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Thoughts on Karl Snyder

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You’re better than this Mike. I pray that you find your peace. — TBone Prayers? Humbug.  Superstitious mumbo-jumbo, merely a prop for inadequacy, or an excuse to go out and murder or damage somebody with impunity, and all by the "grace", or indeed on the purported "orders", of some mythical being. Which, if it existed at all, would long since have wiped the whole nasty

sordid mess of humanity from the slate, and started again. Or given up

altogether, disgusted by it

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Bamboo Computer Office:

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Still up late putting the fourth coat on a run of fifteen Happy Hooker blanks for the San Mateo show.  I don’t think I will have enough time to do them all but at least this explains why I’m on the tapering computer tonight. (snip)         george, please allow me to take this opportunity on behalf of all the little people here on roff to express our undying gratitude for this thrilling opportunity to share in the astonishing excitement generated by your "blow by blow" report of the fascinating process of creating those little works of art that bear the timeless and classy name of "happy hooker".         it is a tribute to your matchless magnanimity that you would take even an instant out of the awesome undertaking of this  historic venture to bless us with these stunning insights in to your genius. we can only grovel at your virtual feet in gratitude for our own unworthiness, and offer up thanks on behalf  of our humble lineage, yet unborn, that will gaze with wonder upon  our printouts of the words and actions of a true legend.         for myself, a personal note, much in the style of gus mcrae: "magnum manurum victorum bordomdom est"!   and i mean that with all my heart, george. wayno

___–  Wayne, old chap.  Believe this or not but the following of greatness eludes you.  There are a hundred advocates to the project that started as a dare on ROFF and like it or not, you fool . . . the information of those who may wish to "roll their own" i.e. (make their own fly rods) will be possible at the San Mateo Show for a lot less money then any other bamboo fly rod maker in this entire world. If you could "afford" to come to San Mateo (which is like thinking a fool could become a genius) you would realize that your worst enemy is yourself and that here is a better friend then you could ever imagine. I know what your problem is and so do you.  The difference is, I know how to deal and correct mine.  YOU, on the other hand still live in a world of ’self denial’ and those that suffer your foolishness are the ones that love you best. Screw you and all your excuses.  You’re not man enough to return to reality pard. Think about it! In short Wayne, you’re drunk again.   — (C) George Gehrke 2001 http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html     fine bamboo flyrods & blanks

Response:

Now, this was a long time ago, now, but as I remember it, George claimed he could mass-produce bamboo rods for under $300.  How long had he been thinking of trying before making the claim, or how serious was his pre-ROFF "planning"?  Who knows? Essentially, with much toing and froing, he was told by a number of people, "Bullshit.  Can’t be done.  Put your money where your mouth is."  A number of people agreed to buy rods at the proposed price if George built them.  My recollection is of not so much a challenge or wager as a dare–Roffians calling what they understandably thought was an empty bluff. OK, things went far and fast downhill from there (price, quality, customer relations, etc., etc.).  I’m not defending George as a rod-builder, businessman, or human being.  He’s certainly shown grave failings on all these counts.  His behavior on this NG is often far less than admirable and his behavior as a businessman appears to be purely reprehensible, hurting himself, probably, more than anyone else.  I too have stopped using Gink, in part because I discovered I "don’t like the management."  In the end, George proved that he could *not* do what he claimed he could, i.e., build a high-quality production rod for less than $300. Unhappily, he also appears to have proved along the way several other things about himself.  All I am saying is that–contrary to what I still maintain *everyone* thought at the time (that is, that George, being a blowhard, would not do anything at all, but would find some excuse to cop out)–he did put his money where his mouth was and made the attempt.  He failed; he treated customers, at least one employee, and potential friends abysmally in the attempt.  I’m not defending any of that, only saying that it’s pretty remarkable that any of this happened at all, rather than ending up just another NG thread full of b.s. that flares up in the ether then peters out. JR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – George had plans to make the rod before he ever brought it up on roff. Contrary to popular myth, no one on roff "challenged" him to make the rod.  We all know what a bullshitter/liar he is, so how can you deal or "challenge" such a person?  BTW, he came nowhere near the price he first quoted.  At $583, he is way past what he originally quoted. rest snipped for brevity…

Response:

Yes, real tragic, I went there twice and gave to the project on got screwed. Without me those first few rods would not exist. G couldn’t and wouldn’t pay attention. The mill is nothing special. He didn’t have the touch to pull it off by himself.

Yes, and I know the details and it sucks and I did and do feel sorry for what happened. [deleted] Tbone stick it in your ear you know nothing cause you wern’t there, I WAS!

I commented only on the empirical data I cited:  He had a line of production rods at a major fly show. Did the means justify the end ? I do not know, have no way of knowing. Question (not rhetorical) Hairy: Why don’t you do it ? Your talent is obvious and if you’re really resentful of George that would be the ultimate way to show it. Competition would be great and I’m still in the market for a servicable bamboo fly rod for under the price of a good graphite. — YBone

Response:

[deleted] And maybe this Litte Brown Nose post of yours will get you one.

Personally, I think George only made one mistake…a spiritual one..with his first rod. He knows what it was and he has been paying ever since. — YBone

Response:

Opey’s Dad’s "review that came through the virtual transom," offered "for the sake of good order and balance", as interesting as it is, would carry more weight if it were not anonymous. JR

Anonymous my ass, that as my dad! Opie  –wishing dad would write to me, seems as though I hardly know him–

Response:

[deleted] And maybe this Litte Brown Nose post of yours will get you one. Personally, I think George only made one mistake…a spiritual one..with his first rod.

You can’t possibly be *that* clueless… can you? — Charlie…

Response:

Question (not rhetorical) Hairy: Why don’t you do it ?

Tbone at least you figured out that I attacked what you wrote and not you. And forgive me for all my smilly faces..that I forgot… ;-) ;-);-);-) better? His little dirt mill he paid a fortune and it did not work. All total there was much less than $2K in materials in it. While there, I brought it through several versions and improvments. And it would and did work if he wasn’t in a hurry. If he knew everything, then why was I there? I have been very tight lipped on all the imporvements that should have been made for obvious reasons. Now Tbone, to answer your real question, "I Could Do It." What I want for my time and what G pays his sweat shop labors ($7) is a very big difference. Better quality and a much higer price. Compitition with G? I would be a hands down winner in an instant about quality. G gardens nickels. I would garden ben franklins. Big difference. G markets with a shitty product. I would have a quality product and no market. So right there is the rub. Dumb people that don’t know any better get sucked into spending money on his glorified tomato stakes. HT

Response:

Personally, I think George only made one mistake…a spiritual one..with his first rod. He knows what it was and he has been paying ever since.

%50 correct, ad my son’s rod to the mix too! HT

Response:

Ya know… [snip] Well….for one thing I’d like to declare that George won the bet. I mean…there WAS George, my friends, at the Denver Fly Fishing Show…by God.  In a booth with ginger/honey/burnt blanks there can be no doubt about it. Pay up your flies and shut up your traps busters.

Speaking of bets I’m stilling waiting for you to pay up a dozen yellow humpys from October of 1999. Paul

Response:

Speaking of bets I’m stilling waiting for you to pay up a dozen yellow humpys from October of 1999.

Post the reference. — TBone

Response:

Everybody on this forum, practically without reserve, supported Mr.Gehrke in his efforts, not only with his rods, but with his website and other things. Many defended him against all comers, even long after their better judgement should have advised them otherwise. They would doubtless still be doing so, if he had not extremely successfully alienated just about everybody who offered support. Quite a few congratulated him on his progress, and gave advice and support on many occasions. He simply failed to recognise it as such, and insisted that his 300$ rods were the equal of any 1000$ rods around. This is patent nonsense. In actual fact, competent observers were of the opinion that they were not even worth 300$. However this may be, and notwithstanding the possibility that the rods are now excellent value, anybody who has followed the saga would be a fool to buy one. Mr.Gehrke is his own worst enemy. Nobody else is at fault here. Defending him on this forum, in this manner, is absolutely ridiculous, as you must be aware, and I find myself asking why you are doing it ? Hope you get a rod anyway, and I hope you enjoy it if you do.   Even were I to receive one as a gift, ( which I would not accept in any case), I would associate so much bad feeling with it, that it would ruin my fishing, quite irrespective of its qualities as a fishing tool. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de Ya know… It’s really too bad the days when folkes were making bamboo rods for the masses are gone.

<SNIP

Response:

Speaking of bets I’m stilling waiting for you to pay up a dozen yellow humpys from October of 1999. Post the reference. — TBone

My mistake it was four(4) Irresistables. On 8-OCT-99 Louie claims in the thread "One Lie & Exaggeration Too Many by Daytripper" that " Day Tripper can *not* be egged on by anyone. " Shortly thereafter you posted a reply:         "Betcha 4 #18 Irresistables that he can…" Then I replied that I’d take the bet to which you replied:         "Ok…he responds to one of my trolls and you send me the dry flies…right ?         What’s my time limit ?" my reply to your time limit was:         "until Sunday the 17th, If you can’t get his goat by then no one can.         sf" On the 18th when I claimed victory you wanted to change the rules to 90 days. (Sounds like gore v. bush) Then in an email you sent me you said you’ld pay up. The message with headers is attached to the end of this post (although I did remove my street address). If anyone cares to verify this do a search on Deja of the past  post on ROFF. Paul Received: from ns1.aspenres.com (ns1.aspenres.com [204.131.50.1])  by eagle.prod.itd.earthlink.net (8.9.3/8.9.3) with SMTP id MAA26773 Received: from twalker (204.131.50.154) by ns1.aspenres.com MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain;  charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit X-Priority: 3 X-MSMail-Priority: Normal X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 4.72.3110.5 X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V4.72.3110.3 X-UIDL: f5d4ea1f8b0505fb39de6bced9c2f138 Status: RO I might just do that if for no other reason than Littleton, Co is my home town….but certainly not as the result of losing any bet !  Not yet…I have 78 days to go and (actually) I think the Mr.G setup/Big Brown Followup/Daytripper HOOK SWALLOW counts. But it’s weak at best so back to work… — TimW —–Original Message—– Hi Tim It’s Salmon_Fly You can send the Flies to Paul Goodwin

[snip]

Response:

So along comes George and off a bet on the Internet

George was blowharding how there was no more that $50 material and workmanship in a modern bamboo rod. There was no bet. — Charlie…

Response:

JR writes:

(snip) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Now, from what a lot of people have said, maintenance of quality control has been a big, big, big problem.  On the other hand, at least a few people, including one of the few Roffians I’ve met in person and whose opinion I trust, are happy with the rod they got, although otherwise no admirers of George’s persona here. So, is a company that can produce only one good final product out of five (or 10 or even 100) a viable concern?  Probably not, but this is a company that was started from a series of wagers and dares on a *newgroup* for Pete’s sake.  T-Bone is right about one thing:  George said–on the flimsiest of grounds, mind you–that he’d start a bamboo rod company, and he did it.  Everything else aside (and there is a quite lot, much of it unpretty, I admit), George deserves some credit at least for doing what *no one* believed he’d actually do. Opey’s Dad’s "review that came through the virtual transom," offered "for the sake of good order and balance", as interesting as it is, would carry more weight if it were not anonymous. JR

George had plans to make the rod before he ever brought it up on roff. Contrary to popular myth, no one on roff "challenged" him to make the rod.  We all know what a bullshitter/liar he is, so how can you deal or "challenge" such a person?  BTW, he came nowhere near the price he first quoted.  At $583, he is way past what he originally quoted.  For another $150 *or less*, you can get a *hand crafted* fly rod from a reputable rod builder, that looks, cast better, and has more value than anything George has made. George sent some rods to different people.  They *were not* production rods. They were rods that he very carefully built.  Steve sort of challenged George by saying if G would send a rod to him, he would give it an honest evaluation. What an opportunity for George!!!!  He worked hard and produced a fairly nice rod and sent it to Steve who gave it a good revue.  But, it was not a production rod.   George sent Dave Tatosian and me Bastard rods #11 and #12.  Because of George’s attitude and action I had canceled my order, but he sent it via Dave anyway.  I was touched that George would do such a thing.  It was a magnanimus gesture as far as I was concerned.  I took the rod and inspected it.  It was horribly constructed.  Twisted, curved, handle offset, glue lines, drips — it was horrible.  I put the rod together anyway and the ferrules did not fit.  He had given me the butt section with a  ferrule from XY company, and a tip with a ferrule from BX company — the rod was unfishable.  If you attempted to cast it, the tip would fly off. Dave’s #12 was no better.  It too was horrible and unfishable.  Dave had paid the freight – $40 – to receive these rods, and now he had to send them back – another $40.  Both of us had agreed to say nothing on roff about these rods. We did not want to embarass George.    We said nothing until George accused us of being provacateurs and sabataging his rods.  *WE* were responsible for the bent and twisted tips and butts.  *WE* were responsible for everything that was wrong with the rods.  *WE* took sandpaper to the ferrules so that they no longer fit properly.  Everything was *OUR* fault.  Everyone knew that it was plain bullshit on George’s part.  But the story doesn’t end with Dave and me.  Wish it did, but, uh uh. You see, George told everyone he destroyed the rods — burned em, he said.  But good old #12 returned and ended up in several peoples’ hands.  The first was Bob Smith (Plainties).  When Bob returned it (paying the freight both ways), George was insulted.  When another rod builder, a man of some fame, returned a set of blanks, George attacked both of them.  At one point he even verbally attacked Bob’s wife.   So you see, JR, why many of us have boycotted *anything* that George makes.  It appears from what I now hear that the boycot is well founded in that Gehrke continues to make crap.  But I do have a bottle of Gink.  No gink in it.  I fill it with Albolene (pain in the ass, I might add),  and it *thinks* it’s Gink.  Works just as well. Dave LaCourse Pirate and Bottom Dweller and so proud of it…..

Response:

Paul Goodwin writes:

(snipped) Geeeeze.  Remind me never to bet with you!  And I’ll never borrow money off of you either!   <g Dave

Response:

Still up late putting the fourth coat on a run of fifteen Happy Hooker blanks for the San Mateo show.  I don’t think I will have enough time to do them all but at least this explains why I’m on the tapering computer tonight. Another problem is not having enough time to run as many tips as we will need but that can be done after the show.  It takes nearly thirty minutes to dip each  coat and several hours after that to dry, but the blanks are looking good. — Mr.G. http://www.gink.com "the sage continues"

  gink.vcf

< 1K Download

Response:

Still up late putting the fourth coat on a run of fifteen Happy Hooker blanks for the San Mateo show.  I don’t think I will have enough time to do them all but at least this explains why I’m on the tapering computer tonight.

(snip)         george, please allow me to take this opportunity on behalf of all the little people here on roff to express our undying gratitude for this thrilling opportunity to share in the astonishing excitement generated by your "blow by blow" report of the fascinating process of creating those little works of art that bear the timeless and classy name of "happy hooker".         it is a tribute to your matchless magnanimity that you would take even an instant out of the awesome undertaking of this  historic venture to bless us with these stunning insights in to your genius. we can only grovel at your virtual feet in gratitude for our own unworthiness, and offer up thanks on behalf  of our humble lineage, yet unborn, that will gaze with wonder upon  our printouts of the words and actions of a true legend.         for myself, a personal note, much in the style of gus mcrae: "magnum manurum victorum bordomdom est"!   and i mean that with all my heart, george. wayno

Response:

Glad to hear from old Gus. Don"t think McMurtry"s new book ‘ "Boone’s Lick" will make it to screen unless he gets Opra  to play the mother. IJ

Response:

Ya know… It’s really too bad the days when folkes were making bamboo rods for the masses are gone. Tragic, really. I can not afford a thousand bucks for a bamboo fly rod but think I would be happy with one of the commerical ones of yesteryear.  Maybe a "Sears & Roebuck Good’nuf" model.  Ya know what I mean ?  We can get an Ugly Stick, which is a damned good value of a tool…but nothing like it exists in the bamboo world today, that I’ve found anyway. So along comes George and off a bet on the Internet, in these very halls, says he *can* bring these back And ya know what…he does. We can grovel about the initial production run quality issues and some business decisions and stuff, but that’s what I’d expect from an initial production run. Wouldn’t you ? With millions of dollar backing you could throw away the first few runs. Not so when you gotta eat. They become prototypes. Something to build on. Next time…I’ll do ‘this’ with the finish. We know the history of this venture. This was no cake walk for George, who shared with us (and anyone of us who thinks they can do better) every [personal] sweat off his brow. He made some friends, he made some enemies. He started the Little Brown Truck (I’m still waiting…) You *literally* could publish a book just from the posts here.  Someone probably will. What does it mean ? Well….for one thing I’d like to declare that George won the bet. I mean…there WAS George, my friends, at the Denver Fly Fishing Show…by God.  In a booth with ginger/honey/burnt blanks there can be no doubt about it. Pay up your flies and shut up your traps busters. As for the boredom of this post.  Ya get out what you put in sometimes and I got out something really cool and what was probably really hard for George (George doesn’t whine so it’s hard to know)…the business decision of getting his ass in the show with some product and (what must be very difficult and take huge huevos) make the tip sections later. Real world stuff for a guy with a milling machine in the garage. He posted *from* his taper computer.  How freakin’ studly is that ? Bravo George. — TBone

Response:

Still up late putting the fourth coat on a run of fifteen Happy Hooker blanks for the San Mateo show.  I don’t think I will have enough time to do them all but at least this explains why I’m on the tapering computer tonight. Another problem is not having enough time to run as many tips as we will need but that can be done after the show.  It takes nearly thirty minutes to dip each  coat and several hours after that to dry, but the blanks are looking good.

_______FOR the sake of good order and balance, here’s a review that came in through the virtual transom *a few weeks ago* (<== keep that in mind). Didn’t write it, just passing it along. But it seems appropriate, right here, right now. Take it or leave it… /Opey’s Dad   (…and have a SUPER day! ;-) "Even using the term Rodmaker around anything resembling the Bastard is insulting all rodmakers as well as all Bastards!   "I went to a fly-fishing show in Denver this morning and looked around for bargains and the usual "stuff" that a flyfisher needs from time to time. "Alas, who is there in full force but Hizzoner the Gink hiself!  Even had the kid with the entourage!  I looked at the rods, (whoa there feller, lets not insult rods) I mean Poles, that he had on display at the show.  I have five year old  grandson who could do a better job! "No Shit, guys -n- gals!  This guy turns out crap and it has a Capital C in big red letters!  Missed finishing several spots of the windings on every rod!!  NO winding check and the forward end of the cork grips looked as if it had been cut with a dull axe and then run over a few times. He told me he didn’t put checks on to save costs!!!!   "I am just a plastic builder who lurks here to learn all I can about the jillion or so aspects of the trade of rodbuilding, and I guarantee you that no rod of that caliber will EVER, EVER, EVER leave my shop!  Let alone be taken to a flyfishing show and displayed as craftsmanship.  What a joke! "If you real builders are concerned in the LEAST about this yahoo producing anything that might be remotely construed as a bamboo rod, worry NOT!!!  I venture that he was the complete laughingstock of the show and now 10,000 flyfishers know what his crap looks like!   I did not even bother to cast one of them, wouldn’t waste my time!!!  (And I’m Cheap!!!, just ask all the ladies!!)  I’m not one ti talk most folks down but this guy is out there a looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooong ways! an average of NO rods/day!  This guy has not built one to date if his life’s work is like what I saw today.  I literally chuckled for four hours as I walked the show floor!  This guy wouldn’t make a pimple on a rodbuilder’s butt! "As I see it, any further ink about the Bastard Rod is a lie, there is no such thing!!  What I saw today is not, by any stretch of my imagination, a rod. sorta like the old riddle about what do you call a boomerang that doesn’t come back? "A stick!"

Response:

And ya know what…he does. We can grovel about the initial production run quality issues and some business decisions and stuff, but that’s what I’d expect from an initial production run. Wouldn’t you ?

Certainly. Unfortunately, George wasn’t willing to accept or admit to the fact that they were only "initial production run" quality. And, two years later they’re still initial production run quality. If he had been willing to simply admit that the rods had problems–some of them serious–nearly everyone would still be championing his effort. 99% of the grief he’s taken on this forum can be directly attributed to his inability to be honest about the quality of his work. Period. End of story. We know the history of this venture. This was no cake walk for George, who shared with us (and anyone of us who thinks they can do better) every [personal] sweat off his brow. He made some friends, he made some enemies. He started the Little Brown Truck (I’m still waiting…)

And maybe this Litte Brown Nose post of yours will get you one. –Steve

Response:

We know the history of this venture. This was no cake walk for George, who shared with us (and anyone of us who thinks they can do better) every [personal] sweat off his brow. He made some friends, he made some enemies. He started the Little Brown Truck (I’m still waiting…) And maybe this Litte Brown Nose post of yours will get you one.

Sorry to follow up my own post, but for all you out there awaiting delivery of a Bastard rod, I’ve got one I’ll sell you that is available for immediate delivery. It’s been used only a couple of times and I believe it represents the very best rod that the production line has ever produced. It’s in essentially new condition (except for the fact that I straightened the tip, which was a bit crooked when I received it). $350 plus shipping will deliver it right to your door. Contact me via email if interested. –Steve

Response:

Well, I’ve never seen a Bastard rod, but I have followed the history of this business a bit.  In late 98, early 99, before taking off to Rwanda for a year, I read ROFF frequently and posted occasionally.  One of the most amusing shticks then was George declaring he would, then setting out to produce inexpensive mass-market bamboo rods.  There was a lot of nonsense about the name, price, guarantees, etc., but I think it safe to say that most, if not all people on ROFF assumed it was run-of-the-mill BS and would simply never happen.  When I came back to the U.S. in the summer of 2000, I was frankly astounded that rods had been built and at least some sold. Now, from what a lot of people have said, maintenance of quality control has been a big, big, big problem.  On the other hand, at least a few people, including one of the few Roffians I’ve met in person and whose opinion I trust, are happy with the rod they got, although otherwise no admirers of George’s persona here.  So, is a company that can produce only one good final product out of five (or 10 or even 100) a viable concern?  Probably not, but this is a company that was started from a series of wagers and dares on a *newgroup* for Pete’s sake.  T-Bone is right about one thing:  George said–on the flimsiest of grounds, mind you–that he’d start a bamboo rod company, and he did it.  Everything else aside (and there is a quite lot, much of it unpretty, I admit), George deserves some credit at least for doing what *no one* believed he’d actually do. Opey’s Dad’s "review that came through the virtual transom," offered "for the sake of good order and balance", as interesting as it is, would carry more weight if it were not anonymous. JR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – _______FOR the sake of good order and balance, here’s a review that came in through the virtual transom *a few weeks ago* (<== keep that in mind). Didn’t write it, just passing it along. But it seems appropriate, right here, right now. Take it or leave it…

Response:

Ya know… It’s really too bad the days when folkes were making bamboo rods for the masses are gone. Tragic, really.

Yes, real tragic, I went there twice and gave to the project on got screwed. Without me those first few rods would not exist. G couldn’t and wouldn’t pay attention. The mill is nothing special. He didn’t have the touch to pull it off by himself. He started the Little Brown Truck (I’m still waiting…)

Lies just lies, http://x67.deja.com/[ST_rn=ps]/getdoc.xp?AN=511646402&CONTEXT=980711354.2046099489&hitnum=2 You *literally* could publish a book just from the posts here.  Someone probably will.

Should be called, "Bullshit ‘n Bamboo" Well….for one thing I’d like to declare that George won the bet. I mean…there WAS George, my friends, at the Denver Fly Fishing Show…by God.  In a booth with ginger/honey/burnt blanks there can be no doubt about it. Pay up your flies and shut up your traps busters.

As far as I’m concern G lost the bet cause he did not do by himself! Real world stuff for a guy with a milling machine in the garage.

More correct than a bamboo studio….. He posted *from* his taper computer.  How freakin’ studly is that ?

TAPER COMPUTER!!!!!! Such bullshit…..try a #2 lead pencil. The  first H.H. was read justed with a #2 graphite pencil. All he had was data points from Paul Whitely, what fucking computer program? Walt Winters rod was the basis for what i felt needed to be changed, and so the #2 lead pencil computation change. Tbone stick it in your ear you know nothing cause you wern’t there, I WAS! HT

Response:

Ya know… … Bravo George.

Prattle on if you wish Timbo, but his hubris, deceit, outright lies and character assassination cannot be brushed off as eccentricities or the foibles of an old curmudgeon. George Gehrke is a vile and vicious little man of no character and defending him in this forum is preposterous. — Ken Fortenberry

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I’m looking for F/F classifieds. Used Rods, reels, etc. rgill

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I’m looking for F/F classifieds. Used Rods, reels, etc. rgill

http://flyfish.com/cgibin/bin/ldisplay.cgi?forsale http://flyfishing.com/classifieds/ads/sale.shtml http://www.flyshop.com/Classified/index.html http://www.gorp.com/cl_angle/equipcat.htm http://www.flyanglersonline.com/exchangeboard/ http://cayman.ebay.com/aw/listings/endtoday/category384/index.html Good Luck! -Robert

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Lightweight Float Tube?

Question:

Any recommendations on lightweight float tubes? I have a conventional one but am looking for one to backpack into the MT backcountry lakes that I am  fortunate to live near. I’ve rigged this one on a aluminum frame but anything 3 miles it gets a bit heavy. Caddis makes an ultralight – basic tube w/ no pockets or back. Is this worth the weight savings. Or should I get the Caddis U-Boat? Any thoughts on quality or cost? Thanks.

Response:

Any recommendations on lightweight float tubes?

Even my big ol’ Caddis is backpackable, at least for short distances. Aside from that, spend a little more than you can afford, you’ll be glad you did. Anglerboy

Response:

(John Kelley) writes: Caddis makes an ultralight – basic tube w/ no pockets or back. Is this worth the weight savings. Or should I get the Caddis U-Boat?

My first tube was a caddis ultralight.  It had no backrest and thus only one inflatable compartment.  Two compartments is minimum required by law to use on many lakes in both CA and OR. 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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Fly Fishing Fisherman Wiki » Fly Fishing Rod » FLY FISHING SOFTWARE Information Needed

FLY FISHING SOFTWARE Information Needed

Question:

I am interested in compiling a listing of availabe software for Fly Fishing related topics.  This would include software for fly tying instructions, fly catalogs or logs, rod building, fly casting techniques, etc.  Generally, any topic related to fly fishing in some way that has been set up as a software program.

I have a fre Fishing Log available only for the cost of your download.  I also am about to release an even bigger and more detailed program entitled "Master Angler" which is much more than a log. You can view it on the WWW at the URL on my signature.                  Bob Sheedy                 Master Angler http://www.mbnet.mb.ca/~sheedyr/FISHING.HTM

Response:

I am interested in compiling a listing of availabe software for Fly Fishing related topics.  This would include software for fly tying instructions, fly catalogs or logs, rod building, fly casting techniques, etc.  Generally, any topic related to fly fishing in some way that has been set up as a software program. You can post here or refer the sourcing information to Thank you very much for your assistance.          Rx F Fish "For Your Good Health, Fly Fish" URL=http://www.xnet.com/~rxffish

Response:

I am interested in compiling a listing of availabe software for Fly Fishing related topics.  

I have a free flyfishing database program at www.demon.co.uk/M_Unwin_Books, see the ‘other’ section if you want to download it. Regards Chris Cox

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Fly Fishing Fisherman Wiki » Fly Fish » Oregon fishing

Oregon fishing

Question:

(Curtis Quist) writes: I am looking at moving to the Portland area.  I am tired of the mid-west and the lack of ff for trout in my area.  How much fishing is available within 60 minutes of Portland.  On a scale of 1-10, how good is the fishing in this area. Thanks in advance, Curtis

You could flyfish everyday of the year with a good expectation of catching fish.  What more could a mortal want?

Response:

I am looking at moving to the Portland area.  I am tired of the mid-west and the lack of ff for trout in my area.  How much fishing is available within 60 minutes of Portland.  On a scale of 1-10, how good is the fishing in this area. Thanks in advance, Curtis

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (Curtis Quist) writes: I am looking at moving to the Portland area.  I am tired of the mid-west and the lack of ff for trout in my area.  How much fishing is available within 60 minutes of Portland.  On a scale of 1-10, how good is the fishing in this area. Thanks in advance, Curtis You could flyfish everyday of the year with a good expectation of catching fish.  What more could a mortal want?

Let’s be clearer.  You can flyfish for trout, you can fly fish for steelhead, you can fly fish for salmon, you can flyfish for small mouth and large mouth bass, a few bluegills, and surf fish.  Driving a little further, you can get stripers, the Deschutes ( a fair to middling river), the various high Oregon lakes.   I lived in Portland a few years back, and was so snooty, I wouldn’t drive more than forty five minutes.  Fished 150 days one of those years.  Caught a few.  Had a lot of fun.  That was before the kids came along… Seattle is OK, too.

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Fly Fishing Fisherman Wiki » Flyfishing » WTB_rodbuilding_book

WTB_rodbuilding_book

Question:

Does anyone know where I can find the following rodbuilding book? A Master’s Guide to Building a Bamboo Fly Rod Hoagy B. Carmichael 1977 Marth’s Glen Publishing Co., Katanah, NY 10536 Thanks very much for any help in this regard. BTW, the flyfishing is great this year in Wyoming. Big Horn area especially. Please email me if you know where I can find the book.

I got my reprinted copy from Centennial Pulications in Grand Junction Co. They have a web site "http://www.gorp.com/cl_angle/flyfish/main.htm" or smail is:    256 Nashua Court    Grand Junction, CO 81503 Good Luck, Rick

Response:

        The latest printing and the first printing are both sold out. However, a third edition is supposed to come out late this year or early next year. Higher price though. Try Angler’s Art at 800-848-1020.

Response:

orig snipped<< I got my reprinted copy from Centennial Pulications in Grand Junction Co. They have a web site "http://www.gorp.com/cl_angle/flyfish/main.htm" or smail is: Good Luck, Rick

Well Rick, moving on your advice I stopped by the site you published and was impressed, looks really great. I am also interested in this book and some other ones also, Being a poor dude, I ain’t in the credit card-fed-ex-next-day-instant-gratification< catagory, so I e-mailed title and one other by money order. As the publication is a limited printing and not due out untill sept, (gee I guess thats today) I really wanted to get my order in now, not to mention the times that I have about a hundered and a half bucks to spend on books being pretty rare. I hate to jump to this conclusion, but after a few days, I have a hard time not doing it, as I usually return e-mail with in a few hours, a day at the most. It seems that the color of my money is not good enough for Mr. Bamboo and I am just a little pissed (that’s mad in american for all you Brits) that not only is this title apparently sold out before it was offered, but he has yet to dignify my request for a M.O. purchase. There are shop keeps out there, they too need to earn a living, and by and large that is where I preferr to spend my hard earned wages. I’d like to think that Mr. Bamboo is not the type to read his email and think "Ah, here’s a little punk who thinks he wants to buy my wares, but he’s not going to creditcard his way straight into my purse, so to hell with him".   But thats what it looks like from here. I wish bamboo much success in his on-line venture, I really do. But it doesn’t look like he’ll get my money, But then again, it looks like he doesn’t want it either.

Response:

I HAVE COMMITED AN INJUSTICE HERE orig snipped<< I got my reprinted copy from Centennial Pulications in Grand Junction Co. They have a web site "http://www.gorp.com/cl_angle/flyfish/main.htm" or

My response Well Rick, moving on your advice I stopped by the site you published and was impressed, looks really great. snip< There are shop keeps out there, they too need to earn a living, and by and large that is where I preferr to spend my hard earned wages. I’d like to think that Mr. Bamboo is not the type to read his email and think "Ah, here’s a little punk who thinks he wants to buy my wares, but he’s not going to creditcard his way straight into my purse, so to hell with him".

I should learn to keep my mouth shut, Mr. Bamboo DID respond, after a few days, and took care of me pretty nicely, a lot more nicely than I did him.   I am ashamed, this seems life a very fine outfit, i really wished I’da kept my mouth shut. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I wish bamboo much success in his on-line venture, I really do. But it doesn’t look like he’ll get my money, But then again, it looks like he doesn’t want it either.

Response:

Does anyone know where I can find the following rodbuilding book? A Master’s Guide to Building a Bamboo Fly Rod Hoagy B. Carmichael 1977 Marth’s Glen Publishing Co., Katanah, NY 10536 Thanks very much for any help in this regard. BTW, the flyfishing is great this year in Wyoming. Big Horn area especially. Please email me if you know where I can find the book.

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Fly Fishing Fisherman Wiki » River Fly Fishing » Hampshire, England free rivers

Hampshire, England free rivers

Question:

: I`m looking for free stretches of River that I can `fish a fly` : around the Hampshire area of England. Tried Woodmill, Southampton : but no Trout rising. Perhaps I will try to build a U.K. database : if there is enough interest? : Cheers. I imagine it’s highly unlikely you will find any free fly fishing in the UK, let alone in Hampshire. There may be the odd municipal stretch, though it probably would not be worthwhile. Still, if you discover any do let me know. Nigel — Sussex University, England

Response:

I`m looking for free stretches of River that I can `fish a fly` around the Hampshire area of England. Tried Woodmill, Southampton but no Trout rising. Perhaps I will try to build a U.K. database if there is enough interest? Cheers. —                    Clivey

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Fly Fishing Fisherman Wiki » Fly Fishing » advice from fly shops

advice from fly shops

Question:

I’ve often seen the advice posted to ask a local fly shop about what flies are currently on a stream where I intend to fish and what a good stretch of water is.  If the fly shop is not near my home and therefore I don’t usually take my business there, what is the fair way to compensate them for their advice?  Should I buy a fly or two?  Some fur or feathers?

Sure that’d be good.  But lets say your headed there maybe next month.  In the mean time, give them a call and get their address.  Send them $20 or so, and ask them to gather up a few flies that should be working when you arrive and mail them to you.  Also ask them for a tip on locations, etc. Typically, you’ll get good stuff, probably more than what you actually paid for (lets say the $ covers 10 flies, most times you’ll get a dz anyway), plus you’ll have models for your own tying bench. When you get there, stop in.  You will be warmly greeted by the guy or gal who filled your order, and they’ll remember you as a friend.  Trust me on this- it always has been effective! — Mike Tucker- The Virtual Flyshop, The Complete Resource              Web Page:  http://rmii.com/~flyshop/flyshop.html              Tel. 970-498-8779   FAX 970-491-2585 If you try 970 and it doesn’t work use 303.  Leave it to US WEST to change our area code and not tell the rest of the world……

Response:

I’ve often seen the advice posted to ask a local fly shop about what flies are currently on a stream where I intend to fish and what a good stretch of water is.  If the fly shop is not near my home and therefore I don’t usually take my business there, what is the fair way to compensate them for their advice?  Should I buy a fly or two?  Some fur or feathers?  (I tie my own flies.)  Or do they really not mind some guy coming in, asking about flies and good spots, then walking out? Thanks for the advice/opinions, Dave

Response:

Braunegg) writes: I’ve often seen the advice posted to ask a local fly shop about what flies are currently on a stream where I intend to fish and what a good stretch of water is.  If the fly shop is not near my home and therefore I don’t usually take my business there, what is the fair way to compensate them for their advice?  Should I buy a fly or two?  Some fur or feathers?  (I tie my own flies.)  Or do they really not mind some guy coming in, asking about flies and good spots, then walking out? Thanks for the advice/opinions, Dave

Buy only what you need and try to give them some feedback on your experience so your not the only one getting something out of this. They aren’t running a community service, they are in business! Sharing good locations and tips keeps *customers* comming back so it makes good business sense, but, after a while, they may find that they take a bit longer to get to you…

Response:

I’ve often seen the advice posted to ask a local fly shop about what flies are currently on a stream where I intend to fish and what a good stretch of water is.  If the fly shop is not near my home and therefore I don’t usually take my business there, what is the fair way to compensate them for their advice?  Should I buy a fly or two?  Some fur or feathers?  (I tie my own flies.)  Or do they really not mind some guy coming in, asking about flies and good spots, then walking out?

This is really a nice question to see.  Without deteriorating into a rant, if you go into a fly shop and someone won’t give you the time of day until you flash your AMEX, leave and go elsewhere.  There are too many people who run shops who simply don’t deal with anyone but their perceived "good customers."  Let ‘em starve.  In our shop, everyone I’ve hired remains employed primarily on a customer service basis.  The sales people are not commissioned.  In my mind and the vision of our store, we treat a purchase of a tippet and the purchase of an outfit are equally important.  If I catch someone short-answering any customer, I point out proper behavior. (and most of those guys got jobs with other fly shops . . . strange how that works.) Of course, store-folk are human.  We deal with the 20 questions about this knot, that fly, or those fisheries, many asked in the most unbelievably rude and offensive manner, and every once in a while, our heads start to whirl a bit.   So, as  a previous poster noted, it is nice to call back and return information.  Luckily, this business is still one in which relationships can develop between customers and shop owners.  As a customer, if you feel someone treated you well, return the favor.  If they were unhelpful and rude spend your money elsewhere.   Many times my eventual "best customers" came from a 15 minute phone conversation in which I didn’t make any money at all. Well, got to go open the shop — hope this helps –jim *                                                     *

Response:

If I catch someone short-answering any customer, I point out proper behavior. (and most of those guys got jobs with other fly shops . . . strange how that works.) Luckily, this business is still one in which relationships can develop between customers and shop owners.  As a customer, if you feel someone treated you well, return the favor.  If they were unhelpful and rude spend your money elsewhere.  

Good to see this response from a fly shop owner. Where I live we have three fly shops.  I frequent two of them, and these tow are as happy to see a customer when he’s buying a sppol of tippet (or nothing at all) as when he’s buying a new rod.  The other shop just doesn’t have a friendly atmosphere.  I think the main thing that makes anyone a repeat customer in a fly shop is that they are comfortable there, even if they don’t spend their money.   As consumers, it’s only fair that we support the shops we like.  Don’t go cast a rod at your local shop, and the buy it through mail order because you can save a few bucks.  It’s low class, and it may result in the fly shop not being there the next time you really need something.  Want to wait three weeks for mail order when you need something for the weekend. Just my $0.02

Response:

: I’ve often seen the advice posted to ask a local fly shop about what : flies are currently on a stream where I intend to fish and what a good : stretch of water is.  If the fly shop is not near my home and : therefore I don’t usually take my business there, what is the fair way : to compensate them for their advice?  Should I buy a fly or two?  Some : fur or feathers?  (I tie my own flies.)  Or do they really not mind : some guy coming in, asking about flies and good spots, then walking : out? : Thanks for the advice/opinions, : Dave         The easiest thing to do is to buy some of the flies that they recommend whether you tie or not there has to be something that you don’t have.         Rick

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Braunegg) writes: I’ve often seen the advice posted to ask a local fly shop about what flies are currently on a stream where I intend to fish and what a good stretch of water is.  If the fly shop is not near my home and therefore I don’t usually take my business there, what is the fair way to compensate them for their advice?  Should I buy a fly or two?  Some fur or feathers?  (I tie my own flies.)  Or do they really not mind some guy coming in, asking about flies and good spots, then walking out? Thanks for the advice/opinions, Dave Buy only what you need and try to give them some feedback on your experience so your not the only one getting something out of this. They aren’t running a community service, they are in business! Sharing good locations and tips keeps *customers* comming back so it makes good business sense, but, after a while, they may find that they take a bit longer to get to you…

Hi, I hate quoting quotes, but to follow this up… We welcome people just dropping in and chatting about NS and where to flyfish. I even went so far as to put in a map and a bl;ackboard and some markers for the map, and we made a "community fishing bulletin board- the old style not electronic!). Why I don’t mind, even if you don’t buy then, is that someday you will weant to buy, and hopefully you’ll remember us – In the meantime…. Tight Lines Bill Curry Tight Lines Tackle Shop and Guide Service Lockeport, Nova Scotia Canada   B0T 1L0 902-656-3329 (ph and fax)

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Fly Fishing Fisherman Wiki » Fly Fishing » Rod Building Tips?

Rod Building Tips?

Question:

Quoting lauraoli from a message in rec.outdoors.fishing.fly    If  anyone has sources for    materials at good prices I would be interested in that as well.  Thank    you in advance! Try     Anglers Workshop         P.O. Box 1044         1350 Atlantic         Woodland, Wa. 1044         1-206-225-9445         1-206-225-6359 Jim in Southern California `[1;30;47mRainbow V 1.06 for Delphi – Registered

Response:

I have built two rods.  I bought the cork handle, reel seat, and guides from Angler’s Workshop in Woodland, WA., for the last rod and beleive I got a very good deal from them.  I bought my epoxy glue for the handle, thread and wrapping finish from them.  They have been very helpful.  For books, I have Skip Morris’s and L.A. Garcia’s.  I like both, but if I only had one I would use Skip’s.  They may be in your library.  For tools,  I bought a reamer for the cork handle.  The wrapping finish kit had syringes for measuring and brushes for applying.  I make my own rod support and used a book to develop the trhead tension like Morris explained in his book.  I bought a pen tip and ink as he suggested for the inscription at a stationary store.  Masking tape, tip top adhesive,   and some fine sandpaper and that is about it.  I would get Morris’s book and work with Angler’s Workshop.  I do not think they will try to sell you what you do not need.  Call them at 206-225-9445 and they will send you a catalog.  Both rods have come out nice.  One is a Sage 9′ 6 wt, and the other is a St. Croix 8′6" 5/6 wt pack rod.

Response:

Summary: Keywords: Hello, I am attemping to build my first rod.  I have sent off for a book on building rods, but I am interested in information from some people that  have actually tied your own rod.  What materials and equipment will I just HAVE to have?  I have my blank already.  But I would like a few tips on things to watch for and supplies I need and those I might can do   with out. Also, If  anyone has sources for materials at good prices I would be interested in that as well.  Thank you in advance! Fish whenever you can and dream about it when you can’t! Thanks again, Kelli B. c/o RLaura Oliveri

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