Question:

Had not seen many Alaska posts yet this year.  One guy was worried about RV park reservations and I sent the following email which said he had bigger problems facing him than park reservations. …. We got back into Washington before October but drove on to Texas then back to Oregon, 22,000 miles round trip …

Does driving to Texas before an Alaska trip heat your tires up enough to get you up back up to Alaska?

Response:

The purpose of my original post was to suggest common sense RV prep when going to Alaska.  We are particularly indebted to this NG.  We want to thank all posters for their past service.  A number of individuals posted extremely useful information, some posts turned out to be essential. Oh we had a great time going to Alaska – it was truly a trip of a lifetime for us.  We enjoyed coming and going through BC and Yukon as much as Alaska itself.  We took our time, tried to be flexible, stayed 2-3 days in one area and generally towed our 30′ Arctic Fox on paved roads.   Maybe our prep was more than most people but our experiences were about average from what we heard from other people for the time we spent there. From May to September, I probably fished 100 times – no ocean nor fly outs – all roadside angling, some days no fishing, some days three times.  Many days I got skunked, some times I limited out but mostly I caught just enough fish to make it FUN!  My wife read a lot and put our photographs in binders which are the envy of kids and family.  We saw Valdez on a sunny day which was spectacular!  One day while fishing near Talkeetna, I saw sunny Denali in all its glory(but my wife missed it). We enjoyed touring Homer, Fairbanks, Hyder, Ketchikan and Seward and other spots.  But our most enduring memories are of the friends we made coming, going and while there. If you haven’t gone, go.  If you’ve gone before, go again. But realize in Alaska, Yukon, B C and Alberta services may not always be available. Be prepared.  On the Cassiar Highway, a guy from Maine and I stopped to help an older gentlemen with a blowout who had driven all the way from North Carolina.  Between us we were able to get him back on his way because he did not have a jack and his spare tire was flat. Go figure.  John  To reply, lose FLYROD

Response:

a party pissing & moaning about the terrible travel conditions on a trip to AK: All I can say is, you are like a friend of ours that also went to Alaska, and had the same outlook about the trip as you.

Unfortunately, some of the people who like travel seem to like it because it gives them new and different things to piss & moan about. They snarl about the lousy condition of the Alcan highway, oblivious of the fact that it is virtually impossible to keep such a road in pristine condition, considering its remoteness, length, terrain, and vicious climactic conditions.  They bitch about the magnificent Top Of The World Highway, insensitive to the fact that it was built and is maintained mainly for their pleasure.  They recite how many equipment problems they and their ilk suffer, clueless about the ill effects of stupid driving practices and neglected maintenance.   People looking for something to cry about will find it.  It doesn’t matter where they look.   For us, our trip to AK was one of the greatest travel experience we’ve enjoyed in over 40 years of rv travel.  We were delighted, impressed, and grateful for the work that is done by both Canadian and Alaskan highway crews to make it possible for us to tour such magnificent country is relative comfort and safety.  We had some flat tires and saw some others who had troubles, but we did not think to blame them on AK or BC.   Your personal attitude will dictate whether you are happy or unhappy. Circumstances have little to do with happiness. Will Sill

Response:

Had not seen many Alaska posts yet this year.  One guy was worried about RV park reservations and I sent the following email which said he had bigger problems facing him than park reservations. Last year we cleared Vancouver BC on April 30 heading north but they had late spring storms and we got snowed in several times and several northern BC and Yukon lakes were still frozen so we skipped on to Valdez to get into fishing.  Unlike us, you might want to dawdle in US or southern Canada until ice out all the way. We got back into Washington before October but drove on to Texas then back to Oregon, 22,000 miles round trip The RV res info previously posted is fairly accurate.  2002 RV traffic was down 10-25% from 2001 and with gas/diesel expected to be higher this summer, my guess is traffic will be down more than last year which will free up more RV spaces in crowded areas such as Los Anchorage, Fairbanks, Denali, Palmer, Homer, Paxton, North Pole and others. Watch out for the dreaded RV caravans.  Some parks block out spaces for them and will chase you out just so their caravan buddies can park next to each other. I hate to move around until we’re ready to go.  Be sure and ask the parks how long you can stay at that spot.  Parks at Palmer, Los Anchorage and Fairbanks were snitty so we passed them up the second time through. Like most people going to Alaska you have bigger problems facing you than where to park.  You better make sure all your equipment is in tip top shape. We saw three class C’s burned out – one on fire as we passed, 8 trailers 5ers and class A’s under tow, 3 class A’s wrecked on the side of the road, one 5er and tow truck rolled and we listened intently while 3 New Hampshire guys told us how they waited 3 hours on Top Of the World Highway while Search and Rescue used grappling hooks trying to pull up body parts from a diesel pusher that went over the side. Oh yeah.  We were so smug and pleased with ourselves.  We had double spare tires, auxiliary batteries, water, diesel and backup fuses, lights, filters, oil, etc.  We drove slow and we drove carefully and we only had minor damage and repairs.  We thought we had skated by. Then we got back to Oregon and a trailer rim separated and tire exploded, a gray tank separated, our transmission went out, trailer and truck breaks went out, a tow truck tire exploded and we found propane and water leaks.  O well.  The Alaska highways can be humiliating.  Like the Boy Scouts – Be Prepared! John To reply, lose FLYROD

Response:

Los Anchorage? Please explain.

Response:

All I can say is, you are like a friend of ours that also went to Alaska, and had the same outlook about the trip as you. There are over 135 people a week dying on US highways, so they are to be expected, even in Alaska. On the other hand, I only saw a couple of rigs in distress, nothing life threatening. We enjoyed the trip very much, and would like to return. I notice one thing you pointed out.  From all the problems you had with your rig after returning to the states, You must have pushed your rig beyond it’s design capabilities or it wasn’t maintained in the best condition before you took the trip.  My rig suffered none of the calamities you mention, either in Alaska, or after returning home.  When road conditions were bad, we slow to a crawl so as not to do damage.  I did need some new tires, but that was expected before we made the trip. Tom J Had not seen many Alaska posts yet this year.  One guy was worried about RV park reservations and I sent the following email which said he had bigger problems facing him than park reservations. Last year we cleared Vancouver BC on April 30 heading north but they had late spring storms and we got snowed in several times and several northern BC and Yukon lakes were still frozen so we skipped on to Valdez to get into fishing.  Unlike us, you might want to dawdle in US or

southern Canada until ice out all the way. We got back into Washington before

October but drove on to Texas then back to Oregon, 22,000 miles round trip The RV res info previously posted is fairly accurate. 2002 RV traffic was down 10-25% from 2001 and with gas/diesel expected to be higher this summer, my guess is traffic will be down more than last year which will free up more RV spaces in crowded areas such as Los Anchorage,

Fairbanks, Denali, Palmer, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Homer, Paxton, North Pole and others. Watch out for the dreaded RV caravans.  Some parks block out spaces for them and will chase you out just so their caravan buddies can park next to each other. I hate to move around until we’re ready to go.  Be sure and ask the parks how long you can stay at that spot.  Parks at Palmer, Los Anchorage and Fairbanks were snitty so we passed them up the second time through. Like most people going to Alaska you have bigger problems facing you than where to park.  You better make sure all your equipment is in tip top shape. We saw three class C’s burned out – one on fire as we passed, 8 trailers 5ers and class A’s under tow, 3 class A’s wrecked on the side of the road, one 5er and tow truck rolled and we listened intently

while 3 New Hampshire guys told us how they waited 3 hours on Top Of the World Highway while Search and Rescue used grappling hooks trying to pull up body parts from a diesel pusher that went over the side. Oh yeah.  We were so smug and pleased with ourselves.  We had double spare tires, auxiliary batteries, water, diesel and backup

fuses, lights, filters, oil, etc.  We drove slow and we drove carefully and we

only had minor damage and repairs.  We thought we had skated by. Then we got

back to Oregon and a – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – trailer rim separated and tire exploded, a gray tank separated, our transmission went out, trailer and truck breaks went out, a tow truck tire exploded and we found propane and water leaks.  O well. The Alaska highways can be humiliating.  Like the Boy Scouts – Be Prepared! John To reply, lose FLYROD

Response:

I don’t understand your point in posting this  crap.  2002 RV traffic was down 10-25% from 2001

Where did you get this info? Is this from your own count? Why couldn’t it be narrowed down to say 19%. I don’t a big math guy, but 10-25% allows for like 250% error. Is all of this coffee shop talk. Just some wild guesses? I can assure you that Los Angeles and Anchorage have little in common. The "main street" highway 1 is 2-3 lanes wide and runs at 35-45mph. That what caravans do–everything together. And they are a considerable income source to campground owners. If there are only a few sites available when you check, and your site is booked for a caravan in a week–then you have to move. If you don’t undstand this, ask when checking into a campground. I have made three (five actually, the first two don’t count as they were to Ketchikan) to Alaska and have seen only one burned out RV. You say you saw three last year, what do that mean. Do you suppose there is something air in Alaska that makes class Cs burn? How many burned out vehicles have you seen in Los Angeles? And you saw 8 RVs under tow, was that in you total of 22K miles? What do you mean by "3 class A’s wrecked on the side of the road"? What does that have to do with being in tip top shape? And the grappling hook story? What is that supposed to tell us? That class As just fly off the road on the Top of the World, but not in Colorado or Vermont. I do appreciate you telling everyone that extra tires, fuel, water and fuses aren’t needed for the trip. Why not tell everyone that the roads for the most part are in very good condition. That there areas of not so good road in construction areas and one must drive slowly through these areas. That the Top of the World really isn’t too bad of a road, but does have some sections where driving slow is required. Beter yet, why not just tell eveyone about the hazards of taking an old motorhome in poor condition to Oregon and to beware of tow truck tires.  

Response:

Question:

It seems that a few ambitious entreprenures are bucking the trend with the demise of theme restaurants around the country to create a fly fishing theme restaurant.

Tony, Please say you made this up.  If so, well done, buddy.  Very, very funny.  If not, I need a drink.   JR

Response:

restaurants are planned in swank locales around the country such as Aspen, Sun Valley, Stowe and Banner Elk, North Carolina.  

huh….Banner Elk? please god, tell me it ain’t so. –Wataugan "swank in carolina" Walt

Response:

restaurants are planned in swank locales around the country such as Aspen, Sun Valley, Stowe and Banner Elk, North Carolina.   huh….Banner Elk? please god, tell me it ain’t so. –Wataugan "swank in carolina" Walt

        hell, walt, now you gonna be sellin books to madonna! wayno the envious – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

In article Greetings all at ROFF, It seems that a few ambitious entreprenures are bucking the trend with the demise of theme restaurants around the country to create a fly fishing theme restaurant. You know the names – Planet Hollywood, The Hard Rock Cafe, etc. This one is tentatively called A Restaurant Runs Though It (what else?) –

(snip) I assume that the featured entrees will be vienna sausage and possum. Mark Faulkner

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – restaurants are planned in swank locales around the country such as Aspen, Sun Valley, Stowe and Banner Elk, North Carolina.   huh….Banner Elk? please god, tell me it ain’t so. –Wataugan "swank in carolina" Walt        hell, walt, now you gonna be sellin books to madonna! wayno the envious

dang wayno, never thought of that…you think bruce and demi will stop by? man oh man, if claudia came by i’d get a tingle in me bells. waldo the hopeful

Response:

dang wayno, never thought of that…you think bruce and demi will stop by? man oh man, if claudia came by i’d get a tingle in me bells.

Bruce and Demi have split up (at least that’s what she told me<g). — Charlie…

Response:

Please say you made this up.  If so, well done, buddy.  Very, very funny.  If not, I need a drink.

JR, The developers of "A Restaurant Runs Through It" wouldn’t  want *anybody* to miss the boat with this opportunity.  Franchises are available throughout the country (except for the North Carolina region which has an oversupply of account reps). Would you like a prospectus to review at your lesiure over the winter? A happy and healthy new year to you and yours! Tony Ritter

Response:

Greetings all at ROFF, It seems that a few ambitious entreprenures are bucking the trend with the demise of theme restaurants around the country to create a fly fishing theme restaurant. You know the names – Planet Hollywood, The Hard Rock Cafe, etc. This one is tentatively called A Restaurant Runs Though It (what else?) – but the developers aren’t really enamored with the name..  Locations for the restaurants are planned in swank locales around the country such as Aspen, Sun Valley, Stowe and Banner Elk, North Carolina.   The menu consists of wholesome family fare with the likes of "Wooly Burgers", "Streamers with Corn on the Cob" along with ice cold Sleeman’s Ale.  "Surf Candies" are always a favorite dessert for the kids. Attractive nymphs ( Hi, my name’s Prince and I’ll be your waiter tonight) attentively wade by your table thoughout your meal assuring that your repast will be one to remember. Around the dining room, you’ll find worn waders and old flyline festively hung up to round out the rustic decor.  I’m pretty impressed with their plan and wanted to pass this information on to fellow ROFFians in a timely manner. With peace, good health and many days astream in 1999, Tony Ritter "Is it well done waiter?" "Yes, it’s a dun, sir!"

Response:

Question:

John, garlic is good for keeping people away, but doesn’t work on mosquitoes. — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-Mail Selling my Fly Fishing Books Go to: http://users.ccnet.com/~emh

     Sorry, but it does work. Smoking does also. Mosquettos like all other blood sucking insects home in on the carbon dioxide animals exhale, humans included. This is a known fact. It is also known that some perfumes including aftershave cause reactions among stinging insects. I suggest you research the subject a bit more. If you buy honey from a bee keeper ask what after shave he uses before working the hives. I’ve had, on occasion to work hives at night, moving them. Besides the usual precautions such as proper smoking of the hive and easy sure movements: tail lights are used for elumination and a weight on the brake pedal is best. Reason-bees cannot see red light. By the way Before I developed an allergy to bee stings I kept bees and would innoculate myself each spring with 3 or 4 stings. Even after the hives were calmed with smoke I never breathed directly on the frames of bees it would agitate them. I never used perfumed soaps or deoderant or aftershave for the same reason.                                                         John Popp                                                       in Sanford Fl.

Response:

My experience with this goes back about 15 years ago, BC (before children).  My best buddy and I were AVID backpackers, taking two one week trips and at least 4 long weekenders a year in the Sierras, mostly between 8,000 and 10,500 elevations. These were all summer and fall trips, and the mosquitos were brutal- the only saving grace was they were so big, you’d either see their lights or hear the landing gear dropping as they came in on you! =8^) But seriously folks…..when we went out for a week at a time, and KNEW we’d never see anyone else that we cared if we offended or not, we would start taking garlic OIL capsules two days before our trip and take them daily with every meal until two days before we came back out into the real world again.  We had little if any problem with mosquitos on these trips, but did carry Cutter’s or OFF with us in the event of an unusually persistent swarm. Believe you me though, YOU WILL REEK all the while it’s in your system…you sweat it out bigtime and that’s why it keeps them off of you.  When we returned and it was washtime for the trail clothes and sleeping bag…they STUNK of garlic something fierce. I think you may need to experiment with how much to use, everybody’s different, but make sure it’s the kind of garlic oil capsules that have the odor..some of them don’t. Larry #:)#

Response:

[snip] Blood sucking varmits are attracted by carbon dioxide, masking your exhalation with garlic does work as does smoking.

CO2 has no odor, but if you eat enough garlic you can smell it on your skin. As for smoking, I expect it’s the odor on your clothes that does it, not your breath. — Charlie…

Response:

An interesting argument John, you state the fact that mosquitoes are attracted by carbon dioxide as if that proved garlic worked and wind up discussing bees.  I think I will just stick to my Cutter’s mosquito repellent.:-) — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-Mail Selling my Fly Fishing Books Go to: http://users.ccnet.com/~emh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – John, garlic is good for keeping people away, but doesn’t work on mosquitoes. — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-Mail Selling my Fly Fishing Books Go to: http://users.ccnet.com/~emh      Sorry, but it does work. Smoking does also. Mosquettos like all other blood sucking insects home in on the carbon dioxide animals exhale, humans included. This is a known fact. It is also known that some perfumes including aftershave cause reactions among stinging insects. I suggest you research the subject a bit more. If you buy honey from a bee keeper ask what after shave he uses before working the hives. I’ve had, on occasion to work hives at night, moving them. Besides the usual precautions such as proper smoking of the hive and easy sure movements: tail lights are used for elumination and a weight on the brake pedal is best. Reason-bees cannot see red light. By the way Before I developed an allergy to bee stings I kept bees and would innoculate myself each spring with 3 or 4 stings. Even after the hives were calmed with smoke I never breathed directly on the frames of bees it would agitate them. I never used perfumed soaps or deoderant or aftershave for the same reason.                                                         John Popp                                                       in Sanford Fl.

Response:

writes It is recomended to crunch whole garlic cloves however it must be done at the beginning of a long weekend when your wife or girlfriend or both are out of town.

Hi John, why not start chewing on Thursday, that will guarantee the ladies will be out of town at the weekend. No more snakes I hope?  Regards, — Bill

Response:

An interesting argument John, you state the fact that mosquitoes are attracted by carbon dioxide as if that proved garlic worked and wind up discussing bees.  I think I will just stick to my Cutter’s mosquito repellent.:-) — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-Mail Selling my Fly Fishing Books Go to: http://users.ccnet.com/~emh

      Sorry about the digression, it was offered as other little known facts of insect behavior from personal experience. If cutters works for you that is fine. The question was "does garlic work and why". The answers were "yes" and "through masking of cabon dioxide in the breath." . This is also true of noseeums (sand gnats).                                                           John Popp                                                         in Sanford Fl.

Response:

[snip] Blood sucking varmits are attracted by carbon dioxide, masking your exhalation with garlic does work as does smoking. CO2 has no odor, but if you eat enough garlic you can smell it on your skin. As for smoking, I expect it’s the odor on your clothes that does it, not your breath. — Charlie…

     There is no DETECTED odor (by humans). However the noseeum plague that has recently affected Fl. school yards has prompted studies that concluded "sand ghnates are attracted by carbon dioxide exhalations" a means has been developed whereby a microb emitting carbondioxide is used in traps around school yards to attract and trap the insects. It worked, it was also found that the traps contained mesquitos also, due to the same olfactory stimuli.      It is an asumption on my part that the masking of the breath is the reason garlic or smoking work. It is however a plausable conclusion when if biting insects are bothering me, I light up and they go away as has happened many times as has chewing a few sections of garlic cloves before beginning mowing where I know there are gnats or mesquitos. I’m never bothered and don’t feel like a greased pig.                                                            John Popp                                                         in Sanford Fl.

Response:

John, garlic is good for keeping people away, but doesn’t work on mosquitoes. — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-Mail Selling my Fly Fishing Books Go to: http://users.ccnet.com/~emh      Sorry, but it does work. Smoking does also. Mosquettos like all other blood sucking insects home in on the carbon dioxide animals exhale, humans included.

I am sorry, but I disagree.  If this is the case, Koreans, Greek, and Italians who love garlic will never get bitten by mosquitos or will never get married. Garlic is not a good repelent.  Smoking, on the other hand is a fairly good method of keeping people and mosquitos away.  If you are not a smoker, however, you should stick to good old chemical repelent. Kanghoon Lee

Response:

[deleted] I am sorry, but I disagree.  If this is the case, Koreans, Greek, and Italians who love garlic will never get bitten by mosquitos or will never get married. Garlic is not a good repelent.

[deleted] Ya don’t eat it Kanghoon…you light it on fire and throw it at the little bastards… — TimW – Halfordian Golfer Guilt replaced the creel…

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – [deleted] I am sorry, but I disagree.  If this is the case, Koreans, Greek, and Italians who love garlic will never get bitten by mosquitos or will never get married. Garlic is not a good repelent. [deleted] Ya don’t eat it Kanghoon…you light it on fire and throw it at the little bastards… — TimW – Halfordian Golfer Guilt replaced the creel…

You mean, use it just like a stink bomb?  I never thought of that Thanks. Kanghoon

Response:

Anything that deters the moeskeeters must be worth a try — Regards Peter

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -While garlic may well work, anything with  deet works better than any natural repellent etc. deet interfere with the CO2 receptors of the moskeeter’s.

Response:

Do you want Garlic or do you want the best ? While garlic may well work, anything with  deet works better than any natural repellent etc. deet interfere with the CO2 receptors of the moskeeter’s.

Response:

Do you want Garlic or do you want the best ? While garlic may well work, anything with  deet works better than any natural repellent etc. deet interfere with the CO2 receptors of the moskeeter’s.

Its also a known carcinogen. I love the stuff, but if garlic works (and its good for your heart)…. I’ll bite (bad pun)

Response:

It works great for vampires, too.  I’ve been using it for two years now and still haven’t been bitten!! Ed

Response:

It works great for vampires, too.  I’ve been using it for two years now and still haven’t been bitten!!

Ah! but have you been out at night, fishing for sea trout? Bewaaaare! The Vampire Coachman will get you. — Bill

Response:

[snip] Blood sucking varmits are attracted by carbon dioxide, masking your exhalation with garlic does work as does smoking.

Hi All, A friend of mine that lives in BC doesn’t have a problem with mosquitos himself. They bite him and nothing happens?  I guess he is not effected by the anti- coagulants that they inject into you so they can keep the blood flowing. I guess the itchy bumps that we get are a reaction to the anti-coagulants? I like to stop in Williams, CA, just off Hwy I5, about an hour north of Sacramento for a garlic fix! We stop at Luie Ciro’s(sp) in the town of Williams for some of the best Italian food in the area. They have what they call ‘Luie Bread’. It is baked French bread with about a 1/2" of chopped fresh garlic on top. Wow, what a smell! Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

I would welcome information from anyone with views on whether garlic keeps away mosquitoes.  I have heard from several sources that it works, and have read that the British Army give garlic capsules to their troops in Belize.  However, I am always sceptical about these remedies until enough people provide some type of proof.  For a while people said that Vitamin B 12 was effective; but I feel that if it truly was, then we would all know by now.   If someone has had experience of the effectiveness of garlic, then I would be keen to know if they think that the capsules are as effective as the real thing. John www.travelbooks.co.uk www.cheapflights.co.uk —

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would welcome information from anyone with views on whether garlic keeps away mosquitoes.  I have heard from several sources that it works, and have read that the British Army give garlic capsules to their troops in Belize.  However, I am always sceptical about these remedies until enough people provide some type of proof.  For a while people said that Vitamin B 12 was effective; but I feel that if it truly was, then we would all know by now. If someone has had experience of the effectiveness of garlic, then I would be keen to know if they think that the capsules are as effective as the real thing. John www.travelbooks.co.uk www.cheapflights.co.uk —

     It is also said to keep away vampires and definatly keeps people out of your private space. Blood sucking varmits are attracted by carbon dioxide, masking your exhalation with garlic does work as does smoking. Here in florida "no seeums" are really bad during dry seasons but I am not bothered by them due to my smoking. Garlic will do wonders for your colesteral count and inhibit the pesky little critters. It is recomended to crunch whole garlic cloves however it must be done at the beginning of a long weekend when your wife or girlfriend or both are out of town.                                                     John Popp                                                   in Sanford Fl.

Response:

John, garlic is good for keeping people away, but doesn’t work on mosquitoes. — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-Mail Selling my Fly Fishing Books Go to: http://users.ccnet.com/~emh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would welcome information from anyone with views on whether garlic keeps away mosquitoes.  I have heard from several sources that it works, and have read that the British Army give garlic capsules to their troops in Belize.  However, I am always sceptical about these remedies until enough people provide some type of proof.  For a while people said that Vitamin B 12 was effective; but I feel that if it truly was, then we would all know by now.   If someone has had experience of the effectiveness of garlic, then I would be keen to know if they think that the capsules are as effective as the real thing. John www.travelbooks.co.uk www.cheapflights.co.uk —

Response:

Question:

I’m having a real problem finding a pair of wading boots that don’t slip.

I think the footwear you need are two different beasts.  You are asking one pair of boots to adequately perform two wildly different tasks; if your boot works well for hiking it’s no good for wading, and if it works well wading it’s a crummy hiking boot.  I don’t think one boot will meet both your needs. You’ve just got to be willing to carry the extra weight. Anglerboy — Trout fear me, Women want me.

Response:

I’m having a real problem finding a pair of wading boots that don’t slip. I had Orvis boots with carbide cleats that worked pretty well for 5 or 6 trips but then they lost traction. Part of the problem may be that to get to the good fishing on the little local creeks I fish, a 5-10 mile hike over broken terrain is required. I’ve used tennis shoes, but they fall apart after 3 or 4 trips. My last 3 trips I’ve tried rubber wading shoes ( uncomfortable after 5 miles and not much traction) and regular hiking boots, which are great for the walk in but clumsy and slippery in the stream. I’m thinking about sandals with cleats but hate to keep throwing out $50 a pop to experiment. If anyone can advise me I’d be eternally grateful.

Response:

I’m having a real problem finding a pair of wading boots that don’t slip. I had Orvis boots with carbide cleats that worked pretty well for 5 or 6 trips but then they lost traction. Part of the problem may be that to get to the good fishing on the little local creeks I fish, a 5-10 mile hike over broken terrain is required. I’ve used tennis shoes, but they fall apart after 3 or 4 trips. My last 3 trips I’ve tried rubber wading shoes ( uncomfortable after 5 miles and not much traction) and regular hiking boots, which are great for the walk in but clumsy and slippery in the stream. I’m thinking about sandals with cleats but hate to keep throwing out $50 a pop to experiment. If anyone can advise me I’d be eternally grateful.

I usually have shorter walks in the one to two mile range, mostly on gravel or over forest paths with my Weinbrenner studded boots.  The soles are felt with a metal stud.  They have lasted well, probably because the studs support the soles over rock etc.  I’m in to my fifth season with them and they have probably been used on over 100 occasions, most involving some kind of hike.  The studs on my boots are hardly worn despite the use. Peter

Response:

I’m having a real problem finding a pair of wading boots that don’t slip. I had Orvis boots with carbide cleats that worked pretty well for 5 or 6 trips but then they lost traction. Part of the problem may be that to get to the good fishing on the little local creeks I fish, a 5-10 mile hike over broken terrain is required. . . .

You can make your own chain sandals with supplies from the hardware store, that weigh less than a pound so are worth carrying on a hike.  In use they often slip, but once customized you can usually add extra hooks to one or two eyelets to keep them in place. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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Last year I was given a pair of wading boots from LL Bean that have a special rubber bottom which was supposedly designed by a company that manufactures rock climbing shoes. The soles are designed to grip wet rocks well instead of slipping. I was a bit dubious about these boots when I first got them, but I have used them now for awhile and they work quite well. They are at least as stable as felt soles when wading and work just like hiking boots on the way to the stream. They are called "Aqua-Stealth" wading boots and cost $90/ pair. I would think that they might be ideal for someone who likes to hike a long ways into a stream. You may want to give LL Bean a call (800) 221-4221. I have no financial interest in LL Bean (sigh…) but thought this might help solve your problem. Steve Rosenblum Ann Arbor, MI

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I’m having a real problem finding a pair of wading boots that don’t slip. I had Orvis boots with carbide cleats that worked pretty well for 5 or 6 trips but then they lost traction. Part of the problem may be that to get to the good fishing on the little local creeks I fish, a 5-10 mile hike over broken terrain is required. I’ve used tennis shoes, but they fall apart after 3 or 4 trips. My last 3 trips I’ve tried rubber wading shoes ( uncomfortable after 5 miles and not much traction) and regular hiking boots, which are great for the walk in but clumsy and slippery in the stream. I’m thinking about sandals with cleats but hate to keep throwing out $50 a pop to experiment. If anyone can advise me I’d be eternally grateful.

I’ve a similar problem. . . only I walk in on sharp gravel access roads that tear all the felt off the boot. . . So I got a pair of cheap Fly-Tech boots. . . really just a glorified canvas boot with a rubber boot sole ($27.00). Then I use galoshes style cleats that slip over the boot. I can carry the cleats in a vest or fanny pack until I get where I’m going. The other option is to pack a day pack and stash it or lug it around with you all day. . . or wet wading and fishing from the bank a great deal.

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I think the footwear you need are two different beasts.  You are asking one pair of boots to adequately perform two wildly different tasks; if your boot works well for hiking it’s no good for wading, and if it works well wading it’s a crummy hiking boot.  I don’t think one boot will meet both your needs. You’ve just got to be willing to carry the extra weight.

I disagree.  Gym shoes are my favorite hiking attire, and make decent wading shoes. Besides, like it or not, all hiking shoes tend to become wading shoes at stream crossings or during heavy rains. — -Wayne Trzyna

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Question:

I recently began tying dry fly wings with antron yarn. Antron is a very easy material to work with. It provides a good silhouette and rigid post for parachute patterns. Divided and down wings are easy to tie with little bulk making the tying of smaller flies simpler with better proportion as well. Comparaduns are a breeze. Antron wings look aesthetically pleasing and appear to be somewhat translucent and light reflective at the same time. In short, antron seems too good to be true. Being that it’s -30  C outside as I write this, it is unlikely I will be able to test these flies for a few months yet. In the meantime, I’d like to tie flyboxes full of antron dries, but before I go whole hog on antron, I need to know if they fish as good as they look. Thanks Guy

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently began tying dry fly wings with antron yarn. Antron is a very easy material to work with. It provides a good silhouette and rigid post for parachute patterns. Divided and down wings are easy to tie with little bulk making the tying of smaller flies simpler with better proportion as well. Comparaduns are a breeze. Antron wings look aesthetically pleasing and appear to be somewhat translucent and light reflective at the same time. In short, antron seems too good to be true. Being that it’s -30  C outside as I write this, it is unlikely I will be able to test these flies for a few months yet. In the meantime, I’d like to tie flyboxes full of antron dries, but before I go whole hog on antron, I need to know if they fish as good as they look. Thanks Guy

Guy, I tried a similar tactic a couple of years ago using Orvis poly-wing material (usually used for spinner wings) which isn’t too different from antron.  Being a rather impatient and lazy tier I found this material easy and fast to use for tying upright wings. As a wing post for parachute patterns I found it worked well and fished as effectively as any other parachute patterns. I had the most hope for Comparaduns tied with this material because I fish them a lot, again partly because of the ease and speed of tying. However, these were not very effective at all.  During the summer of ‘95 I tried Comparaduns tied with this material alongside the standards and for some yet undetermined reason they just were not as effective.  This was not a very scientific experiment because of limited trips and I didn’t have any friends try them; so take my findings for whatever they are worth.  They were tried for the Hendrickson, Sulfur and various BWO hatches. I would encourage you to tie enough antron Comparaduns for an experiment and please let me know how they fish. Good luck, Steve

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently began tying dry fly wings with antron yarn. Antron is a very to tie flyboxes full of antron dries, but before I go whole hog on antron, I need to know if they fish as good as they look. I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies are a real killer.  The antron seems to trap air bubbles and looks traslucent to the fish (more life like I suppose).  I catch some big fish on them. -Burton

DEAR BURTON: Would you send me a small sample of this new material to look at? Gehrke’s Gink Snake River – Hell’s Canyon Asotin, WA 99402 Would appreciate it. George — MZ

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I recently began tying dry fly wings with antron yarn. Antron is a very to tie flyboxes full of antron dries, but before I go whole hog on antron, I need to know if they fish as good as they look.

I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies are a real killer.  The antron seems to trap air bubbles and looks traslucent to the fish (more life like I suppose).  I catch some big fish on them. -Burton

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies are a real killer.  The antron seems to trap air bubbles and looks traslucent to the fish (more life like I suppose).  I catch some big fish on them. -Burton DEAR BURTON: Would you send me a small sample of this new material to look at? Gehrke’s Gink Snake River – Hell’s Canyon Asotin, WA 99402 Would appreciate it. George

George: you can probably find a sample under your feet – it’s a pretty common synthetic carpet fibre that’s been used for flytying for at least 5 years or more. You’ll also find it sold as "sparkle yarn", etc… I’m actually surprised you never heard of this stuff (and that you didn’t invent it! ;^) Cheers! /dave

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Went through an antron phase a couple of years ago. Overall the dries that I tied fished OK its hard to say whether or not they made a real difference. I think that the smaller flies that I tied worked well with antron wings. These were small gnats size 22 and 24. Antron wings are killer on wet flies though.

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I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies are a real killer.  The antron seems to trap air bubbles and looks traslucent to the fish (more life like I suppose).  I catch some big fish on them.

Burton, Try a rib of pearlescent krystal flash on some of them, especially the darker olives.  I swing these at last light.  They seem to almost glow. I really love fishing soft hackles. Ross Wilson

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Went through an antron phase a couple of years ago. Overall the dries that I tied fished OK its hard to say whether or not they made a real difference. I think that the smaller flies that I tied worked well with antron wings. These were small gnats size 22 and 24. Antron wings are killer on wet flies though.

Dear Sir; I concurr.  I really think antron used for wings, caddis stuff, emergent mayflies, midges and trailing shucks is great.  For shucks, instead of the more coarse Z-lon for the small flies, I use regular fine antron yarn and then use a heated metal wire to cause there to be consistent convolutions in the peeling "shuck". JB

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I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies Burton, Try a rib of pearlescent krystal flash on some of them, especially the darker olives.  I swing these at last light.  They seem to almost glow. I really love fishing soft hackles. Ross Wilson

Ross, So do I!  I find myself doing it more and more these days, since it allows me to cast which I find relaxing.  As opposed to my chuck-and-duck nymphing with heavy weighted flies. Thanks for the tip, I’ll tie up a few and try them. -Burton

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Being that it’s -30  C outside as I write this, it is unlikely I will be able to test these flies for a few months yet. In the meantime, I’d like to tie flyboxes full of antron dries, but before I go whole hog on antron, I need to know if they fish as good as they look.

See, that’s just the kind of Sunday fly-fishing mentality that’s getting the sport a bad name! Andrew (-: – I’ve been tying wings with antron for several years now, and the fish seem to think it’s OK.

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George, -Sure, glad to do it!  What color would you prefer?  I find it most useful= =20 for wet fly caddis imitations and to wit think I have lt. brown,=20 blue-grey, yellow, grey and lt. olive (maybe even dark olive). -Burton =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies are a real killer.  The antron seems to trap air bubbles and looks traslucent to the fish (more life like I suppose).  I catch some big fi= sh on them. =20 DEAR BURTON: =20 Would you send me a small sample of this new material to look at? =20 Gehrke’s Gink Snake River – Hell’s Canyon Asotin, WA 99402 =20 Would appreciate it. =20 George –=20 MZ=90 =20 =20

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I chop up sections of this and mix it with other dubbing materials for wet flies. I used one like this at the end of the season and it was destroyed by several large fish. Needless to say my vise has been crankin these out ! — "The true Angler is content to fish alone" Brian Di Carlo – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently began tying dry fly wings with antron yarn. Antron is a very to tie flyboxes full of antron dries, but before I go whole hog on antron, I need to know if they fish as good as they look. I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies are a real killer.  The antron seems to trap air bubbles and looks traslucent to the fish (more life like I suppose).  I catch some big fish on them. -Burton

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Question:

As far as catching grayling, it may make a difference where you will be fishing. I have fished the Alaska Peninsula for grayling several times.  In those waters I have used humpies, elk hair caddis (black body), and brown drake patterns with the most success.  All flies were tied on no. 12 hooks.  The guide I was with liked the irresistable. To a lesser extent, we have taken   grayling with a Royal Coachman and have had those fish hit a deer hair mouse while fishing for rainbows. Interestingly, almost all articles I have read mention using black gnats for grayling.  For all the times I have tried these flies, I have *never* caught a grayling with one.  Consequently, I have a bunch of these that don’t seem to have a use. Always hit it like you mean it, Steve  

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Could someone recommend some patterns for arctic grayling?  I went out for them a couple of years ago and had a great time.  I want to go again this year and could use some advice on patterns and tactics.

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 Could someone recommend some patterns for arctic grayling?  I went out for  them a couple of years ago and had a great time.  I want to go again this  year and could use some advice on patterns and tactics.

We have had great success with caddis patterns, particularly Elk Hair Caddis size 12 and 14. However, the Grayling need time to come up from the bottom so give the drift a chance. They will often take the dry as it goes under at the turn. Don’t be afraid to wake the fly in short retrieves back to you.

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Could someone recommend some patterns for arctic grayling?  I went out for them a couple of years ago and had a great time.  I want to go again this year and could use some advice on patterns and tactics.

They’re not really sophisticated, especially in Alaska, the Yukon or NWT. I had one take a #2 streamer meant for pike Use a fly you can see – for dries, try the Wulff series, Humpies, or the dry version of a black gnat, all in sizes 8-14. In lakes, they like to congregate where the wind accumulates surface scum – reefs (e.g. in Great Slave) are great. For streams, just think of them as a really dumb (but beautiful) trout. One key note – on dries, they tend to rise in a corkscrew spiral (perhaps their vision is poor). They sometimes miss the fly, and have to take a second try. Don’t strike too soon. — 3798 Woodland Drive     voice: (604) 368-9315 Trail, BC               data:  (604) 368-9341

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I

Question:

In about a month, five of us will be leaving Kennedy Meadows to make the loop a little beyond Emmigrant lake, around Twin Lakes, and back, for a week’s trip. Anybody made the loop, or packed in the area? Any suggestions as to route, specific lakes to hit, for no crowds, and fair fishing? Thanks in advance.

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In about a month, five of us will be leaving Kennedy Meadows to make the loop a little beyond Emmigrant lake, around Twin Lakes, and back, for a week’s trip. Anybody made the loop, or packed in the area? Any suggestions as to route, specific lakes to hit, for no crowds, and fair fishing? Thanks in advance.

  I backpack in the Emigrant Wilderness often but I have’t done the emigrant loop yet.  Like anywhere else the deeper you hike the fewer the people.  You will probablly still see horse packers around.  The fishing should be great. I’ve fished in the easily reached lakes before and had no problem catching trout on a fly and have heard the fishing is better the deeper you go. Crawdad

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Question:

 I have tryed to post a message several times & nothing seems to show-up. Obviously I do not understand how to post. So If anyone reads this, please explain how to do so… The "Post New Article" icon does not yield any results ? Thanks New

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I have tryed to post a message several times & nothing seems to show-up. Obviously I do not understand how to post. So If anyone reads this, please explain how to do so… The "Post New Article" icon does not yield any results ?

Terry: If I’m replying, it’s because you were successful in posting to the rec.outdoors.fishing.fly group. What newsreader are you using? If you’re unable to see your own posts, it’s because your newsreader considers your posts "read" already. Try setting your newsreader to display read posts (or not to skip old articles, whatever – depends on the newwsreader), and you should be able to see your own posts. Cheers! /dave <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <         "Read this and nobody gets hurt ;^)"         < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

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Dave, Thanks for the information, I am new to this but finally think have it figured-out. Gail

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Question:

I have the opportunity to take a "Flyfishing Seminar" in southern Mississippi with Mel Kreiger.  Since ther is little or no freshwater fishing nearby (at least this time of year), I’m assuming the seminar will be concerned mostly with casting.  As a novice who has taken some casting classes i could probably use the help. The problem is the $$$.  They want $175 for each one day session.  The money is donated to a very good cause (the Crosby Arboretum), but it’s still half the cost of a new rod… Anybody out there had any experinece with Mel’s casting classes?  Is it likely to be worth the money? Please let me know ASAP as the price goes up to $225 on the first (yikes, that’s tomorrow…) Many thanks, Bob McAnulty

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have the opportunity to take a "Flyfishing Seminar" in southern Mississippi with Mel Kreiger.  Since ther is little or no freshwater fishing nearby (at least this time of year), I’m assuming the seminar will be concerned mostly with casting.  As a novice who has taken some casting classes i could probably use the help. The problem is the $$$.  They want $175 for each one day session. The money is donated to a very good cause (the Crosby Arboretum), but it’s still half the cost of a new rod… Anybody out there had any experinece with Mel’s casting classes?  Is it likely to be worth the money?

I had the opportunity to take a Mel Krieger seminar for free (through Golden  West Women Flyfishers in S.F.), where Mel’s wife, Fanny, is a member.   Although there were a lot of people, and little personalized attention from Mel, it was still very useful (and I am a pretty good caster already).  If you can spend the money, I think Mel Krieger is a great casting instructor.  If you can’t afford the class, at least buy the  "Essence of Flycasting Video."  I like to just review it every  once in a while to keep my casting sharp.   If you are a novice, with some casting experience, I think Mel will  have you throwing a tight loop and double-hauling by the end of the day. John

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For my money Mel is the best casting instructor anywhere.  I have known him for 20 years and have seen him teach many times.  He even taught me.  I still try to find time to spend with him to break the bad habits I pick up along the way.  He has written several books and has at least two videos.

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I honestly cannot attest to Mel’s "live" presentation, but I will say that I learned a lot from his videotapes on casting. The problem, as I see it, with live seminars and to a certain extent, videos, is that each "master" has his own style of casting. There is no one way to cast, and learning other casting styles after a basic motion is mastered is much easier than trying to learn from a "Master." I do like Mel’s casting style. My recommendation is to buy his video on ADVANCED Fly Casting: this will save you $150 over the cost of the seminar; and you can make a worthwhile contribution to the Crosby Arberitum as an added – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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I do like Mel’s casting style. My recommendation is to buy his video on ADVANCED Fly Casting: this will save you $150 over the cost of the

seminar. I disagree.  Buy the Essence of Flycasting tape, rather than Essence II.   Essence has the basics, plus some advanced material.  Essence II has some things that may not be useful to the mainstream (spey casting, etc.). This advice only applies if you’re going to buy one tape.  Best bet is to buy them both.

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I’m assuming the seminar will be concerned mostly with casting.  As a novice who has taken some casting classes i could probably use the help.

Yes it is and he is superb.                           Dan

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The problem, as I see it, with live seminars and to a certain extent, videos, is that each "master" has his own style of casting. There is no one way to cast, and learning other casting styles after a basic motion is mastered is much easier than trying to learn from a "Master." I do like Mel’s casting style. My recommendation is to buy his video on ADVANCED Fly Casting: this will save you $150 over the cost of the seminar; and you can make a worthwhile contribution to the Crosby Arberitum as an added

Regardless how you do it, if you move the rod correctly you will get a good cast.   However, the "style" that Mel teaches is efficient, accurate and repeatable all day long without causing soreness or injury.  I espouse this style of casting as I have found it the best for the reasons just stated.  His tapes are superb, however I would recommend "Essence Of FlyCasting" as the best for a novice, and Essence 2 for tournament style casting and 2 handed rod casting. NEITHER of the tapes is a substitute for instruction from the man!!  A competent instructor is far superior to any tape out there because his instruction is personalized to your needs. Price is the difference here.                                                           Dan

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Question:

Hello everyone!  I am looking for fishing listservers.  I know of the flyfishing listserver in kentucky, are there any others?  Thanks a bunch. Tight Lines, George — *George M. Chan                 * "New York City has no power,       * *                               *  ’cuz I stay away from dairy."     * *                               *                      -Phoebe       *

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Hello everyone!  I am looking for fishing listservers.  I know of the flyfishing listserver in kentucky, are there any others?  Thanks a bunch. Tight Lines, George

George, Noticed the following listservers on rec.hunting……. **If you are a flyfisher, have a look on the following: **or **The first list gives you a lot of traffic while the latter is a bit **less active. Hope this helps Alex * Spinner of the WWWeb Page at                                      * *            http://www.well.com/www/amv/amv.htm                    *

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