Wednesday, Day Four of the Clave <snipped Dave
Thanks Dave. Great TR. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply
Great reports Dave. I enjoyed every one. Darin
Wednesday, Day Four of the Clave
<snipped excellent TR I was waiting for the last TR in this series, but each one was poetic, concise, and informative. Thanks for taking the time to write them for us unfortunates that missed the party. Hopefully, next year. . . — TL, Tim
Well you ole pirate had a good time did ye?? TR were fantastic read them all. No pirates in bvd siteings this time around?? Have a good trip to Lakewood . Handyman Mike Standing in a river waving a stick
"Dave LaCourse" wrpte //great report snipped// Let’s do it again next year. I won’t worry about snow and cold weather, and I’ll rent a Toyota. Eat your heart out, Ken. You missed a good one. Thanks, Warren, Paul, John, and Jeffie. Dave
Marvelous reports, Dave. I enjoyed reading them and have filed them away in case I ever get out there. Bob
Thanks for the great set of reports Dave.
Rock Trout writes:
<snip Hey, "Bouncer". LOL. He probably got you confused with Bruiser. Thanks, new friend, for all that you did to make it a great clave. I learned a lot by being in your boat for two days. I need your address so I can send the flag. Montana or Colorado? Send it by e-mail to Get rid of the pirate. Dave
Wednesday, Day Four of the Clave …….
Terrific reports Dave. Glad you all had a good time…. and that the forces of law and order were not unduly taxed this time round…. ROFFians must be getting old 
. BTW, does anyone know a free news server that gets ROFF and allows posting? The ones I’ve tried so far are good for one or the other, but not both. JR
BTW, does anyone know a free news server that gets ROFF and allows posting? The ones I’ve tried so far are good for one or the other, but not both.
news.cis.dfn.de does. (Go to http://news.cis.dfn.de/ to sign up). — Charlie…
Snip: Thanks a bunch for the whole series of reports. I wish I could have joined you all this year. Big Dale
Snip: Thanks a bunch for the whole series of reports. I wish I could have joined you all this year.
Wish you could have been there too BD. Guess what, I won your flies again (3rd time so far!). I gave some to IJ for his bream ponds, and we will each put them to good use. — Charlie…
BTW, does anyone know a free news server that gets ROFF and allows posting? The ones I’ve tried so far are good for one or the other, but not both. news.cis.dfn.de does. (Go to http://news.cis.dfn.de/ to sign up).
That is the one I use. However, it does not get any of the binary groups. So if you want to see the pretty pictures of the big Brook Trout that the guys have posted you’ll have to find another way. FWIW, Russell
again (3rd time so far!). I gave some to IJ for his bream ponds, and we will each put them to good use. —
I guess next time I should cut out the middleman and just mail them to you. Hope you have been catching a bunch of bluegill with them. Big Dale
Snip: Thanks a bunch for the whole series of reports. I wish I could have joined you all this year.
Make sure Indian Joe doesn’t keep the painting you won in the raffle! 
That is the one I use. However, it does not get any of the binary groups. So if you want to see the pretty pictures of the big Brook Trout that the guys have posted you’ll have to find another way.
Tera News (http://www.teranews.com/) gets binaries and allows posting. There’s a small one time fee to sign up and after that it’s free, but I haven’t found it to be that reliable – at least at that service level. There are other subscription rats that might be better. — Charlie…
again (3rd time so far!). I gave some to IJ for his bream ponds, and we will each put them to good use. — I guess next time I should cut out the middleman and just mail them to you. Hope you have been catching a bunch of bluegill with them.
Maybe that would be easier. <g When they announced what the next prize was going to be and I heard they were your flies, I just automatically got up and, sure enough, my number was drawn. — Charlie…
Snip: Thanks a bunch for the whole series of reports. I wish I could have joined you all this year. Make sure Indian Joe doesn’t keep the painting you won in the raffle!
Indian Joe replies–Will get the painting to Big Dale as promised–how about telling him some background of this artwork. Hope the frame Dale uses will hide the pinholes it has developed when attached to my wall while awaiting shipment.
Great reports Dave. I enjoyed every one. Darin
Darin, where were you this year?
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Rock Trout writes: <snip Hey, "Bouncer". LOL. He probably got you confused with Bruiser. Thanks, new friend, for all that you did to make it a great clave. I learned a lot by being in your boat for two days. I need your address so I can send the flag. Montana or Colorado? Send it by e-mail to Get rid of the pirate. Dave
With these reports, if they ever do HF again, most of ROFF will show up. Great job, old boy – see ya in a few weeks. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html
Wednesday, Day Four of the Clave My last day at the clave was spent alone. Jeffie, Charlie, and Joe invited me to fish the Madison, but I had chores to do. I would arrive home on Thursday and my wife’s birthday is on Friday. I needed to buy some gifts. I went to West Yellowstone to shop. Upon returning to the HF area, out of curiosity, I stopped at the dam. There was a drift boat and several guys wading at the pool directly below the dam. I parked in the put-in area and fished upstream. I immediately got into a nice bow of about 16 inches, using a fly Bruiser had tied for me. I fished for about an hour and landed another bow before leaving for lunch. After lunch I found an easy trail down to the Box Canyon, much better than the shear drop at the camp ground. It was tough wading because of a strong current and slippery rocks. I threw all the "favorites" without a strike, managing to lose several flies to rocks, and Bruisers special home brew to a tree! Damn! I remember Warren saying that a yellow stone fly works well in this water. Fortunately I had *one*. Within minutes I had a nice bow on, and then another. But, the current was getting to me. So, rather than do a complete Full Reid with a half twist, I carefully waded ashore and returned to my car. The water where Paul Morrison first put in for our first float seemed like a good spot to fish. So, I drove to the put-in and fished for another hour or so, releasing a couple of whitefish and one bow. It was a pretty good day considering I had no intention of fishing when I left the cabin. Some observations and conclusions: 1. The Isuzu Trooper ain’t a very good suv. Dan’l called it the Excuse You Pooper. <G 2. The roads in Idaho and Montana are very well maintained and can handle the posted high speeds (65 in Idaho, 70 in Montana). However, the rumble strips in Idaho are very close to the edge. If you fall asleep and the car runs over the strip, you will have just enough time to open your eyes before you hit the trees! <G 3. There are no children in Last Chance. 4. I never got to fish with Warren, RW, Bruiser, or Willi. Perhaps next time. 5. Paul Morrison and his wife Tammy are fun people. Tammy is an absolute sweetheart. These two kids are in love! I would have been lost without them. Paul is a great boatman and got Charlie, Joe and me into some nice fish. 6. John Hightower is a very talented man, easy going, and easy to like. He handled his handmade boat with ease (or so it seemed). His wife Linda is a sweetheart, can handle a fairly big land yacht, and makes wonderful coffee. Let’s do it again next year. I won’t worry about snow and cold weather, and I’ll rent a Toyota. Eat your heart out, Ken. You missed a good one. Thanks, Warren, Paul, John, and Jeffie. Dave
The big question is, Why use mono on pike?
For one thing, a level mono leader is about as simple as you can get. Also, mono is somewhat less visible than wire, which may be advantageous under *some* conditions (though pike, as a rule, aren’t exactly leader shy). Some proponents of mono say that it allows the fly better action in the water than wire. Mono also doesn’t kink like wire can. Big pike can thrash and roll enough to render wire a kinked, weakened mess in short order. On the other hand, wire has its advantages. 100% bite-proof, and cuts through weeds better than mono. Short wire shockers can aleviate the kinking issue to a degree. Each leader system has its merits, and the fishing situation is going to dictate which system is better at that time. I’ve got nothing against wire, and am *not* wed to level hard mono leaders either. I’ll rig up with whichever type of leader system I feel I need for the water, the size of fish expected, etc. P.S. I can see that if all your fish are 12-20 inches long, 20# mono is probably a 90% reliable connection. Why settle for 90% when 100% is easy? Why just expect to loose that occasional big fish?
Reynolds and Berryman in "Pike on the Fly" state that 25# *hard* mono level leaders served them in Canada to the tune of 400+ pike caught and released with ~4 bite-offs. That would imply an overall failure rate of about 1%, and I rather suspect that out of 400+ Canadian fish there were more than a few bigger than 12-20" "hammer handles". Yeah, the possibility exists to lose a big fish using a mono leader. Why would one use one then? Perhaps the same reason one would rig up with a 7x or 8x tippet for trout — they won’t take on a more visible leader. Are your odds of breaking off in that situation higher? You bet! Gotta go with what works for the particular situation. Todd
The big question is, Why use mono on pike? For one thing, a level mono leader is about as simple as you can get. Also, mono is somewhat less visible than wire, which may be advantageous under *some* conditions (though pike, as a rule, aren’t exactly leader shy). Some proponents of mono say that it allows the fly better action in the water than wire. Mono also doesn’t kink like wire can. Big pike can thrash and roll enough to render wire a kinked, weakened mess in short order.
Solid wire doesn’t have any of the shortcomings except possibly visibility. Do you have any experience with fish refusing a more visible leader and then taking the less visible leader? I’ve heard of this and seen it with other fish, but not with pike. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – On the other hand, wire has its advantages. 100% bite-proof, and cuts through weeds better than mono. Short wire shockers can aleviate the kinking issue to a degree. Each leader system has its merits, and the fishing situation is going to dictate which system is better at that time. I’ve got nothing against wire, and am *not* wed to level hard mono leaders either. I’ll rig up with whichever type of leader system I feel I need for the water, the size of fish expected, etc. P.S. I can see that if all your fish are 12-20 inches long, 20# mono is probably a 90% reliable connection. Why settle for 90% when 100% is easy? Why just expect to loose that occasional big fish? Reynolds and Berryman in "Pike on the Fly" state that 25# *hard* mono level leaders served them in Canada to the tune of 400+ pike caught and released with ~4 bite-offs. That would imply an overall failure rate of about 1%, and I rather suspect that out of 400+ Canadian fish there were more than a few bigger than 12-20" "hammer handles".
Surely they caught some big ones on the mono. It was after reading their book that I tried 30# hard mason on Great Slave Lake. I found the material was OK for 3 to 5 fish before I needed to retie. I caught a 24 1/2 pounder on that leader, though the leader was only about 5# strength after we released the fish. I also had a 5# fish bite me off clean on a fresh leader. After about 4 bite offs on about 40 fish I went back to wire. Yeah, the possibility exists to lose a big fish using a mono leader. Why would one use one then? Perhaps the same reason one would rig up with a 7x or 8x tippet for trout — they won’t take on a more visible leader. Are your odds of breaking off in that situation higher? You bet! Gotta go with what works for the particular situation.
Again, there’s a lot of experience out there that relates to selective and leader shy trout. Do you know of any such behavior in pike? I think the book on selective pike is as short as the one on German humor. Thanks, Chas
So, how many fish have you landed on a 20-30# mono leader without retying between fish? How big is the typical pike in the waters you fish? What sort of flies do you use (hook size, fly length?) I ask because I’ve had no success at all with mono leaders. I hear lots of people claim that mono is fine, so I’m looking for the difference that makes mono work for others. I must be missing a trick here somewhere. Thanks Chas
Must agree. I have never had any luck with mono leaders. Just a lot of bite offs. On the few occasions they have worked, it was necessary to replace them after every fish. No big deal, as mono is cheap enough, but a nuisance, and they are still unreliable. I use kevlar leaders. ( Unfortunately I have not been able to obtain any for a while, but I have a good supply). The "Kevsteel" leaders ( which is kevlar either braided with, or over, multi-strand wire) are available here; http://www.anglersupplyhouse.com/moser.html More info here; http://globalflyfisher.com/staff/verhaar/pike/tippets.php http://www.euro-fly.com/French_dossier/68_fils_pour_bas_de_ligne/e68_… materials.htm http://www.euro-fly.com/French_dossier/67_bas_de_ligne/e67_leaders.htm A couple of guys I know are using this; http://www.anglinguk.net/hostV4/Swiftys/Swiftys_Line_36.html And reckon it is good. TL MC
I believe that you carry Bad Mono Karma around with you, Chas. I had three bite-offs in one afternoon when I fished with you, and I reluctantly tied on some wire. That’s about as many bite-offs as I have had in the previous five years. Kevin
Dad Mono Karma? Seems to me the mono leaders go nuclear for me, maybe it’s MonoNuclearPisces or some such disease? Chas
…snip… I use kevlar leaders. ( Unfortunately I have not been able to obtain any for a while, but I have a good supply). The "Kevsteel" leaders ( which is kevlar either braided with, or over, multi-strand wire) are available here; http://www.anglersupplyhouse.com/moser.html
These would have the same kinking problems that other multi-strand wire has. More info here; http://globalflyfisher.com/staff/verhaar/pike/tippets.php
A great article. He says the kevlar leaders kink, I presume he’s talking abput the steel/kevlar, not pure kevlar. I’m 100% with him about the single strand wire. I do like the haywire twist better than his loop because the haywire loop won’t collapse under tension. http://www.euro-fly.com/French_dossier/68_fils_pour_bas_de_ligne/e68_… materials.htm
Has kevlar/steel, but no poure kevlar. http://www.euro-fly.com/French_dossier/67_bas_de_ligne/e67_leaders.htm
pretied tapered kevlar/steel leaders, no pure kevlar. A couple of guys I know are using this; http://www.anglinguk.net/hostV4/Swiftys/Swiftys_Line_36.html And reckon it is good.
This is a spectra fiber. The second fish I had hit on one of these leaders demolished it before he came back down to the water. That was 6 strands of 20# spectra braided together to make 120# strength. He sawed through it about two inches above the fly. I retired the rest of the leaders I’d braided right then. Thanks Mike, Chas
<SNIP A couple of guys I know are using this; http://www.anglinguk.net/hostV4/Swiftys/Swiftys_Line_36.html And reckon it is good. This is a spectra fiber. The second fish I had hit on one of these leaders demolished it before he came back down to the water. That was 6 strands of 20# spectra braided together to make 120# strength. He sawed through it about two inches above the fly. I retired the rest of the leaders I’d braided right then.
I have not yet tried it. I still have plenty of the kevlar leaders. I am keeping an eye out for alternatives though, as they will not last forever. As I said, I use the pure Kevlar leaders I was given quite a while ago. They don
Anyone here have any sage advice on how best to get a fly fishing club started? How would one go about applying to become a FFF club? Robert http:www.wwjournal.com WarmWater Fly Tying and Fishing Its there waiting for you!
I have started about 3-4 fly fishing clubs all of which are still going today in various parts of New Zealand. All I have done is obtained a suitable public venue, advertised at sporting goods stores and flyfishing shops and in the local newspaper. (keep receipts so the club can make reimbursement once established) At the first meeting just lead the way and conduct it like an AGM with an initial election of officers and away you go. Affiliation to the FFF is a grand idea but should probably wait until you have a committee or membership to make that decision. However more information can be obtained here… http://www.fedflyfishers.org Clark
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone here have any sage advice on how best to get a fly fishing club started? How would one go about applying to become a FFF club? Robert http:www.wwjournal.com WarmWater Fly Tying and Fishing Its there waiting for you!
Nice post and thanks for the info. a lurker, Ronald
first determine if you have enough people interested. Call a organizational meeting. Your local paper will probably carry the notice free. If you have enough interest Write other clubs for their by laws..modify for your club..put all of the power with the board of directors Register or incorporate in your state as soon as your formed..takes the liability off of the officers To keep peple interested you have to have a program or speaker at your meetings Becoming a FFF club just takes money…not too much though
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone here have any sage advice on how best to get a fly fishing club started? How would one go about applying to become a FFF club? Robert http:www.wwjournal.com WarmWater Fly Tying and Fishing Its there waiting for you!
FFGuy wrote 7) 3 liters of water, platypus with bite valve
Aside from being a furry little guy with a duck bill, what’s a platypus? — -dnc-
FFGuy wrote 7) 3 liters of water, platypus with bite valve Aside from being a furry little guy with a duck bill, what’s a platypus?
It’s a water bladder. Basically an extremely tough plastic bag with a tube and a valve that you bite down on to drink the water. As you can’t tell from my horrible description, they are a pretty cool invention. They are nearly indestructable, insulated, and can carry a relatively large amount of water conveniently. I use one (actually a generic equivalent) while fishing, hiking, biking, boarding, etc. Later, - Ken — "During my service in the United States Congress, I took the initiative in creating the Internet." - Al Gore
Here is my top ten Excluding Rod,Reel and Line 1 Flask of Coffee 2 Cheese Sandwiches 3 Cigars 4 Lighter 5 Bow Net 6 Sportsclip Tool 7 Solarshield Glasses 8 Gink 9 Floating Fly Box (inc flies) 10 Waders
I got into fly fishing during the last year. soon after my soon to be father-in-law became interested also. naturally we go fishing together. I bring every possible fishing gadget I can carry, He on the other hand is a brings a rod. I know I’m carrying 10 more pounds to the stream than he is. He takes every opportunity to point this out. This spring I plan to cut down on the number of tools I carry to the water. What are the 10 most important items you all would take to the water for a day a fly fishing?
Get an average sized fanny pack or a vest with only a few pockets, and then only take what you can fit in it. Limited carry capacity is great aid to self-discipline. Besides, you’ll look real neat and tidy to the daddy-in-law. Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.cgocable.net/~pcharles/index.html
I’ll assume you’re talking about fly fishing in a river/stream and about EQUIPMENT, not supplies. So here’s my list in order of importance: 1)Rod/Reel, 2)Vest, 3)Glasses or flip-focals(for seeing), 4)Waders, 5)Polarized sun glasses, 6)Hat. 7)Fanny Pack. Any other item I consider a supply and should fit into #2 or #7 above.
Just thought of a take-off on the saying Lee Wulff coined regarding C & R. "Limit what you carry. Don’t carry your limit!" What do you think?
8. Drying crystals (dessicant).
This has to be the least entrant for the top ten. — something bogus to avoid spam)
absorbent paper towels that are FREE in the service station work swell. Just squeeze the wet and hopefully chewed up and slimy fly with a piece of one and dress with Aequel or Daves bug Float or Blue Ribbon Super Dry Fly Float or SA dry fly floatant or Loon easy Dry or Hydrostop or Albolene and get back to fishing.
man, you’re slippin. you forgot GINK. you know, why go on the river with those lesser quality floatants when you can have the best. thats GINK, the best damn floatant your hard-earned money can buy. here, i’ll spell it out for you, G-I-N-K. i’ll share a little known roff secret with ya pal. the inventor of GINK is a once-in-a-blue-moon poster here at roff. if you ask him nicely, i’d bet my last dollar he would send you a complimentary bottle of GINK. waldo the omnipotent flytier and man about stream
i’d bet my last dollar he would send you a complimentary bottle …
I’ll take THAT bet. Think he’d send me one too ? The absolute best thing to use for drying a wet dry fly is an Amadou. Among the many semi-liquids, Dave’s Bug Float is the best. — Ken Fortenberry
8. Drying crystals (dessicant). This has to be the least entrant for the top ten.
Oops, that makes no sense. I meant to write the "least likely entrant." — something bogus to avoid spam)
Ten most important beside the obvious rod/reel/waders with belt: 1. Polarized shades. 2. Bill hat with flip down magnifiers. 3. Fly box with "hatches" in dries and nymphs. 4. Extra leader and 3 sizes of tippet depending on what kind of fishing. 5. Nippers. 6. Rain gear, preferably Goretex. 7. Wading staff. (Goes along with the flip down mags – I’m old) and water bottle. 8. Drying crystals (dessicant). 9. Hemostats. 10. Landing net. There has to be room also for a can of V-eye-eeeeena Sausages. Of course my list is like going through the express line at the super market — 10 items or less. And the woman behind me swears under her breath because I have 15. <G Dave LaCourse
License. Nothing worse than haveing to try some place to buy a license earl in the am for some dufuss that forgot to get one the night before. Drying crystals? Those neat blue and highly absorbent paper towels that are FREE in the service station work swell. Just squeeze the wet and hopefully chewed up and slimy fly with a piece of one and dress with Aequel or Daves bug Float or Blue Ribbon Super Dry Fly Float or SA dry fly floatant or Loon easy Dry or Hydrostop or Albolene and get back to fishing. Ten most important beside the obvious rod/reel/waders with belt:
snip 8. Drying crystals (dessicant).
snip Dave LaCourse
– Mike in PDX "When the trout are lost, smash the state." Tom McGuane
i’d bet my last dollar he would send you a complimentary bottle … I’ll take THAT bet. Think he’d send me one too ?
there’s another bet you’d lose, forty. george is among the most generous men i’ve ever met. it’s just that he will have a helluva time locating you, under all those damn rocks. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -The absolute best thing to use for drying a wet dry fly is an Amadou. Among the many semi-liquids, Dave’s Bug Float is the best. — Ken Fortenberry
george is among the most generous men i’ve ever met. it’s just that he will have a helluva time locating you, under all those damn rocks.
A most generous spammer is still a spammer. Your thing with the rocks is tiresome. Surely a wisecracking wiseacre of your prodigious abilities can do better than to repeat yourself to the point of self parody. — Ken Fortenberry
1. rod, reel & line (duh..) 2. flybox. 1 wheatley(model) should do if you know the water 3. sunglasses 4. pliers 5. some float & sink stuff 6. leaders & extra tippet material 7. hat 8. net 9. raincoat 10. basic first aid And now it’s time to take my own advice.. Cheers, Herman I got into fly fishing during the last year. soon after my soon to be father-in-law became interested also. naturally we go fishing together. I bring every possible fishing gadget I can carry, He on the other hand is a brings a rod. I know I’m carrying 10 more pounds to the stream than he is. He takes every opportunity to point this out. This spring I plan to cut down on the number of tools I carry to the water. What are the 10 most important items you all would take to the water for a day a fly fishing?
– Cheers, Herman Herman Nijland Daytime webmaster Lifetime flyfisher
Be sure to have a couple of the Holdzit Tool Saver holsters and a gink holder dangling from your vest. The Tool Saver will keep your hook file and forcepts rust free and your gink handy. Check the Holdzit Fishing Products site out at http://www.holdzit.com Sharp Hooks, Pat I got into fly fishing during the last year. soon after my soon to be father-in-law became interested also. naturally we go fishing together. I bring every possible fishing gadget I can carry, He on the other hand is a brings a rod. I know I’m carrying 10 more pounds to the stream than he is. He takes every opportunity to point this out. This spring I plan to cut down on the number of tools I carry to the water. What are the 10 most important items you all would take to the water for a day a fly fishing?
I am a beliver in keeping things simple and light. Here is what I pack: 1. One fly box with drys and nymphs combined. If I loose that many flys then I should proceed back to camp and have a beer to forget about the crappy day fishing. 2. Leader/tippet material. 3. Fishing hat- it’s tradition. 4. First aid kit/ thermal blanket 5. Rod/reel 6. Snack for emergency situations. 7. clippers.
What are the 10 most important items you all would take to the water for a day a fly fishing?
1) Camera 2) A book 3) Some Flies 4) Rod -n- reel 5) Tippet -n- leader 6) Nailclippers 7) Water 
Munchies 9) T.P. 10) Polarized sunglasses!!! Later, - Ken — "During my service in the United States Congress, I took the initiative in creating the Internet." - Al Gore
1. Consolidated fly box 2. polarized sunglasses 3. tippet material 4. various sized split shot 5. rod 6. reel 7. fly floatant 10. waders if you really want to travel light, these are all you need (I didn’t include "vest", because everything fits inside it.). items 9, and 10 might be: 9. camera 10. strike indicators Pete C
I got into fly fishing during the last year. soon after my soon to be father-in-law became interested also. naturally we go fishing together. I bring every possible fishing gadget I can carry, He on the other hand is a brings a rod. I know I’m carrying 10 more pounds to the stream than he is. He takes every opportunity to point this out. This spring I plan to cut down on the number of tools I carry to the water. What are the 10 most important items you all would take to the water for a day a fly fishing?
Required-rod reel line leader/tippet flies. Extras-spare tippet material, swiss army knife (in belt sheath), spare leaders, camera, net, vest, soap, towel, pliers(needle nosed). Of coarse variations due to water fished and locale are to be considered, for instance in some of the areas I frequent I carry a side arm due to the over abundance of cotton mouths. I probably carry an over abundance of flies unless I’ve been there the day before and conditions haven’t changed. Bear in mind That I fish Florida waters from the bank where snags are a given and fish for bream and bass so there are times when rod/reel selection changes. John Popp in Sanford Fl.
I feel I show up a little light, I have desired but have never needed more stuff. My vest is packed with the following: 1) 4 fly boxes, each holds 90 flys 2) 3 tippet spools 3) # 6 split shot 4) 4 spare tapered leaders varying length and weight 5) Hemostats 6) Nippers, keeps the dentist off my back 7) 3 liters of water, platypus with bite valve Toilet paper, keeps skid marks to a minimum 9) Gink, keeps George happy 10) Bug net Plus the required stuff wide brim hat, waders, boots, Rod/Reel and a good attitude Al Simpson – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What are the 10 most important items you all would take to the water for a day a fly fishing?
I know I’m carrying 10 more pounds to the stream than he is. He takes every opportunity to point this out. This spring I plan to cut down on the number of tools I carry to the water.
I suggest you just cut down on the number of soon to be father in laws. — Ken Fortenberry
I got into fly fishing during the last year. soon after my soon to be father-in-law became interested also. naturally we go fishing together. I bring every possible fishing gadget I can carry, He on the other hand is a brings a rod. I know I’m carrying 10 more pounds to the stream than he is. He takes every opportunity to point this out. This spring I plan to cut down on the number of tools I carry to the water. What are the 10 most important items you all would take to the water for a day a fly fishing?
I got into fly fishing during the last year. soon after my soon to be father-in-law became interested also. naturally we go fishing together. I bring every possible fishing gadget I can carry, He on the other hand is a brings a rod. I know I’m carrying 10 more pounds to the stream than he is. He takes every opportunity to point this out. This spring I plan to cut down on the number of tools I carry to the water. What are the 10 most important items you all would take to the water for a day a fly fishing?
don’t know that i would take that many items, but i’ll just start listing: 1. small box of flies, about a dozen dries, maybe six or eight nymphs. patterns would vary, depending upon weather, time of year, stream chosen. 2. fingernail clippers 3. couple extra leaders 4. couple spools of tippet material 5. gink 6. hook forcepts, or whatever you call them 7. strike indicators 8. lightweight knife 9. can of tuna and some mustard, plastic utensils 10. olympus compact 35mm camera well, i’ll be damned. there were ten items. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –
I do alot of backpacking in NM. As in most of my trips I try to hit a lake, any lake small, big, it does not matter. Every time I go I see fish that are worth catching! I’m looking for gear that is lite, compactable and tha does no take up room. Any ideas?
Drew, 3-6pc flyrods are a hot market….Scott, Sage, Winston..etc. I’ve probably left out a half-dozen brands… Nice rods out there…that CAN be packed small. have fun, steve d.
I do alot of backpacking in NM. As in most of my trips I try to hit a lake, any lake small, big, it does not matter. Every time I go I see fish that are worth catching! I’m looking for gear that is lite, compactable and tha does no take up room. Any ideas?
I just disassemble (2 pieces) my 5-foot Daiwa lightweight (8-10 lb test) rod, remove the reel (my favorite lucky Shimano Maglight baitcaster), stuff the 2 rod lengths in my tentpole bag, stored in a vertical pouch on the side of my Camp Trails Wilderness frame pack. The reel goes in the pack along with a small Plano lurebox. The pole lengths are about 8-10 inches longer than the tentpoles so they extend that much above the pack, though they’re protected along the back frame and behind whatever rolled gear (tent, bag, pad) is packed on top of the pack. Always ready to fish, Dave
Try a four piece "Pack Rod", they are most popular for flyfishing. You can pack them in a 2 foot tube and strap it to your pack frame. A reel and a few flies dont weigh much and take up very little space. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I do alot of backpacking in NM. As in most of my trips I try to hit a lake, any lake small, big, it does not matter. Every time I go I see fish that are worth catching! I’m looking for gear that is lite, compactable and tha does no take up room. Any ideas? I do a lot of fishing from my kayak. I have a collapsible telescoping pole…goes down to 14 inches long. While i’d imagine this would break if i caught Walter (any fish over 4 LBS), i have landed a 2.5 LB German Brown. Has a spinning reel. I also have two Plano plastic lure organizers. One is for bass, while the other is for trout. Though, i could easily compact them into one box if needed. I keep everything in creel. Though i could get along with the pole, reel, one lure box, and pliers.
I do alot of backpacking in NM. As in most of my trips I try to hit a lake, any lake small, big, it does not matter. Every time I go I see fish that are worth catching! I’m looking for gear that is lite, compactable and tha does no take up room. Any ideas?
I do alot of backpacking in NM. As in most of my trips I try to hit a lake, any lake small, big, it does not matter. Every time I go I see fish that are worth catching! I’m looking for gear that is lite, compactable and tha does no take up room. Any ideas?
I do a lot of fishing from my kayak. I have a collapsible telescoping pole…goes down to 14 inches long. While i’d imagine this would break if i caught Walter (any fish over 4 LBS), i have landed a 2.5 LB German Brown. Has a spinning reel. I also have two Plano plastic lure organizers. One is for bass, while the other is for trout. Though, i could easily compact them into one box if needed. I keep everything in creel. Though i could get along with the pole, reel, one lure box, and pliers.
I remember reading that at an FFF conclave in Alberta, the keynote speaker, Lefty, was nearly late because he had been out on the river giving casting lessons to some kid he had met. I too have not been impressed with all the folks trying to make a buck on the sport I love, and would not give lefty a dime for his web site–however, the story I read leads me to believe that his heart may be in the right spot. Eric Oden Boise
I think that lots of people in the fly fishing world are very talented but only the good guys like Lefty get popular with the public. When they hire him to work at a sport show they are getting a bargain. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY
I remember reading that at an FFF conclave in Alberta, the keynote speaker, Lefty, was nearly late because he had been out on the river giving casting lessons to some kid he had met. I too have not been impressed with all the folks trying to make a buck on the sport I love, and would not give lefty a dime for his web site–however, the story I read leads me to believe that his heart may be in the right spot. Eric Oden Boise
Any ideas on shad fishing in the Columiba River would be appreciated. Thanks! K Lawson
Any ideas on shad fishing in the Columiba River would be appreciated. Thanks! K Lawson
My father in law uses a white jig or maybe its a small white fly. I didn’t go and it was 5 years ago or so when he told me. He fishes by McNary dam I think it is, downstream of the dam. Nice size fish I saw them, but I personally haven’t fished for shad. Tight lines.
The guys at Marriott’s Shop in Fullerton have had some advice on So.Cal. saltwater chances in the past. Their telephone is 714-525-1827. Address is 2700 West Orangethorpe.Last time I was in there they had a stack of orange and grey flies designed to immitate some sort of surf crab. They will also, of course, recommend King Harbor. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am interested in saltwater fly fishing in the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara area in early March. Are there stripers in the aqeduct and how does one get access? Is there any beach fishing and wading? What fish and what flies. Thanks King Harbor at Redondo Beach can be good at that time. Rent a skiff from Rocky Point marine and throw deceivers or other anchovy-like flies on fast sinking shooting heads for bonito and calico bass. Let me know if you need more info. John Woodling Sacramento, CA
While we are at salt water fly fishing, what is a salt water fly like? I have some idea of fresh water fly fishing, but knows absolutely nothing about salt water fly fishing. Obviously, at least seems to me, something like the little fresh water flies will not attract too many fish, at least nothing big. If you do use something bigger or heavier, then you can’t really call it a fly any more, can you? Do you still use a fly reel? I am not a fly fisherman, but I am interested in any kind of fishing, just haven’t gotten to fly fishing yet. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -King Harbor at Redondo Beach can be good at that time. Rent a skiff from Rocky Point marine and throw deceivers or other anchovy-like flies on fast sinking shooting heads for bonito and calico bass. Let me know if you need more info. John Woodling Sacramento, CA
I am interested in saltwater fly fishing in the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara area in early March. Are there stripers in the aqeduct and how does one get access? Is there any beach fishing and wading? What fish and what flies. Thanks
I am interested in saltwater fly fishing in the Los Angeles and Santa Barbara area in early March. Are there stripers in the aqeduct and how does one get access? Is there any beach fishing and wading? What fish and what flies. Thanks
King Harbor at Redondo Beach can be good at that time. Rent a skiff from Rocky Point marine and throw deceivers or other anchovy-like flies on fast sinking shooting heads for bonito and calico bass. Let me know if you need more info. John Woodling Sacramento, CA
And you *KNOW* that I’m kidding, right ? (Witness winking mustacheoed smily poacher symbol). Shoot man…sometimes I’ll tie a GLO-Bug AND a Streamer on…I’m no purist. That’s for damn sure. Tim Walker
: : Is it flyfishing? : : Nope, it’s poaching, pure and simple…;{) : Tim Walker : This is an interesting responce, because ole Tim recently wrote : to me, and asked for some samples of soft-bodied flies. I sent Tim a : fly or two, plus a few small samples of (soft foam) tying supplies. : So if the use of foam flies constitutes poaching, it seems to me, : Tim is either a poacher at heart, or he should come : clean now, and feed that foam I sent him to the shredder! : And beg forgiveness. You can’t have it both ways! : For what it’s worth–from my point of view–fishing with homemade : foam-bodied flies is good sport. IE not poaching. All I did was : invent a new fly that works like no other. Just because foam flies : are odor sponges that end up smelling like the last fish you caught, : doesn’t equate to evil in my view, it only means they work better. : —
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Is it flyfishing? Nope, it’s poaching, pure and simple…;{) Tim Walker This is an interesting responce, because ole Tim recently wrote to me, and asked for some samples of soft-bodied flies. I sent Tim a fly or two, plus a few small samples of (soft foam) tying supplies. So if the use of foam flies constitutes poaching, it seems to me, Tim is either a poacher at heart, or he should come clean now, and feed that foam I sent him to the shredder! And beg forgiveness. You can’t have it both ways! For what it’s worth–from my point of view–fishing with homemade foam-bodied flies is good sport. IE not poaching. All I did was invent a new fly that works like no other. Just because foam flies are odor sponges that end up smelling like the last fish you caught, doesn’t equate to evil in my view, it only means they work better. —
Here is a meaningful way to get back on Tim. You should send out a fly or two, plus all those soft foam tying supplies to everyone on this newsgroup. Sounds good, huh? my mailing address is …. steve
: : Is it flyfishing? : : Nope, it’s poaching, pure and simple…;{) : : Tim Walker : Tim, can you elaborate a little. Sometime, I am not sure : that you are serious or joking. : : Thi Nguyen Thi, Unless Tim starts out with "No Sh_t, this really happened", or some such jest disclaimer, you can usually assume he’s only joking. Right Tim? :-) Bryan
writes: I guess it’s fly fisheng in that you are casting and the weight of line line, not the weight of the lure is making the cast. I use lots of foam poppers & synthetics in salt water and never question whether it’s fly fishing or not…..
I not so sure about this. I’ve seen guys fishing for steelhead with leadcore shooting heads about five feet long followed by mono running line. When they cast it is very similar to casting a spinning rig without the reel. I’ll bet they could cast just as well with a bunch of split shot on the running line without the shooting head. Might as well use a spinning reel and save all the tangles.
: Is it flyfishing? Nope, it’s poaching, pure and simple…;{) Tim Walker
This is an interesting responce, because ole Tim recently wrote to me, and asked for some samples of soft-bodied flies. I sent Tim a fly or two, plus a few small samples of (soft foam) tying supplies. So if the use of foam flies constitutes poaching, it seems to me, Tim is either a poacher at heart, or he should come clean now, and feed that foam I sent him to the shredder! And beg forgiveness. You can’t have it both ways! For what it’s worth–from my point of view–fishing with homemade foam-bodied flies is good sport. IE not poaching. All I did was invent a new fly that works like no other. Just because foam flies are odor sponges that end up smelling like the last fish you caught, doesn’t equate to evil in my view, it only means they work better. —
: : Is it flyfishing? : Nope, it’s poaching, pure and simple…;{) : Tim Walker : Tim, can you elaborate a little. Sometime, I am not sure : that you are serious or joking. : Thi Nguyen Ok Thi…my apologies…I’ll try to elaborate… …and Carlos looks up at the old man and asks "Was I *REALLY* Fly Fishing Don Juan ?" And Don looks at him, making sure that their eyes met and he says, "Carlos, do you think that you have been Fly Fishing ? and Carlos nods and the old man continues, "then certainly you must have been." And then the old man catches a glimpse of the Pittendrigh Special and asks "Carlos, is this what you were using ?" and again Carlos nods and the Old man says "c’mon carlos, lets go get a corona and you can tell me again about the big brown" Excepted with permission by the author from : "The Teachings of Tim Walker, a Tacqui Way of Knowledge" Tim Walker
You still (mostly) tie the material on the hook. I have seen some ‘flies’ for salt water than don’t even do that, molded epoxy baitfish and such, and holding them up next to a spin- ning lure I fail to see much difference. I don’t like the idea much and don’t use these for pretty much the same reason I don’t buy a box of ‘Flying Lures’ and use those with my 9 weight.
… not to mention, a spinning rod would work better for tossing a Flying Lure. — -Wayne Trzyna
I guess it’s fly fisheng in that you are casting and the weight of line line, not the weight of the lure is making the cast. I use lots of foam poppers & synthetics in salt water and never question whether it’s fly fishing or not. The scent part, however, does disturb me. I’ve read several articles lately about people scenting flies like this, or in chum, or in bluefish blood, etc. To me the satisfaction in fly fishing comes from fooling the fish into taking an artificial I tied and properly presented. Scenting a fly would somehow diminish, no eliminate that for me. It’s too close to putting a piece of bait on the end of my fly. Just my .02 john cloyd
| | There is no question that the meaning of the word "fly" has taken | on a life of its own within the fly fishing community. There was | a time when a fly was a lure which imitated a fly. The technique | of propelling that fly developed into the sport we are familiar | with, but it is the technique, not the lure which we now rely on | to define our sport. There are hundreds of "modern flies" which | would never be confused with an insect. I think of | egg-sucking-leaches, moose turds, BC Bombers, green-butt skunks | and many others which any fly fisher would readily concede is | designed to catch fish using fly fishing gear. Even the | venerable royal coachman is a lure-type fly. Are we really being | true to the spirit of the sport in stretching the definition so | broadly? Have we lost something of the sport in expanding the | definitions? | | I ask only rhetorically, but am interested in the thoughts of | others on this subject. Are there fly fishers among us so pure | as to fish only imitations of natural flies? Is the sport a | different experience when we use lures with fly gear? | | — To me the old rules of fly fishing are kind of like 200 year old laws; in many principles they’re still applicable, but they have to grow with the times. If fly fishing stopped with the brown trout I could see using only dry flies that imitated insects. But horizons expand. Bluefish have no interest in even the most beautifully tied blue winged olive, nor I’d guess would a pike. So we have to invent flies that meet these new challenges. I think it’s the same spirit that led to lifelike imitations of mayflies or even the creation of some of the more gaudy salmon flies, however. You still (mostly) tie the material on the hook. I have seen some ‘flies’ for salt water than don’t even do that, molded epoxy baitfish and such, and holding them up next to a spin- ning lure I fail to see much difference. I don’t like the idea much and don’t use these for pretty much the same reason I don’t buy a box of ‘Flying Lures’ and use those with my 9 weight. john cloyd
Can you post on how to tie?
Phew! Sure got a lot of requests for tying intructions on this one. Foam streamers are new for me, and I haven’t settled on a best way to make them yet. Originally, I started making them as "tube" flies. I got some thin, flexible polyethelene tubing from the chemistry supplies window at my local Univ. Then I Roughed-up the outside of the tubing with sandpaper, and then glued a lump of lead-wraps at one end. Then Inserted a stainless steel wire, into the tubing, to make a temporary mandrel to work on, and then inserted the works into a (slit) blank of common (tan colored) packing foam. Then rolled the works up in nylon-net "spawn sack." (spawn sack is sold at bait shops for wrapping salmon eggs). Then tied off both ends with thread. Then used "GlueNWash" (a water based, flexible, water-proof cement sold at sewing stores) to glue on a Mataka-like wing. And that was that. To fish it, push the leader down the tube, and tie on a hook. But now it gets easier. To hell with the tube. Cut a foam blank. Slit one end just enough to receive a slightly flattened split shot. Roll the works up in spawn sack. Wrap the ends shut with thread. Set the thread with a drop of Flexament. Cut a length of 10lb test mono. Snell a hook in the middle. Then tie a second hook on, with improved clinch knot, to make a tandem hook arrangement, with hooks just far enuf apart to match the ends of the streamer. Use thread to lash the front hook to the front end of the foam-nylon-net lump. Just poke the rear hook thru the rear end of the foam. Glue on a Matuka wing or two. (Use fabric cement). Tie your leader directly to the eye of the front hook. They’re fast and easy to tie. And catch fish like crazy. Plus, you’ll get 2,3,4 bumps/hit! When was the last time that happened, while fly fishing? Or is it fly fishing? —
I say your are definitely flyfishing. How do tie the fly ? Can you post it again please. Thank you, Thi Nguyen
Can you post on how to tie?
Is it flyfishing? A few weeks ago I posted instructions for making soft-bodied streamers–made from open-cell foam wrapped in "spawn-sack" nylon netting. I’ve had some pretty remarkable fishing with these things. Because they’re soft, fish don’t spit them out right away, and even come back to hit them a second or third time, if you don’t get the fish hooked right away. Stranger yet, I couldn’t help noticing that foam streamers seem to work better as you use them. That is, after you catch the first fish, the second fish hits sooner than the first, and then the third fish even quicker yet. It finally dawned on me what was going on. So last weekend, while fishing the Yellowstone, I held a foam streamer under a fish I had in the net, and squeezed the foam body of the streamer as the fish dripped its slimy juices onto the fly. Sure enough, I caught another fish almost right away, and then another, etc. Foam streamers, it turns out, are odor sponges. And the more they smell, the better they work. That this is a hot-damn fly is not a question. Foam streamers are the deadliest flies I have ever tied and fished with. But is using them still fly fishing? And does it really matter anyway? ….just wondering….. ? —
There is no question that the meaning of the word "fly" has taken on a life of its own within the fly fishing community. There was a time when a fly was a lure which imitated a fly. The technique of propelling that fly developed into the sport we are familiar with, but it is the technique, not the lure which we now rely on to define our sport. There are hundreds of "modern flies" which would never be confused with an insect. I think of egg-sucking-leaches, moose turds, BC Bombers, green-butt skunks and many others which any fly fisher would readily concede is designed to catch fish using fly fishing gear. Even the venerable royal coachman is a lure-type fly. Are we really being true to the spirit of the sport in stretching the definition so broadly? Have we lost something of the sport in expanding the definitions? I ask only rhetorically, but am interested in the thoughts of others on this subject. Are there fly fishers among us so pure as to fish only imitations of natural flies? Is the sport a different experience when we use lures with fly gear? —
To me, when ever you fish with a fly rod and fly line, you are flyfishing, regardless what you tied at the end of the line. For sure, I am not a purist. And I don’t want to be one. Cheers, Thi Nguyen
: Is it flyfishing? Nope, it’s poaching, pure and simple…;{) Tim Walker
: Is it flyfishing? Nope, it’s poaching, pure and simple…;{) Tim Walker
Tim, can you elaborate a little. Sometime, I am not sure that you are serious or joking. Thi Nguyen
Hi All, I have seen a lot of messages regarding the "New" lines, with all the technical barrage of comments about how and what it is made of. Not to flame anyone of these guys, but it sounded like none of them have used them. A lot of
OK, you asked for it I’ve been using Web Wizard (loosely braided Dyneema line) in both 0.08 and 0.10 mm diameter (8x and 7x), as fly tippets. And no, I don’t like it; I went back to Tectan premium monofil nylon. Reasons: – Web Wizard, as, as I understand, all Dyneema lines, is white. Very white. Of course I could take a felt pen and dye it, but still… – It is loosely braided, frays easily and is, as far as my limited experience goes, easily damaged by abrasion (as in: snagged lines from casting into a tree instead of towards the water ) – I don’t ‘believe’ the stated diameter, especially since the braid is flat; if you take a micrometer (or high precision caliper (?)), you’ll probably measure what is advertised as the diameter, IF you measure the narrow dimension, but even that is because you’re measuring UNDER ‘PRESSURE’. My 0.12 mm Tectan looks a lot thinner that the 0.10 mm Web Wizard. – It is limp. Now for fishing small nymphs this might be OK, but tying these small nymphs to the tippet is another story entirely (and yes, I know about threaders). Too much frustration at the waterside. As I said, I’m back at Tectan. | Research Institute of Toxicology | | | Environmental Toxicology Section | phone: +31 30 535338 | | Utrecht University, the Netherlands | fax: +31 30 535077 |
Hi All, I have seen a lot of messages regarding the "New" lines, with all the technical barrage of comments about how and what it is made of. Not to flame anyone of these guys, but it sounded like none of them have used them. A lot of posts sayin they did or did not like them. We’ll some comments from someone who has used them and some viable comments. I have been using the Fenwick Iron thread and the Spiderwire. 1)The 20 lb Spiderwire is flat. When the wind blows, it blows your line like a sail. (when I cast it I put my rod tip in the water immediately in order to "sink" the line) 2)The eye on the rod just after the reel (used for holding lure) continuosly gets wrapped by the line, while casting. (I have cut these off on some rods) 3)You must look at your line before casting (with wind blowing it is constantly wrapping line around the last eye or two. 4)If you hang on a limb or branch, you might as well go and get it. Most of the time the line will not flip off of it and will wrap even worse. 5)The action on top water lures is a little different. I try to sink my line before twitching the lure. 6)The 35lb spiderwire seems to be more round and is better on the above lines, but I have come across a snag, literally. I was constantly getting backlashes and thought it was casting into the wind. I changed directions and still had a problem. I pulled out all my line to find a very small fray (imperfection in the line) causing it grab the next line in the spool and backlashing. 7)I have been using the recommended Polymar knot. Still I have snapped off several lures during casting. (I have found that if tying a Polymar while the line is dry will give you a tighter knot), also after cutting the line after tying the knot as cigarette or match will clean up the fray. The fenwick iron thread 30lb. has proven to be a much better line. A little larger in line diameter makes tying knots easier (don’t seem to slip as much) Doesn’t seem to fly loose in the wind like the spider wire. One additional comment on both lines: They are very sensitive and have not any frayed lines or nicks from horsing fish in around and among fish. Have not tried other braided lines, I just wanted to try the best!