Question:

Hi All: Well, the wife didn’t quite understand the Visa bill at first, but all has turned out well. (I tried to head it off at the pass as several of you suggested, but she’s too quick for me.) My sister is getting married in NH in June, so we’re headed up to Conway. Apparently forgot to stop off at the Kittery Trading Post last year, so I will have to make amends this time. Will also be dropping in on Ogunquit for a couple of days.  Need some advice and information on what is available from a fly fishing perspective preferably fresh water…? Any advice, information, directions, suggestions-clean ones, children read these posts-popular flies, etc. would be most welcomed. Regards, BobA The Allens of Allentown, PA (For e-mail, drop the first A)

Response:

The Ogunquit River has sea run browns in it, as does the lower Mousam in Kennebunk.  For directions and advice on flies, I recommend Eldrige Bros. Fly Shop on Rt. 1. Eric

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All: Well, the wife didn’t quite understand the Visa bill at first, but all has turned out well. (I tried to head it off at the pass as several of you suggested, but she’s too quick for me.) My sister is getting married in NH in June, so we’re headed up to Conway. Apparently forgot to stop off at the Kittery Trading Post last year, so I will have to make amends this time. Will also be dropping in on Ogunquit for a couple of days.  Need some advice and information on what is available from a fly fishing perspective preferably fresh water…? Any advice, information, directions, suggestions-clean ones, children read these posts-popular flies, etc. would be most welcomed. Regards, BobA The Allens of Allentown, PA (For e-mail, drop the first A)

Response:

Hi Eric: Thank you for that information, I will stop in at the Eldrige Bros Fly Shop for sure. BobA

Response:

Question:

Hello, I am just getting into saltwater fly fishing after moving from a landlocked state to the Chesapeake Bay area.  Does anyone have any suggestions for a basic fly selection to get me started?  Thanks. Shannon

Response:

Clousers, deceivers, sand eel and a few shrimp patterns. There are more here: http://home.adelphia.net/~dmosthenes/ TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I am just getting into saltwater fly fishing after moving from a landlocked state to the Chesapeake Bay area.  Does anyone have any suggestions for a basic fly selection to get me started?  Thanks. Shannon

Response:

Shannon,     I always like to go to the local experts when I get to a new place.  If you are fishing the Chesapeake, then you can’t go wrong with http://www.joebruce.com/  Its my favorite shop and Joe is well know for his ability to find and land fish.  I live in Severn, MD but I only moved here in June of last year.  The knowledge I’ve gained from the locals is incredible.  BTW, we not only have some incredible saltwater action, but the fresh water (browns, brookies, rainbows and smallies) is all around you.       Frank Reid

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I am just getting into saltwater fly fishing after moving from a landlocked state to the Chesapeake Bay area.  Does anyone have any suggestions for a basic fly selection to get me started?  Thanks. Shannon

Response:

Question:

I fear you might have a problem riding the horse in the stream itself, if it shies for some reason you might be thrown.  

That’s always a possibility, even if I’m not fishing. If you have no intention of landing the fish, then you will at least have no problems with fish splashing about close, and possibly frightening the horse.   You might have problems with the noise the horse makes frightening the fish, or perhaps you can "muffle" the hooves in some way, without causing the horse to lose traction. Presumably the horse is shod?

Yes, he’s shod. Horses are actually very good at wading in freestone rivers — much better than people are. They’re tall, they have four long legs, they’re heavy, and their weight is high (not underwater, like much of ours when we wade). I cross streams frequently while mounted without problems. Does not sound much like "stealthy" fly-fishing either.  Up on a horse in the stream, in places where horses are not common, you are liable to frighten most fish long before you get within casting range, although this might not be the case.  

That’s true, but I’d also be up high where I could more easily spot fish. There’s so much noise in these freestone streams that you can wade with a fair amount of ruckus without spooking the fish. let us know how you get on.

Will do. The idea here isn’t really to catch fish, of course. It’s just to try this to be able to say I’ve done it. I’m looking for the right setup — early evening, sun and wind at my back, riffles with pocket water, and plenty of dumb fish. There’s a perfect spot just upstream from my pasture on the Salmon river. Unfortuanately, a highway goes right by there, so I might cause an sensation. This is just the sort of thing what would get people talking around here. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Willi can attest to the fact that I did an incredible hopping/dancing routine in a slippery Madison riffle when a fish came straight at me and swam through my legs.  (Yeah, it was a whitefish… so?)  If you put tassles on your horse and braided its mane, I’d pay good money to see a horse do the same thing.

No tassles and braids, Jeff. This is Idaho. You don’t baby horses or take them to the hairdresser here. There’s a horse in my rented pasture (not mine) that had a serious case of ear mites, and probably other parasites as well. He was really suffering and was weak and listless. Since so one was doing anything about it I gave him a dose of Ivermectin (recommended by folks in rec.equestrian) just before I left for the Western Clave. When I returned about 10 days later the mites were gone and he was feeling and looking good. I took him on a long ride up to Sulpher Creek and he did just fine, except it’s like fighting the Devil to get the bridle over his ears. He’ll get over that. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Don’t laugh. I’m serious. The next logical step is actually fishing FROM THE HORSE!         i’m really worried about wolfgang.  at this point, there have been a dozen responses to this post, and he remains silent.         could someone check the e.r.’s in milwaukee? wayno, always thinking of his friends.

Ahem….yes….sorry about the delay.  It’s been a rather busy week for me.  I’ve been engaged in monitoring ROFF’s collective blood pressure using my own patented remote telemetry device.  Oddly enough it appears that the numbers increase significantly in direct proportion to the frequency of my participation.  Still working on whether the relationship is causal or merely coincidental.  Will keep everyone posted on results. Have also been deeply engaged in an investigation of population genetics as manifested in boorish behavior on small mountain streams.  Fascinating study! As to the point under consideration in this thread, why anyone would consider doing anything on a horse’s back other than perhaps parking a bus, completely escapes me.  That said, if memory serves, I seem to recall seeing photos in some of the fishing rags a few years ago, when I still paid attention to them, of people doing exactly what Steve is contemplating.  I believe there were some ads for outfitters who take people out on fishing trips specifically to fish while mounted upon the backs of these ungainly and treacherous brutes.  Sorry I can’t give any more details but my memory of the references is rather dim as I was at that time deeply engrossed in the consideration of a plan to get nymphs to the bottom of deep pools without using hazardous lead weights by clasping the fly firmly in my teeth and diving headlong into the pools with a medium sized anvil tied securely to my neck.  Sadly, I must report that this plan never came to fruition as I was unable to devise a reliable method for retrieving the anvils which, as I’m sure everyone knows, are in short supply due to the distressing habit of "collectors" buying them up at auctions and yard sales to be used as lawn ornaments. However, now that I think about it, I suppose that a steel shod horse has from horse hair lines to using the entire beast…..waste not, want not, eh?  Or would that be considered bait casting? FWIW Wolfgang "Something’s happening here….."

Response:

rw,   One of my wildest rides occurred when mounting a horse with a fishing rod in hand. Ernie

A mare no doubt. Peter

Response:

  One of my wildest rides occurred when mounting a horse with a fishing rod in hand. Ernie A mare no doubt. Peter

Ernie "Stud" Harrison seems to take a little "different" view of dealing with animals.  I shudder to think of what would happen if Ernie took up Mike’s Camel suggestion.  Reminds me of a Foreign Legion story; there was a new officer assigned to a remote French Foreign Legion post…… — Wayne (saving the rest of the story for the Smallie Clave this weekend) To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

As to the point under consideration in this thread, why anyone would consider doing anything on a horse’s back other than perhaps parking a bus, completely escapes me.  

Why would anyone consider climbing up a waterfall while wearing wading boots and carrying a flyrod? That said, if memory serves, I seem to recall seeing photos in some of the fishing rags a few years ago, when I still paid attention to them, of people doing exactly what Steve is contemplating.  I believe there were some ads for outfitters who take people out on fishing trips specifically to fish while mounted upon the backs of these ungainly and treacherous brutes.

I’ve wanted to try this ever since I saw the movie "Jeremiah Johnson". Johnson (played by Robert Redford) was starving in the winter, and he was desperately trying to catch fish with his bare hands. As he was pathetically flopping around in the freezing creek he looked up to see a mounted Indian wading, carrying a full stringer of trout he’s shot with a bow and arrow. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

I’ve wanted to try this ever since I saw the movie "Jeremiah Johnson". Johnson (played by Robert Redford) was starving in the winter, and he was desperately trying to catch fish with his bare hands. As he was pathetically flopping around in the freezing creek he looked up to see a mounted Indian wading, carrying a full stringer of trout he’s shot with a bow and arrow.

Be careful when bowfishing.  When I was a kid I went bowfishing for carp with my father and uncle.  My uncle shot at a fish and the line wrapped around his finger as he shot.  His finger was essentially only held together by the fingernail.  We rushed him to the hospital and they sewed it all back together, but it wasn’t a pretty sight. I know I’ve never gone since then and I seriously doubt if either of them have.  Still makes me cringe 10-15 years later just thinking about it. Happy lunchtime reading,      - Ken —     "I was gratified to be able to answer promptly,       and I did.  I said I didn’t know."     — Mark Twain

Response:

 There’s so much noise in these freestone streams that you can wade with a fair amount of ruckus without spooking the fish.

    with all due respect, steve, i will put you and that goddam horse at the mouth of hazel creek, give you your choice of equipment, and give you one hundred dollars for every fish you can catch from dawn to dark.  in return, you will pay me a thousand bucks if you fail to bring a fish to hand.  shit, the rainbows in hazel creek will spook a hundred yards in both directions if audrey hepburn’s ghost slips on an orange slider!     wayno, who is put in mind of the shotgunned killdeer of the tejas.

Response:

The problem is what to do with the fish when I hook it. My plan is to cut the hook bends off of dry flies and just fish for rises. Does this sound totally crazy?

How about using a net with a 6′ handle? But if that’s too much work, you might just consider paying someone to fish for you–you can just watch from a distance on horseback and that way you’ll have at least one hand free to make calls on your satellite phone. –Steve

Response:

How about using a net with a 6′ handle? But if that’s too much work, you might just consider paying someone to fish for you–you can just watch from a distance on horseback and that way you’ll have at least one hand free to make calls on your satellite phone.

If he’d hunt from it too, and wear a fur coat, PETA could just focus on him and leave everyone else alone (especially if he bought the Wienermobile to tow his horse trailer to the stream)<g. — Charlie…

Response:

If he’d hunt from it too, and wear a fur coat, PETA could just focus on him and leave everyone else alone (especially if he bought the Wienermobile to tow his horse trailer to the stream)<g. — Charlie…

Arlo could trot behind fitted up with an antler tied to his head like the dog in Grinch Who Stole Christmas! — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

If he’d hunt from it too<

You know the old joke – "can I shoot off this horse?"  "Sure."  Guy comes back all beat up, wants his money back.  Seller reminds him, "I said you could shoot OFF him, not ON him!" <g

Response:

Don’t laugh. I’m serious. The next logical step is actually fishing FROM THE HORSE!

        i’m really worried about wolfgang.  at this point, there have been a dozen responses to this post, and he remains silent.         could someone check the e.r.’s in milwaukee? wayno, always thinking of his friends.

Response:

rw,    One of my wildest rides occurred when mounting a horse with a fishing rod in hand. Ernie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Don’t laugh. I’m serious. When I got my horse in June he was afraid of flyrods. Thought they were whips, I suppose. He’s over that now. I can mount and ride him with a flyrod. It’s really fun to ride from hole to hole, dismounting for a few casts, sticking around if there’s action, and moving on if there’s not. There’s lots of water around here where you can do that without disturbing anyone. The next logical step is actually fishing FROM THE HORSE! I want to eliminate this dismounting and tying up bullshit. I know places where I could wade upstream (mounted, of course) and cast to lots of riffles, pocket water, and shoreline, kind of like a drift boat in reverse. The problem is what to do with the fish when I hook it. My plan is to cut the hook bends off of dry flies and just fish for rises. Does this sound totally crazy? — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ to something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

True….a rod in hand is definitely not very romantic…..john – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – rw,   One of my wildest rides occurred when mounting a horse with a fishing rod in hand. Ernie Don’t laugh. I’m serious. When I got my horse in June he was afraid of flyrods. Thought they were whips, I suppose. He’s over that now. I can mount and ride him with a flyrod. It’s really fun to ride from hole to hole, dismounting for a few casts, sticking around if there’s action, and moving on if there’s not. There’s lots of water around here where you can do that without disturbing anyone. The next logical step is actually fishing FROM THE HORSE! I want to eliminate this dismounting and tying up bullshit. I know places where I could wade upstream (mounted, of course) and cast to lots of riffles, pocket water, and shoreline, kind of like a drift boat in reverse. The problem is what to do with the fish when I hook it. My plan is to cut the hook bends off of dry flies and just fish for rises. Does this sound totally crazy? — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ to something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

I hope someone is around with a camera<g. I wonder how the horse will like fish jumping and splashing next to it, not to mention the line tangled around its legs…

Willi can attest to the fact that I did an incredible hopping/dancing routine in a slippery Madison riffle when a fish came straight at me and swam through my legs.  (Yeah, it was a whitefish… so?)  If you put tassles on your horse and braided its mane, I’d pay good money to see a horse do the same thing. Regards, Jeff

Response:

can you image the affect of a bad sinktip cast whipping across its rump?

I believe the technical term is "yee haw"<g. — Charlie…

Response:

A camel might be a better idea. Puts a whole new perspective on fishing with humpys !:) TL MC — "If you have tried everything you know, and nothing works, then perhaps it is time to accept that you don

Question:

Planning on Rock Creek, then to Libby, first week August.  Any info on the better campgrounds for us tent campers appreciated.  I was raised on Rock Creek, long, long ago– before electification.    Also info on guides in Libby for drifting, Also info on cabins, accomodations as well as campgounds  (if it rains us out)   Al Schuh-fly

Response:

I’d check on the water levels at Rock Creek first, if you mean THE Rock Creek East of Missoula.  The last report I heard was fishing could be over there for the season in the next week or so- water levels are way below normal – check with Doug at the Rock Creek Mercantile (406)825-6440 John

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Planning on Rock Creek, then to Libby, first week August.  Any info on the better campgrounds for us tent campers appreciated.  I was raised on Rock Creek, long, long ago– before electification.    Also info on guides in Libby for drifting, Also info on cabins, accomodations as well as campgounds (if it rains us out)   Al Schuh-fly

Response:

Planning on Rock Creek, then to Libby, first week August.  Any info on the better campgrounds for us tent campers appreciated.  I was raised on Rock Creek, long, long ago– before electification.    Also info on guides in Libby for drifting, Also info on cabins, accomodations as well as campgounds  (if it rains us out)   Al Schuh-fly

Bring your roller skates! — /* Sandy Pittendrigh                  –oO0  * http://montana-riverboats.com/  */

Response:

For river reports. check this URL: http://www.fourrivers.net/index.htm They’re saying that the flow of Rock Creek is down to 332 cfs, which ain’t too good. We’re going out there tomorrow (7/8) and will be back on the 16th. The campground where we’re staying is on Rock Creek, but we’re going to concentrate on fishing the Blackfoot and the Bitterroot. For tent camping, see the following: http://travelmontana.state.mt.us/faq/links.htm …it has links to all sorts of travel and accomodation sites all over the state. Regards, LR

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Planning on Rock Creek, then to Libby, first week August.  Any info on the better campgrounds for us tent campers appreciated.  I was raised on Rock Creek, long, long ago– before electification.    Also info on guides in Libby for drifting, Also info on cabins, accomodations as well as campgounds (if it rains us out)   Al Schuh-fly

Response:

http://montana.usgs.gov/rt-cgi/gen_tbl_pg for Montana streamflows. http://montana.usgs.gov/rt-cgi/gen_stn_pg?station=12334510 for current Rock Creek conditions. The creek is definitely low but then all the rivers are (at least this side of the divide). The bigger waters are fishing extremely well right now. Lots of Golden Stone and evening caddis right now with good PMD’s late morning to early afternoon. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana http://www.montana.com/dno/dno.htm 406-626-4022

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d check on the water levels at Rock Creek first, if you mean THE Rock Creek East of Missoula.  The last report I heard was fishing could be over there for the season in the next week or so- water levels are way below normal – check with Doug at the Rock Creek Mercantile (406)825-6440 John Planning on Rock Creek, then to Libby, first week August.  Any info on the better campgrounds for us tent campers appreciated.  I was raised on Rock Creek, long, long ago– before electification.    Also info on guides in Libby for drifting, Also info on cabins, accomodations as well as campgounds (if it rains us out)   Al Schuh-fly

Response:

Question:

after two years of research and fishing i can now say with some authority,that yes,thick lip mullet,and golden grey mullet can be tackled on fly gear. i personally took numerous fish to 5lb 10oz last season here in Jersey (channel islands). we fish a place here on the south east that is best described as a tidal saltwater wetland. tides are large and racey,and they cannot be fished unless local knowedge is available. they behave much like bonefish,but with some marked differences.water temp, wind etc all playing a big factor,like with most species. I have read here that people have tried and failed with this species,but rest assured it can be done,and repeated. I`ll keep you all updated,with catch reports throughout the current season. — Keith.

Response:

Keith: If you had asked two years ago I coulda saved you the time. Floridians (those in the know) been catching mullet by cast net, seine, spinning tackle, and fly for a long time. Fact is in the old days they were a staple here. I’ve personally caught many with spin and fly. They are running little buggers and will come close to stripping all your backing off just as quick as you can set. Don’t know how it is now but they used to bunch up at the spill way after the rodman dam was built. (thats in the Oklawaha river before it empties into the St.Johns across from Buffalo Bluff near seven sisters islands just a tad south of Palatka. John Popp in Sanford Fl.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – after two years of research and fishing i can now say with some authority,that yes,thick lip mullet,and golden grey mullet can be tackled on fly gear. i personally took numerous fish to 5lb 10oz last season here in Jersey (channel islands). we fish a place here on the south east that is best described as a tidal saltwater wetland. tides are large and racey,and they cannot be fished unless local knowedge is available. they behave much like bonefish,but with some marked differences.water temp, wind etc all playing a big factor,like with most species. I have read here that people have tried and failed with this species,but rest assured it can be done,and repeated. I`ll keep you all updated,with catch reports throughout the current season. — Keith.

Response:

Hi John, What kind of flies and how do you fish for the mullet? aloha, Fred E. Nakaguma Aiea, Hawaii – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Keith: If you had asked two years ago I coulda saved you the time. Floridians (those in the know) been catching mullet by cast net, seine, spinning tackle, and fly for a long time. Fact is in the old days they were a staple here. I’ve personally caught many with spin and fly. They are running little buggers and will come close to stripping all your backing off just as quick as you can set. Don’t know how it is now but they used to bunch up at the spill way after the rodman dam was built. (thats in the Oklawaha river before it empties into the St.Johns across from Buffalo Bluff near seven sisters islands just a tad south of Palatka. John Popp in Sanford Fl.

– Fred E. Nakaguma Aiea, Hawaii

Response:

Keith: If you had asked two years ago I coulda saved you the time. Floridians (those in the know) been catching mullet by cast net, seine, spinning tackle, and fly for a long time. Fact is in the old days they were a staple here. I’ve personally caught many with spin and fly. They are running little buggers and will come close to stripping all your backing off just as quick as you can set. Don’t know how it is now but they used to bunch up at the spill way after the rodman dam was built. (thats in the Oklawaha river before it empties into the St.Johns across from Buffalo Bluff near seven sisters islands just a tad south of Palatka. John Popp in Sanford Fl.

My thoughts exactly regarding line catching.  Heck, for years, they were considered the worst of trash fish, from Mississippi around and down, even to the point of racial slurs.  Plus, in oyster season (cold weather), keep a few, gut them and slow smoke them head-on, bone-in over a hickory or equivilent (fruitwoods aren’t my favorite here) fire.  Then flake the flesh (no skin) and mix with cream cheese (about 1 to 1), Lea and Perrin (Worchestershire), thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon juice, and serve with Melba, Carr’s, or other firmer crackers and cold dry white wine. Yum, boy… R

Response:

Ok,Ok,OK, now that we know they can be caught…tell us what flies to use!! Very frustrating when fishing and see a 6-9 pounder jump and there is nothing I can do to hook it. Chuck

Response:

Ok,Ok,OK, now that we know they can be caught…tell us what flies to use!! Very frustrating when fishing and see a 6-9 pounder jump and there is nothing I can do to hook it. Chuck

here you go. The answer is neutral density. as you know mullet sift through sand and mud,and get their heads down to feed,and this is also true of our golden grey mullet. these fish operate on the very edge of the tide,sometimes in 5-6 inches of water,so you actually cast back to the shore,from maybe 75 feet,so as not to spook the fish or shoal. the fly is cast approx 5-6 feet in front of the feeding pattern, and this is something which is learned,as on different tides the fish often take different routes toward shore. but to cut a very long story short,a well presented fly in the size 10 and smaller size range is best. Bent back,and using a basically dusky dirty pink,body of wool,with plastic bead chain eyes,and with a trigger colored tail. i cannot really get more specific at this stage,but presentation,seems more important than shape,and color seems to be a factor also. in water thats less than 6 feet a red tail is effective,but in very shallow water a lime green tail is king. throughout the year,i`ll get the patterns standardised and publish them. along with the techniques required foer each fly. I know you americans loathe the mullet somewhat,but they are indeed a worthy quarry,in fact as hard to catch as any permit. I know,cause i`ve caught both,and they can be very very frustrating. — Keith.

Response:

Ok,Ok,OK, now that we know they can be caught…tell us what flies to use!! Very frustrating when fishing and see a 6-9 pounder jump and there is nothing I can do to hook it. Chuck

Well, maybe I misunderstood Mr Popp, but when I’ve caught them or seen them caught, it was by accident while fishing for something else.  I have no idea, other the a cast net, (when we want a couple to smoke ourselves ((Rather than buying)), we’ll carry a net while floundering) what one would use SPECIFICALLY to catch them.  I guess use a shrimp or streamer and pretend you’re after redfish or striped bass….a bone pattern and pretend you’re after bones….<G? R

Response:

good advice SNIPPED for bw.. I know you americans loathe the mullet somewhat,but they are indeed a worthy quarry,in fact as hard to catch as any permit. I know,cause i`ve caught both,and they can be very very frustrating. — Keith.

I’ll be damned!  I know of many old-timers that would be (be)mused…Fly-fishing specifically for mullet…hey, fishing is fishing, and this sounds fun, plus you can eat the catch…The only thing I can add is the above-mentioned pretense of being after game fish, as that usually insures at least one or two…<G.   One thought, however, is possible that we are talking about different species of fish?  I know of white and striped, but not golden, plus your mention of "hard to catch as any permit."  Your "mullet" isn’t some form of Pompano, is it? TC, R

Response:

Catching mullet on a fly is easily accomplished by chuming them with small bread balls and using small white/grey flies to immitate the bread balls. It is true that large mullet will take line, but they tire very quickly and are not at all like a bonefish. Bob E. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – after two years of research and fishing i can now say with some authority,that yes,thick lip mullet,and golden grey mullet can be tackled on fly gear. i personally took numerous fish to 5lb 10oz last season here in Jersey (channel islands). we fish a place here on the south east that is best described as a tidal saltwater wetland. tides are large and racey,and they cannot be fished unless local knowedge is available. they behave much like bonefish,but with some marked differences.water temp, wind etc all playing a big factor,like with most species. I have read here that people have tried and failed with this species,but rest assured it can be done,and repeated. I`ll keep you all updated,with catch reports throughout the current season. — Keith.

Response:

Catching mullet on a fly is easily accomplished by chuming them with small bread balls and using small white/grey flies to immitate the bread balls. It is true that large mullet will take line, but they tire very quickly and are not at all like a bonefish. Bob E.

Ah,yes you can catch mullet like this,but is it really fly fishing ?. i think not. you could also toss a hand grenade at the mullet,and stun them,walk on over and scoop them up in your hand. Unfortunatly,this would not be too much fun,for me or the mullet. I`m actually taking a purists view,that fly caught fish should be just that.Fly caught without the assistance of chum,or any other aid. One rod,one fly,one fish. At least thats the way i like to do it. Also in no way would i compare the fighting qualities to that of bonefish. i was refering to the habits of the fish. but then again,on the right gear,which seems to be a 6#wt outfit,they display fine fighting ability. Its like comparing a stock rainbow trout that weighs 8lb,and last saw a man feeding it trout pellets,to the wild rainbow of the mountain stream that weighs only 2lb. ask yourself which would be the better and most rewarding catch ?. Thats why i choose to flyfish in saltwater here.Its never been done on my doorstep,and its all a new and very rewarding experience,no matter what the species. — Keith.

Response:

Want to catch mullet on a fly without chuming? There’s a way to do that too. It’s much more challenging than the bread ball trick. Ask (better yet, hire) Capt. Steve Kantner from the Fort Lauderdale area. He’s the expert. Bob E. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Catching mullet on a fly is easily accomplished by chuming them with small bread balls and using small white/grey flies to immitate the bread balls. It is true that large mullet will take line, but they tire very quickly and are not at all like a bonefish. Bob E. Ah,yes you can catch mullet like this,but is it really fly fishing ?. i think not. you could also toss a hand grenade at the mullet,and stun them,walk on over and scoop them up in your hand. Unfortunatly,this would not be too much fun,for me or the mullet. I`m actually taking a purists view,that fly caught fish should be just that.Fly caught without the assistance of chum,or any other aid. One rod,one fly,one fish. At least thats the way i like to do it. Also in no way would i compare the fighting qualities to that of bonefish. i was refering to the habits of the fish. but then again,on the right gear,which seems to be a 6#wt outfit,they display fine fighting ability. Its like comparing a stock rainbow trout that weighs 8lb,and last saw a man feeding it trout pellets,to the wild rainbow of the mountain stream that weighs only 2lb. ask yourself which would be the better and most rewarding catch ?. Thats why i choose to flyfish in saltwater here.Its never been done on my doorstep,and its all a new and very rewarding experience,no matter what the species. — Keith.

Response:

Any small brown subsurface fly works. They are normally vegetarian but will on occasion think a fly floating vegetation. If it is slow going you can start a feeding frenzy with chicken feed. Take a handful, dip your hand in the water and mash the feed into a ball. Throw it out into the water. When the swirls are hot and heavy flip the fly into the melee and hang on. John Popp in Sanford Fl. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi John, What kind of flies and how do you fish for the mullet? aloha, Fred E. Nakaguma Aiea, Hawaii Keith: If you had asked two years ago I coulda saved you the time. Floridians (those in the know) been catching mullet by cast net, seine, spinning tackle, and fly for a long time. Fact is in the old days they were a staple here. I’ve personally caught many with spin and fly. They are running little buggers and will come close to stripping all your backing off just as quick as you can set. Don’t know how it is now but they used to bunch up at the spill way after the rodman dam was built. (thats in the Oklawaha river before it empties into the St.Johns across from Buffalo Bluff near seven sisters islands just a tad south of Palatka. John Popp in Sanford Fl. — Fred E. Nakaguma Aiea, Hawaii

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When they are jumping they are ridding themselves of vermin and don’t give a fig for eating. Ever try to get a dog to do something in the middle of a flea scratch ? John Popp in Sanford Fl.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ok,Ok,OK, now that we know they can be caught…tell us what flies to use!! Very frustrating when fishing and see a 6-9 pounder jump and there is nothing I can do to hook it. Chuck

Response:

SNIPPED Heck, for years, they were considered the worst of trash fish, from Mississippi around and down, even to the point of racial slurs

Funny isn’t it! – Same thing the world over. If we fished near a sewer outlet, we used to laugh about catching a "blind mullet". Cheers JK

Response:

Question:

Dave was unable to attend the ceremonies as I was stuck at work trying to make PeopleSoft run…what a bummer…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – By the grace of God its BEEN DONE!!!! In a historic moment in Maines history, the infamous Edwards Dam on the mighty Kennebec River was breached at 9:36 A.M. this morning. 17 miles of freeflowing river has been returned to the fish and the people! [snipped] From one CUrmudgeon to another: OUT-FREAKIN’-STANDING!!!!!! Wish I could’ve been there to watch the festivities, Ed. Did you and Dave take the "Green Submarine" out to officiate? /daytripper ps: Does this mean I can remove that old bumper sticker? ;^)

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Dave was unable to attend the ceremonies as I was stuck at work trying to make PeopleSoft run…what a bummer…

Ah – another illustrious CU member and Ordealist Extraordinaire heard from. Take heart old friend, you’ll be cruising those seventeen miles for years to come! /daytripper (fishing the Kennebec in his dreams…)

Response:

I am sure the information, in detail, is beginning to circulate everywhere.   There are a couple of TU News Release Articles at Rx F Fish in our News Release section at:  http://www.rxffish.com/PR The same information is also available from TU.   Either place, it’s great reading of an historic and very meaningful event that will surely have many long-range benefits for decades to come. Regards,   Trent Roberson ***** – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ladies and Gentlemen!!! By the grace of God its BEEN DONE!!!! In a historic moment in Maines history, the infamous Edwards Dam on the mighty Kennebec River was breached at 9:36 A.M. this morning. 17 miles of freeflowing river has been returned to the fish and the people! I never thought we’d see it in my lifetime, but I saw it with MY OWN EYES!!!! God bless America, Land of the Free! Here’s some pointers to the latest: www.ctel.net/~mudfish  My home page for a report on the breaching and www.ctel.net/mudfish/condi/  my river conditions page with some thoughs as I left the river late last evening.. (this is NOT a commercial spam). Please no flames :8). www.centralmaine.com/edwards/  Carl Natale’s feature story for Blethen Newspapers featuring some hot pictures of the KENNEBEC RIVER EVENT OF THE YEAR! Tight lines Ed Blum Registered Maine Guide

Trent P Roberson                  Rx F Fish        For your good health, Fly Fish             http://www.rxffish.com             FREE Business Listings          For the Fly Fishing Industry          http://www.rxffish.com/index2.htm            rxfNET Development Group        Web Site Development and Hosting       Image Editing – - Software Training       Marketing and Internet Consultation          http://www.rxffish.com/rxfnet

Response:

By the grace of God its BEEN DONE!!!! In a historic moment in Maines history, the infamous Edwards Dam on the mighty Kennebec River was breached at 9:36 A.M. this morning. 17 miles of freeflowing river has been returned to the fish and the people!

[snipped] From one CUrmudgeon to another: OUT-FREAKIN’-STANDING!!!!!! Wish I could’ve been there to watch the festivities, Ed. Did you and Dave take the "Green Submarine" out to officiate? /daytripper ps: Does this mean I can remove that old bumper sticker? ;^)

Response:

Ladies and Gentlemen!!! By the grace of God its BEEN DONE!!!! In a historic moment in Maines history, the infamous Edwards Dam on the mighty Kennebec River was breached at 9:36 A.M. this morning. 17 miles of freeflowing river has been returned to the fish and the people! I never thought we’d see it in my lifetime, but I saw it with MY OWN EYES!!!! God bless America, Land of the Free! Here’s some pointers to the latest: www.ctel.net/~mudfish  My home page for a report on the breaching and www.ctel.net/mudfish/condi/  my river conditions page with some thoughs as I left the river late last evening.. (this is NOT a commercial spam).  Please no flames :8). www.centralmaine.com/edwards/  Carl Natale’s feature story for Blethen Newspapers featuring some hot pictures of the KENNEBEC RIVER EVENT OF THE YEAR! Tight lines Ed Blum Registered Maine Guide

Response:

Question:

i have noticed some of the most attractive women are found at the pay lakes  i have been visiting does anyone else notice this?

Response:

i have noticed some of the most attractive women are found at the pay lakes  i have been visiting does anyone else notice this?

I dunno.  I never notice the really good looking ones at the pay lakes until I’m into my second 12-pack.   *                                                               * *  ENTOMOLOGIST    ANTIQUE TACKLE COLLECTOR    ALL-AROUND NUT   *

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Ha Ha!          I got a good chuckle outta THIS one!  I happen to WORK at a "pay lake" and my sentiments would have to be along the same lines as Creek Chub’s comment! ::ahem:; except when my girlfriend is visitng (as she is looking on as I post this!!) Happy fishing!

Response:

Wow, and I thought I was running out of topics to talk about during the "off season". – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -i have noticed some of the most attractive women are found at the pay lakes i have been visiting does anyone else notice this?

Response:

JB,     You might like hanging out at some at some Trailer Parks too. I hear they have some mighty fine females there too!! Good Luck :~) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i have noticed some of the most attractive women are found at the pay lakes  i have been visiting does anyone else notice this?

Response:

i have noticed some of the most attractive women are found at the pay lakes  i have been visiting does anyone else notice this?

OK, I give up…….  what is a "pay" lake? Hans

Response:

OK, I give up…….  what is a "pay" lake? Hans

Hans,  A pay lake is a stocked lake that you pay to fish at. Usually a set fee, but some charge by the fish or pound. Generally these are catfish and trout type stockings, but I have seen most all kinds being offered. I remember 1 guy at the Fishermans Dude Ranch in Des Plaines Il took all his kids fishing. He didn’t realize this was a by the pound, and these trout were starving. It cost him $65.00 to get out of there and this was 30 years ago. I went there because I wanted to see what it was like to catch trout on a fly. Illinois didn’t have many trout streams back in the 60’s. Used a barbless hook and made a big deal everytime they came off. Had the time of my life, at least for a teenager. Mark Brandt Are you a walleye Fanatic, Try The Walleye List at http://members.iquest.net/~mbrandt  where over 220 walleye anglers discuss walleye fishing via e-mail every day.

Response:

OK, I give up…….  what is a "pay" lake? Hans

A pay lake is a stocked lake or pond that you pay a fee to fish at. Usually these are stocked with either catfish or trout, altho I have seen where all species are available. You either pay one set fee for a limit of fish or as many as you want and you pay by the fish or weight. You have to watch it at these types tho. Back when I was a teenager I used to go to the Fishermans Dude Ranch in Des Plaines Il to fly fish for trout. I knew this was a pay by the pound place, but in the 60’s this was the only trout stream I had access too. I would use a barbless hook and play the fish until it came off. I would take home maybe 1 fish. One time I was there and this guy brings in all his kids. They supplied poles if you needed them. Well this guy walked out of there with $65 worth of trout, and this was 30 years ago. They watched you like a hawk, couldn’t throw any back. Seems like so long ago. Mark Are you a walleye fanatic. Try joining The Walleye List at http://members.iquest.net/~mbrandt where over 220 walleye anglers discusss walleye fishing via e-mail.

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NO

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, I give up…….  what is a "pay" lake? Hans Hans,  A pay lake is a stocked lake that you pay to fish at. Usually a set fee, but some charge by the fish or pound. Generally these are catfish and trout type stockings, but I have seen most all kinds being offered. I remember 1 guy at the Fishermans Dude Ranch in Des Plaines Il took all his kids fishing. He didn’t realize this was a by the pound, and these trout were starving. It cost him $65.00 to get out of there and this was 30 years ago. I went there because I wanted to see what it was like to catch trout on a fly. Illinois didn’t have many trout streams back in the 60’s. Used a barbless hook and made a big deal everytime they came off. Had the time of my life, at least for a teenager. Mark Brandt Are you a walleye Fanatic, Try The Walleye List at http://members.iquest.net/~mbrandt  where over 220 walleye anglers discuss walleye fishing via e-mail every day.

Hey thanks for the memories – I used to take the kids to that place just off the tollway to get a fish ( trout) when we could not catch someting at Busse lake or others – had to mash down the hooks so they would lose them . The trout always tasted funny kind of like algae…But they were nice looking….. Former Chicagoan

Response:

Question:

Humor is the Best Antidote A recent opinion/commentary by Salem, Oregon newspaper reporter Henry Miller tersely contended among other things, that fly angling and spinfishing with casting bubble and a fly, are one and the same.   Inspired by Miller’s profound ignorance of flyfishing and it’s centuries-old heritage, I hearby present The Henry Miller, a new genre of fly angling humor: "Henry Miller is so dumb…" …he thinks fly dressing is made by Kraft and sold at Waremart. …he thinks a streamer is someone who fishes…what else?  Streams. …he thinks a roll cast is tossing bread to the ducks on Mill Creek. …he thinks Korkers are steelhead baits. …he thinks a double haul is two truck loads of top soil. …he thinks a dry fly is a no-drinks America West flight. …he thinks Mustad 9672 is a television program. …he thinks stripping line is a single’s bar come-on. …he thinks a riffle is a 30.06. …he thinks pocket water is a very small canteen. …he thinks herl means projectile regurgitation. …he thinks Sage is a kitchen spice. …he thinks a Royal Coachman is Prince Charles’ chauffeur. …he thinks fly casting refers to actor Jeff Goldblum. …he thinks a blood knot is a marriage of cousins. …he thinks 4X refers to a brand of condom. …he thinks dubbing is a lip sink. …he thinks The Big Horn is taking "cuts" in a movie line. …he thinks a fly rod is an insect’s reproductive appendage. …he thinks rod wraps are corporal punishment. …he thinks Orvis refers to a mouth, nose, or ear. …he thinks mending a line means equivocation. …he thinks a graphite rod is a pencil. …he thinks Haig-Brown is a fly pattern. …he thinks catch and release is a sin. …he thinks fish wrapper doesn’t refer to his column. Send your Henry Millers to: Jon Hazen – List Keeper Jon Hazen

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Humor is the Best Antidote A recent opinion/commentary by Salem, Oregon newspaper reporter Henry Miller tersely contended among other things, that fly angling and spinfishing with casting bubble and a fly, are one and the same. Inspired by Miller’s profound ignorance of flyfishing and it’s centuries-old heritage, I hearby present The Henry Miller, a new genre of fly angling humor: "Henry Miller is so dumb…" …he thinks fly dressing is made by Kraft and sold at Waremart. …he thinks a streamer is someone who fishes…what else?  Streams. …he thinks a roll cast is tossing bread to the ducks on Mill Creek. …he thinks Korkers are steelhead baits. …he thinks a double haul is two truck loads of top soil. …he thinks a dry fly is a no-drinks America West flight. …he thinks Mustad 9672 is a television program. …he thinks stripping line is a single’s bar come-on. …he thinks a riffle is a 30.06. …he thinks pocket water is a very small canteen. …he thinks herl means projectile regurgitation. …he thinks Sage is a kitchen spice. …he thinks a Royal Coachman is Prince Charles’ chauffeur. …he thinks fly casting refers to actor Jeff Goldblum. …he thinks a blood knot is a marriage of cousins. …he thinks 4X refers to a brand of condom. …he thinks dubbing is a lip sink. …he thinks The Big Horn is taking "cuts" in a movie line. …he thinks a fly rod is an insect’s reproductive appendage. …he thinks rod wraps are corporal punishment. …he thinks Orvis refers to a mouth, nose, or ear. …he thinks mending a line means equivocation. …he thinks a graphite rod is a pencil. …he thinks Haig-Brown is a fly pattern. …he thinks catch and release is a sin. …he thinks fish wrapper doesn’t refer to his column.

…he thinks steelhead is the ammo for a 30.06. …he thinks nymph is the synonym for nymphet. …he thinks A River Runs Through It is Chicago’s motto. …he thinks a leader is Bill or Newt (take your pick!). Musconet

Response:

Humor is the Best Antidote A recent opinion/commentary by Salem, Oregon newspaper reporter Henry Miller tersely contended among other things, that fly angling and spinfishing with casting bubble and a fly, are one and the same.  

BEING A RESIDENT OF OREGON, I THOUGHT I’D ADVISE YOU THAT MR. MILLER’S USE OF THE TERM FLY ANGLING IS CORRECT IN IT’S COMPARISON TO SPIN FISHING WITH A FLY AND BUBBLE. HERE ON THE NORTH UMPQUA WE HAVE 35 MILES OF FLY ANGLING ONLY WATER. AND YES, FISHING WITH A FLY AND BUBBLE AS WELL AS WITH CONVENTIONAL FLYFISHING TACKLE IS ALLOWED. IT IS "FLY ANGLING" NOT "FLYFISHING" PERHAPS YOUR HUMOR MIGHT BE REDIRECTED! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Inspired by Miller’s profound ignorance of flyfishing and it’s centuries-old heritage, I hearby present The Henry Miller, a new genre of fly angling humor: "Henry Miller is so dumb…" …he thinks fly dressing is made by Kraft and sold at Waremart. …he thinks a streamer is someone who fishes…what else?  Streams. …he thinks a roll cast is tossing bread to the ducks on Mill Creek. …he thinks Korkers are steelhead baits. …he thinks a double haul is two truck loads of top soil. …he thinks a dry fly is a no-drinks America West flight. …he thinks Mustad 9672 is a television program. …he thinks stripping line is a single’s bar come-on. …he thinks a riffle is a 30.06. …he thinks pocket water is a very small canteen. …he thinks herl means projectile regurgitation. …he thinks Sage is a kitchen spice. …he thinks a Royal Coachman is Prince Charles’ chauffeur. …he thinks fly casting refers to actor Jeff Goldblum. …he thinks a blood knot is a marriage of cousins. …he thinks 4X refers to a brand of condom. …he thinks dubbing is a lip sink. …he thinks The Big Horn is taking "cuts" in a movie line. …he thinks a fly rod is an insect’s reproductive appendage. …he thinks rod wraps are corporal punishment. …he thinks Orvis refers to a mouth, nose, or ear. …he thinks mending a line means equivocation. …he thinks a graphite rod is a pencil. …he thinks Haig-Brown is a fly pattern. …he thinks catch and release is a sin. …he thinks fish wrapper doesn’t refer to his column. Send your Henry Millers to: Jon Hazen – List Keeper Jon Hazen

Response:

Humor is the Best Antidote A recent opinion/commentary by Salem, Oregon newspaper reporter Henry Miller tersely contended among other things, that fly angling and spinfishing with casting bubble and a fly, are one and the same.  

Menard) spat: BEING A RESIDENT OF OREGON, I THOUGHT I’D ADVISE YOU THAT MR. MILLER’S USE OF THE TERM FLY ANGLING IS CORRECT IN IT’S COMPARISON TO SPIN FISHING WITH A FLY AND BUBBLE. HERE ON THE NORTH UMPQUA WE HAVE 35 MILES OF FLY ANGLING ONLY WATER. AND YES, FISHING WITH A FLY AND BUBBLE AS WELL AS WITH CONVENTIONAL FLYFISHING TACKLE IS ALLOWED. IT IS "FLY ANGLING" NOT "FLYFISHING" PERHAPS YOUR HUMOR MIGHT BE REDIRECTED!

Oh my god…a knitpicker…without a sense of humor or a lowercase keyboard.   "Better get the gaff and the bat for this one."  :) Inspired by Miller’s profound ignorance of flyfishing and it’s centuries-old heritage, I hearby present The Henry Miller, a new genre of fly angling humor: "Henry Miller is so dumb…" …he thinks The Big Horn is taking "cuts" in a movie long line. …he thinks fish wrapper doesn’t refer to his column.

Jon Hazen

Response:

Question:

Howdy I’ll be moving to Sping Lake N.J. in mid Oct. from southern Alberta where I’ve become quite fond of spectacular fishing. Anyone have a suggestion of where i can continue to get my fix? My e-mail is only go until Oct.7 Thank ya all, Cheers.

Response:

As one resident said last year… the besst fly fishing in NJ is in PA and NY.  But Spring Lake in on the coast, and the other resident didn’t ply the salt.  Great runs of of blues are in the offing.  Check any of the local tackle shops.  Fresh water is mostly up north and west.  Shad and stripers run the Delaware regularly.  Trout are mostly stocked, so listen to the original advise and head to PA and the NY Catskills.  There is a NJ fishing home page, and if you can scroll back into this groups archives it’ll be listed . good luck from Long Island jg

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Question:

Kirby, Grab your 4-5wt rod and head an hour south of SLC to Provo. Go up Provo Canyon and Fish anywhere between the city and Deer Creek Reservoir. You won’t be alone as this river is fished pretty heavily. But, "Love em and Leave em" is as highly regarded as the dominant religion is in Utah. The last two trips up the canyon have paid off for me. I have been using simple wooly boogers and other balack or brown nymph patterns. Pheasant tails have been particularly good to me. Use very light leaders as these fish all have PHD’s in entemology. You have to be stealthier than normal on this river but the fishing is great. 3-4 pound brown’s are not uncommon on this river. Good fishing, if you have any more questions drop me a line. RL

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My wife is working in Salt Lake City Utah for the next month.  I plan to visit her on the weekends and being from Austin Texas we see an opportunity to get in some fall fly fishing.  I would like tips on streams, access points, and fly patterns to generate a memorable fall fishing adventure near the great salt lakes.  

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