Question:

yours truly, boy lawyer and part-time papparazzi, will gladly send photos of the following clavers to their home addresses, if same are supplied via email:

Hell, Wayno, just post them to a web site.  (Ain’t no smiles on this one)

Response:

Stan Gula sez: Hell, Wayno, just post them to a web site.  (Ain’t no smiles on this one)

Or, send ‘em to Stan and he’ll post them on a web site.  (smiley).

Response:

Stan Gula sez: Hell, Wayno, just post them to a web site.  (Ain’t no smiles on this one) Or, send ‘em to Stan and he’ll post them on a web site.  (smiley).

Can do!

Response:

        yours truly, boy lawyer and part-time papparazzi, will gladly send photos of the following clavers to their home addresses, if same are supplied via email: dave lacourse jeff miller waldo scott seidman willi tom littleton wolfgang frank reid peetah opie smilin joe stan gula joe axelrad handyman mike tony greg pavlov danno         yfitons         wayno

Response:

   yours truly, boy lawyer and part-time papparazzi, will gladly send photos of the following clavers to their home addresses, if same are supplied via email: jeff miller

po box 3740 greenville nc 27836

Response:

PO 3015 boone, nc 28607 thankee wayno…. btw, you had *all* the film developed?… how did yer portrait turn out? <g –waldo – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –         yours truly, boy lawyer and part-time papparazzi, will gladly send photos of the following clavers to their home addresses, if same are supplied via email: dave lacourse jeff miller waldo scott seidman willi tom littleton wolfgang frank reid peetah opie smilin joe stan gula joe axelrad handyman mike tony greg pavlov danno         yfitons         wayno

– Tight Lines, –Walt Fly Fishing NC & more… http://www.ezflyfish.com http://www.wilsoncreekoutfitters.com

Response:

Question:

The Sylvania Tract, a little west of Ironwood, has geat smallmouth fishing.  It is all canoe, catch and release, barbless hooks only, and if you stay in overnight, has only primitive camping.  It is possible to rent a canoe and go into Clark Lake in the morning, fish the day, and get out before dark.  It’s not that big a lake.  We fished in June and caught bass to 21 inches.  I expect if you do a search on Sylvania Tract you will quickly find info. good luck

Response:

I’m heading up to Ironwood, Michigan for a wedding in mid August.  Does anyone have any advice on some good fishing spots nearby?  Any type from fly-fishing for trout to trolling for walleye would be appreciated. Thanks, SB

Response:

I was up in that neck of the woods last summer and did some fly fishing in two general locations in that area. The Porcupine mountains are a few miles northeast from Ironwood. I didn’t catch too much there, but it sure is a pretty place with some beautiful vistas and backcountry. If you take Rt. 2 east to Watersmeet, you’ll come to the Ontonogon River. Easy to wade and full of cooperative brookies. I had great luck with small royal wolffs. When you buy your license, get a free copy of Michigan’s Inland Trout and Salmon Guide, which has maps of the whole state and its trout streams. Good luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m heading up to Ironwood, Michigan for a wedding in mid August.  Does anyone have any advice on some good fishing spots nearby?  Any type from fly-fishing for trout to trolling for walleye would be appreciated. Thanks, SB

Response:

I’m heading up to Ironwood, Michigan for a wedding in mid August.  Does anyone have any advice on some good fishing spots nearby?  Any type from fly-fishing for trout to trolling for walleye would be appreciated. Thanks, SB

    If you are daring and have a bit of cash book a charter out of the harbor about 45 min north of there (The name escapes me right now Black River Harbor???) .  The Salmon should be just offshore by then.  Otherwise you have world class musky and walleye waters about 30 minutes south in the Turtle Flambeau Flowage in Wisconsin.  No Trolling allowed but this is world class water with many opportunties.  Clear and dark waters lie in the flowage and boat rentals as well as local info are available.  Night fishing may be the key for some really big fish by then.    As for trout streams the Montreal can yield some good catches late in the season if the water remains high enough and is only 15-20 minutes to the west.  Then you do have the Brule to the east, but personally I believe it is overrated and overfished. Good luck.  Both to you and the future wedded couple. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Question:

um…depends on the moment and method of collection… jeff (finally…a reason to be interested in tying)

Oh, I can picture it.  Jeffy standing on a street corner somewhere in Greensboro, scissors and little plastic baggies in hand – soliciting contributions. Good effin’ luck Peter

Response:

um…depends on the moment and method of collection… jeff (finally…a reason to be interested in tying) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Waitaminute.. is that a dry fly or a wet fly?     "On the Sunday we arrived, I tied an outrageously colourful fly which featured a tuft of my wife’s pubic hair — Particle Salad/ Noom Room Studio http://home.earthlink.net/~psalad mp3 songs: http://www.mp3.com/particlesalad

Response:

um…depends on the moment and method of collection…

Pffft. Joe F.

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Waitaminute.. is that a dry fly or a wet fly?     "On the Sunday we arrived, I tied an outrageously colourful fly which featured a tuft of my wife’s pubic hair

– Particle Salad/ Noom Room Studio http://home.earthlink.net/~psalad mp3 songs: http://www.mp3.com/particlesalad

Response:

Waitaminute.. is that a dry fly or a wet fly?     "On the Sunday we arrived, I tied an outrageously colourful fly which featured a tuft of my wife’s pubic hair

This whole story smells a little fishy to me.  :P   minkaz – someone had to say it heheh

Response:

While preparing for my move, I found an article from a major London newspaper that some one had sent me about four years ago.  Rather than editorialize (ok, I had to make one comment) it, I thought that this crowd would appreciate it. Fly fishermen find wifely charms provide new lure By Michael Hornsby, countryside correspondent.     Male anglers are going to indelicate lengths to test the age-old belief on the riverbank that female rivals possess some unfair magic enabling them to hook more and bigger fish.     Scientific research (albeit disputed) provides some support for the idea, suggesting that female pheromones, the bodily scents that attract members of the opposite sex, may work equally well in luring salmon and trout.     Anglers now claim to have proved the theory by incorporating strands of their wives’ pubic hair in the material used to make fishing flies. Disclosure of this dubious practice has provoked a risqu

Question:

Got to go out for a few hours today. It was notable in the fact that of three folks fishing that little puddle of water I was the only one catching. Why? Well could it be due to the fact that I was FLY FISHING?!?! Heh.

(great trip report snipped) Michael – this confirms my experience that some interesting fishing can be found in the oddest places – we just need to be alert to the opportunity. Mark Faulkner

Response:

Michael – this confirms my experience that some interesting fishing can be found in the oddest places – we just need to be alert to the opportunity. Mark Faulkner

Too true! I know this one spot that looks alright and it right off of route 42 after the Walt Whitman Bridge just before the turn off for Deptford Mall. Right under one of the over passes. I think I am gonna try it this summer! — Michael Era

Question:

I spent the weekend fishing in sub-freezing conditions and spent a considerable amount of time clearing ice out of the guides. That’s pretty much how it’s going to be until April, so I’m looking for a few pointers.   Yesterday, a buddy and I spent most of the day fishing close together; when the guides iced up, you simply pointed your rod tip at your partner and let him break the ice out of the ones you couldn’t reach. That would be ideal if one always fished with a friend, but I fish alone 3/4 of the time.   I’m giving serious thought to building up a 7 1/2 ft 5wt; I’d be able to reach out and break the ice out without the risk of snapping off a tip. Does anybody have ideas, experience, or preferences regarding short 4wt or 5wt rods?   How about solutions applied to the guides and tiptop? Does anything really work?   (Oh yeah, don’t believe everything you read about the relationship between fish activity and water temperature. The water was in the thirties and the fish were feeding actively.)                                                TIA, Charlie

Response:

Oddly enough, if you dip the rod tip back into the water, the ice will generally disappear.  I’ve found that by doing so, and fishing a short line, i.e. leaving the fishing length always outside the tip top, sort of nymphing style, I get along fairly well. jg

Response:

I just carefully dip my rod into the river every so often.  The ice doesn’t seem to affect it much until they get super clogged.  Doesn’t seem to scare the fish, I did OK at the Thompson last weekend. Chris – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I spent the weekend fishing in sub-freezing conditions and spent a considerable amount of time clearing ice out of the guides. That’s pretty much how it’s going to be until April, so I’m looking for a few pointers.   Yesterday, a buddy and I spent most of the day fishing close together; when the guides iced up, you simply pointed your rod tip at your partner and let him break the ice out of the ones you couldn’t reach. That would be ideal if one always fished with a friend, but I fish alone 3/4 of the time.   I’m giving serious thought to building up a 7 1/2 ft 5wt; I’d be able to reach out and break the ice out without the risk of snapping off a tip. Does anybody have ideas, experience, or preferences regarding short 4wt or 5wt rods?   How about solutions applied to the guides and tiptop? Does anything really work?   (Oh yeah, don’t believe everything you read about the relationship between fish activity and water temperature. The water was in the thirties and the fish were feeding actively.)                                                TIA, Charlie

Response:

Spraying the rod guides (not the river guides) with a little pam seems to help to keep ice from clinging.   By the way, what socks to you wear for that kind of weather? I’ve got a pair of Orvis wool and thermex blend socks, but my feet still get cold. g – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just carefully dip my rod into the river every so often.  The ice doesn’t seem to affect it much until they get super clogged.  Doesn’t seem to scare the fish, I did OK at the Thompson last weekend. Chris I spent the weekend fishing in sub-freezing conditions and spent a considerable amount of time clearing ice out of the guides. That’s pretty much how it’s going to be until April, so I’m looking for a few pointers.   Yesterday, a buddy and I spent most of the day fishing close together; when the guides iced up, you simply pointed your rod tip at your partner and let him break the ice out of the ones you couldn’t reach. That would be ideal if one always fished with a friend, but I fish alone 3/4 of the time.   I’m giving serious thought to building up a 7 1/2 ft 5wt; I’d be able to reach out and break the ice out without the risk of snapping off a tip. Does anybody have ideas, experience, or preferences regarding short 4wt or 5wt rods?   How about solutions applied to the guides and tiptop? Does anything really work?   (Oh yeah, don’t believe everything you read about the relationship between fish activity and water temperature. The water was in the thirties and the fish were feeding actively.)                                                TIA, Charlie

Response:

well sometimes the neoprene slows down circulation around your foot.. but why dont you try some capilene sock liners… those help wick moisture away from your feet…. (wet feet dont help keep you warm) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Spraying the rod guides (not the river guides) with a little pam seems to help to keep ice from clinging.   By the way, what socks to you wear for that kind of weather? I’ve got a pair of Orvis wool and thermex blend socks, but my feet still get cold. g

Response:

Where I fish the water is really cold for 3-4 months a year… For real cold conditions, I use 5 mm boot waders, 3 sizes larger than needed, which leaves plenty of space for thermal socks (2 if needed) without compressing the feet. That’s the trick. My feet never get cold even if the water is close to freezing point. – Tord Sweden – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – well sometimes the neoprene slows down circulation around your foot.. but why dont you try some capilene sock liners… those help wick moisture away from your feet…. (wet feet dont help keep you warm) Spraying the rod guides (not the river guides) with a little pam seems to help to keep ice from clinging. By the way, what socks to you wear for that kind of weather? I’ve got a pair of Orvis wool and thermex blend socks, but my feet still get cold. g

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I spent the weekend fishing in sub-freezing conditions and spent a considerable amount of time clearing ice out of the guides. That’s pretty much how it’s going to be until April, so I’m looking for a few pointers.   Yesterday, a buddy and I spent most of the day fishing close together; when the guides iced up, you simply pointed your rod tip at your partner and let him break the ice out of the ones you couldn’t reach. That would be ideal if one always fished with a friend, but I fish alone 3/4 of the time.   I’m giving serious thought to building up a 7 1/2 ft 5wt; I’d be able to reach out and break the ice out without the risk of snapping off a tip. Does anybody have ideas, experience, or preferences regarding short 4wt or 5wt rods?   How about solutions applied to the guides and tiptop? Does anything really work?   (Oh yeah, don’t believe everything you read about the relationship between fish activity and water temperature. The water was in the thirties and the fish were feeding actively.)                                                TIA, Charlie

Charlie, I don’t know what type of fishing you are doing but here on the Great Lakes a technique used by winter steelhead fisherman for bottom bouncing egg flies and nymphs is to load their 6 – 8 wt rods with 1 or 2 wt fly line. Since this fishing usually involves lobbing split shot more than casting, a balanced outfit isn’t required. Among other things this outfit is supposed to help in minimizing the icing problems by virtue of the significant difference between the line size and the guide size(s). Along this line of thinking if you are going to go to the trouble of building a special rod for winter fishing you might want to try using oversized guides. — Steve Vaughn

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I just dip my tip into the water and shake the water off.  Works well enough, buty then I do not fish when it gets to 20 deg F.

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[snip]  I’m giving serious thought to building up a 7 1/2 ft 5wt; I’d be able to reach out and break the ice out without the risk of snapping off a tip. Does anybody have ideas, experience, or preferences regarding short 4wt or 5wt rods?

I use two rods that might help.  I have a Winston 7 1/2 ft. 5 weight which is fast by Winston standards and can punch out line quite a distance yet make very delicate close in casts.  I do my winter fishing with a nine foot Loomis GL3 Megataper 8-9 weight.  It’s a saltwater rod with very large guides and tiptop, yet it has a typical GL3 delicate tip.  It isn’t a broomstick like most saltwater types. It also has a stiff butt section which allows me to grasp the rod midway and reach over to clear the tiptop.  I’m only 5′7" yet I have no problem reaching the tip.  I was fishing with it Saturday in a light snow for about three hours and I only had to clear the guides twice when they became completely blocked. Peter

Response:

I just dip my tip into the water and shake the water off.  Works well enough, buty then I do not fish when it gets to 20 deg F.

A common trick among conventional fishers is to spray their rod guides with a Silicon spray lubricant before fishing with the occassional spray every once in a while during the day.  It’s pretty easy to give them a quick blast from the spray can now and then (no need to overdo it!)   I know there is a Silicon lubricant marketed specfically for use with monofilament line, but I’m afraid I don’t know how it might affect a fly line. Good luck, Tom Chandler

Response:

:   How about solutions applied to the guides and tiptop? Does anything : really work? :                                                TIA, Charlie I’ve used a Dow industrial silicone lubricant in the past that seems to work well. A very little amount rubbed on the guides, especially the tip allows the water to run or drip off before freezing. Naturally ice can still build up and the colder it is, the faster the buildup but in sane temperatures, -5 C little wind and a bit of sun, it does the job. I’v had this tube for years and don’t have any idea where you could source some now. FWIW  – Garry N. Boychuk, P.Eng. mechanical engineer, flyfisher, Zone 6b gardener

Response:

Definitely build your custom rod with oversized guides and tip top. Additionally, you’ll have less icing if you keep your false casts to a minimum. Paul – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I spent the weekend fishing in sub-freezing conditions and spent a considerable amount of time clearing ice out of the guides. That’s pretty much how it’s going to be until April, so I’m looking for a few pointers.   Yesterday, a buddy and I spent most of the day fishing close together; when the guides iced up, you simply pointed your rod tip at your partner and let him break the ice out of the ones you couldn’t reach. That would be ideal if one always fished with a friend, but I fish alone 3/4 of the time.   I’m giving serious thought to building up a 7 1/2 ft 5wt; I’d be able to reach out and break the ice out without the risk of snapping off a tip. Does anybody have ideas, experience, or preferences regarding short 4wt or 5wt rods?   How about solutions applied to the guides and tiptop? Does anything really work?   (Oh yeah, don’t believe everything you read about the relationship between fish activity and water temperature. The water was in the thirties and the fish were feeding actively.)                                                TIA, Charlie

Response:

Sounds like a new opportunity for the rod marketeers…Joint development project between Orvis and Prestone!  To tell ya the truth it wouldn’t surprise me a bit… — KennyM "I fish because I love to…" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Definitely build your custom rod with oversized guides and tip top. Additionally, you’ll have less icing if you keep your false casts to a minimum. Paul I spent the weekend fishing in sub-freezing conditions and spent a considerable amount of time clearing ice out of the guides. That’s pretty much how it’s going to be until April, so I’m looking for a few pointers.   Yesterday, a buddy and I spent most of the day fishing close together; when the guides iced up, you simply pointed your rod tip at your partner and let him break the ice out of the ones you couldn’t reach. That would be ideal if one always fished with a friend, but I fish alone 3/4 of the time.   I’m giving serious thought to building up a 7 1/2 ft 5wt; I’d be able to reach out and break the ice out without the risk of snapping off a tip. Does anybody have ideas, experience, or preferences regarding short 4wt or 5wt rods?   How about solutions applied to the guides and tiptop? Does anything really work?   (Oh yeah, don’t believe everything you read about the relationship between fish activity and water temperature. The water was in the thirties and the fish were feeding actively.)                                                TIA, Charlie

Response:

By the way, what socks to you wear for that kind of weather? I’ve got a pair of Orvis wool and thermex blend socks, but my feet still get cold.

The key to keeping your feet warm is to wear boot foot waders instead of stocking foot waders. The bootfoot waders allow air to circulate from your legs down to your feet which keeps you warm. Stocking foot waders with boots on top do not allow for this circulation of air. My first time salmon fishing here in Michigan I wore my stockingfoot neoprenes and froze my feet off. A guide suggested using bootfoot waders and the next time I was warm and toasty.

Response:

Hi, I saw your post concerning fishing in the cold.  For the tip top problem, being a backpacker comes in handy. I usually have a 4oz spray can of PAM non-stick spray, which I use if I’m frying up trout which I do from time to time Usually to save weight I just gut the trout and cook the trout directly on the coals and turn often for about 6-8 minutes. OPPPS….about the PAM spray the stuff on your guides it works as a great anti-freeze.  the guides will still freeze up a bit but not as often you can cast for 4 or 5 times better than with nothing on the guides.  For my hands What I use is a pair of Playtex rubber dish washing gloves.  The gloves protect my hands from the wet spray of the water rolling down the fly line.  I also add a thin polyproplene liner inside the rubber gloves if its real real cold outside.  Hope these ideas helps.  Tight Lines   Hugo ("Fish Head")

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A lot of sporting goods shops in Michigan sell toe warmers, which are little semi-circle shaped packs with adhesive on one side to stick to the bottom of your socks.  The first time I used them, I didn’t really feel any heat, so I thought they weren’t doing much, but when I went without them the next day my feet were numb within 20 minutes.  Now I don’t go near water between October and April without them.  They sell for about 99 cents a pair. -Jon Kruse National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory Michigan State University – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Where I fish the water is really cold for 3-4 months a year… For real cold conditions, I use 5 mm boot waders, 3 sizes larger than needed, which leaves plenty of space for thermal socks (2 if needed) without compressing the feet. That’s the trick. My feet never get cold even if the water is close to freezing point. – Tord Sweden well sometimes the neoprene slows down circulation around your foot.. but why dont you try some capilene sock liners… those help wick moisture away from your feet…. (wet feet dont help keep you warm) Spraying the rod guides (not the river guides) with a little pam seems to help to keep ice from clinging. By the way, what socks to you wear for that kind of weather? I’ve got a pair of Orvis wool and thermex blend socks, but my feet still get cold. g

Response:

they really make your waders stink though — — TimW Halfordian Golfer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A lot of sporting goods shops in Michigan sell toe warmers, which are little semi-circle shaped packs with adhesive on one side to stick to the bottom of your socks.

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A mate of mine has an old green heart rod that he has had from childhood in england(about 50 years ago). It has a tip section made from split cane. the rod is a five peice and casts about a size five line. The question is, does any one know if it is a normal thing for such a rod to have a different type of tip or it is a hybrid. He still catches fish on it when he feels nostalgic. Any help would be gratefully received. Neil Grose Tasmania Australia

Hi Neil Day before yesterday I was in the International Fly Fishing Center in Livingston looking at the rod display and observed a green heart rod with a split bamboo tip. I should have paid more attention when reading the information on the rod but I thing this practice was fairly common. Take care & … — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Catalog,Tips & Tricks, Fishing Reports, & NeverSink at: http://www.btsflyfishing.com

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writes: A mate of mine has an old green heart rod that he has had from childhood in england(about 50 years ago). It has a tip section made from split cane. the rod is a five peice and casts about a size five line. The question is, does any one know if it is a normal thing for such a rod to have a different type of tip or it is a hybrid. He still catches fish on it when he feels nostalgic. Any help would be gratefully received. Neil Grose

Hi Neil, Before Hiram Leonard popularized the 6-strip split cane rod in the 1870’s, almost all of the "bamboo" rods were combinations of a split cane tip with the rest of the rod made from hardwoods such as greenheart, lancewood, monkeywood,etc.  Originally these tips were 3 strip tip sections, then 4, and finally 6 strip pieces.  Although the tips were made out of strips, the edges were rounded off to make it blend in with the rest of the rod. These tips were also made out of Calcutta cane as Tonkin cane was not introduced for rod building until about the turn of the century.  It was not until the 6 strip entire cane rod was popularized that the builders stopped rounding off the edges leaving the hexagonal shape that we are now so familiar with.   If the tip section of your rod has rounded edges or is made from only 3 or 4 strips you may have a much older rod in your possession.                                Hope this helps,                                       Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools

Response:

A mate of mine has an old green heart rod that he has had from childhood in england(about 50 years ago). It has a tip section made from split cane. the rod is a five peice and casts about a size five line. The question is, does any one know if it is a normal thing for such a rod to have a different type of tip or it is a hybrid. He still catches fish on it when he feels nostalgic. Day before yesterday I was in the International Fly Fishing Center in Livingston looking at the rod display and observed a green heart rod with a split bamboo tip. I should have paid more attention when reading the information on the rod but I thing this practice was fairly common.

This was pretty standard design, greenheart doesn’t behave well in very thin sections whilst well built cane does.  Another common variation was whole cane bottom/built cane top – especially in spinning and worming tackle, bait fishers often used Whole Tonkin cane/Built cane/Whole Spanish reed combinations. Modern composites are not immune from this sort of thing, I still have a rod with glassfibre butt and carbon fibre top. I haven’t used it for a few years, must dig it out sometime and give it a try. As long as the cane is kept well varnished, you inspect it frequently and avoid overloading it, the rod should be good for another 50 years.  Now; does he have a silk line to cast with it? —

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A mate of mine has an old green heart rod that he has had from childhood in england(about 50 years ago). Now; does he have a silk line to cast with it? Derek Moody

How about a horse hair line ? Ernie Harrison

Response:

A mate of mine has an old green heart rod that he has had from childhood in england(about 50 years ago). Now; does he have a silk line to cast with it? Derek Moody How about a horse hair line ? Ernie Harrison

nope, neither. An old buggered cortland D/T #5 is what he casts on it.

Question:

Went to the Orvis School in Vermont. Got my money’s worth but in retrospect not a neccesity to learn. Specifically helpful with casting technique. Get a good book on the basics of fly fishing before you go to any class anywhere. Then decide if you really want to go. Great sport.

Response:

writes: As a newcomer to fly fishing, I would like to start the right way. I am considering travelling to Colorado to attend the Orvis fly fishing school, and then spend a few days fishing in the area. I would like to hear from people that have taken the class about their experience, both good and bad.  Is it worth all the expense? Thanks.  Avi

I just completed the Orvis Fly Fishing school at their corporate headquarters in Vermont.  Most of the time is spent on the mechanics of casting (including many different types.  Only about 1/2 day si spent on the river, but you can go on the river after the class. I thought it was great.  I feel like I learned so much on reading water, tying the knots, casting and the equipment, and even bugs. I would recommend it! Mac

Response:

As a newcomer to fly fishing, I would like to start the right way. I am considering travelling to Colorado to attend the Orvis fly fishing school, and then spend a few days fishing in the area. I would like to hear from people that have taken the class about their experience, both good and bad.  Is it worth all the expense? Thanks.  Avi

Of course Avi, I think you should travel a little farther out west and attend one of my schools at the Arcularius Ranch near Mammoth Lakes in the Eastern Sierra, or at the Clearwater House on Hat Creek in Northern California.  The classes are small & I understand the instructors are excellent ;^  (I’m one of the instructors). E-mail me if you’re interested.                                              Thanks,                                                   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:

As a newcomer to fly fishing, I would like to start the right way. I am considering travelling to Colorado to attend the Orvis fly fishing school, and then spend a few days fishing in the area. I would like to hear from people that have taken the class about their experience, both good and bad.  Is it worth all the expense? Thanks.  Avi Team OS/2                  847.808.3913

How can I answer your question delicately…  NO- it might be alot of fun but there is another way to learn flyfishing. Get to know some of the local oldtimers in the streams where you live.  This is not necessarily easy to do but there are some great benefits- they know the waters local to you, know the hatches and patterns and best of all they can become friends to go fish with. One suggestion- a flyfisherman with all the gear (ie "decked out by cabela’s") doesn’t always know whats going on. Best wishes- you’ve selected a wonderful new hobby. Lee Clore "flyfishing is life"

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I have been to the school in evergreen, CO. You are right it is costly. I HAVE BEEN FLYFISHING FOR ABOUT THREE YEARS AND GOT SOMETHING OUT OF THE PROGRAM. BUT, THIS PROGRAM I SUGGEST FOR THE NEW COMER ONLY.IT IS BASIC. HOWEVER, THE STAFF IS GREAT.  THEY TAKE YOU TO A STOCKED POND THAT IS FILLED WITH FISH IN A WELL DEVELOPED AREA(YOU CAN WATCH TV THROUGH THE WINDOW OF THE HOUSES THAT ARE ALL AROUND}. fOR MY MONEY GET AN ORVIS GUIDE AND TELL THEM YOU WANT A HALF DAY OF LAND INSTRUCTION. tHEM GO TO THE CHESMEN CAYON TO FISH. NOT THE SOUTH PLATEE. READ/READ/READ THEN YOU WILOL GET MORE FROM THE INSTRUCTION

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You had better believe it.  I went to VT for mine…

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It depends on where you live.  Orvis has schools all over the country; go to the one nearest you.  I got started several years ago by going to the Orvis school near NYC in the Catskills.  They teach you the basics, with emphasis on casting on a trout pond.  I then hired one of the instructors (who, it turned out, went to high school with my wife) to take me onto the Beaverkill.  As a newbie, you don’t need the challenge of Rocky Mountain fishing.  Start in a river where you’ll likely catch fish, then move up to the harder (and more expensive) stuff.

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As a newcomer to fly fishing, I would like to start the right way. I am considering travelling to Colorado to attend the Orvis fly fishing school, and then spend a few days fishing in the area. I would like to hear from people that have taken the class about their experience, both good and bad.  Is it worth all the expense? Thanks.  Avi Team OS/2                  847.808.3913

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Question:

I have a kit that we have put together to help you make your own hand held fish net. Ideal for the wader or float tuber.  These nets come in a kit with a net, line to attach the net, formed loop and handle.  You glue them together, file, sand and finish the net. This is as much fun as making your own pole.  If you want more information, or a Kit, please e-mail me and I will send you the information.   The Kits sell for 24.99 plus shipping.

For $25, and I provide the labor, it better be made of zebra wood with a black walnut insert!  Fish through. Charley

Response:

I have a kit that we have put together to help you make your own hand held fish net. Ideal for the wader or float tuber.  These nets come in a kit with a net, line to attach the net, formed loop and handle.  You glue them together, file, sand and finish the net. This is as much fun as making your own pole.  If you want more information, or a Kit, please e-mail me and I will send you the information.   The Kits sell for 24.99 plus shipping.

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Question:

: Anybody know what ever happened to Ned Grey and Ned Grey’s Sierra Tackle : of Montrose, California?  Ned’s was one of the early fly shops, maybe : the first in southern California.  He invented the Streaker SW fly and : pioneered saltwater flyfishing in SoCal.  I last saw Sierra Tackle : catalogue in about 1974, I think.  If anybody has some information, I’d : appreciate hearing. Ned Grey died almost 20 years ago and his stock was bought up. William Buchman …I’m confused

Yes you may be. Sierra Tackle went out of business about twenty years ago but Ned continued doing business under Cutthroat Hook Company until he was too ill to operate it. Ken Lindsay Fly Fishing Online http://www.flyfishing-online.com

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Anybody know what ever happened to Ned Grey and Ned Grey’s Sierra Tackle of Montrose, California?  Ned’s was one of the early fly shops, maybe the first in southern California.  He invented the Streaker SW fly and pioneered saltwater flyfishing in SoCal.  I last saw Sierra Tackle catalogue in about 1974, I think.  If anybody has some information, I’d appreciate hearing.  Ned Grey died almost 20 years ago and his stock was bought up. Cliff Wyatt ran the Wilderness Shoppe in Santa Monics.  I think that it preceded Ned Grey’s.  Even so, I would be surprised if even Wyatt was first. William Buchman

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: Anybody know what ever happened to Ned Grey and Ned Grey’s Sierra Tackle : of Montrose, California?  Ned’s was one of the early fly shops, maybe : the first in southern California.  He invented the Streaker SW fly and : pioneered saltwater flyfishing in SoCal.  I last saw Sierra Tackle : catalogue in about 1974, I think.  If anybody has some information, I’d : appreciate hearing. Sean, I’m sorry to tell you that Ned passed away about six years ago after a long battle with emphysema. Ned was an inspiration over the years to many flyfishers and his inovative patterns and techniques were passed on Ken Lindsey  Ned Grey died almost 20 years ago and his stock was bought up. William Buchman …I’m confused

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I live in La Crescenta, just up the hill from Montrose. I used to drive to Ned’s shop when I lived out in Canoga Park.  And then, after I moved to La Crescenta, Ned closed his shop (I don’t think I drove him to it!) I do not know if he opened another shop or not. Rick

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Anybody know what ever happened to Ned Grey and Ned Grey’s Sierra Tackle of Montrose, California?  Ned’s was one of the early fly shops, maybe the first in southern California.  He invented the Streaker SW fly and pioneered saltwater flyfishing in SoCal.  I last saw Sierra Tackle catalogue in about 1974, I think.  If anybody has some information, I’d appreciate hearing. Thanks Sean Barry

Sean,  I’m sorry to tell you that Ned passed away about six years ago after a long battle with Emphezima(spell?). Ned was an inspiration over the years to many flyfishers and his inovative patterns and techniques were passed on with an enthusiasm for the sport that was infectious.  Ned got me started in saltwater fly rodding in 1972 and I still treasure one of his early Calico bass patterns that was tossed across the counter with the admonition " don’t worry what kind of tackle you have just throw that son of a bitch out there and see what eats it."  I did and they ate it and I thank Ned for introducing me to a whole new spectrum of our sport. Ned was truly a pioneer of the sport and I feel privaliged to have known him. Tight Lines, Ken  Lindsay FLy Fishing Online http://www.flyfishing-online.com

Response:

Anybody know what ever happened to Ned Grey and Ned Grey’s Sierra Tackle of Montrose, California?  Ned’s was one of the early fly shops, maybe the first in southern California.  He invented the Streaker SW fly and pioneered saltwater flyfishing in SoCal.  I last saw Sierra Tackle catalogue in about 1974, I think.  If anybody has some information, I’d appreciate hearing. Thanks Sean Barry

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Question:

I don’t know if it is true, but a very reputable fly-shop in Manhattan told me that Orvis rods, with the exception of the PM10’s are made by St. Croix.  What do yall think of that?? Frankie

Response:

I don’t know if it is true, but a very reputable fly-shop in Manhattan

told me that Orvis rods, with the exception of the PM10’s are made by St. Croix.  What do yall think of that?? Frankie

I think I should look at St. Croix rods.

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: I don’t know if it is true, but a very reputable fly-shop in Manhattan : told me that Orvis rods, with the exception of the PM10’s are made by St. : Croix.  What do yall think of that?? : Frankie : I think I should look at St. Croix rods. It’s possible. St. Croix makes blanks and rods for a lot ofpeople- I believe Cortland rods are almost identical- if not identical- to St. Croix rods. I own 3 St. Croixs, and they are, I think, a remarkable value. –mike

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I don’t know if it is true, but a very reputable fly-shop in Manhattan told me that Orvis rods, with the exception of the PM10’s are made by St. Croix.  What do yall think of that?? Frankie

 I don’t know if that’s true or not, but I do know that a couple years ago  I read that St Croix is the largest American fabricator of blanks and rods.  This includes fly, spinning, casting, trolling, ice, surf.  They make rods  for Cortland, Gander Mountain and I believe some of the low end Cabela’s and  Bean’s.  A fellow I met a few years ago had an 8′ 4wt Orvis Green Mountain that he  says he picked up as a second at the St. Croix outlet store.  As he told  the story, he took the rod back a few days later because of a minor problem  and they fixed it, but were very red-faced in that someone apparently made  a mistake by putting the rod out on their seconds display rack.  Apparently,  none of the Orvis rods were ever to be sold or seen in their store.

Response:

I don’t know if it is true, but a very reputable fly-shop in Manhattan told me that Orvis rods, with the exception of the PM10’s are made by St. Croix.  What do yall think of that?? Frankie

I’m shocked!   A sunny day,      a box of midges,         and a wandering stream…   Man, this MUST be heaven!   <    Steve Kulpa    <<

Response:

I don’t know if it is true, but a very reputable fly-shop in Manhattan told me that Orvis rods, with the exception of the PM10’s are made by St. Croix.  What do yall think of that?? Frankie

The basic techniques of rod building are common to all rod manufacturers. The differences lie in a) the design of the mandrel over which the rod blank is built. b) the choice of materials: the choice of resin, the grade of graphite etc.  It should be noted that none of the rod manufacturers make their own sheets of prepreg graphite. c) Fussiness.  Different brands are more or less stringent about what they call a second or a reject.  This is one of the major reasons why extremely light blanks are expensive; you have to pay for all the rejects as well as the one that made it out the door. d) Finish and fittings. Even if St Croix makes rods for Orvis, that does not mean that the other St Croix rods are equivalent to the Orvis ones.  It simply means that St Croix can be relied upon to follow Orvis’s instructions.  Remember, when you contract with someone to build rods on your mandrels, you debar them from using your mandrels for their own or for anyone else’s rods.  Remember also that there is no reason why St Croix should use the same materials or quality control standards for their own rods as for the Orvis rods.  If the Orvis standards drive up the unit cost, then St Croix will not be able to sell faux Orvis rods at a price that suits their market niche. None of the above indicates that there is necessarily anything wrong with St Croix’s rods.  It just shows that it is fallacious to conclude that different brands are the same just because they come out of the same factory. It was reported in another post that St Croix does not make PM10 rods. This rumour-cum-fact suggests that St Croix could not produce these rods at a competitive price.  On the other hand, maybe St Croix simply lacked the capacity to fill the demand. It is fun to share scuttlebut and to arch ones eyebrows, but rumours should not be taken too seriously.  There is no way any of us will ever find out about the details of design, material, or quality control that distinguish good rods from great rods. — Keep your stick on the ice.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I don’t know if it is true, but a very reputable fly-shop in Manhattan told me that Orvis rods, with the exception of the PM10’s are made by St. Croix.  What do yall think of that?? Frankie The basic techniques of rod building are common to all rod manufacturers. The differences lie in a) the design of the mandrel over which the rod blank is built. b) the choice of materials: the choice of resin, the grade of graphite etc.  It should be noted that none of the rod manufacturers make their own sheets of prepreg graphite. c) Fussiness.  Different brands are more or less stringent about what they call a second or a reject.  This is one of the major reasons why extremely light blanks are expensive; you have to pay for all the rejects as well as the one that made it out the door. d) Finish and fittings. Even if St Croix makes rods for Orvis, that does not mean that the other St Croix rods are equivalent to the Orvis ones.  It simply means that St Croix can be relied upon to follow Orvis’s instructions.  Remember, when you contract with someone to build rods on your mandrels, you debar them from using your mandrels for their own or for anyone else’s rods.  Remember also that there is no reason why St Croix should use the same materials or quality control standards for their own rods as for the Orvis rods.  If the Orvis standards drive up the unit cost, then St Croix will not be able to sell faux Orvis rods at a price that suits their market niche. None of the above indicates that there is necessarily anything wrong with St Croix’s rods.  It just shows that it is fallacious to conclude that different brands are the same just because they come out of the same factory. It was reported in another post that St Croix does not make PM10 rods. This rumour-cum-fact suggests that St Croix could not produce these rods at a competitive price.  On the other hand, maybe St Croix simply lacked the capacity to fill the demand. It is fun to share scuttlebut and to arch ones eyebrows, but rumours should not be taken too seriously.  There is no way any of us will ever find out about the details of design, material, or quality control that distinguish good rods from great rods.

Well there is one way. Line-up the rod, cast it.  If you like it buy it. It doesn’t matter if it was made by Fisher-Price.  A name brand does not add to ability but a good casting rod will.  Now I know that we all know this but it seems the subject keeps going back to the name on the rod instead of the quality of the rod.  Just my 2 cents. Tom

Response:

I don’t know if it is true, but a very reputable fly-shop in Manhattan told me that Orvis rods, with the exception of the PM10’s are made by St. Croix.  What do yall think of that?? Frankie

Sounds great to me.  I’d like to pick up even an orvis-quality cane rod at a St.Croix price.  Ask your shopowner for a St. Croix Wes Jordan model  ;) Mark Vinsel Fly fishing therapy – get in touch with your inner geezer.

Response:

I don’t know if it is true, but a very reputable fly-shop in Manhattan told me that Orvis rods, with the exception of the PM10’s are made by St. Croix.  What do yall think of that??

I’ve taken a tour of Orvis’ rod shop in Manchester. They may buy some blanks for St. Croix, but I’m not sure. It seems much more likely that they’re made in some sweat shop in Singapore than that they pay St. Croix for it. But I seem to remember watching sheets of graphite being rolled into blanks while I was there. It’s a pretty impressive operation. If you happen to be around Manchester and aren’t too much of an anti-Orvis bigot, it might be worth seeing if you can take a rod-shop tour. Watching them work on the cane rods is particularly interesting. Dave Guinee

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I don’t know if it is true, but a very reputable fly-shop in Manhattan told me that Orvis rods, with the exception of the PM10’s are made by St. Croix.  What do yall think of that?? Frankie snip It is fun to share scuttlebut and to arch ones eyebrows, but rumours should not be taken too seriously.  There is no way any of us will ever find out about the details of design, material, or quality control that distinguish good rods from great rods. Well there is one way. Line-up the rod, cast it.  If you like it buy it. It doesn’t matter if it was made by Fisher-Price.  A name brand does not add to ability but a good casting rod will.  Now I know that we all know this but it seems the subject keeps going back to the name on the rod instead of the quality of the rod.  Just my 2 cents. Tom

True enough, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.  My point was that we do not have access to the pudding’s recipe. — Keep your stick on the ice.

Response:

I don’t know if it is true, but a very reputable fly-shop in Manhattan told me that Orvis rods, with the exception of the PM10’s are made by St. Croix.  What do yall think of that?? Frankie I’m shocked!

But, guess what- It’s true !

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