Question:

Trip Reports Soon: It has taken a lot just to get back on the saddle again business wise. Our trip was amazing in so many ways and we have a few pictures to post on our web site soon.  Just digitizing them into the computer takes effort as most know.  It will be a few more days before we are able to post them.  I will keep everyone posted as this is fly fishing at its’ finest. — Mr.Gink "the saga continues"   http://www.gink.com/

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I will keep everyone posted as this is fly fishing at its’ finest.

Actually, that was over at the ROFF clave, sorry you missed it.  But a notch down from the ROFF clave could still have been pretty good. Regards, Jeff

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Trip Reports Soon: Our trip was amazing in so many ways and we have a few pictures to post on our web site soon.

Looking forward to it, I’ve always wanted to see a picture of someone casting a fly while their head was up their ass.

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Is the Gink Conclave anything like the Winston Cup or the Nokia Sugar Bowl? <snip "Goddamn, well I declare! Their walls are built from  cannonballs;  their motto is ‘don’t tread on me’" -Uncle Jerry

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Is the Gink Conclave anything like the Winston Cup or the Nokia Sugar Bowl?

I think it’s something that happens on occasion in public restrooms<g. — Charlie…

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Question:

I’d look long and hard at the Houston TX / Clear Lake, TX area….. Lots of boating/fishing most all year….. 525 square mile Galveston Bay!…. Fourth largest city in America for plays etc…  Extermely affordable housing, (check the stats )…Can’t comment on Govt services for your son…but sure the Chambers of Commerce could.  Too hot and sweaty in June July and August ( I go North then…) but you can’t have everything.  Suggest you search for Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce. If you don’;t find it, let me know, and I’ll get you a number or site.  I live 40 miles North of it! RG – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been offered an early retirement incentive that will give me 94% of my current salary.  I considering taking it an moving to the coastal gulf area.  I’m seeking comments about communities in the gulf area. The primary concerns I have are: availability of part time work, community services for the handicapped (I have a 21 y.o. son with autism.  He will need a sheltered workshop environment and respite services),  Affordable housing (150,000 to 200,000 range), tax liability, fishing, and access to cultural events (concerts, plays, orchestras, ect.) Before you buy.

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I’d look long and hard at the Houston TX / Clear Lake, TX area….. Lots of boating/fishing most all year….. 525 square mile Galveston Bay!…. Fourth largest city in America for plays etc…  Extermely affordable housing, (check the stats )…Can’t comment on Govt services for your son…but sure

No, they could not. The only way to determine if the social services in an area are adequate is to spend a considerable amount of time investigating them on your own, or to hire a competent licensed social worker to assist you. Chambers of commerce do not know about private or public social services. — Harry Krause "To Goldy Bo…"  "CUT!"  "Bo Toldly…"  "CUT!"

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RE govt services. It so happens that my son is a counselor in a local school district for dis-advantaged??? kids.  A good friend of my wife was second in charge in the same school district for  "special eductation".  If it comes down to checking that portion of the decision out,   I’d be glad to prevail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been offered an early retirement incentive that will give me 94% of my current salary.  I considering taking it an moving to the coastal gulf area.  I’m seeking comments about communities in the gulf area. The primary concerns I have are: availability of part time work, community services for the handicapped (I have a 21 y.o. son with autism.  He will need a sheltered workshop environment and respite services),  Affordable housing (150,000 to 200,000 range), tax liability, fishing, and access to cultural events (concerts, plays, orchestras, ect.) Before you buy.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been offered an early retirement incentive that will give me 94% of my current salary.  I considering taking it an moving to the coastal gulf area.  I’m seeking comments about communities in the gulf area. The primary concerns I have are: availability of part time work, community services for the handicapped (I have a 21 y.o. son with autism.  He will need a sheltered workshop environment and respite services),  Affordable housing (150,000 to 200,000 range), tax liability, fishing, and access to cultural events (concerts, plays, orchestras, ect.) Before you buy.

Thanks for the response!  I think I’m going to look at FLA. panhandle and possibly TX.  I know there is good fishing in the northern gulf and I think my 22′ starcraft will handle the gulf waters on fairly clam days.  When I think about it either of these states could possibly be at least on par with Kentucky as far as community living and services. Although KY has come a long way in the last 20 years.  Here I am just limited to lakes and rivers and streams for fishing and boating. I would probably see more of my family in FLA. than I do now.  They would see the move as a relative in FLA. to stay with on vacation! Before you buy.

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Check out the Punta-Gorda, Port Charlotte FL area. I’m nearly ready to sign on a five-year old home on the water with two slips, 1800 ft.2 of living area, two car garage, new A/C. $119,900. Places on close to professionals such as Doctor’s Hospital, etc. I cannot stand the cold any longer. David At least we fly to Orlando! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been offered an early retirement incentive that will give me 94% of my current salary.  I considering taking it an moving to the coastal gulf area.  I’m seeking comments about communities in the gulf area. The primary concerns I have are: availability of part time work, community services for the handicapped (I have a 21 y.o. son with autism.  He will need a sheltered workshop environment and respite services),  Affordable housing (150,000 to 200,000 range), tax liability, fishing, and access to cultural events (concerts, plays, orchestras, ect.) Before you buy.

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I’d look long and hard at the Houston TX / Clear Lake, TX area….. Lots of boating/fishing most all year….. 525 square mile Galveston Bay!…. Fourth

Just watch the precise details of where you choose to live.  Galveston’s the scene of one of the earliest attempts in this country at building too close to the water, and the city’s paid for it, in terms of wreckage and lost property value.  I’m not singling out Galveston alone, though.  Grab a copy of a book called "Against the Tide" before you choose a community near the sea.  It might save you a few bucks, or a house or two.  Perhaps more than anyone, I’d like to have breakfast with the ocean within view of my back window, but this book was pretty sobering.  It also mentions places where they’ve stopped trying to trying to stop an unstoppable force, and have taken a sensible approach to community planning. Doug

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Mississppi and Alabama are about as backwards as one can get,

Odd statement there, Harry.  I went to FedStats and compared Alabama quickly to Maryland.  A larger percentage of Alabamians own their own home, Alabama has a much lower violent crime rate.  (Maryland was 6th in the nation, Alabama 21st, as of 1996), Alabama appears to be more industrialized, from a comparison of non-farm employment numbers, and Alabama has much higher enrollment numbers for both elemetary/secondary education, and full-time college students. Median income is less in Alabama, however.  And teenage pregnancy is much higher.  There are less doctors per 100,000, and quite a few more motor vehicle fatalities. Seems like they both have their pros and cons.  Of course, some people will allow bigotry to colour their judgement, rather than facts.  At least when you make  blanket statements about Bayliners, you can defend your position.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mississppi and Alabama are about as backwards as one can get, Odd statement there, Harry.  I went to FedStats and compared Alabama quickly to Maryland.  A larger percentage of Alabamians own their own home, Alabama has a much lower violent crime rate.  (Maryland was 6th in the nation, Alabama 21st, as of 1996), Alabama appears to be more industrialized, from a comparison of non-farm employment numbers, and Alabama has much higher enrollment numbers for both elemetary/secondary education, and full-time college students. Median income is less in Alabama, however.  And teenage pregnancy is much higher.  There are less doctors per 100,000, and quite a few more motor vehicle fatalities. Seems like they both have their pros and cons.  Of course, some people will allow bigotry to colour their judgement, rather than facts.  At least when you make  blanket statements about Bayliners, you can defend your position.

If you’re read the original poster’s statement, he was looking for a state along the Gulf in which there would be high-quality social services for his challenged son. He didn’t indicate whether he needed public or private services. In either case, Alabama and Mississippi are among the most backwards of states in providing those sorts of services to residents in need. I’ll be delighted to engage in a discussion with you over the provision of social services, but this isn’t the place for it. — Harry Krause I’ve been seduced by the chocolate side of the force.

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I have been offered an early retirement incentive that will give me 94% of my current salary.  I considering taking it an moving to the coastal gulf area.  I’m seeking comments about communities in the gulf area. The primary concerns I have are: availability of part time work, community services for the handicapped (I have a 21 y.o. son with autism.  He will need a sheltered workshop environment and respite services),  Affordable housing (150,000 to 200,000 range), tax liability, fishing, and access to cultural events (concerts, plays, orchestras, ect.) Before you buy.

Response:

I have been offered an early retirement incentive that will give me 94% of my current salary.  I considering taking it an moving to the coastal gulf area.  I’m seeking comments about communities in the gulf area. The primary concerns I have are: availability of part time work, community services for the handicapped (I have a 21 y.o. son with autism.  He will need a sheltered workshop environment and respite services),  Affordable housing (150,000 to 200,000 range), tax liability, fishing, and access to cultural events (concerts, plays, orchestras, ect.) Before you buy.

I fear you will not find the quality social services you need for your son in the Gulf area. Provision of decent social services is way down on the priority list of these states, and good places are hard to find in the public and private sectors. There’s next to nothing in Mississipi and Alabama, and modest services available in some parts of Louisiana through Catholic social service agencies. You might consider Florida, which does a little better in the social service area, but you better pick your places carefully. I’d again put Florida at the top of your list for about everything else. Mississppi and Alabama are about as backwards as one can get, and Texas is a pretty hard state, too. Florida and parts of Louisiana. — Harry Krause A Florid Flock of Forty Flatulent Flamingos.

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Question:

For this 11 year old I would certainly be willing to give up my 8′ 6"  6 wt. Cortland Fairplay beginner’s outfit to get him started.  What should an 11 year old be able to handle?  Redington and others make great starting outfits but I don’t think much money is available here.  BTW, my Cortland outfit will be offered free if you guys think he can handle it.

When I was growing up without a father my next-door neighbor gave me flyfishing tackle and took me fishing. I’ll never forget him. You’ll be doing a very good deed. BTW, do you think maybe his mother has some additional reason for coming to the meeting?

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Stephen, From her demeanor, words, and actions, I believe she had a singular interest in the group; her son.  Besides, if your looking for a new pair of track shoes you don’t go looking in the brogan box. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -BTW, do you think maybe his mother has some additional reason for coming to the meeting?

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Stephen, From her demeanor, words, and actions, I believe she had a singular interest in the group; her son.  Besides, if your looking for a new pair of track shoes you don’t go looking in the brogan box.

Sounds like she may have come to the right place anyway. — Charlie…

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I attended the inaugural meeting of a new fly fishing club here in Fredericksburg VA last Wednesday night.  About 15 guys my age showed up, talked fly fishing and passed around photos of a bunch of 8 to 10 LB. stripers caught in the Rappahannock right under Rt. 1.  Also joining the group was a single mom (thirty something and very attractive).  She came to learn about fly fishing so she could teach her 11 year old son and take him fishing.  She seemed to think fly fishing was the most wholesome sport she could think of (no offense but she hasn’t met this group).

        for a shot at mom, i’ll put up my 8′ 2wt thomas&thomas. wayno the relentless

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Stephen, From her demeanor, words, and actions, I believe she had a singular interest in the group; her son.  Besides, if your looking for a new pair of track shoes you don’t go looking in the brogan box. Wayne

        hold on man; you can’t forget who you are…you are a wayne, dammit, and that *stands* for something in this crazy world of ours. just walk over to her, look her in the eyes, and say:  "my name is wayne.  what color mercedes would you like to have?"         she’ll be putty in your hands. wayno, who knows what he’s talkin about, i mean!

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My son is seven and he likes his KidStart system. It’s an 8 ft two piece rod with a 6/7 line. System comes with the backing, fly line, leader, and the case. The reel that comes with, is plastic. Nice for entry level anglers.

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Stephen, From her demeanor, words, and actions, I believe she had a singular interest in the group; her son.  Besides, if your looking for a new pair of track shoes you don’t go looking in the brogan box.

NEVER underestimate the subtlety of a woman. — something bogus to avoid spam)

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OK Wayno, I’ll bet it’ll be dark blue or black with leather upholstery, looks better on a blonde.  Sorry George, I don’t think this gal has ever had to sleep in a tent! Wayne the damsel in distress rescuer To fish is human…to release divine. Now how did Wayno know the meeting is held a block away from the Mercedes/Volvo dealer? Could it be he keeps a little black book with the names of all the Mercedes dealers? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hold on man; you can’t forget who you are…you are a wayne, dammit, and that *stands* for something in this crazy world of ours. just walk over to her, look her in the eyes, and say:  "my name is wayne.  what color mercedes would you like to have?" she’ll be putty in your hands. wayno, who knows what he’s talkin about, i mean!

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I attended the inaugural meeting of a new fly fishing club here in Fredericksburg VA last Wednesday night.  About 15 guys my age showed up, talked fly fishing and passed around photos of a bunch of 8 to 10 LB. stripers caught in the Rappahannock right under Rt. 1.  Also joining the group was a single mom (thirty something and very attractive).  She came to learn about fly fishing so she could teach her 11 year old son and take him fishing.  She seemed to think fly fishing was the most wholesome sport she could think of (no offense but she hasn’t met this group). For this 11 year old I would certainly be willing to give up my 8′ 6"  6 wt. Cortland Fairplay beginner’s outfit to get him started.  What should an 11 year old be able to handle?  Redington and others make great starting outfits but I don’t think much money is available here.  BTW, my Cortland outfit will be offered free if you guys think he can handle it. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine.

   Check out "the poor mans fly fishing catalog" Cabela’s. Two of the short and extremely easy to cast. They longer stiffer rods are great if you are well coordinated, hefty, and expierienced. 11 year olds come in all sizes and muscularity but generally are of the smallish akward type and need all the help they can get from the rod.                                                              John Popp                                                          in Sanford Fl.

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I agree with Charlie. Physically he should be able to handle it. But I wouldn’t just give it without some ritual. Id make him earn it like this: Tell him and mom that you have this outfit, you think it might fit him but you wonder if he can handle a "man’s" outfit. Suggest a session with Mom and son at a park pond. She watches (the woman is for another time). Show him how to cast. Whatever happens, say it looks like he can handle a "man’s" outfit ( or at least "grow" into it) and give it. Show him how to carry it, break it down, and carefully put in sock etc. I hope Im not being too patronizing.  You are doing a good thing. This kid is not living with a dad so he’s going to have too handle a lot more than a "man’s outfit" on his own, but you can create with this one generous act a positive initiation ritual and talisman of manhood. Our Native American brothers understand this stuff real well.  Good luck , your message says you have the right heart for this. Dave

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I attended the inaugural meeting of a new fly fishing club here in Fredericksburg VA last Wednesday night.  About 15 guys my age showed up, talked fly fishing and passed around photos of a bunch of 8 to 10 LB. stripers caught in the Rappahannock right under Rt. 1.  Also joining the group was a single mom (thirty something and very attractive).  She came to learn about fly fishing so she could teach her 11 year old son and take him fishing.  She seemed to think fly fishing was the most wholesome sport she could think of (no offense but she hasn’t met this group). For this 11 year old I would certainly be willing to give up my 8′ 6"  6 wt. Cortland Fairplay beginner’s outfit to get him started.  What should an 11 year old be able to handle?  Redington and others make great starting outfits but I don’t think much money is available here.  BTW, my Cortland outfit will be offered free if you guys think he can handle it. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine.

Response:

For this 11 year old I would certainly be willing to give up my 8′ 6"  6 wt. Cortland Fairplay beginner’s outfit to get him started.  What should an 11 year old be able to handle?  Redington and others make great starting outfits but I don’t think much money is available here.  BTW, my Cortland outfit will be offered free if you guys think he can handle it.

I think a 6wt would make a good all around starter set. — Charlie…

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I think that he should easily beable to use that rod…My 8year old uses an 6 1/2 foot 4wt and does very well with it. Jon

Clipped – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -For this 11 year old I would certainly be willing to give up my 8′ 6"  6 wt. Cortland Fairplay beginner’s outfit to get him started.  What should an 11 year old be able to handle?  Redington and others make great starting outfits but I don’t think much money is available here.  BTW, my Cortland outfit will be offered free if you guys think he can handle it. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine.

Response:

For this 11 year old I would certainly be willing to give up my 8′ 6" 6 wt. Cortland Fairplay beginner’s outfit to get him started.  What should an 11 year old be able to handle?  Redington and others make great starting outfits but I don’t think much money is available here.  BTW, my Cortland outfit will be offered free if you guys think he can handle it. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine.

Wayne: My sons (11 through 14) all handle a 8.5′ 5 wt. just fine.  I got them a 7.5′ 3wt. Cabella outfit for Christmas but I wonder if the 3 wt. might be a little light for their casting ability.  I’ll find out in a couple of months!  I think that 11 year old will do very well with your 6 wt. outfit as long as he gets some good instruction. –Stan

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Question:

Anybody know of a good spot(s) for flyfishing near Dead Mans’s Flats in Alberta?  I will be going there in August this year. Thanks for your help. Greg

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You can have the whole of the upper Bow river to fish in from Dead Mans Flats as well ..head up to the Limestone quarry on the way to Banff about 30 minutes from Dead Mans……Browns are there to be had as well as rainbows.. take a lunch and enjoy the scenery along the way!!!!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anybody know of a good spot(s) for flyfishing near Dead Mans’s Flats in Alberta?  I will be going there in August this year. Thanks for your help. Greg

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Question:

You are fishing an area and are hitting it regularly and waiting for the good fishing to start and it’s just a bit early and then the one time you don’t go you hear that everybody slammed them that day.  Tht is what happened to me this past weekend.  Ihave been fishing the Roanoke River constantly for a month or so fo the stripers to get going and getting a few but not really hot and heavy.  This past weekend I decided to stick aROUNd the house with the wife and of course I then heard that the fish were in thick and everybody caught a ton.  Figures. Gordon

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You are fishing an area and are hitting it regularly and waiting for the good fishing to start and it’s just a bit early and then the one time you don’t go you hear that everybody slammed them that day.

Here in California on the coast there is an affliction called "alltimers disease" which plagues surfers.  The morning you don’t come out all your buddies catch it.  The next time you’re told "man (dude may be substituted), they were pumpin’.  All time best!"  Check your source for the following symptons: 1.  You usually outfish them 2.  When they tell a story where you are involved, only a tentative link to the reality of the situation remains. If either of these conditions are met, keep a close eye on them.  If both of these conditions are met, for godness sakes, don’t let them fish alone, they could be a prime candidate for Alltimers! Phil

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You are fishing an area and are hitting it regularly and waiting for the good fishing to start and it’s just a bit early and then the one time you don’t go you hear that everybody slammed them that day.  Tht is what happened to me this past weekend.  Ihave been fishing the Roanoke River constantly for a month or so fo the stripers to get going and getting a few but not really hot and heavy.  This past weekend I decided to stick aROUNd the house with the wife and of course I then heard that the fish were in thick and everybody caught a ton.  Figures. Gordon

Are you fishing the section near Brookneal VA. ?  Yes, it happens to me about every year.  Usually when I go, there has been rain up stream and the river is too muddy to fish.  Let me know if the stripers are

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That is what is great about living next to a river.  You can check it out every day. Jeff

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And, I have also had times where I and perhaps one or two others were the only ones on the river and we/I caught fish on every cast for the entire tide ! If you go often enough it all works out. — "The true Angler is content to fish alone" Brian Di Carlo – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You are fishing an area and are hitting it regularly and waiting for the good fishing to start and it’s just a bit early and then the one time you don’t go you hear that everybody slammed them that day.  Tht is what happened to me this past weekend.  Ihave been fishing the Roanoke River constantly for a month or so fo the stripers to get going and getting a few but not really hot and heavy.  This past weekend I decided to stick aROUNd the house with the wife and of course I then heard that the fish were in thick and everybody caught a ton.  Figures. Gordon

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Happens to all of us!  Fortubnatly, there is always tomorrow John W. Kramer Clearwater Outfitters @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@   "See Dick fly-fish.    See Dick kill fish."           DON’T BE A DICK!  PRACTICE AND TEACH CATCH AND RELEASE @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@ @@@@

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Question:

I am trying to find out where a good place to go fly fishing in the

early spring is.  It has to be running water and shallow enough to wade in and hopefully not tooooo many people.  Any tips will be greatly appreciated. Uhh….within an [n] mile radius of where ?  

  Money, travel no object ? If money & travel are no object, go to New Zealand.  It will be late summer – early fall there.  Bring hoppers! CQ

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I am trying to find out where a good place to go fly fishing in the early spring is.  It has to be running water and shallow enough to wade in and hopefully not tooooo many people.  Any tips will be greatly appreciated.

Northwest Nevada is normally very good in the eary spring  However this year is a big question mark after the floods.  If cold weater sets in and reduces the runoff, and the fish have not been washed away, rivers like the East Fork of the Walker fish real well    

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I am trying to find out where a good place to go fly fishing in the early spring is.  It has to be running water and shallow enough to wade in and hopefully not tooooo many people.  Any tips will be greatly appreciated.

Response:

I am trying to find out where a good place to go fly fishing in the early spring is.  It has to be running water and shallow enough to wade in and hopefully not tooooo many people.  Any tips will be greatly appreciated.

Uhh….within an [n] mile radius of where ?   Money, travel no object ? TimW

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I am trying to find out where a good place to go fly fishing in the early spring is.  It has to be running water and shallow enough to wade in and hopefully not tooooo many people.  Any tips will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Montana has some great early spring fishing. When I say early I’m talking about March and April before spring run off. The Bighorn is often very productive at this time and does not have the crowds you can expect during the summer. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 materials catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

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Question:

Has anyone had any experience with the Loomis GL-3 series of rods?  I’m interested in their 9 foot, 9 or 10 wt.  I really can’t afford a GL-X or a Sage RPL-X, so I am considering the GL-3.  I plan to use the rod for salt-water surf fishing for stripers on Cape Cod and Plum Island.  I would like to use the Teeny TS-350 line for getting down deep and the Wulf SWT 10wt intermediate lines. I just want to make sure that the GL-3 can handle these lines without getting overloaded or even worse breaking the tip. Any thoughts? Thanks, don

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I bought a GL-3 9 foot 4 weight and am very happy with it. I cast it and a Sage discovery and the GL-3 put out far more line thatn the SAGE noodle. Be sure to practice some casts with the GL-3 in that heavier weight, but the 4 weight is a pleasure to fish with. Trey Monroe

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone had any experience with the Loomis GL-3 series of rods?  I’m interested in their 9 foot, 9 or 10 wt.  I really can’t afford a GL-X or a Sage RPL-X, so I am considering the GL-3.  I plan to use the rod for salt-water surf fishing for stripers on Cape Cod and Plum Island.  I would like to use the Teeny TS-350 line for getting down deep and the Wulf SWT 10wt intermediate lines. I just want to make sure that the GL-3 can handle these lines without getting overloaded or even worse breaking the tip. Any thoughts? Thanks, don Hi Don:

My son’s 3rd rod was a 8 1/2 foot GL3 for a 5 wt line.  That was a very good rod for the price.  In fact I borrowed it when I could.  More of a softer action rod and it loads far easier than the sage rods. I’m not in love with the ultra stiff rods so I do favor rods like the GL3.  Best advice–go into a fly shop and test cast it.  Or maybe some club or guide might have one you can borrow for a few hours.  I have given up buying gear straight out of catalogs or magazine ads. Best luck fishing!!!!

Response:

Has anyone had any experience with the Loomis GL-3 series of rods?  I’m interested in their 9 foot, 9 or 10 wt.  I really can’t afford a GL-X or a Sage RPL-X, so I am considering the GL-3.  I plan to use the rod for salt-water surf fishing for stripers on Cape Cod and Plum Island.  I would like to use the Teeny TS-350 line for getting down deep and the Wulf SWT 10wt intermediate lines. I just want to make sure that the GL-3 can handle these lines without getting overloaded or even worse breaking the tip. Any thoughts? Thanks, don

I haven’t used a Loomis fly rod, but have extensively used Loomis casting rods in grades IM-6, IMX and GL-3.  I can say that the GL-3 rods are very strong and light.  They are, in my opinion, not very far behind the IMXs, if that.  I wouldn’t hesitate to try out the GL-3. — Hugh Scott                    Albuquerque, NM

Response:

Has anyone had any experience with the Loomis GL-3 series of rods?  I’m interested in their 9 foot, 9 or 10 wt.  I really can’t afford a GL-X or a Sage RPL-X, so I am considering the GL-3.  I plan to use the rod for salt-water surf fishing for stripers on Cape Cod and Plum Island.  I would like to use the Teeny TS-350 line for getting down deep and the Wulf SWT 10wt intermediate lines. I just want to make sure that the GL-3 can handle these lines without getting overloaded or even worse breaking the tip. Any thoughts? Thanks, don

The G.Loomis GL3 series competes with the Sage DS series. These rods are in the $200+ range and are great values. They come in 9′ #9 line and 9′ #10 line in both companies. I would try to cast them both. We sell more Sage because they are a little lower in price and have an unconditional lifetime warranty. G.Loomis is not offering the unconditional warranty yet. If you liked the action of the Loomis better it should not make much difference. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

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The G.Loomis GL3 series competes with the Sage DS series. These rods are in the $200+ range and are great values. They come in 9′ #9 line and 9′ #10 line in both companies. I would try to cast them both. We sell more Sage because they are a little lower in price and have an unconditional lifetime warranty. G.Loomis is not offering the unconditional warranty yet. If you liked the action of the Loomis better it should not make much difference.

The Loomis competes with the Sage DS in price only. IMHO, the GL#, at least in trout sizes, is a far better rod than anything else in the price range.  I have cast the 9 weight, and it is a little slow for my liking, but still better than Reddington and others in the price range.  Just my $0.02.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone had any experience with the Loomis GL-3 series of rods?  I’m interested in their 9 foot, 9 or 10 wt.  I really can’t afford a GL-X or a Sage RPL-X, so I am considering the GL-3.  I plan to use the rod for salt-water surf fishing for stripers on Cape Cod and Plum Island.  I would like to use the Teeny TS-350 line for getting down deep and the Wulf SWT 10wt intermediate lines. I just want to make sure that the GL-3 can handle these lines without getting overloaded or even worse breaking the tip. Any thoughts? Thanks, don

I’ve been using the 9′9wt GL-3 for two seasons now and reach for it first more often than the Sage and Orvis rods I own. The GL-3 is lighter than anything you will try out and will load more quickly than most other comparable rods. I use mine for striped bass and bluefish angling in saltponds, backbays and estuaries. I prefer the Stiffer rods for open surf fishing, though, due to their greater ability to cope with headwinds often encountered in that environment. I’ve had two GL-3 rods break on me so far and G.Loomis replaced the rods no questions asked (they even accomodated a rush replacement to help me keep my place on a charter I’d scheduled not long after the rod had broken). I believe they DO honor an unconditional warranty on the GL-3, but you should ask your flyshop or call G.Loomis to confirm for yourself. The first one that broke suffered a fractured male ferrule as I attempted a power cast into a 15mph headwind (my fault) and the second was a snap of the upper section 18" from the tiptop guide as I landed a 20" striper (their fault). In all fareness, the blank could have had cracks from being hit with a 2/0 clouser during a poorly executed cast, but they didn’t give me the third degree; they just replaced the rod. I still think you should try out the rods and also take a look at the St.Croix rods. They also give you alot for the money and have a warrantee, but they tend to be heavier than the Loomis or Sage rods. Again, try for yourself. Dont forget to try the Kennedy Fisher!!! Good Luck,    Jose

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Question:

i’ve asked about fishing in colorado during the first week of april, and i’ve gotten mixed responses.  some say i’ll need an ice pick, others say there will be good fishing.  i’m confused. i’ll be staying in winter park, but would be willing to drive 1.5-2 hours to get  to a fishable locale.  i’m new to fly fishing, so i probably will be practicing my casting more than catching fish, but who knows?  any tips would be appreciated. anyone in colorado up for some fishing? (or teaching?) thanks, narayan — Narayan Nayar

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Dear Novice, I am an avid flyfisherman in Colorado and fish all season.  Depending on where you go you may encounter ice or clear, cold water.  The South Platte River, although heavily fished, can be fished all year around.  The area around Deckers is the most popular and has "Gold Medal" water.  You can pull out a 10lb rainbow in some of the deeper Holes (Gilpen Trail) or below Cheesman Dam.  Another place to fish is the Blue River in Silverthorne.  Some of the biggest fish are right below the Dam and in back of the outlet stores.  Word has it that their are 15lb Rainbows that are in their.  They feed on Miasis (sp?) Shrimp.  These are all within about 2 hrs or less.  One thing to remember is that the weather can be either beautiful and 50 degrees, or snowing 6-12 inches (especially in Summit county). Those are two places that you can try.  They are popular, but there are many fishing stores around to help you with fly selection and equipment.

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Question:

Recently returned from a guided tour with Dennis of Trout Creek Flies. Had a great time. Caught several 20 inchers and a total of 50+fish. I highly recommend this guide as he knows all the hot spots in the river. Lunch was great too!! larry and darlene

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Recently returned from a guided tour with Dennis of Trout Creek Flies. Had a great time. Caught several 20 inchers and a total of 50+fish. I highly recommend this guide as he knows all the hot spots in the river. Lunch was great too!! larry and darlene How much does Dennis charge for a guide trip? Mark    

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Path: news.teleport.com!psgrain!news.sprintlink.net!uunet!library.erc.clarkson.ed u!ub!csn!news.usafa.af.mil!dfyc16.usafa.af.mil!GLIVINSKIDK%DFYC Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly Organization: United States Air Force Academy Lines: 11 Distribution: USA NNTP-Posting-Host: dfyc16.usafa.af.mil Summary: big fish Keywords: trout,fly fishing Recently returned from a guided tour with Dennis of Trout Creek Flies. Had a great time. Caught several 20 inchers and a total of 50+fish. I highly recommend this guide as he knows all the hot spots in the river. Lunch was great too!! larry and darlene How much does Dennis charge for a guide trip? Mark    

I was at the Green for few days around March 20.  I arranged a trip through Dennis (Trout Creek Flies).  It cost $240, but that was the low season price – $275 is the standard price (April 1 – ?).  I stayed at the Flaming Gorge Lodge (arrnged by Denni) and noticed that they had wading guides available as well, and if you are looking to save $, it’s cheaper and the wading was great at that time (very low water).  The fishing was great too… Anthony

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Question:

| in Kennett Square, south of Philadelphia, in mid-June and suggests I | come with her and consider fly fishing (for trout or possibly for | shad) in the area for the week.  I would appreciate information about | where, when, with what flys, and what I am liable to be able to catch | within a 1-2 hours drive from there. Jim, Some additions to Bruce Pencek’s already comprehensive response. The Yellow Breeches near the Allenbury resort in  Carlisle, PA should still have good sulpher action in mid-june. Also, there’s a decent cahill on the Little Lehigh River up near Allentown, PA. Both would be about 1.5-2.5 hours drive from where you’ll be. A 4 hour drive would get you up to the State College, PA area with plenty of top-notch spring creeks and freestoners to choose from, Fred   —         Fred L. Templin

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in Kennett Square, south of Philadelphia, in mid-June and suggests I come with her and consider fly fishing (for trout or possibly for shad) in the area for the week.  I would appreciate information about where, when, with what flys, and what I am liable to be able to catch within a 1-2 hours drive from there. Path: aldebaran!comly  My alternative would be to stay home in northern NY State (Schenectady) and fish in NYS or VT – comparisons between this option and the PA one would also be appreciated.         — Jim Comly Dr. James B. Comly (Jim); Physicist, Artificial Intelligence GE Corporate R&D, 1 River Road, Schenectady, NY 12301

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in Kennett Square, south of Philadelphia, in mid-June and suggests I come with her and consider fly fishing (for trout or possibly for shad) in the area for the week.  I would appreciate information about where, when, with what flys, and what I am liable to be able to catch within a 1-2 hours drive from there. Path: aldebaran!comly

Well, you’d be within two hours of the PA limestoners near CArlisle… Nearer to Kennett Square you’d still have some options, though much more put-and-take: Ridley Creek in Ridley Creek St Park near Media (my home town) has a flies-only stretch; check with the Sporting Gentleman fly shop in Media or Eyler’s in Bryn Mawr.  Valley Creek, in Valley Forge State Park, used to have a no-kill stretch with stream-bred browns, and it still might.  The Brandywine is the water nearest Kennett, but it’s never been much of a trout stream; bass are a better bet, and I think the PS bass season opens around the time of your trip. (Shad are likely to be unavailable; by mid-June they’ve ususally been headed back to sea from the Upper Delaware, which is a lot further upriver than the Brandywine.) Other possibilities in that region: French Creek around French Creek State Park and Tulpehocken near Reading (the Factory Outlet Capital of America).  Hope these recollections help: I’ve been consigned to the lower left corner of the country for half a dozen years, and my memory had faded. My alternative would be to stay home in northern NY State (Schenectady) and fish in NYS or VT – comparisons between this option and the PA one would also be appreciated.

What kind of fishing do you prefer: the spring creeks in PA (as well as the freestones) are in a lot flatter, pastoral-to-suburban setting, with a lot more people nearby.  The Letort (etc) and Tulpehocken can be exquisite technical fishing, and the sulphurs should be one.  And Longwood Gardens is neat.   But a couple of hours up the Northway from you, you have the Adirondacks (close to Green DRake time) and couple south, the Upper Delaware drainage in the Catskills.  The fishing there can be difficult, esp on the main Delaware, but not as challenging as the limestoners.  So I guess a lot depends on what else you’d want to do in addition to fishing…. BTW, when I lived in Vermont, I fished NY.   — Bruce Pencek    Political Science Dept, UNLV    Las Vegas, NV  89154-5029 "To him, all good things — trout as well as eternal salvation — come by grace and grace comes by art and art does not come easy." -Norman Maclean

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