Question:

Is it possible to buy a rod (non custom) without a reel seat. Advantages are: position reel for balance, lightness, simplicity, ease of manufacture…etc. I doubt if the major manufacturers make such a rod….since there would be no mass appeal for such a rod. Al At first, fishing  was just a hobby,              then it became an obsession….and a reel life.

Response:

It’s callled a Tennessee handle, and most major manufacturers make such rods. Any custom builder will also gladly make you a Tennessee handle. I can’t recall the last spinning rod I owned that had a reel seat on it. When I build my own (haven’t done it lately, but used to build all my own rods) I never even put the stupid little metal rings that mfgs put on TN handles. I’m going to tape it on anyway, so why have them underneath the tape? RichZ

Question:

Hey Louie, How about a Labrador Clave in 2003?

I’ve been dreaming of going to Labrador for years now, and I have made unfirm plans to do it in 2002 or 2003 – need that long to save up the $3000 for a week. My goal was to fish for Arctic Char, the hell with the brook trout. but a clave? hmmm…. Flyfish

Response:

I’ve been dreaming of going to Labrador for years now, …

Me too, but it’ll be a cold day in hell before I spend one, red US penny (that’s $49.95 Canadian) in a province that requires non-residents to have a guide. I don’t mind hiring a guide for a day or two or paying a rather substantial amount for a fishing license, but I’ll be damned if I’ll travel to fish somewhere where I can’t wet a line by myself. My goal was to fish for Arctic Char, the hell with the brook trout.

I suppose that’s because you live in Maine, but for me a 6 lb brookie would be a trophy of a lifetime. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Doesn’t  NFLD. require guides only for designated salmon waters, and not trout?? Tim Lysyk

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been dreaming of going to Labrador for years now, … Me too, but it’ll be a cold day in hell before I spend one, red US penny (that’s $49.95 Canadian) in a province that requires non-residents to have a guide. I don’t mind hiring a guide for a day or two or paying a rather substantial amount for a fishing license, but I’ll be damned if I’ll travel to fish somewhere where I can’t wet a line by myself. My goal was to fish for Arctic Char, the hell with the brook trout. I suppose that’s because you live in Maine, but for me a 6 lb brookie would be a trophy of a lifetime. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Doesn’t  NFLD. require guides only for designated salmon waters, and not trout??

That sounds like New Brunswick. Newfoundland/Labrador requires guides for non-residents all the time and everywhere except right next to the highway on the Churchill River if I’m not mistaken. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Guys;   If Ken F. doesn’t like the "guide" idea–and I certainly agree–how about going to northern Quebec?. Same general area–just across the border–and Quebec doesn’t require "guides". I’m going to fish the Caniapisceau this summer–without guides. I’ve fished in Newfoundland with "guides"–and if you’ve ever flyfished there–you KNOW why I’ve put the word "guides" in quotes. The "guides" are simply "babysitters" so the sport won’t get lost. They do absolutely nothing that the word guide means to us. This is –to put it rather bluntly–a way to get foreigners to pay welfare for those "guides".    Dave M

Response:

Doesn’t  NFLD. require guides only for designated salmon waters, and not trout??

Here’s the (somewhat hard to find) URL, Tim; http://www.gov.nf.ca/forest/wildlife/licences/information.htm#Fishing To hell with the Newfies, I’ll never fish Labrador till these laws are changed, even at the risk of cutting my nose off to spite my face. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Talk about confusing regulations. I remembered something about being able to fish without a guide, but had forgotten about the part that limited you to within 800 m of a provincial highway. A number of years ago my wife and I had a pair of free airplane tickets. We comnsidered going to Nfld. to fish, but got turned off by the regulations. We went to Victoria instead. Tim Lysyk

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Doesn’t  NFLD. require guides only for designated salmon waters, and not trout?? Here’s the (somewhat hard to find) URL, Tim; http://www.gov.nf.ca/forest/wildlife/licences/information.htm#Fishing To hell with the Newfies, I’ll never fish Labrador till these laws are changed, even at the risk of cutting my nose off to spite my face. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Tim Lysyk: Doesn’t  NFLD. require guides only for designated salmon waters, and not trout??

Labrador (Canada?) requires 1 guide for every two people above a certain lattitude.  Having fished in Labrador for the past five years, I can understand why they would have that rule.  I sure as hell would not be on the Atikonak River without a guide, even though I know the river well.  You can fish in Labrador without a guide as long as you stay within a certain distance (a mile?) of a road.  Things change very quickly — water level, temperature, rain to snow.  In the five years I have been going to Labrador, I know of 6 or 7 deaths — folks that got into trouble when they were alone.   I would be willing to set up something, a mini clave if ya wanna call it that. It would have to be for only 8 people, and would cost about $2700 for a week, plus air fare. Most lodges/outfitters only have room and facilities for 8 rods.  I would stay away from eastern Labrador, areas near Happy Valley, and concentrate on places in the north, central, or northeast.  There are a number of lodges/outfitters in these areas, and fishing is wonderful, be it for brookies, arctic char (limited water), pike or lake trout. Land locked salmon are also available later in the season (late Aug-Sept), or very early in the season (June).   Air fare from Boston is about $600. But, you can drive to Lab City/Wabush (western Labrador) in two days from Boston.  You would take a float plane (Otter or Beaver) to fly from Wabush to the lodge.  That flight is usually included in the price of your stay. Dave

Response:

dnsmartel writes: If Ken F. doesn’t like the "guide" idea–and I certainly agree–how about going to northern Quebec?. Same general area–just across the border–and Quebec doesn’t require "guides". I’m going to fish the Caniapisceau this summer–without guides. I’ve fished in Newfoundland with "guides"–and if you’ve ever flyfished there–you KNOW why I’ve put the word "guides" in quotes. The "guides" are simply "babysitters" so the sport won’t get lost. They do absolutely nothing that the word guide means to us. This is –to put it rather bluntly–a way to get foreigners to pay welfare for those "guides".   Dave M

Not true of the Labrador guides I have used.  They are good boatsmen, outdoorsmen, and fishermen.  The difference between a good guide in Labrador and a bad one is the number of fish you catch.  Also, a good one will keep you out of trouble — one did just that with my grandson two years ago.  The water I fished was treacherous and even though I know that river very well (been going there for five years), I would not want to do it without a guide.   I believe you can fish in Canada below a certain lattitude without a guide. Friends of mine have done that and in the long run, they spent as much for food, gas, and air fare getting to their digs as I did going to a lodge with experienced guides.  And, I caught more and bigger fish.  Plus someone cooked for me, I had electricity, and indoor plumbing.  <g   Dave

Response:

dnsmartel writes: … This is –to put it rather bluntly–a way to get foreigners to pay welfare for those "guides". Not true of the Labrador guides I have used. …  Also, a good one will keep you out of trouble — one did just that with my grandson two years ago.  The water I fished was treacherous and even though I know that river very well (been going there for five years), I would not want to do it without a guide. …

Bah. Dave M is right Louie. The Newfoundland/Labrador non-resident guide laws are not on the books to protect decrepit geezers and young teenagers. They are on the books to inject out-of-province dollars into a moribund economy. I don’t mind the bucks, I’d gladly pay whatever the province wants to charge for the opportunity to fish, but I really resent having to have a guide. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

I suppose that’s because you live in Maine, but for me a 6 lb brookie would be a trophy of a lifetime.

For me it would too. That said, as I understand it the Arctic Char is like a brook trout on steriods, kind of like the difference between a rainbow and a steelhead. I had a line on a set of camps that specialized in sea run char up there someplace, I’ll have to see if the guy comes back to the Maine Sportman’s show later this month as that was my intended trip Flyfish

Response:

It would have to be for only 8 people, and would cost about $2700 for a week, plus air fare. Air fare from Boston is about $600.

That’s probably a couple of years fishing expenses for me. Willi

Response:

Ken Fortenberry writes: Bah. Dave M is right Louie. The Newfoundland/Labrador non-resident guide laws are not on the books to protect decrepit geezers and young teenagers. They are on the books to inject out-of-province dollars into a moribund economy. I don’t mind the bucks, I’d gladly pay whatever the province wants to charge for the opportunity to fish, but I really resent having to have a guide. —

Oh, without a doubt it is to put dollars into the provincial cash register. Labrador is a very poor province.  But, even if it was legal to fish *without* a guide, I would still hire one.  So, now I’m a decrepit old geezer?  I love your liberal intolerance.   BTW, all the folks I know that died were young, healthy, fit, know-it-all fishermen.   Dave

Response:

… So, now I’m a decrepit old geezer?  …

Now ? What do you mean "now" ? You’ve been a decrepit geezer since the Johnson administration. <pregnant pause The ANDREW Johnson administration ! <rimshot Luv ya, Louie — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

BTW, all the folks I know that died were young, healthy, fit, know-it-all fishermen.

Dammit Louie!  I haven’t said anything in this thread so why are you bringing me into it?!?!?  I know you weren’t using the above to describe Ken, he hasn’t been young since the Nixon administration — Warren Findley

Response:

I hate to reiterate, but once again I think this is a key word issue.  The key word in Dave’s post was "know-it-all".  That compound word or phase, if you please, certainly wouldn’t fit in your case warren, at least not in a sarcastic sense.  Just MMHO. Opie  –Planning for the Past–

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – BTW, all the folks I know that died were young, healthy, fit, know-it-all fishermen. Dammit Louie!  I haven’t said anything in this thread so why are you bringing me into it?!?!?  I know you weren’t using the above to describe Ken, he hasn’t been young since the Nixon administration — Warren Findley

Response:

Ken Fortenberry writes: The ANDREW Johnson administration ! <rimshot Luv ya, Louie — Ken Fortenberry

I knew Andy, and you, sir, are not Andy. On a more serious note:  Each year when I returned to the Atikonak, I would hear stories about who got killed and how.  They were all Canadians, usually from Labrador.  They didn’t know  where they were going or what they were doing, and it cost them their lives.  You don’t have to be in your 60s with a couple of gimpy legs and no feeling in your feet to need a guide.  I understand your wanting to get away from it all and be on your own.  That’s fine in Maine, Michigan and Montana, but in Labrador it could get you killed.  Quickly. OG

Response:

  I understand your wanting to get away from it all and be on your own.  That’s fine in Maine, Michigan and Montana, but in Labrador it could get you killed.  Quickly. OG

The same goes for Lenoir, NC and most other major cities. Opie  –Planning for the Past–

Response:

I hate to reiterate, but once again I think this is a key word issue.  The key word in Dave’s post was "know-it-all".  That compound word or phase, if you please, certainly wouldn’t fit in your case warren, at least not in a sarcastic sense.  Just MMHO.

Well, Dave sure as hell wasn’t talking about Ken because he said "young".  Ken isn’t so as old as to be farting dust yet, but he isn’t a spring chicken either Hey Ken, preemptive SPLORK! <g — Warren Findley

Response:

  Dave;   Are you referring to Umiakovic Char Camp? That’s run by Harvey Calden–he also runs Tim Pond Camps in Eustis. I’ve seen the video’s and brochures–the fishing is suppossed to be unbelieveable for big sea-run char–but it’s a very pricey camp. Of course the price of a gal. of gas was over $17 dollars/gallon–two years ago before the prices went out of sight. I have no idea what aviation fuel costs that far up north now–but it’s got to be considerably more than $17 dollars/gallon.    Dave M

Response:

On a more serious note:  Each year when I returned to the Atikonak, I would hear stories about who got killed and how.  They were all Canadians, usually from Labrador.  They didn’t know  where they were going or what they were doing, and it cost them their lives.  You don’t have to be in your 60s with a couple of gimpy legs and no feeling in your feet to need a guide.  I understand your wanting to get away from it all and be on your own.  That’s fine in Maine, Michigan and Montana, but in Labrador it could get you killed.  Quickly. OG

Dave speaks the truth.  I doubt there’s any part of the lower 48 that resembles Canada’s North for true remoteness.  Just like in a remote area of the lower 48, fly over the lower half of Northern Ontario and you’ll see at least some signs of human presence, rail lines, roads, hydro towers, cottages, harbours, floatplane bases, microwave relays, airstrips, logging roads, fire towers,  trails, etc.  I have no fear of getting lost as a straight walk in any direction will have me bumping into something man-made sooner or later.  But Canada’s real north, NWT, Nunavut, Labrador, Yukon, – once you’re away from the cities and towns there’s absolutely nothing plus the landscape is incredibly rugged and unforgiving.  I went for a walk out from the camp in NWT and I realized as a trudged north that there was probably nothing man-made between me and the Arctic ocean, 130 miles away. Even just 15 minutes out of camp, one slip and I was done for – nobody would ever find me.  And don’t rely on our armed forces for rescue either – the crews are willing but the equipment is virtually non-existant. If you’re going to the real North – hire a guide.  If you don’t, your beneficiaries will thank you. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

… If you’re going to the real North – hire a guide.  If you don’t, your beneficiaries will thank you.

There’s nothing inherently dangerous about traveling the "real North" other than relying on Her Royal Majesties Cartographers. An experienced backcountry outdoorsman would have no problem whatsoever traveling, camping and fishing in Labrador. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

dang warren, they raised you in montana.  what do you want??? hee hee hee fishworship wayne

Response:

This evening the venerable old pirate and myself went to a local TU chapter fund raiser. We were supposed to be joined by another but he was too tired. We got to see A.K. Best talk about Labrador Brookies and char. Holy shit are there some big fish up there. There was shot after shot of big brookies decked out in some pretty spectacular colours. Then we saw some pretty awsome char at the end. One thing I did notice is all the rods in the pictures were cane. Not a single graphite in any of the photos. Then there was the raffle after the show. Unfortunatly neither one of us won the two night stay for two people at Lakewood Camps on the Rapid River  but we both came out ahead for the night. Hey Louie, How about a Labrador Clave in 2003? Paul

Response:

Hey Louie, How about a Labrador Clave in 2003?

Funny you should mention that, I have been telling my parents that is what I want for a graduation gift <g  Of course, they will probably buy a shit load of toys for my daughter instead. . . . — Warren Findley

Response:

Question:

There are some part 135 operators making pretty good bucks flying the mail up in Alaska. Apparently the US govt is paying buuckoo bucks for operators to fly the mail and appareantly anyone can mail anything anywhere in Alaska (like their groceries) and the govt picks up the bill. So you have a lottta operators makin money flyin the mail up there, paying off their big buck turbines. Another route would be to get a government flying job with the Mounties, Fish and Wildlife or some such. Those guys get paid descent wages to fly descent planes and have reasonable schedules. It’s not the majors and both are govt jobs, which kinda suck, but those are the sort of options ya got up there other than a flyin’ bum in the bush leagues, which is loads of fun but suck on pay. Anyway ya do it, eventually you are gonna to have to get an IFR ticket, I mean ya just aint an aviator without one! O – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a commercial  bush pilot living in Canada, I fly floats in the summer and wheel/skis in the winter.  I  do all of my fueling, cleaning, loading, basically im a one man show. I love the float season, i love flying into little lakes, beaching on a island, dumping my passengers off and then swimming or fishing for a while if I have time before my next flight. My problem is this;  I know that if I want to make any money I will probibaly have to move into the multi ifr stuff in the next couple of years before i get too old (im 26).  And the problem with that is I have done the ifr ground school twice (3-day cram fest in Vancouver for $200) and have not completed it either time.  I am bored shitless and cant concentrate!  I just cant get into it and I’m not sure why? For you comm pilots out there flying ifr all the time; does it suck?  are you bored most of the time?  I go up to the cockpit on air canada A320 sometimes and visit the pilots and they dont seem to have much to do….or see. Any float drivers turned ifr drivers out there who can give me some encouragement?   Are there any fun ifr jobs where i dont have to dawn a shirt with those prissy gold bars?  Am I doomed to choose between a job I hate for the money or a job I love and poverty? Help, jon Sounds to me that you should direct your energies toward finding a way to make more money doing what you love. Enough creative thought can make you happy *and* rich. Talk to your clients in-depth and find out what they would like to see you do better and listen for hints about what services you can provide that will help them enjoy the experience more. Become upscale and charge higher prices. People are willing to pay a premium for quality and service, trust me. Regardless, if you are happy doing what you are doing, you are luckier than most. As you get older you will find that happiness is more valuable and harder to come by than any amount of money. Good luck and fly safe. — Jeff ‘The Wizard of Draws’ Bucchino http://www.wizardofdraws.com

Response:

shirt with those prissy gold bars?  Am I doomed to choose between a job I hate for the money or a job I love and poverty?

It sounds like you’re already doing exactly what you should be doing… BTW, congratulations tim PP-ASEL

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a commercial  bush pilot living in Canada, I fly floats in the summer and wheel/skis in the winter.  I  do all of my fueling, cleaning, loading, basically im a one man show. I love the float season, i love flying into little lakes, beaching on a island, dumping my passengers off and then swimming or fishing for a while if I have time before my next flight. My problem is this;  I know that if I want to make any money I will probibaly have to move into the multi ifr stuff in the next couple of years before i get too old (im 26).  And the problem with that is I have done the ifr ground school twice (3-day cram fest in Vancouver for $200) and have not completed it either time.  I am bored shitless and cant concentrate!  I just cant get into it and I’m not sure why? For you comm pilots out there flying ifr all the time; does it suck?  are you bored most of the time?  I go up to the cockpit on air canada A320 sometimes and visit the pilots and they dont seem to have much to do….or see. Any float drivers turned ifr drivers out there who can give me some encouragement?   Are there any fun ifr jobs where i dont have to dawn a shirt with those prissy gold bars?  Am I doomed to choose between a job I hate for the money or a job I love and poverty? Help, jon

Sounds to me that you should direct your energies toward finding a way to make more money doing what you love. Enough creative thought can make you happy *and* rich. Talk to your clients in-depth and find out what they would like to see you do better and listen for hints about what services you can provide that will help them enjoy the experience more. Become upscale and charge higher prices. People are willing to pay a premium for quality and service, trust me. Regardless, if you are happy doing what you are doing, you are luckier than most. As you get older you will find that happiness is more valuable and harder to come by than any amount of money. Good luck and fly safe. — Jeff ‘The Wizard of Draws’ Bucchino http://www.wizardofdraws.com

Response:

I am a commercial  bush pilot living in Canada, I fly floats in the summer and wheel/skis in the winter.  I  do all of my fueling, cleaning, loading, basically im a one man show.   I love the float season, i love flying into little lakes, beaching on a island, dumping my passengers off and then swimming or fishing for a while if I have time before my next flight.   My problem is this;  I know that if I want to make any money I will probibaly have to move into the multi ifr stuff in the next couple of years before i get too old (im 26).  And the problem with that is I have done the ifr ground school twice (3-day cram fest in Vancouver for $200) and have not completed it either time.  I am bored shitless and cant concentrate!  I just cant get into it and I’m not sure why?  For you comm pilots out there flying ifr all the time; does it suck?  are you bored most of the time?  I go up to the cockpit on air canada A320 sometimes and visit the pilots and they dont seem to have much to do….or see. Any float drivers turned ifr drivers out there who can give me some encouragement?   Are there any fun ifr jobs where i dont have to dawn a shirt with those prissy gold bars?  Am I doomed to choose between a job I hate for the money or a job I love and poverty? Help, jon

Response:

Question:

A friend is going on his honeymoon on Maui and was looking for some suggestions on where to go fly fishing.Any fly patterns or where there is a good tackle shop to stop in at would be appreciated. Thanks , jeff

Response:

A friend is going on his honeymoon on Maui and was looking for some suggestions on where to go fly fishing.Any fly patterns or where there is a good tackle shop to stop in at would be appreciated. Thanks , jeff

I would also like to hear some suggestions.  I plan on taking a trip there soon and would like to put in some time fly fishing.  I have heard fishing the islands can be pretty tough however…anyone have info on Maui? -Greg

Response:

A friend is going on his honeymoon on Maui and was looking for some suggestions on where to go fly fishing.Any fly patterns or where there is a good tackle shop to stop in at would be appreciated. Thanks , jeff

Hi Jeff, I heard that there was a bike shop that had some fly fishing equipment. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

Question:

I plan to be in Carlsbad, NM, the first part of October, 1998.  Does anyone know of any fly fishing places in that area? Thanks Al Carlton

Response:

Not for any cold water species !  That IS the desert southwest .

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Question:

The Fly Fisherman is a true FF shop they can accomidate you for fresh and saltwater, they also have a store in Titusville (you can FF for redfish in the indian river and mosquito lagoon area). Dominic Pruitt Cary, NC (Relatives in Orlando area)

Response:

Dear Joseph                 There are two excellent fishing shops Jumbo Sports and The Fly Fisherman, they are both in the yellow pages. I visitedthem while i was on holiday. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have received a very interesting job offer in the Orlando area (zip 32750)… but I’m trying to check some things out before I commit myself. I know the fishing is good down there… but what’s the flt-fishing presence like? Any good shops in the area? Any tying supplies for freshwater? I may be headed down for an interview shortly… any place I should scope out while I’m there? Thanks! — Joe Ellis         o/~ The Synthetic Filker o/~ |   TesserAct Studios  ()X  Darwin (;        Now on the Web at      |  Cincinnati, OH 45240  //~~~LL~~~~LL~  http://shell.idt.net/~ellis69 | New Dimensions In Filk!   If you race a train to the crossing and the train gets there first,      the train wins. If you get there first, the train STILL wins.

Response:

I have received a very interesting job offer in the Orlando area (zip 32750)… but I’m trying to check some things out before I commit myself. I know the fishing is good down there… but what’s the flt-fishing presence like? Any good shops in the area? Any tying supplies for freshwater? I may be headed down for an interview shortly… any place I should scope out while I’m there? Thanks! — Joe Ellis         o/~ The Synthetic Filker o/~ |   TesserAct Studios  ()X  Darwin (;        Now on the Web at      |  Cincinnati, OH 45240  //~~~LL~~~~LL~  http://shell.idt.net/~ellis69 | New Dimensions In Filk!   If you race a train to the crossing and the train gets there first,      the train wins. If you get there first, the train STILL wins.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have received a very interesting job offer in the Orlando area (zip 32750)… but I’m trying to check some things out before I commit myself. I know the fishing is good down there… but what’s the flt-fishing presence like? Any good shops in the area? Any tying supplies for freshwater? I may be headed down for an interview shortly… any place I should scope out while I’m there? Thanks! — Joe Ellis         o/~ The Synthetic Filker o/~ |   TesserAct Studios  ()X  Darwin (;        Now on the Web at      |  Cincinnati, OH 45240  //~~~LL~~~~LL~  http://shell.idt.net/~ellis69 | New Dimensions In Filk!   If you race a train to the crossing and the train gets there first,      the train wins. If you get there first, the train STILL wins.

       One thing you’ll learn is that Orlado is just one area, there are many cities in the area and all are back to back so to speak. Check the phone book and don’t be put off by the city names. There is an Orvis shop in Winter Park, 2 Bitters shops, all kinds of mall shops, KMart sells fly fishing poppers, flys and some low level gear as does WallMart. Fern Park, Altamonte Springs, Winter Park are some of the towns heading north on either I-4 or 17/92 all really close together. There are numerous bait and tackle shops all over the place and Titusville, Cape Canaveral is also close. as to bait and tackle "The big Bass hole is about 6 blocks from my house in Sanford. It’s on lake Monrow (the St.John’s runs through it.) What you’ll need is an 8wt at least for bass and small saltwater possibly a 3wt for bream and a short 5wt for general streamside among trees etc. There are so many shops and sporting goods stores that I can’t begin to tell you about all of them.                                                             John Popp                                                          in Sanford Fl.

Response:

Question:

. net!cdc2.cdc.net!news.texas.net!news-xfer.netaxs.com!news.bbnplanet.com!cam -

Question:

This weekend I will be staying 4 days in Acadia/Bar Harbor, Maine and I have no idea where to flyfish, and what is being used. Please help.  I am not familiar with the area, and I will not have a boat.  Just a pole, me and my waders..the way I like it best. Mac

Response:

Hi There, I fish that area of Maine a lot during the summer, but I have a boat.  You might try Long Pond, just outside Somesville.  It’s a beautiful lake with landlocked salmon and smallmouth bass.  You can rent canoes there too so you can actually get out on the water.  The bass take surface poppers during the early hours in the summer.  You might try in the middle of the lake in what’s called the "narrows" between the Eastern and Western arms.   You also might want to try fishing for smallmouth on the Union River, just north of Ellsworth.  I’ve never fished the river, but the lake (Graham) is pretty good.   If you want to go farther afield, you can try the Penobscot north of Bangor.  There are plenty of places to get down to the river.  The fishing will be mostly for smallmouth bass.The ride is about an hour and a quarter from Bar Harbor.   Hope this helps. Mac Rubel

Response:

This weekend I will be staying 4 days in Acadia/Bar Harbor, Maine and I have no idea where to flyfish, and what is being used. Please help.  I am not familiar with the area, and I will not have a boat.  Just a pole, me and my waders..the way I like it best. Mac

Mac, In the park, try upper and lower breakneck ponds and witch hole pond. Also, bubble pond can be waded but I’ve never had much luck there.  I know of no good streams in the area.  If you find any please let me know.  Good luck, Rick

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This weekend I will be staying 4 days in Acadia/Bar Harbor, Maine and I have no idea where to flyfish, and what is being used. Please help.  I am not familiar with the area, and I will not have a boat.  Just a pole, me and my waders..the way I like it best. Mac Many ponds in the park although I don’t know if they are Open or not.I

think all ponds in Maine are open until the end of Oct. but I am not sure of this.If you are serious about getting some good fishing in you gotta get to the Kennebec River.About 2 hours from Bar Harbor. The Fairfield Area is a good base of operation.Stop by Flyfishing Only and ask Mike whats working.This area has Browns,Rainbows,Brookies and Salmon. Downriver from Fairfield about 20 miles is Augusta and I understand the Stripers are really hot right now.Just fish anywhere below the Edwards Dam. Good Luck

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This weekend I will be staying 4 days in Acadia/Bar Harbor, Maine and I have no idea where to flyfish, and what is being used. Please help.  I am not familiar with the area, and I will not have a boat.  Just a pole, me and my waders..the way I like it best. Mac Many ponds in the park although I don’t know if they are Open or not.I think all ponds in Maine are open until the end of Oct. but I am not sure of this.If you are serious about getting some good fishing in you gotta get to the Kennebec River.About 2 hours from Bar Harbor. The Fairfield Area is a good base of operation.Stop by Flyfishing Only and ask Mike whats working.This area has Browns,Rainbows,Brookies and Salmon. Downriver from Fairfield about 20 miles is Augusta and I understand the Stripers are really hot right now.Just fish anywhere below the Edwards Dam. Good Luck

You might look for the book: "The Downeast Guide to the Lakes and Ponds of Mt. Desert" by William P. Newlin.  ISBN 0-89272-270-3  Downeast BooksP.O. box 679, Camden, ME 04843.  Best luck fishing.

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I’ll be in California during the last two weeks of this month. Does anyone know of any fishing in the Lake Tahoe area? In addition, I’ll be in and around the Bay area, Santa Cruz area and would like to try my hand at salt water flyfishing. I’ve read about it, never tried it, sounds like a great deal of fun. Suggestions from anyone would be appreciated. Rod

Some good resources for you would be Kiene’s Fly Shop or American Fly Fishing in Sacramento (800.4000FLY and 916.974.0903) for info on Tahoe and call Ernie’s Casting Pond (408.462.4665) for info on the Santa Cruz area. Have a good time. Larry Krum Pacific Grove, California

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You might also check out The Great Outdoors section on Wednesdays in the Sacramento Bee. It has a column on fishing reports throughout the region; sketchy and not a lot on fly fishing specifically. Also, be sure to get a licence.

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Hello Rod, The sierra district stream season opens April 27th and unless the weather is frigid the streams will be pretty blown out with runoff as we have a good snowpack, so you’ll want to concentrate on lakes in the Tahoe area. I don’t have much experience at them but the reservoirs to the north of Tahoe usually have good early fishing for large trout.  It is mostly done by bait dunkers but I would expect streamers might work. Look on a map for Boca, Prosser, and Stampede reservoirs. Every spring I hear of 5-10 pounders caught near the dams at these places. I think you’d do best with a small boat if you can arrange one. Martis Creek reservoir near Truckee should have good C&R nymph fishing. Indian Creek reservoir to the south near Markleeville south of south lake Tahoe should have some stockers and a few holdovers; hare’s ear, prince nymphs, and wooly buggers all work well here. These small lakes are both ideal for float tubes but shore fishing is possible. There are many other small lakes inthe tahoe area that require a short hike in.  Depending on our weather you should be able to hike to some where the ice is just coming off for very hungry trout. Beaches near Santa Cruz have surf perch close in at this time of year. Have a good time, Mark Vinsel – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll be in California during the last two weeks of this month. Does anyone know of any fishing in the Lake Tahoe area? In addition, I’ll be in and around the Bay area, Santa Cruz area and would like to try my hand at salt water flyfishing. I’ve read about it, never tried it, sounds like a great deal of fun. Suggestions from anyone would be appreciated. Rod

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I’ll be in California during the last two weeks of this month. Does anyone know of any fishing in the Lake Tahoe area? In addition, I’ll be in and around the Bay area, Santa Cruz area and would like to try my hand at salt water flyfishing. I’ve read about it, never tried it, sounds like a great deal of fun. Suggestions from anyone would be appreciated. Rod

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Hi – I’ll be going to visit folks in Sarasota area in late Feb.  Thought I’d take 3 days or so to go to the Keys for FF’g.  Any info would be appreciated, re:    guides?    gear?    fish?    patterns? I have a 9′ #8 rod , & a #8 line w/ sink tip.  Adequate? As I don’t have any set destination in mind, I’m open to any suggestions, heading out of Sarasota.  Thanks, Adam

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Hi – I’ll be going to visit folks in Sarasota area in late Feb.  Thought I’d take 3 days or so to go to the Keys for FF’g.  Any info would be appreciated, re:

Here is some old posts that I sent to another fellow planning a trip to the Keys in Feb. I probably need to work up a bonefish/keys FAQ… Have fun, and mail me if you have further questions…  Alan Barrow  km4ba         | If a little knowledge….. As if Santa wasn’t good enough to me, I found out that I have business in Ft. Lauderdale in January. It looks like a two hour drive down to the end of the Florida peninsula according to my atlas, and I plan on scamming a couple of extra days to cast for bonefish.

I would allow a little extra time, it can take longer depending on traffic. The only way in or out of the keys is US-1, and it is mostly 2 lane for miles. (You can take card sound road for a nice alternate route coming back. About the same time, and you see a different part of N Key Largo.) I am a steelheader from Seattle who knows NOTHING< about bonefish except that my 8wt rpl will work, and the flies under the heading "bonefish" are small shrimpy weighted flies.

You ought to be ok, use as much of a WF line as you have. Make sure you have as much backing as your reel will hold. Nevertheless, the thought of ‘wading the flats’ wearing shorts in January is too much to resist for someone from latitude 47.

And you can do it, you just have to be a bit trickier during winter time. The bonefish are still there, they just will not come onto the flats until the water warms up. I would plan on fishing mid-day if the night time temp is below 70. The flats will be too cold in the AM, but will warm up. I am groveling for information! (fishing dates: Jan 14th – 16th)

Here are some posts I have made earlier. Not all will be relevant, but most info should be useful. I grew up down there, and spend 2-3 weeks a year flats fishing in the upper Keys. My brother works in Key Largo and Key West about half of the time, and he gets me current fishing reports. Both he and I have flats boats, and are into flyfishing for bonefish and tarpon. Have fun! Call me if you have questions… 404/850-2644  Alan Barrow  km4ba         | If a little knowledge….. Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing Some friends and I, serious fly fisherman all, are thinking about going to the Florida Keys to do some bonefishing (and maybe tarpon, permit, etc.)  this winter.  Never having done this before, I have scads of questions: * Is end of December/beginning of January a good time?

Bones are there year round. They will not come up onto the flats if the water temp is too cold. Also wind is more likely, and impacts the number of "fishable" (sight fishing) days. However, the largest bonefish are usually caught in winter. I have hooked (not landed) very big bonefish during XMAS trips last year. Tarpon migrate, and are not in the Keys in large quantities until May/June. There are year round Tarpon spots in the Keys ( and Miami) but it is usually deep water. (Bridges/channels, etc) I consider June/July the best time all around for fishing in the Keys. I still fish year all seasons, because even "off season" the fishing is better than most places I know. But for fly fisherman, winter may be less desirable. Redfish are available year round, as are sharks and barracudas. Many fly types are sight fishing for big ‘Cudas during winter when it the flats are too cold for bonefish. * Where are the good spots in the keys?  Should we try Grand Bahama or  Belize instead?

My conclusion is that if you want numbers and lot’s of action, hit the bahamas, Christmas Island (near Hawaii), or costa rica. However, If you want big fish on a regular basis, Miami down to Marathon for bonefish is hard to beat. For Tarpon, Boca Grande pass in June is fantastic. Not the same as sight fishing the flats edges for tarpon in the Keys, but killer in a different fashion. Tarpon are all around florida mid year, so there are many good places for them. The keys are ideal due to: Big Bonefish, good tarpon, great Permit, OK redfish, great trout, great dolphin close in (the fish). The water is great for sight fishing in the Keys. Other parts of Fla are less "clear". The Bahamas are tough to beat in water clarity. * Know any good guides/outfitters?

I have not used a guide for 3 years, but recommend using one until you become proficient in finding fish yourself. Even then, guides will put you onto more fish. * Will I need my own equipment or can I rent?

I have not seen much rental equipment. If you have a guide, he will provide top notch equipment. I hope you have a good time! Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing I will be on Islamorada from February 10-17 of this year.  I plan to do some inshore fishing, and am wondering if this is a particularly "hot" time for specific fish. Can anyone give me some help? I’ll be

Entirely dependant on water temperature. (Wind may also be an issue) Some of the largest bonefish are caught in "winter" (dec-feb). You may also go all day without seeing a fish on a flat. A guide is a big win here. They may know when/where fish may make an appearence. We have found that "normal" behavior does not apply. (normal for bonefish is: fish move on flat with low incoming tide.) Problem is that with colder water temp, at may be midday before the water warms up enough. Thus traditional early morning/late evening "best times" may not apply. Barracuda are found (and fished for) on the flats in the winter. Any other time, these guys are almost impossible to catch. (Except when a big bonefish is about to nail your shrimp/lure) Also sharks on the flats can be fun. Tarpon are pretty much somewhere else, except for a few "bridge" types that hang around year round. Redfish and trout in the backcountry (Fla Bay, as opposed to the Atlantic) should also be a good option. (Not as exciting as bonefish, but still pretty good) I believe offshore is pretty good this time of year. (Sailfish, grouper, Kings, snapper, etc) out for a full day, and would like to spend about half the day fishing purely for sport (i.e. tarpon, bonefish, maybe permit) and half the day fishing for something I can cook up afterwards. Is this possible?

Bonefish or permit then hit backcountry for redfish or trout. I have limited out on big trout within 30 min skiff ride from Islamorada. (By the way, you will be "in" Islamorada, the city. You will be "on" upper or lower matacumbe. Just a "nit" :- ) Any suggestions would be appreciated. I’d like to call up and reserve a guide ahead of time.

We had good luck with Jamie Brodie, who booked out of Holiday Isle. I could get other names from Fla Sportsman if needed. Secondly, since I can’t afford a guide every day I’m there, but would like to do some fishing most of the days I’m there, I’m wondering if anyone can give me advice about wading/shore fishing. I’ll cast for

This is how we got started. Harry Harris park up in key largo (20 min N of Islamorada) is a good flat to wade for bonefish. Also flats off the bridges at shell and indian key ( Just S of Islamorada. ) are good. If you see brown bottom that you can get too from your hotel, etc. I would give it a try. Wear tennis shoes, or booties. (I use "aquasox" as well) Be aware of stingrays. (Some say to shuffle. I do if I cannot see the bottom very clearly. I have found if the bottom is hard enough to wade, the stingrays do not bury themselves. They are also very spooky, and will avoid you.) Also bridge fishing all along that area is good. You can also rent a boat. (not cheap, but cheaper than a guide.) Plan on using it mainly to get too flats. Do not try to take it on the flats, as you will get stuck unless it is very high tide. You will not have a pole anyway. Even with our flat’s boats, we wade alot. (during low tide) anything, I just don’t know what’s there to cast to, or what to cast to whatever is there (to state a simple point in a fairly unruly way).

On the flats you will see:         stingrays- do not try to catch them. Look for bonefish/jack         following them. try to cast on the back of any stingray you see.         Many times you will not see the fish following them. Best sign         that bonefish are on the flats. Stingrays are your friend.         Bonefish- swim most in straight lines. best case is to find them         tailing in low water. (why wading is good). You may see one or a         dozen. Very spooky. Cast in front of them, let them swim up on         your lure/bait.         Permit- The most spooky. look for "sickle" fin sticking out of         water.         Baracuda- usually loitering around. Moving very slowly, then         disappears faster than your eye can follow. If you see a fish,         and it does not move 5-10 feet in a few seconds, then it is probably         a barracuda. cast past it 10 feet in front of it. reel as fast         as you can. They strike instinctively.         Jack- Usually you do not see them, but catch them by accident.         can get pretty big, fights almost as good as a bonefish. (Just         missing the

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