Question:

If the Guardians win in court, or if the government settles, the number of

cows a rancher is allowed to graze with his permit is cut. That hands the Guardians a double victory: Not only does the land get a breather, but the rancher has to pay much more to feed his displaced cows on private land. Interesting concept that "free market"  Sounds like the ranchers prefer a Socialist type system.

Response:

I was listening to a recent NPR program, discussing the problems of depopulation in rural communities back east…

Most of the rural counties in Oregon are loosing population, and it was several years ago when I heard a statistic that 90% of the rural landowners were age 60 or greater. I don’t know how true the 90% stat is, but it does appear rural america is dwindling for *many* reasons. Though I consider myself an environmentalists, and often see the need for action *now*, I also recognize that there are more powerful long-term changes occuring in the US such as rural depopulation, and often think that there is an opportunity for environmentalists and landowners to accept this trend (rather than force it), and see ways to make it positive. Case in point – I could spend lots of time going after grazing issues, or I could spend lots of time understanding which landowners are wanting to sell off (because their kids aren’t following in their footsteps) and seeing how to move that land into less intensive uses. Thomas Gilg

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was listening to a recent NPR program, discussing the problems of depopulation in rural communities back east… Most of the rural counties in Oregon are loosing population, and it was several years ago when I heard a statistic that 90% of the rural landowners were age 60 or greater. I don’t know how true the 90% stat is, but it does appear rural america is dwindling for *many* reasons. Though I consider myself an environmentalists, and often see the need for action *now*, I also recognize that there are more powerful long-term changes occuring in the US such as rural depopulation, and often think that there is an opportunity for environmentalists and landowners to accept this trend (rather than force it), and see ways to make it positive. Case in point – I could spend lots of time going after grazing issues, or I could spend lots of time understanding which landowners are wanting to sell off (because their kids aren’t following in their footsteps) and seeing how to move that land into less intensive uses. Thomas Gilg

Also what has to be remembered is that the ranchers who won’t be able to afford higher grazing fees will be the smaller family operations. The bigger ones will be able to absorb any increased costs. By most accounts grazing is a problem ( a huge problem in some instances) along the riparian corridors out west but it is also problematic if the solution only brings about the demise of family ranches to the benefit of the huge multi-national conglomerate run outfits. No one said this was going to be easy. George C.

Response:

 What our outdoor wildlife inventories need is the total removal of all livestock that steal their food and habitat. Why? Because wildlife is more valuable to a state’s economy as it is to the Federal Economy. Allowing grazing on Federal (PUBLIC) lands to individual ranchers is stupid economics. George G.

Response:

|

| I was listening to a recent NPR program, discussing the problems of | depopulation in rural communities back east… | | Most of the rural counties in Oregon are loosing population, and it was | several years ago when I heard a statistic that 90% of the rural landowners | were age 60 or greater. I don’t know how true the 90% stat is, but it does | appear rural america is dwindling for *many* reasons. Though I consider | myself an environmentalists, and often see the need for action *now*, I | also recognize that there are more powerful long-term changes occuring | in the US such as rural depopulation, and often think that there is an | opportunity for environmentalists and landowners to accept this trend | (rather than force it), and see ways to make it positive. Case in point – | I could spend lots of time going after grazing issues, or I could spend | lots of time understanding which landowners are wanting to sell off | (because their kids aren’t following in their footsteps) and seeing how to | move that land into less intensive uses. | | Thomas Gilg | | | | | Also what has to be remembered is that the ranchers who won’t be able to afford | higher grazing fees will be the smaller family operations. The bigger ones will | be able to absorb any increased costs. By most accounts grazing is a problem ( a | huge problem in some instances) along the riparian corridors out west but it is | also problematic if the solution only brings about the demise of family ranches | to the benefit of the huge multi-national conglomerate run outfits. | | No one said this was going to be easy. | George C. | That may be true, too. The reason my grandfather specialized, was to devote more acres to one crop, to be able to absorb the fixed overheads. But even he had just 500 acres. My father struggled to make money. I refused to take over – it was clear at an early age that it simply COULD NOT be profitable, because of/despite the (socialist) policies of the Common Agricultural Policy, dreamed up by the EU. These same policies were actually intended to protect the family farm. In reality they destroyed it. Q. How far do we go, to protect the family farm? The French have split their farms between 2 (or more) sons for generations. Now they have 100-acre farms that are mere subsistence farming. On an environmental tack – I would prefer to see people grazing farm land that is already farm land & lacking farmers, rather than grazing the more fragile environments often (but not always) found on federal lands. Take the money farm managers pay and use it to encourage farmers to take up the land that has been converted from it’s natural state, into My family were TENANT farmers. After my father & his brother retired, the farm was bought from the landlord & is now actually profitable. Q. HOW – by finding a niche. The current farmers don’t try to compete with the large managed farms. They run an organic farm – even the wool is organic. They don’t need help competing, because they specialisze. I suspect the family-ranchers here in the SW USA will have to also find a niche.

Response:

Even if they are, that just means more money needs to be spent on enforcing the current restrictions, not coming up with more.

And sadly the folks breaking the law are the same ones against any additional government enforcement of the law. Thomas Gilg

Response:

| I never met a cattleman who stole America’s grass lands and graze | that I liked.  You’re right. Why should a nobody lbother? | | In this country, you are entitled to your own opinion…. even when it’s an | incorrect one. Maybe if you’d actually get out there and meet a real | cattleman, you’d change your tune. | | George– | This is Cindy… Brian’s wife writing now.  I cannot believe your comments | regarding ranchers/cattlemen ripping off the consumer.  I grew up in Eastern | Montana on a small ranch.  My father received 70-90 cents per pound for his | calves sold every fall.  This fall the price given to cattlemen for their | calves is still 70-75 cents per pound.  Not much of a raise over the past 20 | years.  Your accusations against the ranchers holds no water.  You are | basically talking out of your rear-end.  If you would do some research and | cared about your country, you would see that the family ranches are unable | to support their families. I grew up on a farm in England – we raised beef without ANY cheap grazing. We found a way – we rented permanent pasture, that was atop historic monuments (and couldn’t be ploughed), we housed steers in the old milking parlour during the Winter (after a milking herd ceased to be profitable), but we NEVER had grazing land subsidised by the taxpayer. We made a living growing beef. Any help we can give the ranchers in the use of | public lands is money put back into our economy and assistance to families | who are trying to make a living providing food for your table.  And just in | case you are a vegetarian, don’t forget those ranchers who graze cattle on | public land can then use the land they own to grow grain and barley for your | bread.  Don’t be such a twit. | | Boy, George… did you ever step in it!! When Cindy reads over my shoulder | and kicks me off the keyboard…. well, you get the drift. | — | Tight Lines! | Brian D. Nelson | Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana | www.diamondnoutfitters.com | |

Response:

Actually grazing more animals than are allowed under the permit and grazing outside the boundaries of the permit are commonplace.

Brian D. Nelson responded: I can recall many times having the BLM officer who monitors the grazing permits … I also know of ranchers (not many, though) who lost their grazing permits … You,  sir, are clueless.

Across the west you’ll find varying compliance with grazing permits. Ditto logging laws and so on. I regularily volunteer to help with multi-agency state/federal fish surveys in eastern Oregon, and it is not uncommon to find cattle grazing well outside their permitted range. In one case we were surveying for bull trout in a remote backcountry area where grazing permits had been eliminated several years before, and yet we still found cattle and signs of regular grazing activity *inside the former and still-fenced allotments*. Some of the agency folks were suppose to followup on that discovery. Thomas Gilg

Response:

eliminated several years before, and yet we still found cattle and signs of regular grazing activity *inside the former and still-fenced allotments*. Actually grazing more animals than are allowed under the permit and grazing outside the boundaries of the permit are commonplace.

I’m sure there are instances of illegal activity such as you described. However, from my experience, I don’t believe that these instances are "commonplace". — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

Response:

FISHING RELATED POST?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You’re getting the lower price right now.  Jesus why do I even bother. christ.  I never met a cattleman who stole America’s grass lands and graze that I liked.  You’re right. Why should a nobody lbother? Mr.G. You never met a cattleman, period. —

Response:

Actually grazing more animals than are allowed under the permit and grazing outside the boundaries of the permit are commonplace.  As enforcement by the government is almost nonexistant, that shouldn’t be surprising.  These common practices do constitute theft in anyone’s book.

Obviously, you’ve never spent any time in eastern Montana where a lot of grazing is done on BLM. I can recall many times having the BLM officer who monitors the grazing permits in our area come around to check grass conditions, number of cattle, water hole conditions, whether or not the ranchers are pulling there cows off public ground at the designated time, etc., etc., etc. I also know of ranchers (not many, though) who lost their grazing permits (and they should) for not following the stipulated conditions on their permit. This same scenario (the proper management of grazing permits) happens all across the American West on both National Forest System Lands and Bureau of Land Management lands. You,  sir, are clueless. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

Response:

|  What our outdoor wildlife inventories need is the total removal of all | livestock that steal their food and habitat. | | Why? | | Because wildlife is more valuable to a state’s economy as it is to the | Federal Economy. | | Allowing grazing on Federal (PUBLIC) lands to individual ranchers is stupid | economics. | | George G. | | | | | | | When you’re paying $9 a pound for beef you’ll be blaming that on Bush | too I suppose. | — That’s why I advocate using funds collected from grazing federal lands be used to induce ranchers to use land that has already been converted to farming.  I’d rather convert from arable to grazing land, than forest/prairie to grazing land ! I don’t accept that it’s a choice between cattle & tourists – it’s more of a choice between cattle & migrants. But if we convince ranchers to move East onto arable land, we come closer to both protecting our fragile environments AND providing beef at competitive prices (compared to Argentinean beef). P.S. I remember paying $9 a pound for beef in the UK – beef was one of the most expensive forms of meat. But now I pay $9 a pound for Stilton cheese instead (I paid $3-4 a pound for Stilton in the UK).

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was listening to a recent NPR program, discussing the problems of depopulation in rural communities back east… Most of the rural counties in Oregon are loosing population, and it was several years ago when I heard a statistic that 90% of the rural landowners were age 60 or greater. I don’t know how true the 90% stat is, but it does appear rural america is dwindling for *many* reasons. Though I consider myself an environmentalists, and often see the need for action *now*, I also recognize that there are more powerful long-term changes occuring in the US such as rural depopulation, and often think that there is an opportunity for environmentalists and landowners to accept this trend (rather than force it), and see ways to make it positive. Case in point – I could spend lots of time going after grazing issues, or I could spend lots of time understanding which landowners are wanting to sell off (because their kids aren’t following in their footsteps) and seeing how to move that land into less intensive uses.

That approach is far too thoughtful and intelligent for the hard core greenies to comprehend, let alone follow.

Response:

  When you’re paying $9 a pound for beef you’ll be blaming that on Bush too I suppose.

Getting screwed by Ranchers must stop.  When did YOU ever get a discount on a pound of beef for letting them steal grass and graze and destroying habitat in the past? Never? Your right!! Mr.G.

Response:

Getting screwed by Ranchers must stop.  When did YOU ever get a discount on a pound of beef for letting them steal grass and graze and destroying habitat in the past?

Boy, George, are you living in the netherworld if you think ranchers have ANY influence on the retail price of beef. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

Response:

What’s to do with FISHING anyways?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Boy, George, are you living in the netherworld if you think ranchers have ANY influence on the retail price of beef. What, are you suggesting that both ends are getting screwed by the large corporations in the middle? How un-American! Jon.

Response:

<When you’re paying $9 a pound for beef you’ll be blaming that on Bush too I suppose. What if some of us don’t bother to eat that brown shit?

Response:

If it’s brown – you’re cooking it wrong !

| <When you’re paying $9 a pound for beef you’ll be blaming that on Bush | too I suppose. | | What if some of us don’t bother to eat that brown shit?

Response:

It’s "If it’s brown it’s down."  Food from grist for the mill. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -If it’s brown – you’re cooking it wrong ! | <When you’re paying $9 a pound for beef you’ll be blaming that on Bush | too I suppose. | | What if some of us don’t bother to eat that brown shit?

Response:

  When you’re paying $9 a pound for beef you’ll be blaming that on Bush – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – too I suppose. Getting screwed by Ranchers must stop.  When did YOU ever get a discount on a pound of beef for letting them steal grass and graze and destroying habitat in the past? Never? Your right!! Mr.G. You’re getting the lower price right now.  Jesus why do I even bother.

christ.  I never met a cattleman who stole America’s grass lands and graze that I liked.  You’re right. Why should a nobody lbother? Mr.G.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When you’re paying $9 a pound for beef you’ll be blaming that on Bush too I suppose. Getting screwed by Ranchers must stop.  When did YOU ever get a discount on a pound of beef for letting them steal grass and graze and destroying habitat in the past? Never? Your right!! Mr.G. You’re getting the lower price right now.  Jesus why do I even bother. christ.  I never met a cattleman who stole America’s grass lands and graze that I liked.  You’re right. Why should a nobody lbother? Mr.G.

You don’t have to like them, you have that right, but they are not stealing anything. As long as they have grazing permits it is legal.

Response:

I never met a cattleman who stole America’s grass lands and graze that I liked.  You’re right. Why should a nobody lbother?

In this country, you are entitled to your own opinion…. even when it’s an incorrect one. Maybe if you’d actually get out there and meet a real cattleman, you’d change your tune. George– This is Cindy… Brian’s wife writing now.  I cannot believe your comments regarding ranchers/cattlemen ripping off the consumer.  I grew up in Eastern Montana on a small ranch.  My father received 70-90 cents per pound for his calves sold every fall.  This fall the price given to cattlemen for their calves is still 70-75 cents per pound.  Not much of a raise over the past 20 years.  Your accusations against the ranchers holds no water.  You are basically talking out of your rear-end.  If you would do some research and cared about your country, you would see that the family ranches are unable to support their families.  Any help we can give the ranchers in the use of public lands is money put back into our economy and assistance to families who are trying to make a living providing food for your table.  And just in case you are a vegetarian, don’t forget those ranchers who graze cattle on public land can then use the land they own to grow grain and barley for your bread.  Don’t be such a twit. Boy, George… did you ever step in it!! When Cindy reads over my shoulder and kicks me off the keyboard…. well, you get the drift. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When you’re paying $9 a pound for beef you’ll be blaming that on Bush too I suppose. Getting screwed by Ranchers must stop.  When did YOU ever get a discount on a pound of beef for letting them steal grass and graze and destroying habitat in the past? Never? Your right!! Mr.G. You’re getting the lower price right now.  Jesus why do I even bother. christ.  I never met a cattleman who stole America’s grass lands and graze that I liked.  You’re right. Why should a nobody lbother? Mr.G. You don’t have to like them, you have that right, but they are not stealing anything. As long as they have grazing permits it is legal.

Actually grazing more animals than are allowed under the permit and grazing outside the boundaries of the permit are commonplace.  As enforcement by the government is almost nonexistant, that shouldn’t be surprising.  These common practices do constitute theft in anyone’s book. Jon

Response:

I was listening to a recent NPR program, discussing the problems of depopulation in rural communities back east – sorry, can’t remember the exact state, possibly one of the Dakotas. The program talked about how more people are getting college education and moving away to city jobs, leaving rural life. As a result some farmers are converting their land back to prairie. What little I know of the Eastern states, I’d guess this is some pretty decent farm land being lost.  I also recently read about farm land in Wisconsin being converted back to forest. I know that here in the Southwest, we are enduring one of the worst droughts ever. Phoenix has had just 2.24 inches of rain this year, and may get no more rain until February or March. People are leaving the East and moving out West in huge numbers, and so people & agriculture are competing for many natural resources. So, it doesn’t sound so bad to me, when  "Hard-line environmentalists" are simply helping to maximize the reward to the taxpayers, from the business use of  Federal land. In a free market economy the cost for federal grazing rights should b e"all the market will bear". I know that there is an argument that this policy will reduce domestic beef production & increase imports. Well……perhaps we should consider the most efficient way this country feeds its’self. As a taxpayer and an eater, I want the cheapest (safe) beef I can get. This allows me to spend more of my income on other (US-made) products. It’s a tough life being a farmer. My grandfather was a successful farmer in England. He changed & correctly predicted the trends and made a profit – he didn’t need subsidies. He changed a farm that was widely diversified (sugarbeet, chickens, barley & milk, were just some of the products) to a farm that was specialized – he was one of the first in the area to see the demand for oil seed rape. As a farmer it doesn’t seem fair that a successful way of life is being changed. But all forms of business change over time – including farming.

|         www.sfgate.com        Return to regular view | In the old West, a tense showdown over federal lands | JIM CARLTON, The Wall Street Journal | Monday, November 11, 2002 |

Question:

Well we survived  . . .  barely. You see, it’s been raining, and it’s spring, and there’s been some snow melt.  That ends up with lots of high, dirty water.  We tried Friday, we tried Saturday, and tomorrow we’re going to the fishing show.  We know when we’re beat. Louie tried his nymphs, I tried my wets and Greg threw what ever he had but it made no difference – only the whistle trout were interested.   Louie did hook into one steelhead but since he had no idea what he was doing, he lost it.  The dumb ass – the only decent fish we were gonna see in those conditions and he lost it! On Friday, Louie puts on his new Patagonia waders, his new Patagonia, jacket, his new Patagonia whatever, . . . and one very shitty pair of boots.  At the end of the day, the boots had to go.  On Saturday, we went to Grindstone for new boots and Louie was outfitted with a new pair of Weinbrenners.  We’re suiting up and there’s Louie in his Patagonias (Orvis is officially fashion history) and there he is in his new boots, all set to fish with the tags still attached.  And I fish with this guy!!!!! Greg’s a little bemused by all of this and he’s beginning to wonder what he’s getting himself into.  I try to reassure him but the damage has been done.  Anyway we went, we came, we saw, we left defeated. Now we sit, drowning our sorrows in what ever is handy, ice wine, bordeaux, Macallans, Wild Turkey – hell, you make do with what you have. Cheers Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Louie did hook into one steelhead but since he had no idea what he was doing, he lost it.  The dumb ass – the only decent fish we were gonna see in those conditions and he lost it!

Well is he hooked? On Friday, Louie puts on his new Patagonia waders, his new Patagonia, jacket, his new Patagonia whatever

Speaking of Patagonia, I was fishing the surf a few weeks ago when suddenly all these people show up with fly gear.  I was packing up after having caught a croaker.  I never did too well in this spot and never saw anyone else fly fishing so it was a bit of a surprise to realize that I’m not the only fool who likes to hang around a polluted river mouth whipping tungsten-laden PVC through the air at the end of a graphite stick.  Turns out they work at Patagonia and often conduct *field research* after work. Mu

Response:

On Friday, Louie puts on his new Patagonia waders, his new Patagonia, jacket, his new Patagonia whatever, . . . and one very shitty pair of boots.  At the end of the day, the boots had to go.  On Saturday, we went to Grindstone for new boots and Louie was outfitted with a new pair of Weinbrenners.  We’re suiting up and there’s Louie in his Patagonias (Orvis is officially fashion history) and there he is in his new boots, all set to fish with the tags still attached.  And I fish with this guy!!!!!

Peter, part of the art of flyfishing is *lookg* right. Any one who looks the part earns the comment -"There’s a real fly fisher" If no fish are caught then it’s the dumb fish’s fault! I’ll bet the accommodation was first class though. — Bill Grey http://www.billboy.co.uk

Response:

Question:

(Sorry about this post. Just saw one too many TV show doing really weird things with cameras. This time, it was a digital camera making 35 mm motor drive sounds). Have you ever noticed that all 35mm cameras on television make motor drive sounds, weather or not there’s a motor drive attached? Medium format cameras sometimes also make 35mm motor drive sounds. And they occasionally go 30 or more shots without changing a roll. Especially when motor driving in bursts of 3-5 shots at 3 frames/second. How about the way the motor drive fires five shots, and the studio flashes never fire at all? And the god awful linework they overlay on the screen to make it look like a split image rangefinder, possibly with a "match needle" exposure indicator? Or when there’s so much studio lighting that the "photographer’s lights" and stands are casting strong shadows? Or the "infinite enlargement", extracting some clue from 1000:1 "blowing up" of the picture. For that matter, do you know any real photographers who say "blow up" in reference to enlarging? I "crop", and I "print". I won’t go into how the photographers interact with the models. Just venting Ciao! Joe

Response:

It’s no worse than the other garbage they put out when they have guns that have a limitless supply of ammo, the semiauto pistol that needs to be cocked for each close-up, or the wrong reel on a fishing rod (I actually once saw someone using a spinning reel on a fly rod and reeling-in with their left hand in reverse direction!). One of the best is the ubiquitous "binocular view" which shows two conjoined circles with a magnification of 100X and no handshake! It makes you wonder who they have as consultants and how to get one of those jobs. Like you I could go on and on. I’m sure others have even more outrageous "pet peeves". – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (Sorry about this post. Just saw one too many TV show doing really weird things with cameras. This time, it was a digital camera making 35 mm motor drive sounds). Have you ever noticed that all 35mm cameras on television make motor drive sounds, weather or not there’s a motor drive attached? Medium format cameras sometimes also make 35mm motor drive sounds. And they occasionally go 30 or more shots without changing a roll. Especially when motor driving in bursts of 3-5 shots at 3 frames/second. How about the way the motor drive fires five shots, and the studio flashes never fire at all? And the god awful linework they overlay on the screen to make it look like a split image rangefinder, possibly with a "match needle" exposure indicator? Or when there’s so much studio lighting that the "photographer’s lights" and stands are casting strong shadows? Or the "infinite enlargement", extracting some clue from 1000:1 "blowing up" of the picture. For that matter, do you know any real photographers who say "blow up" in reference to enlarging? I "crop", and I "print". I won’t go into how the photographers interact with the models. Just venting Ciao! Joe

Response:

I’m a pilot so my "favorite" is when people carry on a perfectly normal conversation while flying in a small aircraft. If you’ve ever been in one, you’ll know just how impossible this is… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (Sorry about this post. Just saw one too many TV show doing really weird things with cameras. This time, it was a digital camera making 35 mm motor drive sounds). Have you ever noticed that all 35mm cameras on television make motor drive sounds, weather or not there’s a motor drive attached? Medium format cameras sometimes also make 35mm motor drive sounds. And they occasionally go 30 or more shots without changing a roll. Especially when motor driving in bursts of 3-5 shots at 3 frames/second. How about the way the motor drive fires five shots, and the studio flashes never fire at all? And the god awful linework they overlay on the screen to make it look like a split image rangefinder, possibly with a "match needle" exposure indicator? Or when there’s so much studio lighting that the "photographer’s lights" and stands are casting strong shadows? Or the "infinite enlargement", extracting some clue from 1000:1 "blowing up" of the picture. For that matter, do you know any real photographers who say "blow up" in reference to enlarging? I "crop", and I "print". I won’t go into how the photographers interact with the models. Just venting Ciao! Joe

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (Sorry about this post. Just saw one too many TV show doing really weird things with cameras. This time, it was a digital camera making 35 mm motor drive sounds). Have you ever noticed that all 35mm cameras on television make motor drive sounds, weather or not there’s a motor drive attached? Medium format cameras sometimes also make 35mm motor drive sounds. And they occasionally go 30 or more shots without changing a roll. Especially when motor driving in bursts of 3-5 shots at 3 frames/second. How about the way the motor drive fires five shots, and the studio flashes never fire at all? And the god awful linework they overlay on the screen to make it look like a split image rangefinder, possibly with a "match needle" exposure indicator? Or when there’s so much studio lighting that the "photographer’s lights" and stands are casting strong shadows? Or the "infinite enlargement", extracting some clue from 1000:1 "blowing up" of the picture. For that matter, do you know any real photographers who say "blow up" in reference to enlarging? I "crop", and I "print". I won’t go into how the photographers interact with the models. Just venting Ciao! Joe

Not to mention the way the actor with the camera lunges forward like a swordsman as he takes the shot, hits the trigger before the camera is up to eye level … and then produces pin-sharp no-shake shots! Colin

Response:

  I take it you haven’t seen the movie "Blow Up".   I’m particularly fond of the 100mm lens shown is such ticght close up you can read the manufacturer’s name, which then takes close ups of the mobsters hanging out two blocks down the street.   But let’s face it, tv is tv and the movies are the movies. Ever notice that when the "client" gives the P.I. a snap of the beloved missing wife-husband-brother-daughter it looks a lot like a studio head shot? — Digital photo restoration in autumnal Chapel Hill NC http://www.homeusers.prestel.co.uk/magor/tony New – A Digital Workflow + Sharpness: Threat or Menace? And Selecting Your First SLR  - Java must be enabled Before you buy.

Response:

Although I agree with you, I must say that Hollywood is actually improving itself as we speak… More and more films are made with realism in mind… I have The Boondock Saints in my DVD collection, and in a press conference-scene, you see a journalis with a camera that looks like an EOS 50 (ElanII), with a 300/4L, taking pictures at ~1 meter, with BOTH hands on the camera body… Not very real… I also have U-571, in wich they built two subs (one based mostly on photos, and the other based on blueprints) and LOADS of uniforms as correctly as they could… The inner workings of the subs was reproduced as accurately as they could… Valves, wheels, lights, commands being shouted – everything… It all depends on wether you’re watching a sci-fi (everything from fairly beliavable to utter nonsense) or a "Van Damme" (utter nonsense) to historical (everything from artistic impression ("but if that character dies, the movie will be SOOOO much better") to super-accurate)… — Snorre A. Selmer Helgeshaugen 25 3517 H

Question:

I know this is not flyfishing related but I also know that there is a vast pool of knowledge here that is hard to find anywhere else. I purchased an Orvis 350 open faced spinning reel at an estate sale today. Can any of you fine posters let me know what I have, value, collectability etc. Thanks Cooper

Response:

I know this is not flyfishing related but I also know that there is a vast pool of knowledge here that is hard to find anywhere else. I purchased an Orvis 350 open faced spinning reel at an estate sale today. Can any of you fine posters let me know what I have, value, collectability

You have an Orvis 350 open faced spinning reel. Get in touch with Dave LaCourse immediately. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Question:

So, if I declare war on Mr. G before I were to shoot him, this would be justifiable homicide and not REDRUM! Opie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – it becomes a murderer.  Like it or not.

Response:

What does any of this have to do with fly fishing? Is there fly fishing to be done in the persian gulf? Should we hire a guide? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So, if I declare war on Mr. G before I were to shoot him, this would be justifiable homicide and not REDRUM! Opie it becomes a murderer.  Like it or not.

Response:

What does any of this have to do with fly fishing? Is there fly fishing to be done in the persian gulf? Should we hire a guide?

        Aww, don’t be such a Jesuit. To paraphrase someone, an overly fanatic attention to neatness is a sign of an unhealthy mind. A little variation on a theme

Question:

James

Response:

Can anyone tell me where I can find salmon fly patterns on the net. I am looking for patterns from Iceland. I have tried two patterns and the colour in them is great, have had great luck with the patterns and would like to get more. Thank you.

Response:

Can anyone tell me where I can find salmon fly patterns on the net. I am looking for patterns from Iceland. I have tried two patterns and the colour in them is great, have had great luck with the patterns and would like to get more. Thank you.

Just curious.  Do you fish these patterns the Icelandic way with the 14′ long rods?  If so, what do you think of that particular style of fishing? Mike

Response:

Question:

Hi and thanks for the replies. To clarify, he will start at Moose Lake, travel through Knife Lake and then loop back. StephenC.

Response:

Hi,         I have a friend who is going to the Boundary Lakes canoe area late this summer and was wanting to get some fishing info. What kind of fish are there? What’s the best bait, lures? Thanks. StephenC.

Response:

Hi,    I have a friend who is going to the Boundary Lakes canoe area late this summer and was wanting to get some fishing info. What kind of fish are there? What’s the best bait, lures? Thanks. StephenC.

Stephen: Primary species are smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleyes.  Best lures (in my experience) are Rapalas (floating and Shad Raps) and Mepps spinners for northerns and smallmouths, grub, marabou, and bucktail jigs for the walleyes. I believe it is still true that live minnows (or live baitfish of any kind) are illegal.  Live nightcrawlers, however, are legal and very effective for smallies and for walleyes. If you are so inclined, flyfishing can be very productive.  Big, flashy things like Deceivers, Clouser minnows, and flashy streamers work well for pike and wooly buggers, muddlers, and damselfly nymphs will work for the smallmouths.  Also, deerhair mice can work EXTREMELY well for bass in the morning and evening, and you may get surprised by a big pike. Hope your friend has fun, it is a beautiful part of the world. Good luck, Bob

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi,       I have a friend who is going to the Boundary Lakes canoe area late this summer and was wanting to get some fishing info. What kind of fish are there? What’s the best bait, lures? Thanks. StephenC. Stephen: Primary species are smallmouth bass, northern pike, and walleyes.  Best lures (in my experience) are Rapalas (floating and Shad Raps) and Mepps spinners for northerns and smallmouths, grub, marabou, and bucktail jigs for the walleyes.

Huh? I would have said the primary species are rainbow, brook, splake and lake trout. I guess we hang out in different neighborhoods. Lance

Response:

Question:

To "a flyfisher" RE:  A Cross Between Benny Hill and Babe Winkleman  Starring Penthouse Pets of the Year.  Lots of Babes and Jokes.  The funniest video for fish camp to share with your fishing buddies.  A great fishing gift item.  Order Now for only $19.95   Call 1-800-347-4069  1-800-FISH 069

You wanna stick this in yur big ol’ ice chest and tote it on out ta da monster truck long wid yur beer, good buddy?!?  Then, perhaps you could locate a more appropriate newsgroup to address your wares. Lighten up flyfisher . . . you’re sounding too tight and setting to hard. bob vorel

Response:

 A Cross Between Benny Hill and Babe Winkleman  Starring Penthouse Pets of the Year.

You could call it "Balls Deep in Montana’s Rivers".

Response:

:  A Cross Between Benny Hill and Babe Winkleman :  Starring Penthouse Pets of the Year. : You could call it "Balls Deep in Montana’s Rivers". Yeah, but that is a fluctuating level with temperature.  Ta-dump! — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    |  These University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    |  opinions Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. |  are mine.

Response:

or you could call it a waste of money…why does anyone think we(men) need to see fabulous penthouse "babes" to be happy?…it’s like every beer comercial has to have a babe in it…or a guy wearing dockers….oh well….sex has been used to sell everything else…now fishing? craig

Response:

I agree with Craig.  I though a lot of men went fishing to get away from women anyway!!

Response:

I agree with Craig.  I though a lot of men went fishing to get away from women anyway!!

Some men actually prefer fishing with thier wives—go figure!!  Carolyn

Response:

Some men actually prefer fishing with thier wives—go figure!!  Carolyn

Hey guess what?  Some women actually like to fish.    Tight lines, Lisa Cutter

Response:

(Ralph Cutter) writes: Some men actually prefer fishing with thier wives—go figure!!  Carolyn Hey guess what?  Some women actually like to fish.   Tight lines, Lisa Cutter

I do, I do! Where’s your school of flyfishing??

Response:

 Carolyn Hey guess what?  Some women actually like to fish.   Tight lines, Lisa Cutter I do, I do! Where’s your school of flyfishing??

hi Carolyn    We’re in Truckee just north of Lake Tahoe, I’d love to send you a brochure send me your address.    Tight lines, Lisa

Response:

Award Winning Best New Adult Fishing Comedy Video 50 Minutes A Cross Between Benny Hill and Babe Winkleman Starring Penthouse Pets of the Year.  Lots of Babes and Jokes. The funniest video for fish camp to share with your fishing buddies. A great fishing gift item. Order Now for only $19.95   Call 1-800-347-4069  1-800-FISH 069

Response:

 Award Winning Best New Adult Fishing Comedy Video  50 Minutes  A Cross Between Benny Hill and Babe Winkleman  Starring Penthouse Pets of the Year.  Lots of Babes and Jokes.  The funniest video for fish camp to share with your fishing buddies.  A great fishing gift item.  Order Now for only $19.95   Call 1-800-347-4069  1-800-FISH 069

You wanna stick this in yur big ol’ ice chest and tote it on out ta da monster truck long wid yur beer, good buddy?!?  Then, perhaps you could locate a more appropriate newsgroup to address your wares.

Response:

Question:

I just returned from the river today where I fished with woolly buggers for a substaintial amount of time (first time I used them the majority of the day).  My problem is this:  After a few casts, the tippet and leader become so twisted up that if I’m not carefull in the way I let it unwind, I get a tangled mess.  Through streamside testing, I have determined that the palmered hackle acts like a propeller during the cast and thus spins the fly while it’s flying through the air.  I played with it in the water and did not notice any twisting there, so it must be during the casting. Surely I’m not the only one who has experienced this.  What’s the deal?  

I do a couple of things to prevent this as much as possible.  I generally weight my woolies, and I do so by using fairly large diameter lead. Instead of wrapping the lead around the hook, I use a straight piece that I lash flat to the bottom of the hook.  This seems to act something like a weighted keel.   Another suggestion would be to build up the body diameter slightly more so that the palmered hackle fibers are spaced out a bit more. The lead thing alone works pretty well for me though. -tgades —

Response:

I have fished quite a bit with wooly buggers and have never had a problem with the  twisting of the line. It could be that you are using too long a leader. I think also, that fishing with wooly buggers does not require the long casts that a streamer does. If the wooly bugger imitates a leach, the fish would be looking for them more close to shore in the shallower, calmer waters. Don’t try to cast it half way across the river……short light casts and slow retreives might make the difference. You may also need to slow down your casting action..you really have to wait for the fly to extend before you power it ahead.. good luck.

Response:

I just returned from the river today where I fished with woolly buggers for a substaintial amount of time (first time I used them the majority of the day).  My problem is this:  After a few casts, the tippet and leader become so twisted up that if I’m not carefull in the way I let it unwind, I get a tangled mess.  Through streamside testing, I have determined that the palmered hackle acts like a propeller during the cast and thus spins the fly while it’s flying through the air.  I played with it in the water and did not notice any twisting there, so it must be during the casting. Surely I’m not the only one who has experienced this.  What’s the deal?  

Since you state it was your first time with wooly buggers, you may have made the same error I did. Unless the water is crystal clear and the fish are extremely skittish, cut your leader way back to no more than 3 to 4 feet.  Also go heavy with with the leader, 3x should prevent twisting, wind knots, etc. It still won’t cast well, but a heck of a lot better than on a long, light leader.  Can save your ear or keep you from being thrown in the water by someone you nail with your uncontrolable wooly bugger. And, believe it or not, it will produce more fish. -Dick

Response:

I just returned from the river today where I fished with woolly buggers for a substaintial amount of time (first time I used them the majority of the day).  My problem is this:  After a few casts, the tippet and leader become so twisted up that if I’m not carefull in the way I let it unwind, I get a tangled mess.  Through streamside testing, I have determined that the palmered hackle acts like a propeller during the cast and thus spins the fly while it’s flying through the air.  I played with it in the water and did not notice any twisting there, so it must be during the casting. Surely I’m not the only one who has experienced this.  What’s the deal?  Any suggestions other than unwind the twists every other cast? Would a second palmered hackle wrapped the opposite direction cancel the effect?  I’m suprized that I’ve never heard about this before. Your suggestions are always welcome.   A sunny day,      a box of midges,         and a wandering stream…   Man, this MUST be heaven!   <    Steve Kulpa    <<

Response:

Question:

Re: Raines’s Midlife Crisis book..I read it just after publication. was not all that impressed with most of it. However, got a copy of a tape where he reads his own stuff and enjoyed that!! Maybe it was his deep southern drawl that sold me or just hearing his stories spoken rather than on cold paper.   Heck, even Jimmy Carter refered to "threading the fly line though the ferrels" of the rod. I fish wyoming and montana during my vacations and realized that the Gallatin is in Wyoming, so he was right to small degree.   Hell, every one becomes a preacher once he has "found the light" of catch and release!!

Response:

Well, OK, so this guy Howell Raines isn’t a genius in geography.  (I have fished the Gallatin inside the Park and in Wyoming, and it ain’t bad.) It’s always easier to visualize when someone writes about rivers or areas you’ve fished, so his many stories about the rivers of Virginia or Pennsylvania did require some persistence for a Westerner to get through. However, I benefitted greatly from the book, as even though I started flyfishing back when I was 13, I’ve also had the "20 crappie on a stringer" mindset that Raines abandons.  I would think there would be countless other flyfisherman who have gone through a similar metamorphosis, and the world’s a better place for it. His descriptions of guide Dick Blaylock, who was bigger than life itself, were so vivid I felt I knew him. The way I look at it, reading this book at 40, and keeping up my flyfishing, I’ll avoid a midlife crisis…Bill Uyeki

Response:

I read this book and generally did not enjoy it, but I have a three questions that I would like answered: Raines says that the three most famous rivers of *Wyoming* are the Madison, the Gallatin, and the Yellowstone.  He also says that the Snake "becomes even better when it crosses into Idaho and becomes the Henry’sFork."  My questions are: (1) Does anyone think of the Madison, Yellowstone and Gallatin as great rivers of WYOMING?  Not to my knowledge.  Montana maybe, but not Wyoming (even though the Madison and Yellostone form in the park which is, of course, federal land within the boundaries of Wyoming).  Can anyone even find the Gallatin in Wyoming?  Its a nice river, but is not located in Wyoming! (2) Has anyone ever heard of the Wyoming Snake "becoming" the Henry’s Fork?  Give me a break! (3) Has Hal Raines ever been west of the beltway? (I think I know the answer to this one.) When I wrote and asked Raines about the first two questions (I didn’t think he’d like the third one), he sent me a snippy letter suggesting I consult some book that he (may have) read.  I could not find it in any library. Lyman Hughes Ennis, MT Dallas, TX                                               Dallas, TX                                               Ennis, MT

Response:

  Raines says that the three most famous rivers of *Wyoming* are the   Madison, the Gallatin, and the Yellowstone.   (1) Does anyone think of the Madison, Yellowstone and Gallatin as great   rivers of WYOMING?  Not to my knowledge.  Montana maybe, but not Wyoming   (even though the Madison and Yellostone form in the park which is, of   course, federal land within the boundaries of Wyoming).  Can anyone even   find the Gallatin in Wyoming?  Its a nice river, but is not located in   Wyoming!   (2) Has anyone ever heard of the Wyoming Snake "becoming" the Henry’s   Fork?  Give me a break! Well, technically speaking, he’s partially correct. The headwaters of the Gallatin are found in the Gallatin

Range in the NW corner of Yellowstone Park, which technically is in the state of Wyoming. Also, the South Fork of the Snake leaves Wyoming and joins the Henrys Fork in Idaho. But, for the most part, you are correct. I have read his book too, and I gather that Mr. Raines doesn’t have a clue as to life in the West. Gary W. Godden                  "They call it Paradise……I don’t know why. Denver, Colorado        - The Eagles

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I read this book and generally did not enjoy it, but I have a three Lyman Hughes Ennis, MT Dallas, TX I agree with you, Lyman. Raines spends the whole book claiming he is not elitist at the beginning of each chapter, then goes on to prove himself wrong again and again.  I came away from his book with the idea that Raines considers anyone who does not embrace his politics (in-your-face liberalism) or does not have a college degree is a raving barbarian, useful only as an amusing diversion to the intelligensia (ie him and his colleagues). All the psychobabble about the men’s movement and his so-called "Redneck Way" put me off as well. Someone out there posted that he/she enjoyed this book more than Nick Lyons’ writing; how on earth can this be?! Paul DiConza         NY Capital District Angler

    I wasn’t the poster mentioned, but I enjoyed the book for the reasons     you didn’t… Besides, in your heart you know Raines is right.     Hap —                 <<<<< OMNIA EXTARES                              

Response:

I read this book and generally did not enjoy it, but I have a three Lyman Hughes Ennis, MT Dallas, TX

I agree with you, Lyman. Raines spends the whole book claiming he is not elitist at the beginning of each chapter, then goes on to prove himself wrong again and again.  I came away from his book with the idea that Raines considers anyone who does not embrace his politics (in-your-face liberalism) or does not have a college degree is a raving barbarian, useful only as an amusing diversion to the intelligensia (ie him and his colleagues). All the psychobabble about the men’s movement and his so-called "Redneck Way" put me off as well. Someone out there posted that he/she enjoyed this book more than Nick Lyons’ writing; how on earth can this be?! Paul DiConza     NY Capital District Angler

Response:

Is it perhaps that fly fishing is elitist and Westerners more so than most.  If you’ve ever seen Steinberg’s New Yorker’s view of America, you can understand Raines’ pitiful ignorance of Western geography. Give the guy a break!  His book extols what’s good about flyfishing and conservation, and explains the maturation from killer to sportsman.  Where certain rivers are in Wyo/Mont are immaterial to this story.  Maybe he’s doing you a favor.  Just think of all the other Eastern elitists getting lost trying to find them. Lighten up– Crashjibe

Response:

Re: Raines’s Midlife Crisis book..I read it just after publication. was not all that impressed with most of it. However, got a copy of a tape

I just finished this book and enjoyed it throughly.  It’s well written, good Southern story telling.  It is not so much about fishing as it is about growing up.  Some sensitive, thoughtful, 90s sort of guy stuff.  Some good stories about President’s and fishing.  George Bush was kind of pathetic. John Dobbs

Response:

WOW!! I have read your repy to  Flyfishing  Through MIid – Fife  Crisis!!  The Fish  will not know they have  reached  Mid- Life before you put them                                                   FISHING FLY FISHING IS FOR LIFE111111111 OR LIFE IS FOR FLYFISHING111 BBlewett

Response: