Question:

Michael: I know I may be venturing into dangerous territory with this next question, because I’m a catch & release practitioner about 92% of the time. But, are any of these fish edible? I seem to recall reading something about a toxin in bonefish caught in that part of the world. Doug

Bonefish and tarpon are no good for the table at all: absolutely stuffed with small bones.  That’s probably why there seem to be more of these two species around than the more edible fish.  Jack are pretty tasty indeed and so long as you only eat the smaller ones <4lbs you won’t get the cigatera (spelling??) poisoning.  Apparently the larger fish have more toxin accumulated in their flesh and are best to be avoided.  A really nice fish to eat is any snapper:  the mangroves will be full of them upto 5lbs or so. Baracuda are also a good eating fish,  but again only eat the smaller ones <8lbs to avoid the cigatera poison risk.  The toxins originate in some algae or other that the little reef fish eat.  The toxins don’t affect the fish, but gets accumulated in fish flesh.  When a baracuda eats the flesh of fish that have been eating the algae, the toxins are transferred to the baracuda. The toxins have a fairly nasty effect on humans that can last for years, so it is best to avoid eating big reef predator fish in these tropical waters. Regards, Michael.

Response:

Michael: Thanks for the info! Doug – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Michael: I know I may be venturing into dangerous territory with this next question, because I’m a catch & release practitioner about 92% of the time. But, are any of these fish edible? I seem to recall reading something about a toxin in bonefish caught in that part of the world. Doug Bonefish and tarpon are no good for the table at all: absolutely stuffed with small bones.  That’s probably why there seem to be more of these two species around than the more edible fish.  Jack are pretty tasty indeed and so long as you only eat the smaller ones <4lbs you won’t get the cigatera (spelling??) poisoning.  Apparently the larger fish have more toxin accumulated in their flesh and are best to be avoided.  A really nice fish to eat is any snapper:  the mangroves will be full of them upto 5lbs or so. Baracuda are also a good eating fish,  but again only eat the smaller ones <8lbs to avoid the cigatera poison risk.  The toxins originate in some algae or other that the little reef fish eat.  The toxins don’t affect the fish, but gets accumulated in fish flesh.  When a baracuda eats the flesh of fish that have been eating the algae, the toxins are transferred to the baracuda. The toxins have a fairly nasty effect on humans that can last for years, so it is best to avoid eating big reef predator fish in these tropical waters. Regards, Michael.

Response:

Michael: I know I may be venturing into dangerous territory with this next question, because I’m a catch & release practitioner about 92% of the time. But, are any of these fish edible? I seem to recall reading something about a toxin in bonefish caught in that part of the world. Doug – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In late July, I’ll be visiting friends in Puerto Rico (southwest part of the island), and I’m curious whether anyone here has done any beach/jetty fishing there. What kinds & sizes of fish might I expect to find? I need this info so I can evaluate whether my existing equipment will be appropriate, or whether it’s time to invest in something different (always a pleasurable idea!). Doug if anything there are probably going to be some jacks (bar, horse-eye & yellow) lurking around beaches & jetties.  These can be had on 7 weights at a minimum, although if you have anything heavier than this (10 weight is preferred as there may be small tarpon ~  <60lb  around), then take that in preference to the no. 7.  For catching  jack,  you will need at least 150 yards of backing on your reel, preferably more, and I recommend 30lb gel spun braid for backing.  Jacks are absolutely excellent fun on a fly rod, and a 10lb fish will be a severe opponent:  don’t let them get snagged up in a coral head, or else you’ll lose some line and possibly damage your flyline too.  Flies are more or less steamers (deceivers and so on) 2" – 4" in length, and you need to be able to fish as deep as 15 feet or so at times, so be sure to have an outfit that can cover surface waters to 15 feet as appropriate. Simply fishing for jacks is enough fun for me in tropical waters, though you can suppliment the jack with occasional forays into the bonefish flats or tarpon mangroves for variety.  I take a 4 piece 9 foot 10 weight rod with a big 10/11 reel with me to tropical waters.  I also have an 8 weight 9′ 4 piecer as a back-up / bonefish special. For leaders I simply use a 6 foot length of 15 lb mono for the jacks on the surface, and tapered leader (8lb tippet) for bonefish,  and a reverse tapered leader  for the tarpon (i.e. 5 ft  20lb leader butt section and 1 foot 60lb shock tippet.  Tarpon have very abrasive jaws (no teeth as such, but very finely serrated) that can seriously chafe away at the tippet. For fishing deeper down the choices are a sinking polyleader attached to your regular floater, a commercial sink tip, or a variable tip line / shooting head assembly  (though I have not yet tried this, I like this concept and will be aiming to have one reel that is comprised of a big reel that also has a lot of backing and a decent drag, and upon which I have a length of running line terminating in a loop.  I wish to have a number of shooting heads that singularly link up to this loop so that I can have one reel that will fulfil a great number of roles). Flies vary from 1 to 2/0 in hook size.  It is sensible to be sure to have a pair of polarising sunglasses so that you can see into the water better; with these you can study where the fish are and watch how they behave when they see your fly being presented to them. Have fun,  and tightlines, Michael.

Response:

In late July, I’ll be visiting friends in Puerto Rico (southwest part of the island), and I’m curious whether anyone here has done any beach/jetty fishing there. What kinds & sizes of fish might I expect to find? I need this info so I can evaluate whether my existing equipment will be appropriate, or whether it’s time to invest in something different (always a pleasurable idea!). Doug

if anything there are probably going to be some jacks (bar, horse-eye & yellow) lurking around beaches & jetties.  These can be had on 7 weights at a minimum, although if you have anything heavier than this (10 weight is preferred as there may be small tarpon ~  <60lb  around), then take that in preference to the no. 7.  For catching  jack,  you will need at least 150 yards of backing on your reel, preferably more, and I recommend 30lb gel spun braid for backing.  Jacks are absolutely excellent fun on a fly rod, and a 10lb fish will be a severe opponent:  don’t let them get snagged up in a coral head, or else you’ll lose some line and possibly damage your flyline too.  Flies are more or less steamers (deceivers and so on) 2" – 4" in length, and you need to be able to fish as deep as 15 feet or so at times, so be sure to have an outfit that can cover surface waters to 15 feet as appropriate. Simply fishing for jacks is enough fun for me in tropical waters, though you can suppliment the jack with occasional forays into the bonefish flats or tarpon mangroves for variety.  I take a 4 piece 9 foot 10 weight rod with a big 10/11 reel with me to tropical waters.  I also have an 8 weight 9′ 4 piecer as a back-up / bonefish special. For leaders I simply use a 6 foot length of 15 lb mono for the jacks on the surface, and tapered leader (8lb tippet) for bonefish,  and a reverse tapered leader  for the tarpon (i.e. 5 ft  20lb leader butt section and 1 foot 60lb shock tippet.  Tarpon have very abrasive jaws (no teeth as such, but very finely serrated) that can seriously chafe away at the tippet. For fishing deeper down the choices are a sinking polyleader attached to your regular floater, a commercial sink tip, or a variable tip line / shooting head assembly  (though I have not yet tried this, I like this concept and will be aiming to have one reel that is comprised of a big reel that also has a lot of backing and a decent drag, and upon which I have a length of running line terminating in a loop.  I wish to have a number of shooting heads that singularly link up to this loop so that I can have one reel that will fulfil a great number of roles). Flies vary from 1 to 2/0 in hook size.  It is sensible to be sure to have a pair of polarising sunglasses so that you can see into the water better; with these you can study where the fish are and watch how they behave when they see your fly being presented to them. Have fun,  and tightlines, Michael.

Response:

In late July, I’ll be visiting friends in Puerto Rico (southwest part of the island), and I’m curious whether anyone here has done any beach/jetty fishing there. What kinds & sizes of fish might I expect to find? I need this info so I can evaluate whether my existing equipment will be appropriate, or whether it’s time to invest in something different (always a pleasurable idea!). Doug

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Question:

Being a bit sceptical of books and such-like I would like some proven web pages on rod-building. I am a complete novice (idiot) and need something simple. Preferably with pictures….

The Virtual Fly Shop www.virtualflyshop.com has a good basic rodbuilding section that can guide you through the process, and the Custom Rod Builders Guild www.rodguild.com also has a message board for the questions that will inevitably pop up. Joe F.

Response:

That’s right! I completely forgot about that. So the (idiot) really applies. Ari – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Being a bit sceptical of books and such-like I would like some proven web pages on rod-building. I am a complete novice (idiot) and need something simple. Preferably with pictures…. The Virtual Fly Shop www.virtualflyshop.com has a good basic rodbuilding section that can guide you through the process, and the Custom Rod Builders Guild www.rodguild.com also has a message board for the questions that will inevitably pop up. Joe F.

Ari Bert                                        Gaelle Bert +27 (0) 83 232 9903                             +27 (0) 83 236 5308 Flyfishing Corner +27 (0) 11 447 7230                             Shop 94, Admirals Court +27 (0) 11 882 8537 (fax)                       Cnr Craddock & Tyrwhitt www.troutfishing.co.za                                Street, Rosebank P.O.Box 79067 Senderwood 2145 South Africa

Response:

Being a bit sceptical of books and such-like I would like some proven web pages on rod-building. I am a complete novice (idiot) and need something simple. Preferably with pictures…. Thanks guys. Ari Ari Bert                                        Gaelle Bert +27 (0) 83 232 9903                             +27 (0) 83 236 5308 Flyfishing Corner +27 (0) 11 447 7230                             Shop 94, Admirals Court +27 (0) 11 882 8537 (fax)                       Cnr Craddock & Tyrwhitt www.troutfishing.co.za                                Street, Rosebank P.O.Box 79067 Senderwood 2145 South Africa

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Question:

I’m considering an expat job in Frankfurt Germany. A quality of life question: Is there good fishing around there – fly fishing preferably, any fishing in a pinch? Thanks for the help – FlyFisherRay

Response:

I’m considering an expat job in Frankfurt Germany. A quality of life question: Is there good fishing around there – fly fishing preferably, any fishing in a pinch? Thanks for the help – FlyFisherRay

Hi Ray, I lived in Frankfurt for some time and never found any decent fishing.  If you are prepared to, and can afford to travel, you can reach some good fishing.  It is quite difficult to obtain a fishing licence here, you have to pass an exam.  If you need further specific info e-mail me and I will try to be of assistance.  I now live in a small village not far from Hamburg, but I should have no trouble providing you with the relative info. Tight lines ! Mike Connor

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Question:

Hi All, I compiled the following URL’s over the last week or so since I have seen so many requests for locations on the web.  I just posted it on rec.outdoors.fishing.fly.tying and thought you guys would enjoy them also. Pete Tampone Fresno, CA Fly Fishing URL’s http://flyfishing.about.com/sports/fishhunt/flyfishing/ http://www.fishhoo.com/ http://www.anglersworkshop.com/ http://www.bobmarriotts.com/ http://www.btsflyfishing.com/ http://www.buckeyeflyfishers.com/education_frame.htm http://www.cabelas.com/ http://www.masterfx.com/Flysnest/Generalfly.htm http://listings.ebay.com/aw/glistings/list/category1492/index.html http://www.fishticker.com/ http://www.flyanglersonline.com/ http://www.davisbrown.com/alpha.htm http://www.yong-special.com/ http://www.kman.com/ http://www.flyshop.com/bench/index-flies.cfm?ID=1727&flyname=McVay%27s%2 http://www.flyfish.com/cgibin/bin/ldisplay.cgi?forsale http://members.aol.com/azflytyer/ http://globalflyfisher.com/ http://www.agt.net/public/flytying/index.html http://www.mailordercentral.com/hookhack/departments.asp http://www.killroys.com/ http://www.motherlodefly.com/index.html http://www.angelfire.com/wa/salmonid/ http://www.flyshop.com/centers/midwest/09-99carp/ http://www.mwflytyer.com/ http://www.flyshop.com/index.cfm http://members.mint.net/raske/swaps/bucktail/lil_bucktails.html http://www.flyshop.com/Marketplace/index.cfm?content=auction&page=ind… 6854&action=details&fullblown=true http://www.virtualflybox.com/

Response:

Hi Pete, thanks for the URL

Question:

        without regard to where you are staying, in or out of cabins, i need your mailing addresses, asap.  i know some of you have sent same earlier, but i am lazy, and need them organized in a single source.  in return you will receive an incredibly informative package concerning clave geography and itinerary, prepared at a nominal charge by the vast and efficient staff of little wayno’s outfitters (we never close).         thanks         for the firm         wayno

Response:

        without regard to where you are staying, in or out of cabins, i need your mailing addresses, asap.  i know some of you have sent same earlier, but i am lazy, and need them organized in a single source.  in return you will receive an incredibly informative package concerning clave geography and itinerary, prepared at a nominal charge by the vast and efficient staff of little wayno’s outfitters (we never close).         thanks         for the firm         wayno

       http://www.rodbuilder.com  ______  Mr. George Gehrke / President                 Gehrke’s Fly Fishing Products                 Snake River – Hell’s Canyon                 Asotin, WA 99402                 509-243-4100 or 5500                 FAX-243-4644 Your place or mine?

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Wayno wrote :i need your mailing addresses, asap. Big Dale Dale Wilkinson 6533 Caddo Court Plano, Texas 75023-2902

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Question:

Does anybody know any good rivers to fish in this area?

Response:

You might want to try going to the "GEOGRPHICAL LISTINGS" under "UNITED STATES" "TEXAS" at http://www.davisbrown.com/fflnk.html  The links may help you find a local info source.  Good luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anybody know any good rivers to fish in this area?

Response:

Go to almost any flyshop in Texas and buy a copy of "Flyfishing the Texas Hill Country" got almost anything you need to know? Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You might want to try going to the "GEOGRPHICAL LISTINGS" under "UNITED STATES" "TEXAS" at http://www.davisbrown.com/fflnk.html  The links may help you find a local info source.  Good luck. Does anybody know any good rivers to fish in this area?

Response:

Nathan, you may also contact the Guadalupe River TU group at www.grtu.org. They have fishing reports and good info on the area. SAB – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Does anybody know any good rivers to fish in [Central Texas]?

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Question:

I am looking for a canoe for fly fishing. Any thoughts on the Mad Rive Winooski? Thanks, Paul

Response:

is the winooski the short fat one??  I have an MR explorer and have no problem standing and casting. –

Response:

Yes it is. I am relatively new to canoe an for the type fly fishing (tarpon & snook) in the Everglades backcountry I need all the stability I can get. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – is the winooski the short fat one??  I have an MR explorer and have no problem standing and casting. –

Response:

The Winooski would be an excellent choice.  It is very stable and no problem to stand up in once you get used to the feel of the shallow -v hull.  The only disadvantage of this boat is that, at only 14′  it’s a bit slow; but speed is generally not a big concern of fishermen (the Winooski is however, probably the fastest 14′ boat on the market).  The boat does well with a motormount and small electric kicker. I’d avoid the lightweight Kevlarconstruction for motoring, though – just a bit too light (decreased stability unless you have alot of weight in it).

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Question:

The local server was down for 10 days. Before then, there was some talk of creating  a separate newsgroup for fly tyers. How do we vote on this?

Response:

The local server was down for 10 days. Before then, there was some talk of creating  a separate newsgroup for fly tyers. How do we vote on this?

Sir, How to vote: Your e-mail message should contain one and only one of the following statements: I vote YES on rec.outdoors.fishing.fly.tying                     or I vote NO on rec.outdoors.fishing.fly.tying Votes must be recieved by 23:59:59 utc, 10 Apr 1996 Hope this helps Tight lines Dave

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Question:

I have recently thought of trying to fish with fly gear.   What is a good way for me to try this sport without breaking the bank?

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* Le 01-05-95, JIM E. BECKER exprimait . ALL le propos suivant: JE JEI have recently thought of trying to fish with fly gear.   JEWhat is a good way for me to try this sport without breaking the bank? – First go to a local fly shop. They are the best source of advice. – Then try to get some lessons or rent the equipment to try it out (you will have to buy the flies though). But be aware that once you start you won’t be able to stop. I guess it should be classified has one of the incurable but  non-fatal disease…   Hope this help. Au plaisir de vous lire, Denis Lamy Trois-Rivieres (Quebec, Canada) ~~~ * VbReader 2.2 #67 * Veni, vidi, visa (Je suis venu, j’ai vu, j’ai paye)

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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

Response:

(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

Response:

: 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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