Question:

Is there any web, catalog or other reliable source for fly fishing and/or fly tying supplies? Ebay is becoming chancy at best(I always lose the euipement I want at the last minute)! Thanks for any help.

You should check out Hook & Hackle at hookhack.com. When you order from their web site, you get 20% off of listed prices, and free shipping with an order over $200. They care for the customer, and if you have a problem with an order, they set it right. They have fly fishing, fly tying and rod building gear at normal prices as well as web specials, but when you factor in the 20% off, they can’t be beat (and I’m a real cheapskate!). ie: Loomis IMX blanks at list price, but they give you free components, about a $50 value.

Response:

Is there any web, catalog or other reliable source for fly fishing and/or fly tying supplies? Ebay is becoming chancy at best(I always lose the euipement I want at the last minute)! Thanks for any help.

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Is there any web, catalog or other reliable source for fly fishing and/or fly tying supplies?

http://www.ezflyfish.com/ http://www.cabelas.com/ (also has a fly fishing catalog) http://www.orvis.com/ http://www.basspro-shops.com/ in that order, IMHO. — HTH, Tim

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Is there any web, catalog or other reliable source for fly fishing and/or fly tying supplies? Ebay is becoming chancy at best(I always lose the euipement I want at the last minute)! Thanks for any help.

    Frank,          Internet Outdoors has some good prices…I bought my float tube on sale from Cabella’s and afterwards I saw that Internet Outdoors was $20 cheaper!  They are dedicated to other sports as well as fishing, also.  Check them out.  Here is the address… http://www.shopoutdoors.com/

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Question:

I am venturing into Vail in a week for vacation, fly fishing as well as shooting the Colorado wild ……Am amateur shooter,  I will shoot mainly around that area and the Rocky Mtn NP area….the elk are rutting and have come down from the high country as well as moose…. but mainly at dusk are the typical time schedules they follow although many can be shot in full daylight across meadows, you just cant predict nature…… with this type of low  light, I am wondering what film speed for such shots that I wish to blow up with out much grain showing….. Minolta HTsi +……TOKINA 28-105 …1:35-4.5 and Sigma 70-210 1:45-5.6……tripod…..and Jeep XJ Thanks All: Phil

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I would use a 270 winchester with a 6X scope. You could go for a 7×57, but limit the shots to broadside and 300 yards tops. John O.

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Yes and not when he is standin the water….   : )

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would use a 270 winchester with a 6X scope. You could go for a 7×57, but limit the shots to broadside and 300 yards tops. John O.

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<< I would use a 270 winchester with a 6X scope. You could go for a 7×57, but limit the shots to broadside and 300 yards tops. As soon as I saw the thread header I figured it wouldn’t be long before someone recommended a caliber or a particular rifle but I must admit this was faster than I imagined . . .

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    You are going to need a fast car,  those guys are not real friendly — Dia ’s Muire duit Joe M

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I know this is off topic but will a 270 really stop an Elk?  I’ve never hunted Elk but I’ve seen them.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yes and not when he is standin the water….   : ) I would use a 270 winchester with a 6X scope. You could go for a 7×57, but limit the shots to broadside and 300 yards tops. John O.

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After the shot from the 270, you will need something to haul him in. Forget the car. Eric Miller

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     You are going to need a fast car,  those guys are not real friendly — Dia ’s Muire duit Joe M

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Film?  All speed you can get! With a f/5.6 lens in low light you’ll need ISO 800-1600 to get any decent shutter speed.  At that speed almost anything will do – Fuji or Kodak. But with your relatively short lenses, you have a very small chance to approach an elk in the wild…400-500 mm glass is more suitable, although once an Elk run just past me in RMNP while I stood like a dolt with a 400 mm lens… Perhaps you can get some decent pics from the road on the meadows in the RM Park, but it’s getting too late for that.  Anyway, if you wish to try, use the Estes Park Entrance (a rather long rode from Vail – back over the pass, the Eisenhower tunnel, Boulder to Estes Park. – 150+ miles each way.) Or you can try the Grand Lake area – much closer, go in the direction of Winter Park, but there may be no way to drive far into the Park through the west entrance as Trail Ridge Road closes around mid-October. (Try http://www.coloradoguide.com/rmnp/frame1.htm   for more info.) In any event, Grand Lake is very picturesque. Michael

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am venturing into Vail in a week for vacation, fly fishing as well as shooting the Colorado wild ……Am amateur shooter,  I will shoot mainly around that area and the Rocky Mtn NP area….the elk are rutting and have come down from the high country as well as moose…. but mainly at dusk are the typical time schedules they follow although many can be shot in full daylight across meadows, you just cant predict nature…… with this type of low  light, I am wondering what film speed for such shots that I wish to blow up with out much grain showing….. Minolta HTsi +……TOKINA 28-105 …1:35-4.5 and Sigma 70-210 1:45-5.6……tripod…..and Jeep XJ Thanks All: Phil

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I would use a 270 winchester with a 6X scope. You could go for a 7×57, but limit the shots to broadside and 300 yards tops.

Model 70 Winchester in .300 or .338 WinMag and 3.5×10 Nikon scope.  Then you can get really close to the elk for photos.  (Fuji Superia 400 will hold up to some decent enlargement.  It’s my favorite fast print film, although I still haven’t tried the new Kodak stuff….) Good shooting, Bob Scott

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150 heavy bullet, good placement, dead in their tracks. John O.

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@aol.com says… I would use a 270 winchester with a 6X scope. You could go for a 7×57, but limit the shots to broadside and 300 yards tops. John O.

        Wow the hipocracy of it, one minute your taking pictures of it the next you want to kill it. — James Grove http://www.jamesgrove.co.uk

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Wow the hipocracy of it, one minute your taking pictures of it the next you want to kill it.

Can’t you eat elk?

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   Wow the hipocracy of it, one minute your taking pictures of it the next you want to kill it.

Twit, you shoot it first, then come the photos. John O.

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Shooting any kind of deer requires a long lens (in at least the 400mm range generally). Try to borrow or rent a lens like this and also try to get a 1.4x teleconverter (to use with the long lens as well as your Sigma). Forget the slow films, you need speed. An ASA100 film may have smaller grain but that will do you no good if the elk moves while using a long shutter speed. I would not hesitate to use a film of at least 400ASA to get the fastest shutter speed as possible in the low light conditions. You may also be dealing with wind as the air begins to warm, which will require the fast film and shutter cable, even while on the tripod. If you find you need even more speed, push the roll one stop. If you desire a close up shot, a Remington bolt with 30/06 180gr and Swarovski scope will get you in range (if you don’t flinch or get buck fever). You’ll then be able to use an ASA25 with tripod mounted camera. :~) Richard

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am venturing into Vail in a week for vacation, fly fishing as well as shooting the Colorado wild ……Am amateur shooter,  I will shoot mainly around that area and the Rocky Mtn NP area….the elk are rutting and have come down from the high country as well as moose…. but mainly at dusk are the typical time schedules they follow although many can be shot in full daylight across meadows, you just cant predict nature…… with this type of low  light, I am wondering what film speed for such shots that I wish to blow up with out much grain showing….. Minolta HTsi +……TOKINA 28-105 …1:35-4.5 and Sigma 70-210 1:45-5.6……tripod…..and Jeep XJ Thanks All: Phil

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Question:

Please tell me this is a joke.. Herman No joke. See    http://www.neuticles.com/nnpages/navindex.html

rw Geez! Your web browser must lead an interesting life.<G Kiyu

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If perchance you purchase for your dog a pair of neuticles, handle them with care, and  always clean at first your cuticles, in order to appreciate the texture, although this some appals, just grab your dog by the scruff of the neck and fondle then his balls, some dogs will not like this much, and may in fact be prone to bite, but others may in fact enjoy themselves, and are not inclined to fight. We are aware of course that some people think we may be crackers, but we are also doing a roaring trade selling plastic moulded knackers, these will fit quite well on nearly any animal,  from elephants to mice, and the animals are very proud of them, as they look and feel quite nice. our latest line for avid  fly-dressers whose bent towards  tradition lies, is a set of artificial testicles for rams, the hair from these, ties lovely flies. With many of these things of course, there may be an occasional hitch, before you fit the artificial testicles, make sure the animal is not a bitch, this tends to cause confusion, and the results of this may be absurd, causing weird behaviour, and "the sad dog syndrome" we have heard, as a service to our customers, we have an animal psychiatrist on call, who can inform with authority on the  suitability, of every single ball. Our custom balls fit everything, from antelopes to zebras, and even bulls and hogs, our product is so popular we have extended now our range with plastic dogs, these artificial animals are really excellent value , and will not bark or bite, and they are very cheap to keep, as they do not eat, and also do not shite, they are all machine washable, hygienic and of course devoid of germs, if you would like one of our artificial animals, just call us up for terms. Our range of lifelike products may be the answer to your wildest dreams, you could fish for massive artificial fish, in artificial lakes and streams, go on a safari and  see all the artificial things that crawl or creep, without any personal danger, in our special artificial plastic jeep, but the pride of our endeavours, guaranteed to save you strife, the crowning glory of our product range, is our special plastic wife. TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My god… Did you read this: Quote: As Natural As Nature Intended    The texture and firmness of NEUTICLE NATURALS were crafted    based on the firmness and texture of actual animal testicles. End quote.

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These may be similar to the images that keep troubling Timmy. Poor ‘guy’. <g

Yes well, for a guy who eats everything he catches such images would indeed be troubling…or so we hope.

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I have a good supply of polar bear hair for fly tying. Polar Bear hair retails for over $20.00 a sq. in.  I have lots and will sell for $3.50 Sq. In.  I do have quite a bit but it will go fast. Before you buy.

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Number 1, go to rec.outdoors.fishing.fly.tying. Number 2, put FOR SALE in your title or prepare to get flamed. I have a good supply of polar bear hair for fly tying. Polar Bear hair retails for over $20.00 a sq. in.  I have lots and will sell for $3.50 Sq. In.  I do have quite a bit but it will go fast. Before you buy.

– Regards, Jeff Before you buy.

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I’m looking for hair off a monkey’s balls. Polar bear hair just won’t do. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a good supply of polar bear hair for fly tying. Polar Bear hair retails for over $20.00 a sq. in.  I have lots and will sell for $3.50 Sq. In.  I do have quite a bit but it will go fast. Before you buy.

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If you want nice white coarse hair, it can be had from the balls of aged men sleeping in the park.  Procurement is your problem.  :{) "Some mornings I wonder if it was worth it to gnaw through the leather straps."  – E. Philips

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Please let me know how many monkey balls and what color SPECIFICALLY you are looking for…   alos, please indicate of recent evolutionary cousins of monkeys will do if the exact product is not available.. edwin

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m looking for hair off a monkey’s balls. Polar bear hair just won’t do. I have a good supply of polar bear hair for fly tying. Polar Bear hair retails for over $20.00 a sq. in.  I have lots and will sell for $3.50 Sq. In.  I do have quite a bit but it will go fast. Before you buy.

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Or the synthetic equivalence? Herman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Please let me know how many monkey balls and what color SPECIFICALLY you are looking for…   alos, please indicate of recent evolutionary cousins of monkeys will do if the exact product is not available.. edwin I’m looking for hair off a monkey’s balls. Polar bear hair just won’t do. I have a good supply of polar bear hair for fly tying. Polar Bear hair retails for over $20.00 a sq. in.  I have lots and will sell for $3.50 Sq. In.  I do have quite a bit but it will go fast. Before you buy.

– Cheers, Herman Herman Nijland Daytime webmaster Lifetime flyfisher

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You’re not far off, Herman. There’s a product called Neuticles that are synthetic replacement testicles for neutered dogs.

I humbly relinquish any previous claim to "straight line of the week". Joe F.

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Or the synthetic equivalence? Herman Please let me know how many monkey balls and what color SPECIFICALLY you are looking for…   alos, please indicate of recent evolutionary cousins of monkeys will do if the exact product is not available.. edwin

You’re not far off, Herman. There’s a product called Neuticles that are synthetic replacement testicles for neutered dogs. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

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You’re not far off, Herman. There’s a product called Neuticles that are synthetic replacement testicles for neutered dogs.

"Would you like those wrapped sir?" "No thanks, I’ll lick them here"<g. — Charlie…

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You’re not far off, Herman. There’s a product called Neuticles that are synthetic replacement testicles for neutered dogs.

Oh shit!   Those are for DOGS? Joe F.

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Yeah, and would you mind putting your leg down please ? TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You’re not far off, Herman. There’s a product called Neuticles that are synthetic replacement testicles for neutered dogs. Oh shit!   Those are for DOGS? Joe F.

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Please tell me this is a joke.. Herman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Or the synthetic equivalence? Herman Please let me know how many monkey balls and what color SPECIFICALLY you are looking for…   alos, please indicate of recent evolutionary cousins of monkeys will do if the exact product is not available.. edwin You’re not far off, Herman. There’s a product called Neuticles that are synthetic replacement testicles for neutered dogs. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

–         Cheers, Herman         Herman Nijland         Daytime webmaster         Lifetime flyfisher

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Please tell me this is a joke.. Herman

No joke. See         http://www.neuticles.com/nnpages/navindex.html — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

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Herman, Haven’t you ever seen a dog lick his "Neuticles "? Ernie, Remove SPAM to e-mail

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Please tell me this is a joke.. Herman Or the synthetic equivalence? Herman Please let me know how many monkey balls and what color SPECIFICALLY you are looking for…   alos, please indicate of recent evolutionary cousins of monkeys will do if the exact product is not available.. edwin You’re not far off, Herman. There’s a product called Neuticles that are synthetic replacement testicles for neutered dogs. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam) — Cheers, Herman Herman Nijland Daytime webmaster Lifetime flyfisher

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But you have to wonder about a company that uses a quote from "The Daily Show" (fake news show on Comedy Central) as the lead on their "What the press is saying" page. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No joke. See http://www.neuticles.com/nnpages/navindex.html

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But you have to wonder about a company that uses a quote from "The Daily Show" (fake news show on Comedy Central) as the lead on their "What the press is saying" page.

I’m not endorsing the product! I think the whole concept is ridiculous. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

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rw, I wasn’t implying anything about you.  I’m just amazed that the company thinks being lampooned on the Daily Show is ‘good press’.  Weirdly funny.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – But you have to wonder about a company that uses a quote from "The Daily Show" (fake news show on Comedy Central) as the lead on their "What the press is saying" page. I’m not endorsing the product! I think the whole concept is ridiculous.

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Yes.. They do it merely to show off, imho. Basterds. Herman Herman, Haven’t you ever seen a dog lick his "Neuticles "? Ernie, Remove SPAM to e-mail

        Cheers, Herman         Herman Nijland         Daytime webmaster         Lifetime flyfisher

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My god… Did you read this: Quote: As Natural As Nature Intended    The texture and firmness of NEUTICLE NATURALS were crafted    based on the firmness and texture of actual animal testicles. End quote. Yeah right.. like anyone would check.. or notice the difference.. Herman, horrified – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Please tell me this is a joke.. Herman No joke. See         http://www.neuticles.com/nnpages/navindex.html — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

–         Cheers, Herman         Herman Nijland         Daytime webmaster         Lifetime flyfisher

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Yeah right.. like anyone would check.. or notice the difference.. Herman, horrified

Wonder how they recruit people for their quality control department (and what the interview is like)<g. — Charlie…

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Don’t. Don’t wonder, don’t imagine. I merely pondered and had more than enough trouble to loose the mental image. Herman Yeah right.. like anyone would check.. or notice the difference.. Herman, horrified Wonder how they recruit people for their quality control department (and what the interview is like)<g. — Charlie…

–         Cheers, Herman         Herman Nijland         Daytime webmaster         Lifetime flyfisher

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Don’t. Don’t wonder, don’t imagine. I merely pondered and had more than enough trouble to loose the mental image.

These may be similar to the images that keep troubling Timmy. Poor ‘guy’. <g — Charlie…

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Question:

(Sandy’s observations snipped) — /* Sandy Pittendrigh                  –oO0

I think we’ve been down these threads before Sandy, but they are worth repeating.  I asked the question once before and never got a definitive answer (like you ever do in this group); What about crushing ants and rolling your ant pattern around in a bottle of crushed ants?  Work? Ethical?  I was stopped and questioned at length once by a game warden because he thought my Bio-Strike looked like Power Bait!  I might try the ant thing this summer though.  Mossy Creek Browns are notoriously pickey! Just an additional note here about the scent thing.  A Wildlife Biologist/Fraternity Brother always swore by Oil of Anise.  Said fish and small game couldn’t resist the smell.  What if some enterprising floatant maker developed Anise scented floatant?  Ant scented, Mayfly scented floatant lines? — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

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Just an additional note here about the scent thing.  A Wildlife Biologist/Fraternity Brother always swore by Oil of Anise.  Said fish and small game couldn’t resist the smell.  What if some enterprising floatant maker developed Anise scented floatant?  Ant scented, Mayfly scented floatant lines?

I know I’ve mentioned this here before; but it’s been a while, so here it is again.   The state regs in MD used to have a simple clause for artificials-only water, "if it smells like bait, it is bait." Joe F.

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I know I’ve mentioned this here before; but it’s been a while, so here it is again.   The state regs in MD used to have a simple clause for artificials-only water, "if it smells like bait, it is bait." Joe F.

If your gonna smear dead ants all over your fly then why not just hook a dead ant on the thing.  For that matter, why not dispense with the extra furry junk and just use the ant?  Let’s see, worms will hang on a hook easier than ants.  How about just using a worm and a big ball of strike indicater about 2 feet up the line?  Add to that a one piece bamboo "fly" rod and you have something which sounds familiar. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

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Dear Chief the extra chili last night and they really enjoyed it. They howled alot during the night but seemed fine this A.M.  You forgot to take the extra set of underware I washed for you.  Perhaps you can borrow a pair from DEave, use your suspenders to keep them up.   Try to stay away from that Fontenberry guy, last time you went fishing with him you came home with alot of new dirty words and some screwed up opinions.  Take your celostral pill each  morning.your metamusal each night and don"t forget you should have one Manhatten each night. Your side of the tribe has never been able to handle firewater,

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"Wayne Hart" wrote <snip Just an additional note here about the scent thing.  A Wildlife Biologist/Fraternity Brother always swore by Oil of Anise.  Said fish and small game couldn’t resist the smell.  What if some enterprising floatant maker developed Anise scented floatant?  Ant scented, Mayfly scented floatant lines? Wayne

How about giving the whole area a rotten egg scent after one of Dave LaCourse’s clave breakfasts?  It isn’t from Anise but that’s close. Ernie

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Knowledge is power.

Excellent post Sandy. Mu, who spent the morning alternating between spinnerbaits and wooly buggers.  Didn’t bring my minoow trap though.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know I’ve mentioned this here before; but it’s been a while, so here it is again.   The state regs in MD used to have a simple clause for artificials-only water, "if it smells like bait, it is bait." Joe F. If your gonna smear dead ants all over your fly then why not just hook a dead ant on the thing.  For that matter, why not dispense with the extra furry junk and just use the ant?  Let’s see, worms will hang on a hook easier than ants.  How about just using a worm and a big ball of strike indicater about 2 feet up the line?  Add to that a one piece bamboo "fly" rod and you have something which sounds familiar. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine!

Man, y’all gotta complicate thangs…get a old field phone and a bucket…or for you wacky types, Nitromon S and a good defense lawyer…you can fish and check fer erl… R To crank is exercise…. To blast Dangerous!

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Joe Fleischman writes: I know I’ve mentioned this here before; but it’s been a while, so here it is again.   The state regs in MD used to have a simple clause for artificials-only water, "if it smells like bait, it is bait." Joe F.

Well hell, Joe!  I guess I can’t fish in my favorite waders.   Hmmmmm, come to think of it, they don’t smell like bait, they smell Dave

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Ernie Harrison writes: How about giving the whole area a rotten egg scent after one of Dave LaCourse’s clave breakfasts?  It isn’t from Anise but that’s close. Ernie

Ernie, damn it, I resent that!  My breakfasts at the clave are eaten by all with much gusto and no complaints.  If you ever get your scrawny ass to one of these claves, I will prove it to you, if I have to force feed the %&# eggs to ya!  <g And then I will get my buddy Jeffy to deep fry you an egg in bacon grease and we will force you to eat it.  Then, we’ll seal you in your waders, and send you on your way.   And people will shun you, forever and ever. Dave

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Indian Joe sends a smoke signal: Dear Chief the extra chili last night and they really enjoyed it. They howled alot during the night but seemed fine this A.M. You forgot to take the extra set of underware I washed for you.  Perhaps you can borrow a pair from DEave, use your suspenders to keep them up.   Try to stay away from that Fontenberry guy, last time you went fishing with him you came home with alot of new dirty words and some screwed up opinions. Take your celostral pill each  morning.your metamusal each night and don"t forget you should have one Manhatten each night. Your side of the tribe has never been able to handle firewater,

Golly, Forty, only you and I made IJ’s celebrity  list this time around.  That underware stuff — is that like Tupper-ware? Your Pal, DEave

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Charlie Choc: My breakfasts at the clave are eaten by all with much gusto and no complaints.   Never knew you were the cook at Tooties (where I ate *my* clave breakfasts)<g. — Charlie…

That’s right, you never stay at clave central.  Put it this way, if you liked Tooties, you will love the breakfast IJ and I will fix you.  (pssst, don’t eat Jeffy’s eggs). Dave LaCourse

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Charlie Choc: My breakfasts at the clave are eaten by all with much gusto and no complaints. Never knew you were the cook at Tooties (where I ate *my* clave breakfasts)<g. — Charlie… That’s right, you never stay at clave central.  Put it this way, if you liked Tooties, you will love the breakfast IJ and I will fix you.  (pssst, don’t eat Jeffy’s eggs). Dave LaCourse

i’m workin on lasagna this year…hmmm…now, lemmesee, where’s the bacon grease… jeff

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In the Great State of North Carolina, it is unlawful to desecrate the body of the dead.  Furthermore, anyone who *smears* the dead aunt onto a fly pattern is just plain sick!!

Umm, Rosanne Rosannadanna, that’s "ant".  Not "aunt", "ant". Regards, Jeff

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My God man, don’t unbuckle that wader belt up wind! Fishing tip for the day:  A fisherman in neoprenes with a tight wader belt can be used to replace a punctured pontoon if you feed him enuf Burro Chilli.  Hint: ensure he is secured with a slip knot for easy release and to allow for expansion.                                     Frank Reid

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Joe Fleischman writes: I know I’ve mentioned this here before; but it’s been a while, so here it is again.   The state regs in MD used to have a simple clause for artificials-only water, "if it smells like bait, it is bait." Joe F. Well hell, Joe!  I guess I can’t fish in my favorite waders.   Hmmmmm, come to think of it, they don’t smell like bait, they smell Dave

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Folks, In the Great State of North Carolina, it is unlawful to desecrate the body of the dead.  Furthermore, anyone who *smears* the dead aunt onto a fly pattern is just plain sick!!

If you just hold it close to aunt Bea, though, it’ll pick up some of that gravy smell and that should work. — Charlie…

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Folks, In the Great State of North Carolina, it is unlawful to desecrate the body of the dead.  Furthermore, anyone who *smears* the dead aunt onto a fly pattern is just plain sick!! Op

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know I’ve mentioned this here before; but it’s been a while, so here it is again.   The state regs in MD used to have a simple clause for artificials-only water, "if it smells like bait, it is bait." Joe F. If your gonna smear dead ants all over your fly then why not just hook a dead ant on the thing.  For that matter, why not dispense with the extra furry junk and just use the ant?  Let’s see, worms will hang on a hook easier than ants.  How about just using a worm and a big ball of strike indicater about 2 feet up the line?  Add to that a one piece bamboo "fly" rod and you have something which sounds familiar. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

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You’ll have to ask Al for sure, but I think Tupper just wears big ol’ cotton panties…

Gee thanks.   That’s a visual I could have done without.  :-) Joe F.

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Nice post.  The only thing I would question is the part about lateral lines left out of the fly fishing definition – I think everyone agrees a muddler minnow is a fly, and part of its appeal is supposedly that it gives off enough vibration to get a trout’s interest. Anyway, I think part of the reason some people are attracted to fly fishing is to challenge themselves to fool trout.  The less real the "bait/fly" is, the more challenge there is in the deception.  The more real it is, the less challenge.  How much people care to challenge themselves in this respect seems to be a very personal thing.  The more natural the whole *scenario* is, the more challenge.  Some people will set up a chum line of real beetles to be followed by their own beetle imitation.  I don’t know how legal that is, but it’s not entirely natural. Knowledge is power.

– Regards, Jeff Before you buy.

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Golly, Forty, only you and I made IJ’s celebrity  list this time around.  That underware stuff — is that like Tupper-ware?

You’ll have to ask Al for sure, but I think Tupper just wears big ol’ cotton panties… — Charlie…

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My breakfasts at the clave are eaten by all with much gusto and no complaints.  

Never knew you were the cook at Tooties (where I ate *my* clave breakfasts)<g. — Charlie…

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Knowledge is power. I like to know things about fish behavior. I often try things just to see what will happen. Once my experiment is finished, my new experimental technique may or may not become a steady habit. But I seldom regret trying something once. There is a lot to be learned from bait fishing for instance. Years ago–when it was still legal to fish with sculpins in Montana–I used to go sculpin fishing once every two or three years. If you use barbless hooks and set the hook when you first detect the strike, you get to return the fish unharmed, if you choose to do so. More important, in a few short hours of sculpin fishing you can learn about large brown trout behavior what might take a lifetime of fishing with flies. I used bait fishing to make myself a better streamer fisherman. You can learn a lot about riffle feeding behavior too–by fishing with live nymphs. The feedback rate (the number of fish you catch) is so great you learn more in a very short period of time (when you fish with live nymphs). When fishing with live nymphs doesn’t work, for instance, you know the fish are asleep. You learn to recognize those times, and not to waste your time. When the fish *are* on the feed, you can catch so many more fish in such a short period of time, you don’t have to work with hunches anymore. You quickly learn how to size up a riffle: to know where the big ones lie and how the little ones line up behind. You learn how much weight to use, how much slack to throw, and how and when to wait for the strike. You can learn all of those things from fly fishing too, of course. But you learn it slower, over a much longer time period, and you reach conclusions with far less confidence when fly fishing—-because the feedback rate is so slow. We do what we want. I choose to bait fish occasionally because I learn from it. I fly fish frequently because I prefer to fish that way. PUNCHLINE:    The line between bait fishing and fly fishing can be substantially obscured.  I’ve been making soft-bodied, open-cell foam nymphs for years. They’re good looking nymphs. Because they’re soft, fish don’t spit them out. They swim around chewing on soft nymphs, which makes it easier to detect the strikes. With soft foam nymphs, you don’t necessarily get more strikes, but you definately feel more of them happen.   Then, the other day, while fishing in the Madison canyon, I found a fat golden stonefly nymph under a rock. I killed it on a whim: I crushed it up and squeezed the resulting paste into the body of a soft foam nymph. I rolled the soft foam nymph back and forth in the palm of my hand, in a puddle of bug paste. That (open-cell foam) nymph, at that point, became equally effective as a live bait. But I could cast it as far as my fly rod would reach. I caught one fish after another in a riffle I had been working steadily and unsuccessfully foam nymph, but without the bug paste. Now I’m not suggesting anybody else should do anything like this at all. But this is interesting information. Fish detect their prey by: 1) eye sight 2) by detecting vibrations with their lateral line 3) by smell. And smell, I think, is the most powerful attractant of all. Now that I think of it, perhaps fly fishing (for those who worry about categories and definitions) means fishing with a fly rod in a way that only targets the piscatorial visual cortex: IE with no help from the lateral line, nor from the (fishes) olfactory system. For those of us who enjoy breaking the rules occasionally (but still like casting with a fly rod), you can also target the lateral line–with lightweight fly rod wigglers. And you can target the olfactory system too (and still do long distance fly rod casting) by fishing with soft foam nymphs……and bug paste. — /* Sandy Pittendrigh                  –oO0  * http://nervana.montana.edu/~sandy  */

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Question:

Lefty Kreh’s Video is one of the best So is Tom Whites Available at most fly shops — Free Lake Fly Fishing On-Line Magazine Lake Fly Fishing CD’s, Videos, Books http://www.rural.escape.ca/angling_north/fishing/organz.htm

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JHF Aren’t you lucky that George does not spam this group about videos! This would be the sort of helpful response you would have had on your last question if he had not pushed his floatant (can’t possibly remember it’s name; ))on this NG.   David – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Could someone recommend some good fly fishing videos dealing with lessons in casting? Got my first fly rod and reel this week and want to learn.

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I agree! Excellent and enjoyable. A "best Buy" in my  library of fly fishing "stuff" Regards from Montreal John Brkich

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Oh, by the way, that Video (Volume I) is available at Bob Marriott’s Flyfishing Store at http://www.bobmarriotts.com/. — Will West Lionheart Fishing Safari http://www.lionheartsafari.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Could someone recommend some good fly fishing videos dealing with lessons in casting? Got my first fly rod and reel this week and want to learn.

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My favorite videos are Doug Swishers Casting Tapes.  Also has a few tapes on Strategies for Catching Trout.  His tapes, Gary Borgers Tapes and lots of reading taught me to be the trout maniac that I am today.

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I whole heartedly second Will’s testimonial to Mel Krieger’s casting video. It really shows the dynamics of the fly cast, and how to execute it. Gary Borger has a series of teaching videos out that are also very helpful, especially the one on nymphing. Good luck… Jason Wiles. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The best one we’ve seen is Essence of Fly Casting with Mel krieger.  Really good for the beginner.  One you can watch and then go out and apply. — Will West Lionheart Fishing Safari http://www.lionheartsafari.com Could someone recommend some good fly fishing videos dealing with lessons in casting? Got my first fly rod and reel this week and want to learn.

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Could someone recommend some good fly fishing videos dealing with lessons in casting? Got my first fly rod and reel this week and want to learn.

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The best one we’ve seen is Essence of Fly Casting with Mel krieger.  Really good for the beginner.  One you can watch and then go out and apply. — Will West Lionheart Fishing Safari http://www.lionheartsafari.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Could someone recommend some good fly fishing videos dealing with lessons in casting? Got my first fly rod and reel this week and want to learn.

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Question:

Why thank you kindly gents.

(another sonnet snipped) Mike:  you’re most welcome. Your literary skills are most welcome here, and always appreciated.   Mark Faulkner

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A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him. — Ernie Harrison

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A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him. — Ernie Harrison

my apologies but I drink Grant’s. I’ll hoist one for Mike tonight. Not hard to persuade me eh? Ralph H "I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams." – Hamlet

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A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him.

He is so good in fact that I was thinking that he’s like an ‘online poetry synthesis machine’. ….I was wondering if he could not charge people to make poetry out of whatever they like. …he could have an interactive web site. "RhymeTime" …and since people could log in and get instant prose it could be. "Real-Time RhymeTime" You go Mike. — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him. He is so good in fact that I was thinking that he’s like an ‘online poetry synthesis machine’. ….I was wondering if he could not charge people to make poetry out of whatever they like. …he could have an interactive web site. "RhymeTime" …and since people could log in and get instant prose it could be. "Real-Time RhymeTime" You go Mike. — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

I agree Timbo…..in fact, as I offer my salud later today, I’ll know that we are very lucky to have Mike here at ROFF and be blessed with his style and wit. –Wataugan "is it 4pm yet?" Walt

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Why thank you kindly gents. Glad you find the rhymes pleasing, or even perhaps a bit teasing, I hope they amuse, and are not too abstruse, and keep you constantly wheezing ! I raise my glass here too, it couldnt be done without you, for a rhyme or two, you give me the cue, and sometimes even a few ! So here is my return toast, to the stalwart ROFFIAN host, cheers ! Good health, long life and wealth, to you all,  but the drinkers the most ! Tight lines ! Mike Connor

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(timbo’s post snipped) I agree Timbo…..in fact, as I offer my salud later today, I’ll know that we are very lucky to have Mike here at ROFF and be blessed with his style and wit. –Wataugan "is it 4pm yet?" Walt

        as a matter of fact, i think he’s so *damn* good that i intend to toast him at least five or six times before 10 pm.  by 8:15 he will be runnin line for line with robert frost.  and saturday night, he’ll be neck and neck with w. shakespeare hissownself! wayno, always willing to recognize talent – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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I agree Timbo…..in fact, as I offer my salud later today, I’ll know that we are very lucky to have Mike here at ROFF and be blessed with his style and wit.

(ahem) 5pm! It’s time to reboot, Scrolling away, ROFF’s always a hoot! Tho’ when I click onto Connor, It’s always an honor, That everything else said is moot. Tony Ritter www.gonefishing-gs.com

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A couple of generations advance over the old ‘bot eh? Ralph H

Very good Ralph. –Wataugan "love a good touche" Walt

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A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him. He is so good in fact that I was thinking that he’s like an ‘online poetry synthesis machine’.

 A couple of generations advance over the old ‘bot eh? Ralph H "I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams." – Hamlet

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_______ Can’t begin to tell you how much more I like that fly fishing handle of "T-Bone" much better?! There is no other name that explains you better.  Salt of the earth.  Western Bone Bred, and bad ass on the stream.

Question:

A friend is going on his honeymoon on Maui and was looking for some suggestions on where to go fly fishing.Any fly patterns or where there is a good tackle shop to stop in at would be appreciated. Thanks , jeff

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A friend is going on his honeymoon on Maui and was looking for some suggestions on where to go fly fishing.Any fly patterns or where there is a good tackle shop to stop in at would be appreciated. Thanks , jeff

I would also like to hear some suggestions.  I plan on taking a trip there soon and would like to put in some time fly fishing.  I have heard fishing the islands can be pretty tough however…anyone have info on Maui? -Greg

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A friend is going on his honeymoon on Maui and was looking for some suggestions on where to go fly fishing.Any fly patterns or where there is a good tackle shop to stop in at would be appreciated. Thanks , jeff

Hi Jeff, I heard that there was a bike shop that had some fly fishing equipment. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

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Question:

I recently inherited a split cane fly rod and would like to identify its source and possible age.  It is a 3 piece, 10′6", with spare top section, has screw type ferrules, cork grip, and wrappings approx. every inch along its length. I always thought it was a salmon rod but the last time I was allowed to use it was about 1950 in England, so my memory is a bit hazy.

It would be unlikely (though not impossible) that it’s primary function was as a salmon rod. Even today salmon in Britain are normally fished for with two-handed rods, from 12 to 15 or more feet long. You may fish for summer fish with a shorter rod but you’ll then be said to be fishing with a trout rod. It might well be one of two things: a sea-trout rod (in other words trout that migrate to sea like steelhead) and are fished for on rivers – that is if the action is quite tight and fast, or, I think more likely,  a boat rod,  for fishing for trout from a boat drifiting along on a lake with the prevailing wind. In this fashion, casts are quite short, and very soft rods were used – very often around this length. I still have one my father inherited in the 1920s from a major Irish fisherman, but I must say that I find it unfishable. I fish with split cane on the English chalkstreams, but anything of ten foot I would find very hard going

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I recently inherited a split cane fly rod and would like to identify its source and possible age.  It is a 3 piece, 10′6", with spare top section, has screw type ferrules, cork grip, and wrappings approx. every inch along its length. I always thought it was a salmon rod but the last time I was allowed to use it was about 1950 in England, so my memory is a bit hazy. The only identifying mark is on the brass butt piece and that has partially worn off.  It has the inscription  " CA??ER and CO.  London  ". I’m not expecting it to be of any value, other than sentimental, but I would like to know its age and origins. Also I intend to fish with it so could somebody give me some idea of the possible line weight used with these rods.   Thanks  Ed — Ed Fenton Burlington, Ontario, Canada

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Ed, I think this rod was made by (or for ?) Carter & Co., London that appears to have been a tackle store (??) that existed from 1853 till 1969. The company changed it’s name from Alfred Carter to Carter & Co. in 1901, so your rod is definitely post 1901. This is all I could find out from my books. regards Inge Solberg Houston, TX – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I recently inherited a split cane fly rod and would like to identify its source and possible age. It is a 3 piece, 10′6", with spare top section, has screw type ferrules, cork grip, and wrappings approx. every inch along its length. I always thought it was a salmon rod but the last time I was allowed to use it was about 1950 in England, so my memory is a bit hazy. The only identifying mark is on the brass butt piece and that has partially worn off.  It has the inscription  " CA??ER and CO.  London  ". I’m not expecting it to be of any value, other than sentimental, but I would like to know its age and origins. Also I intend to fish with it so could somebody give me some idea of the possible line weight used with these rods.   Thanks  Ed — Ed Fenton Burlington, Ontario, Canada

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently inherited a split cane fly rod and would like to identify its source and possible age.  It is a 3 piece, 10′6", with spare top section, has screw type ferrules, cork grip, and wrappings approx. every inch along its length. I always thought it was a salmon rod but the last time I was allowed to use it was about 1950 in England, so my memory is a bit hazy. The only identifying mark is on the brass butt piece and that has partially worn off.  It has the inscription  " CA??ER and CO.  London  ". I’m not expecting it to be of any value, other than sentimental, but I would like to know its age and origins. Also I intend to fish with it so could somebody give me some idea of the possible line weight used with these rods. Thanks  Ed — Ed Fenton Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Heck, I’m no expert (for sure) but I may be able to point you in the right direction.  It does sound like a salmon rod, probably taking about an 8 to 10 weight line.  The wraps every inch or so were called "intermediate wraps" and were originally used when glues weren’t very good.  However, UK-built rods seem to value tradition and rods with intermediate wraps were available in the 1970’s (I believe from Clifford Constable — or was it J.Sharpe?).  In my web wanderings I found a site that frequently auctions cane rods in the UK (I think it is www.auctions-on-line.com, if that doesn’t work e-mail me and I’ll find it) with descriptions, etc.  Sorry I can’t help with the name of the actual maker — I only know of companies that were on the scene in the 1970’s or later (i.e., Hardy, Constable, Farlow, Sharpe, Partridge, etc.). BTW–If you do find out exactly what it is, please post a follow-up. George (Irish descent, not living in Ireland)

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Question:

I am going to Anchorage on business on Sep 25-26 and would like to know whether there is any possibility of flyfishing nearby on Saturday the 27th. I can’t stay long so the fishing has to be accessible. Any ideas about what I might be able to find? If so what gear should I bring? Thanks in advance, Mike —                      Michael S. Young The RREEF Funds, 650 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108           "Chaos is normal; normality is exceptional."

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I am going to Anchorage on business on Sep 25-26 and would like to know whether there is any possibility of flyfishing nearby on Saturday the 27th. I can’t stay long so the fishing has to be accessible. Any ideas about what I might be able to find? If so what gear should I bring? Thanks in advance, Mike —                     Michael S. Young The RREEF Funds, 650 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108          "Chaos is normal; normality is exceptional."

That’s pretty late in the season, but if the weather holds ther is some dynamite fishing on the upper Kenai River 100 miles south of Anchorage. I’ve caught some BIG rainbows around then, but it’ll be cold and you’ll probably be breaking ice out of your guides. 7 or 8 wt are the right size. You might tie into a silver and tehre are always dollies around. A float trip is about the only good way to fish it. It can easily be an afternoon trip. For conditions and guide recommendations call McAffee’s Fly Shop in Anchorage – sorry don’t have the number where I can lay hands on it. Lance    web stuff at: www.primenet.com/~hankins

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am going to Anchorage on business on Sep 25-26 and would like to know whether there is any possibility of flyfishing nearby on Saturday the 27th. I can’t stay long so the fishing has to be accessible. Any ideas about what I might be able to find? If so what gear should I bring? Thanks in advance, Mike —                     Michael S. Young The RREEF Funds, 650 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108          "Chaos is normal; normality is exceptional." That’s pretty late in the season, but if the weather holds ther is some dynamite fishing on the upper Kenai River 100 miles south of Anchorage. I’ve caught some BIG rainbows around then, but it’ll be cold and you’ll probably be breaking ice out of your guides. 7 or 8 wt are the right size. You might tie into a silver and tehre are always dollies around. A float trip is about the only good way to fish it. It can easily be an afternoon trip. For conditions and guide recommendations call McAffee’s Fly Shop in Anchorage – sorry don’t have the number where I can lay hands on it. Lance    web stuff at: www.primenet.com/~hankins

Should not realy be that cold in late September…and the upper Kenai is a good bet as is the Russian River if you walk upstream of the campgrounds. These are both a 2-2.5 hour drive south of Anchorage. Give me a call when you get to the state, if I’m not on a trip I’d be happy to hook up with you and show you around. Paul Hansen Alaska Rainbow Adventures http://puffin.ptialaska.net/~icewater Paul Hansen

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Question:

     I am new to the Whidbey Island area and am looking for streams and rivers in the local vicinity to fly fish.  Any tips will be apprecated

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EJ–      Since you only mention streams and rivers, you may already know about Pass Lake, but just in case…      Pass Lake is just north of the Deception Pass bridge at the northern end of Whidbey.  It is fly fishing only and has some truly big trout.  We are at the best time of year to fish it (April and May).  You need a boat or tube and no motors are allowed.  It is heavily fished, but when you learn it you can do pretty well.        The best way to get info is to go to the lake and tell people you’re new and start asking questions.  Most will be happy to help you out.      There are lots of streams on the mainland not too far from you.  Best advice is to find a sporting goods/fly fishing shop and pick their brains.                                Welcome to Paradise,                                               Ed Morrison (Grizzly Hackle)

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