Question:

He just doesn’t like big trout when *I* catch them.

And don’t forget the pictures….  Those damn pictures!!!! — Warren change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

Response:

He just doesn’t like big trout when *I* catch them. And don’t forget the pictures….  Those damn pictures!!!!

Yeah, the poorly composed ones. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

And don’t forget the pictures….  Those damn pictures!!!!

Yeah, the poorly composed ones.<   And taken with an (ugh) digital camera.  <g   Harry  

Response:

now I’m not so sure that we shouldn’t dam the fuck out of Colorado. It’s not anything like watersheds with anadromous species. Horseshit. Explain please. Simple. Free flowing rivers are beautiful, natural things that aren’t improved by a concrete dam.

While I was referring to blockage of migration of anadromous species as farily sound ecological detriment to damming watercourse, you went another way. You cited the beauty of the free flowing rivers, to which there can be absolutely no doubt. This remains an irony however, given your original thread’s posit, that the river levels are down, very warm and fish kill is imminent. By your own description the beauty of nature left untamed must, therefore, include fish kill, drought and fire as a part of the composition. So let’s stop bitching. Let all of the fucking californimported fish die and we’ll just call it "part of the beauty of nature"?. And that, Willi, is fine by me. Wanna know something else that is beautiful, though, Willi ? (of course these things are probably best left up to eye of the beholder) wooden sailboats luffing in the calm of a fire orange sunset on the image that is a Dillon Lake, Colorado postcard. Your pal, — TBone

Response:

i am astonished that someone not directly involved in that conflict actually understands the enormous cost it has been to this country.

Not directly involved ? We are all directly involved, most people are just too stupid to recognize it. OBROFF: The helicopter made for some morose entertainment yesterday as it returned time and again for it’s bucket of water from Pinewood Reservoir. Spork, The Wonder Weiner Dog, and I went fishless. There are lakes in Colorado where the bag limits have been removed. They’re gonna dry up. Might as well harvest the meat that’s there. Your pal, — TBone

Response:

And don’t forget the pictures….  Those damn pictures!!!! Yeah, the poorly composed ones.<   And taken with an (ugh) digital camera.  <g  

The shame of it all… — I fly fish so therefore I am.

Response:

1. We get great tailwaters for fishing big trout.  It appears that Wolfgang liks BIG trout, so this would be a good benefit for travelling fly fisherman to Colorado.

He just doesn’t like big trout when *I* catch them. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Locally, the fishing is more like mid Summer than like runoff that would be typical for this time of year. My home river is warm enough to wade wet comfortably. During the heat of a warm day, the water is only cool. I’ve been fishing this stretch of river for fifteen years and conditions are the worst I’ve seen for this time of year. Although my home river is at low elevation, reports from across the State have echoed what I’m seeing here locally. I’m concerned about wide spread, heavy fish kills. Question for you guys in Montana. When you had your "drought" and fish kills were predicted, did they occur? If they did, what was the extent? Willi

Response:

I’m concerned about wide spread, heavy fish kills. Question for you guys in Montana. When you had your "drought" and fish kills were predicted, did they occur? If they did, what was the extent?

They predicted fish kills but were able to regulate the water well enough on most rivers that fish kills were minor from what I heard.  Thankfully I never saw any fish kills on any of the rivers I fish.  One of the biggest problems faced was enforcing the water rights because some people who were not entitled to any water were drawing water.  Some conservation groups were able to convince a few people with water rights not to take their full share of water in order to prevent major fish kills on the Gallatin and something similar was done on the Big Hole to avert disaster there.  Apparently it worked because they were especially proud of the job done on the Big Hole.  When Marshall Krasser came out and we fished the Big Hole, the river seemed to be in pretty good shape to me.  That was the first time I had fished that river, but there seemed to be plenty of fish in there.  I think the upper reaches of that river were the hardest hit though. Tailwaters were another story.  During the summer things were actually decent, but they dropped the flows way down in the winter and had winter fish kills on some rivers.  The second hand info I heard was that very young fish were the hardest hit when flows were dropped down to levels like 24 cfs (on the river where we resorted to streamers).  Haven’t fished that river lately and am curious to see how it faired. — Warren change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Locally, the fishing is more like mid Summer than like runoff that would be typical for this time of year. My home river is warm enough to wade wet comfortably. During the heat of a warm day, the water is only cool. I’ve been fishing this stretch of river for fifteen years and conditions are the worst I’ve seen for this time of year. Although my home river is at low elevation, reports from across the State have echoed what I’m seeing here locally. I’m concerned about wide spread, heavy fish kills. Question for you guys in Montana. When you had your "drought" and fish kills were predicted, did they occur? If they did, what was the extent? Willi

Yes, there were a couple of years when we did have fish kill that I recall. I don’t know if they were "predicted" but during 1988 and again in 1994 as well as last year and the year before (2001 and 2000), drought warnings were out and it was "advised" that fishermen restrict their fishing to waters that  were not so hard hit with regard to flow and temperature. As far as last year goes, I don’t know yet if FWP really has a handle on whether or not we had any extensive fish kill. I’m certain there had to be some mortality but to what extent, I don’t think is known. I would venture to say that most fish that died, did so on account of the stress induced from fishing. It has been my policy to cancel trips when it gets so bad. I began this policy after my experiences in 1988. The last float I took fishermen on during that season, I distinctly remember a nice fish coming up to the fly, taking it, half-heartedly thrashing for a second or two, and then rolling over on its side and just skate across the surface as the guy reeled him in. As I recall, the water temp was between 72 and 75 degrees. It was that particular fish that made me realize that fishing when the conditions were such was just going to hurt the fishery. Of course, there were (and still are) plenty of guides and outfitters who still take their customers out, even at the expense of the resource. I can think of one who, when I cancelled a Smith river 5-day float (and many others were doing the same), due to extremely low water, he went ahead and took his people on the scheduled trip. The flow was below 100 cfs which, for the the Smith, is a trickle. I’m sure those people had just a lovely time on their 62-mile DRAG. Warren, got your email but haven’t had time to respond yet. I’m presently in Georgia visiting family and won’t be home till July 1. I’ll try to compose a response before then. Off to fish the Hiwassee in Tennessee next week. Any one got any advice for this river? Tight lines, Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

Response:

I’m concerned about wide spread, heavy fish kills.

Perhaps this periodic event explains the absence of indignious trout of any kind in the N. Platte drainage (prior to stocking activities) <?. TBone

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m concerned about wide spread, heavy fish kills. Question for you guys in Montana. When you had your "drought" and fish kills were predicted, did they occur? If they did, what was the extent? They predicted fish kills but were able to regulate the water well enough on most rivers that fish kills were minor from what I heard.  Thankfully I never saw any fish kills on any of the rivers I fish.  One of the biggest problems faced was enforcing the water rights because some people who were not entitled to any water were drawing water.  Some conservation groups were able to convince a few people with water rights not to take their full share of water in order to prevent major fish kills on the Gallatin and something similar was done on the Big Hole to avert disaster there.  Apparently it worked because they were especially proud of the job done on the Big Hole.

Unfortunately, that isn’t even an option in Colorado. We have very antiquated water laws that several groups are presently attempting to change.    If a rancher or farmer chooses not to use his allotment of water, in order to leave water in the river or for any other reason, he stands to lose the right to this water in future. The statute is counter conservation of water. The same thing could happen if farmer chose to use a more efficient irrigation system. As the law now stands, water rights must be used only for a "beneficial use." Leaving water in the stream or river for recreational purposes, for the benefit of the fishes, etc. is not considered to be a "beneficial use." This means that conservation groups or individuals can’t buy water rights or a farmer can’t denote or sell water in order to supplement stream flows. Neither of these things apply to Montana. Some groups in Montana have purchased water rights in some small streams in order to increase water levels in the streams so they can support the spawning runs that run up them from larger rivers and provide habitat for the fry. There has been several successful programs utilizing this approach. Willi

Response:

I’m concerned about wide spread, heavy fish kills. Perhaps this periodic event explains the absence of indignious trout of any kind in the N. Platte drainage (prior to stocking activities) <?.

That’s an interesting idea. A prolonged drought might have had that effect. The North Platte drainage is one of the few major drainages in the Rockies that didn’t support a population of indigenous trout that is now able to support a sustaining trout population. The present level of drought has the potential of being severely damaging to fish populations only because of irrigation usage. Willi

Response:

Unfortunately, that isn’t even an option in Colorado.

<snipped Are there any organizations trying to fix Colorado’s stream access and water rights laws?  If so, I suggest you start helping them out in any way you possibly can and also encouraging people you know from out of state who fish Colorado to get involved as well.  Sportsmen and anglers are a large group that can be very "political" when united under a common cause. — Warren change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

Response:

The present level of drought has the potential of being severely damaging to fish populations only because of irrigation usage.

True, but the overall steady state regarding available water is definately enhanced by the water storage and diversion projects. I used to have anti-Two Forks propoganda on my truck, now I’m not so sure that we shouldn’t dam the fuck out of Colorado. It’s not anything like watersheds with anadromous species. The other side of me cheers for the drought and the fires. Too many damned people, maybe they’ll leave. Colorado is a beautiful and fragile state that is already collapsing under this burden. The drought, the fires, should only serve to remind us clearly of this fact. Yet, one (of many things) that has me absolutely pissed off at our Federal/State Governments is the fact that, in this country, we have not properly addressed basic infrastructure regarding water. The money spent on the war on drugs could have funded a major public works effort in this regard. We should have a water pipeline grid and huge underground storage system. People with substance abuse problems can build it (and their lives and self-esteem) instead of languishing behind bars on our nickel while the farmer goes broke, the cost of food soars, my lawn dies, etc. This is just one aspect of the real cost of the war on drugs. There are many, many more. Including, entirely, September 11th, 2001. IMO. — TBone

Response:

while the farmer goes broke, the cost of food

soars, my lawn dies, etc.<   Two outta three ain’t bad.   Harry TBone?  Meatloaf?  Hmmm!

Response:

while the farmer goes broke, the cost of food soars, my lawn dies, etc.< Two outta three ain’t bad.

No sir. Two outta three am bad. — TBone

Response:

http://wildlife.state.co.us/dowfish/index.asp  Prewitt Reservoir — Swimming, wading, boating, and fishing are banned at Prewitt State Wildlife Area until further notice due to a fish kill which is currently affecting the reservoir. This precautionary closure will stay in effect pending the diagnosis of the fish kill and recommendation by the Northeast Colorado Health Department. Fisheries experts believe the kill is being caused by a natural toxicity related to algae in the reservoir’s water. Closures do not apply to camping, wildlife watching, or hiking.

Response:

True, but the overall steady state regarding available water is definately enhanced by the water storage and diversion projects. I used to have anti-Two Forks propoganda on my truck,

I thought the fishermen fighting Two Forks was kind of weird. They wanted to protect their cherished Cheeseman Canyon from getting flooded although the reason why it is such a productive fishery is that it is a tailwater. now I’m not so sure that we shouldn’t dam the fuck out of Colorado. It’s not anything like watersheds with anadromous species.

Horseshit. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yet, one (of many things) that has me absolutely pissed off at our Federal/State Governments is the fact that, in this country, we have not properly addressed basic infrastructure regarding water. The money spent on the war on drugs could have funded a major public works effort in this regard. We should have a water pipeline grid and huge underground storage system. People with substance abuse problems can build it (and their lives and self-esteem) instead of languishing behind bars on our nickel while the farmer goes broke, the cost of food soars, my lawn dies, etc. This is just one aspect of the real cost of the war on drugs. There are many, many more. Including, entirely, September 11th, 2001. IMO. — TBone

Response:

This is just one aspect of the real cost of the war on drugs. There are many, many more. Including, entirely, September 11th, 2001. IMO.

        i am astonished that someone not directly involved in that conflict actually understands the enormous cost it has been to this country. your friend in the old north state wayno

Response:

now I’m not so sure that we shouldn’t dam the fuck out of Colorado. It’s not anything like watersheds with anadromous species. Horseshit.

Explain please. TBone

Response:

now I’m not so sure that we shouldn’t dam the fuck out of Colorado. It’s not anything like watersheds with anadromous species. Horseshit. Explain please.

Perhaps dams are a good thing for fishing. 1. We get great tailwaters for fishing big trout.  It appears that Wolfgang liks BIG trout, so this would be a good benefit for travelling fly fisherman to Colorado. 2.  To create dams, it requires quite a bit of mining of limestone or similar to create the cement necessary.  Not only is limestone mined, but aggregate is also mined to mix with the lime to create the cement.   The by product of all these mines are nice urban, or semi-urban bass ponds and other warm water ponds that can be used for the hook and cooler crowd. — Welcome to Montana, now go home! (Bumpersticker)

Response:

Perhaps this periodic event explains the absence of indignious trout of any kind in the N. Platte drainage (prior to stocking activities) <?.

Doubtful.  A drought event of sufficient severity to completely eliminate trout from the North Platte system most likely would have had the same effect on other systems near by, yet there are indigenous trout in the general area.   It is far more likely that trout (cutts) never made it in to the North Platte system.

Response:

…….Too many damned people, maybe they’ll leave. Colorado is a beautiful and fragile state that is already collapsing under this burden……

I sense an opportunity to be a trend setter….a real leader….someone to look up to….just what you’ve always wanted. Wolfgang guilt debased the meal.

Response:

now I’m not so sure that we shouldn’t dam the fuck out of Colorado. It’s not anything like watersheds with anadromous species. Horseshit. Explain please.

Simple. Free flowing rivers are beautiful, natural things that aren’t improved by a concrete dam. You’re a Colorado resident. Some things you might be interested in: Only 10% of agricultural land is irrigated Agriculture uses 94+% of the water used in Colorado This means that 94+% of the water used by the entire State for ALL uses for ALL people, is used on only 10% of the farm and ranch land. Agriculture and agricultural related businesses employ 2% of the people. Agricultural operations generate just over 1% of the States GAP (These statistics are from AG pages not anti AG propaganda) I’m not anti agricultural. Like you, I’m sure, I’d much rather have the farmers and ranches than the urban sprawl that’s taking over Colorado’s Front Range. However, I think there are alternatives to building more dams. Colorado water law is VERY complex and I don’t pretend to understand much of it. However, it is very antiquated and there are some changes, IMO, that need to be made. The "use it or loss it" law that forces farmers and ranchers to use "their quota" whether they need it that year or not, is one example. This gives the farmer/rancher NO incentive to conserve water. In fact, they are penalized if they do because they will lose the right to future use of the amount of water they conserved and lose its monetary value. When home developments or cities need more water rights for their residents, I’d like to see at least some of this water come from fees they would pay to farmers/ranchers to buy some of their water rights and to pay for more efficient irrigation and delivery systems for the farmer/ranchers. The majority of irrigation done in Colorado is flood irrigation which is VERY wasteful and most of the distribution is in open canals. The developers would get their water, the farmers/ranchers would still have the water they need because of improved irrigation/distribution techniques and the farmer/ranchers would get money by selling some of their water rights because they wouldn’t need as much. Willi

Response:

Question:

The topic line  speaks for itself. Drew

Response:

I’ve been watching this board all damn day. What a waste of time with people who hate me. Reminds me of my family reunions. I’ll be back when I need fly fishing advice or some practice with my acerbic writing skills. — Citizen Fisherman

Don’t you work for a living? Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Response:

You have a hard time moving from one topic to the next, don’t you?

You started a new topic?  Is it just me, or does this feel like "Groundhog Day" to anyone else?

Response:

I’ve been watching this board all damn day. What a waste of time with people who hate me. Reminds me of my family reunions. I’ll be back when I need fly fishing advice or some practice with my acerbic writing skills. — Citizen Fisherman Don’t you work for a living?

He’s a Usenet Tetherball.  This is what he does. Sandy (your turn to whack him ’round the other direction)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been watching this board all damn day. What a waste of time with people who hate me. Reminds me of my family reunions. I’ll be back when I need fly fishing advice or some practice with my acerbic writing skills. — Citizen Fisherman Don’t you work for a living? He’s a Usenet Tetherball.  This is what he does. Sandy (your turn to whack him ’round the other direction)

Well……. I know this is probably revolutionary, and will result in much abuse and denigration from the dyed in the wool conservatives in our midst, but  could we perhaps simply cut the elastic? After much  abuse, some quite perverse and orgiastic, some folks decided, to cap the blokes elastic, "Free speech, free speech", cried some aghast, "you must sit still and be abused, you wild phantast, How dare you try to change things, with your calls", in the meantime the idiot was still searching for his balls. Loud twangs emitted from the aggravated multitude, neuticles were substituted, and it was then construed, when a nasty bugger capitulates, and then confesses, no one has the right, to stop him wearing dresses. TL MC

Response:

The topic line  speaks for itself.

I think it was supposed to be, "I can’t believe I’ve learned much here." — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyoming

Response:

I’ve been watching this board all damn day. What a waste of time with people who hate me. Reminds me of my family reunions. I’ll be back when I need fly fishing advice or some practice with my acerbic writing skills. — Citizen Fisherman

Response:

writing skills.

See ya REAL soon then! Wolfgang

Response:

I’ve been watching this board all damn day. What a waste of time with people who hate me. Reminds me of my family reunions. I’ll be back when I need fly fishing advice or some practice with my acerbic writing skills. — Citizen Fisherman

Found out there are more keys than the K, I , A and S? Herman

Response:

Do your homework, Herman. — Citizen Fisherman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been watching this board all damn day. What a waste of time with people who hate me. Reminds me of my family reunions. I’ll be back when I need fly fishing advice or some practice with my acerbic writing skills. — Citizen Fisherman Found out there are more keys than the K, I , A and S? Herman

Response:

I’ve been watching this board all damn day. What a waste of time with people who hate me. Reminds me of my family reunions. …

You always hate the ones you love. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyoming

Response:

I’ve been watching this board all damn day. What a waste of time with people who hate me. Reminds me of my family reunions. I’ll be back when I need fly fishing advice or some practice with my acerbic writing skills.

Alternatively, just get a new ISP and sign on as Felicity_the_Flyfisherwoman. Much fun.

Response:

You have a hard time moving from one topic to the next, don’t you? — Citizen Fisherman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Alternatively, just get a new ISP and sign on as Felicity_the_Flyfisherwoman. Much fun.

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My son will be turning 8 in a few months and has begun showing interest in our sport.  Does anyone have any suggestions for a good beginners set-up. I want something that will last, but doesn’t break the bank.  I’d consider a rod and reel combo up to $200.  We normally fish small trout rivers and since we live in So.Cal. most of our fishing requires extensive traveling, often on any airplane, i.e. a three or four piece.  For example we will be hitting the Battenkill in Vermont this summer.  Anybody’s 2 cents are welcome.  Thanks, Todd My feeling is that you would be better making short trips to "put and take" ponds or similar, and fishing with worms etc if necessary. Eight year olds rarely possess the attention span required for intensive fly-fishing, and their success rate is accordingly low. This leads to frustration, and reduces interest even further, and may result in them giving up. Take him somewhere where he will catch fish. It does not matter how.  Do not fish yourself, devote your time and attention to him, but without crowding him.  let HIM fish, do not take the rod off him when he hooks a fish, show him how to cast, bait up etc, and then LEAVE HIM ALONE.  Constant barrages of advice are useless, and defeat the object of the exercise. Answer questions, and demonstrate if necessary but only when asked. Take a fly-rod along and the gear ( yours, not a "kid-rig" ), and show him how it works for a short while.   He will soon get the idea.  The main thing is, he MUST CATCH FISH, and he MUST NOT GET THE FEELING THAT HE IS BEING FORCED TO DO SOMETHING. TL MC

Good advice, if you feel you must start with fishing.  I had probably been casting for a year or more before I started fishing with a flyrod.  I fished, just not with a flyrod.  It was made into a game, with practice flies and ring targets on my Grandfather’s casting lawn. It taught me proper and varied technique, as well as patience.  IIRC, once I started fishing, this training seemed to also help with the "not catching anything" problem so often attributed to the disinterest of younger anglers – I could at least try to be accurate, and try various casts and techniques.  Eventually, I could catch as many fish as the older anglers.   As to what I started on, the first rod was an old fiberglass 8ft. 2 or 3 weight which had first been my mother’s "training rod" in her youth. After I had casting and rod care reasonably down, I was pretty much allowed to use whatever, within reason, but tended not to fool with rods that were someone’s _personal_ rod(s).   If I were you, I would just get a smallish (under 6 and no more than 8.5 feet), cheap (even used) rod, glass or graphite, it doesn’t matter at this point, of medium-ish action.  If you need to buy an additional reel, the cheapest reel I could find (a Martin 61, perhaps), and a decent, but not top-of-the-line, WF line of proper weight.  I would use small-ish bucktail "whiffs" or cut the entire bend and most of the shank from streamers (get really bright, bushy ones – overdressed commercial ties are actually better here).  Also, get inexpensive tapered leaders, at least in the beginning. I would then begin casting (not fishing) lessons if you are knowledgable _and_ patient enough.  Be honest with yourself in this regard.  If you aren’t BOTH, find someone who is – you and the child will come out better and happier.  If the child wants to go cast, let them.  Some say it is difficult to break bad habits once learned, but it even more difficult to learn without doing, IMO, and kids, unfettered, tend to fare alright in this regard.  Of course, YMMV. TC, R

Response:

My son will be turning 8 in a few months and has begun showing interest in our sport.  Does anyone have any suggestions for a good beginners set-up.  I want something that will last, but doesn’t break the bank.  I’d consider a rod and reel combo up to $200.  We normally fish small trout rivers and since we live in So.Cal. most of our fishing requires extensive traveling, often on any airplane, i.e. a three or four piece.  For example we will be hitting the Battenkill in Vermont this summer.  Anybody’s 2 cents are welcome.  Thanks, Todd

Response:

My son will be turning 8 in a few months and has begun showing interest in our sport.  Does anyone have any suggestions for a good beginners set-up.  I want something that will last, but doesn’t break the bank.  I’d consider a rod and reel combo up to $200.  We normally fish small trout rivers and since we live in So.Cal. most of our fishing requires extensive traveling, often on any airplane, i.e. a three or four piece.  For example we will be hitting the Battenkill in Vermont this summer.  Anybody’s 2 cents are welcome.  Thanks, Todd

Todd, You might want to check out Cabela’s.  Several people on this newsgroup have bought these and have been happy with them as near as I can tell.  I had the opportunity to try one out last summer and found it to be better than I expected.  They aren’t expensive and will fall well below your $200 price range, Cabela’s backs their products very well, and they are decent rods.  What I didn’t like about them was that some of the components aren’t high quality, but they work.  I didn’t like the reel seat or grips, but the rod did perform nicely and the blank is a far better than I imagined it would be.  Overall, I would give the rod a passing grade and found it to cast extremely well.  I have been toying with the idea of buying one myself as a pack rod since my Sage met an untimely end.  (If anyone finds it on the bottom of the Yellowstone, can you return it?) <g Here is an url for you to look at: http://www.cabelas.com/texis/scripts/store/+/CatalogDisplay/displayPO… — Warren Findley Shut up and fish! For Yellowstone Clave info: http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt/YNP.html

Response:

Todd, You might want to check out Cabela’s.  

…or, e-mail my good friend walt winter at ezflyfish.com.  he’ll give you good advice and sell you a good product within your price range.  i dislike cabela’s… jeff

Response:

My son will be turning 8 in a few months and has begun showing interest in our sport.  Does anyone have any suggestions for a good beginners set-up. I want something that will last, but doesn’t break the bank.  I’d consider a rod and reel combo up to $200.  We normally fish small trout rivers and since we live in So.Cal. most of our fishing requires extensive traveling, often on any airplane, i.e. a three or four piece.  For example we will be hitting the Battenkill in Vermont this summer.  Anybody’s 2 cents are welcome.  Thanks, Todd

My feeling is that you would be better making short trips to "put and take" ponds or similar, and fishing with worms etc if necessary. Eight year olds rarely possess the attention span required for intensive fly-fishing, and their success rate is accordingly low. This leads to frustration, and reduces interest even further, and may result in them giving up. Take him somewhere where he will catch fish. It does not matter how.  Do not fish yourself, devote your time and attention to him, but without crowding him.  let HIM fish, do not take the rod off him when he hooks a fish, show him how to cast, bait up etc, and then LEAVE HIM ALONE.  Constant barrages of advice are useless, and defeat the object of the exercise. Answer questions, and demonstrate if necessary but only when asked. Take a fly-rod along and the gear ( yours, not a "kid-rig" ), and show him how it works for a short while.   He will soon get the idea.  The main thing is, he MUST CATCH FISH, and he MUST NOT GET THE FEELING THAT HE IS BEING FORCED TO DO SOMETHING. TL MC

Response:

Take him somewhere where he will catch fish. It does not matter how.  Do not fish yourself, devote your time and attention to him, but without crowding him.  let HIM fish, do not take the rod off him when he hooks a fish, show him how to cast, bait up etc, and then LEAVE HIM ALONE.  Constant barrages of advice are useless, and defeat the object of the exercise.

I introduced my daughter to fishing at a little plunge pool in Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness. This was carefully planned out. I knew from a previous trip that the little trout in this pool were so eager that they’d jump into the air to get the fly before it landed. If a fly managed to make it to the surface it would last only a few seconds. She caught a fish immediately. As luck would have it, the fish was hooked in the eye, and she was so grossed out she wouldn’t fish any more. The next summer we took a raft trip down the Middle Fork of the Salmon, which is a fishing dream trip. I bought her a Cabella’s Three Forks 3 weight combo and she never even used it, despite my broad hints. Oh well. At least I had Three Forks combo to lend to Warren when he forgot to bring his rod to Jack Creek. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Question:

Eastern Canada’s fly/spin casting championships, $$$$ in prizes. Limited entry. 3rd. Annual Fly Tying  ’MAIL-IN’  Competition, great prizes. NO ENTRY FEE Atlantic Outdoor Sports and RV Show http://www.flyschool.net/rv.htm

Response:

Oh well, if it

Question:

DITTO!…’cept my vest got heisted outta my van last week and you guessed, the reel was in my vest…….john

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Mark, I have an old Pfluger Medallist and the clicker broke. After using it like that for a while I decided I liked it better without the noise and never tried to fix it. Ernie Harrison Keep Livestock Away From Our Rivers and Streams. I was fishing today (no I haven’t caught anything yet) and my reel broke. It was a cheap combo, 6.5 ft setup that only cost me $23 anyway (yeah guys, I just switched the line over to it this morning from that old Pfleuger Medallist I talked about in a previous post!), but I didn’t want to move up to a better outfit until I started to catch some fish and felt confident in selecting a better rod. Unfortunately with the reel breaking (the metal ring that holds the clicker in place broke off, <snip

Response:

<snipped Hi Jim, This is one hell of a gesture of good faith. It reminds me of a story one of my local fly shop owners once told me. He was just leaving the stream one morning to go open his shop when he came across another fisherman who had just broken his rod and was upset. The shop owner just handed him his rod without even thinking about it and told him where the shop was so that he may return the $600-800 dollar rod and reel. After getting to the shop he realized that he’d just given his rod to a complete stranger. The guy did return the rod and reel later that day and said that he’d had a great day on the water. Darin

Response:

One of the best "starter" sets I’ve seen is the L.L. Bean Quest.  The only thing that might need replacing is the line that comes with it.  These come in around $110-$120.  My personal opinion is that if you keep buying the really low end stuff you soon could have bought something better. L. Baird

Response:

Mark- gosh you sure don’t lack for enthusiasm and persistance!!! From you previous post "Need more help" I surmise that you are now left with 1.  A 8.5 ft 6 wt rod 2.  A 6.5 ft 4/5 wt rod 3.  Probably a 6 wt line that was on the Pflueger Medalist before you switched it over to the smaller reel that self destructed. 4.  That you were having trouble casting the 6.5 ft setup. Several thoughts.  First, it is quite possible that you are overpowering the 4/5 wt rod by using, what I would imagine was a 6 wt line on the Pflueger.  This may explain your casting frustrations. Second, as to your reel problem.  I’ll make you a deal- Email me your mailing address and I’ll loan you a new Cabela’s Graphite Reel for 5/6 wt line under the following conditions.  You must return it in whatever condition it might be in after use if you either loose interest and stop fly fishing or, more likely, you catch a fish on a fly and become an instant gear whore – resulting in a condition that will leave you not batting an eye before ordering that $170.00 combo – and that’s just for starters.  After you move up in quality you will no longer need the Cabela- in fact , may even look down your nose at it.  But return it anyway so that I can pass it on again.  Deal?? I’d suggest that you load the 6 wt line on this reel and match it with the 8.5 ft 6 wt rod.  This will give you a more balanced rig and, if you are still fishing those small streams, allow you to roll cast all day long, with the added benefit of being able to get to larger waters and more windy conditions later. Regards, Jim McCreary – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I was fishing today (no I haven’t caught anything yet) and my reel broke. It was a cheap combo, 6.5 ft setup that only cost me $23 anyway (yeah guys, I just switched the line over to it this morning from that old Pfleuger Medallist I talked about in a previous post!), but I didn’t want to move up to a better outfit until I started to catch some fish and felt confident in selecting a better rod. Unfortunately with the reel breaking (the metal ring that holds the clicker in place broke off, I suppose I might be able to figure some way of glueing another piece of metal in there but it wouldn’t hold), I need to get a new one. I was just looking through the cabela website and noticed all of the inexpensive combo sets they have. If I had the cash, I would have just gone ahead and gotten the Orvis Clearwater combo from the local Orvis store for $159, but I really don’t feel comfortable spending that much as of yet (though I do have the itch!). My question is: Has anyone ever used/purchased one of the combos found on cabelas website like the Scientific Angler, Cabelas Letort, or the Pfleuger Medallist combo (though at only $29.95 I’m a bit hesitant to go with the Pfleuger combo). Any other combos worth taking a look at for under $75? Or should I just put out the dough for either the Cortland from Cabelas at approx $160 or the Orvis Clearwater combo for $160? Any suggestions would be appreciated. I would just buy an Orvis Clearwater reel ($29) to match my present rod, but the rod is only 6.5 ft and is tough to cast for a beginner. Thanks One more thing: has anyone here used/purchased the $159 Orvis Clearwater combo? What do you think?

Response:

Mark, I suppose I might be able to figure some way of glueing another piece of metal in there but it wouldn’t hold), I need to get a new one.

If you want to keep things as cheap as possible until you’re catching fish, why not try exchanging the broken reel at the store from which you bought it? Has anyone ever used/purchased one of the combos found on cabelas website like the Scientific Angler, Cabelas Letort, or the Pfleuger Medallist combo (though at only $29.95 I’m a bit hesitant to go with the Pfleuger combo). Any other combos worth taking a look at for under $75?

I’ve not purchased any rods from Cabelas, but that’s only because I build my own rods.  However, I _have_ purchased one of their Cahill II reels ($39) and it’s just fine.  It ain’t as pretty as my Lamsons, and its click drag is a little noisy, but it’s a solid, functional, lightweight, all-metal reel.  No complaints.  My wife and I also bought their Gore-Tex wading jackets and they are superb. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy anything from Cabelas because they have a "satisfaction guaranteed" policy. Cabelas new Christmas Catalog has what may be a HOT opportunity: A Scientific Anglers Concept Combo on sale for $49.95 (pg 268, item # LK-31-1295).  That’s about what you’d pay for a decent line alone! Hey, if you don’t like it, send it back.  If you do, but eventually "outgrow" it, you’ll have a decent "loaner" for a buddy. Wes Peterson LexCraft Data Services

Response:

says… I was fishing today (no I haven’t caught anything yet) and my reel broke.

Dude that sucks no matter how cheap the reel is… I can certainly empathize. It was a cheap combo, 6.5 ft setup that only cost me $23 anyway (yeah guys, I just switched the line over to it this morning from that old Pfleuger Medallist I talked about in a previous post!), but I didn’t want to move up to a better outfit until I started to catch some fish and felt confident in selecting a better rod.

Rod aside, the one thing I learned is that a changeable reel is good! you can prespool various line types for different conditions. The trick is picking the reel… Read on…  Unfortunately with the reel breaking (the metal ring that holds the clicker in place broke off, I suppose I might be able to figure some way of glueing another piece of metal in there but it wouldn’t hold), I need to get a new one. I was just looking through the cabela website and noticed all of the inexpensive combo sets they have. If I had the cash, I would have just gone ahead and gotten the Orvis Clearwater combo from the local Orvis store for $159, but I really don’t feel comfortable spending that much as of yet (though I do have the itch!). My question is:

Ok, So my two cents are: Look for USED gear. I know I am beginning to sound like an add for the place but the Sporting Gentleman in Media had used gear. A buddy picked up a nice fenwick reel with a spare spool for $35! Aside from a little missing paint the reel was wonderful! I am know I am gonna start looking at this avenue to build up my arsenal. After all I don;t need no name brand or flashy gear. I wanna catch fish! — Michael Era

Question:

I have recently started fly fishing with a $35 combo rod/reel I bought at Sports Authority – its made by South Bend.  I thought that $35 was a good gamble if I didn’t like fly fishing, I wouldn’t be out alot of cash. The problem is, I love it!  I have had more fun than I can tell you! Freshwater Bass is a blast on the fly and now I am going after Snook in the brackish waters of the Indian River Lagoon here in SE Florida. I am interested in networking with others who can share information with me with regard to what flys work best and what brand/size rod and reel I should consider steping up to.

Response:

There are a number of great fly fishing sites that offer a wealth of information, include bulletin boards, chat rooms, etc. All of these can be valuable. For a start, log onto our site and go to the links page. Click through those links and they, in turn, will lead you to others. — Hope you always have the time to go fishing! Jerry in Lodi Al & Jerry’s Excellent Adventures http://www.softcom.net/users/dorado Al & Jerry’s Fishing Forum http://pluto.beseen.com/boardroom/m/19629

Response:

Question:

Well, I spent about 4 years there and I found a plain small bright neon green plastic worm drove the small mouths wild. — Eric From the Grand Canyon State. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am going to Star Lake in the Adirondacks later this June.  Also will visit nearby Cranberry Lake.  Both are in the northeast corner of the Adirondacks.  I am told the most common catches are smallmouth bass and trout, with occasional rock bass as consolation. Any advice for these lakes?  How about nearly streams?  We will be both fly fishing and spinning.  What kinds of flies, lures, or live baits? Techniques? Many thanks! Michael

Response:

I am going to Star Lake in the Adirondacks later this June.  Also will visit nearby Cranberry Lake.  Both are in the northeast corner of the Adirondacks.  I am told the most common catches are smallmouth bass and trout, with occasional rock bass as consolation. Any advice for these lakes?  How about nearly streams?  We will be both fly fishing and spinning.  What kinds of flies, lures, or live baits? Techniques? Many thanks! Michael

Response:

Most of my fishing is done in the Adirondacks. I have a web site with lots of advice regarding lure selection. Check it out. Email me if you have any questions (remove the nospam in the address) Matthew Carter "Fishing with Matt" http://www.albany.net/~buzzbait/fishing/index.htm

Response:

Question:

Hi folks, I’m new to the group, and would like your thoughts on what is the best kayak for fly fishing coastal bays and flats.  I normally fly fish in Christmas Bay (close to Galveston, TX), and use a Zest Two – Ocean Kayak two seater.  It’s kinda tough to handle in a breeze over, say, 10 kts. I’m in the market for a faster boat that will handle higher wind conditions, and would like some input from those more knowledgable than I. Howard About Christmas Bay – http://www.christmasbay.com

Response:

  Hi, the boat of choice here in San Diego for fishing seems to be the Scupper Pro,and Scupper Classic. I own the classic , it weighs48pds. compared to your68pd. zest. The pros weigh 55pds.      I’m able to troll effectivly even when the wind picks up, if the wind picks up while jig fishing or while i’m after halibut i use my sea anchor to slow my drift     Aqua

Response:

I’m new to the group, and would like your thoughts on what is the best kayak for fly fishing coastal bays and flats.  I normally fly fish in Christmas Bay (close to Galveston, TX), and use a Zest Two – Ocean Kayak two seater.  It’s kinda tough to handle in a breeze over, say, 10 kts. I’m in the market for a faster boat that will handle higher wind conditions, and would like some input from those more knowledgable than I.

I’m also a newbie to this thing, but I’ve got a few opinions anyway…  [had my boat for a couple months so far] I know most folks will suggest an open cockpit boat, but don’t write off an enclosed version.   Also, I know most folks tend to prefer getting out of the boat and wade, but I’m not one of them.  I like to start more or less dry, and end more or less dry. I have very little difficulty casting my 8 weight while seated in my kayak. [Dagger Edisto].   But there is also enough deck rigging to support a decent trolling setup, and there was enough mounting and cargo room for me to add an all-around light to help with safe night fishing and transits to duck hunting spots next season.. If you are annoyed by high winds and waves, get a rudder. The difference is mind bogolling. My modest experiences so far: http://www.neosoft.com/~rww/kayak_log.html

Response:

If you are annoyed by high winds and waves, get a rudder. The difference is mind bogolling. My modest experiences so far: http://www.neosoft.com/~rww/kayak_log.html

If I get out I may use a fly rod on the flats, but I have had more luck trolling from my kayak.  I dont know if its the speed or that the boat makes the fish notice my fly or lure but the success rate is pretty good for both bass and blues.  I use a kevlar kayak and a rudder to make the experience "less painful".  I also gave up using a rod from my boat.  I made a hand line device that is very easy to use.  To see one visit my site at:  http://www.jlc.net/~hlevin I usually troll rapalas, rubber eels a fly or other artifical baits. —     Hal     Wilton, NH     Power your boat with carbohydrates,     not hydrocarbons.           http://www.jlc.net/~hlevin                 0                  _O                     0

Response:

If I get out I may use a fly rod on the flats, but I have had more luck trolling from my kayak.  I dont know if its the speed or that the boat

I do good trolling as well. experience "less painful".  I also gave up using a rod from my boat.  I made a hand line device that is very easy to use.  To see one visit my

Give up my rod and reel?  I have a rod holder angled 45 degrees backward, a bit behind the cockpit.  I can paddle (troll) at any speed without interference.  That reminds me…i was trolling at work yesterday..woops!

Response:

Question:

anyone have current conditions on knights ferry area of stanislaus thanks in advance

Response:

Hey Ken , are you out there…? You should try Ken Lindsay at flyfishing online.  He will surely be able to help you out. I can’t find his address or # right now but he should be listed. Cheers — gp

Response:

(Carlton Fung) writes: anyone have current conditions on knights ferry area of stanislaus thanks in advance

Yes,  it’s closed right now.  Opens back up the first of the year.  That section of the river is closed between Oct. 15th and Jan. 1st each year to allow the salmon to make their spawning run.  I believe the upper part of the Stan around Big Trees is still open, but you need to check the reg’s to be sure.

Response:

check the regs – I believe the Stanislaus is closed until the end of the   year for the salmon to spawn.         gr

Response:

I beleive the upper part of the Stan closes November 15.–Crashjibe

Response:

Will be in L.A. last two weeks in January.  Would greatly appreciate any and all information and recommendations on good fishing within a one day range of LA. city limits

Response:

writes: Will be in L.A. last two weeks in January.  Would greatly appreciate any and all information and recommendations on good fishing within a one day range of LA. city limits

Ocean or freshwater. Fly fishing only?

Response:

Question:

Can anyone give me any advise re using float tubes for fishing ? Anyone with any experiences pro or con would be appreciated. Thanks, Ron Ronald W Becker California " looking here and there for an interesting sight or two"

Response:

Can anyone give me any advise re using float tubes for fishing ? Anyone with any experiences pro or con would be appreciated. Thanks, Ron

    My advise, as both a warm and cold water tuber, is to borrow one and fish the waters where you will want to spend most of your time. Find out as cheaply as possable if it is for you. Ask your fishing buddies or the tubers that you see at your lake. Folks love to share their experiences!     You will hear that one type of geer is best or that you will need such and such a thing, unless you have money to burn go slow. Some of the young guys like to use big hard fins that would kill me. So what is perfect for others is not always right for you. I started out with the cheapest, bare bones tube that I could find. Fished it for large mouth bass in warm water for a spring/summer and was quite happy with what I could do with it. So, the next spring I took it up into the mountains, 10,000 feet, high and cold. Found out that I needed more stuff, neophrene waiders, thermals, and an air pump. My point is, to not buy everything that you think that you could possiably ever need when you start. Grow into it.     Also, after a couple tubes, I found that the delux, high priced models, didn’t really improve the experience for me and infact made it somewhat more difficult because I tended to fill up all the pockets with stuff and then had to carry/kick the added weight. Though for equipment junkies the added features is just great.      Tubes are great in my opinion, and if you think that you are interested in the quiet, solitude, control, and exercise, go for it! brian

Response:

Can anyone give me any advise re using float tubes for fishing ? Anyone with any experiences pro or con would be appreciated. Thanks, Ron

I was thinking of picking up a tube for river and pond fishing around Central Ohio late this summer, but decided on what is known as a kickboat.  If you don’t know, a kickboat is generally a small dual-pontoon type craft, with a fixed seat between the two pontoons.  Advantanges over tubes are that they are more stable, more comfortable, offer more storage, and you can add oar kits and even trolling motors to some.  Disadvantages are that they are slightly bigger, take more time to assemble, and are generally more expensive. I bought a J&R Outfitters Kingfisher III.  It’s a nice boat: the length is about 9′, very well constructed, and assembles very quickly.  I was also able to fit it in the back of my Eagle Talon!  I purchased mine with the optional oar kit (this is a fixed-oar kit with a kick bar to rest your feet), and a rear storage/cooler rack (will support up to 50 pounds).  The boat supports a total of 450 pounds, and again, is very stable.  I plan to buy the trolling motor when it’s ready in January. Again, they are expensive (I paid a total of 600.00 for the boat, oar kit, and storage rack, and the trolling motor kit will run 400.00), but I think they are better than tubes for a couple of reasons: one, you get a fixed seat with backrest and armrests. Secondly, you can get an oar kit, which is much better than kick-fins in most occassions.  Third, they hold more gear.  Lastly, you can keep your butt dry and not necessarily need waders!  They take a little while to assemble if you don’t put them together before leaving home (mine takes about 20 minutes including the 10 it takes to inflate the pontoons with a hand pump), and are heavy to lug around (although mine is a deluxe: you can get smaller, less expensive units that also weigh less), but I do like mine.   It was great catching the largest smallmouth I’ve ever caught (a little over 4 pounds) on it’s maden voyage! In all honesty, I’ll probably buy a tube this spring for the times I don’t need to cover a lot of water!

Response:

: Can anyone give me any advise re using float tubes for fishing ? : Anyone with any experiences pro or con would be appreciated. : Thanks, Ron : Ronald W Becker : California : " looking here and there for an interesting sight or two"         Hey Ron,         Don’t use them in shark infested waters or in lakes with six foot snappin turtles!! Seriously, I’ve been fly fishing out of one for 2 years and love it. If fly fishing, I recomend at least an 8 ft rod. Also pisses the landlocked guys off when you haul in a trophy right out of their casting range!! Kinda fun!                                         dale — End of network mail

Response:

Can anyone give me any advise re using float tubes for fishing ?

I would like to try this. But I don’t feel comfortable flowing down the river in a tube with myself somewhat tangled in it.  Can someone provide some statistics on the safety issue.  Thanks, Simon  

Response: