Question:

"John Kowalski" and others have asked me for the Steelhead Clouser Fly Pattern I used to fish on this trip.  I sent him a slightly different pattern than I actually used.  Here is the pattern as used, your mileage may vary: Steelhead Clouser Flat Wing Tube Fly. Tube: 1/2 of a plastic hollow Q-tip with the swabs removed (One end will be rough to hold the swab — use this end for the hook keeper/holder) Hook Holder: Light Blue small hobby gas engine fuel line (like for RC airplanes)- I used permanent markers to cover the light blue to match the body Thread: Black Body: Ultra-Chenille purple, pink or chartreuse wrapped with silver wire Eyes: Painted Dumbbell Eyes (Red) Wing: Black Bucktail (or Black Fishhair/Ultrahair) wrap this back a 1/2" from the dumbbell eyes for a flatter wing appearance Bottom Wing: White Bucktail (or White Fishhair/Ultrahair) mixed with a few Purple Flashabou or Krystal Flash or your favorite matching body color Hook: Your favorite steelhead hook including small shank hooks and circle hooks Chris "Padishar Creel" Fanning

Response:

I just got home and wanted to share my fishing experiences.  I have been Steelhead fishing the last two days at a river I cannot reveal, since a friend was my guide and asked me not to share the location, but he did not say I couldn’t share the experience… I hooked 30+ Steelhead and landed 22 over the past two days.  I have NEVER had such success in my entire life!  I caught every single fish on the Steelhead Clouser Tube Fly in black, white and purple…However, I admit any good pattern would have seemed to worked…my buddy used the Purple Peril and a couple of his own designs, although I out fished him 2 to 1 (advantage to the Spey Rod — I was able to cover considerably more water than he could with is 8wt single-hander)…The recent rains in the Pacific NW is moving fish and it looks like a banner year… Padishar Creel…Only hit myself in the head with a fly 4 times in the last 2 days…a record…:)

Response:

Wow, that sounds great.  Let me know if you need a drift boat trip for the exchange of that spot. Hillsboro, OR

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just got home and wanted to share my fishing experiences.  I have been Steelhead fishing the last two days at a river I cannot reveal, since a friend was my guide and asked me not to share the location, but he did not say I couldn’t share the experience… I hooked 30+ Steelhead and landed 22 over the past two days.  I have NEVER had such success in my entire life!  I caught every single fish on the Steelhead Clouser Tube Fly in black, white and purple…However, I admit any good pattern would have seemed to worked…my buddy used the Purple Peril and a couple of his own designs, although I out fished him 2 to 1 (advantage to the Spey Rod — I was able to cover considerably more water than he could with is 8wt single-hander)…The recent rains in the Pacific NW is moving fish and it looks like a banner year… Padishar Creel…Only hit myself in the head with a fly 4 times in the last 2 days…a record…:)

Response:

An outstanding trip Chris. I’d sure like to find some of that action.  Had one day like that last year, you can never forget it. Chas

..  Great TR clipped …

Response:

"Randy Kane" attempted to tempt me with a nice drift boat trip for the secret to the spot. Randy, I would love to accept your generous and tempting offer and I always enjoy fishin’ with new fly fisherman, however, even though my ethics can be strained, I am hopeful to be invited again on combination trip of upland game bird hunting and fly fishing with the friend who just made my trip of a lifetime. Sorry, Padishar Creel

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I just got home and wanted to share my fishing experiences.  I have been Steelhead fishing the last two days at a river I cannot reveal, since a friend was my guide and asked me not to share the location, but he did not say I couldn’t share the experience… I hooked 30+ Steelhead and landed 22 over the past two days.  I have NEVER had such success in my entire life!  I caught every single fish on the Steelhead Clouser Tube Fly in black, white and purple…However, I admit any good pattern would have seemed to worked…my buddy used the Purple Peril and a couple of his own designs, although I out fished him 2 to 1 (advantage to the Spey Rod — I was able to cover considerably more water than he could with is 8wt single-hander)…The recent rains in the Pacific NW is moving fish and it looks like a banner year… Padishar Creel…Only hit myself in the head with a fly 4 times in the last 2 days…a record…:)

Only four times – try harder, OK? and about the trip – Spey rods rule!!! hope you’re not getting whacked by the crappy weather out your way Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Peter, Could you share the pattern for your Clouser Tube Fly pattern with me?  I tried to e=mail yo through the link on the web page you list and it came

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just got home and wanted to share my fishing experiences.  I have been Steelhead fishing the last two days at a river I cannot reveal, since a friend was my guide and asked me not to share the location, but he did not say I couldn’t share the experience… I hooked 30+ Steelhead and landed 22 over the past two days.  I have NEVER had such success in my entire life!  I caught every single fish on the Steelhead Clouser Tube Fly in black, white and purple…However, I admit any good pattern would have seemed to worked…my buddy used the Purple Peril and a couple of his own designs, although I out fished him 2 to 1 (advantage to the Spey Rod — I was able to cover considerably more water than he could with is 8wt single-hander)…The recent rains in the Pacific NW is moving fish and it looks like a banner year… Padishar Creel…Only hit myself in the head with a fly 4 times in the last 2 days…a record…:) Only four times – try harder, OK? and about the trip – Spey rods rule!!! hope you’re not getting whacked by the crappy weather out your way Peter Visit The Streamer Page at

http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

Peter, Could you share the pattern for your Clouser Tube Fly pattern with me?  I tried to e=mail yo through the link on the web page you list and it came

That pattern belongs to Chris, perhaps he can put it up for you. Tested the mail function on my page – seems to be OK. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

I’m sorry but I don’t know Chris.  Do you have his email? thanks

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Peter, Could you share the pattern for your Clouser Tube Fly pattern with me?  I tried to e=mail yo through the link on the web page you list and it came That pattern belongs to Chris, perhaps he can put it up for you. Tested the mail function on my page – seems to be OK. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at

http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

I’m sorry but I don’t know Chris.  Do you have his email? thanks

You must have missed the lead post in this thread as Chris got it started – it was his trip and his fly.  I picked his email off of that HTH Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Yes, I found it immediately after the last post. Thanks, JFK

I’m sorry but I don’t know Chris.  Do you have his email? thanks You must have missed the lead post in this thread as Chris got it started – it was his trip and his fly.  I picked his email off of that HTH Peter Visit The Streamer Page at

http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html — Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).

Response:

Question:

Nothing ventured, nothing gained…go for it.  My experience on Lakes Michigan and Superior in a 24-ft cabin boat has been good, but I venture out with radar, GPS-chartplotter, Loran, 2 VHF radios, 2 depthfinders, and a backup 15-hp outboard motor.  And I nearly always see, at the boat launch, some crusty old fisherman heading out in a 14-ft jon boat with 25-hp outboard…amazing balls. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

Unless you get 4 miles to the gallon, forget it.  1/3 out, 1/3 in and a 1/3 in reserve.  Tuna requires trolling, lots at about 8-9 mph.  Not enough fuel capacity, unless the albies get inside of about 10 miles.  I have a 21′ and carry 67 gallon, and get about 2 mpg and I won’t do it.  Post a request to be a hitchhiker on the www.Coastsidefishingclub.com board and you will get a ride and live to fish again. Bill

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you. I’ve gone 20-30 miles in the Atlantic in smaller boats than that. You really need expertise in weather observation, a high antenna on a fixed, not portable, VHF radio, an extra battery and enough smarts to know when not to go out. And bring along a spare six gallon tank and hose. Try going out in the company of a couple of boats. And buy yourself some Type I life jackets, the real deal kind, and consider an EPIRB. Make sure you have a way to climb back in your boat if you get knocked overboard. Same here.  The buddy system applies.  Dont’ quite agree with the 6 gallon tank theory, however.  That would get me about 5 miles closer before I choke…..

Response:

Hello, Thanks for the replies and will not venture out without the recommendations. No EPIRB here. Just some safety flares. The boats a 1990 Bayliner cuddy, dual batteries, reliable with rebuilt powerhead. I bought this second hand and always thought it had a 30gallon tank. I always refill the tank before a trip so dont know how much it really holds..lol. thanks! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is all well and good. It is not the size of the boat in question. The boat you mention obviously held a lot more than 30 gallons of fuel. I would also strongly suspect that he had more than a hand held VHF for emergency communication needs. Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Tred Barta made his name fishing bigeyes 85-90 miles out of Shinnecock Inlet in the "Randi Strike", a 19′ Mako CC. That was 25 years ago.

Response:

Be nice Harry… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Thanks for the replies and will not venture out without the recommendations. No EPIRB here. Just some safety flares. The boats a 1990 Bayliner cuddy, dual batteries, reliable with rebuilt powerhead. I bought this second hand and always thought it had a 30gallon tank. I always refill the tank before a trip so dont know how much it really holds..lol. thanks! This is all well and good. It is not the size of the boat in question. The boat you mention obviously held a lot more than 30 gallons of fuel. I would also strongly suspect that he had more than a hand held VHF for emergency communication needs. Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Tred Barta made his name fishing bigeyes 85-90 miles out of Shinnecock Inlet in the "Randi Strike", a 19′ Mako CC. That was 25 years ago.

Response:

Be nice Harry…

How can he? He’s the consummate evildoer of this NG. — Skipper

Response:

Hello, Thanks for the replies and will not venture out without the recommendations. No EPIRB here. Just some safety flares. The boats a 1990 Bayliner cuddy, dual batteries, reliable with rebuilt powerhead. I bought this second hand and always thought it had a 30gallon tank. I always refill the tank before a trip so dont know how much it really holds..lol. thanks!

Yikes!  Is it a Force outboard?  I wouldn’t trust that setup, 13 years old, offshore.  Especially if you don’t know how much gas it holds.  How old are the batteries?  Do you have towing insurance?  Just some more questions to think about…

Response:

JAX has just reduced his percentage of useful posts to about 8% with the latests posts…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ben thur, dun dat writes to tell us just how scared he is of the water with: (way to go, bt,dd) geesh.  another guy tied to the dock when the wind is greater than 8 knots and telling how safety conscious he is. Like Harry, I would strongly suggest an installed VHF with tall antenna – hand held only broadcast 3-5 miles with their 3 watt output max. (you might get a little better in ideal conditions – but don’t bet your life on it! Installed will get you up to around 25 mile range fairly reliably (potential further)- 25 watts out put makes a world of difference. I also agree that EPIRB would be a good idea. But definitely do not trust the hand held VHF to get you help in a jam. Dan touched on what may be an even bigger concern – 30 gallon gas tank. You state that you have a 120 HP. Is this an outboard or I/OF? What is your gas consumption = MPG? If this is a gas I/OF – very common in 20′ cuddies I would be very concerned about getting out 20 miles and back on that amount of fuel. If you hit any surprises in weather – cut MPG in half or more! Most I/Os on that size boat will get around 2 -3 MPG in reasonably calm conditions. Not a lot of room for error. Weather is the real wildcard. Pick your days and keep an eye on the sky. I have been out 20 miles in a center console about that size off Hatters, NC. It is doable…but keep a real close eye on the weather — gets pretty breezy & rough in the area you are talking about. I fished on a charter in that basic area a couple of years ago – charter boat was mid 30′ bridge boat – we got tossed around pretty good. About six weeks ago I was fishing out of Ft. Lauderdale.  We ended up a bit over 20 miles out before we gave up on fishing and decided to go to Bimini (Bahamas).  I found it on my GPSmap 76 and off we went.  It was 58 miles from port to port and we made the trip back in just over two hours.  The amazing part is that we burned only 28 gallons of gas on this 116 mile round trip with at least a hour of trolling included.  We were in my 20′ center console with a 115 four stroke. It’s all a matter of sea conditions and the weather.  This was an incredibly flat day with clear skies.  We were prepared to leave the boat in Bimini and fly back as a last resort if the weather went to hell on us.  This was one of those stupid "so I can say I was there" trips. Typically I will go out only 15 – 20 miles.  At that point there are still plenty of other boats in the area and usually cell phone coverage if the VHF craps out. Are you sure you only have a 30 gallon fuel tank?  That would be my #1 concern.  The handheld VHF would be right there at #2. Dan Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

Well, I’ve never been "offshore" except twice around Cape Caution, but…    I agree about the redundancy. Get, at the least, a good "get-you-home" kicker with a separate fuel tank.    An in-dash VHF is under $200 – why not? And it sounds like an EPIRB is a good idea too.    Another good idea would be an inflatable dinghy to get into if the boat DOES sink. "Real" offshore boats have special emergency rafts that autoinflate, etc. but you probably don’t need to go that far.    And I can never understand boaters who don’t know how much fuel they carry, or what their range is! DEFINELY find out what your range is, and the range of your kicker, before venturing any distance. Lloyd Sumpter "Valkyrie" Campion 18 – 20 gals, 110mile range – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Thanks for the replies and will not venture out without the recommendations. No EPIRB here. Just some safety flares. The boats a 1990 Bayliner cuddy, dual batteries, reliable with rebuilt powerhead. I bought this second hand and always thought it had a 30gallon tank. I always refill the tank before a trip so dont know how much it really holds..lol. thanks! This is all well and good. It is not the size of the boat in question. The boat you mention obviously held a lot more than 30 gallons of fuel. I would also strongly suspect that he had more than a hand held VHF for emergency communication needs. Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Tred Barta made his name fishing bigeyes 85-90 miles out of Shinnecock Inlet in the "Randi Strike", a 19′ Mako CC. That was 25 years ago.

Response:

Your comments on redundancy are right on the money in my experience. On the other hand, I’ve seen those "gentle blue water rollers" break onto the deck of a 50 footer.  On a 50 foot boat that just creates a little commotion for a few seconds, but in a 20 foot cuddy you’re likely to get a sinking sensation. Looking beyond gear failure, there are some other risks difficult to avoid such as late afternoon thunderstorms, fast moving cold fronts, and breaking conditions in the inlets caused by tide and offshore swells.  Things can change in a hurry even on a day that starts board flat and looks stable.  Important to remember that small boats have small safety margins. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I always have been told and adhered to the redundancy rule. A backup for everything when going off-shore. Such as engines, fuel tanks, radios, batteries(you got that covered), safety equipment, food, water etc. Are you sure you want to trust everything to your set up with no redundancy? I spend my time in the mid Chesapeake Bay in a 26′ Bayliner. The rollers there can get pretty nasty with high frequency four to six footers. I’ve been told blue water rollers are more gentle because of the lower frequency. Your seamanship is to be applauded, but I suggest you adopt more redundancy.

Response:

I always have been told and adhered to the redundancy rule. A backup for everything when going off-shore. Such as engines, fuel tanks, radios, batteries(you got that covered), safety equipment, food, water etc. Are you sure you want to trust everything to your set up with no redundancy? I spend my time in the mid Chesapeake Bay in a 26′ Bayliner. The rollers there can get pretty nasty with high frequency four to six footers. I’ve been told blue water rollers are more gentle because of the lower frequency. Your seamanship is to be applauded, but I suggest you adopt more redundancy. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Thanks for the replies and will not venture out without the recommendations. No EPIRB here. Just some safety flares. The boats a 1990 Bayliner cuddy, dual batteries, reliable with rebuilt powerhead. I bought this second hand and always thought it had a 30gallon tank. I always refill the tank before a trip so dont know how much it really holds..lol. thanks! This is all well and good. It is not the size of the boat in question. The boat you mention obviously held a lot more than 30 gallons of fuel. I would also strongly suspect that he had more than a hand held VHF for emergency communication needs. Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Tred Barta made his name fishing bigeyes 85-90 miles out of Shinnecock Inlet in the "Randi Strike", a 19′ Mako CC. That was 25 years ago.

Response:

ben thur, dun dat writes to tell us just how scared he is of the water with: (way to go, bt,dd) geesh.  another guy tied to the dock when the wind is greater than 8 knots and telling how safety conscious he is. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Like Harry, I would strongly suggest an installed VHF with tall antenna – hand held only broadcast 3-5 miles with their 3 watt output max. (you might get a little better in ideal conditions – but don’t bet your life on it! Installed will get you up to around 25 mile range fairly reliably (potential further)- 25 watts out put makes a world of difference. I also agree that EPIRB would be a good idea. But definitely do not trust the hand held VHF to get you help in a jam. Dan touched on what may be an even bigger concern – 30 gallon gas tank. You state that you have a 120 HP. Is this an outboard or I/OF? What is your gas consumption = MPG? If this is a gas I/OF – very common in 20′ cuddies I would be very concerned about getting out 20 miles and back on that amount of fuel. If you hit any surprises in weather – cut MPG in half or more! Most I/Os on that size boat will get around 2 -3 MPG in reasonably calm conditions. Not a lot of room for error. Weather is the real wildcard. Pick your days and keep an eye on the sky. I have been out 20 miles in a center console about that size off Hatters, NC. It is doable…but keep a real close eye on the weather — gets pretty breezy & rough in the area you are talking about. I fished on a charter in that basic area a couple of years ago – charter boat was mid 30′ bridge boat – we got tossed around pretty good. About six weeks ago I was fishing out of Ft. Lauderdale.  We ended up a bit over 20 miles out before we gave up on fishing and decided to go to Bimini (Bahamas).  I found it on my GPSmap 76 and off we went.  It was 58 miles from port to port and we made the trip back in just over two hours.  The amazing part is that we burned only 28 gallons of gas on this 116 mile round trip with at least a hour of trolling included.  We were in my 20′ center console with a 115 four stroke. It’s all a matter of sea conditions and the weather.  This was an incredibly flat day with clear skies.  We were prepared to leave the boat in Bimini and fly back as a last resort if the weather went to hell on us.  This was one of those stupid "so I can say I was there" trips. Typically I will go out only 15 – 20 miles.  At that point there are still plenty of other boats in the area and usually cell phone coverage if the VHF craps out. Are you sure you only have a 30 gallon fuel tank?  That would be my #1 concern.  The handheld VHF would be right there at #2. Dan Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

Like Harry, I would strongly suggest an installed VHF with tall antenna – hand held only broadcast 3-5 miles with their 3 watt output max. (you might get a little better in ideal conditions – but don’t bet your life on it! Installed will get you up to around 25 mile range fairly reliably (potential further)- 25 watts out put makes a world of difference. I also agree that EPIRB would be a good idea. But definitely do not trust the hand held VHF to get you help in a jam. Dan touched on what may be an even bigger concern – 30 gallon gas tank. You state that you have a 120 HP. Is this an outboard or I/OF? What is your gas consumption = MPG? If this is a gas I/OF – very common in 20′ cuddies I would be very concerned about getting out 20 miles and back on that amount of fuel. If you hit any surprises in weather – cut MPG in half or more! Most I/Os on that size boat will get around 2 -3 MPG in reasonably calm conditions. Not a lot of room for error. Weather is the real wildcard. Pick your days and keep an eye on the sky. I have been out 20 miles in a center console about that size off Hatters, NC. It is doable…but keep a real close eye on the weather — gets pretty breezy & rough in the area you are talking about. I fished on a charter in that basic area a couple of years ago – charter boat was mid 30′ bridge boat – we got tossed around pretty good.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – About six weeks ago I was fishing out of Ft. Lauderdale.  We ended up a bit over 20 miles out before we gave up on fishing and decided to go to Bimini (Bahamas).  I found it on my GPSmap 76 and off we went.  It was 58 miles from port to port and we made the trip back in just over two hours.  The amazing part is that we burned only 28 gallons of gas on this 116 mile round trip with at least a hour of trolling included.  We were in my 20′ center console with a 115 four stroke. It’s all a matter of sea conditions and the weather.  This was an incredibly flat day with clear skies.  We were prepared to leave the boat in Bimini and fly back as a last resort if the weather went to hell on us.  This was one of those stupid "so I can say I was there" trips. Typically I will go out only 15 – 20 miles.  At that point there are still plenty of other boats in the area and usually cell phone coverage if the VHF craps out. Are you sure you only have a 30 gallon fuel tank?  That would be my #1 concern.  The handheld VHF would be right there at #2. Dan Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy?

Tred Barta made his name fishing bigeyes 85-90 miles out of Shinnecock Inlet in the "Randi Strike", a 19′ Mako CC. That was 25 years ago.

Response:

This is all well and good. It is not the size of the boat in question. The boat you mention obviously held a lot more than 30 gallons of fuel. I would also strongly suspect that he had more than a hand held VHF for emergency communication needs.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Tred Barta made his name fishing bigeyes 85-90 miles out of Shinnecock Inlet in the "Randi Strike", a 19′ Mako CC. That was 25 years ago.

Response:

30 gallons sounds awfully small for a 20 ft. boat.  

Agreed.  And 120Hp seems like a very small engine, as well. My 18′ CC has a 150HP Merc OB and a 60-gallon tank.   I would strongly advise against going further out, without making some major adjustments in his capabilities. e.g. installing more fuel capacity, and being almost fanatical about weather-watching. I’ve been 40-50 miles out (in a commercial fishing boat) in the Pacific out of Oregon, and it was pretty scary.  Unlike the short-period waves we have in the Gulf, these were HUGE rollers, a city block or more thick.  I’d hate to be out there when they started kicking up. 120hp and 30 gallons of gas, in a 20 footer? No way. Ron M.

Response:

Jim,     I’d be surprised if your handheld VHF was strong enough, 25 miles out, to reach shore without an external antenna. Paul — "The opinions expressed in the article are the opinions of the author, not of Ford Motor Company. " – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

I go out about 20 miles off Boston Harbor sometimes in my 19 foot boat, but only when there is flat water and a stable high presure area in place with little chance of bad weather kicking up. I keep my vhf on and monitor the weather channel and radio stations for any surprize weather. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

About six weeks ago I was fishing out of Ft. Lauderdale.  We ended up a bit over 20 miles out before we gave up on fishing and decided to go to Bimini (Bahamas).  I found it on my GPSmap 76 and off we went.  It was 58 miles from port to port and we made the trip back in just over two hours.  The amazing part is that we burned only 28 gallons of gas on this 116 mile round trip with at least a hour of trolling included.  We were in my 20′ center console with a 115 four stroke. It’s all a matter of sea conditions and the weather.  This was an incredibly flat day with clear skies.  We were prepared to leave the boat in Bimini and fly back as a last resort if the weather went to hell on us.  This was one of those stupid "so I can say I was there" trips. Typically I will go out only 15 – 20 miles.  At that point there are still plenty of other boats in the area and usually cell phone coverage if the VHF craps out. Are you sure you only have a 30 gallon fuel tank?  That would be my #1 concern.  The handheld VHF would be right there at #2. Dan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

30 gallons sounds awfully small for a 20 ft. boat.  I’ve got a 26′ powercat with twin 150’s and 180 gallons of fuel and I am always a little nervous (rightly so) about going off more than 20 miles.  A handheld VHF will NOT cut it, as Dan mentioned, nor the 30 gallon fuel tank.  You just can’t trust the weather service with forcasts.  They might say that the winds will pick up in 24 hours, but all of the sudden, you are in 20 kt winds.  Then you are in real trouble.  Usually I burn about 65 gal on a normal 12 hour trolling trip, but once, when the weather turn on me prematurely, it took about 130 gal to get home in terribly steep head seas. In general, I wouldn’t recommend it.  I’m usually the smallest boat out in the deep and I definitely feel it when the weather turns.  There are way too many things that go wrong. BTW, you didn’t mention an EPIRB in your list… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

Hello, I fish regularly at Halfmoon Bay up to Pacifca (CA) for salmon, halibut, etc. I want to go out farther for Albacore but have never ventured more than a couple miles offshore. I have fished through 10ft swells but never any high winds. With my etrex GPS and handheld VHF, can I go out 25 miles offshore in my 120HP, 30gallons, 20ft cuddy or does that sound crazy? Any opinions would be appreciated…thank you.

Response:

Question:

live long and prosper, old boy Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

I’d like to take this moment to say thanks to all of ya’ll here at roff who provide me (and all of us) with such good entertainment, advice, trip reports, pics, and the like…. thank you….. thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Well said.  I, too, have enjoyed the virtual company here this year. I’ve learned a lot about fish and some about fishing.  And had fun. — rbc:  vixen    Fairly harmless remove invalid or hit reply to email. Though I’m very slow to respond. http://www.visi.com/~cyli

Response:

I’d like to take this moment to say thanks to all of ya’ll here at roff who provide me (and all of us) with such good entertainment, advice, trip reports, pics, and the like…. thank you….. thank you from the bottom of my heart. thanks to all who deem it necessary to visit and fish with my worthless ass…. i love all of ya’ll like brothers….. what a great family. thanks to each and every clavemeister….. ya’ll are special…. and always will be. thanks to my customers at ezflyfish.com and wilson creek outfitters, i sincerely appreciate the support, your business, and your friendship. thanks for another day…. another day to fish. happy new year fellahs, a very special and happy new year for you all…… –waldo, new wader waldo <g

Response:

waldo writes: thanks to my customers at ezflyfish.com and wilson creek outfitters, i sincerely appreciate the support, your business, and your friendship.

SPAM!!!!! Happy New Year to you too, walt, and may next year be better than this one. Don’t forget our fishing date in Feb. Louie

Response:

and a HAPPY NEW YEAR to you too, Waldo!! May the wind be always at your back, may the road rise up to meet you, and may the GREAT BROWN of Wilson’s Creek thumb his nose at your offerings until that glorious sun filled day he glooms onto your Yellowhammer, rips line down to your backing, jumps high into the air, and on his third airborne effort, throws the fly which sticks neatly into the seat of your new waders and penetrates below the barb you forgot to pinch and DAMN, you forgot the beer again! — Wayne (and Jeffie is fishing up the side stream and thinks your hollering about the gnats!) To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d like to take this moment to say thanks to all of ya’ll here at roff who provide me (and all of us) with such good entertainment, advice, trip reports, pics, and the like…. thank you….. thank you from the bottom of my heart. thanks to all who deem it necessary to visit and fish with my worthless ass…. i love all of ya’ll like brothers….. what a great family. thanks to each and every clavemeister….. ya’ll are special…. and always will be. thanks to my customers at ezflyfish.com and wilson creek outfitters, i sincerely appreciate the support, your business, and your friendship. thanks for another day…. another day to fish. happy new year fellahs, a very special and happy new year for you all…… –waldo, new wader waldo <g

Response:

Question:

OH! Shuckie Darn!  I really wasn’t trying to be mean Wolfman.  Just a

Well……hack hack……that’s mighty kind of ya pard…….cough…..hack…..but I’m afraid it’s too late……cough……I think your morbiferous prose has done me proemial manifestations showed up right away…..cough……don’t fret none though……Wayno’s looking into the noxal ramifications…..groan……but by the time the summons arrives I ’spect I’ll have given in to geotaxis…..if ya know what I

Response:

 Last Words     "I know we’re all going to die – there’s three of us who are going to do something about it."   — Thomas Burnett, in a cell phone conversation with his wife before his hijacked plane crashed. This last call, by Tom Burnett to the love  of his life,  represented actually three worthy men who were about to do something marvelous Charlie.  They put their lives on the line to save (without them even knowing it) THE WHITEHOUSE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!   Three men out of nearly three hundred people on four different aircraft stood up to be counted.  My heart and appreciation of these three men will stay with me forever and until the day I die.  I’ve known Marines like this and these are the men who help keep America free. You disgust me Charlie and you deny truths this country should understand if it is to survive in this new world. All’s Fair With Fur or Feather gg

Response:

You disgust me Charlie and you deny truths this country should understand if it is to survive in this new world.

You stupid twisted shithead. You have no idea who knew what. The men on the plane over PA *did* know what had happened to the earlier planes and certainly were heros. You limit your praise to just 3 but again you have no fucking clue. I know it is pointless to try to explain even simple things to you, but it is difficult to stand by while anyone, even an obviously insane idiot, maligns good people and their families. You are truly pathetic. — Charlie…

Response:

of these three men will stay with me forever and until the day I die. I’ve known Marines like this and these are the men who help keep America free.

George, I KNOW men who are NOT Marines (as much as I respect and love them, the Marines that is) who would gladly have attempted the same thing. Your pontificating as to the others who may (or may not) have tried to thwart the hijackings is beyond belief. You, sir, are an idiot. And like Op said, I would definitely say this to your face. Like the motto from one of America’s finest naval fighter squadrons…..Anytime, Anyplace Baby. — Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

Response:

Last Words     "I know we’re all going to die – there’s three of us who are going to do something about it."

        if only they were *your* last words, instead of that fine man who uttered them.         fuck you, george. a. wayne harrison

Response:

It seems you’re on the side of terrorists Wayne? Kiss it baby. All’s Fair With Fur or Feather gg

Response:

It seems you’re on the side of terrorists Wayne?

Regrettably, you don’t appear to be on the side of sanity. May I suggest unwrapping your hand from your dick, taking your medications, and honoring that promise you made to leave ROFF? Oh, wait, "promise, Gerkhe," bad match. — "Armchair warriors often fail, and we’ve been  poisoned by these fairy tales" -Don Henley

Response:

For the last few years I have mainly lurked on this group and listened to you shoot your mouth off. But when you say that Wayne is on the side of the terrorists you are TALKING THRU YOUR ASS BECAUSE YOUR MOUTH KNOWS BETTER. YOU WOULDN’T KNOW A REAL MAN IF HE JUMPED UP AND BIT YOU IN THE ASS. PLEASE KEEP YOUR PROMISE AND LEAVE ROFF. Kim James

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It seems you’re on the side of terrorists Wayne? Kiss it baby. All’s Fair With Fur or Feather gg

Response:

George, F.O.A.D.

Response:

It seems you’re on the side of terrorists Wayne? Kiss it baby. All’s Fair With Fur or Feather gg

        george, do yourself and all the rest of us a true favor.  sit down and review every single response to every single post you have made in the days since the 9/11 tragedy.  what are these people trying to tell you, george?  without exception, they are doing everything in their literary power to force, or even beg, you to leave this group. you exist here only as a laughing stock or a source of enmity, depending upon your mood and the nature of your posts, 99% of which are mindless drivel.         it is simply amazing that your egomania prevents you from seeing the truth.         where are your supporters, george?  you are a sick, lonely man.  please leave. a.w.h.

Response:

   george, do yourself and all the rest of us a true favor.  sit down and review every single response to every single post you have made in the days since the 9/11 tragedy.  what are these people trying to tell you, george?  without exception, they are doing everything in their literary power to force, or even beg, you to leave this group. you exist here only as a laughing stock or a source of enmity, depending upon your mood and the nature of your posts, 99% of which are mindless drivel.    it is simply amazing that your egomania prevents you from seeing the truth.    where are your supporters, george?  you are a sick, lonely man.  please leave. a.w.h.

I’ve kept myself out of this so far, and after this I will do so again. What he said. PLEASE GO AWAY GEORGE!! —  Charles Davis     K4SWB <<I’m The NRA

Response:

I agree with Wayne, Charlie, Charles and others. Most of us usually just put up with your asinine comments and tolerate the fact that you’re the biggest asshole on ROFF. This time you’ve managed to insult the memories of all who died on those planes with your ill-informed comments. PLEASE, keep your promise to go away and never come back. Maybe we make a deal. You don’t show your ignorant face around her again, and we won’t try and organize a boycott of the fishing products you sell….

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Last Words "I know we’re all going to die – there’s three of us who are going to do something about it."   — Thomas Burnett, in a cell phone conversation with his wife before his hijacked plane crashed. This last call, by Tom Burnett to the love  of his life,  represented actually three worthy men who were about to do something marvelous Charlie.  They put their lives on the line to save (without them even knowing it) THE WHITEHOUSE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!   Three men out of nearly three hundred people on four different aircraft stood up to be counted.  My heart and appreciation of these three men will stay with me forever and until the day I die. I’ve known Marines like this and these are the men who help keep America free. You disgust me Charlie and you deny truths this country should understand if it is to survive in this new world. All’s Fair With Fur or Feather gg

Response:

I bet that screwed up face of yours got that way from being friendly? All’s Fair With Fur or Feather gg         well, that one really blew poor wolfie away!  damn, and i really enjoyed some of his stuff… wayno, hoping i’m not next!

cough, cough, hack, sputter…….he hurt me wayno……i…..i…..cough, cough…..groan…..uncle wally……is that you? Wolfgang hanging on by a thread in the probably vain hope that the restorative waters of the great smokies will restore my wa.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I bet that screwed up face of yours got that way from being friendly? All’s Fair With Fur or Feather gg         well, that one really blew poor wolfie away!  damn, and i really enjoyed some of his stuff… wayno, hoping i’m not next! cough, cough, hack, sputter…….he hurt me wayno……i…..i…..cough, cough…..groan…..uncle wally……is that you?

OH! Shuckie Darn!  I really wasn’t trying to be mean Wolfman.  Just a sick sense of humor.  Remember this ole siren, even an ugly duckling turns into a SWAN! Thing is, you’re just like them when they fly.  Flap, flap, flap . . . Me?  I can’t even get off the ground.  Frogs can’t fly. Which reminds me.  Do you know the difference beween a frog and a horny frog? YOU:  "No George.  What’s the difference between a regular frog and a horny frog? A regular frog goes, "Rib-it!  RIB-IT!"  A horny frog goes, "Rub-it! RUB-IT!" Hang tough Wolfgang. Wolfgang hanging on by a thread in the probably vain hope that the restorative waters of the great smokies will restore my wa.

Just look for the frogs Wolfgang. George who hangs around rivers

Response:

I bet that screwed up face of yours got that way from being friendly? All’s Fair With Fur or Feather gg

        well, that one really blew poor wolfie away!  damn, and i really enjoyed some of his stuff… wayno, hoping i’m not next!

Response:

I bet that screwed up face of yours got that way from being friendly? All’s Fair With Fur or Feather gg

Response:

It seems you’re on the side of terrorists Wayne? Kiss it baby. All’s Fair With Fur or Feather gg

wayno, I apologize for stepping on your toes…and sure, it may be a troll… I almost wish I wasn’t doing this, but after a long, hard week, I was treated with a civilised drink, dinner, wine, and all the trimmings, including several after-dinner drinks, just me and my SO – well, mostly, anyway.  Blame it on exhaustion, or simply having had enough of it all, but George, I feel downright psychic – if I ever have the displeasure of coming face to face with you, I can see you shitting teeth, dentures, or whatever else fills the sorry cakehole that passes for your mouth.

Response:

Do you doubt truth?

I’ll bet you sometimes wonder where those teeth marks on your ass come from, right? Wolfgang cowering in anticipation of the blithering retort

Response:

I sincerely hope those are his final words.

Response:

Do you doubt truth? All’s Fair With Fur or Feather gg

Response:

Maybe we make a deal. You don’t show your ignorant face around her again, and we won’t try and organize a boycott of the fishing products you sell….

Oops.  Too late. — rbc:  vixen    Fairly harmless remove invalid or hit reply to email. Though I’m very slow to respond. http://www.visi.com/~cyli

Response:

You know Wayne, it is amazing to many who stalk Roff around the world that you along with other Easterners (and they know who they are) that "your click of trollers" have been figured out a long time now.  Some things you say is not true.  Yes, have specific opinions about matters regarding the World Trade Center but they are only opinions.  That it is my opinion that the terrorists on all four aircraft should have been challenged and fought with by the male population (customers) on those flights remains intact.  I cannot accept any excuse, even in the face of death or getting hurt that more men didn’t challenge them. Of course I wasn’t there, of course you weren’t there, but my opinions are just as justifiable as yours or anyone else’s.   I

Question:

I also catch butterfly peacocks in South Florida. The ultimate bait is, of course, small shiners. The best artificial I’ve used for them is a #5 Rapala floating fire tiger.  The colors seem to really get their attention.  It also works well for largemouth bass! Brady – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – we have peacock bass in south fla. i use a number 13 rapala black or silver back, or a 1/8 oz stanly tadum willow leaf glod and silver spinnerbait with a zoom split tail trailer slow rolled. i found any good topwater bait , pop-r or zarra puppy gets them to. Cajunbass8 "THE TRUTH HURTS"

Response:

If you would like to know what works in S. Florida, you might want to order a copy of Carlos Hidalgo’s "South Florida’s Peacock Bass ". He has suggestions for everything from live bait to flyfishing. It is locally available here in Ft. Lauderdale, but you might want to try my Freshwater Fishing Books page for a link to Amazon.com at http://inshore.com/bk-fresh.html . Jim Sawyer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a resident here in hawaii and I would like info on the best methods or lures to catch peacock bass. I haven’t been too successful in catching them and could use any suggestions on catching the butterfly strain of the peacock bass that are stocked here in hawaii. mahalo Lono

Response:

(1)  Do any of you guys/gals who fish for Peacock Bass have pictures of them you could post? (2)  Has anyone ever ascertained if Peacock Bass could cross-breed with LMB bass or spots?  Or smallmouth? Warren Funk

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you would like to know what works in S. Florida, you might want to order a copy of Carlos Hidalgo’s "South Florida’s Peacock Bass ". He has suggestions for everything from live bait to flyfishing. It is locally available here in Ft. Lauderdale, but you might want to try my Freshwater Fishing Books page for a link to Amazon.com at http://inshore.com/bk-fresh.html . Jim Sawyer I am a resident here in hawaii and I would like info on the best methods or lures to catch peacock bass. I haven’t been too successful in catching them and could use any suggestions on catching the butterfly strain of the peacock bass that are stocked here in hawaii. mahalo Lono

Response:

Hey Warren — I just checked out page 742 of McClane’s Standard Fishing Encyclopedia (includes a nice picture).  According to McClane, the Peacock is a member of the cichlid family. Our favorite black beauties are members of the sunfish family.  I dont’ think we have to worry about hybridization because the only situation where members of two completely different families can mate and reproduce is in a cheap Sci-Fi movie. Gotta tell you a quick story about hybridization and cichlids.  Years ago I was strolling the shoreline of Town Lake which winds through downtown Austin, Texas.  When I see a group of anglers on the bank, it’s pretty hard for me to pass by without stopping to see what they’re catching, — especially, as in this case, when they’re acting excited.  So I trotted over and asked what was happening.  One of the older guys said, "My wife just caught the damndest thing you ever saw — it’s a cross between a Bluegill and a Piranha!"  His wife chimed in, "It ain’t safe to swim here anymore — these things could bite your leg off." I have to admit I was pretty curious because it is not unknown for tropical fish hobbyists to turn unwanted pets loose, and Town Lake has produced some interesting catches, so I’ve heard.   So I asked to see the fish.   She proudly held up an 8-inch male Rio Grande Perch, which with its hump, does look a little like a Piranha.   I said, "Yes ma’am, that’s pretty interesting," and continued my walk. The Rio Grande Perch is, I think, the only member of the cichlid family native to North America.  Austin is about as far north as you’re likely to see one. Tight Lines, Bent Rods, Storm

Response:

Warren, I have a picture of about a 3# peacock I caught last year.  Unfortunately, I’m holding it so you have to see me as well! I don’t know if it’s proper to post it here – I can scan it and post it, or e-mail it to you directly. Please let me know. Brady – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (1)  Do any of you guys/gals who fish for Peacock Bass have pictures of them you could post? (2)  Has anyone ever ascertained if Peacock Bass could cross-breed with LMB bass or spots?  Or smallmouth? Warren Funk If you would like to know what works in S. Florida, you might want to order a copy of Carlos Hidalgo’s "South Florida’s Peacock Bass ". He has suggestions for everything from live bait to flyfishing. It is locally available here in Ft. Lauderdale, but you might want to try my Freshwater Fishing Books page for a link to Amazon.com at http://inshore.com/bk-fresh.html . Jim Sawyer I am a resident here in hawaii and I would like info on the best methods or lures to catch peacock bass. I haven’t been too successful in catching them and could use any suggestions on catching the butterfly strain of the peacock bass that are stocked here in hawaii. mahalo Lono

Response:

I am a resident here in hawaii and I would like info on the best methods or lures to catch peacock bass. I haven’t been too successful in catching them and could use any suggestions on catching the butterfly strain of the peacock bass that are stocked here in hawaii. mahalo Lono

Response:

we have peacock bass in south fla. i use a number 13 rapala black or silver back, or a 1/8 oz stanly tadum willow leaf glod and silver spinnerbait with a zoom split tail trailer slow rolled. i found any good topwater bait , pop-r or zarra puppy gets them to. Cajunbass8 "THE TRUTH HURTS"

Response:

Question:

I remember–some years ago–someone announcing a nearly comprehensive database of articles published in Fly Fisherman magazine…..anybody know who that was, or where such a database exists?       Also, is there a homepage for Fly Rod and Reel? Silvio Calabi? Fly Tackle Dealer? — /*  */

Response:

I remember–some years ago–someone announcing a nearly comprehensive database of articles published in Fly Fisherman magazine…..anybody know who that was, or where such a database exists?      Also, is there a homepage for Fly Rod and Reel? Silvio Calabi? Fly Tackle Dealer?

Try the below address.  The data base was set up by Don Phillips. http://www.flyfishing.com/search/ Mike Santangelo http://www.nwlink.com/~fishnet/

Response:

Question:

: Over fishing (in the ocean),  infestations of parasites exacerbated : by sea-farming in the estuaries, global warming  and siltation from : sheep overgrazing and peat cutting all were mentioned as possible : culprits. The peat  cutting, which causes terrible erosion, looked like : the main culprit to me.   I don’t know the answer, but I believe we can rule out global warming. Might be a problem in the future, say 20 years or more, but not now.  At least I don’t see how the problem as it is today is ruining the population.   Are you sure the fish aren’t just staying out at sea becasue they are afraid of bombs?  It is time for Ireland to solve their problems.  Let it go. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

Response:

I just got back from two weeks in Northwest Ireland. Salmon and Sea Trout are in trouble there, as they are in most places.  Everybody was up in arms about it, and everybody had a different idea. The peat  cutting, which causes terrible erosion, looked like the main culprit to me.  

Doubt if you’ll find too many people agreeing with you. (‘cept for the netters and fish-farmers of course)  :-)) Sea-trout and salmon stocks were fine in the past when peat cutting was just as extensive. It makes the water look bad, but the fish don’t seem to mind too much. Most interesting thing is to see how well stocks recover in any particular river system as soon as estuary or sea-loch salmon farming is stopped for a while. Its almost instantaneous. Too much netting at sea, and overfishing for the Krill/shrimps/sand-eels the fish live on is the popular choice for the overall drop in numbers. If you you want to fish Eire/UK for salmon or sea-trout, come soon  - and don’t be too hopeful. You still seem to have some fine fishing in USA. I know you’ve had your problems, but I wish we’d looked after ours half as well. Seems to me the pressures seem to be increasing all over tho’. Sometimes the only way to take my mind off it is to go fishing. Tight lines Ian D

Response:

It is time for Ireland to solve their problems.  Let it go.

Unfortunately, the Irish are not just damaging their own fisheries – they are also netting huge numbers of salmon passing the west coast of Ireland on their way back from the North Atlantic to Wales, Southern England, France, Spain.  They take far more Welsh fish, for example, than are caught in Wales by both rods and nets..  Political pressure has so far achieved little.  And it is said that this netting, much of which is illegal, is a big source of funds for the IRA..  :-( — Phil Jones South Wales

Response:

Salmon and Sea Trout are in trouble there, as they are in most places.  Everybody was up in arms about it, and everybody had a different idea.  Signs along many streams pleaded "Save our Sea Trout."

That’s the name of a very worthwhile organisation which has been campaigning for several years against the inshore salmon farming which has wrecked the sea trout runs.  The damage is done by massive infestations of sea lice.  The evidence is overwhelming. Send SOS a contribution and ask for some of their newsletters.  SOS, PO Box 69, Galway, EIRE. Over fishing (in the ocean),  infestations of parasites exacerbated by sea-farming in the estuaries, global warming  and siltation from sheep overgrazing and peat cutting all were mentioned as possible culprits. The peat  cutting, which causes terrible erosion, looked like the main culprit to me.  There is a lot of water in Ireland, and a lot of bedrock too. Good spawning gravel is hard to find, and what little there is looked brown, silted and peaty to me….at least where I fished, in the Connemarra district.

You forgot agricultural pollution of the spawning streams and lakes, commercial gravel extraction from river beds, over-fishing (in the rivers and lakes), etc.. — Phil Jones

Response:

I just got back from two weeks in Northwest Ireland. Salmon and Sea Trout are in trouble there, as they are in most places.  Everybody was up in arms about it, and everybody had a different idea.  Signs along many streams pleaded "Save our Sea Trout." Over fishing (in the ocean),  infestations of parasites exacerbated by sea-farming in the estuaries, global warming  and siltation from sheep overgrazing and peat cutting all were mentioned as possible culprits. The peat  cutting, which causes terrible erosion, looked like the main culprit to me.  There is a lot of water in Ireland, and a lot of bedrock too. Good spawning gravel is hard to find, and what little there is looked brown, silted and peaty to me….at least where I fished, in the Connemarra district. Still, there are a few fish left, and it (all of Ireland) is a very beautiful place.   The Irish people–in particular–were the highlight of the trip. DIBBLING:      I learned a new fishing technique on one of the big Loughs: dibbling.  Local fly fishermen apparently dibble in rivers too, for both salmon and sea trout.   I’m looking forward to trying it back here, in Montana.  What is it? Put a relatively heavy wet fly on the end of the leader.  Then, maybe two feet back up the leader, put a bushy dry fly on a 6" dropper.  Cast across stream and pick up the rod tip until the dry fly is out of the water. Then bob the rod tip to make the dryfly look like a dancing caddis fly. On Lough Corrib, brown trout to 10 lbs smack’em like candy. Anybody ever try dibbliing over hear? Last note:       They have beautiful jungle cock necks for less than $75.00 in Dublin. I almost bought one.  But I managed to resist. Too bad nobody raises jungle cock.  I’d buy it for sure, if they weren’t dissapearing……like the sea trout? — /* Sandy Pittendrigh                  –oO0  * http://www.nervana.montana.edu/~sandy  * http://www.avicom.net/sandy                   */

Response:

Question:

writes I agree with your views.  Trout, as a species is generally a small fish that averages (AVERAGES) about 12 – 14 inches.  Where are the pictures of those?

Regrettably or otherwise, most stillwater anglers would be disappointed if their rainbows measured only 12-14 inches.  That is the state of things where Troutmaster Monthly winners are concerned.  With Triploids of up to 15 lbs stocked, the little ‘uns dont come into the reckonig. Regards, — Bill

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writes I agree with your views.  Trout, as a species is generally a small fish that averages (AVERAGES) about 12 – 14 inches.  Where are the pictures of those? Regrettably or otherwise, most stillwater anglers would be disappointed if their rainbows measured only 12-14 inches.  That is the state of things where Troutmaster Monthly winners are concerned.  With Triploids of up to 15 lbs stocked, the little ‘uns dont come into the reckonig. Regards,

– Ive often wondered if there are enough people  who would like to fish with the lighter fly lines say 3-5 for smaller fish and perhaps pay less for a day ticket. My favourite fishing is for brownies in smallish rivers and streams in the west, Scotland and Eire . Living just outside Milton Keynes I only fish like this for a few weeks a year. A small fish fishery would get my support if within reasonable driving distance. Anybody else feel the same.? Peter Marler

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A small fish fishery would get my support if within reasonable driving distance. Anybody else feel the same.? Peter Marler

One of my local small stillwaters comprises several ponds, the main one has produced a Welsh record trout of over 24 lbs.  Ther is also a beginners fly pond, also an any method pond for children and non fly- fishermen.  One day, on arriving at the lodge, I was told that the "main" pond was full (max. number of anglers), so I asked if I could go on the beginners pond.  The fish here are averaging around 3/4 lbs.  I had a great afternoon’s sport, landing six, but missed about five others, and all the fish caught were decent plate sized trout. The above is a sort of example of your suggestion. Regards, — Bill

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Indeed.  My husband and I search out the small, native and generally less accessible waters in the NC mountains.  We particularly like to fish to the small native brook trout population with a fly my best friend has dubbed the "Energizer" (It keeps going & going much like the battery bunny of US commercials). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – writes I agree with your views.  Trout, as a species is generally a small fish that averages (AVERAGES) about 12 – 14 inches.  Where are the pictures of those? Regrettably or otherwise, most stillwater anglers would be disappointed if their rainbows measured only 12-14 inches.  That is the state of things where Troutmaster Monthly winners are concerned.  With Triploids of up to 15 lbs stocked, the little ‘uns dont come into the reckonig. Regards, — Ive often wondered if there are enough people  who would like to fish with the lighter fly lines say 3-5 for smaller fish and perhaps pay less for a day ticket. My favourite fishing is for brownies in smallish rivers and streams in the west, Scotland and Eire . Living just outside Milton Keynes I only fish like this for a few weeks a year. A small fish fishery would get my support if within reasonable driving distance. Anybody else feel the same.? Peter Marler

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______ I agree with your views.  Trout, as a species is generally a small fish that averages (AVERAGES) about 12 – 14 inches.  Where are the pictures of those? Mr. G. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Totally agree with the perspective photo in Trout Fisherman, I wonder if the angler felt better after his fish was portrayed as some protein-bound leviathan. One point which is hard to digest is the rose-tinted view of some anglers, sure we would all like to be on the magical rivers, catching wild browns, but it is not practical. Fly-fishing is for everyone – I have people fish at Cheshire Fishing, who could not manage to fish rivers, I have shift workers who have to grab every moment they can – people who doubt the beauty of such places, then surely have never been. I have fished on rivers, from the beautiful Eastern Cleddau to the Cheshire Dee, they are certainly no more scenic than Cheshire Fishing. Sure, we have double figure trout, but they are not tailess, egg-bound females, they are hard, silver, full tailed trout and the fish are noted for their beauty whatever the size. The main difference is, our trout are raised in earth ponds and their diet is supplemented with natural invertabrates like Shrimp. Don’t mock man made stillwaters – they have their niche – if you like rivers then fish them. Any doubts I had over the ethics of stillwaters was lost, when the teacher of a group of abused boys, told me that she had never in her career, seen a group hold attention for this length of time, their normal attention span was less than 15 minutes, these were spellbound for four hours, they co-operated with each other, they displayed characteristics never shown before. If anyone would like jpegs of fish, scenery etc, just let me know, and if the perspective is wrong on my pictures, then it is because I am a crap photographer, not because I wanted the fish to look bigger..! You are welcome to visit our website http://freespace.virgin.net/r.j/Cheshire.htm

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Totally agree with the perspective photo in Trout Fisherman, I wonder if the angler felt better after his fish was portrayed as some protein-bound leviathan. One point which is hard to digest is the rose-tinted view of some anglers, sure we would all like to be on the magical rivers, catching wild browns, but it is not practical. Fly-fishing is for everyone – I have people fish at Cheshire Fishing, who could not manage to fish rivers, I have shift workers who have to grab every moment they can – people who doubt the beauty of such places, then surely have never been. I have fished on rivers, from the beautiful Eastern Cleddau to the Cheshire Dee, they are certainly no more scenic than Cheshire Fishing. Sure, we have double figure trout, but they are not tailess, egg-bound females, they are hard, silver, full tailed trout and the fish are noted for their beauty whatever the size. The main difference is, our trout are raised in earth ponds and their diet is supplemented with natural invertabrates like Shrimp. Don’t mock man made stillwaters – they have their niche – if you like rivers then fish them. Any doubts I had over the ethics of stillwaters was lost, when the teacher of a group of abused boys, told me that she had never in her career, seen a group hold attention for this length of time, their normal attention span was less than 15 minutes, these were spellbound for four hours, they co-operated with each other, they displayed characteristics never shown before. If anyone would like jpegs of fish, scenery etc, just let me know, and if the perspective is wrong on my pictures, then it is because I am a crap photographer, not because I wanted the fish to look bigger..! You are welcome to visit our website http://freespace.virgin.net/r.j/Cheshire.htm

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Question:

Planning a visit to some friends in the Bolinas/Stinson Beach area early in April.  Thought I’d take my flyrod.  Anybody have any suggestions?  I’d be interested in fishing surf or small streams or anything in between, as long as it was close to Bolinas. Thanks, David

There’s a lake in the Point Reyes National Seashore that allegedly has some trout in it (Bass Lake), although I don’t know anyone who has actually fished it. Lagunitas Lake in the Marin Municipal Water District is stocked and artificial lures, no barbs, only. Some of the other lakes in the same area attract lots of bait fisherman. No stream fishing available in the area that I know of. Surf fishing with a fly rod?  Can’t say I’ve ever seen it done, but can’t say I’ve been looking either. Closest stream fishing (steelhead) would be the Russian River. — There is no such thing as a dumb question, but there IS such a thing as a dumb answer – I’ve given some.

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Try the small gas station / fishing shop on the road between Petaluma and Bodega.  George will tell you about fishing the area -especially Tomales bay.  Look on the map for Walker Ck.- which is a misnomer, but hal local currency.  If he is in the phone book, idt will be on BOdega Hiway, I athink. He is guiding on athe Russian R as well. Regards, Cliff

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suggestions?  I’d be interested in fishing surf or small streams or anything in between, as long as it was close to Bolinas.

Depends on how close is close. . . Most of the coastal rivers/streams are not open to fishing in that area, until you get up to the Russian River to the north.  There is good quality perch fishing at that time.  There are 2 or 3 guys who work at Western Sport Shop in San Rafael who i’ve seen out there each spring.  Their number is 415-456-5454. I’d ask for Gene or Noel.  They’ve got some patterns worked up which produce pretty well.  They’re real good on the whole area, too. re: other post The Bass Lake ponds in Pt. Reyes Natl Sea Shore are fun to walk to, but pretty fishless for about the last 10 years. *                                                     *

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Quoting brande from a message in rec.outdoors.fishing.fly    <Planning a visit to some friends in the Bolinas/Stinson Beach area    <early in April.  Thought I’d take my flyrod.  Anybody have any    <suggestions?  I’d be interested in fishing surf or small streams or    <anything in between, as long as it was close to Bolinas. David – You should may be able to catch surf perch off the beaches up there. Also, Russian River is just to the north.  Not too sure of all the specifics as I haven’t lived in NorCal in quite a few years. Jim Carlisle

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Planning a visit to some friends in the Bolinas/Stinson Beach area early in April.  Thought I’d take my flyrod.  Anybody have any suggestions?  I’d be interested in fishing surf or small streams or anything in between, as long as it was close to Bolinas. Thanks, David

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Question:

My brother wants to buy a Renzetti Traveller.  Should I try to talk him out of it?  If so, should he get a Regal or a more expensive Renzetti?

IMO, no, its a very good vice for the money unless of course he has the money to buy the more expensive vice. (Regals ARE nice) Then just on principal he should get the more exensive vice. After all this is fly fishing <vbseg. Right now he is suffering with one of those $13 Indian vises, so he does need a new vise.

Yes he does I am bothered a little bit by the fact that the Traveller’s rotation does not lock.

If you don’t want to use the rotary feature (I don’t), just tighten the rotary mechanism against the post and it will lock. Is this a real handicap, or am I rationalizing my fidelity to my

Thompson Pro? You’re just rationalizing Wayne Knight Marietta GA                                              

Response:

writes: My brother wants to buy a Renzetti Traveller.  Should I try to talk him
out of it?  If so, should he get a Regal or a more expensive Renzetti? Right now he is suffering with one of those $13 Indian vises, so he does
need a new vise.
I am bothered a little bit by the fact that the Traveller’s rotation does
not lock.  Is this a real handicap, or am I rationalizing my fidelity to
my Thompson Pro?

I’ve used a Renzetti Traveller for more than three years now and love it! It should be noted that I got no real experience with any other vices, except a few Indian ones that didn’t last me long. I guess the locking could be an handicap, but I’ve never missed it for my tying (mostly saltwater and salmon). And it travels real well! Inge

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: It should be noted that I got no real experience with any other vices, : except a few Indian ones that didn’t last me long. A good vice should last a lifetime, I always say. (Sorry, couldn’t resist…) — BW Brad Williams —

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… I am bothered a little bit by the fact that the Traveller’s rotation does not lock.  Is this a real handicap, or am I rationalizing my fidelity to my Thompson Pro?

You can in fact, adjust the drag (to the point of locking) on the renzetti’s rotation using the 2 friction wheels. It’s not the most convenient system though. Personally, I use the traveller as my only vise. I do travel alot and often bring my tying case with me. The size and weight of the traveller are great for this. Otherwise, the traveller is a great vise for the money. Good jaws, large range and very functional, at 1/3rd the price of the rest of the renzetti line. rick

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I’ve used everything from the Thompson A vise through the Renzetti, HMH, and Regal, and I’ve ended up with the Regal…it’s an absolutely foolproof vise,provides resting place for the left hand, is perfectly rotatable, esp. if Ingeset it up horizontally, can be used right-= or left- handed, has interchangeable heads, and can be had for a reasonable price.  The other vises are wonderful, too, but nothing beats the Regal in my view (for what it’s worth), and I’ve been tying flies for more than fifty years. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – writes: My brother wants to buy a Renzetti Traveller.  Should I try to talk him out of it?  If so, should he get a Regal or a more expensive Renzetti? Right now he is suffering with one of those $13 Indian vises, so he does need a new vise. I am bothered a little bit by the fact that the Traveller’s rotation does not lock.  Is this a real handicap, or am I rationalizing my fidelity to my Thompson Pro? I’ve used a Renzetti Traveller for more than three years now and love it! It should be noted that I got no real experience with any other vices, except a few Indian ones that didn’t last me long. I guess the locking could be an handicap, but I’ve never missed it for my tying (mostly saltwater and salmon). And it travels real well! Inge

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I have responded several times to questions about the Renzetti Traveller. It is wonderful.  The issue of the rotation not locking is a non issue. What makes the Renzetti system so nice is that the rotation of the hook shaft is central, due to the offset jaws.  Therefore, there is no tendency for the vice to rotate under load.  The other thing that is very nice about the Traveller that is not true of the higher priced Renzettis; it will rotate in both directions.  This is very useful if you tie ribbing reverse-wrapped over palmered hackle, such as in a Spey salmon or steelhead fly.   Crashjibe

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writes: My brother wants to buy a Renzetti Traveller.  Should I try to talk him out of it?  If so, should he get a Regal or a more expensive Renzetti? Right now he is suffering with one of those $13 Indian vises, so he does need a new vise.

I have both a Regal and a Renzetti Traveller. I love the Renzetti. It works very well, is very well designed, and weighs only 8 ounces! Steve Rosenblum

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I’m relatively new to tying.  After breaking my beginner $13 Indian vise, I bought a Renzetti Traveller.  I really like the Traveller–but admitedly I don’t have much experience for comparisons.   By the way, you CAN lock the rotation by increasing the drag sufficiently, although it’s not overwhelmingly convenient.

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The Traveller is the BEST vise for someone upgrading from a beginners-type vise. The price is right, and it will be years before he outgrows the vise and feels he needs a more sophisticated one. And then he will have one for traveling and one for the home base!!!

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My brother wants to buy a Renzetti Traveller.  Should I try to talk him out of it?  If so, should he get a Regal or a more expensive Renzetti? Right now he is suffering with one of those $13 Indian vises, so he does need a new vise. I am bothered a little bit by the fact that the Traveller’s rotation does not lock.  Is this a real handicap, or am I rationalizing my fidelity to my Thompson Pro? — Keep your stick on the ice.

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I really enjoy tying with mine, it’s all I need in a vise.  

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I really enjoy tying with mine, it’s all I need in a vise.  

Have you tried a Regal vise yet?  I have an Inex (their cheapest model) and I love it.  Sometimes I wish it were a rotary, but that’s only once and a while.  The spring loaded clamping method they use is really neat.  Just work the handle and insert a hook. One problem though.  If you don’t put the hook in enough, it may pop out and chip the tip of the jaws.  I did that twice then sent it back.  They fixed it for free, but made it clear that the next time I do that it will cost $25 for a new set of jaws.  Plus I have kids, so I have to find every hook I drop.  One flew over 10 feet out into the hall.  Thank goodness hooks are made out of ferrous (sp?) metal. I was wondering if other cam-type vises do this too?   A sunny day,      a box of midges,         and a wandering stream…   Man, this MUST be heaven!   <    Steve Kulpa    <<

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