Question:

I’ve got three buddies that want to go with me to the lower part of Ontario to Walleye fish and to do some river/stream trout fish. I’ve been looking a little bit for a place that can suit all our needs but can’t seem to find one. Anyone got some suggestions? Thanks Matt

Response:

I’ve got three buddies that want to go with me to the lower part of Ontario to Walleye fish and to do some river/stream trout fish. I’ve been looking a little bit for a place that can suit all our needs but can’t seem to find one. Anyone got some suggestions? Thanks Matt

Typing with left hand here . . . Grand River – upper section, smallmouth & carp – upper mid-section,- mostly brown trout, occasional smallie, pike, and carp – middle section, smallmouth, some pike and carp, steelhead (in season). – lower section, smallmouth, pike, pickerel (walleye), gar pike, carp, mooneye (in season), chinook (in season), steelhead (in season). – lower section can be navigated by power boat; canoe and drift boat for the rest – don’t go over any weirs – it hurts. That should get you started. More to follow when both hands are working . . . Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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Typing with left hand here . . .

(snip) More to follow when both hands are working . . .

How did you do the caps?? Your nose? riverman

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Typing with left hand here . . . (snip) More to follow when both hands are working . . . How did you do the caps?? Your nose? riverman

No, my . . . never mind . . . CAPSLOCK ON, CAPSLOCK OFF, or just stretched out the pinkie Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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Typing with left hand here . . . (snip) More to follow when both hands are working . . . How did you do the caps?? Your nose?

Oh man, you just HAD to ask, didn’t you?! Wolfgang shiny new nickel says it ain’t his nose.      :(

Response:

– lower section, smallmouth, pike, pickerel (walleye), gar pike, carp,

Pickerel aren’t walleye on this side of the boder, Peter.  I think they used to be, but the more rigorous border checks since 9/11 make it tougher to travel on a false passport! Scott

Response:

– lower section, smallmouth, pike, pickerel (walleye), gar pike, carp, Pickerel aren’t walleye on this side of the boder, Peter.  I think they used to be, but the more rigorous border checks since 9/11 make it tougher to travel on a false passport! Scott

I know, I know.  It’s made the education of our southern neighbours in the use of proper piscine terminology in the Queen’s English, so much more difficult.  These things are sent to try us. (Imagine calling a pike, a pickerel?  What is this world coming to? And a walleye?  Whoever heard of walls having eyes, let alone, swimming?) Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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I know, I know.  It’s made the education of our southern neighbours

        wtf is a "neighbour"?         yfitons         wayno  (damn brits never have been able to spell.)

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I know, I know.  It’s made the education of our southern neighbours    wtf is a "neighbour"?    yfitons    wayno  (damn brits never have been able to spell.)

a yank Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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Recieved the flies and want to say thanks–for some reason at a clave the guys seem to think I am a fly moocher–actually I am only an art appreciater. took my grandson to brim pond [he is trying to get fly fishing merit badge] put a yellaw  on and he caught  a brim on his first fly fishing lesson My buddy the newby came down and he caught  a bass on one of your purple jobs–he wants to buy a dozen flies. Think the glo glo stuff you put on bottom of fly really works. My trip thru Texas in August turned into a new Zealand trip in December so donm"t know when I will see you but wanted  you to know that BIG DALE  flies are a big hit in Carolina. Indian Joe McIntosh

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merit badge] put a yellaw  on and he caught  a brim on his first fly fishing lesson My buddy the newby came down and he caught  a bass on one of your purple jobs

That is the kind of feedback that I love. The only reason I tie them is for folks to catch fish with them. I can see the grin on your face from here as your grandson caught a brim on one. Big Dale

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That is the kind of feedback that I love. The only reason I tie them is for folks to catch fish with them.

Well BD, I was lucky enough to win some of your flies at two separate claves and I think I have told you before how much I have enjoyed them, but if not, I am now. <g I have caught bream, smallmouth, rainbows and browns off them here in GA and even tried a couple in the Baltic when I was in Denmark. Great flies. — Charlie…

Response:

Actually, walleye are often called "yellow pike", not pickerel, and at one time there was a strain called "blue pike" in the lower Niagara.

There’s some talk that the blue pike isn’t extinct.  If it wasn’t packed, I find the literature review I have, done by MNR on all of the peer reviewed stuff on pickerel (walleye) and I’m pretty sure that there is one that mentions the blue pike.  It’s also know as the blue pickerel here (figures, eh?) http://www.nativefish.org/BluePike/ Just one more to add to our legacy. BTW, I’ve also heard of walleye/pickerel/yellow pike being referred to as pikeperch.  It’s seems mostly a European usage – same as zander. blue pikeperch n : variety inhabiting the Great Lakes [syn: blue pike, blue pickerel , blue walleye, Strizostedion vitreum glaucum] Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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BTW, I’ve also heard of walleye/pickerel/yellow pike being referred to as pikeperch.  It’s seems mostly a European usage – same as zander. blue pikeperch n : variety inhabiting the Great Lakes [syn: blue pike, blue pickerel , blue walleye, Strizostedion vitreum glaucum]

Where does Northern Pike fit into this? I’ve tried eating Northerns several times (once in Montana, once in Finland) and the local Finnish slang of ‘mudfish’ certainly applies to the bland taste. However, in Riga, Pikeperch was a local delicacy. I never ventured to try it, figuring it was a desperation food. riverman

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – BTW, I’ve also heard of walleye/pickerel/yellow pike being referred to as pikeperch.  It’s seems mostly a European usage – same as zander. blue pikeperch n : variety inhabiting the Great Lakes [syn: blue pike, blue pickerel , blue walleye, Strizostedion vitreum glaucum] Where does Northern Pike fit into this? I’ve tried eating Northerns several times (once in Montana, once in Finland) and the local Finnish slang of ‘mudfish’ certainly applies to the bland taste. However, in Riga, Pikeperch was a local delicacy. I never ventured to try it, figuring it was a desperation food. riverman

It gets confusing as pike get called all sorts of names south of the border, but north, it’s all pike – northern, (Esox lucius) and what is known as chain pickerel south of the border (Esox niger) or chain pike in the GWN.  Then there’s grass pike (Esox americanus vermiculatus) which is also known as grass pickerel plus a few other names, you know where.  Then there’s the muskie – Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy). BTW, fresh pike is very tasty. Anything with an Esox genius is in the pike family.  Apparently the word Esox means pike so who knows where the pickerel part came from. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – BTW, I’ve also heard of walleye/pickerel/yellow pike being referred to as pikeperch.  It’s seems mostly a European usage – same as zander. blue pikeperch n : variety inhabiting the Great Lakes [syn: blue pike, blue pickerel , blue walleye, Strizostedion vitreum glaucum] Where does Northern Pike fit into this? I’ve tried eating Northerns several times (once in Montana, once in Finland) and the local Finnish slang of ‘mudfish’ certainly applies to the bland taste. However, in Riga, Pikeperch was a local delicacy. I never ventured to try it, figuring it was a desperation food. riverman

Most of us up North here in the Midwest go for Walleye as the major game fish.  I find it okay to eat, but Northern Pike is delicious. I’d guess it depends on the habitat you find it in and the food it’s been eating, as with venison.  Might also matter how quickly and well it’s cleaned, too.  I slightly to greatly overcook it, so that might make a difference, too.   Local nickname for Notherns when I was a kid was ’snakes.’ — rbc:  vixen    Fairly harmless remove invalid or hit reply to email. Though I’m very slow to respond. http://www.visi.com/~cyli

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Most of us up North here in the Midwest go for Walleye as the major game fish.  I find it okay to eat, but Northern Pike is delicious. I’d guess it depends on the habitat you find it in and the food it’s been eating, as with venison.  Might also matter how quickly and well it’s cleaned, too.  I slightly to greatly overcook it, so that might make a difference, too.   Local nickname for Notherns when I was a kid was ’snakes.’ — rbc:  vixen    Fairly harmless remove invalid or hit reply to email. Though I’m very slow to respond. http://www.visi.com/~cyli

Speaking of walleyes ,"Cyli", Thursday I caught two of them in the old river channel between the dam and the powerhouse just north of your campsite on the Wisconsin R.. I also took 7 bass including one that had to push 4 lbs. All on a bunny leech variation called a "Koch’s Lamprey" and all within an hour and forty five minutes. You’ve got to head back this way soon. George C.

Response:

    Speaking of walleyes ,"Cyli", Thursday I caught two of them in the old river   channel between the dam and the powerhouse just north of your campsite on the   Wisconsin R.. I also took 7 bass including one that had to push 4 lbs. All on a   bunny leech variation called a "Koch’s Lamprey" and all within an hour and forty   five minutes. You’ve got to head back this way soon. Nice bass! What kind of line were you using to get at the Walleyes? Usually they’re too deep to get them on fly gear. I fished with a guy a couple of times that was "crazy" about getting a big Walleye on a fly. The lower section of the Miracle Mile has a Walleye run in the Spring. I fished upstream for trout and he would troll the more placid water downstream with a clouser on a sink tip behind his bellyboat. He literally trolled all day hoping to get a Walleye. It took him a dozen trips before he got one. He said it weighed 10 pounds! VERY determined guy. Willi

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Nice bass! What kind of line were you using to get at the Walleyes? Usually they’re too deep to get them on fly gear. I fished with a guy a couple of times that was "crazy" about getting a big Walleye on a fly. The lower section of the Miracle Mile has a Walleye run in the Spring. I fished upstream for trout and he would troll the more placid water downstream with a clouser on a sink tip behind his bellyboat. He literally trolled all day hoping to get a Walleye. It took him a dozen trips before he got one. He said it weighed 10 pounds! VERY determined guy. Willi

Believe it or not I was using a floating fly line with a 9′ leader. It was also at noon with nary a cloud in the sky. Go figure. The fish were stacked up below a small chute leading into a very large pool about 300 yards below the open gate of the dam. Were the fish there to hit on injured baitfish being washed down? Possibly. Also the freshwater lampreys the fly was tied to copy die after spawning, maybe I just lucked into a good situation. The lead eyes on the fly put it on the bottom which was maybe 5 or 6 feet. Needless to say, though, the walleyes were a surprise. George Cleveland

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Anything with an Esox genius is in the pike family.  Apparently the word Esox means pike so who knows where the pickerel part came from.

Walleye (some call them walleye pike) are in the perch family.  No Esox here Scott

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Anything with an Esox genius is in the pike family.  Apparently the word Esox means pike so who knows where the pickerel part came from. Walleye (some call them walleye pike) are in the perch family.  No Esox here Scott

I know, I just find all the tangling of all the names, interesting. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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I know, I just find all the tangling of all the names, interesting. Peter

The minute ya got em all down, they’ll just change em Scott

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Question:

Hmm…..Do you need a new best friend, Mr. Cooke? /daytripper ("Have Rod, Will Travel"

hey Trip we got a chalk stream in Maine here, I’ve never been up but for you old buddy, I’d make the trip. Flyfish

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Hmm…..Do you need a new best friend, Mr. Cooke? /daytripper ("Have Rod, Will Travel" hey Trip we got a chalk stream in Maine here, I’ve never been up but for you old buddy, I’d make the trip. Flyfish

Just make sure that there is no climb involved, especially no climb with speed bumps liberally placed along the trail! Op

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This is not the case where I fish, and obviously not the case for wild fish in loughs, where you fish. No – usually chalkstreams – Itchen, Test, Wylie and Avon. Not easy water.

My error. I would have thought the chalkstream fish were fairly "educated" as well. ( I have fished the Costa Beck a few times), but I didn

Question:

Good Point Randy!!..I’ve been wondering how to explain it away when I get questioned as to the strange noises in the background.  I worry a bit more about the chattering Geese that usually accompany fishing in PA this time of year, or even worse the occasional Pheasant… That being said, I really don’t approve of taking my cell to the stream as it defeats the purpose I usually go out for, to get away from it.  But with a 4 month old, and a 3 year old,  any time that can be stolen away, will be, at any cost, The Finn

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is it true that the sound of a river  in the background over a cell phone is much like the air flow at highway speeds with the window down for circulation?  Just planning ahead.

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Well Mike, I think he was getting ready to tell his boss that he’s "stuck in traffic."  "Sure boss!  Just listen, can’t you hear them guys going by in the opposite direction?  I could be here all day!" — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is it true that the sound of a river  in the background over a cell phone is much like the air flow at highway speeds with the window down for circulation?  Just planning ahead.

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Is it true that the sound of a river  in the background over a cell phone is much like the air flow at highway speeds with the window down for circulation?  Just planning ahead. — rakane at gte dot net (remove NOSPAM)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  when the cell phone rang….when I said sneaking out, I meant I was still on the clock so I kept the phone on to cover myself.  It was the wife,  "pick up some milk and bread on the way home"!!

Response:

Snuck out to the Perkiomen on Friday, after work,  on one of those Spring days that Winter borrowed for us to enjoy.  It was unseasonably warm, approaching 65-70, so the fish were already taking advantage of some early Black Stoneflies, and midges, as I arrived. There was already someone in the honey hole, so I walked downstream and took the next decent stretch.  The wind was up a bit, so I figured this would work in my favor, since the water was low and clear.   The reel of choice was the back-up, as the Lamson is in the midst of a tune-up.  Being hurried, and as a result, unprepared,  I hadn’t checked my leader, but got lucky with a decent 9 foot tapered down to what looked like 4x or 5x. Even with the wind kicking up, there were a few sporadic risers out in front of me, so I knew I had to try a something on top.  I decided to tie on a dropper and go with a black caddis on top, trailed by a beadhead green caddis larvae, what a mistake that was.  The wind was too much to handle and it only took a few casts to have both ends wound around each other.  After unraveling the two sections, I lazily kept fishing the same set-up and in two more casts I was in the bush on the bank behind me.  Getting a little frustrated with conditions, and my "luck", I attempted to pull the line out of the bush first, and it came right out!!  minus the beadhead larvae. Having enough with the dropper, I did some quick leader repair, going with a midge nymph.  As I looked up, not only had the wind decided to just quit, but the trout took that as their queue to go hog wild on the surface, figures, since I whacked the dropper, and tied on the nymph. Not wanting to waste my effort,  I made several casts, getting use to the drift with the new rig, adjusting the weight with a bb or two.  Watching the water, estimating where my fly was drifting, I saw a quick, wavy, flash, and set the hook!!  missed him. ….. Coming from a place in my head, where I was beginning to wonder if I should call it a day, to a level of confidence that couldn’t be surpassed,  I took a step upstream and cast into some fresh water.  As I think about it now,  I had lacked any form of focus up to this point, and those subtle taps that I had written off as bottom, now turned into fish, being sure to set the hook on every one of them.  This is a subject that I have struggled with in this water, as the pool  has an uneven bottom, that combined with the slow, clear, water,  I usually am a bit forgiving because I don’t want to spook the fish in the pool. That first cast was perfect, line went out straight, and true, into water that hadn’t been disturbed with previous drifts.  No mending, or lifting was needed and the fly dropped down into the dim bottom of the slot.  Another flash….lift…set the hook…get the line on the reel…..got’em.  A suitable fight for this time of year, although those Perkiomen Rainbows don’t usually disappoint.  It was around 16 inches, a bit above average for the Perkie, and just fine with me. Checked the line, took another step upstream,  and made another great cast (it’s amazing what adrenaline will do for your casting), flash….set-the hook…got’em.  this one just about the same size, but a little skinny.  Was about to make another cast, when the cell phone rang….when I said sneaking out, I meant I was still on the clock so I kept the phone on to cover myself.  It was the wife,  "pick up some milk and bread on the way home"!! Well, having stolen the time on the stream, I knew it was time to call it a day, I backed out of the hole, and walked away.  I did look back at that hole after a few steps and sure enough they were back on the surface.  Made a few casts upstream on the way back to the truck, without any takers. I passed another angler and he hadn’t any luck, also using a midge nymph, so I took my last boost of confidence from that and bolted home,  enjoying the end of that day, that Winter had borrowed just for me. The Finn

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Question:

I rented a felluca for day sailing. I think that it would be little trouble to get one for a fair cruise.

Excellent idea, and definitely in my style. —      Mark Anderson – DBA Riparia Resources    www.riparia.org Medical info for cruisers and woodworkers.  Boatbuilding plans. Artistic photography       Landscapes – Nautical and marine – Abstracts, extracts and themes.

Response:

I’m curious as to whether it is practical to cruise up and down the Nile R. with a private yacht. Legalities and other hassles: Practical draft limitations: Safety and pleasurability of your reception by the Egyptians: Any other information that may be of interest: —      Mark Anderson – DBA Riparia Resources    www.riparia.org

I rented a felluca for day sailing. I think that it would be little trouble to get one for a fair cruise. It would avoid all the problems of a rich-looking yacht. I’d not worry too much about piracy or big-deal problems. It’s petty theft that gets you. — Bernard W. Joseph     http://www.appliedgrammar.com   "Speak to us of Emailia."    James Joyce    FINNEGANS WAKE

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Last month I sailed a felucca from Aswan to Edfu, so based on limited knowledge of this stretch of water:

Thanks Tony, yours was the kind of info I was looking for.  As to the political climate, those responses are taken in mind, and as expected. For my own purposes, however, the time I might be taking this cruise will be at least several years into the future, so I’ll hope that the political situation might change by then.  In any event, it’ll be taken into account whenever, and probably I’d get the opinion of the state dept. first. —      Mark Anderson – DBA Riparia Resources    www.riparia.org Medical info for cruisers and woodworkers.  Boatbuilding plans. Artistic photography       Landscapes – Nautical and marine – Abstracts, extracts and themes.

Response:

A rich American cruising his flashy yacht in the Middle East…… Now THERE’s a TARGET of OPPORTUNITY for you. Hated by millions of Arabs because of our undying support for the Israeli War Machine…..tearing up Palestinians. Can you answer your own question?  PLEASE DON’T!

When I was in Egypt a quite few years ago (just after Egypt and Israel "normalized" relations) the average Egyptian on the street preferred Israeli money to Egyptian money for the small cash purchases.  And that was after a 10 to 1 devaluation of Israeli money. Things certainly may have changed in the past 20 years but back then they were very friendly to American tourists.  The only thing that had me feeling unsafe was the way they drive, especially in and around Cairo.  You probably heard about driving in Italy.  Cairo is much worse. Steve

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Oh, I think the average Egyptian is still "American friendly".  Most Arabs I ever met when I lived there were very pro-American and simply LOVED Yankee dollars.  However, times have changed, not the people. This Al Queda network is only one of many anti-American networks with supporters across a wide spectrum of Arab countries.  Bombs are going off almost every day, now. Flashing the big yacht in their faces, and all the cash that goes along with it, attracts attention.  Word is passed to the network from the supporters who will never see their own cars, much less a flashy yacht.  The damned thing is a great "target" and would be a prize on any terrorist’s list.  Egypt is eat up with anti-Israeli, and therefore anti-American, groups. It just seems stupid to put the family, the boat and his personal safety in harm’s way flashing that yacht in their faces after 9/11. Middle East changed that day.  Until the "brothers" in Afghanistan get the word spread out that America is NOT the enemy, and saved them from the gangsters who were killing the country, I’d pick a nice, quiet island someplace for the flashy yacht full of Yankees.  With so MANY beautiful places on the planet, why take the chance? Larry We fail, miserably, to see how hated we are because of our support for Israel, no matter who they kill, no matter what they do.  You have to live in an Arab country to really feel it.

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Yotties are not tourists – we aren’t treated as tourists in most places, don’t use the same visas, don’t follow the same rules, processes, etc.  Most countries treat yotties same as commercial ships, fishing vessels, etc – crew lists, clearances, paid for visas, etc   They know we don’t stay in hotels, buy loads of tourist crap, spend big in restaurants, etc.  We’re not "respected" and "protected" in the same way at all.  We aren’t part of that industry. On Egypt – many cruising friends have transited the Suez and universally agreed (much to my disappointment) that Egypt is a miserable shithole of a country to cruise.  Big theft and bribe problems. They get through there as quickly as possible with as short and few stops as necessary. It’s much easier and safe to park the boat in Cypress in a marina and fly in/out of Egypt – as a respected and protected tourist. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – [...] It just seems stupid to put the family, the boat and his personal safety in harm’s way flashing that yacht in their faces after 9/11. Middle East changed that day.  Until the "brothers" in Afghanistan get the word spread out that America is NOT the enemy, and saved them from the gangsters who were killing the country, I’d pick a nice, quiet island someplace for the flashy yacht full of Yankees.  With so MANY beautiful places on the planet, why take the chance? Personally, I don’t think it would be all that much of a chance.  At least compared to many other beautiful places people cruise to.  Egypt definitely had a problem a while ago with terrorists attacking visitors.  But from what I’ve heard, they cracked down on them pretty hard.  A large part of their economy is based on tourism, so there’s a big incentive to keep tourists safe. Larry We fail, miserably, to see how hated we are because of our support for Israel, no matter who they kill, no matter what they do.  You have to live in an Arab country to really feel it. That’s just not true for the average person you meet in many Arab countries, including Egypt, especially Egypt. Steve

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[...] It just seems stupid to put the family, the boat and his personal safety in harm’s way flashing that yacht in their faces after 9/11. Middle East changed that day.  Until the "brothers" in Afghanistan get the word spread out that America is NOT the enemy, and saved them from the gangsters who were killing the country, I’d pick a nice, quiet island someplace for the flashy yacht full of Yankees.  With so MANY beautiful places on the planet, why take the chance?

Personally, I don’t think it would be all that much of a chance.  At least compared to many other beautiful places people cruise to.  Egypt definitely had a problem a while ago with terrorists attacking visitors.  But from what I’ve heard, they cracked down on them pretty hard.  A large part of their economy is based on tourism, so there’s a big incentive to keep tourists safe. Larry We fail, miserably, to see how hated we are because of our support for Israel, no matter who they kill, no matter what they do.  You have to live in an Arab country to really feel it.

That’s just not true for the average person you meet in many Arab countries, including Egypt, especially Egypt. Steve

Response:

Last month I sailed a felucca from Aswan to Edfu, so based on limited knowledge of this stretch of water: Draft limitation: most of the cruise boats had a draft of 4 feet or 4′ 6".  Our felucca had a centre board so that we could pull into the bank. Buoyage: Almost non existent.  There are shallows and a few rocks. Local knowledge desirable. Wind:  Prevailing wind in this Southern stretch is Northerly (i.e. against the stream) so one can tack North with the stream or run South against it. Height:  The bridge North of Aswan is not yet complete – awaiting the final span.  When finished this would restrict mast height to that of the big cruise boats (30 – 40 feet at a guess). Formalities: I don’t know details, but almost certainly Yes.  Our felucca captain had to advise the police of our trip. Pleasure:  Definitely!  We swam in the river (no crocs below the High Dam), saw water buffalo, ibises etc.  We found people universally friendly, although a strong feeling that America would do anything to support Israel to the detriment of Arab states. Tony Boas Sadler 34 – Bold Warrior – Southampton, UK.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m curious as to whether it is practical to cruise up and down the Nile R. with a private yacht. Legalities and other hassles: Practical draft limitations: Safety and pleasurability of your reception by the Egyptians: Any other information that may be of interest: —      Mark Anderson – DBA Riparia Resources    www.riparia.org Medical info for cruisers and woodworkers.  Boatbuilding plans. Artistic photography       Landscapes – Nautical and marine – Abstracts, extracts and

themes.

Response:

Irving Johnson did his "TwiLight" cruise through the canals of Europe and up the Nile just before the Aswan dam was complete. I have the video here and it looks like a nice cruise. His boat was about 50 ft and moderate draft (not over 5 ft or he wouldn’t have been able to do the canals of Europe). I went to Egypt for a visit back in the mid 80s while I was working in Saudi Arabia. There was no problem as long as you didn’t have any Israeli stamps in you passport. I would imagine the climate is rather hostle now-a-days. I’d be more worried about stopping in Alexandria or transiting the Red Sea and it wouldn’t be the Egyptions that i would be afraid of. My opinion and experience, FWIW. Steve s/v Good Intentions

Response:

A rich American cruising his flashy yacht in the Middle East…… Now THERE’s a TARGET of OPPORTUNITY for you. Hated by millions of Arabs because of our undying support for the Israeli War Machine…..tearing up Palestinians. Can you answer your own question?  PLEASE DON’T! larry I’d love to back to the Middle East where I lived and worked in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain.  But, not now.  Not after 9/11/2001, PLEASE DON"T! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’m curious as to whether it is practical to cruise up and down the Nile R. with a private yacht. Legalities and other hassles: Practical draft limitations: Safety and pleasurability of your reception by the Egyptians: Any other information that may be of interest: —     Mark Anderson – DBA Riparia Resources    www.riparia.org Medical info for cruisers and woodworkers.  Boatbuilding plans. Artistic photography      Landscapes – Nautical and marine – Abstracts, extracts and themes.

Response:

I’m curious as to whether it is practical to cruise up and down the Nile R. with a private yacht. Legalities and other hassles: Practical draft limitations: Safety and pleasurability of your reception by the Egyptians: Any other information that may be of interest: —      Mark Anderson – DBA Riparia Resources    www.riparia.org Medical info for cruisers and woodworkers.  Boatbuilding plans. Artistic photography       Landscapes – Nautical and marine – Abstracts, extracts and themes.

Response:

Question:

Looking for info for group trip of about 12-18 people for fishing in August & Sept.

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You can’t do better than Mike Lawson’s at Henry’s Fork.  He and his guys can take you into Montana, Yellowstone and fish the better parts of easter ID. Wonderful guides, all of them.  Henry’s Fork Lodge can handle your group in very nice style.  The best fishing I’ve done in years. SAB – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Looking for info for group trip of about 12-18 people for fishing in August & Sept.

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Hi: I second the recomendation to Mike Lawson’s shop.  I took a trip with Mike Smith, Smitty, this summer and had a great time.  However, the shop is more expensive than any of the others in the area, so be aware.  The shop has a web site, I don’s know the url but know it is listed at www.davisbrown.com/fflnk.html Chris Brown

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Question:

I started out with a 6-wt St. Croix Legend, and it’s still one of my favorite rods.   I liked it enough that I bought a 9-wt. St. Croix the next year.   It too is great.   I’ve casted better rods, and own better rods, but the St. Croix is a fine rod for the money.   Like another poster said, it matches my ability.   I have a really fine Sage 3-wt that cries whenever I pick it up. Joe

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I know what you mean Wayne. I bought one of the entry level Cotland 4 piece 6weight rods back in the early eighties. I am glad I never got rid of that rod. I have bought a whole stack of rods since then that I don’t like as well. I have fished a couple of St. Croix rods that I liked. Try them all and buy what you like. Dale

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My wife won a 4wt Ultra in a TU fund raiser and loves it. I had had her using my Loomis GL-3,4s and even a GLX which she never liked–too stiff. I tried it and was surprised at what a wonderful rod it was for dry fly fishing. In my opinion it doesn’t have enough backbone for nymph fishing or for casting anything with any weight. Bottom line is its your preference. If you’re really into dry fly fishing however, I’d highly recommend it for light wind situations. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

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I think they are a great value for the money. Very good components that you see on much more expensive rods. Good looking rods. But the key is to cast the rods and compare.  A SP, GLX or LT might cast better but is it worth an extra $200? Michael L – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

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OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry </PRE</HTML

Yes- they are good. Not a hidden bargain.  A real bargain. Their mid line rods "Imperial" great for the $. Joel Axelrad

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St.Croix Rods do the job.  They are great folk and stand by their products. Watch out for "Tackle Gap". That is when your equipment is miles beyond your skill level.  I expect that my St.Croix rods will always be fine for my talents!  Put the extra $$  into good line – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry </PRE</HTML Yes- they are good. Not a hidden bargain.  A real bargain. Their mid line rods "Imperial" great for the $. Joel Axelrad

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Gerry,     I’m sure this is going to be unpopular advice but a rod ,despite what the manufactures want you to believe, isn’t going fix what ever is wrong with your casting. I’m lucky that I get to cast a lot of rods and some of them are great and some of them I wouldn’t give you a nickel for. Are they bad rods? No.. I just like some of them better than others. In fact, I’m still fishing a Sage DS. The point is get some help with your casting and buy the rod that feels good to you. Also, their is no rule that says you have to buy the "top of the line" rod. The rod either fits  your situation or it doesn’t. After that it is a warranty and appearance issue. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

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OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gerry,     I have not fly fished for years but I have done a heap of casting and fishing since I started earlier this year.  I decided about a month ago (after 3 days of casting lessons and a lot of practice) I was ready to see if better gear would make a difference for me.  I went to a fly fishing show (you can do the same at a well stocked dealer) and tried a number of different rods ( 7 or 8). I took along my reel with the line weight I would be using.  I switched it from rod to rod to make sure I was comparing apples to apples.  I tried several models from the same manufacturer and several manufacturers.  I bought the rod that FELT BEST TO ME!  I found that with my casting style, one rod stood out from the others.  It took less effort, cast further, laid out the line more smoothly, and turned over the tippet more uniformly and accurately than the others.  The difference was very noticeable.  I can’t say that manufacturer would be the best there is.  I really believe you have to try the darn things and make your decision.  My instructor had two St. Croix rods and I tried them both.  I liked my entry level Cortland much better and so did he.  You may find the St. Croix to be YOUR ROD!  Quality wise they make a decent stick. BTW: the rod I bought was just under $500 Wayne To fish is human…to release divine. OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

to fish them almost extensively. Regarding better quality fly rods at 1/3 rd the price, you should call Lamiglass Fly Rod Company  up Woodland Washington way and talk to Dick Posey.  These are the fly rods I fish exclusively.  Why? Well, they don’t break, for one thing and they have unmatched quality and technology.  Just remember this.  Loomis used to work for Dick Posey and Dick taught Garry almost everything he knows.  Well, that isn’t right either.  Let’s just say, ‘most of what he knows.’  Loomis products are over-priced, like it or not folks.  However; they are a fair rod but not as good as Posey Fly Rods in my opinion.  I think you can get a Lamiglass, factory direct for $230  more or less.  My 9′6" #8 Steelhead Fly Rod is a Lamiglass. George

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I can’t speak for their top-line model, but I own their mid-line rod and have cast their entry level rod, and I love them both. At the price, IMO they’re a great bargain, and like I said a couple of weeks ago here, they compare well with rods at twice the price. Having said that, whether its the rod for you, I’d try to find and cast one before shelling out the $$$. And if you’ve been flyfishing for years and your casting is still a problem, maybe some of the money could be spent on casting lessons? When I bought my new golf clubs, they looked damn good but didn’t make my swing better.  :) Sam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

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Gerry,     I have not fly fished for years but I have done a heap of casting and fishing since I started earlier this year.  I decided about a month ago (after 3 days of casting lessons and a lot of practice) I was ready to see if better gear would make a difference for me.  I went to a fly fishing show (you can do the same at a well stocked dealer) and tried a number of different rods ( 7 or 8). I took along my reel with the line weight I would be using.  I switched it from rod to rod to make sure I was comparing apples to apples.  I tried several models from the same manufacturer and several manufacturers.  I bought the rod that FELT BEST TO ME!  I found that with my casting style, one rod stood out from the others.  It took less effort, cast further, laid out the line more smoothly, and turned over the tippet more uniformly and accurately than the others.  The difference was very noticeable.  I can’t say that manufacturer would be the best there is.  I really believe you have to try the darn things and make your decision.  My instructor had two St. Croix rods and I tried them both.  I liked my entry level Cortland much better and so did he.  You may find the St. Croix to be YOUR ROD!  Quality wise they make a decent stick. BTW: the rod I bought was just under $500 Wayne To fish is human…to release divine. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

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Question:

I am only 16 and just starting to flyfish. I plan to do some fly fishing on a local stream this weekend. What are the best kinds of fly’s to use?

Hi Jared, The simple thing to do for this weekend would be to check with your local fly shop to see what info they have on the local river you plan to fish.  It’s in their best interest to help you be successfull so don’t hesitate to ask.  If they won’t give you the time of day, go to a different shop. The suggestions Donn gave you are the best for the long term though.  Learn the basic life-cycles of mayflies, caddisflies, stoneflies, and midges.  Learn to identify them.  Don’t need to know the particular species or latin name, but at least learn to tell the difference between mayflies and caddisflies, etc.  To start, ignore the latin names most books will give, though they may interest you later.   Remeber, the other spelling for entomolgy is "bugs".  Learn how to take a stream sample without destroying a lot of habitat.  What works can change from hour to hour let alone week to week and if you can identify what’s available you’ll do much better than "chuck it and chance it."  You’ll never learn it all, but you’ll have a great time trying.                                      good fishing,                                              Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools

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Jared, That is a question that even 66 year old men ask.  This is what fly fishing is all about and what you spend a life time doing in this sport to try to figure out.  The fly can change from one moment to the next to the next and so on.  I can change right in front of you for several hundred different reasons. Do not get overwhelmed by this but just look at it as a challenge.  Do yourself a favor and try to do a couple of the following things and it will make you a much better fly fisher. First and foremost – learn the basics of entomology; this looks hard but really isn’t.  Get with another fisherman who understands the basics and have him explain it to you.  Pick up any of many primers on this to help you. Next – Check the streams you intend to fish for what type of insects you have and when they hatch and how they act. Next – Begin gathering those insects in specimen bottles and preserving them for future studies.  Hopefully in the not too distant future, you can begin tying flies and you will have a data base to begin to copy.  Pick up some isopropyl alcohol from Wal-Mart, K-Mart or any drug store; it is very inexpensive.  Put a solution of 90% alcohol and 10% water in the vial and then add your insect and cover. Put a sticker of some kind on it and put what it is and where you got it from.  If you want to begin a diary of all this, it will help you learn faster and give you tremendous abount of your own information that is better than anything you hear or read. Next – Always be observant for changes in anything in or around the river and what effect it has on the fish and insects.  Go with other fly fishers and ask questions.   Your brain is a many giga-byte hard drive and just begin to fill it with as many bite of information as you can.  You will never come close to getting them all and just never stop; it is a life long endeavor. This is not tuff stuff and as long as you enjoy it, it will be easy and fun and make you an experinced fly fisher at the same time. Donn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am only 16 and just starting to flyfish. I plan to do some fly fishing on a local stream this weekend. What are the best kinds of fly’s to use? Thankyou Tight Lines, Jared Staskiel "In our family, there was no clear line between religion and                fly fishing"                     —Norman Maclean (1976)

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I am only 16 and just starting to flyfish. I plan to do some fly fishing on a local stream this weekend. What are the best kinds of fly’s to use? Thankyou Tight Lines, Jared Staskiel "In our family, there was no clear line between religion and                 fly fishing"                     —Norman Maclean (1976)

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Question:

I know nothing about fly fishing or tying, but own a bead business and have recently begun to get inquiries about beads suitable for use in tying flies. I’d be most appreciative of any info you could pass my way–are beads often used in tying flies? Any book suggestions? Please email me. Thanks! Barry Kahn — web site:  http://caravanbeads.com Caravan Beads Inc 449 Forest Ave Portland, ME 04101 207-761-2503 fax: 207-874-2664

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I know nothing about fly fishing or tying, but own a bead business and have recently begun to get inquiries about beads suitable for use in tying flies. I’d be most appreciative of any info you could pass my way–are beads often used in tying flies? Any book suggestions? Please email me. Thanks! Barry Kahn — web site:  http://caravanbeads.com Caravan Beads Inc 449 Forest Ave Portland, ME 04101 207-761-2503 fax: 207-874-2664

Hi Barry, Beads are added to flies used under the water’s surface. This practice has been around for years but regained popularity several years ago. Bead sizes vary from about 3/32" to about 3/16". By the way, are you a bead distributor or retailor? Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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Question:

TESTAMENT OF A "YUFFIE" I fish because I love to shop in Orvis shops. Because I love to flash my Gold Visa card, which makes me invaribly important and visually impressive on C&R waters; and makes me hate the open waters,where C&K people are found,because they invaribly do not spend as much money, to be as "SPECIAL" as me.

Most of the C&R enthusiasts in my area are blue-collar tradesmen: carpenters, plumbers, guys who work for the phone company or the electrical company.  They are the strongest supporters of C&R waters near their homes, because they can’t afford rich peoples’ trips to exotic locations.  They know that if there is to be quality fishing for themselves and their children, it’s got to be available close to home. Because of all the television commercials, flyfishing chat at cocktail parties, and social acceptibility of C&R in assorted social posturings. I’m socially and politically correct.

Well, now that it’s so unfashionable to insult blacks or women, I guess you’re free to make fun of C&R fishermen.  Go ahead with your own posturings; our shoulders are broad.  Have a good time.  Why let the facts interfere with your fun? Woods Hole, MA   USA

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Did you check your sense of humor at the door this morning Bob?  I think Nancy is simply issuing a humorous barb to TBone (formally Tim I assume) Walker and not universally condeming C&R parctices. Andy

You might be right, Andy.  Still, I like to laugh with people, not at them. Woods Hole, MA   USA

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Well, now that it’s so unfashionable to insult blacks or women, I guess you’re free to make fun of C&R fishermen.  Go ahead with your own posturings; our shoulders are broad.  Have a good time.  Why let the facts interfere with your fun? Woods Hole, MA   USA

Did you check your sense of humor at the door this morning Bob?  I think Nancy is simply issuing a humorous barb to TBone (formally Tim I assume) Walker and not universally condeming C&R parctices. Andy

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Question:

Would like to know some effective patterns for Northern Pike.  Will be fishing Gods Lake in Manatoba Canada in mid August.

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There is an excellent book on the subject that also discusses multiple patterns.  "PIKE on the FLY" by Barry Reynolds and John Berryman.  If your local fly shop doesn’t carry it Wilderness Adventures Sporting Books does carry them at $16.00.  1-800-925-3339 or P.O. Box 1410, Bozeman, M.T. 59771, that is where I got Mine.  My favorite pattern is Bunny Bug a 3/0 Mustad #34007 with a 25-pound hard mono weed guard, Black thread, tail-4" long black rabbit strip topped with a few strands of black Krystal Flash, butt-White or Yellow marabou, body-Black rabbit strip 6" long palmered to 1/4 " of the eye.  Decievers in Red/White or Black/White are also great.  I use Orvis wire leaders on the above.   The book shop above also has an  great video by Berry Reynolds that makes you want to catch a plane up to Northern Sask!  Good Luck

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Jason Chartrand here, fly-fishing for pike is the BEST (I wish to say only, but it isn’t) way to go. Some really fun flies to try are anything that floats (fur mice, poppers, etc . . . ).  Actually seeing the hit is really exciting.  But honestly, I don’t get much success this way. Nearly any concoction that you can dream up could work, but my favorite is tied like this:         1/0 (2/0) short shank salt water hook         gold tinsel ribbing, or silver         Krystal flash: yellow, green, orange, mixed together, tied in at the         head in buck tail fashion.         Heavy black thread This sounds too simple, but it works great!!  

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: Would like to know some effective patterns for Northern Pike.  

Try a RoadKill Streamer!  Thread a regular-length-hook  (of suitable size) several times through the rear end of a  4" – 8" strip of fox or rabbit fur. Then tie on a 20lb test  shock tippet, to the eye of the hook. Make an overhand knot  (with the shock tippet) around the front end of the fur,  and then make a perfection loop in the shock tippet. Put split  shot on the tippet, at the front end of the fly. That’s it,  although you can knot some Flashabou or whatever in the  overhand knot, as you make it. Other variations include  a second hook at the front, which allows lashing the  front end of the fur (with fly tying thread) to the front hook.  Smaller versions of this fly make good brown trout flies  during fall spawning. Friends of mine have used RoadKills with  good success for Pike and Smallmouth bass in Quebec.     —

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