Question:

Is there any web, catalog or other reliable source for fly fishing and/or fly tying supplies? Ebay is becoming chancy at best(I always lose the euipement I want at the last minute)! Thanks for any help.

You should check out Hook & Hackle at hookhack.com. When you order from their web site, you get 20% off of listed prices, and free shipping with an order over $200. They care for the customer, and if you have a problem with an order, they set it right. They have fly fishing, fly tying and rod building gear at normal prices as well as web specials, but when you factor in the 20% off, they can’t be beat (and I’m a real cheapskate!). ie: Loomis IMX blanks at list price, but they give you free components, about a $50 value.

Response:

Is there any web, catalog or other reliable source for fly fishing and/or fly tying supplies? Ebay is becoming chancy at best(I always lose the euipement I want at the last minute)! Thanks for any help.

Response:

Is there any web, catalog or other reliable source for fly fishing and/or fly tying supplies?

http://www.ezflyfish.com/ http://www.cabelas.com/ (also has a fly fishing catalog) http://www.orvis.com/ http://www.basspro-shops.com/ in that order, IMHO. — HTH, Tim

Response:

Is there any web, catalog or other reliable source for fly fishing and/or fly tying supplies? Ebay is becoming chancy at best(I always lose the euipement I want at the last minute)! Thanks for any help.

    Frank,          Internet Outdoors has some good prices…I bought my float tube on sale from Cabella’s and afterwards I saw that Internet Outdoors was $20 cheaper!  They are dedicated to other sports as well as fishing, also.  Check them out.  Here is the address… http://www.shopoutdoors.com/

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Question:

Give it a break Ken.

Response:

Xref: news-feed.riddles.org.uk rec.outdoors.fishing.fly:48523 Xref: ratbert.tds.net rec.outdoors.fishing.fly:183077 … Kind of like poking a dog with a stick and then complaining about how nasty he is. More like poking a pile of dog shit and then complaining about the smell. — Ken Fortenberry

_______  You and I will meet one day, face to face. — Mr.G http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html

Response:

Some of the fellows in this group will try to goad Mr. G into a rant and then spend weeks talking about it. Kind of like poking a dog with a stick and then complaining about how nasty he is.

LOL, I’ve learned. Regards, Jeff

Response:

Faeces to faeces? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – More like poking a pile of dog shit and then complaining about the smell. — Ken Fortenberry _______  You and I will meet one day, face to face. — Mr.G http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html

– Cheers, Herman Herman Nijland Daytime webmaster Lifetime flyfisher

Response:

Some of the fellows in this group will try to goad Mr. G into a rant and then spend weeks talking about it. Kind of like poking a dog with a stick and then complaining about how nasty he is.       Jim

In your opinion, FWIW. — Charlie…

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Faeces to faeces?

        we have yet another nomination for european post of the year! wayno

Response:

What in th’ world?  Is this testing actually necessary?

Many have wondered whether this news group is necessary.  I am working on the definitive answer.  Will keep you posted.      

Response:

Got May issue of Fly Fisherman today and the ad on page 11 looked like Walt tryingto guide me up Wilson’s Creek last fall.  Know its not Pamlico Jim as he would be running.  Picture on Page 53 shows spot where I camped for three days last summer. Rocks were not slippery, and no rododendums got in mnto my fly.  I enjoyed both and plan to attend both eastern and Western claves this manhattens.   No I do not plan to play tennis or get drunk.  Indian Joe  Wilmington N.C.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Xref: news-feed.riddles.org.uk rec.outdoors.fishing.fly:48523 Xref: ratbert.tds.net rec.outdoors.fishing.fly:183077 … Kind of like poking a dog with a stick and then complaining about how nasty he is. More like poking a pile of dog shit and then complaining about the smell. — Ken Fortenberry _______  You and I will meet one day, face to face.

More like his ass and your face, George.  ;)

Response:

I have many Tom Thumbs. Got introduced to it in British Columbia. Hook: 8 to 16, fine wire Tail: Deer hair ends Body: Deer hair is tied in at the tail with butt ends. The thin ends of the deer hair are pulled forward to form a sheath body and tied off at the head. Deer hair is then spread up or around to form a hackle. Light grizzly hackle can be added as a variation, but I usually do not. If you use thicker tying thread for this fly it is more durable. You may tie it up from bend of the hook to get better hhoking qualities. Data: The major dry fly of British Columbia lakes from sedges to tiny chironomids. Regards from Montreal John Brkich

Response:

Some of the fellows in this group will try to goad Mr. G into a rant and then spend weeks talking about it. Kind of like poking a dog with a stick and then complaining about how nasty he is.        Jim * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

… Kind of like poking a dog with a stick and then complaining about how nasty he is.

More like poking a pile of dog shit and then complaining about the smell. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Albolene, Albolene, Best floating fly That I’ve ever seen Put away the gink and try My Albolene, sweet Albolene, My Albolene. test test test   test test test   test test test      —–  Posted via NewsOne.Net: Free Usenet News via the Web  —–      —–  http://newsone.net/ —  Discussions on every subject. —–    NewsOne.Net prohibits users from posting spam.  If this or other posts

What in th’ world?  Is this testing actually necessary?     Meroli

Response:

Check out the following sites. The Tom Thumb is my favorite dry fly.

Looks interesting, yet I’ve never heard of it.  Probably floats well – the first "deer hair hackle" fly I’ve seen (not counting Muddler Minnows, etc. of course).  Presents a bit of a mayfly look, bit of a beetle look.  Strange, but maybe it works. Regards, Jeff

Response:

Huh…Been using this for years on Bluegills….didn’t know it had a name. Color does not seem important, gray to brown, all are effective. It seems that the more the fish chew it up the better it works. jim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Check out the following sites. The Tom Thumb is my favorite dry fly. http://www.virtualkamloops.net/bcfff/thumb.htm http://www.sportfishingbc.com/tom_thumb.htm Has no one heard of the Tom thumb no fly box should be without a few . hard to tie but deadly!! Tom Thumb fly?  Where can I find instructions?     Meroli — http://home.earthlink.net/~vicbrockett

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – _____  Some have asked some more questions about how I tie my Adams and if I can tell them more about it.  Well, I forgot to mention that the tails are salt and peppered and I use either dark Cree or Red along with a few fibers of Griz.  It is important that one uses the stiff, shiny barbs that best can be found out he largest Saddle Hackles possible. I tie all my Adams between size #20 to size 12 and only sometimes do I go to size 10’s as an attracter pattern because by that time I’m reaching for a Gray Wulff. I’m very fortunate to have personal autographed Hoffman Rooster Necks and Saddles to tie with.  But I do wish I had longer fibers than what these prime #1’s and #2’s I have for the whole collection are stiff and even and prime.  I use nothing but four hackle tips for the Adams does not imitate a dipteria two winged insect of any kind.  Then again, we know trout can’t count either.  They may not possess logic as we know it but they are conditioned to patterns and four wing tips is a definite difference than a two winged looking offering.  They don’t reason it, they just know it. I use fine, black thread and the finest wire hooks I can find.  Barbless hooks are preferred because of the number of trout that can be caught on any given day.  Stripped to one dry fly to use, it would always be the Adams for me and for the nymph the Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear. I also tie a Yellow Adams using a light yellow thread and dark red rooster tails.  The wings are still 4 Griz Hackle tips, divided and upright sticking a little beyond the diameter of the hackles upon completion.  The entire body is yellow and thinly dressed. This fly can be taken for a mayfly cahill dun just leaving the water and headed for the bushes to moat one more time to become an egg laying spinner.  To imagine that mayflies spend a whole year to prepare for the last three days of life to mate makes me realize how important it is to be prepared for those last three days of life and Matching the Hatch. There is a trick I learned on the Henry’s Fork one day about 20 years ago.  Everyone was having moderate success but not like it should be. Everyone in the area was using teeny dry flies or emergers.  I tied on a big Gray Wulff and suddenly I was not matching the hatch at all but I certainly was always into a fish for the next three hours.  Sometimes a large #10 Adams will do just that.  Rebel and try the ridiculous sometimes and for some reason the light comes on for the trout.  It may not be the right size but it has to be the right colors.  Adams seem to do that. — Mr.G http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html

Response:

Has no one heard of the Tom thumb no fly box should be without a few . hard to tie but deadly!!

Tom Thumb fly?  Where can I find instructions?     Meroli

Response:

… I’m very fortunate to have personal autographed Hoffman Rooster Necks and Saddles to tie with. But I do wish I had longer fibers than what these prime #1’s and #2’s I have for the whole collection are stiff and even and prime…

For hackling flies, those Hoffman saddles are hard to beat, but for hackle fiber tails, bass bug hackle, streamer wings, and so forth, it’s nice to have a few Metz saddles (not microbarb) at the bench. I recently got a great deal on some bulk saddles at a local fly shop (3 for $5!!), that are being turned into pike streamers. I love my Hoffmans, but they just aren’t up to the job. Also, for anyone who like barbless hooks, consider getting a small pair of needlenose pliers. There’s a much wider variety of both flies and hooks in the barbed variety, all of which are easily debarbed with the pliers. BTW, some of the nicest brookies I’ve caught have been on yellow-bodied flies. I didn’t notice any yellow naturals around, but the fish never seemed to care, so neither did I (g). — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyo Before you buy.

Response:

… I’m very fortunate to have personal autographed Hoffman Rooster Necks and Saddles to tie with.

i know i should keep my mouth shut, but how in the hell do they teach them cocks to "hancock" them necks? furthermore, how the hell can ya determine one’s scratch from another? waldo, returning to the light side…. Ezflyfish.com:  http://www.ezflyfish.com http://auctions.yahoo.com/booth/ezflyfish_com Used, Rare, & Out-of-Print Books: http://users.boone.net/wgw/brbg.html

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – … I’m very fortunate to have personal autographed Hoffman Rooster Necks and Saddles to tie with. i know i should keep my mouth shut, but how in the hell do they teach them cocks to "hancock" them necks? furthermore, how the hell can ya determine one’s scratch from another? waldo, returning to the light side…. Ezflyfish.com:  http://www.ezflyfish.com http://auctions.yahoo.com/booth/ezflyfish_com Used, Rare, & Out-of-Print Books: http://users.boone.net/wgw/brbg.html

— Mr.G http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html

Response:

Check out the following sites. The Tom Thumb is my favorite dry fly. http://www.virtualkamloops.net/bcfff/thumb.htm http://www.sportfishingbc.com/tom_thumb.htm Has no one heard of the Tom thumb no fly box should be without a few . hard to tie but deadly!! Tom Thumb fly?  Where can I find instructions?     Meroli

– http://home.earthlink.net/~vicbrockett

Response:

Has no one heard of the Tom thumb no fly box should be without a few . hard to tie but deadly!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – _____  Some have asked some more questions about how I tie my Adams and if I can tell them more about it.  Well, I forgot to mention that the tails are salt and peppered and I use either dark Cree or Red along with a few fibers of Griz.  It is important that one uses the stiff, shiny barbs that best can be found out he largest Saddle Hackles possible. I tie all my Adams between size #20 to size 12 and only sometimes do I go to size 10’s as an attracter pattern because by that time I’m reaching for a Gray Wulff. I’m very fortunate to have personal autographed Hoffman Rooster Necks and Saddles to tie with.  But I do wish I had longer fibers than what these prime #1’s and #2’s I have for the whole collection are stiff and even and prime.  I use nothing but four hackle tips for the Adams does not imitate a dipteria two winged insect of any kind.  Then again, we know trout can’t count either.  They may not possess logic as we know it but they are conditioned to patterns and four wing tips is a definite difference than a two winged looking offering.  They don’t reason it, they just know it. I use fine, black thread and the finest wire hooks I can find.  Barbless hooks are preferred because of the number of trout that can be caught on any given day.  Stripped to one dry fly to use, it would always be the Adams for me and for the nymph the Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear. I also tie a Yellow Adams using a light yellow thread and dark red rooster tails.  The wings are still 4 Griz Hackle tips, divided and upright sticking a little beyond the diameter of the hackles upon completion.  The entire body is yellow and thinly dressed. This fly can be taken for a mayfly cahill dun just leaving the water and headed for the bushes to moat one more time to become an egg laying spinner.  To imagine that mayflies spend a whole year to prepare for the last three days of life to mate makes me realize how important it is to be prepared for those last three days of life and Matching the Hatch. There is a trick I learned on the Henry’s Fork one day about 20 years ago.  Everyone was having moderate success but not like it should be. Everyone in the area was using teeny dry flies or emergers.  I tied on a big Gray Wulff and suddenly I was not matching the hatch at all but I certainly was always into a fish for the next three hours.  Sometimes a large #10 Adams will do just that.  Rebel and try the ridiculous sometimes and for some reason the light comes on for the trout.  It may not be the right size but it has to be the right colors.  Adams seem to do that. — Mr.G http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html

Response:

Albolene, Albolene, Best floating fly That I’ve ever seen Put away the gink and try My Albolene, sweet Albolene, My Albolene. test test test   test test test   test test test      —–  Posted via NewsOne.Net: Free Usenet News via the Web  —–      —–  http://newsone.net/ —  Discussions on every subject. —–    NewsOne.Net prohibits users from posting spam.  If this or other posts

Response:

_____  Some have asked some more questions about how I tie my Adams and if I can tell them more about it.  Well, I forgot to mention that the tails are salt and peppered and I use either dark Cree or Red along with a few fibers of Griz.  It is important that one uses the stiff, shiny barbs that best can be found out he largest Saddle Hackles possible.   I tie all my Adams between size #20 to size 12 and only sometimes do I go to size 10’s as an attracter pattern because by that time I’m reaching for a Gray Wulff. I’m very fortunate to have personal autographed Hoffman Rooster Necks and Saddles to tie with.  But I do wish I had longer fibers than what these prime #1’s and #2’s I have for the whole collection are stiff and even and prime.  I use nothing but four hackle tips for the Adams does not imitate a dipteria two winged insect of any kind.  Then again, we know trout can’t count either.  They may not possess logic as we know it but they are conditioned to patterns and four wing tips is a definite difference than a two winged looking offering.  They don’t reason it, they just know it.   I use fine, black thread and the finest wire hooks I can find.  Barbless hooks are preferred because of the number of trout that can be caught on any given day.  Stripped to one dry fly to use, it would always be the Adams for me and for the nymph the Gold Ribbed Hare’s Ear.   I also tie a Yellow Adams using a light yellow thread and dark red rooster tails.  The wings are still 4 Griz Hackle tips, divided and upright sticking a little beyond the diameter of the hackles upon completion.  The entire body is yellow and thinly dressed. This fly can be taken for a mayfly cahill dun just leaving the water and headed for the bushes to moat one more time to become an egg laying spinner.  To imagine that mayflies spend a whole year to prepare for the last three days of life to mate makes me realize how important it is to be prepared for those last three days of life and Matching the Hatch. There is a trick I learned on the Henry’s Fork one day about 20 years ago.  Everyone was having moderate success but not like it should be. Everyone in the area was using teeny dry flies or emergers.  I tied on a big Gray Wulff and suddenly I was not matching the hatch at all but I certainly was always into a fish for the next three hours.  Sometimes a large #10 Adams will do just that.  Rebel and try the ridiculous sometimes and for some reason the light comes on for the trout.  It may not be the right size but it has to be the right colors.  Adams seem to do that. — Mr.G http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html

Response:

Question:

If you have been here fishing, I’d appreciate hearing of your experiences and getting all advice you can spare. Thanks!

Response:

Hi Tim, Summer months are best for fly fishing for most of us. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA http://www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you have been here fishing, I’d appreciate hearing of your experiences and getting all advice you can spare. Thanks!

Response:

Question:

Just don’t get caught using a Bastard with a woolly bugger! DBJ "Why do I not practice what I preach? – I am not the sort of person I preach to!" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I saw an add for Climax leaders, yesterday.  It said something about "tight butt".  I told my wife that I had a climax with a tight butt and she wondered what the hell I was talking about.  Humor in Flyfishing!

Response:

I think your wife understands more than we may be willing to admit to. Taos Cuthroat

Response:

I saw an add for Climax leaders, yesterday.  It said something about "tight butt".  I told my wife that I had a climax with a tight butt and she wondered what the hell I was talking about.  Humor in Flyfishing!

Response:

.  I told my wife that I had a climax with a tight butt         that’s a world class death wish you got goin there, pal. wayno

Response:

Question:

Bob, While not in the Akron area, I can give some advice re:  fly fishing in Ohio. Recommend you fish a stream in the tailwaters downstream from a dam.    Barring that, get in the middle of any rocky stream with riffles and fish the pools right up against the bank.  My fishing buddies and I are doing well with a 4 or 5 wt. rod with floating line.  We’re catching smallmouth bass, sunfish and crappie with size 6 or 8 surface pan poppers, Sneaky Pete’s and crickets.  I also have had some luck with a size 6 minnow streamer.  Best time is from sunup ’till late morning. Largemouth don’t appear to be at all active in this summer heat; you can try but I wouldn’t spend a lot of time on them.  It’s not Montana or Wyoming, but we’re having a lot of fun!  Forget the lakes; they’re for boat and bait fishing.  And contrary to what the shops tell you (remember, they sell bait), we fly flingers appear to be the only ones catching fish this summer!  The bait people aren’t doing so hot (unless you like catfish and carp), and people going for the big stuff are walking away empty handed.  Even a lot of the big, bad bass fishermen with their 4 quadrillion horsepower motors are docking their boats during July and August.  The only trout stream is the Mad River west of Columbus in the springtime and steelhead up by Lake Erie in the late Fall.  Good luck and good fishing. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – On my way to ohio for a week 1 Aug, anyone know of any flyfishing to be done there?  I have made some phone calls and the shops all seem to say bring my spinning outfit, which I don’t want to do.  I will be around the Akron area but I will travel to get to a good spot.  Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Bob

Response:

On my way to ohio for a week 1 Aug, anyone know of any flyfishing to be done there?  I have made some phone calls and the shops all seem to say bring my spinning outfit, which I don’t want to do.  I will be around the Akron area but I will travel to get to a good spot.  Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Bob

Response:

If you mean fly-fishing for trout, check out the Clear Fork (south of Mansfield) of the Mad River (around Urbana).  You can find a good write-up of both on the Virtual Flyshop at http://www.flyshop.com/Centers/Midwest/7-98Mad/index.html : On my way to ohio for a week 1 Aug, anyone know of any flyfishing to be done : there?  I have made some phone calls and the shops all seem to say bring my : spinning outfit, which I don’t want to do.  I will be around the Akron area but : I will travel to get to a good spot.  Any info would be greatly appreciated. : Thanks Bob —                        http://members.tripod.com/~trunculo/index

Response:

Sorry to follow-up my own post, but I meant to say Clear Fork *or* Mad River. : If you mean fly-fishing for trout, check out the Clear Fork (south of : Mansfield) of the Mad River (around Urbana).  You can find a good              ^^ —                        http://members.tripod.com/~trunculo/index

Response:

The Mad river is said to be one of the finest trout rivers in the state, however it is a several hour drive to get to it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – On my way to ohio for a week 1 Aug, anyone know of any flyfishing to be done there?  I have made some phone calls and the shops all seem to say bring my spinning outfit, which I don’t want to do.  I will be around the Akron area but I will travel to get to a good spot.  Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Bob

Response:

On my way to ohio for a week 1 Aug, anyone know of any flyfishing to be done there?  I have made some phone calls and the shops all seem to say bring my spinning outfit, which I don’t want to do.  I will be around the Akron area but I will travel to get to a good spot.  Any info would be greatly

appreciated. For trout your best shot in the near-Akron area would be the Clear Fork of the Mohican, down around Mansfield.  I’d guess that’s about 50 miles from Akron, though, so it’d be a long haul. Lately the pond and small lake fishing hasn’t been too good.  Bluegills will still bite, but of course bluegills will *always* bite.  The water has warmed up and the largemouths have developed lockjaw, although you might get lucky.  Try some of the ponds in the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area north of Akron.  Stay OUT of the lower Cuyahoga River – too polluted to mess with. If you can get into the upper Cuyahoga (anywhere upstream of the dam in Cuyahoga Falls) you can probably do alright.  Best of luck. — Bob Jarvis Mail address hacked to foil spammers!

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sharks are a totally insignificant part of boating and yet you pasting these exclusively in boating newsgroups.  Perhaps the folks in some of the natural history or hydrosciences would be more interested. I have to disagree. As both a sailor and scuba diver (planning an extended cruise in the Pacific) shark awareness is key. If I spent my life in fear of everything that was a 10 million to 1 shot I would just crawl under my bed and hide. Quite true. Agree 100% – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t learn more about those risks. And frankly, for cruisers in the Pacific the odds of coming into direct contact with sharks seems much higher than 10,000,000:1. Knowing how to deal with them when you encounter them can help prevent the incident from becoming life threatening. Ignoring the issue does not help. J. OK, I’ll say it again.  The postings do little if anything to describe any form of action, avoidance or deterrence that can be applied.  This particular thread was started with an account of Miss Australia of 1950 losing an arm to a shark.  They are simply sensationalism with little content other than "isn’t it terrible"

Ahem! Was she Miss Aussie before or after the incident?

Response:

Food for thought: There are millions of sharks eaten by humans for every human eaten by a shark!

Response:

This is why "shark bites man" is better news material than "man bites shark". But I also fail to understand why the sensational takes precedence ofer the sensible. — Anders Svensson – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Food for thought: There are millions of sharks eaten by humans for every human eaten by a shark!

Response:

This guy is crossing posting to several newsgroups and receiving complaints in each.  He is trying to sell some sort of shark repellent that doesn’t always work, but it provides psychological support in an attack because it might work. I sell a magic bracelet that does exactly the same thing at a fraction of the cost. Bob

It is amazing to see how interested you are in all of my postings(as it would been easy for you to skip over them as soon as you saw my email address associated with them, but you didn’t). Guess what? You are wrong again as I have nothing to do with the sales/marketing of either technology at the moment. How  do you know what the SharkPOD can do(other then from accessing the Web site below)? You surely have never tested the SharkPOD before, have you? How do you know what the Australian technology can do as you have never tested that technology before either(I had heard that it is working very well with baited sharks off Australia as I am waiting to get hold of a prototype to use myself)? You sure have a lot to say when you have probably never even seen a shark underwater before(except for on your television). What’s the matter? Afraid that an effective shark repellent will take away the market share that your "magical bracelet" currently exploits? Regards, Jim Morris http://starbulletin.com/97/12/22/features/index.html

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sharks are a totally insignificant part of boating and yet you pasting these exclusively in boating newsgroups.  Perhaps the folks in some of the natural history or hydrosciences would be more interested. I have to disagree. As both a sailor and scuba diver (planning an extended cruise in the Pacific) shark awareness is key. If I spent my life in fear of everything that was a 10 million to 1 shot I would just crawl under my bed and hide. Quite true. Agree 100% – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t learn more about those risks. And frankly, for cruisers in the Pacific the odds of coming into direct contact with sharks seems much higher than 10,000,000:1. Knowing how to deal with them when you encounter them can help prevent the incident from becoming life threatening. Ignoring the issue does not help. J. OK, I’ll say it again.  The postings do little if anything to describe any form of action, avoidance or deterrence that can be applied.  This particular thread was started with an account of Miss Australia of 1950 losing an arm to a shark.  They are simply sensationalism with little content other than "isn’t it terrible" Ahem! Was she Miss Aussie before or after the incident?

For anyone who believes that the threat from sharks should not be considered as a possibility when in a survival situation(depending on the venue), I refer you to the book, ADRIFT, which was written by Steve Callahan(who is now a writer/editor with CRUISING WORLD magazine). Mr. Callahan was adrift in a life raft(after his sailboat hit what he thought was a whale)for seventy plus days and was hounded by sharks! Mr. Callahan’s ordeal took place in the Atlantic/Caribbean and is eloquently described in his book, ADRIFT. For another example in the Pacific, what about the USS Indianapolis disaster where survivors of the initial sinking(the Indianapolis was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine)were ravaged by sharks as they floated in the ocean hopefully awaiting rescue? Please try to observe Memorial Day in some way. Best wishes, Jim Morris http://starbulletin.com/97/12/22/features/index.html

Response:

Food for thought: There are millions of sharks eaten by humans for every human eaten by a shark!

And good food they are….

Response:

Food for thought: There are millions of sharks eaten by humans for every human eaten by a shark! And good food they are….

Yes, but this is very small consolation to those humans. john

Response:

I may not worry at all at 10 million to 1, but I have a personal rule of never trying anything that has less than a one in 10 thousand chance of resulting in death or permanent disability.

…is life sorta a bore?

Response:

Sharks are a totally insignificant part of boating and yet you pasting these exclusively in boating newsgroups.  Perhaps the folks in some of the natural history or hydrosciences would be more interested.

I have to disagree. As both a sailor and scuba diver (planning an extended cruise in the Pacific) shark awareness is key. If I spent my life in fear of everything that was a 10 million to 1 shot I would just crawl under my bed and hide.

Quite true. Agree 100% – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t learn more about those risks. And frankly, for cruisers in the Pacific the odds of coming into direct contact with sharks seems much higher than 10,000,000:1. Knowing how to deal with them when you encounter them can help prevent the incident from becoming life threatening. Ignoring the issue does not help. J.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sharks are a totally insignificant part of boating and yet you pasting these exclusively in boating newsgroups.  Perhaps the folks in some of the natural history or hydrosciences would be more interested. I have to disagree. As both a sailor and scuba diver (planning an extended cruise in the Pacific) shark awareness is key. If I spent my life in fear of everything that was a 10 million to 1 shot I would just crawl under my bed and hide. Quite true. Agree 100% – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t learn more about those risks. And frankly, for cruisers in the Pacific the odds of coming into direct contact with sharks seems much higher than 10,000,000:1. Knowing how to deal with them when you encounter them can help prevent the incident from becoming life threatening. Ignoring the issue does not help. J.

OK, I’ll say it again.  The postings do little if anything to describe any form of action, avoidance or deterrence that can be applied.  This particular thread was started with an account of Miss Australia of 1950 losing an arm to a shark.  They are simply sensationalism with little content other than "isn’t it terrible"

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sharks are a totally insignificant part of boating and yet you pasting these exclusively in boating newsgroups.  Perhaps the folks in some of the natural history or hydrosciences would be more interested. I have to disagree. As both a sailor and scuba diver (planning an extended cruise in the Pacific) shark awareness is key. If I spent my life in fear of everything that was a 10 million to 1 shot I would just crawl under my bed and hide. Quite true. Agree 100% – but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t learn more about those risks. And frankly, for cruisers in the Pacific the odds of coming into direct contact with sharks seems much higher than 10,000,000:1. Knowing how to deal with them when you encounter them can help prevent the incident from becoming life threatening. Ignoring the issue does not help. J. OK, I’ll say it again.  The postings do little if anything to describe any form of action, avoidance or deterrence that can be applied.  This particular thread was started with an account of Miss Australia of 1950 losing an arm to a shark.  They are simply sensationalism with little content other than "isn’t it terrible" Ahem! Was she Miss Aussie before or after the incident? For anyone who believes that the threat from sharks should not be considered as a possibility when in a survival situation(depending on the venue), I refer you to the book, ADRIFT, which was written by Steve Callahan(who is now a writer/editor with CRUISING WORLD magazine). Mr. Callahan was adrift in a life raft(after his sailboat hit what he thought was a whale)for seventy plus days and was hounded by sharks! Mr. Callahan’s ordeal took place in the Atlantic/Caribbean and is eloquently described in his book, ADRIFT. For another example in the Pacific, what about the USS Indianapolis disaster where survivors of the initial sinking(the Indianapolis was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine)were ravaged by sharks as they floated in the ocean hopefully awaiting rescue?

I know that sharks exist, I know that shars bite. I read ADRIFT.  I know that sharks can be a threat. When are you going to add something that goes beyond the above.

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If I spent my life in fear of everything that was a 10 million to 1 shot I would just crawl under my bed and hide.

Interesting…  I enjoyed the post anyways.  What are the actual chances of being attacked by a shark in:         1) known infested areas         2) the open ocean         3) worldwide I may not worry at all at 10 million to 1, but I have a personal rule of never trying anything that has less than a one in 10 thousand chance of resulting in death or permanent disability.

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<snip Is there some other newsgroup in which this would be more appropriate? Sharks are a totally insignificant part of boating and yet you pasting these exclusively in boating newsgroups.  Perhaps the folks in some of the natural history or hydrosciences would be more interested. If I spent my life in fear of everything that was a 10 million to 1 shot I would just crawl under my bed and hide. Since you are posting via dejanews from an earthlink account, I suspect this is some sort of bizarre troll.

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I am based in Los Angeles but had heard about that awful attack on the couple hanging on the anchor line where the gentleman pushed his newly-wed wife out of the way, and he was taken himself off of Australia. Hi Jim As much as I would love to help you with information I would be unable to put you in touch with the lady in question.  The reasons being in the past twelve months she has re-married and also had her first child a month ago. I really think she now has her tramatic experience behind her and is trying to get on with things.

That was a very harrowing experience for her, and I can understand how she would want for it to be behind her. However, your friend can take comfort in knowing that her husband really loved her in doing what he did for her. I did a shark dive last year at Nassau, Bahamas with a lady by the name of Heather Boswell. Before Heather attempted to do a shark dive with me for the NBC WEEKEND TODAY show(which was televised throughout the USA on July 13th, 1997), Heather had been attacked by a five meter plus white shark while she was swimming on the ocean surface over a hundred miles offshore of Chile. Heather was swimming with some friends in calm seas off of a NOAA research vessel that they were crewing on. A friend was videotaping them all in the water(and captured the attack on video in the process)when a huge dorsal fin appeared(Heather later indicated that it looked to be at least a meter tall above the water as it approached her). The shark started attacking a gentleman who was sitting upon some type of surfboard. He managed to drive it away by apparently poking the shark in the eye. The shark then turned its attention to Heather who was nearby in the water. Rescuers were trying to reach Heather in an inflatable boat which was dispatched from the larger NOAA vessel. They actually had a hold of her before the shark started to attack Heather. However, because of the sunscreen lotion that Heather was wearing, she slipped through the arms of the one of the rescuers, and the shark grabbed her leg and started to take her down into the depths. It was at that point that Heather felt sure she was going to die according to what she told me and NBC. She just wasn’t sure if she should intake water to drown herself or simply let the shark continue to eat her and die that way. Amazingly, the shark returned Heather to the surface at which point the rescuers were able to grab her again. However, this time the rescuers were in a "tug-of-war" with the shark, and Heather was the "rope". Heather heard a "popping sound"(thinking that her leg was being dislocated)as she broke free. However, once inside the boat, Heather looked down and saw that her leg had been bitten off at mid-thigh(Heather lost a lot of blood and almost died via exsanguination/shock). Meanwhile, the shark must have been very hungry as it started to attack another lady who was desperately trying to pull herself out of the water (using netting which was thrown over the side of the NOAA vessel). However, the lady was overweight and was having a very difficult time getting herself out of the water. At that time, a high-powered rifle was finally deployed to drive the shark away. It is assumed that the shark was killed, but this is not known for sure. I am all for the conservation of shark species worldwide. However, the above situation was an obvious exception. Over a year after the above attack, Heather showed amazing courage by accepting an invitation to shark dive with me in the Bahamas for the NBC WEEKEND TODAY television program. However, once the sharks appeared on scene with us at Nassau, Heather requested to discontinue the dive(understandably so). Nonetheless, her courage for even attempting the dive and the positive attitude that she radiates in her daily life are inspiration to us all. Eco continues about diver(newly-wed couple)who was killed by a white shark off of Australia: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – One of the US talkback shows contacted her some time back (they were doing a show on tragic widows) and offered to fly her over to appear but she clearly had no desire to go through the events again.  Understandably so. I do not have any clearer details of the attack except what I posted.  The attack happened at Byron Bay which is considered out of the usual territory of a white pointer (it was in warm water up north).  The attack was quick. They saw it on the bottom, her husband pushed her and by the time she managed to turn around she only felt the force of the sharks tail. I’ve forgotton the exact size but from what I can remember it was the max. for the species.  A fishing boat did later hook it, it was longer than the boat, and it dragged the boat for miles, it regurgitated some stomach contents and broke free. There was talk of it being a sick/rogue shark due to its location. I am most interested to see if such electronic shark repellent technology could have prevented the above attack. I was the first to test the SharkPOD in the USA(off the coast of Los Angeles for the Discovery Channel, "Next Step" television program which is to be broadcast internationally if it hasn’t been already-it has already been broadcast twice throughout the USA. Ron and Valerie Taylor were the first to test the SharkPOD in Australia. I had met them both in Singapore during the ADEC dive equipment trade show where the SharkPOD was first being released commercially. You’ve met Ron and Val Taylor !!!  Now they are shark lovers extraordinaire !!!!   That Val Taylor is one brave lady.  Amazingly dedicated couple.

Yes, I had met both of them and have been in touch with them via email from time to time. I am a fan of their work as well. For more detail on my SharkPOD testing, please access the Honolulu Star- Bulletin Newspaper article which I had appeared in throughout the Hawaiian Islands on December 22, 1997: http://starbulletin.com/97/12/22/features/index.html Sounds really exciting !   I remember seeing a show where they were investigating using  some sort of sonar "wall" instead of netting.   IE; transmitter placed and one point – receiver at other end further down the coastline to prevent sharks entering the swimming area.  They were testing the concept with some sort of sonar wand that repelled the sharks. It was tricky stuff as the shark had to get close enough for them to prod it with the want but it was trying to ascertain whether the idea would work.  Do you know of any developments with this??

Not really. But will look into it for you. I am all for anything that helps the sharks and other sea creatures.  Our shark nets over here are marine animal death traps.

Me too. Did you see my earlier post on how the shark netting program in South Africa was being reduced because of budget cuts to the Natal Sharks Board (which supervises the netting program there)? The Star-Bulletin article was mostly accurate. However, the SharkPOD is not a "sonic" device as the article mistakenly depicts in the opening paragraph. Instead, the SharkPOD emits a continuous, cocooning electrical field which is intended to protect from possible shark attack. I will soon be using another electronic shark repellent technology which is currently being developed in Australia(by another manufacturer)and is being billed as an even more effective electronic repellent than the SharkPOD. I will be using this Australian technology with tiger and grey reef sharks throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Also with tiger, bull and lemon sharks in the Bahamas. And with great white sharks off of Dyer Island, South Africa. Thank you for providing your information.  It was very interesting.  I have been lucky enough to encounter sharks while diving – something one doesn’t forget in a hurry !!

Agreed! Look forward to email exchanging with you again..

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Makunke writes:   I have not heard any good reports about the types of wading staff that either fold or telescope.  Does anyone have any good experiences with these types of wading staff? Kirk,’Fraid not.  The problem is folding or telescoping back up after you’re done using the thing Kirk, another problem with Folstaff is storage. Should you keep it in your car year-round, unassembled, the bungee has a tendency to take a set, preventing future secure setup. A Folstaff, which relies upon friction, really locks up.

I have been happy with my Folstaff for the 10 years I’ve used it. I do not lubricate the joints as my expereince is they can vibrate loose in heavy currents. I tap them lightly with a rock when I need to fold it down. Perhaps inconvenient for some but it works fine for me. Ralph H replace "spamsucks" with direct for email reply.

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I made a simple one for my wife.  It was wood, about a meter and a half long with a rubber foot from a cane on the top end. She likes to lean on the end. The other end was fitted with a 1/2 inch copper coupling and cross pinned through the wood and copper with a brass rod to hold the coupling out by a couple of centimeters.  The copper tube cut through moss and algae for a better purchase on slippery rocks.  A loop of nylon with a stainless clip finished it off.

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  I have not heard any good reports about the types of wading staff that either fold or telescope.  Does anyone have any good experiences with these types of wading staff? I have been happy with my Folstaff for the 10 years I’ve used it. I do not lubricate the joints as my expereince is they can vibrate loose in heavy currents. I tap them lightly with a rock when I need to fold it down. Perhaps inconvenient for some but it works fine for me. Ralph H

The folstaff flexes a little and didn’t feel as secure as an adjustable length carbide tipped cross-country ski pole. The basket is removeable. I set the height to just at the top of my waders so if my hand gets wet I know not to take that step. It reduces down short enough to fit in my fat multi-rod travel tube. Mark Vinsel —   new web address:  http://www.vinsel.com

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I’ve taken to using a Folstaff and find it adequate if unaesthetic, although it’s certainly portable. Just keep the joints greased with a candle butt or you’ll never separate them. —

  Greetings:  I’m on my second Folstaff now. I like the larger version; the small one is a little too wosy to inspire my confidence in this contraption.  When the joints get wet and hard to separate, I find that tapping….er,…OK, _whacking_ the thing on a dead tree trunk, (or fellow fly fisher who is catching more fish than you),  will loosen up the joints if you kind of twist them off. (On the Folstaff, I mean…)  :-)   Cheers, and tight lines,   -Mark

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I find it a nuisance to carry a full length staff while hiking along a river/stream.  I have not heard any good reports about the types of wading staff that either fold or telescope.  Does anyone have any good experiences with these types of wading staff? Thanks, Kirk

Kirk, I bought the Orvis one since I  didn

Question:

In about a month, five of us will be leaving Kennedy Meadows to make the loop a little beyond Emmigrant lake, around Twin Lakes, and back, for a week’s trip. Anybody made the loop, or packed in the area? Any suggestions as to route, specific lakes to hit, for no crowds, and fair fishing? Thanks in advance.

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In about a month, five of us will be leaving Kennedy Meadows to make the loop a little beyond Emmigrant lake, around Twin Lakes, and back, for a week’s trip. Anybody made the loop, or packed in the area? Any suggestions as to route, specific lakes to hit, for no crowds, and fair fishing? Thanks in advance.

  I backpack in the Emigrant Wilderness often but I have’t done the emigrant loop yet.  Like anywhere else the deeper you hike the fewer the people.  You will probablly still see horse packers around.  The fishing should be great. I’ve fished in the easily reached lakes before and had no problem catching trout on a fly and have heard the fishing is better the deeper you go. Crawdad

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Question:

Anyone have any info on how the fishing has been on the St. Mary’s Rapids in Sault Ste. Marie  as of late ?  Never been there before – any advice ?

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Anyone have any info on how the fishing has been on the St. Mary’s

Rapids in Sault Ste. Marie as of late ?  Never been there before – any advice ? See the Linsenman/Nevala book Great Lakes Steelhead: a Guided Tour for Fly Anglers (Backcountry Pubs. 1995) which suggests SSM trout are practically a year-round fishery and mentions a local guide, Karl Vogel IIRR. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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Question:

I am trying to create a ‘fly database’ which would include flies, materials and instructions for tying the fly, as well as maybe background on when to use the particular fly and where.  This db will eventually be online on my web page. If you would like to contribute (with acknowledgements) then please do so, this will be a very good resource for all. An example entry to the archive would be: Name of fly: Type of fly: Entymology, history etc: When generally used: Where used: Materials used for fly: Instructions/Steps for tying fly. any other information you might have. If you have any questions please send me mail for this as well… Matt — NICOH Net Internet Access Provider for Eastern Idaho

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        Are you aware that there is already a "virtual flybox" on the ‘Net which has various fly dressings?

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I am trying to create a ‘fly database’ which would include flies, materials and instructions for tying the fly, as well as maybe background on when to use the particular fly and where.  This db will eventually be online on my web page. If you would like to contribute (with acknowledgements) then please do so, this will be a very good resource for all.

There is a program available that will do that and keep pictures of your flies. See http://www.mind.net/vmt/ You can keep an inventory of any equipment, flies, and track expenses. You can have unlimited logs for each trip and unlimited trips. Presentation, water clarity, temperature, weather and other info is tracked in the fishing logs. The guys that wrote the program are fly fisherman that have been programming (and fishing) for many years.

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