Question:

George somebody (can’t remember his last name) once told me to

I can’t imagine anyone named George flaming anyone in this manner. <g — TL, Tim

Response:

George somebody (can’t remember his last name) once told me to I can’t imagine anyone named George flaming anyone in this manner. <g

I’m shocked! SHOCKED! I tells ya! /daytripper (Could never happen here

Response:

There’s an old Western pattern, The Rio Grande Trude, that’s VERY similar to your Pass Lake. It was somewhat of a standard some twenty years ago, but you seldom see it anymore. There was a guy that specialized in the fly and caught some very big fish in waters that generally demand very small flies. One of the reason the fly is so good is that it fishes well dry, damp or wet. Willi

Help me out here. Isn’t the Rio Grande Trude basically a Royal Trude with out the red thread on the body? If so I keep several of those in my fly box. The Royal Trude is my favorite fly on my favorite stream. However, if the fishies are being fussy and not taking it, I will try the Rio Grande (or at least what I am thinking is Rio Grande) and sometimes I will start catching fish with it. It seems odd to me that that small of a change in the fly (no red body thread) will make that much difference. Also, if they are taking the Royal they won’t touch the Rio Grande. Russell

Response:

"pittendrigh" < George somebody (can’t remember his last name) once told me to It was funny.  In fact, thanks George. I needed that.

Sorry, I can’t help myself here Sandy… was it the telling you needed or did you actually do it and discover you needed it? c):-) Clark

Response:

  Very interesting.  Peacock herl is fascinating stuff.  There are many   materials with a vast range of uses in fly tying, but peacock herl is a   true standout among them.  It is the only material I know of which   virtually guarantees that flies incorporating it will catch   fish……there’s just something magic about it.  I have never   encountered a fly using peacock herl that is not a good fish catcher.     That said, I find it a bit odd to see it in a dry fly.  Herl, by its   very nature, floats like a brick.  Unlike many feathers, it is not the   least bit hydrophobic…..quite the contrary, it wicks up water so   effectively that it is difficult to make it float, even with the best of   floatants.     Never having seen this fly in action, I would suspect that the wing   stays on the surface while the body is submerged.  While this sort of   arrangement often makes it hard to keep a fly floating at all, thus   causing no end of frustration, it is often VERY appealing to fish.  My   own favorite Pass Lake works on the same principle.  I tie it with a   chenille body (equally problematic in dry flies) which will occasionally   allow the fly to sit on the surface for a short while but inevitably   causes the entire body to sink through the meniscus, leaving the wing   (at best) to keep the whole damned thing from sinking.  Both trout and   panfish frequently find this irresistible. My guess is that the fly Harry posted is going to float LESS well than your Pass Lake. CDC does float but not well enough to hold the weight of a soaked peacock body. Like you stated through, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. There’s an old Western pattern, The Rio Grande Trude, that’s VERY similar to your Pass Lake. It was somewhat of a standard some twenty years ago, but you seldom see it anymore. There was a guy that specialized in the fly and caught some very big fish in waters that generally demand very small flies. One of the reason the fly is so good is that it fishes well dry, damp or wet. Willi

Response:

Yeah you’re right, I over reacted and apologize to Sandy.

Not necessary, and not a problem. I did say "it’s interesting how ideas get invented multiple times," didn’t I? Anyway, if you want to play on the internet it helps to have a thick skin. Words come right off the tips of people’s fingertips, and, as such, are easily interpreted in multiple, unintended ways.   George somebody (can’t remember his last name) once told me to It was funny.  In fact, thanks George. I needed that.

Response:

I just made a new set of step-by-step tying instructions for the world famous ‘Flat Caddis’ This is a fly I’ve been tying for years. It’s an attempt an anatomically more accurate version of the Troth Elk Hair Caddis. This fly does lie flat to the water, like a real caddis fly. And I enjoy tying it. Does it catch more fish than an Elk Hair Caddis? I can’t honestly say yes. It certainly does just as well however, and it floats like a cork.   There is something about horizontally oriented parachute hackles that does a better job of floating a dry fly than traditional hackles. http://montana-riverboats.com/pages/pages.php?page_title=FlatCaddis

Response:

I just made a new set of step-by-step tying instructions for the world famous ‘Flat Caddis’

I also like this fly better than a traditional EHC but I like an EHC with no hackle in the body and a traditional hackle, full but slightly undersized, best. I also tie the wing slightly longer than normal. When tied that way, the fly rides the water "full of life" and you can easily give the fly some lifelike action which I think is often a trigger for fish. I also fish an EHC with no hackle at all. It floats reasonably well when totally dry but is most effective down in the film or slightly sunken. Willi

Response:

I just made a new set of step-by-step tying instructions for the world famous ‘Flat Caddis’ I also like this fly better than a traditional EHC but I like an EHC with no hackle in the body and a traditional hackle, full but slightly undersized, best.

I’ve always like the pattern you describe too, Willi, but I’ve never thought of it as simply a variant EHC.  I’m pretty sure it has a name of its own but that name escapes me.  Anybody? Wolfgang

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just made a new set of step-by-step tying instructions for the world famous ‘Flat Caddis’ I also like this fly better than a traditional EHC but I like an EHC with no hackle in the body and a traditional hackle, full but slightly undersized, best. I’ve always like the pattern you describe too, Willi, but I’ve never thought of it as simply a variant EHC.  I’m pretty sure it has a name of its own but that name escapes me.  Anybody? Wolfgang

 I think this style was first made popular by Ralph Cutter and  his e/c caddis http://www.troutflies.com/go.mv?ID=e/c and  Bob Brooks Headlight caddis http://www.troutflies.com/go.mv?ID=headlite Harry

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I also like this fly better than a traditional EHC but I like an EHC with no hackle in the body and a traditional hackle, full but slightly undersized, best. I’ve always like the pattern you describe too, Willi, but I’ve never thought of it as simply a variant EHC.  I’m pretty sure it has a name of its own but that name escapes me.  Anybody? Wolfgang  I think this style was first made popular by Ralph Cutter and  his e/c caddis http://www.troutflies.com/go.mv?ID=e/c and  Bob Brooks Headlight caddis http://www.troutflies.com/go.mv?ID=headlite

The above patterns are similar to the Flat Caddis Pittendrigh described. The pattern I was describing may have a name, but it evolved for me from a pattern described by Wright that from what I remember, he called a Skittering or Fluttering Caddis. He used spade hackle tips for the wings (some other tiers used mink hairs) that were tied in in three bunches. These materials are hard to get and the wing was hard to tie "right" so the fly would have action and good flotation. I substituted elk/deer hair for the wing. Over time, I lengthened the wing and used more turns of hackle but with a hackle one size smaller than "usual." This makes for a fly that skitters and hops on the surface very easily. Willi

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I also like this fly better than a traditional EHC but I like an EHC with no hackle in the body and a traditional hackle, full but slightly undersized, best. I’ve always like the pattern you describe too, Willi, but I’ve never thought of it as simply a variant EHC.  I’m pretty sure it has a name of its own but that name escapes me.  Anybody? Wolfgang  I think this style was first made popular by Ralph Cutter and  his e/c caddis http://www.troutflies.com/go.mv?ID=e/c and  Bob Brooks Headlight caddis http://www.troutflies.com/go.mv?ID=headlite The above patterns are similar to the Flat Caddis Pittendrigh described. The pattern I was describing may have a name, but it evolved for me from a pattern described by Wright that from what I remember, he called a Skittering or Fluttering Caddis. He used spade hackle tips for the wings (some other tiers used mink hairs) that were tied in in three bunches. These materials are hard to get and the wing was hard to tie "right" so the fly would have action and good flotation. I substituted elk/deer hair for the wing. Over time, I lengthened the wing and used more turns of hackle but with a hackle one size smaller than "usual." This makes for a fly that skitters and hops on the surface very easily. Willi

I’ve been tying caddis in this style for nearly twenty years and the idea was not original.  It was taught to me by the Malignant Dwarf who, if memory serves, learned it from someone else when he began twenty or more years before.   Sorry Harry, but what I’m thinking of (and what I believe Willi is describing) doesn’t look much like either of the flies on the pages you cited. Wolfgang

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just made a new set of step-by-step tying instructions for the world famous ‘Flat Caddis’ I also like this fly better than a traditional EHC but I like an EHC with no hackle in the body and a traditional hackle, full but slightly undersized, best. I’ve always like the pattern you describe too, Willi, but I’ve never thought of it as simply a variant EHC.  I’m pretty sure it has a name of its own but that name escapes me.  Anybody? Wolfgang

I’ve always heard them called Skittering Caddis.  There is a version at http://www.hawkeyeflyfishing.com/Fly_patterns/Drys/D15.html  ,though the version I prefer has no palmered hackle on the body, but a dense short conventional hackle in front of the wing. BTW I have used a larger version of this fly  (light wire size 6 salmon/steelhead hook) to good effect on steelhead this time of year – also effective on trout during the October Caddis hatch Bob Weinberger

Response:

"William Loehman/Susan Schwarz" I also like this fly better than a traditional EHC but I like an EHC with no hackle in the body and a traditional hackle, full but slightly undersized, best. I also tie the wing slightly longer than normal. When tied that way, the fly rides the water "full of life" and you can easily give the fly some lifelike action which I think is often a trigger for fish. I also fish an EHC with no hackle at all. It floats reasonably well when totally dry but is most effective down in the film or slightly sunken.

I like similar styles and particularly like an EHC with a cdc hackle instead of the traditional. Very effective on spring creeks. Clark

Response:

I think this style was first made popular by Ralph Cutter and  his e/c caddis http://www.troutflies.com/go.mv?ID=e/c and  Bob Brooks Headlight caddis http://www.troutflies.com/go.mv?ID=headlite Harry

Hello Harry: Yes, those flies are interesting: basically the same fly as mine. My proportions are different, and I don’t bother with a dubbed body, but basically it’s the same. Every idea seems to get invented multiple times. I got email from an historian the other day (among other things, he’s tracking down a reference to flies taken along on the Lewis and Clark expedition). Anyway one thing led to another. I mentioned to him I first showed the Flat Caddis to Gary LaFontaine in 1981, at a fly fishing demonstration Gary put on at Dave Kumlein’s Bozeman Orvis shop. Gary liked that fly, and offered to ‘help me get it published.’ In retrospect, I was a fool not to take him up on that.

Response:

Your right I was looking at the  Pittendrigh  pattern…. how ’bout this one? http://www.troutflies.com/pictures/flys/spent_caddis/spent_caddis.shtml – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I also like this fly better than a traditional EHC but I like an EHC with no hackle in the body and a traditional hackle, full but slightly undersized, best. I’ve always like the pattern you describe too, Willi, but I’ve never thought of it as simply a variant EHC.  I’m pretty sure it has a name of its own but that name escapes me.  Anybody? Wolfgang  I think this style was first made popular by Ralph Cutter and  his e/c caddis http://www.troutflies.com/go.mv?ID=e/c and  Bob Brooks Headlight caddis http://www.troutflies.com/go.mv?ID=headlite The above patterns are similar to the Flat Caddis Pittendrigh described. The pattern I was describing may have a name, but it evolved for me from a pattern described by Wright that from what I remember, he called a Skittering or Fluttering Caddis. He used spade hackle tips for the wings (some other tiers used mink hairs) that were tied in in three bunches. These materials are hard to get and the wing was hard to tie "right" so the fly would have action and good flotation. I substituted elk/deer hair for the wing. Over time, I lengthened the wing and used more turns of hackle but with a hackle one size smaller than "usual." This makes for a fly that skitters and hops on the surface very easily. Willi I’ve been tying caddis in this style for nearly twenty years and the idea was not original.  It was taught to me by the Malignant Dwarf who, if memory serves, learned it from someone else when he began twenty or more years before.   Sorry Harry, but what I’m thinking of (and what I believe Willi is describing) doesn’t look much like either of the flies on the pages you cited. Wolfgang

Response:

  Anyway one thing led to another. I mentioned to him I first showed   the Flat Caddis to Gary LaFontaine in 1981, at a fly fishing demonstration   Gary put on at Dave Kumlein’s Bozeman Orvis shop. Gary liked that fly,   and offered to ‘help me get it published.’   In retrospect, I was a fool not to take him up on that. IMO, it just a matter of marketing in terms of how a "new" fly name gets recognized and is largely just an ego thing. It seems to me that it is the person responsible for making a particular pattern popular that gets the naming "right", not necessarily the "first" person to tie it. IMO, there are very few unique flies that come out. Most are just minor variations. With the number of tiers out there, virtually all of these variations have been tried by some tiers. Not to criticize your pattern, but I find it highly unlikely that you were the first person to use the elk hair tag as a post for a parachute. Actually, I could give a shit and would be happy to call it the pittendrigh flat wing caddis. Your reaction reminds me of Andy Kim becoming pissed off because other people were using a thread body for their midge nymphs and calling them something other than "Yong" something. Willi

Response:

  Your right I was looking at the  Pittendrigh  pattern…. how ’bout   this one?   http://www.troutflies.com/pictures/flys/spent_caddis/spent_caddis.shtml That’s the right "style". I like a skinnier body, shorter denser hackle and a longer wing. Willi

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gary put on at Dave Kumlein’s Bozeman Orvis shop. Gary liked that fly, and offered to ‘help me get it published.’ In retrospect, I was a fool not to take him up on that. Your reaction reminds me of Andy Kim becoming pissed off because other people were using a thread body for their midge nymphs and calling them something other than "Yong" something. Willi, I’ve never read that sort of atitude into Sandy’s posts, and don’t really see it in this one. Sandy puts up detailed patterns and tying instructions for basically altruistic reasons (as far as I can tell). I have always appreciated his posts and his ROFF presence. To me his comment above was a simple honest statement of having had a chance to accept help from a very well-known person and for some reason passing it up.

Yeah you’re right, I over reacted and apologize to Sandy. I also value his input here and on ROFFT and think that he does have some very innovative ideas especially in his use of foam. I was on Andy Kim’s website the other night and read his rants and……. The naming of flies and credit for designing them has always seemed like   a weird thing to me. It seems to me to be more fame or ego or money or advertising related than substance. There are very few truly new patterns. Most are just SLIGHT modifications of other patterns being used. EVERY tier that has been tying for any length of time routinely ties his own patterns whether purposeful or inadvertent. Few patterns remain true to the original. More significant to me is when someone comes up with the idea for incorporating new materials into a fly or coming up with new techniques for tying or creating a new style of fly. But who knows who was the first person to use CDC on a fly or beadheads or foam or epoxy or who was the first to use a parachute hackle or dubbing twist or ……. If some famous person in the golden retriever world liked your work and offered to put a plug in for you, wouldn’t you feel the same way?  

No Willi

Response:

…. how ’bout this one? http://www.troutflies.com/pictures/flys/spent_caddis/spent_caddis.shtml

Yep, that’s the one I had in mind.  Interesting body in the photo.  Herl? Wolfgang

Response:

Here is a variation using CDC http://www.troutflies.com/rofft/cdc/downwing.shtml – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   Your right I was looking at the  Pittendrigh  pattern…. how ’bout   this one?   http://www.troutflies.com/pictures/flys/spent_caddis/spent_caddis.shtml That’s the right "style". I like a skinnier body, shorter denser hackle and a longer wing. Willi

Response:

Here is a variation using CDC http://www.troutflies.com/rofft/cdc/downwing.shtml

Tie that in black and you just might have a winner for the Bighorn.

Response:

I do tie it in black, I would show you ‘cepting my new DC has not made it to my door. I made the mistake of buying it over the net from what c/net describes as 4 star rated seller(good rating). I did get one after 10 days, plugged  it in and the LED read "system error". The manual says send back to Nikon if this error shows up. Back to the seller it went…now they tell me all of the Nikons they have are defective… I  asked for my money back after three weeks of  hassles and BS. I do not believe a thing these dudes say now , pity I have spent hula bucks with them in the past. No more, the sales manager would not even return my calls. BuyRiteDigital….beware – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here is a variation using CDC http://www.troutflies.com/rofft/cdc/downwing.shtml Tie that in black and you just might have a winner for the Bighorn.

Response:

…. how ’bout this one? http://www.troutflies.com/pictures/flys/spent_caddis/spent_caddis.shtml Yep, that’s the one I had in mind.  Interesting body in the photo.  Herl? Wolfgang

Yep that be herl… you should reinforce the stuff though, rope it, or a thread rib. I find this bug works well on the Yellowstone for some reason. Cutts eat it, but then, they eat lots of things most of the time

Response:

…..Herl? Yep that be herl… you should reinforce the stuff though, rope it, or a thread rib. I find this bug works well on the Yellowstone for some reason. Cutts eat it, but then, they eat lots of things most of the time

Very interesting.  Peacock herl is fascinating stuff.  There are many materials with a vast range of uses in fly tying, but peacock herl is a true standout among them.  It is the only material I know of which virtually guarantees that flies incorporating it will catch fish……there’s just something magic about it.  I have never encountered a fly using peacock herl that is not a good fish catcher. That said, I find it a bit odd to see it in a dry fly.  Herl, by its very nature, floats like a brick.  Unlike many feathers, it is not the least bit hydrophobic…..quite the contrary, it wicks up water so effectively that it is difficult to make it float, even with the best of floatants. Never having seen this fly in action, I would suspect that the wing stays on the surface while the body is submerged.  While this sort of arrangement often makes it hard to keep a fly floating at all, thus causing no end of frustration, it is often VERY appealing to fish.  My own favorite Pass Lake works on the same principle.  I tie it with a chenille body (equally problematic in dry flies) which will occasionally allow the fly to sit on the surface for a short while but inevitably causes the entire body to sink through the meniscus, leaving the wing (at best) to keep the whole damned thing from sinking.  Both trout and panfish frequently find this irresistible. Wolfgang

Response:

Question:

In San Francisco, some years back, a woman was arrested because she had a live hand grenade in her purse. There was a fishing line leading from her belt to the pin, so that if someone snatched her purse, it would shortly explode, killing the purse snatcher. While I do not feel too bad about the purse snatcher, as the police pointed out, there might be considerable carnage among innocent bystanders. I don’t remember what the legal outcome of the case was, probably an "illegal possession" charge. Boyd — "The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity." (Ellen Parr- author) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just to support an earlier statement… see men leave the privates alone…… Mike A Purse-Snatcher’s Worse Nightmare? ROME (Reuters) – Being caught and surrounded by an entire rugby team may just be one of a purse-snatcher’s worst nightmares. And yet, it happened for real to a man who snatched a woman’s purse in the northern Italian city of Bologna. The snatching happened close to a hotel where Serie A teams Benetton Treviso and Fly Flot Cavisano were about to hold a news conference. The pickpocket was spotted by two Benetton team members who ran after him, Italy’s Rugby Federation said in a statement. The two — Andrea Gritti and Massimiliano Perziano — are both full internationals. Lock forward Gritti is two meters tall and weighs an imposing 107 kg while winger Perziano is one of the quickest players in the country. The purse-snatcher, followed by the two players, sought refuge in a kindergarten, which was quickly surrounded by the whole Benetton team. The man was arrested a few minutes later by police. Benetton Treviso and Fly Flot Cavisano are due to play the decisive game for the Serie A championship title on Saturday. All opinions expressed are mine unless otherwise noted. Copyright

Question:

 When Bob Skinner learned he lives along the route I drove, and at the halfway point, he opened up his home to me and the lovely massuese.         did i get that right; did you say you and "…the lovely massues"?  the hell with all that other bullshit–let’s hear about *that*! wayno, goin for the jugular

  Great, Charlie.  You let the cat out of the bag.  Now, the eastern clavers will want you to spill the beans. I fear that the bottom will then drop out of the goat market, hurting a lot of the local farmers:( Bob Skinner — —–= 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:

Ok, so you attended the Western Conclave. You’re tired, you’re hungry, and you don’t have the time to post a week-long trip report… So how’s about you answer this little survey in the meantime? Most of the questions can be answered in a few words. It’ll only take a minute 1. What days were you there?

Got there friday night, airlifted out on Monday afternoon. 2. Who did you fish with?

Dan’l, Darin, Warren, the Hightowers, Bob Card and Willi. Planned to fish w/ KenF but arteries got in the way. 3. Where did you fish?

Fished once right next to camp, 2 smalls, one decent, all Browns. Second day fished up river a bit at burnt tree hole (?). Caught a few small browns. Third day fished braided channals south of town. Caught a lot of smaller browns. 4. What water was most productive for you? Loved the braided channels. Want to fish it again. 5. What was your favorite fly? I was using stimulators mostly, but I should

have used more . . . nymphs 6. What was your most memorable fish? 7. Did HWMNBN make a public appearance? Huh? 8. Did Ken and Vern get along? ? 9. What did you win at the raffle? A 3 weight line, 10. Where were you when Snedeker had the heart attack? Actually I was right

there. See that sucker was w/ Dan at the jiffy shop and Dan’l, whose offer of an aspirin had been earlier accepted, suggested Sned visit the clinic just for the hell of it. The countergirl said it was down the street, he went and, voila, started a whole chain of events that  . . . hold it. Sned IS ME! Yeah. I lived. At least so far. Ended up at Deaconess/Billings, great cardiac center, next am they found blockages and inserted 2 stints. Ill say more about these very interesting bits of stainless mesh some other time. Bob Skinner, is a great guy. He drove all the way to Billings and back to get my wife Bonnie to my van in Ennis. I will be forever greatful for that quiet kindness. 11. If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently? Quit

smoking 20 years ago and learned to hate eggs. 12. Which ROFFian was the MOST like you thought they’d be? All of em. No surprises really. 13. Which ROFFian was the LEAST like you thought they’d be? see above. Bonus questions (only one person need answer): (a) who won the bamboo rod and the Connor rod? (b) Is Snedeker going to be OK? Well so far. I was

lucky it happened when and where it did. I got the best care you can , I figured I was already dead so nothing hurt too much, and I got a pocket full of nitro in case I need it. Turns out I was having a rolling heart attack for about a month and kept telling myself it was musle strain, although I hear that Warren thinks it was his rap music that triggered the attack. No way Warren, although on second thought if it will  . . . .  And I survived so far.  Ive had a great life, and Im one dam lucky person. Getting tired and will post more some other time. Thanx for all the great wishes Snedeker – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

  You got that right Wayno. I took my girlfriend, who is a professional masseuse (strictly legit, sore muscles etc). Just what the doctor ordered after a hard day on the water; she also cooks and keeps a pretty tidy camp. The only drawback to having her along was that I seldom arose before 9:00 AM.

ahhhh, this post Charlie, in it’s simple innocence, is at this time causing wayno to tear what few reamining hairs he has out of his head. waldo

Response:

Walt Its even worse. The lady is classy, great lookin, has a sense of humor and fishes. Kinda like many of the other classy ladies of the West. To whom I dedicate this couplet: Yeah, and, and, and . . . she’s really cool. Grows her own, No pixy and looks grrrreat in the sun. Has a homeplace between John Day and Maupin, but mostly she’s keepen the old Beaver flying and in gas. Prefers older guys, dresses mostly out of REI, and little Sundance. Ties down to a 22. Somewhere West of Cheyenne Send er round Dave Snedeker – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   You got that right Wayno. I took my girlfriend, who is a professional masseuse (strictly legit, sore muscles etc). Just what the doctor ordered after a hard day on the water; she also cooks and keeps a pretty tidy camp. The only drawback to having her along was that I seldom arose before 9:00 AM. ahhhh, this post Charlie, in it’s simple innocence, is at this time causing wayno to tear what few reamining hairs he has out of his head. waldo

Response:

Ok, so you attended the Western Conclave. You’re tired, you’re hungry, and you don’t have the time to post a week-long trip report… So how’s about you answer this little survey in the meantime? Most of the questions can be answered in a few words. It’ll only take a minute 1. What days were you there?

I arrived on Fri. night the 21st and left on Sat morn the 29th. 2. Who did you fish with? Everyone who showed up except Ken, which I wish I could have. 3. Where did you fish? The Madison and Ruby rivers, Jack and Indian cricks, and two high altitude lakes with Steve (RW) which will remain nameless. 4. What water was most productive for you?

Probably the second lake Steve and I rode up to. We caught at least 2 doz. apiece in just a couple of hours. 5. What was your favorite fly?

Elk hair caddis, although this is not what I caught most of my fish on. 6. What was your most memorable fish?

The 20" cutthroat that I caught out of the first lake Steve and I rode to. 7. Did HWMNBN make a public appearance?

Nope, but I know where he was on Thursday, and I ain’t tellin. 8. Did Ken and Vern get along?

They appeared to. 9. What did you win at the raffle?

I won Michael Erana’s furled leaders and Forty’s book "Trout Stream Insects" 10. Where were you when Snedeker had the heart attack?

Fishing. 11. If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently?

I can’t think of a single thing. 12. Which ROFFian was the MOST like you thought they’d be?

To be honest, Ken Fortenberry. I can’t really explain why either. 13. Which ROFFian was the LEAST like you thought they’d be?

Steve. Sorry Steve, but it’s true, I thought you’d be more a serious type of guy. I was definitely wrong. Bonus questions (only one person need answer): (a) who won the bamboo rod and the Connor rod? (b) Is Snedeker going to be OK?

A) Vern won the cane rod and I’m cryin fix cause it was the first item up and his was the first name drawn. FIX! FIX! Just kidding Vern, you did a good, fair job with the raffle. Danl won the Conner rod, that lucky son of a bitch. I can say that cause it’s going to be a couple more weeks before he gets to a computer. B) Dave S. is going to be fine. Darin

Response:

Hello Peter Thanx for the good wishes. Im alive and kicking. Need a few weeks to figure this deal out. See whats included and whats not. Im just resting and glad to be alive. Take care Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – [snip] Well so far. I was lucky it happened when and where it did. I got the best care you can , I figured I was already dead so nothing hurt too much, and I got a pocket full of nitro in case I need it. Turns out I was having a rolling heart attack for about a month and kept telling myself it was musle strain, although I hear that Warren thinks it was his rap music that triggered the attack. No way Warren, although on second thought if it will  . . . .  And I survived so far.  Ive had a great life, and Im one dam lucky person. Getting tired and will post more some other time. Thanx for all the great wishes Snedeker This is starting to be an unpleasant trend. Take care and enjoy the opportunity to relax.  and follow the doctors orders, eh! Peter

Response:

did i get that right; did you say you and "…the lovely massues"?  the hell with all that other bullshit–let’s hear about *that*! wayno, goin for the jugular

  You got that right Wayno. I took my girlfriend, who is a professional masseuse (strictly legit, sore muscles etc). Just what the doctor ordered after a hard day on the water; she also cooks and keeps a pretty tidy camp. The only drawback to having her along was that I seldom arose before 9:00 AM.

Response:

Nice to hear from you personally David. Glad to hear you survived the ordeal.  Take your time and do some gentle fishing. Best wishes, regards, and tight lines! Mike Connor — "In order to know what is possible one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

[snip] – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well so far. I was lucky it happened when and where it did. I got the best care you can , I figured I was already dead so nothing hurt too much, and I got a pocket full of nitro in case I need it. Turns out I was having a rolling heart attack for about a month and kept telling myself it was musle strain, although I hear that Warren thinks it was his rap music that triggered the attack. No way Warren, although on second thought if it will  . . . .  And I survived so far.  Ive had a great life, and Im one dam lucky person. Getting tired and will post more some other time. Thanx for all the great wishes Snedeker

This is starting to be an unpleasant trend. Take care and enjoy the opportunity to relax.  and follow the doctors orders, eh! Peter

Response:

David Snedeker writes:

(nice stuff snipped) And I survived so far.  Ive had a great life, and Im one dam lucky person. Getting tired and will post more some other time. Thanx for all the great wishes Snedeker

Good for you, David.  Wish I could have been there with you.  Get well.. Dave LaCourse

Response:

"David Snedeker" wrote 11. If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently? Quit smoking 20 years ago and learn to hate eggs.

Dave,    Glad you made it.  There is no time like the present to quit smoking and eating those high cholesterol and fatty foods.  It seems like all the things you like to eat are bad for you.  You can set an example for all the 200+ pounders on ROFF. Ernie

Response:

Ok, so you attended the Western Conclave. You’re tired,…

Very you’re hungry,…

Very and you don’t have the time to post a week-long trip report

Very (???) 1. What days were you there?

Sat-Sat 2. Who did you fish with?

Bruce Bruiser Hopper, Warren, Willi Tight Line Loehman, and a bit with Ken, Bob Skinner and Ol’ Dan the Man Finn.  Have pics, will post. 3. Where did you fish?

Mostly the Madison (so much water!), but also Ruby, Beaver Head (huh huh), West Fork Madison, and a tiny private spring creek I got access to by being nice. 4. What water was most productive for you?

I netted big fish on the Beaver Head (:-) more later), but seriously, the Madison, most consistently below Ennis Lake. 5. What was your favorite fly?

Black Stonefly nymph, partly because all the fly shops said they wouldn’t work (I went in one shop and the bins with the size and style I wanted were empty, so I asked if they had more of em.  The guy said that he had in stock anything that I would want to use.)  I finally found what I was looking for at the True Value hardware store and went out and killed ‘em that day! 6. What was your most memorable fish?

First 2 are equal.  The very first fish I caught was a 17" brown from a spot that I worked *hard* to wade to, then it took off dowstream in heavy current. Then I had to work hard to wade *out*, this time fighting a fish, so I could get to a place I could net it. The second was a rising fish I saw in a quiet little braid in "the Channels". I cast and switched flies, and cast and switched angles, and switched flies and cast some more until I finally caught it.  Turned out to be an 8" brown, but still a great catch since I was so determned to get it. 7. Did HWMNBN make a public appearance?

Nope. 8. Did Ken and Vern get along?

Never talked AFAIK. 9. What did you win at the raffle?

Nothing!  They held it earlier than they said and I wasn’t back yet!  I gave my prize away.  Dang, I wanted a shot at that 8 ft 2 wt. 10. Where were you when Snedeker had the heart attack?

Telling him the size of the fish I just caught.  Sorry that was in bad taste – I’m joking only because I know he’s fine.  Enjoyed meeting Dave, had a nice chat with him about the fishing on the first day. 11. If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently?

Fish longer hours right from the start!  So much water! 12. Which ROFFian was the MOST like you thought they’d be? 13. Which ROFFian was the LEAST like you thought they’d be?

I honestly didn’t have any preconceived notions.  Sorry, boring answer.  Fun people though. Regards, Jeff

Response:

<snip Snedeker

Congratulations on making it back to the computer.  Glad to year you’re all right.  Best of luck and a speedy recovery. — Levi "So long, and thanks for all the fish."

Response:

   Glad you made it.  There is no time like the present to quit smoking and eating those high cholesterol and fatty foods.  It seems like all the things you like to eat are bad for you.  You can set an example for all the 200+ pounders on ROFF.

Ok, that does it!! Welcome to the new me. –Steve    2025

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…Thanx for the good wishes. Im alive and kicking. Need a few weeks to figure this deal out. See whats included and whats not. Im just resting and glad to be alive.

Sad news about your trouble Dave.  Good news about your survival.  I join the rest in best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.  A word of advice: don’t do that heart attack shit again; it ain’t good for you (let’s just see if we can get an argument about THAT!) Wolfgang

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   Glad you made it.  There is no time like the present to quit smoking and eating those high cholesterol and fatty foods.  It seems like all the things you like to eat are bad for you.  You can set an example for all the 200+ pounders on ROFF. Ok, that does it!! Welcome to the new me. –Steve    2025

"2025"? Yikes – that’s even more than three Marlon Brandos!

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –    Glad you made it.  There is no time like the present to quit smoking and eating those high cholesterol and fatty foods.  It seems like all the things you like to eat are bad for you.  You can set an example for all the 200+ pounders on ROFF. Ok, that does it!! Welcome to the new me. –Steve    2025 "2025"? Yikes – that’s even more than three Marlon Brandos!

WOW!  2 Kilobrandos! or is that 20 Hectomarlons? R

Response:

WOW!  2 Kilobrandos!

Apocalypse Now? — Charlie…

Response:

1. What days were you there?

Arrived Sunday afternoon, left Thursday morning. 2. Who did you fish with?

Willi, Dan’l, Steve, Warren, Bob, JeffC. 3. Where did you fish?

Ruby, Madison, a lake I can’t name for fear of death & dismemberment by Warren and likewise a section of river I can’t name if I ever want to have Robin Cunningham guide me again. 4. What water was most productive for you?

The guided trip on Tuesday. 5. What was your favorite fly?

Elk hair caddis was most productive but I caught my biggest fish on a hopper. 6. What was your most memorable fish?

A whitefish on the Ruby, my first ever. 7. Did HWMNBN make a public appearance?

Nah, he hid behind Mary Dorsey’s skirts. 8. Did Ken and Vern get along?

Famously. Vern graciously offered the use of his pontoon so I could fish the alpine lake with Warren, Steve & Willi on Wednesday. Thanks again, Vern. 9. What did you win at the raffle?

Had already made reservations for Thursday & Friday in the Park way back in March, before the raffle day was set, so missed it. 10. Where were you when Snedeker had the heart attack?

Dave, Dan’l and I went into town to grab a bite of lunch, mail a postcard, have some film developed, get some maps and buy brimmed hats ’cause the tops of our ears were gettin’ fried in the brutal sun wearing just ball caps. "AH HAH !", says Kristine at this point in the narrative, "you were shopping. Three guys shopping, it’s a wonder any of you survived the experience." Humph, says I, were not either, we were BUYING, not shopping. Dave got into his van and drove to the clinic immediately upon our return to camp so I assume he was having a heart attack in the back seat of my Subaru, bummer, but all’s well that ends well. Dave, you’ll have to finish that ‘Clave painting from memory and post a photo. 11. If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently?

Stay all week. 12. Which ROFFian was the MOST like you thought they’d be? 13. Which ROFFian was the LEAST like you thought they’d be?

No surprises, really. Trip report to follow soon. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

 When Bob Skinner learned he lives along the route I drove, and at the halfway point, he opened up his home to me and the lovely massuese.

        did i get that right; did you say you and "…the lovely massues"?  the hell with all that other bullshit–let’s hear about *that*! wayno, goin for the jugular

Response:

7. Did HWMNBN make a public appearance?     I assume you mean George.  Haven’t figured out the acronym, yet. Nope.

Bob, It’s from the "Harry Potter" book series and It stands for "He Who Must Not Be Named". The Character is Voldemort, an evil Wizard that uses his powers for evil instead of good and is always causing trouble for Harry Potter and his friends. Paul

Response:

Steve Zimmerman wrote 1. What days were you there?

       Saturday through Friday 2. Who did you fish with?

       Just about everybody except Snedecker and Vern. 3. Where did you fish?

       The Madison, Jack Creek, Indian Creek, and the west fork of the Madison (my personal favorite). 4. What water was most productive for you?

       Jack Creek, where I didn’t even try to keep count. 5. What was your favorite fly?

       Took 90% of my fish on an elk hair caddis. 6. What was your most memorable fish?

       An 18" rainbow that I pulled out of Jack Creek, remarkable because the creek was so small. 7. Did HWMNBN make a public appearance?

       Not personally, but he sent an emissary bearing gifts. 8. Did Ken and Vern get along?

       Everybody got along splendidly, as long as Vern’s dog doesn’t count as a claver. 9. What did you win at the raffle?

       The 7 1/2′ Happy Hooker donated by George. Much more about this later. 10. Where were you when Snedeker had the heart attack?

         Fishing on Jack Creek. 11. If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently?

         I would of had the air conditioning on my truck fixed BEFORE driving 1700 miles. 12. Which ROFFian was the MOST like you thought they’d be?

         Dan’l. What a hoot. 13. Which ROFFian was the LEAST like you thought they’d be?

         Ken Fortenberry turned out to be the nicest, most considerate guy you’d ever want to meet. I suppose everybody turned out to be nicer than expected, especially compared to their on-line personalities.  Any one of these guys would’ve given you the shirt off his back. When Bob Skinner learned he lives along the route I drove, and at the halfway point, he opened up his home to me and the lovely massuese. We spent a fine evening together, then went and fished one of Bob’s secret spots this morning. Thanks Bob, and any roffer who finds himself in northern Colorado is just as welcome in my home. Even George.

Response:

Ok, so you attended the Western Conclave. You’re tired, you’re hungry, and you don’t have the time to post a week-long trip report… So how’s about you answer this little survey in the meantime? Most of the questions can be answered in a few words. It’ll only take a minute 1. What days were you there?

     I arrived Mon. afternoon and left Friday a.m. 2. Who did you fish with?

     I spent most of my time with ‘ol Daniel, Willi and Charlie Wilson it seems.   3. Where did you fish?

     Madison, Ruby and Indian Creek 4. What water was most productive for you?

     They were all about the same for me, fair, by comparison to where I normally fish.   99% of my fishing is lake fishing and my knowledge of stream fishing is limited.  But, that knowledge was increased quite a bit by watching Willi fish.  Heck, that guy could pull a fish out of the back of my Jeep, I believe.  I really enjoyed watching him fish & learned a lot. 5. What was your favorite fly?

    I seemed to have the most luck with an elk hair caddis and beadhead pheasant tail 6. What was your most memorable fish?

    The best fish was the one I broke off in the Madison.   I’m just not used to playing a fish in moving water (or keeping my footing.  Didn’t get wet but it was close a few times.) 7. Did HWMNBN make a public appearance?

    I assume you mean George.  Haven’t figured out the acronym, yet. Nope. 8. Did Ken and Vern get along?

    I didn’t monitor the "companionship monitor":) 9. What did you win at the raffle?

     I won a box of "Holdzit" products: Tool Saver, floatant holders in double and single and a new product that holds a 35mm plastic film canister.  There were duplicates so I put the extras as an add-on on the raffle items so more folks would be exposed to the products. 10. Where were you when Snedeker had the heart attack?

   He was in the hospital when I arrived.  I did get to meet him, however.  As he took his keys with him and his wife flew into Billings, I drove to Billings & picked up his wife and drove her back to Ennis so she could pick up their van.  Dave looked good and was in good spirits. Had a nice visit on the way back to Ennis with his wife, Bonnie. 11. If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently?

   I would have drift boated the Madison.  You can only reach so much water when casting from close to shore.  And, as I’m not used to wading big streams (and the Madison looked really big to me) I would have been more comfortable in a boat (or pontoon). 12. Which ROFFian was the MOST like you thought they’d be?

   ’ol Daniel, I guess. 13. Which ROFFian was the LEAST like you thought they’d be?

   That’s easy.  Ken Fortenberry.  A pleasant surprise.  I really liked the left winger much to my surprise. (Dear Ken, I hope I didn’t destroy your image.  Steve asked and I had to respond:) Bonus questions (only one person need answer): (a) who won the bamboo rod and the Connor rod? (b) Is Snedeker going to be OK?

  Vern won the wonderful rod that you donated, Steve.  What a beautiful piece of work!  It was very generous of you to donate such a nice rod.   beautiful piece of work.  Charlie stopped by here on his way back to CO and I got to cast the rod.  It was a delight.  A 4 wt. (don’t remember how long) and a pretty rod.  I laid out 60-70 feet of line with out too much trouble.  Charlie will post more of a review when he gets back, I’ll bet.  Sorry, I can’t remember who won Mike’s rod but it too was a finally crafted rod.  I am really tickled that Steve, G and Mike would donate such fine rods, especially complicated to build bamboo rods. That’s way beyond the call of duty and is very generous.  It was fun to see the look on the winner’s faces.  Every winner was tickled silly. Bob Skinner  Buffalo, WY — —–= 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:

Ok, so you attended the Western Conclave. You’re tired, you’re hungry, and you don’t have the time to post a week-long trip report… So how’s about you answer this little survey in the meantime? Most of the questions can be answered in a few words. It’ll only take a minute 10. Where were you when Snedeker had the heart attack? Bonus questions (only one person need answer): (a) who won the bamboo rod and the Connor rod? (b) Is Snedeker going to be OK?

Holy…..!  He actually had a heart attack?  I saw something about it, but thought it was some joke I didn’t have time to catch up on… If so, add my name to the list sending good wishes. TC, R

Response:

Ok, so you attended the Western Conclave. You’re tired, you’re hungry, and you don’t have the time to post a week-long trip report… So how’s about you answer this little survey in the meantime? Most of the questions can be answered in a few words. It’ll only take a minute 1. What days were you there? 2. Who did you fish with? 3. Where did you fish? 4. What water was most productive for you? 5. What was your favorite fly? 6. What was your most memorable fish? 7. Did HWMNBN make a public appearance? 8. Did Ken and Vern get along? 9. What did you win at the raffle? 10. Where were you when Snedeker had the heart attack? 11. If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently? 12. Which ROFFian was the MOST like you thought they’d be? 13. Which ROFFian was the LEAST like you thought they’d be? Bonus questions (only one person need answer): (a) who won the bamboo rod and the Connor rod? (b) Is Snedeker going to be OK? –Steve

Response:

Question:

(Sandy’s observations snipped) — /* Sandy Pittendrigh                  –oO0

I think we’ve been down these threads before Sandy, but they are worth repeating.  I asked the question once before and never got a definitive answer (like you ever do in this group); What about crushing ants and rolling your ant pattern around in a bottle of crushed ants?  Work? Ethical?  I was stopped and questioned at length once by a game warden because he thought my Bio-Strike looked like Power Bait!  I might try the ant thing this summer though.  Mossy Creek Browns are notoriously pickey! Just an additional note here about the scent thing.  A Wildlife Biologist/Fraternity Brother always swore by Oil of Anise.  Said fish and small game couldn’t resist the smell.  What if some enterprising floatant maker developed Anise scented floatant?  Ant scented, Mayfly scented floatant lines? — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

Just an additional note here about the scent thing.  A Wildlife Biologist/Fraternity Brother always swore by Oil of Anise.  Said fish and small game couldn’t resist the smell.  What if some enterprising floatant maker developed Anise scented floatant?  Ant scented, Mayfly scented floatant lines?

I know I’ve mentioned this here before; but it’s been a while, so here it is again.   The state regs in MD used to have a simple clause for artificials-only water, "if it smells like bait, it is bait." Joe F.

Response:

I know I’ve mentioned this here before; but it’s been a while, so here it is again.   The state regs in MD used to have a simple clause for artificials-only water, "if it smells like bait, it is bait." Joe F.

If your gonna smear dead ants all over your fly then why not just hook a dead ant on the thing.  For that matter, why not dispense with the extra furry junk and just use the ant?  Let’s see, worms will hang on a hook easier than ants.  How about just using a worm and a big ball of strike indicater about 2 feet up the line?  Add to that a one piece bamboo "fly" rod and you have something which sounds familiar. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

Dear Chief the extra chili last night and they really enjoyed it. They howled alot during the night but seemed fine this A.M.  You forgot to take the extra set of underware I washed for you.  Perhaps you can borrow a pair from DEave, use your suspenders to keep them up.   Try to stay away from that Fontenberry guy, last time you went fishing with him you came home with alot of new dirty words and some screwed up opinions.  Take your celostral pill each  morning.your metamusal each night and don"t forget you should have one Manhatten each night. Your side of the tribe has never been able to handle firewater,

Response:

"Wayne Hart" wrote <snip Just an additional note here about the scent thing.  A Wildlife Biologist/Fraternity Brother always swore by Oil of Anise.  Said fish and small game couldn’t resist the smell.  What if some enterprising floatant maker developed Anise scented floatant?  Ant scented, Mayfly scented floatant lines? Wayne

How about giving the whole area a rotten egg scent after one of Dave LaCourse’s clave breakfasts?  It isn’t from Anise but that’s close. Ernie

Response:

Knowledge is power.

Excellent post Sandy. Mu, who spent the morning alternating between spinnerbaits and wooly buggers.  Didn’t bring my minoow trap though.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know I’ve mentioned this here before; but it’s been a while, so here it is again.   The state regs in MD used to have a simple clause for artificials-only water, "if it smells like bait, it is bait." Joe F. If your gonna smear dead ants all over your fly then why not just hook a dead ant on the thing.  For that matter, why not dispense with the extra furry junk and just use the ant?  Let’s see, worms will hang on a hook easier than ants.  How about just using a worm and a big ball of strike indicater about 2 feet up the line?  Add to that a one piece bamboo "fly" rod and you have something which sounds familiar. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine!

Man, y’all gotta complicate thangs…get a old field phone and a bucket…or for you wacky types, Nitromon S and a good defense lawyer…you can fish and check fer erl… R To crank is exercise…. To blast Dangerous!

Response:

Joe Fleischman writes: I know I’ve mentioned this here before; but it’s been a while, so here it is again.   The state regs in MD used to have a simple clause for artificials-only water, "if it smells like bait, it is bait." Joe F.

Well hell, Joe!  I guess I can’t fish in my favorite waders.   Hmmmmm, come to think of it, they don’t smell like bait, they smell Dave

Response:

Ernie Harrison writes: How about giving the whole area a rotten egg scent after one of Dave LaCourse’s clave breakfasts?  It isn’t from Anise but that’s close. Ernie

Ernie, damn it, I resent that!  My breakfasts at the clave are eaten by all with much gusto and no complaints.  If you ever get your scrawny ass to one of these claves, I will prove it to you, if I have to force feed the %&# eggs to ya!  <g And then I will get my buddy Jeffy to deep fry you an egg in bacon grease and we will force you to eat it.  Then, we’ll seal you in your waders, and send you on your way.   And people will shun you, forever and ever. Dave

Response:

Indian Joe sends a smoke signal: Dear Chief the extra chili last night and they really enjoyed it. They howled alot during the night but seemed fine this A.M. You forgot to take the extra set of underware I washed for you.  Perhaps you can borrow a pair from DEave, use your suspenders to keep them up.   Try to stay away from that Fontenberry guy, last time you went fishing with him you came home with alot of new dirty words and some screwed up opinions. Take your celostral pill each  morning.your metamusal each night and don"t forget you should have one Manhatten each night. Your side of the tribe has never been able to handle firewater,

Golly, Forty, only you and I made IJ’s celebrity  list this time around.  That underware stuff — is that like Tupper-ware? Your Pal, DEave

Response:

Charlie Choc: My breakfasts at the clave are eaten by all with much gusto and no complaints.   Never knew you were the cook at Tooties (where I ate *my* clave breakfasts)<g. — Charlie…

That’s right, you never stay at clave central.  Put it this way, if you liked Tooties, you will love the breakfast IJ and I will fix you.  (pssst, don’t eat Jeffy’s eggs). Dave LaCourse

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Charlie Choc: My breakfasts at the clave are eaten by all with much gusto and no complaints. Never knew you were the cook at Tooties (where I ate *my* clave breakfasts)<g. — Charlie… That’s right, you never stay at clave central.  Put it this way, if you liked Tooties, you will love the breakfast IJ and I will fix you.  (pssst, don’t eat Jeffy’s eggs). Dave LaCourse

i’m workin on lasagna this year…hmmm…now, lemmesee, where’s the bacon grease… jeff

Response:

In the Great State of North Carolina, it is unlawful to desecrate the body of the dead.  Furthermore, anyone who *smears* the dead aunt onto a fly pattern is just plain sick!!

Umm, Rosanne Rosannadanna, that’s "ant".  Not "aunt", "ant". Regards, Jeff

Response:

My God man, don’t unbuckle that wader belt up wind! Fishing tip for the day:  A fisherman in neoprenes with a tight wader belt can be used to replace a punctured pontoon if you feed him enuf Burro Chilli.  Hint: ensure he is secured with a slip knot for easy release and to allow for expansion.                                     Frank Reid

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Joe Fleischman writes: I know I’ve mentioned this here before; but it’s been a while, so here it is again.   The state regs in MD used to have a simple clause for artificials-only water, "if it smells like bait, it is bait." Joe F. Well hell, Joe!  I guess I can’t fish in my favorite waders.   Hmmmmm, come to think of it, they don’t smell like bait, they smell Dave

Response:

Folks, In the Great State of North Carolina, it is unlawful to desecrate the body of the dead.  Furthermore, anyone who *smears* the dead aunt onto a fly pattern is just plain sick!!

If you just hold it close to aunt Bea, though, it’ll pick up some of that gravy smell and that should work. — Charlie…

Response:

Folks, In the Great State of North Carolina, it is unlawful to desecrate the body of the dead.  Furthermore, anyone who *smears* the dead aunt onto a fly pattern is just plain sick!! Op

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know I’ve mentioned this here before; but it’s been a while, so here it is again.   The state regs in MD used to have a simple clause for artificials-only water, "if it smells like bait, it is bait." Joe F. If your gonna smear dead ants all over your fly then why not just hook a dead ant on the thing.  For that matter, why not dispense with the extra furry junk and just use the ant?  Let’s see, worms will hang on a hook easier than ants.  How about just using a worm and a big ball of strike indicater about 2 feet up the line?  Add to that a one piece bamboo "fly" rod and you have something which sounds familiar. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

You’ll have to ask Al for sure, but I think Tupper just wears big ol’ cotton panties…

Gee thanks.   That’s a visual I could have done without.  :-) Joe F.

Response:

Nice post.  The only thing I would question is the part about lateral lines left out of the fly fishing definition – I think everyone agrees a muddler minnow is a fly, and part of its appeal is supposedly that it gives off enough vibration to get a trout’s interest. Anyway, I think part of the reason some people are attracted to fly fishing is to challenge themselves to fool trout.  The less real the "bait/fly" is, the more challenge there is in the deception.  The more real it is, the less challenge.  How much people care to challenge themselves in this respect seems to be a very personal thing.  The more natural the whole *scenario* is, the more challenge.  Some people will set up a chum line of real beetles to be followed by their own beetle imitation.  I don’t know how legal that is, but it’s not entirely natural. Knowledge is power.

– Regards, Jeff Before you buy.

Response:

Golly, Forty, only you and I made IJ’s celebrity  list this time around.  That underware stuff — is that like Tupper-ware?

You’ll have to ask Al for sure, but I think Tupper just wears big ol’ cotton panties… — Charlie…

Response:

My breakfasts at the clave are eaten by all with much gusto and no complaints.  

Never knew you were the cook at Tooties (where I ate *my* clave breakfasts)<g. — Charlie…

Response:

Knowledge is power. I like to know things about fish behavior. I often try things just to see what will happen. Once my experiment is finished, my new experimental technique may or may not become a steady habit. But I seldom regret trying something once. There is a lot to be learned from bait fishing for instance. Years ago–when it was still legal to fish with sculpins in Montana–I used to go sculpin fishing once every two or three years. If you use barbless hooks and set the hook when you first detect the strike, you get to return the fish unharmed, if you choose to do so. More important, in a few short hours of sculpin fishing you can learn about large brown trout behavior what might take a lifetime of fishing with flies. I used bait fishing to make myself a better streamer fisherman. You can learn a lot about riffle feeding behavior too–by fishing with live nymphs. The feedback rate (the number of fish you catch) is so great you learn more in a very short period of time (when you fish with live nymphs). When fishing with live nymphs doesn’t work, for instance, you know the fish are asleep. You learn to recognize those times, and not to waste your time. When the fish *are* on the feed, you can catch so many more fish in such a short period of time, you don’t have to work with hunches anymore. You quickly learn how to size up a riffle: to know where the big ones lie and how the little ones line up behind. You learn how much weight to use, how much slack to throw, and how and when to wait for the strike. You can learn all of those things from fly fishing too, of course. But you learn it slower, over a much longer time period, and you reach conclusions with far less confidence when fly fishing—-because the feedback rate is so slow. We do what we want. I choose to bait fish occasionally because I learn from it. I fly fish frequently because I prefer to fish that way. PUNCHLINE:    The line between bait fishing and fly fishing can be substantially obscured.  I’ve been making soft-bodied, open-cell foam nymphs for years. They’re good looking nymphs. Because they’re soft, fish don’t spit them out. They swim around chewing on soft nymphs, which makes it easier to detect the strikes. With soft foam nymphs, you don’t necessarily get more strikes, but you definately feel more of them happen.   Then, the other day, while fishing in the Madison canyon, I found a fat golden stonefly nymph under a rock. I killed it on a whim: I crushed it up and squeezed the resulting paste into the body of a soft foam nymph. I rolled the soft foam nymph back and forth in the palm of my hand, in a puddle of bug paste. That (open-cell foam) nymph, at that point, became equally effective as a live bait. But I could cast it as far as my fly rod would reach. I caught one fish after another in a riffle I had been working steadily and unsuccessfully foam nymph, but without the bug paste. Now I’m not suggesting anybody else should do anything like this at all. But this is interesting information. Fish detect their prey by: 1) eye sight 2) by detecting vibrations with their lateral line 3) by smell. And smell, I think, is the most powerful attractant of all. Now that I think of it, perhaps fly fishing (for those who worry about categories and definitions) means fishing with a fly rod in a way that only targets the piscatorial visual cortex: IE with no help from the lateral line, nor from the (fishes) olfactory system. For those of us who enjoy breaking the rules occasionally (but still like casting with a fly rod), you can also target the lateral line–with lightweight fly rod wigglers. And you can target the olfactory system too (and still do long distance fly rod casting) by fishing with soft foam nymphs……and bug paste. — /* Sandy Pittendrigh                  –oO0  * http://nervana.montana.edu/~sandy  */

Response:

Question:

<SNIP Another question: Are Midges ever fished Below the surface film? When?

midges or more properly chironomids are best fished with pupae imitations in still water. As the pupae rises slowly through several feet of water before hatching at the surface trout frequently feed on these well below the surface – often just a few feet of the bottom. Long leaders and bead head imitations are popular in many still water locations.

Response:

I regularly fish some nearby ponds.  The most consistent bugs are midges and small mayflies, the trout grow large.  The best fishing often occurs in low light conditions, very early morning or twilight.  Since my eyes aren’t the best, I’ve had to improvise.  I tie a series of dry and damp flies on 18" to 30" pieces of tippet.  If I break one off or need to change flies I just run my hand down the leader until I find the knot and snap off the tippet. Then it’s relatively easy to attach a new tippet with a surgeon’s knot.  I fish from a john boat and arrange the new tippets in the bow of the boat with the hooks in some foam and the lines loosely coiled.  The change only takes a few seconds.  I’ve used the same system on the river with mixed results. Joe   —

Response:

<SNIP Another question: Are Midges ever fished Below the surface film? When?

Hi Bob, years ago all flies were tied to gut or horsehair, and the lengths were attached to the leader as required.  I would advise longer lengths than six inches if you do this, eighteen inches or so probably being better. Longer pieces get progressively more unmanageable. You will need to use "cast carriers" as well to keep your stuff from tangling, these can be as simple as pieces of card with slits cut in them to wrap the tippet and fly around. Loops as you suggest at six inches or less, that near your fly would just cause a mess, and ruin your presentation, as knots probably would too. I have seen an elderly gentleman using old plastic line spools with a piece of foam stuck to both sides  for this as well, he had a couple of about twenty four inch lengths wrapped round the spool, and the fly stuck in the foam.  Seemed to work OK. He was knotting the tippet directly to the end of his leader. If I was obliged to do this I would consider using the tiny silver rings available for this purpose, and attaching these to the end of the leader, then just attach the tippet with an improved clinch. These are very small, but a great deal easier to thread than a small fly eye. Midges can be fished very successfully just below the film, most especially pupa imitations. This is particularly effective during a rise of course. Adult midges may also be fished sub-surface. In cases where the trout are feeding on indeterminate minutiae a cream midge size 22 has worked quite well for me, although I very rarely fish flies this small usually. This may be fished at any depth, though not too deep seems to work best. Nymphing with a black or brown midge pupa is often very successful indeed. TL MC

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I regularly fish some nearby ponds.  The most consistent bugs are midges and small mayflies, the trout grow large.  The best fishing often occurs in low light conditions, very early morning or twilight.  Since my eyes aren’t the best, I’ve had to improvise.  I tie a series of dry and damp flies on 18" to 30" pieces of tippet.  If I break one off or need to change flies I just run my hand down the leader until I find the knot and snap off the tippet. Then it’s relatively easy to attach a new tippet with a surgeon’s knot.  I fish from a john boat and arrange the new tippets in the bow of the boat with the hooks in some foam and the lines loosely coiled.  The change only takes a few seconds.  I’ve used the same system on the river with mixed results. Joe –I have the same problem.  I haven’t tried it yet, but am going to pretie tippets to fly, but longer tippets.  I would store theam coiled up in small zip-lock bags,( suach as tying materials come in) with a piece of paper or cardboard inside with specs of conteants.  Jusst make sure you have a leader straightener with you.  Also Ernie Harrisons knot machine works great and faastens to vest.

Response:

Hi All, I have had the same problem.  I came up with 3 solutions. 1.  I purchased magnifier glasses called Flip Focus which attach to my sunglasses and can be purchased in varying powers.  Try Bob Marriotts in Southern California. 2.  I tie my tiny flies on Orvis large eye hooks. 3.  I use an Orvis threader box which contains a bunch of different sized threaders.  As stated by V. Ursenbach, these threaders will not work on very small flies.  However, with the Orvis large eye hooks I have had no problems.  So far, that is. Pete

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello: I would appreciate any opinions on the following: Looking at some REALLY small midge flies I recently received, and appreciating my eyesight degrading a bit each year, I am thinking about pre-tying a length of, perhaps, 6 inches of #7 tippet to each fly now, in the comfort of my warm kitchen. Trying to do it on the stream seems like it would be an exercise in near futility for me. I have enough troubles threading a size 12 or 14 fly these days. I guess I would also tie a loop in the other end, and use a loop to loop connection to the #6 or #7 regular leader tippet I have on the end of my line. -Does this sound reasonable? -Loop to loop only 6" from the fly-present any new, unique, problems? Another question: Are Midges ever fished Below the surface film? When? Thanks, Bob

Response:

You can fish midges any way you want, surface, in the film or below the film.  They work anytime a hatch is going on or not.  Midges are versitile meaning they are everywhere all the time.  Fish them below the surface with a sinktip, no need to even strip, just let it sit. The results can be surprising.  The loop connection may work, I don’t see why not.  Make them in different lengths so you can see if there is a difference. Good Luck, Forrest — Forrest http://www.FlyFishingREVIEW.com FlyFishingREVIEW.com Before you buy.

Response:

A cheaper solution than even this is a needle threader, available at the sewing notions section of you local store. . . .

One problem with this option: the needle threader will not go through the eye of a small midge. Sometimes I use #18 & #20 hooks and find the eye only large enough to push a single strand of line through.  I should say that I use 7X leader.  If I try to fold the line and push it through to make a polymer knot or such like knot the hook eye is to small.  Pushing a needle threader, which has a rounded end and double thickness of wire, is therefore impossible.  Especially when you try to put the leader in the loop and pull the threader back through with the doubled line.  When you pull it through there is now 2 thickness of line and 2 thickness or wire.  If the eye is to small to put 2 thickness of line through, how can 2 thickness of line and 2 thickness of wire go through?  It’s a nice idea, but it just will not work. Vern

Response:

I have been interested in this thread, too. I often use small flies (#18-22) and light tippets (7X). The light tippet lacks the rigidity to "poke around ’til ya hit the hole." And my eyesight… no it’s the tippet material. That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it… Anyway, I did some testing yesterday (Sunday 11/14). I bought needle threaders at a fabric/sewing store: 3 for 99 cents. I tried the threader on a #20 midge. It didn’t work at first. I then smashed the wire to a sharp point. It didn’t work,  either. I then used the "eye cleaner" on my clipper to completely clear the eye. The flattened wire went through it fine. I pulled through 5X tippet material.  Some one mentioned it may bruise to tippet material, so I used as little on the tag end as I could. I clipped the suspect part of the tippet and tied my too-many-turn clinch knot. I have attached the needle threader to my vest. Brad in Houston

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A cheaper solution than even this is a needle threader, available at the sewing notions section of you local store. . . . One problem with this option: the needle threader will not go through the eye of a small midge. Sometimes I use #18 & #20 hooks and find the eye only large enough to push a single strand of line through.  I should say that I use 7X leader.  If I try to fold the line and push it through to make a polymer knot or such like knot the hook eye is to small.  Pushing a needle threader, which has a rounded end and double thickness of wire, is therefore impossible.  Especially when you try to put the leader in the loop and pull the threader back through with the doubled line.  When you pull it through there is now 2 thickness of line and 2 thickness or wire.  If the eye is to small to put 2 thickness of line through, how can 2 thickness of line and 2 thickness of wire go through?  It’s a nice idea, but it just will not work. Vern

Response:

Bob- something I’ve been doig for about four years now for late evening fishing with midges and other small flies, too! I use about a 10-12" piece of tippet material and leave the end plain than use a surgeon’s knot to tie it into my leader….. great for the early mornings when the arthritic fingers haven’t started working yet either! I use clear film cans to store the flies with a small piece of funfoam on the hook points so they don’t tangle…. cut slits down the sides of the film can from the top rim and then slide the tippet through the slit so you can store them individually…. I get 6 or 8 in a can. Personally, I don’t care for loop to loop, especially when I’m fishing something that small and on that light of a leader…it adds two more knots into the equation and increases the chance of failure even more in my mind. As for below the film? Yeah, when they get slimed or forced under by a ripple… I mean short of ca cripple midge, I prefer to fish em on the surface and like using either CDC  as a "loop post" or white Arctic Fox mask as a post to increase visibility. Larry #:)#

Response:

Hi Bob, I’ve seen  a fly box that has sprung steel threaders on which you store the flies.  When you need to tie one on you place the tippet thorugh the threader remove the fly already threaded.  This will certainly help with 12’s, 14 and 16 but I’m not sure whether smaller flies will fit. Perhaps its worth a look. Steve

Response:

Steve: <<Hi Bob, I’ve seen  a fly box that has sprung steel threaders on which you store the flies.  When you need to tie one on you place the tippet thorugh the threader remove the fly already threaded.  This will certainly help with 12’s, 14 and 16 but I’m not sure whether smaller flies will fit. Perhaps its worth a look. Orvis sells two.  For $39 and $28!  Yikes!  Go to an Orvis store and see if it will take 18-22.  Probably will.  I have the same problem, Bob, but I have solved it by using fold-down magnifiers.  You can get them in different magnification powers.  Cheaper than the Orvis trick box. Dave L.

Response:

0] : Steve: : <<Hi Bob, : I’ve seen  a fly box that has sprung steel threaders on which you store : the flies.  When you need to tie one on you place the tippet thorugh the : threader remove the fly already threaded.  This will certainly help : with 12’s, 14 and 16 but I’m not sure whether smaller flies will fit. : Perhaps its worth a look. : Orvis sells two.  For $39 and $28!  Yikes!  Go to an Orvis store and : see if it will take 18-22.  Probably will.  I have the same problem, : Bob, but I have solved it by using fold-down magnifiers.  You can : get them in different magnification powers.  Cheaper than the : Orvis trick box. : Dave L. A cheaper solution than even this is a needle threader, available at the sewing notions section of you local store, three to a package, about $1. It’s a loop of fine music wire staked to a dime sized piece of thin aluminum. You’ll need to pinch the tip of the threader down a bit with pliers or forceps to fit hook eyes–its oblong for needle eyes as it comes. You poke it through the hook eye, put the tippet through the loop and pull it back through. It bruises the tippet a little bit where the wire pulls on it, so discard that little tag end. I find I can pull 5x through #22 eyes, no problem. They last anywhere from 0 to 100 threadings, so carry spares, they’re cheap. I have mine, attached with a bit of mono through a hole punched in the aluminum, on the same zinger as my tippet nipper. A bit of super glue where the wire is attached to the aluminum does help the durability. Mike — Michael McGuire                     Hewlett Packard Laboratories  (remove x’s from email if not      Palo Alto, CA 94303-0971   a spammer) Phone: (650)-857-5491              

Response:

When fishing light tippets, a longer tippet gives you more protection from break offs because of its ability to stretch. I’ve been tempted to pretie tippets but I couldn’t come up with a good way to store them and keep them from tangling in my vest. Instead, I keep a cheap pair of reading glasses in my vest (even though I don’t REALLY need them for reading). I buy at the Dollar store and usually get 2X strength. They help alot. Midges can be fished anywhere in the water column from the film on down. Deep nymphing with midges is very popular on tailwaters.  I was out on my home river (not a tailwater) this AM. The only thing coming off were a few midges. Nothing was rising or sipping but I caught several fish on a 22 midge drifted along the bottom of the runs at the heads of several pools. I came across a huge, dead, hook jawed Brown of about 26". Too old to handle the rigors of spawning, I guess. Willi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello: I would appreciate any opinions on the following: Looking at some REALLY small midge flies I recently received, and appreciating my eyesight degrading a bit each year, I am thinking about pre-tying a length of, perhaps, 6 inches of #7 tippet to each fly now, in the comfort of my warm kitchen. Trying to do it on the stream seems like it would be an exercise in near futility for me. I have enough troubles threading a size 12 or 14 fly these days. I guess I would also tie a loop in the other end, and use a loop to loop connection to the #6 or #7 regular leader tippet I have on the end of my line. -Does this sound reasonable? -Loop to loop only 6" from the fly-present any new, unique, problems? Another question: Are Midges ever fished Below the surface film? When? Thanks, Bob

Response:

…Looking at some REALLY small midge flies I recently received, and appreciating my eyesight degrading a bit each year, I am thinking about pre-tying a length of, perhaps, 6 inches of #7 tippet to each fly now, in the comfort of my warm kitchen.

There are a couple of problems with this idea.  First, six inches of tippet is much to short for just about any circumstances.  This puts your knot in a very visible location in addition  to doing horrible things to the mechanics of casting.  Second, appropriate tippet length is highly variable and depends on the situation at hand.  For example, in very slow clear water one would ordinarily use a greater length of tippet in order to keep the fly as far as possible from the fly line, and to allow a more natural looking drift.  Since a very long tippet can make casting more difficult (just as a very short one can) one can’t simply always use the long one either.  Third, appropriate tippet diameter is also variable and for the same reasons as above.  Fourth, tippet material is hard enough to keep under control when it is on a spool.  Having a bunch of flies in your vest with lengths of tippet attached would cause a nightmare of snarling and unintended knots. All in all, I think it is much better to acquire and use whatever corrective eye wear you can find. Good luck.

Response:

Hello: I would appreciate any opinions on the following: Looking at some REALLY small midge flies I recently received, and appreciating my eyesight degrading a bit each year, I am thinking about pre-tying a length of, perhaps, 6 inches of #7 tippet to each fly now, in the comfort of my warm kitchen. Trying to do it on the stream seems like it would be an exercise in near futility for me. I have enough troubles threading a size 12 or 14 fly these days. I guess I would also tie a loop in the other end, and use a loop to loop connection to the #6 or #7 regular leader tippet I have on the end of my line. -Does this sound reasonable? -Loop to loop only 6" from the fly-present any new, unique, problems? Another question: Are Midges ever fished Below the surface film? When? Thanks, Bob

Response:

Question:

Hi, Lets get a thread going on various tactics for fishing streams and rivers. Casting considerations Anti Skating techniques Are some examples for topics of discussion. Regards – Michael

Response:

Hi, Lets get a thread going on various tactics for fishing streams and rivers. Casting considerations Anti Skating techniques Are some examples for topics of discussion. Regards – Michael

Well fishing small streams is what i do best and most (those usually correspond).  As far as casting goes i like to dap a lot and also flip my fly to a different spot on the stream intead of a full pickup.  this usually is best because it doesn’t spook the natives.

Response:

Hi, Lets get a thread going on various tactics for fishing streams and rivers. Casting considerations Anti Skating techniques Are some examples for topics of discussion. Regards – Michael

   Well fishing small streams is what i do best and most (those usually correspond).  As far as casting goes i like to dap a lot and also flip my fly to a different spot on the stream intead of a full pickup.  this usually is best because it doesn’t spook the natives.

Response:

Yeah, I’ve found in small streams that usual rules of fly presentation often don’t apply.  An elk hair caddis that starts out as a dry fly, even when palmered, will often quickly get sucked under and pulled along as a wet and still seems to attract fish.  Dragging the fly all over the top and bouncing it over white water will get hits very commonly , sometimes even in relatively smooth water, when otherwise the slightest drag will spook fish.  Doodle bugs and Renegades also show this kind of "versatility". — Ken Brown Satis elequontiae, sapientiae parum.

Response:

Yeah, I’ve found in small streams that usual rules of fly presentation often don’t apply.  An elk hair caddis that starts out as a dry fly, even when palmered, will often quickly get sucked under and pulled along as a wet and still seems to attract fish.  Dragging the fly all over the top and bouncing it over white water will get hits very commonly , sometimes even in relatively smooth water, when otherwise the slightest drag will spook fish.  Doodle bugs and Renegades also show this kind of "versatility". — Ken Brown Satis elequontiae, sapientiae parum.

  I found the same thing in other waters.  Often it takes alittle action or sometimes alot of drag on dry caddis to get a response, and this is on fish that will be put down with just a small amount of drag when feeding on Mayfly duns. Overall, Mayflies are sedate, Caddis aren’t. Willi

Response:

While I was

wading out to a good spot at the head of a riffle, I had my fly drifting in the water when Wham! a nice 14" brown gobbled it up.  Now I purposely let my caddis dry bounce on the surrface of a riffle for a good minute or more.  Seems as though the fish see it as a caddis laying eggs and bouncing up and down on the surface.

Andrew, One might conclude (incorrectly) that one needs to have ones fly in the  water to catch fish from this… and sometimes not in the manner one would  normally use… Well, I saw a fish rising along the far bank of the Yellow Breeches some 30  feet away and cast a Letort cricket size 14 to it…. leader wrapped a small  branch of a leafy plant, causing the Letort cricket to be suspended 6" above  the water.  A rainbow leaped, nailed the cricket, broke off the leafy branch  still wrapped around the leader.   Netted ‘em both.   So… just get your fly  near a fish is sometimes good enough. tightlines, Alan E. Hoover Anglers’ Rest Powhatan, Va        *the trout teach many, lessons*

Response:

Re bouncing dry bouncing caddis in a riffle- I have done this in the dark with an elk hair sedge with rubber legs, and also let it drift dry down a glide till it reaches the end of its travel, then allowed the current to drag it across (presumably making a big vee -too dark to see!) The brownies will take at any stage of this technique, and produces bigger fish than during daylight or the dusk too. This is on a stream in N.Ireland, though I live in Scotland now! Gillaroo. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sure, I’ll bite.  Here’s one of my favorite techniques.  While I was wading out to a good spot at the head of a riffle, I had my fly drifting in the water when Wham! a nice 14" brown gobbled it up.  Now I purposely let my caddis dry bounce on the surrface of a riffle for a good minute or more.  Seems as though the fish see it as a caddis laying eggs and bouncing up and down on the surface. Anyone else try this? Andrew Hi, Lets get a thread going on various tactics for fishing streams and rivers. Casting considerations Anti Skating techniques Are some examples for topics of discussion. Regards – Michael

Response:

Lets get a thread going on various tactics for fishing streams and rivers.

How about this one.  I’m standing on the bank, I’ve just finished a cast and my fly is trailing downstream in the current.  I tuck the rod under my elbow, and light up a smoke.  Right about the time I get the thing lit, a fish hits, pops the rod out and pulls it into the water, as I stumble around after it. Similarly, I use this cast to look at water ouzels, deer, bears and clouds. Anglerboy — Trout fear me, Women want me. http://www.midtown.net/~angler/

Response:

How about this one.  I’m standing on the bank, I’ve just finished a cast and my fly is trailing downstream in the current.  I tuck the rod under my elbow, and light up a smoke.  Right about the time I get the thing lit, a fish hits, pops the rod out and pulls it into the water, as I stumble around after it.

I had this same experince. Managed to hold on the rod though. Huge fish too. Brad

Response:

  Lets get a thread going on various tactics for fishing streams and rivers. How about this one.  I’m standing on the bank, I’ve just finished a cast and my fly is trailing downstream in the current.  I tuck the rod under my elbow, and light up a smoke.  Right about the time I get the thing lit, a fish hits, pops the rod out and pulls it into the water, as I stumble around after it. Similarly, I use this cast to look at water ouzels, deer, bears and clouds. Anglerboy

I do this to fool the fish into thinking that I am unprepared.

Response:

I think of low and slow conditions during the hot summer dregs on small streams and offer the following advice:  Terrestrials.  Change flies a lot. Try some weird stuff, the trout will surprise you.  If all else fails, ah-ooooga, Dive!  Dive! with a good bead head marabou bugger. — KennyM "I fish because I love to…" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Lets get a thread going on various tactics for fishing streams and rivers. Casting considerations Anti Skating techniques Are some examples for topics of discussion. Regards – Michael

Response:

Umm, I just found a bunch of tips from Buzz Ramesy and Tim Rajeff on the trophy rivers web site  covering flyfishing http://www.sierra.com/titles/rivers/trivers.html         "Salmon and steelhead gather                  near the river mouth before                 moving upstream to spawn.                They

Question:

I live in Eastern Mass. and am looking for a good spot for Flyfishing. Any recommendations?

Response:

I live in Eastern Mass. and am looking for a good spot for Flyfishing. Any recommendations?

Try Walden and White pond for trout The Mystics for bass and pikerel. Any river off the North shore for stripers and bluefish Email me for more specifics Bubba B

Response:

Question:

A brief followup to my previous Paint Branch query: A friend and I fished there today (in the snow!) downstream of Briggs Cheney Road, upstream of Fairland Road. It looked like good trout habitat, relatively clear water, good riffles and drops, nice pools, good forest buffer for a hundred yards or more on either side… …but no fish in sight.  (The only sign of life was one little sculpin wriggling across the bottom.)  Are the trout extinct there, or just hibernating still? Scott in DC

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A brief followup to my previous Paint Branch query: A friend and I fished there today (in the snow!) downstream of Briggs Cheney Road, upstream of Fairland Road. It looked like good trout habitat, relatively clear water, good riffles and drops, nice pools, good forest buffer for a hundred yards or more on either side… …but no fish in sight.  (The only sign of life was one little sculpin wriggling across the bottom.)  Are the trout extinct there, or just hibernating still? Scott in DC

Scott, Although I never tried fishing Paint Branch, I scouted it once during the early Summer with a pair of polarized glasses and observed two or three small trout.  By the way, there’s lots of great flyfishing for Smallmouth available in your local area. Regards, Eric Higgins

Response:

Question:

ANYONE IN THIS NEWSGROUP INTERESTED IN A SE MASS S/W FLY FISH COAST E MAIL ME DIRECT REGARDS MATT

Response:

I’m interested.

Response:

Question:

My brother wants to buy a Renzetti Traveller.  Should I try to talk him out of it?  If so, should he get a Regal or a more expensive Renzetti?

IMO, no, its a very good vice for the money unless of course he has the money to buy the more expensive vice. (Regals ARE nice) Then just on principal he should get the more exensive vice. After all this is fly fishing <vbseg. Right now he is suffering with one of those $13 Indian vises, so he does need a new vise.

Yes he does I am bothered a little bit by the fact that the Traveller’s rotation does not lock.

If you don’t want to use the rotary feature (I don’t), just tighten the rotary mechanism against the post and it will lock. Is this a real handicap, or am I rationalizing my fidelity to my

Thompson Pro? You’re just rationalizing Wayne Knight Marietta GA                                              

Response:

writes: My brother wants to buy a Renzetti Traveller.  Should I try to talk him
out of it?  If so, should he get a Regal or a more expensive Renzetti? Right now he is suffering with one of those $13 Indian vises, so he does
need a new vise.
I am bothered a little bit by the fact that the Traveller’s rotation does
not lock.  Is this a real handicap, or am I rationalizing my fidelity to
my Thompson Pro?

I’ve used a Renzetti Traveller for more than three years now and love it! It should be noted that I got no real experience with any other vices, except a few Indian ones that didn’t last me long. I guess the locking could be an handicap, but I’ve never missed it for my tying (mostly saltwater and salmon). And it travels real well! Inge

Response:

: It should be noted that I got no real experience with any other vices, : except a few Indian ones that didn’t last me long. A good vice should last a lifetime, I always say. (Sorry, couldn’t resist…) — BW Brad Williams —

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… I am bothered a little bit by the fact that the Traveller’s rotation does not lock.  Is this a real handicap, or am I rationalizing my fidelity to my Thompson Pro?

You can in fact, adjust the drag (to the point of locking) on the renzetti’s rotation using the 2 friction wheels. It’s not the most convenient system though. Personally, I use the traveller as my only vise. I do travel alot and often bring my tying case with me. The size and weight of the traveller are great for this. Otherwise, the traveller is a great vise for the money. Good jaws, large range and very functional, at 1/3rd the price of the rest of the renzetti line. rick

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I’ve used everything from the Thompson A vise through the Renzetti, HMH, and Regal, and I’ve ended up with the Regal…it’s an absolutely foolproof vise,provides resting place for the left hand, is perfectly rotatable, esp. if Ingeset it up horizontally, can be used right-= or left- handed, has interchangeable heads, and can be had for a reasonable price.  The other vises are wonderful, too, but nothing beats the Regal in my view (for what it’s worth), and I’ve been tying flies for more than fifty years. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – writes: My brother wants to buy a Renzetti Traveller.  Should I try to talk him out of it?  If so, should he get a Regal or a more expensive Renzetti? Right now he is suffering with one of those $13 Indian vises, so he does need a new vise. I am bothered a little bit by the fact that the Traveller’s rotation does not lock.  Is this a real handicap, or am I rationalizing my fidelity to my Thompson Pro? I’ve used a Renzetti Traveller for more than three years now and love it! It should be noted that I got no real experience with any other vices, except a few Indian ones that didn’t last me long. I guess the locking could be an handicap, but I’ve never missed it for my tying (mostly saltwater and salmon). And it travels real well! Inge

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I have responded several times to questions about the Renzetti Traveller. It is wonderful.  The issue of the rotation not locking is a non issue. What makes the Renzetti system so nice is that the rotation of the hook shaft is central, due to the offset jaws.  Therefore, there is no tendency for the vice to rotate under load.  The other thing that is very nice about the Traveller that is not true of the higher priced Renzettis; it will rotate in both directions.  This is very useful if you tie ribbing reverse-wrapped over palmered hackle, such as in a Spey salmon or steelhead fly.   Crashjibe

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writes: My brother wants to buy a Renzetti Traveller.  Should I try to talk him out of it?  If so, should he get a Regal or a more expensive Renzetti? Right now he is suffering with one of those $13 Indian vises, so he does need a new vise.

I have both a Regal and a Renzetti Traveller. I love the Renzetti. It works very well, is very well designed, and weighs only 8 ounces! Steve Rosenblum

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I’m relatively new to tying.  After breaking my beginner $13 Indian vise, I bought a Renzetti Traveller.  I really like the Traveller–but admitedly I don’t have much experience for comparisons.   By the way, you CAN lock the rotation by increasing the drag sufficiently, although it’s not overwhelmingly convenient.

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The Traveller is the BEST vise for someone upgrading from a beginners-type vise. The price is right, and it will be years before he outgrows the vise and feels he needs a more sophisticated one. And then he will have one for traveling and one for the home base!!!

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My brother wants to buy a Renzetti Traveller.  Should I try to talk him out of it?  If so, should he get a Regal or a more expensive Renzetti? Right now he is suffering with one of those $13 Indian vises, so he does need a new vise. I am bothered a little bit by the fact that the Traveller’s rotation does not lock.  Is this a real handicap, or am I rationalizing my fidelity to my Thompson Pro? — Keep your stick on the ice.

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I really enjoy tying with mine, it’s all I need in a vise.  

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I really enjoy tying with mine, it’s all I need in a vise.  

Have you tried a Regal vise yet?  I have an Inex (their cheapest model) and I love it.  Sometimes I wish it were a rotary, but that’s only once and a while.  The spring loaded clamping method they use is really neat.  Just work the handle and insert a hook. One problem though.  If you don’t put the hook in enough, it may pop out and chip the tip of the jaws.  I did that twice then sent it back.  They fixed it for free, but made it clear that the next time I do that it will cost $25 for a new set of jaws.  Plus I have kids, so I have to find every hook I drop.  One flew over 10 feet out into the hall.  Thank goodness hooks are made out of ferrous (sp?) metal. I was wondering if other cam-type vises do this too?   A sunny day,      a box of midges,         and a wandering stream…   Man, this MUST be heaven!   <    Steve Kulpa    <<

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