Question:

This last weekend I was out fishing (float tubing) on a high altitude lake with a chilly wind (about 30mph and 38oF). The lake was white capping with 1-3 waves.  The water temp was 38o-40oF and I was out for 3 and half hours straight.  Came in when it got dark. I got quite a work out but it was kind of fun. Got some strikes and hook ups in the process. I was a bit exhausted and cold when I came in but all-in-all in pretty good shape.  I was dressed for the weather even though the wind and the cold water started to creep in after awhile.  I was with friends so they knew where I was at. More and more I find myself going fishing when it’s snowing, raining, or wind blowing hard.  I don’t mess with lightning.  The occasional nice day is usually when the fishing is slow.  Some people say I’m nuts.  I’ve read stories where that kind of fishing kind of normal for fly fishers.  I don’t (in my mind) take unnecessary risks. Is this about the norm for you guys?  What kind of float tube or fishing accidents have you experienced?  What were the conditions? Eric

Response:

be sure to know the symptoms of hypothermia Not a fishing story, but, I was duck hunting on the Chesapeake Bay and "felt fine"  I "wasn’t even cold anymore" the two guys that found me say  I was randomly moving decoys and my walking was very wobbly, my speech badly slurred, yet I still "argued" that I was just fine they forced me into a hut and got me warmed They told me a little about the dangers and after I read up, I realized they had saved my life …. I was probably minutes from collapse I’m nearly 40 years older now and don’t find the cold as much fun,  but I’m very aware of shivers, numbness and such. go out, damn right, but be careful and keep a clear margin of safety….. —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

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another one<g … this time the San Francisco Bay we went out of Alviso and got caught in a very powerful storm when we got back to the dock, I could NOT work the keys to open my car Thank god a guy drove up "checking on his boat in the Marina" and helped me get the car open and started and pull my buddy out of the boat ( he could get out under own power ) we left boat, motor, decoys, guns and all and went to Fremont for coffee and food it was all there when we got back, but we were VERY aware that we had been one small problem from losing everything … a stalled outboard would have killed us —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

was supposed to be get the car open and started and pull my buddy out of the boat ( he couldn’t get out under own power )

the waves and wind had filled his waders, he was too cold to get them off, alone  I had taken mine off when they were about half full, and a sinking boat seemed very likely.  I remember telling him why I was taking mine off and saying  "if this boat goes down, you won’t want them on"

Response:

Eric: Lately it seems like the "nastier" the conditions, the more I enjoy it. First of all, it does cut down on the crowds. Second, if you are prepared for it with the right gear (and the gear keeps getting better all the time), even "nasty" conditions aren’t too bad, within reason. I guess the key is that "within reason" thing.  And I have indeed caught my biggest fish in what I used to consider nasty conditions. Finally, biting insects are not a problem! A guide once told me "There is no such thing as "bad conditions", there is just "bad gear". Preparation and common sense are paramount. Jim Ray

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This last weekend I was out fishing (float tubing) on a high altitude lake with a chilly wind (about 30mph and 38oF). The lake was white capping with 1-3 waves.  The water temp was 38o-40oF and I was out for 3 and half hours straight.  Came in when it got dark. I got quite a work out but it was kind of fun. Got some strikes and hook ups in the process. I was a bit exhausted and cold when I came in but all-in-all in pretty good shape.  I was dressed for the weather even though the wind and the cold water started to creep in after awhile.  I was with friends so they knew where I was at. More and more I find myself going fishing when it’s snowing, raining, or wind blowing hard.  I don’t mess with lightning.  The occasional nice day is usually when the fishing is slow.  Some people say I’m nuts.  I’ve read stories where that kind of fishing kind of normal for fly fishers.  I don’t (in my mind) take unnecessary risks. Is this about the norm for you guys?  What kind of float tube or fishing accidents have you experienced?  What were the conditions? Eric

Response:

I leave out words too so I knew what you meant. I might have had a mild case of hypothermia.  I was a little dizzy and disoriented when I got out of the water but I thought was from bobbing around like cork for three hours.  Also, the wind was down about 10mph and the temp about 35o. It gets cold at sunset in the mountains.  Even though I have neoprene waders the wind on those wet waders made it feel bitter cold. The two things that crossed my mind that would have been a major bummer.  1) The main bladder of my float tube fail and 2) get broadside into the wind in a big wave and get flipped. For number 2, I kept my tube about 45 degrees into the wind so I wouldn’t capsize.  The other thing I found was that I could actually fin into the wind and go somewhere that way.  The wind was too strong to try kick straight into it.  I kind of zig-zagged like a sailboat does.  I had to go back across a cove against the wind to get out of the water.   was supposed to be   get the car open and started and pull my buddy out of the boat ( he couldn’t   get out under own power )     the waves and wind had filled his waders, he was too cold to get them off, alone    I had taken mine off when they were about half full, and a sinking boat seemed very likely.  I remember telling him why I was taking mine off and saying  "if this boat goes down, you won’t want them on"

Response:

I wear an CO2 inflatable vest or carry a regular life vest from my big boat, depending on conditions.   And, I don’t feel a bit "wimpy" doing so. Another "not fishing" story.   I train retrievers for field trials, and such.   One summer day a client was working his dog and I wanted to plant a "blind retrieve" for the animal.   I figured I’d go out 30 feet from shore and prop the dummy on a branch of a submerged tree, then run the dog from the other side of the lake.   So wearing blue jeans and a summer shirt I swam out the 30 feet and started back …. tell you what I BARELY made it …. those jeans soaked up water and I could just, …just … stay above the surface enough to breath.   I remember thinking, "F–k, I’m going to drown within 15 feet of shore, in sight of a dozen people."    Next summer try to swim a pool wearing soaked cold weather gear, it will open you eyes, I bet.

Response:

Is this about the norm for you guys?  What kind of float tube or fishing accidents have you experienced?  What were the conditions?

Went through a microburst on Rock Creek once. It got REAL interesting when 2′ to 3′ diameter Doug Fir started dropping into the river. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

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Ain’t no gear to protect ya from that Brian.                    Handyman Mike           Standing in a river waving a stick

Response:

More and more I find myself going fishing when it’s snowing, raining, or wind blowing hard.  I don’t mess with lightning.  The occasional nice day is usually when the fishing is slow.  Some people say I’m nuts.  I’ve read stories where that kind of fishing kind of normal for fly fishers.  I don’t (in my mind) take unnecessary risks.

The hardest conditions make the most enduring memories. Is this about the norm for you guys?  What kind of float tube or fishing accidents have you experienced?  What were the conditions?

Last year I packed my float tube to a high lake in mid October. There was about 6" of snow that obiterated the "trail" (to use the term loosely), so I just followed my dogs through and over and under the downed timber, hoping for the best. The fresh snow was magical. I thought it meant fair weather, but a front moved in. By the time I reached the lake it was well below freezing, and the lake, which I’d never seen before, looked like an off-color POS. I was so cold that I had to build a fire, which took a couple of hours. After fortifying myself around the fire with some coffee, whiskey, M&Ms, and maybe one or two other substances, I put on my waders, blew up the float tube, rigged my rod, put on my fins, and set out for the drop off below the rock face near the inlet. Maybe another hour. It was the hottest lake fishing I’ve ever had, but I could only stand to be in the water for 45 minutes. Ice shelves were accreting along the shore. Then I had a two-hour hike back to the "trail" head, into a stiff wind. Great trip.

Response:

Eric More and more I find myself going fishing when it’s snowing, Eric raining, or wind blowing hard. I like that too, as long as I’m fishing in a place where a warm cabin is waiting for me at the end of the day. Makes you feel like you’re *really* alive. But if I’m staying in a tent, forget it. Gearwise, one of the worst things you can have is a pair of too small boots. My previous boots were too small for winter fishing. On the last day of the Baltic clave, I was fishing really hard (had not caught any fish, damn Marcel had picked them all up under our noses). Anyway, I was standing in the 5C (41F) water in the Baltic sea for hours. When I decided to quit, I couldn’t feel my feet anymore. They really had an out of body -experience, no tactile sense left whatsoever. — Jarmo Hurri address or apply rot13 to header email address.

Response:

Went through a microburst on Rock Creek once.

It sounds like that’s a once in a lifetime type of experience.  I work for an electric utility and I’ve seen what microbursts can do to wood poles.  I can imagine what it would be like in the forest.

Response:

Went through a microburst on Rock Creek once. It sounds like that’s a once in a lifetime type of experience.  I work for an electric utility and I’ve seen what microbursts can do to wood poles. I can imagine what it would be like in the forest.

I pulled the photo and related newspaper article about this incident and put them on my website. There is a link to "Rock Creek Microburst". It will give an idea of what kind of damage it did. Be warned that my scans of the newspaper clippings are not great and seem to be rather large so the page may load slow. Anyone have any tips for scanning/posting these? — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

Response:

Went through a microburst on Rock Creek once. It sounds like that’s a once in a lifetime type of experience.  I work for an electric utility and I’ve seen what microbursts can do to wood poles. I can imagine what it would be like in the forest. I pulled the photo and related newspaper article about this incident and put them on my website. There is a link to "Rock Creek Microburst". It will give an idea of what kind of damage it did. Be warned that my scans of the newspaper clippings are not great and seem to be rather large so the page may load slow. Anyone have any tips for scanning/posting these?

Phbbtt! A mere bagatelle Took all of three seconds to load the full page (I love broadband!!) I stick a sheet of flat black paper behind newsprint when scanning, it greatly reduces that "bleed through" effect from the reverse side print. Aside from that, it’s hard to get around that artifacting when the compression is set so high. /daytripper

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Question:

I showed up at the Quaboag at 1:15, about 4 hours later than the main group, and just a few minutes later than Paul Goodwin, who was just tying his boots as I pulled in.  Got to meet Frank Reid, Daytripper, Gary McMeekin (who has the strangest Boston accent I ever heard), and Bob Rose, and got to see Dave Lacourse, Paul Goodwin and George Adams again.  Nice bunch of folks!  Yes, ROFFians do exist in real life (if you can take my word for it…). I had just gotten suited up and was raring to get into the water, and LaCourse stuck one of those Sleeman’s Ales into my hands.  I made the sacrifice – gave up fishing to drink another beer. Unfortunately, half of the group left not long after I arrived, but I got to spend some quality time with Tripper, Paul and George.  The weather was great – mid sixties, partly cloudy, slight breeze, like a day in heaven after three days in a row if blazing 90+ degree weather.  The water was really warm – at noon they measured it at about 65, but by 5, it was almost 70.  The hatches are all screwed up, we didn’t see anything coming off in the afternoon. I heard tell that several people had found a few fish earlier in the day dredging nymphs (including a brookie and a few smallies taken by Tripper, and a few rainbows by the Pirate, one of which was possibly 17", and Frank Reid got something).  Paul (I don’t care if there’s no fish on top, I’m fishing a dry fly) Goodwin said he had a rise to his fly.  I managed to land an enormous 4" chub (first of the season, on a green rock worm, got me into my backing<g, on my first cast – is that a bad omen?).  Aside from that I was fishless – no detectable hits on any of the nymphs and emergers I cycled through. All in all, a great afternoon.  Great company, great weather, nice stream, not a lot of fish.  Looking forward to maxi-claving next week at Penns Creek!  They do have fish in Penns, right? –StanGula

Response:

My first fish of the day was on an elk hair caddis. After a few minutes of fishing tripper comes walks over. While we were talking something took the fly I had let drift downstream. A few casts later I brought to hand a large scale silver trout about the same size as Stan’s. I did see one rise out in front of me but couldn’t coax it back up. I worked my way down stream and tried streamers, conbinations of dries with droppers and still no luck. I heard some noise back up stream and figured that Louie had fallen in again. It turns out It was Frank with a fish on. About 1/2 hour after I should have been home we moved to a spot down stream. I managed a 12" rainbow on a caddis emerger. I left to go home about 15 min later. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I showed up at the Quaboag at 1:15, about 4 hours later than the main group, and just a few minutes later than Paul Goodwin, who was just tying his boots as I pulled in.  Got to meet Frank Reid, Daytripper, Gary McMeekin (who has the strangest Boston accent I ever heard), and Bob Rose, and got to see Dave Lacourse, Paul Goodwin and George Adams again.  Nice bunch of folks!  Yes, ROFFians do exist in real life (if you can take my word for it…). I had just gotten suited up and was raring to get into the water, and LaCourse stuck one of those Sleeman’s Ales into my hands.  I made the sacrifice – gave up fishing to drink another beer. Unfortunately, half of the group left not long after I arrived, but I got to spend some quality time with Tripper, Paul and George.  The weather was great – mid sixties, partly cloudy, slight breeze, like a day in heaven after three days in a row if blazing 90+ degree weather.  The water was really warm – at noon they measured it at about 65, but by 5, it was almost 70.  The hatches are all screwed up, we didn’t see anything coming off in the afternoon. I heard tell that several people had found a few fish earlier in the day dredging nymphs (including a brookie and a few smallies taken by Tripper, and a few rainbows by the Pirate, one of which was possibly 17", and Frank Reid got something).  Paul (I don’t care if there’s no fish on top, I’m fishing a dry fly) Goodwin said he had a rise to his fly.  I managed to land an enormous 4" chub (first of the season, on a green rock worm, got me into my backing<g, on my first cast – is that a bad omen?).  Aside from that I was fishless – no detectable hits on any of the nymphs and emergers I cycled through. All in all, a great afternoon.  Great company, great weather, nice stream, not a lot of fish.  Looking forward to maxi-claving next week at Penns Creek!  They do have fish in Penns, right? –StanGula

Response:

Was glad to finally meet so many of the ROFFians previously known to me only in cyberspace. Good group of guys, all of whom come across in person the same as they do here. I was happy to see that our guest, frank, did well. He landed a few really nice rainbows, and lost a real good one which precipitated a lot of whooping and hollering. Cap’n Louie also did well, but that was to be expected as he had been "pre-soaked" so to speak. I only managed one small rainbow and a couple of "silver trout", but this still ranks as one of my best fishing days. Good luck to all of you attending the Penn’s Clave. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

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Question:

Jeff, What I would do, and what I did, was take a friend or two that know how to row a boat.  This on-the-job training is invaluable.  It doesn’t take very long to learn the basic skills.  When you no longer work up a sweat or scare the hell out of yourself, you are getting proficient.  Always be alert and remember that safety comes before fishing.  If I can row a drift boat, anyone can learn.  Good luck. Jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’ve been drifting with a number of guides over the past few years and would like to purchase a drift boat of my own soon. The major problem is that I am totally ignorant of HOW to drift a river in a boat. I am certainly not going to just "launch and learn" with on the job training. How does one go about learning to do it safely? Is it a watch and listen thing or are there instructors, books, web sites? To all you drift boat experts out there: How did you learn to do it? Thanks for listening, Jeff Marso Vancouver, WA.

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Try what I did last summer.  Let the guide fish and in return he should be very happy to show you the basics.  In a couple of hours, you should be able to handle easy water without a problem.

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I’ve been drifting with a number of guides over the past few years and would like to purchase a drift boat of my own soon. The major problem is that I am totally ignorant of HOW to drift a river in a boat. I am certainly not going to just "launch and learn" with on the job training. How does one go about learning to do it safely? Is it a watch and listen thing or are there instructors, books, web sites? To all you drift boat experts out there: How did you learn to do it? Thanks for listening, Jeff Marso Vancouver, WA.

Rowing a drift boat in a river or moving stream isnt that hard.   If you can read water!   First thing to remember is that all your maneuvering will be done by rowing backwards.  As you approch a rapids look at the surface of the water and see where the main current is running.  By rowing upstream or backwards position the boat in the main current or on the edge of the main current.   Never push with the oars to try to get out of a bad situation in current, row backwards or try to row up stream when making a move.   Always keep your bow pointing down stream, never get sideways or you might catch a edge….if your going to hit something hit it head on.   Have the boat balanced out so your not rowing with one oar more than the other.  You don’t need to dip the whole oar into the water, the tip of the oar will have plenty of power to postion the boat. Have a extra oar in the boat, you never know when your going to break or lose one.  Be safe and walk the boat through any water your not confident about.  Stop and look at any rapids that look bad to you, Make a mental map of how to get through it. Sharp Hooks, Pat Holdzit Fishing Products Inc. http://www.holdzit.com Before you buy.

Response:

I’ve been drifting with a number of guides over the past few years and would like to purchase a drift boat of my own soon. The major problem is that I am totally ignorant of HOW to drift a river in a boat. I am certainly not going to just "launch and learn" with on the job training. How does one go about learning to do it safely? Is it a watch and listen thing or are there instructors, books, web sites? To all you drift boat experts out there: How did you learn to do it? Thanks for listening, Jeff Marso Vancouver, WA.

Response:

I’ve been drifting with a number of guides over the past few years and would like to purchase a drift boat of my own soon. The major problem is that I am totally ignorant of HOW to drift a river in a boat. I am certainly not going to just "launch and learn" with on the job training. How does one go about learning to do it safely? Is it a watch and listen thing or are there instructors, books, web sites? To all you drift boat experts out there: How did you learn to do it? Thanks for listening, Jeff Marso Vancouver, WA.

well, you can read some books or watch a video to get some idea about what the manuevers are, but imo the best way is to find some easy water to drift (no rapids, just some wide open riffles, like the skagit from rockport to concrete) and make some floats playing around maneuvering back and forth.  this will get you used to the power needed and get the feel for the oars. don’t know what river qualifies as that easy in and around vancouver, but the local flyshop would probably have a pretty good idea of some safe, easy water. good luck, chris

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DRIFTBOAT AXIOM:   Where you don’t want to go is more important than where you do want to go. In a driftboat, you can push on the oars (when they’re dipped in the water) or pull. But you’ll find you have far more arm strength when you pull. But when you pull, you go backwards. So that’s what you do: to go somewhere, you pull on the oars (hands extended at first, then hands at chest), and go there rear end first. More important, if there is someplace you DO NOT want to go (like a log jamb, suck hole or shallow riffe) point the boat at the bad place and pull hard on the oars. That’s all you need to know! — /* Sandy Pittendrigh                  –oO0  * http://montana-riverboats.com  */

Response:

Jeffery I read your post about learning to row a drift boat and would suggest the following video  "How To Row A Drift Boat" it is produced and distributed by Hyde Drift Boats in Idaho Falls, Idaho. You can get a copy by visiting the web site http://www.hydeboats.com If you are serious about learning to row safely then I suggest a river skills course.  I do not know what part of the country you are in but you should be able to find someone who offers it in your area.  Hyde runs a course in the fall at their location in Idaho Falls  and I run a week long course here in Missoula, Montana.  No matter what you decide to do please be safe, a drift boat can be a great way to enhance your fishing but they can be very dangerous in unskilled hands. Ray Beaulieu Montana Waters flyfishing outfitters

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Here’s the URL for the how-to video: http://www.flyshop.com/scripts/hyde/video.cfm Haven’t seen it myself, but with Hyde’s name on it, I’m sure it’s ok. Price is $24.95. Only thing I would add is the same advice I would give to any new owner of a small boat. Start out on lakes, then move on to slow rivers, and finally to the swifter ones. Get professional-level instruction if you can; an good alternative is to join a local paddlers club. Understand that while you can teach yourself, there is an increased level of danger in doing so, and you need to decide whether the added danger is acceptable to you. Finally, buy a set of lifejackets (3 for a mack boat) the same day you buy the boat. Wear yours anytime you’re aboard, so it will be there if/when you need it, and get your passengers to do the same. If you wear it all the time, you’ll get used to it, and the comfort factor will fade into the background; eventually, it will feel uncomfortable to be aboard *without* one. Almost forgot: The North Platte and the Upper Colorado should be fishing very well this summer. I prefer the bow seat. ;^) — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyo Before you buy.

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Try what I did last summer.  Let the guide fish and in return he should be very happy to show you the basics.  In a couple of hours, you should be able to handle easy water without a problem.

Yes, this is a great way to teach someone how to manouver a drift boat/raft stern seat (that’s back for those ‘naval-y challenged’). When drifting a river, practically all your main oar usage will be in the ‘pull’ mode instead of the ‘push’ mode. This slows down the boat on moving water (bow basically pointed downstream, of course) and,  besides allowing more time for an occupant(s) of the boat to present their fly to the offerings,  does allow you (the driver ) to manouver the boat around/through any dangers. With this in mind, if the Instructor Pilot is aft of the Student Pilot and the…. sorry, there goes that Marine Air training mindset again… What I meant was…. the guy in back (the instructor) can reach over the back/shoulders of the guy driving the boat (the student) and help him pull/ push/feather the oars for drifting that wonderful moving stream of water we call a trout river. Believe me when I say that to sit in the bow seat and ‘try’ to teach someone to oar a boat down a western river, unless it’s a big, slow, flat stretch of water, is a foolish thing. You can ‘tell’ someone how,  but from the front, you can’t ’show’ them how. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana http://www.montana.com/dno/dno.htm 406-626-4022

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Question:

Dustin, I don’t know how much time you have, but there is a place about a three or four hour drive north of Anchorage called Talkeetna.

(lots of good stuff snipped) Bill

Bill – I think Talkeetna is the best town I have ever encountered.  Anyhow, I was in that area last June, but unfortunately didn’t know about the Indian river, even though I had done a fair amount of research before the trip. I guess I missed a great side trip.  Nice to hear about it anyway. Mark Faulkner

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Hello Anglers, I am going up to alaska on a cruise and am looking for places to fish within driving distance of Anchorage or as a shore excursion at either Juneau, Ketchikan, or Skagway.  Any ideas?? Dustin

Dustin, I don’t know how much time you have, but there is a place about a three or four hour drive north of Anchorage called Talkeetna. From Thursday to Sunday a train runs daily into the back country and will let you off anywhere along its’ route. It follows the Indian River(salmon, rainbows, dollys, grayling, and probably other species I didn’t personally catch) and the ride itself is beautiful. I would highly recommend this trip, to the point of excluding other options or extending your trip to include it. I spent 3 weeks in Alaska and if I went back, that is where I would go. We camped overnite in the "Canyon" section of the Indian River, the spot we pitched our tent was within 100 feet of the tracks. Aside from the occasional train, complete solitude. You could flyfish nude and have sex wherever you want, without fear of prying eyes. I mention this only because the solitude brought on those kind of thoughts. The grayling came to dries readily, and it was fairly easy to spot fish. This, in my opinion, is a must do, even if you have to rent camping gear. There is also Montana Creek(actually a river) near Talkeetna, where I C&R’d a five pound ‘bow’. South of Anchorage there are alot of great spots on the Kenai Peninsula. Skagway is a bust for fishing. Juneau & Ketchikan I couldn’t tell you about. If you want more info, e-mail me phone too if you’d like. Bill

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Hello Anglers, I am going up to alaska on a cruise and am looking for places to fish within driving distance of Anchorage or as a shore excursion at either Juneau, Ketchikan, or Skagway.  Any ideas?? Dustin

Practically all the cruise ships have some spare time in most of the ports.  There will be an abundance of outfitters frequenting the ships wilh all type of wares including fishing trips.  They are usually short, overpriced, and usually in saltwater due to the schedule the cruise ships must maintain.  Don’t get me wrong, a cruise is a great way to see the southeast but a less than adequate way to fish it. Mac McCaskill

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Anglers, I am going up to alaska on a cruise and am looking for places to fish within driving distance of Anchorage or as a shore excursion at either Juneau, Ketchikan, or Skagway.  Any ideas?? Dustin Practically all the cruise ships have some spare time in most of the ports.  There will be an abundance of outfitters frequenting the ships wilh all type of wares including fishing trips.  They are usually short, overpriced, and usually in saltwater due to the schedule the cruise ships must maintain.  Don’t get me wrong, a cruise is a great way to see the southeast but a less than adequate way to fish it. Mac McCaskill

I think Mac’s right.  I visited last summer, but not on a cruise.  There are places within driving distance of Anchorage, but it depends on what you mean by "driving distance".  For example, the Kenai Peninsula area is two-three hours each way, but that means a full (and long) day if you want to drive there, fish, say, the Russian River, and return to the ship.   I think it is Campbell Creek which runs right through Anchorage and has salmon runs – but which and when I don’t recall.  Depending on your time, you might want to contact a fly shop in Anchorage and see if a guide can be arranged through them.  There is a ton of stuff on the web about Alaska, so a few hours with your browser may get you some good information.  Finally, keep looking here, because I know there are folks on ROFF who know a lot about Alaska fishing. Mark Faulkner

Response:

Hello Anglers, I am going up to alaska on a cruise and am looking for places to fish within driving distance of Anchorage or as a shore excursion at either Juneau, Ketchikan, or Skagway.  Any ideas?? Dustin

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – here’s the story.  about a month ago a friend of mine and i got our california fishing licenses.  we have gone out several times with not much luck.  we live in reno nevada and have easy access to the truckee river, lake tahoe area, bridgeport area, and the lake davis area. most of our efforts have been concentrated on the truckee river and various other streams close by.  i have not caught anything yet and my friend has only caught one trout.  i have an experienced friend who says that flyfishing is "something you have to pay your dues with".  is that the general consensus?  what do you suggest if nothing seems to be working (like in my case)?  fish new areas?  delve into entomology?  read books? pay for a guide?  i feel like i can do this i just need to build some momentum up (and going in the right direction would help). my current setup is a 7′-6" bamboo 5/6 weight rod; 100 yards of 10 lb. backing; "courtland" shooting head line (floating); "scientific angler" leader.  i have been using and had strikes on wooly worms, wooly buggers, helgramites.  i have been using and not having luck with nymphs, cahills, grasshoppers, and various dry flies. there is nothing more frustrating than to be wading in the middle of a hole with fish rising all around me and not being able to catch one. this has actually happened twice. if anyone would be kind enough to help, my friend and i would greatly appreciate it.  thank you in advance.

Try to pick a fly that most closely matches the size of the insects that you see on the surface.  The next most important thing is to keep one hand on your line line at all times.  The fact that you are getting strikes means that your fly selection is not that bad.   A problem I used to have is I would mend and leave to much line out.   When I got a strike, I could not pull the line taught quickly enough to set the hook.  If you are not able to pull your line taught by raising your rod tip to 45 deg above horizontal, plus a single pull with your line hand, then you have to much line out. Brian Brian

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here’s the story.  about a month ago a friend of mine and i got our california fishing licenses.  we have gone out several times with not much luck.  we live in reno nevada and have easy access to the truckee river, lake tahoe area, bridgeport area, and the lake davis area. most of our efforts have been concentrated on the truckee river and various other streams close by.  i have not caught anything yet and my friend has only caught one trout.  i have an experienced friend who says that flyfishing is "something you have to pay your dues with".  is that the general consensus?  what do you suggest if nothing seems to be working (like in my case)?  fish new areas?  delve into entomology?  read books? pay for a guide?  i feel like i can do this i just need to build some momentum up (and going in the right direction would help). my current setup is a 7′-6" bamboo 5/6 weight rod; 100 yards of 10 lb. backing; "courtland" shooting head line (floating); "scientific angler" leader.  i have been using and had strikes on wooly worms, wooly buggers, helgramites.  i have been using and not having luck with nymphs, cahills, grasshoppers, and various dry flies. there is nothing more frustrating than to be wading in the middle of a hole with fish rising all around me and not being able to catch one. this has actually happened twice. if anyone would be kind enough to help, my friend and i would greatly appreciate it.  thank you in advance.

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have the opportunity to teach up outside of Bethel.  I’m very much aware of the difference in geography and the general feel of the area. I’d be interested in any input from someone who has been there as to what sorts of outdoors activities can be done there.  Thanks. well, subsistence outdoor activities (hunting, fishing, gathering wild plant foods and medicines) are the culture in the area.  i mean those folks really do live off the land, and they usually waste absolutely nothing.  i mean that when they trap for muskrats, they not only sell the fur, they make muskrat soup and the meal is not considered over until everyone has cracked the bones and sucked out the marrow.  then the trapper returns the cleaned bones to the area where the animal was killed, to honor its spirit. this culture has very different values than you are probably used to, and a world view that is alien to most white folks.  if you are really considering moving to the YK delta to teach, you should immediately cross-cultural communication, a video of a college lecture series by father michael oleksa, a russian orthodox priest married to a yup’ik woman from aniak.   from a strictly "sports" point of view, this is a very wet river delta area, very rich in fish and wildlife.  small boats and float planes are the primary means of transportation in summer, and snowmobiles in the winter.  the kuskokwin and its tributaries are the primary transportation corridors. you’re starting a little late to move this year, because most folks order their winter groceries early in the spring so they can be delivered by boat during the summer. be prepared for *severe* culture shock.

I once had a chance to teach in Barrow.  But I turned it down and stayed in Kenai area instead.  I had heard it can be tough for a non-native to function up there, that it’s a very closed place to "foreigners" (although some of my friends love it out in the bush).  In the end, eventhough I love the outdoors, "cross-cultural" experiences, and am a fanatical wilderness camper, I just didn’t want to live somewhere where I couldn’t get in my car and leave once in the while on the weekend.  You do have to be willing to try to live there, get to know people, and don’t think just because you make a lot of money that you can afford to fly out of there anytime you want. I do recall that once in a biology class, we were dissecting cats and a Yup’ik girl said something to the effect, "Why don’t we do seals?"  She said she could cut up a seal in fairly short period of time (I don’t remember what it was).  To which I replied, "If we cut up a seal in the lab, we won’t be able to eat it since the lab is full of chemicals and stuff.  We’d have to throw it away."  She thought that was a pretty good answer. I now work with, at least, a couple of Apache students every year.  One of the most difficult things to get them to participate in the class.  They don’t talk much.  Although I admire the fact that, unlike whites, Apaches only talk when they really have something to say, don’t feel the need to impress everyone by being clever or running their gums constantly, and they spend a lot of time listening, it does kind of make white man educational methods a bit difficult to use. My most interesting native job prospect turned out to not be interesting.  I once applied for a job on the south rim of the Grand Canyon.  My thinking was that I could be in the boonies, maybe get to know some of the natives, but still be able to get away once in the while on the weekends.  I had a telephone interview which seemed to go pretty well.  But when I got out a map, I couldn’t find the town on it.  So I called back for that information, got it, and hung up.  About 30 minutes laters, a member of the search committee called me back and in a serious voice said, "The committee feels that there is something you need to know about this town.  Many of the people here are polygamous Mormons.  Your wife won’t be able to work here and you will probably want to live in St. George, UT which a more normal town."   Well, I decided I wasn’t quite that adventurous.  However, if either Barrow or northern Arizona call again, I think I’m ready for it. Quotes of the Week:   I have learned that the swiftest traveler is he that goes afoot." "To make a railroad round the world available to all mankind is equivalent to grading the whole surface of the planet." Walden, Henry David Thoreau

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I have the opportunity to teach up outside of Bethel.  I’m very much aware of the difference in geography and the general feel of the area. I’d be interested in any input from someone who has been there as to what sorts of outdoors activities can be done there.  Thanks.

well, subsistence outdoor activities (hunting, fishing, gathering wild plant foods and medicines) are the culture in the area.  i mean those folks really do live off the land, and they usually waste absolutely nothing.  i mean that when they trap for muskrats, they not only sell the fur, they make muskrat soup and the meal is not considered over until everyone has cracked the bones and sucked out the marrow.  then the trapper returns the cleaned bones to the area where the animal was killed, to honor its spirit. this culture has very different values than you are probably used to, and a world view that is alien to most white folks.  if you are really considering moving to the YK delta to teach, you should immediately cross-cultural communication, a video of a college lecture series by father michael oleksa, a russian orthodox priest married to a yup’ik woman from aniak.   from a strictly "sports" point of view, this is a very wet river delta area, very rich in fish and wildlife.  small boats and float planes are the primary means of transportation in summer, and snowmobiles in the winter.  the kuskokwin and its tributaries are the primary transportation corridors. you’re starting a little late to move this year, because most folks order their winter groceries early in the spring so they can be delivered by boat during the summer. be prepared for *severe* culture shock. Unsolicited commercial email to my corrected address is subject to prosecution under 47 USC 227(b)(1).  E-mail and Reply-to disguised to prevent Spam and to suggest that SPAMBOTs which harvest sigfiles will like replies Virtual Juneau          http://www.alaska.net/~dpharris

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snip  and Reply-to disguised to prevent Spam and to suggest that SPAMBOTs which harvest sigfiles will like replies Virtual Juneau          http://www.alaska.net/~dpharris

Dennis ‘hit the nail on the head’! By the way…which village is it? Steve

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I have the opportunity to teach up outside of Bethel.  I’m very much aware of the difference in geography and the general feel of the area. I’d be interested in any input from someone who has been there as to what sorts of outdoors activities can be done there.  Thanks.

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Question:

There is a new WWW site for Flyfishing. Try it and send comments. http://stenar.arnes.si/guest/ljzavodrib6/ Bojan IVANCIC Ljubljana, SLOVENIA

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IVANCIC) writes: There is a new WWW site for Flyfishing. Try it and send comments. http://stenar.arnes.si/guest/ljzavodrib6/ Bojan IVANCIC Ljubljana, SLOVENIA

Bojan, The web site looks real  nice. But you need some pictures of those big fat rainbows in the Krka River. You know, all the one’s I left behind. <G I demand a rematch! <G A quick note to everyone else, Slovenia is a great ff country and is full of some really nice people too. A very scenic place. The information in Gary Soucie’s book, "Traveling with Fly Rod and Reel" is mostly out of date as far as where to stay etc. Lots of the better hotels are now owned or operated by western companies and the rates are up by a huge factor. Still some good local bargain places if you look. Many of the streams are caulkstreams and the fish grow big and fat. Take a strong 6 wt or better rod and leave your 6X tippet material behind, if any of you ever get to go. Cost of fishing can be seem to be high for Americans but the fishing is very very good. Don Burns PS – The local beer goes down easily too.

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A wealth of talent will be seen at this show! Lefty Kreh, Flip Pallot, Ernie Schweibert, Gary LaFontaine,  Chico Fernandez, Jack Dennis, Nick Curcione, Poul Jorgensen, Bob Popovics, Bob Clouser, Page Rogers, Mike Lawson, Joe Messinger, Lou Tabory, Ed Jaworowski & A.K. Best! All seminars are free! Two huge casting ponds, one of which is surrounded by manufacturers, and you can demo their equipment. 3 theaters include 2 for seminars, one for tying seminars. Nearly 200 lodges, guides, artists, shops, clubs, manufacturers, conservations groups, boat manufacturers and a host of other fly fishing related businesses. Admission is $10.00. For more details call 908 892-1400. This show is located at The Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey. February 21,22,23,1997  Call for directions/hotel info, as New Jersey is tricky!

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Question:

     I’ll be in the Old Forge, NY area during the last week in July. Does anyone know if it’s worth bringing my flyrod?

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Yes it is if you have an opportunity to fish Nicks Lake. You will need a canoe (which can be rented from Tickners in Old Forge), since motors are not allowed on Nicks. Heavily stocked with brown and brook trout. Throw on a size #18 adams and have fun.

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Definately check out the West Canada Creek when you’re in Old Forge.  Late July, most of August you’ll likely find prolific hatches of what are locally called "whiteflies".  Size 12-14-16 light cahills work fine.  Good luck!

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Question:

Hikers need to understand something. Hiking boots are not made to walk in concrete. The soles are usually to soft. The concrete eats them up. If you plan to do some street hiking, go with a Timberland boot or somehing like that. If you really want a ‘hiking boot’, go with the Sundowners, Newbriers, or Skywalks. That way, WHEN you wear down the soles, you can get them resoled. Hal Why is misuse of a product the responsibility of the manufacturer? : My Vasque Hiker II’s lasted for 11 years and my Montagna’s for ten.  I : thought I’d never wear any other brand.  But the new styles seem to be : narrower and I’ve now switched to Raichle for fit.  I’d use caution : with the lightweight (leather/fabric) styles.  I bought a pair of : Vasque Clarion hiking shoes and destroyed them in six months on the : streets.

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Anyone have Vasque boots.  How are they made are they durable?  Thanks.

Vasque (at least a couple of years ago) had a policy that if the leather uppers start to come appart before the sole is completely worn, they would repair or replace the boots at no charge. I bought a pair of discontinued all leather Vasque boots at a rock bottom sale price of $75 several years ago.  When the sole began to seperate from one boot a few years later, I took them back to the store to get them repaired. (at the time I was unaware of the policy, loved the boots, and was willing pay to have the boots repaired).  The store sent the boots back to Vasque and a few weeks later the store called and said that Vasque was willing to give me a $130 credit (the original retail price of the boots) towards another pair.  I took them up on the offer and picked up a pair of $190 New Briers. My current roommate had the same experience with the same type of Vasque boots (I think they were "Libertys") and he used his credit to purchase Sundowners.

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I waterproofed the leather on my Sundowners (which have been fantastic) just in case, but remember that even if the boot is waterproof, you can still get wet feet from water/snow coming in the top of the boot.  Don’t forget gaiters if you’re hiking in snow or in cold rain!  :)

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Newbriers, or Skywalks. That way, WHEN you wear down the soles, you can get them resoled.

My mileage varried!  On my 4 pairs of Skywalks, Sundowners and Newbriers the soles all came off before I had a chance to wear them down!  Luckily they stood behind their product and replaced them.  I have since grown tired of that game and got a pair of Raichles with a real stitched sole. Good Luck,                 Whitney

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Re: Vasque boots Over rocks, through streams, over snow, over dirt, over anything, my Vasque Sundowners have been _fantastic_.  I go up to people trying them on in stores and tell these total strangers that my boots have saved my life on winter hikes (since I have never gotten wet feet while wearing these boots, even on eight hour hikes through wet snow,etc.)  I have never gotten a blister, never slipped off a wet rock, never had any reason except to recommend these boots!!!  I say thumbs up!  Buy ‘em!

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Anyone have Vasque boots.  How are they made are they durable?  Thanks.

I have had my Vasque Sundowners for three years now.  Great boots.  Sturdy one piece upper construction.  Solid yet flexible sole. They break in IMHO quickly.  They are my winter boots (NYC), hiking, and allaround  walking shoes from Oct-April.  I have gone flyfishing with them-a few hours in waist deep H2O- came homw cleaned them and waxed them a week later– they came back with great flexibility.  I just spent a week out west, Zion, Bryce, GC. One hike was in Bryce-900 feet down and up during a 3 hour hike, on some quite steep trails.  Never had a blister, actually since I bought them.  I can’t say enough about them. I will definitely buy a new pair, if they are still made when I need to do such- in about six years, after having been resoled a few times. That reminds me, I have to clean them again and get the red Utah dirt off of them. Hope this sways your decision. Brian CHarles — Brian Charles

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        I just bought a new pair of sundownsers also.  I got them for pretty cheap ($160 on sale).  They fit the best out of all the boots I tried.  I would recommend them also, just make sure to try on several brands and pick the ones that fit the best. (Look at http://io.datasys.swri.edu/PATC/startout.html for boot fitting info.)         Does anyone use snoseal on their sundowners?  Or do you trust the gortex? Josh — —  Senior M.E. Student & Computer Aided Engineering          – —      Laboratory Partner                                      – —  Engineering School – The hardest four years or the        – —                       easiest six years of your life.      –

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        Does anyone use snoseal on their sundowners?  Or do you trust the gortex?

I didn’t have time to seal them before I left on their first trip (I know, I know, I just didn’t *make* the time…), but they were quite waterproof nonetheless.  The leather did suffer quite a bit, however, from scuffing — I was in canyon country, very rocky.  Sealing them later has helped the scuffing, I think.  And I’m sure it has increased the waterproof-ness of the boots — but as I said, I never had any problems in the first place. Still, I think it would be irresponsible not to seal them.

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Their cheaper models are for light hiking. Their midrange models are for heavy hiking/light backpacking. And their high end are for heavy backpacking. If you used the ‘cheap model’ for heavy use, I’m not at all surprised. If you told your sales person that you needed them for heavy use, he should have recommended a better pair. I work at an outdoor shop that sells Vasque and I know that any knowledgable salesperson should know the uses for the different levels of boots. Hal

: I hate to disagree with all the others, but I’ve had two pairs of Vasque : boots and neither lasted worth beans.  One was a cheap model and it wore : out VERY quickly (two months hard use).  I ascribed this to the cost of : the model — since I’d also heard Vasques were good — and bought an

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –         I just bought a new pair of sundownsers also.  I got them for pretty cheap ($160 on sale).  They fit the best out of all the boots I tried.  I would recommend them also, just make sure to try on several brands and pick the ones that fit the best. (Look at http://io.datasys.swri.edu/PATC/startout.html for boot fitting info.)         Does anyone use snoseal on their sundowners?  Or do you trust the gortex? Josh — —  Senior M.E. Student & Computer Aided Engineering          – —      Laboratory Partner                                      – —  Engineering School – The hardest four years or the        – —                       easiest six years of your life.      –

I use Nikwax cleaner/conditioner and then apply a layer of Nikwax aqueous wax. The bottle says apply 2 or 3 layers for best results but one protects the leather well and provides for an easy clean up and retreat. The only time my feet have gotten wet in my Sundowners (4 years, great shape) is when the water is deeper than the boots are tall. Great boots! — Thanx for your interest. Tom "The thinner the air gets, the clearer my head gets."

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I like the Vasque boots I’ve owned better than any others.  My only negative observation:  in Scotland in December, walking on cold and very slippery beach stones in the western islands, I tended to slip more often than my friends, who wore boots with harder soles.  My Vasques now are the lightweight type with canvas plus leather uppers and fairly spongy soles, and the soles are now fairly smooth (I’ll need a new pair soon).  I found that in Scotland the cold made the soles a bit stiff and because they were smooth they were also slick. That’s not a complaint with Vasque boots, though!         Una Smith —         Una Smith               Department of Biology – OML                                 Yale University

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Anyone have Vasque boots.  How are they made are they durable?  Thanks.

I like them quite a bit.  They tend to run wide, which fits my feet.  My younger son has similar feet and he’s gone through a couple of pairs of Vasques over the years.  Mine have worn quite well.

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My Sundowners have never let me down.

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I wear my Vasque in the same Utah scree fields and don’t have much of a problem.  (All leather) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone have Vasque boots. Yes, lots of people do–otherwise they wouldn’t be in business How are they made I don’t know how they are made. Presumably there’s some sort of factory like set up… are they durable?   Yes, if you never hike in rocks while wearing them.  I was going to get a pair of their $180ish (I can’t remember the name) boots but everyone I talked to who also hikes reccomended against them.  In the scree fields of the Utah mountains (where I walk most of the time), Vasque got a definite thumbs down. your milage may vary, mike.

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My Vasque Hiker II’s lasted for 11 years and my Montagna’s for ten.  I thought I’d never wear any other brand.  But the new styles seem to be narrower and I’ve now switched to Raichle for fit.  I’d use caution with the lightweight (leather/fabric) styles.  I bought a pair of Vasque Clarion hiking shoes and destroyed them in six months on the streets.

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I hate to disagree with all the others, but I’ve had two pairs of Vasque boots and neither lasted worth beans.  One was a cheap model and it wore out VERY quickly (two months hard use).  I ascribed this to the cost of the model — since I’d also heard Vasques were good — and bought an expensive pair (all leather) at a local shop.  These lasted a bit longer, but I’ve certainly had MUCH better durability with other brands. The Vasques were, I must admit, totally hip and extremely comfortable though. — "Die young late in life!!!"                           http://www.unm.edu/~pflo

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        You say your boots `wore out’. What wore out, the leather         portion or the sole? If it was the leather I’m surprised; mine         have lasted many years and I wear them every day. If it was the         sole that wore down, why don’t you have them resoled? I know         the last time I had mine done (by Morin Boots, Evergreen CO.         fyi) I was able to choose between a Vasque sole or soles from         other big name manufactures. I decided to stay with Vasque         because the softer material seems to grip very well.                 Scott   Marquette Electronics    8200 West Tower Avenue    Milwaukee, WI 53223             As anyone here will tell you: I speak for myself.        

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Anyone have Vasque boots.  How are they made are they durable?  Thanks.

I love my Vasques – have used them for 4 years now – first in Nepal and now at home in Vermont.  Mine are the Gore-tex sided.  They were recommended by the outfitting shop over all the others they stocked and I have never been disappointed.  I have a friend who has the more expensive all-leather Vasques and he is equally satisfied.  One thing – I have always worn my boots with Thorlo Trekking-weight socks.  This may be key.

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I believe Vasque all-leather Gore-tex boots are issue for National Park Rangers.  I don’t wear them because they don’t fit me comfortably.   That’s the most important aspect of any boot.  I wear a comparable Asolo which is very comfortable for me.  When you buy boots, make very sure they fit properly.  Fit varies according to manufacturer.

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: Anyone have Vasque boots.  How are they made are they durable?  Thanks.         I bought my first pair of Vasque boots in 1990.  Since then I have put them through quite a bit of wear and tear and they still remain in good shape.  Since I bought those boots so many years ago, my feet have grown AND Vasque has redesigned their boots, so I thought it was time to get a new pair.  About a year ago I bought a pair of Vasque Clarion Impacts for $105. I love them!  My little brother still wears my first pair of Vasque Clarions.         In all, I hear that Vasque makes good boots, and I totally agree!  I have also heard good things about the Vasque Sundowners and the Gore-tex Clarion Impact. -David B. Buckingham dbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbd bdbdb  UofL, Speed Scientific School                                         TIP#1836                             David Bryan Buckingham                              (502)397-5496 (pager)  Triangle Fraternity                                         HSC Lab Consultant dbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbdbd bdbdb

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Anyone have Vasque boots.  How are they made are they durable?  Thanks.

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Anyone have Vasque boots.

Yes, lots of people do–otherwise they wouldn’t be in business How are they made

I don’t know how they are made. Presumably there’s some sort of factory like set up… are they durable?  

Yes, if you never hike in rocks while wearing them.  I was going to get a pair of their $180ish (I can’t remember the name) boots but everyone I talked to who also hikes reccomended against them.  In the scree fields of the Utah mountains (where I walk most of the time), Vasque got a definite thumbs down. your milage may vary, mike.

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Question:

       On my recent vacation to New Zealand I read an interesting    article in the NZ Fishing magazine about kite fishing.  This    intrigued me because I fish and fly kites, but not at the    same time.  I was lucky enough to contact the manufacturer    and obtain a catalog of the various rigs available.

Kelly:         I have used a ‘Salmon Rod’ (very heavy action) with #40lb monofilament on an open faced spinning reel with a snap swivel to fly kites with. In a brisk wind, its like catching a large salmon.  Set the drag correctly and the darn kite "runs" just like a fish in a wind gust. Saves your hands reeling in the kite with the rod also. Seriously, it’s fun and very much like fishing. Bob Drongowski

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`Kelly: `       I have used a ‘Salmon Rod’ (very heavy action) with #40lb monofilament `on an `open faced spinning reel with a snap swivel to fly kites with. `In a brisk wind, its like catching a large salmon.  Set the drag `correctly and `the darn kite "runs" just like a fish in a wind gust. `Saves your hands reeling in the kite with the rod also. `Seriously, it’s fun and very much like fishing. `Bob Drongowski I used to do this when I was a kid.  My dad put my kite on a rod, as I was using a spool, went to hand off to a friend and gave my dad a good 200 yard exercise sprint he wasn’t expecting.  I used to love running a short amount of string on a delta kite and run around the neighborhood dive bombing my friends…. swood —        Hunting over in Michigan?  Don’t Despair – NO CLOSED SEASON ON:          opossum, porcupine, weasel, red squirrel, skunk, starlings,         feral pigeons, English sparrows, ground squirrel & woodchuck           Anyway trout season opens the last Saturday this month.

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(Scott Wood) writes: I used to do this when I was a kid.  My dad put my kite on a rod, as I was using a spool, went to hand off to a friend and gave my dad a good 200 yard exercise sprint he wasn’t expecting.  I used to love running a short amount of string on a delta kite and run around the neighborhood dive bombing my friends….

We once built a kite and bought a 2000 yard spool of 6 pound test monofilament to fly it with (we were poor and economized).  We did get the kite all the way out, but we couldn’t see it.  So, we tied it off to a tree, and rode our bikes about a mile away until we spotted it over head.  Then we spent about 4 hours winding all that line back on the spool.   Dean

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| |   On my recent vacation to New Zealand I read an interesting |   article in the NZ Fishing magazine about kite fishing.  This |   intrigued me because I fish and fly kites, but not at the |   same time.  I was lucky enough to contact the manufacturer |   and obtain a catalog of the various rigs available. | |   Has anyone seen or experimented with Kite fishing?   | |                                                   Kelly   It is my understanding that the kite fishing was first used in Southern California in the early 1900’s for bluefin tuna, but was disused after WWII or so when the large bluefin (larger than can be found here today) were wiped out by commercial fishing.  This form of fising was later adopted in Florida primarily for sailfish.   I have just purchased a kite to fish for local bluefin tuna.  The pacific bluefin we have locally are incredibly shy (line, boat, etc).  The kite will allow me to do two things: 1) allow me to get a bait well away from the boat, where the larger 100+ lb fish seem to want to stay, and 2) keep the leader/line mostly out of the water.  The baits are hooked on top and the leader/line ascends vertically from the bait to the kite.  I plan to use the kite while anchored on the offshore banks which are about 100 NM offshore.   Kite fishing has been working wonderfully well for yellowfin tuna at the Revillagegigedos islands (sp), 1000 NM south of San Diego, where the pending all tackle world was caught using a kite a couple of months ago (just shy of 400 lbs). —        _                       Gary Gibson        |_                       PRYORITY I        |                 Metaflow Technologies, Inc.        |__                4250 Executive Square, Suite 300   ____/         /          Voice:  (619) 452-6608 x231

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        On my recent vacation to New Zealand I read an interesting         article in the NZ Fishing magazine about kite fishing.  This         intrigued me because I fish and fly kites, but not at the         same time.  I was lucky enough to contact the manufacturer         and obtain a catalog of the various rigs available.         Has anyone seen or experimented with Kite fishing?                                                           Kelly

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