Question:

Willi writes: Didn’t know fly fishing required discipline. I’m not a very disciplined person.

Nor am I.  <g  By "three disciplines" I mean dries, nymphs, and streamers ( I consider an emerger to by a dry and a wet to be fished like a streamer or nymph). Dave, You don’t live in Maine do you? Just found a piece of heaven there?

No, I live in the People’s Republic of Massachusetts.  I have found *several* heavens in Maine and it is the main reason (no pun intended) that I bought the RV. Dave

Response:

1. What time of year is your favorite for fishing? 2. What time of the year provides the best fishing? My guess is that there will be some regional differences and differences depending on the species. My answers: I fish mainly in Colorado for trout. 1. Fall  2. Late prerunoff

In my corner of New England it would be: 1. June 2a. (quantity of fish) June 2b (size of fish) October George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

Response:

Forgot to add, Willi: We have *big* brookies in Maine.  The largest caught on the Rapid was 27 3/4 inches (on a #12 Goddard).  If you know where they are and what they want, 3 – 5 pounders can be common (remember the iddybiddies that Bruce H. tied at the SJ Clave?? <g)   Also, there are some landlocks that are just plain hawgs.  I took one on the Kennebec this past October that was only 22 inches long, but it had to be around 5 pounds — it was thick around the waist, not unlike me.  <g Dave

Response:

…well, not to be a contrarian little big man, but i’ve yet to discover an unfavorite time of year for fishing the backwoods nc streams…still, to the point, imo and limited experience, the best catching is in april-may and in my birth/re-birth month of october… jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My thread on September weather has caused a debate about Fall fishing. Here’s a question for everyone. 1. What time of year is your favorite for fishing? 2. What time of the year provides the best fishing? My guess is that there will be some regional differences and differences depending on the species. My answers: I fish mainly in Colorado for trout. 1. Fall  2. Late prerunoff Willi

Response:

Forgot to add, Willi: We have *big* brookies in Maine.  The largest caught on the Rapid was 27 3/4 inches (on a #12 Goddard).  If you know where they are and what they want, 3 – 5 pounders can be common (remember the iddybiddies that Bruce H. tied at the SJ Clave?? <g)   Also, there are some landlocks that are just plain hawgs.  I took one on the Kennebec this past October that was only 22 inches long, but it had to be around 5 pounds — it was thick around the waist, not unlike me. <g Dave

For those that have not been to the Rapid River, don’t bother! I was there, courtesy of the nefarious Pirate of ROFF, earlier this year. The accomadations are paltry; the scenery pedestrian; the fishing, just so-so, and the company, well, let’s not go there… Suffice to say, the fewer people ripped off by spending their time and money on this place, the better for me and Dave…err… I mean… well…err.., the better for them all!!! <GBOSEG Danl See you there next year, Dave….

Response:

Willi In Maine on the Rapid, it would be late May to late June.  The first main hatch has come off when the water temp hits 53 degrees.  It is usually only in the mid 60s by the end of June.  However, if it get above 70, fishing is iffy. Fall fishing would be September on the Rapid, and October on the Kennebec.  All three disciplines can be used successfully. Dave

Same as Dave – late May – early June and September for trout – June for pike – mid-summer for smallies and panfish – fall for chinook, late fall and early spring for steelhead but mid-winter as well when temps permit – mid summer for largemouth – mid summer for carp – like I said, if the water isn’t hard . . . Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

William Loehman wrote… 1. What time of year is your favorite for fishing?

1st choice, Late Aug. thru Sept. out west (Rockies) during hopper time. 2nd choice, Anytime out west. 3rd choice, anytime anywhere. 2. What time of the year provides the best fishing?

Anytime except during a really long hot spell in the midwest.   Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Response:

My favorite time in this part of the Rockies is the fall…usually mid-late September and into October.

<snipped a bunch Tim,  where do you live again?  Colorado? — Warren www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

Response:

My thread on September weather has caused a debate about Fall fishing. Here’s a question for everyone. 1. What time of year is your favorite for fishing? 2. What time of the year provides the best fishing? My guess is that there will be some regional differences and differences depending on the species. My answers: I fish mainly in Colorado for trout. 1. Fall  2. Late prerunoff

Where I live (central Idaho, in the Sawtooth Mountains) the fishing season begins in March and April for steelhead. Very unethical, but lots of fun nevertheless. Fishing is closed in May on the running water, but you can catch some nice bull trout at the inlets of lakes. June is runoff season. The specific time and duration varies wildly, depending on the snowpack and the weather. In late June and early July you can get very good cutthroat fishing, with suitably sparse salmonfly hatches. The cutthroat are moving into the headwaters to spawn. I suppose that fishing for them is unethical, as well, but so be it. This continues into August, depending on the weather. As the summer progresses the fishing becomes more problematical. The past two years have been low water, high temperature drought years. Finding the fish can be hard. They tend to be found downstream of cold-running springs and tributaries. Starting in late summer the chinook start running. We haven’t had a chinook season in Stanley for a few years, but there were a lot of them this year. The word is that we’ll have a season this year, so I’ll probably try it. Frankly, I prefer trout. Very late summer and fall is the season for the high lakes. It’s a butt-buster to get there, but often enough it’s worth it. After about the middle of October I have to travel somewhere else to fish.

Response:

during years when there is lots of water, i like late august on a certain stream i know when the isonychias start coming off and every big trout in the stream waits for the bugs in shallow water…wahoo!!!…mostly may/june is best here under normal conditions…i love september for trips to the mountain west…the colours are best, the crisp temperatures suit my temperment and the trout are plenty active…. Eugene somewhere in ontario

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My thread on September weather has caused a debate about Fall fishing. Here’s a question for everyone. 1. What time of year is your favorite for fishing? 2. What time of the year provides the best fishing? My guess is that there will be some regional differences and differences depending on the species. My answers: I fish mainly in Colorado for trout. 1. Fall  2. Late prerunoff Where I live (central Idaho, in the Sawtooth Mountains) the fishing season begins in March and April for steelhead. Very unethical, but lots of fun nevertheless. Fishing is closed in May on the running water, but you can catch some nice bull trout at the inlets of lakes. June is runoff season. The specific time and duration varies wildly, depending on the snowpack and the weather. In late June and early July you can get very good cutthroat fishing, with suitably sparse salmonfly hatches. The cutthroat are moving into the headwaters to spawn. I suppose that fishing for them is unethical, as well, but so be it. This continues into August, depending on the weather. As the summer progresses the fishing becomes more problematical. The past two years have been low water, high temperature drought years. Finding the fish can be hard. They tend to be found downstream of cold-running springs and tributaries. Starting in late summer the chinook start running. We haven’t had a chinook season in Stanley for a few years, but there were a lot of them this year. The word is that we’ll have a season this year, so I’ll probably try it. Frankly, I prefer trout. Very late summer and fall is the season for the high lakes. It’s a butt-buster to get there, but often enough it’s worth it. After about the middle of October I have to travel somewhere else to fish.

Response:

during years when there is lots of water, i like late august on a certain stream i know when the isonychias start coming off

I’m bad on Latin, is there a common name for the fly? Is the hatch restricted to that given stream? and every big trout in the stream waits for the bugs in shallow water…wahoo!!!..

Nothing more fun than a hatch that moves the big fish into shallow feeding stations. Willi

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… for fishing the backwoods nc streams…best catching is in april-may

Been there.  Done it.  Concur. and in my birth/re-birth month of october…

Ditto. Ditto. Ditto. jeff

Late November through early March, I prefer NZ or Chile. Wolfgang

Response:

1. What time of year is your favorite for fishing? 2. What time of the year provides the best fishing?

Here in Tennessee, I prefer now through the dead of winter.  I think that time provides me as good fishing as any other time…mostly because I suck so bad at it, so I don’t see a difference!  Seriously, I’d take now through February over any other time here. Bruce Thomsen

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1. What time of year is your favorite for fishing? 2. What time of the year provides the best fishing? My answer for both 1 & 2 (for trout & summer steelhead in Oregon, Washington & Idaho) is September and October.  I often wish that the conditions of early October lasted 6 mos.

Bob, I wish you’d quit telling people this.  I know we like to kid that there’s no good fishing here, but if you actively disseminate this sort of misinformation, it could cause real harm.  Some poor Floridian or Californian might spend all his hard-earned vacation money to come here when you "recommend" and miss the really good fishing in, oh, say, February. JR (who is speaking ONLY about Oregon and understands the Sept/Oct fishing in WA and ID really IS fantastic) http://www.visitid.org/   Idaho Tourism ("Great Potatoes, Tasty Destinations") http://www.tourism.wa.gov/ Washington Tourism ("A Little Trip to the Extraordinary")

Response:

My thread on September weather has caused a debate about Fall fishing. Here’s a question for everyone. 1. What time of year is your favorite for fishing? 2. What time of the year provides the best fishing?

Well now, that is an excellent question.  Willi?  I cannot name just one time of year, because it depends so much on what major fly fishing celebrity I’m fishing with and upon which continent I am on.  Also, weather fishing bamboo or not effects the answer. One of my fondest memories is flying Lee Wolf down to Argentina in my MIG-27.  We went in October because the autumn time is so beautiful in Argentina in the fall.  It was one of HIS last seasons and he asked me to do him this little favor and of course I obliged, my good friend. My fly had become tattered from catching so many large browns (they have teeth like crocodiles down there) that I killed and field dressed a cockaburra with my Swiss army knife, given to me by my deer friend George Harvey Oswald.  I cut urine-stained fur from this female, and this natural fiber orangey-gray shade is the ONLY color and material that the fall-spawning large browns down there will hit on.  I redressed my fly. Most people don’t realize you can do this, but I have done things you can only dream about.  And you know?  On the very first cast I landed a huge hen on 11x tippet.  (Several months ago, with the decreasing diameter tippet they were making now, I predicted they would come up with this, and they did.  It is too difficult to work with for most fishermen though, we don’t recommend it for normal fishing.) Lee looked at me holding that fat trophy and he said to me "George" he said, "I think that is one of the largest, most beautiful native browns I’ve ever seen, if not a record."  As I returned the 36 lb. monster safely to her home, I noticed a look of contentment and serenity on Lee’s face that I had never noticed before.  I now knew he would die a happy man, and this journey had been worthwhile.  It must be said, fall, is my favorite time.  That is all the time I have to answer your question at this time.  Good question Willi.  We enjoyed the diversion.

Response:

My thread on September weather has caused a debate about Fall fishing.

Good for a laugh. Missing George already are ya? Willi

Response:

My thread on September weather has caused a debate about Fall fishing. Here’s a question for everyone. 1. What time of year is your favorite for fishing?

I like spring, because everything is headed in the "right direction".  Water is cold but getting warmer, days are getting longer, hatches are getting more heavy.  The whole world is waxing rather than waning.

Response:

<awesome gibberish snipped aruhdean, izzat you?  Just don’t go so far into GG’s head that you can’t find your way out.  Leave a trail of bread crumbs, or something. Kevin maybe a trail of gink…

Response:

Fall fishing would be September on the Rapid, and October on the Kennebec.  All three disciplines can be used successfully.

Didn’t know fly fishing required discipline. I’m not a very disciplined person. Dave, You don’t live in Maine do you? Just found a piece of heaven there? Willi

Response:

My favorite time in this part of the Rockies is the fall…usually mid-late September and into October. The weather is cooler, and the fish are pretty hungry before the winter. There are bwo hatches. With the water low and clear, it can be pretty technical and challenging. But, we catch fish on dries even as late as mid-October. As far as the best fishing…..usually I find it is best when the water clears just after runoff, about early July. Less technical due to the higher and faster water, but the water is still pretty cool so the fish are active. But, to be honest, we can allways seem to find times and places when the fishing will be good. Tim Lysyk – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My thread on September weather has caused a debate about Fall fishing. Here’s a question for everyone. 1. What time of year is your favorite for fishing? 2. What time of the year provides the best fishing? My guess is that there will be some regional differences and differences depending on the species. My answers: I fish mainly in Colorado for trout. 1. Fall  2. Late prerunoff Willi

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My thread on September weather has caused a debate about Fall fishing. Here’s a question for everyone. 1. What time of year is your favorite for fishing? 2. What time of the year provides the best fishing? My guess is that there will be some regional differences and differences depending on the species. My answers: I fish mainly in Colorado for trout. 1. Fall  2. Late prerunoff Willi

In the GWN, anytime the water isn’t hard. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Willi writes: My thread on September weather has caused a debate about Fall fishing. Here’s a question for everyone. 1. What time of year is your favorite for fishing? 2. What time of the year provides the best fishing? My guess is that there will be some regional differences and differences depending on the species. My answers: I fish mainly in Colorado for trout. 1. Fall  2. Late prerunoff Willi

In Maine on the Rapid, it would be late May to late June.  The first main hatch has come off when the water temp hits 53 degrees.  It is usually only in the mid 60s by the end of June.  However, if it get above 70, fishing is iffy. Fall fishing would be September on the Rapid, and October on the Kennebec.  All three disciplines can be used successfully. Dave

Response:

My thread on September weather has caused a debate about Fall fishing. Here’s a question for everyone. 1. What time of year is your favorite for fishing? 2. What time of the year provides the best fishing?

1. Definitely fall (okay, indian summer) 2. For me personally? I do pretty good in pre-runoff also, usually the March Brown and/or Skwala hatch as well as streamer fishing before the melt hits. I do think that early July has some of the best fishing of the year around here (only around 3000 to 4000′ MSL). Usually, PMD’s, Green Drakes and plenty of caddis as well as reasonable thunderstorms to provide some cloud cover so it’s not just constant bright sun (man, I hate that). — Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

Response:

My thread on September weather has caused a debate about Fall fishing. Here’s a question for everyone. 1. What time of year is your favorite for fishing? 2. What time of the year provides the best fishing? My guess is that there will be some regional differences and differences depending on the species. My answers: I fish mainly in Colorado for trout. 1. Fall  2. Late prerunoff Willi

Response:

1. What time of year is your favorite for fishing? 2. What time of the year provides the best fishing?

My answer for both 1 & 2 (for trout & summer steelhead in Oregon, Washington & Idaho) is September and October.  I often wish that the conditions of early October lasted 6 mos. Bob Weinberger

Response:

Question:

I went to the library a couple of hours ago and checked out a book about the sense of smell, simply because it caught my eye.  While reading it at dinner a while ago I was reminded of the second thing I noticed on arriving at Jay’s cabin in the UP; the delicious and unique aroma of the north woods.  Every place has its own smell (libraries are another favorite, or rather, class of favorites…they’re all different) and this one, in the spring, combines rich undertones of damp earth, crisp aromatic conifers dominated by balsam fir, pungent aspens, and a host of lesser elements.  Every time it hits me I am immediately transported back to innumerable other visits for fishing, hunting, wood cutting, and sitting on the porch, which brings me to the first thing I noticed and which cut short my reverie, for there on the porch was the supine form of one medium sized Asadi.  It was either dead or asleep.  A few light kicks at the chair confirmed that it was the latter. After a few moments of hale fellow well mets I bundled the poor boy, much bedraggled from a long journey a hot sauna and wrasslin with some barley pop, off to see Agate Falls.  Agate is one of the more spectacular falls in the UP, which is littered with the things, and would later prove to be the last place we fished on this trip. When we got back to the neighborhood of the shack we stopped to visit Jay’s brother Bret, who lives in a trailer just a couple hundred yards down the road.  Bret is a journeyman electrician, which would allow him to live virtually anywhere he pleases.  He is also a VERY avid hunter and fisher.  That he chooses to live in such a place is indicative of what it has to offer to the outdoor enthusiast.  As we chatted (Asadi tried to buy Bret’s hat from his five year old daughter but she was too cagey for him), Jay drove up.  A few minutes later we all arrived at the shack to find Mr. Petah Charles there.  The evening was devoted to making plans for departure the next morning, sorting through gear, eating, and pouring offerings to the fish gods and the great god Ethanol.  Asadi, having gotten a considerable head start on the rest of us, easily won the evenings round of libations.  We were all pleased to discover that Peter speaks pretty good English for a ferriner.   We arose tolerably early the next morning and after a few brief stops for breakfast, extra packing food, conferences, mapping, waterfall viewing, fly shop hunting (without noticeable success, I might add), and other piddling chores, we managed to hit the trail precisely at the crack of noon….or thereabouts.  Jay decided to take a rather more challenging route than the rest of us so it was up to me to deliver the requisite lecture to the newbies…….stop whenever you feel a need, drink plenty of water, ANY discomfort on feet is to be taken very seriously and attended to immediately, yada, yada, yada.  I set a moderate pace for the first half mile so as not to tax the rookies. After a ten minute break during which Peter never bothered to remove his pack, I let him take the lead, and I spent the next hour and a half sprinting to keep him in sight while John, carrying some very heavy and very non traditional backpacking food and a head that looked suspiciously larger than it used to, was left to bring up the rear.  We arrived at the mouth of the Big Carp, after a trip of 4 1/4 miles, an hour and fifty minutes after hitting the trail, and this with a couple of rest stops totaling about fifteen minutes.  Goddamn Cannuck voyageurs!   More later……gotta rest. Wolfgang

Response:

[ominous preclavian rumblings noted and snipped] More later……gotta rest. Wolfgang

John, Peter, and Wolfgang "alone together" in the woodz? Whoa… /daytripper (Jealous – or grateful? Tough call…

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Question:

I got to the show early, did a little bit of scouting around, then headed for the bar to meet Stan Gula.  Stan showed up on time with his non-fly fishing brother Jim.  We talked for awhile and Stan reminded us that Lefty Kreh was to be at the casting pool at noon. We had the best spot at the show, right up front next to Lefty.  The man is amazing — he makes casting look like child’s play, and we all know it isn’t. I have seen his program before, but this time I think I actually learned something.  His explanation on how to cast a weighted nymph with split shot and strike indicator attached really surprised me, because it is exactly how I cast such a set up.  It isn’t a normal cast, more like a circle cast.  I call it a "lob", but it works well. After Lefty’s show, we split up.  I had to pick up some things I bought earlier, and get home at a reasonable hour.  I spoke to someone at a lodge in south-eastern Labrador.  He could give us a deal on a clave there next year.   At one of the booths I was looking over the hook selection.  There, right in front, at eye level for the whole world to see was some Tiemco size #32 hooks. They also had #30 and #28, so anyone saying they do not "exist" is full of tie his "dandruff" on, I guarantee fish in Maine waters.   Overall, it was a pretty good show with far more tackle and fly rod booths than Marlboro offered, and more lodges represented (which allows me to pick up their brochure and dream). Stan Gula:  Typical roffian clavester.  He is gonna fit it well at the Penn Clave.  He’ll be tenting in the same area as Peter and me, so I invited him for Dave

Response:

I got to the show early, did a little bit of scouting around, then headed for the bar to meet Stan Gula.  Stan showed up on time with his non-fly fishing brother Jim.

His name’s Mike, but he doesn’t talk much anyway, so it hardly matters<g. My brother liked Lefty, but was a bit put off by all the animal parts I spent the afternoon digging through.  Got a nice set of snowshoe rabbit feet (I offered to make him a keychain out of one of them but he declined).  He was most amazed at the price of chicken feathers. Nice to have met Dave – the fourth Roffian I’ve seen in person.  I was as surprised at his height (about 4" taller than he looks in pictures) as he was at my width (about 6" more than my doctor thinks I should be). –Stan

Response:

Stan Gula writes:] His name’s Mike, but he doesn’t talk much anyway, so it hardly matters<g.

Hey, it was a senior moment, Fran.   <g Any way, we had a good time even though it was short.  Got home and I could actually see the black-top on the driveway.  It has been *months* since i’ve seen it.  Tomorrow is supposed to be Dave

Response:

Maybe you should just bathe in your breakfast shorts? <g — Charlie…

Response:

If you bought the hooks for me I’ll tie the flies. Once again I missed a show due to skiing. I think my wife has the show schedule in hand when she books weekends up north. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got to the show early, did a little bit of scouting around, then headed for the bar to meet Stan Gula.  Stan showed up on time with his non-fly fishing brother Jim.  We talked for awhile and Stan reminded us that Lefty Kreh was to be at the casting pool at noon. We had the best spot at the show, right up front next to Lefty.  The man is amazing — he makes casting look like child’s play, and we all know it isn’t. I have seen his program before, but this time I think I actually learned something.  His explanation on how to cast a weighted nymph with split shot and strike indicator attached really surprised me, because it is exactly how I cast such a set up.  It isn’t a normal cast, more like a circle cast.  I call it a "lob", but it works well. After Lefty’s show, we split up.  I had to pick up some things I bought earlier, and get home at a reasonable hour.  I spoke to someone at a lodge in south-eastern Labrador.  He could give us a deal on a clave there next year. At one of the booths I was looking over the hook selection.  There, right in front, at eye level for the whole world to see was some Tiemco size #32 hooks. They also had #30 and #28, so anyone saying they do not "exist" is full of and tie his "dandruff" on, I guarantee fish in Maine waters. Overall, it was a pretty good show with far more tackle and fly rod booths than Marlboro offered, and more lodges represented (which allows me to pick up their brochure and dream). Stan Gula:  Typical roffian clavester.  He is gonna fit it well at the Penn Clave.  He’ll be tenting in the same area as Peter and me, so I invited him for him Dave

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Question:

Kevin;         As one of the ROFF skulkers who occasionally squeaks out a word or two, I would like to answer your question with a question.  That is, can you sign this insurance paper for me?  Please don’t take the good rods with you, just leave them at home along side a recent will naming me your beneficiary.        I’ve been in and out, through and under float tubes around the world, if there is a way of screwing up your life with a tube, I’ve done it.  ANY MOVING WATER FASTER THAN 1/2 MILE AN HOUR CAN KILL YOU.  You will be amazed at how much pressure moving water can put on you when you are hung on a snag.  Yes, you may be strong and virile, but cold water saps strength quickly and something that is a minor problem at the start of the day will do you in at the end of the day.        There is a river in England that flows just north of Cambridge and runs into the North Sea.  This river is called (seriously) the Great Ouse. Ouse actually is an ancient word meaning river.  It is so slow (it has many locks to keep it that way), that you can paddle up stream in a tube with a bit of difficulty, but it can be done.   After a day of fishing this wonderful pike and chub Mecca, my tube got caught on a bit of rebar that was still encased in cement.  Normally I would have just pushed off of it, but I was so cold and tired that I ended up cutting my saddle out with my emergency knife (always carry a serrated edge folding knife in your life vest or fly vest.  They will save your life.) and sliding through the bottom.  I swam to shore and shivered until some coarse fishermen came to my rescue.      We always fish until we can’t fish anymore, till we can barely move our arms, till climbing one more bank will give us a coronary.  We are men so we work past the pain ’cause we’re having fun.  Add the strength and endurance sapping abilities of cold water, mix in a bit of fluid dynamics and voila, one more float tubing widow using that Sage as a tomato stake.      Yeh, this story was a bit of a downer, but I want to hear the story of how many fish you caught when you get back.                                                         Frank Reid

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m thinking of getting a belly boat to float down the bow in.  Is this a suicidal thing to do? Would I be better off buying a (much more expensive!!!) pontoon boat? Thanks KB

Response:

Ok I’m convinced.  Thank you for saving me from making a very silly mistake! I’ll take a look at pontoon boats. I think they’re a couple of hundred more than a belly boat though, so I may just settle for bellying in lakes this year.

Actually if you look at pontoons that are made for moving water they are way more than a couple of hundred more. I’ve got a friend who guides in them and he has a hobie and an outcast. the hobies are no good for rivers according to him, and he wouldn’t risk his life in one, his outcast pac 9 however, is very safe. The downside is a pac 9 is about $1000 us. Flyfish

Response:

Kevin, Check out the new Water Skeeter Pontoon boats at http://www.finecast.net/ws/wsindex.html Fine Cast

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m thinking of getting a belly boat to float down the bow in.  Is this a suicidal thing to do? Would I be better off buying a (much more expensive!!!) pontoon boat? Thanks KB

Response:

Suicidal?  Likely.  While most of the Bow in and downstream from Calgary looks pretty benign, there are a lot of sunken snags and sweepers which you WILL catch your dangling feet on, and get rolled under by.  I would approach with extreme caution, and the higher you are out of the water, the better. Besides, a float tube will not be able to be manoeuvered as quickly as a pontoon or proper drift boat, so you’ll end up floating through and right by many nice runs.  Go rent a ‘toon, and have a better time.

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Ok I’m convinced.  Thank you for saving me from making a very silly mistake! I’ll take a look at pontoon boats. I think they’re a couple of hundred more than a belly boat though, so I may just settle for bellying in lakes this year. My Uncle lives in Ely, near Cambridge and I’ve fished the Ouse (I think it was was Ouse anyway), back when I was fishing for Dace, Chub, Bream and Gudgeon (caught a lot of eels instead) with maggots, cheese, sausage and using float and ledger rods (the English way of fishing!) It’s funny I tried really hard to fish english style when I came to Canada but had almost no luck. This fish are different here!  I took up Fly fishing and haven’t looked back, although I do have fond memories of sitting by the canal with a double maggot/caster combination, checking the lie of the float and all that good stuff! Cheers Kevin

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Kevin;         As one of the ROFF skulkers who occasionally squeaks out a word or two, I would like to answer your question with a question.  That is, can you sign this insurance paper for me?  Please don’t take the good rods with you, just leave them at home along side a recent will naming me your beneficiary.        I’ve been in and out, through and under float tubes around the world, if there is a way of screwing up your life with a tube, I’ve done it.  ANY MOVING WATER FASTER THAN 1/2 MILE AN HOUR CAN KILL YOU.  You will be amazed at how much pressure moving water can put on you when you are hung on a snag.  Yes, you may be strong and virile, but cold water saps strength quickly and something that is a minor problem at the start of the day will do you in at the end of the day.        There is a river in England that flows just north of Cambridge and runs into the North Sea.  This river is called (seriously) the Great Ouse. Ouse actually is an ancient word meaning river.  It is so slow (it has many locks to keep it that way), that you can paddle up stream in a tube with a bit of difficulty, but it can be done.   After a day of fishing this wonderful pike and chub Mecca, my tube got caught on a bit of rebar that was still encased in cement.  Normally I would have just pushed off of it, but I was so cold and tired that I ended up cutting my saddle out with my emergency knife (always carry a serrated edge folding knife in your life vest or fly vest.  They will save your life.) and sliding through the bottom.  I swam to shore and shivered until some coarse fishermen came to my rescue.      We always fish until we can’t fish anymore, till we can barely move our arms, till climbing one more bank will give us a coronary.  We are men so we work past the pain ’cause we’re having fun.  Add the strength and endurance sapping abilities of cold water, mix in a bit of fluid dynamics and voila, one more float tubing widow using that Sage as a tomato stake.      Yeh, this story was a bit of a downer, but I want to hear the story of how many fish you caught when you get back.                                                         Frank Reid I’m thinking of getting a belly boat to float down the bow in.  Is this a suicidal thing to do? Would I be better off buying a (much more expensive!!!) pontoon boat? Thanks KB

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I’m thinking of getting a belly boat to float down the bow in.  Is this a suicidal thing to do? Would I be better off buying a (much more expensive!!!) pontoon boat? Thanks KB

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Question:

Charlie Chock: <<Stop in at or call Unicoi Outfitters in Helen.  They are on the main hiway (Rt 75?) next to the Hooch just before you go into Helen (from the south).  They will know what’s going on and where.

They also have a ‘pay to fish’ stretch of the river now by their shop I hear. — Charlie… Yeah.  They tried to get me to rent a half day.  They have some pix of big fish being taken, but somehow I couldn’t see myself paying to fish. I did, however, have a reservation at Dukes Creek (off of 75A).  Cost $3.00 to park, they inspect your hooks to make sure they are barbless. Great water, but it is all C and R. Dave LaCourse

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I did, however, have a reservation at Dukes Creek (off of 75A).  Cost $3.00 to park, they inspect your hooks to make sure they are barbless. Great water, but it is all C and R.

Waters Creek has similar regs but you can keep 1/per day and 3/yr if they meet the size limit. Haven’t caught a keeper there yet though<g. — Charlie…

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Cindy Wolfe: <<Anyone fly fish in North Georgia, specifically the Dahlonega and Helen area. We are planning a trip there soon, and we’d like to know where they are biting… Stop in at or call Unicoi Outfitters in Helen.  They are on the main hiway (Rt 75?) next to the Hooch just before you go into Helen (from the south).  They will know what’s going on and where. Dave LaCourse

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Cindy Wolfe: <<Anyone fly fish in North Georgia, specifically the Dahlonega and Helen area. We are planning a trip there soon, and we’d like to know where they are biting… Stop in at or call Unicoi Outfitters in Helen.  They are on the main hiway (Rt 75?) next to the Hooch just before you go into Helen (from the south).  They will know what’s going on and where.

They also have a ‘pay to fish’ stretch of the river now by their shop I hear. — Charlie…

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Anyone fly fish in North Georgia, specifically the Dahlonega and Helen area. We are planning a trip there soon, and we’d like to know where they are biting… Thanks for the replies…

Check out http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ngto/. There is a wealth of information there. Also, as was suggested. Unicoi Outfitters in Helen is a good source. — Charlie…

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Anyone fly fish in North Georgia, specifically the Dahlonega and Helen area. We are planning a trip there soon, and we’d like to know where they are biting… Thanks for the replies…

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Cindy, there is lots of great water in North Georgia. Chatahoochee runs through Helen. Its easily accesible. I like fishing the Toccoa. It’s about an hour from Dahlonega following 60. Doesn’t seem to get much pressure. Mind the dam generation schedule (TVA). They typically do not generate on the weekends. Also in that area is Coopers Creek and Rock Creek. You’ll seen the forest service signs on the way to the Toccoa. Good Luck! Kevin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone fly fish in North Georgia, specifically the Dahlonega and Helen area. We are planning a trip there soon, and we’d like to know where they are biting… Thanks for the replies…

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Question:

[deleted] volkswagon beetles [deleted] chevrolet hare’s ears

orvis jeep beadheads… — TimW – Halfordian Golfer Guilt replaced the creel…

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this thread is for anything unrelated to flyfishing. feel free to contribute, but PLEASE,  no flyfishing (than it would be an off-topic, off-topic thread and would kinda be like looking in the mirrors at a barbershop…) ie… volkswagon beetles

        imho, far superior to chevrolet hare’s ears for really getting a sinking line down where the big uns are.  oh, i realize casting can become a little tiresome; but, hey, that’s fly fishing for ya…         a. wayne harrison – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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this thread is for anything unrelated to flyfishing. feel free to contribute, but PLEASE,  no flyfishing (than it would be an off-topic, off-topic thread and would kinda be like looking in the mirrors at a barbershop…) ie… kohlberg tongue swallowing dueling banjoes tv ratings cursing me, yourself, or others lovefests volkswagon beetles internet bad guys internet good guys anything goes…..

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Question:

I am planning a trip to Mosquito Lagoon the weekend of July 24.  This is a trip I am very excited about since I’ve wanted to fish that area for a long time.  My primary target is reds but will take anything that bites.  I use both light tackle and fly gear, artificials only.  I will only have a 15′ canoe with trolling motor. Any areas that you could suggest including launch sites would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help. Dave Moore Dave’s South Florida Home Page http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/9975

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am planning a trip to Mosquito Lagoon the weekend of July 24.  This is a trip I am very excited about since I’ve wanted to fish that area for a long time.  My primary target is reds but will take anything that bites.  I use both light tackle and fly gear, artificials only.  I will only have a 15′ canoe with trolling motor. Any areas that you could suggest including launch sites would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help. Dave Moore Dave’s South Florida Home Page http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/9975

      I’d not worry about a boat, but instead hire a guide. There are any number, all listed in the yellow pages. Some even guarentee "fish or no fee". Make sure the guide is a light/fly guide. The average price last time I checked was $250/ 1/2 day. Even if you don’t fish, the view and wildlife is well worth the price, and a real bargain with fishing thrown in.                                                       John Popp                                                     in Sanford Fl.

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I am planning a trip to Mosquito Lagoon the weekend of July 24.  This is a trip I am very excited about since I’ve wanted to fish that area for a long time.  My primary target is reds but will take anything that bites.  I use both light tackle and fly gear, artificials only.  I will only have a 15′ canoe with trolling motor. Any areas that you could suggest including launch sites would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help. Dave Moore

DAve, There are only 2 access points to the lagoon both are on the Canaveral national seashore. The north entry point ( best fishing) is off of A1A in New Smyrna. The second is Eddy creek out of Titusville on rt 402. The primary fish in the lagoon are Reds, LAdyfish, Trout and Jacks with Tarpon and snook being there every once in a while. Hope this helps.      Jim Dave’s South Florida Home Page http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/9975

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am planning a trip to Mosquito Lagoon the weekend of July 24.  This is a trip I am very excited about since I’ve wanted to fish that area for a long time.  My primary target is reds but will take anything that bites.  I use both light tackle and fly gear, artificials only.  I will only have a 15′ canoe with trolling motor. Any areas that you could suggest including launch sites would be very much appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help. Dave Moore DAve, There are only 2 access points to the lagoon both are on the Canaveral national seashore. The north entry point ( best fishing) is off of A1A in New Smyrna. The second is Eddy creek out of Titusville on rt 402. The primary fish in the lagoon are Reds, LAdyfish, Trout and Jacks with Tarpon and snook being there every once in a while. Hope this helps.     Jim Dave’s South Florida Home Page http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/9975 I don’t understand that there are only two access points to the

Indian River Lagoon. The lagoon streaches from New Syrna to below Vero Beach There are literally thousands of access places. There are also some very good guides that work the river and the Banana River. If you are coming to Central Florida for the first time I strongly suggest you use a guide for your first experience. If you want the names and address of some guides Email me and I will supply you several. George Partridge Custom Rods – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Dave’s South Florida Home Page http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Trails/9975 I don’t understand that there are only two access points to the Indian River Lagoon. The lagoon streaches from New Syrna to below Vero Beach

There are literally thousands of access places. There are also some very good guides that work the river and the Banana River. If you are coming to Central Florida for the first time I strongly suggest you

use a guide for your first experience. If you want the names and address of some guides Email me and I will supply you several. George

The Lagoon its self is only 23 miles long. it goes from New Smyrna to Titusville. The bannana river runs to Vero beach. Both are great fishing but the lagoon has most of the flats for reds. If you want snook ( big snook) head towards Vero. Hope this clears things up.      Jim Partridge Custom Rods

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Question:

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

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

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Question:

Any experiences with Gore-Tex waders in saltwater? I want to replace a hot sweaty and heavy pair of Gralites.

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I have several friends who used Simms/Gore-Tex waders this past summer while fishing stripers in Maine–  no problems.

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I have several friends who used Simms/Gore-Tex waders this past summer while fishing stripers in Maine–  no problems.

Hi I’ve guided using Simms GorTex wader the past couple of year.  They are the best thing I’ve done for myself in the interest of comfort in year.   They are definitely worth the price when you compare to your personal comfort. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 catalog)

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Question:

I’ve got my pole. I’ve got my flies.  I don’t have line. I found a good reference that describes the different types of fly line, but not leaders and backing(?). What is the material for leaders?  How long? How to attach to the fly line? The text also mentioned a backing line. What is it?  How much do I use? How do I attach it to the fly line? I was thinking about learning on blue gills.  Good/ Bad idea? Thanks in advance for all replies! Ed K.

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In case  you haven’t received a reply on line, leaders, etc…Your rod should have a line weight marked some where just above the cork grip. Might be #6 or some such. You’ll need a line matched to that number. The leaders are made of monofiliment. You need one about 7 1/2 feet with a stength of about 6 pound test for sunfish. To the tip of the mono, add about 2 feet of tippet material (mono) with a barrel or double surgeon’s knot. I’d go to a flyfishing store for more help or buy the L.L. Bean Beginners Guide To Flyfishing," written by Dave Whitlock. Sunfish are great to learn on and fish for forever!!

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