Question:

"Greg Pavlov" wrote  The consolation is that you can then get next  year’s model: it will come with headlights, two  cup holders, and a reverse hydration system.

I assume that’s the women’s version? Bob

Response:

   Well Uncle Wally i guess i will have to have a talk with the big cheese at Simms i thought you was to get the G3"s last month ahead of everyone else.    Well did the rep at least leave the one’s you were prancing around the shop in?                    Handyman Mike           Standing in a river waving a stick

Response:

   Well Uncle Wally i guess i will have to have a talk with the big cheese at Simms i thought you was to get the G3"s last month ahead of everyone else.

shoot mike, that would be unethical <g    Well did the rep at least leave the one’s you were prancing around the shop in?

i tried…. but it was the only pair he had with him on his sales rounds. besides, they were a bit small fer me. he did leave me with some sage stuff to play with. have ya been down to penns lately? i have a buddy that wants to fish it in the spring and we’re planning on a long weekend in march or april. –wally

Response:

Hi everyone! I was planning on buying a pair of Simms guide weight waders when I’m visiting Canada next month. When I contacted a local shop about the waders, they told me that Simms had a new 2003 model of the guide weight waders coming out (the old model will be called ‘Classic Guide’ from now on). Has anyone seen the new model or heard of them? What are the differences?

No, but I figure the *real* difference is about a year. Op  –seriously– – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — Jarmo Hurri

Response:

Guyz-N-Flyz No, but I figure the *real* difference is about a year. Not *only* that, but also 100CAD. But I’d still be interested to find out. — Jarmo Hurri address or apply rot13 to header email address.

Response:

Guyz-N-Flyz No, but I figure the *real* difference is about a year. Not *only* that, but also 100CAD. But I’d still be interested to find out. — Jarmo Hurri

Try to PING Uncle Wally at ezflyfish.com.  I be he has a new pair in stock, and would know if the differences are worth the extra cost. Op

Response:

Guyz-N-Flyz Try to PING Uncle Wally at ezflyfish.com.  I be he has a Guyz-N-Flyz new pair in stock, and would know if the differences are Guyz-N-Flyz worth the extra cost. Heck, he’s got it *all* http://www.ezflyfish.com/simmsg3waders.html — Jarmo Hurri address or apply rot13 to header email address.

Response:

No, but I figure the *real* difference is about a year. Op  –seriously–

And a lot of dollars   /Roger

Response:

Hi everyone! I was planning on buying a pair of Simms guide weight waders when I’m visiting Canada next month. When I contacted a local shop about the waders, they told me that Simms had a new 2003 model of the guide weight waders coming out (the old model will be called ‘Classic Guide’ from now on). Has anyone seen the new model or heard of them? What are the differences?

hey Jarmo, I’ve seen and tried a pair on about a month ago when the Simms sales rep was in the shop. It has new features and is more breathable according to Simms. I’ve just yesterday loaded the image and Simms press release at my site: http://www.ezflyfish.com/simmsg3waders.html I haven’t field tested a pair yet so I can’t give you any advise concerning it’s functionality etc. but the pair I wore around the store was very comfortable and seemed to be built very well. Tight Lines, –Walt Fly Fishing NC & more… http://www.ezflyfish.com http://www.wilsoncreekoutfitters.com

Response:

differences…. a few that I liked…. 1) Built in gravel guards. 2) the hand warmer will be ideal for holding bottled water or other beverages of choice…. easy access ;^) 3) the ass portion is more durable. i slide on my butt down boulders and hills quite a bit when i fish nc streams. i do this for safety because i’m not very stable walking downhill or downstream. 4) the knees are also more durable which is important here also…. low stealthy profile when fishing. 5) the little built-in chest pack will allow minimalist (no vest) fishing. — wally

Response:

Walt differences…. a few that I liked…. Walt 1) Built in gravel guards. Walt 3) the ass portion is more durable. i slide on my butt down Walt    boulders and hills quite a bit when i fish nc streams. i do Walt    this for safety because i’m not very stable walking downhill Walt    or downstream. Walt 4) the knees are also more durable which is important here Walt    also…. low Walt    stealthy profile when fishing. I think these three are pretty important. But… a bit of bad luck. I’m coming over there in December, and the product will be available in January. Sigh… — Jarmo Hurri address or apply rot13 to header email address.

Response:

And a lot of dollars  

Indian Joe replies–and for the big dollars they did not include a zippered fly for those us who had too much beer last night or too much coffee this morning. or a back supporting belt with a water bottle holder. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Sound to me like Uncle Wally has some Jarmo. He could proberly hook you up with a set.                    Handyman Mike           Standing in a river waving a stick

Response:

Sound to me like Uncle Wally has some Jarmo. He could proberly hook you up with a set.                    Handyman Mike         Standing in a river waving a stick

nahhh Mike, I won’t be receiving any until they ship them in January to all the dealers. I think I have 15 or so pair due in. –wally

Response:

Greg  The consolation is that you can then get next year’s model: it Greg  will come with headlights, two cup holders, and a reverse Greg  hydration system. I don’t think that reinforced parts in the posterior area and knees qualify in the same class as cup holders. It’s not an imagined need. On the other hand, I do admit that I don’t know how strong these reinforced parts are when compared with the ‘classic’ ones. — Jarmo Hurri address or apply rot13 to header email address.

Response:

I think these three are pretty important. But… a bit of bad luck. I’m coming over there in December, and the product will be available in January. Sigh… – The consolation is that you can then get next year’s model: it will come with headlights, two cup holders, and a reverse hydration system.

And tail fins!

Response:

Hi everyone! I was planning on buying a pair of Simms guide weight waders when I’m visiting Canada next month. When I contacted a local shop about the waders, they told me that Simms had a new 2003 model of the guide weight waders coming out (the old model will be called ‘Classic Guide’ from now on). Has anyone seen the new model or heard of them? What are the differences? — Jarmo Hurri address or apply rot13 to header email address.

Response:

Question:

These thoughtful posts from Tara are just too good to allow to fade from usenet. Since Tara set them not to be archived, I’ve copied them here to protect them for posterity. MIME-Version: 1.0 User-Agent: Hogwasher/2.6.1 (Macintosh) Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.national- parks,rec.backcountry,rec.outdoors.fishing.fly,alt.wolves X-No-Archive: yes Lines: 73 NNTP-Posting-Host: 209.226.237.31 X-Trace: news20.bellglobal.com 1023508397 209.226.237.31 (Fri, 07 Jun 2002 23:53:17 EDT) Organization: Bell Sympatico Path: e3500-atl1.usenetserver.com!newsfeeds-atl2!news- out.visi.com!hermes.visi.com!upp1.onvoy!msc1.onvoy!onv oy.com!sunqbc.risq.qc.ca!torn!webster!nf1.bellglobal.c om!nf2.bellglobal.com!news20.bellglobal.com.POSTED!not-for-mail Xref: usenetserver.com rec.outdoors.national-parks:143809 rec.backcountry:254050 rec.outdoors.fishing.fly:328244 alt.wolves:135493 atl1.usenetserver.com) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bingo! Yippee!  You win! So youa re actively and vigorously working at protecting the Tom Benos of the world. Ya think?  Well, I guess I’m not going to get too worked up over it.  I mean, how many of them can there be?  I don’t believe I’ve ever encountered the name Beno before……I’d be much surprised if there’s more than a couple dozen Tom Benos on the planet.  And, given how unlikely it is that they share much more than a name, I suspect that giving all of them my active and vigorous support would pretty much be a wash in the long run, don’t you? Thanks for the support! Uh…..you’re welcome…….I guess…….um…….are you a Tom Beno? E-mail his ISP and complain about the illegal and unconstitutional harassment techniques of the far right extremists trying to take away his right of free speech! Rise up and smite the oppressors!  Dirty filthy cowards, all of them… Dan Evidence be damned!  I’m gonna go way out on a limb here and give long odds that you and the rest of the Tom Benos think you got something to say. Wolfgang whattya say boys and girls……who wants to win a shiny new nickel?      :)

Reading all of this – all of this – I am overwhelmed with the sheer pettiness of all of you. ALL of you.  What a waste of time, what a waste of lives. Do none of you have nothing better to do with your time.  Do any of you ever stand back and look at what you write and actually see yourselves. "I’ll do what I want because my way is the right way. And I’ll do what is right because you are wrong!" "And I’ll fix you, ha ha!"  Do you not see that all of you are right and all of you are at the same time wrong?  Nah, you don’t. Your attitude, both sides, is why we have the mess we do.  This is why this world, it’s politics and it’s results are, and continue to be a mess   This is not the way to clean it up or change it. It’s only a way to perpetuate it. I sit back and look at this and I see that Tom, at least has a cause, a purpose and we need that. We need crusaders. But when it becomes a matter of oneupmanship or one of school yard childishness, there is no hope of change. What to do?  Has anyone ever known what to to. I sometimes think it’s simply going to be a struggle forever.   In the history of the world the only ones who have truly changed anything are those who have always been unwilling to resort to the tactics I see here. You, all of you are the grain of sand that is the universe. What kind of universe do you want it to be. Tara Just my 2 cents. MIME-Version: 1.0 User-Agent: Hogwasher/2.6.1 (Macintosh) Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.national- parks,rec.backcountry,rec.outdoors.fishing.fly,alt.wolves X-No-Archive: yes Lines: 112 NNTP-Posting-Host: 216.208.65.191 X-Trace: news20.bellglobal.com 1023515054 216.208.65.191 (Sat, 08 Jun 2002 01:44:14 EDT) Organization: Bell Sympatico Path: e3500-atl1.usenetserver.com!newsfeeds-atl2!btnet- peer1!btnet!news.maxwell.syr.edu!sunqbc.risq.qc.ca!torn !webster!nf1.bellglobal.com!nf2.bellglobal.com!news20.b ellglobal.com.POSTED!not-for-mail Xref: usenetserver.com rec.outdoors.national-parks:143811 rec.backcountry:254061 rec.outdoors.fishing.fly:328261 alt.wolves:135495 atl1.usenetserver.com) Tom is not a crusader, he’s a nuisance. I’m sure that you also welcome into your home every person that has a religous message to share. And isn’t that the ultimate crusade?

Ahhh, Jeff, notice how you searched for and of course, found the one thing you could find to perpetuate and continue the madness. And also notice (you won’t, however), how you brought it into a new twist to perpetuate the argument.  But, I’m not arguing, and I will not continue (no matter what idiotic responses come from what I’ve said) to post here anymore on this topic. Tara Bye buy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bingo! Yippee!  You win! So youa re actively and vigorously working at protecting the Tom Benos of the world. Ya think?  Well, I guess I’m not going to get too worked up over it.  I mean, how many of them can there be?  I don’t believe I’ve ever encountered the name Beno before……I’d be much surprised if there’s more than a couple dozen Tom Benos on the planet.  And, given how unlikely it is that they share much more than a name, I suspect that giving all of them my active and vigorous support would pretty much be a wash in the long run, don’t you? Thanks for the support! Uh…..you’re welcome…….I guess…….um…….are you a Tom Beno? E-mail his ISP and complain about the illegal and unconstitutional harassment techniques of the far right extremists trying to take away his right of free speech! Rise up and smite the oppressors!  Dirty filthy cowards, all of them… Dan Evidence be damned!  I’m gonna go way out on a limb here and give long odds that you and the rest of the Tom Benos think you got something to say. Wolfgang whattya say boys and girls……who wants to win a shiny new nickel?      :) Reading all of this – all of this – I am overwhelmed with the sheer pettiness of all of you. ALL of you.  What a waste of time, what a waste of lives. Do none of you have nothing better to do with your time.  Do any of you ever stand back and look at what you write and actually see yourselves. "I’ll do what I want because my way is the right way. And I’ll do what is right because you are wrong!" "And I’ll fix you, ha ha!"  Do you not see that all of you are right and all of you are at the same time wrong?   Nah, you

… read more »

Response:

Dang!  You know, I think she’s right.

Response:

Yeah, she may be right, but in the end, isn’t her responding to them just more of the same?  And isn’t my response to her responding to them just more of the same? …Whoa, too much thinking makes Kurt’s head spin.  I’m going to go sit down now.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dang!  You know, I think she’s right.

Response:

Question:

I recently bought an REI New Star, a 2000 model, at significant savings over the usual price.  I like the pack; size, fit, durability, price…all suit me.  (Did I say I was new at this?)  But the stinking thing has no outside pockets, except for a couple useless mesh pockets, and no daisy chain. There are a few lash points, which I am using for tent poles and my sleeping pad. Is there a retail product, like an add-on compartment, that can be added to the pack.  I hate the idea of all this junk hanging off my otherwise sleek pack, but the lack of readily accessible pockets is maddening.  It took an act of olympic contortion just to pull a water bottle from the mesh pockets, and getting it back in the pocket was almost impossible without removing the pack. How do you pros handle quick accessibliltity issues?

Response:

Is there a retail product, like an add-on compartment, that can be added to the pack.  I hate the idea of all this junk hanging off my otherwise sleek pack, but the lack of readily accessible pockets is maddening.  It took an act of olympic contortion just to pull a water bottle from the mesh pockets, and getting it back in the pocket was almost impossible without removing the pack. How do you pros handle quick accessibliltity issues?

There are times, like climbing, skiing, or hiking through dense brush, where having a minimalist pack is preferred, with no appendages to get snagged. Most outdoor shops sell a variety of add-on pockets which attach to the various compression straps on the pack, top, sides and back. There are also some for the hip belt and shoulder straps for quick access to water, snacks, map, compass, camera, etc., without removing the pack. Happy trails, Gary (net.yogi.bear) at the 51st percentile of ursine intelligence Gary D. Schwartz, Needham, MA, USA Please reply to: garyDOTschwartzATpoboxDOTcom

Response:

If possible add a few fanny packs to the pack and use them for storage, compression and small day packs. You might want to start using a water bladder/hose assembly instead of a bottle. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently bought an REI New Star, a 2000 model, at significant savings over the usual price.  I like the pack; size, fit, durability, price…all suit me.  (Did I say I was new at this?)  But the stinking thing has no outside pockets, except for a couple useless mesh pockets, and no daisy chain. There are a few lash points, which I am using for tent poles and my sleeping pad. Is there a retail product, like an add-on compartment, that can be added to the pack.  I hate the idea of all this junk hanging off my otherwise sleek pack, but the lack of readily accessible pockets is maddening.  It took an act of olympic contortion just to pull a water bottle from the mesh pockets, and getting it back in the pocket was almost impossible without removing the pack. How do you pros handle quick accessibliltity issues?

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently bought an REI New Star, a 2000 model, at significant savings over the usual price.  I like the pack; size, fit, durability, price…all suit me.  (Did I say I was new at this?)  But the stinking thing has no outside pockets, except for a couple useless mesh pockets, and no daisy chain. There are a few lash points, which I am using for tent poles and my sleeping pad. Is there a retail product, like an add-on compartment, that can be added to the pack.  I hate the idea of all this junk hanging off my otherwise sleek pack, but the lack of readily accessible pockets is maddening.  It took an act of olympic contortion just to pull a water bottle from the mesh pockets, and getting it back in the pocket was almost impossible without removing the pack. How do you pros handle quick accessibliltity issues?

The Kelty Cloud has modular pockets that can be purchased separate.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently bought an REI New Star, a 2000 model, at significant savings over the usual price.  I like the pack; size, fit, durability, price…all suit me.  (Did I say I was new at this?)  But the stinking thing has no outside pockets, except for a couple useless mesh pockets, and no daisy chain. There are a few lash points, which I am using for tent poles and my sleeping pad. Is there a retail product, like an add-on compartment, that can be added to the pack.  I hate the idea of all this junk hanging off my otherwise sleek pack, but the lack of readily accessible pockets is maddening.  It took an act of olympic contortion just to pull a water bottle from the mesh pockets, and getting it back in the pocket was almost impossible without removing the pack. How do you pros handle quick accessibliltity issues?

Since some of the add-on systems are real brand specific, some people get afterkmarket pockets sewn permanently onto the packs. penny – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

How do you pros handle quick accessibliltity issues?

I’m not a pro, but I’ve used that pack and was also frustrated by the mesh pockets, especially seeing that the compression straps go right over the pocket.  Who the heck thought up that bright idea? There is one external pocket that’s on the very top in the detachable fanny pack.  I kept small stuff in that pocket, and also used it to keep a hydration bladder.  That worked much better than fighting to get a water bottle in and out of those mesh pockets. Joel

Response:

this looks like what you’re talking about: http://www.duraflexbuckles.com/duraflex/page12_13/page12_13.htm That is it! Thank you very much!

   We get some other clips at $.15 a set if we buy 2000 sets;o)    Ed Huesers

Response:

That is it! Thank you very much! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was thinking of something smaller and lighter. You see them on the ends of shoulder straps for all kinds of bags such as camera bags and luggage; the keychain clip in a daypack, and other stuff. They commonly snap into D rings and sometimes include a swivel. Hand loops on your pack straps have them. So the hand loops on many trekking poles. For such light duty, I had in mind something in black nylon abut 1.25 inches long. The heavy metal ones are used to clip into the links os a chain.    Well, this looks like what you’re talking about: http://www.duraflexbuckles.com/duraflex/page12_13/page12_13.htm    Ed Huesers    http://www.grandshelters.com

Response:

I was thinking of something smaller and lighter. You see them on the ends of shoulder straps for all kinds of bags such as camera bags and luggage; the keychain clip in a daypack, and other stuff. They commonly snap into D rings and sometimes include a swivel. Hand loops on your pack straps have them. So the hand loops on many trekking poles. For such light duty, I had in mind something in black nylon abut 1.25 inches long. The heavy metal ones are used to clip into the links os a chain.

   Well, this looks like what you’re talking about: http://www.duraflexbuckles.com/duraflex/page12_13/page12_13.htm    Ed Huesers    http://www.grandshelters.com

Response:

Visit your local fishing (especially fly fishing) store.  They have just what you’re looking forl  Looks like a necklace with clips for all kinds of little tools.  I wouldn’t be caught dead using one, but that’s just me.  I’m not a "purist" fly fisher anyway.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Related question. –I have been wanting to use clips rather than a pocket for small items like compass, thermometer, knife, led flashlight and similar lanyard fodder. I would like to wear one lanyard and just clip the items to it or to my pack or my belt as needed. However, I need the clips. The only ones that I can find in local hardware stores are big, heavy steel ones.:-(  I would prefer light, cheap, plastic clips like you see on commercial goods. Does anyone have a source? I recently bought an REI New Star, a 2000 model, at significant savings over the usual price.  I like the pack; size, fit, durability, price…all suit me.  (Did I say I was new at this?)  But the stinking thing has no outside pockets, except for a couple useless mesh pockets, and no daisy chain. There are a few lash points, which I am using for tent poles and my sleeping pad. Is there a retail product, like an add-on compartment, that can be added to the pack.  I hate the idea of all this junk hanging off my otherwise sleek pack, but the lack of readily accessible pockets is maddening.  It took an act of olympic contortion just to pull a water bottle from the mesh pockets, and getting it back in the pocket was almost impossible without removing the pack. How do you pros handle quick accessibliltity issues?

Response:

I was thinking of something smaller and lighter. You see them on the ends of shoulder straps for all kinds of bags such as camera bags and luggage; the keychain clip in a daypack, and other stuff. They commonly snap into D rings and sometimes include a swivel. Hand loops on your pack straps have them. So the hand loops on many trekking poles. For such light duty, I had in mind something in black nylon abut 1.25 inches long. The heavy metal ones are used to clip into the links os a chain. I have a few of the keychain mini’biners but since I would clip them to a D ring or cord, they should be more bulky, heavy, and expensive than ideal. The nylon ones should be dirt cheap, half the size, and half the weight of even an mini’biner but only IF I can find some. I also camp with a BSA Troop so even if I buy a bag of 50-100, I could put them to use. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Have you considered using rock climbing carabiners?  The actual "for climbing use" ones probably aren’t any lighter than the steel clips you found at the hardware store, but lots of places (REI, etc.) sell lightweight keychain carabiners.  I clip a few of those on my pack and use them to attach random stuff. Related question. –I have been wanting to use clips rather than a pocket for small items like compass, thermometer, knife, led flashlight and similar lanyard fodder. I would like to wear one lanyard and just clip the items to it or to my pack or my belt as needed. However, I need the clips. The only ones that I can find in local hardware stores are big, heavy steel ones.:-(  I would prefer light, cheap, plastic clips like you see on commercial goods. Does anyone have a source? I recently bought an REI New Star, a 2000 model, at significant savings over the usual price.  I like the pack; size, fit, durability, price…all suit me.  (Did I say I was new at this?)  But the stinking thing has no outside pockets, except for a couple useless mesh pockets, and no daisy chain. There are a few lash points, which I am using for tent poles and my sleeping pad. Is there a retail product, like an add-on compartment, that can be added to the pack.  I hate the idea of all this junk hanging off my otherwise sleek pack, but the lack of readily accessible pockets is maddening.  It took an act of olympic contortion just to pull a water bottle from the mesh pockets, and getting it back in the pocket was almost impossible without removing the pack. How do you pros handle quick accessibliltity issues?

Response:

Have you considered using rock climbing carabiners?  The actual "for climbing use" ones probably aren’t any lighter than the steel clips you found at the hardware store, but lots of places (REI, etc.) sell lightweight keychain carabiners.  I clip a few of those on my pack and use them to attach random stuff.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Related question. –I have been wanting to use clips rather than a pocket for small items like compass, thermometer, knife, led flashlight and similar lanyard fodder. I would like to wear one lanyard and just clip the items to it or to my pack or my belt as needed. However, I need the clips. The only ones that I can find in local hardware stores are big, heavy steel ones.:-(  I would prefer light, cheap, plastic clips like you see on commercial goods. Does anyone have a source? I recently bought an REI New Star, a 2000 model, at significant savings over the usual price.  I like the pack; size, fit, durability, price…all suit me.  (Did I say I was new at this?)  But the stinking thing has no outside pockets, except for a couple useless mesh pockets, and no daisy chain. There are a few lash points, which I am using for tent poles and my sleeping pad. Is there a retail product, like an add-on compartment, that can be added to the pack.  I hate the idea of all this junk hanging off my otherwise sleek pack, but the lack of readily accessible pockets is maddening.  It took an act of olympic contortion just to pull a water bottle from the mesh pockets, and getting it back in the pocket was almost impossible without removing the pack. How do you pros handle quick accessibliltity issues?

Response:

I am not sure what plastic clips you are referring to.  I have an old style metal shower curtain ring on my pack for hanging wet sox, but I have used it for haning other items as well.  Wal-Mart carries them.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Related question. –I have been wanting to use clips rather than a pocket for small items like compass, thermometer, knife, led flashlight and similar lanyard fodder. I would like to wear one lanyard and just clip the items to it or to my pack or my belt as needed. However, I need the clips. The only ones that I can find in local hardware stores are big, heavy steel ones.:-(  I would prefer light, cheap, plastic clips like you see on commercial goods. Does anyone have a source?

Response:

Related question. –I have been wanting to use clips rather than a pocket for small items like compass, thermometer, knife, led flashlight and similar lanyard fodder. I would like to wear one lanyard and just clip the items to it or to my pack or my belt as needed. However, I need the clips. The only ones that I can find in local hardware stores are big, heavy steel ones.:-(  I would prefer light, cheap, plastic clips like you see on commercial goods. Does anyone have a source? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently bought an REI New Star, a 2000 model, at significant savings over the usual price.  I like the pack; size, fit, durability, price…all suit me.  (Did I say I was new at this?)  But the stinking thing has no outside pockets, except for a couple useless mesh pockets, and no daisy chain. There are a few lash points, which I am using for tent poles and my sleeping pad. Is there a retail product, like an add-on compartment, that can be added to the pack.  I hate the idea of all this junk hanging off my otherwise sleek pack, but the lack of readily accessible pockets is maddening.  It took an act of olympic contortion just to pull a water bottle from the mesh pockets, and getting it back in the pocket was almost impossible without removing the pack. How do you pros handle quick accessibliltity issues?

Response:

I have a Gregory Reality with mesh pockets that have compression straps that go over them.  I put my stove bottle and water filter in the mesh pockets. The compression straps keep them from falling out.  I like the system.

Good point – I take back my blanket condemnation of the idea.  So they’re good for fuel and other stuff, bad for water bottles. Joel

Response:

In cold temps I carry a water bottle on my pack belt in a special holder(Gregory sells these too).  When it warms up I use a hydration bag and drinking tube.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a Gregory Reality with mesh pockets that have compression straps that go over them.  I put my stove bottle and water filter in the mesh pockets. The compression straps keep them from falling out.  I like the system. Good point – I take back my blanket condemnation of the idea.  So they’re good for fuel and other stuff, bad for water bottles. Joel

Response:

I have a Gregory Reality with mesh pockets that have compression straps that go over them.  I put my stove bottle and water filter in the mesh pockets.  The compression straps keep them from falling out.  I like the system. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How do you pros handle quick accessibliltity issues? I’m not a pro, but I’ve used that pack and was also frustrated by the mesh pockets, especially seeing that the compression straps go right over the pocket.  Who the heck thought up that bright idea? There is one external pocket that’s on the very top in the detachable fanny pack.  I kept small stuff in that pocket, and also used it to keep a hydration bladder.  That worked much better than fighting to get a water bottle in and out of those mesh pockets. Joel

Response:

Question:

What do you guys think? — Padishar Creel

 Mike is gone.  Never to grace ROFF again! Opie

Response:

Hold the presses, did I hear that Mike is not going to be part of ROFF?  I want my membership dues refunded immediately.  Mike is one of the best, if not the best part of this NG and we need the long rodder in our midst.  I say we *not accept* Mike’s resignation.  Who is the hell does he thing he is?  He can’t quit, he belongs to us…he must of missed the fine print in the contract, but no ill feelings Mike, just get your butt back on line, pronto, Mister Connor. I think a poem from Mike will suffice as penance!  What do you guys think?

The following which was posted 9/30/00 by Mr. Connor, is one of my favorites: The angler stood in silent concentration casting to a rise a passer-by quite interested, watched the angler cast his flies. "Are there any fish in here" he asked of our friend piscator at last, "I have never seen one here at all, not today, or ever in the past". "There are a few",  our angler then replied with friendly smile, "But it

Question:

Can anyone tell me anything about flyfishing in Chincoteague? Guides? Fish running in August? Places to fish? Rent boats? — Steven Locke Spam control: remove the 8 to e-mail

Response:

Can anyone tell me anything about flyfishing in Chincoteague? Guides? Fish running in August? Places to fish? Rent boats?

Best thing I can offer is a maybe.   I know that Kevin Johansen is well regarded as a guide on the lower Chesapeake, but I don’t know if he goes over to Chincoteague.   I don’t have his number handy, but if you don’t get any better leads, let me know & I’ll dig it up. Joe F.

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Question:

Just finished watching a piece on Fashion TV, CITY-TV, Toronto where they interviewed Karen Graham.  The former Vogue model was sought out by Estee Lauder, lured away from her fly fishing school and brought in to promote stuff for older women.  She’s going to have a TV ad running soon as well. And boy,  she can double-haul me any day.  ( No honey, I’m not serious. . . . stop looking over my shoulder . . . yes I love that rod you bought me, . . .  stop whacking me with it. . . .) Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.cgocable.net/~pcharles/index.html

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I just saw a piece about Karen Graham on Oprah recently… very interesting.  Besides being very beautiful, she was charming and down to earth as well.  And most importantly, she casts beautifully. ;^) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just finished watching a piece on Fashion TV, CITY-TV, Toronto where they interviewed Karen Graham.  The former Vogue model was sought out by Estee Lauder, lured away from her fly fishing school and brought in to promote stuff for older women.  She’s going to have a TV ad running soon as well. And boy,  she can double-haul me any day.  ( No honey, I’m not serious. . . . stop looking over my shoulder . . . yes I love that rod you bought me, . . .  stop whacking me with it. . . .) Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.cgocable.net/~pcharles/index.html

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Question:

I have gotten skunked on the west branch – even worse, I was skunked when big fish were sloppily rising all up and down the eddy.  That place is the grad school, my friend. Pete C

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I’ve fished the W. Br. for about 20 years. You’re right about it being the grad. school. I consider it to be the major leagues of fly fishing. The ‘regulars’ like me who fish it like to say that if you can catch trout on a DRY fly on the Delaware, you can catch trout anywhere. I’ve also fished the Bighorn and although the W. Br. may not be quite the fishery that the  Bighorn is, in my opinion it is a close second. And it could even get better if it wasn’t for the screwed-up releases from the Cannonsville dam.

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I just got back from the WB and in all honesty I think there is a little fly shop.  I went in and started asking a few questions.  As soon as they found out I had not fished the river there were the typical don’t expect to catch anything comments.  Yada Yada Yada. The afternoon (this past Wed) was hot and the river a bit warm.  Nothing got started with regards to hatches or rises until about 45 minutes before dark. On my first cast I  got a solid take but did not connect.  From then on I got nothing but it was getting dark and frankly I couldn’t see my fly and with the wate a little high the wading to get to the rises was tricky.  Sixty foot casts at dusk are not productive where ever you fish. Next day the wind was blowing a gale and I spent most of the time sight seeing.  Got on the water around 7 pm and withing 15 minutes was into a brown trout that broke me off.  I forgot to st the hook when my line went peeling off the reel.  That I never see! After that there was little activity until just before dark.  A guy upstream got a 12" trout, I got one about 8." The next morning I got into my first Delaware Rainbow, about 18".  What a ball.  It took a small yellow stonefly dry dragging under the  surface.  So much for precice presentation. Yesterday before I left the river was finally down to a reasonably wadable level and within 15 minutes I had two browns between 12 – 14".  With all due respect to the entomologists out there (myself included); they took a wooly bugger on a quartering downstream cast. I had a great time and plan on returning but if you plan to go don’t let the fly shops intimidate you into thinking the fish cannot be caught.  Given the windy conditions my time on the river was limited and I met with success pretty quickly and without much effort.

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Upon my first trip to the Delaware, I was dismayed by the fact that the river hosted nothing but flyfishers. I suppose after years of being almost the only flyfisherman around on the rivers I fish, I’ve gotten used to being in the minority. Then I showed up at the Delaware…and all I saw were flyfishermen! It seemed as though no sane spincaster would dare set foot upon the hallowed waters… I asked one fellow along the bank if any spincasters fished the river. His half-joke, half-serious reply was "I keep a slingshot and paint balls handy, and if I see any, I plug ‘em!" Also, in the FYI department: We looked forward to staying at the Delaware River Club’s campground, which supposedly has "80 campsites." When we arrived, about 65 of the campsites (including all the prime spots along the river) were occupied by year-round campers with RVs. Furthermore, more than half of those campers weren’t around that weekend. This ticked us off considerably, as we had to "squat" on an RVers site who didn’t show for the weekend. The DRC campsite appears to be the only game in town, so you don’t have much choice. I’d say they almost try to discourage fishermen from other regions from coming with this kind of "welcome mat." I’m not prone to griping, but it made a fishless weekend a bit less pleasant! Scott Wilkinson

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I don’t think it’s snobbery when the fly shops say that the WB is a tough stream on which to catch trout. I believe that the shops are referring to how difficult it can be to catch trout on a DRY fly. It’s my belief that 90% of the fishermen on the WB are there for the dry fly action, and the dry fly action can get to be very challenging to the WB newbie.  I’m almost exclusively a dryfly person and I only live 40 miles from the WB, so I’ve fished it very often over the last 20 years and I can say that I’ve been humbled many times on that river during periods when the trout were rising. Yes, the fish there can be caught on a dry. That’s why I’m addicted to that river, but it can get very challenging at times, even for the WB veteran.  

Response:

I enjoyed my trip to the WB but didn’t appreciate the attitude of the fly shop guys. The assumption was that I wouldn’t catch anything since it was the first time on the river.  Thanks for the encouragement.  I’ve been fly fishing for 20 + years, mostly over wild trout os I don’t need to shell out 200 + bucks to have someone hold my hand.  Half the fun is solving the problems by yourself. Bottom line with me was the fish were not rising particularly regularly and the good old woolly bugger did the trick. I’m looking forward to going back.  

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Yes, it’s extremely rare to see a spin fisherman on the Delaware. Of course, as a flyfisherman only, I also get the stares when I flyfish some of the put and take streams here in upstate NY during early April before the Delaware rounds into shape in late April. When I show up on the stream with my vest, chest waders and fly rod, the spin fishermen look at me as if I just got off a spaceship. And when I catch a trout on a fly and then return it to the stream, then they know for sure that I just arrived from another planet.

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Question:

I would like some advice on bite tippets for Blue Fish and other toothy critters – both fresh and saltwater.  I have used various wire type leaders for spin fishing but have no experience with fly fishing for northerns, blue fish etc. Thanks Jim

Response:

For bluefish smaller than 4 pounds you can get away with 30 pound mason or similar hard mono.  Anything bigger and you will wnat singlestrand wire. Cehck out any of the good knot books (Mclane or whoever) for ways to join wire to mono. For spanish mackerel heavy mono is fine.  King macs wire.   Northern pike will let you get away with mono.  there are some who say wire is better because it is thinner.  In my experience it just scares the fish due to shine.  Use clear Mason. Do no use braided wire.  No good at all.

I would like some advice on bite tippets for Blue Fish and other toothy critters – both fresh and saltwater.  I have used various wire type leaders for spin fishing but have no experience with fly fishing for northerns, blue fish etc. Thanks Jim — Flyfish NC                                                   Gordon Churchill http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Rapids/3853                                                                    

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I would like some advice on bite tippets for Blue Fish and other toothy critters – both fresh and saltwater.  I have used various wire type leaders for spin fishing but have no experience with fly fishing for northerns, blue fish etc. Thanks Jim

Hi Jim, I think most fly fishers use wire for Barracudas, Northern Pike, Sharks and Bluefish. For Billfish, Tarpon, Snook and Jacks most use heavy/hard mono. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

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Question:

Hello,   Last year about his time I bought plans to build a canoe, because that then looked like a good idea. I haven’t goten down to building it yet, but, in the mean time, I moved to a rather dry part of the world – except for the sea. So, I am living at a ten minutes drive from the beach now and I am wondering if I should build that canoe, or rather get plans for a kayak? What I like about the canoe is that    -I have the plans already    -I like the design    -I can cast a fly properly from a canoe    -My family fits into it    -I can use the same boat alone or all of us Then again they say that kayaks are really fun to play with in the surf. I had sort of a wacky idea the other day and maybe somebody may wish to comment on it. If I build a real long kayak (say about 18ft) and I leave the central 6-7 ft of the deck open, I can make two (or more) covers for that portion, one with the central opening (for me) and one with 2 big openings and one smaller one (for when we are all going). Will this reduce the stiffness of the boat to the point of making it dangerouse? Anyway, that would resolve only the family issue; casting the fly will remain a problem … Thanks of any thoughts,   Pierre — Pierre Hubsch                 Dept of Bio-Medical Engineering Technion – Israel Institut of Technology          Haifa 32000 Israel                                      tel 792-4-8294124

Response:

I had sort of a wacky idea the other day and maybe somebody may wish to comment on it. If I build a real long kayak (say about 18ft) and I leave the central 6-7 ft of the deck open, I can make two (or more) covers for that portion, one with the central opening (for me) and one with 2 big openings and one smaller one (for when we are all going). Will this reduce the stiffness of the boat to the point of making it dangerouse?

What you’re describing is essentially identical to an Aquaterra Jocassee (or an Old Town Loon II, which seems to be a knock-off of the Jocassee), except that Aquaterra never thought it through to the point of making alternate hard covers for the cockpit. Their customer rep seemed to think I was strange when I suggested it. There are some limitations to the concept: Even a 7-foot cockpit gets awfully small when you put 2 people in it. Any 3rd person in the cockpit has to be very small or very cozy with the rear(most!) paddler. There is, as you suggest, a problem with longitudinal stiffness. The Jocassee uses three long metal tubes for structural reinforcement. A hard cockpit cover would contribute some more rigidity if it were rigidly attached, though I’m not certain how this could be done without adding a lot of weight for the attachment fixtures. If you don’t devise a rigid cockpit top, there’s nothing to brace yourself in the boat with for control or rolling. I’m currently trying to figure out some kind of thigh straps or other supports to overcome this. If you don’t make a rigid top with a standard cockpit opening, you can’t get a spray skirt for the big cockpit. Aquaterra’s Jocassee spray skirt has serious functional limitations that even their rep admits. I’m still working on making it just stay on reliably. Used without a cover, that big a cockpit lets a lot of water splash and wash in, and holds a tremendous volume of water if capsized or swamped. It probably needs all of the extra floatation you can devise. With all of the above considerations, my son and I still enjoy the Jocassee, and devising workarounds for problems makes it a kind of do-it-yourself project. If you don’t like working with lots of compromises, though, you might be better off to build/acquire two boats – one for the family and a single for when you want to play alone. I was sold the Jocassee as a "sea kayak" when I knew even less about kayaking than I do now. It’s definitely not a sea kayak (although it’s getting closer as I work at it). Anyway, that would resolve only the family issue; casting the fly will remain a problem …

This I don’t see as a problem (although I don’t fly-fish – maybe I’m missing something). I can do anything in the Jocassee that I can do in a canoe. Enjoy whatever you do. Ira  Adams

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Question:

I’m going to be on the Au Sable at this time next week.  Has anyone fished it recently?  What’s going on up there?  We’ve had tons of rain here in Chicago but I havn’t kept up with Michigan weather.  I’d guess the river is full and everything is hatching late.  Any info will be much appreciated — not that it will make me any better (and you won’t be held responsible)! Tom

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I’m going to be on the Au Sable at this time next week.  Has anyone fished it recently?  What’s going on up there?  We’ve had tons of rain here in Chicago but I havn’t kept up with Michigan weather.  I’d guess the river is full and everything is hatching late.  Any info will be much appreciated — not that it will make me any better (and you won’t be held responsible)! Tom

The Mainstream and the South Branch are both in fine shape, although maybe a bit higher than you’d ordinarily expect this time of year.  There is a bit of everything hatching, so it’s a sort of buggy smorgasborg.  Parachute Adams/Hare’s Ear will work well.  Sulphurs are out (try a dirty-yellow Usual on the edges), and a friend says Skunks are working in the early evening.   Toss a Royal Wulff in the riffles, and don’t forget to stop by one of the shops and pick up a handful of Roberts’ Yellow (12, 14).  Caddis and blue wing olives are also out, although Hendricksons are done.  I think I just talked myself into a trip to Grayling.  See you on the river. John

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I’m going to be on the Au Sable at this time next week.  Has anyone fished it recently?  What’s going on up there?  We’ve had tons of rain here in Chicago but I havn’t kept up with Michigan weather.  I’d guess the river is full and everything is hatching late.  Any info will be much appreciated — not that it will make me any better (and you won’t be held responsible)! Tom

Tom,    I was on the AuSable for the last 5 days.Now that I’am home the fishing has improved. Sulfers are on,    use emergers myself, also spinners.Brown drakes,caddis, BWO’s. Also take streamers Micky fins ect size6 or 8.Try a stone fly or two. The Hex hatch is do to start soon.If it rains use wolly buggers, zonkers ect.    The weather is improving up their, bugs all over the place. Stop in at Gates AuSable loge on Stephan Road They will set you up.     I would fish the North or the South branches and stay off the Main, to much traffic.   Tight lines    Dave   PS. Tell Rusty Hilton says hi.

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