Question:

I’m a little confused by how a braided loop failure could cause the loss of a fly line, unless you use a loop-to-loop connection between your line and backing.

Actually, I use them there too. I can see if you didn’t fasten it on good it could get pushed off by a guide as the line went into the backing. I use thread and Aquaseal to fasten the end of the connector on instead of the shrink tubing partly for that reason. — Charlie…

Response:

Hello Dave, A pretty standard way to connect leaders to floating freshwater fly lines is to needle-nail knot on a butt section of mono first. The section should be around 2/3 the diameter of the end of your fly line and at least the same diameter of the butt of the tapered leader being used. Averagely this is 25# mono that is around .021", but this can vary depending on the diameter of the end or point of the floating line used. I have seen butts used from 6" to 18" but a foot long is pretty average. Sunset "Amnesia" shooting line, Hal Janssen "Leader Control" (clear Amnesia) or Maxima "Ultra Green" are some popular mono around here for fresh water butts. Some will put a small perfection loop on the end of the butt or some will use a 3 or 4 turn blood knot to attach their knotless tapered leader. Your local fly shop should be able to show you how this is done. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After hearing lots of negative comments about the loop connectors that come with some lines (Orvis), and noticing that my line tips tend to sink a bit, I’ve decided to experiment and replace the loop connectors with a short length of nail-knotted leader ending in a small loop. The question:  What length, weight, type, even brands of leaders would be best for this?  I’m sure the answer is related to the weight and type of flyline the leader is being attached to — I’d be making this changeover on the following: Orvis wf 5 wt floating trout line Wonderline wf 6 wt floating trout line Wonderline wf 6 wt floating bass line. Thanks for your help! Dave

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After hearing lots of negative comments about the loop connectors that come with some lines (Orvis), and noticing that my line tips tend to sink a bit, I’ve decided to experiment and replace the loop connectors with a short length of nail-knotted leader ending in a small loop. The question:  What length, weight, type, even brands of leaders would be best for this?  I’m sure the answer is related to the weight and type of flyline the leader is being attached to — I’d be making this changeover on the following: Orvis wf 5 wt floating trout line Wonderline wf 6 wt floating trout line Wonderline wf 6 wt floating bass line. Thanks for your help! Dave I use a nail knot to tie my leader directly to the fly line. I hate the braided loops. Particularly after after one failed and I lost a fly line and a striper size XXL. Paul

I’m a little confused by how a braided loop failure could cause the loss of a fly line, unless you use a loop-to-loop connection between your line and backing. — Scott Reverse first field of address to reply

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – [snip] I use a nail knot to tie my leader directly to the fly line. I hate the braided loops. Particularly after after one failed and I lost a fly line and a striper size XXL. Paul I’m a little confused by how a braided loop failure could cause the loss of a fly line, unless you use a loop-to-loop connection between your line and backing.

It was a shooting head to running line. The fish decided it was too close to the boat. It took off and on the way throught the guides the shrink tube that keeps the braid from fraying must have hit a guide that released the tension on the braid and bye bye fish and shooting head. I went home and cut off all the braided loops from all my lines and tied nail knots on all leader and backing to fly line connections. Haven’t had a problem in the 9 years since I did that. Paul

Response:

I did exactly that . . . I got rid of the braided connectors and went to the mono nail knot/perfection loop. Mine is about 4 inches in length as attached. I used the backend of a leader that I commonly use. I figured it should be similar to the leader material in weight and make up, so I used one! At this point, I wont go back to the braided connectors. I did it to the following: Orvis Wonderline WF 5wt SA Mastery Series GPX WF 5wt I am also planning on using this method on my 7wt when I get the rod built!! Wayne says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After hearing lots of negative comments about the loop connectors that come with some lines (Orvis), and noticing that my line tips tend to sink a bit, I’ve decided to experiment and replace the loop connectors with a short length of nail-knotted leader ending in a small loop. The question:  What length, weight, type, even brands of leaders would be best for this?  I’m sure the answer is related to the weight and type of flyline the leader is being attached to — I’d be making this changeover on the following: Orvis wf 5 wt floating trout line Wonderline wf 6 wt floating trout line Wonderline wf 6 wt floating bass line. Thanks for your help! Dave

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After hearing lots of negative comments about the loop connectors that come with some lines (Orvis), and noticing that my line tips tend to sink a bit, I’ve decided to experiment and replace the loop connectors with a short length of nail-knotted leader ending in a small loop. The question:  What length, weight, type, even brands of leaders would be best for this?  I’m sure the answer is related to the weight and type of flyline the leader is being attached to — I’d be making this changeover on the following: Orvis wf 5 wt floating trout line Wonderline wf 6 wt floating trout line Wonderline wf 6 wt floating bass line. Thanks for your help! Dave

I use a nail knot to tie my leader directly to the fly line. I hate the braided loops. Particularly after after one failed and I lost a fly line and a striper size XXL. Paul

Response:

My floating lines are set up with braided loops and nail knotted mono/perfection loops on the sinking ones.  Braided loops can trap air and hold the tip of a sinking line up.  I once used one on a Type 5 sinktip only to see the belly two foot down and the tip on the surface.  Since then all sinking lines have been mono only.  As Ken mentioned, they should be as short as practical and roughly  two thirds the thickness of the tip or about mid way in thickness between the leader butt and line tip. All braided loops will fail if they are not installed properly.  The end of the floating fly line should be sealed with glue to prevent the ingress of water that would cause the tip to sink.  The tip of the line should be inserted fully into the sleeve and as far as possible into the doubled over section of the loop.  A nail knot should be tied on the opposite end of the sleeve, securing it to the line.  The heat shrink tubing should be placed over the knot and the end of the sleeve to prevent fraying as well as smoothing its passage through the guides.  Glue shouldn’t be used on the sleeve as it can make it brittle and prone to breakage.  Braided loops should be periodically checked for fraying. Both loop system can fail, even when well installed.  Enough pressure can break a braided loop, pull a nail knot off the line, or break a perfection loop.  The trick is to make sure that the transition loop isn’t the weakest link.  A properly installed braided loop provide superior turnover due to their inherent stiffness when properly installed and are especially suited to use with heavy sinking leaders like Airflo Polyleaders.  Their tendency to float helps keep the tips of floating lines up plus they can also serve as strike indicators if you use a bright coloured heat shrink tube. HTH Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Bill, After a phone conversation with your staff about 3 weeks ago, I went to the nail knot/surgeon’s or perfection loop set-up for all my saltwater rigs.  I also shortened my Orvis 38 ft. shooting head to 30 ft. per their suggestion and casting improved tremendously.  I kept trying to buy some shooting heads from those guys and they insisted I check locally to see what was being used successfully.  I have to say they ended up getting me steered in the right directions on a number of saltwater options.  I would suggest though, that east coast fishing setups  can be related to west coast fishing setups through water temperatures. Might broaden your sales base?? — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Dave, A pretty standard way to connect leaders to floating freshwater fly lines is to needle-nail knot on a butt section of mono first. The section should be around 2/3 the diameter of the end of your fly line and at least the same diameter of the butt of the tapered leader being used. Averagely this is 25# mono that is around .021", but this can vary depending on the diameter of the end or point of the floating line used. I have seen butts used from 6" to 18" but a foot long is pretty average. Sunset "Amnesia" shooting line, Hal Janssen "Leader Control" (clear Amnesia) or Maxima "Ultra Green" are some popular mono around here for fresh water butts. Some will put a small perfection loop on the end of the butt or some will use a 3 or 4 turn blood knot to attach their knotless tapered leader. Your local fly shop should be able to show you how this is done. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

Response:

After hearing lots of negative comments about the loop connectors that come with some lines (Orvis), and noticing that my line tips tend to sink a bit, I’ve decided to experiment and replace the loop connectors with a short length of nail-knotted leader ending in a small loop. The question:  What length, weight, type, even brands of leaders would be best for this?  I’m sure the answer is related to the weight and type of flyline the leader is being attached to — I’d be making this changeover on the following: Orvis wf 5 wt floating trout line Wonderline wf 6 wt floating trout line Wonderline wf 6 wt floating bass line. Thanks for your help! Dave

Response:

… The question:  What length, weight, type, even brands of leaders would be best for this?  …

I use the nail knot/perfection loop setup on my 5wts. I like Orvis Super Strong and find that .019 matches up with my 5wt lines. Most anything in the range of .017 to .021 would work. As for the length, I make it as short as  I possibly can and still tie a perfection loop. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Question:

Chris,    It is difficult to tail a member of the trout family because their tail is not rigid.  Members of the salmon family are easy to tail. Ernie for all my advice, you should have seen me in practice this morning <G.  had a difficult time tailing a fish and when i finally did, it broke me off right there and shot away.  the way things go sometimes.

<snip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – chris

Response:

Landing steelhead with a double-handed rod has always troubled me. ..

Just break the rod in half – always works for me! RalphH

Response:

I have found that just a plain pair of wool glove allows you to grip the fish’s tail much easier.  Hope this is of help. Kevin

Response:

Chris,    It is difficult to tail a member of the trout family because their tail is not rigid.  Members of the salmon family are easy to tail. Ernie

well, we’ll have to agree to disagree.  i find steelhead much easier to tail than some of the pacific salmon, although they are in the same family as trout and steelhead, maybe you meant the salmo genus. btw, another way to get a handle on the fish is to first grab the leader… yes, sometimes you get cuts on your fingers from doing it.  of course, with all the benfits of a 2-handed rod, landing fish on them without beaching them is one of the drawbacks. chris

Response:

I wouldn’t worry about tailing steelhead I’ve found that they roll on their side and don’t trash. If you back out of the water and lay your rod down and keep tension on the line you can get a hold of the tail and then get your fly out.It’s much easier to release a steelhead than a small trout I haven’t seen anything used to tail a steelhead.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Landing steelhead with a double-handed rod has always troubled me. I have tried to tail them, but my hand is often too small and/or weak to do so. Besides, it seems to take too much time to sufficiently weaken them before trying to tail them. I don’t want to exaust them. So I tend to force the issue as quickly as possible and try to beach them as soon as possible. Most of the time I have been successful in doing so although I have lost a few feisty ones that seemed to hate to touch the beach. I don’t mind losing some; I let all of them go any way afterwards. However, I wonder if beaching them might hurt them. Does anyone have any factual information regarding beaching and health of relatively large fish? Could anyone give me lessons about how to tail them? As much as I love to hook them, I would like to release them safely. Shinji on the Sky well, i don’t think it’s good for a big fish to flop around on rocks and sand, you really want to keep the fish in the water and not have the rocks and sand remove the fish’s slime layer or scales.  i haven’t seen any studies on it, but i believe all info on releasing fish recommends not bringing the fish out of water. what i do is make sure i have some loose line off the reel so that once i tail the fish i can illeviate the line pressure so i don’t break the rod.  i haven’t found that it takes much more time to tire a steelhead out to tail it than to beach it.  if it’s a problem with your hands, i think there are some tailing devices out there… most seem to be fairly long handled, but i’m sure you could cut back the handle.  i know cabelas sells them.  you could also make sure to fish with someone else, who can tail your fish and vice-versa, but that’ll probably decrease fishing days if you must have a partner.  look into some sort of tailing device if you can’t use your hands, because it is better for the fish you plan on releasing. chris

Response:

for all my advice, you should have seen me in practice this morning <G.  had a difficult time tailing a fish and when i finally did, it broke me off right there and shot away.  the way things go sometimes. i agree that it’s not that big of a deal to lose a fish once you’ve touched the leader or made a grab for the tail… but it truly is nice to get ahold of a steelhead every once in awhile just to get a real good look at one and technically land a steelhead <G. chris

Heartily I agree. That’s why I was trying to beach them. I’d like to thank and say good-bye to them in a proper manner. Shinji on the Sky

Response:

______  I always just slip my free under the fish and lift just a little without taking the fish out of the water and I turn it (being on the edge of the river now) into what current there may be.  Usually, I can slip the hook out very easily.  When I want the fish to simply swim off, I lower its weight back off my hand and they will almost surely swim off casually rather then darting off, which confirms the calming affect lifting a fish just a little has on them while still letting them stay in the water. This works especially well when using barbless hooks because they come out much easier without upsetting a fish as will most barbed hooks will.  Barbed hooks go in easy but come out with more difficulty unless you pay attention to the angle of the little slit one should try to back such hooks out.  Barbed hooks are easier to remove with a large pair of forceps.  A secret I use is to use a pair of dikes.  Powerful cutting and pointed pliers that I can snip the hook in half (large hooks with large barbs) just behind the barb if its all the way through.  The barb comes out instantly and the fish is free. Yes, it cost me a fly but when you’ve caught a 12 pound or large Steelhead, the cost of a fly you’ve tied yourself is a small price to pay for such great entertainment.  It always amazes me when watching television fishing shows the great amounts of effort the ‘Pros’ will go to to save a fly at the greater expense and stress and damage to the fish.   Hope these suggestions are somewhat useful gentlemen. Mr. G. — http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

Chris,   It is difficult to tail a member of the trout family because their tail is not rigid.  Members of the salmon family are easy to tail.

ARRGH! It’s that Salmonid Taxonomy problem again. Trouts and salmons are all in the family Salmonidae. One of the major genera with in that family is _Salmo_, which includes the Atlantic Salmon and the Brown Trout. Another major family is _Onchorynchus_, which includes the Cutthroat, Rainbow, Golden, Gila, Apache trout and all of the Pacific salmons (pink, king, coho, et cetera). The Lake and Brook Trout are in yet two more genera. (Brookies are technically chars, but I still like them anyway. They’ve got spirit.) At any rate, there is no "trout family" that is distinct from the "salmon family." The criterion that I use is based upon tracing evolutionary relationships. The other criterion may be based upon reproductive migrations or on freshwater vs. saltwater, which leaves us screwed in describing sea-run Cutts or Browns or Steelhead. (Genetically, Steelhead are Rainbows. Bigger and migratory, but rainbows none the less.) Opt out == cop-out. What’s so hard to understand?

Response:

The WDFW gives away a nifty little device at most of the sportsmens shows that is simply a dowel with a plate hook on the end of it. I think they even had directions on how to make them in the regs pamphlet. If you were to make one of these short enough to put in your vest you wouldn’t even have to touch the fish. Simply hook the line with the tool and slide the tool to the fishes mouth. Lift the tool up and the fish unhooks itself. It’s the same principle as the "CatchemRelease" tool you spend $20 on (I have one I use for trout and love it!).  It’s one of the best devices for fishing I have found. It’s simple and better yet it works! Gary

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Landing steelhead with a double-handed rod has always troubled me. I have tried to tail them, but my hand is often too small and/or weak to do so. Besides, it seems to take too much time to sufficiently weaken them before trying to tail them. I don’t want to exaust them. So I tend to force the issue as quickly as possible and try to beach them as soon as possible. Most of the time I have been successful in doing so although I have lost a few feisty ones that seemed to hate to touch the beach. I don’t mind losing some; I let all of them go any way afterwards. However, I wonder if beaching them might hurt them. Does anyone have any factual information regarding beaching and health of relatively large fish? Could anyone give me lessons about how to tail them? As much as I love to hook them, I would like to release them safely. Shinji on the Sky

well, i don’t think it’s good for a big fish to flop around on rocks and sand, you really want to keep the fish in the water and not have the rocks and sand remove the fish’s slime layer or scales.  i haven’t seen any studies on it, but i believe all info on releasing fish recommends not bringing the fish out of water. what i do is make sure i have some loose line off the reel so that once i tail the fish i can illeviate the line pressure so i don’t break the rod.  i haven’t found that it takes much more time to tire a steelhead out to tail it than to beach it.  if it’s a problem with your hands, i think there are some tailing devices out there… most seem to be fairly long handled, but i’m sure you could cut back the handle.  i know cabelas sells them.  you could also make sure to fish with someone else, who can tail your fish and vice-versa, but that’ll probably decrease fishing days if you must have a partner.  look into some sort of tailing device if you can’t use your hands, because it is better for the fish you plan on releasing. chris

Response:

Landing steelhead with a double-handed rod has always troubled me. I have tried to tail them, but my hand is often too small and/or weak to do so. Besides, it seems to take too much time to sufficiently weaken them before trying to tail them. I don’t want to exaust them. So I tend to force the issue as quickly as possible and try to beach them as soon as possible. Most of the time I have been successful in doing so although I have lost a few feisty ones that seemed to hate to touch the beach. I don’t mind losing some; I let all of them go any way afterwards. However, I wonder if beaching them might hurt them. Does anyone have any factual information regarding beaching and health of relatively large fish? Could anyone give me lessons about how to tail them? As much as I love to hook them, I would like to release them safely. Shinji on the Sky

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – well, i don’t think it’s good for a big fish to flop around on rocks and sand, you really want to keep the fish in the water and not have the rocks and sand remove the fish’s slime layer or scales.  i haven’t seen any studies on it, but i believe all info on releasing fish recommends not bringing the fish out of water. what i do is make sure i have some loose line off the reel so that once i tail the fish i can illeviate the line pressure so i don’t break the rod.  i haven’t found that it takes much more time to tire a steelhead out to tail it than to beach it.  if it’s a problem with your hands, i think there are some tailing devices out there… most seem to be fairly long handled, but i’m sure you could cut back the handle.  i know cabelas sells them.  you could also make sure to fish with someone else, who can tail your fish and vice-versa, but that’ll probably decrease fishing days if you must have a partner.  look into some sort of tailing device if you can’t use your hands, because it is better for the fish you plan on releasing. chris

Thanks. Reading your posting, I realize what a fool I was. Why do I have to worry about losing fish while trying to tail them? After all, I am tailing them in order to release them! Shinji on the Sky

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – well, i don’t think it’s good for a big fish to flop around on rocks and sand, you really want to keep the fish in the water and not have the rocks and sand remove the fish’s slime layer or scales.  i haven’t seen any studies on it, but i believe all info on releasing fish recommends not bringing the fish out of water. what i do is make sure i have some loose line off the reel so that once i tail the fish i can illeviate the line pressure so i don’t break the rod.  i haven’t found that it takes much more time to tire a steelhead out to tail it than to beach it.  if it’s a problem with your hands, i think there are some tailing devices out there… most seem to be fairly long handled, but i’m sure you could cut back the handle.  i know cabelas sells them.  you could also make sure to fish with someone else, who can tail your fish and vice-versa, but that’ll probably decrease fishing days if you must have a partner.  look into some sort of tailing device if you can’t use your hands, because it is better for the fish you plan on releasing. chris Thanks. Reading your posting, I realize what a fool I was. Why do I have to worry about losing fish while trying to tail them? After all, I am tailing them in order to release them! Shinji on the Sky

for all my advice, you should have seen me in practice this morning <G.  had a difficult time tailing a fish and when i finally did, it broke me off right there and shot away.  the way things go sometimes. i agree that it’s not that big of a deal to lose a fish once you’ve touched the leader or made a grab for the tail… but it truly is nice to get ahold of a steelhead every once in awhile just to get a real good look at one and technically land a steelhead <G. chris

Response:

Question:

"In alphabetical order …. " You might want to check your order. Allan

Response:

In alphabetical order, I think a new law firm should be set up in Montana by three such men that need a change in life and a serious move into happy trout country.  I.E. "HARRISON, FAULKNER & MILLER"  the Legal Maulers of Montana would have a thriving practice and they could fly fish every lunch hour if they so choose.  I would even donate my services in exchange for theirs.  It would certainly be of equal value! Billings Montana is a serious location  including, Helena and Missoula or even Hamilton Montana.  I only wonder how good they would look in a Western Stetson? Of course they may always try Jackson  Hole and compete with Jerry Spence! CSG (chuckle, sneer, grin!) Mr. G. — http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

"In alphabetical order …. " You might want to check your order. Allan

; ) Mr. G. GOTCHA! — http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

; ) Mr. G. GOTCHA!

See how often the gnome will dip into the same sorry little bag to cover his lame ass? GOTCHERSELF!!

Response:

See how often the gnome will dip into the same sorry little bag to cover his lame ass? GOTCHERSELF!!

______  Your breeding is showing. Sad. Mr. G. — http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

Wolfgang writes: ; ) Mr. G. GOTCHA! See how often the gnome will dip into the same sorry little bag to cover his lame ass? GOTCHERSELF!!

Bwwwhahahahahaha.  ROFLEO. So very, very true, Wolf.  The twits of this world will never change.   d;0) Dave L.

Response:

Whooops!  Guess I rose to the bait …. er,  fly.

Response:

"In alphabetical order …. " You might want to check your order.

things ain’t always rational in Bizarro world. Myxtplk

Response:

You ought to be careful here George, somebody who uses the word bastard as often as you do, not to mention all the other choice language you occasionally come out with, really should refrain from comment on breeding. I fear you may know how it occurs, but not what it means. — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

You ought to be careful here George, somebody who uses the word bastard as often as you do, not to mention all the other choice language you occasionally come out with, really should refrain from comment on breeding. I fear you may know how it occurs, but not what it means.

_______ Gee Mike, that term was not used by me in THIS thread, but I see your point and you’re right. I do know, as a matter of fact, what you mean for I may have sired all the bottom dwellers here.  I guess some of us have a talent for such things but look at the fun they’re having!? I will refrain from commenting on what you have aptly pointed out in the future.  What would I do without you Mike?  You’re a great guy who is always looking after me. I am a blessed man, Your pal, George Gehrke Beware!  Do not feed the Bottom Dwellers! — http://www.gink.com

Response:

I suppose I ought to comment on this thread even though I don’t know why. Well, I sure as hell wouldn’t mind practicing with these guys, particularly in Montana.  Although we’d all be working the overnight shift at Ole’s so we could fish all day, so the law degree becomes superfilous anyway. Mark Faulkner – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Question:

I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder….

_______  Tons of books but I’d like to be the first to steer you to "Matching The Hatch" by Ernest Schwiebert.  After that, I don’t care what you read. Mr.G. — http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

Was a great illustrator. I believe he’s dead. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

Response:

Another classic is "Feather in the Breeze" Author J. Edson Leonard. Try it if you can find it. Maybe Amazon or Barns and Noble. It’s fiction with a lot of well written know how. Hugh

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Was a great illustrator. I believe he’s dead. Dave It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

Response:

Pick up any book by Robert Travers,  Nick Lyons (my favorite) or John Gierach for a great existential "been there" flyfishing read. Try Mel Krieger’s book "The Essence of Flycasting" or Lefty Kreh’s most recent tome for a good "how to" book. — Randall S. Davis

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks! It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

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Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too!

I have three recommendations for you, Mark. They may not be the best books of yearning to be there next to them, at least in terms of action, but they offer very thoughtful and well-written perspectives and reflections. * Ted Leeson – The Habit of Rivers. Very thoughtful and humorous book. Simplifying and reflecting on complex and important matters, without missing crucial elements. Very impressive! You may get a "why didn’t I think of that?"-feeling from it, combined with uncontrolled chuckles.. This guy knows how to work a pen. * W.D. Wheterell – One River More. A book that you’ll spend hours reading only to find yourself wondering where the hell all the pages went. Amazingly smooth flow of the book, and his observations and writing style really appealed to me. You might look at your own favorite river different after reading this. Different as in many-facetted with regard to contexts and perspectives, which you probably didn’t know you were missing.. * Harry Middleton – Rivers of Memory. A small book — could easily be mistaken for a pamphlet. Until it is opened and read, that is. Middleton is a genius in communicating descriptions of atmospheres and scenery the way he sees them. I’m reading this book now, and judging from the size of it, I expected spending an hour or two on it.. Not so, as I time and time again find myself re-reading paragraphs while my slow brain catches up with the true power concealed in his words. A one-word description: "Wow!" (a word of caution: English is not my mother tongue, and this probably affects my reading pace and understanding, and thus my preferences in writers, a great deal..) I don’t like Gierach much, at least not compared the books and authors listed above. Too monotonous in perspective and writing style for my taste. He does have his moments, by all means, but somehow, it just doesn’t strike that cord with me.. If you do love Gierach books, you’re in luck, because he sure writes a lot of them….. Hope this helps! — Christian Figenschou – <URL: http://figen.com

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Grahm,    Read Trout Bum and View From Rat Lake.  He is a good writer and has only written one book that wasn’t excellent.  I enjoy his magazine articles too. Ernie Graham K. Jones wrote – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I would recommend anything written by John Gierach. I’ve read, just this fall, Sex, Death and Fly-Fishing, Dances with Trout, Another Lousy Day in Paradise and I am working on Standing in a River Waving a Stick when I can (not much lately). John’s writing really struck a cord with me, maybe it will for you as well. His books are a mix of the philosophy, technique, demographics and sociology of fly fishing. Graham

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Grahm,    Read Trout Bum and View From Rat Lake.  He is a good writer and has only written one book that wasn’t excellent.  I enjoy his magazine articles too. Ernie

Ernie;Which one might that be? I have read everything he has written and they were all good. The only thing wrong with reading Gierach is that it might lead you to experiment with bamboo, heroin is cheaper and maybe not as addictive. John Before you buy.

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Mark,  Two titles I would highly recommend:  A Flyfisher’s World by Nick Lyons and The Armchair Angler, an anthology edited by T. Brykczynski and D. Reuther.  Kerry Evans

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

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I keep it on my coffee table….granted it is a great first book but it is large format, comic book style…… If anyone asks about flyfishing the can read it over coffee while you are slicing the cake (not very long) Well, it’s not exactly on the coffee table but it is in the living room along with my giant sized , reprint of the first issue of Superman. And if you don’t get it, you’ll always wonder about it now won’t ya? P.S. at the price, is there anything related to flyfishing you can get

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Hello Mark, I would recommend anything written by John Gierach. I’ve read, just this fall, Sex, Death and Fly-Fishing, Dances with Trout, Another Lousy Day in Paradise and I am working on Standing in a River Waving a Stick when I can (not much lately). John’s writing really struck a cord with me, maybe it will for you as well. His books are a mix of the philosophy, technique, demographics and sociology of fly fishing. Graham

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

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I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

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Question:

Don’t need a cane rod George, I have enough trouble with a graphite one, but if I may put my 2 cents in, "By George Fly Rods" has a nice ring to it. And just for curiosity sakes, what color thread for the guides?

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What is your final choice?  And do you want an extra tip? I’ll give you a tip, George. Get out of this business before it’s too late.

; ) —

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Here in ROFF I have learned the following: Trolling a fly from a float tube is not flyfishing Using a strike indicator is almost flyfishing Using more than one fly is really flyfishing Presenting dry flies upstream is the only true flyfishing Eating trout is OK (and tasty) Eating trout is not OK, but perch taste better anyway Tailwaters are bad Tailwaters are fabulous Tim is a funny guy Ralph really likes Tim Many people want to flyfish Colorado needs hatcheries Hatcheries ultimately hurt anadromous species It ain’t the way it used to be And I agree with all of these things……. JE

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Here in ROFF I have learned the following: Tim is a funny guy Ralph really likes Tim

like him? I absolutley adore the big neurotic lug! Ralph H remove "take_this_out" for email reply

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Question:

Thought you all might be interested in a new Fly Fishing Loop of websites. The loop is just getting started, but already has been well received. It’s called the: Fly Fishing Loop Located at: http://homepage.interaccess.com/~tsteele/FlyFishingLoop/ Any fly fishing related website can be in the Loop. This can include, personal home pages, commercial websites (such as a manufacturers with products or services that are fly fishing related), fly tying sites, fly fishing clubs, organizations, links pages, fly fishing publications or periodicals, fly fishing guides, fly fishing shops etc. If it is fly fishing related and has a website, it can be in the Loop. You can get more information, and sign-up online. It takes about 2 mins. Everything you need to be in the Loop will be emailed to you automatically, after you sign-up. I hope that will take a moment to visit the Loop’s home page. The loop is devoted to fly fishing and all things related to the pursuit of fish on a fly. It needs your support. Website that are in the Loop will get increased traffic from the Loop. Visitors to the Loop will be interested in one thing…Fly Fishing. For commercial sites and those in the trade, the benfits are obvious, you get exposure to a specific audience of FF visitors to the Loop. Personal sites, organizations and clubs will get increased website exposure in the Loop, and can use the loop to get their word out, to the right audience as well! The Loop also benfits from the diversity and range of content that the various members have on their sites. Throught the Loop you can navigate all member sites, easily. I hope you will consider joining the loop. Tight lines and light leaders, Thomas Steele The Steelhead Site http://steelheadsite.com

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Thought you all might be interested in a new Fly Fishing Loop of websites. The loop is just getting started, but already has been well received. It’s called the: Fly Fishing Loop Located at: http://homepage.interaccess.com/~tsteele/FlyFishingLoop/

Hi, Just tried and got no connection. Could you verify that the above is correct. Thanks. Michael — Mit der Dummheit kampfen Gotter selbst vergebens -Schiller-

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Just tried and got no connection. Could you verify that the above is correct.

Works for me … must have been server trouble. Looks very cool and is a neat concept. Thomas Steele The Steelhead Site

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Question:

  Is there anyone out there that shares the same passion as me for fishing in the Niagara region?  If you live in Niagara and an experienced/unexperienced angler who fishes Port Dalhousie, the Whirlpool, Queenston Sand Docks, Pebbley Beach or the upper Niagara Rapids, I would like to hear from you!   I am especially interested in the spring Rainbow runs and the fall Chinook runs but I fish all year round for these species.  In the summer I devote most of my time to Smallmouth fishing.   If you would like any advice or tips about this region or if you have any advice or comments for me, I’m anxious to hear from you!!  

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 Is there anyone out there that shares the same passion as me for fishing in the Niagara region?  If you live in Niagara and an experienced/unexperienced angler who fishes Port Dalhousie, the Whirlpool, Queenston Sand Docks, Pebbley Beach or the upper Niagara Rapids, I would like to hear from you!  I am especially interested in the spring Rainbow runs and the fall Chinook runs but I fish all year round for these species.  In the summer I devote most of my time to Smallmouth fishing.  If you would like any advice or tips about this region or if you have any advice or comments for me, I’m anxious to hear from you!!  

  I one of those anglers whose has traveled up and down the 300 some odd stairs that lead to the Whirlpools.  For anyone out there who hasn’t fished any part of the Niagra I highly reccommend it.  I never fished a river with so much species diversity, you don’t know what your going to catch.  I’ve caught lake trout, brown trout, steelhead, chinook salmon and smallmouth bass, all out of Canada’s largest fishing hole "the Whirlpools".  The majority of my succes in the fall comes from fishing chinook skeen or brown roe, also being a fly fisherman I always find drifting a large attractor pattern such as a Maribou Matuka or big nymph patterns is worth a shot.  If you want to catch some big fish give the Niagra a chance you won’t be sorry.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  Is there anyone out there that shares the same passion as me for fishing in the Niagara region?  If you live in Niagara and an experienced/unexperienced angler who fishes Port Dalhousie, the Whirlpool, Queenston Sand Docks, Pebbley Beach or the upper Niagara Rapids, I would like to hear from you!  I am especially interested in the spring Rainbow runs and the fall Chinook runs but I fish all year round for these species.  In the summer I devote most of my time to Smallmouth fishing.  If you would like any advice or tips about this region or if you have any advice or comments for me, I’m anxious to hear from you!!     I one of those anglers whose has traveled up and down the 300 some odd stairs that lead to the Whirlpools.  For anyone out there who hasn’t fished any part of the Niagra I highly reccommend it.  I never fished a river with so much species diversity, you don’t know what your going to catch.  I’ve caught lake trout, brown trout, steelhead, chinook salmon and smallmouth bass, all out of Canada’s largest fishing hole "the Whirlpools".  The majority of my succes in the fall comes from fishing chinook skeen or brown roe, also being a fly fisherman I always find drifting a large attractor pattern such as a Maribou Matuka or big nymph patterns is worth a shot.  If you want to catch some big fish give the Niagra a chance you won’t be sorry.

   I have also fished the Whirlpool for a number of years.  It was one of those well kept "secret" spots.  I usually climb down the cliff from the park above the whirlpool.  You are right, you can catch just about anything there, even catfish or whatever you call them.  I call them hornpout.  We caught some nice rainbows last weekend and a few Kings, Landlocks, and a coho.  The Lake trout are pests.  You get tired playing 8-10 lb. lake trout all day long but I guess you have to take a little bad with the good. — Bgame

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Question:

writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Fly rodding in Hawaii is still relegated to a few weirdos and tourists. There  is a small planted population of trout on Kauai and a short fly fishing season for them in very remote stretches of the Waimea river. I have fly fished from the beaches and in some "flats areas" with out great success, but that was probably due to me , not the potential as there are some really good predators out there that people regularly get on spinning artificals, Ulua and Papio are jacks (papio is the younger 1-3 pound, they grow up to 20 pound Uluas), there are pacific barracudas and other reef fish that are probably fun to catch.  The big game activity off the Kona Coast is starting to attract fly fishers for the bill fish there, and the guides don’t all look at you like you have 3 heads if you mention fly fishing.  Good luck–Crashjibe

Thanks for the response, Crashjibe.  Do you have any info on where to try?  I’ll be on Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii.  Are there any beaches, flats, or accessible reefs that you know of? Thanks again.                 Bill

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Fly rodding in Hawaii is still relegated to a few weirdos and tourists. There  is a small planted population of trout on Kauai and a short fly fishing season for them in very remote stretches of the Waimea river.  I have fly fished from the beaches and in some "flats areas" with out great success, but that was probably due to me , not the potential as there are some really good predators out there that people regularly get on spinning artificals, Ulua and Papio are jacks (papio is the younger 1-3 pound, they grow up to 20 pound Uluas), there are pacific barracudas and other reef fish that are probably fun to catch.  The big game activity off the Kona Coast is starting to attract fly fishers for the bill fish there, and the guides don’t all look at you like you have 3 heads if you mention fly fishing.  Good luck–Crashjibe

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Hi everyone: I’m going to a meeting in Hawaii in mid-October, and am wondering whether I should bring a flyrod, and if so, what weight.  The meeting is on Maui at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua (in case that helps with location), and I’ll also be on the Big Island of Hawaii for a few days. Are there any reasonable flyfishing opportunities along the beaches? Any significant freshwater fishing that could be done without a boat? Any fly guides out there? (I really had no intention of bringing a rod but my wife insists that I post this message–she wouldn’t want to miss a special opportunity! How about that for a wife?  Last weekend she just kept insisting that I take her out on the boat for bass even though we had limited time and the weather was threatening.) Thanks for your help.                 Bill P.S.  I’ve not been following the newsgroups very religiously lately, so I’d appreciate an email response if possible.  Thanks again.

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Question:

Ernie’s Casting Pond (Soquel, CA) is proud to announce our new Web Site, located at <URL:http://www.ernies.com/~ernies/. We are located in Soquel, CA, about 35 miles south of San Jose, near Santa Cruz, CA. We are a full service fly shop, and welcome ideas and info from fellow ‘netters about local fly fishing news, etc. Stop on by and give us your comments on our Web site. Your comments are most welcome, and we look forward to hearing from you. -Ernie’s Casting Pond

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Hi, Ern!  Welcome to the Web.  ( I thought you were getting too old to get on the cutting edge of technology).  But you always surprise me.  See you Jim Thatcher

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