Question:

Yeah I know, but I was angling for something more based on your other reply. I don’t know, like free ATV rides or fishing gear or something…

There’s no such thing as a free ATV ride!  Just ask Ken F. Op  –marked for life–

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Opie, your flies are totally the most awesomest and plus also you’re the bestest master fly tier ever. Hey the offer has been made to you on numerous occasions, but I think you are a fraidy-cat, or ya just don’t believe me when I say I have locks on all the bedroom doors? Not to put too fine a point on it, but I think he knows which side of the doors the locks are on.     Op  –not fooled by any liars, but I can be swayed– It’d take a pretty stiff breeze though. Wolfgang

You’re just itchin’ for a fight, aren’t you? Op  –none too prissy to kick a rats ass-kisser–

Response:

Opie, your flies are totally the most awesomest and plus also you’re the bestest master fly tier ever. Hey the offer has been made to you on numerous occasions, but I think you are a fraidy-cat, or ya just don’t believe me when I say I have locks on all the bedroom doors?

Not to put too fine a point on it, but I think he knows which side of the doors the locks are on.     Op  –not fooled by any liars, but I can be swayed–

It’d take a pretty stiff breeze though. Wolfgang

Response:

Opie, your flies are totally the most awesomest and plus also you’re the bestest master fly tier ever. Hey the offer has been made to you on numerous occasions, but I think you are a fraidy-cat, or ya just don’t believe me when I say I have locks on all the bedroom doors?

Yeah I know, but I was angling for something more based on your other reply. I don’t know, like free ATV rides or fishing gear or something…

Response:

So you finally got mine John?  I have no problem with it. Yes, yours and Jeff’s arrived Friday, and Mu’s today.  If I post the photo, though, Op, the whole world is going to know all this bad-mouthing of your tying skills was a fraud.  Damn nice fly for someone who’s only been tying a couple of months.  In fact, damn nice fly, period. JR

You are too kind sir!  Ya know ya got a free bed anytime ya feel the need to fish or whatever in NC. Op  –really, I’m quite harmless–

Response:

Yes, yours and Jeff’s arrived Friday, and Mu’s today.  If I post the photo, though, Op, the whole world is going to know all this bad-mouthing of your tying skills was a fraud.  Damn nice fly for someone who’s only been tying a couple of months.  In fact, damn nice fly, period. JR You are too kind sir!  Ya know ya got a free bed anytime ya feel the need to fish or whatever in NC.

Opie, your flies are totally the most awesomest and plus also you’re the bestest master fly tier ever.

Response:

Opie, your flies are totally the most awesomest and plus also you’re the bestest master fly tier ever.

Hey the offer has been made to you on numerous occasions, but I think you are a fraidy-cat, or ya just don’t believe me when I say I have locks on all the bedroom doors? Op  –not fooled by any liars, but I can be swayed–

Response:

So you finally got mine John?  I have no problem with it. Yes, yours and Jeff’s arrived Friday, and Mu’s today.  If I post the photo, though, Op, the whole world is going to know all this bad-mouthing of your tying skills was a fraud.  Damn nice fly for someone who’s only been tying a couple of months.  In fact, damn nice fly, period.

Dang!  Opie sent the good one to the guy with the camera!  Why didn’t I think of that??

Response:

I’ve got a photo of the five PTs done for the recently completed one-fly swap.  Do any of the participants mind if I post it to ABPF? JR

So you finally got mine John?  I have no problem with it. Op

Response:

I’ve got a photo of the five PTs done for the recently completed one-fly swap.  Do any of the participants mind if I post it to ABPF?

I assume you finally got mine then.  Fine with me, thanks.

Response:

I’ve got a photo of the five PTs done for the recently completed one-fly swap.  Do any of the participants mind if I post it to ABPF? JR

Fine with me but I never got Mu’s tie. Willi

Response:

Fine with me but I never got Mu’s tie. Willi

I just got Mu’s flyz on Sat. Willi, but still ain’t got my big swap flyz? Op

Response:

I’ve got a photo of the five PTs done for the recently completed one-fly swap.  Do any of the participants mind if I post it to ABPF?

No problem.  Shouldn’t there be 6 flies though? Mu

Response:

So you finally got mine John?  I have no problem with it.

Yes, yours and Jeff’s arrived Friday, and Mu’s today.  If I post the photo, though, Op, the whole world is going to know all this bad-mouthing of your tying skills was a fraud.  Damn nice fly for someone who’s only been tying a couple of months.  In fact, damn nice fly, period. JR

Response:

I’ve got a photo of the five PTs done for the recently completed one-fly swap.  Do any of the participants mind if I post it to ABPF? No problem.  Shouldn’t there be 6 flies though?

Thanks, Mu.  Yes, there should be six. JR

Response:

Yes, yours and Jeff’s arrived Friday, and Mu’s today.

How strange.  How did the east coast guys get my flies before you and Willi?  Also how did I get Jeff & Opie’s flies about a week before you did? Mu

Response:

I’ve got a photo of the five PTs done for the recently completed one-fly swap.  Do any of the participants mind if I post it to ABPF? JR

Response:

Question:

Great story snipped. I am not quite sure if he is really serious, but it is a nice story anyway. TL MC

My wife understands that when I say that I’m going down to the pond for an hour of fishing after work, to not expect me till after dark.  Then again, when she is sewing on a quilt and she tells me "just one last thread," then I know not to expect her in bed till dawn. The local pond that I fish is near a church.  The carillon rings on the half hour.  I’ve often wondered while fishing if the thing is broken ’cause that damn thing just rang "five minutes ago."  Especially true when the fish are seriously biting.         Frank

Response:

I’m surprised you didn’t know the scientific fact that all areas around fishing ponds are time warps, the amount of warp in direct proportion to the size, number and hunger factor of the fish. If all the above are negative the time line elongates, if positive it shortens. — John Popp in Sanford Fl.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Great story snipped. I am not quite sure if he is really serious, but it is a nice story anyway. TL MC My wife understands that when I say that I’m going down to the pond for an hour of fishing after work, to not expect me till after dark.  Then again, when she is sewing on a quilt and she tells me "just one last thread," then I know not to expect her in bed till dawn. The local pond that I fish is near a church.  The carillon rings on the half hour.  I’ve often wondered while fishing if the thing is broken ’cause that damn thing just rang "five minutes ago."  Especially true when the fish are seriously biting.         Frank

Response:

Angelic poetry snipped.    Thank you again Mike, you continue to touch our souls with a common truth.  Where surfers may have the "Endless Summer," fisherman will always have that "one last cast."        Frank

Response:

Angelic poetry snipped.    Thank you again Mike, you continue to touch our souls with a common truth.  Where surfers may have the "Endless Summer," fisherman will always have that "one last cast."        Frank

There are indeed several casts in any anglers armoury, irrespective of his skill, knowledge or experience,  which have a very special magic. One is the first cast, and then there are also the innumerable "last casts" !:) Four years ago, I visited Denmark with my wife, fairly early in the year. We had a small house almost directly on the beach. These are very cheap indeed in the off season, and we have done this a few times. My wife fishes a little, and indeed possesses all the relevant certificates, ( she often explains to people that she only took the exams so she could understand what the hell  I was jabbering on about more than half the time). On this particular occasion, it was bitter cold and snowing rather heavily. Due to heavy cloud cover, the night started to darken early as well, and I hoped this would bring some fish closer in. After a couple of hours of braving the vicious wind, and viewing the unusual spectacle of heavy surf on the Baltic, my wife decided she would rather pack in, go to the house and read for a while instead. Intimating these sentiments to me was rather difficult, as I was standing in the surf almost up to my chest, quite a way away,  fighting to avoid  being bowled over, and having just hooked my first fish of the day. Unusually again, there were a couple of anglers in the immediate vicinity, ( some idiots will go out in even the most disgusting weather), and as our conversation consisted of screaming at each other over the wind and waves, they were perforce party to the exchange, which went like this; "I

Question:

I’m thinking real hard about incorporating a two-weight into my fly rod arsenal, and I’d like some opinions on their versatility. Is it a "perfect conditions" only rod, or can you get out in a little wind or water on the higher side? Can it handle mid-range flies, small streamers, weighted nymphs, maybe a smallish wooly bugger? Or is it limited to small dries and wets? What about small poppers? I fish more for warm water fish than trout, and I know a two-weight would be adequate for our stream trout in Pennsylvania, but I would use this a lot for bluegill and crappie and my "experimenting" in ponds and coves from my float tube. I also like to push the envelope and challenge all my rods, so I’d see what I could do on bass and steelhead in Lake Erie tribs in the fall. Right now, I’m looking at either Orvis Silver Label two-weight, either the 7′ 9" or 8′ 4" model. Are the Trident models worth twice as much? Any other brands I should consider? Thanks for all opinions! John Scherrer http://www.cianow.com "Courage is being scared to death…and saddling up anyway." – John Wayne

Response:

–MS_Mac_OE_3043294664_217493_MIME_Part Content-type: text/html; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable <HTML <HEAD <TITLETwo-weight opinions please!</TITLE </HEAD <BODY I’m thinking real hard … I also like to push the envelope and challenge all my r= ods, so I’d see what I could do on bass and steelhead in Lake Erie tribs in = the fall.<BR … Thanks for all opinions!<BR <BR John Scherrer<BR <FONT COLOR=3D"#0000FF"<Uhttp://www.cianow.com<BR </U</FONT<BR <FONT SIZE=3D"4"&quot;Courage is being scared to death…and saddling up any= way.&quot; <BR – <IJohn Wayne</I</FONT </BODY </HTML Be careful what you ask for, someone around here may give you their opinion on using a 2wt for steelhead and on posting in html. Hint: Wear asbestos. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

This message is in MIME format. Since your mail reader does not understand this format, some or all of this message may not be legible. I’m thinking real hard about incorporating a two-weight into my fly rod arsenal, and I’d like some opinions on their versatility. Right now, I’m looking at either Orvis Silver Label two-weight, either the 7′ 9" or 8′ 4" model. Are the Trident models worth twice as much? Any other brands I should consider? Thanks for all opinions! John Scherrer

John, when you post to a newsgroup NEVER post in MIME format.  Use basic plain text.  Your post is jibberish to a lot of people and wastes time and money for some. Back to your question.  What is the point of adding the 2 wt.? Basically, you are asking if you should use a 2 wt. rod for all the applications you should not use a 2 wt. rod.  I’m not sure what your question really is.  If you want ultra-light line strength, use lighter tippet. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

    Many of us here, Frank Church and myself to name a few use the 3wt. Cabelas 3 forks for panfish. Being 7.5′ it is ideal for bank fishing of species within it’s range. Because of it’s low cost, there is nothing lost if it is only used sporaticaly. It also is easy to store due to the 3piece take down. I often recommend it as an addition. The cost of rod, reel, line, and 7X tippets (I feel) of one of the premium makers does not justify the limited use of the smaller weight rods. John Popp

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m thinking real hard about incorporating a two-weight into my fly rod arsenal, and I’d like some opinions on their versatility. Is it a "perfect conditions" only rod, or can you get out in a little wind or water on the higher side? Can it handle mid-range flies, small streamers, weighted nymphs, maybe a smallish wooly bugger? Or is it limited to small dries and wets? What about small poppers? I fish more for warm water fish than trout, and I know a two-weight would be adequate for our stream trout in Pennsylvania, but I would use this a lot for bluegill and crappie and my "experimenting" in ponds and coves from my float tube. I also like to push the envelope and challenge all my rods, so I’d see what I could do on bass and steelhead in Lake Erie tribs in the fall. Right now, I’m looking at either Orvis Silver Label two-weight, either the 7′ 9" or 8′ 4" model. Are the Trident models worth twice as much? Any other brands I should consider? Thanks for all opinions! John Scherrer http://www.cianow.com "Courage is being scared to death…and saddling up anyway." – John Wayne

Response:

This message is in MIME format. Since your mail reader does not understand this format, some or all of this message may not be legible.

First off, please turn off the HTML and MIME. I’m thinking real hard about incorporating a two-weight into my fly rod arsenal, and I’d like some opinions on their versatility.

They are not versatile, but can be a useful and fun rod in the right conditions and for the right fish. Is it a "perfect conditions" only rod, or can you get out in a little wind or water on the higher side? Can it handle mid-range flies, small streamers, weighted nymphs, maybe a smallish wooly bugger? Or is it limited to small dries and wets? What about small poppers?

It doesn’t have to be perfect conditions, I take mine out in light wind, but generally when the water is on the high side I bring a different rod. I use small to mid-sized flies, no streamers, nothing weighted, haven’t fished with poppers so I wouldn’t know. I fish more for warm water fish than trout, and I know a two-weight would be adequate for our stream trout in Pennsylvania, but I would use this a lot for bluegill and crappie and my "experimenting" in ponds and coves from my float tube.

A 2-weight is a blast with bluegill and crappie. I also like to push the envelope and challenge all my rods, so I’d see what I could do on bass and steelhead in Lake Erie tribs in the fall.

I’d pass on the bass and steelhead though, the tippet size usually used with a 2-weight would snap right quick.  You could use a heavier tippet and fight the fish from the reel, but then what’s the point of the 2-weight. Right now, I’m looking at either Orvis Silver Label two-weight, either the 7′ 9" or 8′ 4" model. Are the Trident models worth twice as much? Any other brands I should consider?

I have the 7′9" equivalent of the silver label (was called something different back then).  Personally I don’t think the non-silver labels are worth the price, but if you are into asthetics they might be. You might want to consider what type of action you prefer since the 7′9" model is a really slow action and the tridents are relatively fast action.   Later,      - Ken

Response:

Is there any concern about how much protection the rod can provide ?  Or is that not a concern among fly fisherpeople ?

I have found that Trojans and seat belts provide far better protection than any fishing rod could ever give. If I’m ever attacked by a rabid trout, I will be quite willing to re-evaluate. Vegetables aren’t food. Vegetables are what the food eats.

Response:

These are supposed to be close-in rods so don’t buy some fast 2 wt. in the belief it adds to it’s versatility.  Here’s my preferences in no particular order. Orvis 7′ 9" T&T 7′ XL Sage LL 279 Winston IM6 7′

I will be picking up an Orvis Silver Label 792 this weekend.  The local Orvis shop here is willing to let me try it out for a week or two with no obligation to buy…now that is customer service (I purchased my 4wt. from the same shop 2 years ago)!  Apparently, the Silver Label 792 is the same blank as the Superfine/Ultra Fine model with the only real difference being the Silver Label has a walnut, uplocking  reel seat as opposed to the Ultra Fine’s cork, banded seat.  And of course, the price…the Silver Label is about $75.00 USD less than the Ultra Fine.  Actually, it was you Peter who tipped me off about this….thx.  :-) I’ll also be trying out a T&T LPS 802.  I’m sure they are both excellent rods and I will reserve my final judgment until I’ve had a chance to use them both.  Having said that, I will say that the T&T has got to be one helluva rod and really stand out for me to justify spending the extra $$$$ ($380.00 for TT vs. $230.00 for Orvis).  We will see. Also..great tip on the leader..thx again Peter. Natty

Response:

Never felt the need to use my rod for protection. I have, on occasion, used protection on my rod though. Does that count?

  Nope. Before you buy.

Response:

What weight would you need to feel comfortable, Big Dale? I’m pretty good at around 165 myself.  I suspect Dale prefers to pack just a bit more.    :)

125 is adequate for those with steady hands and a steely eye. OBROFF Depends on the two weight.  One of the biggest problems with two is the use of factory leaders.  The little line just can’t turn over a 024 thou butt.  So make your own leaders with .013 to .015 butt sections and the versatility of your little rod goes way up. These are supposed to be close-in rods so don’t buy some fast 2 wt. in the belief it adds to it’s versatility.  Here’s my preferences in no particular order. Orvis 7′ 9" T&T 7′ XL Sage LL 279 Winston IM6 7′ Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

rod can provide ?  Or is that not a concern among fly fisherpeople ?

I do not consider a 2 weight rod an adequate substitute for a Ruger or a twelve gauge. Big Dale. Big Dale

Response:

Wow! I see you’re from Buffalo!!!! One of my favorite places in the world. Been thru a few times, and came out on do-it-yourself hunt at Bud Love back in the mid-80’s (seems like yesterday!) Taking the family out next month for Badlands, Rushmore, Devil’s Tower, 2/3 nights at Buffalo to see the Bighorns and Custer’s battlefield, then over to Cody, Yellowstone and Jackson Hole. Fishing will be incidental, not the purpose of the trip, if you know of any day trips or float trips or do-it-yourself areas, let me know! John Scherrer http://www.cianow.com

Question:

Anyone here do any fly fishing in central Texas?  I am new to the sport and am looking for peple to go fishing with.  I live in Austin but would be willing to drive 2-3 hours for a good spot.  I am also interested in saltwater fly fishing around South Padre or Port Aransas.  If you know of any good spots (that you would be willing to share , I would love to hear about them. Please reply by Email.  I don’t read the news groups very often. Thanks, Pace Bonner — TradeWave Corporation                           Voice:  (512) 433-5316 3636 Executive Center Dr., Suite 100            Main:   (512) 433-5300 Austin TX,  78731                               Fax:    (512) 433-5303 Nasdaq:SRVC                                <http://www.tradewave.com/

Response:

Anyone here do any fly fishing in central Texas?  I am new to the sport and am looking for peple to go fishing with.  I live in Austin but would be willing to drive 2-3 hours for a good spot.  I am also interested in saltwater fly fishing around South Padre or Port Aransas.  If you know of any good spots (that you would be willing to share , I would love to hear about them. Please reply by Email.  I don’t read the news groups very often. Thanks, Pace Bonner — TradeWave Corporation                           Voice:  (512) 433-5316 3636 Executive Center Dr., Suite 100            Main:   (512) 433-5300 Austin TX,  78731                               Fax:    (512) 433-5303 Nasdaq:SRVC                                <http://www.tradewave.com/

Response:

Question:

Hi Mike, Although I live in the East Bay, I’ve been to a shop fairly close to you in San Bruno.  I think the name is Ultimate fly shop on San Mateo Ave.  Low key but good service.   Within in 2.5 hours there is good fishing on the Yuba, Feather,Putah Creek,and Stanislaus rivers.  Also Sea pearch, stripers etc. are close by.  Never done salt water, but here it’s very good. Welcome, Mike

Response:

(Mike Lynch) writes: I moved to the SF Bay area about 6 mos. ago and I thought I left my fly-fishing days behind me in Utah (where I’m from).  Anyway, I’ve actually heard there’s some good fishing around SF (I live in San Mateo). Any suggestions on where to fish, when to fish, good shops, what to fish for, etc. would be greatly appreciated.  Also, what about saltwater flyfishing – I’ve never done it – popular around here?

Hi Mike and welcome to the neighborhood. As far as shops go there are a bunch: the Midge shop in Los Altos, The Caddis (somewhere in Belmont), the Ultimate in San Bruno, and of course Orvis in San Francisco (where I can be found when I’m not teaching schools), – also Fly Fishing Outfitters around the corner from Orvis. There are only a few places that are day trips out of SF to fish.  Putah Creek coming out of Lake Berryessa is about 1 1/2 hr. from San Mateo (I live in San Mateo).  The Stanislaus River below Goodwin Dam and the Mokulumne River below Comanche Dam are a little over two hours away.  Both the Stanislaus and the Mokulumne are closed now to allow the salmon a chance to spawn unmolested, but will re-open on Jan 1st.   Through Nov. 15th you can drive 5 to 6 hours north and fish the Upper Sac, the McCloud, Hat Creek, the Pit River, and Fall River.  About 4 1/2 hrs to the upper part of the Trinity.  Lots of other small streams and lakes in this Shasta area. You can drive about 4 to 4 1/2 hrs. east and fish the Tahoe area in the Sierra – Truckee, Little Truckee, and numerous small streams and lakes. As long as Tioga Pass through Yosemite is open, the Eastern Sierra is about a 5 1/2 hr. trip.  Lots of great fishing around the Mammoth Lakes area to the south of the pass and the Bridgeport/Twin Lakes area to the North of the pass.  Most of this area closes October 31st, so be sure to check the regs. If you plan on fishing the Sierra, pick up a copy of Ralph Cutter’s book "Sierra Trout Guide".  It is invaluable to get you started in the Sierra and to help you plan trips for years to come. Since you live in San Mateo, you should take Hwy. 92 west to Half Moon Bay.  You can fish up and down the coast from there for Surf Perch and Rockfish.  Pick up a copy of Ken Hanley’s book "Afoot in the Surf Zone" for specifics on beaches, times, and quarry.  Don’t attempt this during the Pumpkin Festival as you could probably drive to Tahoe in the time it takes to travel the 20 or so miles to HMB during the festival.  Normally it’s a pretty quick trip – 1/2 hr. or so.   During June and July you can sometimes catch stripers in the surf at the beaches around the golden gate.  Fairly consistent striper fishing can be had in the delta, though you need a boat to do so.   If you drive down to Sant Cruz or Monterey you can rent a boat and go fish the kelp bed for Kelp Bass. And then of course, there’s the steelhead fishing on the north coast that is just starting.                              Good Fishing,                                   Dan 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:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (Mike Lynch) writes: I moved to the SF Bay area about 6 mos. ago and I thought I left my fly-fishing days behind me in Utah (where I’m from).  Anyway, I’ve actually heard there’s some good fishing around SF (I live in San Mateo). Any suggestions on where to fish, when to fish, good shops, what to fish for, etc. would be greatly appreciated.  Also, what about saltwater flyfishing – I’ve never done it – popular around here? Hi Mike and welcome to the neighborhood. As far as shops go there are a bunch: the Midge shop in Los Altos, The Caddis (somewhere in Belmont), the Ultimate in San Bruno, and of course Orvis in San Francisco (where I can be found when I’m not teaching schools), – also Fly Fishing Outfitters around the corner from Orvis. There are only a few places that are day trips out of SF to fish.  Putah Creek coming out of Lake Berryessa is about 1 1/2 hr. from San Mateo (I live in San Mateo).  The Stanislaus River below Goodwin Dam and the Mokulumne River below Comanche Dam are a little over two hours away.  Both the Stanislaus and the Mokulumne are closed now to allow the salmon a chance to spawn unmolested, but will re-open on Jan 1st.   Through Nov. 15th you can drive 5 to 6 hours north and fish the Upper Sac, the McCloud, Hat Creek, the Pit River, and Fall River.  About 4 1/2 hrs to the upper part of the Trinity.  Lots of other small streams and lakes in this Shasta area. You can drive about 4 to 4 1/2 hrs. east and fish the Tahoe area in the Sierra – Truckee, Little Truckee, and numerous small streams and lakes. As long as Tioga Pass through Yosemite is open, the Eastern Sierra is about a 5 1/2 hr. trip.  Lots of great fishing around the Mammoth Lakes area to the south of the pass and the Bridgeport/Twin Lakes area to the North of the pass.  Most of this area closes October 31st, so be sure to check the regs. If you plan on fishing the Sierra, pick up a copy of Ralph Cutter’s book "Sierra Trout Guide".  It is invaluable to get you started in the Sierra and to help you plan trips for years to come. Since you live in San Mateo, you should take Hwy. 92 west to Half Moon Bay.  You can fish up and down the coast from there for Surf Perch and Rockfish.  Pick up a copy of Ken Hanley’s book "Afoot in the Surf Zone" for specifics on beaches, times, and quarry.  Don’t attempt this during the Pumpkin Festival as you could probably drive to Tahoe in the time it takes to travel the 20 or so miles to HMB during the festival.  Normally it’s a pretty quick trip – 1/2 hr. or so.   During June and July you can sometimes catch stripers in the surf at the beaches around the golden gate.  Fairly consistent striper fishing can be had in the delta, though you need a boat to do so.   If you drive down to Sant Cruz or Monterey you can rent a boat and go fish the kelp bed for Kelp Bass. And then of course, there’s the steelhead fishing on the north coast that is just starting.                             Good Fishing,                                  Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools

Snip Funny, I moved ther other way… CA to UT. The fishing here is great. I just wanted to mention the Cassel Forebay near Hat Creek in northern CA. Returned there two weekends ago for my annual Columbus Day trip and thought the place is getting better all the time. I know Dick Gallands house and school are right there, but best kept secrets need to leak out once in a while                 Draper, Utah Wherever you go….. There you will be

Response:

Hi all, I moved to the SF Bay area about 6 mos. ago and I thought I left my fly-fishing days behind me in Utah (where I’m from).  Anyway, I’ve actually heard there’s some good fishing around SF (I live in San Mateo). Any suggestions on where to fish, when to fish, good shops, what to fish for, etc. would be greatly appreciated.  Also, what about saltwater flyfishing – I’ve never done it – popular around here? Thanks, Mike Lynch

Response:

Question:

Of all the streams I fish in the great upper peninsula of michigan, the trout only seem to bite spinners and worms. I truly enjoy flyfishing rivers over spincasting, and was wondering if anyone fishes the u.p. with flyrods that can give me some tips. Thanks- Muskie

Response:

I haven’t fished the U.P. (I have a buddy from near Houghton who threatens to take me, but that is another story).  Anyway, I can sympathize.  I grew up fishing in N.E. Minnesota (on the other side of Lake Superior) and found the same problems.  Most of the streams were small and choked with cedars, spuce, or alders.  The only spots open enough to fly fish seemed devoid of cover, and of course were devoid of fish. But keep searching..you will soon find that spot with both cover (shade) and casting room.  Try larger streams and look for boulders and plunge pools below rapids and falls.  Searching is all the fun.  Who other that a trout fisherman would spend hours slugging through brush, mud, and mosquitoes for hours to catch a 7-inch trophy. Tight Lines – Zeke

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Dear Muskie: When you refer to the U.P., you are talking about God’s country, which was also shared by the great Robert Traver.  I have spent a great deal of my youth and later years fishing the streams in the Central U.P..  The fly fishing is fine, and some of the best to be found anywhere. Streamers work especially well.  Try a Royal Coachmen, Muddler, or Black Ghost for good results.  The tried and true G.R. Hares Ear Nymph is a favorite, as well as a good selection of Bead Heads, and Zud Bugs.  No one should also venture out without a supply of Adams dry flies ranging in sizes from #12 to #20, also for a pattern to explore with, try a Betty (also called a Coachmen Trude).  The March Brown hatch can be spectacular, and takes place around the end of June through the first part of July, so carry some March Brown patterns. Just returned from two weeks in the U.P., and while the weather was not always spectacular, the fishing was good. Good Luck, Jim J.

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Question:

Can anyone give any advice for fishing the Waterbury/Stowe area of northern Vt? Places, patterns, etc.

Try the Little River below the Little River State Park in Waterbury and The Waterbury River above the park (resevoir).  Still very little surface activity, I mean there are some hatches but no surface feeding yet, at least not that I’ve seen.  I’d fish nymphs, dead drift and deep.  The Winooski River will likely be too high for flyfishing this weekend.  Good luck.

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 Hi Can anyone give any advice for fishing the Waterbury/Stowe area of northern Vt? Places, patterns, etc. I will be visiting this weekend from CA. Thanks for any help you can give. Steve

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  Brady O. bet me one hundred dollars that if he had ten shots at permit he would catch one; this heightened my somewhat casual interest in poling into the wind. We had another shot at some mudding permit, then another.  Brady O. put the fly right on top of the fish in about 3 feet of water, let it drop, and I told him to strip when I saw a fish move on it and stop. He came tight and the fish took off.  After about 15 minutes he landed his first permit, a 17-pounder, and told me he loved me.   I was still trying to figure out how I lost that hundred dollars, and realized that my mistake was to assume he could not cast into a 20-knot wind.  Now I know. Marshall Cutchin

Marshall, just wanted to say that I for one, am LOVING your posts. I am rarely able to get to the keys and I am living vicariously…… Jack Jack Wheeler "A bad day fishing is better than… come to think of it, I never had a bad day fishing!"

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Brady O. and I cancelled yesterday after we woke up to a 20-knot north wind.  If we hadn’t gotten so bashed about the day before we might have tried it. Today we left running east along the oceanside and started fishing at Sugarloaf Key on a weak outgoing tide and with a good 15-knot northeast wind.  I wasn’t very hopeful because of the weak current but we did manage to spook one school of bonefish.  We then tried another inside flat for bones but no luck. As the tide started to change and come in we ran about 25 miles to the west on the oceanside of the lakes and fished the low incoming.  The wind and dark bottom kept us from seeing very well and we spooked some more fish: a small group of permit and a single.  We checked three other edges inside the Lakes and then another oceanside flat and came up empty-handed.  Finally, at about 3:30 I decided to try a couple of small oceanside flats just west of Key West.  We had a good shot at a tailing permit who glanced at the fly and took off.  The wind started to pick up and began to blow about 20 out of the southeast, but we had great visibility.  Brady O. bet me one hundred dollars that if he had ten shots at permit he would catch one; this heightened my somewhat casual interest in poling into the wind. We had another shot at some mudding permit, then another.  Brady O. put the fly right on top of the fish in about 3 feet of water, let it drop, and I told him to strip when I saw a fish move on it and stop. He came tight and the fish took off.  After about 15 minutes he landed his first permit, a 17-pounder, and told me he loved me.   I was still trying to figure out how I lost that hundred dollars, and realized that my mistake was to assume he could not cast into a 20-knot wind.  Now I know. Marshall Cutchin

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Question:

Simple question–  is there any way to overcome the problem of wanting to cast a small, light floating lure out onto a lake–when the durn thing is too light to cast farther than the closest tule?   I’ve used split shot and put the lure on a real long leader, but that only works to a certain depth.  Any thoughts or tips appreciated! Randy

 I came by this by accident, when my nephew shut the car door on the tip of a flyrod of mine. It lopped off about 8 inches and made it tough to use as a flyrod again. During the big snow storms we had tthis winter I was messing around in the basement and found two old spinning reels Wasn’t using anymore and cleaned them up. Looking around, I spotted the old flyrod and decided what the hell and taped one on. I took it out two days ago and it acts like a 7 1/2 foot long ultralight. It’ll sling the smallest rebel minow a pretty far distance . Haven’t caught anything on it yet but I think it will do great for crappie and other small fish, and a small mouth will probably be something else. The rod seems to load itself, so the weight of the lure doesn’t matter as much. Bill C.

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: to cast a small, light floating lure out onto a lake–when the durn : thing is too light to cast farther than the closest tule?   : I’ve used split shot and put the lure on a real long leader, but : that only works to a certain depth.  Any thoughts or tips appreciated! : A very light, longish rod can help (spinning, of course…).  Or a flyrod… More practically, use a small bobber for weight. … greg pavlov

And I have heard of this baitfisherman’s trick: use an ice cube or a sugar cube as a "sinker".  You wrap the line around your ice cube in a double hitch and pull for a moment – the line is supposed to cut in a bit. Then you cast and the extra weight melts/dissolves. It sounds like it might work for baits that sit there for a while. I haven’t tried it myself…

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Simple question–  is there any way to overcome the problem of wanting to cast a small, light floating lure out onto a lake–when the durn thing is too light to cast farther than the closest tule?   I’ve used split shot and put the lure on a real long leader, but that only works to a certain depth.  Any thoughts or tips appreciated! Randy — Randy: The simplest solution is to attach a bobber about 36" above the lure. The bobber provides plenty of wieght for casting, but won’t sink your floating lure. If you’re concerned about the bobber spooking the fish, use one of the small clear plastic jobs. Good fishing…. Robert Maxwell

There are bobbers made specifically for this purpose, like the clear plastic ones Robert mentions.  They hamper your ability to control the lure, like for small poppers.  But, they do allow you to cast a very light lure without learning to use a fly rod. Of course, the other option is to buy a fly rod/reel and start practicing.   That’s something I can do when I retire. 8-] Richard

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Simple question–  is there any way to overcome the problem of wanting to cast a small, light floating lure out onto a lake–when the durn thing is too light to cast farther than the closest tule?   I’ve used split shot and put the lure on a real long leader, but that only works to a certain depth.  Any thoughts or tips appreciated!

I’d try the same technique for casting a fly (with a spinning rod) long distance.  Try a clear plastic bubble.  You can control the depth by changing the amount of water you put in it.  Fill it about halfway and it won’t sink.  Using an ultralight rod and reel with 2# test line (max) will make it much easier as well. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

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: Simple question–  is there any way to overcome the problem of wanting : to cast a small, light floating lure out onto a lake–when the durn : thing is too light to cast farther than the closest tule?   : I’ve used split shot and put the lure on a real long leader, but : that only works to a certain depth.  Any thoughts or tips appreciated! : Randy : — : Randy: : The simplest solution is to attach a bobber about 36" above the lure. You can also use a lighter test line.  Next, start fooling around with rod/reel combos, but that’s more expensive. — Jeff Smith                                     Graduate student http://www.msc.cornell.edu/~jeffs         Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

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Simple question–  is there any way to overcome the problem of wanting to cast a small, light floating lure out onto a lake–when the durn thing is too light to cast farther than the closest tule?   I’ve used split shot and put the lure on a real long leader, but that only works to a certain depth.  Any thoughts or tips appreciated! Randy —

Randy: The simplest solution is to attach a bobber about 36" above the lure. The bobber provides plenty of wieght for casting, but won’t sink your floating lure. If you’re concerned about the bobber spooking the fish, use one of the small clear plastic jobs. Good fishing…. Robert Maxwell

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Simple question–  is there any way to overcome the problem of wanting to cast a small, light floating lure out onto a lake–when the durn thing is too light to cast farther than the closest tule?   I’ve used split shot and put the lure on a real long leader, but that only works to a certain depth.  Any thoughts or tips appreciated! Randy —

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Question:

I fished at Lee’s Ferry last year in early May and it was pretty fun. All the action was under the water (Wooly Buggers worked for me). I fished with a Bill McBurney (local guide) and had a good day. The scenary is beautiful and quite unique.  The movie Broken Arrow was filmed in and around Marble Canyon fyi.–Kevin

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I’m planning a golf vacation in Scottsdale, Arizona in late March / early April and I wanted to take a few days and drive up near the Grand Canyon to do some fly fishing.  I understand that Lee’s Ferry is a great river and that it’s only 4-5 hours from Scottsdale. Check out Dave Foster’s Lee’s Ferry report on the Arizona Fishing Page on the Net.  email me if you can’t find it and I’ll send you the url.  Dave’s

www.primenet.com/anglers/ . Unfortunately your timing to the area couldn’t be worse as there is a spike flow scheduled for a week or so starting the last week of March. Will likely be unfishable during this time. Sorry. The above mentioned web site gives more info on this. Joel McMillin

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I’m planning a golf vacation in Scottsdale, Arizona in late March / early April and I wanted to take a few days and drive up near the Grand Canyon to do some fly fishing.  I understand that Lee’s Ferry is a great river and that it’s only 4-5 hours from Scottsdale. How’s the river been fishing?  Do you recommend a guide to get acquainted?  What would expect the weather to be like?  Are they accomodations, food, etc..  Also, are there fly shops with flies and other necessary gear? What’s the easiest way to get there?  I assume just by driving straight north of Scottsdale by car. Thank you very much.  

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I’m planning a golf vacation in Scottsdale, Arizona in late March / early April and I wanted to take a few days and drive up near the Grand Canyon to do some fly fishing.  I understand that Lee’s Ferry is a great river and that it’s only 4-5 hours from Scottsdale. How’s the river been fishing?  Do you recommend a guide to get acquainted?  What would expect the weather to be like?  Are they accomodations, food, etc..  Also, are there fly shops with flies and other necessary gear? What’s the easiest way to get there?  I assume just by driving straight north of Scottsdale by car.

Check out Dave Foster’s Lee’s Ferry report on the Arizona Fishing Page on the Net.  email me if you can’t find it and I’ll send you the url.  Dave’s chance to catch 10-20 16-20" fish in a day.  Unfortunately there is only a small section of the river that can be fished without a boat, the boat being needed to get up stream to wade the gravel bars where most of the good fishing occurs.  There are 2 good lodges with decent restaurants at very reasonable rates, Lee’s Ferry  Lodge and Marble Canyon Lodge.  There is a good fly shop at Lee’s Ferry Lodge. Good luck.

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