Question:

My girlfriend and I are heading somewhere in the Caribbean this winter. Besides the usual sightseeing, I want to do some flyfishing for at least one and hopefully two days.  I would like to do battle with any combination of the following:  bonefish, permit, tarpon, jack crevalle etc.   I don’t want an exclusive fishing resort.  I was hoping for a regular tourist destination that I could hook up with a reputable guide, close by,  who could take me out for the day.  I have read some good things about the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico but am open to just about anywhere.  Any suggestions?  (Cuba is an option for us Canucks.) Tony Morrison London, Ontario.

Response:

Cuba via Mexico…..no problem…. john

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My girlfriend and I are heading somewhere in the Caribbean this winter. Besides the usual sightseeing, I want to do some flyfishing for at least one and hopefully two days.  I would like to do battle with any combination of the following:  bonefish, permit, tarpon, jack crevalle etc.   I don’t want an exclusive fishing resort.  I was hoping for a regular tourist destination that I could hook up with a reputable guide, close by,  who could take me out for the day.  I have read some good things about the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico but am open to just about anywhere.  Any suggestions?  (Cuba is an option for us Canucks.) Tony Morrison London, Ontario.

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Question:

i am plannig to buy a fly rod (Vision extreme of Loop green line) and here`s a few questions: What is the difference between fast and medium fast rod in fishing? i am fishing in the river where is not much room, which one is better? Which line is better for 5-6 rod, 5 or 6 and what`s the difference? (sorry for bad english:))

Response:

i am plannig to buy a fly rod (Vision extreme of Loop green line) and here`s a few questions: What is the difference between fast and medium fast rod in fishing? i am fishing in the river where is not much room, which one is better? Which line is better for 5-6 rod, 5 or 6 and what`s the difference? (sorry for bad english:))

Read the thread entitled "Fly rod speeds explanation" on June 24. Also, for casting distances of less than 40′ the 6wt line may load the rod better, while for over that distance, the 5 wt. line may load better.  But if you can, try out both lines before you buy.  Perhaps a friend has some lines he can let you cast on your rod, as a test. I am not familiar with the rod you mention.  The medium fast rod may be more forgiving (easier to cast if you are not a very experienced caster). PatK * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

The softer (slower) the rod, the easier it is to cast. The stiffer (faster) the rod, the farther you can cast. The same is true for length, the longer the farther. However other factors come into play when choosing your first rod. physical conditions (trees, underbrush etc.) varietys of fish pursued, last but not least water fished. A nine foot 5wt rod is a usless tool on a 20′ wide heavily treed creek, fishing for panfish. Whereas the same rod is ideal wading a wide clear river casting for 2-3lb rainbows. In other words like in all other endevors choose the proper tool for the job. John Popp

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i am plannig to buy a fly rod (Vision extreme of Loop green line) and here`s a few questions: What is the difference between fast and medium fast rod in fishing? i am fishing in the river where is not much room, which one is better? Which line is better for 5-6 rod, 5 or 6 and what`s the difference? (sorry for bad english:))

Response:

i am plannig to buy a fly rod (Vision extreme of Loop green line) and here`s a few questions: What is the difference between fast and medium fast rod in fishing? i am fishing in the river where is not much room, which one is better? Which line is better for 5-6 rod, 5 or 6 and what`s the difference? (sorry for bad english:)) I

Question:

I’ll be in Richand-Pasco, WA next week and would like to get some time on the river in between job assignments. What can anyone tell me about this area?  All I read is that the rivers are big; I would need a boat to fish them; and the fish on the Columbia around the Hanford area will glow! I’d appreciate any tips on flies and conditions. Regino —

Response:

<< I’ll be in Richand-Pasco, WA next week and would like to get some time on the river in between job assignments. What can anyone tell me about this area?  All I read is that the rivers are big; I would need a boat to fish them; and the fish on the Columbia around the Hanford area will glow! I’d appreciate any tips on flies and conditions. Regino   Regino, You will be about an hour to hour and a half from the famous Yakima River.  I highly recommend fishing it for wild Rainbow trout.  A local store in the area keeps a good web page about conditions.  I believe it is www.worleybugger.com In case that isn’t the right URL search under Worly Bugger Fly Shop. Fishing on the Columbia is very limited this time of year.  You can head over towards the Idaho border and get into some Spring Chinooks.  The Clearwater would be a decent bet there.  Unfortunately, I don’t fish that run so can’t be much help. Mike Spokane, WA

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I’ll be in Richand-Pasco, WA next week and would like to get some time on the river in between job assignments. What can anyone tell me about this area?  All I read is that the rivers are big; I would need a boat to fish them; and the fish on the Columbia around the Hanford area will glow! I’d appreciate any tips on flies and conditions. Regino

The Yakima River between Yakima and Ellensburg is pretty good.  It takes a bit over an hour to get there from Richland.   Unfortunately, this time of year usually means considerable flow in the river to support irrigation, but you may be able to find decent fish along the banks using hoppers. About an hour north of Richland is a spring creek called Rocky Ford.  It is between Moses Lake and Ephrata off of SR 17.  When I lived there, it was great in the early morning and in the evening, but quite slow during the day.  Fish (Columbia Redsides) averaged ~20-24 inches and 3-8 lbs.  If you go there, take small flies (no bigger than 18s). You also might try the Jon Day and the Deschutes in Oregon.  They are not that far from the Tri Cities.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll be in Richand-Pasco, WA next week and would like to get some time on the river in between job assignments. What can anyone tell me about this area?  All I read is that the rivers are big; I would need a boat to fish them; and the fish on the Columbia around the Hanford area will glow! I’d appreciate any tips on flies and conditions. Regino The Yakima River between Yakima and Ellensburg is pretty good.  It takes a bit over an hour to get there from Richland.   Unfortunately, this time of year usually means considerable flow in the river to support irrigation, but you may be able to find decent fish along the banks using hoppers. About an hour north of Richland is a spring creek called Rocky Ford.  It is between Moses Lake and Ephrata off of SR 17.  When I lived there, it was great in the early morning and in the evening, but quite slow during the day.  Fish (Columbia Redsides) averaged ~20-24 inches and 3-8 lbs.  If you go there, take small flies (no bigger than 18s). You also might try the Jon Day and the Deschutes in Oregon.  They are not that far from the Tri Cities.

I also recommend Rocky Ford.  Very small flies work great, but we also did well for very large bows using San Juan Worms, so take those along too.  At times the lunkers would hit those like a freight train. Good Luck, Pat Kirkpatrick * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

I also recommend Rocky Ford.  Very small flies work great, but we also did well for very large bows using San Juan Worms, so take those along too.  At times the lunkers would hit those like a freight train. Good Luck, Pat Kirkpatrick

Oops….I also forgot one:  try wooly buggers around dusk. Pat:  Is the stretch below the lower hatchery still closed?  It used to be a great place to go to avoid other fishers….

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place to go to avoid other fishers….

Better check the reg’s.  We were there 2 years ago and it was open right below the hatchery.  Btw, we ran out of San Juan Worms and couldn’t find any locally.  Finally found a tackle/hardware shop in Soap Lake, and the owner/tyer tied some up while we ate dinner across the street–kind of a flys made to order while-you-wait deal! Cheers, PatK * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

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Btw, we ran out of San Juan Worms and couldn’t find any locally.  Finally found a tackle/hardware shop in Soap Lake, and the owner/tyer tied some up while we ate dinner across the street–kind of a flys made to order while-you-wait deal! Cheers,

Ah….I remember the Soap Lake shop well…..I always thought that opening a shop in Ephrata would be a good thing to do.  You know…..go to RF in the morning, figure out what is hatching, tie a bunch up and sell them for an exorbitant price to all the folks getting skunked on the stream. When I left WA (about 4 years ago or so) RF had just been closed to public access right above the discharge stream from the lower hatchery.   The first year it was closed I managed to obtain access from the owner, but he subsequently ceased granting such access.  Oh, well.

Response:

There certainly is a dearth of flyfishing gear in that area, despite the ffing opportunities.  To insure a successful shop opening in that impoverished area, however, you may need to combine the flyshop with a Greasy Spoon diner, and maybe a gas station/general mercantile.  You know–a shopping mall not to exceed 1000sq.ft.! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Btw, we ran out of San Juan Worms and couldn’t find any locally.  Finally found a tackle/hardware shop in Soap Lake, and the owner/tyer tied some up while we ate dinner across the street–kind of a flys made to order while-you-wait deal! Cheers, Ah….I remember the Soap Lake shop well…..I always thought that opening a shop in Ephrata would be a good thing to do.  You know…..go to RF in the morning, figure out what is hatching, tie a bunch up and sell them for an exorbitant price to all the folks getting skunked on the stream. When I left WA (about 4 years ago or so) RF had just been closed to public access right above the discharge stream from the lower hatchery. The first year it was closed I managed to obtain access from the owner, but he subsequently ceased granting such access.  Oh, well.

Before you buy.

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Question:

Here is the individual responsible for this spam- this same person spams this group weekly with various pornography and is a notorious spammer in many other newsgroups. (I tracked the phone number to his websites- then researched the owner of those sites): His name is Jerry Nardini. Here are his most recent addresses and phone numbers: PO Box 5981 Stateline, NV 89449 (702)588-0862 112a Cervantes Street San Francisco, CA 94123 (415)928-6025 25 Stillman st. #200 San Francico, CA 94109 (415)281-3104 Wanna meet someone tonight? It costs ONLY $1 per minute CALL NOW :  1-800-750-GIRL (4475) These girls are not phonesex workers. They are horny girls who are on the

line cuz it’s free phonesex for them. You are free to arrange to meet anyone you meet on this line. Give it a try! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – -EnjoyKIeTXJuN

Response:

Wolfgang Siebeneich schrieb:  I vote we keep the gentleman from North Carolina and lose you.  Seconds? Seconded !  ( average sixty to the minute ! ).

I vote we keep the gentleman from North Carolina and Wayno too !! — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Moreover, Wayne amuses me and a lot of others on this NG.  You don’t. Chris W. doesn’t.  Mr. Nardini doesn’t.  I vote we keep the gentleman from North Carolina and lose you.  Seconds?

Seconded !  ( average sixty to the minute ! ). TL MC

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I vote we keep the gentleman from North Carolina and Wayno too !!

Uh oh!  Did I get it wrong?  Wait, let me think a gentleman?

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Moreover, Wayne amuses me and a lot of others on this NG.  You don’t. Chris W. doesn’t.  Mr. Nardini doesn’t.  I vote we keep the gentleman from North Carolina and lose you.  Seconds?

Here! babob

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Uh oh!  Did I get it wrong?  Wait, let me think a gentleman?

Yes, my name is E. Gaduair, but I prefer that you not refer to me as EGAD!! And could someone tell me just what the Germans have done to piss-off you folks. Opie in NC

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Uh oh!  Did I get it wrong?  Wait, let me think a gentleman? Yes, my name is E. Gaduair, but I prefer that you not refer to me as EGAD!! And could someone tell me just what the Germans have done to piss-off you folks. Opie in NC

Tut mir ausserordentlich leid, aber ich habe kein Wort verstanden. TL MC

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It’s all very clear to me now! NC Opie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tut mir ausserordentlich leid, aber ich habe kein Wort verstanden. TL MC

Response:

Another person completely at a loss on the concept of News Groups. Wayno, numbnuts, these are not porno news groups and porno, or any other non-germaine posts, don’t belong here. You childish remarks prove your ignorance. Perhaps you need to take remedial Internet training as you are still way-fuzzy on the concept.

News Groups.  Public fora, are they not?  Seems to suggest that ANYONE is free to post.  Even some dumbass peddling his porn.  Everyone else, on the other hand, is free to whip his naked ass back where he came from or simply ignore him.  Or ignore Mr. Harrison for that matter.  Or you.  Or me. So, what’s germane?  Ignore everything that’s not strictly about fly fishing on this NG and you don’t have a great deal left to read.  Are your insults germane?  Why are they more germane than Mr. Harrison’s?  Wayne has posted a great deal of welcome information on these pages.  Has Chris W.?  Has Mr. Nardini?  Have you, Bobby? Moreover, Wayne amuses me and a lot of others on this NG.  You don’t.  Chris W. doesn’t.  Mr. Nardini doesn’t.  I vote we keep the gentleman from North Carolina and lose you.  Seconds?

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[deleted]  Another person completely at a loss on the concept of News Groups. Wayno, numbnuts, these are not porno news groups and porno, or any other non-germaine posts, don’t belong here. You childish remarks prove your ignorance. Perhaps you need to take remedial Internet training as you are still way-fuzzy on the concept.

You mean like your (and mine) crossposted double-drivel ? Thanks for the NG lesson Robert ! — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

Response:

wayno "the professor" relates: <<finally, let me close with a few more childish remarks:  bite me, robbie baby; and, for good measure, "na na nah na na naahh".         you are now free to continue your graduate level studies in anal retentiveness. roflmao.  what a way to start out the day!  hey, why am i typing all in lower case?   louie

Response:

Here is the individual responsible for this spam- this same person spams this group weekly with various pornography and is a notorious spammer in many other newsgroups. (I tracked the phone number to his websites- then researched the owner of those sites): His name is Jerry Nardini. Here are his most recent addresses and phone numbers:

        gosh, chris, thanks for insulating me from evil.         now, do you think you could use this info to get jerry to drop the charges to a half a buck per minute?         roff is darwinian, chris, baby.  he won’t survive.  can you dig it? wayno

Response:

Here ya go Wayno!  Anything else you need you just gimme a Want to talk with REAL horny girls? This is something VERY new in phone sex. The women on the line are NOT paid. They call for free phone sex with guys like YOU! Guys: 50 cents per minute Girls: TOTALLY FREE discreetly directly to your phone bill. For gay talk call: 1-888-800-GUYS (toll-free) For Dominance & Submission Call: 888-700-WHIP l

Response:

Here ya go Wayno!  Anything else you need you just gimme a

ahhhhhhhhh… ROFF is darwinian lol waldo Ezflyfish.com http://www.ezflyfish.com BRBG http://www.abebooks.com/home/BLUEBOOKS P.O. Box 5112  Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828)963-5001

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here is the individual responsible for this spam- this same person spams this group weekly with various pornography and is a notorious spammer in many other newsgroups. (I tracked the phone number to his websites- then researched the owner of those sites): His name is Jerry Nardini. Here are his most recent addresses and phone numbers:         gosh, chris, thanks for insulating me from evil.         now, do you think you could use this info to get jerry to drop the charges to a half a buck per minute?         roff is darwinian, chris, baby.  he won’t survive.  can you dig it? wayno

  Another person completely at a loss on the concept of News Groups. Wayno, numbnuts, these are not porno news groups and porno, or any other non-germaine posts, don’t belong here. You childish remarks prove your ignorance. Perhaps you need to take remedial Internet training as you are still way-fuzzy on the concept.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –         gosh, chris, thanks for insulating me from evil.         now, do you think you could use this info to get jerry to drop the charges to a half a buck per minute?         roff is darwinian, chris, baby.  he won’t survive.  can you dig it? wayno  Another person completely at a loss on the concept of News Groups. Wayno, numbnuts, these are not porno news groups and porno, or any other non-germaine posts, don’t belong here. You childish remarks prove your ignorance. Perhaps you need to take remedial Internet training as you are still way-fuzzy on the concept.

        what you need is a good cyber ass whipping, which i will happily provide.         you also need some help with your grammar and spelling.         finally, let me close with a few more childish remarks:  bite me, robbie baby; and, for good measure, "na na nah na na naahh".         you are now free to continue your graduate level studies in anal retentiveness.         wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Question:

You are wonderfully located for fishing South Central PA.  In addition to the Yellow Breeches, there is the Latort, Big Spring, Falling Spring, Green Spring, and many other just a little farther.  Visit the Yellow Breeches Outfitter in Boiling Spring.  They are located right in town on the little pond off Rt 174. The folks are friendly and knowledgable. PS – The spring creeks can be tough!!

Response:

Jim: What’s your question?  What other streams to fish?  Well, I used to live in College Park and would drive to the Cumberland Valley steams almost every week.  Start with the Yellow Breeches around Allenberry (although you may want to go during the week to avoid crowds), try the Letort and Falling Spring Branch, visit a couple of fly shops or sporting goods stores:  you’ll have lots choices, most easily accessed. Just go.  If you’re worried about wasting time wandering around, get a book like Charles Meck’s "Pennsylvania Trout Streams."  You can get it from Angler’s Art (800-848-1020).   Also, check out http://flystream.com/ for info on flyfishing MD and PA. Have fun, JR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I live in Frederick,Maryland and am interested in streams to fish for trout in pennsylvania especially the "Yellow Breeches" Thanks Jim

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I live in Frederick,Maryland and am interested in streams to fish for trout in pennsylvania especially the "Yellow Breeches" Thanks Jim

Response:

I live in Frederick,Maryland and am interested in streams to fish for trout in pennsylvania especially the "Yellow Breeches" Thanks Jim

Here’s two sites recently sent to me, they might help out some in the beginning. Coming from the Ohio side though, that’s about all I can offer. http://www.paflyfish.easetech.com/ www.state.pa.us/Fish/pfbchom4.htm Steve

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – …while this was sound advice beware of the impression that all the problems you may have starting out is due to the lower cost equipment you purchased. No matter how much is spent on the rod everyone has to learn how to cast. In my experience even lower cost rods are fine for this – often their ’slower’ characteristics are more forgiving to the beginner. While the line is the most important part of the tackle – many of the lower priced lines available – ie the Sci Anglers Aircel lines, are quite alright. Basically the same line they sold for 2x the price a decade or two ago. But beware cheap off brands, particulary level lines. If the line has no brand name on it and you can’t detect it getting thicker as you move up the tip several feet, you should throw it away or keep it for trolling. Ralph H

Ralph has some good points,especially about avoiding level lines.  They are a total waste of money, plus cause casting problems and bad casting habits that take years to get rid of.  The less expensive Orvis Clearwater lines, and the SA beginner lines actually make casting easier for novices because of their short front taper design.  They turns over flys more easily.  The sacrifice delicacy in doing so, but usually a novice’s casting skills aren’t too delicate anyway and they help the cast extend.  As your skills improve, you will probably want to buy a better line before you wear one of these out. While some people have a tough time learning on a fast action or tip-flex rod, I’d hesitate to recommend a full-flex (soft action) rod for a beginner. In 1987 as we started changing the rods in the Orvis West Coast Schools from the full-flex Superfine Limestone Special to the mid-flex "Western Series Spring Creek" we had both types available for a while for our students.  Students would race to get the Western Series rods because they were easier to cast without throwing tailing loops.  Shortly thereafter we replaced all the full flex rods with the Western Series.  I should note we teach a forearm based stroke in our casting programs (both Orvis WC and my own schools) which works very well with this type of rod.  When people first start out the most common mistake is to use too much wrist often snapping it in mid stroke which almost ivariably overdrives the tip and causes tailing loops.  The mid to tip flex rods eliminate a lot of this problem because it is harder to overdrive the tip with this kind of design.  It can still be done, but is a more forgiving (of mistakes) action for beginners. Still, you need to cast the rods to see which ones you like.                            Good Luck,                                      Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools Mt. Shasta Fly Fishing Schools http://www.thegrid.net/flyfish

Response:

I’m very, very new to fly fishing, and if nothing else, the people on this newsgroup have been very friendly in sharing information for a beginner. So, I went to our local fly shop, and was browsing around, and I saw something that floored me….the rods they were selling were in the $300 and up range… Now, I bought a fly rod and reel combo, that came with line, backing, leader, and a few flies for less than $60.00. What, exactly, does the extra $250.00 or more for a rod get me?  (Other than broke. <grin)  What makes those rods that much more valuable? Thanks, Monte P.S. To reply via email, remove the ".dot" from my email address.

Response:

I’m very, very new to fly fishing, and if nothing else, the people on this newsgroup have been very friendly in sharing information for a beginner. So, I went to our local fly shop, and was browsing around, and I saw something that floored me….the rods they were selling were in the $300 and up range… Now, I bought a fly rod and reel combo, that came with line, backing, leader, and a few flies for less than $60.00. What, exactly, does the extra $250.00 or more for a rod get me?  (Other than broke. <grin)  What makes those rods that much more valuable?

If you are new, next to nothing.  At first, you probably won’t be able to tell the difference between a $60 outfit and a $500 rod.  Take your outfit out, fish with it, beat it up, make mistakes, break a tip, slip on a rock and break the handle off the reel (done that), but go fishing.  In a year or so, go to a fly shop and cast various rods once you’ve got the hang of things. If you can tell the difference and like the difference buy what you can afford.  If you can’t tell the difference or don’t like the difference stick with what you have or buy another one. I started out with a $15 rod/reel combo.  It cast like a broomstick, but it was what I could afford and caught fish. When I actually had money, I knew how to cast and could feel the difference in the actions of various rods and bought a reasonable quality rod/reel.  Plus when I fell on that rock and busted my reel I didn’t worry about it (much). My $0.02,      - Ken — Not speaking for anyone but myself

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Well the feel of the rod and its ability to case by improving transfer of energy to the line.  Oh I almost forgot the most important part, to demonstrate your dedication to the sport by showing others that you sent a reasonable sum of cash.  The person who spent the most has the best zen in fly fishing the rest is just for fun.  So I suggest that you peal the name off your rod and turn your reel in a lath and tell folks it is a two grand custom rig from Scotland this will impress them and the fish.  Or you could spend your time fishing and simply enjoying your surroundings and the sport.   good luck and get out and spend or fish. Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m very, very new to fly fishing, and if nothing else, the people on this newsgroup have been very friendly in sharing information for a beginner. So, I went to our local fly shop, and was browsing around, and I saw something that floored me….the rods they were selling were in the $300 and up range… Now, I bought a fly rod and reel combo, that came with line, backing, leader, and a few flies for less than $60.00. What, exactly, does the extra $250.00 or more for a rod get me?  (Other than broke. <grin)  What makes those rods that much more valuable? Thanks, Monte P.S. To reply via email, remove the ".dot" from my email address.

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Monte Porche wrote [snip] Now, I bought a fly rod and reel combo, that came with line, backing, leader, and a few flies for less than $60.00. What, exactly, does the extra $250.00 or more for a rod get me?  (Other than broke. <grin)  What makes those rods that much more valuable?

My guess is you’re probably right in going with the less expensive outfit to begin with.  I think you have to flyfish for awhile before you can start to appreciate some of the performance advantages of a more expensive rod. After you’ve gotten to the point where your casting effectively (not necessarily great … but effectively), try finding some fishing buddies who’ll let you try a few casts with their more expensive rods … or see if the flyshop you frequent will let you try casting a few of the rods they sell.  You may find some will perform better (then again, maybe not).  Rod speed is a factor that is important to many people – this refers to speed of casting movement which most "naturally" optimizes the cast for a particular rod.  Some people like fast rods, some like slow ones, it’s a matter of personal preference.  It’s also an issue you probably shouldn’t worry about until you have some experience … learn how to deal with the rod you have and you’ll be better able to feel the differences in performance of other rods. Also, these days, many of the more expensive rods come with a lifetime, no-questions-asked guarantee.  What this really means is that part of the price you pay is really group benefit rod insurance.  (If you fish a lot, you’ll probably make a claim sooner or later yourself!). —                                                       -dnc-

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All of the replies so far have been good. Heres my addition: The difference between low cost vs higher cost is nearly always a direct relationship between low quality vs. better quality, sophistication and performance. If you had just started driving (let’s say), perhaps you would never have realized that a Ferrari F355 could be so much more enjoyable than a Toyota Tercel (no offense intended, Tercel owners).  They both serve the same basic transportation purpose. Yet if you had started with the Ferrari, you might have said it’s "Hey it’s too twitchy, too hard to press in the clutch pedal thing, and when I press the accelerator the car goes wild! Nobody would wanna drive this!" The point is it’s better off starting with the basics. You’ve started out fine. Have fun. Don M. J.Kennedy Fisherto a Loomisto a Winstonto a W. Powellto a ??

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Don M. made the analogy of expensive flyrods/cheap flyrods to cheap cars/sports cars.  My question is this – Will a Winston or a Thomas & Thomas get you laid? Pete C

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If so, I’ve got to get me one of those. Dana

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Don M. made the analogy of expensive flyrods/cheap flyrods to cheap cars/sports cars.  My question is this – Will a Winston or a Thomas & Thomas get you laid? Pete C

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Don M. made the analogy of expensive flyrods/cheap flyrods to cheap cars/sports cars.  My question is this – Will a Winston or a Thomas & Thomas get you laid? Pete C

It’s not how expensive your rod is, it’s what you do with it that counts.  :-)      - Ken — Not speaking for anyone but myself

Response:

try finding some fishing buddies who’ll let you try a few casts with their more expensive rods … or see if the flyshop you frequent will let you try casting a few of the rods they sell.  You may find some will perform better (then again, maybe not).

Don’t do this!!! If you do you may end up in the same boat with the rest of us. A poor flyfisherman with alot of snazzy tackle and a wife who shakes her head with alarming frequency; as they say ignorance is bliss. Of course I never follow my own advice either. T.G. Mittler

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: If you had just started driving (let’s say), perhaps you would never have : realized that a Ferrari F355 could be so much more enjoyable than a Toyota : Tercel (no offense intended, Tercel owners).  They both serve the same basic : transportation purpose. Yet if you had started with the Ferrari, you might have : said it’s "Hey it’s too twitchy, too hard to press in the clutch pedal thing, : and when I press the accelerator the car goes wild! Nobody would wanna drive : this!" I understand the point ArtDrectr is making and for many, it probably works.  But not for me, and here is why.  Automobiles are sophisticated pieces of machinery and involve many parts that must work together. Significant design and engineering is required and many, many decisions made along the way to the market.   A graphite rod is very different.  It has a couple of numbers that characterize the performance and it is not difficult to change these numbers to make a rod.  For example, look at catalogs or talk to experienced fisherfolk… they will tell you a particular rod is soft or stiff, or at most describe 3 different types of flex.  A second factor is the weight, but that is about it.  That’s really all that matters.  (Well, durability too, but the guarantee should cover that.) As you get more experienced, you might move into a personal preference for a particular rod and if it matters much to you, spend the money.  For now, you done good with the cheap outfit.  As you gain experience, take the opportunity to try every rod you can, and see if you prefer other rods.  I suspect you will find rods that might be a bit less stiff than your current rod and you will definitely find rods that weigh less.  Pay attention to these things, but trust your judgement.  Your initial suspicions are right on. And by all means, send your kids to a good school before you spend your extra cash on expensive rods.  That is something that really makes a difference. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

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Don M. made the analogy of expensive flyrods/cheap flyrods to cheap cars/sports cars.  My question is this – Will a Winston or a Thomas & Thomas get you laid? Pete C

        maybe not; but you’ll feel like it’s happenin when you lay out line with either one.         a. wayne harrison

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What, exactly, does the extra $250.00 or more for a rod get me?

The extra $250 gets you a guarantee.  Slam the tip in the car door and they will replace it.  I buy blanks and build my own rods, its a little cheaper, sometimes still get the guarantee,  put the same grip on all my rods (everythng must have the Fenwick style).  Its pretty easy once you get the hang of it, and its a good way to spend the off season. I’d fish the $60 outfit until the thing falls apart.  I’ve got more rods than you can swing a stick at and I always use the same two.  One of them is the first rod I built.  Good Luck. Patrick  

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: : What, exactly, does the extra $250.00 or more for a rod get : me? : The extra $250 gets you a guarantee.  Slam the tip in the car door and they : will replace it.   Redington offers a replacement guarantee for a little over $100 complete, $70 blank. The 5-6 wt. is a fine rod. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m very, very new to fly fishing, So, I went to our local fly shop, and was browsing around, and I saw something that floored me….the rods they were selling were in the $300 and up range… Now, I bought a fly rod and reel combo, that came with line, backing, leader, and a few flies for less than $60.00. What, exactly, does the extra $250.00 or more for a rod get me?   Hi Monte, One of the key things to keep in mind is that if you can’t tell the difference, it doesn’t make any difference to you. By the same token, junk is junk and a waste of money, *time* and *effort*, no matter how cheap it is.  A lot of folks start fly fishing buying the cheapest stuff they can find, slap it together, and try to make it work.  I did the same thing and spent 2 1/2 frustrating years trying to make a piece of junk work that just plane wouldn’t – it was bad equipment.

…while this was sound advice beware of the impression that all the problems you may have starting out is due to the lower cost equipment you purchased. No matter how much is spent on the rod everyone has to learn how to cast. In my experience even lower cost rods are fine for this – often their ’slower’ characteristics are more forgiving to the beginner. While the line is the most important part of the tackle – many of the lower priced lines available – ie the Sci Anglers Aircel lines, are quite alright. Basically the same line they sold for 2x the price a decade or two ago. But beware cheap off brands, particulary level lines. If the line has no brand name on it and you can’t detect it getting thicker as you move up the tip several feet, you should throw it away or keep it for trolling. Ralph H note spurious hyperbole, insults and ‘personal attacks’ made by the author are meant to honour "the Soul of Cicero" and are not intended as personal slights. Please don’t take offense as none is intended. remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply.

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Question:

Anyone know of a source for flyfishing clip art?  thanks in Advance

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Anyone know of a source for flyfishing clip art?  thanks in Advance

Check out the Fly & Field website at: http://www.flyfield.com/clipart.htm — Steve Vaughn

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Question:

I use a wheelchair and though I would be transferring from my chair into the boat. Any advice or recommendations of where to look would be greatly appreciated. I am a complete novice as far as boats are concerned and all information on things that I should consider will be gratefully received.

There is a printed magazine called "Sports n’ Spokes printed by PVA Publications (paralized vets) that covers outdoors and athletic activities for the wheelchair world.  I haven’t seen a copy in a couple years (used to be very good.) Can reach PVA pubs at 602-224-0500 They probably have some past issues with boating articles, plus they have a questions area. Gary Polson RBBI http://www.virtualpet.com/rbbi

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I would like some advice on what might be an appropriate style/make/model of small boat for use when either trolling or fly fishing on lakes. In the past I have used a converted 10 foot Portaboat with the center bench removed and a padded seat suspended between the front and back benches. A seat clamped onto a middle bench perched me too high and was not sufficiently stable for my comfort, which is why a three bench aluminum rowboat is probably not what I am seeking. I use a wheelchair and though I would be transferring from my chair into the boat, it must be something that allows be ready access from sitting on a dock to sliding into the boat. Climbing is not an option. My ideal boat would allow a small outboard motor and an electric trolling motor and have seating that allowed two people to sit comfortably and fish while at anchor. It should be light enough that one person could retrieve it and load it onto a trailer without any heavy lifting. I want something that is stable. Speed is not a consideration – just something to poodle about a calm lake. Any advice or recommendations of where to look would be greatly appreciated. I am a complete novice as far as boats are concerned and all information on things that I should consider will be gratefully received. Thanks, —

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would like some advice on what might be an appropriate style/make/model of small boat for use when either trolling or fly fishing on lakes. In the past I have used a converted 10 foot Portaboat with the center bench removed and a padded seat suspended between the front and back benches. A seat clamped onto a middle bench perched me too high and was not sufficiently stable for my comfort, which is why a three bench aluminum rowboat is probably not what I am seeking. I use a wheelchair and though I would be transferring from my chair into the boat, it must be something that allows be ready access from sitting on a dock to sliding into the boat. Climbing is not an option. My ideal boat would allow a small outboard motor and an electric trolling motor and have seating that allowed two people to sit comfortably and fish while at anchor. It should be light enough that one person could retrieve it and load it onto a trailer without any heavy lifting. I want something that is stable. Speed is not a consideration – just something to poodle about a calm lake. Any advice or recommendations of where to look would be greatly appreciated. I am a complete novice as far as boats are concerned and all information on things that I should consider will be gratefully received. Thanks, —

You do not list where you want to fish and what tpe of lake you are fishing so this may or may not be appropriate. I would look at a tri hull you should be able to pick up a used tri hull posibly arround 18-20 feet which if very stable for a couple thousand I would think.My father in law had one for years and it was nice boat. Another option would be a pontoon boat but I am not sure how easy that would be to trailor and how rough of water it would take. If you are fishing a larg lake like lake Erie I suggest you charter of go with a friend because a boat that can handle sudden storms typically has a lot of overhead like dockage and insurance etc. I think dockage arround here runs from about $700-1800 dollars another option which I recomend is use transient dockage. If you have a decent size boat you can put it in lake Erie at a Marina like Genva Stae park for about $22 per day so if you reserved a slip for Saturday you could come up fish Saturday and leave your boat in the wtaer after fishing and come back and go boating in the afternoon and evening and then then next morning you are already in he water so you can go out again and then at the end of the day take your boat home. If you sleep on the baot your showers etc are included in the price. If you come for 10 weekedns the cost is arround $220 and that is a beteer part of the summer.A caomparable dock is $1080 for a season so this is an alternative. Yo obviously would not be retricted to weekends only but you see the savings is there. I hope this helps Captain Bryce Seymour http://www.ncweb.com:80/biz/hooker/

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Among the old timers of our beloved sport it it was considered something of a coup to slay a 20" trout with a #20 fly. This is quite a feat, of for no other reason than the size of the tippet that will fit through the eye of a #20 hook; and these guys were fishing with gut leaders, where 5X was about a pound.   How about reversing the hook to fish ratio? What’s the smallest fish you can recall catching on the biggest fly?   Today I hiked up to a small creek at 9000 ft, where the brookies aren’t expected to go much over 6". The rod in hand was already strung up with the rig that worked the last time I fished it, which happened to be a #10 Adams. The challenge immediately became apparent. I left the #10 on and proceeded to fish, determined to hang in there until I hooked one or darkness fell. Well, lo and behold, I began catching brookies by the buckets, some of them as small as 3". BTW, the jaw gape of a 3" brookie is less than the hook gape of a #10 hook, so these fish were all hooked because they charged the fly from head on, and they didn’t have to spread their jaws over the whole fly.   My question to the group is this: Whats the smallest fish you’ve caught on the biggest fly? I expect the salmon, steelhead, and pike guys to come in with the winning answers, simply due to the size of the flies they normally fish with.

Well, mine has to be a brown trout of about 3" on a muddler tyed on a size six long shank. I was fishing for salmon and sea trout on the Sligachan River on the Isle of Skye at the time. I caught several more of his similarly sized breatheren as well. They would come up from the bottom like polaris missiles and come clear out of the water in their eagerness to be the first one there. There was also the 1" dace on a size 10 dry Wickhams fancy, but that dosen’t count as he foul hooked himself. Colin. — Colin J. McPherson B.Eng. Design and Structures Group, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath,Bath,U.K.

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Among the old timers of our beloved sport it it was considered something of a coup to slay a 20" trout with a #20 fly. This is quite a feat, of for no other reason than the size of the tippet that will fit through the eye of a #20 hook; and these guys were fishing with gut leaders, where 5X was about a pound.   How about reversing the hook to fish ratio? What’s the smallest fish you can recall catching on the biggest fly?   Today I hiked up to a small creek at 9000 ft, where the brookies aren’t expected to go much over 6". The rod in hand was already strung up with the rig that worked the last time I fished it, which happened to be a #10 Adams. The challenge immediately became apparent. I left the #10 on and proceeded to fish, determined to hang in there until I hooked one or darkness fell. Well, lo and behold, I began catching brookies by the buckets, some of them as small as 3". BTW, the jaw gape of a 3" brookie is less than the hook gape of a #10 hook, so these fish were all hooked because they charged the fly from head on, and they didn’t have to spread their jaws over the whole fly.   My question to the group is this: Whats the smallest fish you’ve caught on the biggest fly? I expect the salmon, steelhead, and pike guys to come in with the winning answers, simply due to the size of the flies they normally fish with.

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Whenever fishing a small brook stream in WVA, small 3 inch always hit a size 10 adult stonefly.  The best was while fihing the same stream with my father, we came across a stonefly fluttering in the grass, thinking this should tempt great grandfather of all brookies, he removed his fly and casted the live stone into a small pocket.  I kid you not the brookie that hit and was hooked about 3.5 inches long.  The stone was approx. 2 inches with a 3 inch wingspand.

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  My question to the group is this: Whats the smallest fish you’ve caught on the biggest fly? I expect the salmon, steelhead, and pike guys to come in with the winning answers, simply due to the size of the flies they normally fish with.

Don’t be too sure.  The bass guys use fairly large flies around blue gill and tiger perch.  I caught a three inch tiger perch on a #6 3x long wooly bugger last night.  Counting the tail, the bugger was three fourths the length of the fish! — Tight Threads,         Charley Renn         Corvallis, OR

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Question:

Hi,   Sage now owns Lamson. Give them a call at 1-800-533-3004 and ask for Lamson Repairs and they will take care of you. Tight Lines, Jim, NV Jim’s Outdoor Sports, Elko, NV

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Sage took over Lamson and your reel is warranteed for life by sage.   Contact them. cheers gp

: I have a Lamson reel that has never been used.  When loading fly line on : the unit that creates the clicking sound (pahl?) fell out.  It is simple : affair with a small screw that holds a triangular piece of metal that : clicks as the clogs turn.  What appears to be the screw came out and I : cannoth get it to hold.  The drag still works so the reel still functions : but I would like to produce sound as it was made. : Lamson has gone out of business.  Does anyone have any idea where I might : get this repaired? — gp

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I have a Lamson reel that has never been used.  When loading fly line on the unit that creates the clicking sound (pahl?) fell out.  It is simple affair with a small screw that holds a triangular piece of metal that clicks as the clogs turn.  What appears to be the screw came out and I cannoth get it to hold.  The drag still works so the reel still functions but I would like to produce sound as it was made. Lamson has gone out of business.  Does anyone have any idea where I might get this repaired?

Actually, the good name Lamson is alive and well but now a part of through them, a suitable dealer/repair facility referral seems very likely. Regards,          Rx F Fish "For Your Good Health, Fly Fish" URL=http://www.xnet.com/~rxffish

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I have a Lamson reel that has never been used.  When loading fly line on the unit that creates the clicking sound (pahl?) fell out.  It is simple affair with a small screw that holds a triangular piece of metal that clicks as the clogs turn.  What appears to be the screw came out and I cannoth get it to hold.  The drag still works so the reel still functions but I would like to produce sound as it was made. Lamson has gone out of business.  Does anyone have any idea where I might get this repaired?

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I have a Lamson reel that has never been used.  When loading fly line on the unit that creates the clicking sound (pahl?) fell out.  It is simple affair with a small screw that holds a triangular piece of metal that clicks as the clogs turn.  What appears to be the screw came out and I cannoth get it to hold.  The drag still works so the reel still functions but I would like to produce sound as it was made. Lamson has gone out of business.  Does anyone have any idea where I might get this repaired?

Sage now owns Lamson, and are still producing the LP series of reels. David B.

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