Question:

Those damn ducks! Yesterday around 6:00 p.m. I finally finished getting the boat ready for guests for the OpSail parade.  Hosed off the finger piers real nice, too. The local ducks must prefer a clean head because they jumped right up and christened my neatly-Flemished dockline.

   The damn crows "christened" Stinky’s new seat – which was inside the boat, with the top up. They either went inside the boat, let one go, and said "whew! something stinks in here!" and left, or did a Luke Skywalker dive-bomb and pull-up in the side window. Lloyd Sumpter "Stinky" Fibrecraft 14 — It’s better to be at the dock, wishing you were at sea, than at sea, wishing you were at the dock.

Response:

or you could just feed ‘em Alka-Seltzer…..   In our years of boating we’ve tried fake owls and snakes, wind socks and conical piling tops but there seems to be no permanent solution to these gulls who leave huge droppings on our clean and polished decks. Then they fly by overhead laughing at us!  There is no solution to the problem but now there is revenge.  A colleague has developed a shareware PC game called "Gullblaster".  It features rendered seashore scenes and sounds and a sky littered with the enemy seagulls.  Now you can blast them out of the sky without legal implications.   There is also a screen saver called "Picture Saver" available on Steve’s web site.  It is a "slide show" viewer that allows you to display your favorite seashore scenes or boating and fishing pictures that are saved on your PC as graphic images.  Check it out at:   Freeware and shareware screen savers, games, and utilities   If you have problems with this as a link, just paste this site into your viewer’s location window – http://webshed.webjump.com/   —   Regards,   John G.   —   NJ Coastal and ICW – Somers Point / Ocean City

Response:

In our years of boating we’ve tried fake owls and snakes, wind socks and conical piling tops but there seems to be no permanent solution to these gulls who leave huge droppings on our clean and polished decks. Then they fly by overhead laughing at us!  There is no solution to the problem but now there is revenge.  A colleague has developed a shareware PC game called "Gullblaster".  It features rendered seashore scenes and sounds and a sky littered with the enemy seagulls.  Now you can blast them out of the sky without legal implications. There is also a screen saver called "Picture Saver" available on Steve’s web site.  It is a "slide show" viewer that allows you to display your favorite seashore scenes or boating and fishing pictures that are saved on your PC as graphic images.  Check it out at: Freeware and shareware screen savers, games, and utilities If you have problems with this as a link, just paste this site into your viewer’s location window – http://webshed.webjump.com/ — Regards, John G. — NJ Coastal and ICW – Somers Point / Ocean City

Response:

You know they taste like chicken!!

Response:

Those damn ducks! Yesterday around 6:00 p.m. I finally finished getting the boat ready for guests for the OpSail parade.  Hosed off the finger piers real nice, too. The local ducks must prefer a clean head because they jumped right up and christened my neatly-Flemished dockline.

Response:

Question:

Hi everyone,     Is it possible to catch river whitefish with spinning rod? All I’ve heard so far is to use  fly rod. Any hint on using spinning tackle would be greatly appreciated. George

Response:

Probably not the same type of river your talking about, but I use a spinning rod with a small teardrop ice jig tipped with a wax worm when fishing for ciscoes and whitefish on the Ste. Mary’s River system. But we’re in 30′ of water, anchored. Hi everyone,     Is it possible to catch river whitefish with spinning rod? All I’ve heard so far is to use  fly rod. Any hint on using spinning tackle would be greatly appreciated. George

– Joe "Mushrat" Woytta http://www.flash.net/~mushrat Northern Pike anglers, check out http://www.flash.net/~mushrat/pikemasters

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Question:

There does not seem to be much interest in old flies and I’m wondering if anyone knows of a fly fishing museum that I could give them to. I have over 600 trout flies of at least 40+ varities that are 75+ years old. Most of them are tied directly to a 4" gut leader with loop tied at the end. The flies with gut leaders are stored in either in their original packets from Wm. Mills & Sons or in a pigskin leather bound flat fly files (so they are flat). The flies with steel eyes are stored in boxes and are much newer (possibly 50

Question:

I would like to hook up a portable gas grill to my existing LP tank on my motorhome. My Grill has a regulator on it. I would like to put a quick disconect at my coaches lp tank and run aprox. 12 ft hoese to the grill. Should this be installed before or after the regulator on the coach. Thanks Ron B

Response:

Everything should come after the regulator.  If you travel with gas appliances on, and you’re in a crash, and the line breaks, the regulator will limit the amount of gas leaking from the line (which will be bad enough).  If the line breaks between the tank and the regulator, the amount of gas leaking would surely be catastrophic.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would like to hook up a portable gas grill to my existing LP tank on my motorhome. My Grill has a regulator on it. I would like to put a quick disconect at my coaches lp tank and run aprox. 12 ft hoese to the grill. Should this be installed before or after the regulator on the coach. Thanks Ron B

Response:

I would like to hook up a portable gas grill to my existing LP tank on my motorhome. My Grill has a regulator on it. I would like to put a quick disconect at my coaches lp tank and run aprox. 12 ft hoese to the grill. Should this be installed before or after the regulator on the coach. Thanks Ron B

You can purchase exactly what you want from Camping World. You must install it before the regulator, since all the grills, lights, etc. with regulators attached expect to see "high pressure" gas on the high side of the regulator.  Somehow, I suspect that two regulators in series don’t make a whole lot of sense. Les

Response:

If the grill has a regulator you need to hook up before the regulator. I tried to hook up a Coleman lantern after the regulator and it wouldn’t work. Not enough pressure. You can get any custom made setup at your local propane dealer. — The only thing that stops God from sending another flood is that the first one was useless.                                        Chamfort 1741-94         to reply remove nospam from e-mail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would like to hook up a portable gas grill to my existing LP tank on my motorhome. My Grill has a regulator on it. I would like to put a quick disconect at my coaches lp tank and run aprox. 12 ft hoese to the grill. Should this be installed before or after the regulator on the coach. Thanks Ron B You can purchase exactly what you want from Camping World. You must install it before the regulator, since all the grills, lights, etc. with regulators attached expect to see "high pressure" gas on the high side of the regulator.  Somehow, I suspect that two regulators in series don’t make a whole lot of sense. Les

Response:

I can live with most kinds of noise.  After all I was born, raised and lived in New York City for 30 years before I eventually left for greener pastures.  All the noise you mention and is usually heard in parks is relatively of a short term duration.  The RVer’s that seem to require a generator to make it through the day run them for continously for hours upon hours.  That is what drives folks off the wall.  This person I was referring to was the only RV in the park of some 200 sites that saw the need of using a generator 6 hours a day.  I was staying at the opposite side of the camp from him and still it was a constant drone of noise. The camp rules are loose and probably should be.  But just because something is not specificly disallowed does not mean it should be OK to do it.  Common courtesy comes into play with the needs of the campers in the other 199 campsites that would appreciate some peace and quiet. If that person ‘required’ AC voltage for some reason, it seems to me to only be logical to stay someplace that supplies it.  If they want to enjoy the facilities of the State Park, they could come in on day trips.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ed, I really really try to avoid responding to irrational tirades, but you are off the deep end on this one. Did you try to get a different site? Did you inquire about the reason? We just returned from a trip during which we also stayed overnight in a NY State Forest CG.  The rules did NOT speak to generators. We were the ONLY MH in our section, and we chose not to run our generator, even after the quiet hours (10-7) for breakfast. Instead, we left the park and found a parking area where nobody would be disturbed while we fixed coffee & toast. Ed, the regulations limit the hours for noisy disturbances, they don’t appoint you the judge of what sort of noise is unacceptable.  Kids shriek, and parents shriek at them. Dogs bark, and doors slam. Engines start. Boom boxes assault the senses with awful wailing and banging. You want noise?  Try a tranquil ocean-side park next to the naval air station! Or the near-perpetual wind off Cape Hatteras.  The rules also prohibit the discharge of firearms, but some yahoo let fly with 5 rounds from what sounded like a 12-gauge at 2:25 AM. Frankly, I don’t think you have any cause whatever to call the person a clown and an idiot… especially when you admit he operated only for a few hours in the accepted time frame and his generator was quiet. Regardless of whether he had a need – medical or otherwise –  that *you* consider valid, he has a RIGHT which you and I cannot properly dispute. If you want guaranteed quiet, BUY a huge tract of land, post no-trespassing signs, and get the gummit to declare the air-space above it sacred. And for goodness sakes don’t let anyone with any internal combustion engine get near the place. Will KD3XR

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Response:

Tch! Tch!  "blockhead"? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The camp rules are loose and probably should be.  But just because something is not specificly disallowed does not mean it should be OK to do it.  Common courtesy comes into play with the needs of the campers in the other 199 campsites that would appreciate some peace and quiet. I guess you don’t get it, Ed. No point in arguing with blockheads who think it is OK to describe someone as an idiot because they don’t conform to your POV.  As I indicated, the courteous person will avoid unnecessary annoyance of others regardless of rules.. which for the most part exist to deal with rude and inconsiderate people who will not otherwise behave decently.  But your extreme reaction to an individual at the other side of a campground tells me you are gonna be an unhappy camper for a long time.  And frankly I think you are out of line to claim to speak for 199 others campers, when you apprently did not even trouble yourself to meet the "clown". All of this should not be mistaken as my endorsement of annoying use of generators (or other equipment such as your mouth!).  Clearly, most RV travelers DO excercise care to avoid idling diesels, loud music, unshaded Coleman lanterns, etc.  But no good cause is served by irrational screeching, which I personally feel is more unpleasant than the sound of a generator. Will KD3XR

Response:

The camp rules are loose and probably should be.  But just because something is not specificly disallowed does not mean it should be OK to do it.  Common courtesy comes into play with the needs of the campers in the other 199 campsites that would appreciate some peace and quiet.

I guess you don’t get it, Ed. No point in arguing with blockheads who think it is OK to describe someone as an idiot because they don’t conform to your POV.  As I indicated, the courteous person will avoid unnecessary annoyance of others regardless of rules.. which for the most part exist to deal with rude and inconsiderate people who will not otherwise behave decently.  But your extreme reaction to an individual at the other side of a campground tells me you are gonna be an unhappy camper for a long time.  And frankly I think you are out of line to claim to speak for 199 others campers, when you apprently did not even trouble yourself to meet the "clown". All of this should not be mistaken as my endorsement of annoying use of generators (or other equipment such as your mouth!).  Clearly, most RV travelers DO excercise care to avoid idling diesels, loud music, unshaded Coleman lanterns, etc.  But no good cause is served by irrational screeching, which I personally feel is more unpleasant than the sound of a generator. Will KD3XR

Response:

When we worked in John Pennekamp Coral Reef SP in Key Largo, FL. the last three winters they did not allow generators to be run period.  Even the tour busses that came in were not allowed to sit in the parking lots with the generators running.  People all over the beach did not have to listen to that roar all day.  Will is right in that most state parks (and we have worked or volunteered at many) have quiet times and outside those hours most anything goes within reason.  For the most part people we have camped near that had to run their generators did so only for a  limited time frame and only out of some necessity. Rick

THE first clue here is the word "winter", and in ANY part of Florida, WINTER is the ONLY period when air conditioning is not a matter of life or death for most normal humans! Also note the absense of mention of whether park supplied power is available – that circumstance would make a world of difference as to any need for generators. The rest of your references to camping experience concerning the use of generators is pretty much common sense. — Gary..KJ6Q…  Born free – taxed to death! Pride is what WE have – Vanity is what OTHERS have…!

Response:

When we worked in John Pennekamp Coral Reef SP in Key Largo, FL. the last three winters they did not allow generators to be run period.  Even the tour busses that came in were not allowed to sit in the parking lots with the generators running.  People all over the beach did not have to listen to that roar all day.  Will is right in that most state parks (and we have worked or volunteered at many) have quiet times and outside those hours most anything goes within reason.  For the most part people we have camped near that had to run their generators did so only for a  limited time frame and only out of some necessity. Rick

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – obvious outrage: Forget about getting a generator.  I just got back from a week long camping trip at a NY State Park.  There was one clown (idiot) who was in a Class C RV that ran his generator every day from about 3:00pm to 9:00pm.  That guy was the most hated person in the camp. I was at the opposite side of the camp that him and I could hear the generator loud and clear.  It is not that the generator was that loud.  It is just that the park is quiet and the generator noise just drones on forever . . . Ed, I really really try to avoid responding to irrational tirades, but you are off the deep end on this one. Did you try to get a different site? Did you inquire about the reason? We just returned from a trip during which we also stayed overnight in a NY State Forest CG.  The rules did NOT speak to generators. We were the ONLY MH in our section, and we chose not to run our generator, even after the quiet hours (10-7) for breakfast. Instead, we left the park and found a parking area where nobody would be disturbed while we fixed coffee & toast. Ed, the regulations limit the hours for noisy disturbances, they don’t appoint you the judge of what sort of noise is unacceptable.  Kids shriek, and parents shriek at them. Dogs bark, and doors slam. Engines start. Boom boxes assault the senses with awful wailing and banging. You want noise?  Try a tranquil ocean-side park next to the naval air station! Or the near-perpetual wind off Cape Hatteras.  The rules also prohibit the discharge of firearms, but some yahoo let fly with 5 rounds from what sounded like a 12-gauge at 2:25 AM. Frankly, I don’t think you have any cause whatever to call the person a clown and an idiot… especially when you admit he operated only for a few hours in the accepted time frame and his generator was quiet. Regardless of whether he had a need – medical or otherwise –  that *you* consider valid, he has a RIGHT which you and I cannot properly dispute. If you want guaranteed quiet, BUY a huge tract of land, post no-trespassing signs, and get the gummit to declare the air-space above it sacred. And for goodness sakes don’t let anyone with any internal combustion engine get near the place. Will KD3XR Yahoo?  tch! tch!

Response:

obvious outrage: Forget about getting a generator.  I just got back from a week long camping trip at a NY State Park.  There was one clown (idiot) who was in a Class C RV that ran his generator every day from about 3:00pm to 9:00pm.  That guy was the most hated person in the camp. I was at the opposite side of the camp that him and I could hear the generator loud and clear.  It is not that the generator was that loud.  It is just that the park is quiet and the generator noise just drones on forever . . .

Ed, I really really try to avoid responding to irrational tirades, but you are off the deep end on this one. Did you try to get a different site? Did you inquire about the reason? We just returned from a trip during which we also stayed overnight in a NY State Forest CG.  The rules did NOT speak to generators. We were the ONLY MH in our section, and we chose not to run our generator, even after the quiet hours (10-7) for breakfast. Instead, we left the park and found a parking area where nobody would be disturbed while we fixed coffee & toast. Ed, the regulations limit the hours for noisy disturbances, they don’t appoint you the judge of what sort of noise is unacceptable.  Kids shriek, and parents shriek at them. Dogs bark, and doors slam. Engines start. Boom boxes assault the senses with awful wailing and banging. You want noise?  Try a tranquil ocean-side park next to the naval air station! Or the near-perpetual wind off Cape Hatteras.  The rules also prohibit the discharge of firearms, but some yahoo let fly with 5 rounds from what sounded like a 12-gauge at 2:25 AM. Frankly, I don’t think you have any cause whatever to call the person a clown and an idiot… especially when you admit he operated only for a few hours in the accepted time frame and his generator was quiet. Regardless of whether he had a need – medical or otherwise –  that *you* consider valid, he has a RIGHT which you and I cannot properly dispute. If you want guaranteed quiet, BUY a huge tract of land, post no-trespassing signs, and get the gummit to declare the air-space above it sacred. And for goodness sakes don’t let anyone with any internal combustion engine get near the place. Will KD3XR

Response:

Forget about getting a generator.  I just got back from a week long camping trip at a NY State Park.  There was one clown (idiot) who was in a Class C RV that ran his generator every day from about 3:00pm to 9:00pm.  That guy was the most hated person in the camp. I was at the opposite side of the camp that him and I could hear the generator loud and clear.  It is not that the generator was that loud.  It is just that the park is quiet and the generator noise just drones on forever and carries all over the camp.   I was very surprised that someone camped near him did not sneak over and do a little sabatage on that noise maker. Everything in the trailer except the air conditioner and microwave is designed to run on 12Vdc battery power.  If you feel you can not survive without an air conditioner or microwave, go to a commercial RV park where 30AMP power is supplied.  Stay away from dry camping or 20AMP power at State parks.  Generators are not welcome there.  Your fellow campers will not like you much for using it. If you are not in a place with hookups, can you use a trailers bathroom, electric, fridge etc.  Do trailers need or have a seperate generator like ones in motorhomes?  I’m in the beggining stages of researching possible purchasing of an RV of some sort for full time living.  Look for more silly questions in the future:) —                                               ….macgrath

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Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you are not in a place with hookups, can you use a trailers bathroom, electric, fridge etc.  Do trailers need or have a seperate generator like ones in motorhomes?  I’m in the beggining stages of researching possible purchasing of an RV of some sort for full time living.  Look for more silly questions in the future:) —                                               ….macgrath Well Mac, no question is a silly question.  It just means that the person asking it doesn t know the answer and would like one.  Lets get to it. Travel trailers use the propane gas to run the refrigerater and heater when electric is not available.  The water pump & interior lighting is run off the heavy duty storage battery that all or most trailers have. The battery is a recreational type high capacity battery capable of lasting for several days with reasonable use. Make sure you disconnect the trailer cable from your vehicle or you will drain your vehicle battery in a very short time if the vehicle is not running.  Personnal experience.

 And there were some trailers that had propane lights. I had one for a while in the late 70’s that had one, though it had been partially dismantled and the oarts lost, so I never used it. I did, though, at one time, use a Bernzomatic propane lamp. It had a reflector, and you could turn it down to a softer light. Used that one quite a bit. Main drawback is the heat they put out. Not as noisy as a coleman gas lamp though. — Wayne, AKA Blackie! http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/4625 http://www.frontiernet.net/~blackie

Response:

If you are not in a place with hookups, can you use a trailers bathroom, electric, fridge etc.  Do trailers need or have a seperate generator like ones in motorhomes?  I’m in the beggining stages of researching possible purchasing of an RV of some sort for full time living.  Look for more silly questions in the future:) —                                               ….macgrath

Hi Macgrath My little trailer is self contained so I can use the bath room toilet/shower and later empty the holding tank. The refrigerator is 3-way so I can use it on either AC, propane, or DC. The lights are also usable on AC or DC off the battery. My trailer’s battery is charged as I drive but I still find it a good idea to put a charger on it when I’m at home from time to time just to be sure it’s got a good charge. Good luck. — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Catalog,Tips & Tricks, Fishing Reports, & NeverSink at: http://www.btsflyfishing.com

Response:

If you are not in a place with hookups, can you use a trailers bathroom, electric, fridge etc.  Do trailers need or have a seperate generator like ones in motorhomes?  I’m in the beggining stages of researching possible purchasing of an RV of some sort for full time living.  Look for more silly questions in the future:) —                                               ….macgrath

Well Mac, no question is a silly question.  It just means that the person asking it doesn t know the answer and would like one.  Lets get to it. Travel trailers use the propane gas to run the refrigerater and heater when electric is not available.  The water pump & interior lighting is run off the heavy duty storage battery that all or most trailers have. The battery is a recreational type high capacity battery capable of lasting for several days with reasonable use. Make sure you disconnect the trailer cable from your vehicle or you will drain your vehicle battery in a very short time if the vehicle is not running.  Personnal experience. Hope this helps. jon

Response:

If you are not in a place with hookups, can you use a trailers bathroom, electric, fridge etc.  Do trailers need or have a separate generator like ones in motorhomes?  I’m in the beggining stages of researching possible purchasing of an RV of some sort for full time living.  Look for more silly questions in the future:) —                                               ….macgrath

Yes, I’ve taken showers in my trailer in a rest area.  No generator required unless you want AC. Otherwise you can camp for days.  The holding tank will last for a week easily before you need to dump it. Off course that depends on how many people are using it.  Usually around 40 gals is the size of the holding tanks for freshwater and sewage. Batteries can be charged by connecting back up to your vehicle and running it for a little while.  40 gals of FW only last for maybe 2 days for two people.  You can haul in more easily though.  Marion.

Response:

If you are not in a place with hookups, can you use a trailers bathroom, electric, fridge etc.  Do trailers need or have a seperate generator like ones in motorhomes?  I’m in the beggining stages of researching possible purchasing of an RV of some sort for full time living.  Look for more silly questions in the future:) —                                               ….macgrath

Response:

If you are not in a place with hookups, can you use a trailers bathroom, electric, fridge etc.  

   You can run the refrig on propane gas.  The lights & water pump can run off of a battery.  I bring a spare battery & charge up whichever one has run down.  You will need a campground with a dump station to dump the holding tanks.  I don’t have a generator, there very annoying.  I go camping to get away from the noise.     Dennis

Response:

Generators aren’t as common on travel trailers as they are on motorhomes because the usual fuel supply (gasoline) isn’t on board.  There are propane-powered generators, but I don’t know how common/practical they are. Like you’ve been advised, the noise from generators is very disturbing — and often hated.  If you do decide to buy a generator, check its noise rating (published by the manufacturer) and buy the quietest one you can get.  Also look into solar power cells.  I have a small ($20) one which sits on the dashboard of a seldom-used car of mine, and it does a great job keeping the battery up to charge.  Of course, you’d need a more complex ("expensive") system for RV use. I’d advise you to go to your library and read all the back issues of Motorhome and Trailer Life magazines to start; also, any other books they have on RVing.  There’s quite a few books written by and for full-timers.  Good luck . . . see you on the road.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you are not in a place with hookups, can you use a trailers bathroom, electric, fridge etc.  Do trailers need or have a seperate generator like ones in motorhomes?  I’m in the beggining stages of researching possible purchasing of an RV of some sort for full time living.  Look for more silly questions in the future:) —                                               ….macgrath

Response:

If you are not in a place with hookups, can you use a trailers bathroom, electric, fridge etc.  Do trailers need or have a seperate generator like ones in motorhomes?  I’m in the beggining stages of researching possible purchasing of an RV of some sort for full time living.  Look for more silly questions in the future:) —                                               ….macgrath

Hi Macgrath My little trailer is self contained so I can use the bath room toilet/shower and later empty the holding tank. The refrigerator is 3-way so I can use it on either AC, propane, or DC. The lighter are also usable on AC or DC off the battery. My trailer’s battery is charged as I drive but I still find it a good idea to put a charger on it when I’m at home from time to time just to be sure it’s got a good charge. Good luck. — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Catalog,Tips & Tricks, Fishing Reports, & NeverSink at: http://www.btsflyfishing.com

Response:

Question:

I have been tying flys for a couple of years and reciently decided to get in to dry flys. I started pricing the various necks, ouch! My question is, is it really that big of a deal to use grade 2 necks over grade 1? Also, are Spencer necks any good? Their necks cost about $20 less than the Metz. Are the Metz micro-barb saddles any good? Will I get e decient selection of 14-16 hackle. I don’t plan on tying anything smaller than a 20, for now. Also, I am married so that makes it kind of hard to justify 70 dollars for "a bunch of feathers".0     Thanx,         Pat

Response:

I would strongly consider that you check out Hoffmann’s super saddles in grade 2 or 3. I just sized all of the feathers on a Grade two and they range from 12 up to 18 with a concentration in the 14-16 size. The feathers are incredible, you can tie 5-6 flies with one feather! You can tie hundreds of dozens of flies with one of these saddles. If you figure it on a flies/money basis this is a good deal. If you E-mail Dennis out of each Hoffmann super saddle, and what sizes. You really only need a neck if you are going to tie a lot of very small dries.

Response:

I have been tying flys for a couple of years and reciently decided to get in to dry flys. I started pricing the various necks, ouch! My question is, is it really that big of a deal to use grade 2 necks over grade 1? Also, are Spencer necks any good? Their necks cost about $20 less than the Metz. Are the Metz micro-barb saddles any good? Will I get e decient selection of 14-16 hackle. I don’t plan on tying anything smaller than a 20, for now. Also, I am married so that makes it kind of hard to justify 70 dollars for "a bunch of feathers".0     Thanx,         Pat

Hi Pat Yes those darned feathers cost a bunch but think about Hoffman saddles. You can buy a 1/2 saddle for $18.00 and tie a heck of a lot of flies. If you are interestd I sell them OR check out you local fly shop. Hoffman saddles usually have a feather size range from #12 – #18 with most feathers in the size most tiers use, #14 & #16. My wife and I make a major portion of our living tying flies and we use Hoffman saddles almost exclusively. They are really great. I do carry some other alternatives in my stock, just email for further details or a catalog. You can keep the cost of hackle down also by purchasing with a friend and dividing the neck or saddle — just an idea. Good tying & … — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

Response:

I have been tying flys for a couple of years and reciently decided to get in to dry flys. I started pricing the various necks, ouch! My question is, is it really that big of a deal to use grade 2 necks over grade 1? Also, are Spencer necks any good? Their necks cost about $20 less than the Metz. Are the Metz micro-barb saddles any good? Will I get e decient selection of 14-16 hackle. I don’t plan on tying anything smaller than a 20, for now. Also, I am married so that makes it kind of hard to justify 70 dollars for "a bunch of feathers".0     Thanx,         Pat

Spencers are quite good, I have several.  I really like their hen necks as well. I think the best approach is to go for Hoffman saddles. The Metz saddles don’t go as small in range as the Hoffmans.  Splitting a number 2 saddle with a buddy will get you outfitted for a long time.  Go to the store – do not do this mail order, and use your hackle sizer to check out the various saddles.  They will run all of a size on each saddle, make sure you get one that is right for what you want to use it for.  Then you are fixed for that fly for years.

Response:

 I started pricing the various necks, ouch! My question is, is it really that big of a deal to use grade 2 necks over grade 1? Also, are Spencer necks any good? T

Patrick; The best (most economical and best feathers) way to do this is to get Hoffman Grade #3 necks.  The feathers are the same, but the density is less.  I bought a Hoffman saddle and should have bought a neck.  Saddles are great if you are tying a lot of 12-16 flies.  I needed 16-18. Saddles are superior hackle, but the size is limited. JB

Response:

I always get #1…1.  There is a difference, and 2.  One of my ff buddies came over to the house, flipped the neck over and saw the #2 stamp and called me girlyman for being a tightwad.

for a couple of years and reciently decided to – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – get in to dry flys. I started pricing the various necks, ouch! My question is, is it really that big of a deal to use grade 2 necks over grade 1?

Response:

get in to dry flys. I started pricing the various necks, ouch! My question is, is it really that big of a deal to use grade 2 necks over grade 1? Also, are Spencer necks any good? Their necks cost about $20 less than the Metz. Are the Metz micro-barb saddles any good? Will I get e decient selection of 14-16 hackle. I don’t plan on tying anything smaller than a 20, for now. Also, I am married so that makes it kind of hard to justify 70 dollars for "a bunch of feathers".0     Thanx,         Pat /

Years ago, in the 60s and 70s, we got our chicken hackle from India and China. We graded them in AAAA, AAA, AA, A, B and C, if I remember right. We would buy them by the hundred and would grade them ourselves. Hal Janssen, a northern California fly fishing and tying expert, once showed me how to grade them. He first put them into stacks by color. Then you would check the stiffness by bending a hackle and putting it up against his upper lip. Then he would check for the size range. This was the big killer as many of them would not have a feather smaller than a #12. This was not so bad years ago as the fish were more plentiful and would eat a #12. We would look for feathers that had some length to them so you didn’t have to tie on 3 to 5 hackle to get enough turns to make a good fly.  We would have many different colors. White, creme, ginger, red game(brown) and coachman brown(very dark) along with combos like badger, flame, cree, cocubony(sp) and grizzly. We would die creme necks to a blue dun. My friend, Bob Quigley, could really get some good looking blue dun and light olive die jobs. I would die saddles hot orange for steelhead hackle as we could not get any. I say that today we are all spoiled with the genetic necks from Hoffman and Metz. Years ago, if you had a neck that looked like a #3 Metz you wouldn’t tie with it. You would just pull it out and show it off to your friends. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

Response:

I have been tying flys for a couple of years and reciently decided to get in to dry flys. I started pricing the various necks, ouch! My question is, is it really that big of a deal to use grade 2 necks over grade 1? Also, are Spencer necks any good? Their necks cost about $20 less than the Metz. Are the Metz micro-barb saddles any good? Will I get e decient selection of 14-16 hackle. I don’t plan on tying anything smaller than a 20, for now. Also, I am married so that makes it kind of hard to justify 70 dollars for "a bunch of feathers".0     Thanx,         Pat

Hi Pat, Usually the biggest difference between #1 and #2 necks is the amount of small sizes of hackle.  Unless you are going to tie a lot of #22 – #26 flies, the #2 is all you need and may actually be preferable to the #1.  I have an old  #1 Metz brown cape that I can’t use for size 10 or 12 flies because the stems are too thick to wind well in those sizes. The Hoffman saddle split between friends (as suggested by Al Beatty) is a great idea presuming you can find them.  I have a #3 Hoffman grizzly saddle (looks as good as most #2’s Ive seen since) that has primarily #16 & #18 feathers that are 7" to 9" long.  They are a fly tiers dream as that is the size of most of the dry flies that I tie.  Be warned however that the Hoffman saddles usually have 2 sizes in abundance and other sizes are scarce by comparison.  They are there, but not nearly in the numbers as the 2 primary sizes.  These primary sizes vary from saddle to saddle so be sure to check them out so you get the sizes you use most often. The normal Metz saddles are *not* in this league.  Their feathers are long but more commonly run in 8’s and 6’s with a few 10’s and 12’s if you’re lucky.  I haven’t seen their "micro barb" saddles yet. If you can’t check them out yourself, order them from Al or someone that you have confidence will give you what you request and take it back if it is not satisfactory.  Be sure to specify the preferred sizes you want to use it for.                                   Good Luck,                                         Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools

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I always get #1…1.  There is a difference, and 2.  One of my ff buddies came over to the house, flipped the neck over and saw the #2 stamp and called me girlyman for being a tightwad.

GET A NEW FRIEND! Sounds like a guy that buys everything based on brand and price, not on need and functionality. Most commercial tyers or moderately high-volume tyers buy #3 and #2 saddles and capes unless they’re looking for a large volume of SMALL hackles (and by small, I mean size 24-28 stuff!!) By going to a well stocked shop and selecting your own hackle, you’ll find that many of Hoffman’s graders will downgrade a cape/saddle due to broken tips and "less than even" coloring across a cape/saddle.  Personally, when I can get 6 or 7 flies out of one saddle, I don’t get too bent about the tips being broken!!  As for the less than even color, well…hao many times do you think a fly is refused because the dun is medium instead of light on one turn of the hackle??   If your fish refuse flies like this, send em to your pal that says you’re a wuss for buying #2s!!  Bet he’s got a teal vest and uses a rod with a dampening action in the handle! I’ve tyed flies for over 30 years, and over the past 15 years I’ve bought ONE #1 cape…a grizzly that I still have.  I’ve purchased an average of 6 capes and saddles per year since then, mostly Hoffmans, mostly #3s and some #2s. Larry #:)#

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Question:

Has anyone had any experience fishing in the Caymans or Cozumel? I’ll be there this Xmas and would like to do a little bit of fishing.  I heard there are bonefish and tarpon opportunities. Thanks for your help. Bill

Response:

I was in Grand Cayman last Feb. You are probably staying on 7 mile beach. If so, go north and find Papagallo Restaurant. It, by the way, is the only really fine restaurant we found on the island if you’re into that. Keep going past the place and suddenly you’er in bush on rough dirt roads. There are tons of canals that were dug to keep mosquitos down. There are supposed to be small tarpon  in them and if the lake at the reastaurant is any indication they are there. Whats even prettier is the shore along the north in this neighborhood. There is a reef way off with breakers and very large expansive flats and NO CROWDS at all which is very welcome from the 7 mile beach scene. It gets you into the island thing "Mon" and the fly fishing thing all very quickly ( and close to the hotels) and is really beautiful. When you get to the end of the first road past the restaurant go left to get to the shore here. Anothyer place thats even easier and very pretty, but not as wildernessesque, is to go through and south of Georgetown and take the road that goes along the south shore. There are a few parking areas where you can walk 30 feet to the flats and its gorgeus. The areas I found are after the road turns east, about 10 minutes after you have passed where the cruise ships dock. Check out the guy who is the doctor of the black coral clinic you pass on your way. Neat fellow with great prices on stuff he carves himself. I found grand cayman to be very civilized and without these fishing excursions, would have hated it. They balanced it perfectly. Its not a breathtaking place like the Virgin islands, but now you know where to find really inspiring places. Have a good time. Clair

Response:

Has anyone had any experience fishing in the Caymans or Cozumel? I’ll be there this Xmas and would like to do a little bit of fishing.  I heard there are bonefish and tarpon opportunities. Thanks for your help. Bill

You can catch bonefish on Cozumel anytime. There are some real good guides that can take you out to the remote north end of the island. I have fished with Victor, Papo, Enrica(sp) and Alex. You can stay at the Southern Cross Club on Little Cayman Island. They have bonefish and small land-locked tarpon. A 9′#8,  3 or 4 piece outfit is the most popular size for light salt water travel. It is a good size for most fish to 30#. I use a Mastery Bonefish floating line because it is stiffer and works better out of a boat. Take a varity of bonefish flies and some 2/0 streamers. I always take a few poppers. Polarized glasses and a hat are needed. If you have any questions you can e.mail or call me, 800/4000FLY (USA). William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

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Was in Cayman Brac in 94 and stayed at Brac Reef. Main purpose was diving however, righty there in front of the hotel was a wadeable rip where one could cast to Tarpon, Lemon sharks and Barracuda ! In addition, Little Cayman was a short boat ride away and offered large Tarpon and Bonefish. — "The true Angler is content to fish alone" Brian Di Carlo

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Question:

I’m looking for a moderate speed (IM6 maybe) relatively inexpensive rod (under $200) for a friend to learn with. If anyone has a used one for sale that might work also (E-Mail me). Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Jack Beer

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I have a Thomas & Thomas  Emerger  8′6" 5wt. I picked up for 195.00 and it’s as sweet as my" big buck " Powell. It’s the same blank as the top shelf rod, w/o the fancy reel seat.  Awsome bargain. Tight Lines Adam S.

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The Sage Discovery series is pretty good for beginners, but I still think the Bean Angler series that retails for around 150 or so for the rod and tube is the best bet.  My friend loves his.

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Check out the wide range of Cortland rods.  The new CL at $79 with tube and bag is excellent.  The Precision II at about $129 is a super deal.

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The Sage Discovery series is pretty good for beginners, but I still think the Bean Angler series that retails for around 150 or so for the rod and tube is the best bet.  My friend loves his.

I’ll second the recommendation for the L.L. Bean Angler series of rods. My wife and I each bought one of these for our first rods and we still use them a lot. (Mine is a 8 1/2 ft 4 piece 7 wt and my wife’s is a 8 1/2 ft 2 piece 6/7 wt.) Unlike a lot of other "low end" rods, these are built well from good components that feel solid and even look nice! The action is medium and they are easy to cast. Besides, they are backed by Bean’s famous unconditional lifetime guarantee which they honor with no fuss. Scott (no connection to Bean’s other than being a satisfied customer) — Scott Sminkey, Sustaining and Specials Eng.   Xyplex.Inc. 508 952-4792  fax 508 952-4887                Littleton, MA 01460

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The Sage Discovery series is pretty good for beginners, but I still think the Bean Angler series that retails for around 150 or so for the rod and tube is the best bet.  My friend loves his.

I have a Beans Angler series 6/7 weight rod.  It was reasonably priced and I love it.  It came with a tube, has a walnut seat and I can control the rod and my casting as well as I need to.   I’d like to get a 4 piece 4/5 weight rod to replace my current trout rod and although I think I am ready for a fancier version, the prices I see in all my fly fishing catalogs are too high.  I might just get another smaller Bean Angler rod.   stefan m. Arlington, Texas Web Page:  http://rampages.onramp.net/~smarc

Response:

Get one of the people on the net to make you a custom rod from the finest, high-performance components.  You will save probably 40%, and on a 200-$300 rod, that ain’t chump change.  Loomis or Sage blanks, great components, you can’t loose.  See someone about it.  I talked to a guy at the Eastern Outdoors show in Harrisburgh who made a company on selling good quality rods direct to the end user.  You don’t have to pay for Sage’s or Orvis’s name.  You can directly help an American manufacturer/businessman who has recognized an opportunity and is capitalizing on it.                   Sincerely;                 Jason Beary

Response:

(Okiesurfer) writes: I’m looking for a moderate speed (IM6 maybe) relatively inexpensive rod (under $200) for a friend to learn with. If anyone has a used one for sale that might work also (E-Mail me). Thanks in advance for any suggestions. Jack Beer

Jack, For $240 you can get an Orvis HLS RM "Adams" which is a sweet 8

Question:

writes: Fished at Salmon River 9/27,9/28 for Spposed to be Greatest Chinook Salmon run.

Your experience sent chills down my spine.  At first I felt sorry for those Chinook Salmon that had been transplanted to such an unfriendly location. Then I felt sorry for you, trying to give these magnificent fish a decent sporting chance and being thwarted by uncaring fishermen.  And then I felt sorry for myself, because I wondered how long it would be before that type of fishing would become standard practice everywhere.  I prey that the new fishermen entering the sport give some respect to their surroundings and their fellow fishermen. Ernie Harrison

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Hi Goh, Looks like the SR really got to you. Maybe you should give SW a try! Give me a call  or send Email and we’ll work something out. Maybe join "Salty" Fly rodders-Good bunch of guys with similar interest(and they don’t like to kill fish) We meet 1st Monday of the month at Queens Botanical Garden in Flushing. On Main street just North of LIE.

Response:

Fished at Salmon River 9/27,9/28 for Spposed to be Greatest Chinook Salmon run. Hooked a  fish in every morning and run after fish up stream and down stream  was great sport. but no more fish come through. everybody have to wait for a single  fish to come up. The run was very spars and too many fishermen. (I can’t imagine what  weekend will be!!) They are totally different crowds than any others I have seen. They are just like Bear with rod and reel!! Chasing fish after fish and present Ugliest fly you can imagine to their nose and hook them any where on their body and hold the rod still . partner or their  guide will run after hooked fish and net fish. The Warden will  run to them and check if they foul or fair. if it’s fair they will  kill the fish. If not, release him and chase the same fish again until hook him near the mouth. arguing about who’s fish,who cuts in middle etc…..endless. Ugliest fishing I have ever saw. I had enough watching theses Bears and went down stream to explore other stretch of river. where no body around. happen to be good holding pool. as my fly reached to productive area Spin fishermen with huge spoon from no where splashed in front of my fly. I said to my self enough is enough. clipped off my fly and  practice Spey casting  for rest of the day. I should Foul hook those Bears with #4/0 Dbl hook with Droper It could be great fight!! It was  clear and beautiful autumn day (not good for fishing) PS. At the Fly fishing section is worse. they foul hook one single fish with 20lb tippet from both side of the bank  and yell each other. They don’t care at all beacuse it’s catch and  release water anyway. There is no respect to sports or to the fish. This is The Ugliest Fly fishing in world. If someone knows Uglier Fly fishing than this,I don’t mind trying them. it’s all Bullsxxt!! Goh

Response:

Camping is available but I don’t camp there. I recommend the Portly Angler (about 17-23$ a night depending on the # of people). There really isn’t a back country so camping parks are your best bet (i.e. KOA or such). Licences are about $20 for limited time period?? and 35-40 a year. Chuck Abbott

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Hi there is a web page set up exclusively for the Salmon River. It’s pretty informative! http://www.maine.com/fish-ny/

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Hi During Steelhead season in November at Fly Fishing section. I saw many Fishermen using long leader and Hevey Weight AND!! Size 3/0 or larger hook with little bity piece of some hair or feather. Very nice low-water parttern!? drifting on holding pool and snaging one after another. Hope the DEC will check these Fly fishermen !? very closely also. I think Salmon River is very pretty if you go upper section. Especialy the end of Season (March and April) With less crowd, you will have whole section by your self.

Response:

Hi During Steelhead season in November at Fly Fishing section. I saw many Fishermen using long leader and Hevey Weight AND!! Size 3/0 or larger hook with little bity piece of some hair or feather. Very nice low-water parttern!? drifting on holding pool and snaging one after another. Hope the DEC will check these Fly fishermen !? very closely also. I think Salmon River is very pretty if you go upper section. Especialy the end of Season (March and April) With less crowd, you will have whole section by your self.

"Fly fishermen"???? I hope they get checked too, as the legal hook gap is 1/2 inch, or roughly a size 2. Chances are, there leaders were illegal as well. This is the type of fishing that gives the river such a bad reputation. Bob Petti Endwell, NY

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I admint that the river is crowded and that fishing can be a hectic because of the crowds, but IMHO there is large supply of fly fishers. The fly fishing section has been expanded in include a new areas (more on the way) and still the places can be filled with fly fishers. Snagging to the best of my knowledege has been banned on the Salmon but is still being contested to some degree. Salmon absolutely will take a fly in places other than the body. They need to be teased a bit but they will attack/eat/absently swallow a fly on a regular basis. This may require several casts to a fish. Attractor patterns and glow bugs take many Salmon. In fact, spin fishers sometimes tie on a fly to their rig and do quite well as the key is "be on the bottom" where the fish are. Dry fly fishing is rare to non-existent. I heard a tale that Ted Williams fished the river and caught serveral steelhead and salmon on the surface; but this was Mr. Williams and not you or I. Try hitting the Salmon on a wednesday-friday before a weekend and you’ll be suprised how few people there are and how mush more cooperative the fish are when they are not pounded by the crowds. Don’t give up yet…. Chuck Abbott

Response:

  Well, speaking as a average flyfisherman who has never been there, the Salmon River has a tarnished reputation in my view.

Yes, it has a bad rep among fly fishers. I think that’s going to change over the next few years.   All the stories of crowds of neanderthals with grappling hooks and corn, and a puny 1 mile of flyfishing-only have taken me from the "I’ve gotta get up there" stage to the "I think I’ll go out west" stage.

Snagging is illegal this year. I saw people hauled off the river last year by DEC officials when the snagging was outlawed for awhile. The DEC is taking this seriously. Those "in the know" realize that sportsman will bring more money into the area than "neanderthals".   Perhaps this is good news to those who fish the Salmon.

Not really. If you accept beforehand that you’re not going to be fishing in solitude, and bring a good attitude with you, it really can be fun. Granted, it’s different, but is that necessarily bad? C’mon up and have some fun!   Mysteriously, the folks who promote the Salmon (like Fran Verdoliva, for example) don’t seem to address the issues I mentioned above.   Instead, in her online information she waxes enthusiastic about flyfishing on the Salmon, when in fact from what I’ve heard it ain’t so swift.

Fran’s a guy. The flyfishing is outstanding. Most people get disappointed if they don’t hook up there first few times out. It takes awhile to learn the river, the fish, and the techniques, just like anywhere else. It’s *NOT* a western river. The effective techniques and flies are different.   I’m not being cynical;  I just want some knowledge-backed reassurances that if I go up there, I’ll catch one fish and not get hooked in the ear by someone 10 feet from me!   — Scott

I wouldn’t guarantee anyone’s ear. I also wouldn’t guarantee someone a fish on any body of water their first time out. However, if you put your time in and learn the water and techniques, you can begin to hook fish quite regularly up there in all sorts of weather an water conditions. Just ask Fran! Bob Petti Endwell, NY

Response:

   Well, speaking as a average flyfisherman who has never been there, the Salmon River has a tarnished reputation in my view.    All the stories of crowds of neanderthals with grappling hooks and corn, and a puny 1 mile of flyfishing-only have taken me from the "I’ve gotta get up there" stage to the "I think I’ll go out west" stage.    Perhaps this is good news to those who fish the Salmon.    Mysteriously, the folks who promote the Salmon (like Fran Verdoliva, for example) don’t seem to address the issues I mentioned above.   Instead, in her online information she waxes enthusiastic about flyfishing on the Salmon, when in fact from what I’ve heard it ain’t so swift.    I’m not being cynical;  I just want some knowledge-backed reassurances that if I go up there, I’ll catch one fish and not get hooked in the ear by someone 10 feet from me!    — Scott

Response:

I’ve had two fishing trips to the area.   And I think it will be some time before I return. If you really want to go, I strongly recommend hiring a guide. And not all guides pratice what you might consider ‘ethical’ or at least standard flyfishing techniques. There are three I recommend without reserve: Fran Verdolovia    315 963 3905 Peter Basta        315 963 3905 or 802 867 4103 Greg Lui            (see Fran’;s number)

My experiences with the Salmon River during the salmon run are quite varied. Last year, with the on-again off-again snagging, flyfishers were out of their element (I’m being polite) downstream from the C&R areas. However, fishing in the two C&R areas was actually quite fun. It may be crowded, but it’s a different kind of crowd. I really enjoyed it, and the fishing action is usually outstanding. IMHO, the Salmon River comes into its own during the winter steelhead season. There are still quite a few fisherman out, but a flyfisherman can fish most of the river without "being in danger". And when the weather is bad, you can have large sections of the river all to yourself.

Response:

Can anyone offer any information about Sept/Oct on the Salmon River such as the average cost of lisence and guides and whether or not back country camping is available?  Any good spots or guides. Thanks

I’ve had two fishing trips to the area.   And I think it will be some time before I return. If you really want to go, I strongly recommend hiring a guide. And not all guides pratice what you might consider ‘ethical’ or at least standard flyfishing techniques. There are three I recommend without reserve: Fran Verdolovia    315 963 3905 Peter Basta        315 963 3905 or 802 867 4103 Greg Lui            (see Fran’;s number)

Response:

If you have an internet www browser, point it here: http://w3.maine.com/fish-ny/welcome.htm It’s a home page devoted to Salmon River

Response:

Can anyone offer any information about Sept/Oct on the Salmon River such as the average cost of lisence and guides and whether or not back country camping is available?  Any good spots or guides.

There now are several reliable stores in Pulaski.  I’ve not been there for years but fancy the most popular FF store is at a truck stop just east of the freeway at the Pulaski exit, i.e. the side away from the town. —  |          Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Rd., Carlsbad         |  |        Springs, Ont., Canada K0A 1K0; tel: (613) 822-0734       |  |  "What I’ve always liked about science is its independence from |  |  authority"–Ontario Science Centre (name on file) 10 July 1981 |

Response:

The salmon stop eating once they enter the river from lake Ontario.

So… the technique used to catch them is called "lifting"… a legal word for snagging/foul hooking.<<<< LIFTING IS NOT "LEGAL" IT IS IMMORAL AND PRACTICED BY IDIOTS WHO THINK THAT SALMON CANNOT BY CAUGHT AFTER THEY ENTER THE RIVER.  For some stupid reason people think that when you have thousands of fish in a river that you should be able to get a fish on every cast. The salmon will most certainly hit a fly out of aggression and reflex if it is presented the correct way,, in fact I  and large number of other anglers can consistently  hook into salmon as long as they have not had the crap spooked out of them by jerks wadding thru pools trying to move the salmon out into shallower water so they can rip a single pointed hook into the head region of the fish (this is what "lifting" is). In fact it is now a state law as of September 1 that no one may snag, lift or foul hook a salmonid  in any body of water in New York State. Anyone who is caught keeping a foul hooked fish is subject to arrest and fines. The NY DEC will be beafing up patrols on the salmon river this year in order to enforce the law. Mark Arrigo

Response:

Check out the following Home Page.  It will answer all your questions http://www.maine.com:80/fish-ny/ Bill A.

Response:

I fished the river a few times in late Sept/early Oct for the salmon run that occurs that time of year.  There are a few nice browns (hooked jaw & spawning colors) in there too. The salmon stop eating once they enter the river from lake Ontario.  So… the technique used to catch them is called "lifting"… a legal word for snagging/foul hooking.  There was (and still may be) a legal snagging section where you throw a heavily weighted trebble hook (sorta looks like the grapling hook that James Bond uses to climb walls) and rip it through the water in hopes of snagging a dorsal fin or tail or eye or ???  Sounds like fun huh???  Add to that the total lack of elbow room (you often have to synchronize your cast with all your neighbors to avoid tangles) and you have the ultimate fishing experience.  By the way, if your still headed there after reading this, don’t go without korkers.  Wading can get a little tough (lotsa rocks and some pushy water). There is a fee for fishing section that some senator owns.  It’s west of Pulaski and is considerably less crowded.  The fish are also much fresher since this section is closer to the lake.  It is heavily patrolled by fish & game wardens in plain clothes for snagging violators.  I believe the fee was $15 but that was in ‘93. Water levels can vary greatly due to a damn upriver.  900-933-FISH was a river report number at one time. There are very few fly-fisherpeople on most of the river.  There is a ff only section the last mile just below the hatchery.  Any fish that have managed to make it past the 33 bazillion guys downstream are pretty worn out and "near the end". I don’t know about wilderness camping or guides (never used one) but there is a campground that we stayed at on route 13 called the Pineville Campground (315-298-2325).  Most of the sites are pretty open but a few are tucked into corners giving you some semblance of privacy. I guess I sound pretty sour on the place but that’s ’cause it’s not my kind of fishing.  I suppose I became too much of a purist.  I scratched it from my list in ‘94.  There’s some nice looking water in a nice setting. You might have a better experience than I did.  Good Luck (seriously, not sarchasm). Karl Bass

Response:

Can anyone offer any information about Sept/Oct on the Salmon River such as the average cost of lisence and guides and whether or not back country camping is available?  Any good spots or guides. Thanks

Response:

Question:

Here ya go:       (rec.outdoors.fishing.fly), by the way you can find those addresses by clicking on the Internet Names button on the top of your Newsgroups screen. CF

Response:

: Can anyone tell me how to locate this forum if you are not on AOL?  I have : a fishing buddy that is on Internet but not on AOL and he wants to join : in.  

I am not on AOL but must be in your forum as you call it.  For me it is a newsgroup.  I am on the internet.  I would suggest using lynx. or rn rn rec.outdoors.fishing.fly

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Question:

I am going to Cozumel, Mexico at the end of January and would like to find a guide or advice on where to fish there. I do not scuba dive. I would like to wade fish for bonefish if there are fishable flats. Anyone know a relable guide? Do I need a license in advance? Any other advice would be great… Thanks, Bill Schrader Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX

Response:

| I am going to Cozumel, Mexico at the end of January and would like to find | a guide or advice on where to fish there. I do not scuba dive. | | I would like to wade fish for bonefish if there are fishable flats. | | Anyone know a relable guide? | | Do I need a license in advance? | | Any other advice would be great… | | Thanks, | Bill Schrader | Baylor College of Medicine, Houston TX |         Haven’t been to Cozumel in a few years, but here are a couple of insights. When I was there shore fishing was permitted on the north side of the island, but much of the south side was a marine sanctuary. Anyways, from shore I found the best fishing to happen at night from the ‘Cabanas del Caribe’ (which may or may not still exist) north.I was using a fly rod and a white 1/0 deceiver, and had a blast with baby tarpon and horse eyed jacks (they’ll pull your arm off!) I saw some snappers further north, but didn’t have my rod at the time. I saw one bonefish, which I spooked, at the northernmost point of the beach, where everything turns to jungle. There are supposedly flats on either end of the island. The book "Fishing Atlas of the World" a big coffee table type book has some details on finding these flats as I recall. You are supposed to have a fishing license, which I believe is free for shore fishing, but I never could find the oficina de pesca and nobody gave me any trouble about it. The boat fishing is supposed to be great, but I didn’t try it. Oh, I was there in mid march. Not sure what January will bring, but it will definitely be better than the -10F I got up to this morning :-                                         john cloyd

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