Question:

I eventually landed several beautiful, dark colored rainbows and lost several more as I slipped and slid my way along the ice.  I did lose a rather nice rainbow due to ice in the guides, but such is fishing during this time of year.  I was a little rusty from not having fished in almost two months, but it all came back rather quickly.  Funny how sometimes the harder you try, the worse you get and then you just let things happen and it is like you never even had that extended break. Probably the best thing about actually taking that break is that I rediscovered what fly fishing is to me and just how much it means to me.  I even caught some fish which made it all that much sweeter.  The best fish I landed, a 17" rainbow, had me mesmerized after I slipped the hook out of his mouth.  He lay there in the net peacefully, as if to give me ample time to admire his beauty before I released him.

Thanks for the report. Glad to hear you got out.  Winter Rainbows do seem to be somehow more colorful. Willi

Response:

Warren, Have you tried a Leader Link? Ernie

Is that leader link the braided loop thing that you slide over your flyline tip and then secure with a little bit of tubing and some glue?

Response:

Warren, Have you tried a Leader Link? Ernie Is that leader link the braided loop thing that you slide over your flyline tip and then secure with a little bit of tubing and some glue?

No. They’re little plastic, tube-like things, with holes through each end and two slots on the middle. You run the flyline through a hole, run it up through a slot, tie a knot in the end, and pull it tight. Do the same thing with the leader through the other hole. They work great. They’re made by Eagle Claw. I add a butt section with a leader link and then tie on the leader with a blood knot. To replace leaders I just cut and retie at the butt section. It might last for months. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

"Michael" wrote Is that leader link the braided loop thing that you slide over your flyline tip and then secure with a little bit of tubing and some glue?

Michael,   It is a little nylon piece, shaped like a grain of rice, but a little larger with a hole through the center the long way and a hole through the sides. Ernie

Response:

I haven’t had time to post this sooner, but I went fishing this last Saturday on the Yellowstone.  It was a cold day, the wind was howling, and there were several snow flurries causing temporary white outs. Perfect day to be alone on the river. Before heading out, I stopped in at Dan Bailey’s to check the board and see if they had any recent info.  After being told that there wasn’t much happening on the river and that the spring creeks were fishing well, I still decided to head out.  I did receive several looks that all but said "Are you nuts?!?!"  Well, that is still being debated but I went out anyway. I found a nice stretch of water that wasn’t being blasted by the wind and as I rigged up the snow stopped.  The wind also started letting up from a constant gale force wind, to an occasional strong gust.  Things started off slow and I proceeded to work my way upstream where I got into a pod of whitefish.  After catching two and remembering some fond memories of JeffC the Whitefish King, I moved further upstream in search of trout. I eventually landed several beautiful, dark colored rainbows and lost several more as I slipped and slid my way along the ice.  I did lose a rather nice rainbow due to ice in the guides, but such is fishing during this time of year.  I was a little rusty from not having fished in almost two months, but it all came back rather quickly.  Funny how sometimes the harder you try, the worse you get and then you just let things happen and it is like you never even had that extended break. Probably the best thing about actually taking that break is that I rediscovered what fly fishing is to me and just how much it means to me.  I even caught some fish which made it all that much sweeter.  The best fish I landed, a 17" rainbow, had me mesmerized after I slipped the hook out of his mouth.  He lay there in the net peacefully, as if to give me ample time to admire his beauty before I released him. A few weeks ago I asked if anyone had ever tried using that Zap-a-Gap connection for joining the leader to the fly line.  After getting no response I decided to try it.  Not only did it hold very well, but it was a nice change of pace in not having to fight the line hanging up on the guides.  Even when ice began clogging the guides, the fly line and leader connection would pass through without hang ups. I am now planning on carrying the needle, needle vise, and Zap-a-Gap in my vest in case I need to change a leader.  It is a very quick and easy way to connect a leader to a fly line and I found it much easier than tying a nail knot.  I am still amazed at how easily the connection passes through the guides. — Warren Findley

Response:

Warren, Have you tried a Leader Link? Ernie "Warren" wrote <snip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am now planning on carrying the needle, needle vise, and Zap-a-Gap in my vest in case I need to change a leader.  It is a very quick and easy way to connect a leader to a fly line and I found it much easier than tying a nail knot.  I am still amazed at how easily the connection passes through the guides. Warren Findley

Response:

Warren, Have you tried a Leader Link? Ernie

I actually installed a Leader Link on Warren’s line during the Western Clave, Ernie. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

(another excellent report snipped) Hey Warren, I caught a fish on your little green seredipitiy sunday. The fish were visible because the stream is so low, and there were midges hatching all over.  My favorite winter bug (extra fuzzy small hare’s ear) wasn’t working, so just for the hell of it i tied on your 18 green serendipity.  I’ve tried since the montana trip to catch a NM trout with a one of those flies and it finally worked.  I was in a small stream near albq. BTW, these were real midges that you could actually see with the naked eye, not those tiny SJ midges.  If your ears were ringing Dec 9-12 it’s because we must have said "warren would like this river" 20 times. bruce h — bare your soul let your spirit burn out along the road to no return – r.e. keen

Response:

Question:

If it inhaled it deep and you had to fight him a long time, make it dinner. 2 weeks ago, had a trout inhale the Mepps deep, and was bleeding.  Cleaned and Bar-B-Qued, he was tasty.  If is not bleeding and looks like it will survive, just cut the line as close to the hook as possible. Bill

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello.  I went fishing this past week and had a problem 2 times…the dang fish inhaled the hook. What is the best thing to do in this circumstance?  I feel it is akin to shooting and wounding a deer but not killing it.  I tried unsucesfully both times to remove the hook, and ended up cutting the line and releasing the fish. Any suggestions? Thanks. AC

Response:

FWIW, I use barbless hooks only, which makes hook removal simple. Also, you won’t lose fish if you keep you line tight during the battle. In the event that a fish has swallowed the hook deeply, I don’t even bother trying to remove it. I just snip the line as close as possible to the hook itself. The fish can survive with a hook in it. I once caught a small trout that swallowed my hook. I kept it figuring it would die if I released it. When I cleaned it, I found a treble hook stuck in it’s throat. Even with that hook in there, it was still eating. Also, I feel it’s important to not have a fish out of the water for longer than say 30 or 40 seconds. I also "handle" fish after I wet my hands with water so as no to remove the slime coat. Obviously, these are just my opinions. Good fishing to you! Bry — "My worst day at work is still better than my best day steelhead fishing"

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello.  I went fishing this past week and had a problem 2 times…the dang fish inhaled the hook. What is the best thing to do in this circumstance?  I feel it is akin to shooting and wounding a deer but not killing it.  I tried unsucesfully both times to remove the hook, and ended up cutting the line and releasing the fish. Any suggestions? Thanks. AC

Response:

: Hello.  I went fishing this past week and had a problem 2 times…the dang : fish inhaled the hook. : What is the best thing to do in this circumstance?  I feel it is akin to : shooting and wounding a deer but not killing it.  I tried unsucesfully both : times to remove the hook, and ended up cutting the line and releasing the : fish. : Any suggestions? I have been catching some small catfish and panfish lately and I have been using a technique that has helped with swallowed hooks.  I started using short shanked hooks and bending the barbs down.  I use forceps to carefully go in though the gills and a little twist easily gets the hook loose.  Then the hook can be removed though the mouth with the forceps. Forceps are cheaper at "Headshops" than at tackle stores.

Response:

Most hooks are made of low grade metal and actually rust quite quickly.  Depending on how far down the hook is, often very little damage or harm ensues. Several years ago, I caught a little brookie.  When I removed my hook from the fish’s mouth, I discovered that there was another hook in the fish’s throat.  It was obviously too low for the previous angler to safely remove it, so I guess he cut his line as close as possible to the hook.  The interesting thing was that most of the shaft of the hook had actually rusted away.  There was just a small length remaining above the curve of the hook.   It obviously did not interfere with the fish’s ability to eat or survive.  It put up a fiesty fight, typical of brook trout! Ian Scott http://flyfishing.about.com/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello.  I went fishing this past week and had a problem 2 times…the dang fish inhaled the hook. What is the best thing to do in this circumstance?  I feel it is akin to shooting and wounding a deer but not killing it.  I tried unsucesfully both times to remove the hook, and ended up cutting the line and releasing the fish. Any suggestions? Thanks. AC

Response:

If the hook was bronze, the acids in the fish will disolve the hook. You did the right thing V.B.

: Hello.  I went fishing this past week and had a problem 2 times…the dang : fish inhaled the hook. : What is the best thing to do in this circumstance?  I feel it is akin to : shooting and wounding a deer but not killing it.  I tried unsucesfully both : times to remove the hook, and ended up cutting the line and releasing the : fish. : Any suggestions? : Thanks. : AC —

Response:

Hello.  I went fishing this past week and had a problem 2 times…the dang fish inhaled the hook. What is the best thing to do in this circumstance?  I feel it is akin to shooting and wounding a deer but not killing it.  I tried unsucesfully both times to remove the hook, and ended up cutting the line and releasing the fish. Any suggestions? Thanks. AC

Response:

+AD4- and ended up cutting the line and releasing the +AD4-fish. +AD4- I think you just answered the question yourself. Sometimes you have to cut your losses and pay the price. You only do dammage by trying to retreive a swallowed hook. If the hooks are swallowed but visible as a rule, you could try flattening the barb, but some would argue this to be detrimental. Others won’t. I have no opinion as I have never tried barbless fishing myself. Just a suggestion. Dan in the bush……

Response:

I used to catch wraases with hook and line that were sold live for saltwater aquariums. About 50% of the fish would swallow the hook so deep you couldn’t even see it. I just cut the line and put them in the live well. At the end of the day, usually all the hooks were laying in the bottom of the well. Capt. Jeff Kona, Hawaii http://home1.gte.net/jfrogers

+ADw-7t6ds0+ACQ-l86+ACQ-1+AEA-fir.prod.itd.earthlink.net+AD4-… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -+AD4- and ended up cutting the line and releasing the +AD4-fish. +AD4- I think you just answered the question yourself. Sometimes you have to cut your losses and pay the price. You only do dammage by trying to retreive a swallowed hook. If the hooks are swallowed but visible as a rule, you could try flattening the barb, but some would argue this to be detrimental. Others won’t. I have no opinion as I have never tried barbless fishing myself. Just a suggestion. Dan in the bush……

Response:

My suggestion is to gaff it, bring it onboard and have the deckhands fillet it. If it’s gut-hooked, and it fought, that would seem to really screw up the innards. I know when I catch an albie that swallowed the bait, blood gushes out of the mouth. Hard to believe that the fish would survive. Just keep reasonable limits, and respect the resource. It’s a sport, not a subsistance. RD Hello.  I went fishing this past week and had a problem 2 times…the dang fish inhaled the hook. What is the best thing to do in this circumstance?  I feel it is akin to shooting and wounding a deer but not killing it.  I tried unsucesfully both times to remove the hook, and ended up cutting the line and releasing the fish. Any suggestions? Thanks. AC

– Caltees – Home of Guy Harvey, Al Agnew, Habitat and Military Printed Tees http://www.caltees.com

Response:

One way that helps in releasing fish is to use a barbless hook.  As long as you keep the line tight the fish will hardly ever come off!   Tight Lines Lorne — If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles. -Doug Larson

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello.  I went fishing this past week and had a problem 2 times…the dang fish inhaled the hook. What is the best thing to do in this circumstance?  I feel it is akin to shooting and wounding a deer but not killing it.  I tried unsucesfully both times to remove the hook, and ended up cutting the line and releasing the fish. Any suggestions? Thanks. AC

Response:

Hello.  I went fishing this past week and had a problem 2 times…the dang fish inhaled the hook.

This happens to me quite often during the fishing season.  There is no way to avoid this, if you fish, you have to accept the fact that occasionally, fish WILL swallow th hook. What is the best thing to do in this circumstance?  I feel it is akin to shooting and wounding a deer but not killing it.  I tried unsucesfully both times to remove the hook, and ended up cutting the line and releasing the fish. Any suggestions?

Yes, what you did is exactly the correct thing.  You should try to quickly remove the hook, if unsuccessful, then either cut the line or in the case of large lures, use a sidecutter pliers or a small bolt cutter and cut the hook.  I have caught many apparently healthy fish with a leader or a section of line hanging out of their mouth.  Just today, while out with my editor from http://www.lake-link.com I caught a small northern pike with a section of line going down into his gullet.  There was nothing wrong with the fish and he was released again. One thing’s for certain, the survival rate for fish that are kept and filleted is zero, so release, there is always a chance that they will make it.

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any recommendations or advice on flyfishing in/around the Yellowstone area in June? Thanx. Gregg.  Gregg  From what I hear, find some not still frozen lakes. Water will be everywhere, not that one cannot fish  during the run- off, it is just limiting. Harry June is usually a good month for dry flies on the Firehole inside the Park. Snow pack is at 200% in most of the Yellowstone area. Most rivers and tributaries will be high until Aug. Stick to the lakes. Guy

Response:

June is usually a good month for dry flies on the Firehole inside the Park.

There is no Firehole outside the Park. <g  -AR

Response:

Any recommendations or advice on flyfishing in/around the Yellowstone area in June? Thanx. Gregg.

Response:

Expect Snow! Any recommendations or advice on flyfishing in/around the Yellowstone area in June?

– Brian D. Nelson, Missoula, Montana Montana Flyfishing and Hunting Outfitter http://www.montana.com/dno/dno.htm http://www.montana.com/dno/hunt.htm

Response:

Any recommendations or advice on flyfishing in/around the Yellowstone area in June? Thanx. Gregg.

 Gregg  From what I hear, find some not still frozen lakes. Water will be everywhere, not that one cannot fish  during the run- off, it is just limiting. Harry

Response:

My wife and I fished Yellowstone the last week of June 2 years ago when they had an unusually high run-off.  The only river fishable was the Firehole.

I can give you updates from time to time, but the snowpack here in the wyoming mountains is very high this year- I will not be a pretty spring. I plan on starting my fishing in August (no, I’m not joking)

Response:

My wife and I fished Yellowstone the last week of June 2 years ago when they had an unusually high run-off.  The only river fishable was the Firehole.  We had pretty good luck about 3 miles below Old Faithful Inn – can’t remember the names of the river sections.  Every other river we tried was so full of water you couldn’t reasonably fish them. I suggest you wait until after 15 July. J. Bjostad John Bjostad Columbia Heights, MN Retired avionics engineer – full time fly fishing addict

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any recommendations or advice on flyfishing in/around the Yellowstone area in June? Thanx. Gregg.  Gregg  From what I hear, find some not still frozen lakes. Water will be everywhere, not that one cannot fish  during the run- off, it is just limiting. Harry

June is usually a good month for dry flies on the Firehole inside the Park.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any recommendations or advice on flyfishing in/around the Yellowstone area in June? Thanx. Gregg.  Gregg  From what I hear, find some not still frozen lakes. Water will be everywhere, not that one cannot fish  during the run- off, it is just limiting. Harry June is usually a good month for dry flies on the Firehole inside the Park.

 Hi Steve   You are right, PMD’s are in full swing, as well as the Winnabago emergence and the evening Mini Van fall. Makes for some real fun back casting, at Fountain Flats one can hook a  tuna sandwich and a Brown on the same cast     HM

Response:

Question:

i need ideas for flys i can use to catch a muski on a fly rod. all help will be much appreciated.                               hopefully helped,                                                    coolcat913

Response:

I need idaes (help) on fly patterens or just flys to use to catch a muski on a fly rod. i’ve had little help on this matter from some  people, books, and web sits I ethier read or talked to. so anything you can tell me will be much much appericated!                                   Hopfully helped,(by you)                                                             coolcat913  

Response:

i need ideas for flys i can use to catch a muski on a fly rod. all help will be much appreciated.

        Here’s some help (hopely)… You should have flies to control all necesary depths (0-6ft). On this page got good flies, <AHREF="http://www.telusplanet.net/public/cnangler/html/<A/

Response:

I have had most success with whooper-sized Dahlberg Divers.  Use long trailing tail of flashbou,a nd you may want to tie a trailer hook into the fly  (see saltwater rigs).  Bunny strips are excellent too, tied as streamers. — Indy http://realindy.com

Response:

Visit a comprehensive web site for western Montana fly fishing.  The site offers descriptions and maps of local waters, articles from guides and outfitters and an extensive primer for teaching fly fishing to loved ones. Additionally, the site offers a tour of many of the top fly shops, outfitters and lodging. http://www.montana.com/flyfishing

Response:

An article by Dave Odell on the Bitterroot River and one by Dave Archer on guiding/outfitting are particularly good.  These guys know their stuff.  They have both been guiding for close to twenty years in western Montana. – Charlie Miller – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Visit a comprehensive web site for western Montana fly fishing.  The site offers descriptions and maps of local waters, articles from guides and outfitters and an extensive primer for teaching fly fishing to loved ones. Additionally, the site offers a tour of many of the top fly shops, outfitters and lodging. http://www.montana.com/flyfishing

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone: I am going to revive the olde SFFC Short Fat Flyfishers Club that Dennis Bitten came up with but is now disbanded. The new name that 14 of us has chosen is "Short Fat Cigar Smokin Flyfishers Club." The rules are going to change a bit as I and others feel that a club of this type can make an impact on the market and we would truly like to make it a viable club. The market is for extended sized sport clothes, waders, gloves and various other equipment (Ever try to get a size 50" waist from Orvis in anything). Keep your Loops Tight, Flys Dry and for Pete’s sake keep your wader fly closed! Mike

Hi Mike, I’m glad to see you get this club going again. You wouldn’t consider a tall, skinny old duffers who falls in the water a lot as a candidate for membership? Just kidding, Good luck. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 materials catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

Response:

Do the adjectives "short" and "fat" modify "cigar," or "flyfishers"? vince norris

Response:

Al, Until your post, I was wondering what was supposed to be "short and fat" — the cigar or the flyfisher. DaveB

Response:

Missed the beginning of this thread. Where do I go to sign up? Bob

Response:

Hi: Well it could be both or either I guess. The intent is for us anglers that are short and fat in stature to gain recognition in the fly fishing market. The Cigar Smoking is just an added pleasure for those of us who partake in it. MMT

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone: I am going to revive the olde SFFC Short Fat Flyfishers Club that Dennis Bitten came up with but is now disbanded. The new name that 14 of us has chosen is "Short Fat Cigar Smokin Flyfishers Club." The rules are going to change a bit as I and others feel that a club of this type can make an impact on the market and we would truly like to make it a viable club. The market is for extended sized sport clothes, waders, gloves and various other equipment (Ever try to get a size 50" waist from Orvis in anything). Keep your Loops Tight, Flys Dry and for Pete’s sake keep your wader fly closed! Mike Hi Mike, I’m glad to see you get this club going again. You wouldn’t consider a tall, skinny old duffers who falls in the water a lot as a candidate for membership? Just kidding, Good luck. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 materials catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

Your club is greta, though I’ll skip the cigars.  It is frustrating to try to find waders for someone 5′6" and 240 lbs.  However, you might considerthe fact that we are the final result of millions of years of evolution and that so-called "thin"people are merely, unlike us, "famine resistance challenged"!  Bill

Response:

Not trying to be a smart a**, but try finding waders for 6′-6" 170# size 10 foot.  Most mfgs think that if you are 6-6, you should be 320 or so! One of these days I’ll find something in my size Steve Stillabower Indianapolis, IN

Response:

Hi Everyone: I am going to revive the olde SFFC Short Fat Flyfishers Club that Dennis Bitten came up with but is now disbanded. The new name that 14 of us has chosen is "Short Fat Cigar Smokin Flyfishers Club." The rules are going to change a bit as I and others feel that a club of this type can make an impact on the market and we would truly like to make it a viable club. The market is for extended sized sport clothes, waders, gloves and various other equipment (Ever try to get a size 50" waist from Orvis in anything). We have made contacts with various manufacturers that are willing to make extended sized clothing and equipment available to all us guys and GALS who have a short stature and look like a sparkplug. We even have a deal for preferred seating on two airlines so we and other passengers can feel more comfort on the flights. small, the advantages are great and heck lets get some recognition in this ever expanding market. Keep your Loops Tight, Flys Dry and for Pete’s sake keep your wader fly closed! Mike

Response:

Question:

what do you know about blue water fly fishing out of la paz, mexico?

Response:

what do you know about blue water fly fishing out of la paz, mexico?

All the Mexican Guides kill the fish. Mr. G.

Response:

Question:

Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing? Do you wear socks inside your waders (full size, and/or stocking)?  When you wet wade, do you wear socks?  What kind?  When you go steelheading, do you wear several pairs? I have NOT been wearing socks, and my wife complains that my feet smell worse than any fish would…so I might as well bring some bodies home.  It smells like there are dead bodies in my waders. Incidentally, suppose your waders leak (like mine).  Do you still wear socks? What color? — Laboratory for Applied Logic    Dept. of Computer Science University of Idaho             www: http://www.cs.uidaho.edu/~foster —–BEGIN PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK—– Version: 2.6.2 mQCNAzDtvLEAAAEEAKAC21G2Be0K0DMgjLpxrwLmsYfCz8rWcfgyABjr3Ryfk1dO nV7fFFpUF3xohR7die+/B2V9oqRQzTLeSF2ECKlsTY/yUyw2kn+P2ju1umh4Fwzd cVTvc+H69q1+Ft3kmw/PE0Pan+g0PUGGJ43stw3q4OgBHdixbRd/f9giJFDxAAUR tCZKYW1lcyBBLiBGb3N0ZXIgPGZvc3RlckBjcy51aWRhaG8uZWR1PokAlQMFEDD8 ReEXf3/YIiRQ8QEBFrAD/2AFuRWcD/3MENC3qJMC/Or1qxknjkK7Uv+TDf2LHPOY GHBbG9PyWuXQ8of0Dd+JYwf/tzlO9Yk1s1zTdikfriak21FW0bCokxDIhA3myppZ IZDWVA9CyvDYHuP5Ii1NkBvocab813JzDLZA+0iVN5sebGb9zSXR4Za47hlriHeP =RDHK —–END PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK—–

Response:

Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing? Do you wear socks inside your waders (full size, and/or stocking)?  When you wet wade, do you wear socks?  What kind?  When you go steelheading, do you wear several pairs?

Of course, how else do you keep your pants from riding up when you put your waders on?

Response:

Polar Fleece type socks in stockingfoot waders are the best I have found so far. Ken..

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing?

Response:

James Foster writes: Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing?

..Yes, Do you wear socks inside your waders (full size, and/or stocking)?

…Yes When you wet wade, do you wear socks?

..Starting to sound like you have a sock fetish..  When you go steelheading, do you wear several pairs?

..No, just one THICK pair..I only wear several pairs of socks, when I play "strip poker".. I have NOT been wearing socks, and my wife complains that my feet

smell worse than any fish would…so I might as well bring some bodies home.  It smells like there are dead bodies in my waders. …[CENSORED!!!] Incidentally, suppose your waders leak (like mine).  Do you still wear socks?

..No, I usually get off my lazy ass and patch my waders…and keep my feet dry!!! What color?

…Black fish net…the real fine mesh..for catch and release only!

Response:

Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing?

You’re absolutely correct: that is a *really* stupid question! ;^) Do you wear socks inside your waders (full size, and/or stocking)?

Of course – if for no other reason that getting my feet into neoprene waders would be even tougher without socks… When you  wet wade, do you wear socks?  What kind?  

Depends on where I’m wet wading: if I’m rock hopping I’ll wear felt-soled boots with socks. If I’m wading off a beach, sneakers and no socks… When you go steelheading, do you wear several pairs?

Well, it’s been about 23 years since I did any serious steelheading (I moved away from the Olympic Penninsula and we don’t have steel head in New England) but if you’re referring to cold water fishing, you bet I wear socks in my neoprene waders! I have NOT been wearing socks, and my wife complains that my feet smell worse than any fish would…so I might as well bring some bodies home.  It smells like there are dead bodies in my waders.

Ugh! Sounds disgustin’ to me! Your wife has my deepest pity! Incidentally, suppose your waders leak (like mine).  Do you still wear socks?

I fix the leaks, of course! What color?

Moving from *really* stupid to sublime, eh? <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.     Alpha Server Engineering < < Parker Street Campus          Maynard, Massachusetts   < <       Charter Member of Curmudgeons Unlimited        < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Response:

Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing?

I always take a single rogue sock along in my vest and put it on my hand as a puppet when I have a flyfishing dillema or need someone too talk to. "Hi Mr. Hand, What should I tie on…?" "Put me back in your pocket you idiot". TimW

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -(James Foster) writes: Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing? Do you wear socks inside your waders (full size, and/or stocking)?  When you wet wade, do you wear socks?  What kind?  When you go steelheading, do you wear several pairs? I have NOT been wearing socks, and my wife complains that my feet smell worse than any fish would…so I might as well bring some bodies home.  It smells like there are dead bodies in my waders. Incidentally, suppose your waders leak (like mine).  Do you still wear socks? What color?

It’s a good idea to wear socks inside of waders to keep comfortable.  I usually use either wool or wool/polypro blend.  The wool keeps the sock from compacting and give a bit of cushioning, plus it still keeps your feet warm when it gets wet.  Even if your waders don’t leak, any water you get it your waders will end up in your feet. For instance from a slip or poor depth perception.  The only other socks I know of that will perform similarly are made from polartech.  Stay away from cotton socks as they will hold the water and get clammy and cold. Be careful not to put so much bulk around your feet that they constrict the blood flow, or your feet will freeze.   You should always be able to move your toes a little inside of your socks, waders, and boots.  Get larger boots if needed. I also use socks when wet wading mostly because my wading boots would fall off my feet if I didn’t. Also it’s a lot easier to wash the socks than it is to wash the waders and with the socks you shouldn’t get that ugly smell in your waders.                                  Good fishing,                                       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!).

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I think it was Haig-Brown in "A River Never Sleeps" that gave some sage advice for socks and wading when you have hiked to your fishing. 1) wear wool socks and take a dry pair 2) if you fall in and ship water, wring out the socks and dump the water out of your boots, but put the wet socks back on 3) at the end of the day, put the dry socks on and hike out reasoning being that it is impossible to get all the water out of the boots and you’d only end up getting your spare socks wet. And of course, you have those puppets. TimW

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Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing? I always take a single rogue sock along in my vest and put it on my hand as a puppet when I have a flyfishing dillema or need someone too talk to. "Hi Mr. Hand, What should I tie on…?" "Put me back in your pocket you idiot".

Last summer I went out fishing on one of the hottest days of the year.  I was heading over to another section of the stream when I saw steam coming from under the hood of my car.  I had blown a radiator hose.  I coasted down the hill to the stream.  I didn’t have and duct tape in the car so I removed one of my socks and wrapped up the hose with it then filled the radiator from the stream.  I was able to limp about five miles to the nearest gas station where I bought some radiator hose tape.   — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

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Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing? I always take a single rogue sock along in my vest and put it on my hand as a puppet when I have a flyfishing dillema or need someone too talk to. "Hi Mr. Hand, What should I tie on…?" "Put me back in your pocket you idiot". Tim

Of all the entries I’ve read from you, this is the one I believe most…

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing? I always take a single rogue sock along in my vest and put it on my hand as a puppet when I have a flyfishing dillema or need someone too talk to. "Hi Mr. Hand, What should I tie on…?" "Put me back in your pocket you idiot". Tim Of all the entries I’ve read from you, this is the one I believe most…

Thanks, but I didn’t post it. Mr. Hand did.   TimW

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing? I always take a single rogue sock along in my vest and put it on my hand as a puppet when I have a flyfishing dillema or need someone too talk to. "Hi Mr. Hand, What should I tie on…?" "Put me back in your pocket you idiot". Last summer I went out fishing on one of the hottest days of the year.  I was heading over to another section of the stream when I saw steam coming from under the hood of my car.  I had blown a radiator hose.  I coasted down the hill to the stream.  I didn’t have and duct tape in the car so I removed one of my socks and wrapped up the hose with it then filled the radiator from the stream.  I was able to limp about five miles to the nearest gas station where I bought some radiator hose tape.

,and put the sock back on. ouch. TimW

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My Simms KBS waders kept migrating into my boots, pulling the crotch to my knees and stretching the suspenders to the breaking point.   Watching me step over logs in this configuration left fishing partners incapacitated with laughter.  I switched from wool socks to polyester fleece (Polartech, Polar Fleece, etc.) because they wash and dry easier, and doggoned if those waders didn’t stay put!  Apparently the wool offers a lot more friction when walking than the fleece.   Whatever the reason I don’t do much knee-walking anymore… –Buddy

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Do they stink so bad that, on a slow day, you could dip your feet directly in the water to stun a few fish to the surface (assuming you’re a meat fisherman). This could be as effective as explosives and not nearly as noisy! Tom BTW, if this was a serious inquiry seeking a serious answer: I always wear two pairs of socks. A thin inner liner to draw moisture away from the skin (like Capilene from Patagoina) and then an insulating sock whose thickness is determined by water temperature. To get rid of the stink in your waders, turn them inside out and brush on a diluted bleach/water solution. This should kill whatever has taken up residence there (provided they aren’t so old as to be dissolved by the bleach!) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here’s a really stupid question: do you wear sockes when fishing? Do you wear socks inside your waders (full size, and/or stocking)?  When you wet wade, do you wear socks?  What kind?  When you go steelheading, do you wear several pairs? I have NOT been wearing socks, and my wife complains that my feet smell worse than any fish would…so I might as well bring some bodies home.  It smells like there are dead bodies in my waders. Incidentally, suppose your waders leak (like mine).  Do you still wear socks? What color?

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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

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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:

That’s true. Starting with the RPL+ rods, at least that’s what my flyshop guys said. Gerhard

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"Sage rods, reels and blanks carry an unconditional, original-owner guarantee. Regardless of cause, Sage will promptly repair or replace any rod, reel or blank that is defective or damaged free of charge. In addition, we promise to give you the best service and repair in the industry and we will return ship your rod, reel or blank within 7 working days" That is right off of the back cover of the 1996 Sage catalog. The same warranty also applies to Lamson reels. Clay

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Summary: Sage Unconditional Lifetime Warrenty?  A tackle shop guy told me that next year Sage rods will have an unconditional lifetime warrenty. So if your dog chews up the Sage years from now Sage will fix or replace it free with no questions asked. Can anyone confirm or deny this statement? -regards Wayne V Ohh.. the tackle guy also stated the price will be increasing 7%.

Wayne, your source was correct.  The rods will have an unconditional warranty.  Prices are going up and they have a new series of rods the Rpl +.  They look really good.  We have found that they cast better with more control than the Rpl’s.  The Rpl 4 pieces have been dropped so if you want one better grab it now. Ken

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That’s true. Starting with the RPL+ rods, at least that’s what my flyshop guys said. Gerhard

I’ve also heard the warranty applies to blanks as well. Very good news. Bob Petti Endwell, NY

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(SNIP) That is right off of the back cover of the 1996 Sage catalog. The same warranty also applies to Lamson reels.

Which are now owned by Sage, right? Bob Petti Endwell, NY

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   The "lifetime replacement guarantee" on the label doesn’t tell the whole story. Most manufacturer’s will replace a broken rod for relatively little money.    We break many rods in our flyfishing classes. For fun we sent back a broken rod each to SAGE, LOOMIS, FENWICK, WINSTON and SCOTT. We used a friends letterhead and return address so the companies wouldn’t have incentive to treat us any better than their regular rod repair/replacement.    SAGE: We sent the rod in on Monday and had a new one on Thursday (Blue Label UPS). We have broken several Sage rods, and all of them have been replaced within a week. Incredible service like this should be rewarded.    LOOMIS: They sent us reciept of our broken rod and had us verify shipping address. Total turn around was 8 working days and cost was $30.00 for a new tip.    FENWICK: They sent us a new rod in three weeks but it was the wrong rod. We called them and they arranged for us to pick up a new one off a local dealer’s shelf.    WINSTON: This was the only rod sent with a defect (The internal ferrule fell out). They took 6 weeks to repair the rod then charged us $30.00. We made a complaint on plain stationary and they stood by their charge. We made a second complaint on our flyfishing school letterhead and they not only reversed the charge but sent us a couple of hats.    SCOTT: It took 5 months and two phone calls to get the rod back. I hate to say this because I love Scott rods and am good friends with many of their staff. Tight lines, Ralph Cutter —

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  A tackle shop guy told me that next year Sage rods will have an  unconditional lifetime warrenty. So if your dog chews up the Sage  years from now Sage will fix or replace it free with no questions  asked.  Can anyone confirm or deny this statement?  -regards  Wayne V  Ohh.. the tackle guy also stated the price will be increasing 7%.

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Question:

I might be heading out to Hong Kong – it’s a business trip, but there’s ALWAYS time for fly-fishing. Anyone got any ideas of what the fishing is like out there ? Thanks in advance, Doug

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Sorry Doug, I lived there for 10 years and the only fishing I did was in Australia. Some people dangle bits of meat in the harbour and get the occasional bite from something equally disgusting. The fishing is offshore and long gone Simon Hallett

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I wouldn’t bother, Doug.  I’m a keen fisher myself but I quickly gave up trying during my years out there. Christian Zoega Jessen |   Zoega Virksomhedsr