Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When using large plugs for pike, or any other spinning gear, single barbless hooks Large single hooks have a larger gape than trebles and are more likely to hook the fish.  Large single hooks however typically are made of thicker wire than trebles so they might have a tougher time penetrating the fish’s *lips*.  If you replace the trebles with singles they must be appropriately sized so as not to turn the plug out of balance.  I saw a good tip in a fishing newspaper once.  In order not to alter the balance of a plug but also to minimize damage to fish and angler, one fisherman bent two out of the three hooks on all his trebles inwards so that they looked like extreme circle hooks.  Those two would not be able to hook fish nor human. Mu

I use single, fine wire, straight eyed  hooks, on double split rings ( so that they hang right! ), and I crimp a piece of lead to the shank, so that they weigh the same as the trebles.  It is sometimes a good idea to experiment with weight on various plugs and spinners, one may improve the action on some, quite considerably. TL MC

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<SNIP Here’s one maybe you have thought about. If you are standing in fast water and you do not want to let the slack line float below, why is that when you hold the loops in your hand they always tangle up? You would think you are holding the loops in an organized way, yet they end up as a spaghetti when you go to cast. What do you do? — Gary M

You must hold the loops in a specific way.  Use wide loops and ensure that they are  placed in order in your hand and held lightly, to prevent one loop going over another. Do not twist the loops when retrieving. ( This is quite difficult to do). If your line suffers much from memory, this will not work anyway, as the loops will tend to form figure eights, and this will cause a tangle when the line is shot, or released. In this case, you should use "figure of eight" storage to start with. This may sound silly, but if you hold the line in your left hand in loose SMALL! figure of eights, in a bunch, it will not tangle when shot. This technique is common among English reservoir anglers. You can shoot line from your hand, if you observe the above. It is best to practice a bit before you do it. The amount of line you can hold in this way is also limited. It is more difficult to do with backing, but not impossible, it depends to a large extent on the backing. In such situations, it is invariably much easier to use a line tray. TL MC

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When using large plugs for pike, or any other spinning gear, single barbless hooks

Large single hooks have a larger gape than trebles and are more likely to hook the fish.  Large single hooks however typically are made of thicker wire than trebles so they might have a tougher time penetrating the fish’s *lips*.  If you replace the trebles with singles they must be appropriately sized so as not to turn the plug out of balance.  I saw a good tip in a fishing newspaper once.  In order not to alter the balance of a plug but also to minimize damage to fish and angler, one fisherman bent two out of the three hooks on all his trebles inwards so that they looked like extreme circle hooks.  Those two would not be able to hook fish nor human. Mu

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Since you effectively twist the line 180 degrees for each loop that you make, small loops would make the problem worse. I

Question:

Craig, My club does have two different awards at the end of the year – one for the most weight and one for the highest number of fish.  Each participant receives 1 bonus pound per day for participation in the tournament.  Occasionally, different individuals will win the two awards but one person wins both the majority of the time.  We also have a different award for the largest single fish during the year. This system seems to work fine for us.  The winners are usually determined at the last tournament of the year but we occasionally have someone run away with the competition.   Lamar Middleton Winter Haven, FL http://www.LMbassguideFL.com

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I have been reading the Bass Club Point scoring Advice string with interest over hear in England. Why do you not have two competitions. One for the largest fish caught. One for the most fish caught. This would give recognition for the skill of catching prize fish and for consistency and skill at catch the most amount of fish regularly. — Have a great day. Go fly fishing! <  <  <  < <  < <

  <   <   <  <  <  < Craig Moore The English Fly Fishing Shop www.flyfishing-flies.com

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Question:

Is it possible to buy a rod (non custom) without a reel seat. Advantages are: position reel for balance, lightness, simplicity, ease of manufacture…etc. I doubt if the major manufacturers make such a rod….since there would be no mass appeal for such a rod. Al At first, fishing  was just a hobby,              then it became an obsession….and a reel life.

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It’s callled a Tennessee handle, and most major manufacturers make such rods. Any custom builder will also gladly make you a Tennessee handle. I can’t recall the last spinning rod I owned that had a reel seat on it. When I build my own (haven’t done it lately, but used to build all my own rods) I never even put the stupid little metal rings that mfgs put on TN handles. I’m going to tape it on anyway, so why have them underneath the tape? RichZ

Question:

I’ll guess I’ll try over here.  I sent this message to the tying group so I apologize for the redundancy.  Are there any web sites known dealing with bass bug manufacture?  I’m looking for something with tying instrutions and pictures.  I’m a begineer with spun hair and need help.  I bought the book by skip morris and am looking for other sources of help. Thanks in advance for any help. Jorge — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

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Jorge – there are a few other books you should try.  It’s your lucky day because I just happen to have an extra copy of A. D. Livingston’s "Tying Bugs and Flies for Bass."  If you want to send me an address by e-mail you can have it. Also check your local library to see if they have a copy of: "Bass Bug Fishing" by Joe Brooks or ""Fly Tying and Fly Fishing for Bass and Panfish" by Tom Nixon The Nixon book is the one that all other Bass flyfishing books are measured by and  some good news, I hear it will be re-published in 2000. Good luck, Clyde Drury Black Bass Book Collector http://members.aol.com/BassBks/index3.html

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One more thing Jorge — William Tapply’s new book "Bass Bug Fishing" is due out now.  You can read a description of it on the Lyons Press web site –  I’ll put the URL here: http://www.lyonspress.com/fish_ff.asp Regards, Clyde Drury Black Bass Book Collector

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I’ll guess I’ll try over here.  I sent this message to the tying

Have a look at Al Campbells fly-tying course at http://www.flyanglersonline.com  he has a lot of info there about bass bugs hair etc. Click on Fly-tying from the main  menu, and then go to "Intermediate Fly-tying". TL MC

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Thanks Clyde and Mike for help beyond the call of duty.  I’ll look for the book by Tapply.  The web site is great! sincerely, Jorge — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

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Question:

If one of the products your using is Mucilin , that may be your problem. Mucilin eats away at the coating of newer S.A. lines. Grouse – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just returned from a trip to the San Juan River (great fishing/miserable weather) and have a problem I’ve encountered before and never been able to solve.  When using good quality, good condition fly line; primarily SA Mastery I can’t seem to get the last 4′-5′ of line to stay afloat.  After a couple hours of casting I always have a sinking tip line.  I always clean the line with a mild detergent, let it dry thoroughly and dress it with a variety of products (one at a time), but it alway starts to sink.  What is the consensus opinion of what I should use and where can I purchase it? Bob in El Paso

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I just returned from a trip to the San Juan River (great fishing/miserable weather) and have a problem I’ve encountered before and never been able to solve.  When using good quality, good condition fly line; primarily SA Mastery I can’t seem to get the last 4′-5′ of line to stay afloat.  After a couple hours of casting I always have a sinking tip line.  I always clean the line with a mild detergent, let it dry thoroughly and dress it with a variety of products (one at a time), but it alway starts to sink.  What is the consensus opinion of what I should use and where can I purchase it? Bob in El Paso

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I just returned from a trip to the San Juan River (great fishing/miserable weather) and have a problem I’ve encountered before and never been able to solve.  When using good quality, good condition fly line; primarily SA Mastery I can’t seem to get the last 4′-5′ of line to stay afloat.  After a couple hours of casting I always have a sinking tip line.  I always clean the line with a mild detergent, let it dry thoroughly and dress it with a variety of products (one at a time), but it alway starts to sink.  What is the consensus opinion of what I should use and where can I purchase it? Bob in El Paso

Before you use a fly line for the first time, seal the end with crazy glue.  You probably have some water seeping up the internal dacron weave. Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.cgocable.net/~pcharles/index.html

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I just returned from a trip to the San Juan River (great fishing/miserable weather) [..] After a couple hours of casting I always have a sinking tip line.  

well, I keep running into it also. I think there are a couple of reasons: * the tip end being ‘open’ so the water sips onto the dacron core (someone already mentioned this) * dirt from the water collecting by the fly line’s pores all I can think up is keep cleaning the tip end of the line, keep greasing it lightly. — CU, Jay (ICQ# 29249573) — When replying, remove ‘MAC’ from e-mail address in header —

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The best product I’ve ever found for floating flies as well as the end of my fly line isn’t even made for fishing.  "Albolene" is a makeup remover or skin moisturizer or something like that.  I’ve never asked exactly what it was intended for.  It comes in a 12 ounce plastic tub for about eight bucks and can be found in the health care aisles at many drugstores or department stores.  It looks a bit like vaseline, but isn’t nearly as sticky.  It melts easily at normal body temperature.  You simply rub a dab of it between yours fingers until it liquefies and then coat your fly (or the end of your line) with it.  It really is outstanding stuff!  It won’t discolor flies, doesn’t gum them up like so many of the commercial dressings, and really does keep them afloat.  I was originally turned onto this stuff by a guy who had been using it for many years. You can also dissolve this stuff in lighter fluid and dip your new flies in the solution before you store them in your fly boxes.  Then they’re ready to use when you get out on the stream. I clean my lines with Armor All and then coat the tip with Albolene.  Works very well.  By the way, a 12 oz. jar of Albolene will last you and your fishing buddies just about for the rest of your natural lives.  Good luck! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just returned from a trip to the San Juan River (great fishing/miserable weather) and have a problem I’ve encountered before and never been able to solve.  When using good quality, good condition fly line; primarily SA Mastery I can’t seem to get the last 4′-5′ of line to stay afloat.  After a couple hours of casting I always have a sinking tip line.  I always clean the line with a mild detergent, let it dry thoroughly and dress it with a variety of products (one at a time), but it alway starts to sink.  What is the consensus opinion of what I should use and where can I purchase it? Bob in El Paso

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Question:

  I’ve been fishing in the Florida Keys.  There is a boat called "Main Attraction" in Marathon.  Capt. Morris is the owner/operator.  Have always had good luck fishing with him.  Good guy and productive fisherman.

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Strike Zone Charters in Big Pine Key is the only one I go with.  305-872-9863

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I have a listing of guides for Monroe County/the Keys that have web pages. The list is at < http://inshore.com/f-guides.html#Monroe . You might want to visit a few of the sites for more information on trips, rates, etc. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi I’m looking for a game fishing charter in the Florida Keys. Has anybody got any recomendations ?? Cheers Justin

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Hi I’m looking for a game fishing charter in the Florida Keys. Has anybody got any recomendations ?? Cheers Justin

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Hiya Justin, Check out www.met-fl.org This site has a page of links to guides in the Keys and around S. Fla. These guides are some, but not all of the best guides. Most on the list have or guided people who have IGFA records. Good luck, let us know when and how you do. Do you know Stu Cawker"Capt. Asparagus" Hi I’m looking for a game fishing charter in the Florida Keys. Has anybody got any recomendations ?? Cheers Justin

– Bragging may not bring happiness, but no man having caught a large fish, goes home through the alley. Anonymous http://fish-n-net.com/

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Question:

I want to take just a moment to thank the people who tried to connect for the Wednesday evening chat session.  Unfortunately, FlyFishAmerica’s Web Page Chat option just didn’t work quite the way we wanted it to.   I hurriedly configured an alternate means but unfortunately not everyone had Java enabled browsers.  So in the interim until the folks at FlyFishAmerica can come up with an alternate means of chatting we will connect via IRC Client Software.  In other words you will need mIRC, WsIRC for IBM Clones, or Homer and IRcle for Mac’s. In configuring set your irc server to: 206.230.8.18, on port 6667. We will chat Wednesday Feb 5, at 18:00 MST or 20:00 Eastern Joe

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I want to take just a moment to thank the people who tried to connect for the Wednesday evening chat session.  Unfortunately, FlyFishAmerica’s Web Page Chat option just didn’t work quite the way we wanted it to. I hurriedly configured an alternate means but unfortunately not everyone had Java enabled browsers.  So in the interim until the folks at FlyFishAmerica can come up with an alternate means of chatting we will connect via IRC Client Software.  In other words you will need mIRC, WsIRC for IBM Clones, or Homer and IRcle for Mac’s. In configuring set your irc server to: 206.230.8.18, on port 6667. We will chat Wednesday Feb 5, at 18:00 MST or 20:00 Eastern JoeForgive me for being computer illiterate, but, what is and irc server?  

Where do you get it?  Is it software?  More info. please. John

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connect via IRC Client Software.  In other words you will need mIRC, WsIRC for IBM Clones, or Homer and IRcle for Mac’s. In configuring set your irc server to: 206.230.8.18, on port 6667. We will chat Wednesday Feb 5, at 18:00 MST or 20:00 Eastern JoeForgive me for being computer illiterate, but, what is and irc server?   Where do you get it?  Is it software?  More info. please. John

John if you are using an IBM Clone then go to http://www.tucows.com and in the area for text chat download a program called mIRC.  It is pretty easy to set up.  mIRC will allow you to connect to IRC (Internet Relay Chat)

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I want to take just a moment to thank the people who tried to connect for the Wednesday evening chat session.  Unfortunately, FlyFishAmerica’s Web Page Chat option just didn’t work quite the way we wanted it to. connect via IRC Client Software.   In other words you will need mIRC,WsIRC for IBM Clones, or Homer and IRcle for Mac’s. In configuring set your irc server to: 206.230.8.18, on port 6667. We will chat Wednesday Feb 5, at 18:00 MST or 20:00 Eastern JoeForgive me for being computer illiterate, but, what is and ircserver? Where do you get it?  Is it software?  More info. please. John if you are using an IBM Clone then go to http://www.tucows.com and in the area for text chat download a program called mIRC.  It is pretty easy to set up.  mIRC will allow you to connect to IRC (Internet Relay Chat)

Hello all… Sorry for the troubles we had before but they are now behind us. I re-wrote the FlyFishAmerica.com chat area, it has been fixed, it supports a lot more users and is wicked fast. It does not require any downloading or special software and is based on SERVERside Java which does not even require a Java enabled browser. Bob Stewart http://www.flyfishamerica.com/chat/chat.html

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I guess this question is for Al Beatty as much as everyone else.   Are we gonna try to chat Wed. evening again?

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I guess this question is for Al Beatty as much as everyone else. Are we gonna try to chat Wed. evening again?

Hi Joe Why don’t you start the chat and I’ll join in if I can. I have a fly tying class to teach and I’m not sure how long it will take. By the way I sure like your IRC server you showed me yesterday, it was great. Thanks much for sending me the soft ware. Good Tying &…. (the bobbin is on the way). — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

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Where is the chat session going to be held from now on? John

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John: It is up in the air right now…..FFAmerica is in the process of working on their chat section ontheir page.  Til then try in your irc client to connect to: Server: 206.230.8.18 Port: 6667 Channel #FlyTyer Wednesday’s at 8:00pm EST – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Where is the chat session going to be held from now on? John

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Question:

Someone posted a really nice list of web sites for flyfishing within the last week, but I inadvertantly deleted it.  Could you be so kind as to re-post it?

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Try http://www.eaglenet.com/PaxP/mstrs/fishing.html

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Question:

Does anyone have any information on the conditions of the rivers in the Crested Butte area?

Joe Butler says that both Taylor and Gunnison rivers have been fishing well. He says to use "Egg Flies, Carpet Egg Flies, Mysis Shrimp, Sonefiles, tan shrimp, olive shrimp and orange shrimp. San Juan Worms will pick up a few fish also, as will the 20-incher pattern." "As the water rises from the bigger releases from the dams," says Butler, "the orange shrimp and the San Juans become more effectivbe. Why? Because shrimp that die when they come through the dams turn orange. These free floating morsels of food are easy pickens for the trout below." "The San Juan Worms get lots of attention as the river rises, mainly because the banks along the stream’s edge are getting washed into the river." — |    Liberty Communications — Michael P. Thompson      | |  Writing, editing, desktop publishing, consulting     | |      <http://www.ecentral.com/members/thompson       |

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Does anyone have any information on the conditions of the rivers in the Crested Butte area? Thanks and Regards, Steve

I am planning a colo kayak/fly fish vacation and may be too early as i am forced to go july 17 to 31.  I have been watching the following page like a hawk and the levels are not about to let up !!  only good for kayakers with a death wish! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -http://webserver.cr.usgs.gov/station_data/co_realtime/html/current_li…<<<

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I am planning a colo kayak/fly fish vacation and may be too early as i am forced to go july 17 to 31.  I have been watching the following page like a hawk and the levels are not about to let up !!  only good for kayakers with a death wish!

I’m confident that Colorado rivers will be down and quite fishable by mid July.  Early July is more dubious for fishing (but is probably a better time for floating). — -Wayne Trzyna

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Does anyone have any information on the conditions of the rivers in the Crested Butte area? Thanks and Regards, Steve

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Does anyone have any information on the conditions of the rivers in the Crested Butte area?

It looks like most rivers in Colorado are going to remain blown-out until well into July. — -Wayne Trzyna

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that said, it would still be my *earnest* recommendation to blow off all of the places you’ve ever heard about, get in the car, get a map and head to those places that are green on the map with lots of x’s (indicating BIG mountain peaks) and blues (rivers, lakes and creeks).  Don’t get to hung up on a spot unless you really like it…inquire in the local stores, buy something…plan to hike to your spot…you might find something you weren’t even looking for. Your pal, TimW

   I agree 1000% . It may take a few trips to find what you like, but it’s well worth the "work" !!!   Harry   (See Tim, we don’t always disagree g<)

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Hello All!     Planning a trip with my brother and son the first of August to do some primitive camping and fly fishing.  My brother lives in Denver and we will be launching the "expedition" from his house. <G     What I would like to know is how are the rivers running so far.  My brother and I fished both the Frying Pan and the South Platte two or three times last year, and didn’t do very well at either one.     Ideally we would want someplace that isn’t heavily fished or camped, but where we have a better than even chance of catching a few fish.  We can four wheel it, or some hiking is not out of the question (son just got out of Marine Corps training and we can use him as a mule <G).  Gold Medal Water fishing is not needed, as fishing Gold Metal Water didn’t really help us last year.     Open to suggestions. K. — |Fidonet:  K. Lindholm 1:285/43 | | Standard disclaimer: The views of this user are strictly his own.

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[deleted] Corps training and we can use him as a mule <G).  Gold Medal Water fishing is not needed, as fishing Gold Metal Water didn’t really help us last year.     Open to suggestions.

the gold medal water in colorado generally has a lot of fish…sometimes they just get pucker-headed in August (or anytime…directly proportional to the amount of time, money and planning invested in the trip)….when it warms up…on the other hand, if you nail it just right it can be awesome.   that said, it would still be my *earnest* recommendation to blow off all of the places you’ve ever heard about, get in the car, get a map and head to those places that are green on the map with lots of x’s (indicating BIG mountain peaks) and blues (rivers, lakes and creeks).  Don’t get to hung up on a spot unless you really like it…inquire in the local stores, buy something…plan to hike to your spot…you might find something you weren’t even looking for. Your pal, TimW

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Question:

I’ve been thinking about fishing (fly) in the Burney CA area. Can anyone give information on guides, tackle, good spots (I guess on the Fall or other smaller creeks), and places to stay/visit. Well, anything would be nice. Thanks in advance. greg miller

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Call Andre Puyans at Creative Sports in Pleasant Hill, CA. No one in the Bay Area knows the Fall River, Hat Creek, etc. like Andy does.  He spent a couple of years camped out by the side of road tying flies and exploring.  510-938-2255.

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Forgot to add that the Fall River is boat access only. Limited access, deep, and soft unwadeable bottem. The standard technique is to use a skiff with electronic motor go upstream (easier to get home when the motor fails) get upstream of a pod of fish and cast down and across to them from the anchored skiff.  Very smooth surface with educated fish.  I love it! Hat Creek has everthing from tumbling freestone to ripples and long smooth runs.  Haven’t had a chance to the other rivers or lakes which I here are great. I’m really looking forward to a week by myself with out the family exploring the area. Guides:  George Durand 916-222-5630               Somes Bar Lodge & Guide Service Upper Sacremento                916-469-3399               Lava Creek Lodge Fall River Andy will give you the name & number of the fly shop in Burney.

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I’ve been thinking about fishing (fly) in the Burney CA area. Can anyone give information on guides, tackle, good spots (I guess on the Fall or other smaller creeks), and places to stay/visit. Well, anything would be nice. Thanks in advance. greg miller

Greg, I’m fairly familiar with the area. Email your phone # or call me: (510)486-5317 l

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Some places to fish when you’re in the Burney area: Fall River, Hat Creek, Pit River, MaCloud River, Upper & Lower Sacramento River, Trinity River, Baum Lake, Lewiston Lake and McCumber Lake.  Too many choices! I’ll be up in the area in October for a week.  I’ll focus on the Fall River, Hat Creek and MaCloud Rivers and if I have any spare time I may try fishing Baum Lake.

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