Question:

Gotta side with Ghinky on the leaders. Knotless leaders suck bigtime. Also giving him the benefit of the doubt (I hope I don’t regret this) I suspect he meant single vs. double or triple. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Why don’t you just read you leader normally?  What is the problem by sticking to "Fair Chase," rules of fly fishing? It’s silly.  It calls for hand-tied leaders (who cares?) and barbed hooks (get real.) People use indicators because they do not know how to read the fly line, fishing conditions, or the leader properly. That is an uninformed opinion at best, and a lie at worst.

Response:

Why don’t you just read you leader normally?  What is the problem by sticking to "Fair Chase," rules of fly fishing?

It’s silly.  It calls for hand-tied leaders (who cares?) and barbed hooks (get real.) People use indicators because they do not know how to read the fly line, fishing conditions, or the leader properly.

That is an uninformed opinion at best, and a lie at worst.

Response:

Man… I was just kidding….

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Many do have bad eye sight, but that is what corrective lens and Polaroids are for Beetle. Look, if you want to use an indicator, that is your choice.  I was only asking and you answered my question. Thanks, George I guess because I can’t SEE my leader in fast pocket water I suppose…. As far as the argument about indicators being like radar…. I guess that makes dry fly fisherman what? So inept they need a tailslap or a big poppy SLURP to know they got a bite? Beetle — (C) George Gehrke 2001 http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html     fine bamboo flyrods & blanks

Response:

The patent is for Xink not Gink.

DOH ! You’re right of course, I just assumed if Le Duc du Chocolat said it, it must be so. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Many do have bad eye sight, but that is what corrective lens and Polaroids are for Beetle.   Look, if you want to use an indicator, that is your choice.  I was only asking and you answered my question. Thanks, George I guess because I can’t SEE my leader in fast pocket water I suppose…. As far as the argument about indicators being like radar…. I guess that makes dry fly fisherman what? So inept they need a tailslap or a big poppy SLURP to know they got a bite? Beetle

– (C) George Gehrke 2001 http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html     fine bamboo flyrods & blanks

Response:

If Gink is outlawed only outlaws will have Gink.

Seriously ROFLMAO — Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters Missoula, Montana http://www.montana.com/dno 406-626-4022

Response:

The patent is for Xink not Gink. DOH ! You’re right of course, I just assumed if Le Duc du Chocolat said it, it must be so.

Yep, I didn’t look either. — Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters Missoula, Montana http://www.montana.com/dno 406-626-4022

Response:

Ken Fortenberry writes: Something to consider … I have no interest in having my name in any record book.  Besides, I can’t find gink in any of the fly shops I visit.

No, I don’t either. I think the "record" thing is a little silly and of more interest to tackle manufacturer’s bragging rights and marketing schemes than to Joe Angler. I do confess to having stuck a bottle of Gink in my vest from the pile at Wayno’s Original ‘Clave but I have long since thrown it away and I don’t look for it in flyshops. Interesting to note, however, that it’s probably illegal to use Gink on the "Artificials Only" waters in Montana. I may start to look for Gink in flyshops just to pass on this interesting bit of info. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

The patent is for Xink not Gink. I don’t know if gink is scented but I bet George will tell us. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gherke writes: Why don’t you just read you leader normally?  What is the problem by sticking to "Fair Chase," rules of fly fishing? Probably because the "Fair Chase" is *your* idea. That’s why gink has scent in it. <g Thanks to Mike Connor’s posting the patent info we now know that Gink floatant contains scent. This would make any fish caught using a fly treated with Gink ineligible for any IGFA tippet class record according to IGFA regulation F ; "No scent, either natural or artificial is allowed on flies. The use of scented material in a fly is prohibited." http://www.igfa.org/rulebook/page2.html Something to consider if you’re interested in having your name in the record book. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Interesting to note, however, that it’s probably illegal to use Gink on the "Artificials Only" waters in Montana. I may start to look for Gink in flyshops just to pass on this interesting bit of info.

If Gink is outlawed only outlaws will have Gink. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Charlie Choc writes: Gherke writes: Why don’t you just read you leader normally?  What is the problem by sticking to "Fair Chase," rules of fly fishing? Probably because the "Fair Chase" is *your* idea.   That’s why gink has scent in it. <g — Charlie…

All soap does, but I didn’t know floatant did.  <g Dave

Response:

Ken Fortenberry writes:

(snip) Something to consider if you’re interested in having your name in the record book.

I have no interest in having my name in any record book.  Besides, I can’t find gink in any of the fly shops I visit.  And, they aren’t Orvis either. Dave

Response:

All soap does, but I didn’t know floatant did.  <g

Not sure what gink is, but according to it’s patent it has scent. <g — Charlie…

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks to Mike Connor’s posting the patent info we now know that Gink floatant contains scent. This would make any fish caught using a fly treated with Gink ineligible for any IGFA tippet class record according to IGFA regulation F ; "No scent, either natural or artificial is allowed on flies. The use of scented material in a fly is prohibited." http://www.igfa.org/rulebook/page2.html Something to consider if you’re interested in having your name in the record book. — Ken Fortenberry

Plus, here in Montana, when a stretch of river is labeled as "artificial fly only", any "scent" is considered as "natural bait" and DOES NOT meet the "artificial fly" definition. This means that all the fly fishermen who fish those stretches and use GINK are/have been breaking the law. Hope the warden isn’t reading this. — Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters Missoula, Montana http://www.montana.com/dno 406-626-4022

Response:

I guess because I can’t SEE my leader in fast pocket water I suppose…. As far as the argument about indicators being like radar…. I guess that makes dry fly fisherman what? So inept they need a tailslap or a big poppy SLURP to know they got a bite? Beetle

Response:

Gherke writes: Why don’t you just read you leader normally?  What is the problem by sticking to "Fair Chase," rules of fly fishing? Probably because the "Fair Chase" is *your* idea.  

That’s why gink has scent in it. <g — Charlie…

Response:

Gherke writes: Why don’t you just read you leader normally?  What is the problem by sticking to "Fair Chase," rules of fly fishing? Probably because the "Fair Chase" is *your* idea. That’s why gink has scent in it. <g

Thanks to Mike Connor’s posting the patent info we now know that Gink floatant contains scent. This would make any fish caught using a fly treated with Gink ineligible for any IGFA tippet class record according to IGFA regulation F ; "No scent, either natural or artificial is allowed on flies. The use of scented material in a fly is prohibited." http://www.igfa.org/rulebook/page2.html Something to consider if you’re interested in having your name in the record book. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Why don’t you just read you leader normally?  What is the problem by sticking to "Fair Chase," rules of fly fishing? http://www.gink.com/articles_stories/ginkchaserules.html We have not inserted using indicators, yea or nay, yet.  Frankly, I’m against it for a variety of reasons.  The opinions regarding indicators in the present generation is one of mass hysteria because ‘everyone else is doing it’ doesn’t make it right.  People use indicators because they do not know how to read the fly line, fishing conditions, or the leader properly.  Indicators are not, what many agree, fair chase.  It really is a weapon because it makes ‘fly fishing easier’.  It is as close to imitating ‘radar’ as any tool thought of in fly fishing. But my question to you remains.  Why do you think you need to fly fish with indicators on  your leader or fly line? Thank you, George — (C) George Gehrke 2001 http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html     fine bamboo flyrods & blanks

Response:

Gherke writes: Why don’t you just read you leader normally?  What is the problem by sticking to "Fair Chase," rules of fly fishing?

Probably because the "Fair Chase" is *your* idea.  Borger, LaFontaine, Kaufman and other WORLD FLY FISHERS use indicators.  You are a nobody, George, so why would anyone follow your fair chse.  Your ideas on fly fishing mean nothing to most of us because you are a liar, braggart, and fool.   Dave LaCourse, Pirate and CBD

Response:

Thanks all, I appreciate it… I’m thinking part of it might be a little laziness mid-stream and leaving smaller tippet than I needed for a #12 indicator, hence the twist, probably mostly occuring because it was fairly swift pocket water [North Fork Middle Willamette] and letting it swing at all at the end of the drift was causing the most twist as the fly rolled along the surface? At any rate, I shall re-try the hook-bend method with a size or two bigger material ahead of the indicator… Aside from the twist, watching the setup it looked like something I really hope to try once I start to see some caddis activity here on my river as the indicator skips and rolls on slight swing with an emerger beneath…  Maybe a nice bushy black elkhair caddis and a cdc or elkhair caddis emerger…. Thanks again Beetle

Response:

I’ve never fished with and indicator fly before yesterday… apparently there was a cosmic reason too… I have a number of books and videos by people like Gary LaFontaine, etc… that suggest various methods, but I remain stumped.

Connecting the dropper to the hook bend works better for me.  It does not usually work too well with a large weighted nymph or a nymph with a large bead head.  How big/weighted/beaded is your nymph?  If you can get by with something like a stimulator it will probably float it better.

Response:

Bob Weinberger writes:

(Outstanding advice snipped) I would only add that your cast is more of a circular cast than you would normally make.  There ain’t no loop, or at least it is so opened up that it doesn’t look like a normal loop. It is  more of a lob started when the rig gets down stream from you.  No false casting, and try to keep distance to a maximum of 30 feet.  Twisting tippet usually means mis-matched tippet.  A size 12 fly is best matched with 3x or 4x tippet.   Since you state you are using an emerger (instead of a weighted nymph) as a dropper, try going to a smaller indicator fly.  I fish a size 18 emerger that I can not see because it is so small and is just below the surface.  I will either use a strike indicator or a #16 dry about 3 feet above it. Yarn indicator sinking?  Go up one size and use some Albolene or Aquel on it. Dave

Response:

        Leadin snipped So the questions are: 1) is this just inately difficult [meaning I SUCK] 2) what part of this apparently common approach am I missing or do not understand [which rarely happens ] or 3) Should I just stick to the bright yarn method which sinks in 10 minutes of fishing AHGA! Beetle

Beetle, I have tried all three methods that you tried, and I prefer the tie in at the bend of the hook method.  It is critical that you match the size and floatability of the indicator dry to the weight on the trailing fly, i.e. don’t overpower the dry with too much weight.  Also, I have better luck if the indicator is not an upright wing fly and is on a longer shank hook, e.g. use a stimulator or Goddard Caddis. Another hint, the trailer should be on a tippet about 1x smaller than the tippet to the indicator.  If your leader is properly tapered and in balance with the outfit, and  trailer isn’t heavily weighted or on a tippet longer than 3-4′ you should not need to open up your loops very much at all for casts of 30′ or less. I sometimes fish with two small trailers, one 2-3′ from the indicator & another 1-2′ below that. Although, I get more tangles this way than when fishing a single fly, it handles quite well if there is no wind.  Of course if the fish are concentrating on only one of the trailers, I quickly eliminate one of the flies from the rig to ease  handling. HTH Bob Weinberger

Response:

So the questions are: 1) is this just inately difficult [meaning I SUCK] 2) what part of this apparently common approach am I missing or do not understand [which rarely happens ]

You have to pick your situation. Don’t try a dropper fly if it’s very windy, and don’t try to cast the rig like you would a single dry fly, especially if you’re casting weight. Make ugly, chucking-type casts. Every minute you spend untangling a mess is a minute you aren’t putting the flies in front of the fish. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

I’ve never fished with and indicator fly before yesterday… apparently there was a cosmic reason too… I have a number of books and videos by people like Gary LaFontaine, etc… that suggest various methods, but I remain stumped. I ended up with a twisted mess everytime. The leader in front of the indicator [fly] would twist up so bad it would knot up. Basically I had a #12 humpy [going on the deer hair floats idea] and an emerger about 15" below that, both were tied to the eye of the attractor, causing the second problem, thehumpy was usually face first/ass up… Then I tried tying the dropper leader material [again about 12" to 15"] to the bend of the hook of the indicator. Less twist, but ass in the water floating too low or drowning and more hangups en-cast. [I did try to open up my loop/backcast]. THEN I figured I was a bit smart, so I put on a knotted leader and a short tippet. In front of the first blood knot above the tippet I attached the indicator with a short [4"???] tippet of it’s own. No indicator twist, but it was always [mostly anyway] wrapped around the leader/tippet in varous ways…. So the questions are: 1) is this just inately difficult [meaning I SUCK] 2) what part of this apparently common approach am I missing or do not understand [which rarely happens ] or 3) Should I just stick to the bright yarn method which sinks in 10 minutes of fishing AHGA! Beetle

Response:

Question:

Sounds like heaven to me.. I’ll join you in spirit, probably while casting big streamers for Dutch pike in lousy weather. Have fun, Herman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Was going to email this only to those that have expressed interest in Fall Ball but, what the hell, it’s slow around here and it may be of passing interest even if you have no intention of attending. These fishing get-togethers tend to defy organization, which is as it should be. Nobody wants to put up with too much organizing. Basically those in attendance show up at the Alarka Creek house sometime in the evening, partner up and pick streams for the next day. It’s not good to have too many folks on the same stream and everybody should get a chance to fish Hazel Creek but those things work themselves out. It would be nice to have one time during the week when everyone in attendance is at the same spot at the same time preferably to break bread together. I had thought of a dinner at the Fryemont Inn on Friday night but getting everybody together for dinner can be a problem. If the hatch starts coming off at 7:30 and you’re supposed to be at a dinner back in town at 8:00… well, you get the idea. We had some very late arrivals at the ‘Clave pig-pickin’ because some folks just didn’t want to leave the stream. So, how about I float this idea. Four miles up Noland Creek, where Mill Creek comes in, is the abandoned town of Solola Valley. The Park Service has picnic tables, an outhouse and a hitchin’ rack up there. I propose a picnic lunch sandwiched between a morning & afternoon of fishing Noland Creek. There’s 4 miles of good water both below and above Solola Valley and Mill Creek holds trout too. Should be enough water for everyone if we pair up & spread out. The only problem I could anticipate, besides the weather, is that some don’t want to hike in 4 miles to a picnic and then hike 4 miles out. The solution is horses. I talked to an outfitter yesterday that would be happy to accomodate us at $75 per horse for the full day. Meet him at the stable over at Deep Creek or at the bridge on the "Road to Nowhere" over Noland Creek. Comments ? (BTW, I heard an unsubstantiated rumor on a chat room last night that George was going to fly in with T-Bone and a plane full of Bastard Bamboo fly rods.) — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

        sweet jesus, surely you don’t mean "bryson city billy’s", home of the hot mustangs.  as i recall, their motto is, "grab your hat and ass, boys, and watch ‘is!"

Umm, you seem to be confusing the stable with the whorehouse. "Bryson City Billy’s", Home of the Hot Mustangs, is the whorehouse.         at all costs, avoid a black stallion called "diablo", and a meek looking bay named "sadie".  instant death.

Sadie was the one you were with when the vibrating bed went on the ooow, never mind. As I recall the story, Diablo was black, sure enough, but definitely NOT a stallion. More like 300 lbs. of the meanest whore in North Carolina carrying a torch for Pamlico Jim. Last I heard you two were no longer welcome at "Bryson City Billy’s" because of that incident with the preacher, the vibrator and the hot water heater blowing up. They may have forgotten about it by now, though. — Ken Fortenberry- Historian and friend of the geriatric set

Response:

They have a new one called "Cowboy Killer" in from Nevada I understand. DaveS

Response:

Ken Fortenberry writes:

(plans snipped) <<Meet him at the stable over at Deep Creek or at the bridge on the "Road to Nowhere" over Noland Creek. Wonderful idea, Ken.  I could do the 4 miles on foot, but it would take me awhile, and Jo would surely chew me out if she found out.  But horses?  I like the way you think.  Only trouble is, I haven’t been on one since my early 20s.  These *are* docile animals, right? Dave L.

Response:

…  But horses?  I like the way you think.  Only trouble is, I haven’t been on one since my early 20s.  These *are* docile animals, right?

Early 20’s would be what, 2-3 years ago ? We’ll have the wranglers trot out old swayback Sadie for you Dave, gentle as a lamb and rides like you’re in a big fluffy recliner. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Ken F: <<Early 20’s would be what, 2-3 years ago ? We’ll have the wranglers trot out old swayback Sadie for you Dave, gentle as a lamb and rides like you’re in a big fluffy recliner. You sweet talkin’ sumbitch!  <g  I’ll get out the yeller pages and take a lesson or two afore I get there.  Sounds good to me. Dave LaCourse

Response:

The solution is horses. I talked to an outfitter yesterday that would be happy to accomodate us at $75 per horse for the full day. Meet him at the stable over at Deep Creek or at the bridge on the "Road to Nowhere" over Noland Creek.

        sweet jesus, surely you don’t mean "bryson city billy’s", home of the hot mustangs.  as i recall, their motto is, "grab your hat and ass, boys, and watch ‘is!"         at all costs, avoid a black stallion called "diablo", and a meek looking bay named "sadie".  instant death.         hope you guys make it. wayno the concerned – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Comments ? (BTW, I heard an unsubstantiated rumor on a chat room last night that George was going to fly in with T-Bone and a plane full of Bastard Bamboo fly rods.) — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Was going to email this only to those that have expressed interest in Fall Ball but, what the hell, it’s slow around here and it may be of passing interest even if you have no intention of attending. These fishing get-togethers tend to defy organization, which is as it should be. Nobody wants to put up with too much organizing. Basically those in attendance show up at the Alarka Creek house sometime in the evening, partner up and pick streams for the next day. It’s not good to have too many folks on the same stream and everybody should get a chance to fish Hazel Creek but those things work themselves out. It would be nice to have one time during the week when everyone in attendance is at the same spot at the same time preferably to break bread together. I had thought of a dinner at the Fryemont Inn on Friday night but getting everybody together for dinner can be a problem. If the hatch starts coming off at 7:30 and you’re supposed to be at a dinner back in town at 8:00… well, you get the idea. We had some very late arrivals at the ‘Clave pig-pickin’ because some folks just didn’t want to leave the stream. So, how about I float this idea. Four miles up Noland Creek, where Mill Creek comes in, is the abandoned town of Solola Valley. The Park Service has picnic tables, an outhouse and a hitchin’ rack up there. I propose a picnic lunch sandwiched between a morning & afternoon of fishing Noland Creek. There’s 4 miles of good water both below and above Solola Valley and Mill Creek holds trout too. Should be enough water for everyone if we pair up & spread out. The only problem I could anticipate, besides the weather, is that some don’t want to hike in 4 miles to a picnic and then hike 4 miles out. The solution is horses. I talked to an outfitter yesterday that would be happy to accomodate us at $75 per horse for the full day. Meet him at the stable over at Deep Creek or at the bridge on the "Road to Nowhere" over Noland Creek. Comments ? (BTW, I heard an unsubstantiated rumor on a chat room last night that George was going to fly in with T-Bone and a plane full of Bastard Bamboo fly rods.) — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Question:

‘nospam’ in my address.   We are willing to give a

Question:

Ouch, time for bed.   I forgot to say that the C&R does help increase numbers of fish.  I also agree with the concept that too many = bad and some should be taken out. When my wife wants to eat fish I will keep a few if I am fishing in a spot that I know will not miss them.  I have fished certain streams, lakes and rivers that cannot afford to miss them so I C&R. I think 100% of either side is a little extreme. Now I can get some sleep.  Thanks for your patience. Warren (Ain’t life in the gray area GREAT?!?!)

Response:

Warren writes: I think 100% of either side is a little extreme.

..my point, exactly. Blaming one side or the other for overall complex ecological issues merely divides what should be a common interest group.                           Tom Littleton

Response:

Howdy gang, Sorry to vent but I don’t know where else to scream. I went to my favorite mid summer fishing hole.  This is a southern cal river that is mostly just some deep ponds during the summer months with some sunfish and smallmouth bass.  On Sunday I went to my favorite pond to cast flies to my "friends" (a small group of 2lb smallmouth) and to my horrors, they were all gone.  Some catchnkill moron had come through and taken those bass.  Ya know, they could provide great fun all summer and fall to fly fishers if some loon didn’t kill them.  Why is it people still do this? They probably took em home, cooked one, nearly puked on the result, and threw the rest in the trash.  Its a shame. -John

Response:

Some catchnkill moron had come through and taken those bass.  Ya know, they could provide great fun all summer and fall to fly fishers if some loon didn’t kill them.  Why is it people still do this? They probably took em home, cooked one, nearly puked on the result, and threw the rest in the trash.  Its a shame. -John

Did you see the fish removed from the pond??? Isn’t it even remotely possible that either some other factor caused your lack of success???  I primarily fish C&R, but I don’t feel it is right to label a person as a moron because he keeps a few fish to eat. The "meat fisherman" or "poacher" cleaning out a hot spot is the most cammon excuse for a lack of success where I live, and I guess where you live too. George Adams – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Personally, if your keeping fish from a river, I would say 85 is a bit high…..   Not to be confused with lakes and sustainable populations, and highly prolific species. With the numbers of fisherpersons on todays rivers…..I just don’t feel the math supports even keeping a few. fishermen ‘raise fish’ fisheaters buy fish fishkillers kill fish

Response:

Yea, what George and Jonathan said.. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy gang, Sorry to vent but I don’t know where else to scream. I went to my favorite mid summer fishing hole.  This is a southern cal river that is mostly just some deep ponds during the summer months with some sunfish and smallmouth bass.  On Sunday I went to my favorite pond to cast flies to my "friends" (a small group of 2lb smallmouth) and to my horrors, they were all gone.  Some catchnkill moron had come through and taken those bass.  Ya know, they could provide great fun all summer and fall to fly fishers if some loon didn’t kill them.  Why is it people still do this? They probably took em home, cooked one, nearly puked on the result, and threw the rest in the trash.  Its a shame. -John

– Particle Salad/ Noom Room Studio http://home.earthlink.net/~psalad

Response:

Your letter is a prime example of a holier than thou catch and release attitude. Healthy fisheries survive angling. Stressed fisheries do less well. Heal your streams,limit your angling and encourage others to do likewise. Then, you may see better conditions, and appreciate the outdoors and angling for what it can offer.                            Tom Littleton

Blah blah blah (not being rude).  Catch and release is a viable option!  Just recently their was an article in the paper about how there were too many fish in the Big Hole because too many people practiced catch and release.  Fish and Wildlife was worried with the heat that too many fish would die which happened a while back. There are several other examples of how catch and release can improve the quality of fishing.  Albeit it is not a 100% solution, but sometimes every little bit helps. I keep a fish or two every year so I am not 100% C&R, but do see a lot of value in it. Warren

Response:

John Lacell writes :                                   On Sunday I went to my favorite pond to cast flies to my "friends" (a small group of 2lb smallmouth) and to my horrors, they were all gone

One can only wonder if the friendship were mutual. Ya know, they could provide great fun all summer and fall to fly fishers if some loon didn’t kill them.  

No, they eventually would have been stressed to death with enough hooking and habitat invasion. Plus, how do you know that they were killed by angling as you infer. Highly unlikely it is that all of them would be caught. Your letter is a prime example of a holier than thou catch and release attitude. Healthy fisheries survive angling. Stressed fisheries do less well. Heal your streams,limit your angling and encourage others to do likewise. Then, you may see better conditions, and appreciate the outdoors and angling for what it can offer.                             Tom Littleton

Response:

Question:

I just noticed in his new book, "A Pirate Looks At Fifty," that Jimmy Buffett seems to be an avid flyfisherman. Anyone know any good stories about Jimmy and flyfishing? Is he strictly a saltwater fisherman? Or does he ever go after trout? (The mountains don’t seem to be his style!) Better yet…has anyone ever tried to go fishing with him? (We flyfishermen might be able to get a little closer to him than the ordinary Parrothead! <grin) Scott Wilkinson Quasi-Parrothead

Response:

Jimmy Buffett used to live in Aspen and may still have a place there.  I think he moved there after his time in Key West.  He wanted to be around guys who liked girls. DP – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just noticed in his new book, "A Pirate Looks At Fifty," that Jimmy Buffett seems to be an avid flyfisherman. Anyone know any good stories about Jimmy and flyfishing? Is he strictly a saltwater fisherman? Or does he ever go after trout? (The mountains don’t seem to be his style!) Better yet…has anyone ever tried to go fishing with him? (We flyfishermen might be able to get a little closer to him than the ordinary Parrothead! <grin) Scott Wilkinson Quasi-Parrothead

Response:

: Jimmy Buffett used to live in Aspen and may still have a place there.  I : think he moved there after his time in Key West.  He wanted to be around : guys who liked girls. Thanks for keeping us posted. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

Response:

Scott, Only stories I know of Jimmy are shrimping, jubilees, mullet in Mobile bay, and drinks at Judge Roy Bean’s. -Adam

Response:

I just noticed in his new book, "A Pirate Looks At Fifty," that Jimmy Buffett seems to be an avid flyfisherman. Anyone know any good stories about Jimmy and flyfishing? Is he strictly a saltwater fisherman? Or does he ever go after trout? (The mountains don’t seem to be his style!) Better yet…has anyone ever tried to go fishing with him? (We flyfishermen might be able to get a little closer to him than the ordinary Parrothead! <grin) Scott Wilkinson Quasi-Parrothead

Hi Scott, I was fishing in the Keys about 10 years ago fishing with a friend, Steve Chapell, who lives on Marathon Key. One evening he showed me a poor video copy of a movie that was made by a group of Key West fly fishers? He said a prince from Spain?, Guy Valdeen(sp) was partly responsible for the short film. Jimmy did the sound tack for the movie. It showed fly fishers casting to tarpon with beautiful music and then would it would switch to wild music with a party boat. The deck was covered with blood from killing fish. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

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Jimmy used to hang around with Harrison, McGuane, Fonda and that bunch in the keys and in Livingston, Mt.  I’m sure he has been exposed to both fresh and saltwater flyfishing.  He also reportedly has the quail bug. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just noticed in his new book, "A Pirate Looks At Fifty," that Jimmy Buffett seems to be an avid flyfisherman. Anyone know any good stories about Jimmy and flyfishing? Is he strictly a saltwater fisherman? Or does he ever go after trout? (The mountains don’t seem to be his style!) Better yet…has anyone ever tried to go fishing with him? (We flyfishermen might be able to get a little closer to him than the ordinary Parrothead! <grin) Scott Wilkinson Quasi-Parrothead

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I just noticed in his new book, "A Pirate Looks At Fifty," that Jimmy Buffett seems to be an avid flyfisherman. Anyone know any good stories about Jimmy and flyfishing? Is he strictly a saltwater fisherman? Or does he ever go after trout? (The mountains don’t seem to be his style!) Better yet…has anyone ever tried to go fishing with him? (We flyfishermen might be able to get a little closer to him than the ordinary Parrothead! <grin)

Not sure about Jimmy Buffet and Flyfishing but I’ve also heard that Marilyn Manson is an avid angler.  Anyone know whether Marilyn is into flyfishing? Anyone care to post any amusing anecdotes concerning Marilyn and fish? Thanks.

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Never heard of Marilyn Mason – where does she live?

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Not sure about Jimmy Buffet and Flyfishing but I’ve also heard that Marilyn Manson is an avid angler.  Anyone know whether Marilyn is into flyfishing? Anyone care to post any amusing anecdotes concerning Marilyn and fish?

What, he bites the heads off the trout? -Marcus

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Never heard of Marilyn Mason – where does she live?

*HE* is a shock rocker.  Very wierd looking, angry music, etc etc.  The teenagers adore him. check out http://www.marilyn-manson.net/  for scary pictures and stuff.

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Never heard of Marilyn Mason – where does she live?

He dwells in your worst nightmares….

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My worst nightmare is about many raising fish and the wrong fly!!

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If I need to see something scary, I check out my mirror (especially in the early AM.)

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*HE* is a shock rocker.  Very wierd looking, angry music, etc etc.  The teenagers adore him. check out http://www.marilyn-manson.net/  for scary pictures and stuff.

I’ve heard this freak was a nerdy kid on some TV show that was modestly popular 6 or 7 years ago.  As for checking out a site about this geek…think I’d rather step on a nail. Patrick

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I heard that Jimmy has a place out in the hamptons in LI, NY and owns a 20′ Hewes flats boat!! He flyfishes for stripers and everything! Capt. Paul

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I’ve seen a picture of Buffett standing on a partially sunken (and rusted out ship) with what appears to be a fly rod with yellow fly line in his hand. I think this picture is on the box set…….

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In his book, "In Search of Joe Merchant" he talks about flyfishing for bonefish.  Believe that he did also inthe book "Margaritaville". Herb

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I heard that Jimmy has a place out in the hamptons in LI, NY and owns a 20′ Hewes flats boat!! He flyfishes for stripers and everything! Capt. Paul

In his book that just came out, "A Pirate Looks at Fifty", he talks about flyfishing a lot.  The guy’s a fanatic!!  He even went flyfishing in Costa Rica (for blue marlin!).

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good Evening…. It’s been an interesting winter here on r.o.f.f., and I must say it’s been difficult to keep my mouth shut on a number of the more controversial issues…..but I wanted to actually think about my response(s) to a number of subjects before I spouted off…if you may be offended by a different opinion than yours….DELETE NOW Trolling And Ethics… Being one of those Streamer fishermen from Maine, who likes to troll along shore in my canoe, or along the edge of the retreating ice,  I am perplexed by everyone getting uptight about defining this practice as flyfishing or not….FWIW…I look at it this way:  There is "flyfishing", and there is "fishing with a fly".  Neither is superior to the other….both require the angler to choose an immitation to best match the "natural", in this case the predominant forage fish. The gear used may be identical in both types of fishing (perhaps not), but the key difference is the method of presenting the fly.  In my definition, "flyfishing" involves casting a fly/streamer, and also a retrieve. "Fishing with a fly" doesn’t normally meet these presentation criteria. As far as the ethics thing is concerned….I’ll simply say that just because you consider "flyfishing" superior to "fishing with a fly", doesn’t make it so.  I participate in both activities without guilt All to often nowadays…people seem to have adopted a "holier than thou art" attitude….call it human nature?  Leave it at home when you come to Maine, Please.  We let everyone fish here. Yuppification and Warrantees…. The sport of flyfishing has become a very fashionable thing to do nowadays….and if you don’t truly attain some sort of transcendental state whilst doing it….fake it.  Taking up flyfishing also automatically qualifies you as an adventurer and outdoorsman/woman, though I prefer to think of the Yuppies as "Weekend Grizzly Adams’s"…It’s quite comical actually…until they realize there are no streetlights or phone booths to dial 911 in the backcountry. I once had a 9′ 5wt Double L Rod from LL Bean…it’s now 8′10.5"…I broke the tip….it was NOT a manufacturer’s defect….it was operator error….I will not return it.  To those who have slammed rods in car doors, etc. and demanded they be replaced under warranty….Thanks a bunch….I appreciate paying $100 more per rod for your clumsiness, and lack of personal responsibility. Hatches…. Many folks really enjoy studying entimology, and learning every species, genus, and phylum….good for you!  I hope you get enjoyment from that!  Many of us are perfectly content with common names for insects, however…..Sulphurs, BWO’s, Red Quills….are the names I use, and I have flies to match them in size, shape, color, and sillouhette.   It’s still flyfishing, and I catch plenty of fish. Smoking and Black Flies…. I’m planning to quit this summer….after the black fly season during spring fishing….don’t know what I’ll do next spring.  I appreciate all of the non-smokers concern for those of us who do enjoy a smoke….we know you’re concerned….we know the health risks….but believe me…you accomplish nothing by repeating this information ad nauseum to us.  Please refrain….I carry out all litter, and I’ll stand downwind from you.  I promise. There…I feel much better now.  Time to enter Lurk Mode again! Regards, R.A. Skehan

I feel better, too. Catch what you eat, eat what you catch, enjoy the trip.  Pretty simple, really.  Everything else is just details. If you want to just mess around with the fish, buy an aquarium. Donning my asbestos suit, Jim Wagner — Jim Wagner http://www.pagesz.net/~n4svz

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Catch what you eat, eat what you catch, enjoy the trip.  Pretty simple, really.  Everything else is just details.

You mean, like the beer ? Now yours is a slogan I can live with. TimW

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Excellent post. Right on the mark as I troll streamers as well as "flycast". Trolling streamers is a time honored tradition and a great way to relax and take in the surroundings. I have caught many nice Landlocks on Munsungan Lake this way.  If we see fish working, then we reel in and cast to them. As far as yuppification, I agree but don’t see anything we can do about it other than make fun.

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perhaps the best post I’ve read all week! Superior to the ralph H / Moe Skeeter diatibes Ralph H – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Good Evening…. It’s been an interesting winter here on r.o.f.f., and I must say it’s been difficult to keep my mouth shut on a number of the more controversial issues…..but I wanted to actually think about my response(s) to a number of subjects before I spouted off…if you may be offended by a different opinion than yours….DELETE NOW Trolling And Ethics… Being one of those Streamer fishermen from Maine, who likes to troll along shore in my canoe, or along the edge of the retreating ice,  I am perplexed by everyone getting uptight about defining this practice as flyfishing or not….FWIW…I look at it this way:  There is "flyfishing", and there is "fishing with a fly".  Neither is superior to the other….both require the angler to choose an immitation to best match the "natural", in this case the predominant forage fish. The gear used may be identical in both types of fishing (perhaps not), but the key difference is the method of presenting the fly.  In my definition, "flyfishing" involves casting a fly/streamer, and also a retrieve. "Fishing with a fly" doesn’t normally meet these presentation criteria.   As far as the ethics thing is concerned….I’ll simply say that just because you consider "flyfishing" superior to "fishing with a fly", doesn’t make it so.  I participate in both activities without guilt All to often nowadays…people seem to have adopted a "holier than thou art" attitude….call it human nature?  Leave it at home when you come to Maine, Please.  We let everyone fish here. Yuppification and Warrantees…. The sport of flyfishing has become a very fashionable thing to do nowadays….and if you don’t truly attain some sort of transcendental state whilst doing it….fake it.  Taking up flyfishing also automatically qualifies you as an adventurer and outdoorsman/woman, though I prefer to think of the Yuppies as "Weekend Grizzly Adams’s"…It’s quite comical actually…until they realize there are no streetlights or phone booths to dial 911 in the backcountry. I once had a 9′ 5wt Double L Rod from LL Bean…it’s now 8′10.5"…I broke the tip….it was NOT a manufacturer’s defect….it was operator error….I will not return it.  To those who have slammed rods in car doors, etc. and demanded they be replaced under warranty….Thanks a bunch….I appreciate paying $100 more per rod for your clumsiness, and lack of personal responsibility. Hatches…. Many folks really enjoy studying entimology, and learning every species, genus, and phylum….good for you!  I hope you get enjoyment from that!  Many of us are perfectly content with common names for insects, however…..Sulphurs, BWO’s, Red Quills….are the names I use, and I have flies to match them in size, shape, color, and sillouhette.   It’s still flyfishing, and I catch plenty of fish. Smoking and Black Flies…. I’m planning to quit this summer….after the black fly season during spring fishing….don’t know what I’ll do next spring.  I appreciate all of the non-smokers concern for those of us who do enjoy a smoke….we know you’re concerned….we know the health risks….but believe me…you accomplish nothing by repeating this information ad nauseum to us.  Please refrain….I carry out all litter, and I’ll stand downwind from you.  I promise. There…I feel much better now.  Time to enter Lurk Mode again! Regards, R.A. Skehan

Response:

Good Evening…. It’s been an interesting winter here on r.o.f.f., and I must say it’s been difficult to keep my mouth shut on a number of the more controversial issues…..but I wanted to actually think about my response(s) to a number of subjects before I spouted off…if you may be offended by a different opinion than yours….DELETE NOW Trolling And Ethics… Being one of those Streamer fishermen from Maine, who likes to troll along shore in my canoe, or along the edge of the retreating ice,  I am perplexed by everyone getting uptight about defining this practice as flyfishing or not….FWIW…I look at it this way:  There is "flyfishing", and there is "fishing with a fly".  Neither is superior to the other….both require the angler to choose an immitation to best match the "natural", in this case the predominant forage fish. The gear used may be identical in both types of fishing (perhaps not), but the key difference is the method of presenting the fly.  In my definition, "flyfishing" involves casting a fly/streamer, and also a retrieve. "Fishing with a fly" doesn’t normally meet these presentation criteria.   As far as the ethics thing is concerned….I’ll simply say that just because you consider "flyfishing" superior to "fishing with a fly", doesn’t make it so.  I participate in both activities without guilt All to often nowadays…people seem to have adopted a "holier than thou art" attitude….call it human nature?  Leave it at home when you come to Maine, Please.  We let everyone fish here. Yuppification and Warrantees…. The sport of flyfishing has become a very fashionable thing to do nowadays….and if you don’t truly attain some sort of transcendental state whilst doing it….fake it.  Taking up flyfishing also automatically qualifies you as an adventurer and outdoorsman/woman, though I prefer to think of the Yuppies as "Weekend Grizzly Adams’s"…It’s quite comical actually…until they realize there are no streetlights or phone booths to dial 911 in the backcountry. I once had a 9′ 5wt Double L Rod from LL Bean…it’s now 8′10.5"…I broke the tip….it was NOT a manufacturer’s defect….it was operator error….I will not return it.  To those who have slammed rods in car doors, etc. and demanded they be replaced under warranty….Thanks a bunch….I appreciate paying $100 more per rod for your clumsiness, and lack of personal responsibility. Hatches…. Many folks really enjoy studying entimology, and learning every species, genus, and phylum….good for you!  I hope you get enjoyment from that!  Many of us are perfectly content with common names for insects, however…..Sulphurs, BWO’s, Red Quills….are the names I use, and I have flies to match them in size, shape, color, and sillouhette.   It’s still flyfishing, and I catch plenty of fish. Smoking and Black Flies…. I’m planning to quit this summer….after the black fly season during spring fishing….don’t know what I’ll do next spring.  I appreciate all of the non-smokers concern for those of us who do enjoy a smoke….we know you’re concerned….we know the health risks….but believe me…you accomplish nothing by repeating this information ad nauseum to us.  Please refrain….I carry out all litter, and I’ll stand downwind from you.  I promise. There…I feel much better now.  Time to enter Lurk Mode again! Regards, R.A. Skehan

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Question:

   I fished the upper Arkansas several years ago upstream of Buena Vista. I remember public access was limited but locals directed me to some public water accessed at a bridge just up the highway a few miles from Buena Vista that was fun.  I got a few nice ones and lots of small ones.  Ask around at the shops. -al

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I will be spending a week in the Upper Arkansas river valley Aug 5 – 10. Will be with Wife and three small kids (to small to Fly fish), so at best I’ll have an hour or two a day to fish.  Any advice on places to fish, flys to use and local shops to offer advice? Thanks for the help, Dan

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I will be spending a week in the Upper Arkansas river valley Aug 5 – 10. Will be with Wife and three small kids (to small to Fly fish), so at best I’ll have an hour or two a day to fish.  Any advice on places to fish, flys to use and local shops to offer advice? Thanks for the help, Dan

I went to the Arkansas this weekend, but north of Buena vista on Hwy. 24.  It was too cold and rainy to fish, and I was discouraged by an utter lack of public access to the river.  I believe that the Arkansas near Salida provides good fishing and more public access.  I think all the normal patterns will work in the summer… good luck, — MORGAN P. BROWN                 Colorado School of Mines                 Rice University                 Phone:   (303) 215-9190 URL:     http://timna.mines.edu/~mbrown                http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~mpbro

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Question:

Can someone let me know what conditions near State College are now and what they look like for this weekend?

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The area got hit with a lot of rain this past weekend and streams went high again.  The forecast is for rain tonight and tomorrow morning and possible showers for the next few days.  Only if we don’t receive significant precipitation will the streams be fishable. Dave Rothrock

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The area got hit with a lot of rain this past weekend and streams went high again.  The forecast is for rain tonight and tomorrow morning and possible showers for the next few days.  Only if we don’t receive significant precipitation will the streams be fishable. Dave Rothrock

Hi Dave I missed the original post.  What part of PA mare we talking about? If it is central PA (i.e State College area), how has the fishing been so far this spring? Ed Sowinski

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Question:

Hello! I’m about ready to buy a mess of flyfishing stuff on a budget. The rod, reel and line are my first consideration.  After several FF trips using an old fiberglass rod, and borrowing a Cabela’s Sweetwater outfit (8′ 6"  6wt  2pc  96% graphite), I believe the combo I want is a 8 foot, 4 piece, 4-5 weight with matching reel and line.  I want it small enough to perform well in small mountain streams (like in Shenandoah NP) as well as be satisfactory in as many other situations as possible.  4 piece cause I want to hike with it, moderate action.  So far my choices are:         From Cabelas ‘96 FF catalog:            1  Fish Eagle Traditional Combo   $153               8′ 4wt  4pc  moderate action                     walnut seats, silv plated hardware, stainless steel                   double foot snake guides (chrome finish).  Al oxide               stripper guide w ceramic insert               include cahill reel + cortland 333 line + backing            2  Willow Creek Pack Rod Combo    $90 !               8′ 4-5wt  4 pc  96% graph                 cahill reel + WF line + backing         3  St Croix 8′ 4-5wt mod action  Imperial travel Rod 4 pc            $135 rod only  SC33 Graphite (33m mod)            Any comments on these?  I’m kind of leaning toward the Fish Eagle Traditional right now.  I’m hoping to keep the whole deal around $100-200.  Any other suggestions?  How about Sage or Orvis low end stuff? T & T ? Next is the other essentials:  stockingfoots, boots, vest, glasses. I’d love for the stockingfoots and boots to be as packable as possible.   I’m pretty sure that the Cabelas 3mm neoprene stockingfoots and their Three Forks wading Boot are a decent choice.  How about their 2mm  SuperLite neoprene stockingfoots?  They say they are ideal for backpacking.  Are they durable and warm enough for three season use?  I heard that the actual foot area of the waders are a little vulnerable (3mm).  3mm = $60, 2mm = $70, Three Forks = $45. Cabelas entry level Willow Creek Vest sounds reasonable for $40.  I don’t want too many pockets to mess with, just something simple comfortable and durable.  It says it has a rear pouch, but is it zippered?   Cabelas Pro Angler Sunglasses for $15?  Decent? Any suggestions and comments are appreciated! Pls email replies. C’mooooooooon spring. Thanks, Jim — The above opinions are factual.

Response:

Hello! I’m about ready to buy a mess of flyfishing stuff on a budget. The rod, reel and line are my first consideration.  After several FF trips using an old fiberglass rod, and borrowing a Cabela’s

etc. Personally, I would stick to one of the lower Orvis or LL Bean packages. You can save some money and get good merchandise. Other good choices other than the ones you mentioned are Scott and Lamiglas. I don’t think Lamiglas gets enough "press" as they make some good rods.  You might be best off (in my humble opinion) in spending more for the rod now, and get a cheap reel. Unless you are battling Salmon or Bonefish, the reel is only a place to store the line. You could always use it for an extra when you get a better reel. I am still using the old Orvis madison reel I bought 15 years ago, but it mounts on one of my Winston rods. I’ve never really had the desire to replace it. But then again, I am still driving the new car I bought in 1984 too!

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I’ve been very satisfied with my 5 weight Loomis combined with an inexpensive but well crafted scientific anglers reel.  The two totaled together around $300.  LL Bean makes a pretty good rod.  But stay away

Please tell us more about your opinion of Bean’s reels.  Have you had problems with them?

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At one time they sold some reals made by STH in Argentina…as did Orvis…and from what I saw they were not very good reels

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Question:

A friend of mine needs some information on fly fishing the Chesapeake, near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. He wants to know if anyone knows any good spots, how to access them, what flies to use, etc. Any information on guide services in the area would also be appreciated. Thanks!

Try Anglers Sport Center (410) 252-0556 in Annapolis, Tochtermans in Baltimore is at (410) 522-4237, Wolfs (410) 378-1112 in Ellicott City or The Fisherman’s Edge (Joe Bruce) is at (410) 719-7999 Catonsville.

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A friend of mine needs some information on fly fishing the Chesapeake, near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. He wants to know if anyone knows any good spots, how to access them, what flies to use, etc. Any information on guide services in the area would also be appreciated. Thanks!

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