Question:

Does anybody have experience using sink-tip lines and weighted leaders?  Is there a difference?  I’m contemplating trying one or both to get down to the deeper holes yet still have natural nymph action. I don’t like rocks with fur and feathers attached.

I wouldn’t use a sink tip or a fast sink leader for deep nymphing, except on stillwater. Try using a really long tippet (NOT a tapered leader) below the indicator, assuming you use one. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

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I wouldn’t use a sink tip or a fast sink leader for deep nymphing, except on stillwater. Try using a really long tippet (NOT a tapered leader) below the indicator, assuming you use one.

Charlie Brooks caught lots of big trout by deep nymphing with a full-sinking line. OTOH, he mentioned in one of his books that the technique isn’t very popular, even among those who have learned it well, because most fishermen don’t find it all that enjoyable. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyoming

Response:

I wouldn’t use a sink tip or a fast sink leader for deep nymphing, except on stillwater. Try using a really long tippet (NOT a tapered leader) below the indicator, assuming you use one. Charlie Brooks caught lots of big trout by deep nymphing with a full-sinking line. OTOH, he mentioned in one of his books that the technique isn’t very popular, even among those who have learned it well, because most fishermen don’t find it all that enjoyable.

My problem with it isn’t that it’s not enjoyable, Rusty. I’ll take an occasional big fish over "enjoyment" any time. My problem is that it’s much harder, if not impossible, to get a drag-free drift in moving water with a sink tip. In stillwater you usually want to put action on the nymph, so it’s not a problem. It seems to me like the best approach, if you want a drag free drift, is to use tippet all the way from the top to the bottom. BTW, I don’t claim to be any good at getting drag free drifts. I’m still learning, and probably always will be. P.S. I loved your retort to Phillipo. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Does anybody have experience using sink-tip lines and weighted leaders?  Is there a difference?  I’m contemplating trying one or both to get down to the deeper holes yet still have natural nymph action. I don’t like rocks with fur and feathers attached.

Response:

Jim Benenson writes: Does anybody have experience using sink-tip lines and weighted leaders?  Is there a difference?  I’m contemplating trying one or both to get down to the deeper holes yet still have natural nymph action. I don’t like rocks with fur and feathers attached.

Either will get you down to the deeper holes, but the sink tip line will be more difficult to mend.  I generally use a 9 foot leader/tippet and split shot to get the nymph down.  However, if you are talking deeper runs, a 12 foot leader might be a better choice.  I try to keep as much line off (or in) the water as possible when nymphing – it gives a better drift and makes strikes easier to see.   Dave

Response:

Does anybody have experience using sink-tip lines and weighted leaders?  Is there a difference?  I’m contemplating trying one or both to get down to the deeper holes yet still have natural nymph action. I don’t like rocks with fur and feathers attached.

I think that it’s difficult to get a dead drift, if that’s what you’re after, in a stream or river using a sinking line.  A sinking line is going to put lots of drag on the fly which can be useful for fishing streamers or in a FEW nymphing situations, but overall weight on the leader works better. Willi

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Question:

I have a photo of what you can expect to see in Yellowstone in August: http://www.ruralnetwork.net/%7Etroutbum/album/sp_miscellaneous/madiso… There must have been 100 people alongside the road watching these morons (and I don’t mean the elk). When you drive through the Park make sure to stop and get out of your car at every traffic jam. There’ll probably be some cool wildlife. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Cool picture, but not especially frightful. I fish in RMNP at least 20 days each season and I obliviously get that close to elk several times each year. The national park elk herds tend to be pretty docile; I don’t recall the last time I heard of anyone around here being hurt by one. Bull moose, on the other hand, scare the shit out of me. "rw" wrote I have a photo of what you can expect to see in Yellowstone in August:

http://www.ruralnetwork.net/%7Etroutbum/album/sp_miscellaneous/madiso… adison_elk.html – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There must have been 100 people alongside the road watching these morons (and I don’t mean the elk). When you drive through the Park make sure to stop and get out of your car at every traffic jam. There’ll probably be some cool wildlife.

Response:

Cool picture, but not especially frightful. I fish in RMNP at least 20 days each season and I obliviously get that close to elk several times each year. The national park elk herds tend to be pretty docile; I don’t recall the last time I heard of anyone around here being hurt by one. Bull moose, on the other hand, scare the shit out of me.

That bull had a harem of about 15 cows behind him, out of the picture. I’d have been out of the water pronto. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

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Charlie & Willi were making noises about a Colorado ‘Clave and that would be great, but I was thinking a ‘Clave in Yellowstone National Park might be worth considering. If we stayed up in Mammoth Hot Springs we’d be within easy driving distance of Soda Butte, Lamar, Slough Creek and literally miles and miles of decent trout water. I’m thinking the first full week of August, Sunday the 5th to Saturday the 11th. We’d have to get going pretty quickly on reservations, the Park fills up early. Any interest ?

Count me in.  Awfully touristy, but the company would more than make up for that.  I have been looking forward to especially seeing you again Ken — Warren Findley

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I’m thinking the first full week of August, Sunday the 5th to Saturday the 11th. We’d have to get going pretty quickly on reservations, the Park fills up early. Any interest ?

Are the dates flexible at all, if so yes. I can’t go anywhere from the 4th to the 11th of any month. Not that I would expect anyone to change the dates just for me, but since it was early I’d thought I’d ask. The following week would be my birthday and there is no way my wife could say no <g — Wayne Knight Expert in creating tailing loops and windknots Otherwise Fishless in Kansas

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Good point.  The Labor Day cut-off is not as sharp as it used to be years ago.  Just too many people have taken up fly-fishing and more people have more flexibility in their work/vacation schedules.  It’s not until October or so until the streams are truly people-free.  Still, I don’t think the post-labor day crowds rival at all the August circus.  It would be helpful to have up-to-date info (based on this past year’s experience) on which areas/campgrounds are likely to be least crowded. JR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   Two years ago we packed into Slough Creek, campground 8.  Before we went in we had some time to spend driving around Yellowstone and fishing a few creeks.  Some places were crowded, some weren’t.  One of the nicest fish I caught was in Soda Butte creek.  It was a short walk and no other people.   After Labor Day, my wife and I drove through the park both going and coming from a visit to friends in Stephensville, MT.  The streams were packed!  I visited Bud Lilly’s fly shop and the first thing the guy behind the counter said to me is, "If you’re here to book a guide, we’re full up for the next several weeks."  I guess everyone had the idea to wait until the kids were back in school.   In spite of this—have a clave and I’ll try to make it.  I like those short drives.  It’s only about 5 hours from home:)

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Are the dates flexible at all, …

Well, yes and no. September is completely out of the question for us, Kristine has work commitments. I mentioned the first full week in August because traditionally the Yellowstone Institute has a full slate of interesting classes for the non-fishing folks like Kristine to attend. The Summer 2001 Course Catalog is due out any day now, will post a pointer when it appears. Big Dale, I couldn’t find the 2001 dates for the Livingston FFF Conclave on their website, you’re right it would be nice to gather either just before or just after. Do you know those dates ? — Ken Fortenberry

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Conclave on their website, you’re right it would be nice to gather either just before or just after. Do you know those dates ? –

The dates for the FFF conclave are Aug.6-11, but most often I attend only wed afternoon thru saturday, so if the clave is that week I could still make most of the clave. I sure as hell don’t want to miss fishing in the Yellowstone area with you guys a second year in a row. Besides, I need a fix of shopping in Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone. Let me know who to contact for cabin reservations in the park as I would rather plan this sooner than later knowing how the park fills up. Big Dale

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[snipped] I did have the opportunity to camp out in Yellowstone for 10 days in September once, though, and it was one of the most memorable trips of my life.  The elk are in full rut, and are right in the campgrounds.  Makes it a little hard to sleep when a monster bull is bugling right outside the tent, but it is very exciting.  You owe it to yourself to go there in the fall sometime if you haven’t yet.

Been there, done that, had to scramble into a tight bundle of lodge poles to avoid being skewered. /daytripper (That was one ornery bull elk…)

Response:

I think you misspelled "horny".  :-) Frank (ain’t gonna mount me) Church [snipped] Been there, done that, had to scramble into a tight bundle of lodge poles to avoid being skewered. /daytripper (That was one ornery bull elk…)

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Nothing to whet the appetite for a ‘Clave like a rousing success of a ‘Clave and Bruce’s San Juan ‘Clave was certainly that. I’m thinking the first full week of August, Sunday the 5th to Saturday the 11th. We’d have to get going pretty quickly on reservations, the Park fills up early. Any interest ? Ken please count me in on this Clave….it will be my first and I can kill two birds with one stone!  Attend my first Clave and get the wife to Yellowstone.

Did anyone else notice the red flag?

Response:

like those short drives.  It’s only about 5 hours from home:)

It is a lot longer drive from Dallas, but I would be willing. It would be nice if the clave was either the week before or the week after the FFFconclave in Livingston. My greatest regret of 2000 is not being able to make the Montana clave.. Big Dale

Response:

I’d opt for the last week in August, if it be August at all. Hoppers, cooler temperatures, and hopefully less crowded. I vote for a Western first part of Sept. after the kiddies have gone back to school.

Well, sure, that’s great, if you don’t have to be there at school to teach the kiddies! I would be seriously hot to go to a Yellowstone Clave in August, although the third or fourth week of August would be best for me, as I plan to be in British Columbia for the first half of Aug (see my other post), and would likely be driving back through Montana about that time. I did have the opportunity to camp out in Yellowstone for 10 days in September once, though, and it was one of the most memorable trips of my life.  The elk are in full rut, and are right in the campgrounds.  Makes it a little hard to sleep when a monster bull is bugling right outside the tent, but it is very exciting.  You owe it to yourself to go there in the fall sometime if you haven’t yet. Kevin

Response:

Any interest ?

Count me in. KR

Response:

Nothing to whet the appetite for a ‘Clave like a rousing success of a ‘Clave and Bruce’s San Juan ‘Clave was certainly that.

<Snip I’m thinking the first full week of August, Sunday the 5th to Saturday the 11th. We’d have to get going pretty quickly on reservations, the Park fills up early. Any interest ?

Ken please count me in on this Clave….it will be my first and I can kill two birds with one stone!  Attend my first Clave and get the wife to Yellowstone. Ed "Luckyboy" Bleck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — Ken Fortenberry

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With all these claves coming up in the next year it might be a good idea to put an agenda somewhere on the web in order to keep track of what’s happening where, when, who to contact and how to get there. Maybe a good reason to revive www.roff.org? Herman

So far there’s talk (and more) about September in Maine, May in PA, and I think Michigan in March/April. – but I could be wrong.  A list with dates on a site would be a good idea. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I agree.  Based on several years’ experience (although I haven’t been there since 95), it will be much more pleasant after Labor Day.  There will still be a good number of other folks fishing, but it won’t be the madhouse August is.  Fishing is great throughout September. JR I’d opt for the last week in August, if it be August at all. Hoppers, cooler temperatures, and hopefully less crowded. I vote for a Western first part of Sept. after the kiddies have gone back to school.

  Two years ago we packed into Slough Creek, campground 8.  Before we went in we had some time to spend driving around Yellowstone and fishing a few creeks.  Some places were crowded, some weren’t.  One of the nicest fish I caught was in Soda Butte creek.  It was a short walk and no other people.   After Labor Day, my wife and I drove through the park both going and coming from a visit to friends in Stephensville, MT.  The streams were packed!  I visited Bud Lilly’s fly shop and the first thing the guy behind the counter said to me is, "If you’re here to book a guide, we’re full up for the next several weeks."  I guess everyone had the idea to wait until the kids were back in school.   In spite of this—have a clave and I’ll try to make it.  I like those short drives.  It’s only about 5 hours from home:) Snoop — —–= 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:

Any interest ?

Me. Joel Axelrad

Response:

I’d opt for the last week in August, if it be August at all. Hoppers, cooler temperatures, and hopefully less crowded.

I vote for a Western first part of Sept. after the kiddies have gone back to school. Willi

Response:

I agree.  Based on several years’ experience (although I haven’t been there since 95), it will be much more pleasant after Labor Day.  There will still be a good number of other folks fishing, but it won’t be the madhouse August is.  Fishing is great throughout September. JR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d opt for the last week in August, if it be August at all. Hoppers, cooler temperatures, and hopefully less crowded. I vote for a Western first part of Sept. after the kiddies have gone back to school.

Response:

With all these claves coming up in the next year it might be a good idea to put an agenda somewhere on the web in order to keep track of what’s happening where, when, who to contact and how to get there. Maybe a good reason to revive www.roff.org? Herman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Nothing to whet the appetite for a ‘Clave like a rousing success of a ‘Clave and Bruce’s San Juan ‘Clave was certainly that. We’ve got Wolfie’s steelhead expedition in late March early April, Tom’s Spring ‘Clave on the legendary limestone creeks of Pennsylvania in May, but nothing planned yet for anything west of the Mississip’ during the summer of 2001. Charlie & Willi were making noises about a Colorado ‘Clave and that would be great, but I was thinking a ‘Clave in Yellowstone National Park might be worth considering. If we stayed up in Mammoth Hot Springs we’d be within easy driving distance of Soda Butte, Lamar, Slough Creek and literally miles and miles of decent trout water. I’m thinking the first full week of August, Sunday the 5th to Saturday the 11th. We’d have to get going pretty quickly on reservations, the Park fills up early. Any interest ? — Ken Fortenberry

–         Cheers, Herman         Herman Nijland         Daytime webmaster         Lifetime flyfisher

Response:

Last week in August, first week in September – whenever the fishing is good and the crowds are lowest; count me in! Bob in El Paso – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Had to miss last year,s western clave, but I,m interested in going out in August.  Indian Joe   Wilmington N.C

Response:

Nothing to whet the appetite for a ‘Clave like a rousing success of a ‘Clave and Bruce’s San Juan ‘Clave was certainly that. We’ve got Wolfie’s steelhead expedition in late March early April, Tom’s Spring ‘Clave on the legendary limestone creeks of Pennsylvania in May, but nothing planned yet for anything west of the Mississip’ during the summer of 2001. Charlie & Willi were making noises about a Colorado ‘Clave and that would be great, but I was thinking a ‘Clave in Yellowstone National Park might be worth considering. If we stayed up in Mammoth Hot Springs we’d be within easy driving distance of Soda Butte, Lamar, Slough Creek and literally miles and miles of decent trout water. I’m thinking the first full week of August, Sunday the 5th to Saturday the 11th. We’d have to get going pretty quickly on reservations, the Park fills up early. Any interest ? — Ken Fortenberry

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Had to miss last year,s western clave, but I,m interested in going out in August.  Indian Joe   Wilmington N.C

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Nothing to whet the appetite for a ‘Clave like a rousing success of a ‘Clave and Bruce’s San Juan ‘Clave was certainly that. We’ve got Wolfie’s steelhead expedition in late March early April, Tom’s Spring ‘Clave on the legendary limestone creeks of Pennsylvania in May, but nothing planned yet for anything west of the Mississip’ during the summer of 2001. Charlie & Willi were making noises about a Colorado ‘Clave and that would be great, but I was thinking a ‘Clave in Yellowstone National Park might be worth considering. If we stayed up in Mammoth Hot Springs we’d be within easy driving distance of Soda Butte, Lamar, Slough Creek and literally miles and miles of decent trout water. I’m thinking the first full week of August, Sunday the 5th to Saturday the 11th. We’d have to get going pretty quickly on reservations, the Park fills up early. Any interest ?

I’d opt for the last week in August, if it be August at all. Hoppers, cooler temperatures, and hopefully less crowded. I include the Madison, Henry’s Lake, the Gallatin, etc, in "Yellowstone". Going all that way might as well hit the biggies… /daytripper (Gonna think about it)

Response:

Question:

Yo Dave, I’m with you. And I know this guy is probably going to beat me up for getting out of line here, but I couldn’t help imagining Pat’s voice as Eddie G Robinson’s." See, I use only braided line, see. You use that mono and the fish is going to rub you out, see. N’yeah" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "PAT" But I take it as an insult when you tell me I don’t have a clue. Look pards, I don’t know where you’re from, and don’t care really. ok lemme explain… i didnt mean to insult you i just thought it funny that you are telling a new jig man to forget the $150 curado he just bought and upgrade to 80 lb test.. he surely doesnt need that… you must agree that a new jig man who obviously isnt fishing for millions in prize money wouldnt need to go buy a $300 dollar set up with 80 lb test.. if he misses one fish a day who cares? Thats why its called fishing not catching! On to the next comment.. You misunderstood or misread what i wrote.. as it is quoted above i said that the name tuna should have been the first clue.. i said nothing about you being clueless.. yo might be a great fisherman but seems to me that you dispense tournament advice to an amatuer who is gettin interested in a type of fishing.. My last point.. the name "pards" might actually be taken as offensive.. i had nothing in my letter to you that was meant to be taken as a direct insult to you.. yet you reply to my email seems to not hold as much charecter!!! End of discussion. Dave

Response:

Amen, AJH.  They should have to put labels about Jigs being addictive.  :-) After you start sticking those big beauties on the jig-n-chunk, your hooked for life.  I used to only use a jig for a short time at the end of the winter season, but then I learned to catch bass on the jig-n-pig (usually zoom super chunks).  Now I use them all year through.  Swimming them through shoreline weeds is almost as much fun as top water fishing. Bassman

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I fish a jig and pig just like a plastic worm. I use a 3/16 or 1/4 oz black and blue jig (Strike King Bitsy Bug) with a Zoom swimmin chunk Sapphire blue trailer. Right now I am using 14lb hi vis mono, I have ordered 30lb test Berkley Fireline in the hi vis green. I too feel it’s very important to watch the line when fishing jig and pig and worms. I am trying the Fireline in hope of improving my hook set and maybe it will allow me to feel the bass bite. Once you catch a few bass on the jig and pig you become obsessed with it. Anybody want to buy 1200 powerworms. Also I remove about half of the fibers in the weed guard, I think it allows a better hook set. I have caught at least 12 bass on the swimmin chunk I have on now and it still looks good so you can one advantage it has over the worm. Stick with it you will get hooked

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"PAT" But I take it as an insult when you tell me I don’t have a clue. Look pards, I don’t know where you’re from, and don’t care really.

ok lemme explain… i didnt mean to insult you i just thought it funny that you are telling a new jig man to forget the $150 curado he just bought and upgrade to 80 lb test.. he surely doesnt need that… you must agree that a new jig man who obviously isnt fishing for millions in prize money wouldnt need to go buy a $300 dollar set up with 80 lb test.. if he misses one fish a day who cares? Thats why its called fishing not catching!   On to the next comment.. You misunderstood or misread what i wrote.. as it is quoted above i said that the name tuna should have been the first clue.. i said nothing about you being clueless.. yo might be a great fisherman but seems to me that you dispense tournament advice to an amatuer who is gettin interested in a type of fishing.. My last point.. the name "pards" might actually be taken as offensive.. i had nothing in my letter to you that was meant to be taken as a direct insult to you.. yet you reply to my email seems to not hold as much charecter!!! End of discussion.

Dave

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Me too. — Why is it called ‘Tourist Season’ if we can’t shoot them ?     Shawn

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d like to hear more. We routinely fish with 1oz. jigs in less than 3′ of water.   I’ll explain later if anyone’s interested. What your car says about you – Ford Crown Victoria – "I enjoy having people slow to 55mph and change lanes when I pull up behind them" — Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

holy smokes…..thanks for the input. Keep em’ comin’ I had luck w/ one fish so far. 3 pounder. As soon as the thing hit the water BOOM had a 4" green tube as a trailer. That was it for the rest of the day….I guess i’m gonna keep on fishin’ keeping a open mind. Brian

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"Dave" Adjusted his Orvis fly fishing cap, put on his topsiders, laid down his Harvard business journal and decided the world needed to hear this: The name , tuna blank, of your "Heavy" setup should have been the first clue that you are not correctly set-up for bassin’ Dave

Look pards, I don’t know where you’re from, and don’t care really. I fish for money.  I described my tournament setups.  Why?  Lemme s’plain. First off, you gotta realise, we’re not throwing that jig on some rocky bank.   Three scenarios that I’ll explain, and maybe you’ll understand. 20′ deep matted hydrilla.  Use a minimum of a 1oz. jig.  Usually a 11/2 oz. when it’s really thick.  When that fish hits, if he moves laterally two feet, he’s gone. Lost, never to be seen again.  You must get him off the bottom and up through the matted grass instantly.  It ain’t gonna happen with 12 pound mono.  Period. Falcon lake, pitching into flooded mesquite trees.  VERY large, very strong fish.  They will stay in the thickest, nastiest part of the cover.  We used to use 30#mono, but you’d still get two a day lost by sawing off in the cover.   Skipping a jig under boat houses and docks.  Nasty place, lot’s of things to rub mono off on.  The braid ended the problem. Look Skippy, everyone goes fishing for a different reason.  If you think it’s more "sporting" to use light line, hey that’s just fine.  I’ve caught 120lb. Tarpon on fifteen pound line too.  It’s a different deal.  In a bass tournament, one lost fish is worth thousands of dollars. Literally.  If I can eliminate that from ever happening, then that’s what I’m gonna do.  But I take it as an insult when you tell me I don’t have a clue.  You spend one day on the lake with me, and you use your 6lb. mono.  Then let’s compare sacks at the end of the day.   End of discussion. Pat Goff

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Hi Brian: Brain: "This is what i understand to date. You try to get it in the water next to or right in the cover making the least amount of noise you can. right?" Reply: Yes & No.  When flipping or pitching, you try and get as close as you can to your target without spooking the fish.  Often this will depend on water clarity and depth.  Depending on how close you are to your target depends on if you are flipping (0-15ft.) or pitching (15-40ft.).  Flipping is easy. Pitching on the other hand requires a lot of skill and practice.  The longer the rod the easier it is to perform both of these techniques. Your 6′6" rod is the minimum length you want to use for this technique.  A 7′6" or 8′ flipping (heavy) is the best rod for this technique.  But with 6′6" you should be able to pitch up to 25′ comfortably and quietly. Brian: "Here’s a scenario of a river we fish often. The edges of the river have thick weeds and brush back about 25 feet all seeming to be in 1-3 feet of water. NOW do i throw the jig into the brush? how far back do i throw it? OR do I just try to work the edges?" Reply: When I am fishing a weedbed, I first flip or pitch to the shade side of weed points, cuts, and holes (1′ to 3′ in) along the edge.  I position the boat parallel to the weedbed but 15′ to 20′ off the weedbed itself and work the entire edge.  Then I would slowly and quietly move my boat so that it was just touch the weeds and then flip or pitch to the holes that are further in the weeds and thoroughly fish the weedbed out. Brian: "When should i use different colors or weights of jigs?" Reply: As for color you need to know what the fish are feeding on.  If the primary forage is crawfish, then I would use black, brown, pumpkin, or watermelon. If the primary forage is shad then I would use black, white, or black/white blend or gray/black/white blend.  Clear water (crawfish) I use brown/black (jig skirt/trailer), pumpkin/green or pumpkin/orange, watermelon/brown, pumpkin/brown, pumpkin/black.  Clear water (shad) white/black (jig skirt/trailer), black/white, white/white, black&gray/white. As far as weight, I use small 1/8, 3/16, 1/4 ounce jigs for smallmouth around rock and gravel bottom (0-8 ft of water)and #101 or #11 pork trailers, or 5/16 ounce for deeper water #11 trailer.  I use 5/16 & 3/8 ounce jigs for largemouth along weedbeds, brush piles, etc.  I use 1/2, 3/4, and 1 ounce jigs for thick weeds or fishing deep structures.  But I believe we can all learn from Woo’s Classic victory.  So you can count on me trying 3/16 & 1/4 jigs on 8 pound test with #11 trailers in deeper water. Brian: "Do you flip it in there, let it sit for a while? bounce it off the bottom? swim it? Or are there any rules at all? Does the same things apply here the same as in all other tackle? Or is it just a convoy mission to get in there, scare the crap out of the fish, so he’ll bite and then bring him on home?" Reply: Tough question.  I personally start with flipping or pitching a jig into the cover and let it settle to the bottom.  Then I hop it a couple of times in place (1" to 3"), then a couple more moving hops (6"-12") and then I swim it out.  Remember to stop it just before the jig gets to the top and let it drop a second and then pull it.  Once I get a strike or two, I know what they want and I drop the other movements. Brain: "If somebody could be kind enough to explain the point of Jig-n-a pig. It would make me(i bet a bunch of other people too!) understand it better." Reply: There are many types of jigs, all for different types of cover and presentations.  Jigs can represent many different types of forage.  A simple hair jig looks more like a fish or larvae.  A larger hair jig with a bigger pork trailer can represent a mouse or small animal.  While rubber skirted jigs look more like crawfish.  Silicone skirted jigs can represent both fish and crawfish depending on color.  Let’s start with "Hair" jigs.  These are the oldest type and are super effective in clear water or when there is little cover.  The hair moves with the water action (waves) and applied action looks more alive (in my opinion) then do silicone skirts.  They are excellent in colder water situations.  Rubber and silicone skirted jigs and all the possible colors can be customized to match the forage in your area. I always custom blend my skirts to closely match the crawfish or forage fish in the lake I am fishing.  Example.  The crawfish in my home lake are light brown and have black and light orange patches.  So I start with a pumpkin colored skirt and add a strain or two of black and orange.  Then I put on a brown or orange trailer.  On the orange trailer I use a black permanent marker and dye it so that it looks mostly black with orange spots. The jig can be presented in a lot of ways to match the conditions you are fishing.  A light jig (1/8, 3/16, 1/4 ounce) with a #101 can represent a small fish or crawfish.  On clam water this setup will have a medium fall rate (about 1 to 1.5 seconds per foot)  The same jig with a #11 pork trailer will fall much slower (1.5 to 2 second a foot), and look like a bigger fish or crawfish.  The same jig with a #1 trailer will fall real slow (2 to 3 seconds a foot) and an even larger fish and crawfish. Brian: When jig hits the water does it really matter if it’s quiet or not?" Reply: Most of the time you want to flip or pitch this type of lure into the water as quietly as possible.  But there are times when splashing the jig can be beneficial (like in muddy water or at night or when casting the jig on top of thick matted weeds). Hopes this helps. — Craig Baugher

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I’d like to hear more. We routinely fish with 1oz. jigs in less than 3′ of water.   I’ll explain later if anyone’s interested.

What your car says about you – Ford Crown Victoria – "I enjoy having people slow to 55mph and change lanes when I pull up behind them" — Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

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Mobees, also some ‘good’ reading on the subject here: http://www.bassdozer.com/articles.shtml What your car says about you – Ford Crown Victoria – "I enjoy having people slow to 55mph and change lanes when I pull up behind them" — Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

 My "light" duty setup is a Quantum flipping rod 7′6" with 50lb. Oldham’s braid.  My "heavy" setup is a Waterloo double wall tuna blank-8′ with 80lb. Oldham’s braid. 50lb. Oldham’s braid. 80lb. Oldham’s braid.

I have caught 100+ pound sharks..the meanest fighter pound for pound.. on 20 lb test around very sharp coral heads..much sharper than logs…I understand needing heavy equipment but heavy in the bass world is 20lb test… if you need 50 or 80 pound test for a 10 pound bass what would you use for a real fish? When i am land locked as i am now i use 6 or maybe 12 pound test and have done very well with bass.  It seems funny to me that you need heavier test than i have ever fished in the ocean with to catch bass… maybe you could email me and explain to me why the overly strong choice in test line?  The name , tuna blank, of your "Heavy" setup should have been the first clue that you are not correctly set-up for bassin’ Dave

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I fish a jig and pig just like a plastic worm. I use a 3/16 or 1/4 oz black and blue jig (Strike King Bitsy Bug) with a Zoom swimmin chunk Sapphire blue trailer. Right now I am using 14lb hi vis mono, I have ordered 30lb test Berkley Fireline in the hi vis green. I too feel it’s very important to watch the line when fishing jig and pig and worms. I am trying the Fireline in hope of improving my hook set and maybe it will allow me to feel the bass bite. Once you catch a few bass on the jig and pig you become obsessed with it. Anybody want to buy 1200 powerworms. Also I remove about half of the fibers in the weed guard, I think it allows a better hook set. I have caught at least 12 bass on the swimmin chunk I have on now and it still looks good so you can one advantage it has over the worm. Stick with it you will get hooked

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Mobees drank two pots of coffee, kicked the dogs off the porch, ran the kids off on the yard, sat down and decided the world needed to hear: When should i use differnet colors or weights of jigs? do you flip it in there, let it sit for a while? bounce it off the bottom? swim it? Or are there any rules at all?

Ok, I’m going to get probably ripped for what I’m going to tell you, that’s fine, if they’ve caught half the fish we’ve caught on a jig, I’ll listen to ‘em. There are no "rules"  I’ll tell you that right now. The only rule is figure out what’s working right now. Don’t ever be afraid to experiment with colors, weight, trailers, and combinations. Ok, I’ll give you a few things I’ve learned, and discovered. 1. Use a heavier jig when the water’s hot.  When the water’s warm, the metabolism of the bass is way high, so you need to match the speed of you lure to the fish’s aggressiveness.  We routinely fish with 1oz. jigs in less than 3′ of water.   I’ll explain later if anyone’s interested. 2.  Cast it into the MIDDLE of the cover.  That’s where they live. 3.  Don’t be afraid to experiment.  We use solid white, purple, chartuese, and other goofy looking colors.  Try lot’s of different trailers.  We’ll use an entire 8" lizard on the back of a jig with much success.   4.  Don’t be afraid to vary your presentation.  Somedays they just aren’t on the bottom.  Someday’s they want it fast, someday’s slow, they’ll tell you when you figure it out. 5.  Be a sniper.  You need to learn to put that jig into places you wouldn’t send your rabbit hound.   6.  Upgrade your equipment.  This isn’t a slam on your new rod&reel pards, but that’s what I’d fish an open rock bank with.  My "light" duty setup is a Quantum flipping rod 7′6" with 50lb. Oldham’s braid.  My "heavy" setup is a Waterloo double wall tuna blank-8′ with 80lb. Oldham’s braid. 7. Upgrade your jigs.  Anything you buy with an American made hook is second rate.  Anyone who’s ever used one would agree the Oldham’s eye-max is the finest jig made.  512-847-9202   There is much more to fishing the most effective quality bass lure made, and we’ll continue this discussion if anyone’s interested. Pat Goff

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Brain, I will try to answer some of your questions, and I’m sure there are other here that can tell you more than I can.  You will find that certain presentations produce more bass than others.  It depends on the weather, water conditions, mood of the fish (which is affected by everything), and also on what you feel comfortable with. Often times bass will hit a jig/pig combo on the initial drop.  These are the blessed times when you can ease along a bank, pitching or flipping a jig to cover and set the hook as soon as the bait starts to fall.  But they don’t always do that.  Sometimes they will not touch it jig if you are moving it.  They prefer for it to just lay there wriggling on its own, then the move in a pick it up.  You just have to try it one way and if it doesn’t work change.  I have noticed that on high pressure days, or in extremely clear water, the bass seem to prefer that the lure remain motionless, at least as far as your input to the motion is concerned.  I have also done well in these conditions by using a heavy jig head and getting the reaction strikes as the bait rips past them on the way to the bottom.  In murky water or flowing water bass seem to like to hit the jig on the initial fall. But, as I mentioned before… sometimes it’s just trial and error. Some things that you should follow as basic rules will help you increase your catch on jig and pigs combos.  Always watch your line.  Try to allow your bait to fall straight down on a simi-tight line; not so tight that the lure can’t fall straight down, but tight enough to remain in contact with the lure as it falls.  Always watch your line.  Place the lure into the water as quietly as possible, especially in shallow or clear water conditions.  Always watch your line.  Put you lure as close to cover as possible.  The clearer the water or higher the barometric pressure, the closer and deeper in cover they tend to be.  Set the hook fast upon detecting a strike, whether by site or feel, don’t pause at all like you might do with soft plastic lures.  And, always watch your line. I don’t know if this gives you a detailed enough outline of how to fish the jig-n-pig, but just as with any other lure, it’s always up to the bass to dictate how they will bite, we just have to figure it out. Good luck and always watch your line, Bassman Duane Knight

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everybody. I wanted to figure out how to fish jig n a pig style w/ 20 pound test on a heavier pole w/ a baitcasting reel. So i went out and bought a Shimano Curado and a lightning rod med/heavy 6′6" rod. thru on a 3/8 jig w/ a matching pork trailer…great. that’s the easy part….Now, I’m practicing how to flip it different ways etc…Okay…thats about as far as i got.    This is what i understand to date. You try to get it in the water next to or right in the cover making the least amount of noise you can. right? Sounds easy enough.     Here’s a scenario of a river we fish often. The edges of the river have thick weeds and brush back about 25 feet all seeming to be in 1-3 feet of water. NOW do i throw the jig into the brush? how far back do i throw it? OR do i just try to work the edges? I know i should just get out there and use it,use it and use it some more, but i like to understand things, before i go out and fish. When should i use differnet colors or weights of jigs? do you flip it in there, let it sit for a while? bounce it off the bottom? swim it? Or are there any rules at all? Does the same things apply here the same as in all other tackle? Or is it just a convoy mission to get in there, scare the crap out of the fish, so he’ll bite and then bring him on home??? I need help w/ this. If somebody could be kind enough to explain the point of Jig-n-a pig. It would make me(i bet a bunch of other people too!) understand it better. When jig hits the water does it really matter if it’s quiet or not? So many ?’s…..Anyway thanks in advance for any info you can provide me! Brian

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Hi everybody. I wanted to figure out how to fish jig n a pig style w/ 20 pound test on a heavier pole w/ a baitcasting reel. So i went out and bought a Shimano Curado and a lightning rod med/heavy 6′6" rod. thru on a 3/8 jig w/ a matching pork trailer…great. that’s the easy part….Now, I’m practicing how to flip it different ways etc…Okay…thats about as far as i got.    This is what i understand to date. You try to get it in the water next to or right in the cover making the least amount of noise you can. right? Sounds easy enough.     Here’s a scenario of a river we fish often. The edges of the river have thick weeds and brush back about 25 feet all seeming to be in 1-3 feet of water. NOW do i throw the jig into the brush? how far back do i throw it? OR do i just try to work the edges? I know i should just get out there and use it,use it and use it some more, but i like to understand things, before i go out and fish. When should i use differnet colors or weights of jigs? do you flip it in there, let it sit for a while? bounce it off the bottom? swim it? Or are there any rules at all? Does the same things apply here the same as in all other tackle? Or is it just a convoy mission to get in there, scare the crap out of the fish, so he’ll bite and then bring him on home??? I need help w/ this. If somebody could be kind enough to explain the point of Jig-n-a pig. It would make me(i bet a bunch of other people too!) understand it better. When jig hits the water does it really matter if it’s quiet or not? So many ?’s…..Anyway thanks in advance for any info you can provide me! Brian

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Question:

Vern, You may want to check out a Loomis GL4.  I am told that it is has a very similar action to the top of the line GLX (my rod), but at half the price ($250?).  I just somehow broke the tip on mine (a 5wt), and after inspection Loomis supplied a new tip section absolutely free.  I love this rod–very light, fast, with plenty of backbone.   Good shopping (Christmas is fast approaching), Pat K

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Surely driving over it the same side a few more times would have allowed him to shoot round corners?!! David – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My cousin an I were jump shooting ducks in some ponds down by the ocean. After we left I noticed my cousin’s old single shot 12 gauge wasn’t in the jeep.  We went back and it lay in the sand with tire tracks over the barrel. The barrel had a slight bend in it so I told my cousin to drive the jeep over it again while held it with the bent side up.  It worked and he hunted with that old gun for several years after that. Ernie Harrison Want to make tapered leaders?  http://home.pacbell.net/ernie2 I did something similar when I was a kid, but Dad’s casting rod was made of steel and was bent something awful.I still remember the look in some of my friends faces when I told them that all Dad said was "Well did you learn anything?"

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If it were me, I would contact the manufacturer. I have found most rod companies to be very sympathetic to accidents, especially if you tell them the truth about how it was broken. Usually not on a fish. Good luck.

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buddies. I did something similar when I was a kid, but Dad’s casting rod was made of steel and was bent something awful.I still remember the look in some of my friends faces when I told them that all Dad said was "Well did you learn anything?"   Big Dale

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<snipped Ugh, I remember doing that… Waaaaaay back when I got my first fly rod I tried to learn it all by my self and I had a Diawa Cherrywood Series rod. It was fairly light (About a 4-5 if I had to guess now) and I sure did not know how to use the thing. I ended up shutting the door on the tip and snapping it off. That was the end of that rod for me. Now I think I probably would try to re-tip it. That story also sends shudders through me as I am taking my five year old daughter out fishing once in a while and I will certainly keep that story in mind to make me more cautious! Hope it works out! Michael Era

Question:

Hi, I maybe heading to the Lower Deschutes during the third week in May.  Does anyone know what I can expect as to the fishing that time of year ?  What hatches, river levels etc.,  What weight rod would be the best ?  Any recommendations to local advice/fly shops. Thanks in advance.

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Hi, I maybe heading to the Lower Deschutes during the third week in May.  Does anyone know what I can expect as to the fishing that time of year ?  What hatches, river levels etc.,  What weight rod would be the best ?  Any recommendations to local advice/fly shops. Thanks in advance.

WIth snow levels this year, I think you can probably expect high water; snow pack is about double a normal year. A 9 foot, five weight rod with a floating line will work for most situations you’ll encounter on the Deschutes. Deep nymphing is the most consistently successful method on the lower river. The salmonfly hatch should be getting started, as well as the golden stoneflies. BIG, heavily weighted stonefly nymphs in black and gold. Black and golden stimulators for the adults. Caddis: Rhyacophilia, hydropsyche, Glossoma, Brachycentra: larvae, pupae, and adults. Mayflies: Baetis, Heptagenia, maybe some early PMDs. Midges. Local shops: The Deschutes Canyon fly shop in Maupin, The Fly Fishing Shop in Welches.

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Question:

______ The prettiest Western Dry Fly in all the world.  I don’t know about Eastern opinions on this but  I suppose it would have to be the Light Cahill or Hendrickson?  I love them all, really.  I love dry flies, period. I wish some of you would start submitting your signature fly to our "Flies of the World" web site listed below.  See Mike Connor’s examples.  Don’t any of you eastern boys know how to tie a dry fly for christ sake?  You guys have only one good fly tier their, I think and his name is George Harvey.  I thought he taught fly tying out that way in Pennsylvania and about?  You DO know what a dry fly is in North Carolina now, don’t you boys?  They sure don’t, in Arkansas. ; ) George *twitch —

Question:

I’ve been using an old Minn Kota 28 lb transom mount electric, thinking of buying a new trolling motor for more power and better ability through weeds. Mostly fish bass and muskies, casting toward shore and working through weeds and around stumps.The boat is 16′ aluminum, side console, powered by 30 horse motor. I think I’ll need at least 48" shaft if I go bowmount, probably 36-42 pound thrust, 12 V. Any experience with the various electric (laser, radio, wire) motor steer style vs pedal with cable steering or hand control? Convenience, durability, reliability, etc? I like to fly fish, am concerned about wrapping line around cables and pedals. Is a bow mount worth the significant extra expense over a transom mount? Appreciate any recommendations you can offer. Thanks in advance.

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I’ve been using an old Minn Kota 28 lb transom mount electric, thinking of buying a new trolling motor for more power and better ability through weeds. Mostly fish bass and muskies, casting toward shore and working through weeds and around stumps.The boat is 16′ aluminum, side console, powered by 30 horse motor. I think I’ll need at least 48" shaft if I go bowmount, probably 36-42 pound thrust, 12 V. Any experience with the various electric (laser, radio, wire) motor steer style vs pedal with cable steering or hand control? Convenience, durability, reliability, etc? I like to fly fish, am concerned about wrapping line around cables and pedals. Is a bow mount worth the significant extra expense over a transom mount? Appreciate any recommendations you can offer. Thanks in advance.

Hi John, I’ve used a 24V Minn Kota Autopilot model 824 for the last 2 years on a 14.5 ft aluminium boat with a 35hp motor. The 824 is 48lb thrust and has a remote electric foot control (wire). For flyfishing, a  bow mount with remote control is essential if you are fishing structure for bass etc as you seem to be doing, esp. if your fishing with a partner. You can put the foot control on the rear casting deck but still steer from the front. The auto pilot option keeps pointing to a fixed heading (even though the boat may be pivoting around it). For fly fishing, this option means if you hook a big one close to snags you can point the motor to power away from the snag and then fight the fish without needing to make any other adjustments to your course (you need to fish with someone set up with it to believe it). I may up-grade to the wireless remote version (easy to do) which will get rid of the control wire, but if I coil the wire up carefully it is only a small, fairly snag free obstruction. I got 24v in preference to 12v because 2 x 12v batteries in 24v draw less current than 2 x 12v batteries at 12v. Lower current draw gives higher efficiency (longer life). Let me know if you want more detail. Cheers John Knight Sydney Fly Rodders’

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Question:

: I think you sighted Eugene Miya. He has not been seen here recently. Nope. Twern’t a wolverine. (Go Buckeyes)

What a jab. I could care less about organized sports. Dave – cruel, but fair – Mann

Gad, where’s you get that monker? Better to be fair and not cruel.

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Was he carrying a chainsaw?

        Oh, I’m a lumber jack, and I’m okay….

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Was he carrying a chainsaw?        Oh, I’m a lumber jack, and I’m okay….

But do you dress up in women’s just like dear old Papa?

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Was he carrying a chainsaw?        Oh, I’m a lumber jack, and I’m okay…. But do you dress up in women’s just like dear old Papa?

Naw, the old man was pretty butch. Most of the women I know associate with wear pants, too.

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I don’t see any reason why a woodchuck wouldn’t go up to 3000 feet–it’s not really that high. But, could your critter have been a mink? I don’t really know anything about the subtle differences between these weasly critters, but you didn’t mention mink as a possibility so I thought I’d throw it out there. Rob

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Dave – I have run into Pine Martins on 3 separate occasions in the Daks. (I used to own some Ferrets as well) 2 in trees and one on the ground. I even had a tug a war over a bag of oyster crackers one afternoon.  I was sitting on the edge of a lean to and she poked her head out from under the L/T and grabbed a bag of crackers that was in my hand (I was sitting, leaning down with my wrists on my knees). Your description sounds almost Identical to all 3 (One of the ones in the tree was at about 3800′. I stopped at a trail junction in February 96 for a break and heard a slight noise and turned my head and it was about 15 feet away standing on a spruce bough.  Scared the bejeepers outta me for a second.we both looked at each other and it climbed back across the branch   to the trunk and disappeared in the spruce thicket. Good luck Rick Story 46R#4217

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Dave, Did this critter have dark ears?  Cute bugger, dark ears, shortish face, black nose, blondish yellow body long black tail.  I can see it in my mind but can’t remember what it is. Jeff Wilson "And now these three remain; faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love." …… Seek harmony and balance in the mountains. Find harmony and balance within…..

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: I think you sighted Eugene Miya. He has not been seen here recently. Nope. Twern’t a wolverine. (Go Buckeyes) And it wasn’t Norman the Hedgehog and I wasn’t feeling paranoid. Dave – cruel, but fair – Mann

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: Woodchuck, Marten or Fisher? : The track was definitely in the weasle family. One clear : center pad with 5 distinct toes. The track was about 1 : inch across which puts it squarely in between the sizes : for the marten and fisher in my track book.

: I am going to venture to say….none of the above.  Based on your description I : would say it  was a mink. : Let me know what you think and we could go around on it for fun if need be. OK, I really goofed. I went back and checked my (tiny) track book and I was way off on the track sizes. The book puts the fisher track way up around 6.5 cm. The tracks I saw were no where near that big. So that rules out the fisher. Also, the book notes that woodchucks have only 4 toes on the front and the tracks we saw had 5 toes on all 4 feet. So that rules out the woodchuck for sure (shaking his head to clear the cobwebs), as if I don’t know what a woodchuck looks like. James, One thing that surprised me was how blonde this little guy was and how big of a contrast there was between the color of the body and the almost black tail. Are minks colored like this? Also, I noted that the rear quarters had lots of fluffy fur trailing off of the back edge of the legs. I have a mental picture of minks that is much sleeker. The pic in my book is inadequate on both acounts. Judging from tracks alone, I would guess either mink or marten and yes, being by the brook would favor the mink. But what about the coloration?

: leaves off.  The ones I’ve seen have been medium- to : dark-brown (no, they weren’t in the wild, they live : at the trailside museum at the Blue Hills, which is : part of their historic range).  As far as size, I I’m pretty partial to the Bobcat over there, myself. Dave Mann           | "It is impossible, or not easy, to do                     |  noble acts without the proper equipment."

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Woodchuck, Marten or Fisher? This weekend we scared a poor critter half to death. I want it to be a Fisher but I’m not sure. It was about the size of a house cat only lower. Perhaps 10" tall. It was a dark honey blonde in color and it had a dark brown tail — almost black. The tail looked to be about 8" long and bushy. I didn’t get a good look at the head and neck but it appeared that the neck was shorter and thicker than the drawings of Martens and Fishers that I’ve seen. But then again, the coloration was nothing like any woodchuck I’ve ever seen. For that matter, the body and tail didn’t look like a woodchuck. And it moved faaaast, a lot faster than any woodchuck I’ve chased out of my wife’s garden. We came across this little guy by still mostly frozen over stream in the northern Presis in NH at an altitude of 3000 feet — a bit high for woodchucks I would think but who knows.

Also a bit high for a river otter, I would think, but I’m not sure.  Did you consider that?  They are native to New England, not real common any more, but… They look very weasel-like, long and slinky and without lots of real definite widenings or narrowings where the head or neck or shoulders begin or the tail leaves off.  The ones I’ve seen have been medium- to dark-brown (no, they weren’t in the wild, they live at the trailside museum at the Blue Hills, which is part of their historic range).  As far as size, I think of them as x inches long rather than tall… from about 18" snout to tail to maybe 30" for the big ones.  They can move very fast, swim like seals, and are pretty smart IIRC. Anyway, it’s a very cool sighting.  Thanks for posting about it. — ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::         "They write books that contradict the rocks…"

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I think you sighted Eugene Miya. He has not been seen here recently.

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Was he carrying a chainsaw? — Jeff Wilson "And now these three remain; faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love." …… Seek harmony and balance in the mountains. Find harmony and balance within…..

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Woodchuck, Marten or Fisher? This weekend we scared a poor critter half to death. I want it to be a Fisher but I’m not sure. It was about the size of a house cat only lower. Perhaps 10" tall. It was a dark honey blonde in color and it had a dark brown tail — almost black. The tail looked to be about 8" long and bushy. I didn’t get a good look at the head and neck but it appeared that the neck was shorter and thicker than the drawings of Martens and Fishers that I’ve seen. But then again, the coloration was nothing like any woodchuck I’ve ever seen. For that matter, the body and tail didn’t look like a woodchuck. And it moved faaaast, a lot faster than any woodchuck I’ve chased out of my wife’s garden. We came across this little guy by still mostly frozen over stream in the northern Presis in NH at an altitude of 3000 feet — a bit high for woodchucks I would think but who knows. The track was definitely in the weasle family. One clear center pad with 5 distinct toes. The track was about 1 inch across which puts it squarely in between the sizes for the marten and fisher in my track book. This would suggest to me that it was a small fisher and not a monster marten. But again, who knows. The track was clear with no sign of any winter pad. My track book shows a padded winter track for the marten but despite the fact taht there was lots of snow on the ground, this is the end of April and I don’t know when the marten looses his winter pad, so I can’t really rule it out. The guide book I have notes that the marten usually stays up in a tree and his track is rarely seen. On the other hand, the fisher is commonly found around streams. This suggests to me that it was a fisher, just like the size does. So, I’ve convinced myself that it was NOT a marten and thus it was either a smallish fisher or a very ambitious (altitude-wise) woodchuck. What I don’t know anything about is the coloration of either the fisher or the marten. Anyone? Also, do woodchucks go up that high? Anyone? Really, it didn’t look anything like a woodchuck.

Dave, I am going to venture to say….none of the above.  Based on your description I would say it  was a mink. Let me know what you think and we could go around on it for fun if need be. James Ehlers Uncle Jammer’s Guide Service 1997 Guide of the Year Vermont Fly Fishing, Hunting, River and Woodland Outings http://pobox.com/~uncle

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Woodchuck, Marten or Fisher? This weekend we scared a poor critter half to death. I want it to be a Fisher but I’m not sure. It was about the size of a house cat only lower. Perhaps 10" tall. It was a dark honey blonde in color and it had a dark brown tail — almost black. The tail looked to be about 8" long and bushy. I didn’t get a good look at the head and neck but it appeared that the neck was shorter and thicker than the drawings of Martens and Fishers that I’ve seen. But then again, the coloration was nothing like any woodchuck I’ve ever seen. For that matter, the body and tail didn’t look like a woodchuck. And it moved faaaast, a lot faster than any woodchuck I’ve chased out of my wife’s garden. We came across this little guy by still mostly frozen over stream in the northern Presis in NH at an altitude of 3000 feet — a bit high for woodchucks I would think but who knows. The track was definitely in the weasle family. One clear center pad with 5 distinct toes. The track was about 1 inch across which puts it squarely in between the sizes for the marten and fisher in my track book. This would suggest to me that it was a small fisher and not a monster marten. But again, who knows. The track was clear with no sign of any winter pad. My track book shows a padded winter track for the marten but despite the fact taht there was lots of snow on the ground, this is the end of April and I don’t know when the marten looses his winter pad, so I can’t really rule it out. The guide book I have notes that the marten usually stays up in a tree and his track is rarely seen. On the other hand, the fisher is commonly found around streams. This suggests to me that it was a fisher, just like the size does. So, I’ve convinced myself that it was NOT a marten and thus it was either a smallish fisher or a very ambitious (altitude-wise) woodchuck. What I don’t know anything about is the coloration of either the fisher or the marten. Anyone? Also, do woodchucks go up that high? Anyone? Really, it didn’t look anything like a woodchuck. Dave Mann           | "It is impossible, or not easy, to do                     |  noble acts without the proper equipment."

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Question:

I’d like to cast my vote for stronger enforcement of the anti-snagging laws.  It is still going on, although no weighted treble hooks are in evidence.   Personally, I have all kinds of cute ideas for laws that would make lifting ineffective, but without enforcement, such laws would be meaningless.  Personally, I’ve spent four days on the Salmon River this year and have yet to see any DEC enforcement, or hear of any arrests. I’ve seen plenty of lifting going on, even in the flyfishing sections of the River. I’d also like to see better and more "real-time" reporting of river conditions.  A bad report might keep me from coming up on a given day, but no accurate reporting whatsoever leaves me with a level of risk, given my 5 hour drive to get to the River.  It might be good if someone were to post the current Niagara Mohawk release reports somewhere.  I’d like to see Jim Rusher at Whittakers do this, since he seems to have the best "river-oriented" site, but I understand that the cost of Niagara Mohawk’s 900 number could get a bit out of control…maybe a Chamber of Commerce opportunity lies in here. Bob Davis

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writes: Bob,

    Thanks for your comments. The C of C would be hard pressed to fund the purchase of a subscription to the Waterline # and I’m also sure that Waterline as a business would be less than pleased. You’r right though, timely water level conditions are of the utmost importance.     I’d be happy to share any info I have on conditions, etc. as I look out my back window at the river.     Today, the rains continued resulting in continued big water. My folks landed two rainbows in the upper fly zone, saw lots of fish in Trout Brook and saw plenty of snagging (unfortunately) in Oswego.     Regards,     Bill — Bill Fling                     Tel. (315) 298-3044 SALMON RIVER ANGLERS LODGE     FAX  (315) 298-2619 P.O. Box 353                   Rt. 13, Rome Road Pulaski, NY 13142-0353   ‘SALMON RIVER/LAKE ONTARIO SPORTFISHING REPORTS’             ‘http://www.salmon-river.com’

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I saw game wardens a few times this year on the river but they never seem to wander far from the parking areas.On the oswego river you see more wardens because it is a very easily accessable place to fish.They arent any more thrilled about going to work than average person so they really arent going to walk all that far to see if people are lifting farther up the river or not.I have seen many river guides lift fish and hand the rod right to there clients and of course the lifted fish was kept.Until we fisherman lose the "its going to die after spawning anyways"attitude the snagging will never stop.Maybe we should start a donate a roper program to help out the dec..

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Bill — Because NYS has finally banned snagging, I have started to fish the Salmon River, and therefore patronize local restaurants, tackle shops, etc. In my six visits so far this year, I have not seen any evidence of law enforcement. I have, however, noticed a lot of anglers who have foul-hooked chinooks and have been very negligent in their releases. Many do not bother to revive fish after they remove their hooks. In my opinion, more law enforcement and angler education is needed to help the Salmon River become a truly great fishery. Moreover, the Chamber might want to explore ways to help clean the River banks and trails from the mess of liter and old line. Such an effort would greatly enhance the Salmon River’s image and popularity among influential anglers. Lastly, the DEC should be given alot of credit for finally making a stand against snagging/lifting. Showing appreciation and support to them would probably go a long way in helping the future of the Salmon River and the people who make a living from it. PS: I refuse to patronize any establishment in the Pulaski-area that has fought against the ban on snagging (MacDonald’s, etc.). Bob Elliott, Rochester, NY – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – At its next meeting in late November, the Pulaski/Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce will be discussing the law enforcement detail here on the Salmon River. As president, I’d be interested in hearing about any FIRST HAND experiences you may have had this year. I’ll use your contributions as a springboard to open discussion. Thanks in advance, Bill — Bill Fling                     Tel. (315) 298-3044 SALMON RIVER ANGLERS LODGE     FAX  (315) 298-2619 P.O. Box 353                   Rt. 13, Rome Road Pulaski, NY 13142-0353   ‘SALMON RIVER/LAKE ONTARIO SPORTFISHING REPORTS’             ‘http://www.salmon-river.com’

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At its next meeting in late November, the Pulaski/Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce will be discussing the law enforcement detail here on the Salmon River. As president, I’d be interested in hearing about any FIRST HAND experiences you may have had this year. I’ll use your contributions as a springboard to open discussion. Thanks in advance, Bill — Bill Fling                     Tel. (315) 298-3044 SALMON RIVER ANGLERS LODGE     FAX  (315) 298-2619 P.O. Box 353                   Rt. 13, Rome Road Pulaski, NY 13142-0353   ‘SALMON RIVER/LAKE ONTARIO SPORTFISHING REPORTS’             ‘http://www.salmon-river.com’

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Question:

I’m relatively new both to fly fishing and the Seattle area. Would anyone out there have any suggestions on places to fish around here to fish, THAT ARE LEGAL.  I’m from Florida, and I’ve never seen so many closed and restricted areas in my life. Thanks, Bill Adams

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 I’m relatively new both to fly fishing and the Seattle area.  Would anyone out there have any suggestions on places to fish  around here to fish, THAT ARE LEGAL.  I’m from Florida, and  I’ve never seen so many closed and restricted areas in my life.

Get yourself a copy of _Washington_State_Fishing_Guide_by Stan Jones. It came out recently in it’s seventh edition.   Not only does it tell you how to get to every puddle or trickle in the state, it tells you what swims there as well.  As to what’s open when, if the regs don’t state otherwise, the lakes are open year round. The rivers all vary – you’ll need to check each river of interest in the regs.  There are a number of flyfishing only lakes and rivers and even more single barbless hook venues. Have fun!                       – Jewelee

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