Question:

Beeswax, among other various uses, is one of the few materials used for lining moulds etc in the food  and confectionery trades for preventing particularly sticky sweets from sticking. They are known as release, or separation agents.  Glue is not used for this purpose. Bees use wax as a construction material, not as a glue. The whole construction of the comb is pure wax.  Glue is a foreign substance used to join similar or dissimilar materials. Paraffin wax is used for similar purposes to beeswax in other areas. Practically nothing will stick to a polished wax surface. Both of these waxes, and indeed a number of other substances may be used to prevent ferrules "binding". In this sense they are used partly as lubricants, and partly as solid separating agents. Binding ( in the case of carbon fibre, and other rod ferrules),is invariably caused by a substance rubbing against an identical substance, especially when the joint is tapered.    Wax of practically any sort will prevent this for varying periods of time, depending on how often the joint is used. Hard white wax works best, lasts longest, and is cheap and  convenient to use. Solid beeswax will stick to more or less nothing apart from itself, and only then when it is warm enough to melt, and the same applies to solid paraffin wax.  Most especially so, when polished after application. Liquid waxes, and other substances used for lubrication, like various oils etc, will indeed stick to things, trap dust, grit etc, and the lubricant coat providing the separation of surfaces will break down much more rapidly, simply because it will flow away. Hard polished wax will neither stick to things, nor will it flow away.  It is also intrinsically waterproof. This makes it ideal for treating ferrules. Some info on wax may be obtained here: http://www.wetestit.com/wax.htm Personally I don

Question:

B) It’s been said that large native Battenkill trout are non-existent. HOG-WASH! I submit evidence to the contrary, The photo at…

Actually, what I have heard, is that the ‘average’ size fish, (9"-11" Brookies, and 10"-14" Browns), were in short supply and the bulk of the population were large and small fish. I have never seen many kids fishing the river, and I seriously doubt that a 2 fish limit for them will have a serious impact. The problem will come with enforcement, and the fact that bait fishing is allowed. I think ‘artificials only’ should be the rule wherever fish must be released. Actually, my preference would have been to close the entire stream to *all* usage for one year,  assess the results next fall, and formulate new regulations at that time. George Adams

Response:

George’s thought of closing the river for a year is not a bad one but just look at how difficult it has been to get even this modest change enacted.   I say modest change because I firmly believe that with the allowance of an 18 inch trout per day a lot of 15+ inch fish will grow rather quickly in the eyes of the angler. We have a modest landlock salmon run out of a resivoir in cenrtal Mass where 2 fish per day over 18 inches are allowed and every year I see numerous sub 18 inch fish being taken out.  The problem – no enforecement. Won’t be any different on the B’kill. Lets hope that the high waters this fall result in a good spawn.  We’ll have to wait two yrs to find out though and see if we’re catching those 7 to 9 inch browns; which I used to be a master of but have not seen in recent years. Regarding hatch decline I’m not 100% convinced yet that that does not have something to do with the flood / drought cycle of recent yrs.  For what it is worth the trico’s were awesome this year and while I was not on hte river I heard that the Hendricksons were quite heavy.          

Response:

I would agree with this assessment, in principle. A moratorium may be what is needed. This, ultimately, is what helped the striper fishery recover. Then again, we don’t have a consensus on what is killing the Kill… ACP – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – B) It’s been said that large native Battenkill trout are non-existent. HOG-WASH! I submit evidence to the contrary, The photo at… Actually, what I have heard, is that the ‘average’ size fish, (9"-11" Brookies, and 10"-14" Browns), were in short supply and the bulk of the population were large and small fish. I have never seen many kids fishing the river, and I seriously doubt that a 2 fish limit for them will have a serious impact. The problem will come with enforcement, and the fact that bait fishing is allowed. I think ‘artificials only’ should be the rule wherever fish must be released. Actually, my preference would have been to close the entire stream to *all* usage for one year,  assess the results next fall, and formulate new regulations at that time. George Adams

Response:

I can attest to great Trico hatches on rivers near the BKill…scores of those little buggers. Personally, I can’t stand fishing those things, but the blue wing olive hatches made up for it! ACP – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – George’s thought of closing the river for a year is not a bad one but just look at how difficult it has been to get even this modest change enacted. I say modest change because I firmly believe that with the allowance of an 18 inch trout per day a lot of 15+ inch fish will grow rather quickly in the eyes of the angler. We have a modest landlock salmon run out of a resivoir in cenrtal Mass where 2 fish per day over 18 inches are allowed and every year I see numerous sub 18 inch fish being taken out.  The problem – no enforecement. Won’t be any different on the B’kill. Lets hope that the high waters this fall result in a good spawn.  We’ll have to wait two yrs to find out though and see if we’re catching those 7 to 9 inch browns; which I used to be a master of but have not seen in recent years. Regarding hatch decline I’m not 100% convinced yet that that does not have something to do with the flood / drought cycle of recent yrs.  For what it is worth the trico’s were awesome this year and while I was not on hte river I heard that the Hendricksons were quite heavy.

Response:

 Hi folks.  I am writing with regards to special regulations        that have been proposed for the Battenkill in Vermont.  As many        are aware the fishery has been suffering for the past several        years and unfortunately despite efforts by Vermont Fish and        Wildlife there has been no definitive causes identified for the        decline that has been seen.        In order to reduce the decline in the population of the brown        trout in the river the state has proposed a 6 yr. no kill        regulation that will eliminate or at least minimize the one        identifiable factor in the rivers decline; angler harvest.  At        the same time the state plans to do an extensive study on the        river to identify causes for the decline. (This work has        already begun with some habitat improvement completed this fall        and an evaluation of spawning areas planned for later in the        month).   A public meeting was held in August and the proposal        was by and large favorably received by the public.  Yesterday        the Fish and Wildlife Board voted on this proposal.  It was        accepted with two very important amendments that may corrupt        the purpose of the no kill proposal.  The first is to allow        children under the age of 15 to keep two trout of any size per        day. The second is to allow any angler to keep one trout per        day of 18 inches or larger.        An additional vote will be taken (probably in December) to        determine the final regulations that will be placed on the        river.  There are no public hearings scheduled to discuss these        two amendments but from what I understand this can be ?forced?        upon the board through petition.  I will be investigating how        to achieve this.        In the meantime I would ask that any anglers that are        interested in seeing the Battenkill fishery turned around        please write a POLITE letter to the following individuals that        are members of the F&W Board.        David Mallory        RD # 1, Box 103        Jericho, VT 05465       John Stannard       PO Box 73       Rte 30       Dorset VT 05251        For what it is worth I am not a C&R zealot but I do value the        opportunity of catching wild trout and the Battenkill can be        turned around.  Folks that fish the area around Manchester and        Arlington have numerous options when it comes to fishing and        there is no shortage of streams and ponds that offer anglers        the chance to take home a few fish for dinner.        The real question is whether we as sportsman are willing to        sacrifice a little bit now to pass along a better resource for        the next generations of anglers. We owe it to ourselves and our        children to work towards making the river a better stream than        it is at the moment.  Catch and release is a small price to        pay.        I hope you’ll support the river by writing to these gentlemen        in order to persuade them to reconsider the amendments that        have been put forward.        For what it is worth regarding kids on the river and the 18 inch fish regulation        problem becomes one of enforcement.  Dad’s fishin with the kids, they go off to        collect rocks and a fish takes.  Dad lands the fish and keeps it.  Is that legit?        Regarding 18 inch fish.  I don’t know about you but I can see a lot of guys          using their eyes as rulers and then fish from 14 inches on go into the creel.  I’ve        seen it down here in Mass where we have a salmon run in the fall.  A lot of "18        salmon" are taken home that are clearly shy of that.        Thanks very much.        Doug Lyons

Response:

Some obeservations: 1. The only 1 fish over 18 inches rule is interesting in light of evidence    that such fish are basically nonexistent in the B-Kill…indeed, trout    over TEN inches are apparently down by 89% in many stretched (Source:    Fly Fishing in Northern New England). Thus, my own take is that this    will do little to HARM the fishing. 2. I wonder if these, and more restrictions may increase crowds at other    nearby rivers, thus creating same problems as those affecting the    B-Kill. Perhaps such rules need to to be enforced at all nearby    rivers as a preventative? ACP – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi folks.  I am writing with regards to special regulations       that have been proposed for the Battenkill in Vermont.  As many       are aware the fishery has been suffering for the past several       years and unfortunately despite efforts by Vermont Fish and       Wildlife there has been no definitive causes identified for the       decline that has been seen.       In order to reduce the decline in the population of the brown       trout in the river the state has proposed a 6 yr. no kill       regulation that will eliminate or at least minimize the one       identifiable factor in the rivers decline; angler harvest.  At       the same time the state plans to do an extensive study on the       river to identify causes for the decline. (This work has       already begun with some habitat improvement completed this fall       and an evaluation of spawning areas planned for later in the       month).   A public meeting was held in August and the proposal       was by and large favorably received by the public.  Yesterday       the Fish and Wildlife Board voted on this proposal.  It was       accepted with two very important amendments that may corrupt       the purpose of the no kill proposal.  The first is to allow       children under the age of 15 to keep two trout of any size per       day. The second is to allow any angler to keep one trout per       day of 18 inches or larger.       An additional vote will be taken (probably in December) to       determine the final regulations that will be placed on the       river.  There are no public hearings scheduled to discuss these       two amendments but from what I understand this can be ?forced?       upon the board through petition.  I will be investigating how       to achieve this.       In the meantime I would ask that any anglers that are       interested in seeing the Battenkill fishery turned around       please write a POLITE letter to the following individuals that       are members of the F&W Board.       David Mallory       RD # 1, Box 103       Jericho, VT 05465      John Stannard      PO Box 73      Rte 30      Dorset VT 05251       For what it is worth I am not a C&R zealot but I do value the       opportunity of catching wild trout and the Battenkill can be       turned around.  Folks that fish the area around Manchester and       Arlington have numerous options when it comes to fishing and       there is no shortage of streams and ponds that offer anglers       the chance to take home a few fish for dinner.       The real question is whether we as sportsman are willing to       sacrifice a little bit now to pass along a better resource for       the next generations of anglers. We owe it to ourselves and our       children to work towards making the river a better stream than       it is at the moment.  Catch and release is a small price to       pay.       I hope you’ll support the river by writing to these gentlemen       in order to persuade them to reconsider the amendments that       have been put forward.       For what it is worth regarding kids on the river and the 18 inch fish regulation       problem becomes one of enforcement.  Dad’s fishin with the kids, they go off to       collect rocks and a fish takes.  Dad lands the fish and keeps it.  Is that legit?       Regarding 18 inch fish.  I don’t know about you but I can see a lot of guys       using their eyes as rulers and then fish from 14 inches on go into the creel.  I’ve       seen it down here in Mass where we have a salmon run in the fall.  A lot of "18       salmon" are taken home that are clearly shy of that.       Thanks very much.       Doug Lyons

Response:

Intersesting thoughts. There are still a few good ones swimming the river – a friend took 14 and 15 1/2 brown this past season.  A big concern I have is that a lot of eyeball measuring will be going on and the 15 inch trout will be stretched out by overly zealous anglers. Regarding fishing pressure on other streams one has to remember that many such rivers (the Wallumsac comes to mind)  are generously supported by stocking.  

Response:

Intersesting thoughts. There are still a few good ones swimming the river – a friend took 14 and 15 1/2 brown this past season.  A big concern I have is that a lot of eyeball measuring will be going on and the 15 inch trout will be stretched out by overly zealous anglers. Regarding fishing pressure on other streams one has to remember that many such rivers (the Wallumsac comes to mind)  are generously supported by stocking.  

My take on this whole topic… A) The recently passed regulation is in my opinion a giant step. While probably not the ultimate solution, it certainly is a beginning. Total C&R would be better…FF only would be better…river usage changes pertaining to canoes and tubes would be better…but it’s a good start! I certainly predict the sighting of more youths astream…still that’s ok…a two fish limit between dad and youngster is fine by me. Plus it propogates a continuence of the sport amongst the next generation. B) It’s been said that large native Battenkill trout are non-existent. HOG-WASH! I submit evidence to the contrary, The photo at…    <http://www.virtualflybox.com/photos/bkill_brn.shtml …refutes this opinion. I took this photo late last summer and in addition to this fish I have first hand accountings of trout of these proportions having been caught on these fabled waters. C) As to increased fishing pressure on local waters…that will only be caused by the locals…who are, I’m sure already there, due to the recent decline of the fishery on the Battenkill. D) Future regulatory thoughts have to consider things like the impact caused by non-fishing river usage, changes in the chemical runoffs, landowner riverside impacts, etc. I personally can attest to a huge change in the insect activity on this river. The Caddis hatches used to be legendary…now they are quite rare. The Battenkill has not seen a stockery of fish in over thirty years and has until recently been a prime fishery. Only in the last ten years has there been a major decline…so the reason for that must be determined and solved. But quickly! keep tyin’…byard * * * * * * * * *   V I R T U A L    F L Y B O X    * * * * * * * * *    Fly Tyers Worldwide * Hundreds of Patterns * Tying Instructions                     http://www.VirtualFlybox.com * * * *   F E A T U R I N G   *  9 8 0  *   P A T T E R N S   * * * *

Response:

Question:

It REALLY isn’t necessary to take the entire six ounce tub in the stream with you.  The world is full of containers of all sizes and shapes.  Transferring Albolene from its original container to something more convenient for use in the stream is any easy task.

Film canisters work – used one for abolene for years.  Still carry one as a spare in my wader bag. Peter

Response:

 …..I take the albolene and put some into one of those little "Brand X" bottles thats almost empty! What do you think boys and girls?…..

Actually, I think the "Brand G" would be a better choice.  I hear there’s billions of em out there.

Response:

Hey, I’ve just had a brainstorm.

<Snipped, plan to undermine our glorious capitalist economy Good God man !   Are you trying to undermine the economics of the industry ? Shame on you !  It is mandatory for a flyfisherman to carry several extremely expensive bottles of various substances of doubtful value, and hardly ever to use them.  Ideas like yours, though probably economically sound, and eminently practical, might be the death knell of the industry. Some bugger will be advising us to use cheap rods as well next !  What is the world coming to ? TL MC

Response:

Got to be me! Dave

Response:

   sound advice, as usual, from a man whose ability to discern the truth of a matter is legendary.

Legend has it he did once<g. — Charlie…

Response:

Fished the Big Quilecene river this pm. Lots of summer run Dog salmon carcasses in river. Very few trout. Fished an Orange stimulator, #6 on a 4x, as an October Caddis. You skitter the October caddis, and bob it under the surface to emulate egg laying. Caught handful of little Cutts and 2 chunky sea brite "rainbows" of about 14"  Strong fish. Had tied up a dozen stimulators and dressed all in Albolene nite before. Tried lite and heavy dressings. Both floated the fly, but the heavier dressing of Albolene did better, and still worked after being mouthed by caught fish. Stayed a little too long and went a little too far so had to hoof it back a couple of miles thru dark pastures and highway 101. Luckily my route went by the Laughing Oyster bar. Classic timber town bar. Thankfully no spotted owl on the menu Sunday nights. Dave

Response:

Saturday, October 16, 1999 Wolfgang, …you seem to be an intelligent writer and you find it a point to seek out people at a public board and criticize.  Please, could you explain to me your idea of the ROFF, what it is in your words, and how you contribute?

Why yes, actually I’d be delighted.  ROFF is a public forum to which many people come to exchange ideas and information related to fly fishing and a host of other topics.  I contribute by posting on topic messages whenever I feel that they may satisfy one or more of the following criteria; they must be informative, unique, insightful, amusing, illustrative, or in some other way useful.  I use the same criteria for off topic posts. Now, since there are many regular contributors here whose knowledge of matters related to fly fishing is vastly greater than my own I leave most of the informative answers to fly fishing questions to them.  Given the wide ranging interests of the people who post here it stands to reason that certain topics will come up about which I am in a position to say something worthwhile by virtue of the fact that I am a unique human being with experiences different from anyone else’s.  When that happens I contribute as I can and when the spirit moves me. As for being critical, I plead guilty as charged.  So what?  Early in my career on this NG I was taken to task for daring to offer a definition of a scientific term which many others found lacking, and this is as it should be.  What, after all, is the purpose of a public forum?  Is it not to sift through the dross of ill considered and sloppily propounded opinions in search of the truth?  Or, if you will allow me to switch metaphors, what we are about here is a process of distillation.  We are looking for the pearls of wisdom hidden in the sow’s ear or some such. But enough of that. Let’s get to the point of your criticism so cleverly hidden in what appears to be a question.  So, you don’t like my tone.  Evidently you see me as being unnecessarily quarrelsome or even unkind.  Again, guilty as charged…at least in some cases.  I don’t find this particularly difficult to justify though.  The great beauty of the usenet is that it affords anyone with access the opportunity to say whatever he or she wishes with a guarantee that the message will be available to a wide audience.  The great shortcoming of the usenet is that it affords anyone with access the opportunity to say whatever he or she wishes with a guarantee that the message will be available to a wide audience.  We live in what is called the information age.  Unfortunately a lot of what passes as information is in fact, shit.  And not everyone who passes information via this forum is pure of motive.  All too often some sanctimonious asshole shows up with an agenda that has nothing to do with sharing information or camaraderie.  It’s all about demonstrating that he is a superior being, some kind of Nietzchean Ubermensch.  I suspect that more often than not the underlying motivation is really an attempt to convince himself that he is in fact something more than a waste of valuable space, but that is neither here nor there.  Whenever this occurs I will, in my own humble way, do whatever I can to convince him that this is not a friendly place for such as he.  I am of course aware that others see matters differently than I do and that they have different means of dealing with miscreants.  This too is as it should be.  We have several regulars here who are the very soul of kindness and forbearance. And while I admire their measured responses to people who are not worthy of their attention I cannot be who they are nor act as they do.  Different strokes…. I hope I have cleared up this matter for you.  If not, let me know via email and I’ll expand.    One thing has makes me curious though.  The post to which you responded with your criticism of my criticism was a plea for Kathy not to give up on ROFF.  There was nothing critical in anything I said in that post. In fact, I even pointed out your "small stream fly fishing part III" as an example of a good reason for staying!  It seems to me there would be more appropriate places for you to voice your complaints.  It shouldn’t be at all difficult for you to find a thread in which I took a swipe at someone. Cheers!

Response:

Saturday, October 16, 1999 Wolfgang, …you seem to be an intelligent writer and you find it a point to seek out people at a public board and criticize.  Please, could you explain to me your idea of the ROFF, what it is in your words, and how you contribute? Why yes, actually I’d be delighted.

        (remarkably intelligent response deleted) Cheers!

        who loves ya, baby. wayno

Response:

Albolene.   Costs about eight dollars ( American ) for a big jar. Sorry, forgot source !   Most drugstores and similar.

Hi all, Funny thing – if I say GINK is a terrific floatant  - that is not spam it’s the truth! If George says it, all hell breaks loose! — Bill http://www.graigroad.demon.co.uk

Response:

Bill Grey: <<Hi all, Funny thing – if I say GINK is a terrific floatant  - that is not spam it’s the truth! It is a terrific floatant.  I don’t think any one has a problem with that. Dave L.

Response:

For some stupid reason I actually scrolled through this trash. This is the entire reason why I have stopped wasting my time with this group. EGAD!!

Response:

For some stupid reason I actually scrolled through this trash. This is the entire reason why I have stopped wasting my time with this group. EGAD!!

here and say, "Hey!  Come on over to the Camp Site and join into the discussion about spamming!"  (?) Okay Kathy, I think we understand why you actually scrolled through this question.  Thanks for our opinion. Mr. G.

Response:

Hey Ernie, or whoever remembers Whats the name of that hand cream you said was a great floatant? Where can you buy it? How much does it cost? Dave

Response:

Im going to give this stuff a try. Just found out you can order Albolene floatant on the web for $6 a 6 oz jar. Fact is they sell it in case lots, and probably by the carload. Just in case anyone else is interested, here is their web address. http://cdesb.com/ Dave

Response:

Hey Ernie, or whoever remembers Whats the name of that hand cream you said was a great floatant? Where can you buy it? How much does it cost? Dave

Albolene.   Costs about eight dollars ( American ) for a big jar. TL MC

Response:

Albolene.   Costs about eight dollars ( American ) for a big jar.

Sorry, forgot source !   Most drugstores and similar.

Response:

oh, come on, isn’t worth $2.49  for you to have the convenience of an applicator bottle ? Or do you ant to go streamside with a 6 oz. jar hanging from your vest ? BTW, George when you coming out with a upside down applicator ?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Im going to give this stuff a try. Just found out you can order Albolene floatant on the web for $6 a 6 oz jar. Fact is they sell it in case lots, and probably by the carload. Just in case anyone else is interested, here is their web address. http://cdesb.com/ Dave

Response:

oh, come on, isn’t worth $2.49  for you to have the convenience of an applicator bottle ? Or do you ant to go streamside with a 6 oz. jar hanging from your vest ?

Can’t you fill an applicator bottle from the jar? I have never seen the stuff so I have no idea if it can be done or not, but I am sure someone out there already has (or tried).  Info? Tips? Warren Remember, men will come and men will go, but the streams and mountains go on forever. -Bob Carmichael

Response:

Somewhere along the way I picked up a little holster thingy that holds the Gink bottle upside down, clipped to a zinger on my vest.  Label says "Gus’s Original Montana Flot-Pak".  Damned if I know where I picked it up at, but it works fine. — Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF RETIRED – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – oh, come on, isn’t worth $2.49  for you to have the convenience of an applicator bottle ? Or do you ant to go streamside with a 6 oz. jar hanging from your vest ? BTW, George when you coming out with a upside down applicator ? Im going to give this stuff a try. Just found out you can order Albolene floatant on the web for $6 a 6 oz jar. Fact is they sell it in case lots, and probably by the carload. Just in case anyone else is interested, here is their web address. http://cdesb.com/ Dave

Response:

For some stupid reason I actually scrolled through this trash. This is the entire reason why I have stopped wasting my time with this group. EGAD!!

Don’t leave Kathy!  Lots of reasons to stay.  For example, see Adam’s "small stream fly fishing Part III" above.  In addition Mu shared a lovely story with us just yesterday.  Mike is back with with his valedictorian versification…….the list goes on.  Life goes on and ROFF is still the last best place around!

Response:

oh, come on, isn’t worth $2.49  for you to have the convenience of an applicator bottle ? Or do you ant to go streamside with a 6 oz. jar hanging from your vest ?

It REALLY isn’t necessary to take the entire six ounce tub in the stream with you.  The world is full of containers of all sizes and shapes.  Transferring Albolene from its original container to something more convenient for use in the stream is any easy task.

Response:

 Somewhere along the way I picked up a little holster thingy that holds the Gink bottle upside down, clipped to a zinger on my vest.  Label says "Gus’s Original Montana Flot-Pak".  Damned if I know where I picked it up at, but it works fine.

     If you are a real cheapskate (I am) you can make your own bottle holder. All the hardware stores sell black plastic 1" table leg end caps, they are usually come packaged four for a buck. These will snugly hold most of the gooey floatants (if you still use the stuff), most brands come in the same size bottle. Burn two holes in the base with a hot dubbing needle and tie in a loop of leader butt material. Voila- make one for yourself and impress three friends for a buck.

Response:

For some stupid reason I actually scrolled through this trash. This is the entire reason why I have stopped wasting my time with this group. EGAD!!

Filter all but those from A. Wayne Harrison….he is the young Marlon Brando. — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

Response:

For some stupid reason I actually scrolled through this trash. This is the entire reason why I have stopped wasting my time with this group. EGAD!! Filter all but those from A. Wayne Harrison….he is the young Marlon Brando. — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

    sound advice, as usual, from a man whose ability to discern the truth of a matter is legendary. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Hey, I’ve just had a brainstorm.  OK ready?  What about this:  I take the albolene and put some into one of those little "Brand X" bottles thats almost empty! What do you think boys and girls? Will this work? Betcha it will. Dave

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Question:

Hit the same stream today, Monday, with my son on his 11th birthday. Arrived around noon, air temp pushing 70 degrees and a cloudless day. We run into one other fisherman getting dressed by the parking.  We agree he’ll head downstream and we’ll go up.  Into the woods, and we run into two other fishermen (another man and his son, NJ schools are on spring break), and we walk upstream a quarter mile and we’re alone again. My son swelters during the walk in, wearing his non-breathable chest waders and arrives on stream in a bit of a grump.  He hates overheating.  Realize I should have carried the waders in and let him change streamside.  I’m comfortable in my waist-high Gore-Tex. A few practice casts with a #16 pheasant tail and he’s convinced there are no fish here.  No luck in the first three pockets.  Then we arrive at the first decent pool, and two fish are rising steadily to dark stone flies. Off comes the PT and on goes the black caddis.  My son and I take turns casting.  He starts, has trouble getting the line out, and hands me the rod. I catch a 6" rainbow on the second offering.  He takes the rod back, gets off a decent cast, and lands a twin.  I land the third fish on the same pool a few moments later.  That concludes the action on the pool.  We move on. My son decides he’s enjoying sitting in the river in his waders, and throwing rocks, more than fishing and releases me (more or less) to fish.  A couple of large pools, and no action.  The surface is very quiet, and I can only assume I lined the fish. Then, 100 yards along, a compact, deep pool (at least 4 feet).  Having trouble seeing the black caddis fly, but after my second cast I see the flash of a fish’s belly taking something, and set the hook.  After a caroming fight across the entire pool, it turns out to be a fat 12" male rainbow in rich spawning colors. Another pocket, and another 7" fish.  Then my son announces he wants to leave.  It IS his birthday after all.  I’m thinking that if I’m alone, this is a 20 fish afternoon, easy.  Nevertheless, with one rod between us, we’ve caught 5 fish in less than 40 minutes, all on the caddis-stonefly. We go home, spotting a garter snake along the way.  My son grabs it, and later tells his grandmother he caught "one fish and one snake." Michael

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Just to say that the Garden State has a surprising amount to offer the wild trout fisherman who’s not obsessed with size of catch. On a stream to remain anonymous… This is a heavily wooded, small freestone stream.  Less than 90 minutes from Times Square, within two hours of 30 million people.  But on the stream all is peaceful.  No houses are visible in this stretch, just a mature hardwood forest.   NO ONE else is about, and the steep valley walls block out any possible traffic noise.  The water averages about a foot deep, cutting through some steep hills.  A series of small flats and little cascading plunge pools.  An occasional deeper pool or run.  Average width is no more than 15 feet. Arrived mid-day on Friday after moderate rain Thursday.  Surprised to find the water still running muddy with run-off.  Fishing for the first hour or so was pretty much a bust.  Water continued to run cloudy, but gradually changed from muddy to blue-green and fish started to hit. Was fishing a #14 bead-head pheasant tail for most of the afternoon, concentrating on the deeper pockets and deep pools/runs.  This was hit and run fishing, hitting a pocket with a few casts, then walking 20-30 yards to the next one. The deeper the pocket, the larger the fish, ranging from 6" to 12".  After 2 PM, most pockets rewarded me with a take.  Some with two or three, a big fish (9"+) at the deepest point, then smaller fish.  Wild rainbows in spawning splendor.  One brown.   By 4 o’clock I’d caught and released at least 20 fish. As I approached what I’d decided would be the last hole, I noticed a fish rise a couple of times.  Pulled off the pheasant tail, and put on a black elk hair caddis.  It took the first offering.  Turned out to be a fat 9"+ rainbow!  Lept twice before diving into a deep pocket, where I had to drag him out before releasing him.  First fish of the season on a dry! Michael

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -My roomate and I want to go on a week long vacation sometime between 12/18 and 1/3   I want to be on a beach and outside of the US.  We’re flying out of NYC with a budget of approx $1100 each.  We may be able to use frequent flyer miles for the air.  Last year we went to Costa Rica and loved it, but want to try somewhere else. WE are flying out of New York and would like to stay within 5 hours of flight time. Everything either appears to be sold out or too expensive. Any recommendations? Thanks, Michelle

Michelle, I have been going to Belize for the last few years. Lots of eco/jungle stuff on the mainland, jungle rivers and Maya ruins. Life on the islands/cayes is very nice. Fishing, snorkeling, scuba, boating and sight seeing is great. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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The Dominican Republic.  It should fit nicely into your budget and that would be for an all-inclusive resort.  We went to Paradise Beach Club in Puerto Plata a few years ago for $900. each. There are flights now directly into Punta Cana and there are specials on three resorts there for under to just above your budget; again for all inclusive resorts – all meals, drinks, activities. This year we went to Punta Cana and loved the beach there.  Had a wonderful vacation.  If you want specifics, e me directly. Kathy Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -My roomate and I want to go on a week long vacation sometime between 12/18 and 1/3 I want to be on a beach and outside of the US.  We’re flying out of NYC with a budget of approx $1100 each.  We may be able to use frequent flyer miles for the air.  Last year we went to Costa Rica and loved it, but want to try somewhere else. WE are flying out of New York and would like to stay within 5 hours of flight time. Everything either appears to be sold out or too expensive. Any recommendations? Thanks, Michelle

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My roomate and I want to go on a week long vacation sometime between 12/18 and  1/3 I want to be on a beach and outside of the US.  We’re flying out of NYC with a  budget of approx $1100 each.  We may be able to use frequent flyer miles for  the air.  Last year we went to Costa Rica and loved it, but want to try  somewhere else. WE are flying out of New York and would like to stay within 5 hours of flight  time. Everything either appears to be sold out or too expensive. Any recommendations? Thanks, Michelle

Have you looked at Cancun, Mexico. A few years ago we stayed at the Club Las Velas.  It was all-inclusive, under $1000. had real good entertainment and a young party mood crowd if that is what you like. The food was pretty good and the rooms were not fancy but clean.  They are not directly on the ocean but on  the canal and have a boat that takes you to a beach club. (They do have their own beach on the canal with kayaks, sailboats, snorkling)  There are a lot of other things to see in the area also. and you can hop a bus for 30 cents right in front of the hotel and go anywhere you want on the strip – shopping, beach, restaurants, clubs, other hotels.  We also felt very safe there as it is geared to the tourist.  Check with your travel agents.  Marianne — Visit "The Grand Isle Connection" http://www.GrandIsle.together.com

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My roomate and I want to go on a week long vacation sometime between 12/18 and 1/3 I want to be on a beach and outside of the US.  We’re flying out of NYC with a budget of approx $1100 each.  We may be able to use frequent flyer miles for the air.  Last year we went to Costa Rica and loved it, but want to try somewhere else. WE are flying out of New York and would like to stay within 5 hours of flight time. Everything either appears to be sold out or too expensive. Any recommendations? Thanks, Michelle

If you look at our BVI pages, below, you’ll see our preferences If you check with the major bareboat outfits, you might find an all-inclusive trip within your budget. They usually have a by-the-cabin charter running with one of their professional captains for a very reasonable price. Trouble is that you’re going during the absolute peak of the Caribbean season, but if you can swing it, all your land-based vacations will fade into a hazy memory. On my 4th trip, I introduced Pat to the BVI starting with 5 days onshore. Knowing the area, we hit all the good spots and she opined that it was up amongst her best vacations ever (and she’s got some good experience.) She Seemed a little sad as we prepared to take posession of our home for the next 8 days, leaving the shore behind. Two days later, her mind was completely and utterly blown. The time onshore had not prepared her for the intensity of sensations she experienced; anchoring for the night in a perfect little cove on a nearly deserted island. Waking up and sailing a short distance to The Baths and playing amongst boulders that seemed like a giant child’s blocks carelessly heaped an the shore; snorkling through virtual clouds of fish while examining coral (that she soon found out was not the most brilliant in the BVI). Then eating lunch and sailing into North Sound and the Bitter End Yacht Club, an upscale resort where they MUST rake the beach at least twice daily — not a cigarette butt to be found — and having dinner in those sumptous surroundings… And then it got better. And better. (44 days, 13 hours until we return….) — Jere Lull Xan-a-Deux — ‘73 Tanzer 28 #4 — out of Tolchester, MD Xan’s Pics & Specs:      http://www.dca.net/~jerelull/X-Main.html British Virgin Islands:  http://www.dca.net/~jerelull/BVI.html

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Question:

-Does anyone have any info on a new disease appearing in Irish frmed salmon called Nervous Mortality Syndrome? Has it spread to any wild stock? Wild Fish First Socety C Mckee

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Actually, its a hangover.

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. sfeed.internetmci.com!news.mathworks.com!arclight.uoregon.edu!newsfeed.dire c

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Any recommendations for best time of year for Cuba and best camp for bonefish please Many thanks — Charles Reaves

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Hi Charles, May is prime time in the Caribbean for this type of flats fishing. Take a look at this article: http://flyfishing.about.com/library/ffm/cuba/aacuba.htm There is only one operation in the cays south of Cuba and it is an Italian company, Jardinas. It is compared to the Florida Keys 50 years ago. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any recommendations for best time of year for Cuba and best camp for bonefish please Many thanks — Charles Reaves

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I am looking for information –  guides, places, tips… for a fall trip to Cuba.  Any thoughts or help will be much appreciated. Capt. Joe Evans, Annapolis, Md.

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I am always looking for items with "trout" on them.  Notecards, art, household items, novelties, etc.  If anyone knows any interesting websites, stores, etc., with "trout" gifts for sale, please email me. Thanx.

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I used to fish Cuba until the U.S. Customs Department shut us down.  You had better check with them before trying a trip.   Dealing with Cuba and spending money in their country can be thought of as a traitorist act in their eyes.  Ace

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try ORvis

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James Prosek, Trout, an illustrated histroy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – try ORvis

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Question:

The guys at Marriott’s Shop in Fullerton have had some advice on So.Cal. saltwater chances in the past.  Their telephone is 714-525-1827.  Address is 2700 West Orangethorpe.Last time I was in there they had a stack of orange and grey flies designed to immitate some sort of surf crab.  They will also, of course, recommend King Harbor. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am interested in saltwater fly fishing in the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara area in early March.  Are there stripers in the aqeduct and how does one get access?  Is there any beach fishing and wading?  What fish and what flies.  Thanks King Harbor at Redondo Beach can be good at that time.  Rent a skiff from Rocky Point marine and throw deceivers or other anchovy-like flies on fast sinking shooting heads for bonito and calico bass.  Let me know if you need more info. John Woodling Sacramento, CA

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While we are at salt water fly fishing, what is a salt water fly like? I have some idea of fresh water fly fishing, but knows absolutely nothing about salt water fly fishing.  Obviously, at least seems to me, something like the little fresh water flies will not attract too many fish, at least nothing big.  If you do use something bigger or heavier, then you can’t really call it a fly any more, can you?  Do you still use a fly reel?  I am not a fly fisherman, but I am interested in any kind of fishing, just haven’t gotten to fly fishing yet. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -King Harbor at Redondo Beach can be good at that time.  Rent a skiff from Rocky Point marine and throw deceivers or other anchovy-like flies on fast sinking shooting heads for bonito and calico bass.  Let me know if you need more info. John Woodling Sacramento, CA

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I am interested in saltwater fly fishing in the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara area in early March.  Are there stripers in the aqeduct and how does one get access?  Is there any beach fishing and wading?  What fish and what flies.  Thanks

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I am interested in saltwater fly fishing in the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara area in early March.  Are there stripers in the aqeduct and how does one get access?  Is there any beach fishing and wading?  What fish and what flies.  Thanks

King Harbor at Redondo Beach can be good at that time.  Rent a skiff from Rocky Point marine and throw deceivers or other anchovy-like flies on fast sinking shooting heads for bonito and calico bass.  Let me know if you need more info. John Woodling Sacramento, CA

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Question:

Thinking of buying a float tube soon, and wanted to know what others thought would be the best one…prices,etc. Any reccomendations would be appreciated. Want to use it in the Mammoth Lakes area, Crowley,etc. as well as for backpacking into outlying mountain lakes. What the heck is the best way to inflate it? Thanks in advance! Will be using the tube for fly fishing…Happy tubing everyone!!

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I don’t know anyone who doesn’t prefer the u-tube desighn I think Cabela’s has the bewst prices I’ve seen. Should bwe some good end of season sales now. I agree-avoid Browning. Caddis or Buck’s Bag make nice tubes.

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writes: Thinking of buying a float tube soon, and wanted to know what others thought would be the best one…prices,etc. Any reccomendations would be appreciated. Want to use it in the Mammoth Lakes area, Crowley,etc. as well as for backpacking into outlying mountain lakes. What the heck is the best way to inflate it?

I’ve had very good luck with my Buck’s Bag.  I also have a Caddis tube that now serves as a spare (for friends, etc.) and it has been going strong for eight years now.  I had a Browning tube that burst the first time I filled it. CHEAP!  I like truck inner tubes, but you should get the urethane bladder as well if you want to backpack with it. I think it cuts 4 pounds off the weight or something.  I fill my tube at the gas station, but you need to be careful.  I also have a foot pump for adjustments.  It’s difficult to fill the tube in Sacramento and have it be exactly right when I get to the mountains.  Don’t want the seams to burst on the way up. I think the shops in Mammoth will rent tubes.  Might be worth trying some. Some people like the U-shaped tubes, some don’t.  Good idea to try one out first. Get it soon.  Crowley should be getting good now.  I was there two weeks ago and it was only fair as far as numbers go, although I did catch a couple of 20" fish. Happy tubing. John Woodling

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Thinking of buying a float tube soon….

I have a suggestion of one tube NOT to purchase.  Buck’s Colt pontoon style.  I love the style, but the boat is not very well designed.  It tends to sit to one side or the other due to the seat flexing which leads to some nasty cramping.  On mine, the PVC tube supports bent horribly and I had to replace them.  The boat is, generally not stiff enough.  It was only $200, maybe that’s the problem??   Buck’s Bullet is a real nice boat for about $300 (spend the extra $100, I wish I had) Brian

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Question:

While looking through some fishing catalogs that have recently made it to my mailbox, a question came to mind… I know that a tapered leader is an option…and so is a knotted taper… my question is, can I use "regular" monofilament for the taper or even the tippet for that matter…I mean, isn’t it all essentially the same stuff? Also, I stumbled across a "Hobbs Creek Combo" in the Bass Pro catalog… it’s a 8-1/2 ft 7 wt w/ a rod bag, wf-7-f line, 100 yd backing and a tapered leader thrown in…all for the unbelievably low price of $94.95…that’s right, only 94.95…so call now…uh, sorry…sales pitc mode…does anyone have any experience with this combo?  or any other combos in this "super-cheapy" range?  There’s also a graphite rod combo for $179.94 that might be a better "investment"…anyhow, if you have the catalog, look on page 50 and 51 and let me know if any of these are worth looking at… Fish on!, JC

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Yes, it’s "all the same stuff".  However, remember that the taper relates to the diameter of the material, not its breaking strength.  And since manufacturers don’t necessarily produce a uniform diameter to strength product, you have to watch it. Four pound test may not be thinner than six pound test from a different manufacturer. Charley

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Yeah it’s all the same stuff. Unless you buy a tapered leader the mono you buy is all level. There are pros & cons to buying as well as tying your own leaders, but as a general rule I would stick to buying tapered. They are certainly more convenient and easier to deal with and I havn’t found a situation where they wouldn’t work. Save yourself the effort of tying, unless you really need a specialized leader (long & fine for drys…etc.).      As per the rod you probably should try to decide how serious you want to be before you buy. Save yourself the money of buying two outfits (a cheap one now & an upgrade later)esp. if you intend to persue the sport for life. I recommend a Sage 590 RPL and a Ross Gunnison reel. This outfit will cover you for 90% of the freshwater fishing you will encounter and will last a lifetime. If you are still concerned about the price check out the Sage Discovery Series (rod, reel, and line) for around $250 the extra investment is definately worth the enjoyment of fishing with better equipment.    TIEFLIE

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