Question:

.. how hard is it to get a hook up in the national forest  ( my cousines father is 80 and in poor health) i dont want to run a generator and make a lot of noise

  None of the NF campgrounds have power, period. — Personal e-mail is the n7bsn but at amsat.org This posting address is a spam-trap and seldom read RV and Camping FAQ can be found at http://kendaco.telebyte.com/rlindber/RV

Response:

Im going to go fly fishing in gallatin nat forest can anyone help with any first hand knowledge will be takeing a 30 foot class A   is a dingy necessary ? how hard is it to get a hook up ( my cousines father is 80 and in poor health) i dont want to run a generator and make a lot of noise thank you glenn   please send email to

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Im going to go fly fishing in gallatin nat forest (july3 to 16 aprox) can anyone help with any first hand knowledge will be takeing a 30 foot class A   is a dingy necessary ? how hard is it to get a hook up in the national forest  ( my cousines father is 80 and in poor health) i dont want to run a generator and make a lot of noise thank you glenn   please send email to

Response:

Im going to go fly fishing in gallatin nat forest can anyone help with any first hand knowledge will be takeing a 30 foot class A   is a dingy necessary ? how hard is it to get a hook up ( my cousines father is 80 and in poor health) i dont want to run a generator and make a lot of noise

there who is familiar with the area. Just click on the URL above, it’ll take you there directly without having to "subscribe" to the newsgroup.

Response:

Im going to go fly fishing in gallatin nat forest

  When? (I’d ask why, since I wouldn’t bother any more) can anyone help with any first hand knowledge

  Yes will be takeing a 30 foot class A   is a dingy necessary ?

  Where are you planning to stay? how hard is it to get a hook up ( my cousines father is 80 and in poor health) i dont want to run a generator and make a lot of noise

  The only place I am recalling with power is the KOA at Bozeman Hotsprings (which also gives you access to the springs pools) —

Response:

Question:

Chaps             I live in the Aylesbury  /  Oxford area, and I’m seeking people’s recommendations re small still waters in this area. I have visited but not fished Vicarage Spinney and Barnes Lakes.  I have fished Church Hill and Lakeside, as well as Alders Farm. I DON"T WANT TO HEAR PEOPLE"S OPINIONS RE CONCRETE BOWL RESERVOIRES, thank you My favourite water is John O’Gaunt in Hampshire, but it’s too far aay for a day trip. I’d like to find something like JOG, but closer to home, say 30-40 mins drive max,  I want to fish, not drive, as a hobby. If anyone can recommend a good venue, I’d be very grateful, and maybe even see you there sometime. There are too few good venues around here, and I only have "Trout Fisherman" guide to go by, which is OK but a bit limited. So ??  please come back to me if you’ve a secret haunt you’d be willing to share, best wishes,

Response:

You are welcome to Join me ( as a guest for

Question:

Hi Doug, Thanks for the comment.  I kinda like the style.  It’s different!  ;) For power on mine, I’m going with the merCruiser 6cyl. diesel.  That will give me 225 HP at each prop.  I’m also going to use the Bravo 3 outdrive.

Hey Mark, help me out here.  Why are you choosing the Bravo 3 outdrive for a twin engine application?  What advantage is there as compared to any of the less expensive alternatives? Who builds that engine?  It sounds like a great engine for that application. Regards, Tom Brown

Response:

                        *** big snip *** Shameless plug for MaxWeld boats … see thier site at: http://www.maxweldboats.com/ You’re getting a really cool boat…I love its looks. — Harry Krause

Thanks Harry.  I’m not too sure about the looks.  I kinda like the looks of a boat with a well appointed fly bridge better.  However, the boat *should* be really functional and they *are* extremely stable fishing platforms and that means a lot more to me than looks.  (besides the fact that they are "hell-built" for stout!) Still having trouble deciding on colors and a name for her.  The wife and I have decided (with a little coaching from the builder) to paint the cabin the same grey as the pictures show and we are going to go with a black back deck.  I thought something lighter, but Andy says that the black deck is a lot easier to maintain.  I personally think that when the sun shines on it the back deck is going to get awful warm!  Whatever we decide … No White in the work area!!  Makes my tired old eyes hurt!  ;) -mArk-  (who finds naming a boat harder than naming kids!  ;))

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Doug, Thanks for the comment.  I kinda like the style.  It’s different!  ;) For power on mine, I’m going with the merCruiser 6cyl. diesel.  That will give me 225 HP at each prop.  I’m also going to use the Bravo 3 outdrive. Andy will set them up with almost any type of power that you want.  The one he just finished building (basicly the same boat I’m getting) had twin Cummins with jet pumps type outdrives.  I don’t know if he has build one that is a true inboard yet, but he has been talking about it.  It’s just a matter of what the customer wants.  He’s *very* flexible. I looked at several different engines before I picked the merCruisers.  I had originally picked the Volvo 6cyl. diesel, but Andy told me that there had been quite a few warranty issues (new engines that needed work) and that Volvo had not been real good about honoring the warranty.  He said that having your new boat have to go in right away for engine work kind of soured the whole boat buying process and suggested that I go with the merCruiser for dependability sake. Andy worked out a deal with the merCruiser dealer to get the engines at the same price as those from Volvo.  They usually cost about $2000 an issue more. The Cummins engines are like $10k more.  Kinda outa my price range! -mArk-                          (not speaking for the company) Shameless plug for MaxWeld boats … see thier site at: http://www.maxweldboats.com/

You’re getting a really cool boat…I love its looks. — Harry Krause I know how hard it is for you to put food on your family. -GW Bush

Response:

Wow-Cooool Cat ! What’s the power ? Do they offer inboards in a catamaran ? Doug Miller

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Went down to the coast last Friday (3/23) so that I could stop in and see what progress has been made on the new boat.  Took Andy and crew 2 weeks to lay the bulkheads and stringers, but the boat is finally right-side up and starting to take shape!!  They started putting the sides of the hulls on so it actually is starting to look like a boat!  I’m getting really excited as things start to take shape! Whilst I was looking at what they had done during the week Andy told me that he didn’t think the boat had a deck length of 28′10" as we originally agreed too (he has stated several times that all sizes are estimates as each hull is layed by hand and everything is custom).  He put the tape on it and came up with the new length of 29′9".  He looked at me and smiled and say something to the affect of "I didn’t think you’d mind the extra (almost) foot of length".  ;)  Too Cool! He’s also decided to change the "swim platfrom" from 36" to 42".  He was saying that the extra 6" doesn’t seem like much, but it really makes a difference when you are out on it.  WAY Cool!  ;) Still haven’t picked a color scheme or a name, but we are working on it. I was going to use some of the commercial gear off’n "Fish Assassin" (my 22′ dory) but Andy says "nope".  He does not like the galvanized davits for the down-riggers and is going to build me some custom made Stainless davits. He is also going to build me some custom aluminum outriggers … length to be determined, but they look like they want to be about 28′ with forstays built into them. WhooWhee!!  Can’t hardly contain myself waiting for the magical day when I get to take delivery (about June 16th)!!  ;)  ;) -mArk-

Response:

Hi Doug, Thanks for the comment.  I kinda like the style.  It’s different!  ;) For power on mine, I’m going with the merCruiser 6cyl. diesel.  That will give me 225 HP at each prop.  I’m also going to use the Bravo 3 outdrive. Hey Mark, help me out here.  Why are you choosing the Bravo 3 outdrive for a twin engine application?  What advantage is there as compared to any of the less expensive alternatives? Who builds that engine?  It sounds like a great engine for that application. Regards, Tom Brown

Hi Tom.  It’s another one of those hell-built-for-stout things that I’m so hung up on.  I want equiptment that won’t fail (or at least has less chance of failure) when I’m a hundred miles from shore.  There is also the fact that the twin props give you a little more umph.  Besides, Andy catagoricly refuses to use "cheap" stuff on his boats.  He only wants to use the best he can get in any given class.  The Bravo 3 is much stouter than any of the Alpha drives and actually has quite a few design improvements over the Bravo 1 & 2 outdrives. I believe Andy told me that the engine blocks actually come from Isuzu (sp?). All the bolt on stuff is Mercury specific.  I just hope these engines are as bullet proof (idiot proof??  ;)) as I’ve been led to believe.  I spent a lot of time researching both the merCruiser and the Volvo diesel offerings and they seemed pretty close.  Part of the decision was based on the builders recommondation (and I trust Andy a lot … known him for a lot of years!). -mArk-   (who beleives that down fishing time means lost revenue)

Response:

Hi Doug, Thanks for the comment.  I kinda like the style.  It’s different!  ;) For power on mine, I’m going with the merCruiser 6cyl. diesel.  That will give me 225 HP at each prop.  I’m also going to use the Bravo 3 outdrive. Andy will set them up with almost any type of power that you want.  The one he just finished building (basicly the same boat I’m getting) had twin Cummins with jet pumps type outdrives.  I don’t know if he has build one that is a true inboard yet, but he has been talking about it.  It’s just a matter of what the customer wants.  He’s *very* flexible. I looked at several different engines before I picked the merCruisers.  I had originally picked the Volvo 6cyl. diesel, but Andy told me that there had been quite a few warranty issues (new engines that needed work) and that Volvo had not been real good about honoring the warranty.  He said that having your new boat have to go in right away for engine work kind of soured the whole boat buying process and suggested that I go with the merCruiser for dependability sake. Andy worked out a deal with the merCruiser dealer to get the engines at the same price as those from Volvo.  They usually cost about $2000 an issue more. The Cummins engines are like $10k more.  Kinda outa my price range! -mArk-                          (not speaking for the company) Shameless plug for MaxWeld boats … see thier site at: http://www.maxweldboats.com/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wow-Cooool Cat ! What’s the power ? Do they offer inboards in a catamaran ? Doug Miller Went down to the coast last Friday (3/23) so that I could stop in and see what progress has been made on the new boat.  Took Andy and crew 2 weeks to lay the bulkheads and stringers, but the boat is finally right-side up and starting to take shape!!  They started putting the sides of the hulls on so it actually is starting to look like a boat!  I’m getting really excited as things start to take shape! Whilst I was looking at what they had done during the week Andy told me that he didn’t think the boat had a deck length of 28′10" as we originally agreed too (he has stated several times that all sizes are estimates as each hull is layed by hand and everything is custom).  He put the tape on it and came up with the new length of 29′9".  He looked at me and smiled and say something to the affect of "I didn’t think you’d mind the extra (almost) foot of length".  ;)  Too Cool! He’s also decided to change the "swim platfrom" from 36" to 42".  He was saying that the extra 6" doesn’t seem like much, but it really makes a difference when you are out on it.  WAY Cool!  ;) Still haven’t picked a color scheme or a name, but we are working on it. I was going to use some of the commercial gear off’n "Fish Assassin" (my 22′ dory) but Andy says "nope".  He does not like the galvanized davits for the down-riggers and is going to build me some custom made Stainless davits. He is also going to build me some custom aluminum outriggers … length to be determined, but they look like they want to be about 28′ with forstays built into them. WhooWhee!!  Can’t hardly contain myself waiting for the magical day when I get to take delivery (about June 16th)!!  ;)  ;) -mArk-

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Went down to the coast last Friday (3/23) so that I could stop in and see what progress has been made on the new boat.  Took Andy and crew 2 weeks to lay the bulkheads and stringers, but the boat is finally right-side up and starting to take shape!!  They started putting the sides of the hulls on so it actually is starting to look like a boat!  I’m getting really excited as things start to take shape! Whilst I was looking at what they had done during the week Andy told me that he didn’t think the boat had a deck length of 28′10" as we originally agreed too (he has stated several times that all sizes are estimates as each hull is layed by hand and everything is custom).  He put the tape on it and came up with the new length of 29′9".  He looked at me and smiled and say something to the affect of "I didn’t think you’d mind the extra (almost) foot of length".  ;)  Too Cool! He’s also decided to change the "swim platfrom" from 36" to 42".  He was saying that the extra 6" doesn’t seem like much, but it really makes a difference when you are out on it.  WAY Cool!  ;) Still haven’t picked a color scheme or a name, but we are working on it.  I was going to use some of the commercial gear off’n "Fish Assassin" (my 22′ dory) but Andy says "nope".  He does not like the galvanized davits for the down-riggers and is going to build me some custom made Stainless davits.  He is also going to build me some custom aluminum outriggers … length to be determined, but they look like they want to be about 28′ with forstays built into them. WhooWhee!!  Can’t hardly contain myself waiting for the magical day when I get to take delivery (about June 16th)!!  ;)  ;) -mArk- Sounds woodlike. What is she? — Harry Krause Naw … we’ve talked about this one a little before … it’s an aluminum Catamaran style hull with twin merCrusier 6cyl. diesels.  Pictures at: http://www.maxweldboats.com The picture on the first page is a 27′ version of what my boat is going to be.  You looked at this one once before and told me that you’d feel safe about going out to sea in a boat like that … -mArk-

You are correct. When you started discussing bulkheads and frame, I immediately thought of wood. — Harry Krause The students at Yale came from all different backgrounds and all parts of the country. Within months, I knew many of them. -GW Bush

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Went down to the coast last Friday (3/23) so that I could stop in and see what progress has been made on the new boat.  Took Andy and crew 2 weeks to lay the bulkheads and stringers, but the boat is finally right-side up and starting to take shape!!  They started putting the sides of the hulls on so it actually is starting to look like a boat!  I’m getting really excited as things start to take shape! Whilst I was looking at what they had done during the week Andy told me that he didn’t think the boat had a deck length of 28′10" as we originally agreed too (he has stated several times that all sizes are estimates as each hull is layed by hand and everything is custom).  He put the tape on it and came up with the new length of 29′9".  He looked at me and smiled and say something to the affect of "I didn’t think you’d mind the extra (almost) foot of length".  ;)  Too Cool! He’s also decided to change the "swim platfrom" from 36" to 42".  He was saying that the extra 6" doesn’t seem like much, but it really makes a difference when you are out on it.  WAY Cool!  ;) Still haven’t picked a color scheme or a name, but we are working on it.  I was going to use some of the commercial gear off’n "Fish Assassin" (my 22′ dory) but Andy says "nope".  He does not like the galvanized davits for the down-riggers and is going to build me some custom made Stainless davits.  He is also going to build me some custom aluminum outriggers … length to be determined, but they look like they want to be about 28′ with forstays built into them. WhooWhee!!  Can’t hardly contain myself waiting for the magical day when I get to take delivery (about June 16th)!!  ;)  ;) -mArk- Sounds woodlike. What is she? — Harry Krause

Naw … we’ve talked about this one a little before … it’s an aluminum Catamaran style hull with twin merCrusier 6cyl. diesels.  Pictures at: http://www.maxweldboats.com The picture on the first page is a 27′ version of what my boat is going to be.  You looked at this one once before and told me that you’d feel safe about going out to sea in a boat like that … -mArk-

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Went down to the coast last Friday (3/23) so that I could stop in and see what progress has been made on the new boat.  Took Andy and crew 2 weeks to lay the bulkheads and stringers, but the boat is finally right-side up and starting to take shape!!  They started putting the sides of the hulls on so it actually is starting to look like a boat!  I’m getting really excited as things start to take shape! Whilst I was looking at what they had done during the week Andy told me that he didn’t think the boat had a deck length of 28′10" as we originally agreed too (he has stated several times that all sizes are estimates as each hull is layed by hand and everything is custom).  He put the tape on it and came up with the new length of 29′9".  He looked at me and smiled and say something to the affect of "I didn’t think you’d mind the extra (almost) foot of length".  ;)  Too Cool! He’s also decided to change the "swim platfrom" from 36" to 42".  He was saying that the extra 6" doesn’t seem like much, but it really makes a difference when you are out on it.  WAY Cool!  ;) Still haven’t picked a color scheme or a name, but we are working on it.  I was going to use some of the commercial gear off’n "Fish Assassin" (my 22′ dory) but Andy says "nope".  He does not like the galvanized davits for the down-riggers and is going to build me some custom made Stainless davits.  He is also going to build me some custom aluminum outriggers … length to be determined, but they look like they want to be about 28′ with forstays built into them. WhooWhee!!  Can’t hardly contain myself waiting for the magical day when I get to take delivery (about June 16th)!!  ;)  ;) -mArk-

Sounds woodlike. What is she? — Harry Krause This case has had full analyzation and has been looked at a lot. I understand the emotionality of death penalty cases. Dubya Dense

Response:

Went down to the coast last Friday (3/23) so that I could stop in and see what progress has been made on the new boat.  Took Andy and crew 2 weeks to lay the bulkheads and stringers, but the boat is finally right-side up and starting to take shape!!  They started putting the sides of the hulls on so it actually is starting to look like a boat!  I’m getting really excited as things start to take shape! Whilst I was looking at what they had done during the week Andy told me that he didn’t think the boat had a deck length of 28′10" as we originally agreed too (he has stated several times that all sizes are estimates as each hull is layed by hand and everything is custom).  He put the tape on it and came up with the new length of 29′9".  He looked at me and smiled and say something to the affect of "I didn’t think you’d mind the extra (almost) foot of length".  ;)  Too Cool! He’s also decided to change the "swim platfrom" from 36" to 42".  He was saying that the extra 6" doesn’t seem like much, but it really makes a difference when you are out on it.  WAY Cool!  ;) Still haven’t picked a color scheme or a name, but we are working on it.  I was going to use some of the commercial gear off’n "Fish Assassin" (my 22′ dory) but Andy says "nope".  He does not like the galvanized davits for the down-riggers and is going to build me some custom made Stainless davits.  He is also going to build me some custom aluminum outriggers … length to be determined, but they look like they want to be about 28′ with forstays built into them. WhooWhee!!  Can’t hardly contain myself waiting for the magical day when I get to take delivery (about June 16th)!!  ;)  ;) -mArk-

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Question:

One of the most valuable "how to" books on fly fishing I have had the pleasure of reading is "The Cast" by Ed Jaworski. He has recently published a new book, "Troubleshooting the Cast", a paper back book which addresses 32 common casting problems. The book is well written, and the diagrams are easy to follow and uncluttered. I got my copy in the mail this last week and have been using some of his techniques to work out some kinks on a pond here in Kansas, especially I problem I have casting weighted flies. I highly recomend those of you who might have a little casting kink check it out. Your friendly gear whore and singlemaltmeister. Wayne

Response:

How much was it and where can I get it on-line? — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – One of the most valuable "how to" books on fly fishing I have had the pleasure of reading is "The Cast" by Ed Jaworski. He has recently published a new book, "Troubleshooting the Cast", a paper back book which addresses 32 common casting problems. The book is well written, and the diagrams are easy to follow and uncluttered. I got my copy in the mail this last week and have been using some of his techniques to work out some kinks on a pond here in Kansas, especially I problem I have casting weighted flies. I highly recomend those of you who might have a little casting kink check it out. Your friendly gear whore and singlemaltmeister. Wayne

Before you buy.

Response:

The back cover lists the price $12.95 and I bought mine at amazon.com Wayne

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How much was it and where can I get it on-line? — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html One of the most valuable "how to" books on fly fishing I have had the pleasure of reading is "The Cast" by Ed Jaworski. He has recently published a new book, "Troubleshooting the Cast", a paper back book which addresses 32 common casting problems. The book is well written, and the diagrams are easy to follow and uncluttered. I got my copy in the mail this last week and have been using some of his techniques to work out some kinks on a pond here in Kansas, especially I problem I have casting weighted flies. I highly recomend those of you who might have a little casting kink check it out. Your friendly gear whore and singlemaltmeister. Wayne Before you buy.

Response:

The back cover lists the price $12.95 and I bought mine at amazon.com

I just ordered one from there. My wife hates ‘one click’ ordering<g. — Charlie…

Response:

One of the most valuable "how to" books on fly fishing I have had the pleasure of reading is "The Cast" by Ed Jaworski.

Hey Walt, is this available at EZFlyfish? Joe F.

Response:

One of the most valuable "how to" books on fly fishing I have had the pleasure of reading is "The Cast" by Ed Jaworski. Hey Walt, is this available at EZFlyfish? Joe F.

Hi Joe, It will be indirectly available later today if my damn isp will properly function. I’ve started a "collection" of recommended books available through brbg/ez in association with amazon. Here’s the link to main page: http://users.boone.net/wgw/brbg-3.html Here’s the link to where this title will be located (if I can make a successful upload): http://users.boone.net/wgw/brbg-gen-ff.html Walt

Response:

Question:

[stuff I agree with snipped] With the Fuji’s you don’t really lose anything over a conventional snake guide, but you pick up some advantages.

[more good stuff snipped], but… one thing about snake guides is that for a given "size", the hole is actually "bigger" than a comparably sized Fuji guide since the Fujis are closed circles and the snakes are helical. My experience is that knots and tangles more easily shake free through snakes than through Fujis.  However, with knots that have a tag end that sticks out a little, the snakes (since they are thin wires) tend to grab them more often than do the Fujis.   Mu

Response:

I don’t know about wood grips outside of cork, but for guides, go with the Fuji ring guides.  I learned something this weekend that will help a bit even with them.  If you use 3 or more of the LSG-7J’s, make the one nearest the tip a UNSG-7J, on a 9′ rod use this guide for your last 2.  Also use an FST-7 tip.  These guides and tip are part of Fuji’s new concept line, and while the ring size remains unchanged, the ring height is lower, helping to bring the line closer to the blank in the last foot or so of the rod rather than all at once between the last guide and the tip.  The frame on the UNSG is also lighter than that of the LSG. If you want to use single leg wire guides, go for one that is coated rather than plated.  Plating will almost always peel, while coated (metal sprayed) guides should last quite a while.  There are many varieties of coatings available today and it’s a six of one, half a dozen of the other situation as to which is best.  As long as they come from a reputable source, you can choose for color and still get a great performing guide.  For salt water applications, I would go with a wire guide of some sort.  The insert guides will foul with salt buildup much quicker than wire guides. A good place for wood on a fly rod is in the reel seat.  For a 3 wt, a cork or wood seat with rings would be the thing to have.

Response:

For salt water applications, I would go with a wire guide of some sort.  The insert guides will foul with salt buildup much quicker than wire guides.

I’ve heard that before.  I wonder why it’s so.  Is it just becasue there is greater surface area on a ceramic guide? Mu

Response:

I’ve heard that same thing, but I’ve fished both types of guides quite a lot in salt water and have never found there to be much of a difference.  in either case, if salt DOES crust up on the guides, just swish it through the water back and forth a couple of times and it will be clear again. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For salt water applications, I would go with a wire guide of some sort.  The insert guides will foul with salt buildup much quicker than wire guides. I’ve heard that before.  I wonder why it’s so.  Is it just becasue there is greater surface area on a ceramic guide? Mu

Response:

I am in the process of building my ulitmate lightweight rod and I have the ability to examine a few options I haven’t been able to afford in years past. I have never fished with a rod that has a wood handle but I like the look of the rods that are built with them.  Is Cocobolo or rosewood going to add significant weight to a 3 wt. rod compared to cork?  Any disadvantages to fishing with wood vs. cork handles?  Do they get uncomfortable after awhile? Next question.  I think I want to build this rod with single foot guides vs. double.  Again, I have never owned a rod with single foot guides.  The reduction in weight and the increased flexibility in the rod are attractive traits to gain.  What do I loose compared to a double foot guide? Last question.  I have had a fly shop owner try to tell me that the gold guides wear out a lot faster then the titanium coated guides.  Has anybody had first hand experience with this or was he just trying to sell me what he had vs. losing my buisness. Thanks

Response:

– "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

I am in the process of building my ulitmate lightweight rod and I have the ability to examine a few options I haven’t been able to afford in years past. I have never fished with a rod that has a wood handle but I like the look of the rods that are built with them.  Is Cocobolo or rosewood going to add significant weight to a 3 wt. rod compared to cork?  Any disadvantages to fishing with wood vs. cork handles?  Do they get uncomfortable after awhile?

Complete wooden handles get slippery and difficult to hold very quickly, especially after handling fish or with wet hands. They also feel much colder to the touch, and the sensation of cold hands is very unpleasant after a while. Next question.  I think I want to build this rod with single foot guides vs. double.  Again, I have never owned a rod with single foot guides.  The reduction in weight and the increased flexibility in the rod are attractive traits to gain.  What do I loose compared to a double foot guide?

Basically some stability.  If you knock a single foot ring it will be more liable to slip than if you knocked a double foot ring. There is no appreciable increase in flexibility when using single foot as opposed to double foot rings.  The best rings for small lightweight fly-rods are probably snakes. Last question.  I have had a fly shop owner try to tell me that the gold guides wear out a lot faster then the titanium coated guides.  Has anybody had first hand experience with this or was he just trying to sell me what he had vs. losing my buisness.

Gold plated guides are useless, gold is a very soft metal, and will wear out in no time.  Titanium nitride is a gold coloured coating often used to protect HSS cutting surfaces. It is commonly used in industry for the tips of drill bits and similar tools as it is extremely tough and hard. Many modern guides have this protective coating.  Various oxides of metal are used as protective coatings for various metals, aluminium oxide for instance, among others. These vary in colour, but in the natural state are usually a dull grey. Many modern high performance guides have highly polished ceramic inserts made of sintered ceramic/metal oxide mixtures. Some snake rings are coated with special coatings, such as Titanium nitride for toughness and hardness. Practically any top quality guides from a reputable maker are suitable for fly-rods. Many people like the Fuji titanium guides or the gold cermets, which are expensive, but according to many people the best available. The URL is    http://www.fujitackle.com/eindex.html Further info is at :   http://www.mudhole.com/docs/fuji.html and  :   http://www.shofftackle.com/fujialum.html This should provide all the information you require. TL MC

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Wooden handles are also a lot heavier than cork handles. ( I forgot that in the previous post ).  Often a combination of hardwood and aluminium is used as a butt and reel seat, with cork as the grip. One other URL which might be of interest to you is : http://www.jannsnetcraft.com — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

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Practically any top quality guides from a reputable maker are suitable for fly-rods. Many people like the Fuji titanium guides or the gold cermets, which are expensive, but according to many people the best available.

I use the Fuji’s (cermets) on my 5wt. They absolutely sing. Flexability isn’t necessarily the issue, it’s drag on the line. Fuji’s have much less drag than snake eyes. Flyfish

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I am in the process of building my ulitmate lightweight rod and I have the ability to examine a few options I haven’t been able to afford in years past. I have never fished with a rod that has a wood handle but I like the look of the rods that are built with them.  Is Cocobolo or rosewood going to add significant weight to a 3 wt. rod compared to cork?  Any disadvantages to fishing with wood vs. cork handles?  Do they get uncomfortable after awhile?

I wouldn’t advise the wooden handles.  I’m an avid woodturner as well as a flyfisherman, and I’ve tried to do this in the past.  Wooden handles are hard on the hands, tend to be slippery, and are cold in the winter.  They also have a tendency to absorb water and check/distort.  Lastly, they are rigid, which can be a problem, especially with slower action light rods.  A cork handle will flex with the blank, while a wooden handle will remain rigid and concentrate stress at the upper end of the handle where the blank exits. Next question.  I think I want to build this rod with single foot guides vs. double.  Again, I have never owned a rod with single foot guides.  The reduction in weight and the increased flexibility in the rod are attractive traits to gain.  What do I loose compared to a double foot guide?

This is a religious issue.  I build a lot of rods, and personally I prefer the Fuji single-foot guides.  I don’t recommend the "single-foot snake" guides that have shown up in the last few years, as I’ve found them to add little value and to be a bit fragile.   With the Fuji’s you don’t really lose anything over a conventional snake guide, but you pick up some advantages.  Among these are fewer wraps, which will reduce both time to build the rod and weight.  You also get better line control, improved shooting characteristics, and longer life from the guides.  Keep in mind, though, that’s my opinion – your mileage may vary. Last question.  I have had a fly shop owner try to tell me that the gold guides wear out a lot faster then the titanium coated guides.  Has anybody had first hand experience with this or was he just trying to sell me what he had vs. losing my buisness.

I’m not aware of a true "gold-coated" guide.  The golden colored guides that I’ve seen are plated with titanium nitride, which will substantially improve their wear resistance.  Personally, I tend to use Fuji’s solid titanium frame guides, with a silicon carbide insert ring.   They’re lighter than snake guides, and the titanium frames are virtually immune to corrosion – something to consider for extremely light rods or those that will be used in salt water environments. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thanks

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I use the Fuji’s (cermets) on my 5wt. They absolutely sing. Flexability isn’t necessarily the issue, it’s drag on the line. Fuji’s have much less drag than snake eyes.

I’ll second that! They are bloody expensive, but I have Fuji cermet lined titanium framed rings on only three of my rods – the three that I use most. In future, I probably wouldn’t bother specifying Ti frames on the big butt stripping rings (or the next one up) since these guides are so far back down the rod and close to the rod hand that the few grammes saving in mass makes bugger all difference to anything. Tight Lines, Tony Deacon

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Visit the Austin Flyfishers at http:\www.austinflyfishers.org We have lot’s of local knowledge and some great outings

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am interested in fly-fishing more and the nearest fresh water fishing is really the hill country.  Any recommendations on which rivers to fish for bass?  I know they stock the guadalupe with trout in january, but that is not exactly my idea of fishing.  You must have corn to catch those fish! Thanks    -**** Posted from RemarQ, http://www.remarq.com/?c ****-  Search and Read Usenet Discussions in your Browser

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Thanks for all the replies.  I have ordered my book and look forward to trying my luck here in Texas. Anyone ever fish the Guadalupe near Comfort?  I will be there this weekend. When I was a kid, I used to catch bass and perch pretty easily there.  Last time I tried about two years ago I saw zero fish. Dave    -**** Posted from RemarQ, http://www.remarq.com/?c ****-  Search and Read Usenet Discussions in your Browser

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I fish every weekend on the Guadalupe under the Canyon Lake dam.  I always catch at least some small Rainbows. I am new to Fishing for trout but I have seen 15 to 20 Rainbows all over 12" (some close to 18") within 300 yards of the Dam.  Guadalupe bass are the prime target for Texas shallow rivers, they spend a lot of tie in moving water and pull like a largemouth 150% as large. Bluegills and all sortse of sunfishes are everywhere.  People are now cathcing a Gualdalupe-smallmouth hybrids (world record in the San Marcos River) in the Blanco and other beautiful clearwater texas streams.

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I haven’t fished the Guadelupe in several years…just never had much confidence in that river. After looking at some web sites, scanning recent reports, have become interested again. Mostly curious as to details re DRY fly fishing on this river, as I’ve heard mostly about nymphs and wets. Do dries work here? What sections, what times of day, time of year, types of flies? Hope to start getting out there in Dec.-Jan. Thanks! ACP – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I fish every weekend on the Guadalupe under the Canyon Lake dam.  I always catch at least some small Rainbows. I am new to Fishing for trout but I have seen 15 to 20 Rainbows all over 12" (some close to 18") within 300 yards of the Dam.  Guadalupe bass are the prime target for Texas shallow rivers, they spend a lot of tie in moving water and pull like a largemouth 150% as large. Bluegills and all sortse of sunfishes are everywhere.  People are now cathcing a Gualdalupe-smallmouth hybrids (world record in the San Marcos River) in the Blanco and other beautiful clearwater texas streams.

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Go by the Austin Angler and pick up a copy of "Fly Fishing the Texas Hill Country" by Bud Priddy.  It has pretty much all you need to get you going. Course if you already have a can of corn and want to stand elbow to elbow …. -jerry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am interested in fly-fishing more and the nearest fresh water fishing is really the hill country.  Any recommendations on which rivers to fish for bass?  I know they stock the guadalupe with trout in january, but that is not exactly my idea of fishing.  You must have corn to catch those fish! Thanks    -**** Posted from RemarQ, http://www.remarq.com/?c ****-  Search and Read Usenet Discussions in your Browser

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I was in there this afternoon and they still had a stack of them. -jerry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Last I heard, Bud Priddy’s book was out of print.  I bought mine about 3 months ago at Austin Anglers, which still had some, so check there. <<I am interested in fly-fishing more and the nearest fresh water fishing is really the hill country.  Any recommendations on which rivers to fish Suggest you get a copy of "Fly-Fishing the Texas Hill Country" by Bud Priddy. It has complete information on all the rivers in the hill country. The Guadalupe has a year round trout population (the only one in Texas). You don’t have to use corn to catch them. The Guadalupe also has large and smallmouth bass and some great sunfish fishing. Check with Gruene Outfitters in Gruene. They can give you some good information. Also, Austin Anglers is a good resource. Join a local flyfishing club.

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I am interested in fly-fishing more and the nearest fresh water fishing is really the hill country.  Any recommendations on which rivers to fish for bass?  I know they stock the guadalupe with trout in january, but that is not exactly my idea of fishing.  You must have corn to catch those fish! Thanks    -**** Posted from RemarQ, http://www.remarq.com/?c ****-  Search and Read Usenet Discussions in your Browser

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<<I am interested in fly-fishing more and the nearest fresh water fishing is really the hill country.  Any recommendations on which rivers to fish Suggest you get a copy of "Fly-Fishing the Texas Hill Country" by Bud Priddy. It has complete information on all the rivers in the hill country. The Guadalupe has a year round trout population (the only one in Texas). You don’t have to use corn to catch them. The Guadalupe also has large and smallmouth bass and some great sunfish fishing. Check with Gruene Outfitters in Gruene. They can give you some good information. Also, Austin Anglers is a good resource. Join a local flyfishing club.

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Last I heard, Bud Priddy’s book was out of print.  I bought mine about 3 months ago at Austin Anglers, which still had some, so check there. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <<I am interested in fly-fishing more and the nearest fresh water fishing is really the hill country.  Any recommendations on which rivers to fish Suggest you get a copy of "Fly-Fishing the Texas Hill Country" by Bud Priddy. It has complete information on all the rivers in the hill country. The Guadalupe has a year round trout population (the only one in Texas). You don’t have to use corn to catch them. The Guadalupe also has large and smallmouth bass and some great sunfish fishing. Check with Gruene Outfitters in Gruene. They can give you some good information. Also, Austin Anglers is a good resource. Join a local flyfishing club.

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Gary: Check out the collection <Batfishing in the Rainforest, in which you’ll find an odd and entertaining story about fishing for "tarpon" (probably not) either in Singapore, or across the Causeway in Johor State, Malaysia. You might have been watching carp, which roll on occasion.    The Malay name for them is Ikan Putih (Fish White).  They will take flies, and a big one will battle you untll you’re older. Ikan Puyu are a deep-bodied fish shaped somewhat like large bream, reaching a pound or two.  They school in large numbers, and regularly rise to hatches in the evening. The Ikan Haruwan is called a bowfin here–a primitive, extremely aggressive and toothy fish, with a flattened head and large scales.  At night they move into the shallows, especially in marshy areas, to hunt fish and frogs.  They’ll take poppers and streamers.  Use shock tippet. Note:  night fishing in the tropics can be unnerving, and I’ve encountered both cobras and reticulated pythons, neither of which are as frightening as the mosquitoes (nyamok) of the northern Malay peninsula.  (The southern mosquitos are quite timid by comparison, but they do carry dengue fever.) Go with a local, although it’s too true that many in that area are surprisingly ignorant of their own fauna. There’s half a chance–or half of half that–you saw mahseer, a spectacular gamefish that looks something like the fish you describe.  The British sahibs chased them in India, and I know they can be found in northern Malaysia and Borneo.  Mahseer can be caught on flies, I understand; the larger specimens–to 200 pounds–are piscavores.   See <Down the Crazy River. The more remote areas of South China sea have a variety of saltwater fish typical for the equatorial region, though  pollution and fishing pressure are both excessive.  Barracuda can still be found.  Note, however, that the water from Singapore north to Thailand–and beyond–all through the Straits of Mallacca, is the major drug smuggling route for the Golden Triangle.   Most of those folks have better things to do than fool with you.  Most, anyway:  just fish in a most convincing manner. Certainly an interesting area.  

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I was in Singapore last week, as my company may relocate me out there for two years. I had guessed that would put and end to my fly fishing. I visited some gardens and there were a few lakes that you could fish. Some locals were there fishing with bait. To my surprise, around early afternoon, the lake was alive with rises. Some large fish could be seen rolling after taking a surface insect. I had no idea what the fish were, but they looked carp-like, with a dark back, golden sides and white bellies. Though I could not see the insect that was hatching I am sure I could catch them with, say, a tiny midge pattern or buzzer. The more I thought about, with the exception of the lack of trout, this has to be a kind of nirvana for flyfishing: no seasons, no major temperature changes, consistent weather all year round. This hatch could very well be a daily occurance.  Has anyone any information on fishing there? Also, if anyone has info on fly fishing in the Asia/Pacific region (I’ll be travelling all over and, happily, New Zealand will be included in this) I would greatly appreciate it. In any case, I’ll be sure to write to the group with my my own findings. Thanks, Gary McMeekin

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A good friend of mine is an outfitter in Montana and has just finished   his new web site. He was to bashful to post the address on this BB, but I’m not! Check it out at: http://www.iigi.comos/montana/diamondn/diamondn.htm Catch ya later Dale Owens

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Correction on the web site address: note that all slashes are forward. I typed one in as a back slash by mistake. Dale

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I have some very old fishing and fly tying books that I need to have restored and appraised. If anyone knows of a business that does this kind of work I would greatly appreciate any information as to how to contact them.

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I have some very old fishing and fly tying books that I need to have restored and appraised. If anyone knows of a business that does this kind of work I would greatly appreciate any information as to how to contact them.

Where are you located? Jim Benenson Los Alamos, NM "To save your rivers, save your mountains" Emperor Yu of China, circa 1600 BC

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: I have some very old fishing and fly tying books that I need to have restored : and appraised. If anyone knows of a business that does this kind of work I : would greatly appreciate any information as to how to contact them. You might want to take some photographs of the books and describe them in detail and send the letter to Sotheby’s auction house, Fine Books and Manuscript Department in New York City. If they are something very valuable like Isaak Walton first editions or something, they will let you know the value and offer you a chance to sell them. In general, collectors don’t wan’t any ‘restoration’ work, so I would send the letter before you have it done. —

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I have some very old fishing and fly tying books that I need to have restored and appraised. If anyone knows of a business that does this kind of work I

Appraisal is necessary first, so you can decide if (expensive) restoration is justified.  There are few specialized antiquarian fishing book dealers, but small ads in back of (US) Fly Fisherman or (British) Trout and Salmon may allow you to locate one near you.  For bookbinders, consult any big university library:  they both have theses and new journals bound into books and repair old books. Age is important but does not directly correlate with price, cf. also difficulty of conserving books on acidic wood-pulp paper (from late 19th century onwards.) — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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I most certainly a novice at Fly fishing, but I catch enough fish and have fun. The other day though I caught a fellow angler looking down his nose at me like I was some sort of kook. I had a fish on the line (a little one as is my usual luck) and was reeling it in.  I later saw this gentleman bringng hsi fish in by pulling the line with his free hand and letting it tangle around his legs. I was raised as a spin fisherman, so my instinct is to use the reel. I also know both sides of the argumant and have seen and heard many experts advocate fishing fighting both ways (reel or hand). So my question is, what really is the best way. I mostly fish for trout in the 8 to 18 inch range, though 12 to 14 is about average for around here. I also catch bass on the same rod. Pulling the line can be a pain, but so can trying to reel up the extra line  after setting the hook before the fish takes off.  – Thanks –Grant in PA

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I generally let the fish decide!  Seriously, I let the fish pull the line out until I’m on the reel, then play it from there.  If it’s a wee one, I generally pull it in by hand.  The important thing is to get the fish to hand, using whatever technique works best at the moment. — Jim Benenson                 Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA "To protect your rivers, protect your mountains"       Emperor Yu of China, circa 1600 B.C.

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writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I most certainly a novice at Fly fishing, but I catch enough fish and have fun. The other day though I caught a fellow angler looking down his nose at me like I was some sort of kook. I had a fish on the line (a little one as is my usual luck) and was reeling it in.  I later saw this gentleman bringng hsi fish in by pulling the line with his free hand and letting it tangle around his legs. I was raised as a spin fisherman, so my instinct is to use the reel. I also know both sides of the argumant and have seen and heard many experts advocate fishing fighting both ways (reel or hand). So my question is, what really is the best way. I mostly fish for trout in the 8 to 18 inch range, though 12 to 14 is about average for around here. I also catch bass on the same rod. Pulling the line can be a pain, but so can trying to reel up the extra line  after setting the hook before the fish takes off. — Thanks –Grant in PA

Grant, it is a good habit to get the fish on the reel as quickly as possible.  If the fish you have on is large, you will have more control, more mobility, reduce line ware and lessor chance of fly line wraping around any and all weeds, twigs, etc. Fight fish that are either large, on in heavy water require the fisher person to be opposit the fish or below the fish for control measures.   Try and do the above with line around your feet. Best of Luck Joe

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First rule of thumb, do what is easiest and most comfortable for YOU. don’t let anyone "look down his nose at you" because you are doing something the WRONG way. If you are used to playing a fish on the reel, do so, this will especially help when you catch a larger fish. The drag on your reel was designed to help you with this. Smaller fish can be played by just stipping line, but again there really is no right or wrong way. TieFlie

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