Question:

there’s a chance some smaller schoolie stripers will still be in the river. Shad will most likely be gone, but the smallmouth action should be fantastic. Oh yeah, when Rick and I got to the dock on Sunday afternoon " Dock Lady " ( you have to meet her in person, words can’t really adequetly describe her ) … Is she the one who is in the last Sage catalog ?

Haven’t seen the latest Sage catalog but I can guarantee that’s not her.

Response:

Fishing out of Fletchers Sunday and Monday: lots of BIG hickory shad, caught on the outgoing tide-using Teeny 250 or 300 lines, 6′ hunk of 12lb test Maxima for a leader ( God bless Maxima but I hate those fucking archaic spools theyl put the stuff on ) casting slightly upstream and usually getting a hit on the start of the swing. Flies on the small side-size 6 to 8 clousers with short tails-white with gold flash and chartruese with gold flash . I was getting alot of misses till I chopped off the tails to within about 3/8" of the hook bend , after that it was Heaven.Last cast of the day Monday I hooked an American shad, about 3 or 4 times the size and heft of the hickories. Last couple years the Americans were running about as big as that species can get, up to 30"s. This one took me into my backing about 50-75′. It took a long damn time to wind all that line in after it threw the hook that’s for sure. The Americans should be starting to come on strong now, the water’s warming up and clearing. They like the stretch of water just up from Fletchers dock area, on a rising tide and then right up till slack tide. They come there to spawn. Most of the hickory action’s been on the falling tides. The female stripers are running up to 40lbs. and the cut herring/bottom fishing guys have been hauling in a bunch. I keep trying for them but all I do is lose expensive flies in the rocks. Would it be that terrible to soak a fly or two in a bucket of herring chum and then run my leader through a slip sinker and just sorta drop it over the side of the boat while I eat lunch or something ? I’ll have to sleep on that. Anyway the male stripers are expected by the end of the week and they’ll be possible to catch using ethical methods The river should be low enough for safe wading by the end of the week too if the levels keep dropping at a steady clip. Oh yeah, when my Rick and I got to the dock on Sunday afternoon " Dock Lady " ( you have to meet her in person, words can’t really adequetly describe her ) told us everyone coming off the river was pissed at us because we two flyrodders were taking shad right and left all day and they, the spinning guys were only hitting them off and on and "they said you two bastards must be doing something illegal ". Even allowing for "Dock Ladys" habit of slight exageration it still was good to hear. It’s usually the other way around. cheers, Bob nursing a painfully pleasant case of "shad elbow"

Response:

Hello East Coasters, We are catching Stripers in the Sacramento, Feather and American Rivers now too as our big spring spawning run has started (April/May/June). This is south(downstream) and north(upstream) of Sacramento. The main runs will go all the way upstream (north) to Colusa and above on the Sacramento River. We fish them wading and from boats. Some of our friends caught some Stripers on flies yesterday and today. The American Shad are just behind the Stripers and will be thick in a few weeks. PS: Thanks for bringing those Stripers and Shad over here to the west coast in 1877. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, California, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Fishing out of Fletchers Sunday and Monday: lots of BIG hickory shad, caught on the outgoing tide-using Teeny 250 or 300 lines, 6′ hunk of 12lb test Maxima for a leader ( God bless Maxima but I hate those fucking archaic spools theyl put the stuff on ) casting slightly upstream and usually getting a hit on the start of the swing. Flies on the small side-size 6 to 8 clousers with short tails-white with gold flash and chartruese with gold flash . I was getting alot of misses till I chopped off the tails to within about 3/8" of the hook bend , after that it was Heaven.Last cast of the day Monday I hooked an American shad, about 3 or 4 times the size and heft of the hickories. Last couple years the Americans were running about as big as that species can get, up to 30"s. This one took me into my backing about 50-75′. It took a long damn time to wind all that line in after it threw the hook that’s for sure. The Americans should be starting to come on strong now, the water’s warming up and clearing. They like the stretch of water just up from Fletchers dock area, on a rising tide and then right up till slack tide. They come there to spawn. Most of the hickory action’s been on the falling tides. The female stripers are running up to 40lbs. and the cut herring/bottom fishing guys have been hauling in a bunch. I keep trying for them but all I do is lose expensive flies in the rocks. Would it be that terrible to soak a fly or two in a bucket of herring chum and then run my leader through a slip sinker and just sorta drop it over the side of the boat while I eat lunch or something ? I’ll have to sleep on that. Anyway the male stripers are expected by the end of the week and they’ll be possible to catch using ethical methods The river should be low enough for safe wading by the end of the week too if the levels keep dropping at a steady clip. Oh yeah, when my Rick and I got to the dock on Sunday afternoon " Dock Lady " ( you have to meet her in person, words can’t really adequetly describe her ) told us everyone coming off the river was pissed at us because we two flyrodders were taking shad right and left all day and they, the spinning guys were only hitting them off and on and "they said you two bastards must be doing something illegal ". Even allowing for "Dock Ladys" habit of slight exageration it still was good to hear. It’s usually the other way around. cheers, Bob nursing a painfully pleasant case of "shad elbow"

Response:

Question:

I believe that extinction is good in some cases of animal life.  The "Muslim Fundamentalist Terrorist" comes to mind.  I think I will dream of "smoking holes" in Afghanistan tonight.

Bear in mind, David, that the Taliban’s conquered victims are trapped in Afghanistan and imprisoned by the civil war and terrorism in their own villages.  Take care not to paint all Arabs or Muslims with the same brush. Most of them are decent people and are undoubtedly horrified by what’s taken place today.  This evil act flies in the face of Islam’s tenets. My great fear right now is that Arab Americans will be victimized as Japanese Americans were during World War II. Sandy

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. My great fear right now is that Arab Americans will be victimized as Japanese Americans were during World War II. Sandy

A legitimate concern but the analogy is wrong. No offense taken. john

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My great fear right now is that Arab Americans will be victimized as Japanese Americans were during World War II. Sandy A legitimate concern but the analogy is wrong. No offense taken. john

In what way, John?

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Exactly what the fuck are you saying? Dave Astounding pictures on the TV of the twin towers, to any of the fishing fraternity caught up or affected comiserations from this side of the pond .Terrible it looks like warfare. The best of luck to the fire fighters . John I have no right or mandate to speak on behalf of anyone else here in the U.K. but I am sure that many of us feel for our American cousins at this time.  Remember, we have felt the bombs, the killing and maiming many times in these islands. Even to those of you who have supported our terrorists – God bless you. Jeff

It would appear, David, that the words "…many of us feel for our American cousins at this time.", are an expression of sympathy.  "Remember, we have felt the bombs, the killing and maiming many times in these islands.", suggests a basis beyond a shared humanity for that sympathy.  "Even to those of you who have supported our terrorists – God bless you.", is, presumably, a reminder that Jeff (along with many others) feels his country is also a victim of terrorists (the Provisional IRA, I assume).  He is also reminding us that many in the U.S. support the activities of that group. The situation in northern ireland is complex enough that there is a great deal of controversy over whether the IRA should be viewed as terrorists or freedom fighters.  I won’t presume to pretend that I can offer a valuable opinion on this matter, but it occurs to me that under the circumstances even our resident idologue could take the stick out of his ass long enough to sit down and reflect. Wolfgang and god bless even you, i guess

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Your comments are inflammatory, and in extremely poor taste…..

Personally, I find them to be neither.  Beyond that, I can’t disagree with anything else you say in your post, which I have snipped to conserve bandwidth. And thank you. Wolfgang

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I believe that extinction is good in some cases of animal life.  The "Muslim Fundamentalist Terrorist" comes to mind.  I think I will dream of "smoking holes" in Afghanistan tonight. Big Chief

It’s too soon to jump to that conclusion. If it turns out, in the fullness of time, that Bin Laden is behind this, then (in the words of a State Dept. official) don’t plan your next vacation in Afghanistan. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

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My thoughts are with the US today. Have strength through your grief and courage and honor in your justice. Clark

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I believe that extinction is good in some cases of animal life.  The "Muslim Fundamentalist Terrorist" comes to mind.  I think I will dream of "smoking holes" in Afghanistan tonight. Big Chief – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Astounding pictures on the TV of the twin towers, to any of the fishing fraternity caught up or affected comiserations from this side of the pond .Terrible it looks like warfare. The best of luck to the fire fighters . John

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I think of the lyrics of Bob Dylan. A hard rain’s a’gonna fall. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

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Astounding pictures on the TV of the twin towers, to any of the fishing fraternity caught up or affected comiserations from this side of the pond .Terrible it looks like warfare. The best of luck to the fire fighters . John

Just spoke to the Pirate at Lakewood – the clave continues.  To do otherwise would be to let the bastards win.  We’re leaving tomorrow morning for Lakewood at 4 am. God bless America Peter

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 I have no right or mandate to speak on behalf of anyone else here in the U.K. but I am sure that many of us feel for our American cousins at this time.  Remember, we have felt the bombs, the killing and maiming many times in these islands. Even to those of you who have supported our terrorists – God bless you. Jeff

Your comments are inflammatory, and in extremely poor taste. It is to be hoped that the animals responsible for this outrage against humanity will be rooted out and destroyed. The sooner the better.  This is purely a matter of self defence. They could strike anywhere. This must be done with care and precision, and as much effort as it takes to achieve.  Ill-considered reactions, are best avoided. Human beings who perpetrate such acts, have relinquished their right to be considered even human, or be treated as such.. A tragedy of this magnitude requires the solidarity of decent people with the victims, as indeed any tragedy does. It is a terrifying lesson to everybody what fanatics may achieve, and where hate and fanaticism leads. The loss of one single life to these animals is a matter of concern to every living person.  Cold blooded and calculated mass murder on this scale is a new dimension of terror. This is not simply a strike against America, but against civilisation. America requires our support, not condemnation, or snide remarks, at this time. MC

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Early reports of AAA and ground explosions in Afganistan. Dave

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Exactly what the fuck are you saying?

I believe he refers to US (popular) support for the Provisional IRA. — Gary (Email address is munged with x’s)

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Exactly what the fuck are you saying? Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Astounding pictures on the TV of the twin towers, to any of the fishing fraternity caught up or affected comiserations from this side of the pond .Terrible it looks like warfare. The best of luck to the fire fighters . John I have no right or mandate to speak on behalf of anyone else here in the U.K. but I am sure that many of us feel for our American cousins at this time.  Remember, we have felt the bombs, the killing and maiming many times in these islands. Even to those of you who have supported our terrorists – God bless you. Jeff

Response:

Astounding pictures on the TV of the twin towers, to any of the fishing fraternity caught up or affected comiserations from this side of the pond .Terrible it looks like warfare. The best of luck to the fire fighters . John

 I have no right or mandate to speak on behalf of anyone else here in the U.K. but I am sure that many of us feel for our American cousins at this time.  Remember, we have felt the bombs, the killing and maiming many times in these islands. Even to those of you who have supported our terrorists – God bless you. Jeff

Response:

Welcome to the 21st Century.  ;-(      - Ken

Driving to Logan this morning I cursed the heavy traffic. Took every back road I knew and in the end gave up and got on the Pike. I realized that after 2hrs for trying to make the 40 mile trip that I was not going to make my flight to NYC. I cursed the world, the overpopulation, lack of public transport, Fastlane, wasting gasoline and, oh, who knows what else. I rebooked myself on the 9.30am Delta shuttle to NYC , which was cancelled about 9:05am with an ominous announcement. I had 3 meetings in and around the WTC. How the minor gripes and annoyances distort our perspective. Superimposed, as it was for me, against what happened, that flight 11 passed overhead as I drove to the airport, that I drove and walked the same path of terrorists and victims alike, I am thankful to God, or Bog, or I Ching or luck to be alive. My prayers and thoughts to the undoubted thousands who are dead. — Gary (Email address is munged with x’s)

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Thank you Sandy.  Any support is appreciated.  Give us Americans time.  We will deal with it. All’s Fair With Fur or Feather gg

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Astounding pictures on the TV of the twin towers, to any of the fishing fraternity caught up or affected comiserations from this side of the pond .Terrible it looks like warfare. The best of luck to the fire fighters . John

Astonishing news. Do the lunatic extremists who did this really expect sympathy? I add my best wishes to the USA, a great country which will surely bounce back. Chris

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Astounding pictures on the TV of the twin towers, to any of the fishing fraternity caught up or affected comiserations from this side of the pond ..Terrible it looks like warfare. The best of luck to the fire fighters . John

I second that  and I hope I never see anything like it again. My family and I send our heartfelt sympathies to everybody who has lost friends or relations. My usual sig. just doesn’t seem appropriate for this post. Sandy (in Scotland)

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Astounding pictures on the TV of the twin towers, to any of the fishing fraternity caught up or affected comiserations from this side of the pond .Terrible it looks like warfare.   It is.

Welcome to the 21st Century.  ;-(      - Ken — "Mere human beings can’t afford to be fanatical about anything. Not even  about justice or loyalty. The fanatic for justice ends by murdering a  million helpless people to clear a space for his law-courts. If we are to  survive on this planet, there must be compromises."         – Storm Jameson

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I say that we take out any group stupid enough to take credit for it…. Dustin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Astounding pictures on the TV of the twin towers, to any of the fishing fraternity caught up or affected comiserations from this side of the pond .Terrible it looks like warfare. The best of luck to the fire fighters . John No one anywhere in the world escapes the horrible effects of terrorism. This is especially sickening — I’m watching the news right now. This, clearly, is an act of war, as the Pentagon has been hit, and many more will become involved before it’s over. Thanks for your thoughtful post, John. I’ll add my prayers for the victims, their friends and families, and emergency workers. Sandy

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Astounding pictures on the TV of the twin towers, to any of the fishing fraternity caught up or affected comiserations from this side of the pond .Terrible it looks like warfare. The best of luck to the fire fighters . John

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Astounding pictures on the TV of the twin towers, to any of the fishing fraternity caught up or affected comiserations from this side of the pond .Terrible it looks like warfare.

  It is. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The best of luck to the fire fighters . John

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yea….amazing what some folks will do to bring attention to their "causes".. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Astounding pictures on the TV of the twin towers, to any of the fishing fraternity caught up or affected comiserations from this side of the pond .Terrible it looks like warfare. The best of luck to the fire fighters . John

Response:

Astounding pictures on the TV of the twin towers, to any of the fishing fraternity caught up or affected comiserations from this side of the pond .Terrible it looks like warfare. The best of luck to the fire fighters . John

No one anywhere in the world escapes the horrible effects of terrorism. This is especially sickening — I’m watching the news right now. This, clearly, is an act of war, as the Pentagon has been hit, and many more will become involved before it’s over. Thanks for your thoughtful post, John. I’ll add my prayers for the victims, their friends and families, and emergency workers. Sandy

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Question:

Has anyone heard of these rods quality-wise. I saw a bloke fishing with one and I’d like to find out a bit more. Do they have a website (I tried all the obvious ones). Ari Ari Bert                                        Gaelle Bert +27 (0) 83 232 9903                             +27 (0) 83 236 5308 Flyfishing Corner +27 (0) 11 447 7230                             Shop 94, Admirals Court +27 (0) 11 882 8537 (fax)                       Cnr Craddock & Tyrwhitt www.troutfishing.co.za                                Street, Rosebank P.O.Box 79067 Senderwood 2145 South Africa

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http://www.outdoor-catalog.com/fishing/kinsingt.htm TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de

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http://877icefish.safeshopper.com/96/cat96.htm?757 http://www.crystalriver.net/flies.html http://www.nationalfishingsupply.com/rods1.html http://www.earthcommerce.com/source/VN82607SPRT24880.html http://www.hallsport.com/category/fishing_equipment.htm Crystal River Tackle is apparently sold by a company called South Bend. Tl MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – http://www.outdoor-catalog.com/fishing/kinsingt.htm

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Ummmm…… Thanks Mike. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – http://877icefish.safeshopper.com/96/cat96.htm?757 http://www.crystalriver.net/flies.html http://www.nationalfishingsupply.com/rods1.html http://www.earthcommerce.com/source/VN82607SPRT24880.html http://www.hallsport.com/category/fishing_equipment.htm Crystal River Tackle is apparently sold by a company called South Bend. Tl MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de http://www.outdoor-catalog.com/fishing/kinsingt.htm

Ari Bert                                        Gaelle Bert +27 (0) 83 232 9903                             +27 (0) 83 236 5308 Flyfishing Corner +27 (0) 11 447 7230                             Shop 94, Admirals Court +27 (0) 11 882 8537 (fax)                       Cnr Craddock & Tyrwhitt www.troutfishing.co.za                                Street, Rosebank P.O.Box 79067 Senderwood 2145 South Africa

Response:

Question:

I wanted some information on the Calvan 2.75 reel.  What do you all think?  Are they any good? That should be Galvan Real not Calvan. So, what do you think of them? I’ve seen them in a couple of fly shops. From what I can tell, they’re creat

I think mine is very gool. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

That should be Galvan Real not Calvan. So, what do you think of them? De Loy

I’ve got two Calvans.  They’re not as nice as the Galvans but the name tag is spiffy and goes with my wading jeans.  The advantage of the Calvan is it holds 300 yards of backing with a WF12F Hilfiger line.  If you get the drag model it comes with a wig and a pair of high heels along with an Elton John CD. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

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Hilfiger?  Isn’t he the guy that was talking to Opra and said, . . . ? Before you buy.

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I’m new here so please help me out. I wanted some information on the Calvan 2.75 reel.  What do you all think?  Are they any good? Thanks, De Loy Before you buy.

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I’m new here so please help me out. I wanted some information on the Calvan 2.75 reel.  What do you all think?  Are they any good? Thanks, De Loy Before you buy.

That should be Galvan Real not Calvan. So, what do you think of them? De Loy Before you buy.

Response:

I wanted some information on the Calvan 2.75 reel.  What do you all think?  Are they any good? That should be Galvan Real not Calvan. So, what do you think of them?

I’ve seen them in a couple of fly shops. From what I can tell, they’re creat –Steve

Response:

Question:

Thanks for all of the comments all of you sent me on the IIE vs II.  I just have one other question: How rugged is the Elan?  I plan to use it when I go hiking, canoeing, camping, etc.  I saw in another thread in this group that there was some question about the durability of one of the knobs.  Has anyone had any problems with the knobs breaking?  Can it stand to be used in the great outdoors?

Buy a good Camera bag, and don’t drop it.. I load my ElanIIe on the back of my Kawasaki Ninja zx-11, for motorcycling photos (see http://pwp.starnetinc.com/mercury/biking) I have a LowePro Nova 2 and pack 2 lenses (28-105, 100-300) with all the filters, film, and a micro-tripod (a Bogen) So far, it’s been pretty rugged… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for your help.  I’m very close to a decision! Aldo P.S. One of you suggested saving the money and spending it on lenses.  I currently have a Rebel G and several lenses.  I just want a better body.

Response:

I’ve only looked at the IIE once, and I don’t have a brochure handy, but I thought that what you say the salesperson said is correct.  As I recall, the camera doesn’t actually focus on what the eye is looking at, it simply uses whichever of the 3 AF points your eye is looking at (or looking closest to, perhaps).  Am I wrong? Sean, Not sure what you mean.  If the subject covered by the right zone is 60 ft away and the subject at the left zone is 10 ft away, the focal plane will be at the level of the one you look at.  So I suppose the camera does focus on a zone and not an object if that is your point.

I have the IIe and I understand his point. His point is that if, for example, the eye is looking at a far left corner, which is 30 feet away, but the left AF point happens to be resting on an object 10 feet away, you are out of luck.

Response:

Hello Aldo, The IIe is worth the price of $50 for me. It works 98% of the time for me and hence very valuable. I would hate not to have the eye control after using it for a while now. Good luck, Ann — Ann Q. Lee http://carcassi.eng.uci.edu/intropictures.htm

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The Eye control works for me all the time so I am glad that I decided to get the IIe instead of the II.  In addition the DOF preview works too.  So I believe it is low risk to spend extra < $ 100 to get this feature.  I am really confused by the other comments. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – … However, I have heard a number of camera store salespersons say that they didn’t like it at all, and then went on to say that the camera DOESN’T HAVE TRUE EYE-FOCUSING, it’s just which little red square you use, which should tell you that ignorant camera salespeople are with us and always will be. I’ve only looked at the IIE once, and I don’t have a brochure handy, but I thought that what you say the salesperson said is correct.  As I recall, the camera doesn’t actually focus on what the eye is looking at, it simply uses whichever of the 3 AF points your eye is looking at (or looking closest to, perhaps).  Am I wrong? That is true, but the camera actually _does_ focus using that square. This salesman tried to steer me to a Minolta camera that focusses wherever the eye looks in the viewfinder, apparently. I know that this may not have any bearing on the original poster’s question, and I certainly don’t recommend one over the other, not having any real experience with either. — Sean Streiff — "Outside of that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?" If you have nothing else to do, check my photo page at http://www.enteract.com/~ckross

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – … However, I have heard a number of camera store salespersons say that they didn’t like it at all, and then went on to say that the camera DOESN’T HAVE TRUE EYE-FOCUSING, it’s just which little red square you use, which should tell you that ignorant camera salespeople are with us and always will be. I’ve only looked at the IIE once, and I don’t have a brochure handy, but I thought that what you say the salesperson said is correct.  As I recall, the camera doesn’t actually focus on what the eye is looking at, it simply uses whichever of the 3 AF points your eye is looking at (or looking closest to, perhaps).  Am I wrong?

That is true, but the camera actually _does_ focus using that square. This salesman tried to steer me to a Minolta camera that focusses wherever the eye looks in the viewfinder, apparently. I know that this may not have any bearing on the original poster’s question, and I certainly don’t recommend one over the other, not having any real experience with either. — Sean Streiff

– "Outside of that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?" If you have nothing else to do, check my photo page at http://www.enteract.com/~ckross

Response:

I’ve only looked at the IIE once, and I don’t have a brochure handy, but I thought that what you say the salesperson said is correct.  As I recall, the camera doesn’t actually focus on what the eye is looking at, it simply uses whichever of the 3 AF points your eye is looking at (or looking closest to, perhaps).  Am I wrong?

Sean, Not sure what you mean.  If the subject covered by the right zone is 60 ft away and the subject at the left zone is 10 ft away, the focal plane will be at the level of the one you look at.  So I suppose the camera does focus on a zone and not an object if that is your point. However, the camera DOES in certain mode, determine exactly what the subject is.  It is called AI Servo mode, a ‘predictive’ focus mode and there are a couple of variations on the mode.  To Quote from the Magic Lantern Guide: In AI servo AF mode the shutter can fire even before the AF operation is complete.  Designed for moving subjects, the AI servo AF incorporates predictive AF.  This means that the AF sensor ‘locks’ on to the main subject, determines it’s direction and speed, and calculates where the object will be at the moment of exposure.  Predictive AF even compensates for the unavoidable split second that elapses between the time the shutter release is pressed and the moment of actual exposure, as the reflex mirror flips up and the aperture closes to its working value. End of quote.  In some lighting / film speed situations you may have a wide open aperture yielding little depth of field so this could be the difference between a soft shot and a sharp one.  The book goes on to give some techniques on how you can assist predictive focus to choose the right subject and track it more precisely.  I have not had occasion since buying the camera in December and shooting 30 rolls of film to use this feature.  I can not tell you how well it works or does not work, but the MLG writers say it’s great.  I would think that if it only works or helps half the time it would still be nice. — John Pearce Phoenix  AZ home is the right word for reply

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you are correct. the ECF detects which AF point you’re looking at, i.e. your eye selects which AF point to use. i have the EOS 50E (Elan IIE) and use ECF about 95% of the time. it’s always either ECF or centre focusing point or manual focusing. i never use automatic selection. bl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – … However, I have heard a number of camera store salespersons say that they didn’t like it at all, and then went on to say that the camera DOESN’T HAVE TRUE EYE-FOCUSING, it’s just which little red square you use, which should tell you that ignorant camera salespeople are with us and always will be. I’ve only looked at the IIE once, and I don’t have a brochure handy, but I thought that what you say the salesperson said is correct.  As I recall, the camera doesn’t actually focus on what the eye is looking at, it simply uses whichever of the 3 AF points your eye is looking at (or looking closest to, perhaps).  Am I wrong? I know that this may not have any bearing on the original poster’s question, and I certainly don’t recommend one over the other, not having any real experience with either. — Sean Streiff

– My reply address above has been doctored to prevent SPAMming. Please undeliverable mail message.

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Hi I’m considering the Canon EOS Elan II camera, and wanted to know whether the eye-focus function of the IIE is worth it or should I stick to the Elan II.  If you have a IIE do you use the eye-focus a lot? How do you like it?  If you had to do it over again would you buy a camera with the eye-focus feature? Thanks for the help Aldo

Hi Aldo, I just wanted to speak up after watching this thread a couple of days. I am not the pro so many good minds on the group are but I felt I had something to contribute. One fellow mentioned you should buy the II and save the money for a good lens.  Well, no matter what you do you need to get a good lens for certain.  However, if you buy from a place like B&H there is only about US $50 difference in the cost and that won’t go far on a lens anyway. I bought the IIe last December thinking that the money was not such a big deal (I know, I’m lucky and I do give to charity) and I could turn it off if I did not like the ECF.  I heard many say it didn’t work for them, I heard many say you have to hold your face just right for every shot or it didn’t work.  I heard some say it didn’t work with glasses. Well, I’ve shot 30 rolls of film and would kick myself in the butt if I didn’t have it and somehow learned how useful, easy, and realiable it is.  It has worked for me in every single shot, even when I forgot about it and would have messed up the shot on my own.  It works without glasses, with glasses, with sunglasses, with my forehead up against the shoe mounted flash and my nose and mouth away from the camera body, it works when my face is perfectly positioned or not.  It works for me, it always works, and it is effortless.   I don’t know, maybe people that had trouble took calibration too seriously.  Maybe I was sloppy when I calibrated the thing so it works over a wider range of motion.  Maybe I have big eyes.  Who knows.  The thing is you won’t know until you have used one for awhile and only you know if you can afford the $50 bucks to find out.   — John Pearce Phoenix  AZ home is the right word for reply

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… However, I have heard a number of camera store salespersons say that they didn’t like it at all, and then went on to say that the camera DOESN’T HAVE TRUE EYE-FOCUSING, it’s just which little red square you use, which should tell you that ignorant camera salespeople are with us and always will be.

I’ve only looked at the IIE once, and I don’t have a brochure handy, but I thought that what you say the salesperson said is correct.  As I recall, the camera doesn’t actually focus on what the eye is looking at, it simply uses whichever of the 3 AF points your eye is looking at (or looking closest to, perhaps).  Am I wrong? I know that this may not have any bearing on the original poster’s question, and I certainly don’t recommend one over the other, not having any real experience with either. — Sean Streiff

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    I have owned the Elan IIe for over a year – It has survived many flyfishing trips and even a crash or two on a mountain bike – Coming from an Olympus background I was unsure of the plastic of todays camera and lens – but – so far all has worked well. I should also add that the camera with the 28 – 105 canon lens has given me some really great fast action photos that I would probably have botched with a manual focus camera – I wear glases and the eye focus only seems to ’search’ in very low light situations A Happy Canon Camper Wayne

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Thanks for all of the comments all of you sent me on the IIE vs II.  I just have one other question: How rugged is the Elan?  I plan to use it when I go hiking, canoeing, camping, etc.  I saw in another thread in this group that there was some question about the durability of one of the knobs.  Has anyone had any problems with the knobs breaking?  Can it stand to be used in the great outdoors? Thanks for your help.  I’m very close to a decision! Aldo P.S. One of you suggested saving the money and spending it on lenses.  I currently have a Rebel G and several lenses.  I just want a better body.

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see http://homepages.ihug.co.nz/~btong/obl/photos/info for my write up on the EOS 50E (aka Elan IIE). click on "hardware". bl Hi I’m considering the Canon EOS Elan II camera, and wanted to know whether the eye-focus function of the IIE is worth it or should I stick to the Elan II.  If you have a IIE do you use the eye-focus a lot? How do you like it?  If you had to do it over again would you buy a camera with the eye-focus feature? Thanks for the help Aldo

– My reply address above has been doctored to prevent SPAMming. Please undeliverable mail message.

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After doing my research and trying the Elan IIe in the store (it wasn’t calibrated correctly), I later let a store clerk talk me into getting the Elan II

Hmm funny a store clerk tried doing the same to me, fortunately I followed a similar tread a while back from the excellent folks in this group, there were a few neg’s and plenty of positives, I found that I too would appreciate a new technology that would save me having to lock focus and recompose or some other trick, so yeah I’d go for the E11e, even if it was just a gimmick I still support the advancement towards innovative and potentially useful technology. Trent

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hi Aldo, i use my eye control always.the other day i picked up my sons reble g and i wasnt able to feel comfortable.(like something was missing) so long, Harry

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*I* use the eye-focus function a lot! My wife, on the other hand, seems to not understand how it’s used, so for her, I put the camera in full auto mode. But it’s a great feature when you need to compose a shot other than dead center, great for depth-of-field auto settings, and will add to the enjoyment of your camera. However, I have heard a number of camera store salespersons say that they didn’t like it at all, and then went on to say that the camera DOESN’T HAVE TRUE EYE-FOCUSING, it’s just which little red square you use, which should tell you that ignorant camera salespeople are with us and always will be. Hi I’m considering the Canon EOS Elan II camera, and wanted to know whether the eye-focus function of the IIE is worth it or should I stick to the Elan II.  If you have a IIE do you use the eye-focus a lot? How do you like it?  If you had to do it over again would you buy a camera with the eye-focus feature? Thanks for the help Aldo

– "Outside of that, Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?" If you have nothing else to do, check my photo page at http://www.enteract.com/~ckross

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I use the IIe in both eye controlled focus and camera controlled focus.  Its nice to have the eye control when you need it.  Buy it, you can always shut it off.

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Hi I’m considering the Canon EOS Elan II camera, and wanted to know whether the eye-focus function of the IIE is worth it or should I stick to the Elan II.  

Save your money for a good lens Jim Arnold Dallas, TX

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After doing my research and trying the Elan IIe in the store (it wasn’t calibrated correctly), I later let a store clerk talk me into getting the Elan II (afterall, it is just a gimmick – and I could find better things to spend the extra money on). Well, I shot one roll of film in the Elan II and knew that I had better get back to the store and exchange it for the IIe. First, while shooting in a wooded area, I could have used the Eye Focusing because the Elan II was automatically focusing on a section of trees that were closest to me, rather than the one I wanted to focus on. So, I had to manually choose the focus point. Next, when wanting to try the Depth of Field Preview, I first had to change the custom setting on the Elan II so I could use the AF Lock button to activate the Depth of Field Preview. By the end of the roll I knew I would miss the Eye Controlled Focussing – or rather, I knew how helpful it can be. Spend the extra $50 and get the Elan IIe. You will not regret it. And, if you wish to turn it off, you can. But it will always be there when you want/need it. The Eye Controlled Depth of Field Preview is worth it alone! Michael Chicago, IL

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I strongly recommend getting the Eye Control Focus feature.  It is much more than a gimmick—it quickly becomes intuitive, and I think it is the natural evolution of making autofocus work as smoothly as manual focus. The ECF on the Elan IIE is better than that on the A2E, since it is bidirectional (vertical and horizontal). Richard Baltimore

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Hi I’m considering the Canon EOS Elan II camera, and wanted to know whether the eye-focus function of the IIE is worth it or should I stick to the Elan II.  If you have a IIE do you use the eye-focus a lot? How do you like it?  If you had to do it over again would you buy a camera with the eye-focus feature? Thanks for the help Aldo

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Question:

     I have been fishing for about fourteen years now, since I was about three.  However, the fishing I have done has been either spinning or baitcasting for various types of fish in mostly still bodies of water, or small rivers.  I recently had the opportunity to try my hand at flyfishing for trout, something which had been somewhat frightened of due to its seemingly immense complexity. Since then, it has occured to me that there was a lot that I was limiting myself from flyfishing.  The result, I am interested in starting a.s.a.p.  I realize that there is a lot to learn, and that it may take a very long time to master, but i have plenty of time ahead of me and am quite eager to learn.      First, though, it seems to me that I should first purchase a rod and a reel.  This is where my first discrepancy arises.  Being that I am new to the sport, I am unsure as to what I should purchase.  i would be using the setup mainly for bass and trout, though primarily for bass due to the limited amount of good long-term trout waters in my area.  For reference, that would be Cleveland, OH.  What weight setup should I get?  I was wondering if there is a good medium which would work well on smaller ohio bass (around two pounds, give or take) and trout, perhaps even small steelhead.  It seemed that a seven weight might be adequate.      Anyhow, I am looking to spend around 200 dollars for a decent setup.  Now for my second question.  How should I set up my line?  From what I have gathered, it seems that it would be best to use either a weight forward or bass bug taper.  However, I am unsure as far as a leader and tippet goes.  It seems as if it might be best to get a couple of sizes, depending on the situation. What are your suggestions?      To sum up a rather lengthy post, I need to know what sort of setup to purchase, and what sort of leaders and tippets to employ.  All suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance Ron. By the way, please mail responses directly to my.

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i would be using the setup mainly for bass and trout, though primarily for bass due to the limited amount of good long-term trout waters in my area.  For reference, that would be Cleveland, OH.  What weight setup should I get?

I would suggest a seven weight rod, with a double taper  flyline. A weight forward line would be fine as well. Anyhow, I am looking to spend around 200 dollars for a decent setup.

At that price, you’ll find a great flyfishing setup. Don’t spend too much more yet; you need practice, not fancy equipment. However, I am unsure as far as a leader and tippet goes.  It seems as if it might be best to get a couple of sizes, depending on the situation. What are your suggestions?

Stroll down to your local FFing shop and ask them what they’d suggest. They’ll have the skinny on the local conditions, and if you’re lucky, someone will take you under his wing. However, I am unsure as far as a leader and tippet goes. It seems situation. Best of luck! Frank Longtine                             the Second Amendment was not, and is not, about 1984 Ford F-150                                  hunting rights. It was, and is, about 1997 Rokon Trail Breaker                       tyrranical governments.

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Question:

Hi Group Due computer problems I my regular email will not be working. I will answer emails as soon as I get back on line. If any of you need to contact me before then you can do so at my wife’s email Being off line will give me a lot more time to tie flies. Good tying… — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 materials catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

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the computer was a simple fix, back on-line. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 materials catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

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Question:

A non-computerized friend of mine is looking for two rods to purchase- a Sage 4 piece 9 foot 5weight LL and a Sage 4 piece  9 foot 4 weight LL. Please e-mail me and I will contact him.

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A non-computerized friend of mine is looking for two rods to purchase- a Sage 4 piece 9 foot 5weight LL and a Sage 4 piece  9 foot 4 weight LL. Please e-mail me and I will contact him.

Hi I recommend the River’s Edge at 406-586-5373. They have rods as well as blanks. Their blanks a very reasonably priced. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 materials catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

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Question:

Any one know where I can find Flyfishing poetry?  Or more short stories like one posted: Testament of a Fisherman?  This for a speech class.  I love this sport and wish to convey this others.

There’s some in Izaak Walton’s book, now what’s it called… Andrew

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Of course, your public library will be cheaper, but probably won’t be open because people aren’t willing to spend the money on literacy.  (Oops, off topic.)

Sounds like a dedicated and somewhat frustrated teacher’s comment to me ;^                       Go Bruce!                              Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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John, Your best bet for depth and variety is a fly shop, or catalog.  Of course, your public library will be cheaper, but probably won’t be open because people aren’t willing to spend the money on literacy.  (Oops, off topic.) I’ve heard it said, and probably said it myself once or twice, that angling has the most extensive, oldest, most thoughtful literature of any blood sport.  I reckon it’s because there’s so much time for contemplation between fish.  Even within this newsgroup you’ll hear folks wax poetic.   Good luck in your search, Bruce

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Any one know where I can find Flyfishing poetry?  Or more short stories like one posted: Testament of a Fisherman?  This for a speech class.  I love this

Best anthology yet is The Magic Wheel, ed. David Profumo and Graham Swift (British paperback, 1985). — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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Fishing Where the line sinks into the sky, Old men sit, waiting paul

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Any one know where I can find Flyfishing poetry?  Or more short stories like one posted: Testament of a Fisherman?  This for a speech class.  I love this sport and wish to convey this others. Thanx John

Nothing professional but here is a little day dream I had this morning in anticipation of my first Steelhead trip this weekend. My reel was screaming as the fiesty beast made another run downstream. My rod held firm as I turned the fish upstream. Slowly the mighty fish was coerced nearer to shore as fatigue set in. My arms ached in pain but I held firm. Suddenly, with a thunderous splash, the fish tried to escape again. Leaping in to the air it lashed about and threw its head sideways trying to dislodge the fly that had fooled it earlier. "Pull up, don’t give it any slack!" my companion advised. My 12 Lb. tippet stretched under the strain but it did not snap. Once again the Steelhead was running. The fly line burned my fingers as I tried to slow him. I managed to turn up my drag just enough to slow him once more. The screaming reel silenced as the fish came to rest 100 yards down stream. We both held still as one another tried to anticipate the opponents next move. Twenty minutes have past since I felt the first gentle tug on my line. Twenty minutes of thrill and anticipation. Just how big is this fish on my line? He’s lived in the open ocean for three years. Then an urge unknown to man posessed this fish to swim east. A mysterious instict that has guided this species for millions of years tells the fish to find his birth place. Thousands of miles and thousands of rivers but this fish seeked the waters that he was born in. His journey almost complete he now finds himself in an unfamiliar situation. A tug on his jaw forces him slightly upstream. This is a force that is much different than the force guiding him to the spawning grounds. This fish, who understands the true meaning of survival, pumps his gills faster. The miracles of nature energizes the fish as he fights the force that is opposing his quest. With a tremendous effort he hurdles his body out of the water and twists with all his might. Back into the river his mighty tail powers his body as he slices through the water. "He’s running again. Hold tight!" my friend yells. I helplessly watched as the backing on my reel quickly dwindled. I dare not touch the line as it is pulled from my reel at a speed of 25 miles per hour. In a last ditch effort to turn the fish I lay back on the rod with all my weight. Would this work or have I met my match? The line slows as the fish circles. 200 yards now seperate us. The fish rests again. I check my line to see that ony 2 yards remain on the spool. "Move down stream. Try to get closer or we’ll lose him!" my friend of fifteen years frantically yells. I start reel as I slowly make my way to the bank. "Keep the pressure on him!" I fumble to the shoreline and manage to close the gap between us. The Steely sits quietly in the flowing water as I gather my line one turn at a time. The floodwaters of last week have littered the shore as I work my way closer. Back into the water I go, carefully stepping and feeling my way through the river bed. A few more turns and my yellow flyline once again makes contact with my rod. For the last ten minutes it was the nylon mesh backing line that kept me connected to the opponent. A few more turns and the familiar looking flyline is started on the reel. Relief eases my heart ever so slightly and a little confidence returns. "At least if he breaks off now I wont lose my line." I proclaim. Forty yards to go and I keep the pressure on. A deep pocket of water lies ahead of me. "This is as close as I can get. Grab the net and I’ll try to ease him in!" are the orders I direct to my friend.  He’s lived in Seattle for 6 years and fishes at least twice a month. He understands the adventures of Steelhead and Salmon. He fished diligently for 2 summers before landing his first. An excellent day in this sport is several hookups and a single fish to the bank. Now I understand why. Thirty minutes have passed and forty yards remain. My forearms begin to cramp as I apply more pressure to the graphite rod. "Pump and reel, see if he moves!" my coach advises. The resting fish gives way as I pull him closer. Forty yards become thirty. Thirty becomes twenty, and twenty becomes ten. For the first time since the fight began I can see the fish through the clear running water. A beautiful silver body with colorful sides. Nearly three feet long and a tail larger than a plate. I can see into his eyes, and he into mine. His mouth is slightly open as he rythmically passes the water over his gills. I can see my fly in the corner of his mouth. A simple wirehook and some feathers. Not much more than that is what tricked this fish earlier this morning. For nearly a minute we stare at each other. Motionless, both of us rest. My arms are numb and my wrist are throbbing. "Towards the net! Pull him towards the net!" I head him towards shore and the fish focuses on my companion. He sees the net and wiggles his head. With a violent splash he turns his body around and powers his tail again. with a spray of water he leaps into the air twisting and turning. "SNAP!" then silence. The resistance is gone. My rod holds straight and my line lies limp as the steely slowly swims away. "Damn! He took my fly. Let’s take a break and tie some more of those up." I concede. "Too bad you didn’t land that one. He was almost as big as the last one you caught!" my friend consoles. "Oh’ well, chalk it up as a humane release. I just wanted my fly back first." — Fran Current

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Any one know where I can find Flyfishing poetry?  Or more short stories like one posted: Testament of a Fisherman?  This for a speech class.  I love this sport and wish to convey this others. Thanx John

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Question:

Please send me your free catalog: Mark Cattalani 86 Verndale St. Brookline, MA 02146

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I work for a publishing company that specializes in fishing books. We have a free full color catalog with over 200 fishing related titles. Our main focus is in fly fishing and fly tying. To order a free catalog: e-mail me;         -or- write; Frank Amato Publications P.O. Box 82112 Portland, OR  97282         -or- call; 1-800-541-9498                                 Tight Lines,                                 Jeff Findley                                 Frank Amato Publications

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I work for a publishing company that specializes in fishing books. We have a free full color catalog with over 200 fishing related titles. Our main focus is in fly fishing and fly tying. To order a free catalog: e-mail me;    -or- write; Frank Amato Publications P.O. Box 82112 Portland, OR  97282    -or- call; 1-800-541-9498                            Tight Lines,                            Jeff Findley                            Frank Amato Publications

Great idea!  Thanks for posting this – these are the people who published the Curtis Creek Manifesto, among many others, and therefore deserve our undying gratitude! Tim

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I work for a publishing company that specializes in fishing books. We have a free full color catalog with over 200 fishing related titles. Our main focus is in fly fishing and fly tying. To order a free catalog: e-mail me;    -or- write; Frank Amato Publications P.O. Box 82112 Portland, OR  97282    -or- call; 1-800-541-9498                            Tight Lines,                            Jeff Findley                            Frank Amato Publications

Please send your free catalogue to: Nelson Bussey Woodstock, White Bay, Newfoundland, Canada AOK 5XO

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I work for a publishing company that specializes in fishing books. We have a free full color catalog with over 200 fishing related titles. Our main focus is in fly fishing and fly tying. To order a free catalog: e-mail me;        -or- write; Frank Amato Publications P.O. Box 82112 Portland, OR  97282        -or- call; 1-800-541-9498 Please send your free catalogue to: Nelson Bussey

NO NO NO! Let’s not start one of these friggin’ ME TOOS strings. a FOLLOWUP is NOT ONE OF THEM… Send email, snail mail, or call them, but DON’T REPLY TO HIM HERE! We thank you for your support ;^) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <           "Read this and nobody gets hurt"           < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I work for a publishing company that specializes in fishing books. We have a free full color catalog with over 200 fishing related titles. Our main focus is in fly fishing and fly tying. To order a free catalog: e-mail me;        -or- write; Frank Amato Publications P.O. Box 82112 Portland, OR  97282        -or- call; 1-800-541-9498                                Tight Lines,                                Jeff Findley                                Frank Amato Publications Please send your free catalogue to: Nelson Bussey Woodstock, White Bay, Newfoundland, Canada AOK 5XO

If this is available can you please send me a catalogue To: GHERI CELIN CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY 1455 DE MAISONNEUVE (west) SUITE LB-203 MONTR