Question:

I fished with a ROFF lurker Sunday, a really good fisherman and tier, and we got rain, snow, and wind.  Both of us caught a few good fish and we enjoyed watching the guides and their sports in the Texas hole.  Two guys in one boat had a foul hooked double.  First time we’d ever seen that one.

I’m assuming you don’t mean my version of a double – foul hooking a fish with *both* my nymphs… ??

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I’m assuming you don’t mean my version of a double – foul hooking a fish with *both* my nymphs… ??

  Man, that’s disgusting.  You need to brush up on your style:)   I caught a fish last year on two nymphs, one fly in each corner of his MOUTH. That’s the way we westerners do things. With a little class.  I’ll bet you tie Parachute Adams’ on treble hooks, too. Snoop — —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

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I’m assuming you don’t mean my version of a double – foul hooking a fish with *both* my nymphs… ??

Wow.  I’ve never seen that one before either! bruce h

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I’m assuming you don’t mean my version of a double – foul hooking a fish with *both* my nymphs… ??   Man, that’s disgusting.  You need to brush up on your style:)   I caught a fish last year on two nymphs, one fly in each corner of his MOUTH. That’s the way we westerners do things. With a little class.  I’ll bet you tie Parachute Adams’ on treble hooks, too.

Yeah, but I’ve noticed that if I leave off the tail, body, wings and even hackle from my treble Adams it snags ‘em just as well.  Frankly, I don’t think the fish can tell the difference…..

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I’m planning on having a really small group at the San Juan December 7-10. You are invited if you are reading this.  Join the Western clique.  We’re really not all that picky 2002 has been a pretty slow year for me, fishing wise, although I’ve had the good fortune to take some good trips and I have caught lots of good fish. Just not as many as expected in many cases.  Fishing, like many other pursuits, can sometimes be improved by managing one’s expectations. Even the San Juan, a veritable aquarium, has been slower than expected on the days I managed to get up there this year.  And while I was in Idaho and Montana, struggling to catch fish and enjoying everyone’s company, the San Juan was rocking, with the fish eating anything, apparently.  Did I mention that Indian Joe is a HOOT? I vowed to make the time to fish the Juan for a weekend or more and really walk around and concentrate on locating concentrations of fish for the December trip.  Of course it’s not too tough in that river but the fish do move around as the conditions change.  And I’ve never even seen the river as low as it’s flowing now as a result of our drought – 350 cfs.  Last weekend I fished Friday afternoon and all weekend. At the Western Clave, Jeff C mentioned to me that he had hoped for visible hatches and working fish and a puzzle to solve.  We really didn’t get it. We were casting to likely water and mostly blind, not casting to visible fish (except the bridges!) or rise forms.  At the San Juan, you can cast to working fish and throw everything in your box at them and not hook anything but the Tamarisk behind you for two hours.  Well, unless your initials are WL that is.  And other times, the fish are visibly feeding, you can identify pretty closely what they’re eating, and lo and behold, a few of them eat your presentations of imitations.  As somebody once said and I’ve repeated often, some days are electric. Friday afternoon was Electric.  Saturday was raining, cold and mostly windy and the fish still ate a good presentation.  I looked up and down the river and saw the other fly fishers waiting for a chance to get a drift or sitting on the river bank waiting it out.  Sunday dawn I was walking across the upper flats, intent on checking out an apparently trapped goose that I had spotted from my truck.  As I got closer and it got a little brighter outside, I could tell it wasn’t a goose.  The shotgun blasts kicked my brain into gear.  Decoy, hunters.  Wow.  I’ve seen a lot of shotgun shells there but I’ve never had a couple of camo guys stand up on the island in front of me and start blasting at some distant ducks.  Even more amazing was the fact that they weren’t bothered by the other twenty or so guys that arrived over the next couple of hours. The baetis hatch Sunday afternoon was really something to behold.  We were at the right place at the right time.  I think there was a debate here some time ago about whether or not cloudy conditions bring out the baetis.  At the San Juan it seems obvious.  I was extremely happy to be there. I fished with a ROFF lurker Sunday, a really good fisherman and tier, and we got rain, snow, and wind.  Both of us caught a few good fish and we enjoyed watching the guides and their sports in the Texas hole.  Two guys in one boat had a foul hooked double.  First time we’d ever seen that one. bruce h

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Question:

riverman, try this site if you get access to internet http://scandicangler.com/ it has virtually no delay when it comes to posts on R.O.F.F.

Thanks Roger, but, uh, I have absolutely no idea how to use that site!! Its in some furrin’ language! <g riverman

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Damn! I saw the English flag but never tried it since I have no problem reading Norwegian, or Danish for that matter. You can always keep the adress in mind, maybe they will come up with the English version soon (at least they have prepared for it). Yours/ Roger Taking things for granted will eventually cause problems.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – riverman, try this site if you get access to internet http://scandicangler.com/ it has virtually no delay when it comes to posts on R.O.F.F. Thanks Roger, but, uh, I have absolutely no idea how to use that site!! Its in some furrin’ language! <g riverman

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(snip)

Yee Ha! At least I’ve got you on age!  40 coming up shortly. bruce h

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Yee Ha! At least I’ve got you on age!  40 coming up shortly.

Old fart in training!  Old fart in training!!!!!  Bawahahahaha!!!!!! — Warren (who isn’t the youngest on ROFF, but is younger than you!!:-) change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

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I don’t know if I’ll have newsgroup access in SA, or in Congo. If not, be assured I’ll be lurking via google.com, (someone say hello to me sometime; I’ll see it) and if possible, look forward to a progress report from the other side of the world once I find usenet access. Without usenet access, I’ll post some TRs via emails to another ROFFian.

riverman, try this site if you get access to internet http://scandicangler.com/ it has virtually no delay when it comes to posts on R.O.F.F. — Tight lines! / Roger Ohlund Daytime engineer Lifetime flyfisherman For info on flyfishing in northern Sweden visit http://home.bip.net/angler/

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riverman said: Maybe my posts are excellent, but my JUDGEMENT leaves something to be desired… Then it’s *gotta* be for the big bucks! It can’t be for the scenery.  :( — TL, Tim

The bucks are OK, but nothing to write home about. I guess mostly I’m doing it for the experience. That, and my partner threatened to leave me if I spent another day gawking at the women in Riga. In retrospect, it was a pretty risky play on her part.   :-/ riverman

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(snip) Man, the youth, the travel, the free time, the Russian women. Your posts are excellent Riverman. bruce h

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(snip) Man, the youth, the travel, the free time, the Russian women. Your posts are excellent Riverman.

Why, thank you Bruiser! But maybe you missed the gist of that post….see, I’m LEAVING this region (with the beautiful Russian women) and going to the middle of AIDs and malaria-mosquito infested Dark Africa, for 2 or 3 years, where there are no good trout streams, no political or social infrastructure, its 100 degrees in the shade, but there ain’t no shade, 99% humidity on the dry days, and my ‘youth’ (sneaking up on 45) is fading as rapidly as my prospects of scoring one of those Russian thong-mamas in the 2.5 days I have left here. Maybe my posts are excellent, but my JUDGEMENT leaves something to be desired… riverman

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (snip) Man, the youth, the travel, the free time, the Russian women. Your posts are excellent Riverman. Why, thank you Bruiser! But maybe you missed the gist of that post….see, I’m LEAVING this region (with the beautiful Russian women) and going to the middle of AIDs and malaria-mosquito infested Dark Africa, for 2 or 3 years, where there are no good trout streams, no political or social infrastructure, its 100 degrees in the shade, but there ain’t no shade, 99% humidity on the dry days, and my ‘youth’ (sneaking up on 45) is fading as rapidly as my prospects of scoring one of those Russian thong-mamas in the 2.5 days I have left here. Maybe my posts are excellent, but my JUDGEMENT leaves something to be desired…

Then it’s *gotta* be for the big bucks! It can’t be for the scenery.  :( — TL, Tim

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And the women in this part of the world are the most beautiful anywhere I have ever been, and thats a lot of places. Stop you in your tracks beautiful. what is your line of work, riverman?  do you need an english-speaking assistant?  free legal service?  do the process servers in riga take bribes?  is schwepps tonic water readily available? a rapid response will be much appreciated by

wayno: I teach school, and sure I could use an english-speaking assistant  Let me warn you, though, once you visit a place like this, your freaking life is ruined forever. Check out this article: http://www.csica.com/selyanka/newreports.htm And, yes they take bribes, schwepps is available, and I leave on Sunday. Like I said, Stupid Plan… riverman (who is impressed that you are the only roffian to notice the lowercase ‘r’)

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<snip Here in Riga, the days are currently 23 hours long, the weather clear and bright, and as you move northwards through Estonia and Finland (as some recent TRs have exposed), the trout/greyling fishing becomes world-class at this time of year. You can basically follow the ‘early spring’ conditions north to your hearts desire, and there are hundreds of thousands of spots to fish.

<snip <snip And at this moment, I have 3 months pay in my pocket, 11 weeks vacation,

.. <snip Look at it this way, the days won’t be as long and your your cash supply a little smaller, but the grayling fishing will be even better when you get back in the autumn. Have a safe journey /Roger

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And the women in this part of the world are the most beautiful anywhere I have ever been, and thats a lot of places. Stop you in your tracks beautiful.

        what is your line of work, riverman?  do you need an english-speaking assistant?  free legal service?  do the process servers in riga take bribes?  is schwepps tonic water readily available?         a rapid response will be much appreciated by your friend in the old north state wayno  (have lust, will travel)

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I don’t know if I’ll have newsgroup access in SA, or in Congo. If not, be assured I’ll be lurking via google.com, (someone say hello to me sometime; I’ll see it) and if possible, look forward to a progress report from the other side of the world once I find usenet access. Without usenet access, I’ll post some TRs via emails to another ROFFian.

By the way, you can get a google account, based upon a hotmail account, and post to your hearts content.  It does take a few hours to catch up, google is not instant posting, but hey, its free access.  I am truely interested in the flies you use on hippos.  Goodluck on the Summer to Winter thing (once flew from Clark AB in the Philipines to Minot AFB, ND). — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply.

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In a day or two, I’m off for the summer and I don’t know if or when I can get back to ROFF. The Czechs have a word for ‘pretrip anxiety/blues’ and although I cannot remember what it is, I certainly have it. Cutting the cord to this wacky group certainly doesn’t help. Tight Lines, and good summer (to the Northern Hemisphere folks) riverman

Enjoy your *Holiday*, and travel safely Riverman! Op

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In a day or two, I’m off for the summer and I don’t know if or when I can get back to ROFF. The Czechs have a word for ‘pretrip anxiety/blues’ and although I cannot remember what it is, I certainly have it. Cutting the cord to this wacky group certainly doesn’t help. Here in Riga, the days are currently 23 hours long, the weather clear and bright, and as you move northwards through Estonia and Finland (as some recent TRs have exposed), the trout/greyling fishing becomes world-class at this time of year. You can basically follow the ‘early spring’ conditions north to your hearts desire, and there are hundreds of thousands of spots to fish. And the women in this part of the world are the most beautiful anywhere I have ever been, and thats a lot of places. Stop you in your tracks beautiful. And at this moment, I have 3 months pay in my pocket, 11 weeks vacation, an apartment all rented, a solid 4WD truck, camping gear, fishing gear, and nothing on my datebook….except for a flight this sunday to Cape Town. South Africa. …..where its winter, dreary, days are 10 hours long, and trout streams are few, far between, and not heavily populated with fish. And its the off-season. Why am I doing this? Got to. Got important things to do in SA that will take time. Visas, shipments, travel arrangement to my next destination in Congo. Got a girlfriend to meet in 2 weeks, got a place to stay and friends to see. Hopefully I’ll get a chance to hook up with Ari Bert, maybe find an elusive trout or two. Possibly spend a few days dodging hippos and crocs on a river, we’ll see. Also have plans to do some surf casting on both coasts with different friends; a Professor Emeritus that I met in Kruger a few years back, and an Italian Chef that I know through my partner. Should be interesting. I don’t know if I’ll have newsgroup access in SA, or in Congo. If not, be assured I’ll be lurking via google.com, (someone say hello to me sometime; I’ll see it) and if possible, look forward to a progress report from the other side of the world once I find usenet access. Without usenet access, I’ll post some TRs via emails to another ROFFian. Take care, all, and its been great fun meeting you, both IRL (Stan, Jarmo, Charlie, Mike, Hermann, Marcel) and online (everyone else). Tight Lines, and good summer (to the Northern Hemisphere folks) riverman

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Question:

I was looking at those before everyone suggested that stocking foot was the way to go.. Any second thoughts from you guys?

Only one. For the coldest conditions (winter tailwater fishing, goose hunting in a blizzard, etc.) you can’t beat the warmth of a pair of 5 mm neoprene bootfoot waders. But for anything else, I’d go with a pair of stocking foot waders with a good pair of wading boots. How cold is it where/when you plan to use them? — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyoming

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Lou, Like somebody else mentioned, it all depends on where you plan to fish. As for myself, fishing on freestone creeks and doing a good bit of walking, I am a big fan of stockingfoot waders and good wading boots. Reducing the risk of a sprained ankle far outweighs the extra five minutes or so it takes to put them on. Bob

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greg I was looking at those before everyone suggested that stocking foot was the way to go.. Any second thoughts from you guys? Lou FWIW: Cabelas has a lace up bootfoot model this year too.   I see that they’re a heck of a lot cheaper,  and the boots (from the small photo) look  like they might provide better ankle support.

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Wayne & Others Wet wading, even in late summer is not much of a option here in Michigan’s Western UP. The streams and rivers run cold. The trout seem to like it but a guy can freeze his ass off in these waters…..

Granted, it may not be for everyone, but I’ve often waded wet in the various branches of the Ontonagon, Cook’s Run, Big and Little Carps, the Paint, the Fence, both Brules, the Firesteel, several of the Irons, the Sturgeon, and a host of others in the western UP. You get used to it after a while.     Wolfgang numb nu…….well, never mind.

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Wolfgang You R tougher than me.   I’ve tried fishing the SalmonTrout river in nylon windpants and  rubber sandals. Goddddd that water is cold. I need waders! BTW,,you were less than an hour from my home so if you wander this way again send me a E mail first. If you do I’ll buy you a beer and maybe we could consider fishing together. Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wayne & Others Wet wading, even in late summer is not much of a option here in Michigan’s Western UP. The streams and rivers run cold. The trout seem to like it but a guy can freeze his ass off in these waters….. Granted, it may not be for everyone, but I’ve often waded wet in the various branches of the Ontonagon, Cook’s Run, Big and Little Carps, the Paint, the Fence, both Brules, the Firesteel, several of the Irons, the Sturgeon, and a host of others in the western UP. You get used to it after a while.     Wolfgang numb nu…….well, never mind.

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Greg Over the past year I often loaded  Cabelas Dry Plus bought waders, a chest pack, change of cloths, and some pop into a mid size pack. I’d catty a old wicker creel over one shoulder and carry my rod in a case. I don’t think the whole thing weighted 30 pounds and was no big deal to hike in with. I want to thank everyone here for their advice but I noticed that Cabelas had my old Dry Plus Breathable bought on sale for $100. I probably went fishing 100 + times last year and sure got my money’s worth and liked my old waders. I guess habit/ low price over comes good sense so I bought another pair today.. Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was looking at those before everyone suggested that stocking foot was the way to go.. Any second thoughts from you guys?  I spend at least half of my fishing time in water  under 50 degrees or on beaches.   The laced  bootfoots have worked out quite well for that.  They are also easier to deal with: one piece  instead of the 3-5 (counting guards) that I would  be sure to forget one or more of.  The max distance that I have hiked in one day  is probably no more than 4-5 miles.  If I were  going to do some serious off-road hiking to get  to fishing water, I’m pretty sure that I would opt  to carry the waders in, since it would be inevitable  that I would destroy them otherwise (but first I  would have to have some serious work done on  one knee…).  The one disadvantage I  have in using bootfoots is  that I can’t switch between felt and studded soles.  So I used corkers for a while, which I couldn’t stand.  More recently I bought a pair of what looks like old-  fashioned galoshes with studs and a drawstring that  I slip on over the bootfeet (I think that Dan Bailey  distributes them).   They’re much more comfortable  and easy to slog through water in than corkers, but  I don’t believe that they work as well – too much metal  on the bottom so weight isn’t concentrated as well –  and the metal is quite soft, so it is abrading rather  quickly.  I’m pretty sure that I am going to buy another pair  of laced bootfoot waders soon and outfit one pair  with studs.

Response:

HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou

Response:

HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why?

Stockingfoot allows you to wear a custom boot that has the best fit (including laces), and also to change boots.

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HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou

Stocking foot are best all around for convenience and comfort.Boot foot are best for cold water winter fishing and for fishing the beach.Why choose, it’s best to have both. Regards,  Flypaint(Shawn)

Response:

Hi Lou, I have sold/fitted waders to anglers and hunters for 37 years now, but we specialize in waders for fly fishers now. Today in California we sell 100% stocking foot chest high breathable waders for fly fishing. A few years ago we sold only stocking foot neoprene waders and light weight non-breathable stocking foot waders. Boot foot waders are faster and easier to put on, but you don’t get the ankle support that you get with a lace up boot on a stocking foot wader  for walking long distances in trout streams. Also, it is hard to really fit people well with boot foot waders because you need to get the chest/body size right first, then the right inseam length and then the right boot size. We use to sell neoprene boot foot waders a little, but had them "custom" fitted. If you could order boot foot waders with your body size, inseam length and then a good boot fit, they are great for those fast situation where you don’ walk a lot. The story on hip boots is that everyone I know that has fished with me over the years has gone in over the top during a day of fly fishing in Northern California. It is either chest high stocking foot breathable waders or wade wet in northern California in the summer. We sell a few waist high waders a year now but with the onset of breathables it is not as necessary as it was with non-breathables. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou

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HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou

        stockingfoot.  because we wade wet down here after mid april, and thus need protection from the ankle up very infrequently.  if you ever hiked up to the middle falls on snowbird in late july, in even "breathable" chest high waders, you’d fully understand. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou stockingfoot.  because we wade wet down here after mid april, and thus need protection from the ankle up very infrequently.  if you ever hiked up to the middle falls on snowbird in late july, in even "breathable" chest high waders, you’d fully understand.

Quick word of caution…walking in shorts through briars and scrub that scratch the legs…then standing in biota rich pond water is a recipe for some interesting rash and infection…the notion of keeping alcohol pads back at the truck is a good one. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

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Guys Thanks to all of you who offered advice. I trust  the wisdom of this NG and will invest in some stocking foot waders and boots. BTW..I live in the Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, my old 5mm cold weather/ ice in the  river  waders are still in good shape but my summer ones are shot. I very often pack in my gear including waders on my back and them get organized streamside. Thanks again.. Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou stockingfoot.  because we wade wet down here after mid april, and thus need protection from the ankle up very infrequently.  if you ever hiked up to the middle falls on snowbird in late july, in even "breathable" chest high waders, you’d fully understand. Quick word of caution…walking in shorts through briars and scrub that scratch the legs…then standing in biota rich pond water is a recipe for some interesting rash and infection…the notion of keeping alcohol pads back at the truck is a good one. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

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Quick word of caution…walking in shorts through briars and scrub that scratch the legs…then standing in biota rich pond water is a recipe for some interesting rash and infection…the notion of keeping alcohol pads back at the truck is a good one. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

Taking a bottle of alcohol along to the stream has proved more popular it seems. TL MC

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Quick word of caution…walking in shorts through briars and scrub that scratch the legs…then standing in biota rich pond water is a recipe for some interesting rash and infection…the notion of keeping alcohol pads back at the truck is a good one. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer Taking a bottle of alcohol along to the stream has proved more popular it seems.

I was refering to the ‘optional’ variety. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

Response:

FWIW: Cabelas has a lace up bootfoot model this year too.

I was looking at those before everyone suggested that stocking foot was the way to go.. Any second thoughts from you guys?

I don’t have a second thought – I still prefer stocking foot.  For all the reasons previously mentioned, plus the EEEE show size I need<g. –Stan

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For what it is worth, the latest cabela’s catalog has laceup boot foots as well. Chris Richer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wet wading, even in late summer is not much of a option here in Michigan’s Western UP. The streams and rivers run cold.  Same in western NY and Ontario. The trout seem to like it but a guy can freeze his ass off in these waters. Going to take all the good advice and set up with stocking foot + boots.  Before you do you might want to take a quick look  at Orvis’s breathables with lace-up boot foots.

– Chris Richer chrisratnostormspamdotca

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Greg I was looking at those before everyone suggested that stocking foot was the way to go.. Any second thoughts from you guys? Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – FWIW: Cabelas has a lace up bootfoot model this year too.   I see that they’re a heck of a lot cheaper,  and the boots (from the small photo) look  like they might provide better ankle support.

Response:

Why Lou!  That’s for your annual bonefish trip to the Keys! Wayne to fish is human….to release Divine!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wayne & Others Wet wading, even in late summer is not much of a option here in Michigan’s Western UP. The streams and rivers run cold. The trout seem to like it but a guy can freeze his ass off in these waters. Going to take all the good advice and set up with stocking foot + boots. Lou

Response:

 Before you do you might want to take a quick look  at Orvis’s breathables with lace-up boot foots.

FWIW: Cabelas has a lace up bootfoot model this year too.

Response:

Wayne & Others Wet wading, even in late summer is not much of a option here in Michigan’s Western UP. The streams and rivers run cold. The trout seem to like it but a guy can freeze his ass off in these waters. Going to take all the good advice and set up with stocking foot + boots. Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For may of the reasons already stated, go stocking foot.  Besides being able to change boot types and properly fit the boot, you can wet wade sans waders with a good boot in hot climes; maximum versatility.  As Bill recommended; go with breathables. Considere neoprene socks when wet wading with boots and keep in mind, some boots like Chota Brookies have removable insoles for use with and without waders. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine! HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou

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… they are composed of poly-cotton with layers of codura on the knees and ass.  that’s because if you aren’t on the former when you fish, you aint gonna catch any of the latter, in hazel creek.

I fished all day on Hazel Creek, was on my knees most of the time and I STILL didn’t catch any ass. Need another lesson from the master, I guess. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

For may of the reasons already stated, go stocking foot.  Besides being able to change boot types and properly fit the boot, you can wet wade sans waders with a good boot in hot climes; maximum versatility.  As Bill recommended; go with breathables. Considere neoprene socks when wet wading with boots and keep in mind, some boots like Chota Brookies have removable insoles for use with and without waders. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HIYA guys I’ve always used bootfoot waders but I wonder if I’d be better off with stockingfoot. What do you folks use and why? Lou

Response:

No reason you can’t use quick-dry long pants.  They even make ones that have zip-off bottoms (i.e. convertible to shorts.)

        actually, my "fishing pants" are what were originally designed as warm weather bird hunting pants:  they are composed of poly-cotton with layers of codura on the knees and ass.  that’s because if you aren’t on the former when you fish, you aint gonna catch any of the latter, in hazel creek.         what the hell, it’s after 6, and it’s been a long day. wayno

Response:

Quick word of caution…walking in shorts through briars and scrub that scratch the legs…then standing in biota rich pond water is a recipe for some interesting rash and infection…the notion of keeping alcohol pads back at the truck is a good one.

No reason you can’t use quick-dry long pants.  They even make ones that have zip-off bottoms (i.e. convertible to shorts.)

Response:

stockingfoot.  because we wade wet down here after mid april, and thus need protection from the ankle up very infrequently.  if you ever hiked up to the middle falls on snowbird in late july, in even "breathable" chest high waders, you’d fully understand.

Good point.  I have used my wading boots without waders on quite a few occasions.

Response:

Question:

Skittering is a fantastic technique for catching trout, especially when the caddis are active but it is still deadly during mayfly activity. I learned about it in an old book that had a chapter on the 1920’s Bryson City (Hazel Creek) fishing legend, Mark Cathey. He could subtly vibrate his hand and the energy would transfer to rod/line/fly. The end result being the fly "dancing" on the water. I believe it is so effective because the fly becomes alive, it’s not just another piece of inanimate detritus floating by. It is also very effective with a pupae dropper…. because it also becomes alive. If truth be told, I’ve caught way more trout "skitterin" than dead drifting.

One of the hardest situations, for me, is when the fish want just a bit of vibration or a twitch. It is easy to give a fly significant movement but I find it hard to give just that little shift in position that can indicate life to the fish and bring them to the fly. There are many situations, I feel, where this tiniest amount of movement will trigger a strike, while significant movement or drag will put down the fish. The movement, on slow water, is merely a twitch that makes the fly quiver. This quiver is tough to do but it is one of things I try on tough fish. If you get it right, you frequently get the fish.  Do it wrong and the fish is down. Willi

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The very first trout that I caught, was taken on a dragging elk hair caddis…. I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s a good time to repeat.  I have often fished with a partner.  We move up the stream together, taking turns fishing.  It’s a good method for critiquing one anther’s technique, in addition to providing company astream.  Very often, while my partner was fishing, I would simply let my fly hang in the current downstream.  This has, over the years, resulted in hundreds of hookups in what would otherwise have been dead time.  This method worked particularly well with elk hair caddis and pass lakes, but many other patterns have also been successful.  Streamers and wet flies, of course, are obvious choices.

If you analyze this and do it in a more purposeful manner, you’d hook even more. Willi

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The technique is a very active one that thoroughly covers alot of area in a short time. I generally hit each spot with a series of short, dead drift casts. As each cast begins to swing, I raise my rod tip and swing the flies through all likely lies below me with the dry skittering along the top and the wet dragging just under or at the surface. My next coverage will be a cast directly across stream. I immediately raise my rod tip and drag the flies back across the current. My last coverage of an area is a series a upstream casts where I drag the flies back toward me moving downstream at a pretty rapid rate. If no fish were stirred, I move up stream and cover the next section of the stream. Could you clarify this, Willi? Do you first fish the spot thoroughly with dead drifts, and only then try the skittering and dragging?

That’s interesting as there’s a section of the West Branch of the upper Credit that is composed of cascades and pocket water that has never produced much for me on wets.  I’ve never fished it in the manner you described as I’ve always attempted to dead drift all my presentations, dry or wet.  Most of the time, I’ve use heavily dressed dries such as Henryville Specials and only broke out the wets when I’m on the verge of a skunking.  I’ll have to try your more aggressive approach this coming season. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Could you clarify this, Willi? Do you first fish the spot thoroughly with dead drifts, and only then try the skittering and dragging?

I usually start out that way because dead drifting has been so ingrained for me. However, once I bring up a fish using a skittering fly, I tend to use the dead drift only for those fish that rose and didn’t take or missed the fly that was given action. I came across this technique through a fortunate accident. Some years ago, I was fishing some pocket water and wasn’t have much luck. As I remember, I was fishing a sizable nymph and decided to change flies. As I began dragging in the fly, it skimmed along the surface and was taken by a nice fish. I figured the fish wanted a dry and fished one in a traditional no drag manner with no results. Then it dawned on me to add some action. Although I’ll frequently twitch caddis dries, the action I give the flies when fishing this technique is much greater. On many of the casts, there is no drag free part of the drift. The fly is dragged across the current and skipped through small pockets and hopped upstream. Not all insects float in a sedate manner like a Mayfly. Many Caddis hop across the surface laying eggs. Stoneflies will "swim" across the surface leaving a wake. Craneflies are very active on the surface. I sometimes try to imitate these but mainly I try to give the fish a vision of something alive and eatable. I have a sense of when this technique will be effective but I’m not aware of all the variables. It is a very aggressive technique that works in summer on hot sunny days. I believe that the pocket water and rapids where I use this technique, although they are often excellent feeding areas for trout, become even more desirable when water temps start rising. The heavily aerated water makes the fish comfortable enough to feed even during the heat of the day. Good fish will move into these shallow aerated areas at these times. I use it most during the hottest part of the summer and usually in the middle of the day but will use it at other times. I use it when I have a sense that the fish are "sulking" or resting, or reluctant to feed. Willi

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Peter,    Would you please describe in more detail the rods you use for this type of fishing? Best regards, Reed http://www.overmywaders.com/ Reed Virtually any trout rod can be used to swing wets but the best rods are slow action ones that are 9′ or greater in length.  The slow action and the length provide greater line control and better roll casting.  With wet fly fishing, you try to avoid false casting and throwing fast, tight loops as you do not want to dry out the fly. Long, slow rods tend to cast gently with big, open loops.  They’ll also usually spey cast well.  Late last season, I bought a 10′ 6" East Branch 4 wt. for swing wets and the line control it afforded me was excellent.  BTW, it’s also best to use a double taper line for the same line control reasons.  I also use an old, very slow 10′ 6" Lamiglass 8/9 wt. for swinging wets to salmon and steelhead. HTH

Peter, If at all possible, can you bring a two-handed or spey rod to the PA clave with you? Yesterday, I was involved in a situation where I couldn’t get my line across the river to a mighty large fish stationed against a cliff wall. I finally realized that short of a boat, the only way I could present a fly due to the trees behind me was with a big ole roll cast of some type. Unfortunately, I can’t roll cast a 4wt 70-80 feet. Than it dawned on me that a spey might be the answer. Anyway, I’ll trade ya some devlish bow&arrow techniques for a basic spey/2-hand lesson at the PA clave<g Yesterday, I enjoyed swingin wets to some cooperative ‘bows. Jeff and I probably caught about 20-30 each…. finally, a day astream in the frozen mountains. We’re headed back out this am once he shows up… Walt

Response:

The very first trout that I caught, was taken on a dragging elk hair caddis….

I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s a good time to repeat.  I have often fished with a partner.  We move up the stream together, taking turns fishing.  It’s a good method for critiquing one anther’s technique, in addition to providing company astream.  Very often, while my partner was fishing, I would simply let my fly hang in the current downstream.  This has, over the years, resulted in hundreds of hookups in what would otherwise have been dead time.  This method worked particularly well with elk hair caddis and pass lakes, but many other patterns have also been successful.  Streamers and wet flies, of course, are obvious choices. Wolfgang

Response:

I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s a good time to repeat.  …… Very often, while my partner was fishing, I would simply let my fly hang in the current downstream.  This has, over the years, resulted in hundreds of hookups in what would otherwise have been dead time.  This method worked particularly well with elk hair caddis and pass lakes, but many other patterns have also been successful.  Streamers and wet flies, of course, are obvious

choices. I’ve mentioned this before as well, but I caught a decent little brown trailing a royal wulff downstream while untangling my line at the reel. Felt lucky, but didn’t feel smart. Joe F.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Skittering is a fantastic technique for catching trout, especially when the caddis are active but it is still deadly during mayfly activity. I learned about it in an old book that had a chapter on the 1920’s Bryson City (Hazel Creek) fishing legend, Mark Cathey. He could subtly vibrate his hand and the energy would transfer to rod/line/fly. The end result being the fly "dancing" on the water. I believe it is so effective because the fly becomes alive, it’s not just another piece of inanimate detritus floating by. It is also very effective with a pupae dropper…. because it also becomes alive. If truth be told, I’ve caught way more trout "skitterin" than dead drifting. and Steve… that was a fine trout you caught on boone’s that monday afternoon… a nice wild brown. Steve Z., now known as USCG "icebreaker" Zimmerman, caught some fish nymphing today on the Watauga. I caught a bunch of ice and one trout using a yella wooly buggah. –Walt

The very first trout that I caught, was taken on a dragging elk hair caddis.  If there’s a good breeze blowing downstream, I’ll let a mayfly pattern blow in the breeze above a rising fish. Drives ‘em nuts and I’ve had small bows leap out to take it. About the USCG Zimmerman.  Can he be loaned out for some northern ice breaking? Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Could you clarify this, Willi? Do you first fish the spot thoroughly with dead drifts, and only then try the skittering and dragging? I usually start out that way because dead drifting has been so ingrained for me. However, once I bring up a fish using a skittering fly, I tend to use the dead drift only for those fish that rose and didn’t take or missed the fly that was given action. I’m gonna have to try this more often. Skittering a dry fly worked pretty well in North Carolina last spring, and was recommended to me by Walt Winter. It makes me think of all those time I’ve picked up my dry fly for a cast and pulled it away from a fish. —

Skittering is a fantastic technique for catching trout, especially when the caddis are active but it is still deadly during mayfly activity. I learned about it in an old book that had a chapter on the 1920’s Bryson City (Hazel Creek) fishing legend, Mark Cathey. He could subtly vibrate his hand and the energy would transfer to rod/line/fly. The end result being the fly "dancing" on the water. I believe it is so effective because the fly becomes alive, it’s not just another piece of inanimate detritus floating by. It is also very effective with a pupae dropper…. because it also becomes alive. If truth be told, I’ve caught way more trout "skitterin" than dead drifting. and Steve… that was a fine trout you caught on boone’s that monday afternoon… a nice wild brown. Steve Z., now known as USCG "icebreaker" Zimmerman, caught some fish nymphing today on the Watauga. I caught a bunch of ice and one trout using a yella wooly buggah. –Walt

Response:

If at all possible, can you bring a two-handed or spey rod to the PA clave with you? Yesterday, I was involved in a situation where I couldn’t get my line across the river to a mighty large fish stationed against a cliff wall. I finally realized that short of a boat, the only way I could present a fly due to the trees behind me was with a big ole roll cast of some type. Unfortunately, I can’t roll cast a 4wt 70-80 feet. Than it dawned on me that a spey might be the answer. Anyway, I’ll trade ya some devlish bow&arrow techniques for a basic spey/2-hand lesson at the PA clave<g Yesterday, I enjoyed swingin wets to some cooperative ‘bows. Jeff and I probably caught about 20-30 each…. finally, a day astream in the frozen mountains. We’re headed back out this am once he shows up… Walt

Sounds like you had an awesome day – that many fish during the winter takes some doing.  Magic fly" Sure, I can bring my 8/9 Lamiglass with me.  Though only a 10′ 6" rod, it has a classic spey action and will spey cast the distance you need. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Peter,     Thank you. That agrees with my experience. I use a 10′  Chubb 6wt. for much of my wetfly fishing, for all the reasons that you describe. Best regards, Reed http://www.overmywaders.com/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Virtually any trout rod can be used to swing wets but the best rods are slow action ones that are 9′ or greater in length.  The slow action and the length provide greater line control and better roll casting.  With wet fly fishing, you try to avoid false casting and throwing fast, tight loops as you do not want to dry out the fly. Long, slow rods tend to cast gently with big, open loops.  They’ll also usually spey cast well.  Late last season, I bought a 10′ 6" East Branch 4 wt. for swing wets and the line control it afforded me was excellent.  BTW, it’s also best to use a double taper line for the same line control reasons.  I also use an old, very slow 10′ 6" Lamiglass 8/9 wt. for swinging wets to salmon and steelhead. HTH Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

–

Response:

Could you clarify this, Willi? Do you first fish the spot thoroughly with dead drifts, and only then try the skittering and dragging? I usually start out that way because dead drifting has been so ingrained for me. However, once I bring up a fish using a skittering fly, I tend to use the dead drift only for those fish that rose and didn’t take or missed the fly that was given action.

I’m gonna have to try this more often. Skittering a dry fly worked pretty well in North Carolina last spring, and was recommended to me by Walt Winter. It makes me think of all those time I’ve picked up my dry fly for a cast and pulled it away from a fish. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

You’d be downgrading that "calibre" part if you ever see me nymph. When dredging, I need all the help I can get.

Oh, if i live long enough I’m sure I will see it, because I’d like to fish with you at least once. And I’m sure you are exaggerating your difficulties. — Wayne Knight Expert in creating tailing loops and windknots Otherwise Fishless in Kansas

Response:

Peter,     Would you please describe in more detail the rods you use for this type of fishing? Best regards, Reed http://www.overmywaders.com/ It’s quite true that the tippet size isn’t a big deal on the swing as the fish tend to charge the fly.  However, on the dead drift part of the cast, the fish do get a good look at it.  In clear water fishing to "educated" trout, I downsize my tippet.  With the long, slow rods I use, the odds of a break-off are reduced. Peter

–

Response:

Peter,    Would you please describe in more detail the rods you use for this type of fishing? Best regards, Reed http://www.overmywaders.com/

Reed Virtually any trout rod can be used to swing wets but the best rods are slow action ones that are 9′ or greater in length.  The slow action and the length provide greater line control and better roll casting.  With wet fly fishing, you try to avoid false casting and throwing fast, tight loops as you do not want to dry out the fly. Long, slow rods tend to cast gently with big, open loops.  They’ll also usually spey cast well.  Late last season, I bought a 10′ 6" East Branch 4 wt. for swing wets and the line control it afforded me was excellent.  BTW, it’s also best to use a double taper line for the same line control reasons.  I also use an old, very slow 10′ 6" Lamiglass 8/9 wt. for swinging wets to salmon and steelhead. HTH Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Willi suggested we get a thread going on wet fly techniques as it’s an under appreciated approach and one that can produce when other methods fail. Wet fly fishing essentially mimics the emerger stage and normally the flies are fished quite shallow.  Many of us resort to emerger nymphs when we see typical emerger riseforms however, wets were traditionally used years ago under the same conditions and there is no reason why they won’t be effective today. Wet flys come in two basic categories, winged wets such as the Lead Wing Coachman and soft hackle wets typified by the Partridge & Orange. Wet flies can be fished in a variety of ways: dead drifted or swung, as a dry with floatant, in the surface film, just under the surface, or deep like a nymph.  The presentation seeks to mimic a number of insect behaviours; emerging insect migration to the surface or shoreline, female egg laying dives, swimming nymphs, drowned spinners, emerger struggling through the surface tension, and the actual emergence of adult from the pupal/nymphal shuck. Considering this range of behaviours, any motion imparted to the fly should be at slow speed in keeping with the behaviour of the insect. The normal down and across swing first presents the fly with a dead drift, followed by an acceleration during the swing to a stop at the end of the swing.  The angle of the the cast with respect to the current should be dependent on current speed.  In a slow moving flat, the cast should be made at about 90 degrees to the current.  In fast water, the angle should be as little as 30 degrees.  By modifying the angle of the presentation, we can keep the speed of the fly within realistic proportions despite fast or slow current conditions.  In very slow current conditions, a downstream mend can be made to pull the fly along and prevent it from sinking to the bottom.  In still water, use a very slow , hesitating retrieve. In typical moderate currents, I favour an upstream cast at about 45 degrees followed by a highstick dead drift, followed in turn by the normal swing and ended with a Leisering lift.  Strikes can occur at any point and can be particularly difficult to detect in the upstream dead drift section.  If you think you are missing strikes, place a very small indicator a few feet above the fly. Good mending contributes to getting the fly down, keeping a straight line to enhance strike detection and prolonging the dead drift portion.  After the initial upstream cast, I make a series of small mends to prevent a belly from forming.  I’m also raising the rod tip to take up the slack line that accumulates as the fly approaches.  As the fly drifts by me, I prolong the dead drift by dropping the rod tip and continuing to mend.  Once the the line is fully extended and the rod tip is low, I allow the fly to swing in the current, continuing to mend ot keep the line straight.  Once I’ve completed the lift at the end of the drift, I make an upstream lob cast to start the next drift. I try to avoid false-casting as I want the fly to remain wet so it will sink immediately.  False casting will dry it out.  I will false cast though if I’m using a wet to simulate a drowned spinner. Normally I use a long, slow four to six weight rod, a double taper floating line for good mending, long 10′ to 14′ leaders, fine tippet 5X and smaller, and no splitshot.  If I want the wet to sink deep, I use fluorocarbon tippet and a series of upstream mends to get it down. Wets can be employed as a searching pattern or fished to specific fish holding target zones.  During the swing phase, if the fly is deep and passing a good "fishy" spot, gently lift the rod tip so that the fly will swing up like and emerging insect.  If there’s a fish holding there, this behaviour will likely provoke a strike. Wets are a gentle, peaceful, traditional way of fishing and I often resort to it whenever I’m just out fishing to relax.  It lacks the activity of streamer retrieves, the concentration of dries and the indicator watching of nymphing.  Most strikes on the swing are felt rather than seen so intense watching isn’t needed as much.  Tradironal wets, IMHO are the most attractive of trout flys and I enjoy tying them more than any other kind.  If you haven’t tried wet flies before, tie up a bunch and get swinging. Peter

Response:

Willi suggested we get a thread going on wet fly techniques as it’s an under appreciated approach and one that can produce when other methods fail. (good info. snipped Peter

Peter, I will be heading up to the trout streams in the next few days and nymphing or wets will be the rule. Typically, on small streams I resist soft hackle flys because they just don’t get down without weight in the short drifts.  I use an AirFlo leader system. In using soft hackle and streamers should I go to a slow sink or hover leader? — Wayne To Fish is Human….To Release Divine!

Response:

<interesting stuff on wet flies snipped Agree entirely with your thoughts on wet fly fishing.  It’s still used extensively for brownies around where I live in Scotland, on both rivers and on lochs. I find wets tied in the spider style satisfying in their simplicity and aesthetic appeal (i.e. I can tie them) and very effective. One of the things I like is that you can fish the same rig  - I usually only use a single fly  or at most two – upstream or down as the situation demands and you can also cast to rising fish as though you were fishing dries. traprain

Response:

Peter, I will be heading up to the trout streams in the next few days and nymphing or wets will be the rule. Typically, on small streams I resist soft hackle flys because they just don’t get down without weight in the short drifts.  I use an AirFlo leader system. In using soft hackle and streamers should I go to a slow sink or hover leader? — Wayne To Fish is Human….To Release Divine!

As I fish soft hackles as a drowned spinner or emerger, I don’t worry about getting it down too deep.  Most of my stikes have come within the top six inches of the water column.  Soft hackles tied on a traditionalheavy wire wet fly hook like a Mustad 3906 or 3906B will have a pretty good sink rate.  I’ve seen factory wets tied on light wire hooks and these won’t get down much.  I actually prefer to have both with me so I can fish shallow or deep. As far as the Airflo leaders go, a clear intermediate would be my choice.   Peter

Response:

Wet fly fishing essentially mimics the emerger stage and normally the flies are fished quite shallow.

Good wet fly fishing synopsis deleted. As I’ve become more and more disgruntled with using weight, I’ve found myself fishing wet flies, usually soft hackles, more often. My favorite technique, mainly because it is so fun, is one I use in pocket water or rapids. I generally use a cast of two flies.  Sometimes I use two wets, but more often I use a fairly large, bushy dry caddis with a smaller, soft hackle on a dropper of about two feet. I tend to use this technique in the heat of the day or during other times when there’s little surface activity. The technique is a very active one that thoroughly covers alot of area in a short time. I generally hit each spot with a series of short, dead drift casts. As each cast begins to swing, I raise my rod tip and swing the flies through all likely lies below me with the dry skittering along the top and the wet dragging just under or at the surface. My next coverage will be a cast directly across stream. I immediately raise my rod tip and drag the flies back across the current. My last coverage of an area is a series a upstream casts where I drag the flies back toward me moving downstream at a pretty rapid rate. If no fish were stirred, I move up stream and cover the next section of the stream. This technique results in many missed strikes because of the moving fly. It will also results in many bulges, refusals, flashes etc. For every fish hooked, there will be about half a dozen fish that will move toward the flies and show you their lies. On these fish, I general cover the area surrounding the place where the fish showed with a series of dead drifts.  About half the time, I’ll hook the fish. Most of them will take the wet. The ability of this technique to bring fish up to the surface during periods of no surface activity and the viciousness of the strikes, makes this technique alot of fun. On my home water, there is a sizable Brown that sits in some shallow pocket water. I’ve moved it a number of times with this technique and hooked once but never landed it. I’ve been unable to interest this fish in any "normally" presented fly. Maybe next year. Willi

Response:

Wets are a gentle, peaceful, traditional way of fishing and I often resort to it whenever I’m just out fishing to relax.  [snip] Most

strikes on the swing are felt rather than seen so intense watching isn’t needed as much.  Tradironal wets, IMHO are the most attractive of trout flys and I enjoy tying them more than any other kind.  If you haven’t tried wet flies before, tie up a bunch and get swinging.

I had never even considered fishing a wet fly until I met up with Joel Axelrad in Wisconsin a couple of years ago, I caught a couple of fish but Joel was killing them in almost every pool fishing a traditional wet fly. I used his technique a later on the Manistee during a bright June day where nothing was hatching and caught brookie after brookie. Since then whenever nothing is happening I go to a wet before I go to a nymph. I fish straight accross regardless of the current, mend at least once after the cast and high stick on down and around, almost all of the strikes I have detected have been on the upstream drift. It lacks [snip] the indicator watching of nymphing

Why would a fisherman of your caliber even think of using a bobber on a nymph, the Juan with a size 28 fly maybe, but Ontario? <g — Wayne Knight Expert in creating tailing loops and windknots Otherwise Fishless in Kansas

Response:

The technique is a very active one that thoroughly covers alot of area in a short time. I generally hit each spot with a series of short, dead drift casts. As each cast begins to swing, I raise my rod tip and swing the flies through all likely lies below me with the dry skittering along the top and the wet dragging just under or at the surface. My next coverage will be a cast directly across stream. I immediately raise my rod tip and drag the flies back across the current. My last coverage of an area is a series a upstream casts where I drag the flies back toward me moving downstream at a pretty rapid rate. If no fish were stirred, I move up stream and cover the next section of the stream.

Could you clarify this, Willi? Do you first fish the spot thoroughly with dead drifts, and only then try the skittering and dragging? — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

0] : Willi suggested we get a thread going on wet fly techniques as it’s an : under appreciated approach and one that can produce when other methods : fail. …. : Normally I use a long, slow four to six weight rod, a double taper : floating line for good mending, long 10′ to 14′ leaders, fine tippet : 5X and smaller, and no splitshot.  If I want the wet to sink deep, I : use fluorocarbon tippet and a series of upstream mends to get it down. …. : Peter Peter, nice esssay, covers the water well. A couple of comments — I find that even with fairly fussy spring creek trout I can go fairly heavy on tippet–4x, even 3x–and still catch lots of fish with soft hackles on the swing. With this I usually tie the fly into a loop so that the stiffer tippet doesn’t affect its action as much. This lack of tippet shyness is not my original observation. Sylvester Nemes remarks on it in his series of books on soft hackles. Also if I want to get down with a wet fly, I prefer to go to a sink tip rather than put weight on the tippet, and of course use the upstream mends. Nice to be talking about fishing here rather than politics and other distractions. Mike — Michael McGuire                     Hewlett Packard Laboratories  (remove x’s from email if not      Palo Alto, CA 94303-0971   a spammer) Phone: (650)-857-5491              

Response:

[snip] Why would a fisherman of your caliber even think of using a bobber on a nymph, the Juan with a size 28 fly maybe, but Ontario? <g — Wayne Knight

You’d be downgrading that "calibre" part if you ever see me nymph. When dredging, I need all the help I can get. Peter

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Peter Peter, nice esssay, covers the water well. A couple of comments — I find that even with fairly fussy spring creek trout I can go fairly heavy on tippet–4x, even 3x–and still catch lots of fish with soft hackles on the swing. With this I usually tie the fly into a loop so that the stiffer tippet doesn’t affect its action as much. This lack of tippet shyness is not my original observation. Sylvester Nemes remarks on it in his series of books on soft hackles. Also if I want to get down with a wet fly, I prefer to go to a sink tip rather than put weight on the tippet, and of course use the upstream mends. Nice to be talking about fishing here rather than politics and other distractions. Mike

It’s quite true that the tippet size isn’t a big deal on the swing as the fish tend to charge the fly.  However, on the dead drift part of the cast, the fish do get a good look at it.  In clear water fishing to "educated" trout, I downsize my tippet.  With the long, slow rods I use, the odds of a break-off are reduced. Peter

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Question:

Remember, half the people you know are below average and they are all right here. The other half is at my place lined up along the Snake River catching Steelhead. So why are you sitting there? — George G. Bastard Bamboo Fly Rod Blanks http://www.gink.com/

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Remember, half the people you know are below average and they are all right here. The other half is at my place lined up along the Snake River catching Steelhead. So why are you sitting there?  Lets everyone go fly fishing.  The run is on!

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Question:

Ah yes Tony, many years ago in another life in England, my newly acquired

girl friend’s parents graciously invited me to stay the weekend at their place (I was on a 3 day pass from Brize-Norton RAF Station) and somehow I managed to use the word ‘bugger’ not once, but several times in a conversation at the dinner table.  Things were a little awkward for awhile *after* she explained to me what that meant.  Hey, I didn’t know!  :-) Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF RET. Ouch, know the feeling only too well, and it is a two way street – like the time I was on a business trip to a company in Rascine Wisconsin about 25 years ago,and asked one of the secretaries for a ‘rubber’. When she finally calmed down, and her face returned to something approaching its usual colour, we finally worked out that I needed an eraser…..but then… she was a very good looking you lady… I can but dream:-) She is a funny old language this English. — Tony Bishop  New Zealand http://bishfish.co.nz

Response:

Best one I ever had I got from an Army surplus……go for all zippers and no velcro….john

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’m looking for a fanny pack to put my fly fishing Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

I’m looking for a fanny pack to put my fly fishing

Love my Sage. Capt. Gary S. Colecchio West Palm Beach "Lie? Me? Never! No,no no, the truth is far too much fun!" – Captain Hook

Response:

I’m looking for a fanny pack to put my fly fishing gear Best one I ever had I got from an Army surplus……go for all zippers and no velcro….john

What is wrong with velcro?  It cannot rust or jam like a zipper and is easier to replace if worn. — |        Carlsbad Springs, Ottawa, Canada        |

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I love Velcro, I used it on my rod socks, boots, fly fishing vest and a tent.  My wife started calling me Mr. Velcro. Old Fart

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m looking for a fanny pack to put my fly fishing gear Best one I ever had I got from an Army surplus……go for all zippers and no velcro….john What is wrong with velcro?  It cannot rust or jam like a zipper and is easier to replace if worn. — |        Carlsbad Springs, Ottawa, Canada        |

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If one wishes to find out, "what is wrong with Velcro," one need only place there car keys in a pocket secured by Velcro. I went fishin’ with a friend not long ago who lost the keys to his truck (keys in a pocket secured by Velcro) while we were on the stream.  The big problem was that we were fishin’ downstream to where we had parked his truck.  Long story made short.  We had to hike 3 1/2 miles up a mountain road to the main road, then it was another 5 miles straight up the mountain to my truck. Opie  **Panhandling for a better tomorrow!**

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m looking for a fanny pack to put my fly fishing gear Best one I ever had I got from an Army surplus……go for all zippers and no velcro….john What is wrong with velcro?  It cannot rust or jam like a zipper and is easier to replace if worn. — |        Carlsbad Springs, Ottawa, Canada        |

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Ah yes Tony, many years ago in another life in England, my newly acquired girl friend’s parents graciously invited me to stay the weekend at their place (I was on a 3 day pass from Brize-Norton RAF Station) and somehow I managed to use the word ‘bugger’ not once, but several times in a conversation at the dinner table.  Things were a little awkward for awhile *after* she explained to me what that meant.  Hey, I didn’t know!  :-) Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF RET. Ouch, know the feeling only too well, and it is a two way street – like the time I was on a business trip to a company in Rascine Wisconsin about 25 years ago,and asked one of the secretaries for a ‘rubber’. When she finally calmed down, and her face returned to something approaching its usual colour, we finally worked out that I needed an eraser…..but then… she was a very good looking you lady… I can but dream:-) She is a funny old language this English. — Tony Bishop New Zealand http://bishfish.co.nz

Reminds me of the time one of my brother’s British teachers spyed a cigarette butt on the classroom floor and instructed him to "Pickup the Fag":):) Much Lloyd Heilbrunn

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Reminds me of the time one of my brother’s British teachers spyed a cigarette butt on the classroom floor and instructed him to "Pickup the Fag":):) Much Lloyd Heilbrunn

Lloyd,    I am a little confused too, what did the British Teacher do to the cigarette butt?  :-) Ernie

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Yup…velcro should never leave the trail…….john – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If one wishes to find out, "what is wrong with Velcro," one need only place there car keys in a pocket secured by Velcro. I went fishin’ with a friend not long ago who lost the keys to his truck (keys in a pocket secured by Velcro) while we were on the stream.  The big problem was that we were fishin’ downstream to where we had parked his truck.  Long story made short.  We had to hike 3 1/2 miles up a mountain road to the main road, then it was another 5 miles straight up the mountain to my truck. Opie  **Panhandling for a better tomorrow!** I’m looking for a fanny pack to put my fly fishing gear Best one I ever had I got from an Army surplus……go for all zippers and no velcro….john What is wrong with velcro?  It cannot rust or jam like a zipper and is easier to replace if worn. — |        Carlsbad Springs, Ottawa, Canada        |

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Americans can get some very funny looks in many parts of the world, including down under, when they start talking about their fannies and fanny packs. Your fanny down here is a whole different territory, and only women have them:-) — Tony Bishop  New Zealand http://bishfish.co.nz

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Ah yes Tony, many years ago in another life in England, my newly acquired girl friend’s parents graciously invited me to stay the weekend at their place (I was on a 3 day pass from Brize-Norton RAF Station) and somehow I managed to use the word ‘bugger’ not once, but several times in a conversation at the dinner table.  Things were a little awkward for awhile *after* she explained to me what that meant.  Hey, I didn’t know!  :-) Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF RET. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Americans can get some very funny looks in many parts of the world, including down under, when they start talking about their fannies and fanny packs. Your fanny down here is a whole different territory, and only women have them:-) — Tony Bishop New Zealand http://bishfish.co.nz

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I’m looking for a fanny pack to put my fly fishing Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

suggestions? Yes, I have a suggestion. When you post, write in complete sentences. I suppose one could also (pardon the double pun) have said with toungue in cheek, "depends on how big of a fanny you have to pack….." ——- But (chuckle again) seriously; a friend of mine simply took an old fly-fishing vest and cut off the bottom front pockets. He then reseamed and stitched the edges and had a short vest for float-tubing, and a waist belt/fanny pack for other days.  Worked great, and was very convenient. Hope that helps. CB CB

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I’m looking for a fanny pack to put my fly fishing

I’ve seen some "fishing" fanny packs but they looked like more trouble than they’re worth.  I  just a have a cheap, ordinary fanny pack with a fleece patch, tippet, and zingers clipped on and stuffed full.  I use small fly boxes that will fit in a shirt pocket so the stuff I’m using usually migrates from the fanny pack to my pockets.  It stays in the truck along with old hip waders and a mangy hat for those "spontaneous" fishing trips. HTH Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

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Haven’t used a vest in years! I bought a Fanny Pack at the Phoenix Boat Show several years ago ($19.95 would you believe!).  It has one large pocket and two smaller ones on each side.  The two side pockets have two smaller pockets on the outside.  My tippet material fits perfect in these outside pockets.  My reel and spare spools fit in one side pocket and my other gear (Lead, Strike indicators, spare leaders, etc.) fit in the other.  The large pocket in back holds all he fly boxes I could ever need.  Works great! If Float tubing or wading deep, I wear it bandalero style. — Bill Endicott – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m looking for a fanny pack to put my fly fishing Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

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Question:

Its not a fishing pole case its ROD ARMOR Sleek, Small, custom crafted to size to perfectly match your favorite gear. 30 % lighter than PVC yet way stronger, The armor has a 3% deflection under a 4,000 pound load.You can drive over it with your truck without damaging your rods.  Now equipt with our ISP ( Inflatable Stabilization System ) and optional SMART CHIP (micro chip ) Recovery System Your rods aresafe from the hazards of life  in the armor , Protect your Gear. See it & buy it at www.rod-armor.com

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Its not a fishing pole case its ROD ARMOR Sleek, Small, custom crafted to size to perfectly match your favorite gear. 30 % lighter than PVC yet way stronger, The armor has a 3% deflection under a 4,000 pound load.You can drive over it with your truck without damaging your rods. Now equipt with our ISP ( Inflatable Stabilization System ) and optional SMART CHIP (micro chip ) Recovery System Your rods aresafe from the hazards of life  in the armor , Protect your Gear. See it & buy it at www.rod-armor.com

OK, this seems pretty decent, but why the Smart Chip stuff?  If it has a label and all, why a microchip?

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"David Kirk" wrote Your rods aresafe from the hazards of life  in the armor , Protect your Gear. See it & buy it at www.rod-armor.com

Yes, those are impressive rod tubes. And the irony of the fact that the tube is nicer than any fly rod I own isn’t lost on me either. –Steve

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OK, this seems pretty decent, but why the Smart Chip stuff?  If it has a label and all, why a microchip?

Same reason Hillary and her Social Democrats want V-chips in TV and implanted in our children; THEY WANT TO CONTROL FLY FISHING!!!! — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

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(greedy snivle snipped) BTW David, a one time post of a site announcement of material offered in the commercial vein will not draw much criticism. This description was ALMOST too lengthy to dis-qualify as SPAM.  Just a friendly heads- up to prevent some overzealous individual refering to you as SOME GODDAMN SPAMMING ASSHOLE trying to SPAM a discussion group with UN- SOLICITED ADVERTISING aka. SPAM! — Wayne (sitting next to TEAM SPAM while watching "The Patriot") To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

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Its not a fishing pole case its ROD ARMOR Sleek, Small, custom crafted to size to perfectly match your favorite gear. 30 % lighter than PVC yet way stronger, The armor has a 3% deflection under a 4,000 pound load.You can drive over it with your truck without damaging your rods. Now equipt with our ISP (Inflatable Stabilization System) and optional SMART CHIP (micro chip ) Recovery System your rods are safe from the hazards of life  in the armor , Protect your Gear. See it & buy it at www.rod-armor.com

SPAM.  Definitely SPAM. Will it protect me from Canadian Black Bears, too? Tom happy with the aluminum rod tube that doubles as a walking stick and occassional brush beater Before you buy.

Response:

OK, this seems pretty decent, but why the Smart Chip stuff?  If it has a label and all, why a microchip? Same reason Hillary and her Social Democrats want V-chips in TV and implanted in our children; THEY WANT TO CONTROL FLY FISHING!!!!

Well that’s just charming…what’s next with these people?  10-fly books and boxes?  No hook keepers?  Background checks on backpack rods? Maybe if we toss ‘em Gerkoff and those FisherFin-thing people ala S and W, it will hold ‘em off a while. <G R – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

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Question:

Does anyone have any suggestions about flyfishing around Taos, NM. in July, 2000. Thanks Al

also a bit of a drive, but worth it, would be the red river, rio costilla and the vallecitos. there’s also some high alpine lakes around the area. call los rios anglers in taos 505.758.2798.

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Does anyone have any suggestions about flyfishing around Taos, NM. in July, 2000. Thanks Al

Response:

Does anyone have any suggestions about flyfishing around Taos, NM. in July, 2000. Thanks Al

The Rio Grande, the Rio Hondo, and the Rio Chiquito are the "usual". The Rio Pueblo de Taos has good sized trout too, but it’s littered with junk cars and the locals are prone to use the cars for plinkin’ practice. With a bit of a drive you can get to the Cimarron, it’s a stocked tailwater which doesn’t interest me a great deal, but it may be your best bet for catching a lot of fish in July. The fly shop in Taos is EXCELLENT. Don’t remember the name but it’s right on the main drag. They will tell you about some places to catch small wild fish that I won’t. Also, _Taylor Streit’s No Nonsense Guide to Fly Fishing in New Mexico_ by Taylor Streit, David Banks (Editor), Pete Chadwell (Illustrator), David Marketing Communications; ISBN: 0963725661, is highly recommended. Good luck. — Ken Fortenberry

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Question:

quelle sont les grandes marques de canne a mouche au canada merci d avance

Response:

quelle sont les grandes marques de canne a mouche au canada merci d avance

The question asks what great Canadian brands of fly rod there might be.  The short answer is none: 1.  No one makes their own blanks (plastic or cane) (so far as I know.) 2.  There are few rod making factories (as distinct from individual craftsmen), none reputed for high-quality rods. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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quelle sont les grandes marques de canne a mouche au canada merci d avance

Premi

Question:

Can anyone explain the secret to working with deer hair?  I can ty most other materials reasonably well, however the secret of working with deer hair escapes me.  I’ve had it demonstrated in classes, and have read various books – maybe there’s a simple trick I’m missing – what’s the magic? Thanks in advance, Jon Kreski — EDP Auditor 3 yrs experience (8 yrs Internal Audit)  -

Response:

Can anyone explain the secret to working with deer hair?  I can ty most other materials reasonably well, however the secret of working with deer hair escapes me.  I’ve had it

Classical answer is: — on bare metal shank (i.e. slippery;  thread coverage inhibits hair’s spinning uniformly) — place cleaned pinch of hair (fluff removed) — take not one but two turns of thread — initially loose, not tight — then tighten decisively, with a firm continuous pull. This should cause the hair to spin reasonably uniformly.  If so, then you can see about packing the whole rearwards with thumbnails, winding thread back and forward through the packed hair for extra firmness, etc. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

Can anyone explain the secret to working with deer hair?  I can ty most other materials reasonably well, however the secret of working with deer hair escapes me.  I’ve had it demonstrated in classes, and have read various books – maybe there’s a simple trick I’m missing – what’s the magic?

Hi Jon The trick in working with deer hair is the material being matched to the job.  If you are tying wings and tails you need one type of hair and if you are spinning the hair you need another type Wings & Tails – best hair is located on the hide along the back bone, the shoulder, and the rump.  In small packages this hair is best recognized by the dark grey color in the center part of the hair fibers. Spinning – best hair is located on the hide down on the rib and belly.   This hair is best recognized by the light grey color in the center part of the fiber. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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try wrapping loosely first slippin it in between yer thumband forefinger of the hand that yer holding the hair.  do this twice, successfully tighten and then buckle down.  Remember u can rebunch it and slide it back around the shank. stack it baby. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone explain the secret to working with deer hair?  I can ty most other materials reasonably well, however the secret of working with deer hair escapes me.  I’ve had it demonstrated in classes, and have read various books – maybe there’s a simple trick I’m missing – what’s the magic? Thanks in advance, Jon Kreski — EDP Auditor 3 yrs experience (8 yrs Internal Audit)  -

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