Question:

You did hook 2 fish. I wouldn’t call that "utter failure" just a frustrating day.  Hooking none is "utter failure."  Now that’s happened to me more times than I want to count.   Joel Axelrad **DFD**

ditto.

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Heck, if I hook none but don’t fall in more than twice, I call that a successful day! Piker.  Frank calls it a record!        :) Wolfgang and we ain’t talkin’ pere here.

Yeah, but didn’t he turn pro a year or so ago?  I’m still an amachoor. vince

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Heck, if I hook none but don’t fall in more than twice, I call that a successful day! Piker.  Frank calls it a record!        :) Wolfgang and we ain’t talkin’ pere here. Yeah, but didn’t he turn pro a year or so ago?  I’m still an amachoor.

Yeah, as in music and ornithology, there’s still room in the world of sport for the gifted amateur.     Wolfgang

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Yeah, as in music and ornithology, there’s still room in the world of sport for the gifted amateur.     Wolfgang

The canary!  He sang, didn’t he?  He’s a lousy snitch.  But he wasn’t really a canary, now was he?  That song, that look, yes, he was a Citril Finch! Thought he had me fooled,  HAH!  Yeh, but I sent him into the mines anyway. BWAAAAHHAAAAHHAAHAHHHAAA!    Thank you very much. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply

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  Well, Sunday looked promising at the outset, at least for fishing the   heavily-fished Tulpehocken…..   Nothing I saw justified the blitz of feeding I saw. Sometimes, fly-fishing   can get like that, it’s just that I hate when it happens to me….Oh well, at   Sometimes two fish is a good day. other times, when you feel you "should" be catching more, it’s just frustrating. Glad to here you stream held up through the low water. I had been concerned about my home stretch of river and was glad when I started seeing some smaller fish feeding about a week or so ago. Yesterday morning, I went out about 8:00 and found a couple of large pods of fish in the skinny water ripping into the Trico duns coming off. Some of the rises were sedate sips but many were splashy lunges. The pod I fished had 10 to 15 fish feeding in water from six inches to a foot deep in an area about 15′ by 20′. I generally try and target a specific fish that I figure is a better one, but they were feeding in such a small area that their rise forms were overlapping. Although some of the rises indicated better fish, I figured the fish were small because of the energetic rises to such a small insect and because the better fish won’t generally surface feeding together in such a small area.  The hatch was pretty heavy and I was competing with lots of naturals. It was also difficult to get a good drift through the eddy where the fish were feeding. It probably took thirty casts before I got a take. The fish was a nice one and tore up the eddy where it was rising and took off downstream to a deep pool. After a spirited fight I landed a Brown of about 18". In the shallow water the fight put down the pod of fish I was targeting as well as the other pod that was downstream. I walked upstream a ways to look for some more fish, but by that time the sun was getting pretty direct and the shallow water looked barren although there were still lots of bugs. I only got one fish, but it was a good day. Glad to know at least some the better fish have made it through our over heated Summer. Willi

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ome small rusty colored mayflies and a You did hook 2 fish. I wouldn’t call that "utter failure"… Hooking none is "utter failure." Heck, if I hook none but don’t fall in more than twice, I call that a successful day!

Piker.  Frank calls it a record!        :) Wolfgang and we ain’t talkin’ pere here.

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ome small rusty colored mayflies and a You did hook 2 fish. I wouldn’t call that "utter failure"… Hooking none is "utter failure."

Heck, if I hook none but don’t fall in more than twice, I call that a successful day! vince

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utter failure my ass – that was just coitus interrruptus Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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utter failure my ass – that was just coitus interrruptus Peter

    you catholics just *will* have your say!     yfitons     wayno  (methodist to the core–which, in methodists, is about 32* fahrenheit.)

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – utter failure my ass – that was just coitus interrruptus Peter    you catholics just *will* have your say!    yfitons    wayno  (methodist to the core–which, in methodists, is about 32* fahrenheit.)

Nope, not me, I’m just the anglicized, pseudo version. with a catholic education. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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Peter notes: utter failure my ass – that was just coitus interrruptus

you may well be right….at any rate, I went back today as it cleared. Of course, I found less bugs by far and the usual fussy fish. Caught them, though, on deep nymphs (both caddis pupae and Zug Bugs), got two to take #18 Tan Elk Hair caddis.                              Tom

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You did hook 2 fish. I wouldn’t call that "utter failure" just a frustrating day.  Hooking none is "utter failure."  Now that’s happened to me more times than I want to count.  

If you got out of the house and went fishing, you already succeeded. Now, if you had spent the whole weekend at home doing yardwork… Kevin

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Joel writes: Hooking none is "utter failure."  Now that’s happened to me more times than I want to count.

fucking hemlocks!!<g

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Tom Littleton wrote… Well, Sunday looked promising at the outset, at least for fishing the heavily-fished Tulpehocken…..it was raining steadily. At 10 am, I drove over to the creek to investigate the situation. Usually, rainy days provide(along with very low fishing pressure), easy fishing for the trout of the Creek. This one promised no different, as my arrival was greeted by dozens of birds working over insects and the swirls of feeding fish everywhere. From that point, it went steadily awry, as I fished for over 3 hours. I hooked exactly two fish, both on a tan wet fly imitation(to my mind) the smaller caddis about. The numbers of feeding fish were staggering, the birds fed constantly, and I never did figure it out. I tried caddis, midges, tricos and little olives. I saw a few of each of those, along with some small rusty colored mayflies and a couple larger pale mayflies. No single insect seemed prevalent enough for the gauche display by the swallows, which literally dive-bombed the water throughout. Nothing I saw justified the blitz of feeding I saw. Sometimes, fly-fishing can get like that, it’s just that I hate when it happens to me….Oh well, at                                                                Tom

You did hook 2 fish. I wouldn’t call that "utter failure" just a frustrating day.  Hooking none is "utter failure."  Now that’s happened to me more times than I want to count.   Joel Axelrad **DFD**

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Well, Sunday looked promising at the outset, at least for fishing the heavily-fished Tulpehocken…..it was raining steadily. At 10 am, I drove over to the creek to investigate the situation. Usually, rainy days provide(along with very low fishing pressure), easy fishing for the trout of the Creek. This one promised no different, as my arrival was greeted by dozens of birds working over insects and the swirls of feeding fish everywhere. From that point, it went steadily awry, as I fished for over 3 hours. I hooked exactly two fish, both on a tan wet fly imitation(to my mind) the smaller caddis about. The numbers of feeding fish were staggering, the birds fed constantly, and I never did figure it out. I tried caddis, midges, tricos and little olives. I saw a few of each of those, along with some small rusty colored mayflies and a couple larger pale mayflies. No single insect seemed prevalent enough for the gauche display by the swallows, which literally dive-bombed the water throughout. Nothing I saw justified the blitz of feeding I saw. Sometimes, fly-fishing can get like that, it’s just that I hate when it happens to me….Oh well, at                                                                 Tom

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Question:

Hi, I haven’t received my flies yet Paul EARTHLINK SUCK

You were expecting the flies by e-mail?  I doubt it’s Earthlink’s problem. BTW – current plan is to be in NY Friday after all…  Fingers crossed and gear already in the car.

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I haven’t received my flies yet

Mine parcel arrived today.  I spent quite some time going over all of the flies.  The flies already mentioned, as well as the rest, are indeed nice flies.  One in particular really jumped out at me.  The woven soft hackle Isonychia nymph tied by Glenn Tippy really caught my eye.  I guess I kind of have a fascination with woven bodied flies but have limited myself to larger patterns in the past.  I keep fly swap flies for examples in my own endeavors and I plan on replicating this one after the conclave when I have some time to get out and shop for the materials.  I am also thinking about some modifications for different species, etc.  Oustanding tie Glenn and thanks for the inspiration. — Warren Findley Remove (nospamZZ) to respond via email http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt/

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Got home from vacation in NH today and found the package on top of the inevitable pile of junk mail.  Made taking the kayaks and canoe off the car, and all the other crap of unpacking, fly. Thanks to all. Glenn Tippy GKT

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Joe, I also received my flies in great shape a couple of weeks ago.  Sorry for the long delay in letting you know.  I have been busy at work and in fishing so I have been away from the group for the last two weeks.  Thanks guys for the great ties!  I hope mine met with everyone’s expectations if not let me know and I will tie you a better one and send it off to you. Later Ed Bleck AKA Didymus

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jay Peck is a friend of mine, a non – roffian, and  I invited him to join the swap.  He is from the Rochester area, and works as a guide at a fly shop there.  You must be, too, as is evidenced by your "Caledonia scud", no doubt intended for Spring Creek. Peter Collin Got the package of flies yesterday.  Looked them all over and everybody did a great job!  I am going fishing next week for 4 days and will be using them.  I am definitely going to try out that "Mink Coat" where I know it should work. Great job everybody Rob Hey Joe- Flies received safe and sound.  Good job.  Kudos to the swapmeister, and the flies are great as well. Who is Jay Peck, by the way (tied a burnt wing mayfly)?  Is he from the Rochester area? Scott Aha!  It is the same Jay– a talented guy.  I know he’s a fine tyer, and pretty well represented in pattern books dedicated to the Northeast.  He works out of Coleman’s (of Tony Germuga fame )  He’s a very talented guide and salmon and steelhead fisherman.  I think Rick Kustich also uses some of his photographs in his books. Peter–where do you fish?  Lets get together sometime when you’re in the area.  You’re dead-on about my poor excuse for a scud.  I would have tied them better if I knew Jay was going to see it!!  My understanding is that it was designed to hide the lead for way back when Spring Creek was no-lead. Another historical fly from that era was the "Nickel Nymph", which was tied on a huge hook.  I think that pattern called for Condor!!  I would love to get my hands on one of those flies. Scott

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How did you get those? Those were extra flies I tied for the swap meister. I put them in an envelope that said swap meister on the front.

I’m back at the hotel & have only had one beer so far, so here’s the simple explanation:   I had everybody tie 25 flies so they would get one of their own back in the fly swap set.   That way, I didn’t have to keep track of who’s set was who’s.   However, a few guys miscounted & only sent 24.   For those guys, I put their name on the plastic cup, & skipped them when sorting their respective sets of flies.  They didn’t get one of their own, but everybody else did.   Simple so far, eh?  (If anyone didn’t get one of their own flies in the swap, that’s why.) Well, yours (Dave) was one of the first sets I sorted, & because you labelled those two little envelopes, I mentally assigned the first two cups to Paul Goodwin (photos) & myself (swapmeister).   I put the correct envelopes into the correct cups.   Then I came across the first set of 24 (instead of 25) & forgetting what I’d done earlier, I must have taped Peter’s name on the second cup since he was the first "swapper-specific" set.   Later on, to my surprise, it turned out that I too had miscounted (only 24) & had to put my name on a cup to skip as well.   Unfortunately, it was not the same cup I’d put your "Swapmeister" envelope in. Told you it was a simple explanation.  :-) Joe F. DDFS alum.

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Would you like them back?  I’d hate to cheat the swapmeister!  Or is this like the ball games, where you get to keep the ones that go into the stands? Pete

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, both were in the little manila envelope that said "swapmeister". But I didn’t know Joe was doing three patterns.  Maybe they were strays that somehow fell into the pile.  I’ll consider them a bonus. Oops.   I didn’t tie those (& from my hotel room here I can’t remember who did), but that swapper identified one envelope for the photos & one for me personally.   In my haste, I screwed up & sent that one to you (I remember how, but it’s too complicated before breakfast <g).  I pretty much packed the boxes, mailed ‘em, & headed out of town, so I wouldn’t have realized my mistake for a week or so.   If that’s my only screw up, I’ll be happy. Joe F. DDFSwapmeister (who figured out the internet connection in his hotel room)

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jay Peck is a friend of mine, a non – roffian, and  I invited him to join the swap.  He is from the Rochester area, and works as a guide at a fly shop there.  You must be, too, as is evidenced by your "Caledonia scud", no doubt intended for Spring Creek. Peter Collin Got the package of flies yesterday.  Looked them all over and everybody did a great job!  I am going fishing next week for 4 days and will be using them.  I am definitely going to try out that "Mink Coat" where I know it should work. Great job everybody Rob Hey Joe- Flies received safe and sound.  Good job.  Kudos to the swapmeister, and the flies are great as well. Who is Jay Peck, by the way (tied a burnt wing mayfly)?  Is he from the Rochester area? Scott

Aha!  It is the same Jay– a talented guy.  I know he’s a fine tyer, and pretty well represented in pattern books dedicated to the Northeast.  He works out of Coleman’s (of Tony Germuga fame )  He’s a very talented guide and salmon and steelhead fisherman.  I think Rick Kustich also uses some of his photographs in his books. Peter–where do you fish?  Lets get together sometime when you’re in the area.  You’re dead-on about my poor excuse for a scud.  I would have tied them better if I knew Jay was going to see it!!  My understanding is that it was designed to hide the lead for way back when Spring Creek was no-lead.   Another historical fly from that era was the "Nickel Nymph", which was tied on a huge hook.  I think that pattern called for Condor!!  I would love to get my hands on one of those flies. Scott

Response:

Jay Peck is a friend of mine, a non – roffian, and  I invited him to join the swap.  He is from the Rochester area, and works as a guide at a fly shop there.  You must be, too, as is evidenced by your "Caledonia scud", no doubt intended for Spring Creek. Peter Collin

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Got the package of flies yesterday.  Looked them all over and everybody did a great job!  I am going fishing next week for 4 days and will be using them.  I am definitely going to try out that "Mink Coat" where I know it should work. Great job everybody Rob Hey Joe- Flies received safe and sound.  Good job.  Kudos to the swapmeister, and the flies are great as well. Who is Jay Peck, by the way (tied a burnt wing mayfly)?  Is he from the Rochester area? Scott

Response:

Got the package of flies yesterday.  Looked them all over and everybody did a great job!  I am going fishing next week for 4 days and will be using them.  I am definitely going to try out that "Mink Coat" where I know it should work. Great job everybody Rob

Hey Joe- Flies received safe and sound.  Good job.  Kudos to the swapmeister, and the flies are great as well. Who is Jay Peck, by the way (tied a burnt wing mayfly)?  Is he from the Rochester area? Scott

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How did you get those? Those were extra flies I tied for the swap meister. I put them in an envelope that said swap meister on the front. Any ways the red one is an electric leach and the streamer is called cutt bait. The streamer is actually a saltwater pattern I use for sea run cutts and salmon but I figure there are green back minnows anywhere in the world. Later Dave —

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There were two flies I go with no tag on them.  One was a red woolybuggery sort of  thing and the other was a chartreuse streamer.  Can anybody claim these? Peter Collin

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Well, both were in the little manila envelope that said "swapmeister". But I didn’t know Joe was doing three patterns.  Maybe they were strays that somehow fell into the pile.  I’ll consider them a bonus.

Oops.   I didn’t tie those (& from my hotel room here I can’t remember who did), but that swapper identified one envelope for the photos & one for me personally.   In my haste, I screwed up & sent that one to you (I remember how, but it’s too complicated before breakfast <g).  I pretty much packed the boxes, mailed ‘em, & headed out of town, so I wouldn’t have realized my mistake for a week or so.   If that’s my only screw up, I’ll be happy. Joe F. DDFSwapmeister (who figured out the internet connection in his hotel room)

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Well, both were in the little manila envelope that said "swapmeister".  But I didn’t know Joe was doing three patterns.  Maybe they were strays that somehow fell into the pile.  I’ll consider them a bonus. Peter Collin

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Got the package of flies yesterday.  Looked them all over and everybody did a great job!  I am going fishing next week for 4 days and will be using them.  I am definitely going to try out that "Mink Coat" where I know it should work. Great job everybody Rob

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I think my favorite was the Madame X.  It was tied very expertly, and is the kind of floating attractor that works well on my local streams. Peter Collin

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!! Definitely an inspiration to improve upon my skills for the next swap to come. tight lines to all…… Thom Adams – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Got the package of flies yesterday.  Looked them all over and everybody did a great job!  I am going fishing next week for 4 days and will be using them.  I am definitely going to try out that "Mink Coat" where I know it should work. Great job everybody Rob

Response:

There were two flies I go with no tag on them.  One was a red woolybuggery sort of  thing and the other was a chartreuse streamer.  Can anybody claim these? Peter Collin

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There were two flies I go with no tag on them.  One was a red woolybuggery sort of  thing and the other was a chartreuse streamer.  Can anybody claim these?

Hmmm, I don’t see those in my collection, so I’ll take a guess.  Since there’s no red anything in my box it might be mine.  Is it a pinkish orange foam body with a white comparadun style wing and a bushy brown tail?  If so, it’s my Orange Woof bluegill fly (some of them had green rubber legs, some didn’t).  The streamer might be Big Dale’s Foam Spider.  Does it have rubber legs?

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I could be wrong, but I have some of Big D’s foam spiders and I don’t believe they would be considered streamers.  However, he could very well have tied a different type of foam spider pattern than I have, I guess? Op

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There were two flies I go with no tag on them.  One was a red woolybuggery sort of  thing and the other was a chartreuse streamer.  Can anybody claim these? Hmmm, I don’t see those in my collection, so I’ll take a guess.  Since there’s no red anything in my box it might be mine.  Is it a pinkish orange foam body with a white comparadun style wing and a bushy brown tail?  If so, it’s my Orange Woof bluegill fly (some of them had green rubber legs, some didn’t).  The streamer might be Big Dale’s Foam Spider.  Does it have rubber legs?

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I could be wrong, but I have some of Big D’s foam spiders and I don’t believe they would be considered streamers.  However, he could very well have tied a different type of foam spider pattern than I have, I guess? Op

I wouldn’t call it a streamer but it has a marabou tail and is the right color.  Nothing else really looks like a streamer except for Joe’s Madame X (bullethead deer hair) and Wayne’s Mink Coat. I’m hoping we can get Paul Goodwin to do pics next week which will end all speculation.  It’s in your court Paul, the database is set up. –Stan

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Hi, I haven’t received my flies yet Paul EARTHLINK SUCK

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I could be wrong, but I have some of Big D’s foam spiders and I don’t believe they would be considered streamers.  However, he could very well have tied a different type of foam spider pattern than I have, I guess? Op I wouldn’t call it a streamer but it has a marabou tail and is the right color.  Nothing else really looks like a streamer except for Joe’s Madame X (bullethead deer hair) and Wayne’s Mink Coat. I’m hoping we can get Paul Goodwin to do pics next week which will end all speculation.  It’s in your court Paul, the database is set up. –Stan

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Question:

. Cheap rod a child can use I should have mentioned, this is for a 2 year old. Rick

Depends on fishing habits and conditions. Your normal habits will of course have to change, mainly taking turns while the "sitter" of the moment explores nature, a little splashing, turning over rocks, touching moss-bark-worms-mud etc. a chest pak carrier (with the child facing forward) provides security, restraint, and mobility.  Of course the child will not remember it later but you will, as a most wondrous phase in your lives. I can tell you that as the family grows your fishing habits will continue change culminating with a trip with the grand children. Maybe if you are as lucky as me, Great grand children and the realization of how blessed your life has been and what fun fishing buddies you have.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Find another couple with the same problem. Their passion doesn’t have to be fishing, could be golf, tennis, whatever.  The couples take turns looking after the other’s child.  Since the visiting child gets to play with a new playmate and toys, interest should not be a problem. Peter Damn!  I hate it when people give sound and thoughtful advice. Opie  –Planning for the Past– Really.  I was waiting for some wag to suggest giving the kid a box of treble hooks the night before and then letting the doctors and your HMO take care of it from there, or something in equally poor taste…<G. Seriously, I liked the idea of taking the child, but the parents taking turns fishing.  Heck, by three or four, I was fishing – not quite with a fly yet, and not quite catching much (I’m not sure if I even had a complete hook – hey, if it’s not dynamite or electricity, it’s called _fishing_, not catching), but it taught me patience, etc. If that’s not practical, Peter’s idea seems pretty decent – maybe even find another couple in similar position (or even better, one non-fisher) and three can fish while one watches the kiddos. TC, R

BRAGGING RIGHTS::: At four my great grandson caught his first trophy large mouth, "gramps" cast,(we hadn’t known he was a lefty then) and lipped it. He did the rest. 21.5" of galloping bass, I’m surprised you didn’t hear me whooping.

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Will send you a video one day just to prove it )

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Admittedly I would never take my kids fishing they are obnoxious and annoying. LOL.  This is one of the funniest lines I’ve read on ROFF (I hope you intended it that way) and a sure candidate for Brutally Honest Comment of the Year. JR

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"Jo" < Admittedly I would never take my kids fishing they are obnoxious and annoying.

… Bad habits can be broken…… john

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You havent met my kids with a fishing rod 2 out of three are officially hyperactive and the other one is a budding self absorbed model god forbid any dirt attaching itself to that one. Fishing is actually stressful with them.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "Jo" < Admittedly I would never take my kids fishing they are obnoxious and annoying. … Bad habits can be broken…… john

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not much will stop a fishing couple from fishing, but lack of child care will do it. I’m wondering how others have handled this at fishing destinations? Lodges with kids programs? Day cares in town? I know that it’s always possible to hire a local person as a sitter, but I’m thinking more about organized, professional care which will be more fun for the child. TIA, Rick

I’ve got an almost-two year old myself, and I went on two vacations in two months–Maui in December and Orlando in January. During the trip to Maui, my mother came up from Raleigh, NC to PA and stayed at our house with the baby.  Baby sleeps in her own bed, gets spoiled by grandma for 8 days, loves it.  Baby learns to say "Hawaii" and locate the islands on the globe.  Mom & Dad enjoy the islands for a week. During the trip to FL, my grandmother & aunt (both live practically next door) shared the same duties as my mom did a month earlier.  Baby sleeps in own bed, gets spoiled by auntie & great-grandma for a 4-day weekend.  Mom & Dad bring home ‘mouse ears’ for baby, in an effort to remove the mouse ears, baby snaps elastic chin strap against face, cries vigorously.  Mom & Dad supress laughter (mostly). My tactic so far has been simple:  don’t take the kid. I share your dilemma.  Life with two year old is not really the ideal situation for spending day after day astream, especially if Mom wants to go fishing as badly as Dad does… The ‘find a couple and share babysitting’ plan is a good one.  You could probably get 6 weekends/year from that plan.  One weekend/month/couple:  one month you babysit, one month they babysit. If your life is anything like mine (hectic), one weekend every other month is probably as often as you can get away. Basically, my advice is this:  FAMILY.  Grandparents, great- grandparents (if your child is so lucky) aunts & uncles, etc.  They’re the best babysitters money can buy (free), and they’ll treat your child like family–obviously.  And most kids think of grandma or a favorite aunt/uncle as being at least as fun as the county fair, if not better. If you can get a family member to staty at your house, so much the better.  Thell them to pay-per-view anything they’d like, give them some $$$ for ordering pizza, etc., and make sure they know where the local park is and how to get there. If you don’t have any family in driving distance, consider moving. Unless, that is, you live far from family by design. <g  In which case I have no worthwhile advice for you. Some weekends, I’d give anything for a few hours of privacy (wink wink, nod nod) with the spousal unit.  I don’t care if the baby lives on M&Ms and Potato Chips for the entire weekend–just make sure there’s no crying in the background when I call to see how things are and I’ll have a good time without baby. With the upcomping Penns Clave, the wife & I are considering buying a big cabin tent (we live less than an hour from Coburn) and taking baby camping for the first time.  I’ve got some misgivings about exposing wife and baby to ROFFians, but it’s a possibility.  Wife doesn’t fly fish (yet), and baby will probably want to throw rocks in creek all day, but I’ve yet to find a better way to spend lots of time at the Clave.  Since we’re less than an hour from home, the worst that could happen is that we all go home at night. Tom G constantly struggling to find time to fish

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Not only family but friends are good resources.  Last time we took boys fishing (one good ol’ boy and one city boy), we went with Ol’ Whiskerface’s buddy.  One day, I’d take the kids sightseeing (indian ruins, big rocks, A&W rootbeer), the next day one or both menfolks would take one or both boys fishing, while I caught dinner.  We kinda "spread the wealth."  Now both boys all groan up and never call their mother.  Enjoy the little beggers while you can. Bob’s Wife in El Paso. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m wondering how others have handled this at fishing destinations? Basically, my advice is this:  FAMILY.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Find another couple with the same problem. Their passion doesn’t have to be fishing, could be golf, tennis, whatever.  The couples take turns looking after the other’s child.  Since the visiting child gets to play with a new playmate and toys, interest should not be a problem. Peter Damn!  I hate it when people give sound and thoughtful advice. Opie  –Planning for the Past–

Really.  I was waiting for some wag to suggest giving the kid a box of treble hooks the night before and then letting the doctors and your HMO take care of it from there, or something in equally poor taste…<G. Seriously, I liked the idea of taking the child, but the parents taking turns fishing.  Heck, by three or four, I was fishing – not quite with a fly yet, and not quite catching much (I’m not sure if I even had a complete hook – hey, if it’s not dynamite or electricity, it’s called _fishing_, not catching), but it taught me patience, etc. If that’s not practical, Peter’s idea seems pretty decent – maybe even find another couple in similar position (or even better, one non-fisher) and three can fish while one watches the kiddos.   TC, R – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Life as you knew is over. Some good tips in this thread but none that will make it like it was.  One reason there is so many geezers in roff is they have to wait till the kids leave and the dog dies to get back to fly fishing.  Fish when you can enjoy the kid. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not much will stop a fishing couple from fishing, but lack of child care will do it.

Response:

Not much will stop a fishing couple from fishing, but lack of child care will do it. I’m wondering how others have handled this at fishing destinations?      None of my exes ever minded being left back at the cabin to watch the kids. Ummm, let me reword that, umm oh cripes, I think I’m starting to understand something.                   Charlie,                   getting in touch with my feminine side

    I think I know what you’re saying. My wife, when annoyed one time after I came home from a six hour round, asked me if I ever wondered why the 3 other guys in my Sunday morning foursome are all divorced.                                     Kelly

Response:

[snip]     I think I know what you’re saying. My wife, when annoyed one time after I came home from a six hour round, asked me if I ever wondered why the 3 other guys in my Sunday morning foursome are all divorced.                                     Kelly

the answers are: "Because I have a wonderful wife and their wives were real B^%$^s"  or "Now don’t go putting any silly ideas in my head"

Response:

I was expecting to hear something about lodges with rivers and kid programs, but I’d forgotten the warmth, creativity and thoughtfulness of this list. Several of the responses had me roaring with laughter. Thanks. Rick

Response:

I was expecting to hear something about lodges with rivers and kid programs, but I’d forgotten the warmth, creativity and thoughtfulness of this list. Several of the responses had me roaring with laughter. Thanks. Rick

All in a days work, Rick! As a single guy for 42 years, you damn sure don’t want a serious reply from me.  Besides, I wouldn’t have a clue what to suggest.  But I have heard that bears are nurturing critters, to a point. Opie  –Planning for the Past–

Response:

Seriously I think the only thing that would come close is taking the kid,…I have a friend who had been fly fishing with her dad since the age of 3 she is now 50 and coaches top fly fishers herself. Some of us are really lucky to have understanding spouses, in fact mine cancelled a golf afternoon without a blink because I planned to go fishing away for a weekend and forgot to tell him. Admittedly I would never take my kids fishing they are obnoxious and annoying.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was expecting to hear something about lodges with rivers and kid programs, but I’d forgotten the warmth, creativity and thoughtfulness of this list. Several of the responses had me roaring with laughter. Thanks. Rick

Response:

Admittedly I would never take my kids fishing they are obnoxious and annoying.

LOL.  This is one of the funniest lines I’ve read on ROFF (I hope you intended it that way) and a sure candidate for Brutally Honest Comment of the Year. JR

Response:

Not much will stop a fishing couple from fishing, but lack of child care will do it. I’m wondering how others have handled this at fishing destinations? Lodges with kids programs? Day cares in town? I know that it’s always possible to hire a local person as a sitter, but I’m thinking more about organized, professional care which will be more fun for the child. TIA, Rick

Response:

Cheap rod a child can use

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not much will stop a fishing couple from fishing, but lack of child care will do it. I’m wondering how others have handled this at fishing destinations? Lodges with kids programs? Day cares in town? I know that it’s always possible to hire a local person as a sitter, but I’m thinking more about organized, professional care which will be more fun for the child. TIA, Rick

Response:

. Cheap rod a child can use I should have mentioned, this is for a 2 year old. Rick

Response:

Not much will stop a fishing couple from fishing, but lack of child care will do it. I’m wondering how others have handled this at fishing destinations?

Each of you fish half a day. There’ll be plenty of time for romance fishing when the kid’s older. –Steve (hey, you asked…)

Response:

Children are God’s way of telling you that you have no business enjoying life. As toddlers they take up your time because they are helpless otherwise. As adolescents they must be shuttled to and fro from one activity to the next. As teenagers they are mean, nasty, vulgar little shits that may or may not require bail. As young adults they seem to have finally gotten their shit together, but will eventually destroy what is left of your sanity. As full grown adults they will fight with their siblings over some supposed fortune you are planning to leave, and then place you and your spouse in separate retirement homes. Realize of course that I speak from experience as a single guy.  BTW, mom and dad left me with nothing and they are presently communicating via the USPS, because I wouldn’t pay to have phone installed in their rooms at Shady Lake and Happy Trails Retirement Centers. Opie  –Bastard Son–

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not much will stop a fishing couple from fishing, but lack of child care will do it. I’m wondering how others have handled this at fishing destinations? Lodges with kids programs? Day cares in town? I know that it’s always possible to hire a local person as a sitter, but I’m thinking more about organized, professional care which will be more fun for the child. TIA, Rick

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not much will stop a fishing couple from fishing, but lack of child care will do it. I’m wondering how others have handled this at fishing destinations? Lodges with kids programs? Day cares in town? I know that it’s always possible to hire a local person as a sitter, but I’m thinking more about organized, professional care which will be more fun for the child. TIA, Rick

Find another couple with the same problem. Their passion doesn’t have to be fishing, could be golf, tennis, whatever.  The couples take turns looking after the other’s child.  Since the visiting child gets to play with a new playmate and toys, interest should not be a problem. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Find another couple with the same problem. Their passion doesn’t have to be fishing, could be golf, tennis, whatever.  The couples take turns looking after the other’s child.  Since the visiting child gets to play with a new playmate and toys, interest should not be a problem. Peter

Damn!  I hate it when people give sound and thoughtful advice. Opie  –Planning for the Past–

Response:

Damn!  I hate it when people give sound and thoughtful advice. Opie  –Planning for the Past–

It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s gotta do it. Peter

Response:

Not much will stop a fishing couple from fishing, but lack of child care will do it. I’m wondering how others have handled this at fishing destinations?

     None of my exes ever minded being left back at the cabin to watch the kids. Ummm, let me reword that, umm oh cripes, I think I’m starting to understand something.                   Charlie,                   getting in touch with my feminine side

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Question:

Don’t tell me that all of us haven’t told the occaisional little fib about where the good fishing is from time to time to keep a good spot to ourselves, or at least keep the crowd down a little. Fisherman have had a reputation for being outrageous liars since man started using worms for bait and I know we haven’t come down out of that tree yet. I have told my share in the past and i can pretty much guarantee that I will continue to do so, especially as my favorite spots become more and more crowded. Sure, the mob scene on the tailwaters can be fun, the fish still outnumber the people on most of them, but a guy has to be alone in the mountains every once in a while. John Before you buy.

Response:

Actually although not specific, these are my close in favorites. As for fishermen lying, I’m sorry but I have no reason to lie. I actually fished a lake where the bass averaged over ten pounds(had to spool a zebco 404 with35lb test to hold them out from pilings. One bass I caught out of that lake had to have his tail bent to go in a freezer door after beheading. Unfortunately the state of Florida deemed it a dieing lake and drew it down. I caught Stump knockers out of  it on the fly. I had to use a 5wt. they went 1 to 2 pounds. Right now the speck (crappy) minimum limit is 12" for Lake Monroe. If you choose not to believe it so be it. John Popp in Sanford Fl. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Don’t tell me that all of us haven’t told the occaisional little fib about where the good fishing is from time to time to keep a good spot to ourselves, or at least keep the crowd down a little. Fisherman have had a reputation for being outrageous liars since man started using worms for bait and I know we haven’t come down out of that tree yet. I have told my share in the past and i can pretty much guarantee that I will continue to do so, especially as my favorite spots become more and more crowded. Sure, the mob scene on the tailwaters can be fun, the fish still outnumber the people on most of them, but a guy has to be alone in the mountains every once in a while. John Before you buy.

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Question:

I am considering the purchase of Gortex waders (simms guide model) and I was wondering what people’s experience has been regarding the durability of these waders as compared with neoprene.  I have heard that they are very subject to developing leaks,  I am very tough on equipment and would crawl over glass and through barb wire to get to fish.  I am most interested in what your actual experince has been with these products and not what somebody said. Thanks for input, T. Frank

Response:

I am considering the purchase of Gortex waders (simms guide model) and I was wondering what people’s experience has been regarding the durability of these waders as compared with neoprene.  I have heard that they are very subject to developing leaks,  I am very tough on equipment and would crawl over glass and through barb wire to get to fish.  I am most interested in what your actual experince has been with these products and not what somebody said. Thanks for input, T. Frank

Although I don’t have any, the reason I don’t is my friends who do all had leaks. Some soon, some later, but all have had leaks so far. One friend has returned his waders 3 times, but they were an earlier model of a popular but unmentioned muanufacturer. (their service in exchanging them has been quite good.) The Simms guide model looks and fits great in extended sizes, but I have resisted the temptation so far. Don’t know anyone who has them yet. For now I’m sticking to nylon or supplex and neoprene. Kevin Williams

Response:

I am considering the purchase of Gortex waders (simms guide model) and I was wondering what people’s experience has been regarding the durability of these waders as compared with neoprene. I have heard that they are very subject to developing leaks,  I am very tough on equipment and would crawl over glass and through barb wire to get to fish.  I am most interested in what your actual experince has been with these products and not what somebody said.

I’ve got a pair of Simms Gortex with about 150 hours on them with no problems but I’m real easy on equipment.  OTOH, I developed a leak in a pair neoprenes in the first 10 hours of use. John Johnson Atlanta, GA

Response:

I have been using the Simms Gor-Tex for about 1 year. They are the most comfortable wader I’ve worn. If you walk thru briars, barbed wire, etc. you are going to get leaks. Mine have been of the pinhole variety and are easily patched on the inside. I think they are not as durable as neoprene but the are certainly a lot more comfortable. GL. Jack.

Response:

I am considering the purchase of Gortex waders (simms guide model) and I was wondering what people’s experience has been regarding the durability of these waders as compared with neoprene. I have heard that they are very subject to developing leaks,  I am very tough on equipment and would crawl over glass and through barb wire to get to fish.  I am most interested in what your actual experince has been with these products and not what somebody said. Thanks for input, T. Frank

Hi I’m on my second season guiding with a pair of Simms Gortex.  They are the best investment I’ve ever made in the direction of my personal comfort.  Even in 100 degree heat I’m as comfortable as if I were wearing a pair of jeans. Regarding leaks:  The fine Goretex lining is subject pin hole leeks caused by nettles, thistles, etc.  The type of pointy objects that that will slip between the fibers on the outside protecting fabric and puncture the inner membrane.  The outside fabric is really quite tough so glass and barbed wire are less of a problem than the real fine pointed things I just mentioned. When I got my waders I bought a repair kit.  It’s real easy to use even on the stream if need be but the pin hole leeks are not like a leek in a regular wader.  They just kind of seep.  When I notice a wet spot on my jeans when I remove the waders at the end of the day I wait until I get home to fix them.  At home I reverse the waders and fill the reversed leg with water from a hose and mark the leek with a felt tip pen, empty the waders and hang them up to dry.  About an hour later I put on the goop and 20 minutes after that the patch and the waders are ready to go.  I consider this a very small price to pay for the incredible comfort I get as a result.  No more sweat soaked poly long handles for me, thank you. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response:

Question:

The reason is pretty simple, I guess. The popularity of FF is right in the beginning and hasn’t reached it’s peak so far. Sometimes you cannot wait until everything is destroyed and devastated, you should do something before that happens. I think that thinking about how to manage a crowd flooding our rivers (and I don’t mean trout) is a legal and necessary.                              Thomas    I hate crowded streams as much or more than anyone, but I have never seen conditions that would actually "destry or devastate" a stream.  Before anyone goes crazy regulating access, etc they had better remember that government is notoriously hard to undo.  Any regulations will, for all practical purposes, be permanent.   Rob Gregoire

It is not enough to examine legislation in the light of the benefits it will convey if properly administered. It must also be minutely scrutinized in the light of the wrongs it would do and the harms it would cause if improperly administered… dWEST — Who is wise? He who learns from everyone.

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I heard about GA stocking.  How do the locals dig out the trout after they free-fall and auger into the mud?  Though some hardware anglers in VA spread the word about the arrival of a stocking truck, I don’t believe they ever used the term "in-coming" for such an event.  I do know of a guy named Jeff in Carroll County, VA, who would be ready for aerial stocking with a landing/rescue net from the local FD. VA Angler

Response:

Why not just stop worrying about it and wait untill this bolus of popularity passes through the system. — "A Bad Day Fishing Is Better Than A Good Day At Work" Web Page:  http://www.tiac.net/users/macaw

The reason is pretty simple, I guess. The popularity of FF is right in the beginning and hasn’t reached it’s peak so far. Sometimes you cannot wait until everything is destroyed and devastated, you should do something before that happens. I think that thinking about how to manage a crowd flooding our rivers (and I don’t mean trout) is a legal and necessary.                               Thomas

Response:

Why not just stop worrying about it and wait untill this bolus of popularity passes through the system. — The reason is pretty simple, I guess. The popularity of FF is right in the beginning and hasn’t reached it’s peak so far. Sometimes you cannot wait until everything is destroyed and devastated, you should do something before that happens. I think that thinking about how to manage a crowd flooding our rivers (and I don’t mean trout) is a legal and necessary.                              Thomas

    I hate crowded streams as much or more than anyone, but I have never seen conditions that would actually "destry or devastate" a stream.  Before anyone goes crazy regulating access, etc they had better remember that government is notoriously hard to undo.  Any regulations will, for all practical purposes, be permanent.    Rob Gregoire

Response:

"Most of these people are too lazy to walk upstream to where the real fishing is.  Maybe that is why  they stock close to roads." Or maybe it is because hachery trucks don’t fly.                         Mike in PDX                "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                                            Tom McGuane

Response:

Or maybe it is because hachery trucks don’t fly.

Yes they do!  The State uses helicopters to stock sections of at least one river here in GA. Johnny

Response:

Or maybe it is because hachery trucks don’t fly. Yes they do!  The State uses helicopters to stock sections of at least one river here in GA. Johnny

  A large number of High lakes in the Sierra  are stocked by air as well. When you see it ,it scares the hell out of you, large USFS like tankers unload on the lake. Cutbacks are in line for that program from what I understand   Harry

Response:

A good river can handle a lot of good fisherpersons.  A few inconsiderate fisherpersons will mess up any river.  Remember also that the more people who buy licenses, the more money the stocking programs will have, although I usually avoid heavily planted areas.  Catch and release and tread lightly, support your local river protection groups. See ya on the river, Mike

Response:

"Remember also that the more people who buy licenses, the more money the stocking programs will have" Excellent point.  Best reason to not buy a license that I’ve hear recently.                         Mike in PDX                "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                                            Tom McGuane

Response:

Or maybe it is because hachery trucks don’t fly. Yes they do!  The State uses helicopters to stock sections of at least one river here in GA. Johnny

There is a significant difference between a helicopter and a truck. Therefore, I think Brother Leitheiser is pretty close to correct in his conclusion. <BSEG CZW — Virtuous and vicious everyone must be, Few in the extreme, but all in the degree.

Response:

That flyfishing may be ruined by too many people doing it is as likely as sunrises being ruined by too many people watching them.

This comparison would certainly be valid if flyfishing didn’t involve fish… Tim —

Response:

Seems like the only place around here that there is any pressure is within short walking distance to any road.  Most of these people are too lazy to walk upstream to where the real fishing is.  Maybe that is why they stock close to roads.  Keeps the animals away from the quality and peaceful fishing areas. –

Response:

That flyfishing may be ruined by too many people doing it is as likely as sunrises being ruined by too many people watching them. As long as some places get crowded, some people will make the extra effort to seek out their own special place. Eventually they will learn to be selective about with whom they share that treasure. If everyone were flyfishing they wouldn’t have time to screw up the environment or the economy, commit crimes against persons or do any number of things that make a brief and too infrequent escape from the present everyday world so appealing. Just a thought… — Ken Clark Ft. Lupton, CO

Response:

A common thread in this group is that fly-fishing has been ruined.  I agree that the sport has been over-commercialized and some of the old waters are over-crowded.  HOWEVER, I have managed to find some magnificent streams in the states where I have lived (ID, MT, MN).  Sure, the Henry’s Fork is packed and the FF experience there has been seriously degraded, but half of the fun is EXPLORATION of unknown watersheds. A second thread I would like to address is the idea that Fly-Fishing goes through 5 steps.  Recreation/Leisure research has shown that, for any sport, the more one pursues that sport, the more they transcend from the simple physical aspects of the sport to focus on the spiritual/intellectual aspects.  Similarly, a geographic perspective has shown that as Fly-Fishers become more experienced in their sport, access requirements become less strict.  Car access gives way to short foot trail access to long trails to trailless access.  I hypothesis that there is a direct correlation between difficulty of access and the level of experience. Good gosh, I sound like a bean-headed academic!  Guess I am – but I’m also a FF who finds his old Eagle Claw pack rod completely sufficient, enjoys a cold beer instead of the requisite scotch and attempts to minimize the load of hardware when going into the field. Oh yeah, one more thing – Remember hang-gliding and those other "faddish" sports?  I know people that were really into golf in the late 80s & early 90s – now they’re into FF.  Fads change & typically take the fad-seeking population with them. Just some thoughts to help pass an extremely cold day in the frozen wastelands of northern Minnesota. Jonathan Vlaming Duluth, MN temp this morning: -43 w/out windchill factor

Response:

Question:

I am new to fly fishing and need advice on what type and brand of rod is best to buy. I will probably be doing most of my fishing on the rivers and streams of New Zealand,

Why don’t you try an E-mail to Simon Lusk who maintains the New Zealand flyfishing web page.  I don’t have his email address right now but I’m sure you can get it on the Web. Mike Ray Atlanta, GA Cashiers, NC

Response:

(John Birnbaum) writes: I am new to fly fishing and need advice on what type and brand of rod is best to buy. I will probably be doing most of my fishing on the rivers and streams of New Zealand, I don’t know whether this has any affect on the rod I buy.

Personally I fish with the Orvis PM-10 865-4 ($485) which is an 8 1/2 ft 5wt. 4 piece rod.  There is now a 9 foot version of this rod available which will give you a little better mending, but I like the one I have. This is a great fast action rod with a delicate tip for the South Island and many of the streams & rivers of the north.  If you’re going to be fishing the rainbow runs up the feeder streams from the big lakes in the North Island, you might want a 9′ 7wt for some of the big streamers used there.  The gentleman I teach our schools with, Dean Schubert, has spent 12 months out of the last 5 years fishing the South Island of New Zealand and he prefers the PM-10 906-4 (9′ 6wt.4 piece $485).  A 4 piece rod in  8 1/2  to 9 ft. length is a good choice especially if you’re trekking though the country.  I wouldn’t suggest a rod lighter than a 5 due to the size of the trout and the need to be able to pressure the fish authoritatively at times (tough to do with a 2, 3, or 4 wt.).  Another rod that works well and is a medium fast action is the Orvis HLS RM "Spring Creek Traveler ($300 – 9ft. 5wt. that really casts a 6 wt. line).The 25 yr. "any way you can break it" guarantee doesn’t hurt either. As always you should try to cast the rods before you buy if at all possible.                 Good Luck, and I’ll try not to be too jealous of your fishing opportunities,                                                                Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Schools Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

Response:

I am new to fly fishing and need advice on what type and brand of rod is best to buy. I will probably be doing most of my fishing on the rivers and streams of New Zealand, I don’t know whether this has any affect on the rod I buy. Thanks, Dylan. I would think about Orvis fly rods. I know they are a bit uppyish but the product is very good. You can’t beat the 25 year return policy. I own an Orvis Henry’s Fork with a Battenkill 5/6 reel it’s great.

I would think about a SAGE 389-3LL (lifetime warranty!), 3piece for better transport which might be great for longer hikes or helico= pter transports in NZ. The 3 wt line is delicate enough not to spook the fish but is heavy enough to carry a trout fly well (except = very heavy streamers). The 8ft9inch length is great for roll-casting. It has a medium fast action with lots of power and delivers fl= ies on long leaders with ease and will protect your tippet if you get the real big ones which are native to NZ. You can feel the loa= ding of the rod very nicely, which does not mean that the rod is whippy or slow. I fish it with a 3wtDT/F line (Cortland, of course)=

Response:

I am new to fly fishing and need advice on what type and brand of rod is best to buy. I will probably be doing most of my fishing on the rivers and streams of New Zealand, I don’t know whether this has any affect on the rod I buy. Thanks, Dylan.

Response:

I am new to fly fishing and need advice on what type and brand of rod is best to buy. I will probably be doing most of my fishing on the rivers and streams of New Zealand, I don’t know whether this has any affect on the rod I buy. Thanks, Dylan.

I would think about Orvis fly rods. I know they are a bit uppyish but the product is very good. You can’t beat the 25 year return policy. I own an Orvis Henry’s Fork with a Battenkill 5/6 reel it’s great.

Response:

Dylan,     I have never fished NZ before but I would say that your best bet for the trout that I have read about is a 3 – 7 wt rod ( ah heck, get one of each ). Use the lighter rods on the spring creeks and the heavier rods for big water and windy conditions. I’d say either a 3, 6 or a 4, 7 combo would be nice and I would lean to the 3, 6 end. If you could only have one rod I would choose a 5 wt with 8-9 ft length.   As far as brands go, I would look to the British Commonwealth if NZ is a member because a rod imported from the US is going to be very expensive. Hardy and Partridge make bamboo and graphite fly rods and of course Hardy makes wonerful reels that are advertised as lifetime guaranteed. Partridge also makes great hooks. They are expensive here in the US but I pay for them because I like them.   From the US Orvis, Sage, Thomas and Thomas, Loomis, Scott et al all make great products. I personally use Orvis and Sage products. Good Luck Chuck Abbott

Response:

Question:

Just returned from the West Branch of the Ausable.  Your best bet is to stop in at Fran Better’s fly shop on Rt. 86 in Wilmington.  Last weekend he recommended a gray haystack dun and emerger as well as a Picket Finn.   Fishing was slow, but I managed to land a brookie and a few browns on those flies, which imitate the Isonychia.  Also saw lots of BWOs and both rusty and sulphur spinners in the evening.  Most of the action took place in the afternoon.

Response:

I am looking for patterns to use on the Au sable river in NY state.   Any ideas, both dry and nymphs.  thanks. Luc Nocente — Luc Nocente

Response:

Question:

 bring and where to go.  I don’t mind traveling an hour to get to a good  fishing spot.

You’ll have to travel more than an hour.  The nearest stream worth fishing is probably the South Branch of the Au Sable, about three hours north, near Roscommon.  I don’t remember what hatches would be proceeding then — standard midsummer stuff.

Response:

I will be in Auburn Hills, Michigan (near Pontiac, MI) on business from July 17 through July 22.  I would like to bring my fly rod with me and do some fishing.  Can someone out there give me some advice on what flys to bring and where to go.  I don’t mind traveling an hour to get to a good fishing spot.

Response:

Question:

writes: writes: … I have also made large rod tubes for my one piece rods.  …  How long is the longest tube that you’ve taken on an airplane ?  I am asking  because I have received conflicting info from agents. I have taken a 9 ft two piece rod on numerous trips and put the rod

case in the overhead. Most of the airlines have overheads with two doors, however there is no divider between the two sections. A 9 ft rod just makes it provided there isn’t a lot of luggage in there already. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

I apolgize for the repetition here, but this is an important topic for those who are not regular travelers with flyrods.  There is nothing that will spoil a trip like lost or broken rods — insurance just won’t help. Never check rods!!!  First, I have only had one occasion where an agent tried to get me to check the rods, and I insisted on carrying them on board.  If you run into that problem, don’t give in.  Raise hell and they will let you on.  Second, I have always been able to get the rods (up to 9′ two piece) in the overhead bins, except on the smallest of commuters; then they went in the hanging bag compartment. Lyman Hughes Ennis,MT Dallas, TX

Response:

writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -This is a good question.  I am travelling by plane for the first time with my fly rod, which a two piece 8 1/2 footer.  I have one of the 1 1/2" aluminum rod cases with the sock inside, which doesn’t lock.  Can I claim it as carryon? SHould I just tape up the cover?  Or should I paste a label over the brand name on the case and label it Blueprints? Any advice would be appreciated. Chris Bernard (508)640-2016 days (617)979-0464 home

Do not check your rods.  Continental lost my rod case for a day, even when I checked it in as oversized.  Apparently, some baggage systems lose long items because they fall off the system at the turns.  Fight like hell to take it on as luggage.  I start kissing the butts of the check in people and then plead with the flight attendants and it always works.  I use alum. rod tubes inside a nice looking Bean Maine Guide rod bag that actually looks like luggage.  Wear some god awful fishing hat with a TU catch and release pin and they’ll treat you as an eccentric and let you do what you want. Musconet

Response:

Everything we do up here is by air.  Have a rod cases called the "Bazooka" model.  Hold 5 rods is bright red, easy to see and monitor, and is indestructable.  Have take it all over the world and have not had a problem. — Gene Dobrzynski, Eagle River, Alaska

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writes: writes: … I have also made large rod tubes for my one piece rods.  …  How long is the longest tube that you’ve taken on an airplane ?  I am asking  because I have received conflicting info from agents.

I have made tubes to carry one piece casting rods.  Longest rod is 7′6", and the rod tube is a couple of inches longer. It’s in the attic at the moment, but, if I remember correctly, it is a 4" ID tube.  (ABS – sched 40).  I I checked that with no problem ….. The longest I have carried on board is 54".  I put it in the hanger bag closets. Dee Crabtree DeeCrab*ibm.net

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(508)640-2016 days (617)979-0464 home Do not check your rods. Musconet

Many of you have said the same as the note ref’d above.  Maybe I’m just lucky, or don’t travel as much as you, (hmmm – nah!) but I have never had a rod tubes damaged, opened, lost or delayed – can’t say the same for my luggage (clothes) though!!   I mark the tubes well, the ends are secure (bottom cap glued & top cap drilled & tied with a large nylon bundling tie) and the rods padded inside. Dee Crabtree DeeCrab*ibm.net

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I’ve flown twice with my rods.  United insisted that I check them, but then required that I sign a waiver of responsibility for loss or damage. Horizon Airlines insisted that I carry them onboard.  Thanks Horizon.

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writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -This is a good question.  I am travelling by plane for the first time with my fly rod, which a two piece 8 1/2 footer.  I have one of the 1 1/2" aluminum rod cases with the sock inside, which doesn’t lock.  Can I claim it as carryon? SHould I just tape up the cover?  Or should I paste a label over the brand name on the case and label it Blueprints? Any advice would be appreciated. Chris Bernard (508)640-2016 days (617)979-0464 home

I’ve been flying with rods <g for a few years. Normally I carry them on, unless I have too much stuff. I have checked them on several occaisions, both in an aluminum tube and 3 tubes in a bag. Never had a problem. Perhaps I’m justlucky (on planes more than streams)! I’ve never been convinced a lock does much (for rods or bags), if someone wants it it’s gone. So I just make sure my insurance covers the important things. BTW I do carry older cane rods as well. David

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -This is a good question.  I am travelling by plane for the first time with my fly rod, which a two piece 8 1/2 footer.  I have one of the 1 1/2" aluminum rod cases with the sock inside, which doesn’t lock.  Can I claim it as carryon? SHould I just tape up the cover?  Or should I paste a label over the brand name on the case and label it Blueprints? Any advice would be appreciated. Chris Bernard (508)640-2016 days (617)979-0464 home

I’ve always carried my rod tube (and all my fishing gear for that matter! if my luggage gets lost…I can still fish!!) onto the plane. If it’s too long for the overhead…the attendant will put it in the standup closet.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -This is a good question.  I am travelling by plane for the first time with my fly rod, which a two piece 8 1/2 footer.  I have one of the 1 1/2" aluminum rod cases with the sock inside, which doesn’t lock.  Can I claim it as carryon? SHould I just tape up the cover?  Or should I paste a label over the brand name on the case and label it Blueprints? Any advice would be appreciated. Chris Bernard (508)640-2016 days (617)979-0464 home

If you can carry it on, great, but if not I would advise buying one of those travel bags that hold rod tubes rather than checking just the tube. Why ? Because tubes do get lost; I spent an hour in a Mexican airport once looking for mine and trying to describe it (in my limited Spanish) to the people who worked there. Turns out it fell off a conveyor type rack and was sitting on the floor underneath it. The travel bag looks more like a suitcase, is less likely to roll around and will probably be treated with more care (of course using the word ‘care’ in any description of baggage handling is risky…) If it does get lost it’s easier to describe and find than a piece of aluminum pipe or PVC.                                                         jc      

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Does someone have a recommendation about how to pack regular, two piece rods for airline travel?

Never, I repeat NEVER check your rods, unless you want new ones and want to claim them on your insurance.  They will eventually be broken or disappear if you check them.  When carrying rods on, try to board early before the flight attendants are swamped by people with 400 pound duffle bags looking for a place to stow them.  Be vnice to the flight attendants and they will generally find you a place to stow your rods.  In most cases they will fit in the overhead bin.                  /                 /                   John Woodling                /                    Sacramento, CA                   <     <

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If I understand correctly, the question is can you carry 2-piece rods as carry-on or must you check them.  I have traveled a few times with my 7′11 2-piece in the 1.5" tube and my 9′ 2-piece in a larger tube.   Although they are larger than what the regulations allow, I have never had anybody stop me.  In fact the flight attendants were helpful in stowing them.   I don’t know what I would do if they decided to be a hard ass about it.  There’s no way I would check through a $300+ rod! Tight Lines, Gerry

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I took two two piece fly rods and a two piece long musky weight bait casting rod from NJ to Miami to Quito to rainforest, overhead bin until I hit the Ecuadorian prop plane to the river port and the flight attendant there didn’t care where I stowed the rods. No guarantees but no one twitched about the tubes.

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Bob – Never, never, never check your rods.  That’s my advice.  The overheads will handle a standard size rod case.  On the one or two occasions that I have had a problem on an odd plane, I have always found a spot — usually in the hanging bag bin. Lyman                                               Dallas, TX                                               Ennis, MT

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Does someone have a recommendation about how to pack regular, two piece rods for airline travel? I have a large rod tube which can hold several rods of various sizes, but has no locking mechanism. Should I just securely seal the thing with tape (over the regular latch) and insure the daylights out of it? Any other suggestions? thx…. Bob Bob Sturtz                           "We have met the enemy – Traverse City, MI                        and he is us." – Pogo

Bob, I have carried rods across the country in home made and in commercial rod carriers.  I insert my aluminum fly-rod tubes into 1-1/2 in ABS tube which works just great to protect tube and contents.  (no damage since I start doing that!)  On my casting and spinning rods, I have carried them in a commercial rod case with a latch (which can have a pad lock attached.) I just secure the latch with a nylon tie.  I have also made large rod tubes for my one piece rods. I attached a drawer handle, capped one end and put a screw cap on the other end.  I insert foam inside both caps to protect the rods and also insert the rods into homemade sleeves. For the price of the commercial tube, I could build lots of custom tubes! Dee Crabtree DeeCrab*ibm.net

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This is a good question.  I am travelling by plane for the first time with my fly rod, which a two piece 8 1/2 footer.  I have one of the 1 1/2" aluminum rod cases with the sock inside, which doesn’t lock.  Can I claim it as carryon? SHould I just tape up the cover?  Or should I paste a label over the brand name on the case and label it Blueprints? Any advice would be appreciated. Chris Bernard (508)640-2016 days (617)979-0464 home

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Does someone have a recommendation about how to pack regular, two piece rods for airline travel? I have a large rod tube which can hold several rods of various sizes, but has no locking mechanism. Should I just securely seal the thing with tape (over the regular latch) and insure the daylights out of it? Any other suggestions? thx…. Bob Bob Sturtz                           "We have met the enemy – Traverse City, MI                        and he is us." – Pogo

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