Question:

Hello Mu Young  Lee I’ve included an URL for an article by Ed Ward http://home.att.net/~slowsnap/spey16.htm BTW, I know you use a Don from Sharpes of Aberdeen, but does anyone else out there have recommendations for a reel.  I saved up my pennies for a 10 wt two-hander but now will need to save up some more to purchase a reel.

I use an Orvis ‘Spey’ reel it seems well made, sturdy and holds plenty of backing with both a floating and sinking line. Don’t know if it is available in USA as it is made in England. When I bought it it was

Question:

Enjoyed your report, I was up that way a couple of weeks ago and went to Steep Banks. 12 guys standing around casting into one small pool, it might be famous but it did not interest me. Waded on up the river but had no luck except in a couple of small pools.  ;The word was that the fish would be in the river in a couple of weeks, but I could not wait  so moved over to Upper Dam and caught a couple of 15inch salmon and three trout close in but was not interested in standing out in the flow for three hours in one spot to catch a fish.  The one thing I have to say was that the whole area was dead drop beautiful  but guess I still prefer the mountains of North Carolina , climbing over the rocks to catch a 8inch trout.     Indian Joe Wilmington N.C.

Response:

Great report, Allen.  Too bad you could not make it to the Rapid.  I am heading up to the East Branch of the Kennebec this week with a couple of friends.  And, yes, I’m bringing warm clothes. Dave L.

Response:

Dave and Injun, The whole trip really cemented in my mind where my wife and I will end up living in a few years. Hope youu don’t mind sharing the fish and birds! Allen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Great report, Allen.  Too bad you could not make it to the Rapid.  I am heading up to the East Branch of the Kennebec this week with a couple of friends.  And, yes, I’m bringing warm clothes. Dave L.

  gaepps.vcf

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Response:

Folks, Work has been keeping me from even lurking the last few weeks but SWMBO and I have just returned from a trip north to RI for her folks 50th anniversary and then up to Rangeley ME for a week to help a friend winter prep his camp and wet a line for a bit. I’ve never been up that way before but from all the folks I talked to the water was way low and the fishing slow. Our friends camp is "Fiddlehead" just below Bald Mtn on Rangeley lake but ended up fishing the Kennebunk pretty far down. "Steep Bank" came highly recommended but "take a number" fishing is not my bag anymore. We hiked up the stream a bit and despite having spent a lot of time in the woods it’s pretty easy to see how folks become lost in the Maine woods. Thick does not begin to describe it and had to restart the heart once due to flushing Grouse. Upstream was shallow and no real cover so back down to what we found later was called "Trout Rock" Gorgeous little pool with a steep rock pile on one side and about 6′ deep. Started by casting #10 Black Ghost (might as well start local). Ended up going up and down a bit and finally settled on a #16 Brassie. That turned out to surprisingly be the ticket. 4 nice Brookies all about 12-14 inches. Such gorgeous fish my hands trembled releasing them. Finally a Salmon showed some interest. The barest tap and I was on to a 19" fish that explored all corners of the pool before coming to net. Again, I was awed by the colors and spirit of the fish. My wife and I got up early the next morning and headed to the the stream running from the Little Kennebago. Bright day but cold (28 F) and no wind. If you didn’t see the ice forming in your guides you wouldn’t have noticed the cold. A couple strikes but no fish did see a beaver and had to come to a complete stop on the way home to let a brace of Grouse get out of the road. Just before we joined rt. 16 again had a cow Moose stop right along side the road and stare as we stopped to take her picture. This was the first time my wife has fly fished and I think she got the picture that’s its not just the fish. Sorry for the general disjointness of this report but as we just got home I thought I’d drop in and try and break up the politics Before I lost the mental pictures I brought home. With work being all consuming at times we have to stop and spend time afield with rod or gun to put things in perspective. Allen Epps Catonsville MD

  gaepps.vcf

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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:

I am based in Los Angeles but had heard about that awful attack on the couple hanging on the anchor line where the gentleman pushed his newly-wed wife outof the way, and he was taken himself off of Australia. Hi Jim As much as I would love to help you with information I would be unable to put you in touch with the lady in question.  The reasons being in the past twelve months she has re-married and also had her first child a month ago. I really think she now has her tramatic experience behind her and is trying to get on with things.

That was a very harrowing experience for her, and I can understand how she would want for it to be behind her. However, your friend can take comfort in knowing that her husband really loved her in doing what he did for her. I did a shark dive last year at Nassau, Bahamas with a lady by the name of Heather Boswell. Before Heather attempted to do a shark dive with me for the NBC WEEKEND TODAY show(which was televised throughout the USA on July 13th, 1997), Heather had been attacked by a five meter plus white shark while she was swimming on the ocean surface over a hundred miles offshore of Chile. Heather was swimming with some friends in calm seas off of a NOAA research vessel that they were crewing on. A friend was videotaping them all in the water(and captured the attack on video in the process)when a huge dorsal fin appeared(Heather later indicated that it looked to be at least a meter tall above the water as it approached her). The shark started attacking a gentleman who was sitting upon some type of surfboard. He managed to drive it away by apparently poking the shark in the eye. The shark then turned its attention to Heather who was nearby in the water. Rescuers were trying to reach Heather in an inflatable boat which was dispatched from the larger NOAA vessel. They actually had a hold of her before the shark started to attack Heather. However, because of the sunscreen lotion that Heather was wearing, she slipped through the arms of the one of the rescuers, and the shark grabbed her leg and started to take her down into the depths. It was at that point that Heather felt sure she was going to die according to what she told me and NBC. She just wasn’t sure if she should intake water to drown herself or simply let the shark continue to eat her and die that way. Amazingly, the shark returned Heather to the surface at which point the rescuers were able to grab her again. However, this time the rescuers were in a "tug-of-war" with the shark, and Heather was the "rope". Heather heard a "popping sound"(thinking that her leg was being dislocated)as she broke free. However, once inside the boat, Heather looked down and saw that her leg had been bitten off at mid-thigh(Heather lost a lot of blood and almost died via exsanguination/shock). Meanwhile, the shark must have been very hungry as it started to attack another lady who was desperately trying to pull herself out of the water (using netting which was thrown over the side of the NOAA vessel). However, the lady was overweight and was having a very difficult time getting herself out of the water. At that time, a high-powered rifle was finally deployed to drive the shark away. It is assumed that the shark was killed, but this is not known for sure. I am all for the conservation of shark species worldwide. However, the above situation was an obvious exception. Over a year after the above attack, Heather showed amazing courage by accepting an invitation to shark dive with me in the Bahamas for the NBC WEEKEND TODAY television program. However, once the sharks appeared on scene with us at Nassau, Heather requested to discontinue the dive(understandably so). Nonetheless, her courage for even attempting the dive and the positive attitude that she radiates in her daily life are inspiration to us all. Eco continues about diver(newly-wed couple)who was killed by a white shark off of Australia: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – One of the US talkback shows contacted her some time back (they were doing a show on tragic widows) and offered to fly her over to appear but she clearly had no desire to go through the events again.  Understandably so. I do not have any clearer details of the attack except what I posted.  The attack happened at Byron Bay which is considered out of the usual territory of a white pointer (it was in warm water up north).  The attack was quick. They saw it on the bottom, her husband pushed her and by the time she managed to turn around she only felt the force of the sharks tail. I’ve forgotton the exact size but from what I can remember it was the max. for the species.  A fishing boat did later hook it, it was longer than the boat, and it dragged the boat for miles, it regurgitated some stomach contents and broke free. There was talk of it being a sick/rogue shark due to its location. I am most interested to see if such electronic shark repellent technology could have prevented the above attack. I was the first to test the SharkPOD in the USA(off the coast of Los Angeles for the Discovery Channel, "Next Step" television program which is to be broadcast internationally if it hasn’t been already-it has already been broadcast twice throughout the USA. Ron and Valerie Taylor were the first to test the SharkPOD in Australia. I had met them both in Singapore during the ADEC dive equipment trade show where the SharkPOD was first being released commercially. You’ve met Ron and Val Taylor !!!  Now they are shark lovers extraordinaire !!!!   That Val Taylor is one brave lady.  Amazingly dedicated couple.

Yes, I had met both of them and have been in touch with them via email from time to time. I am a fan of their work as well. For more detail on my SharkPOD testing, please access the Honolulu Star- Bulletin Newspaper article which I had appeared in throughout the Hawaiian Islands on December 22, 1997: http://starbulletin.com/97/12/22/features/index.html Sounds really exciting !   I remember seeing a show where they were investigating using  some sort of sonar "wall" instead of netting.   IE; transmitter placed and one point – receiver at other end further down the coastline to prevent sharks entering the swimming area.  They were testing the concept with some sort of sonar wand that repelled the sharks. It was tricky stuff as the shark had to get close enough for them to prod it with the want but it was trying to ascertain whether the idea would work.  Do you know of any developments with this??

Not really. But will look into it for you. I am all for anything that helps the sharks and other sea creatures.  Our shark nets over here are marine animal death traps.

Me too. Did you see my earlier post on how the shark netting program in South Africa was being reduced because of budget cuts to the Natal Sharks Board (which supervises the netting program there)? The Star-Bulletin article was mostly accurate. However, the SharkPOD is not a "sonic" device as the article mistakenly depicts in the opening paragraph. Instead, the SharkPOD emits a continuous, cocooning electrical field which is intended to protect from possible shark attack. I will soon be using another electronic shark repellent technology which is currently being developed in Australia(by another manufacturer)and is being billed as an even more effective electronic repellent than the SharkPOD. I will be using this Australian technology with tiger and grey reef sharks throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Also with tiger, bull and lemon sharks in the Bahamas. And with great white sharks off of Dyer Island, South Africa. Thank you for providing your information.  It was very interesting.  I have been lucky enough to encounter sharks while diving – something one doesn’t forget in a hurry !!

Agreed! Look forward to email exchanging with you again.

Response:

Ok, another story about shark attacks…this is getting so old!  Last time I heard, this was a FISHING newsgroup, one that as the name might imply is interested in how fish might be caught, NOT stupid humans being caught by the fish…and with sharks being chondricthes (as opposed to osteicthes–bony fish) I wonder if they officially qualify for discussion anyway.  You probably (if not, you need to) have read my opinion on the consequences of tomfoolery which results in such a mess; why the people don’t learn the first time is beyond me.   Unless you are suggesting in some lurid way that human chum is an acceptable fishing method, which I certainly would not advocate, I would like it if you could thin out the number of shark attack reports.  This is not a tabloid newsgroup.  Please help keep it that way. See also Re: Sharks, Re: Reduction in budget for… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am based in Los Angeles but had heard about that awful attack on the couple hanging on the anchor line where the gentleman pushed his newly-wed wife outof the way, and he was taken himself off of Australia. Hi Jim As much as I would love to help you with information I would be unable to put you in touch with the lady in question.  The reasons being in the past twelve months she has re-married and also had her first child a month ago. I really think she now has her tramatic experience behind her and is trying to get on with things. That was a very harrowing experience for her, and I can understand how she would want for it to be behind her. However, your friend can take comfort in knowing that her husband really loved her in doing what he did for her. I did a shark dive last year at Nassau, Bahamas with a lady by the name of Heather Boswell. Before Heather attempted to do a shark dive with me for the NBC WEEKEND TODAY show(which was televised throughout the USA on July 13th, 1997), Heather had been attacked by a five meter plus white shark while she was swimming on the ocean surface over a hundred miles offshore of Chile. Heather was swimming with some friends in calm seas off of a NOAA research vessel that they were crewing on. A friend was videotaping them all in the water(and captured the attack on video in the process)when a huge dorsal fin appeared(Heather later indicated that it looked to be at least a meter tall above the water as it approached her). The shark started attacking a gentleman who was sitting upon some type of surfboard. He managed to drive it away by apparently poking the shark in the eye. The shark then turned its attention to Heather who was nearby in the water. Rescuers were trying to reach Heather in an inflatable boat which was dispatched from the larger NOAA vessel. They actually had a hold of her before the shark started to attack Heather. However, because of the sunscreen lotion that Heather was wearing, she slipped through the arms of the one of the rescuers, and the shark grabbed her leg and started to take her down into the depths. It was at that point that Heather felt sure she was going to die according to what she told me and NBC. She just wasn’t sure if she should intake water to drown herself or simply let the shark continue to eat her and die that way. Amazingly, the shark returned Heather to the surface at which point the rescuers were able to grab her again. However, this time the rescuers were in a "tug-of-war" with the shark, and Heather was the "rope". Heather heard a "popping sound"(thinking that her leg was being dislocated)as she broke free. However, once inside the boat, Heather looked down and saw that her leg had been bitten off at mid-thigh(Heather lost a lot of blood and almost died via exsanguination/shock). Meanwhile, the shark must have been very hungry as it started to attack another lady who was desperately trying to pull herself out of the water (using netting which was thrown over the side of the NOAA vessel). However, the lady was overweight and was having a very difficult time getting herself out of the water. At that time, a high-powered rifle was finally deployed to drive the shark away. It is assumed that the shark was killed, but this is not known for sure. I am all for the conservation of shark species worldwide. However, the above situation was an obvious exception. Over a year after the above attack, Heather showed amazing courage by accepting an invitation to shark dive with me in the Bahamas for the NBC WEEKEND TODAY television program. However, once the sharks appeared on scene with us at Nassau, Heather requested to discontinue the dive(understandably so). Nonetheless, her courage for even attempting the dive and the positive attitude that she radiates in her daily life are inspiration to us all. Eco continues about diver(newly-wed couple)who was killed by a white shark off of Australia: One of the US talkback shows contacted her some time back (they were doing a show on tragic widows) and offered to fly her over to appear but she clearly had no desire to go through the events again.  Understandably so. I do not have any clearer details of the attack except what I posted.  The attack happened at Byron Bay which is considered out of the usual territory of a white pointer (it was in warm water up north).  The attack was quick. They saw it on the bottom, her husband pushed her and by the time she managed to turn around she only felt the force of the sharks tail. I’ve forgotton the exact size but from what I can remember it was the max. for the species.  A fishing boat did later hook it, it was longer than the boat, and it dragged the boat for miles, it regurgitated some stomach contents and broke free. There was talk of it being a sick/rogue shark due to its location. I am most interested to see if such electronic shark repellent technology could have prevented the above attack. I was the first to test the SharkPOD in the USA(off the coast of Los Angeles for the Discovery Channel, "Next Step" television program which is to be broadcast internationally if it hasn’t been already-it has already been broadcast twice throughout the USA. Ron and Valerie Taylor were the first to test the SharkPOD in Australia. I had met them both in Singapore during the ADEC dive equipment trade show where the SharkPOD was first being released commercially. You’ve met Ron and Val Taylor !!!  Now they are shark lovers extraordinaire !!!!   That Val Taylor is one brave lady.  Amazingly dedicated couple. Yes, I had met both of them and have been in touch with them via email from time to time. I am a fan of their work as well. For more detail on my SharkPOD testing, please access the Honolulu Star- Bulletin Newspaper article which I had appeared in throughout the Hawaiian Islands on December 22, 1997: http://starbulletin.com/97/12/22/features/index.html Sounds really exciting !   I remember seeing a show where they were investigating using  some sort of sonar "wall" instead of netting.   IE; transmitter placed and one point – receiver at other end further down the coastline to prevent sharks entering the swimming area.  They were testing the concept with some sort of sonar wand that repelled the sharks. It was tricky stuff as the shark had to get close enough for them to prod it with the want but it was trying to ascertain whether the idea would work.  Do you know of any developments with this?? Not really. But will look into it for you. I am all for anything that helps the sharks and other sea creatures.  Our shark nets over here are marine animal death traps. Me too. Did you see my earlier post on how the shark netting program in South Africa was being reduced because of budget cuts to the Natal Sharks Board (which supervises the netting program there)? The Star-Bulletin article was mostly accurate. However, the SharkPOD is not a "sonic" device as the article mistakenly depicts in the opening paragraph. Instead, the SharkPOD emits a continuous, cocooning electrical field which is intended to protect from possible shark attack. I will soon be using another electronic shark repellent technology which is currently being developed in Australia(by another manufacturer)and is being billed as an even more effective electronic repellent than the SharkPOD. I will be using this Australian technology with tiger and grey reef sharks throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Also with tiger, bull and lemon sharks in the Bahamas. And with great white sharks off of Dyer Island, South Africa. Thank you for providing your information.  It was very interesting.  I have been lucky enough to encounter sharks while diving – something one doesn’t forget in a hurry !! Agreed! Look forward to email exchanging with you again.

Response:

Question:

I’ll be in Livingston, MT in early Aug. I’d like to know if there are places to fly fish near town? I’ll probably be in the Comfort Inn. I’m not looking for trophies, just easy access and some fun. I’d like to be able to give the family the car so I can fish. Is there fishing in walking distance to that part of town? I’ve never been there, so I need advice.

Response:

I’ll be in Livingston, MT in early Aug. I’d like to know if there are places to fly fish near town? I’ll probably be in the Comfort Inn. I’m not looking for trophies, just easy access and some fun. I’d like to be able to give the family the car so I can fish. Is there fishing in walking distance to that part of town? I’ve never been there, so I need advice.

Hi Gerys The Yellowstone River flows right through town and good fishing often can be right at your back door. If close access is your goal then try fishing around the channels near the 9th St bridge, up or down stream from Mayer’s Landing, or Carter’s Bridge (about 2 miles south of town). Good luck & … — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Catalog,Tips & Tricks, Fishing Reports, & NeverSink at: http://www.btsflyfishing.com

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Question:

about flyfishing, I learned as a bait fisherman. — TimW Halfordian Golfer

Response:

about flyfishing, I learned as a bait fisherman. — TimW Halfordian Golfer

     Puleeeze, Tim! You sound as pompous as us fly-fisher-persons.      From one who learned from her father in 1938 how to sling a worm.                                   Louise Scharrenberg

Response:

about flyfishing, I learned as a bait fisherman. — TimW Halfordian Golfer      Puleeeze, Tim! You sound as pompous as us fly-fisher-persons.      From one who learned from her father in 1938 how to sling a worm.                                   Louise Scharrenberg

Interesting twist on my post to be sure… — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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Question:

A good size brown beats them all. Just the take is enough for me, but the fight and all those minutes of wondering how big he really is. They just stick to the bottom with even, powerful pulls, just shy of breaking the leader. nothing beats this, Browns for me. kmustad – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Proportionally speaking, pound for pound I’d vote for those itty bitty rainbow minnows. Yeah, I would vote for the junior rainbows as well.  You gotta love their acrobatics. Bruce….

Response:

(Eric) writes: I was just wondering what everyone thought was the best fighting trout, the Brook, Rainbow, or Brown….My vote goes to the Rainbow because they jump the most and fight the longest….but the browns also give up good fights and try to get under rocks and the sort…and hope you make the wrong move….Just curious to hear what other flyfishermen feel is the best fighting trout. Proportionally speaking, pound for pound I’d vote for those itty bitty rainbow minnows. You know, the ones that are only about twice as big as your fly.

The same ones that become ‘flying fish’ when you set the hook ? TimW

Response:

I have heard that sea run cutt’s are very hard fighters when they first enter fresh water.  Cutt’s in the high lakes around here are poor fighters, generally, and susceptible to a relatively high mortality rate. TimW

Well conditioned sea-run cutts usually fight much like browns or brook trout; they tend to stay deep, pull hard and shake. They may jump a bit more However a fair number of fish become quite acrobatic and will also make good runs, making the reel scream. I have memories of a fair number of these that I took to be small coho. I remember one fish while working the spring time chum migration on the Harrison that body surfed down the wave of a boat wake to snatch my fly and promptly put in 5 or 6 consecutive jumps; sulked a bit then jumped a few more times. Ralph H

Response:

(Eric) writes:   Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly   I was just wondering what everyone thought was the best fighting   trout:   Eric

Steelhead. OK, next question… -tgades

Response:

 I’d vote for those itty bitty rainbow minnows. You know, the ones that are only about twice as big as your fly. The same ones that become ‘flying fish’ when you set the hook ?

I know what you mean, those little dudes I launch into the bushes behind me.  ZZZing!  Quite a surprise.  Poor fish, mindin’ his own bidness, when Bang! Zoom! to the moon! Anglerboy

Response:

Mulberry–not the Marlboro, now–which is tied to imitate a–you got it–mulberry.  But these are hardly fair comparisons.  The best stripe

Gee Dave, I have never of the Mulberry hatch!  ;-) -Burton

Response:

Both choices are wild rainbows: 1- summer steelhead.  Not like a winter fish. The turbos are spun up,they’re taken on lighter tackle, and you may be able to sight-fish with dries.

<<< Yeah, it can be real fun watching a finning steelie turn his head and take your fly.  The most incredible sight I have ever seen was this huge 20+ lb. steelhead rise to an October Caddis on the Siletz.  It looked totally incongrous.  That head looked like a basketball. 2- native redside.  I’ll never forget a 17" Deschutes fish that I would have thought was a steelhead, if I wasn’t after the lead fish in a pod of rising trout.  Incredible fight! <<<

I like those big 20-25 pounders.  I have yet to land one.  They fight so different.  You bring them in a couple of times, then they run back out twenty or thirty yds. then go nuts like a chicken with it’s head cut off.  Then they are gone! -Burton – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Rainbow, without a doubt.  They hit like a train, leap, make strong runs.  Brown and cutthroats are great bulldoggers, and I have seen browns make some good leaps.  Nothing touches the rainbow/steelhead though. — Don Jordan POB 2357 Chiefland, FL 32644 http://ripserv.com/indyjones I am mostly a eastern fisherman so I don’t know what to expect from western trout but years back I was fishing a tiny stream in Utah that was filled with rainbows of 7-9 inches ( the local flyshop wasn’t even aware of the fishery) and I never battled such feisty fish before as these guys.They just wouldn’t give up…..I landed about 1/2 of what I hooked…… They were absolutely amazing !                                                                                        Jody

It sounds like you need to visit the Pacific Northwest Jody!  You would get the battle of your like from some of our brutes. -Burton

Response:

….but the browns also give up good fights and try to get under rocks and the sort…and hope you make the wrong move….Just curious to hear what other flyfishermen feel is the best fighting trout. Proportionally speaking, pound for pound I’d vote for those itty bitty rainbow minnows. You know, the ones that are only about twice as big as your fly. The same ones that become ‘flying fish’ when you set the hook ? TimW

Yes, they usually hit me in the face. If I open my mouth I can eat them right then! DJones

Response:

(Eric) says: : : I was just wondering what everyone thought was the best fighting : trout, the Brook, Rainbow, or Brown….My vote goes to the Rainbow : because they jump the most and fight the longest….but the browns : also give up good fights and try to get under rocks and the sort…and : hope you make the wrong move….Just curious to hear what other : flyfishermen feel is the best fighting trout. : : Eric : : my vote: : : 1) Gerard Strain Rainbows of Kootney Lake  BC; hands down : 2) Kamloops strain Rainbow of the South Interior of BC : : Gerard have the acrobatics and drive of any fish that swims plus : considerably more strength than any salmonid I’ve ever hooked; : including browns; various strains of cutts, Madison, Bow River and : Crowsnnest Rainbows; steelhead ; cohoe etc : : Kamloops fish combine great acrobatics and strength with are largely : insectorvious (sp) : I definitely second Eric’s vote.  The Kamloops trout is very widespread in Southeastern BC. and NE Washington State. – Keith

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The best fighting trout is the one you have on your line right now

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I was just wondering what everyone thought was the best fighting trout, the Brook, Rainbow, or Brown….My vote goes to the Rainbow because they jump the most and fight the longest….but the browns also give up good fights and try to get under rocks and the sort…and hope you make the wrong move….Just curious to hear what other flyfishermen feel is the best fighting trout. Eric

I like Half-pounders on the lower Klamath river in Nor Cal and the lower Rogue river southern Oregon. These are small fall run steelhead, ocean going rainbow trout. They run 12 to 22 inches and are hot as a pistol. They are a great fly rod fish and there are less of them every year. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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Proportionally speaking, pound for pound I’d vote for those itty bitty rainbow minnows.

Yeah, I would vote for the junior rainbows as well.  You gotta love their acrobatics. Bruce….

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All of the trouts and chars have periods when they are more aggressive and better fighters.  Get a pre-spawn brown or rainbow and you have a much better situation then these same fish at other times of the years. I have heard that sea run cutt’s are very hard fighters when they first enter fresh water.  Cutt’s in the high lakes around here are poor fighters, generally, and susceptible to a relatively high mortality rate. TimW I had the opportunity (and luck) to fish for skamania steelhead at Trail Creek this July.  These

fish were a fresh summer run strain from Lake Michigan, I don’t really know where the original brood stock came from but I think it was Wash.  They were absolutly incredible fighters, much better than "normal" strains of steelhead. Vince

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All of the trouts and chars have periods when they are more aggressive and better fighters.  Get a pre-spawn brown or rainbow and you have a much better situation then these same fish at other times of the years.   I have heard that sea run cutt’s are very hard fighters when they first enter fresh water.  Cutt’s in the high lakes around here are poor fighters, generally, and susceptible to a relatively high mortality rate. TimW – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Eric, I think the rainbow is a real acrobatic fighter while the brown is more like a bull dog.  Also the cutthroat, the brookie, and the golden all vie with each other over which is the most beautiful that depending water and environment. My favorite trout happens to be the one that’s on the end of the line but I do have a bit of a preference for Mr. Brown Trout. My favorite fish on a fly rod would be a large white fish or carp from the side channel in the lower Yellowstone River. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 materials catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

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I was just wondering what everyone thought was the best fighting trout, the Brook, Rainbow, or Brown….My vote goes to the Rainbow I like Half-pounders on the lower Klamath river in Nor Cal and the lower Rogue river southern Oregon. These are small fall run steelhead, ocean going rainbow

Umm, yeah I forgot about the half-pounders!  They are little silver missiles.  Probably the friskiest fish I’ve ever had on.  The Rogue is a great river.  They are protecting them now. -Burton

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(Eric) writes: I was just wondering what everyone thought was the best fighting trout, the Brook, Rainbow, or Brown….My vote goes to the Rainbow BTW–has anyone developed fly to imitate the fish-food-pellet hatch? It could float for a second then sink to the bottom where it would swell up DJones No, but I have seen some pretty novel approaches to "fly fishing".  On the

Metolius River I have seen a yellow Cheeto Fly and a white Bread-crumb Fly fished below the Allingham Bridge from which tourist types are prone to throw things in an effort to get a rise from a big fish.  It frequently works. -Burton

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I have heard that sea run cutt’s are very hard fighters when they first enter fresh water.  Cutt’s in the high lakes around TimW Yeah, the sea-run cutt’s are dynamite hear on the Oregon Coast.  However,

they have declined so bad it’s getting hard to find them.  I pick one up occasionally while targeting other fish.  They strike like it’s their last meal. Burton

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I was just wondering what everyone thought was the best fighting trout, the Brook, Rainbow, or Brown….My vote goes to the Rainbow because they jump the most and fight the longest….but the browns also give up good fights and try to get under rocks and the sort…and hope you make the wrong move….Just curious to hear what other flyfishermen feel is the best fighting trout.

My preference is the rainbow, since I like fish that jump.  Brown’s give you a nice tug of war, but that’s about all.  Then best of all is the sea-run rainbow, the steelhead.  I have had hens that I swear could tailwalk on the water. -Burton

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I have heard that sea run cutt’s are very hard fighters when TimW I had the opportunity (and luck) to fish for skamania steelhead at Trail Creek this July.  These fish were a fresh summer run strain from Lake Michigan, I don’t really know where the original brood stock came from but I think it was Wash.  They were absolutly incredible fighters, much better than "normal" strains of steelhead. Vince Yup, nice fighting fish!  One of the better strains for flyfishing.  They

originally came from the Washougal in Washington, but now are all over the place including Peru. -Burton

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(Eric) writes: I was just wondering what everyone thought was the best fighting trout, the Brook, Rainbow, or Brown….My vote goes to the Rainbow because they jump the most and fight the longest….but the browns also give up good fights and try to get under rocks and the sort…and hope you make the wrong move….Just curious to hear what other flyfishermen feel is the best fighting trout.

Proportionally speaking, pound for pound I’d vote for those itty bitty rainbow minnows. You know, the ones that are only about twice as big as your fly. They can leap many times their own length out of the water and they run back and forth like their life depended on it. (Reminds me of my kid on too many snicker bars) And ya gotta hand it to them for their gusto going for that huge fly, it must look like a whole day

Question:

If you don’t mind sharing, where are the secret holes. My wife and I will be there later this week and would love a little help as I’m hoping she’ll catch something memorable and get a little hooked herself. We’ll be in the area only for a 24 hour period. We’ll be staying in manchester and the next day heading to West Lebanon, NH. Any suggestions for any other places we might hit  would also be appreciated. Ira Clair

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Try the Nature Conservancy pond up on the hill above Manchester. Plenty of room to cast or wade, and some very large trout. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly If you don’t mind sharing, where are the secret holes. My wife and I will be there later this week and would love a little help as I’m hoping she’ll catch something memorable and get a little hooked herself. We’ll be in the area only for a 24 hour period. We’ll be staying in manchester and the next day heading to West Lebanon, NH. Any suggestions for any other places we might hit  would also be appreciated. Ira Clair

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Bad news the legend of the Battenkill is the mith of the battenkill.  My son-in-law ans I were up there July 4th weekend all excited about fishing the great battenkill.  The average size of the fish we caught was 3"  yes thats three inches.  good luck but don’t be depressed if the big ones aren’t there

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Bad news the legend of the Battenkill is the mith of the battenkill.  My son-in-law ans I were up there July 4th weekend all excited about fishing the great battenkill.  The average size of the fish we caught was 3"  yes thats three inches.  good luck but don’t be depressed if the big ones aren’t there

They really are in the ‘kill, but big browns don’t come out for the fireworks too often.     steve d.

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Question:

I am closing in on spending about $1,000 on a kick boat – a very sobering prospect since i can’t try it before i buy it.  Am pretty close to picking the OUTCAST 800 – any comments on this or other kick boats would be appreciated – particularly interested in hearing from owners – goods points, bad points, gotcha’s – you know, the stuff you wish you had known before you spent YOUR money.

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I am closing in on spending about $1,000 on a kick boat – a very sobering prospect since i can’t try it before i buy it.  Am pretty close to picking the OUTCAST 800 – any comments on this or other kick boats would be appreciated – particularly interested in hearing from owners – goods points, bad points, gotcha’s – you know, the stuff you wish you had known before you spent YOUR money.

I bought one recently and absolutely love it (as do my friends, who have various other contraptions).  My experience so far has been limited to fishing in Puget Sound (not what it was intended for, but works great for fishing for coho along the beaches).   Some specific observations:   – Very fast.  I can *easily* out-row someone walking on the beach. For short periods can probably overtake even a typical jogger.  Fast enough for running down cruising coho in any case.  As an indication of it’s low drag, it will glide (coast) for a long time (maybe a minute), if you have your feet on the rests.  I have found it necessary to brake with the oars on occasion to avoid overshooting.   The 6 1/2" Carlisle oars are perfect, but be sure to get the open oarlocks.   – Kicking.  In spite of the high seating position, it kicks comfortably and efficiently.  Once again, very fast.  I can kick faster than some other 1-person craft can row (eg. Float and Tote’s or Water Master’s).  Way faster and more comfortable than float tubes.   – Very manueverable.  In spite of its 8′ length, it turns on a dime.   – Adequately portable.  I taped a piece of pipe insulation to the rear (foot rest end) cross member.  I can comfortably carry it on my shoulders, grasping the foot rests with my hands to balance and stabilize it, even up and down fairly steep banks.  Is at the high end of the comfortable weight range though (probably about 50-55# with anchor and gear).  Of course it breaks down beautifully (four pins breaks it down into 3 pieces – very quick) and inflates and deflates very fast.   – Casting.  Excellent position;  high enough to get extra reach. Casting apron holds the line very well, with upturned edges.  Seat is very comfortable, as is the foot rest system (seat position is adjustable).   – Anchor system.  Great.  Very easy to operate and requires very little weight to anchor (I use a 5# ball).   In general, very well thought out and constructed, and seems to be well backed.   A couple of caveats:   – Is directionally somewhat unstable and has a tendency to turn when gliding.  This isn’t a major problem, as long as the boat is properly trimmed (keep frame well back on tubes;  ie, toward the foot end) and good oarsmanship is practiced (pull evenly on both sides).  I suspect this is due to the  pronounced rocker in the tubes – which also contributes to its maneuverability and ease of rowing;  not a bad trade-off, IMHO.   –  Oars must be shipped behind when kicking or sitting, since they tend to get in the way of casting if allowed to float.  Also, have a tendency to bind against the locks in waves, popping the oars free. (I’m thinking about devising some holders at the ends of the tubes). Fortunately shipping the oars behind is easy and quick to do.    - Frame finish (powder finish) isn’t nearly durable enough.  With less than 10 outings, I’ve already got numerous chips.  Oh well, it’s an alumimum frame and at least it won’t rust <g.   – D-Rings are nickel plated, not stainless steel, and have tendency to rust, particularly in salt water.   I feel (based on the occassional waves we get on Puget Sound) that it will handle very well in most rivers (probably will need the 10" model though for serious white water stuff).  Lakes (after Puget Sound) will be a breeze.   In short, I thinks it’s a super boat and have no regrets about spending the premium $$.   Still, for $1K, I’d strongly suggest you try one out yourself before forking over the $$.  Where do you live?  If you can get to Seattle, Swiftwater (206-547-3377) handles them and may let you borrow their demo unit for a trial on one of the local lakes.   -Wes Wes Neuenschwander Seattle, WA

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I’ve had a Buck’s Bag Bronco for a little over a year and couldn’t be happier.   Well maybe, my oarlock system kinda sucks.  This problem I believe has been taken care or in the new models.  The problem was that in shallow water the oars would sometimes come out but for the most part this really isn’t a problem, you just have to pay attention from time to time. The anchor system unless improved sucks.  I love all the storage you get on the Bronco.  I have a pocket for everything from lunch to my camcorder and have extra room to spare for shoes, jacket (in case of rain) and of course all my fly gear, a camera, etc..  To get this kinda of storage on the Outcast is gonna cost a lot extra.  The new Bronco’s are made of stainless steel so the won’t rust.  I lend my pontoon out from time to time and some of my friends are pretty tall 6′5".  The extend the foot rest out all the way for comfort.  The Outcast is a one size fits all.  If you are real tall you may find it uncomfotable.  Make sure you check it out before you buy.  The Outcast has a better bladder system than the Bronco but I don’t know if matters.  I take my Bronco through the worst looking parts of the river and bang’em into trees when grabbed by fast eddies and haven’t had a problem.  No matter which raft you plan to buy, I say buying one of these crafts is the best money I’ve spent on fly-fishing (except my rod).

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I am closing in on spending about $1,000 on a kick boat – a very sobering prospect since i can’t try it before i buy it.  Am pretty close to picking the OUTCAST 800 – any comments on this or other kick boats would be appreciated – particularly interested in hearing from owners – goods points, bad points, gotcha’s – you know, the stuff you wish you had known before you spent YOUR money.

LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!  It’s really a cool rig!  I’ve had it for about a month now & really enjoyed it.  People are always asking questions about it.  I’ve seen a few others out on the water that are smaller; they seem to have to work harder when rowing, & have less space than the PAC-800. There’re some guys I’ve run into who are in a float-tube bass club in the San Jose, CA area (‘Bass-n-Tubes’); they say the kickboaters are begin- ning to outnumber the float-tubers.  I’ve seen several of their rigs; some have these 6- or 7-rod holders, depthfinders, etc.  Of course, Bass-n-Tubes won’t let them compete in their tournaments with motors attached, but I saw some motorized units at the recent Sportsman’s Expo in San Mateo, CA (where I first saw the Outcast models). I’ve been having some *minor* problems dealing with the park rangers & reservoir operators who don’t know how to classify the durned thing (e.g., am I a float tube or a rowboat?  Do they restrict me to certain portions of the lake?  Do they charge me to launch?).  All in all, though, I’m extremely satisfied with my purchase.  It’s so versatile & mobile, with *greatly* improved range over a float tube, especially with the added cargo space. I tie down mine on my Honda Accord roof rack; it’s a bit of a wind-drag, but it holds on just fine (poor gas mileage notwithstanding; wish I had leased a pickup truck rather than an Accord!).  I’ll be using mine primarily on the local reservoirs fishing for bass, but I’m sure it would be a kick flyfishing for trout on the rivers. I say, GO FOR IT!  It’s a BLAST! (Oh — and don’t let ‘em persuade you into buying the air pump.  For one thing, the Bass Pro Shops catalog has the same one for almost $10 less. But I won’t even consider filling it with one of those anyway; the local filling station air compressors are much more effective — and less tiring!). Jo-Bob says: Check it out! Good luck, & tight lines! J Smith Sunnyvale, CA

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Hi searuncut, I couldn’t agree more. My wife and I love our water otters. We’ve used them on every type of water you can usually find here in Montana. I’ve take mine through every type of water I take my drift boat through. If I were to make another purchase on a pontoon boat I would probably buy the Buck’s Bronco because of it’s adjustability. The River Otter is almost the same but a little more expensive. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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Question:

Any one know where I can find Flyfishing poetry?  Or more short stories like one posted: Testament of a Fisherman?  This for a speech class.  I love this sport and wish to convey this others.

There’s some in Izaak Walton’s book, now what’s it called… Andrew

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Of course, your public library will be cheaper, but probably won’t be open because people aren’t willing to spend the money on literacy.  (Oops, off topic.)

Sounds like a dedicated and somewhat frustrated teacher’s comment to me ;^                       Go Bruce!                              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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John, Your best bet for depth and variety is a fly shop, or catalog.  Of course, your public library will be cheaper, but probably won’t be open because people aren’t willing to spend the money on literacy.  (Oops, off topic.) I’ve heard it said, and probably said it myself once or twice, that angling has the most extensive, oldest, most thoughtful literature of any blood sport.  I reckon it’s because there’s so much time for contemplation between fish.  Even within this newsgroup you’ll hear folks wax poetic.   Good luck in your search, Bruce

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Any one know where I can find Flyfishing poetry?  Or more short stories like one posted: Testament of a Fisherman?  This for a speech class.  I love this

Best anthology yet is The Magic Wheel, ed. David Profumo and Graham Swift (British paperback, 1985). — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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Fishing Where the line sinks into the sky, Old men sit, waiting paul

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Any one know where I can find Flyfishing poetry?  Or more short stories like one posted: Testament of a Fisherman?  This for a speech class.  I love this sport and wish to convey this others. Thanx John

Nothing professional but here is a little day dream I had this morning in anticipation of my first Steelhead trip this weekend. My reel was screaming as the fiesty beast made another run downstream. My rod held firm as I turned the fish upstream. Slowly the mighty fish was coerced nearer to shore as fatigue set in. My arms ached in pain but I held firm. Suddenly, with a thunderous splash, the fish tried to escape again. Leaping in to the air it lashed about and threw its head sideways trying to dislodge the fly that had fooled it earlier. "Pull up, don’t give it any slack!" my companion advised. My 12 Lb. tippet stretched under the strain but it did not snap. Once again the Steelhead was running. The fly line burned my fingers as I tried to slow him. I managed to turn up my drag just enough to slow him once more. The screaming reel silenced as the fish came to rest 100 yards down stream. We both held still as one another tried to anticipate the opponents next move. Twenty minutes have past since I felt the first gentle tug on my line. Twenty minutes of thrill and anticipation. Just how big is this fish on my line? He’s lived in the open ocean for three years. Then an urge unknown to man posessed this fish to swim east. A mysterious instict that has guided this species for millions of years tells the fish to find his birth place. Thousands of miles and thousands of rivers but this fish seeked the waters that he was born in. His journey almost complete he now finds himself in an unfamiliar situation. A tug on his jaw forces him slightly upstream. This is a force that is much different than the force guiding him to the spawning grounds. This fish, who understands the true meaning of survival, pumps his gills faster. The miracles of nature energizes the fish as he fights the force that is opposing his quest. With a tremendous effort he hurdles his body out of the water and twists with all his might. Back into the river his mighty tail powers his body as he slices through the water. "He’s running again. Hold tight!" my friend yells. I helplessly watched as the backing on my reel quickly dwindled. I dare not touch the line as it is pulled from my reel at a speed of 25 miles per hour. In a last ditch effort to turn the fish I lay back on the rod with all my weight. Would this work or have I met my match? The line slows as the fish circles. 200 yards now seperate us. The fish rests again. I check my line to see that ony 2 yards remain on the spool. "Move down stream. Try to get closer or we’ll lose him!" my friend of fifteen years frantically yells. I start reel as I slowly make my way to the bank. "Keep the pressure on him!" I fumble to the shoreline and manage to close the gap between us. The Steely sits quietly in the flowing water as I gather my line one turn at a time. The floodwaters of last week have littered the shore as I work my way closer. Back into the water I go, carefully stepping and feeling my way through the river bed. A few more turns and my yellow flyline once again makes contact with my rod. For the last ten minutes it was the nylon mesh backing line that kept me connected to the opponent. A few more turns and the familiar looking flyline is started on the reel. Relief eases my heart ever so slightly and a little confidence returns. "At least if he breaks off now I wont lose my line." I proclaim. Forty yards to go and I keep the pressure on. A deep pocket of water lies ahead of me. "This is as close as I can get. Grab the net and I’ll try to ease him in!" are the orders I direct to my friend.  He’s lived in Seattle for 6 years and fishes at least twice a month. He understands the adventures of Steelhead and Salmon. He fished diligently for 2 summers before landing his first. An excellent day in this sport is several hookups and a single fish to the bank. Now I understand why. Thirty minutes have passed and forty yards remain. My forearms begin to cramp as I apply more pressure to the graphite rod. "Pump and reel, see if he moves!" my coach advises. The resting fish gives way as I pull him closer. Forty yards become thirty. Thirty becomes twenty, and twenty becomes ten. For the first time since the fight began I can see the fish through the clear running water. A beautiful silver body with colorful sides. Nearly three feet long and a tail larger than a plate. I can see into his eyes, and he into mine. His mouth is slightly open as he rythmically passes the water over his gills. I can see my fly in the corner of his mouth. A simple wirehook and some feathers. Not much more than that is what tricked this fish earlier this morning. For nearly a minute we stare at each other. Motionless, both of us rest. My arms are numb and my wrist are throbbing. "Towards the net! Pull him towards the net!" I head him towards shore and the fish focuses on my companion. He sees the net and wiggles his head. With a violent splash he turns his body around and powers his tail again. with a spray of water he leaps into the air twisting and turning. "SNAP!" then silence. The resistance is gone. My rod holds straight and my line lies limp as the steely slowly swims away. "Damn! He took my fly. Let’s take a break and tie some more of those up." I concede. "Too bad you didn’t land that one. He was almost as big as the last one you caught!" my friend consoles. "Oh’ well, chalk it up as a humane release. I just wanted my fly back first." — Fran Current

Response:

Any one know where I can find Flyfishing poetry?  Or more short stories like one posted: Testament of a Fisherman?  This for a speech class.  I love this sport and wish to convey this others. Thanx John

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