Question:

Does anybody have experience using sink-tip lines and weighted leaders?  Is there a difference?  I’m contemplating trying one or both to get down to the deeper holes yet still have natural nymph action. I don’t like rocks with fur and feathers attached.

I wouldn’t use a sink tip or a fast sink leader for deep nymphing, except on stillwater. Try using a really long tippet (NOT a tapered leader) below the indicator, assuming you use one. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

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I wouldn’t use a sink tip or a fast sink leader for deep nymphing, except on stillwater. Try using a really long tippet (NOT a tapered leader) below the indicator, assuming you use one.

Charlie Brooks caught lots of big trout by deep nymphing with a full-sinking line. OTOH, he mentioned in one of his books that the technique isn’t very popular, even among those who have learned it well, because most fishermen don’t find it all that enjoyable. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyoming

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I wouldn’t use a sink tip or a fast sink leader for deep nymphing, except on stillwater. Try using a really long tippet (NOT a tapered leader) below the indicator, assuming you use one. Charlie Brooks caught lots of big trout by deep nymphing with a full-sinking line. OTOH, he mentioned in one of his books that the technique isn’t very popular, even among those who have learned it well, because most fishermen don’t find it all that enjoyable.

My problem with it isn’t that it’s not enjoyable, Rusty. I’ll take an occasional big fish over "enjoyment" any time. My problem is that it’s much harder, if not impossible, to get a drag-free drift in moving water with a sink tip. In stillwater you usually want to put action on the nymph, so it’s not a problem. It seems to me like the best approach, if you want a drag free drift, is to use tippet all the way from the top to the bottom. BTW, I don’t claim to be any good at getting drag free drifts. I’m still learning, and probably always will be. P.S. I loved your retort to Phillipo. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

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Does anybody have experience using sink-tip lines and weighted leaders?  Is there a difference?  I’m contemplating trying one or both to get down to the deeper holes yet still have natural nymph action. I don’t like rocks with fur and feathers attached.

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Jim Benenson writes: Does anybody have experience using sink-tip lines and weighted leaders?  Is there a difference?  I’m contemplating trying one or both to get down to the deeper holes yet still have natural nymph action. I don’t like rocks with fur and feathers attached.

Either will get you down to the deeper holes, but the sink tip line will be more difficult to mend.  I generally use a 9 foot leader/tippet and split shot to get the nymph down.  However, if you are talking deeper runs, a 12 foot leader might be a better choice.  I try to keep as much line off (or in) the water as possible when nymphing – it gives a better drift and makes strikes easier to see.   Dave

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Does anybody have experience using sink-tip lines and weighted leaders?  Is there a difference?  I’m contemplating trying one or both to get down to the deeper holes yet still have natural nymph action. I don’t like rocks with fur and feathers attached.

I think that it’s difficult to get a dead drift, if that’s what you’re after, in a stream or river using a sinking line.  A sinking line is going to put lots of drag on the fly which can be useful for fishing streamers or in a FEW nymphing situations, but overall weight on the leader works better. Willi

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Question:

I’m planning a 9 day flyfishing trip to the northern Calif area and plan to visit areas like  Hat Creek, McCloud, Truckee, Owens, etc. When would be the best time to do this between early August and October? Thanks.

Response:

Skiroc,    Any time after school starts. Ernie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m planning a 9 day flyfishing trip to the northern Calif area and plan to visit areas like  Hat Creek, McCloud, Truckee, Owens, etc. When would be the best time to do this between early August and October? Thanks.

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To minimize backroad travel. I would checkout deer hunting seasons on the places you are going. FWIW, if you are going to fish Hat Creek, and maybe wonder on East and fish Fall River, then I suggest you head on East to Alturas in California’s most Northeast county then go South on 395 to Likely California and go East into the Warner Mountains Wilderness area.  They have a Red Band strain of the McCloud Rainbow that is truly a magnificent fish to catch and release. There are a number of lakes and streams in the area that are an easy hike in with float tube.  Due to the sensitive nature of the habitat of these very special animals, this is all of the info I’ll post but for more info e-mail me. Compared to the hordes of folk at Hat Creek, Truckee and Walker, this area will knock your socks off at the lack of people.  I think Alturas, the county seat of Lompoc county has, uh 3 stoplights?  This beautiful part of the West (NW Nevada, SCentral Oregon NE California) is remote 4×4, tent camping off the road fishing on small high mountain streams and high country lakes. Unlike those other places, when the jokers run out of Powerbait here, there aint no 7/11 nearby! Enjoy! John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m planning a 9 day flyfishing trip to the northern Calif area and plan to visit areas like  Hat Creek, McCloud, Truckee, Owens, etc. When would be the best time to do this between early August and October? Thanks.

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Question:

If anyone going there try the Thunder Creek series of Streamers about size 4 in Brown and dirty yellow belley- Killers – Almost a fish per cast on Saturday 11-14-98

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I have Keith Fulsher’s "Tying and Fishing the Thunder Creek Series". They are my favorite streamers and I have always done well with them. — Ernie Harrison Fly Fishing Books, Blood Knot Machine Wading Boots, Making Rods, Fly Tying Box Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If anyone going there try the Thunder Creek series of Streamers about size 4 in Brown and dirty yellow belley- Killers – Almost a fish per cast on Saturday 11-14-98

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Question:

I live in Manhattan, and don’t have a car.  I want to take the train to Kensico Resevoir.  Does anyone know where I can fish this resevoir from the bank? Also, do you know other places I can fly Fish via public transportaion? Thanks, Randy Kadish

Response:

I live in Manhattan, and don’t have a car.  I want to take the train to Kensico Resevoir.  Does anyone know where I can fish this resevoir from the bank? Also, do you know other places I can fly Fish via public transportaion? Thanks, Randy Kadish

Randy – I have absolutely no idea, but I am very interested in seeing any replies – hope you get some.  Public transportation to flyfishin – real dedication.  What about packing up a float tube to take to the lake?  Might be doable. mark Faulkner

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Don’t know about public tranportation( probably railroad to neareat town and then taxi) However, I believe in addition to your license you’ll need a reservoir permit. They’re available from one of the NYC gov’t offices in Mahattan. You used to need some photos and it was free and good forever. May not be true now. If you can’t find the office(dept of water?) call urban Anler , Capitol tackle oe or Orvis, someone wil have the info They may even know a way to get there with public transit. gerry

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I believe in addition to your license you’ll need a reservoir permit. They’re available from one of the NYC gov’t offices in Mahattan. You used to need some photos and it was free and good forever. May not be true now. gerry

It is not true now. NYC watershed permits no longer require a photo and are good for five years.  As for public transportation to good fly fishing, it is definitely possible. I can think of two prime spots near train stations on Metro North’s Harlem line.

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I can think of the same places along the Metro North Hudson line. Better get Jim Capposella’s book, "Good Fishing Within 50 Miles of New York City" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I live in Manhattan, and don’t have a car.  I want to take the train to Kensico Resevoir.  Does anyone know where I can fish this resevoir from the bank? Also, do you know other places I can fly Fish via public transportaion? Thanks, Randy Kadish

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Kensico, like most of the Croton Watershed reservoirs, is not easily fishable from shore because of steep dropoffs. Also, belly boats and the like are forbidden. In fact, there are a number of restrictions, rules etc. for fishing this water because it’s owned by NYC. You will need a special watershed permit, as well. Having said that, why not consider the connecting streams? The West Branch of the Croton, the Amawalk and, especially, the East Branch of the Croton offer fine fishing easily accessible from Metro-North. The Croton TU chapter published a very fine guide to the area some years ago and some of the local shops still carry it.

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If the Bedford Sportsman in Bedford, NY is still around , they may have those maps. gerry

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Go talk to Edwin Valentin at the Urban Angler in NYC.  Though not so often now, in the past he used to take the Metro North train all the time up to the East Branch of the Croton.  He’d get let off in Brewster, then either hop a cab or walk to the stream.

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Question:

Can anyone tell me how the Yakima is fishing right now. Any info on its condition would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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Last I heard (Last Saturday) it was very slow fishing. It won’t be long before the yellow stones are out though so fishing should pick up soon! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone tell me how the Yakima is fishing right now. Any info on its condition would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Response:

If you’re lucky you may find a great PMD hatch. Size 18 to 20 compara duns would then work great. Most fish would be a few inches from bank where mayflies congregate in the bushes. If you are unlucky and the river is as high as I think it will be a flashy bead head nymph under a royal wulff may do the trick. Check with Red’s Fly shop in the canyon for up to date info. Good luck Herb

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I’m heading out to the Yakima in about a week and a half.  Can anyone out there give me some information on the fishing conditions, hatches etc. Thanks in advance. RRS

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I’m heading out to the Yakima in about a week and a half.  Can anyone out there give me some information on the fishing conditions, hatches etc. Thanks in advance. RRS

It’s blown and cold right now.  Might be better soon. Call Cooper’s FLy Shop in Ellensburg, WA, 509 area code, for up to date data.  Creekside in Issaquah will have reasonable info, but is further from the river. they’re at 206-392-3800.

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I fished this river last Thursday (the 23rd) and I’m going again this coming Saturday. The river had just blown out and was pretty murky, however I did catch one fish, and they WERE actually out feeding, on what I do not know… I couldn’t make out any discernable hatch. But I caught my fish with a #12 Royal Humpy. They weren’t eating the stones I threw at them. Hopefully the river will be back down to more fishable access by Saturday, otherwise i’ll be doing a lot of hiking… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Anybody been to the Yakima in the last couple of days?  This is my first chance this year.  I’m planning to head up tomorrow.  I’m a wader so hope the flow isn’t up too far yet. BARRY

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Anybody been to the Yakima in the last couple of days?  This is my first chance this year.  I’m planning to head up tomorrow.  I’m a wader so hope the flow isn’t up too far yet. BARRY

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I was there last saturday. The water was in good shape but the fishing was VERY tough. The fishing last friday was said to have been pretty good. I don’t know how sunday was though. With the warm weather we have been having I would expect the water to be iffy. You might check the water levels before you head over. Gary – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anybody been to the Yakima in the last couple of days?  This is my first chance this year.  I’m planning to head up tomorrow.  I’m a wader so hope the flow isn’t up too far yet. BARRY

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Question:

We’re looking to go fishing in Spain next spring. Having given up on the guide books I am keen to find out if anyone has been or knows of  any places to go to etc. Thanks James

Response:

We’re looking to go fishing in Spain next spring. Having given up on the guide books I am keen to find out if anyone has been or knows of  any places to go to etc. Thanks James

James… I met a Spanish trout fishermen on the internet who may be able to give you some leads. His name is Paco…and he can be reached at If you go, let me know. Bob

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Question:

Greetings! I am interested in discussing saltwater flyfishing techniques with anyone who has tried it in the Pacific Northwest.  I’m especially interested in talking to folks who may have tried flyfishing for cod, seabass, or salmon species. Thanks! Best Wishes, Tim Wittman

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Greetings! I am interested in discussing saltwater flyfishing techniques with anyone who has tried it in the Pacific Northwest.  I’m especially interested in talking to folks who may have tried flyfishing for cod, seabass, or salmon species. Thanks! Best Wishes, Tim Wittman

     i have tried, been fairly successful, and had a great time.  i really enjoy fishing for seabass (black rockfish).  it is more difficult without a boat, but casting flies from a jetty is very challenging fishing, from casting to landing fish.      as for tackle, i use a 9.5 ft. 9 wt.  with a ten foot section of cortland quick descent 425 or 325 grain sink tip.  i use a short leader, with 10 or 12 lb. maxima leader.  the flies i use are tube flies, mostly baitfish patterns from 2-5 inches long. the coolest thing about jetty fishing is when you happen to hook one of the big lings, i haven’t landed one yet (they swim into and under the jetty), but they sure can pull.      as for salmon, a boat helps in puget sound, although there is some beach access for resident coho.  look at the new regs for the strait this year, a 2 week, catch and release, surface flies only coho fishery this summer.  i would like to know if anybody in computer land has had any success fishing pink salmon in the strait of juan de fuca, especially flies and fly lines?       as for cod, i just do not know.  the local paper ran an article a couple days ago on the need for saltwater sanctuaries to bring back bottomfish(cod included) in puget sound. good luck, chris

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greetings! I am interested in discussing saltwater flyfishing techniques with anyone who has tried it in the Pacific Northwest.  I’m especially interested in talking to folks who may have tried flyfishing for cod, seabass, or salmon species. Thanks! Best Wishes, Tim Wittman

There are plenty of folks around here doing this; you might want to contact The Northwest Angler in Poulsbo, they specialize in saltwater. They aren’t on line yet, we’re working on it. Fish on, Allen

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greetings! I am interested in discussing saltwater flyfishing techniques with anyone who has tried it in the Pacific Northwest.  I’m especially interested in talking to folks who may have tried flyfishing for cod, seabass, or salmon species. Thanks! Best Wishes, Tim Wittman

Tim, You might want to try the WaFlyfishers, an email list I maintain.  Send email to:   Subject line.   Activity on the list is sporadic, but there a couple of avid salt-water fly fishers, including myself, that will try to keep you posted. Let me know if you have any problems with the list or if you have any other questions.  BTW, where abouts do you hail from?? -Wes Wes Neuenschwander Seattle, WA, US * Notice:  Email address modified to foil SPAMMERS!!  * *          Delete "cut-it-out" from my email address  * *          to reply.  Sorry for the inconvenience.    *

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Question:

Try the Pennyslvania Fly Fishing Site under the Tidbits Button. http://www.easetech.com/pafish/ Dave Kile

Response:

Try the Pennyslvania Fly Fishing Site under the Tidbits Button. http://www.easetech.com/pafish/ Dave Kile

Thanks for the info!! Fax:    +1.201.894.4650                                   CIS: 70410,3541

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Are there any fly hatch charts for the NY/NJ/PA area somewhere on the net? Thanks! — Fax:    +1.201.894.4650                                   CIS: 70410,3541

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Question:

There are ways to get a Sage for cheaper than the normal price.  I got my 590 RPL+ for quite a bit less than retail and its the same rod, brand new, not a second and I love it.

Don’t keep us in suspense…. I’m looking for a RPL Rick

Response:

You mean the inverse of capitalism – capitalism is when market demand determines the price not when a supplier controls the price. If all of us stopped buying because the price was too high then the prices would come down. That would be capitalism at work.

Exactly!  If Sage can’t send enough rods out the door, they’ll go to their distributors and lower the price.  In addition, your point is also an example of why the "price-setting" issue is legal.  As long as consumers have an opportunity to purchase other manufacturer’s similar goods (Orvis, Redington, etc), without fear that manufacturers are working in concert to keep prices high, the system (capitalism) will work.  I also think that many of us draw capitalism out to more than it truly is.  Your example shows only a possible by-product of capitalism.  The only inherent principle in capitalism is that of an economic system that allows for the private ownership of industry. My original intent with the first post was to show that, at least under the current laws, Sage’s (and others) policy on rod prices is legal. Federal Anti-Trust and price-fixing laws deal specifically with a group of manufacturers acting together to either restrict trade or keep prices high (or both).  What a single manufacturer does or doesn’t do with their products is, for the most part, entirely up to them and not currently addressed under law (as far as I know).  The moral or ethical considerations of a manufacturer’s policy is another thing entirely, and one that I probably agree with you on. Jerry Cobb Nashville, TN

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two of my favorite rods are a 3 an 5 wt. redington.  great action and the price is right ( for me).

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David, I have the model 490, 4 weight, Sage RPL+.  I’m not an experienced flyfisherman, and only have two other rods I’ve used extensively.  I started with a Wal-Mart special, moved up to the Sage, and also own an Orvis superfine 6 weight.  The Sage is stiffer, more powerful, and I fish it the most.  The Orvis flexes more easily and I have to force myself to wait longer between the backcast and forward cast to use it effectively. I would recommend you definitly try different rods and find one that suits your style or speed.  I can’t cast that far and still find that the majority of the fish I catch are within half my maximum range.   Look for a rod that you enjoy casting and you wouldn’t mind using all day. Good Luck. Ronny

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: I am thinking about trying a RPL+, and have recently been looking at : some of the spring catalogues for prices.  Does everyone charge list : price (or close to it) or is there someplace that offers at least some : discount?  There must be some entrepreneurs out there  who are willing : to take a little less to make a sale. Sage sets the price. — Jeff Smith                                     Graduate student http://www.msc.cornell.edu/~jeffs         Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

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Smith) writes: : I am thinking about trying a RPL+, and have recently been looking at : some of the spring catalogues for prices.  Does everyone charge list : price (or close to it) or is there someplace that offers at least some : discount?  There must be some entrepreneurs out there  who are willing : to take a little less to make a sale. Sage sets the price.

Although I’m not an antitrust lawyer, I seem to recall from lawschool that such "prics setting (i.e., price fixing)" is illegal and can land one in Leavenworth.  I recognize that Sage (or Orvis etc.) can suggest a retail price but I believe any effort to enforce it on independent dealers would be illegal.

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I currently own several Sage SP rods and din’t even look twice at the new RPL+ rods when they came out.  I spent two weeks in Montana last October and my partner was fishing his brand new RPL+ 590-4.  I asked to cast it one day while we waited to load our drift boat, well the short story is that my wife is currently fishing with some darn nice Sage SP’s and I own two RPL+ series rods. 590-5 and 896-4, I have not been a big fan of four piece rods in the past, but I think you will find that these rods are amazingly easy to cast and shoot lots of line.   I kept my 390sp for my BWO & PMD fishing, but for most of my fishing the RPL+ is my new rod of choice. Cast one! Pask

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: Smith) writes:

: : Sage sets the price. : : Although I’m not an antitrust lawyer, I seem to recall from lawschool : that such "prics setting (i.e., price fixing)" is illegal and can land : one in Leavenworth.  I recognize that Sage (or Orvis etc.) can suggest : a retail price but I believe any effort to enforce it on independent : dealers would be illegal. I talked to a guy at Dan Bailey’s who told me that Sage tells them what price they can sell the rod for.  As I did some looking around, I found that Bailey’s had the same price as everyone else.  You can check the sage website (http://www.sageflyfish.com/) to get the prices.  Prices are "suggested retail", but maybe if you undercut the price Sage might forget to supply the retailer the next year.  We’ve had a discussion about this before- I forget what the final upshot was. — Jeff Smith                                     Graduate student http://www.msc.cornell.edu/~jeffs         Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -: Although I’m not an antitrust lawyer, I seem to recall from lawschool : that such "prics setting (i.e., price fixing)" is illegal and can land : one in Leavenworth.  I recognize that Sage (or Orvis etc.) can suggest : a retail price but I believe any effort to enforce it on independent : dealers would be illegal. I talked to a guy at Dan Bailey’s who told me that Sage tells them what price they can sell the rod for.  As I did some looking around, I found that Bailey’s had the same price as everyone else.  You can check the sage website (http://www.sageflyfish.com/) to get the prices.  Prices are "suggested retail", but maybe if you undercut the price Sage might forget to supply the retailer the next year.

 I wonder if any lawyers at the Justice Department are flyfisherman or read this group. Mike Ray Atlatna, Ga Cashiers, NC  

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There are ways to get a Sage for cheaper than the normal price.  I got my 590 RPL+ for quite a bit less than retail and its the same rod, brand new, not a second and I love it.  If anyone was paying attention about 3 months ago I was trying to sell one for under retail but got no takers so I basically gave it to my fishing partner for Christmas.  

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Although I’m not an antitrust lawyer, I seem to recall from lawschool that such "prics setting (i.e., price fixing)" is illegal and can land one in Leavenworth.  I recognize that Sage (or Orvis etc.) can suggest a retail price but I believe any effort to enforce it on independent dealers would be illegal.

Michael Both "trust" and "price-fixing" refer to two or more parties acting in concert.  For example, if Sage and Orvis execs were to conference call and set a price for an indentical product (or very similar product), it would in all likelyhood be price-fixing and is illegal.  Similarly, if the same two companies were to attempt to organize their efforts in an attempt to dominate a market or industry, they are working in "trust," and is considered illegal.  The industrial giants of turn-of-the-century railroad and steel businesses come to mind. Any given manufacturer can REQUIRE its distributors to sell at a certain price, as long as it is part of the agreement to distribute the product, although typically the agreements state a retail price that cannot be lowered.  Any distributor can REFUSE to sell a manufacturer’s product if its terms do not meet the dist.’s needs/wants, such as too high a retail price, not enough margin, etc.  The whole thing reeks of capitalism if you ask me <VBG. Jerry Cobb Nashville, TN

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Although I’m not an antitrust lawyer, I seem to recall from lawschool that such "prics setting (i.e., price fixing)" is illegal

Its not illegal as long as the pricing philosophy is applied to all vendors.  This practice is less common than it used to be, but is not uncommon with "premium" products whose image is based in part on a fixed, high, price. I’m going way back now — but I beleive this one went to the Supreme Court in the 70s. It was a hair-care manufacturer.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any given manufacturer can REQUIRE its distributors to sell at a certain price, as long as it is part of the agreement to distribute the product, although typically the agreements state a retail price that cannot be lowered.  Any distributor can REFUSE to sell a manufacturer’s product if its terms do not meet the dist.’s needs/wants, such as too high a retail price, not enough margin, etc.  The whole thing reeks of capitalism if you ask me <VBG. Jerry Cobb You mean the inverse of capitalism – capitalism is when market demand determines the price not when a supplier controls the price. If all of us stopped buying because the price was too high then the prices would come down. That would be capitalism at work.

Capitalism is rule by those who own the capital i.e., by the shareholders of Sage and Orvis.  We also own capital which we can invest, and this gives birth to free markets.  Strictly speaking though, capitalism is not the rule of the market, the market is a product of capitalism. — Keep your stick on the ice.

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It’s ridiculous to call this price fixing.  Setting the price keeps Walmart and other big volume "businesses" from undercutting the price. It has been tried in the courts and found ok.     If you don’t like the price DON’T BUY IT!!!! An expensive fly rod is hardly an essential item.  They do cast better, but most any rod will cast better than the caster.  What’s sad is that the public can’t get enough of these expensive rods!  I’m sure that the materials, engineering, and demand are driving up the cost, but as long as people continue to be shell out the big bucks the manufacturers are not going to look for ways to cut costs.  I bet if someone came out with a rod with laser aligned guides people would buy it.  Americans just *have* to have the best.   Just my opinion, Rob Gregoire

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Any given manufacturer can REQUIRE its distributors to sell at a certain price, as long as it is part of the agreement to distribute the product, although typically the agreements state a retail price that cannot be lowered.  Any distributor can REFUSE to sell a manufacturer’s product if its terms do not meet the dist.’s needs/wants, such as too high a retail price, not enough margin, etc.  The whole thing reeks of capitalism if you ask me <VBG. Jerry Cobb Nashville, TN

You mean the inverse of capitalism – capitalism is when market demand determines the price not when a supplier controls the price. If all of us stopped buying because the price was too high then the prices would come down. That would be capitalism at work.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Any given manufacturer can REQUIRE its distributors to sell at a certain price, as long as it is part of the agreement to distribute the product, although typically the agreements state a retail price that cannot be lowered.  Any distributor can REFUSE to sell a manufacturer’s product if its terms do not meet the dist.’s needs/wants, such as too high a retail price, not enough margin, etc.  The whole thing reeks of capitalism if you ask me <VBG. Jerry Cobb Nashville, TN You mean the inverse of capitalism – capitalism is when market demand determines the price not when a supplier controls the price. If all of us stopped buying because the price was too high then the prices would come down. That would be capitalism at work.

AMEN!

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writes:  If you don’t like the price DON’T BUY IT!!!! An expensive fly rod is hardly an essential item.  They do cast better, but most any rod will cast better than the caster.  What’s sad is that the public can’t get enough of these expensive rods!  I’m sure that the materials, engineering, and demand are driving up the cost, but as long as people continue to be shell out the big bucks the manufacturers are not going to look for ways to cut costs.   Just my opinion, Rob Gregoire

Rob, thats the reason I’m trying to get one at less than MSR.

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My buddy and I both have a 590 RPL+ and I am amazed at the difference it has in the casting and overall sensitivity.  Seriously they are unlike any rod I’ve ever thrown.  It takes some getting used to the new feel it has, but now I won’t put it down for my other rods.  Besides I’m not a big fan of noodle rods and the RPL+ rods are nice and stiff but forgiving in the tip.  Plus you can’t beat the warranty.  I’d definitely recommend one.

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I am thinking about trying a RPL+, and have recently been looking at some of the spring catalogues for prices.  Does everyone charge list price (or close to it) or is there someplace that offers at least some discount?  There must be some entrepreneurs out there  who are willing to take a little less to make a sale. Atlanta, Georgia Cashiers, North Carolina

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Has anyone out there had any experience with the new SAGE RPL+ flyrods.  Although I will cast before buy, Im relatively new to flyfishing and would appreciate comments.

I have cast but never fished an RPL+.  It is a hell of a parking lot rod.  It’s fairly easy to cast a lot of line with a nice tight lope (even for a lousy caster like me.  It’s a very fast action rod.  Whether it will work as well on the water depends, I think, on what type of fishing you will be doing with it and what sort of action you prefer.  Logically, it would seem to be a better big fish rod (e.g. steelhead) where long casts amy be necessary than a spring creek brook trout rod. I casted the 8 wt. and while it was lots of fun in the lot, I generally like a some what slower rod (I prefered the Sage SP). Anyway, that’s my $.02. Andy

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Has anyone out there had any experience with the new SAGE RPL+ flyrods.  Although I will cast before buy, Im relatively new to flyfishing and would appreciate comments.

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Question:

Does anybody have any float tube puncture experiences to relate? Whilst toodling along on a lake the other day I started to think about what would happen if my tube suddenly sprung a leak.  A life preserver is an obvious answer, but over fleece jacket and fly vest? What happens when your chest waders fill with water? How difficult is it to exit the deflated tube and then remove clothing? etc. etc. etc….. Failing any practical advice as a result of this posting, I think its time to find a pool somewhere and experiment with various scenarios. Any suggestions? B.

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Does anybody have any float tube puncture experiences to relate? Whilst toodling along on a lake the other day I started to think about what would happen if my tube suddenly sprung a leak.  A life preserver is an obvious answer, but over fleece jacket and fly vest? What happens when your chest waders fill with water? How difficult is it to exit the deflated tube and then remove clothing? etc. etc. etc…..

Float fishing without a life jacket is very ill advised (I started to say stupid, but decided to be nice instead).  With all the stuff you carry fly fishing you could go right to the bottom very easily.  Anybody carry extra spools, split shot, etc?  I don’t think waders are that much of a problem, since the water in them will be neutral boyancy, though I’ve not tried that. Try a better quality life jacket under your vest.  If you’re wearing a jacket anyway, it should not be that much of a problem.  Another solution is inflatable life jackets that have a CO2 cartridge in them. You can even buy fly vests with these built in.  And, I saw an integrated fly jacket/life jacket combination in a fly shop the other day which would be a good solution. One thing I wonder about is hyperthermia, though.  If you take a dip in a cold water pond in early spring or late fall, how long before you pass out?  I sure wouldn’t want to try it.  I would think waders would really help here, though, since they are somewhat like the wet suits divers wear. — | Dartmouth College                                  Home:  603-448-5677 | | 6211 Sudikoff Laboratory, Rm 108                                       | | Hanover, NH  03755                                                     |

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Does anybody have any float tube puncture experiences to relate? Whilst toodling along on a lake the other day I started to think about what would happen if my tube suddenly sprung a leak.  A life preserver is an obvious answer, but over fleece jacket and fly vest? What happens when your chest waders fill with water? How difficult is it to exit the deflated tube and then remove clothing? etc. etc. etc….. Failing any practical advice as a result of this posting, I think its time to find a pool somewhere and experiment with various scenarios. Any suggestions? B.

While it has never happened to me, my thoughts on the subject is the backrest is an inflated bladder on my float tube, so if I suffered a puncture, kick like crazy for the shore, and when the tube is too deflated to support me anymore, free my feet from the tube, hug the backrest, and keep kicking. In my younger days I surfed in the Pacific Ocean, and I wore a neoprene wet suit. The wet suit was fairly thin (for ease of movement), I would estimate about the same thickness of a 2 or 3 mm wader. The wet suit was amazingly buoyant. Enough so that I would float at chin level with no effort. I think a neoprene chest wader would help a lot with floatation also. I have also seen a set of suspenders that inflates with a CO2 cartridge. Maybe if I couldn’t swim I would consider buying it. Darryl

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<stuff deleted One thing I wonder about is hyperthermia, though.  If you take a dip

                                ^^ I rarely get hyperthermia unless I’m fishing too far down Hot Creek. HypOthermia, now that’s a problem in cold water. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist!) Sean Brennan

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Well, it happened to me tonight.  As I loaded my float tube, I noticed it was a bit low.  I stopped by the gas station on the way out, and filled the tube.  However, I did continue to wonder why it was low, so I did keep an eye on the tube level for a while.  Well my tube didn’t seem to be loosing air, so naturally my attention turned to the crappie and bass that were hitting tonite.  Long about dusk, I suddenly noticed the tube was getting low and -then- noticed the sound of a leak.  I wasn’t far off the bank, rarely am when fishing this local gravel pit, so I paddled over to the bank and got out.  No reason to panic, the loss of air was audible but fairly slow.  As I laid the tube in the back of mmy truck, I could still hear the leak. Altogether I had been out fishing at least 4 hours, I know because I was listening to the Broncos getting beat by the Jets, and the post game show. Sure glad the fish were biting, because the Broncs weren’t.  I suppose the radio headphones were the reason I couldn’t hear the leak. I have no clue why or how I got the puncture, probably was due to the tube being about 10 years old.  I think I’ll get a new one.  My tube is one that has a separate tube for a back rest, so in case of a rapid deflation, I might be able to stay afloat.   All things considered, I wouldn’t even consider wearing a life jacket not in the past and not in the future.  In some states, a life jacket is req’d, but I don’t think it is in CO.  This experience confirmed my belief that any small puncture will deflate very slowly, since the air pressure in a float tube is so low.  I would take a good swift slice with a knife to achieve a rapid failure, and that is not likely (at least in places where I fish . Tight Lines, Kevin

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