Question:

A fellow (Bill) from the local FF club writes an outdoor column for one of the newspapers around here.  He tells me that his friend (Gary) is a surf FF guide and invites me along for a trip to the beach last Saturday. A trip which is going to turn into a photo op and inspiation for an article.   I go to Gary’s web site (www.garybulla.com) and there is a recipe for a fly he suggests I tie up for our few hours in the surf.  It’s called a gremmie and it’s basically a saltwater version of a marabou crappie jig.   It looks incredibly simple but I’m not gonna argue – I tie up a couple of them along with a pair of Blanton Whistlers (www.danblanton.com) as Gary suggested and we meet up at the beach. *What are we expecting to catch?*   *Oh, Halibut.* *Halibut, this time of the year?*   *People don’t seem to realize that they can.* OK.  Ever since I moved to California I’ve been trying to get as much info as possible about the local fishing scene, epecially saltwater since I’d been landlocked for so many years.  I bought books, fishing rags, talked to guys at tackle shops, bait stores, boat landings.  Halibut are supposedly a summer fish.  They can be especially close to the beach during a grunion run.  Typically they can be found in the calmer water beyond the waves so being able to heave a 6 oz sinker with a pendulum cast on a surf stick out to the third gut would be helpful. Halibut are bottom feeders so even if you were to try to fly fish for them from a kayak out in deeper water or inside protected water like a bay, you’ll need a super fast sinking line which you will basically be dragging or jigging along the bottom.  Halibut are light biters so when fishing with bait let them eat the anchovy, give plenty of time, wait and then wait some more, use a circle hook blah blah blah. Well, last Saturday proved to be the exception to everything in the previous paragraph.  Not only did I see two halibut being caught on the beach with fast swimming flies, including one which was very easily over the legal minimum of 22 inches, I hooked and lost one at my feet.  On top of that, I saw a halibut jump about 3 feet out of the water for some mysterious reason.  It was a few yards in front of Bill so at first I though maybe he had hooked it.  But no, it was a free swimming fish.   Even more outrageous (at least to me) is that Gary caught a white sea bass.  These fish are supposed to be very rare in the inshore waters and it always makes the printed news when someone catches one off the beach.   Plus, it’s February!  On the far end of the beach were some bait fishermen who had set up long surfcasting rods. *Do those guys ever catch fish?*   *Sometimes.  But never as many as we do.* You ever stumble upon something that most everyone else seems to be unaware of?  I feel like a high school kid who knows that the geeky girl that all my friends think is a dork, is going to end up being a bombshell come reunion time. It’s been raining the past couple of days.  But i can’t wait to get back out there and start discovering more cracks in the conventional wisdom. For another surprise check out this picture of an LA bonefish: www.garybulla.com/images/surfpix/pages/surf10.htm Mu salty nuts be damned

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For another surprise check out this picture of an LA bonefish: www.garybulla.com/images/surfpix/pages/surf10.htm

That photo’s hilarious. I’ll bet that little sucker fought like a 3-lb trout. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

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Question:

Hi Kyle, There are, at last count, 20 fly shops in the bay area.  Some great, some good, some so-so.  Where abouts are you and I’ll recommend a shop. Wes – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m from Texas, and I just moved to the San Francisco area.  I am wondering if there are any good places to fly fish  saltwater or otherwise that I should know about. Thanks Kyle

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I’m from Texas, and I just moved to the San Francisco area.  I am wondering if there are any good places to fly fish  saltwater or otherwise that I should know about.   Thanks Kyle

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Kyle- take a look at WWW.FISHFIRST.COM any other ??, drop me a line and I’ll try and help out Larry #:)# (I’m in Danville)

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Question:

Beginning angler, need advice: What would be best live/artificial Baits to catch Catfish & Bass? What should be the best locations in the streams (no current, fast current, ponds, depths, etc…) where Catfish or Bass are concentrated? Thank you very much indeed.

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Brian, I haven’t done alot of catfishing but I ran across a guy the other day and he said he uses a product called junnies (do a search on the web). he said he bought the stuff off the internet and that a catfish guide told him about it he stated that the guide had the maker come fishing with him and they caught 10 to 1 (maker vs. guide). I do alot of creek fishing and catch alot of bass. I use a lure by rebel called a creek hopper. On a good day I catch and relese about 30 (1/2lb to 1 1/2lds) bass and no telling how many sunfish. you can also check: <A HREF="http:www.tn-outdoors.comtn-outdoors.com</A for other fishing and hunting articles. happy fishing Larry

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I have found that a ball of chicken liver on a medium size treble hook works well in most situations. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Beginning angler, need advice: What would be best live/artificial Baits to catch Catfish & Bass? What should be the best locations in the streams (no current, fast current, ponds, depths, etc…) where Catfish or Bass are concentrated? Thank you very much indeed.

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I have a question:  how do you get the chicken livers to stay on the hook.  I got some fresh chicken livers to use for bait and they were the consistancy of mush.  I would have had a better chance of trying to put grape jelly on the hook.  I have heard you can freeze them but this seems like a messy job.   Any suggestions you can give would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have found that a ball of chicken liver on a medium size treble hook works well in most situations. Beginning angler, need advice: What would be best live/artificial Baits to catch Catfish & Bass? What should be the best locations in the streams (no current, fast current, ponds, depths, etc…) where Catfish or Bass are concentrated? Thank you very much indeed.

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I have found that a ball of chicken liver on a medium size treble hook works well in most situations.

BBBbbbbbbut chicken liver flies right off the hook when you’re fly fishing.  Fresh pork skin is the best way for the fly fisherman —  * Center for Computational Biology  * Montana State Bozeman  (406) 994-7061  * http://www.nervana.montana.edu/~sandy */

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Hey…. Martha Stuart of Flyfishing <g <g <g Yuk Yuk Yuk !!! Are you still using the Hot Glue gun to tie your flies (I just came across your article from the Disco era) ?. I (obviously) found it amusing as hell….sorry…<g I also saw your foam nymphs in the Umpqua book…congratulations… — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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You can use strips cut from pantyhose to wrap the chicken livers in prior to placing them on the hook.  This keeps the bait on the hook but still lets the scent and blood reach the fish. A couple tips: – Cutting the pantyhose into strips prior to going fishing will spare you a significant amount of hastle from your fishing buddies. – Be careful when inserting a hook with a large barb.  It is not easy to stick the hook through the fabric.  Or better yet mash the barb down somewhat. – Let the wrapped liver soak in blood before you hurl it at the catfish. – I’ll leave the acquisition of the aforementioned garments to you.  Your wife may worry if she catches you rifling through her dresser. Good luck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a question:  how do you get the chicken livers to stay on the hook.  I got some fresh chicken livers to use for bait and they were the consistancy of mush.  I would have had a better chance of trying to put grape jelly on the hook.  I have heard you can freeze them but this seems like a messy job.   Any suggestions you can give would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

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FROM, ANDRE !   I OFTEN TRY SEWING THREAD WITH MY CHICKEN LIVER, SIMPLY PUT THE LIVER ON A TRI -HOOK  AND PROCEED TO RAP IT ABOUT 10 TIMES ,  THAT ALWAYS WORKS FOR ME.

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Question:

Anyone have any current information on the streams of PA. If you do please let me know! What I am look for is cool water and maybe some trout. I know it is tough this time of year. Thank in advance Roger Grant

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If it doesn’t rain soon we’re not going to have ANY water in PA, cold or otherwise.  But for stream conditions and hatch advice in southeast PA, especially Cumberland County (Yellow Breeches, Letort, etc), I suggest you call Cold Spring Anglers at 717 245-2646. They’re very good and run a first rate shop.

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How small a stream are you comfortable on??  E-mail me.. Despite the pontifications of the westerners here, not all the wild trout are west of the Mississippi…:)

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Anyone have any current information on the streams of PA. If you do please let me know! What I am look for is cool water and maybe some trout. I know it is tough this time of year. Thank in advance Roger Grant

Roger: As others may note, all waters are low and warm – we need some of Hurricane Danny’s rain.  What part of the state will you be in? Mark Faulkner

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone have any current information on the streams of PA. If you do please let me know! What I am look for is cool water and maybe some trout. I know it is tough this time of year. Thank in advance Roger Grant Roger: As others may note, all waters are low and warm – we need some of Hurricane Danny’s rain.  What part of the state will you be in?

Hi Mark; I am from Ohio and travel is a consideration but not always. Roger

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How small of a stream are you comfortable on.. This makes a difference as well…:)

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Anyone have any current information on the streams of PA.

If you do please let me know! What I am look for is cool water and maybe some trout. I

know it is tough this time of year. Thank in advance Roger Grant

My Brother in Law says there’s been NO rain for weeks and streams flows are VERY low. He’s been mountain biking instead. Fishing’s great here in Slovenia! Mike

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It depends on what part of PA you’re interested in but, for the southeast, especially Cumberland county (Yellow Breeches, Letort, etc), I suggest you call Cold Spring Anglers at 717 245-2646.  They have the latest stream and hatch information and run a very nice shop as well.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone have any current information on the streams of PA. If you do please let me know! What I am look for is cool water and maybe some trout. I know it is tough this time of year. Thank in advance Roger Grant Roger: As others may note, all waters are low and warm – we need some of Hurricane Danny’s rain.  What part of the state will you be in? Hi Mark; I am from Ohio and travel is a consideration but not always. Roger

Central Pa still has some good fishing in its Limestoners dispite the lack of rain.  Spring Cr. Big Fishing Cr,  Spruce Cr., all are still fishing good and producing some nice fish.  I guide on these streams and have been doing quite well.  If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me and I do what I can to help.  Pete (Serene Fly-Fishing Adventures)  <’{{{,<

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If it doesn’t rain soon we’re not going to have ANY water in PA, cold or otherwise.  But for stream conditions and hatch advice in southeast PA, especially Cumberland County (Yellow Breeches, Letort, etc), I suggest

I suggest calling Bill or Dusty at Yellow Breeches Outfitters for this area – They are right on the Yellow Breeches in Boiling Springs.  The Breeches can still be productive early morning and I suspect these recent rains will extend time on stream (planning on going this evening).  Yellow Breeches Outfitters # is 717-258-6752

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Question:

Hello everyone,         I am going to Bishop this weekend and I was wondering if anyone could give me any tips as to good places to try and flies to use. I would greatly appreciate size/pattern/color details if you supply them. Thank you in advance.                         Jeff

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Hello everyone,         I am going to Bishop this weekend and I was wondering if anyone could give me any tips as to good places to try and flies to use. I would greatly appreciate size/pattern/color details if you supply them. Thank you in advance.                         Jeff         The lower Owens river below the Res. right near town.  I forget the name of the lake, but there is some great dry fly fishing in the C&R area.  Small Elk hair Caddis (#14, 16), tan, brown, green bodies all work well if the fish are looking up…. JE

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Make sure to check on the flows of the Owens River before you go — they may be quite high, especially out of Pleasant Valley Res.  Check with one of the sporting good stores in town (or you can call the L.A. department of water and power in Bishop at 619/872-1104) and they will tell you what the best bets are regarding stream flows. I would also suggest driving about 1/2 hour north to the Mammoth area and fish Hot Creek — use anything small (caddis, mayflies,etc.) with extra long 6X-7X leaders and use some stealth.  I have heard that the flows there are pretty consistent right now.  Good luck.

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Question:

For that area, I would say that your 6 wt outfit will work just fine with the standard attractor patterns.  For some amazing action, go down the Skagit (west on WA 20- North Cascades Highway) past all the dams and shoot for the coho runs.  Steelhead State Park, off of WA 20, provides a good place to park and is right on the bank.  The Skagit has been recently designated a Wild and Scenic River, and it truly is.  With the steelhead, and the salmon, and the bald eagles looming on the trees over the banks, you ought to have a wonderful experience, provided that you’ve no leaks in your waders; the entire Skagit watershed from Ross and Diablo down to the sound is cold.   I just recently moved from Washington and have fished that area for years.  I hope you enjoy your trip.  Good fishing! BC

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For that area, I would say that your 6 wt outfit will work just fine with the standard attractor patterns.  For some amazing action, go down the Skagit (west on WA 20- North Cascades Highway) past all the dams and shoot for the coho runs.  Steelhead State Park, off of WA 20, provides a good place to park and is right on the bank.  The Skagit has

There are several places from which one migh fly fish- some off the highway.  Some off, eg., Sauk Store Road.  Call Skagit Anglers (360) 336-3232 in Mount Vernon or Priced Less Sporting Goods (360) 855-0895 in Sedro-Woolley for current regulation, access info.

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Greetings all:         I am taking a trip into the Pacific Northwest for business, and I will be taking a couple of days to hike in the region.  I will be at the Colonial Creek campground in North Cascades for two days, next to Diablo, and there is a lake supposedly full of trout.  Anyone have any suggestions for flies and rigging that works well there?  Also, I am currently using an 8.5 ft, 6wt rod and line combo.  Will this work well, or should I try to rent gear in Seattle that would be better suited?  Any suggestions about where to rent would also be helpful, since I may just go that route instead of risking my rod in an airplane.     Many thanks. Dan Johnson

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Question:

Hi all,     thinking about buying a pair of danner wading boots… for $5 more, i can get them with cleats already built into the soles… I’ve never worn cleats before, stealth is not my concern since a do a fine job spooking trout even in my felt soles… thanks, g.

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   thinking about buying a pair of danner wading boots… for $5 more, i can get them with cleats already built into the soles… I’ve never worn cleats before, stealth is not my concern since a do a fine job spooking trout even in my felt soles…

Easy answer — get the cleated felts.                                                       Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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   thinking about buying a pair of danner wading boots… for $5 more, i can get them with cleats already built into the soles… I’ve never worn cleats before, stealth is not my concern since a do a fine job spooking trout even in my felt soles… Easy answer — get the cleated felts.                                                       Dan

Big ditto.  You’ll wonder what took you so long.

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: :     thinking about buying a pair of danner wading boots… for $5 more, : : i can get them with cleats already built into the soles… I’ve never : : worn cleats before, stealth is not my concern since a do a fine job : : spooking trout even in my felt soles… If the water is fast enough to warrant cleats, I can’t imagine that a loss of stealth from cleats would be a problem.  Fast water over rocks is a prescription for turbulence, and the energy generated from turbulence will overpower (and dissipate) anything added from the cleats.  A bit like our inability to see the stars in the day time.  They are still there, but the energy from the sun swamps them.  Slow water will be different. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant 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

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Let me register a negative vote on the cleats (the sort that are imbedded in the felt).  I hope folks will stay away from these.  They are destructive of the bottom, make a mess of a drift boat, are unusable in a raft, and are very inconsiderate to wear anywhere outside of the water (like in a car or into a flyshop).  If you must wade where you have to have cleats to stay upright, use a pear of slip-on stream cleats.  You can then take them off when they are not needed. Lyman

Your points are well taken, but I thought the warning about using them in boats had already been voiced.  Looking back it wasn’t, but the tone of the thread was about wading, not drift fishing.  You don’t really need them to stand up in boats anyhow just in the river.  8^.   That was supposed to be a little humor, but you are absolutely right about wearing them in boats.  Most drift boat guides I know won’t allow them in the boat and for good reason.  I’ve used the Stream Cleats.  Stream Cleats can be removed, but how often do you see people remove them?  And boy do they cut fly lines up easily when they are new and the edges are sharp. If you get them tight enough to stay on your feet when you need them to, they are not easy to remove and most people don’t.  Certainly not likely to pull them off and put them back on numerous times a day.  Korkers are much easier to remove, they just weigh a ton.   I have a pair of Korkers that I used for years, and they are still in the bottom of my wader bag in case someone else needs them.  For my conditions (just go ahead and try to wade the Pit River in CA or the North Umpqua in OR without them) the studded felts are the best choice.  The operative phrase is "my conditions". Thanks for the reminder of other’s fishing conditions,                                                             Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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   thinking about buying a pair of danner wading boots… for $5 more, i can get them with cleats already built into the soles… I’ve never worn cleats before, stealth is not my concern since a do a fine job spooking trout even in my felt soles… Easy answer — get the cleated felts.                                                      Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools

Let me register a negative vote on the cleats (the sort that are imbedded in the felt).  I hope folks will stay away from these.  They are destructive of the bottom, make a mess of a drift boat, are unusable in a raft, and are very inconsiderate to wear anywhere outside of the water (like in a car or into a flyshop).  If you must wade where you have to have cleats to stay upright, use a pear of slip-on stream cleats.  You can then take them off when they are not needed. Lyman

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 thinking about buying a pair of danner wading boots… for $5 more, i can get them with cleats already built into the soles… I’ve never worn cleats before, stealth is not my concern since a do a fine job spooking trout even in my felt soles…

We sell about 50/50,  felt versus studded felt.  The studs are popular in large rivers and may increase felt life.  On small streams, felt is more popular and not so " skippy " on dry rocks.

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I live in Bozeman, Montana and fish in some waters that are difficult to wade. I am a Stream Cleat fan, too.  They are actually made in Livingston,  Montana.  The nice thing about them is that you can bring them along on a float trip, and just slip them on and off.  I’ve guided here for 22 years, and I don’t like folks to wear them in my drift boat, either.  I do like the extra stability they provide and the confidence they give the angler which results in them being able to wade into good fishing positions and reach more fish.  Add a wading staff to your "handling package, too".  Dave Kumlien, Montana Troutfitters Orvis Shop, Bozeman, MT   http://www.gomontana.com/Business/Trout/trout.html

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Question:

Howdy, I’m going to be in Salt Lake City the week of March 18th for Brainshare. I’m staying over for the weekend   following, and I’d like to fish a little. I’ll be able to take along a travel rod, but I won’t be able to   take waders. I’d appreciate any recommendations for spots in the area where I can fish from the bank. What   kind of flies should I use? How much is a one day (or two, or whatever they have) non-resident permit? Any   good shops there where I could pick up some flies? Thanks a bunch, Jay Jay Freeman WT9S                            Life Member, NRA

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        Jay,         First off you’re going to love Brainshare.  Novell does a really nice job with the show.  Many of my friends are in charge of it so I am a little bias. As far as fishing is concerned I would suggest many of the unheard of streams around the valley.  Many people go to the Provo or the Weber, both of those two rivers have very nice Browns, but unfortunately the whole rest of SLC knows this too.  Soooo if you like fishing shoulder to shoulder then go to the Provo. I would be glad to share a little of my secrets with you.  That is if you like to have 20 to 25 fish days. "Fish On!" Stacy Hale

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Try the Provo or the Green.  Try Steve Schmidt at Western Rivers for Provo information and guides – 801-521-6424.  For the Green, I call Denny Breer at Trout Creek – 801-889-3735.  

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Jay, There is not that much good fly fishing within a short drive of Salt Lake City, particulary in March.  The best bet is the Provo River, which is about a 45 min drive south on I 15, exit 275 just before you get to Provo.  Fishing can be tremendous on this river.  It is loaded with brown trout.  Many times the fishing varies with the flow level of the river, but in March the river should be fishable.  However, I’m not sure how much success you would have fishing from the shore.  To get to some of the productive holes and runs you have to wade and there are not that many clear bank areas along the river that allow you to easily toss your fly into good water.  Even if you don’t wade it’s worth the time to go down anyway.  Provo canyon is pretty.  As for flies I would recommend small nymphs, size 16 and up.  Keep the flies simple, just some pink or lite grey yarn wrapped around a hook will produce on this river.  Hare’s ears are good, brassies, pheasant tail, scuds, and serendipidities are very productive.  Be sure to weigth the nympth enough to get it to the bottom.  You’ll only occassionally see fish rise in this river.  As for a license.   I don’t remember what a non-resident day pass costs.  But I do know that Utah is not aggressive in ensuring people have fishing licenses.  For more info on where to fish contact Anglers Inn in Salt Lake or Western Rivers Fly Shop in Salt Lake.  I hope you have fun.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy, I’m going to be in Salt Lake City the week of March 18th for Brainshare. I’m staying over for the weekend following, and I’d like to fish a little. I’ll be able to take along a travel rod, but I won’t be able to take waders. I’d appreciate any recommendations for spots in the area where I can fish from the bank. What kind of flies should I use? How much is a one day (or two, or whatever they have) non-resident permit? Any good shops there where I could pick up some flies? Thanks a bunch, Jay Jay Freeman WT9S                            Life Member, NRA

– Jay,   I work in a fly shop here in Provo and fish the Provo two to three times a week and its not too shabby.  Your time frame should put you in excellent shape for the spring baetis hatch.  A one day none resident liscence is $5 or $15 for three days.  The Provo is also good for non-waders in a lot of spots.  Its probalbly one of my favorite rivers to fish.  This weekend I picked up a lot of nice fish with midges on top.  Nothing beats dry fly action in the winter.  Check out my fly page for the latest info when you come.  Our shop is called Great Basin Fly and is located at 120 W Center ST in Provo.  We can fix you up with some good flies and info. Curtis Fry Fry’s Utah Fly Fishing Page http://www.et.byu.edu/~fryc

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Don’t forget the Bone’s on the flats of Great Salt lake…I hear it’s excellent that time of year with large schools of hungry bonefish finin’ just off shore!

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Question:

TIP OF THE DAY; Studying insects helps anglers Knowing when aquatic insects should hatch gives you an advantage. Near the end of April, I fished a stretch of the Whitewater River = expecting a hatch of Hendrickson mayflies. I knew from experience that the adults show up on the water’s surface sometime between 2 = and 5 p.m. The day was perfect for good mayfly action, dark and ugly. At 11 a.m., I started wading upcurrent,  fishing  streamers. They didn’t = work. Next I dredged deep pools with nymphs. Bottom-hugging snags ate my nymphs. The trout were sulking.  A few tentative taps at my nymph pattern kept me awake. By 3 p.m., after 4 hours of hard  fishing,  I had caught and released only = four small browns. I probably would have given up then if I hadn’t known there would be a hatch. Just as I was beginning to wonder if the hatch really would occur, I roundeda bend and spied a platoon of 11- to 14-inch browns frol= icking in an ankle-deep riffle. They attacked. Every other drift through the riffle brought a strike – on each of the four different=  Hendrickson dry-fly patterns I used.

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URL http://www.deltanet.com/users/msangil

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Question:

Hi Again Again, check out REI Elements.  After two years of research I went with their Elements shell because it’s 10% more water proof than Goretex, 10% less breathable, but well designed with zips under arms, etc. for about 1/2 the price of Goretex and generally less weight than all but the most expensive GT.  I got mine for $115, vs Marmot’s $260.  Hope to get the pants this year.  Great windbreaker as well.  No teflon!.

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: Frank- :     Tough it out.  Last year, I bought a Gore-Tex wannabe, pants and parka. :     I had no problems other than the fact that the coating on the jacket was :     teflon, and I couldn’t stop after falling while showboarding(!).   Actually I believe goretex is actually just specially treated teflon. I met some chemistry guys who showed me how it’s done. It’s just got really small specially punched holes in it. "When you play the synthesizer keyboard as though it were a piano or organ, funny things happen" – Dick Hyman in the liner notes of his 196? album "MOOG"

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 ("I’d rather be Flyfishing!") writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello everyone, Don’t know if I should talk about specific products in the forum. Oh well, here goes: just got an EMS Expedition Parka and I love it!  Wish I could afford the matching EMS Expedition Pants, but the funds ain’t there and winter’s a comin’. Having Gore Tex pants is important to me.  I can live with them being insulated or uninsulated, but I do want quality stuff. <<stuff gone My gut says, go with the L.L. Bean product. I think it will compliment my EMS Expedition Parka just fine. My other gut says, tough it out with a cheapo pants and save up for the EMS Expedition Pants for next year. Thanks in advance for any advise you can share. Frank: flyfisher, icefisher, skier, snowshoveler et al.

Frank-     Tough it out.  Last year, I bought a Gore-Tex wannabe, pants and parka.     I had no problems other than the fact that the coating on the jacket was     teflon, and I couldn’t stop after falling while showboarding(!).  I was     willing to cope with that, since Gore-Tex would have cost twice as much.     This summer, I went hiking on a 90 degree day, and when I pulled my jacket     out that night, It had partially melted and stuck to itself!:(     Fortunately, I was able to return it and get the real thing.  It was worth     the extra $200 for the top of the line stuff |      Box 631             (610) 758-0461                | |      Lehigh University                                 | |      29 Trembley Dr.                                   |

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Having Gore Tex pants is important to me.  I can live with them being insulated or uninsulated, but I do want quality stuff.

snip snip Thanks in advance for any advise you can share.

Well, since you asked for it, and bearing in mind that advice is worth what you pay for it, here’s some for free |:-) Both coated and Gore-Tex pants are going to block wind and water.  Both will get clammy on the inside when it’s humid.  Both will get torn up by the briars if you do much walking in the woods.  The main difference, in my personal experience (I’ve used both), is in the price. What I have settled on for now is a pair of urethane-coated nylon trousers, uninsulated, with drawstrings at waist and cuffs, calf zippers, and sealed seams.  I paid about $25 for them (LL Bean, I think).  I can use whatever insulation I want beneath them and won’t break down in despair when they are ruined in a laurel hell some day. Regards, Stephen Anderson

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Hello everyone, Don’t know if I should talk about specific products in the forum. Oh well, here goes: just got an EMS Expedition Parka and I love it!  Wish I could afford the matching EMS Expedition Pants, but the funds ain’t there and winter’s a comin’. Having Gore Tex pants is important to me.  I can live with them being insulated or uninsulated, but I do want quality stuff. EMS sells this Gore-Tex-like System 3 getup.  The pants seem pretty nice for being water-resistant and wind-resistant, full leg zips, seams are sealed, back pockets that zip and an elastic waistband that has side snaps. $85.00. L.L.Bean sells their Gore-Tex North Col Pants, either insulated or uninsulated, full leg zips (2 way), velcro closures at waist and cuffs, and a storm flap over the leg zips. $139 ($129 uninsulated) Columbia has several models of pants, all do not have Gore-Tex, most are uninsulated, most have only zips at the cuffs and elastic waist bands with snaps for adjustment. $29-$89 My gut says, go with the L.L. Bean product. I think it will compliment my EMS Expedition Parka just fine. My other gut says, tough it out with a cheapo pants and save up for the EMS Expedition Pants for next year. Thanks in advance for any advise you can share. Frank: flyfisher, icefisher, skier, snowshoveler et al.

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