Question:

Took the little lady out of school today to see Harry Potter (you are only young once). Saw the first showing in town.  Wasn’t bad, a good kids movie. They did however show the trailers for Lord of the Rings….looks good. Real good….may have to dust off an old brownie recipe and pretend I’m in college again….read ‘em in college don’t you know….(yup, got me an eddycation) john

Response:

Check out the scenery.. it was shot in New Zealand by a New Zealand director.. "Lord of the rings" fever has struck some parts LOL. Clark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Took the little lady out of school today to see Harry Potter (you are only young once). Saw the first showing in town.  Wasn’t bad, a good kids movie. They did however show the trailers for Lord of the Rings….looks good. Real good….may have to dust off an old brownie recipe and pretend I’m in college again….read ‘em in college don’t you know….(yup, got me an eddycation) john

Response:

Check out the scenery.. it was shot in New Zealand by a New Zealand director.. "Lord of the rings" fever has struck some parts LOL. Clark

Hell, you’ve picked up on a Canadian national sport – spotting the Montreal, Toronto, or Vancouver street landmarks in "NY street scene" movies.  (X-files is/was shot in Vancouver, for example.) Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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They did however show the trailers for Lord of the Rings….looks good. Real good….may have to dust off an old brownie recipe and pretend I’m in college again….read ‘em in college don’t you know

I have to admit I’m really looking forward to that one.  It appears pretty well done.  Rereading "Fellowship" right now  Gollum snatched his fish by hand you know, and ate ‘em raw…

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Gollum snatched his fish by hand you know, and ate ‘em raw…

Unethical!!!! George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

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They did however show the trailers for Lord of the Rings….looks good. Real good….

Blesssss us and splasssh us, me precioussssessss…we can hardly wait. Counting the days till this release.  I’ve been waiting years for someone to do a worthy version. BTW, saw David Mamet’s new one "Heist" tonight.  Strongly recommend to all fans of his writing.  He gives Devito has a phone conversation that almost rivals the "fucking Ruthie…" speech from "American Buffalo". Zippy Who can’t imagine the size of the checking accounts of the Harry Potter owner’s after this weekend.

Response:

Took the little lady out of school today to see Harry Potter (you are only young once). Saw the first showing in town.  Wasn’t bad, a good kids movie.

Saw it this afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Still like the books better though. They did however show the trailers for Lord of the Rings….looks good. Real good….may have to dust off an old brownie recipe and pretend I’m in college again….read ‘em in college don’t you know….(yup, got me an eddycation)

This one has me worried.  Hard to imagine anyone doing justice to the books. Wolfgang

Response:

They did however show the trailers for Lord of the Rings….looks good. Real good….may have to dust off an old brownie recipe and pretend I’m in college again….read ‘em in college don’t you know….(yup, got me an eddycation) This one has me worried.  Hard to imagine anyone doing justice to the books. Wolfgang

It has to be better than the Bakshi rotoscoped abortion, or the cutesy Rankin and Bass animations. From the trailers I’ve seen and the production photos on the web site, it looks like they are doing a  great job.  Shooting in NZ was a great idea – the mountains really look like the Misty Mountains.  They are doing all three books – "The Two Towers" next year and "Return of the King" in 2003, so at least they’re going to follow the story sequence at the grossest level.  Obviously they have to do a lot of story compression to meet the movie time limitations, but the word from the fan sites is that they are making a good attempt at completeness.  They did omit Tom Bombadil though – I liked the idea of a hippy living in the woods of Middle Earth. I went to see Harry Potter last night.  The visualizations were excellent – it was eerie how well the film matched the picture in my head.  Hagrid was perfect.  The only complaint I have is the movie’s pacing.  It was very episodic – which in retrospect is very like the book.  That’s the big difference between the media I guess – chapterization works well in book format, but you expect a movie to flow better.  They did manage to fit in most of the content of the book into the 2.5 hours.  My youngest son refused to go because he didn’t want to mess up the pictures in his imagination (he’s still reading book 3). –Stan (looking forward to getting my Gandalf soda flask at Burger King)

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 I read it instead of studying for my first semester  freshman year finals.  Still managed to pass  everything ok, but it was all down hill from there.  I was dreading the movie: I didn’t want my images  of the story destroyed.

It’s interesting to hear how many people feel this way.  I just asked a question on a Tolkien newsgroup.  I can’t believe how many people are totally into the intricate details of that story and history, and how many people are upset that such a "holy" book is being put on film.

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They did omit Tom Bombadil though – I liked the idea of a hippy living in the woods of Middle Earth.

Willi Bombadil – Master of Whitheywindle trout!

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The best course of action is to first see the movie and THEN read the book. That way, you don’t have to work so hard to make up the imagery.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s interesting to hear how many people feel this way.  I just asked a question on a Tolkien newsgroup.  I can’t believe how many people are totally into the intricate details of that story and history, and how many people are upset that such a "holy" book is being put on film.  For me, it’s not that the book is somehow "holy" but that it  is a fantasy tale, I created pretty strong images of the fantasy  when I read the books, and I know that they will be erased  if I see the movie: I can’t make the images coexist.  I have  felt the same way about other books & movies based on them,  though I do feel stronger about this one.

It’s a common enough feeling.  And, of course, there is nothing holy about The Lord of the Rings.  However, Tolkien was blessed with a rare ability to create a believable (I was about to delete that word and replace it with "plausible" but have decide to let it stand) world and evoke very powerful images of what that world must look like.  Add to this the well known fact that a two hour long film can virtually never do justice to a book with which a reader lives for days or weeks, even under the best of circumstances, and it’s easy enough to see why many a fan would be wary.  And then too, many readers, like myself, were introduced to Tolkien at a relatively young age.  The images brought forth (and they are VERY powerful ones) have had time to seep deep into the consciousness.  Rereadings in later life will doubtless alter those images, but not radically.  More likely, they will simply reinforce them.  Not a thing to be tampered with lightly. Wolfgang who will go to see the movie but will NOT promise to like it.

Response:

snip< I was also wondering what this has to do with Fly Fishing. Looks like a hanging curve ball, out over the plate…..   Batter up.

That post can’t be for real. I mean I know pinheads like that exist but telling folks to read their Bible on ROFF ? I suspect an rdean spoof. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Funny thing I never take my kids out of school to subject them to a movie that is made to seem alright for kids. It involves sorcery and black magic. Do you think this is the kind of things kids should be watching. Oh it seems harmless as a movie but that is exactly the way they want it to be. Thats what draws kids in and seems interesting to them. It is apparent that you do not think much about where you will go after you leave this world. If I were you I would look into my Bible, If not for yourself do it for your children. I don’t mean to bust your chops so much but this is not the type of thing to take your kids to see. I was also wondering what this has to do with Fly Fishing. Since this is a Fly Fishing newsgroup anyway.

I personally wouldn’t take kids out of school to see any movie, but any action that pisses off the thumpers can’t be all bad.  Way to go John.  :-) Get a life "Maw".      - Ken

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I’d rather see a movie version of "Bored of the Rings", actually. I’ll stick with the books for the ‘real thing’. — Charlie…

One can hope.  Given the success of parody movies like "Scary Movie", if the first LOTR movie is successful, a "National Lampoon’s: Bored of the Rings" might just happen. I lost my copy of BOTR many years ago, and a year ago I located a used copy on the Internet so my sons would not be deprived.  I found a few good links which have festered in my favorites folder since then.   Here’s a good one – this guy thought that the ending looked rushed, and so wrote an additional chapter to round it out.  For those folks who don’t or can’t have a full copy of BOTR, this might give you a taste for the full book. http://junior.apk.net/~drushel/b_scour.html –Stan

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I lost my copy of BOTR many years ago, and a year ago I located a used copy on the Internet so my sons would not be deprived.  

Thanks for the link. I still have my original paperback but it’s pretty tattered. I found a decent copy in a used book store in San Rafael when I was in CA a few years ago (along with some of Gamov’s Mr. Tompkins books – it was a pretty good bookstore) and have passed it along to my sons as well. — Charlie…

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(along with some of Gamov’s Mr. Tompkins books – it was a pretty good

bookstore) And I learn something new every day.  I had never heard of these, so I googled Mr. Tompkins.  I suppose those books had just lost their utility by the 60s – there was a lot more popularization of math and physics by then and I grew up on Asimov and Martin Gardner.

Response:

Funny thing I never take my kids out of school to subject them to a movie that is made to seem alright for kids. It involves sorcery and black magic. Do you think this is the kind of things kids should be watching. Oh it seems harmless as a movie but that is exactly the way they want it to be. Thats what draws kids in and seems interesting to them. It is apparent that you do not think much about where you will go after you leave this world. If I were you I would look into my Bible, If not for yourself do it for your children. I don’t mean to bust your chops so much but this is not the type of thing to take your kids to see. I was also wondering what this has to do with Fly Fishing. Since this is a Fly Fishing newsgroup anyway.

Response:

snip< I was also wondering what this has to do with Fly Fishing. Since this is a Fly Fishing newsgroup anyway.

Looks like a hanging curve ball, out over the plate…..   Batter up. Joe F.

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And I learn something new every day.  I had never heard of these, so I googled Mr. Tompkins.  I suppose those books had just lost their utility by the 60s – there was a lot more popularization of math and physics by then and I grew up on Asimov and Martin Gardner.

I read them first, I think, in my early teens and re-encountered them in the late ’60s/earky ’70s in grad school. My research advisor had some and I thought it was pretty interesting to re-read them. — Charlie…

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(along with some of Gamov’s Mr. Tompkins books – it was a pretty good bookstore) And I learn something new every day.  I had never heard of these, so I googled Mr. Tompkins.  I suppose those books had just lost their utility by the 60s – there was a lot more popularization of math and physics by then and I grew up on Asimov and Martin Gardner.

If I’m not mistaken, George Gamow was the guy who coined the word "google" (10^100) and googleplex (10^google). Now it’s a verb.

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Funny thing I never take my kids out of school to subject them to a movie that is made to seem alright for kids. It involves sorcery and black magic. Do you think this is the kind of things kids should be watching. Oh it seems harmless as a movie but that is exactly the way they want it to be. Thats what draws kids in and seems interesting to them. It is apparent that you do not think much about where you will go after you leave this world. If I were you I would look into my Bible, If not for yourself do it for your children.

Right. The Bible is where you’ll find the really serious sorcery and black magic.

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Rereadings in later life will doubtless alter those images, but not radically.  More likely, they will simply reinforce them.  Not a thing to be tampered with lightly.

Looks like you’ve started a manic phase, Wolfgang.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  I read it instead of studying for my first semester  freshman year finals.  Still managed to pass  everything ok, but it was all down hill from there.  I was dreading the movie: I didn’t want my images  of the story destroyed. It’s interesting to hear how many people feel this way.  I just asked a question on a Tolkien newsgroup.  I can’t believe how many people are totally into the intricate details of that story and history, and how many people are upset that such a "holy" book is being put on film.

People can get pretty obscessive about the Tolkien books. When I went to college back in the the Eocene I was into the books  in a big way. Went to a meeting of the "Tolkien Society" or some such name. There were some seriously disturbed individuals there. Some had adopted names and personas from the books and kept them while living in the outside world. You would see "Strider" stalking about campus in his cape and if you dared to call him his real name you would be viciously ignored. "Galadriel" would flounce around the library in her elvish garb. Actually, they fit in pretty well with Madison circa 1971. G.Cleveland

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We were in the dorm playing the Hobbitt and I was into watching the fire trails of the flaming bolts of lightning  produced by the big kitchen matches  that I, as Gandalf, sent coursing over the heads of the trolls and demons who were pounding at the shower curtain door of my house when I caught the towels on fire….what a trip. john

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Question:

Email me just with dates. I have a commitment around the first.  But for me it’s drive up the river to the mouth of the Deschuets walk a couple of miles and fish.  There is a park and boat launch there. Send me a phone number where your staying and I’ll call.  We are going to Crater Lake one on those weekends.  BJC – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I’ll be going to Portland,

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Theo: Portland may not be as beautiful as New Jersey, The Garden State (snicker, snicker), but you’ll like it fine. Actually, the above was sarcastic. Oregon is lovely, and in September it probably will either be hot (maybe even up to 100), or wonderful (60-70). You should be able to find steelhead in several local rivers or, if you have time to drive about 4 hrs, you can be on one of the world’s great steelhead streams, the Deschutes. Re-post or email me directly at the end of August to remind me — in the meantime I’ll check the migration status and let you know where the fish are. Your 7-8 wt rod will be perfect. Floating line (DT or WF) and fairly strong leaders. You’ll want to pick up some of the standard Northwest steelhead flies: Freight Train, Streetwalker and Skunks are the classics. Kaufmann’s Streamborne has them online, and I think Hill’s Discount Flies does too. You may want to email Kaufmann’s for advice, too. They’re expensive, but very helpful to travelling anglers. The standard approach for summer steelhead is very systematic: cast quartering downstream, let the line swing across the current until it’s straight downstream, strip in a couple of yards; take a big step downstream, pick up your line, and cast again. You end up covering the whole section of stream that way. The strikes usually come at the very end of the "swing" or during the first "strip." (The steelhead seem to follow the fly across the river, then pick it up when it stops.) There’s some basic info for you. Again, re-post your inquiry or email me when you get closer. You’ll have fun!! — Scoobey (Scott Bellows) "Cogito cogito ergo cogito sum." -Ambrose Bierce – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve never been to Portland, hence never done any flyfishing in that area (did some in New Jersey, last year, very nice).

Response:

My favorite site to check on events around Oregon is http://www.westfly.com/cgi-bin/entryPage?state=OR Other sites include (in no particular order and no recommendation from me) http://www.flyfishingdeschutes.com/ http://www.deschutesoutfitters.com/Reports/index.html http://www.kman.com/ http://numb-butt.bendnet.com/ http://www.flyfishusa.com/index Rakane at gte dot net (remove the NOSPAM)

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If  its summer steelhead you want to fish for then check out the rivers around Tillamook, the Wilson, trask and not to forget the Nestucca, the Nestucca being my favorite river to fish for summer steelhead.  You might even be able to catch large fall chinook in the big Nehalem river.  There are plenty of places to fish around the area.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My favorite site to check on events around Oregon is http://www.westfly.com/cgi-bin/entryPage?state=OR Other sites include (in no particular order and no recommendation from me) http://www.flyfishingdeschutes.com/ http://www.deschutesoutfitters.com/Reports/index.html http://www.kman.com/ http://numb-butt.bendnet.com/ http://www.flyfishusa.com/index Rakane at gte dot net (remove the NOSPAM)

Response:

The 2nd week of September should still be good weather.  The rains don’t usually start up until October. For steelhead, you might try the Sandy and Salmon rivers.  There’s a flyshop in Welches, OR (I forget the name but they are on the web) you should be able to give them a call or hire them as a guide. Best of luck,      - Ken

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I live in the Netherlands and, like you all, keen on flyfishing. I lurk around this newsgroup frequently and figured this is the place to ask some advice. I’ll be going to Portland, Oregon the second week of September, mostly for work. But,,,, I can squeeze in some time for fishing and, searching the web, found that it might actually be a good place for flyfishing, esp. steelhead. I’ve never been to Portland, hence never done any flyfishing in that area (did some in New Jersey, last year, very nice). So, any advice on spots (can rent a car), charters, gear (I’ve got a Shimano Chameleon traveller fly 9078, 9 feet #7-8, 4pcs. flyrod esp. for trips like this), flies to use, methods to use, you name it, is very much appreciated.

Response:

Indeed we have wonderful weather usually the first part of September…When suggesting visiting the Portland, OR area, I recommend last 2 weeks of August first 2 weeks of September.  A great place to check the local fishing is with Kaufmann’s Streamborne Fly Shop in Tigard, OR (south of Portland a tiny bit) and they are on the web at www.kman.com Padishar Creel – It is over 80 today and clear in the Portland Oregon area, so there!

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, I live in the Netherlands and, like you all, keen on flyfishing. I lurk around this newsgroup frequently and figured this is the place to ask some advice. I’ll be going to Portland, Oregon the second week of September, mostly for work. But,,,, I can squeeze in some time for fishing and, searching the web, found that it might actually be a good place for flyfishing, esp. steelhead. I’ve never been to Portland, hence never done any flyfishing in that area (did some in New Jersey, last year, very nice). So, any advice on spots (can rent a car), charters, gear (I’ve got a Shimano Chameleon traveller fly 9078, 9 feet #7-8, 4pcs. flyrod esp. for trips like this), flies to use, methods to use, you name it, is very much appreciated. Cheers, Theo

Response:

Hi, I live in the Netherlands and, like you all, keen on flyfishing. I lurk around this newsgroup frequently and figured this is the place to ask some advice. I’ll be going to Portland, Oregon the second week of September, mostly for work. But,,,, I can squeeze in some time for fishing and, searching the web, found that it might actually be a good place for flyfishing, esp. steelhead. I’ve never been to Portland, hence never done any flyfishing in that area (did some in New Jersey, last year, very nice). So, any advice on spots (can rent a car), charters, gear (I’ve got a Shimano Chameleon traveller fly 9078, 9 feet #7-8, 4pcs. flyrod esp. for trips like this), flies to use, methods to use, you name it, is very much appreciated. Cheers, Theo

Response:

Question:

| One of the benefits of living out on the California coast is the ability | to fly across the ocean with a view of a rugged coastline and | breathtaking, pristine wilderness.  I did this today, took off from my | home airport at Little River and flew over the village of Mendocino and | out a few miles offshore to practice some stalls and look at the | continent. | | I was at about 2500 feet when I looked down and saw an interesting boat, | very long.. hey, is it submerged?  That looks like another one next to | it….  and then it dawns on me that they are two whales swimming north | at about 5 knots.  I compared their size with a fishing boat 1/2 mile | away and realized that they were at least 80 feet long and were probably | blue whales, which do migrate past Mendocino point a few times a year. | | I circled them a few times and then left them alone to continue their | journey.  Quite amazing. That is one of the benefits of ‘flying’.  And it doesn’t matter where you live.  Just the scenery is different. I saw a nest in some high power towers.  On closer examination it was an Osprey nest and there were two young Ospreys in it.  I did ‘turns around a point’ several times.  Then my instructor said that we should leave now.  He said that the parent Ospreys are very protective and will attack your plane from below.  The Osprey doesn’t win, but neither do you.  Apparently he had some experience with some.  But it was neat. I wish I could have seen your whales.  Maybe someday … — Rob http://www.dnc.net/users/rlmiller/

Response:

Tops are high enough, though the bottoms are the problem when the marine layer creeps onshore.  Little River is often socked in at 200ft on the west end and clear as a bell on the east end.  My house 10 miles north is that way all the time too during the summer.  Today, for example, it was very clear at 11am when I went up, though there was no horizon due to the marine layer about 15 miles out.  By afternoon it was onshore—it was foggy in town but clear at my place, probably similar situation at the airport. Weather is a fascinating lesson in geography. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tops generally high enough to sock in Little River? seriously, seems to be around until 10am or so, then back mid-afternoon.  We have a high offshore today and relatively warm weather which helps drive things out early, though I hear the subsequent trough is building and we will have more fog and wetness over the weekend.  So much for working in the garden (or going flying)

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Thanks.  I like to listen to "local knowledge" when it’s available. Don – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tops are high enough, though the bottoms are the problem when the marine layer creeps onshore.  Little River is often socked in at 200ft on the west end and clear as a bell on the east end.  My house 10 miles north is that way all the time too during the summer.  Today, for example, it was very clear at 11am when I went up, though there was no horizon due to the marine layer about 15 miles out.  By afternoon it was onshore—it was foggy in town but clear at my place, probably similar situation at the airport. Weather is a fascinating lesson in geography. Tops generally high enough to sock in Little River? seriously, seems to be around until 10am or so, then back mid-afternoon.  We have a high offshore today and relatively warm weather which helps drive things out early, though I hear the subsequent trough is building and we will have more fog and wetness over the weekend.  So much for working in the garden (or going flying)

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Tops generally high enough to sock in Little River? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – schedule?  not much of a schedule unless you count "always present" seriously, seems to be around until 10am or so, then back mid-afternoon.  We have a high offshore today and relatively warm weather which helps drive things out early, though I hear the subsequent trough is building and we will have more fog and wetness over the weekend.  So much for working in the garden (or going flying) Cool.  What kind of schedule is the costal stratus on this time of year? Don One of the benefits of living out on the California coast is the ability to fly across the ocean with a view of a rugged coastline and breathtaking, pristine wilderness.  I did this today, took off from my home airport at Little River and flew over the village of Mendocino and out a few miles offshore to practice some stalls and look at the continent. I was at about 2500 feet when I looked down and saw an interesting boat, very long.. hey, is it submerged?  That looks like another one next to it….  and then it dawns on me that they are two whales swimming north at about 5 knots.  I compared their size with a fishing boat 1/2 mile away and realized that they were at least 80 feet long and were probably blue whales, which do migrate past Mendocino point a few times a year. I circled them a few times and then left them alone to continue their journey.  Quite amazing.

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schedule?  not much of a schedule unless you count "always present" seriously, seems to be around until 10am or so, then back mid-afternoon.  We have a high offshore today and relatively warm weather which helps drive things out early, though I hear the subsequent trough is building and we will have more fog and wetness over the weekend.  So much for working in the garden (or going flying) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Cool.  What kind of schedule is the costal stratus on this time of year? Don One of the benefits of living out on the California coast is the ability to fly across the ocean with a view of a rugged coastline and breathtaking, pristine wilderness.  I did this today, took off from my home airport at Little River and flew over the village of Mendocino and out a few miles offshore to practice some stalls and look at the continent. I was at about 2500 feet when I looked down and saw an interesting boat, very long.. hey, is it submerged?  That looks like another one next to it….  and then it dawns on me that they are two whales swimming north at about 5 knots.  I compared their size with a fishing boat 1/2 mile away and realized that they were at least 80 feet long and were probably blue whales, which do migrate past Mendocino point a few times a year. I circled them a few times and then left them alone to continue their journey.  Quite amazing.

Response:

Cool.  What kind of schedule is the costal stratus on this time of year? Don – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – One of the benefits of living out on the California coast is the ability to fly across the ocean with a view of a rugged coastline and breathtaking, pristine wilderness.  I did this today, took off from my home airport at Little River and flew over the village of Mendocino and out a few miles offshore to practice some stalls and look at the continent. I was at about 2500 feet when I looked down and saw an interesting boat, very long.. hey, is it submerged?  That looks like another one next to it….  and then it dawns on me that they are two whales swimming north at about 5 knots.  I compared their size with a fishing boat 1/2 mile away and realized that they were at least 80 feet long and were probably blue whales, which do migrate past Mendocino point a few times a year. I circled them a few times and then left them alone to continue their journey.  Quite amazing.

Response:

One of the benefits of living out on the California coast is the ability to fly across the ocean with a view of a rugged coastline and breathtaking, pristine wilderness.  I did this today, took off from my home airport at Little River and flew over the village of Mendocino and out a few miles offshore to practice some stalls and look at the continent. I was at about 2500 feet when I looked down and saw an interesting boat, very long.. hey, is it submerged?  That looks like another one next to it….  and then it dawns on me that they are two whales swimming north at about 5 knots.  I compared their size with a fishing boat 1/2 mile away and realized that they were at least 80 feet long and were probably blue whales, which do migrate past Mendocino point a few times a year. I circled them a few times and then left them alone to continue their journey.  Quite amazing.

Response:

Question:

There are a lot of flies we need for the Western Conclave.  I’m trying to tie my own.  I have to buy all sorts of different stuff just to tie a few flies of each pattern. Then an idea came to me.  Why doesn’t each person concentrate on one or two patterns and trade flies with other at the Conclave.  This will ad something to the conclave, because we will be fishing with the flies that our friends tied. I can tie a couple like the Montana Stone.  I tie other flies, but I want to trade my best fly that I can tie.  That’s it.  There are some others that I think are okay. I will tie a dozen Montana Stone for anyone that wants to trade. Here’s the complete list of flies that have been suggested by others here on ROFF and suggested web-sites for the area.  I will not have ever fly represented in my fly box.  There are a lot of them.  However, I would like to have as many as I can.  I know I will buy a lot, but it would be nice to be fishing with a fly the other ROFFians tied.  So here’s the list: Prince Nymphs, size 4-10 Montana Stone, size 6-10 Adams, size 10-20 Moose-Mane Adam, size 8-16 Adams, size 10-20 Grey Wulff, size 8-14 Grizzly Wulff, size 8-14 Royal Wulff, size 8-14 White Wulff, size 6-16 Ausable Wulff, size 6-16 Wolly Buggers, size 2-12 Wolly Worm, size 2-12 Joe’s Hopper, size 6-14 Dave’s Cricket, size 6-12 Muddler Minnows, size 2-14 Leach, size 4-8 Light Hendrickson, size 12-18 Dark Hendrickson, size 12-18 Blue Dun, dry size 12-18 Blue Dun, wet size 10-16 BWO, size 12-20 Light Cahill, size 10-16 Rubber Legs Henry’s Fork Hopper, size 8-12 Jacklin’s Hopper, size 8-12 Parachute Hopper, size 8-14 Henry’s Fork Cricket, size 6-16 Dave’s Hopper, size 4-12 Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear, size 8-16 Elk Hair Caddis (various body colors) also known as PM Caddis Montana Stone Nymph, size 14-18 Golden Stone, size 12-14 Western Bee, size 12-14 Western Coachman, size 12-14 Dragon Fly Dragon Fly Nymphs Midge Blue Dun, size 16-24 Trudes Green Caddis Emergers Colorado Caddis Nymphs Humpies of various colors, size 12-16 Brown Hackle Peacock, size 12-18 March browns PT Hymphs Stimulators Caddis:         Long Horn Sedge         Microcaddis         Green Sedge         Spotted Sedge (2 Species)         Little Sister Sedge         Black Dancer Stoneflies:         Giant Salmonfly         Golden Stone         Yellow Sally Mayflies:         Pale Morning Dun         Western Green Drake         Brown Drake         Grey Drake         Small Western Drake (flav)         Callibaetis — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html Before you buy.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There are a lot of flies we need for the Western Conclave.  I’m trying to tie my own.  I have to buy all sorts of different stuff just to tie a few flies of each pattern. Then an idea came to me.  Why doesn’t each person concentrate on one or two patterns and trade flies with other at the Conclave.  This will ad something to the conclave, because we will be fishing with the flies that our friends tied. I can tie a couple like the Montana Stone.  I tie other flies, but I want to trade my best fly that I can tie.  That’s it.  There are some others that I think are okay. I will tie a dozen Montana Stone for anyone that wants to trade. Here’s the complete list of flies that have been suggested by others here on ROFF and suggested web-sites for the area.  I will not have ever fly represented in my fly box.  There are a lot of them.  However, I would like to have as many as I can.  I know I will buy a lot, but it would be nice to be fishing with a fly the other ROFFians tied.  So here’s the list: Prince Nymphs, size 4-10 Montana Stone, size 6-10 Adams, size 10-20 Moose-Mane Adam, size 8-16 Adams, size 10-20 Grey Wulff, size 8-14 Grizzly Wulff, size 8-14 Royal Wulff, size 8-14 White Wulff, size 6-16 Ausable Wulff, size 6-16 Wolly Buggers, size 2-12 Wolly Worm, size 2-12 Joe’s Hopper, size 6-14 Dave’s Cricket, size 6-12 Muddler Minnows, size 2-14 Leach, size 4-8 Light Hendrickson, size 12-18 Dark Hendrickson, size 12-18 Blue Dun, dry size 12-18 Blue Dun, wet size 10-16 BWO, size 12-20 Light Cahill, size 10-16 Rubber Legs Henry’s Fork Hopper, size 8-12 Jacklin’s Hopper, size 8-12 Parachute Hopper, size 8-14 Henry’s Fork Cricket, size 6-16 Dave’s Hopper, size 4-12 Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear, size 8-16 Elk Hair Caddis (various body colors) also known as PM Caddis Montana Stone Nymph, size 14-18 Golden Stone, size 12-14 Western Bee, size 12-14 Western Coachman, size 12-14 Dragon Fly Dragon Fly Nymphs Midge Blue Dun, size 16-24 Trudes Green Caddis Emergers Colorado Caddis Nymphs Humpies of various colors, size 12-16 Brown Hackle Peacock, size 12-18 March browns PT Hymphs Stimulators Caddis:         Long Horn Sedge         Microcaddis         Green Sedge         Spotted Sedge (2 Species)         Little Sister Sedge         Black Dancer Stoneflies:         Giant Salmonfly         Golden Stone         Yellow Sally Mayflies:         Pale Morning Dun         Western Green Drake         Brown Drake         Grey Drake         Small Western Drake (flav)         Callibaetis — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html Before you buy.

May I suggest you regard flies at and below #18’s also Vern? — Mr.G http://www.gink.com/  Updates http://www.gink.com/chat Flyfishing Conversations 6:00 PM PST till after midnight.

Response:

Vern Exactly. I carry my tying stuff, and can tie about a dozen fishables an hour sober, about half that after one beer. Buy fancy stuff in the shops and  bum some fishables from me, whatever you like. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Shoot man, just bring what ya got and bum the rest. Not counting the price of the hooks, I doubt if I have a couple of cents in any given fly.

Response:

Thanks. I’m going to bring as many flies as I can, some to trade, and bring extra cash for special flies.  I think I will also bring some of my fly tying stuff.  However, I need to get all my camping and fishing stuff into the car as well as anything else I want to bring. I also have a co-worker that wants to come.  I need to get all his camping and fishing stuff into the car.  The car will be very tight inside. I will try to talk my friend into bringing his truck.  There’s only one problem with that, I can’t drive his truck due to it not being altered for little people.  We were going to drive straight through and switch driving responsibilities.  If we take my car, he can always push the seat back but space will be limited. — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html Vern Exactly. I carry my tying stuff, and can tie about a dozen fishables an hour sober, about half that after one beer. Buy fancy stuff in the shops and  bum some fishables from me, whatever you like. Dave Shoot man, just bring what ya got and bum the rest. Not counting the price of the hooks, I doubt if I have a couple of cents in any given fly.

Before you buy.

Response:

[snipped] BTW, what are some good patterns/sizes for whitefish?

Anything that works for the trout will work for the whitefish…

Response:

Shoot man, just bring what ya got and bum the rest. Not counting the price of the hooks, I doubt if I have a couple of cents in any given fly.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s not just the time but the supplies.  Different types of flies require different types of hair, feathers, etc., etc.  And then it’s the issue of space when camping. —

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s not just the time but the supplies.  Different types of flies require different types of hair, feathers, etc., etc.  And then it’s the issue of space when camping. — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html Sorry about the blank I just fired off to this thread, wrong button. Vern, Why not set yourself up with a decent tying travel kit and tie what really working when you get there. Thats how I normally travel, and I seldom find myself lacking whatever bug is hot. It may be tough to find the time to tie in Ennis, I’d think the evenings will be filled with "social" activities. Does anybody know if the area waters get a little slow in the midafternoon? Before you buy.

alright to bring your fly tying gear with you.  On site fly tying instructions are free, even though we ordinarily charge legal fee rates of $175 an hour, we can take it out in trade with those N.C. legal beagles? I cannot begin to express the fly tying fun that awaits the serious fly tiers of Roff.  This Western Conclave is just the beginning of a great adventure!   — Mr.G http://www.gink.com/  Updates http://www.gink.com/chat Flyfishing Conversations 6:00 PM PST till after midnight.

Response:

Gee, thanks for the list, Vern. I’m planning to buy a half-dozen of each pattern and size over the counter from Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone.

Heresey!!!!  Well, if you, make sure that you don’t get princes in size 4-10, more like 10-16. Of course I have never fished with a size 4 prince and may just not know what I am talking about.  Perhaps you out of staters know something that we don’t up here Warren Western Conclave Guru For info: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/sp_ROFF_people/wclave/wclave.html

Response:

… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There are a lot of flies we need for the Western Conclave.  I’m trying to tie my own.  I have to buy all sorts of different stuff just to tie a few flies of each pattern. Then an idea came to me.  Why doesn’t each person concentrate on one or two patterns and trade flies with other at the Conclave.  This will ad something to the conclave, because we will be fishing with the flies that our friends tied. I can tie a couple like the Montana Stone.  I tie other flies, but I want to trade my best fly that I can tie.  That’s it.  There are some others that I think are okay. I will tie a dozen Montana Stone for anyone that wants to trade. Here’s the complete list of flies that have been suggested by others here on ROFF and suggested web-sites for the area.  I will not have ever fly represented in my fly box.  There are a lot of them.  However, I would like to have as many as I can.  I know I will buy a lot, but it would be nice to be fishing with a fly the other ROFFians tied.  So here’s the list: Prince Nymphs, size 4-10 Montana Stone, size 6-10 Adams, size 10-20 Moose-Mane Adam, size 8-16 Adams, size 10-20 Grey Wulff, size 8-14 Grizzly Wulff, size 8-14 Royal Wulff, size 8-14 White Wulff, size 6-16 Ausable Wulff, size 6-16 Wolly Buggers, size 2-12 Wolly Worm, size 2-12 Joe’s Hopper, size 6-14 Dave’s Cricket, size 6-12 Muddler Minnows, size 2-14 Leach, size 4-8 Light Hendrickson, size 12-18 Dark Hendrickson, size 12-18 Blue Dun, dry size 12-18 Blue Dun, wet size 10-16 BWO, size 12-20 Light Cahill, size 10-16 Rubber Legs Henry’s Fork Hopper, size 8-12 Jacklin’s Hopper, size 8-12 Parachute Hopper, size 8-14 Henry’s Fork Cricket, size 6-16 Dave’s Hopper, size 4-12 Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear, size 8-16 Elk Hair Caddis (various body colors) also known as PM Caddis Montana Stone Nymph, size 14-18 Golden Stone, size 12-14 Western Bee, size 12-14 Western Coachman, size 12-14 Dragon Fly Dragon Fly Nymphs Midge Blue Dun, size 16-24 Trudes Green Caddis Emergers Colorado Caddis Nymphs Humpies of various colors, size 12-16 Brown Hackle Peacock, size 12-18 March browns PT Hymphs Stimulators Caddis: Long Horn Sedge Microcaddis Green Sedge Spotted Sedge (2 Species) Little Sister Sedge Black Dancer Stoneflies: Giant Salmonfly Golden Stone Yellow Sally Mayflies: Pale Morning Dun Western Green Drake Brown Drake Grey Drake Small Western Drake (flav) Callibaetis — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html Before you buy.

Response:

Sorry about the blank I just fired off to this thread, wrong button. Vern, Why not set yourself up with a decent tying travel kit and tie what really working when you get there. Thats how I normally travel, and I seldom find myself lacking whatever bug is hot. It may be tough to find the time to tie in Ennis, I’d think the evenings will be filled with "social" activities. Does anybody know if the area waters get a little slow in the midafternoon?

Response:

Vern, Why not set yourself up with a decent tying travel kit and tie what really working when you get there.

I know Vern doesn’t drink, but I should point out that if the Western Clave is anything like the Eastern Claves, people will much too busy tying one on to have the time (or the hand-eye coordination) to tie one on. <g –Steve

Response:

It’s not just the time but the supplies.  Different types of flies require different types of hair, feathers, etc., etc.  And then it’s the issue of space when camping. — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html Sorry about the blank I just fired off to this thread, wrong button. Vern, Why not set yourself up with a decent tying travel kit and tie what really working when you get there. Thats how I normally travel, and I seldom find myself lacking whatever bug is hot. It may be tough to find the time to tie in Ennis, I’d think the evenings will be filled with "social" activities. Does anybody know if the area waters get a little slow in the midafternoon?

Before you buy.

Response:

Vern, Why not set yourself up with a decent tying travel kit and tie what really working when you get there. I know Vern doesn’t drink, but I should point out that if the Western Clave is anything like the Eastern Claves, people will much too busy tying one on to have the time (or the hand-eye coordination) to tie one on. <g –Steve

______-  beans? — Mr.G http://www.gink.com/  Updates http://www.gink.com/chat Flyfishing Conversations 6:00 PM PST till after midnight.

Response:

Vern, Why not set yourself up with a decent tying travel kit and tie what really working when you get there. Thats how I normally travel, and I seldom find myself lacking whatever bug is hot. It may be tough to find the time to tie in Ennis, I’d think the evenings will be filled with "social" activities. Does anybody know if the area waters get a little slow in the midafternoon?

I’ll be bringing a travel kit, but more for fun than necessity. Most of my flies are general-type patterns that work well just about everywhere I’ve fished for trout, and I’ll be bringing plenty of extras. If there is a particular fly that is working especially well once I get there, I’ll just buy ‘em locally, or barter with other roffians; maybe even tie a few if they’re simple enough. BTW, what are some good patterns/sizes for whitefish? — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyo Before you buy.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here’s the complete list of flies that have been suggested by others here on ROFF and suggested web-sites for the area.  I will not have ever fly represented in my fly box.  There are a lot of them.  However, I would like to have as many as I can.  I know I will buy a lot, but it would be nice to be fishing with a fly the other ROFFians tied.  So here’s the list: Prince Nymphs, size 4-10 Montana Stone, size 6-10 Adams, size 10-20 Moose-Mane Adam, size 8-16 Adams, size 10-20 Grey Wulff, size 8-14 Grizzly Wulff, size 8-14 Royal Wulff, size 8-14 White Wulff, size 6-16 Ausable Wulff, size 6-16 Wolly Buggers, size 2-12 Wolly Worm, size 2-12 Joe’s Hopper, size 6-14 Dave’s Cricket, size 6-12 Muddler Minnows, size 2-14 Leach, size 4-8 Light Hendrickson, size 12-18 Dark Hendrickson, size 12-18 Blue Dun, dry size 12-18 Blue Dun, wet size 10-16 BWO, size 12-20 Light Cahill, size 10-16 Rubber Legs Henry’s Fork Hopper, size 8-12 Jacklin’s Hopper, size 8-12 Parachute Hopper, size 8-14 Henry’s Fork Cricket, size 6-16 Dave’s Hopper, size 4-12 Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear, size 8-16 Elk Hair Caddis (various body colors) also known as PM Caddis Montana Stone Nymph, size 14-18 Golden Stone, size 12-14 Western Bee, size 12-14 Western Coachman, size 12-14 Dragon Fly Dragon Fly Nymphs Midge Blue Dun, size 16-24 Trudes Green Caddis Emergers Colorado Caddis Nymphs Humpies of various colors, size 12-16 Brown Hackle Peacock, size 12-18 March browns PT Hymphs Stimulators Caddis:         Long Horn Sedge         Microcaddis         Green Sedge         Spotted Sedge (2 Species)         Little Sister Sedge         Black Dancer Stoneflies:         Giant Salmonfly         Golden Stone         Yellow Sally Mayflies:         Pale Morning Dun         Western Green Drake         Brown Drake         Grey Drake         Small Western Drake (flav)         Callibaetis

Gee, thanks for the list, Vern. I’m planning to buy a half-dozen of each pattern and size over the counter from Blue Ribbon Flies in West Yellowstone. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Question:

I’ll be in Cork, Ireland the week of May 10th and am trying to decide whether or not to stay a few extra days for some flyfishing for native browns. I ran the standard searches thru dejanews and hotbot and found some interesting March salmon info but not much for May browns. I called the Cork fisheries guy for some info but any suggestions for books or web sites or guides or lodges? Thanks, Doug

Response:

Get hold of PeterO’Reilly’s books on the Rivers; Loughs and Flies of Ireland (all published by Merlin Unwin books). The Suir, in Co. Waterford (east of Co. Cork) is -in many opinions- one of the best wild brown trout rivers in Europe. Try Andrew Ryan at www.flyfishingireland.com Tight lines Tony D – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll be in Cork, Ireland the week of May 10th …. etc. (snipped)

Response:

Question:

Hi folks, I’m new to the group, and would like your thoughts on what is the best kayak for fly fishing coastal bays and flats.  I normally fly fish in Christmas Bay (close to Galveston, TX), and use a Zest Two – Ocean Kayak two seater.  It’s kinda tough to handle in a breeze over, say, 10 kts. I’m in the market for a faster boat that will handle higher wind conditions, and would like some input from those more knowledgable than I. Howard About Christmas Bay – http://www.christmasbay.com

Response:

  Hi, the boat of choice here in San Diego for fishing seems to be the Scupper Pro,and Scupper Classic. I own the classic , it weighs48pds. compared to your68pd. zest. The pros weigh 55pds.      I’m able to troll effectivly even when the wind picks up, if the wind picks up while jig fishing or while i’m after halibut i use my sea anchor to slow my drift     Aqua

Response:

I’m new to the group, and would like your thoughts on what is the best kayak for fly fishing coastal bays and flats.  I normally fly fish in Christmas Bay (close to Galveston, TX), and use a Zest Two – Ocean Kayak two seater.  It’s kinda tough to handle in a breeze over, say, 10 kts. I’m in the market for a faster boat that will handle higher wind conditions, and would like some input from those more knowledgable than I.

I’m also a newbie to this thing, but I’ve got a few opinions anyway…  [had my boat for a couple months so far] I know most folks will suggest an open cockpit boat, but don’t write off an enclosed version.   Also, I know most folks tend to prefer getting out of the boat and wade, but I’m not one of them.  I like to start more or less dry, and end more or less dry. I have very little difficulty casting my 8 weight while seated in my kayak. [Dagger Edisto].   But there is also enough deck rigging to support a decent trolling setup, and there was enough mounting and cargo room for me to add an all-around light to help with safe night fishing and transits to duck hunting spots next season.. If you are annoyed by high winds and waves, get a rudder. The difference is mind bogolling. My modest experiences so far: http://www.neosoft.com/~rww/kayak_log.html

Response:

If you are annoyed by high winds and waves, get a rudder. The difference is mind bogolling. My modest experiences so far: http://www.neosoft.com/~rww/kayak_log.html

If I get out I may use a fly rod on the flats, but I have had more luck trolling from my kayak.  I dont know if its the speed or that the boat makes the fish notice my fly or lure but the success rate is pretty good for both bass and blues.  I use a kevlar kayak and a rudder to make the experience "less painful".  I also gave up using a rod from my boat.  I made a hand line device that is very easy to use.  To see one visit my site at:  http://www.jlc.net/~hlevin I usually troll rapalas, rubber eels a fly or other artifical baits. —     Hal     Wilton, NH     Power your boat with carbohydrates,     not hydrocarbons.           http://www.jlc.net/~hlevin                 0                  _O                     0

Response:

If I get out I may use a fly rod on the flats, but I have had more luck trolling from my kayak.  I dont know if its the speed or that the boat

I do good trolling as well. experience "less painful".  I also gave up using a rod from my boat.  I made a hand line device that is very easy to use.  To see one visit my

Give up my rod and reel?  I have a rod holder angled 45 degrees backward, a bit behind the cockpit.  I can paddle (troll) at any speed without interference.  That reminds me…i was trolling at work yesterday..woops!

Response:

Question:

We’re planning a trip to St. Barth’s in May and wondered about the fly fishing possibilities.  Any suggestions, anyone?

Response:

whenever i travelled to the caribbean i would bring along the spinning gear (now into flyfishing)…. i caught baby tarpon on st.maarten and ventured over to st.barts….i didnt have too much luck there but heard from some people there that there are tarpon there at the right time of year…whenever that is…so i assume the other normal fishing will apply….ie. barracuda and bonefish etc…i think it would be worth the effort….let me know how you do ok   frank in brrrboston

Response:

Question:

Peter, I was reading a recent post of yours and I thought you could be of help.  I am planning a trip to Vietnam and I would like to visit sometime between Nov-February, depending on how I can best schedule my frequent flyer.  I am a male, age 32 and I’ll be traveling alone.  I am in very good physical condition (run, swim everday).  I have traveled worked and traveled in Asia, but I have never been to Vietnam.  I wonder if you could review some interaries I downloaded from Sobek travel and give me your impresssions–are both of these itineraries great, or do they include stops that you might avoid?  I probably need to pick some highlights from each, so what would you choose? If we put a cultural excursion on one end of the scale and adventure on the other, I want something closer to the adventure.  While I like to see temples, pagodas, etc., I don’t need to go out of my way to find them.  I would rather make a very hard hike than spend a day touring churches.  This isn’t to say that I want to avoid the cultural part of the trip.  I must see some of the war museums, for example. I will probably have only two weeks in Vietnam.  I certainly can’t see everything I would like.  I want  good taste of the cities and the French colonial architecture, the war museums (and a feeling for the war legacy in general), and nightlife.  I am also attacted to the floating villages I’ve heard about, and especially the kayaking described in the Sobek interary that takes you through sea caves only accessible by kayak. Is it worthwhile to tour both Saigon and Hanoi in this short time frame?  I’ve heard that Hanoi has more engaging architecture.  If you had to pick only one city to visit which would it be?  Is a side trip to Ankor Wat worth giving up a few days in Vietnam?  Is it difficult to find a canoe or kayak without a tour group? I apologize for what is a message with too little focus, but I hope you have some impressions that you can share.  Below I have listed two separate itineraries–any insights would be greatly appreciated. Intinerary #1: ITINERARY                                      Day 1 — Leave your home town and fly to Hanoi, Vietnam (your                                      air itinerary will be coordinated by a member of the Mountain                                      Travel – Sobek Air Desk).                                      Day 2 — En route.                                      Day 3 — Arrive in Hanoi in the afternoon. You will be met at the                                      airport and transferred to your hotel for a rest after your long                                      journey. The remainder of the day is free to rest, relax, or                                      explore on your own. Hanoi is a picturesque city of more than a                                      million people. Its tree shaded streets are filled with lovely                                      examples of French colonial architecture. Our hotel is situated                                      on one of the narrow bustling streets of the ancient commercial                                      quarter. Welcome dinner and orientation.                                      Day 4 — Today we will have a full day tour of Hanoi. We will                                      visit the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the Temple of Literature,                                      and Fine Arts Museum, where we see displays of tools and                                      costumes of the ethnic minorities of Vietnam, plus some                                      classical and modern art. We’ll wander the downtown area,                                      visiting the colorful Hanoi market and the market district,                                      where each street hosts vendors of a particular trade: metal                                      workers, funerary wreaths, and electronics. Dinner on your own.                                      After dinner we’ll attend a Vietnamese folk performance of the                                      water puppets.                                      Day 5 — Travel to Bai Chai by van. Lunch in one of the many                                      restaurants along the beach. In the afternoon we take a ferry to                                      Hon Gai, a busy fishing port set in a beautiful natural harbor. We                                      spend the night in a hotel overlooking the expanse of Ha Long                                      Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy dinner at one of                                      the local seafood restaurants.                                      Day 6 — In the morning we board our support vessel, a                                      traditional wooden boat, and after a seafood lunch head for the                                      eastern edge of Ha Long Bay. We arrive at a beautiful beach                                      where we have lunch and set up camp. In the afternoon the                                      guides will teach paddling techniques and rescue procedures.                                      Day 7 — We spend the day exploring an island group known as                                      the Medusa. Conditions permitting, we skirt the exposed side of                                      the group with its sea caves and arches.                                      Day 8 — In the morning we follow a string of islands, taking our                                      time to stop at shell beaches, small sea caves, and hidden coves.                                      After lunch we navigate a maze of limestone islets rising                                      vertically from the depths of the sea. By late afternoon we arrive                                      at a beach where we set up our camp.                                      Day 9 — We choose a previously unexplored route through                                      several island groups, and arrive at a beach with a tiny temple                                      nestled among stone pillars. After setting up camp near the                                      temple, we join local fishermen at moonrise as they make                                      offerings to the deities of the sea. If conditions are favorable, we                                      undertake a moonlight paddle.                                      Day 10 — An opening in one of the sheer rock walls of an island                                      near our campsite leads us to an intricate labyrinth of tunnels                                      and hidden lagoons. Then we follow the serpentine coastline to                                      the exposed side of this island. The afternoon is free for relaxing,                                      swimming, fishing, or exploration in small groups. Return to                                      camp in the evening.                                      Day 11 — En route to Cat Ba Island we paddle through rock                                      gardens and along coral beaches. Upon our arrival, we have time                                      to experience the bustling fishing port of Cat Ba, where we can                                      take a woven bamboo boat to tour the harbor. In the evening we                                      compete with local fishermen in their favorite pastime —                                      karaoke! We spend the night in a hotel.                                      Day 12 — We travel first by kayak and then aboard our support                                      vessel to Tuan Chau Island. This charming place with its French                                      colonial architecture is of particular historical significance                                      because it was the favorite retreat of Ho Chi Minh. We spend the                                      night in one of its old French villas. (The accommodation is                                      basic but evokes nostalgia for a bygone era.)                                      Day 13 — After a morning paddle we visit some legendary                                      grottos, such as "Hang Dau Go" and "Hang Bo Nau." We return                                      to Bai Chai where we celebrate our successful navigation of Ha                                      Long Bay in a local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.                                      Day 14 — Return to Hanoi by van. Farewell banquet in the                                      evening at the traditional Indochine restaurant. Overnight in                                      Hanoi. Itinerary #2 ITINERARY                                      Day 1 — Leave your home town and fly to Ho Chi Minh City                                      (Saigon), Vietnam, via Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong (your                                      air itinerary will be coordinated by a member of the Mountain                                      Travel – Sobek Air Desk).                                      Day 2 — En route.                                      Day 3 — HO CHI MINH CITY. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. You                                      will be met by a member of the Mountain Travel – Sobek staff                                      outside the customs and immigration area at the airport. This                                      representative will answer questions, brief you on the immediate                                      arrangements, and escort you to your hotel. We will meet this                                      evening for a welcome dinner and briefing. Overnight at the                                      hotel.

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Response:

Peter, I was reading a recent post of yours and I thought you could be of help.  I am planning a trip to Vietnam and I would like to visit sometime between Nov-February, depending on how I can best schedule my frequent flyer.  I am a male, age 32 and I’ll be traveling alone.  I am in very good physical condition (run, swim everday).  I have traveled worked and traveled in Asia, but I have never been to Vietnam.  I wonder if you could review some interaries I downloaded from Sobek travel and give me your impresssions–are both of these itineraries great, or do they include stops that you might avoid?  I probably need to pick some highlights from each, so what would you choose? If we put a cultural excursion on one end of the scale and adventure on the other, I want something closer to the adventure.  While I like to see temples, pagodas, etc., I don’t need to go out of my way to find them.  I would rather make a very hard hike than spend a day touring churches.  This isn’t to say that I want to avoid the cultural part of the trip.  I must see some of the war museums, for example. I will probably have only two weeks in Vietnam.  I certainly can’t see everything I would like.  I want  good taste of the cities and the French colonial architecture, the war museums (and a feeling for the war legacy in general), and nightlife.  I am also attacted to the floating villages I’ve heard about, and especially the kayaking described in the Sobek interary that takes you through sea caves only accessible by kayak. Is it worthwhile to tour both Saigon and Hanoi in this short time frame?  I’ve heard that Hanoi has more engaging architecture.  If you had to pick only one city to visit which would it be?  Is a side trip to Ankor Wat worth giving up a few days in Vietnam?  Is it difficult to find a canoe or kayak without a tour group? I apologize for what is a message with too little focus, but I hope you have some impressions that you can share.  Below I have listed two separate itineraries–any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Doug Intinerary #1: ITINERARY                                      Day 1 — Leave your home town and fly to Hanoi, Vietnam (your                                      air itinerary will be coordinated by a member of the Mountain                                      Travel – Sobek Air Desk).                                      Day 2 — En route.                                      Day 3 — Arrive in Hanoi in the afternoon. You will be met at the                                      airport and transferred to your hotel for a rest after your long                                      journey. The remainder of the day is free to rest, relax, or                                      explore on your own. Hanoi is a picturesque city of more than a                                      million people. Its tree shaded streets are filled with lovely                                      examples of French colonial architecture. Our hotel is situated                                      on one of the narrow bustling streets of the ancient commercial                                      quarter. Welcome dinner and orientation.                                      Day 4 — Today we will have a full day tour of Hanoi. We will                                      visit the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the Temple of Literature,                                      and Fine Arts Museum, where we see displays of tools and                                      costumes of the ethnic minorities of Vietnam, plus some                                      classical and modern art. We’ll wander the downtown area,                                      visiting the colorful Hanoi market and the market district,                                      where each street hosts vendors of a particular trade: metal                                      workers, funerary wreaths, and electronics. Dinner on your own.                                      After dinner we’ll attend a Vietnamese folk performance of the                                      water puppets.                                      Day 5 — Travel to Bai Chai by van. Lunch in one of the many                                      restaurants along the beach. In the afternoon we take a ferry to                                      Hon Gai, a busy fishing port set in a beautiful natural harbor. We                                      spend the night in a hotel overlooking the expanse of Ha Long                                      Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy dinner at one of                                      the local seafood restaurants.                                      Day 6 — In the morning we board our support vessel, a                                      traditional wooden boat, and after a seafood lunch head for the                                      eastern edge of Ha Long Bay. We arrive at a beautiful beach                                      where we have lunch and set up camp. In the afternoon the                                      guides will teach paddling techniques and rescue procedures.                                      Day 7 — We spend the day exploring an island group known as                                      the Medusa. Conditions permitting, we skirt the exposed side of                                      the group with its sea caves and arches.                                      Day 8 — In the morning we follow a string of islands, taking our                                      time to stop at shell beaches, small sea caves, and hidden coves.                                      After lunch we navigate a maze of limestone islets rising                                      vertically from the depths of the sea. By late afternoon we arrive                                      at a beach where we set up our camp.                                      Day 9 — We choose a previously unexplored route through                                      several island groups, and arrive at a beach with a tiny temple                                      nestled among stone pillars. After setting up camp near the                                      temple, we join local fishermen at moonrise as they make                                      offerings to the deities of the sea. If conditions are favorable, we                                      undertake a moonlight paddle.                                      Day 10 — An opening in one of the sheer rock walls of an island                                      near our campsite leads us to an intricate labyrinth of tunnels                                      and hidden lagoons. Then we follow the serpentine coastline to                                      the exposed side of this island. The afternoon is free for relaxing,                                      swimming, fishing, or exploration in small groups. Return to                                      camp in the evening.                                      Day 11 — En route to Cat Ba Island we paddle through rock                                      gardens and along coral beaches. Upon our arrival, we have time                                      to experience the bustling fishing port of Cat Ba, where we can                                      take a woven bamboo boat to tour the harbor. In the evening we                                      compete with local fishermen in their favorite pastime —                                      karaoke! We spend the night in a hotel.                                      Day 12 — We travel first by kayak and then aboard our support                                      vessel to Tuan Chau Island. This charming place with its French                                      colonial architecture is of particular historical significance                                      because it was the favorite retreat of Ho Chi Minh. We spend the                                      night in one of its old French villas. (The accommodation is                                      basic but evokes nostalgia for a bygone era.)                                      Day 13 — After a morning paddle we visit some legendary                                      grottos, such as "Hang Dau Go" and "Hang Bo Nau." We return                                      to Bai Chai where we celebrate our successful navigation of Ha                                      Long Bay in a local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.                                      Day 14 — Return to Hanoi by van. Farewell banquet in the                                      evening at the traditional Indochine restaurant. Overnight in                                      Hanoi. Itinerary #2 ITINERARY                                      Day 1 — Leave your home town and fly to Ho Chi Minh City                                      (Saigon), Vietnam, via Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong (your                                      air itinerary will be coordinated by a member of the Mountain                                      Travel – Sobek Air Desk).                                      Day 2 — En route.                                      Day 3 — HO CHI MINH CITY. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. You                                      will be met by a member of the Mountain Travel – Sobek staff                                      outside the customs and immigration area at the airport. This                                      representative will answer questions, brief you on the immediate                                      arrangements, and escort you to your hotel. We will meet this                                      evening for a welcome dinner and briefing. Overnight at the

… read more »

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We are very pleased to announce the all new, FISHINTERNET AUSTRALIA http://www.fishnet.com.au/ This internet service is dedicated to the Australian recreational fishing scene. Sections cover all aspects of fishing in Australia with excellent information resources, fishing reports from around the country, full directory of all tackle shops, marine dealers, charters, guides, resorts etc. Please let us know what you think of this new service. Regards, David Dryden         Fishinternet Australia         http://www.fishnet.com.au/ I checked your page. It looks good. Can you help me with advice on fly-fishing for Barramundi in the Cairns / Port Douglas area, or even further north into Cape York. I’ve heard this is something of a new frontier in salt water fly fishing and that the Barramunid is excellent quarry. I will be in the area for 2 weeks in September. I’d like to know about seasons, flies, techniques, guides, etc. Thanks. Christopher Payne. Can you assure me of the availability of that nectar of the gods known

as Crown Lager Beer, its to die for. CL – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We are very pleased to announce the all new, FISHINTERNET AUSTRALIA http://www.fishnet.com.au/ This internet service is dedicated to the Australian recreational fishing scene. Sections cover all aspects of fishing in Australia with excellent information resources, fishing reports from around the country, full directory of all tackle shops, marine dealers, charters, guides, resorts etc. Please let us know what you think of this new service. Regards, David Dryden         Fishinternet Australia         http://www.fishnet.com.au/

I checked your page. It looks good. Can you help me with advice on fly-fishing for Barramundi in the Cairns / Port Douglas area, or even further north into Cape York. I’ve heard this is something of a new frontier in salt water fly fishing and that the Barramunid is excellent quarry. I will be in the area for 2 weeks in September. I’d like to know about seasons, flies, techniques, guides, etc. Thanks. Christopher Payne.

Response:

We are very pleased to announce the all new, FISHINTERNET AUSTRALIA http://www.fishnet.com.au/ This internet service is dedicated to the Australian recreational fishing scene. Sections cover all aspects of fishing in Australia with excellent information resources, fishing reports from around the country, full directory of all tackle shops, marine dealers, charters, guides, resorts etc. Please let us know what you think of this new service. Regards, David Dryden          Fishinternet Australia          http://www.fishnet.com.au/

Response:

Question:

Hi all,     thinking about buying a pair of danner wading boots… for $5 more, i can get them with cleats already built into the soles… I’ve never worn cleats before, stealth is not my concern since a do a fine job spooking trout even in my felt soles… thanks, g.

Response:

   thinking about buying a pair of danner wading boots… for $5 more, i can get them with cleats already built into the soles… I’ve never worn cleats before, stealth is not my concern since a do a fine job spooking trout even in my felt soles…

Easy answer — get the cleated felts.                                                       Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

Response:

   thinking about buying a pair of danner wading boots… for $5 more, i can get them with cleats already built into the soles… I’ve never worn cleats before, stealth is not my concern since a do a fine job spooking trout even in my felt soles… Easy answer — get the cleated felts.                                                       Dan

Big ditto.  You’ll wonder what took you so long.

Response:

: :     thinking about buying a pair of danner wading boots… for $5 more, : : i can get them with cleats already built into the soles… I’ve never : : worn cleats before, stealth is not my concern since a do a fine job : : spooking trout even in my felt soles… If the water is fast enough to warrant cleats, I can’t imagine that a loss of stealth from cleats would be a problem.  Fast water over rocks is a prescription for turbulence, and the energy generated from turbulence will overpower (and dissipate) anything added from the cleats.  A bit like our inability to see the stars in the day time.  They are still there, but the energy from the sun swamps them.  Slow water will be different. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

Response:

Let me register a negative vote on the cleats (the sort that are imbedded in the felt).  I hope folks will stay away from these.  They are destructive of the bottom, make a mess of a drift boat, are unusable in a raft, and are very inconsiderate to wear anywhere outside of the water (like in a car or into a flyshop).  If you must wade where you have to have cleats to stay upright, use a pear of slip-on stream cleats.  You can then take them off when they are not needed. Lyman

Your points are well taken, but I thought the warning about using them in boats had already been voiced.  Looking back it wasn’t, but the tone of the thread was about wading, not drift fishing.  You don’t really need them to stand up in boats anyhow just in the river.  8^.   That was supposed to be a little humor, but you are absolutely right about wearing them in boats.  Most drift boat guides I know won’t allow them in the boat and for good reason.  I’ve used the Stream Cleats.  Stream Cleats can be removed, but how often do you see people remove them?  And boy do they cut fly lines up easily when they are new and the edges are sharp. If you get them tight enough to stay on your feet when you need them to, they are not easy to remove and most people don’t.  Certainly not likely to pull them off and put them back on numerous times a day.  Korkers are much easier to remove, they just weigh a ton.   I have a pair of Korkers that I used for years, and they are still in the bottom of my wader bag in case someone else needs them.  For my conditions (just go ahead and try to wade the Pit River in CA or the North Umpqua in OR without them) the studded felts are the best choice.  The operative phrase is "my conditions". Thanks for the reminder of other’s fishing conditions,                                                             Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

Response:

   thinking about buying a pair of danner wading boots… for $5 more, i can get them with cleats already built into the soles… I’ve never worn cleats before, stealth is not my concern since a do a fine job spooking trout even in my felt soles… Easy answer — get the cleated felts.                                                      Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools

Let me register a negative vote on the cleats (the sort that are imbedded in the felt).  I hope folks will stay away from these.  They are destructive of the bottom, make a mess of a drift boat, are unusable in a raft, and are very inconsiderate to wear anywhere outside of the water (like in a car or into a flyshop).  If you must wade where you have to have cleats to stay upright, use a pear of slip-on stream cleats.  You can then take them off when they are not needed. Lyman

Response:

 thinking about buying a pair of danner wading boots… for $5 more, i can get them with cleats already built into the soles… I’ve never worn cleats before, stealth is not my concern since a do a fine job spooking trout even in my felt soles…

We sell about 50/50,  felt versus studded felt.  The studs are popular in large rivers and may increase felt life.  On small streams, felt is more popular and not so " skippy " on dry rocks.

Response:

I live in Bozeman, Montana and fish in some waters that are difficult to wade. I am a Stream Cleat fan, too.  They are actually made in Livingston,  Montana.  The nice thing about them is that you can bring them along on a float trip, and just slip them on and off.  I’ve guided here for 22 years, and I don’t like folks to wear them in my drift boat, either.  I do like the extra stability they provide and the confidence they give the angler which results in them being able to wade into good fishing positions and reach more fish.  Add a wading staff to your "handling package, too".  Dave Kumlien, Montana Troutfitters Orvis Shop, Bozeman, MT   http://www.gomontana.com/Business/Trout/trout.html

Response: