Question:

| One of the benefits of living out on the California coast is the ability | to fly across the ocean with a view of a rugged coastline and | breathtaking, pristine wilderness.  I did this today, took off from my | home airport at Little River and flew over the village of Mendocino and | out a few miles offshore to practice some stalls and look at the | continent. | | I was at about 2500 feet when I looked down and saw an interesting boat, | very long.. hey, is it submerged?  That looks like another one next to | it….  and then it dawns on me that they are two whales swimming north | at about 5 knots.  I compared their size with a fishing boat 1/2 mile | away and realized that they were at least 80 feet long and were probably | blue whales, which do migrate past Mendocino point a few times a year. | | I circled them a few times and then left them alone to continue their | journey.  Quite amazing. That is one of the benefits of ‘flying’.  And it doesn’t matter where you live.  Just the scenery is different. I saw a nest in some high power towers.  On closer examination it was an Osprey nest and there were two young Ospreys in it.  I did ‘turns around a point’ several times.  Then my instructor said that we should leave now.  He said that the parent Ospreys are very protective and will attack your plane from below.  The Osprey doesn’t win, but neither do you.  Apparently he had some experience with some.  But it was neat. I wish I could have seen your whales.  Maybe someday … — Rob http://www.dnc.net/users/rlmiller/

Response:

Tops are high enough, though the bottoms are the problem when the marine layer creeps onshore.  Little River is often socked in at 200ft on the west end and clear as a bell on the east end.  My house 10 miles north is that way all the time too during the summer.  Today, for example, it was very clear at 11am when I went up, though there was no horizon due to the marine layer about 15 miles out.  By afternoon it was onshore—it was foggy in town but clear at my place, probably similar situation at the airport. Weather is a fascinating lesson in geography. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tops generally high enough to sock in Little River? seriously, seems to be around until 10am or so, then back mid-afternoon.  We have a high offshore today and relatively warm weather which helps drive things out early, though I hear the subsequent trough is building and we will have more fog and wetness over the weekend.  So much for working in the garden (or going flying)

Response:

Thanks.  I like to listen to "local knowledge" when it’s available. Don – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tops are high enough, though the bottoms are the problem when the marine layer creeps onshore.  Little River is often socked in at 200ft on the west end and clear as a bell on the east end.  My house 10 miles north is that way all the time too during the summer.  Today, for example, it was very clear at 11am when I went up, though there was no horizon due to the marine layer about 15 miles out.  By afternoon it was onshore—it was foggy in town but clear at my place, probably similar situation at the airport. Weather is a fascinating lesson in geography. Tops generally high enough to sock in Little River? seriously, seems to be around until 10am or so, then back mid-afternoon.  We have a high offshore today and relatively warm weather which helps drive things out early, though I hear the subsequent trough is building and we will have more fog and wetness over the weekend.  So much for working in the garden (or going flying)

Response:

Tops generally high enough to sock in Little River? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – schedule?  not much of a schedule unless you count "always present" seriously, seems to be around until 10am or so, then back mid-afternoon.  We have a high offshore today and relatively warm weather which helps drive things out early, though I hear the subsequent trough is building and we will have more fog and wetness over the weekend.  So much for working in the garden (or going flying) Cool.  What kind of schedule is the costal stratus on this time of year? Don One of the benefits of living out on the California coast is the ability to fly across the ocean with a view of a rugged coastline and breathtaking, pristine wilderness.  I did this today, took off from my home airport at Little River and flew over the village of Mendocino and out a few miles offshore to practice some stalls and look at the continent. I was at about 2500 feet when I looked down and saw an interesting boat, very long.. hey, is it submerged?  That looks like another one next to it….  and then it dawns on me that they are two whales swimming north at about 5 knots.  I compared their size with a fishing boat 1/2 mile away and realized that they were at least 80 feet long and were probably blue whales, which do migrate past Mendocino point a few times a year. I circled them a few times and then left them alone to continue their journey.  Quite amazing.

Response:

schedule?  not much of a schedule unless you count "always present" seriously, seems to be around until 10am or so, then back mid-afternoon.  We have a high offshore today and relatively warm weather which helps drive things out early, though I hear the subsequent trough is building and we will have more fog and wetness over the weekend.  So much for working in the garden (or going flying) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Cool.  What kind of schedule is the costal stratus on this time of year? Don One of the benefits of living out on the California coast is the ability to fly across the ocean with a view of a rugged coastline and breathtaking, pristine wilderness.  I did this today, took off from my home airport at Little River and flew over the village of Mendocino and out a few miles offshore to practice some stalls and look at the continent. I was at about 2500 feet when I looked down and saw an interesting boat, very long.. hey, is it submerged?  That looks like another one next to it….  and then it dawns on me that they are two whales swimming north at about 5 knots.  I compared their size with a fishing boat 1/2 mile away and realized that they were at least 80 feet long and were probably blue whales, which do migrate past Mendocino point a few times a year. I circled them a few times and then left them alone to continue their journey.  Quite amazing.

Response:

Cool.  What kind of schedule is the costal stratus on this time of year? Don – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – One of the benefits of living out on the California coast is the ability to fly across the ocean with a view of a rugged coastline and breathtaking, pristine wilderness.  I did this today, took off from my home airport at Little River and flew over the village of Mendocino and out a few miles offshore to practice some stalls and look at the continent. I was at about 2500 feet when I looked down and saw an interesting boat, very long.. hey, is it submerged?  That looks like another one next to it….  and then it dawns on me that they are two whales swimming north at about 5 knots.  I compared their size with a fishing boat 1/2 mile away and realized that they were at least 80 feet long and were probably blue whales, which do migrate past Mendocino point a few times a year. I circled them a few times and then left them alone to continue their journey.  Quite amazing.

Response:

One of the benefits of living out on the California coast is the ability to fly across the ocean with a view of a rugged coastline and breathtaking, pristine wilderness.  I did this today, took off from my home airport at Little River and flew over the village of Mendocino and out a few miles offshore to practice some stalls and look at the continent. I was at about 2500 feet when I looked down and saw an interesting boat, very long.. hey, is it submerged?  That looks like another one next to it….  and then it dawns on me that they are two whales swimming north at about 5 knots.  I compared their size with a fishing boat 1/2 mile away and realized that they were at least 80 feet long and were probably blue whales, which do migrate past Mendocino point a few times a year. I circled them a few times and then left them alone to continue their journey.  Quite amazing.

Response:

Question:

Does anyone know how far away from the International Airport the Jungle Paw is? We are spending 3 nights there and then driving to the Green Parrot for a few days. I’ve read that the roads are pretty rough, I just need to know first hand how much time to allot.                                        Thanks, Mike&Anne ps. also any opinions of these places would be appreciated.

Response:

Hi Mike & Anne, I just checked the their web site and it says it is 75 minutes from the International airport outside Belize City. http://www.jaguarpaw.com/ The Green Parrot Resort is on the coast about 7 miles north of Placencia in Southern Belize. http://www.greenparrot-belize.com/index.html If you need any help getting around in Belize, just email Margie Perez, she is a good local travel agent at the airport outside of Belize City. My specialty is fishing in Belize. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone know how far away from the International Airport the Jungle Paw is? We are spending 3 nights there and then driving to the Green Parrot for a few days. I’ve read that the roads are pretty rough, I just need to know first hand how much time to allot.                                        Thanks, Mike&Anne ps. also any opinions of these places would be appreciated.

Response:

Mike, Was in Belize this past June, beautiful country!   Jaguar Paw is about 60 minutes from the airport.  The roads you’ll be driving aren’t rough at all, except down towards Placencia.  Take your time and enjoy the ride, and watch out for speed bumps.  Enjoy! -Carl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone know how far away from the International Airport the Jungle Paw is? We are spending 3 nights there and then driving to the Green Parrot for a few days. I’ve read that the roads are pretty rough, I just need to know first hand how much time to allot.                                       Thanks, Mike&Anne ps. also any opinions of these places would be appreciated.

Response:

Thanks to Carl and Bill for their time and infomation. Mike&Anne

Response:

We are planning a trip in January to Belize. Unlike other tropical spots there is little on the hotel/resort ratings.  We are looking at Roberts Grove in Placencia, the Lighthouse Reef Resort, Lighthouse Reef and at Little Water Caye.  Any suggestions?  We are looking for something, clean, on the Hyatt Regency sort of standards of living… Before you buy.

Response:

We are planning a trip in January to Belize. Unlike other tropical spots there is little on the hotel/resort ratings.  We are looking at Roberts Grove in Placencia, the Lighthouse Reef Resort, Lighthouse Reef and at Little Water Caye.  Any suggestions?  We are looking for something, clean, on the Hyatt Regency sort of standards of living… My Belize Book of Lists 2000 (hint:  it’s available via Amazon.com, Barnes&Noble.com, etc.!) does rate and rank hotels in all areas of Belize. Below are samples. There are some wonderful places in Belize, but if you are looking for big, glitzy resorts on the Hyatt Regency scale, Belize is probaly the wrong place. –Lan Sluder Editor & Publisher Belize First Magazine http://www.turq.com/belizefirst/ 10 Top Mainland Seaside Resorts Mainland beaches aren

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:

A friend of mine gave me a BlackBeauty fishing pole by South Bend). It’s a collapsible graphite fishing POLE (10ft).  I plan to let my two small kids (age 6 & 3) use it to fish for bream (bluegills) on a small pond (I will assist).  My questions are: 1) What type of line should I use (4lb mono, braid nylon, etc)? 2) How long should the line be? 3) What kind of lures can I use (dry flies,wet, poppers,worms)?         If dry flies, will the 4lb mono & the fly both float? 4) How do I cast it?  Do I just flip it or shoot it like a slingshot? Thanks, Jimmy Jimmy D. Geek Remove the "NOJUNKMAIL." to send me email

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A friend of mine gave me a BlackBeauty fishing pole by South Bend). It’s a collapsible graphite fishing POLE (10ft).  I plan to let my two small kids (age 6 & 3) use it to fish for bream (bluegills) on a small pond (I will assist).  My questions are: 1) What type of line should I use (4lb mono, braid nylon, etc)? 2) How long should the line be? 3) What kind of lures can I use (dry flies,wet, poppers,worms)?    If dry flies, will the 4lb mono & the fly both float? 4) How do I cast it?  Do I just flip it or shoot it like a slingshot?

For best results, tie about 7 or 8 feet of 4 to 6 lb. line on and put a small bobber about a foot from the end. Put on a #4 or 6 light wire hook and a split shot sinker a couple of inches above the hook. Use worms, crickets or whatever is available, even a small piece of bologna will work for bream, and let the kids master the simple method first. Then as they get older, you can introduce them to fly fishing .  To cast it, just hold the rod up high and swing the line out like a pendelum and drop it in the water. Mark http://members.aol.com/swaters1/index.html

Response:

Question:

Okay… Anyone know what kind of glue to use for a double bunny.  YES, I know there’s  a tying newsgroup. NO, I don’t care that I’m posting this here.

I use waterproof contact cement available at many hobby shops.   Seems to offer the best flexibility.         Jeff Lewis

Response:

We use the spray stuff–a 3M product–777 or something like that, I forget.  And yes, it does stiffen it enough (in my experience) to reduce fouling to an acceptable level.  (of course, I find it acceptable to hook myself in the ass only once or twice a trip.) Dave

Response:

I would assume (Danger Will Robinson… Danger!) that glued together there would be much less of a problem with the bunny strips tangling in the hook bend.  Anyone have any experience one way or the other?

Hi The bunny strips will still tangle but if you put a small loop of monofilament as a kind of tail on the back of your hook either under the glued together strips or sandwiched between the strips you’ll solve the tangle problem. Good Tying & … — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products On line catalog – tips & tricks at: http://www.btsflyfishing.com

Response:

Hi-   Lash a small short strip of X ray film so that it extends a bit beyond the bend. Not a cure all but it does reduce the tangle problem to a manageable level.    Extend the X Ray film well beyond the eye of the hook and bend at a 45 degree angle. Now you have a Wriggle Bunny. Just kidding. Honest;-)    -Ralph I would assume (Danger Will Robinson… Danger!) that glued together there would be much less of a problem with the bunny strips tangling in the hook bend.  Anyone have any experience one way or the other?

California School of Flyfishing. Fishing conditions, hatch charts, product reviews, tips, techniques and more.  http://www.FLYLINE.com

Response:

Okay… Anyone know what kind of glue to use for a double bunny.  YES, I know there’s  a tying newsgroup. NO, I don’t care that I’m posting this here.

Hi I use Zap A Gap with good success. I suppose a flexible 5 minute epoxy would work as well. — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products On line catalog – tips & tricks at: http://www.btsflyfishing.com

Response:

Okay… Anyone know what kind of glue to use for a double bunny.  YES, I know there’s  a tying newsgroup. NO, I don’t care that I’m posting this here.

[Insert rebel yell here] Shall I change the header to "Let’s kill .tying", or do you want to ?  Just kidding John F…. Big Ol’ <{g… God I love this place… RE: this thread… While I have long watched from a distance the creations involving silicone, cyanocrylics and Martha Stuart’s Hot Glue, I have yet to use them…I do not even use head cement…I see no need whatsoever to glue down the stips on a double bunny.  I might throw some copper ribbing to tie ‘em down, but glue is yukky. YMWV. — TimW Halfordian Golfer

Response:

RE: this thread… While I have long watched from a distance the creations involving silicone, cyanocrylics and Martha Stuart’s Hot Glue, I have yet to use them…I do not even use head cement…I see no need whatsoever to glue down the stips on a double bunny.  I might throw some copper ribbing to tie ‘em down, but glue is yukky. YMWV.

I would assume (Danger Will Robinson… Danger!) that glued together there would be much less of a problem with the bunny strips tangling in the hook bend.  Anyone have any experience one way or the other?

Response:

Okay… Anyone know what kind of glue to use for a double bunny.  YES, I know there’s  a tying newsgroup. NO, I don’t care that I’m posting this here.

Response:

Okay… Anyone know what kind of glue to use for a double bunny.  YES, I know there’s  a tying newsgroup. NO, I don’t care that I’m posting this here.

Barge Cement. Ralph H "…      the sabbath rang slowly      in the pebbles of the holy streams!" Dylan Thomas, "Fern Hill"

Response:

Question:

I need some advice about a second flyrod.  I have used four rods for the past 22 years and all have been for 8 wt. line.  The majority of my fishing is for Largemouth.  I think I would like a 4 piece 8.5 to 9 foot in size 4, 5 or 6.  I would use it for small pond bass, bluegill, carp and small river smallmouth.  I would be tossing smaller (size 4 and down) muddlers, clousers and topwaters.  I want something fun that can cast a decent distance and with enough backbone to get a decent size fish in.  Since I have been in an 8 wt. rut all my life and don’t have any experience with these other weights I really appreciate your help.  One additional thing. I will likely purchase an Orvis (no flaming please) Silver Label and need to decide on tip, mid, or full flex also. Jay Kidwell

Response:

I need some advice about a second flyrod.  I have used four rods for the past 22 years and all have been for 8 wt. line.  The majority of my fishing is for Largemouth.  I think I would like a 4 piece 8.5 to 9 foot in size 4, 5 or 6.  I would use it for small pond bass, bluegill, carp and small river smallmouth.  I would be tossing smaller (size 4 and down) muddlers, clousers and topwaters.  I want something fun that can cast a decent distance and with enough backbone to get a decent size fish in.  Since I have been in an 8 wt. rut all my life and don’t have any experience with these other weights I really appreciate your help.  One additional thing. I will likely purchase an Orvis (no flaming please) Silver Label and need to decide on tip, mid, or full flex also. Jay Kidwell

Hi Jay, You will notice a large difference with a #6 outfit as it will be 2 sizes smaller than you have been using. You can go to a #5 if you think it would be better, but a #4 sounds a bit light. Three or four piece rods are really catching on in northern California. The 9 foot length would be nice for deep wading or float tubing. I would hope that you could cast some rods before purchasing one, if possible. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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I need some advice about a second flyrod.  I have used four rods for the past 22 years and all have been for 8 wt. line.  The majority of my fishing is for Largemouth.  I think I would like a 4 piece 8.5 to 9 foot in size 4, 5 or 6.  I would use it for small pond bass, bluegill, carp and small river smallmouth.  I would be tossing smaller (size 4 and down) muddlers, clousers and topwaters.  I want something fun that can cast a decent distance and with enough backbone to get a decent size fish in.  Since I have been in an 8 wt. rut all my life and don’t have any experience with these other weights I really appreciate your help.  One additional thing. I will likely purchase an Orvis (no flaming please) Silver Label and need to decide on tip, mid, or full flex also.

Hi Jay, I’d recommend a 6 wt. for the type of fishing you’ll be doing.  This will be much lighter than the 8 wt. you’ve been using, yet will still have the necessary power to cast the flies needed for smallmouth and still have a good time when you get them on the line.  The 4 and 5 weight lines are better trout rods & more typically used for size 10 flies and smaller.  The 5 wt. works fine for tossing the occasional larger streamer (size 8 or 6),but is not the best choice for a steady diet of them.  The 4 wt. doesn’t throw them well at all. Whether to buy a tip-flex, mid-flex, or full-flex rod depends a lot on your casting style and the type of fishing you’ll be doing.   The tip flex rods throw tighter loops more easily (most accurate and they cast well into the wind), but you really need to use a "fore-arm" casting style to use them easily and effectively.  If you use your fore-arm as the primary lever in your casting stroke you will cast this type of rod easily and you will get the most performance for the least effort.  Keep in mind this action is the least forgiving when playing the fish. If you use mostly wrist in your casting stroke, you’ll probably prefer a mid-flex or full-flex rod that loads more easily using your wrist as the primary lever.  Wrist casters have a very tough time even getting the tip-flex rods to bend because they are using a very short lever (the wrist), and the forearm muscles used to move the lever are not nearly as strong as the biceps and triceps which are used when making a fore-arm stroke.  Wrist casters typically prefer the full-flex rods because they load so easily with such little effort.  Many casters, regardless of casting style, like this type of rod for fishing light lines (4 wt. and lighter) in close conditions where short casts and roll casts are the norm and range of arm motion is restricted.  Full flex rods are the most forgiving of mistakes when fighting fish. Mid-flex rods tend to throw loops that are not as consistently tight as tip-flex rods and are often preferred by those who use more wrist in their cast, but still use the forearm to initiate the stroke.  Wider loops (within reason) are often preferred when casting larger, heavier flies, or nymph and indicator rigs.  They don’t tangle as often from rapidly dropping flies. Mid-flex rods still load fairly easily even with a fair amount of wrist in the casting stroke.  This type of rod is also more forgiving of mistakes than the tip-flex while playing fish. What it all comes down to is what feels good to you.  You need to cast these different rods to see which you like.  If you were new to fly fishing, I’d recommend you learn to use the forearm stroke in your casting and get the tip-flex rod for the best effort/preformance ratio afforded by them.  However, if a person has been fishing for years, they are not likely to change their casting stroke and the best choice is to get a rod that works well with your casting style. I’d recommend you look at the Orvis Silver Label PM-10 906 ($250, 9 ft. 6 wt.) for a tip flex rod, the Silver Label HLS Cutthroat ($250, 9ft. 6wt.) for a mid-flex rod, and the Silver Label Limestone special ($235, 8 1/2 ft. 6wt.) for a full flex rod.  All of these Silver Label rods offer the same performance as their more expensive premium versions but use less expensive cosmetics.   The PM-10 Silver and HLS Silver rods will also cast a 7 wt. line if you need it for larger flies and windier conditions.  The Limestone Special will wallow around if you try to overline it. ;^)                                            Hope this helps,                                                       Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools

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Question:

I am looking for anyone that remembers an old lure called the Blue River Spinner . Its origin is believed to be in Southern Indiana and the maker from Shelbyville. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

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Being from southern Indiana and having spent forty years in the tackle industry to boot, I am sorry to say that I only recall the name but not any of the specifics about the lure itself. I will certainly research it for you and if I come up with anything, I will pass it along. Best Regards, I am looking for anyone that remembers an old lure called the Blue River Spinner . Its origin is believed to be in Southern Indiana and the maker from Shelbyville. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

         Trent Roberson            Rx F Fish  For Your Good Health, Fly Fish URL=http://www.xnet.com/~rxffish

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Question:

TESTAMENT OF A "YUFFIE" I fish because I love to shop in Orvis shops. Because I love to flash my Gold Visa card, which makes me invaribly important and visually impressive on C&R waters; and makes me hate the open waters,where C&K people are found,because they invaribly do not spend as much money, to be as "SPECIAL" as me.

Most of the C&R enthusiasts in my area are blue-collar tradesmen: carpenters, plumbers, guys who work for the phone company or the electrical company.  They are the strongest supporters of C&R waters near their homes, because they can’t afford rich peoples’ trips to exotic locations.  They know that if there is to be quality fishing for themselves and their children, it’s got to be available close to home. Because of all the television commercials, flyfishing chat at cocktail parties, and social acceptibility of C&R in assorted social posturings. I’m socially and politically correct.

Well, now that it’s so unfashionable to insult blacks or women, I guess you’re free to make fun of C&R fishermen.  Go ahead with your own posturings; our shoulders are broad.  Have a good time.  Why let the facts interfere with your fun? Woods Hole, MA   USA

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Did you check your sense of humor at the door this morning Bob?  I think Nancy is simply issuing a humorous barb to TBone (formally Tim I assume) Walker and not universally condeming C&R parctices. Andy

You might be right, Andy.  Still, I like to laugh with people, not at them. Woods Hole, MA   USA

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Well, now that it’s so unfashionable to insult blacks or women, I guess you’re free to make fun of C&R fishermen.  Go ahead with your own posturings; our shoulders are broad.  Have a good time.  Why let the facts interfere with your fun? Woods Hole, MA   USA

Did you check your sense of humor at the door this morning Bob?  I think Nancy is simply issuing a humorous barb to TBone (formally Tim I assume) Walker and not universally condeming C&R parctices. Andy

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  Its about time the flyfishing newsgroup made it big. Prodigy to my suprise has a new nationally televised commercial featuring flyfishing chat on the Internet. I hope we get many more folks online. If your on the net and a Flyfishing person                          Crystal Flats Guide Service                          Captain Cliff Fleming                          South Padre Island Texas

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:   Its about time the flyfishing newsgroup made it big. Prodigy to my : suprise has a new nationally televised commercial featuring flyfishing : chat on the Internet. I hope we get many more folks online. If your on the : net and a Flyfishing person I was under the impression that the advertisement was for a Prodigy group of ffing, probably called a forum.  There is a difference between online providers and the Internet and Usenet newsgroups and Online provider newsgroups. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    |  These University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    |  opinions Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. |  are mine.

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Question:

   January 10 I will be taking a trip to Western Georgia, Raven Gap to be precise.  I have never fished this area and was wondering if anyone could supply me with information regarding waters in this region.  I could use any help you can offer: names and locations of streams and rivers, possible patterns, weather conditions, or perhaps the name and/or number of tackle shops in the area. Thanks in advance, Peter Johnson

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(Matthew H. Hsu) writes:

<<January 10 I will be taking a trip to Western Georgia, Raven Gap to be precise. <<…. Could use any help you can offer, …. Unfortunately, most of Georgia’s trout water will be unavailable to you due to season being closed. Also the western part of the state is not "known" for its trout waters. The Toccoa Rivers & Chattooga Rivers are open year round. as well as a few other smaller streams in the area. Anyway, I use general attracter patterns such as Royal Wulffs for dries and usually have success with small BWO’s. Streamers (buggers & muddler minnows, as well as terrestial imitations are usually good). I don’t do nymphs so can’t help there. Fly shops, the only thing close to a fly shop I know of in north western GA is the Bargain Barn in Jasper GA. There are three shops in Atlanta (Atlanta Fly Fishing Outfitters, The Classic Angler, and The Fish Hawk). The Bargain Barn will probably do a better job of directing you to the year-round water. Anyway, if you are close enough to TN or NC, suggest try and fish there since those state’s essentially have a year round season (some exceptions in NC). Check with the Choo-Choo fly shop in Chattanooga TN for more current info. E-mail me if you need more specific information. Wayne Knight Atlanta, GA

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: Anyway, I use general attracter patterns such as Royal Wulffs for dries : and usually have success with small BWO’s. Streamers (buggers & muddler : minnows, as well as terrestial imitations are usually good). I don’t do : nymphs so can’t help there. I’d suggest a hare’s ear.  my favorite for northern GA.   Steve

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