Question:

I function best in the world I know best.  Fly fishing.  I sure wish all you other bastards would get back to the world of reality or take you political crap elsewhere. If wishes were beggars . . . — Mr.G. http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html        bamboo flyrods & blanks    More Bamboo For Less Money Than     ANY OTHER FLY ROD IN THE WORLD

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I function best in the world I know best.  Fly fishing.  I sure wish all you other bastards would get back to the world of reality or take you political crap elsewhere. If wishes were beggars . . . — Mr.G. http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html        bamboo flyrods & blanks    More Bamboo For Less Money Than     ANY OTHER FLY ROD IN THE WORLD

Dang it!  I meant YOUR! Wayne, please remember its the message which counts, not the spelling. How many fingers am I holding up ole buddy? — Mr.G. http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html        bamboo flyrods & blanks    More Bamboo For Less Money Than     ANY OTHER FLY ROD IN THE WORLD

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I function best in the world I know best.  Fly fishing.  I sure wish all you other bastards would get back to the world of reality or take you political crap elsewhere. If wishes were beggars . . . — Mr.G. http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html        bamboo flyrods & blanks    More Bamboo For Less Money Than     ANY OTHER FLY ROD IN THE WORLD

_   Three! — Mr.G. http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html        bamboo flyrods & blanks    More Bamboo For Less Money Than     ANY OTHER FLY ROD IN THE WORLD

Response:

Not to be rude or impudent, but I’ve noticed that you’ve both initiated and responded to numerous threads that either bear or should bear the POL opener in the subject header. Josh Haag "If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem" -Unknown (only because it’s too late for research, and I don’t own Bartlett’s Quotations) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I function best in the world I know best.  Fly fishing.  I sure wish all you other bastards would get back to the world of reality or take you political crap elsewhere. If wishes were beggars . . . — Mr.G. http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html        bamboo flyrods & blanks    More Bamboo For Less Money Than     ANY OTHER FLY ROD IN THE WORLD

Response:

Not to be rude or impudent, but I’ve noticed that you’ve both initiated and responded to numerous threads that either bear or should bear the POL opener in the subject header. Josh Haag

______  You’re correct Josh. Thing is, this place is full of the political stuff I’ve tried  hard to avoid.  Well, I’ll listen to you for a change because you are not rude nor impudent for speaking the truth. Nothing more annoying than a Demoncrat fly fisherman. whoops!   Seriously, I’m interested only in fly fishing matters and subject akin to that.  Lets face it Josh.  Darwin was not a fly fisherman. woos! http://www.gink.com George Imus Gehrke  (and yes, the ‘n’ is intentional) whoops!

Response:

"If you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem" -Unknown (only because it’s too late for research, and I don’t own Bartlett’s Quotations)

"You’re either part of the solution or part of the problem". Eldridge Cleaver, San Francisco, 1968 — Charlie…

Response:

Soul on Margin… eh? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "You’re either part of the solution or part of the problem". Eldridge Cleaver, San Francisco, 1968 — Charlie…

Response:

Soul on Margin… eh?

Well, he did die a Republican… — Charlie…

Response:

Yep… MOI to the end…. from Minister Of Information to Manager Of Investments I think many of us can relate. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Soul on Margin… eh? Well, he did die a Republican… — Charlie…

Response:

If wishes were beggars . . .

Horses could ride?? — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyo Before you buy.

Response:

If wishes were beggars . . . Horses could ride??

Yeah, really shows the critical defect in his thought processes, don’t it?

Response:

Yeah, really shows the critical defect in his thought processes, don’t it?

*The*? — Charlie…

Response:

Yeah, really shows the critical defect in his thought processes, don’t it? *The*?

Whoops! Sorry, obviously should have said "one of the countless". /daytripper (My bad!)

Response:

Question:

Agree that the Sage discovery rules on the $200 price point. St Croix the way to go on the $100 level. Great rods, great company. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Mark, Just pick a winner?  The only way I know to proceed from here is for you to cast all these rods? The next catagory is the $200+ range with the Sage DS2 being at the front of I’ve decided on a 6 weight fly rod to start and I’m wondering what you all feel about the below choices I’m espcially interested in the Bass Pro White River, the Cabela’s Fish Eagle, and the Reddington Red.fly:  Those are my "high three" based on what I know so far. Bass Pro  Hobbs Creek $69.95 Bass Pro White River Classic $99.95 Cabela’s Sweetwater $85.00 Cabela’s Fish Eagle $99.99 St. Croix Pro Graphite $85.00 Reddington Red.fly $75.00 Coutland CL $99.95 — "The number of job openings for Philosopher-Kings is  limited in the late 20th Century." – Dr. Megabyte Tuba Playing Technocrat in Winchester, VA    KD4HRI

Response:

Hi Mark, Just pick a winner?  The only way I know to proceed from here is for you to cast all these rods? The next catagory is the $200+ range with the Sage DS2 being at the front of – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve decided on a 6 weight fly rod to start and I’m wondering what you all feel about the below choices I’m espcially interested in the Bass Pro White River, the Cabela’s Fish Eagle, and the Reddington Red.fly:  Those are my "high three" based on what I know so far. Bass Pro  Hobbs Creek $69.95 Bass Pro White River Classic $99.95 Cabela’s Sweetwater $85.00 Cabela’s Fish Eagle $99.99 St. Croix Pro Graphite $85.00 Reddington Red.fly $75.00 Coutland CL $99.95 — "The number of job openings for Philosopher-Kings is  limited in the late 20th Century." – Dr. Megabyte Tuba Playing Technocrat in Winchester, VA    KD4HRI

Response:

Asadi, Just a quick story to share about flyrods, channel cats and kids.  My daughter was with me at a pond and she was catching pan fish and bass using a soft Orvis (Flea) 6′6" 4 wt rod.  Out of nowhere, a thirty-inch cat fish rose and took the fly, he was hooked in the corner of his mouth in the grissle. Her and her brother ‘fought’ this fish starting around 6 pm.  She was 12 and he was 14.  It gets dark in the summer around 9:30pm.  They took turns as they tired.   I went and got the pickup so we would have lights.  Fortunately, the pond wasn’t so big that when he ran, the fish run out of pond before the kids ran out of backing.  Eventually, they tired the fish enough that Dad could wade out and place the net under him.  It was 10:30pm. A few pictures and the fish was released.  That is what memories are made of. Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just bought my first graphite the other day.  A Cortland CL, 5/6 weight, 8′6"……. <<snipped Personally, fishing a lot out of a kayak, and considering the usual circumstances I run into..occassional carp and channel cat..if I could afford a rod for every occasion I believe a 7/8 would be my choice for

Response:

The Reddington Red Start took best overall rod a few years ago.  I haven’t heard much about them since Orvis bought them.  Priced at a $100 they were considered a very good buy. Ernie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m curious if others have any opinions on the Reddingtons and their comparative quality.  I have a 5/6 wt Red.Start and a 9wt Red.Fly.  The fly shop owner talked me into a Red.Fly even though he could have easily talked me into a Red.Start at the time (and probably knew it). I’m too much of a novice at this to offer an opinion on comparitive quality especially since the only thing I’ve ever known is Reddington.  But I will say I’ve never had a problem with their warranty.  I snapped the tip on the Red.Start walking out to a pond one time and the fly shop let me swap it out with them the very next day (though I’ve since learned some fly shops want you to deal with Reddington directly). But certainly interested in any unbiased opinions on the relative quality of Reddington.  I was definitely going to buy my son a cheaper Cabela rod and reel though (until I’m sure he’s going to enjoy it). Thank you, Shawn

Response:

I’m curious if others have any opinions on the Reddingtons and their comparative quality.  I have a 5/6 wt Red.Start and a 9wt Red.Fly.  The fly shop owner talked me into a Red.Fly even though he could have easily talked me into a Red.Start at the time (and probably knew it). I’m too much of a novice at this to offer an opinion on comparitive quality especially since the only thing I’ve ever known is Reddington.  But I will say I’ve never had a problem with their warranty.  I snapped the tip on the Red.Start walking out to a pond one time and the fly shop let me swap it out with them the very next day (though I’ve since learned some fly shops want you to deal with Reddington directly). But certainly interested in any unbiased opinions on the relative quality of Reddington.  I was definitely going to buy my son a cheaper Cabela rod and reel though (until I’m sure he’s going to enjoy it). Thank you, Shawn

Response:

Mark E. Sunderlin Winchester, VA

Mark, Haul yourself down to the Fly Fishing show in College Park Maryland this weekend.  Try the rods, pick the one which works best for you. Catch the seminar on Saturday at 10:00. Harry Murray’s talk on smallmouth fishing. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

I just bought my first graphite the other day.  A Cortland CL, 5/6 weight, 8′6"……. I’ve used primarily glass rods, and do primarily smallmouth fishing as that is the dominate fish in my area. The rather sensitive, delicate nature of graphite is taking some getting used to, at times I think I would have done well with a 7/8 weight as far as smallmouth goes but I was trying to get a rod I could also use for trout. Personally, fishing a lot out of a kayak, and considering the usual circumstances I run into..occassional carp and channel cat..if I could afford a rod for every occasion I believe a 7/8 would be my choice for With glass I found my 7/8/9 wieghts to be too much for how I prefer to fish, smallmouth in the riverwise, but these graphites are a whole different story. FWIW I found a book "Smallmouth Strategies for the Fly Rod" by Ryan to be – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’ve decided on a 6 weight fly rod to start and I’m wondering what you all feel about the below choices I’m espcially interested in the Bass Pro White River, the Cabela’s Fish Eagle, and the Reddington Red.fly:  Those are my "high three" based on what I know so far. Bass Pro  Hobbs Creek $69.95 Bass Pro White River Classic $99.95 Cabela’s Sweetwater $85.00 Cabela’s Fish Eagle $99.99 St. Croix Pro Graphite $85.00 Reddington Red.fly $75.00 Coutland CL $99.95 — "The number of job openings for Philosopher-Kings is limited in the late 20th Century." – Dr. Megabyte Tuba Playing Technocrat in Winchester, VA    KD4HRI

Response:

Bass Pro  Hobbs Creek                      $69.95 Bass Pro White River Classic               $99.95 Cabela’s Sweetwater                        $85.00 Cabela’s Fish Eagle                        $99.99 St. Croix Pro Graphite                     $85.00 Reddington Red.fly                 $75.00 Coutland CL                                $99.95

The Sweetwater owned by a friend of mine seemed rather stiff.  The St. Croix at least has a decent warranty and is limber enough for lobbing clousers or split shot.  I would recommend it.  Have no experience with the other rods you mentioned. Mu

Response:

I’ve decided on a 6 weight fly rod to start and I’m wondering what you all feel about the below choices I’m espcially interested in the Bass Pro White River, the Cabela’s Fish Eagle, and the Reddington Red.fly:  Those are my "high three" based on what I know so far. Bass Pro  Hobbs Creek                   $69.95 Bass Pro White River Classic            $99.95 Cabela’s Sweetwater                     $85.00 Cabela’s Fish Eagle                     $99.99 St. Croix Pro Graphite                  $85.00 Reddington Red.fly                      $75.00 Coutland CL                             $99.95 — "The number of job openings for Philosopher-Kings is  limited in the late 20th Century." – Dr. Megabyte Tuba Playing Technocrat in Winchester, VA    KD4HRI

Response:

Question:

FWIW, several years ago I conducted an experiment to compare fluorocarbon tippet with "standard" tippet on a spring creek where the fish were somewhat leader-shy.  There really did not seem to be a significant difference between the two.  When fish approached my fly from the leader side, they tended to refuse my offering, but would take the fly if they approached from some other direction.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – been using orvis super strong 6x & 7x  tippet with good results. found out today they make a fluorocarbon tippet. told it is invisible in water! its slightly larger in dia. per equivalent test of mono though. its also pricey. $10.00/25 meters. any one tried it?

Response:

: been using orvis super strong 6x & 7x  tippet with good results. found out : today they make a fluorocarbon tippet. told it is invisible in water! its : slightly larger in dia. per equivalent test of mono though. its also pricey. : $10.00/25 meters. : any one tried it? I haven’t tried the Orvis line … however I found the brand I used very useful for getting (dragging) small wet flies (18-20) through scummy surface films in backwaters and the like.  It certainly helps sink small wets that may otherwise tend to float in still water. steve

Response:

says… Forget about it for dry flies. It’s too stiff, so it ruins the drag. My impression is that it’s best for streamers in large-tippet situations, like bonefishing. I’m planning to take a couple of spools of 10lb and 13lb fluorocarbon tippet to Xmas Island.

Berkley’s got a new line out called Vanish… It’s a Fluorocarbon Line but it’s much more supple than the other kinds I have tried. I have a spool of 12lb test I use for my salt water Fly Gear. I also use it for part of leaders as well in the butt section to make it stiffer… — Michael Era

Question:

Well, you could use the simple approach and just try to match the bugs on the water with a fly that is close in size and colour.  That will generally work about 90% of the time.  And you don’t need to learn all the entymology either.  All you have to know is that trout eat bugs, and most of the time they eat the kind of bugs that are hatching at the time.  Fly fishing does not have to be technical, but a lot of people tend to try to make it so. Cheers from the wet coast.

Response:

…  And you don’t need to learn all the entymology either.  All you have to know is that trout eat bugs, and most of the time they eat the kind of bugs that are hatching at the time.  Fly fishing does not have to be technical, but a lot of people tend to try to make it so. …

The great beauty of it, and much of the appeal of flyfishing for me, is that you’ve got it exactly right. You can make it as technical as you want… or not. For some it’s rewarding and challenging to do some amateur entomology, others, who catch just as many fish, are content to tie on a fly that looks close enough in size and color without caring much about the latin name of the beast they’re matching. The question though was how to identify hatches and for that I do recommend at least a little bit of aquatic entomology. My favorite book on the subject is the pricey but beautiful classic, _Aquatic Entomology_ by W. Patrick McCafferty. — Ken Fortenberry Illini 2 – Tar Heels 1

Response:

But I have no idea how to identify what’s on the water, nor how to match it with a fly (I’m at the stage where I can’t tell a caddis from a mayfly.)  What;s the best approach to teaching myself?

Some simple small books that you can keep in your vest are the Orvis books: Trout Stream Insects by Dick Pobst (ISBN 1-55821-067-9) The Caddisfly Handbook by Dick Pobst and Carl Richards (ISBN 1-55821-542-5) These two have color photos, recommended artificials, and hatch charts for east and west US to help you narrow down the search. Tight lines, Peter Simonson

Response:

Cheers from the wet coast.

Hm….what an odd place you live in!  ;-)

Response:

Yah, well, when you get rain most of the year, and they call it the "coastal rainforest", it does tend to get a few nicknames.  But, hey, the salmon are coming like gangbusters right now and I have to make a business trip to Calgary.  I’ll have to condescend to fish that large creek they call the Bow and harass a few trout.  Then it’s out to the local streams for the Pinks, Coho and Chinook on the fly.  Cheers from Vancouver, BC, the Wet Coast.

Response:

Question:

I have seen a number of books listed in various magizines regarding fishing with a drift boat.  Living in the east, I can’t review any of these at a store.  I was wondering if anyone has read some of these and can forward a review. Ian

Response:

I have seen a number of books listed in various magizines regarding fishing with a drift boat.  Living in the east, I can’t review any of these at a store.  I was wondering if anyone has read some of these and can forward a review. Ian

Hi Ian, I can’t steer you toward a book about using and fishing from a drift boat but Lamoine Hyde at the Hyde Drift Boat Company has produced an excellent instructional video about operating and fishing from a drift boat. You can contact them at 208-529-4343 and ask about the video. You won’t be displeased — I’ve been running a drift boat for 14 years and picked up a tip I’ve incorporated into my arsenal of tricks. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 materials catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

Response:

I have seen a number of books listed in various magizines

regarding fishing with a drift boat.  Living in the east, I can’t review any of these at a store.  I was wondering if anyone has read some of these and can forward a review.<< Ian, Neele Streaks, _Drift Boat Fly Fishing_, is by far the best book on the subject. It is full of information on drift boating, but also on fly fishing in general. If drift boating is in your future, sell your shirt and get it. Expensive, but small print and beautiful photography. — Scott Branyan Rogers, AR http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/flyflinger

Response:

I have seen a number of books listed in various magizines regarding fishing with a drift boat.  Living in the east, I can’t review any of these at a store.  I was wondering if anyone has read some of these and can forward a review. Ian

Neal Streek’s book is pretty good, though maybe a little light on actual boatmanship techniques.  "Whitewater Rafting", by William McGinnis, is reasonably good for that.

Response:

Question:

I am tring to build a kite to use for offshore fishing.  The ones I have seen are just a square kite with the spars in a x configuration. I need the kite to fly in wind between 5 an 10 mph.  Im looking for water proof material and strong lightweight spars.  I figure the kite would need to be about 30 inches by 30 inches.  Any help anyone could give me with parts selection would be greatly appreciated.. Thanks Kent D. Bottorf

Response:

: I am tring to build a kite to use for offshore fishing.  The ones I : have seen are just a square kite with the spars in a x configuration. : I need the kite to fly in wind between 5 an 10 mph.  Im looking for : water proof material and strong lightweight spars.  I figure the kite : would need to be about 30 inches by 30 inches.  Any help anyone could : give me with parts selection would be greatly appreciated.. Hmmm. None of the commercial offerings would work? Last time I was at the beach, I was pleased to see Gala was still selling some variety of the "Bat Kite" I remembered as a child. That would seem strong enough to work. On a side note, some shark fisherman use a Life-Saver<tm (the candy) and a big plastic garbage bag. They inflate the bag, and tie it closed. The baited line is rigged through a candy. If the wind is right, it blows the bag out to sea, and eventually the candy dissolves, dropping the bait in deeper water than they could otherwise cast to. I’m opposed to this littering, since the bag isn’t recovered, but they theory is interesting….

Response:

I am tring to build a kite to use for offshore fishing.  The ones I have seen are just a square kite with the spars in a x configuration. I need the kite to fly in wind between 5 an 10 mph.  Im looking for water proof material and strong lightweight spars.  I figure the kite would need to be about 30 inches by 30 inches.  Any help anyone could give me with parts selection would be greatly appreciated.. Thanks Kent D. Bottorf

Kent,   My suggestion would be to just buy a Bob Lewis fishing kite.  I kite fish quite a bit here in S Fla, and I think you’ll get to spend a lot more time fishing by just buying instead of building.  My wife and I tried several times to figure out a better kite system, but gave up in frustration. —                  |                 |    |                           /    |   Nothin’ Fancy          /

Response:

Question:

I am looking for a new or secondhand Hardy #4 fly reel to match a Loomis #4 IMX rod. Marquis #4 or #5 , Golden Prince 5/6 or JLH Ultralite #4 or #5. Any info will be of great help. Thanks

Response:

I am looking for a new or secondhand Hardy #4 fly reel to match a Loomis #4 IMX rod. Marquis #4 or #5 , Golden Prince 5/6 or JLH Ultralite #4 or #5. Any info will be of great help. Thanks

Contact Timeless Tackle in Edinburgh Scotland at 44-131-667-1407 or FAX 44-131-662-4215.  They deal in used and antique fishing gear and their list always seems to have a large selection of Hardy equipment. Ken Barry

Response:

Question:

I am about ready to purchase a float tube but have recently seen adds for Pontoon Kick Boats.  Now I am really confused with so many options. I have tried a float tube and like it.  Is a kick boat really worth the additional cost or should I stay with the basics?  If I were to go with the kick boat, which model would give me the best performance for the cost?

I’v tried both ans still prefer the manueverability of a tube. Bob McDuffee Network Services Manager, WICHE Office:303.541.0299 Fax:303.541.0291

Response:

Whether something is worth the cost is pretty subjective.  I bought a float tube for about $150 a couple of years ago.  It works just fine.   I’ve never been tempted by U-boats, kick boats, pontoon boats or whatever "this year’s greatest invention of the century" the manufacturers can think of.

Response:

I stepped up to a pontoon boat (the Leigh) after wearing float tubes since the 70s.  I don’t plan to wear a float tube again.  Except for the weight, there’s no comparison in ease,etc.  Also on price.  The basic boat I have runs $325 — not much more than some tubes.  ’Course you can run that up considerably with oars and accessories.  I got the oars but seldom use them on stillwater unless I expect considerable wind. Dick Hubbard

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am about ready to purchase a float tube but have recently seen adds for Pontoon Kick Boats.  Now I am really confused with so many options. I have tried a float tube and like it.  Is a kick boat really worth the additional cost or should I stay with the basics?  If I were to go with the kick boat, which model would give me the best performance for the cost? I’v tried both ans still prefer the manueverability of a tube. Bob McDuffee Network Services Manager, WICHE Office:303.541.0299 Fax:303.541.0291 Hi I have fished with boats, they both have their advantages.U-BOATS are great for backbacking and small lakes.Were a kick boat is great with oars on large lakes but costs double the price of a u-boat

Response:

Can’t beat the price and portability of a U-boat for small lakes. If going to fish large windy lakes or reservoirs-get a pontoon boat.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am about ready to purchase a float tube but have recently seen adds for Pontoon Kick Boats.  Now I am really confused with so many options. I have tried a float tube and like it.  Is a kick boat really worth the additional cost or should I stay with the basics?  If I were to go with the kick boat, which model would give me the best performance for the cost? I’v tried both ans still prefer the manueverability of a tube. Bob McDuffee Network Services Manager, WICHE Office:303.541.0299 Fax:303.541.0291 Hi I have fished with boats, they both have their advantages.U-BOATS are great for

backbacking and small lakes.Were a kick boat is great with oars on la I have a tube, a U-boat, and a pontoon boat.  After using the U-boat and pontoon, I think the tube is very awkward and can be dangerous in some situations.  The additional price for the U shape is absolutly worth the additinoal price.  Do not get a regular tube! The difference between a U-boat and a pontoon boat is less imporant, but significant.  The pontoon sits you up higher so you can cast farther and see more fish.  The pontoon is easier to manouver, except in a side-wind.  The pontoon is more stable and more comfortable, and many can accomodate a rowing frame. I have a Caddis tube, a Creek Company U-Boat, and a Super Cat pontoon boat. Tight lines. -Doug (Olympia WA)

Response:

Bruce, I use a SuperCat 60 produced in the Seattle area after having used a float tube for several years.  I love the pontoon boat.  I stay warmer, its easier on my knees, and I have a rowing frame for windy or when-I’m-in-a-hurry conditions.  The only drawback I’ve seen other than slightly increased weight for packing in somewhere is the cost.  If you can afford it, I’d go pontoon boat.  If not, tubes are wonderful anyway.

Response:

Hello, Due to a nice gift certificate I now can comment on two low-end pontoon boats. I have a JW Outfitters Osprey ($300 two years ago) and a new Bucks Bag Colt ($200 now). I highly recommend either the Uboat design or pontoon boats, simply because of the ease of entry/exit.  I consider it a matter both of convenience and Valuable Fishing Time.  It matters because we always seem to wait too long before heading for shore for those necessary short breaks; at these times every second counts (removing smells from waders was another thread). I have been using the JW Osprey for two full seasons and really like it. I have only used the Bucks Colt once but have a few comments on both.  I think both are excellent fishing platforms and well worth the price if you can afford them. The Osprey is bigger and higher, a true pontoon boat as only your legs touch the water.  The Bucks Colt is shorter, stubbier and lower; functionally not much different than a Uboat. The JW Osprey (their lowest cost model) seat is well above the water; it is feasible to go without waders in warm weather, though your butt will get wet from splash.  With the seat out of the water it is possible to go much faster because of less water resistance.  For the same reason it is blown around by the wind more.  It is also more difficult to kick without surface disturbance, which can be very important in the shallows. The seat on the JW is of mesh supported by an aluminum tube framework. Your thighs rest on the forward crosstube and this is uncomfortable at first; I got sore the first few times but have built up muscles there. You have to keep the straps very tight to keep the seat from sagging. Cramps and soreness are pretty common complaints from beginners with any float tube until you get the right muscles developed. Over about 80 – 100 days of use, the seat supports are wearing out and I have had to reinforce the seatback.  The seat doesn’t offer great back support. New models seem to have a more rugged seat but I’m not sure how well it supports. To really enjoy the Osprey it is important to really blow up the tubes and pull the straps tight. The JW Osprey can be taken down completely to the aluminum tube pieces, the seat web and the pontoons, so it can be more compact and individual pieces can be stashed wherever they fit so it is pretty packable in a duffle or suitcase. To assemble it from this stage takes about fifteen minutes including blowing it up. The Bucks has a molded plastic seat that is comfortable for me.  You sit just below the water level so you push a little surface when you paddle, so it’s top speed is more like a Vboat or Uboat. You’d be wet from the waist down without waders.  The rigid seat makes it less compact but it folds into about a 2′ square. It has more support in the lower back area and is very comfortable, even for a beginner, as long as your butt fits the molded seat. The Bucks has hypalon or some covering on the underside of the pontoon tubes, the JW outfitters shows a little abrasion wear on the nylon fabric (more expensive models of JW have hypalon coverings). The Bucks has more pocket space, though stuff in the big pocket in the seat gets wet. It can fold up compact with the tubes together after inflating and with add-on strappsd can be packed.  Both are of similar weight – around 10-15 lbs. The same straps can be used to carry the JW, but it is still about five feet wide  (JW has a "backpacker" model better for this). The only nuisance I found with the Bucks Colt was a lack of velcro tiedowns to secure the rod while changing flies, smoking etc.  I can easily add some.  And no stable deck on which to rest a beer – I set it in a pocket and the zipper holds it. If budget is your main concern, get any float tube and get started as it is an enjoyable way to fish, but if you can afford to get a pontoon boat. Mark Vinsel couch potato no, floating tuber yes Visit my gallery: http://www.lanminds.com/local/vinnie/gallery.HTML

Response:

I am about ready to purchase a float tube but have recently seen adds for Pontoon Kick Boats.  Now I am really confused with so many options. I have tried a float tube and like it.  Is a kick boat really worth the additional cost or should I stay with the basics?  If I were to go with the kick boat, which model would give me the best performance for the cost?

I have had a kick boat called a Waterwagon for about 15 years, and consider it ideal for flyfishing in lakes and ponds.  It is higher off the water than a float tube, and although I haven’t used any of the inflatable pontoon style kick boats, this seems like a superior design because of its rigidity, portability, and so on.  I don’t know if the WaterWagon company is still in business, but there are similar styles out there.  One was shown in a photo in this year’s magazine, FFing for Bass and Panfish. The waterwagon is a flat styrofoam "boat" about, 3×5′ and 6" thick, shaped like this:                           —        –                                            |  |      |  |                                            |  |      |  |        It is reinforced with aluminum pipe |    —–   | and the pipe reinforcing     is exposed in |      x     | front at the open end of the "U".  You sit |            | at the "x" with your flippered feet hanging       |            | in the water from about mid-shin  down.  Since only your|            | feet are in don’t wear waders in water down to about 55.  It weighs about 20 lbs., and is easy to carry over your shoulder, leaving the other hand free for rod and flippers.  It easily carries a small cooler, a second rod, etc., fits in the back of a pick up or is easy to car-top.      It is highly maneuverable, leaves both hands free to handle line and rod, keeps you up high out of the water so drooping backcasts are not a problem, and has nothing to catch your loose line on.  With good fins it is reasonably fast (a slow walking speed), and it is very stable.  I commonly cross a 300 yard arm of a local lake on it, and in an afternoon will often fish about a mile of shoreline, cross over and fish a mile or so back.      Any bass over about 3 lbs. will tow you around a bit.  Overall, I think it’s the best of all possible boats for lake and pond fishing!  It’s better that a bass boat with a trolling motor, because it leaves your hands completely free and still doesn’t put a bunch of stuff on the floor to tangle your line on.  It’s even better that having a partner paddle you in a canoe, because you are in complete control of how far or close to the bank you want to be. Mine cost around $200 10-12 years ago, and I wouldn’t bat hesitate spending 2 or 3 times that amount to replace it, since there is nothing that I know that compares to it for fishing convenience. The only drawbacks are that you move backwards and a right handed FFer will normally be most comfortable moving parallel to a shoreline fishing the left hand bank.  I spent a very frustating 10 minutes going in circles when I started using it, but got accustomed to manuvering it with my feet on the first trip and never thought about it since.   — University of Illinois at Springfield

Response:

: I am about ready to purchase a float tube but have recently seen adds for : Pontoon Kick Boats.  Now I am really confused with so many options. : I have tried a float tube and like it.  Is a kick boat really worth the : additional cost or should I stay with the basics?  If I were to go with : the kick boat, which model would give me the best performance for the : cost? I have been using a kick boat for a few years now and I really like it.   They are better in a few ways.  You can go in shallower water.  You get less cold because you are not IN the water as much.  The casting platform is higher off the water so casting is a bit easier. I’d love to have one of the new commercial kick boats, they look REALLY nice! — Bruce Conner

Response:

I am about ready to purchase a float tube but have recently seen adds for Pontoon Kick Boats.  Now I am really confused with so many options. I have tried a float tube and like it.  Is a kick boat really worth the additional cost or should I stay with the basics?  If I were to go with the kick boat, which model would give me the best performance for the cost?

Response:

Question:

Fly fishing for Bass on the Kanawha River near Charleston, West Virginia is a trip.. Something not for the typical Fisherman. Now the water is up and very muddy, but when it go back down, I’ll let everyone know how the Fishing is…. Misha

Response:

very muddy, but when it go back down, I’ll let everyone know how the Fishing is….

Yes please!  I especially like that strech just before Rt. 60 goes up into the mountains.  (would that be Gauly Bridge? ) Bob

Response:

Question:

1st week of June can be tough. Around Ennis you can hit the Madison, (but it will, probably be roiled from run-off) the Ruby and the Big Hole (it’s a haul from  Ennis but generally always fishable). Big Hole is best fished while floating. Or, you can go into the park and fish the Firehole and the Gibbons. Prince nymphs in the morning and Mothers Day Caddis in the afternoon. Best fishing is from 3pm to dark. Tight Lines! pdp

Response:

A friend and I are planning a week of flyfishing in Montana June 3 – June 10.   I know it’s not the best time but you takes what you can get.  We do not have any specific itinerary but were planning to spend some time around Ennis, and some around two rivers. Anybody have any specific recommendations for that time?  Any specific flies?   I have heard that San Juan worms are a must if the water is up. Anyway, I would appreciate any suggestions. Bill Feinberg

Response: