Question:

I mean to fish the Delaware, and maybe Esopus and Beaverkill if I can find time and space. There are supposed to be decent fly fishing waters in Dutchess Cty., NY and eastern CT. If so, what type of rod, line wgt, and so forth would be a good starting point. In the early season should I stay with smaller flies or bugs? -Ray

Response:

The West Branch is fairly big water.  To cover your bases here I think a good multi-piece 5 wt. in 9 ft. length would cover you.  For flys, match the size of the bugs on the water.  SIZE MATTERS! — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I mean to fish the Delaware, and maybe Esopus and Beaverkill if I can find time and space. There are supposed to be decent fly fishing waters in Dutchess Cty., NY and eastern CT. If so, what type of rod, line wgt, and so forth would be a good starting point. In the early season should I stay with smaller flies or bugs? -Ray

Response:

Question:

Hot dawg.   The new 8 wt. is almost finished; and I can be optimistic enough about its timely completion to justify spooling some new line on the reel.   As the subject line suggests, this will be primarily for cold water steelhead fishing, and I’m wondering if any of you have a line recommendation.   The rod is a med. fast 9′-9" 8 wt.; and I expect to be doing a lot of roll casting with nymphs. TIA, Joe F.

Response:

Hot dawg.   The new 8 wt. is almost finished; and I can be optimistic enough about its timely completion to justify spooling some new line on the reel.   As the subject line suggests, this will be primarily for cold water steelhead fishing, and I’m wondering if any of you have a line recommendation.   The rod is a med. fast 9′-9" 8 wt.; and I expect to be doing a lot of roll casting with nymphs. TIA, Joe F.

Joe, I use SA’s Nymph taper on my 9′ 6" 7 wt. for steelies.  It rollcasts exceptionally well and SA built it with a blunt taper and tip both to turn over splitshot and to float well in current.  The belly is a bit thicker than average and floats high.  It also turns over well with splitshot when overhead casting. Peter

Response:

the subject line suggests, this will be primarily for cold water steelhead fishing Forgive my curiousity, but is there such a thing as warm water steelhead fishing?

No, there is cold water steelheading, and then there is really, really cold water steelheading, and then there is the "My testicles have turned blue and I haven’t felt my toes for 3 hours" steelheading. Haven’t done a lot of steelheading, but that’s been my experience, anyway. Kevin

Response:

A good example of how everything is relative.  If I don’t have to change from my stockingfoot breathables to my bootfoot neoprenes, it’s warm water steelheading. JR — To reply, remove the Qs from the address above – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Forgive my curiousity, but is there such a thing as warm water steelhead fishing?      - Ken

Response:

As the subject line suggests, this will be primarily for cold water steelhead fishing Forgive my curiousity, but is there such a thing as warm water steelhead fishing?      - Ken

–Summer steelheading on the Deschutes river the water will go up to 65-67 degrees.   It’s a desert water shed mainly. Sharp Hooks, Pat Holdzit Fishing Products Inc. http://www.holdzit.com Before you buy.

Response:

Hi Ken, I try to get people to fly fish for steelhead in the summer and fall when the water temperature is hopefully in the 55 to 65 degree range. Normally with warmer water temps and low light levels in the morning and evening Steelhead will move vertically for the fly more like trout. You could call this ‘warm water’ steelheading? Winter steelheading is an admiral undertaking, but is not for everyone. With the colder water temps in the 40 to 50 degree range, Steelhead are not as active and classic fly fishing methods are not as effective. You could call this ‘cold water’ steelhead fishing? — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hot dawg.   The new 8 wt. is almost finished; and I can be optimistic enough about its timely completion to justify spooling some new line on the reel. As the subject line suggests, this will be primarily for cold water steelhead fishing Forgive my curiousity, but is there such a thing as warm water steelhead fishing?      - Ken — "The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness.  You have to catch it yourself."      -Ben Franklin

Response:

Hot dawg.   The new 8 wt. is almost finished; and I can be optimistic enough about its timely completion to justify spooling some new line on the reel. As the subject line suggests, this will be primarily for cold water steelhead fishing

Forgive my curiousity, but is there such a thing as warm water steelhead fishing?      - Ken — "The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness.  You have to catch it yourself."      -Ben Franklin

Response:

Hot dawg.   The new 8 wt. is almost finished; and I can be optimistic enough about its timely completion to justify spooling some new line on the reel.   As the subject line suggests, this will be primarily for cold water steelhead fishing, and I’m wondering if any of you have a line recommendation.   The rod is a med. fast 9′-9" 8 wt.; and I expect to be doing a lot of roll casting with nymphs.

I use the Scientific Anglers Steelhead Taper on a somewhat slowish 10′ 7wt. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Hi Joe, We see the largest variety of lines and rod sizes used for steelhead. We have settled down to 3 different lines for classic steelhead fishing with a  #7, 8 or 9 weight outfit for steelheading: 1)  A weight forward steelhead (very long belly and back taper) floater. These lines are designed for longer casting, longer mending and longer roll casting on big rivers.  Mastery, Rio or Orvis Wonderline. 2) A weight forward full line with a medium length (10′ to 15′ tip) sinktip line. Mastery or Rio.  We use this line in medium depths ( 4 to 8′) when it is sunny or if the water is so cold that the fish are not moving vertically for the fly. 3) A "Teeny type" very fast sinking longer sinktip (20′ to 30′ tip)  We use this line for deep runs on bigger river when the fish are holding very deep. Teeny, Mastery, Cortland, Rio, Airflow. PS: You can overline your rod if the line it calls for does not seem to be ‘loading ‘ your rod for you. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hot dawg.   The new 8 wt. is almost finished; and I can be optimistic enough about its timely completion to justify spooling some new line on the reel. As the subject line suggests, this will be primarily for cold water steelhead fishing, and I’m wondering if any of you have a line recommendation.   The rod is a med. fast 9′-9" 8 wt.; and I expect to be doing a lot of roll casting with nymphs. TIA, Joe F.

Response:

Question:

Hi,   We’re planning a trip to Vermont for a few days in mid-August following a visit to Boston to attend a wedding (we’re in California). We’d like to find a nice B&B or inn where we can get in some hiking and ff. Any recommendations? Thanks, Gary

Response:

We’re planning a trip to Vermont for a few days in mid-August following a visit to Boston to attend a wedding (we’re in California). We’d like to find a nice B&B or inn where we can get in some hiking and ff. Any recommendations? Thanks, Gary

Gary, Check out By The Old Mill Stream … if you cannot find them on the web, drop me an email, and I will get it for you.  The owner, Steve, is a real nice guy and a fly fisher himself. All the best, Jame

Response:

The reluctant panther in manchester village is wonderful and is 50 feet from the fly fishing museum, 150 feet from the original site of Orvis, 7.5 minute walk from Orvis headquaters, accross the street from glen eagles golf course and virtually next door to the Equinox Hotel (get directions to their pond..located up the mountai behind the hotel..very nice lake bows). The restaurant is wonderful in the inn.  you’ll love it!! I. Clair

Response:

Question:

Hello all. Im just getting back into fishing, haveing not been able to go for a while. I live in Virginia, and just got back from Shenendoa National park fishing, but it was pretty poor. Im wondering if anyone has any info on Gunpowder Falls Trout streams in MD? Im thinking of trying there next week. Or any other good streams near the MD/VA area

Response:

Michael,  I’m an avid fly fisherman in Maryland.  One of my favorite streams is in Thurmon, MD.  Just up route 15.  Big Hunting Creek is the name.  It’s a fly fishing catch and release area with some large trout.  I do really well with midges just under the surface.  Try fishing up from the ranger cabin. Some great water.  Bill  (two years ago I caught my largest trout. 36" rainbow up there)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all. Im just getting back into fishing, haveing not been able to go for a while. I live in Virginia, and just got back from Shenendoa National park fishing, but it was pretty poor. Im wondering if anyone has any info on Gunpowder Falls Trout streams in MD? Im thinking of trying there next week. Or any other good streams near the MD/VA area

Response:

Question:

I understand that there can be a significant difference in terms of how fast a gps can get a bearing between modals.  I am looking for a gps for fly fishing saltwater.  I will want to be able to mark channels, fishing spots, etc.  Can anyone with experience advise me on what to look for? JK

Response:

I understand that there can be a significant difference in terms of how fast a gps can get a bearing between modals.  I am looking for a gps for fly fishing saltwater.  I will want to be able to mark channels, fishing spots, etc.  Can anyone with experience advise me on what to look for?

Soitenly! Look for a Garmin GPSIII+ /daytripper

Response:

The Garmin GPSIII+ typically acquires satellites and computes it’s initial position in less than a minute.  The downloadable maps include lots of coastal data, markers, buoys, etc.  I use one inland on streams, rivers and lakes.  email me directly if you want more info.  Also you might want to look at the usegroup : sci.geo.satellite-nav.  Lots of experienced folks there as well. Tom — Tom Brown The Signal Group Wake Forest, NC HEATHEN, n. A benighted creature who has the folly to worship something that he can see and feel.                – Ambrose Bierce: The Devil’s Dictionary – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I understand that there can be a significant difference in terms of how fast a gps can get a bearing between modals.  I am looking for a gps for fly fishing saltwater.  I will want to be able to mark channels, fishing spots, etc.  Can anyone with experience advise me on what to look for? JK

Response:

I can put off buying the unit until spring although it would be convenient to have it sooner.  Do you see anything changing in terms of new products or enhancements that would warrant waiting? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The Garmin GPSIII+ typically acquires satellites and computes it’s initial position in less than a minute.  The downloadable maps include lots of coastal data, markers, buoys, etc.  I use one inland on streams, rivers and lakes.  email me directly if you want more info.  Also you might want to look at the usegroup : sci.geo.satellite-nav.  Lots of experienced folks there as well. Tom — Tom Brown The Signal Group Wake Forest, NC HEATHEN, n. A benighted creature who has the folly to worship something that he can see and feel.               — Ambrose Bierce: The Devil’s Dictionary I understand that there can be a significant difference in terms of how fast a gps can get a bearing between modals.  I am looking for a gps for fly fishing saltwater.  I will want to be able to mark channels, fishing spots, etc.  Can anyone with experience advise me on what to look for? JK

Response:

Hard to say.  My personal expectation is that there will be a version available with more internal flash memory, sometime in the spring.  The GPSIII+ has 1.44 megs in additional to the (good) base map.  Take a look at  www.joe.mehaffey.com .  That’s sort of a "clearing house" for current GPS info. And, start looking at/participating in/ the newsgroup that I mentioned.  Since this is not a germane subject for most flyfishers, email me directly for follow-on info. Tom — Tom Brown The Signal Group Wake Forest, NC HEATHEN, n. A benighted creature who has the folly to worship something that he can see and feel.                – Ambrose Bierce: The Devil’s Dictionary – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I can put off buying the unit until spring although it would be convenient to have it sooner.  Do you see anything changing in terms of new products or enhancements that would warrant waiting? The Garmin GPSIII+ typically acquires satellites and computes it’s initial position in less than a minute.  The downloadable maps include lots of coastal data, markers, buoys, etc.  I use one inland on streams, rivers and lakes.  email me directly if you want more info.  Also you might want to look at the usegroup : sci.geo.satellite-nav.  Lots of experienced folks there as well. Tom I understand that there can be a significant difference in terms of how fast a gps can get a bearing between modals.  I am looking for a gps for fly fishing saltwater.  I will want to be able to mark channels, fishing spots, etc.  Can anyone with experience advise me on what to look for? JK

Response:

Question:

Everyone knows there isn’t any real good fishing in CA. If you wantgood fishing you have to back East ’bout Carolina way…  ;-) There are a few well known places however that are descent…you might try the Trinity River or the Sacremento. -Greg

Greg, Bad info.  The last known trout in NC was caught by a bait fisherman while trespassing in Matt McCray’s back yard about a month ago.  He told us the gory tale on this very newsgroup. Nope, NC’s NOT the place. Tom — Tom Brown The Signal Group Wake Forest, NC "Never send a ferret to do a weasel’s job."

Response:

Bad info.  The last known trout in NC was caught by a bait fisherman while trespassing in Matt McCray’s back yard about a month ago.  He told us the gory tale on this very newsgroup. Nope, NC’s NOT the place. Tom —

and he tasted damn good! waldo

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greg, Bad info.  The last known trout in NC was caught by a bait fisherman while trespassing in Matt McCray’s back yard about a month ago.  He told us the gory tale on this very newsgroup. Nope, NC’s NOT the place. Tom — Tom Brown The Signal Group Wake Forest, NC "Never send a ferret to do a weasel’s job."

Right you are Tom. The slackjawed redneck killed the last Appalachian Brookie known to man. Of course I had to sacrifice his life, Them redneck hides make good rugs you know! The hair off the back ties a good bugger too, I just haven’t figured out how to get that chili dog/sweat smell out of ‘em. Any ideas? Matt M

Response:

I just haven’t figured out how to get that chili dog/sweat smell out of

‘em.  Any ideas? Shoot, Ah don’t see wah’ yer so worried ’bout that.  Jes’ soak the whole mess of ‘em in a big ol’ pot o’ Luzianna Hot Sauce.  That’ll clean up purt’ near anythin’, and them fish jes’ LUVS it!  Uh…you ARE fishin’ fer catfish, raht? — Bob "…I could’a been a Bubba…I could’a been somebody!" Jarvis Mail address hacked to foil spammers!

Response:

are certainly much better places to fish in Northern CA (by far)

Greg, I would be very interested and appreciative if you would list off a couple of those places.  I just moved to the east bay and have weekends off for the first time in 4 years, so I am almost insane to go fly fishing.  Any places (just general areas) you could point me would be greatly appreciated.  Don’t want/can’t afford any guides though, I just want places to go. Levi -Whether you’re rich or poor, it’s nice to have money

Response:

are certainly much better places to fish in Northern CA (by far) Greg, I would be very interested and appreciative if you would list off a couple of those places.

Everyone knows there isn’t any real good fishing in CA. If you wantgood fishing you have to back East ’bout Carolina way…  ;-) There are a few well known places however that are descent…you might try the Trinity River or the Sacremento. -Greg

Response:

. If you wantgood fishing you have to back East ’bout Carolina way…  ;-)    that statement is an obvious, shameful misrepresentation.  all the

trout in the north carolina mountains fled for the tennessee side of the smokies years ago.         wayno, shootin ya straight

Response:

Hello friends, is there a possibility for flyfishing north east of San Francisco (tex Nappa Valley) between mars and april? Harry

Response:

Call Sweeney’s Sports in Napa.  They should be able to help you. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello friends, is there a possibility for flyfishing north east of San Francisco (tex Nappa Valley) between mars and april?

Response:

I haven’t found much in Napa Valley proper, but the large creek that drains Berryessa (sp?) is not that far to the east.  I’m sure someone lurking knows the name of it.  Also, the Russian River is not much further north and it has smallmouth bass and supposedly trout too. Good luck. —                                                       -dnc- Harald Heisserer wrote – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – is there a possibility for flyfishing north east of San Francisco (tex Nappa Valley) between mars and april?

Response:

Hi Harry, Your best best in/near the Napa Valley is "Putah Creek". It flows out of Lake Berryessa. You might want to consult a map of the area. There are certainly much better places to fish in Northern CA (by far) but Putah is the closest to Napa. If you are here in March you might try the Russian River as the steelhead are usually still here. This however is more hit and miss (as all steelhead fishing is). -Greg – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello friends, is there a possibility for flyfishing north east of San Francisco (tex Nappa Valley) between mars and april? Harry

Response:

Question:

I have not fished the Beaverkill since about 1993. I was a regular before that time and was wondering what the current state of the river is. The fly shops told me how great the fishing was after I found out of a drought induced fish kill that supposedly wiped out 80% of the fish. So much for their opinion.  What I have heard hasn’t been good but I would like to hear from anyone with first hand info.

Response:

I have not fished the Beaverkill since about 1993. I was a regular before that time and was wondering what the current state of the river is. The fly shops told me how great the fishing was after I found out of a drought induced fish kill that supposedly wiped out 80% of the fish. So much for their opinion.  What I have heard hasn’t been good but I would like to hear from anyone with first hand info.

I fished the Beaverkill in late spring last year around Arlington. Fished for about 4 hrs. Caught 2 small Browns. Was my first  and probably my last experience with the Beaverkill. The fishing was very slow! I fish mostly in the White watershed and certainly the action is better here. My $0.02. Tony

Response:

This year the Beaverkill is finally looking up, although we did have good success on the the Lower Beaverkill almost every time we went out last year.  But this year, the trout even look bigger, and with no anchor-ice or flooding having damaged our chances, we know it will be a fine season. M&M – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have not fished the Beaverkill since about 1993. I was a regular before that time and was wondering what the current state of the river is. The fly shops told me how great the fishing was after I found out of a drought induced fish kill that supposedly wiped out 80% of the fish. So much for their opinion.  What I have heard hasn’t been good but I would like to hear from anyone with first hand info. I fished the Beaverkill in late spring last year around Arlington. Fished for about 4 hrs. Caught 2 small Browns. Was my first  and probably my last experience with the Beaverkill. The fishing was very slow! I fish mostly in the White watershed and certainly the action is better here. My $0.02. Tony

Response:

Howdy, it;s the typical question of ‘do you know how the beaverkill is fishing? I’m thinking of heading there on fri. Thanks for any help.

Response:

Howdy, it;s the typical question of ‘do you know how the beaverkill is fishing? I’m thinking of heading there on fri. Thanks for any help.

Give a call to Dette’s Fly Shop (I forget the number) in Roscoe.  They have a daily recording on stream conditions and hatches. — Stan READ ABOUT A CYBERSTALKER: http://www.geocities.com/~hitchcockc/story.html http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/6006/woodside.html

Response:

Question:

my server down, testing

Response:

my server down, testing

Lars You got through to the newsgroup just fine. — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products On line catalog – tips & tricks at: http://www.btsflyfishing.com

Response:

Question:

The original remark may be humorous to a man, but not to many of the women who may be exploring fly fishing on the internet. This type of attitude and mind set on the stream or anywhere else is not always comfortable to everyone.

I dont’s intend to speak for everyone nor to make everyone comfortable.  All I know is that I only read one response (yours) that took offense at my little joke.  I know that there are quite a few women that read this group and none of them seemed to take offense at it either.  I did, however, see at least one response from a woman that takes offense that the industry seems intent on selling equipment "designed" specifically for women.  I contend that trying to turn flyfishing into a non-gender neutral sport is more damaging then my little joke could ever be.  I’d also like to believe that a sense of humor is a gender neutral attribute as well. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

Response:

The original remark may be humorous to a man, but not to many of the women who may be exploring fly fishing on the internet. This type of attitude and mind set on the stream or anywhere else is not always comfortable to everyone.

Uh Oh, someone’s going to save us all from the evils of politically incorrectness.  Lighten up. Jerry Cobb Nashville, TN

Response:

Lighten up?…NO I DON’T THINK SO….saying something like tits on the grips is not funny, it’s not mature, and it doesn’t belong here.

Response:

Seems to be any rod that can be taken apart has a male AND a female end!

Response:

 guess some women just, want to be "Fashion Barbie"…

I’d like to point out that women have been less than pleased with the manufacturers who have tried to make them into "Fashion Barbie."   It has to be the most negative comments I’ve hear at women’s flyfishing club meeting.  Most, being conservationists, are into greens and browns and wouldn’t be caught dead in pink or purple on a stream.

Response:

You ought to see what has happened to the diving equipment industry. All these wild colors for wet suits, fins, masks, snorkles, tanks, regulators, knives, gauges, bc’s. You’re supposed to be color co- ordinated for the fish! An then you go down…..guess what happens to all those colors at 80 feet? Yup, unless you have a strobe flash on all that fancy equipment, it all looks the same.  :) What you are seeing in ffing equipment is the same thing except it doesn’t go away when it goes into the woods. Bees and yellow- jackets do like yellow and pink, though. :OOO– Bill Fashion plate of leftover GI olive drab equipment…..

Response:

The original remark may be humorous to a man, but not to many of the women who may be exploring fly fishing on the internet. This type of attitude and mind set on the stream or anywhere else is not always comfortable to everyone.

Response:

Your remark regarding women’s rods possibly having breasts is rather ignorant…one would like to believe that even you would see that there is no place for that sort of comment in the fly fishing community. Good grief, are you suggesting that the "fly fishing community" is humorless? You know, now that I consider a good protion of the posts

Sexism, bigotry, and general boorishness is NOT considered humor in a public place.  This is a public forum, not the locker room.  Some humor will always be appropriate in the locker room and nowhere else.  It might serve some of you well to learn when and where such humor is appropriate. —— Mike Tucker-  The Virtual Flyshop Web: http://www.flyshop.com Phone: 970/225-6445

Response:

The largest diameter grip I ever made on a fly rod was for a woman. The lady in question had tendonitus (sp?) in her hand and the small diameter grips on her factory made rods made it much worse. After using the rod I built her, she came back and had me replace the grips on all of her rods. Trying to generalize by gender is, IMNSHO, Bullsh*t. — Phil Koenig Manhattan Custom Tackle Ltd. http://fishdoc.com./ "I’m the boss,so WHATEVER I say is OK"

Response:

Your remark regarding women’s rods possibly having breasts is rather ignorant…one would like to believe that even you would see that there is no place for that sort of comment in the fly fishing community.

Oh give me a break.  It was a joke, actually one I stole from George Carlin from his observation in describing a brand of womens cigarettes. I agree with the other person that mentioned that creating a flyrod for women is just a bit insulting.  Flyfishing is as a gender neutral sport as you can get and I don’t understand why people are trying to turn it into something otherwise.  Actually, I do.  Equipment manufacturers are just trying to sell more merchandise.  Women step into their waders the same way I do and can fart around on the stream as well as the next guy. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sounds like hype to me…a little sand paper will make the grip smaller…I can almost live with the mauve vest, and the burgandy waders, but this idea that fishing has to be *marketed* to women seems like an insult to women to me.  When Orvis says "here you go women, a flyrod just for you", they sound as if they are saying all our other rods are for men and not for you. It’s a nothing but an insulting gimmick in my mind DAMN RIGHT, Craig.. All Orvis did was put on a smaller grip..Like ALL women have little hands (like Frenchmen;)). I don’t think so!!!! If I can handle a SAGE 9′8Wt .. and 7+" of real man;).. like most REAL outdoors women can.. and have done for years…It is down right insulting! It’s like Walker says,"A cash flow runs through it". By the way, I have brown waders and a green vest, I look like a cute little tree on the stream,(stealth…it’s an Art!); not like "Barney". I guess some women just, want to be "Fashion Barbie"…

Who knows.  Maybe there will be a market for "Catskill Barbie" and "Catskill Ken". I personally want to catch fish..that’s why it’s called fishing….that’s why I’m out there, and none of my equipment has a cute little white "O" on it!! ….and NO,John F. the rods don’t have little breasts on them..the grips are still the basic "penis" shape, they have always been… Tickles, &"Bear "hugs for Charley

And as someone pointed out awhile back,  "queer" flyfishers like to hold the rod with the other hand because it feels like someone else is holding it. In flyfishing size doesn’t matter. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

Response:

Your remark regarding women’s rods possibly having breasts is rather ignorant…one would like to believe that even you would see that there is no place for that sort of comment in the fly fishing community.

Response:

Sounds like hype to me…a little sand paper will make the grip smaller…I can almost live with the mauve vest, and the burgandy waders, but this idea that fishing has to be *marketed* to women seems like an insult to women to me.  When Orvis says "here you go women, a flyrod just for you", they sound as if they are saying all our other rods are for men and not for you. It’s a nothing but an insulting gimmick in my mind

Response:

Your remark regarding women’s rods possibly having breasts is rather ignorant…one would like to believe that even you would see that there is no place for that sort of comment in the fly fishing community.

Good grief, are you suggesting that the "fly fishing community" is humorless? You know, now that I consider a good protion of the posts to this group you may be right. It seems that the computerized fly fisherman spending time on this group are endowed with an excess of selfimportance and no fun whatsoever. How about we all take a giant step back and a look at the big picture. We are really just a small, insignificant piece of that picture.  Just enjoy you days astream and not make it into more than it is – fishing.

Response:

Sounds like hype to me…a little sand paper will make the grip smaller…I can almost live with the mauve vest, and the burgandy waders, but this idea that fishing has to be *marketed* to women seems like an insult to women to me.  When Orvis says "here you go women, a flyrod just for you", they sound as if they are saying all our other rods are for men and not for you. It’s a nothing but an insulting gimmick in my mind

DAMN RIGHT, Craig.. All Orvis did was put on a smaller grip..Like ALL women have little hands (like Frenchmen;)). I don’t think so!!!! If I can handle a SAGE 9′8Wt .. and 7+" of real man;).. like most REAL outdoors women can.. and have done for years…It is down right insulting! It’s like Walker says,"A cash flow runs through it". By the way, I have brown waders and a green vest, I look like a cute little tree on the stream,(stealth…it’s an Art!); not like "Barney". I guess some women just, want to be "Fashion Barbie"…I personally want to catch fish..that’s why it’s called fishing….that’s why I’m out there, and none of my equipment has a cute little white "O" on it!! ….and NO,John F. the rods don’t have little breasts on them..the grips are still the basic "penis" shape, they have always been… Tickles, &"Bear "hugs for Charley …..N.

Response:

.Your remark regarding women’s rods possibly having breasts is rather ignorant…one would like to believe that even you would see that there is no place for that sort of comment in the fly fishing community.

First Day being a P.C. Cop in Owl Creek…Huh? Honey, if you think John’s comment was ignorant..maybe you should haul your ass over to R.O.F.F.PC ONLY!!! or R.O.F.F.H. (humorless);…  (Tim, these weren’t on your list…please add.) Some of us aren’t PC on the P.C., but don’t worry, after we die, we will burn in Hell….Remember, life’s a bitch, and 7X tippet breaks….. Tickles;) …N.  

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(PWullenweb) writes: A few brands offer a women’s version (e.g. Orvis’ Mary Orvis Marbury), but I’m not sure if there is a significant or logical reason to go with those other than the lighter weight.

Th only difference between the Orvis "MOM" rod and the Orvis "Trout" rod is the handle.  Both are 8 ft. 6 wt. fullflex rods made out of the same blank.  The MOM rod has a handle that has been turned down for smaller hands.   You would be best served by casting the appropriate rods for the conditions you will fish until you find one you like, and if you want a smaller handle on it, any custom rod maker can turn the handle smaller for just a few $.  Size and weight is not a problem. All three of my kids started with 8 1/2 to 9  foot rods when they were between 9 and 11 years old.                                                            Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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Hi Pluck, The ‘womens rod’ is a silly idea. I don’t believe that a rods purpose or application changes with gender. The rods purpose is to cast a line and play a fish. Seems as silly as a ’soft periwinkle’ fishing vest. My ideas on rods are governed by the fact that I build bamboo but for trout a 7 1/2 ft 4 or 5 in a fast action is a good place to start. For smallmouth bass I woul choose an 8ft parabolic action rod for a  5/6 weight. Good fishing, A.J. Thramer

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I’m new to fly fishing and am looking to buy a rod.  A few brands offer a women’s version (e.g. Orvis’ Mary Orvis Marbury), but I’m not sure if there is a significant or logical reason to go with those other than the lighter weight.  I’d like to make this rod somewhat of an "all arounder", at least for the present.  Most of the time I’ll be on a small upstate NY lake, fishing from shore or in a boat for panfish, trout, as well as smallmouth and largemouth bass.  I’d like though to be able to take this rod to fish in some nearby streams.  Info on length, line weight and/or model would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance. Puck Wullenweber Ithaca, NY

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Pluck, Women can fly fish better then men and its not the rod!! I suggest a week vacation in July, Aug. or Sept at the Hawley MT. Ranch, where you can Fly Fish, ride horese,hike or just read a book, Its just 25 miles north of Yellowstone Park.   We do a lot of things other than fishing. Just ask!!! BBlewett

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I’m new to fly fishing and am looking to buy a rod.  A few brands offer a women’s version (e.g. Orvis’ Mary Orvis Marbury), but I’m not sure if there is a significant or logical reason to go with those other than the lighter weight.  I’d like to make this rod somewhat of an "all arounder", at least for the present.  Most of the time I’ll be on a small upstate NY lake, fishing from shore or in a boat for panfish, trout, as well as smallmouth and largemouth bass.  I’d like though to be able to take this rod to fish in some nearby streams.  Info on length, line weight and/or model would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance. Puck Wullenweber Ithaca, NY

I think lighter weight is one critical factor, the other being the size of the grip. Rods not designed for women may have grips that are larger than you are comfortable with (depending of course on whether you have large hands.) If you can find a comfortable grip you can use it – most quality rods are pretty light anyways.

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The possible difference with woman’s rods would be in the grip.  Possibly smaller than normal.  I would suspect that it is generally hype and marketing.  Try both and let me know.   For suggestions for a rod, I would suggest a 5 or 6 weight.  You are asking a lot for a rod to do all you want it to do and still be fun.   I lean towards the 5wt for the fun factor with trout and panfish.  You would have to use small poppers & deerhair bugs with the 5 wt due to the wind resistance.  Also, make sure the rod is 9′. If your starting out you’ll ask for 1 rod to do it all.  After a few years thought, you’ll own about 4 rods (trust me, I’ve been there)!

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I’m new to fly fishing and am looking to buy a rod.  A few brands offer a women’s version (e.g. Orvis’ Mary Orvis Marbury), but I’m not sure if there is a significant or logical reason to go with those other than the lighter weight.

<snip Hi, My recommendation would be for you to locate a reputable local dealer and cast as many rods as possible in your price range. The rod that ends up working the best for you may or may not be a women’s version. I think it’s much more important how the fly rod works than what it says on the label. I hope this helps,   Alan.   Alan Barnard   Kiene’s Fly Shop   Sacramento, California   WWW Fly Tyer   http://www.ns.net/~barnard

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Pluck, Women can fly fish better then men and its not the rod!! I suggest a week vacation in July, Aug. or Sept at the Hawley MT. Ranch, where you can Fly Fish, ride horese,hike or just read a book, Its just 25 miles north of Yellowstone Park.   We do a lot of things other than fishing. Just ask!!!

Womens fly rods?  What, do they have little breasts on them or something? Just to clarify a couple of things.  The name was "Puck", not "Pluck". Since I also live in Ithaca I know that we can flyfish (a five minute walk for me to the nearest stream from my front door), ride horses (there’s a B&B place about 1000′ down the road of me that is a horse ranch), hike (across my driveway and 100′ in the other direction from the B&B are trailheads which go into a wildlife reserve, and I can read a book just about anywhere.  I’ll let you sleep on my couch for half of what your ranch charges. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

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Question:

   I was fly fishing on the North Fork of the Yuba above Downeyville California one fall when a couple of gold miners dredging for gold called me over and showed me a Brown trout that was 36" long.  It was beautiful, and I belive it was female because the bottom of the tail fin was worn away from years of spawning.  Perhaps she had just spawned, because she was lean and did not look like she was carrying eggs.    They wanted to know if it would be ok to eat it, they said it was acting very sluggish and they had caught it with their hands.  I told them I didn’t know why the trout had acted as it did.    I have often wondered why they were able to catch that trout so easily, was she dying?  Was she weak from spawning?   Does anyone have any ideas? Ernie Harrison  

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   I was fly fishing on the North Fork of the Yuba above Downeyville California one fall when a couple of gold miners dredging for gold called me over and showed me a Brown trout that was 36" long.  It was beautiful, and I belive it was female because the bottom of the tail fin was worn away from years of spawning.  Perhaps she had just spawned, because she was lean and did not look like she was carrying eggs.   They wanted to know if it would be ok to eat it, they said it was acting very sluggish and they had caught it with their hands.  I told them I didn’t know why the trout had acted as it did.   I have often wondered why they were able to catch that trout so easily, was she dying?  Was she weak from spawning?   Does anyone have any ideas? Ernie Harrison  

It sounds like you’re right on the money. I would suspect the fish had just finished spawning. Typically a spawned out fish, females in particular, will be pretty sluggish after this event. There immune systems aren’t working very well, and most of there energy has gone into building the redd and depositing the eggs. Fish in this condition are not worth eating and it seems a little heartless to harrass them.I would guess that this was a pretty old fish, possibly 8 to 10 years old. At fish hatcheries, I’ve known of fish that lived over 10 years. This would be pretty rare in the wild, but not impossible. Hope this helps. Tim

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