclusions: I’m sure we’ll be conducting more tests in the future.

I’ve had the questionable fortune to have conducted similar tests at work. Waterproof: cheap butane lighters, so long as they are inside a pocket. Not waterproof: Expensive Motorola handheld radios. Thank god the thing worked again once it dried-I’d have hell to explain otherwise. Waterproof: Streamlight flashlights. Not waterproof: my rain jacket. Waterproof: My boots, which saved me a long day Not waterproof: My "Water-Resistant to 100 meters" Timex Expedition watch Waterproof: A stainless steel multi-tool. Not waterproof: My smokes. Even though I had dry feet at the end of it, it turned out to be a looong day. — Mike S. Medintz please forgive the weirdness-testing new software

Response:

After conducting a controlled scientific experiment to determine the relative water resistance of sundry articles commonly carried by fisherpersons, the Juvenal Institute of Scientific Inquiry has reached the following conclusions: Not Waterproof: Cloth covered sheepskin-lined streamer wallet.  Very absorbent. Waterproof: Aluminum fly boxes by Perrine and Okuma.  Although vented, the don’t take on water very fast and they dry very quickly. Waterproof: 2 AA cell Maglite.  Maybe the best thing ever made. Not Waterproof: Blue LED emergency light.  Takes in water, which allows a small leakage current.  LED glowed faintly for hours, but it still lights up afterwards.  I was able to get a faint glow in a blue LED with as little as .01 amps at 3 volts, so it won’t run the battery down that fast, but would still be a better emergency light if it weren’t susceptible to moisture-induced current leakage, eh? Waterproof:  Pentax zoom90WR camera.  A little heavy and bulky, but fits in a cargo pants pocket, and all my pictures of herons, wet dogs, and tiny fish are safe. Waterproof:  Jeantet Saturne pipe.  Good as new. Not Waterproof: Plastic lined leather tobacco pouch.  What a mess. Not Waterproof: Remington pocketwatch.  Filled up with water, shorted out, and corroded.  You can’t get anything good for twelve bucks anymore. Waterproof:  Case XX fishing knife.  Usually I prefer carbon steel blades, but good thing these are stainless. Waterproof: Silver flask with art deco nekkid lady engraving.  Good thing, too; believe me I needed it after all that testing! I’m sure we’ll be conducting more tests in the future. Timothy Juvenal After all, fishing trips are supposed to be fun.  If they can also be informative, so much the better.             -Gary A. Borger

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Question:

Norm is not a finish carpenter. I disagree. What about the nail gun, stain-over-smeared-glue, and poly? (I had forgotten the glue-smearing tactic in my 1st post.)

I guess we have different definitions of finish carpenter. In my book it’s the person who works (generally) inside the building putting up baseboard, door & window trim, panelling and molding. And often installing cabinets and built-ins. You will generally see these guys wielding a nail gun, rubbing glue on with a finger tip, and filling holes with putty. There’s usually a second person who slaps on the stain and poly. So what is that that makes Norm _not_ a finish carpenter? The fact that he crams a week-long project into 1/2 hour isn’t relevant. He’s not doing it real time like Roy Underhill and we all know that (right kids?). Bzzzzt! Ask these Normites’ wives. (and probably 1/3 of them)

Well, that’s why Ron Popeil is rich, isn’t it. pays attention now. In the early days he was content with a simple half-blind dovetail jig for all his drawers. He still doesn’t hand-cut them but at least he appreciates the aesthetics of the hand-cut look given by the leigh jig. I must have missed the episode titled "How to fake hand-cut dovies using only $26,745.13 worth of powah tools." (Of course, I’ve only seen 3 or 4 episodes, plus 5-10 minutes of half a dozen others.) I liked him on TOH much better.

Oh come on. The Leigh Dovetail jig costs $370 and the router is around $150. Hardly excessive. And there’s an endorsement there. He’s shown a couple of other dovetail jigs through the years–such as the Keller–but they only ever made one appearance. The Leigh keeps coming back. So I’d say he’s gotten his money’s worth and it makes me think that it’s probably worth spending the money on. Despite what many people think, outside of a few really obvious examples (the 15" planer, the wide belt sander, and the resaw) the NYW really isn’t overly equipped. It probably seems so to the person just starting out, but I’ve seen many hobbyist shops with as much or more equipment in them. –Rick

Response:

This poll has been done here several times. It is about 50/50. I don’t use them either. — CW KC7NOD – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Frank, please! Let’s take a poll…how many honestly use a splitter and/or guard? I use neither. Jay in NH

Response:

Fountain) crayoned this: Sometimes Norm Confuses Me

As well he should. 1/2 hour to do a 2-week project? That’s TV! Repeat after me: Norm is a carpenter. Norm is not a finish carpenter. Norm is not a fine woodworker. Proof of these three facts are shown on every episode: Norm nails, stains, and poly’s the shit out of every project. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t dislike Norm (only some of his practices), I do like many of his projects, and he surely knows more about carpentry than I do. We just have different opinions on what is important in a finished product and how to get there. (Especially nowadays. Out here in LoCal, I couldn’t afford to RUN the multi-megawatt tools he uses.) All about old planes: Electrolysis: http://members.xoom.com/nlindsey/restoration/Restoration.htm Flattening: http://members.aol.com/tomprice/galootp/Quicklap.html Dating Stanley iron planes: http://peta.ee.cornell.edu/~jay/ww/planes/ Stanley (now Patrick’s) Blood and Gore http://www.supertool.com/index.htm — the Stanley Bible The best wood reference site in the entire world is: http://www.internetwoodworking.com/w5/wood.html/

Response:

<<<)))Well, I might use a low quality plywood thinking that with wet and muddy <<<)))stuff being stored inside the seat, it will be inexpensive and easy to <<<)))replace as needed. Yeah, that, or he could be showing that there is a use for all types of wood, and that you can use different materials if it suits you.

Response:

Frank, please! Let’s take a poll…how many honestly use a splitter and/or guard? I use neither. Jay in NH

A.  I always use the splitter when making through cuts. B.  I use the guard (I purchased a Uniguard when I bought my Unisaw) whenever possible.  There are times that it won’t work for various cuts, but the Uniguard is very good about being flipped out of the way and then flipped back in place.

Response:

Sometimes Norm Confuses Me As well he should. 1/2 hour to do a 2-week project? That’s TV! Repeat after me: Norm is a carpenter.

I agree. Norm is not a finish carpenter.

I disagree. Norm is not a fine woodworker.

He’s working on it. Proof of these three facts are shown on every episode: Norm nails, stains, and poly’s the shit out of every project.

Part of the ‘problem’, methinks, is that he approaches his projects just like a professional finish carpenter would rather than luxuriating in the process like a hobbyist or a fine woodworker would. Ever watched a finish carpenter roll through a new house? Air brad nailers and putty are his friend! Outside real high-end houses, no one can afford to take the time to make sliding dovetails to hold moldings and hand-cut dovetails on all four corners of a drawer box. Measure, cut, bam, bam, and move on. Gotta trim out 8 windows and two doors before going home today. The fact that he crams a week-long project into 1/2 hour isn’t relevant. He’s not doing it real time like Roy Underhill and we all know that (right kids?). Most projecte appear to take two days, but how many of us actually put in an 8-hour day in the shop? However, I sometimes wish they’d be a little less honest and at least portray him more like the rest of us. For example–he’s a busy guy and probably really needs the time saved by that wide belt sander. But since 99% of us don’t own one, why don’t they show him hand sanding (or scraping!) the first panel and then he can run the rest through the dust hog off camera. Same with that huge re-saw. It was cool the first time he used it, but on subsequent shows where he needed to resaw a board he should show us a different technique. If it’s slower and more laborious, so what. He starts it on camera and then uses the resaw to finish the rest. The fact is, he could be more like Dean and Robin who have a whole crew of carpenters, plumbers and electricians who actually do most of the work they pretend to. That’s how _they_ finish a 3 month project in three half-hour episodes! Then he wouldn’t feel as remote from us normal joes. That said, I’ve watched the show from the beginning and credit it, more than anything else, with getting me back into woodworking. He _has_ grown considerably as a woodworker since those early days. If anything, in his design sense. He was guilty of some cross-grain glue-ups early on, but he pays attention now. In the early days he was content with a simple half-blind dovetail jig for all his drawers. He still doesn’t hand-cut them but at least he appreciates the aesthetics of the hand-cut look given by the leigh jig. And a few projects he really has made an effort to build it with no brads in visible places. I think he did fairly well on the jewelry box. –Rick

Response:

Norm stopped being a woodworker some time ago, now he sells tools (or creates the "need" to buy them – your choice). Having said that, Norm builds stuff his way, I build stuff mine and you, undoubtedly, build stuff your way. Moral – never ask the donkey what the horse is doing – ask the horse instead. — Jim Warman

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sometimes Norm Confuses Me

Response:

Norm is not a finish carpenter. I disagree.

What about the nail gun, stain-over-smeared-glue, and poly? (I had forgotten the glue-smearing tactic in my 1st post.) Norm is not a fine woodworker. He’s working on it.

Perhaps. (see Q above) The fact that he crams a week-long project into 1/2 hour isn’t relevant. He’s not doing it real time like Roy Underhill and we all know that (right kids?).

Bzzzzt! Ask these Normites’ wives. (and probably 1/3 of them) That said, I’ve watched the show from the beginning and credit it, more than anything else, with getting me back into woodworking. He _has_ grown considerably as a woodworker since those early days. If anything, in his

True. Haven’t we all grown in that time? design sense. He was guilty of some cross-grain glue-ups early on, but he pays attention now. In the early days he was content with a simple half-blind dovetail jig for all his drawers. He still doesn’t hand-cut them but at least he appreciates the aesthetics of the hand-cut look given by the leigh jig.

I must have missed the episode titled "How to fake hand-cut dovies using only $26,745.13 worth of powah tools." (Of course, I’ve only seen 3 or 4 episodes, plus 5-10 minutes of half a dozen others.) I liked him on TOH much better. And a few projects he really has made an effort to build it with no brads in visible places. I think he did fairly well on the jewelry box.

1 Atta Boy, going out toward NYWville tonight.  I’ll apologize for offending someone…right after they apologize for being easily offended. http://www.diversify.com  Inoffensive Web Design

Response:

Frank, please! Let’s take a poll…how many honestly use a splitter and/or guard? I use neither. Jay in NH

As a long time lurker on here, to help or hinder the pol, add my vote please. I use neither, Jay BobK

Response:

Frank, please! Let’s take a poll…how many honestly use a splitter and/or guard? I use neither. Jay in NH

I usually keep a "RipStraight" attachment on my fence.  If I’ll be ripping a number of boards I’ll put the splitter back on the saw.  If I looked hard enough I probably could find my blade guard. — Jack Novak Buffalo, NY – USA

Response:

I thought it was funny on todays episode on HGTV while he was building a sailboat and was using bronze screws….all of a sudden he says he ran outa them and will now use stainless steel ones..I mean I know stainless is fine for boats but..but..but—-Norm run outa something in middle of project??????? ps I tape them too..by the way he’s still my hero.. ;0} Steve

That was a pretty startling comment.  He operates out of a 40 gazzilion dollar shop with the best of everything and he ran out of screws???? By the way, was there actually any wood in that sailboat or was it made entirely of epoxy? -JR

Response:

By the way, was there actually any wood in that sailboat or was it made entirely of epoxy?

Well, there’s some wood in between the epoxy plies. Mike.

Response:

[snide mode on] " and a couple of brads to hold it while the glue dries" [snide off] Actually, I do enjoy Norm’s shows.  There is always an idea lurking about and ready to be learned.  Entertainment? Sure.  Why is Norm carried in more places than Roy. Wince?  Sure.  Whenever Norm gets his glue machine and brad nailer out and whenever Roy gets something sharp out.  Lots of good stuff out there.     mahalo,     jo4hn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – By the way, was there actually any wood in that sailboat or was it made entirely of epoxy? Well, there’s some wood in between the epoxy plies. Mike.

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While being no Sam Maloof,

Who’s Sam Maloof?

Response:

When Norm is hosting his show, he’s more than just Carpenter Guy — he’s Carpenter Guy Hosting a Do-It-Mostly-Yourself TV Show. I’ve often wondered why he uses different methods to achieve the same result from show to show, and I figured it’s probably to show the viewers — who might not watch every show — varying ways of completing the project. Pocket screws seem more of a pain the the butt than biscuits (for example), but it PC is going to give the show their $700 pocket-screw-cutter-thingie, they probably want him to use it every once in a while. Mark

Response:

Actually, Norms use of epoxy in the sailboat is pretty much standard. A lot of cedar strip canoes and wooden drift boats (flyfishing related) are finished inside and out with West System epoxies…it completely waterproofs and strengthens the boat and wood. And driftboats have sometimes sport UHMW bottoms as well as aluminum chines. Best Regards, Philski – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – By the way, was there actually any wood in that sailboat or was it made entirely of epoxy? Well, there’s some wood in between the epoxy plies. Mike.

Response:

I thought it was funny on todays episode on HGTV while he was building a sailboat and was using bronze screws….all of a sudden he says he ran outa them and will now use stainless steel ones..I mean I know stainless is fine for boats but..but..but—-Norm run outa something in middle of project??????? ps I tape them too..by the way he’s still my hero.. ;0} Steve – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sometimes Norm Confuses Me I’ll prefix this with the comment that, when it comes down to it, Norm has far more experience and skill than I have (I’m a hobbiest/hack working my way up to carpenter, hoping to be woodworker at some point). I have taped most of his shows and review them if there was something I wanted to understand better. Some may debate the statement that he is a "Fine Woodworker" or a snip 1. Using a piece of (BC, CD even) plywood for the bottom of the chair "box".  My god.  Norm even comments that it isn’t all that authentic but that he’ll "just paint it".  He spends an entire show recreating an "authentic" piece, including panels, and then shortcuts the bottom.  I know the underside won’t likely be seen, but the inside of the box will often.  There is not advantage of plywood here as it is a loose panel.  Cost wouldn’t be a real issue compared to the overall project.  It almost appears that he ran out of wood or something.  At least he could have used a better piece of ply.  From the large knots it looked like a scrap from the Home Depot CDX pile.

snip snip

Response:

Jerry, You don’t really seem to be "confused" at all! You have used this opportunity to air your two-cents worth. (As well you can). But I am not of the opinion that you have to follow _every_method_ that Norm provides in his presentations. While being no Sam Maloof, Normski does provide some needed entertainment on the Boob Toob where a plethora of Award Shows seem to rule the roost. He must have had to get rid of that last sheet of CDX – but you can always substitute honest-to-goodness wood in it’s place if you so desire. Then you could always change the channel too huh? Here I am responding to a drive-by……. Philski – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sometimes Norm Confuses Me I’ll prefix this with the comment that, when it comes down to it, Norm has far more experience and skill than I have (I’m a hobbiest/hack working my way up to carpenter, hoping to be woodworker at some point). I have taped most of his shows and review them if there was something I wanted to understand better. Some may debate the statement that he is a "Fine Woodworker" or a "Craftsman", but when it comes down to it he does make some nice pieces given the restrictions of his show (time, sponsors, and audience). But, he often does things I find, well, confusing. I was watching his recent episode of the "Hall Seat". http://www.newyankee.com/GetProduct2.cgi?0103 This episode raised a number of questions and refreshed my thoughts on old issues.  Perhaps some would care to comment on my confusion here.  Most are probably design issues. 1. Using a piece of (BC, CD even) plywood for the bottom of the chair "box".  My god.  Norm even comments that it isn’t all that authentic but that he’ll "just paint it".  He spends an entire show recreating an "authentic" piece, including panels, and then shortcuts the bottom.  I know the underside won’t likely be seen, but the inside of the box will often.  There is not advantage of plywood here as it is a loose panel.  Cost wouldn’t be a real issue compared to the overall project.  It almost appears that he ran out of wood or something.  At least he could have used a better piece of ply.  From the large knots it looked like a scrap from the Home Depot CDX pile. I think this was a shortcut that didn’t make ANY sense. 2. His under-arm reinforcement.  He makes a good case for why this needed to be done.  No argument there and he makes good use of it to discuss the use of an inlay set for the router.  Unfortunately, his choice of color and shape were utilitarian to say the least. Couldn’t he have used some ply and then a thin strip of veneer? Perhaps some hardwood plywood?  Both would have gone towards making the reinforcement look less like an afterthought.  On a more stylish note, perhaps using something like a bowtie shape would have looked more traditional than the rectangle he used. The shape is probably being picky, but a better choice in wood tone would be more appropriate (IMHO). 3. The mirror frame.  I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt here a bit as I’m sure he has to keep the tool companies happy. But still, he did the entire piece with M&T joinery, then at the last second pops in with the pocket screws.  I noticed he covered them with another (ugly) sheet of plywood and the whole piece will be against the wall, but it seems a bit gratuitous and diminishes a piece that (with #1 fixed) would have been of heirloom quality (potentially). Finally, one that wasn’t in the Hall Seat show, but still always amazes me. 4. Norm has clamps up the wazzo (something not to be debated), and we all know he sleeps with his brad nailer, but using brads to hold solid wood edging on plywood rather than simply clamping them seems foolish (for non-production shops).  I mean really.  I’m putting the edging on to give a finished appearance to the piece. Why do I want to go and put holes in it which have to be patched and which will show up in the final piece?  Am I missing something other than speed (which isn’t an issue for his show) or product promotion (heck, perhaps Bessey would like to sell some more K-bodies ? Jerry — Jerry Fountain          | Laboratory for Fluid Mechanics, Chaos, and Mixing (847) 491-3555 (Office) | Department of Chemical Engineering (847) 491-3728 (FAX)    | 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL  60208

Response:

Frank, please! Let’s take a poll…how many honestly use a splitter and/or guard? I use neither.

I use neither, either!  And for the past 27 years my digits have remained all mine. In fact the worst cuts have been from chisels, and I don’t think they make a guard for those beasties, do they?  :-)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jerry, You don’t really seem to be "confused" at all! You have used this opportunity to air your two-cents worth. (As well you can). But I am not of the opinion that you have to follow _every_method_ that Norm provides in his presentations. While being no Sam Maloof, Normski does provide some needed entertainment on the Boob Toob where a plethora of Award Shows seem to rule the roost. He must have had to get rid of that last sheet of CDX – but you can always substitute honest-to-goodness wood in it’s place if you so desire. Then you could always change the channel too huh? Here I am responding to a drive-by……. Nope.  I wasn’t trolling.  I guess my word choice of being "confused" related to "just when you think Norm is going the traditional way", he turns 180 degrees and does something like insert a piece of (poor quality) plywood.

Well, I might use a low quality plywood thinking that with wet and muddy stuff being stored inside the seat, it will be inexpensive and easy to replace as needed.

Response:

Frank, please! Let’s take a poll…how many honestly use a splitter and/or guard? I use neither. Jay in NH

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I give credit to Norm getting the wife and I into woodworking. I agree that we cringe when he nails moldings and at the lack of splitter or saw guard.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jerry, You don’t really seem to be "confused" at all! You have used this opportunity to air your two-cents worth. (As well you can). But I am not of the opinion that you have to follow _every_method_ that Norm provides in his presentations. While being no Sam Maloof, Normski does provide some needed entertainment on the Boob Toob where a plethora of Award Shows seem to rule the roost. He must have had to get rid of that last sheet of CDX – but you can always substitute honest-to-goodness wood in it’s place if you so desire. Then you could always change the channel too huh? Here I am responding to a drive-by…….

Nope.  I wasn’t trolling.  I guess my word choice of being "confused" related to "just when you think Norm is going the traditional way", he turns 180 degrees and does something like insert a piece of (poor quality) plywood. I wasn’t trying to get into a discussion of how to follow Norms plans, but rather inquire if anyone could see *what* might have been going through his mind when he did something.  Considering that he does the pieces twice, once for the prototype and once more for video, you would think that some thought and reasoning went into the decisions. Still, I enjoy watching the show, and I still learn things from it.  I guess I’ve learned enough to start questioning things  I didn’t even mention that his explanation for how he was glueing only 2/3 of the panels made any sense, plus the fact that some of his tenons seemed awfully long (but it was quarter-sawn).  Wood movement is something I’m trying to study more (beyond the basic rules that is). Jerry — Jerry Fountain          | Laboratory for Fluid Mechanics, Chaos, and Mixing (847) 491-3555 (Office) | Department of Chemical Engineering (847) 491-3728 (FAX)    | 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL  60208

Response:

Sometimes Norm Confuses Me I’ll prefix this with the comment that, when it comes down to it, Norm has far more experience and skill than I have (I’m a hobbiest/hack working my way up to carpenter, hoping to be woodworker at some point). I have taped most of his shows and review them if there was something I wanted to understand better. Some may debate the statement that he is a "Fine Woodworker" or a "Craftsman", but when it comes down to it he does make some nice pieces given the restrictions of his show (time, sponsors, and audience). But, he often does things I find, well, confusing. I was watching his recent episode of the "Hall Seat". http://www.newyankee.com/GetProduct2.cgi?0103 This episode raised a number of questions and refreshed my thoughts on old issues.  Perhaps some would care to comment on my confusion here.  Most are probably design issues. 1. Using a piece of (BC, CD even) plywood for the bottom of the chair "box".  My god.  Norm even comments that it isn’t all that authentic but that he’ll "just paint it".  He spends an entire show recreating an "authentic" piece, including panels, and then shortcuts the bottom.  I know the underside won’t likely be seen, but the inside of the box will often.  There is not advantage of plywood here as it is a loose panel.  Cost wouldn’t be a real issue compared to the overall project.  It almost appears that he ran out of wood or something.  At least he could have used a better piece of ply.  From the large knots it looked like a scrap from the Home Depot CDX pile. I think this was a shortcut that didn’t make ANY sense. 2. His under-arm reinforcement.  He makes a good case for why this needed to be done.  No argument there and he makes good use of it to discuss the use of an inlay set for the router.  Unfortunately, his choice of color and shape were utilitarian to say the least. Couldn’t he have used some ply and then a thin strip of veneer? Perhaps some hardwood plywood?  Both would have gone towards making the reinforcement look less like an afterthought.  On a more stylish note, perhaps using something like a bowtie shape would have looked more traditional than the rectangle he used. The shape is probably being picky, but a better choice in wood tone would be more appropriate (IMHO). 3. The mirror frame.  I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt here a bit as I’m sure he has to keep the tool companies happy. But still, he did the entire piece with M&T joinery, then at the last second pops in with the pocket screws.  I noticed he covered them with another (ugly) sheet of plywood and the whole piece will be against the wall, but it seems a bit gratuitous and diminishes a piece that (with #1 fixed) would have been of heirloom quality (potentially). Finally, one that wasn’t in the Hall Seat show, but still always amazes me. 4. Norm has clamps up the wazzo (something not to be debated), and we all know he sleeps with his brad nailer, but using brads to hold solid wood edging on plywood rather than simply clamping them seems foolish (for non-production shops).  I mean really.  I’m putting the edging on to give a finished appearance to the piece. Why do I want to go and put holes in it which have to be patched and which will show up in the final piece?  Am I missing something other than speed (which isn’t an issue for his show) or product promotion (heck, perhaps Bessey would like to sell some more K-bodies ? Jerry — Jerry Fountain          | Laboratory for Fluid Mechanics, Chaos, and Mixing (847) 491-3555 (Office) | Department of Chemical Engineering (847) 491-3728 (FAX)    | 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL  60208

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Question:

 Thanks for the great post! -Muskie

Response:

Thanks Sid, I could use a little fishing too. This was almost as good. Herman

<great report snipped —         Cheers, Herman         Herman Nijland         Daytime webmaster         Lifetime flyfisher

Response:

Work sucks. I mean, let’s face it — unless you’re…. 8<

Thanks Sid for making my first cup of coffee this morning taste so damn good! Tight lines, Walt

Response:

Thanks Sid. I needed that. Big Dale

Response:

Good way to start my day Sid…are you by any chance a "published" writer? Frank (I wuz published once, on a wanted poster) Church – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Work sucks. I mean, let’s face it — unless you’re…. 8< Thanks Sid for making my first cup of coffee this morning taste so damn good! Tight lines, Walt

Response:

I didn’t need that. I’ve got a pile of things to do today and I’m gonna be thinking about this trip all day and not get a damn thing done. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Sid. I needed that. Big Dale

Response:

Absolutely excellent.  Hope it earns you more time on the river too ! TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Work sucks. I mean, let’s face it — unless you’re Tiger Woods or actively employed by Van Halen, work pretty much just sucks. Oh, sure, I suppose you could be one of those namby-pamby "fulfilled" people you read about sometimes — you know, the ones who read that "Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow" book and are now out there carving handsome duck decoys that cleverly double as toilet paper dispensers, selling them out of their RVs at craft festivals up and down the coast. Sadly, those people never saw the subtitle for that book: "Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow That Guy In The Suit On The Way To His Job At Salomon Brothers, Leaving You Penniless And Hungry And With No Toilet Paper To Put On Your Handsome Duck Decoys.. .Dumbass." Hmm. What, if any, was my point? Merely this, I suppose — today, I went fishing. Not just any fishing, either. This was the kind of fishing born of resolute necessity. The kind of fishing that nourishes the soul, makes full the heart, and kindles the spirit. The kind of fishing that sings John Denver songs with nary the faintest trace of irony. The kind of fishing you do when the only thing that’s gonna make things right is the sound of moving water, the crispness of a winter’s afternon, and the absolute certitude that your 4x leader spool is gonna be in your vest’s right front pocket ’cause that’s by god where you keep it. Do you ever set aside trips to the river for experiments? Say to yourself things like, "Today, I will only fish soft hackles downstream regardless of the outcome," or, "Today, I will restrict myself to dries larger than a #8," just to see what happens? I do half-assed versions of this all the time, usually caving in when I see that it would be only too easy to catch fish with techniques I’ve foresworn for the day. I usually rationalize the whole thing by saying things like, well, shit, you still haven’t read the complete novels of Tolstoy…how the hell are you supposed to stop using a strike indicator? This particular tactic works surprisingly well and will undoubtedly always be there as my go-to rationalization. Russians write some big-ass books. Still, my resolve seemed to be steady today. Halfway to the river, Townes Van Zandt on the stereo, and I’m still sticking to my original intention of fishing traditional steelhead tactics on the Yuba. Hmm. Maybe I should backtrack. See, I’m a transplanted Washingtonian, recently relocated to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Nevada City, to be exact. California. A place where traditional steelhead tactics are pretty much reserved to coastal streams (the Smith, the Klamath, the Mad, Mattole, Gualala, and so on).  Here in the foothills, whatever steelhead are lucky enough to swim their way through San Francisco Bay, up the Sac, taking a left at the Feather, and then a right at the Yuba (with a fish ladder on the way), are usually treated to a barrage of trout tactics — smallish nymphs, floated drag-free under an indicator. I miss the traditional steelhead tactics of my native Northwest. I miss booming out big casts, quartered downstream with sink-tips or shooting heads, and swinging chunky marabou flies through holding water. I miss the ruminative reverie of cast, swing, step…cast, swing, step. I believe it was either Nigel Tufnel from Spinal Tap or Tom McGuane who said something along the lines of "All that is required of flyfishing for steelhead is a room temperature IQ and a capacity for repetition." This is missing the point — the beauty is in the repetition. It’s mantra, koan, and enigmas wrapped in riddles all in one…pure therapy. So, today’s escape from the workplace was to be performed as an experiment. I fish the Yuba fairly regularly — living in Nevada City, it’s my home waters — and have always marveled at some of the absolutely classic steelhead runs it features. You take away the mining tailings, and the runs are straight out of a Trey Combs book. So, today was to be the day I put aside the #18 flashback pheasant tail nymphs and picked up a #6 Skykomish Sunrise and put it on the business end of a 25 foot sinktip. At least that’s what it was supposed to be. When I finally arrived at the Yuba, blissfully free from work for a hard-earned two hours, there were only two cars parked at the usual pullout. Much to my chagrin, each of these fellows had decided to fish the very run I had my sights on — the most cherry run in the area for traditional steelhead tactics, and a run that is rarely fished at all on the Yuba. Quoting lines from "War and Peace" in my head, I decided to leave my floating line on and head up to the usual trout holes instead, nymph box in hand. A couple trout and a Dostoevsky later, the sun was nearly gone and I was ready to head home. Walking past the now-empty run I’d meant to fish earlier, I couldn’t help but think to myself things like, "Carver is way better than Chekhov, "Somebody oughta bitchslap that punk Raskolnikov," and, most importantly, "Well, shit, it ain’t that dark." Off with the small stuff and on with the large. Time was too short to switch spools, so I left my floating line on and just hitched on a fat Comet, instead. I’ve always liked Comets — they used to be very popular in the Northwest for steelhead flyfishing but have fallen out of favor. Too bad — they get down like Rick James on a two-day crack binge. The first two casts produced nothing but the sweet feeling of anachronism — reward enough in of itself — but the third produced a solid, undeniable take. Reverie over. Ten minutes of cathected concentration later, it was over — the steelhead back in the water, and me blissfully free of mind for a lovely moment, thoughtless, weightless, and just ever so slightly slipped of these earthly bonds. Steelhead will do that to you. more time on the river to all of you, – sid —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Thanks Sid, Especially in the Winter, a good report is a great release. Willi

Response:

<snip Awesome prose Sid! Wolfgang breathless

Response:

Work sucks. I mean, let’s face it — unless you’re Tiger Woods or actively employed by Van Halen, work pretty much just sucks.

Great story Sid; thanks. Joe F.

Response:

Work sucks. I mean, let’s face it — unless you’re Tiger Woods or actively employed by Van Halen, work pretty much just sucks. Oh, sure, I suppose you could be one of those namby-pamby "fulfilled" people you read about sometimes — you know, the ones who read that "Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow" book and are now out there carving handsome duck decoys that cleverly double as toilet paper dispensers, selling them out of their RVs at craft festivals up and down the coast. Sadly, those people never saw the subtitle for that book: "Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow That Guy In The Suit On The Way To His Job At Salomon Brothers, Leaving You Penniless And Hungry And With No Toilet Paper To Put On Your Handsome Duck Decoys.. .Dumbass." Hmm. What, if any, was my point? Merely this, I suppose — today, I went fishing. Not just any fishing, either. This was the kind of fishing born of resolute necessity. The kind of fishing that nourishes the soul, makes full the heart, and kindles the spirit. The kind of fishing that sings John Denver songs with nary the faintest trace of irony. The kind of fishing you do when the only thing that’s gonna make things right is the sound of moving water, the crispness of a winter’s afternon, and the absolute certitude that your 4x leader spool is gonna be in your vest’s right front pocket ’cause that’s by god where you keep it. Do you ever set aside trips to the river for experiments? Say to yourself things like, "Today, I will only fish soft hackles downstream regardless of the outcome," or, "Today, I will restrict myself to dries larger than a #8," just to see what happens? I do half-assed versions of this all the time, usually caving in when I see that it would be only too easy to catch fish with techniques I’ve foresworn for the day. I usually rationalize the whole thing by saying things like, well, shit, you still haven’t read the complete novels of Tolstoy…how the hell are you supposed to stop using a strike indicator? This particular tactic works surprisingly well and will undoubtedly always be there as my go-to rationalization. Russians write some big-ass books. Still, my resolve seemed to be steady today. Halfway to the river, Townes Van Zandt on the stereo, and I’m still sticking to my original intention of fishing traditional steelhead tactics on the Yuba. Hmm. Maybe I should backtrack. See, I’m a transplanted Washingtonian, recently relocated to the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. Nevada City, to be exact. California. A place where traditional steelhead tactics are pretty much reserved to coastal streams (the Smith, the Klamath, the Mad, Mattole, Gualala, and so on).  Here in the foothills, whatever steelhead are lucky enough to swim their way through San Francisco Bay, up the Sac, taking a left at the Feather, and then a right at the Yuba (with a fish ladder on the way), are usually treated to a barrage of trout tactics — smallish nymphs, floated drag-free under an indicator. I miss the traditional steelhead tactics of my native Northwest. I miss booming out big casts, quartered downstream with sink-tips or shooting heads, and swinging chunky marabou flies through holding water. I miss the ruminative reverie of cast, swing, step…cast, swing, step. I believe it was either Nigel Tufnel from Spinal Tap or Tom McGuane who said something along the lines of "All that is required of flyfishing for steelhead is a room temperature IQ and a capacity for repetition." This is missing the point — the beauty is in the repetition. It’s mantra, koan, and enigmas wrapped in riddles all in one…pure therapy. So, today’s escape from the workplace was to be performed as an experiment. I fish the Yuba fairly regularly — living in Nevada City, it’s my home waters — and have always marveled at some of the absolutely classic steelhead runs it features. You take away the mining tailings, and the runs are straight out of a Trey Combs book. So, today was to be the day I put aside the #18 flashback pheasant tail nymphs and picked up a #6 Skykomish Sunrise and put it on the business end of a 25 foot sinktip. At least that’s what it was supposed to be. When I finally arrived at the Yuba, blissfully free from work for a hard-earned two hours, there were only two cars parked at the usual pullout. Much to my chagrin, each of these fellows had decided to fish the very run I had my sights on — the most cherry run in the area for traditional steelhead tactics, and a run that is rarely fished at all on the Yuba. Quoting lines from "War and Peace" in my head, I decided to leave my floating line on and head up to the usual trout holes instead, nymph box in hand. A couple trout and a Dostoevsky later, the sun was nearly gone and I was ready to head home. Walking past the now-empty run I’d meant to fish earlier, I couldn’t help but think to myself things like, "Carver is way better than Chekhov, "Somebody oughta bitchslap that punk Raskolnikov," and, most importantly, "Well, shit, it ain’t that dark." Off with the small stuff and on with the large. Time was too short to switch spools, so I left my floating line on and just hitched on a fat Comet, instead. I’ve always liked Comets — they used to be very popular in the Northwest for steelhead flyfishing but have fallen out of favor. Too bad — they get down like Rick James on a two-day crack binge. The first two casts produced nothing but the sweet feeling of anachronism — reward enough in of itself — but the third produced a solid, undeniable take. Reverie over. Ten minutes of cathected concentration later, it was over — the steelhead back in the water, and me blissfully free of mind for a lovely moment, thoughtless, weightless, and just ever so slightly slipped of these earthly bonds. Steelhead will do that to you. more time on the river to all of you, – sid —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Question:

Remember Herters? The case that finally dove them into bankruptcy was importing flies and fly tying material from India (and other countries).   I would think customs inspectors would see a red light when any thing like a feather showed up in the baggage of a traveler just back from India.  I don’t think the money saved would be worth the trouble.

I got the impression he was bringing a kit to tie with while he was *in* India which is why I recommended looking there for materials instead of bringing them *into* India. FWIW — Charlie…

Response:

I think your right.  It just sounded like the tread was evolving to the point where the guy was going to bring a cotton sack full of feathers back with him. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got the impression he was bringing a kit to tie with while he was *in* India which is why I recommended looking there for materials instead of bringing them *into* India. FWIW — Charlie…

Response:

Yes,  I was just after the most basic materials to take,  just in case I couldn’t find them there. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think your right.  It just sounded like the tread was evolving to the point where the guy was going to bring a cotton sack full of feathers back with him. I got the impression he was bringing a kit to tie with while he was *in* India which is why I recommended looking there for materials instead of bringing them *into* India. FWIW — Charlie…

Response:

Remember Herters?  The case that finally dove them into bankruptcy was importing flies and fly tying material from India (and other countries).   I would think customs inspectors would see a red light when any thing like a feather showed up in the baggage of a traveler just back from India.  I don’t think the money saved would be worth the trouble. There are shops around here that sell crafts from third world countries.  I have not checked them out because they are mostly "pottery and useless things that women buy"..  If they sold fly I would consider buying from them. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Assuming that space is drastically limited  (i.e. business trip overseas), what limited flytying materials would you recommend? I’m off to southern India (Bangalore), What kind of fish? Since a good percent of the worlds commercially tied flies come from India there may be plenty of materials available there. — Charlie…

Response:

Assuming that space is drastically limited  (i.e. business trip overseas), what limited flytying materials would you recommend? I’m off to southern India (Bangalore),  and I’m taking 2 rods 9′ #6 & 9′ #10 (both 4 piecers to go on plane with me).  I shall be taking a small travellers’ flytying kit with me,  and some crucial materials plus the hooks (large and small).  Space & weight is really limited (after all,  this is supposed to be a business trip),  so perhaps a black silk thread,  some fine copper wire, ~ but what else? What would you guys take?  I have semi made up my mind on the materials, but would like to hear some recommendations.

Response:

What species of fish will you be fishing for? How long will you be there? Are we talking fresh or salt water? George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

Response:

Mike, I would definitely take some marabou and chenille as this is relatively light and flat so is easily packed. Are you still up for the fly swap. E-mail me if any problems. Chris

Response:

Assuming that space is drastically limited  (i.e. business trip overseas), what limited flytying materials would you recommend? I’m off to southern India (Bangalore),  

What kind of fish? Since a good percent of the worlds commercially tied flies come from India there may be plenty of materials available there. — Charlie…

Response:

Are you Richard Cook ("RC")? I received an email from RC about a fly-swap, 12 contesters or something;  is this the fly swap you mention? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mike, I would definitely take some marabou and chenille as this is relatively light and flat so is easily packed. Are you still up for the fly swap. E-mail me if any problems. Chris

Response:

What species of fish will you be fishing for? How long will you be there? Are we talking fresh or salt water?"

I really don’t know what I’ll be after.  In fact it is a perfect mystery for me.  I have once stumbled over some writings by a British Army officer whilst posted in Bangalore.  He did in fact catch some tiny brownies in the streams in the hills there.  However,  I shall also be in Madras (Chennai) for a while,  and that is by the seaside.  I have only ever spent 1 week in India.  I saw the most numerous and humongous rats in Bombay; I enjoyed the relative leafy calm of Bangalore,  and I withered in the August heat of Delhi. My first day in Bangalore saw some kites from my car window in the suburbs/rural fringes.  I asked my agent what they were,  and he said that they were large predatory birds looking for "things" in the waterways.  We soon came across a bridge over one of these waterways.  Naturally I was keen to take a peek over the bridge walls.  I’ve never seen such pollution ever in my life; the water was literally a flowing mass of human waste.  God only knows what the kites were after.  There certainly were no fish in this particular stream. I will be in India on and off for some time to come.  I have already given instructions to my agent to research the topic of "fly fishing in southern India".  A topic on my agenda for "taxi from airport talk" will most definitely be "where are we going fishing then?"  "what will we be after", and (hopefully) so on. Anyway,  I’ve opted for: pheasant tail hare’s mask peacock herl starling breast feathers some seal’s fur some badger cock hackles ginger too tinsel small amount of yellow bucktail 2 starling secondaries (one from either wing) french partridge breast feathers duck flank What else should I take?

Response:

Michael, yes this is the fly swap. You sent me a message saying you wantyed to participate in the fly swap, sorry if this is not you. Please advise if you will be participating in the swap. Thanks Chris

Response:

Must have been a while ago,  as I obviously must have forgotten.  Either that or bad memory.  Did I really mail a message saying I would?    Mmm, I’m getting to the point wherefrom  I forget how bad my  memory really is. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Michael, yes this is the fly swap. You sent me a message saying you wantyed to participate in the fly swap, sorry if this is not you. Please advise if you will be participating in the swap. Thanks Chris

Response:

You should be able to obtain more than sufficient tying supplies in India. Quite a lot of stuff is on offer there for tying.  A friend of mine brought back several hundred quite excellent capes from India, but that was over twenty years ago.  Might be worth having a good look around though. Be careful about CITES regulations if you bring anything back with you. I would probably take along a hares mask, a starling skin, and get the rest there.  I assume you will be fishing in hill streams for brownies, I vaguely remember reading something about this a long time ago, but I have forgotten where. I also recall reading that many rivers in India are so badly polluted that fishing is more or less a waste of time. Might even be worth while to concentrate on getting some good tying materials, and forget the fishing.  I recall my friend telling me he only fished twice while he was there, once for trout, and once for something like perch, the rest of the time he wandered around collecting materials. Got some magnificent stuff too. Whatever, hope you have a nice time there. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Assuming that space is drastically limited  (i.e. business trip overseas), what limited flytying materials would you recommend?

Response:

Check import of natural materials.  For example, I think Japan bans peacock. Don’t know anything about India.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Assuming that space is drastically limited  (i.e. business trip overseas), what limited flytying materials would you recommend? I’m off to southern India (Bangalore),  and I’m taking 2 rods 9′ #6 & 9′ #10 (both 4 piecers to go on plane with me).  I shall be taking a small travellers’ flytying kit with me,  and some crucial materials plus the hooks (large and small).  Space & weight is really limited (after all,  this is supposed to be a business trip),  so perhaps a black silk thread,  some fine copper wire, ~ but what else? What would you guys take?  I have semi made up my mind on the materials, but would like to hear some recommendations.

Response:

<< What species of fish will you be fishing for? How long will you be there? Are we talking fresh or salt water?"

I really don’t know what I’ll be after.  In fact it is a perfect mystery for me.  I have once stumbled over some writings by a British Army officer whilst posted in Bangalore.  He did in fact catch some tiny brownies in the streams in the hills there. << Michael"   A quick search under Mahseer, a species I remember from reading books by colonial British sportsmen, found the following, among 80 other sites.  I have no connection to this or any other fishing site and relay it only as a possible source of info. "Mahseer Fishing Holidays in India with Chandertal Tours The finest freshwater fighting fish in the world? The Mahseer is regarded by many anglers as simply the best sport available, and the first time you hook a sizeable one you will discover why! Today, it can be found mostly in India and Burma." http://www.adventure-mag.com/Default.asp?Adventure=14 I think I recall that Mahseer are the largest members of the minnow family, running well past 100 lbs.  Legendarily, one needs deep sea gear to land them. Probably horsehooey; in Indian rivers today you probably are casting for Coney Island Whitefish.  The Mahseer in the picture at that site is pretty impressive though. Keep us posted. Glenn GKT

Response:

<< What species of fish will you be fishing for? How long will you be there? Are we talking fresh or salt water?"

I really don’t know what I’ll be after.  In fact it is a perfect mystery for me.  I have once stumbled over some writings by a British Army officer whilst posted in Bangalore.  He did in fact catch some tiny brownies in the streams in the hills there.   << Michael"   Forget my last post about a web site on Mahseer.  Look at the picture at this site http://www.indianwildlife.com/angling_mahseersouth.htm It would take a fish like that to convince me to stand half-naked in a river in India, and the sucker had better have fought like a tarpon.  Anyway, this site was under "southern" India and Bangalore.  Good luck. Maybe there are still exotic species tucked away in corners where people haven’t completely crapped up the world. GKT

Response:

Assuming that space is drastically limited  (i.e. business trip overseas), what limited flytying materials would you recommend? I’m off to southern India (Bangalore),  and I’m taking 2 rods 9′ #6 & 9′ #10 (both 4 piecers to go on plane with me).  I shall be taking a small travellers’ flytying kit with me,  and some crucial materials plus the hooks (large and small).  Space & weight is really limited (after all,  this is supposed to be a business trip),  so perhaps a black silk thread,  some fine copper wire, ~ but what else? What would you guys take?  I have semi made up my mind on the materials, but would like to hear some recommendations.

Penicillin. And plenty of it.

Response:

Question:

Is there any good website outhere about fly tyiing? I’m not talking fly pattern only (altough that might also interest me!) but a website with a lot of info on how to do it right? Thanks for your always very helpful answer guys! Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

There’s three more than a zillion to be found…….john

Is there any good website outhere about fly tyiing? I’m not talking fly pattern only (altough that might also interest me!) but a website with a lot of info on how to do it right? Thanks for your always very helpful answer guys! Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

begin 666 Fly Tying Lessons and Tips from the Scottish Highlands.url M6TEN=&5R;F5T4VAO<G1C=71=#0I54DP]:’1T<#HO+W=W=RYF+61E86YS+F9R M965S97)V92YC;RYU:R]D969A=6QT+FAT;0T*36]D:69I960]-# T-T9!.3,U +.3 W0D8P,3,T#0H` ` end begin 666 GORP – Great Outdoor Recreation Pages – Fly Tying.url M6TEN=&5R;F5T4VAO<G1C=71=#0I54DP]:’1T<#HO+W=W=RYG;W)P+F-O;2]G M;W)P+W!U8FQI<VAE<G,O3′EO;G-0<F5S<R]F;’ET6EN9RYH=&T-"DUO9&EF 8:65D/38P,#5&,D,)&,#%#00T* ` end begin 666 Killroy’s Leader Formulae.url M6TEN=&5R;F5T4VAO<G1C=71=#0I54DP]:’1T<#HO+W=W=RYK:6QL<F]Y<RYC (0D4P,48X#0H` ` end begin 666 T r o u t f l i e s . c o m.url M6TEN=&5R;F5T4VAO<G1C=71=#0I54DP]:’1T<#HO+W=W=RYT<F]U=&9L:65S D+F-O;2-"DUO9&EF:65D/4,P.#A&,3%&.#DS1$)&,#%$10T* ` end begin 666 The Streamer Page.url M6TEN=&5R;F5T4VAO<G1C=71=#0I54DP]:’1T<#HO+VUE;6)E<G,N:&]M92YN M970O<&-H87)L97,O<W1R96%M97)S+VEN9&5X+FAT;6P-"DUO9&EF:65D/44P 21C,#,T)&,#%%-PT* ` end begin 666 The Virtual Flyshop, Fly Fisherman’s On-Line Network.url M6TEN=&5R;F5T4VAO<G1C=71=#0I54DP]:’1T<#HO+W=W=RYV:7)T=6%L9FQY ` end begin 666 Trout and Fly Fishing.url M6TEN=&5R;F5T4VAO<G1C=71=#0I54DP]:’1T<#HO+V9L2YT;R]T<F]U=’-A ` end

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Is there any good website outhere about fly tyiing? I’m not talking fly pattern only (altough that might also interest me!) but a website with a lot of info on how to do it right?

 Robert,    try <http://www.mwflytying.com/patterns/fly_patterns_page.html        Its a real nice site out of the US Midwest but has patterns and tips that are pretty global.  I go there often.  I’m currently tying up a bunch of the hellgrammite flies for "Rappin’ on the Rappahanock." Its an awesome pattern and easy to tie.  The tip on tying in the rubber legs is great.         Cheers,               Frank Reid Before you buy.

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www.troutflies.com www.flyanglersonline.com www.virtualflybox.com www.killroys.com

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begin 666 Fly Tying Lessons and Tips from the Scottish Highlands.url M6TEN=&5R;F5T4VAO<G1C=71=#0I54DP]:’1T<#HO+W=W=RYF+61E86YS+F9R M965S97)V92YC;RYU:R]D969A=6QT+FAT;0T*36]D:69I960]-# T-T9!.3,U +.3 W0D8P,3,T#0H` ` end

Damn John!  You’re not supposed to be drinking musketell with that shit! — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – says… : Alagnak 1998 I will not be jealous. I will not be jealous. I will not be jealous. JonCook. Easier for you to say than I! (I *am* jealous. I AM jealous. I am SOOOOO jealous! ;^) Great story, Andrew! /daytripper I agree, i’m so damn jealous my skin’s a turnin’ green. great report…. –Wataugan Walt

I betcha he never left his house.  I betcha he invented all of this just to piss us off. . . .    It’s working, it’s working, I’m pissed.   Great trip, Andrew.  We all desreve at least one of these per lifetime. Peter Peter        Merry Christmas

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I betcha he never left his house.  I betcha he invented all of this just to piss us off. . . .    It’s working, it’s working, I’m pissed.   Great trip, Andrew.  We all desreve at least one of these per lifetime. Peter

I just want to say, right here, right now, that I have the best wife in the world, not least because she lets me do this more than once in a lifetime.   Now, about that "Betcha he never left the house" stuff, try these on for size…  http://www.aa.net/~andrewbr/alagnak/ The jpegs are a little big, so it’s kinda slow to load, but it’ll give you a nice sense of what the trip was like.   Lest any of you think this was some big bucks, Gucci trip,  this cost us less than $600/apiece, not counting airfare to King Salmon and malt beverages.  Start saving your pennies, men. — Andrew Brunette

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I just want to say, right here, right now, that I have the best wife in the world, not least because she lets me do this more than once in a lifetime.   Now, about that "Betcha he never left the house" stuff, try these on for size…  http://www.aa.net/~andrewbr/alagnak/ The jpegs are a little big, so it’s kinda slow to load, but it’ll give you a nice sense of what the trip was like.   Lest any of you think this was some big bucks, Gucci trip,  this cost us less than $600/apiece, not counting airfare to King Salmon and malt beverages.  Start saving your pennies, men. — Andrew Brunette

Andrew Nice site and pix.  Actually this is a great idea as we all like to talk about our trips and stuff.  Building a simple site combines the pix with the text for a better story.   Looks like some of us (me) will have to brush up on our HTML skills. Peter Peter        Merry Christmas

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: : Now, about that "Betcha he never left the house" stuff, try these on for : size…  http://www.aa.net/~andrewbr/alagnak/ Andrew, please let me know where you bought those pictures, I’d like to see if they’ll put together a "saltwater flats" trip for me…

Rite-Aid photo counter.  They have the plastic bushes, blow up fish, everything.  They even told me, "you don’t look like a good enough fisherman to use the big fish dummies, use these middlesized ones instead."   Didn’t even charge me more than the normal 6.95 a roll for the Pix.  Is it great living in the age of the service economy or what? — Andrew Brunette

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Alagnak 1998 It was a hot, buggy afternoon when we landed in King Salmon.  One of our party was already missing, having been marooned in a hostile check-in line in Anchorage.  We had stopped there to see some friends, pick up licenses and stimulate the late summer business of the local fly shop economy.  

Hi Andrew, This reminded me of my first AK trip. I floated the Togiak River with Bus Bergman, Jim and Kitty Vincent (Rio Line Company) and my cousin in 1976. It was a wonderful trip and was the real AK experience. Float trips are great. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

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says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Alagnak 1998 I will not be jealous. I will not be jealous. I will not be jealous. JonCook. Easier for you to say than I! (I *am* jealous. I AM jealous. I am SOOOOO jealous! ;^) Great story, Andrew! /daytripper

I agree, i’m so damn jealous my skin’s a turnin’ green. great report…. –Wataugan Walt

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Great report Andrew … thanks for the post.

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: Alagnak 1998 I will not be jealous. I will not be jealous. I will not be jealous. JonCook.

Easier for you to say than I! (I *am* jealous. I AM jealous. I am SOOOOO jealous! ;^) Great story, Andrew! /daytripper

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Great report – thanks. Thomas Gilg

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: Alagnak 1998 I will not be jealous. I will not be jealous. I will not be jealous. JonCook.

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Alagnak 1998 It was a hot, buggy afternoon when we landed in King Salmon.  One of our party was already missing, having been marooned in a hostile check-in line in Anchorage.  We had stopped there to see some friends, pick up licenses and stimulate the late summer business of the local fly shop economy.   After trying to locate the bush carrier that we were to use, we found out that we had a couple of hours to kill, so while waiting for Dave, we loaded up on the supplies that were too heavy to fly in from Seattle, notably Milwaukee

Question:

I must add that many anglers are usnign Teeny lines oin the Roanoke River in North Carolina where I am a guide.  Right now the water is quite high. Those using shooting heads combined with braided mono running line or Amnesia are outfishing those with Teeny lines 10 to 1.  The floating running line on the Teeny lines detracts from the sinking performance and the fly just doesn’t get to the bottom. I’m looking for a shooting sinking head for larger ( 10 – 12 saltwater) rods.  I’m familiar with the Teeny T 200 lines and like the fact that the running line floats, rather than sinks like some running lines and monofilament do.  Do you have any opinions on the Scientific Anglers running line?  I hear that it floats and performs well.  I would be using the line in Saltwater situations.  Thanks for your opinion.

Hi Tim, S.A. makes several different types and diameters of floating and sinking running lines. The one that you are probably think of is the new Mastery Saltwater floating running line with the braided core. It comes in two diameters, .036" and .042". The smaller would be good for maximum distance or on smaller 7, 8 & 9 weight outfits. The larger is easier to hang on to and better for larger 10, 11 & 12 weights. These running lines are usually used in conjunction with a 30′ shooting head. The Teeny and Cortland 24′ sink tips with floating running lines are similar, but have no connecting knots or loops. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com — Flyfish NC                                                   Gordon Churchill http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Rapids/3853                                                                    

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m looking for a shooting sinking head for larger ( 10 – 12 saltwater) rods.  I’m familiar with the Teeny T 200 lines and like the fact that the running line floats, rather than sinks like some running lines and monofilament do.  Do you have any opinions on the Scientific Anglers running line?  I hear that it floats and performs well.  I would be using the line in Saltwater situations.  Thanks for your opinion. if you’re going to go with a shooting head (either teeny or other brand) i would recommend buying floating running line and a shooting head instead of the teeny line.  this way you can loop and unloop different density heads depending on conditions (ie. switching from a type VI to a type I or floater).  the only decision on the floating running line is what diameter to get.  the smaller the diameter, the further the cast, but also the probability of tangles increases. i can’t remember what floating running line i bought (whether it was cortland or S.A.) but i think you’ll be happier with a syatem that allows you to change sink rates with only one spool. good luck, chris

Thanks Chris.

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I’m looking for a shooting sinking head for larger ( 10 – 12 saltwater) rods.  I’m familiar with the Teeny T 200 lines and like the fact that the running line floats, rather than sinks like some running lines and monofilament do.  Do you have any opinions on the Scientific Anglers running line?  I hear that it floats and performs well.  I would be using the line in Saltwater situations.  Thanks for your opinion. I think tha the main reason the catalogs and many flyshops are pushing the teeny lines is tha fact that for every different density you have you need another spool.  Whether you use a braided mono running line ( my favorite), 30 pound test Amnesia (farther casts and faster sink) or one that is more like a regular flyfline ( I would say you might like the intermediat running line the best.  less prone to tangles as the floating ones are) go with a shooting head system.  More flexible and less expensive to have mor elines to use on hand in the long run. — Flyfish NC                                                   Gordon Churchill http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Rapids/3853                                                                    

Response:

I’m looking for a shooting sinking head for larger ( 10 – 12 saltwater) rods.  I’m familiar with the Teeny T 200 lines and like the fact that the running line floats, rather than sinks like some running lines and monofilament do.  Do you have any opinions on the Scientific Anglers running line?  I hear that it floats and performs well.  I would be using the line in Saltwater situations.  Thanks for your opinion.

Hi Tim, S.A. makes several different types and diameters of floating and sinking running lines. The one that you are probably think of is the new Mastery Saltwater floating running line with the braided core. It comes in two diameters, .036" and .042". The smaller would be good for maximum distance or on smaller 7, 8 & 9 weight outfits. The larger is easier to hang on to and better for larger 10, 11 & 12 weights. These running lines are usually used in conjunction with a 30′ shooting head. The Teeny and Cortland 24′ sink tips with floating running lines are similar, but have no connecting knots or loops. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m looking for a shooting sinking head for larger ( 10 – 12 saltwater) rods.  I’m familiar with the Teeny T 200 lines and like the fact that the running line floats, rather than sinks like some running lines and monofilament do.  Do you have any opinions on the Scientific Anglers running line?  I hear that it floats and performs well.  I would be using the line in Saltwater situations.  Thanks for your opinion. Hi Tim, I’ve seen the light and given up on braided type running lines – all the braided running lines I’ve tried cut my fingers to pieces once they got wet and soft, leaving permanent "stripping grooves" on the index finger if my rod hand. Based on the pleasure of using a Teeny TS350 for two years I decided to switch to floating running lines for all my shooting head fishing. I don’t know about the S.A. running lines, I bought a couple of Teeny floating running lines, part no. LSL.032, which are bright chartreuse .032" diameter 100ft long. I whipped braid loops on both ends and now use them behind all my shooting heads. With the sink rates available with S.A. Deep Water Express lines, the floating running line doesn’t seem to make much difference to the ultimate depth achieved. They tangle far less, are easier to untangle and don’t cut you to pieces. So far they are wearing well, but will cut and damage easier than braided mono if stomped on. John Knight Sydney Fly Rodders’

Thanks John, I agree that the braided lines are not the way to go, especially on fish  like tarpon which cause dangerous conditions when stripping and setting the hook. Tim

Response:

I’m looking for a shooting sinking head for larger ( 10 – 12 saltwater) rods.  I’m familiar with the Teeny T 200 lines and like the fact that the running line floats, rather than sinks like some running lines and monofilament do.  Do you have any opinions on the Scientific Anglers running line?  I hear that it floats and performs well.  I would be using the line in Saltwater situations.  Thanks for your opinion.

Response:

I’m looking for a shooting sinking head for larger ( 10 – 12 saltwater) rods.  I’m familiar with the Teeny T 200 lines and like the fact that the running line floats, rather than sinks like some running lines and monofilament do.  Do you have any opinions on the Scientific Anglers running line?  I hear that it floats and performs well.  I would be using the line in Saltwater situations.  Thanks for your opinion.

if you’re going to go with a shooting head (either teeny or other brand) i would recommend buying floating running line and a shooting head instead of the teeny line.  this way you can loop and unloop different density heads depending on conditions (ie. switching from a type VI to a type I or floater).  the only decision on the floating running line is what diameter to get.  the smaller the diameter, the further the cast, but also the probability of tangles increases. i can’t remember what floating running line i bought (whether it was cortland or S.A.) but i think you’ll be happier with a syatem that allows you to change sink rates with only one spool. good luck, chris

Response:

I’m looking for a shooting sinking head for larger ( 10 – 12 saltwater) rods.  I’m familiar with the Teeny T 200 lines and like the fact that the running line floats, rather than sinks like some running lines and monofilament do.  Do you have any opinions on the Scientific Anglers running line?  I hear that it floats and performs well.  I would be using the line in Saltwater situations.  Thanks for your opinion.

Hi Tim, I’ve seen the light and given up on braided type running lines – all the braided running lines I’ve tried cut my fingers to pieces once they got wet and soft, leaving permanent "stripping grooves" on the index finger if my rod hand. Based on the pleasure of using a Teeny TS350 for two years I decided to switch to floating running lines for all my shooting head fishing. I don’t know about the S.A. running lines, I bought a couple of Teeny floating running lines, part no. LSL.032, which are bright chartreuse .032" diameter 100ft long. I whipped braid loops on both ends and now use them behind all my shooting heads. With the sink rates available with S.A. Deep Water Express lines, the floating running line doesn’t seem to make much difference to the ultimate depth achieved. They tangle far less, are easier to untangle and don’t cut you to pieces. So far they are wearing well, but will cut and damage easier than braided mono if stomped on. John Knight Sydney Fly Rodders’

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Makunke writes:   I have not heard any good reports about the types of wading staff that either fold or telescope.  Does anyone have any good experiences with these types of wading staff? Kirk,’Fraid not.  The problem is folding or telescoping back up after you’re done using the thing Kirk, another problem with Folstaff is storage. Should you keep it in your car year-round, unassembled, the bungee has a tendency to take a set, preventing future secure setup. A Folstaff, which relies upon friction, really locks up.

I have been happy with my Folstaff for the 10 years I’ve used it. I do not lubricate the joints as my expereince is they can vibrate loose in heavy currents. I tap them lightly with a rock when I need to fold it down. Perhaps inconvenient for some but it works fine for me. Ralph H replace "spamsucks" with direct for email reply.

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I made a simple one for my wife.  It was wood, about a meter and a half long with a rubber foot from a cane on the top end. She likes to lean on the end. The other end was fitted with a 1/2 inch copper coupling and cross pinned through the wood and copper with a brass rod to hold the coupling out by a couple of centimeters.  The copper tube cut through moss and algae for a better purchase on slippery rocks.  A loop of nylon with a stainless clip finished it off.

Response:

  I have not heard any good reports about the types of wading staff that either fold or telescope.  Does anyone have any good experiences with these types of wading staff? I have been happy with my Folstaff for the 10 years I’ve used it. I do not lubricate the joints as my expereince is they can vibrate loose in heavy currents. I tap them lightly with a rock when I need to fold it down. Perhaps inconvenient for some but it works fine for me. Ralph H

The folstaff flexes a little and didn’t feel as secure as an adjustable length carbide tipped cross-country ski pole. The basket is removeable. I set the height to just at the top of my waders so if my hand gets wet I know not to take that step. It reduces down short enough to fit in my fat multi-rod travel tube. Mark Vinsel —   new web address:  http://www.vinsel.com

Response:

I’ve taken to using a Folstaff and find it adequate if unaesthetic, although it’s certainly portable. Just keep the joints greased with a candle butt or you’ll never separate them. —

  Greetings:  I’m on my second Folstaff now. I like the larger version; the small one is a little too wosy to inspire my confidence in this contraption.  When the joints get wet and hard to separate, I find that tapping….er,…OK, _whacking_ the thing on a dead tree trunk, (or fellow fly fisher who is catching more fish than you),  will loosen up the joints if you kind of twist them off. (On the Folstaff, I mean…)  :-)   Cheers, and tight lines,   -Mark

Response:

I find it a nuisance to carry a full length staff while hiking along a river/stream.  I have not heard any good reports about the types of wading staff that either fold or telescope.  Does anyone have any good experiences with these types of wading staff? Thanks, Kirk

Kirk, I bought the Orvis one since I  didn

Question:

Hey Cliff, make sure you tell him to stop by Chessman on his way to RMNP so he gets a good dose of WD on his waders to take with him. Mike Miller

Response:

I will be in Rocky Mountain National Park the 3rd week of july. Does anybody have any suggestions about what water should be good and which flies usually work best? Thanks, Larry.

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writes: I will be in Rocky Mountain National Park the 3rd week of july. Does anybody have any suggestions about what water should be good and which flies usually work best? Thanks, Larry.

Larry, Estes Park, Colorado is located just outside the Park gates. They also have a flyshop complete with guide services, ect… I’m not sure of the name though, but their the only flyshop in Estes, Co. Needless to say, don’t miss Estes. Nice place to visit.

Response:

writes: I will be in Rocky Mountain National Park the 3rd week of july. Does anybody have any suggestions about what water should be good and which flies usually work best? Thanks, Larry.

Larry, I would try "Anglers All" Flyshop in Littleton, Colorado. The guy that runs it is a friend of "Jack Dennis." His wife is probably the best flyshop assistant available. Anyway, they are a first class flyshop and will have everything you need. Ph: (303) 794-1104.                             Best of luck, Cliff

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Larry, Estes has several excellent fly shops including the estes angler and colo. wilderness shop. The river will be at normal levels and fishing well by that time. The lakes such as sprague and lily will be typical for brookies. That is small flies and brassies will get you a load of 10" to 12" fish in a short time. For larger browns and rainbows try the thompson below the town. Stop by and ask Dave at Colo. wilderness for specifics. good luck B. griggers

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