Question:

Today it is windy and rainy (way more than usual) and all the boats are at the docks.  40 kt winds at Diamond Shoals.  The past four days have seen albie fishing of the best kind.  The cold weather and northerly winds brought the fish in like they are supposed to be. Most people are able to find some fish to cast to about all day long. And in the morning the fish have been feasting on everything and anything that people can throw at them.  Little flies, big flies, doesn’t much matter.  They will eat it.  In the afternoon they get a little bit pickier and a little more spread out but the morning action has been quite memorable.  The fish are coming up shoulder to shoulder and I would think that if you dragged your toes in the water you might get nipped.  Now those are aggressive fish!!  Sorry to those folks who came down before this.  The warm weather delayed the arrival.  Should be good for a while now.  If you can get down here, now would be a good time. Capt Gordon Churchill http://www.flyfish-nc.com

Response:

Gordon, will the Albies stay in close all winter or will they head further South? So how about booking 4 fly fishermen on 2 half day trips.  All 4 ride out to the Cape via ferry, they fish until you get there around 9ish (since Christine might be keeping you up late).  Two jump on board with you and go joy riding.  The other two continue to fish.  Around 12:30 you return and swap out sports with the two ashore and off you go.  Around 4 – 4:30 you return, pick up the first two and take all 4 back to ferry central.  This is starting to sound like a PLAN!  All 4 get both Cape Lookout shore fishing at the "Hook" and Albie chasing with you! — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Today it is windy and rainy (way more than usual) and all the boats are at the docks.  40 kt winds at Diamond Shoals.  The past four days have seen albie fishing of the best kind.  The cold weather and northerly winds brought the fish in like they are supposed to be. Most people are able to find some fish to cast to about all day long. And in the morning the fish have been feasting on everything and anything that people can throw at them.  Little flies, big flies, doesn’t much matter.  They will eat it.  In the afternoon they get a little bit pickier and a little more spread out but the morning action has been quite memorable.  The fish are coming up shoulder to shoulder and I would think that if you dragged your toes in the water you might get nipped.  Now those are aggressive fish!!  Sorry to those folks who came down before this.  The warm weather delayed the arrival.  Should be good for a while now.  If you can get down here, now would be a good time. Capt Gordon Churchill http://www.flyfish-nc.com

Response:

Question:

Hi Folks, I made the long trip from Oz to Orlando for a conference and on Saturday 5th of May got out to Titusville for a fish. I wanted to stop in at The Flyfisherman store, but they didn’t open until 10am, so I sniffed out a likely spot on Mosquito Lagoon about 8am and got started. It was a windy as hell which limited my options and the water was pretty dirty. I put on a white and pink clouser and nervous of crocs, oops, gators, started wading. After 45 min of nothing, I hooked up solid to a decent sized fish in knee deep water that turned out to be a spotted sea trout about 3lb. Soon after I got another about 4lb or so. I really wanted to catch a red so I packed up and went into the Flyfisherman for help. The guys there were really friendly and Chris there drew me a map to one of his favourite secret spots (he doesn’t mind showing them to visitors from a far ). I went forth to spot X on the Indian R with some prefered local flies, being told to shuffle out to a knee deep grass bank and wait patiently for something to happen. After about 20 min, 3 or 4 big red tails popped up through the wind chop about 40 feet to my right. The wind was at that nasty level where flyline comes out of the rod tip sideways. I took 2 or 3 tries to get the fly to them and I ended up slamming it down right over where I thought they were. To cut a sad story short, I don’t know if I spooked them or if they just doddled along their way invisible under the choppy surface – but I didn’t get a touch off them and lost track of them. I stayed out there another 2 hours and didn’t see another thing! In calmer conditions, this kind of fishing would be fantastic, alas, I had my chances and dudded out completely on the reds. I will return!!!!! Thanks to Anis Popp and R Dean for their advice and putting me onto The Flyfisherman. Cheers John K Sydney Flyrodders — John Knight ALEMITE LUBREQUIP PTY LTD mobile 0407 959100 office 61-2-99382999 fax 61-2-99053631

Response:

I stayed out there another 2 hours and didn’t see another thing! In calmer conditions, this kind of fishing would be fantastic, alas, I had my chances and dudded out completely on the reds. I will return!!!!!

Nice report.  I’ve only fished FL once since leaving Gainesville in the early 90s.  Your story brought back pleasant memories. At least you dudded out on the reds and not on the redds.  ;-)  Better luck next time. JR

Response:

I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. I assume you were told Redds are quite moody and what spooks them one minute drives them to mall a fly the next. When the shrimp are running at haul over they’ll nail just about anything. Possibly the fish were cognizant of the shock to your nervous system that would have occurred if you had tied into one of the biggie redds of the area. When you consider most of them caught are too BIG to keep you can see why this is a popular fishing spot. — John Popp in Sanford Fl.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Folks, I made the long trip from Oz to Orlando for a conference and on Saturday 5th of May got out to Titusville for a fish. I wanted to stop in at The Flyfisherman store, but they didn’t open until 10am, so I sniffed out a likely spot on Mosquito Lagoon about 8am and got started. It was a windy as hell which limited my options and the water was pretty dirty. I put on a white and pink clouser and nervous of crocs, oops, gators, started wading. After 45 min of nothing, I hooked up solid to a decent sized fish in knee deep water that turned out to be a spotted sea trout about 3lb. Soon after I got another about 4lb or so. I really wanted to catch a red so I packed up and went into the Flyfisherman for help. The guys there were really friendly and Chris there drew me a map to one of his favourite secret spots (he doesn’t mind showing them to visitors from a far ). I went forth to spot X on the Indian R with some prefered local flies, being told to shuffle out to a knee deep grass bank and wait patiently for something to happen. After about 20 min, 3 or 4 big red tails popped up through the wind chop about 40 feet to my right. The wind was at that nasty level where flyline comes out of the rod tip sideways. I took 2 or 3 tries to get the fly to them and I ended up slamming it down right over where I thought they were. To cut a sad story short, I don’t know if I spooked them or if they just doddled along their way invisible under the choppy surface – but I didn’t get a touch off them and lost track of them. I stayed out there another 2 hours and didn’t see another thing! In calmer conditions, this kind of fishing would be fantastic, alas, I had my chances and dudded out completely on the reds. I will return!!!!! Thanks to Anis Popp and R Dean for their advice and putting me onto The Flyfisherman. Cheers John K Sydney Flyrodders — John Knight ALEMITE LUBREQUIP PTY LTD mobile 0407 959100 office 61-2-99382999 fax 61-2-99053631

Response:

The ones I saw I guessed at 10-15lb. I was just above knee deep and they had big fat tails sticking up 4"-5" from the chop. It was good fun – Chris at The Flyfisherman said he has seen them tailing in 3 feet of water so I know what you mean about maximum sizes. When they are close by can you hear or feel them? About the time I saw them I sensed croaking or popping sounds coming up my spine and at the back of my neck – was that them or something else (like shrimps) they  were feeding on? Sorry about the name John, I went from memory yesterday. Regards John K Sydney Flyrodders

Response:

Thanks to Anis Popp and R Dean for their advice and putting me onto The Flyfisherman.

You’re more than welcome. TC, R – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Cheers John K Sydney Flyrodders

Response:

– John Popp in Sanford Fl.

The ones I saw I guessed at 10-15lb. I was just above knee deep and they had big fat tails sticking up 4"-5" from the chop. It was good fun – Chris at The Flyfisherman said he has seen them tailing in 3 feet of water so I know what you mean about maximum sizes. When they are close by can you hear or feel them? About the time I saw them I sensed croaking or popping sounds coming up my spine and at the back of my neck – was that them or something else (like shrimps) they  were feeding on?

They do croak, like a croaker. Most people miss that as they fish from boats. They must have been on a young oyster bed, they make a popimg sound as the fish crush the shells. they will often also leave a cloud like discoloration in the water. It’s not bottom but the crushed up shell fish remains they emit. As for gators, they do frequent the intercoastal occasionally but prefer fresh water right now folks who have pools close to open water better look before they leap. by the way you were just a bit early due to the weather, but then a good spot kinda beats a brookie. And I was hopeing for you. John Popp in Sanford Fl. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sorry about the name John, I went from memory yesterday. Regards John K Sydney Flyrodders

Response:

Hey Dean;     While you were in G-ville did you ever get over to St.Augestine Beach to fish flounder with a fly? I tied into a winter flounder over there about 20 yrs ago that measured exactly 3′. Did it on a 6wt fiberglass, it took about 45 min. to get it out of the water. It spit the fly when on the beach. Man we hustled to keep it from being a catch and return. My wife grabbed the rod and pinned it and I belly flopped on it. It was delicious. I think that was a once in a lifetime experience for a po boy. — John Popp in Sanford Fl.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks to Anis Popp and R Dean for their advice and putting me onto The Flyfisherman. You’re more than welcome. TC, R Cheers John K Sydney Flyrodders

Response:

I thought the popping sound was them – damn I’m cranky I never got one. I saw a big gator on the Mosquito Lagoon side – about 8′ – laying on the fresh water side of the roadway. A kid picnicking with his parents pointed it out to me, he was throwing bait at it. Dopey things – Believe me, there is no way I would have been that close to an Aussie croc without a .44! Cheers John K

Response:

Question:

A merry (year end festible of choice) to all of you. May the beer god smile apon you and your stockings be filled with bamboo rods, cool vests, waders, zingers and other tools of joy! Even you daytripper, get a bamboo ok? Flyfish — dave’s homepage madness http://www.ctel.net/~brooktrout flyfishing in Maine and more

Response:

A merry (year end festible of choice) to all of you. May the beer god smile apon you and your stockings be filled with bamboo rods, cool vests, waders, zingers and other tools of joy! Even you daytripper, get a bamboo ok? Flyfish

Bah! Humbug! If God had meant us to fish with cane, He’d have them grow with the guides and a UPS shipping label already attached… /daytripper (who actually owns four cane rods but prefers plastic)

Response:

Question:

Some stamps came out a while ago featuring flies. Anyone know where I cn get them? Ari

Response:

Some stamps came out a while ago featuring flies. Anyone know where I cn get them?

Um……U.S Post Office?

Response:

I have a first day issue of these stamps.  They were released on May 31, 1991 by the US post office. If you live in the US, look in your local phone book for a stamp collector store.  They will probably have it.  I first day issue will probably cost about $10, a strip about $5.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some stamps came out a while ago featuring flies. Anyone know where I cn get them? Ari

Response:

Some stamps came out a while ago featuring flies. Anyone know where I can get them?

I don’t know if they are still available in the Post Office or not — occasionally I see someone offer a booklet of them on eBay at auction. Fleetwood is still selling First Day Covers and Postcards so you can get a description of the stamps by going to their web site and searching for "fishing flies" http://www.unicover.com/unisearch.htm? At the time of issue the Post Office also put out a framed print of a fly fisherman with all five stamps included.  I have one around here somewhere but couldn’t find it to provide a better description. I’m not a stamp collector myself but am trying to round up copies of all the first day stuff for the Largemouth Bass stamp. Have a great weekend, — Clyde Drury Black Bass Book Collector http://members.aol.com/BassBks/index.html

Response:

Question:

You don’t beat up on your own sport. Mr. G. —

Response:

You don’t beat up on your own sport.

A curious (if not bizarre) simile – which begs the question: just what do you do with your bar of bath soap, George? (Practise C&R in the tub? ;^) /dave

Response:

Well this was an eye opener here on this cool morning in northern Maine….I’m howling… dave — dave’s homepage madness – flyfishing in Maine and more http://www.midmaine.com/~dbottom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You don’t beat up on your own sport. A curious (if not bizarre) simile – which begs the question: just what do you do with your bar of bath soap, George? (Practise C&R in the tub? ;^) /dave

Response:

Interesting analogy.. but why the word "molest," which seem more in line with using them for your own purposes and then tossing them aside? You don’t beat up on your own sport. Mr. G.

-Mark/Particle Salad Particle Salad/Noom Room Studio http://home.earthlink.net/~psalad

Response:

Question:

Howell Raines’ great book "Fly Fishing the Midlife Crisis" is on sale for only $5.99 at www.bargainbookwarehouse.com. In the stores it sells for $22. I don’t think they have any other fishing books.

Response:

"Fly Fishing Through the Midlife Crisis" I agree that it is an excellent read, and I’m not even at mid-life yet…Clint – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howell Raines’ great book "Fly Fishing the Midlife Crisis" is on sale for only $5.99 at www.bargainbookwarehouse.com. In the stores it sells for $22. I don’t think they have any other fishing books.

Response:

Question:

I am just getting started in FF and I don’t know the best method for affixing my flyline to the reel.  Also, how do I attach the leader to the line?

Response:

Benjamin, You can tie the backing to the reel, the backing to the fly line than the flyline to the leader/tippet. Reel to backing: Two simple overhand knots. Tag end of backing around spool 2 times and tie an overhand knot in the end. Than a second overhand knot around the standing line. Snug up the second knot. Than pull the standing line tight. The knots should slip down to the spool hub. Fly line to backing and leader to fly line to leader/tippet can both be done with a nail knot. Most books on basic fishing will have a picture of this knot. If you purchased all your tackle from a fly shop, take it back to the shop and ask them to show you how to do it. Most will be happy to do it for you. If you got your tackle mail order, go to your local fly shop and purchase about $100  worth of additional tackle and than ask them to help you. There are are other knots you can use, but I find these knots east to tie. Good luck & Good fishing, — Dennis C. Aron Independent Representative #13921 Champion Fishing Co., Ltd – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am just getting started in FF and I don’t know the best method for affixing my flyline to the reel.  Also, how do I attach the leader to the line?

Response:

Benjamin,         Your local shop will do most of it for you and the other posts suggest the best knots for it but I just wanted to add that from your fly line, the first bit of mono is called the butt section and it’s the thickest diameter part of your leader.           It was suggested to me to have a short butt section from my line to my leader and have a loop at the end of it.  This way I can make the same loop on my leaders and change leaders forever without having to retie the nail knot at the end of the flyline.           Whoever at your local shop will probably be hip to the entire set up. Don’t ever be intimidated into NOT asking questions of these people, I’ve learned a lot from them. Good Luck, Bob – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Also, how do I attach the leader to the line?

Response:

I am just getting started in FF and I don’t know the best method for affixing my flyline to the reel.  Also, how do I attach the leader to the line?

Ben, Spend some money on a good beginner fly fishing book. Try to find a copy of Dave Hughes "Fly Fishing Basics" for $12.95 (US$) – I happen to think it’s quite good. ISBN 0-8117-2439-5. Also, you don’t attach your fly line to the reel, you attach it to backing line which is attached to the reel. Backing goes around the reel spindle twice and is tied with a simple overhand knot and a second overhand knot at the end of the tag end. Pull this tight and the tag end overhand knot will catch in the first overhand knot that is tied around the backing line. Hard to write – easy to tie. NOTE: make sure you wrap the line onto the reel in the correct direction too. Adjust the drag pawls too. Use a nail-knot at the backing line /fly line point. If you are using a wt. forward fly line – make sure the correct end is attached to the backing material.Should be okay if left on the original spool until attaching it to the backing. (A DT line is double-ended so no mistake possible) Use a braided loop on the end of your fly line and form a loop in the end of your leader(s). A loop-to-loop connection allows leader change out quickly. Add some extra tippet material to the "fly" end of your leader and save buying lot’s of expensive leaders. Tight Lines, Don Burns Wishful collector of Gillums and Dickersons – owner of Montague, H-I and Heddons

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Overall, the article covers quite a bit and seems to be well researched although there was no mention of *my* baby, the flytying newsgroup. snip We still love you John. TimW The reference to Ted Williams was my selection for "who would you like to spend a day fishing with" — hardly a thread but I suppose they were trolling for references to their magazine. Now that I think of it, there aren’t many magazine references in ROFF or ROFFT. I certainly spend a lot more time these days fishing, tying and surfing the net and a lot less time reading magazines and watching TV. I cancelled FR&R last year and still haven’t read the September Fly Fisherman, let alone the just received December issue (don’t want to ruin the suspense by reading the November election results).

Me too.  The glossy magazines interest me little anymore.  There has to be something really worthwhile in an issue to buy one.   These newsgroups are much, much better. They are reader driven and not writer driven, in general.  In other words, ask and ye shall receive.  That is REAL value.  I’d just as soon not see the ng’s and the magazines cross paths, myself. TimW

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Overall, the article covers quite a bit and seems to be well researched although there was no mention of *my* baby, the flytying newsgroup. snip We still love you John. TimW The reference to Ted Williams was my selection for "who would you like to spend a day fishing with" — hardly a thread but I suppose they were trolling for references to their magazine. Now that I think of it, there aren’t many magazine references in ROFF or ROFFT. I certainly spend a lot more time these days fishing, tying and surfing the net and a lot less time reading magazines and watching TV. I cancelled FR&R last year and still haven’t read the September Fly Fisherman, let alone the just received December issue (don’t want to ruin the suspense by reading the November election results). Me too.  The glossy magazines interest me little anymore.  There has to be something really worthwhile in an issue to buy one.   These newsgroups are much, much better. They are reader driven and not writer driven, in general.  In other words, ask and ye shall receive.  That is REAL value.  I’d just as soon not see the ng’s and the magazines cross paths, myself. TimW

I still get value from the two magazines I get, FF in Salt Waters and Saltwater FF, though it certainly is different from what we have here ! I think SWFF is still new enough in printed word that the zines haven’t become too repetitive, although I think there is definitely a danger of this happening in the future. If I digress to the whole George Resign stuff, and I hate to do so, it seems to me that the magazine format would have been much better for him, having the ‘writer driven’ nature that Tim alludes to. The glossies are great places for established, experienced fishermen to convey information that the reader can take or leave. Which of course means the ngs are much more fun !                                                 jc

Response:

Overall, the article covers quite a bit and seems to be well researched although there was no mention of *my* baby, the flytying newsgroup.

hmmmmmm…. 8^) TimW

Response:

Overall, the article covers quite a bit and seems to be well researched although there was no mention of *my* baby, the flytying newsgroup.

It’s like the researcher that does a lifes work and it ends up in a University filing cabinet…then some beer swillin’ jet-setter with a word processor comes along and hacks out an article in an afternoon (you get a mention in the biblio) and the next thing you know he’s doing book signings at the fern bar. We still love you John. TimW

Response:

For those that haven’t seen it, the most recent issue of Fly Rod & Reel contains a seven page article on Flyfishing and the Internet. I did a brief scan of the article and it primarily talks about various web sites and includes a pretty extensive list of sites and describes some of the bigger sites such as Virtual Fly Shop, and several others. There is also a short section on "mailing lists and non-profit sites" (hint to commercial advertisers in r.o.f.f.) which includes a couple of short references to this newsgroup.  Here’s how they described us… "Sometimes outrageous and always interesting, the newsgroup is worth a regular stop.  The last time I checked there were threads on the influx of newcomers to Montan (don’t leave your California-plated car alone at night), on women fly fishers and on the work of FR&R conservation editor Ted Williams [ does anyone remember this last thread? - john].  There was also a considerable section written have thread with cow magnet haiku? Overall, the article covers quite a bit and seems to be well researched although there was no mention of *my* baby, the flytying newsgroup. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

Response:

Overall, the article covers quite a bit and seems to be well researched although there was no mention of *my* baby, the flytying newsgroup. snip We still love you John. TimW

The reference to Ted Williams was my selection for "who would you like to spend a day fishing with" — hardly a thread but I suppose they were trolling for references to their magazine. Now that I think of it, there aren’t many magazine references in ROFF or ROFFT. I certainly spend a lot more time these days fishing, tying and surfing the net and a lot less time reading magazines and watching TV. I cancelled FR&R last year and still haven’t read the September Fly Fisherman, let alone the just received December issue (don’t want to ruin the suspense by reading the November election results). Doug

Response:

Question:

I will be going to Kenya on business  next month,  for about 3 weeks. I understand fly fishing is great there. Does anyone know what fish and what patterns are popular there? For  that matter, does anyone know what AREAS and RIVERS? Thanks in advance. Mike

Response:

I will be going to Kenya on business  next month,  for about 3 weeks. I understand fly fishing is great there. Does anyone know what fish and what patterns are popular there? For  that matter, does anyone know what AREAS and RIVERS?

Aberdare Highlands (formerly "white highlands") north and west of Nairobi.  Be warned (by Canadian papers) law and order may have vanished in some parts of Kenya these days. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

Question:

Bob,      Thanks.  I use the old pliers technique with no trouble.  Was just wondering if I could find lures (rather than flies) that came ready-barblessed.  But thanks for the reply!!                                             Hal

Response:

Anyone know if barbless hooks are available in US?  (Chinese and Japanese fishing is done with them.)                                Hal Kahn

Response:

Anyone know if barbless hooks are available in US?  (Chinese and Japanese fishing is done with them.)                                Hal Kahn

Hal: I believe you will find that barbless hooks are READILY available if you are tying flies or building tackle.   Also, this may be a very silly case of pointing out the obvious, but you can also make any hook barbless by simply smashing down the barb with a pair of pliers.  If you do, be careful to smash the barb only and don’t dull the point of the hook, but it’s real easy. Good luck, Bob

Response:

Anyone know if barbless hooks are available in US?  (Chinese and Japanese fishing is done with them.)

                                Hal Kahn Orvis sells them.  Any good flyfishing shop should carry them. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

Response: