Question:

Had mine for a bit over two years now, the smallest sized one.  No complaints.  Neat little reel.  However, there are lots of reels of similar quality in this price range.  Ryall has conical components which push against each other as opposed to a disc-type drag.  These components are in a sealed axial drag assembly.

More easily visualized as a sealed drum brake, I think.The "drum" is inside the arbor, and the split conical pieces are the "shoes". On the big Ryalls there’s plenty of stopping power, and you don’t have to worry about sand or saltwater getting inside. I am not into collecting equipment so I don’t expect to purchase another reel in this size range until this one dies.  

The #2 is a cute little fellah. If I didn’t already have a little CFO I’d have probably bought one when Jim first came out with the #2. /daytripper

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The #2 is a cute little fellah. If I didn’t already have a little CFO I’d have probably bought one when Jim first came out with the #2. /daytripper

What????? And you call yourself a gear whore… –Steve

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The #2 is a cute little fellah. If I didn’t already have a little CFO I’d have probably bought one when Jim first came out with the #2. What????? And you call yourself a gear whore…

LOL! No – I don’t. I’m just a victim of soicumstances!

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Yes. I have a #8 and a #10, use them both for saltwater flyfishing (stripers/bluefish). Nothing but good experiences with both. /daytripper

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 I have the #2 and the #8 and they’re sweet. For the money they’re best modern reels I own. Bob Smith Before you buy.

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Had mine for a bit over two years now, the smallest sized one.  No complaints.  Neat little reel.  However, there are lots of reels of similar quality in this price range.  Ryall has conical components which push against each other as opposed to a disc-type drag.  These components are in a sealed axial drag assembly.  I am not into collecting equipment so I don’t expect to purchase another reel in this size range until this one dies.   Mu

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Question:

It looks like I’ll be in Switzerland next August. I was thinking that this might be a chance to try some European flyfishing. Anyone have suggestions about what would be good that time of year? It doesn’t have to be near Switzerland. This is a free trip, so I can afford to splurge on extra travel.

August is not exactly the best time for fishing here, but whatever, drop me a mail a little before the time and I will arrange something. Do it at least a month or so beforehand, and I will try and organise a license and everything for you if you would like to have a go here in Germany. I will try and send you some info on Switzerland as well. Your best bet for reasonable fishing is probably Austria. Tight lines ! MC

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It looks like I’ll be in Switzerland next August. I was thinking that this might be a chance to try some European flyfishing. Anyone have suggestions about what would be good that time of year? It doesn’t have to be near Switzerland. This is a free trip, so I can afford to splurge on extra travel. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

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Question:

Egads.  A brown truck just pulled into the driveway…… Shit…… just some Orvis bedroom slippers and pjs I ordered……. Louie

it. Still interested? — Mr. G.   ‘all’s fair with fur or feather’ http://www.gink.com http://www.rodbuilding.com http://www.xink.com 509-243-4100 or 5500

Question:

Hi Mark, The best grayling flies (IMHO that is, and I caught a lot of ‘m) are:  Dries: 1. Klinkhamer Special 2. Traun Special 3. Deerhair Caddis/CDC-flies (small one’s!!)/Compara Duns  Nymphs: 1. Hare’s Ear Goldbead 2. Zug Bug 3. Caddis emergers This is in order of effectivity. You can mail me if you don’t know the patterns. CU Hans van der Stroom

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Mark, Grayling can be caught on many different flies.  Probably the surest thing is some black gnats.  But I have caught them on smaller streamers also.  Small minnow imitations, too. Pike are fun – take some fur "flies" – rabbit is good – especially white in my experience.  You can get a big pike to hit one of these even when he is so full of suckers that he does not even want to move. Lake trout might be a problem, depending on where you are going.  Where I am planning to go this Summer, they never go deep, but that is up on the Arctic Circle.  By July, you might not find any shallow enough for a fly rod.  If you do, I have had the best luck with minnow imatations retrieved fast – they are strong swimmers and I think that they are used to chasing prey that move pretty fast. You might email me and let me know where you are going, Kermit

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Greetings:   I’ll be fishing up in northern Canada around the middle of July, and would very much appreciate any info you could provide concerning your favorite fly patterns (and sizes) for arctic grayling, lake trout and northern pike.     I actually have caught smaller northerns on Dahlberg Divers, bunny leeches, etc., but I have never caught a lake trout on a fly, and I have never even seen a grayling.  I’m tying Dahlberg Divers, deer hair poppers and bunny leeches now, but I would like your feedback regarding patterns. I’m guessing that mosquito patterns, Elk Wing Caddis, maybe Adams would be good for grayling?  Any and all advice appreciated.  Thanks!   Cheers, and tight lines, -Mark

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Question:

FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE FOR SALE    FOR SALE Several Sage 7 foot 9 inch, 6 weight 2 piece rods. These rods are brand new. The price includes shipping anywhere in the continental U.S. The rods do not have rod tubes or socks. These are brand new, unused rods. Must sell as soon as possible. The price in only $100, cash, check (held until cleared) or money order. Donna

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Several Sage 7 foot 9 inch, 6 weight 2 piece rods. These rods are brand

new.  The price in only $100, cash, check (held until cleared) or money order. Donna

I hate to sound cynical, but….Why would anyone sell new $400-$500 rods for $100.? What’s the story behind these rods????  A cynic would think this is either a scam or they are a little warm to the touch.  Just wondering. Wes

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Wes writes:  "I hate to sound cynical, but….Why would anyone sell new

$400-$500 rods for $100.?  What’s the story behind these rods????  A cynic would think this is either a scam or they are a little warm to the touch.  Just wondering. Wes" Wes, if I recall correctly from a previous post, these rods are the Sage Youth Rods that have been discontinued.  The rod is of Graphite One construction 6 weight.  I bought one for my son from my local fly shop several years ago for $165 and that included the bag, rod case, reel and a cheap line. While these are great beginner rods, they should not be confused with the other Sage rods.  There is a huge difference in power and presentation.   Mike

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These rods are indeed brand new. The are not seconds. These rods are no longer made. They were called "Youth" rods because of their small diamter grips and length. Trust me, they are Sage, marked Sage, the the RPL style flex and design. I believe these rods were originally $200. Ken Please send your inquiries about purchasing these rods to Donna – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Several Sage 7 foot 9 inch, 6 weight 2 piece rods. These rods are brand new. The price in only $100, cash, check (held until cleared) or money order. Donna I hate to sound cynical, but….Why would anyone sell new $400-$500 rods for $100.? What’s the story behind these rods????  A cynic would think this is either a scam or they are a little warm to the touch.  Just wondering. Wes

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Several Sage 7 foot 9 inch, 6 weight 2 piece rods. These rods are brand new. The price in only $100, cash, check (held until cleared) or money order. I hate to sound cynical, but….Why would anyone sell new $400-$500 rods for $100.? What’s the story behind these rods????  A cynic would think this is either a scam or they are a little warm to the touch.  Just wondering.

Good questions – though you don’t have to be a cynic to feel that a 7′9" 6wt must be one heck of a club. IMHO $100 for such a rod (Sage or otherwise) is just about right… /dave

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE    FOR SALE FOR SALE    FOR SALE Several Sage 7 foot 9 inch, 6 weight 2 piece rods. These rods are brand new. The price includes shipping anywhere in the continental U.S. The rods do not have rod tubes or socks. These are brand new, unused rods. Must sell as soon as possible. The price in only $100, cash, check (held until cleared) or money order. Donna

Hi All, Those are Sage Youth Rods that were discontinued. I think they sold for about $135. They are really a 7′9" #5 rod that Sage labeled as a #6 for kids. At a $100 they would be a great rod for small water dry fly fishing for anyone. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

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Question:

If you try "aggressive wading" where I fish in England, you will either be ejected by a very angry bailiff or you will drown within 3 feet of the bank.

Hello Peter, Thanks for the moral support. We Brits must stick together:-) — Bill

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Bill No problem. Maybe we should start our own NG, maybe call it "uk.rec.fishing.game"?? — Regards Peter (Please also reply by email, my server "loses" posts. Remove nospam to email)

 Hello Peter, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thanks for the moral support. We Brits must stick together:-) — Bill

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Cigars or cigarettes are a strictly a no-no on the stream!   If you really want to "put on the dog" and fool the other flyfishermen into thinking that you know what you’re doing out on the stream, it is absolutely mandatory that you smoke a pipe.

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Cigars or cigarettes are a strictly a no-no on the stream!… …it is absolutely mandatory that you smoke a pipe. Negative. Chew tobacco or snuff. No smoke.

I would, but that Copenhagen keeps clogging my bong. — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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  Well, I just had to add my 2 cents. Ain’t free speech wonderful?   JonCook.

Yeah, but it sounds to me like you’re jonesin’ for a butt. -tgades — Tony Gades. Seattle, WA.  USA http://weber.u.washington.edu/~tgades http://weber.u.washington.edu/~tgades/Fishing/fish_page.html NOTICE: DO NOT ADD MY NAME TO _ANY_ MAILING LISTS.  

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -: Cigars or cigarettes are a strictly a no-no on the stream!… : …it is absolutely mandatory that you smoke a pipe. : : Negative. Chew tobacco or snuff. No smoke. Yeah, yeah, they’re all the *cool* thing to do. You ain’t a *cool* flyfisherman without it. That is, until you can’t wade ’cause you’re draggin’ an oxygen bottle, or speakin’ through an electro-voice, or half your lower lip is missin’. (snip) . There is no form that is safe. The corporations that sell tobacco pursue highly deceitful campaigns designed to addict you to their product and to make large profits off of you for the rest of your albeit shorter life." Well, I just had to add my 2 cents. Ain’t free speech wonderful? JonCook.

OK Jon, you’re right.  That having been said, I am in the snuff catagory.   Can’t fish without it.  Besides, think how much I’ll save Medicare when I croak earlier than the other baby-boomers. Mark Faulkner

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OK Jon, you’re right.  That having been said, I am in the snuff catagory. Can’t fish without it.  Besides, think how much I’ll save Medicare when I croak earlier than the other baby-boomers. Mark Faulkner

Yup.  I’ve got to have a big chaw of Beechnut Wintergreen every other trip or so.   All that spitting cleanses the soul.   Now as for those trendy yuppies who like to wrap their lips around a big, fat, long cigar….  uh… never mind.   I think a certain Brian Keith covered that one already.   Bob Scott

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As a nonsmoker, I was just kidding about the pipe thing, but you have to admit that pipesmoking fly fisherman have that air about them.                To all you 15 year olds who may have read my post and then got the urge to light up, all I can say is "Just say no".

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Cigars or cigarettes are a strictly a no-no on the stream!   If you really want to "put on the dog" and fool the other flyfishermen into thinking that you know what you’re doing out on the stream, it is absolutely mandatory that you smoke a pipe.

LOL!   Reminds me of an oft quoted saying my sis and I used during the huge influx of yuppie fly fishers a few years ago: "It doesn’t matter if you catch fish, as long as you look good." Max

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : : Cigars or cigarettes are a strictly a no-no on the stream!… : …it is absolutely mandatory that you smoke a pipe. : : Negative. Chew tobacco or snuff. No smoke. Yeah, yeah, they’re all the *cool* thing to do. You ain’t a *cool* flyfisherman without it. That is, until you can’t wade ’cause you’re draggin’ an oxygen bottle, or speakin’ through an electro-voice, or half your lower lip is missin’. This isn’t directed at you, Jim, but at the whole thread. Geez, fellas, I thought we left this kinda talk back in high school. "Mandatory"? Give me a break. If you want to go smoke a pipe, fine, but there’s probably some 15-year olds reading this thread. For their sake, I’m going to add, "Tobacco, in any form, is highly addictive and cancerous. There is no form that is safe. The corporations that sell tobacco pursue highly deceitful campaigns designed to addict you to their product and to make large profits off of you for the rest of your albeit shorter life." Well, I just had to add my 2 cents. Ain’t free speech wonderful? JonCook.

   Yeah and cheap too. At least you know the value of your comments.

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Mr. Robert R. Hergan wrote Cigars or cigarettes are a strictly a no-no on the stream!   If you really want to "put on the dog" and fool the other flyfishermen into thinking that you know what you’re doing out on the stream, it is absolutely mandatory that you smoke a pipe.

I’m sorry I don’t know the author of the following, but it’s a clever little ditty I encountered years ago and seems apropos. Tobacco is a filthy weed …I like it! It satisfies no common need …I like it! It’ll make ya fat    It’ll make ya lean It’ll take the hair right off your bean It’s the worst darn stuff I’ve ever seen …. …. …I like it!

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Fri, 24 Apr 1998 in rec.outdoors.fishing.fly, A. Gades Yeah, but it sounds to me like you’re jonesin’ for a butt.

Pardon me…? — Phil Jones

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Fri, 24 Apr 1998 in rec.outdoors.fishing.fly, A. Gades Yeah, but it sounds to me like you’re jonesin’ for a butt. Pardon me…?

A FAG Phil….?  Or does that also have a *peculiar* connotation? — Bill

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Which is worse, kid flyfishing smoking a cigar, or kid standing on street corner selling and using crack? Its coming to something when the original poster can’t ask a question (free speech??) without an anti jumping down his throat! — Regards Peter (Please also reply by email, my server "loses" posts. Remove nospam to email)

 This isn’t directed at you, Jim, but at the whole thread. Geez, fellas, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I thought we left this kinda talk back in high school. "Mandatory"? Give me a break. If you want to go smoke a pipe, fine, but there’s probably some 15-year olds reading this thread. For their sake, I’m going to add, "Tobacco, in any form, is highly addictive and cancerous. There is no form that is safe. The corporations that sell tobacco pursue highly deceitful campaigns designed to addict you to their product and to make large profits off of you for the rest of your albeit shorter life." Well, I just had to add my 2 cents. Ain’t free speech wonderful? JonCook.

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If you try "aggressive wading" where I fish in England, you will either be ejected by a very angry bailiff or you will drown within 3 feet of the bank. Whilst I would agree that distance casting isn’t always necessary, it is an extremely useful tool to have at your disposal when required. Get some casting tuition so that you can cover the fish without extensive destruction of the river bed and fauna. If a fish is rising 25 yards out in a lake, unless you can walk on water you need to be able to cast to it. — Regards Peter Kay (Remove "nospam" to email)

:writes :aggressive wading :as being one of the basics to successful fly fishing. :In unfamliar water this activity is both dangerous and unnecessary. If :you intend wading deep, consider an automatically inflating vest – they :save lives! The further out you wade the further out go the fish! : :Tight lines :– :Bill

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writes aggressive wading as being one of the basics to successful fly fishing.

In unfamliar water this activity is both dangerous and unnecessary. If you intend wading deep, consider an automatically inflating vest – they save lives! The further out you wade the further out go the fish! Tight lines — Bill

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Hi Ken, If you are moderately serious about fly fishing (meaning you have gone enough times to become addicted and know that this isn’t a passing fad!) I too recommend the Sage DS II starter set.  I bought one several years ago after upgrading from fiberglass.   I have been fly fishing 25+ years and it was a great rod to transition into the world of graphite with.  The price was right too.  At the time, it was $225 but I think it runs about $275 now.  This is a rod that you will be able to use all of your fishing life and I think that is an important variable to consider.   Another rod to look at if the above is more then you want to spend is the St. Croix line of rods.  Good stuff for less money.

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writes aggressive wading as being one of the basics to successful fly fishing. In unfamliar water this activity is both dangerous and unnecessary.

[deleted] pussy. — TimW Halfordian Golfer & Expert at removing water from 35mm SLR’s.

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Aggressive wading, I love it – a few less fishermen – a few more fish. Love to get you down here in a couple of rivers I know to go aggressive wading, better wrap your cigar in something waterproof first. — Tony Bishop Fish with Bish Taupo, New Zealand http://bishfish.co.nz – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – writes aggressive wading as being one of the basics to successful fly fishing. In unfamliar water this activity is both dangerous and unnecessary. [deleted] pussy. — TimW Halfordian Golfer & Expert at removing water from 35mm SLR’s.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My name is Ken Hochdanner, from Columbus, Ohio.  I’m new to fly fishing and would appreciate some advise as to the rod and reel to start with.  Also, I need some advise with respect to waders/hip boots.  Which should I consider buying.  I listen to you guys talk, and I hear a lot about aggressive wading as being one of the basics to successful fly fishing. Thanks in advance for the reply.  Oh, one more thing. Is it OK to smoke a cigar or two along with fly fishing? Thanks, Ken

     First things first, smole em if you gotem, if it were up to me it would be required. Next, rod reel. Agood starter setup from one of the mail order houses such as Cabela’s, L.L.Bean, or Orvis in the 6 to 8 wt class should get you started without hocking the wife and kids and give you a chance to see if you REALLY like it. That weight range in a 7 to 9′ rod is easy to learn with and most beginner sets are complete enough to add leader and fly (everything but fish). They all have websites.                                                           John Popp                                                         in Sanford Fl.

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pussy.

Is this Adult Sex spam? Re the deep wading, I advise caution on the basis of an observed recent total immersion, redeemed by the employment of an automatically inflated vest. The unfortunate angler regrettably made no coherent notes of the fish population while he was submerged! Best wishes Mr Walker, — Bill

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Hi, Ken. Yes indeed there are many variables. Since you’re new, you probably don’t know what kind of fishing you’ll be doing. Take a class and try different rods to get a sense of it all. Even, here, though, you may not get a good sense of what you want out of fishing. I do some instructing, and my usual advice is to buy a starter set, particularly the sage starter, which is a 9 foot, 5 weight system in the Discovery Series of rods. This is an EXCELLENT rod that you can use anywhere, rivers, lakes, even stealhead (if they aren’t too big), some saltwater (wash the reel afterwards, and look out for kings). The line isn’t terrific, buy you probably won’t know this until you wear out the line and year from now. The reel is OK. The store person will set up the line, backing, leader, tippet for you (but you should eventually learn how to do this yourself). The whole set is something like $300, which in modern flyfishing terms is a good deal considering all the different components you fish. Everyone who has taken my advice have been very happy with the decision. In fact, when my rod breaks, I’ll probably buy the DS rod myself (and I’ve played with nearly all of them). This sport is ripe with marketing hype, myth and related BS–meaning you don’t need to spend a lot of money to be successful and happy with the sport. And, I forgot, spend a bunch of time in the library soaking up books on fish and fish habitats and less on your gear. In the end you’ll be smarter and happier fisher. The end, toney

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My name is Ken Hochdanner, from Columbus, Ohio.  I’m new to fly fishing and would appreciate some advise as to the rod and reel to start with.  Also, I need some advise with respect to waders/hip boots.  Which should I consider buying.  I listen to you guys talk, and I hear a lot about aggressive wading as being one of the basics to successful fly fishing. Thanks in advance for the reply.  Oh, one more thing. Is it OK to smoke a cigar or two along with fly fishing? Thanks, Ken

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My name is Ken Hochdanner, from Columbus, Ohio.  I’m new to fly fishing and would appreciate some advise as to the rod and reel to start with.  Also, I need some advise with respect to waders/hip boots.  Which should I consider buying.  I listen to you guys talk, and I hear a lot about aggressive wading as being one of the basics to successful fly fishing. Thanks in advance for the reply.  Oh, one more thing. Is it OK to smoke a cigar or two along with fly fishing?

Ken, …and then I’ll tell you the story of the world in five minutes:-) There are SOOOO many variables that it’s hard to start.   What are you fishing for?   How much do you have to spend?   How much time do you plan to spend on it?   Are you really into fishing in other ways, or is this something totally new to you? Waders vrs hip boots.    I’d go with waders AND SOS suspenders, or the equivalent, for safety.   The only thing I’ve used my hip boots for in the last ten years is putting my boat in and taking it out. "…aggressive wading…"   As you’ve seen, there’s been a lot of discussion about that term.    Suffice it to say that what the author most likely meant was that one should do a lot of repositioning and wading to get into a good spot to cast, rather than make long casts.   (Not all of us agree, or only agree partially.) Smoking: due more to 35+ years of experience than any natural talent, it’s a rare day when I, my sister and my brother-in-law don’t catch more fish than anyone else on the stream or lake, and we each smoke about a pack of cigarettes a day.   My biggest problem with it is having my leader or tippet hit the coal of my smoke…instant break.   Another problem is that it is almost axiomatic that when you’re taking it easy in a float tube, the fish wait until you’re busy lighting up to strike…I guess that’s some kind of fish humor…   (I sometimes put a bit of shrimp oil on nymphs, but haven’t seen that much difference in results.) There are lots of fishing web sites, including ones in your area, with tons of advice, but feel free to email me with questions.   I’m sure you’ll get a lot of response from those in this newsgroup. Max http://www.inetarena.com/~mwi "…there are only two things in life worth getting excited about, fly fishing is the other one…"

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Question:

Anyone have any information regarding river and streem fishing in southern Norway?  Will be in Norway this summer and need some hints.

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Hi Tobias, Where in southern Norway? Do You have access to a car? What species? Brown trout, grayling, Atlantic salmon, searun browns ? Odd N. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone have any information regarding river and streem fishing in southern Norway?  Will be in Norway this summer and need some hints.

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We have some Norwegian links on our site – go down the "Waterlog" magazine route and check out the links page. Andrew Andrew N. Herd Associate Editor, Waterlog Magazine http://www.demon.co.uk/medlarpress/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone have any information regarding river and streem fishing in southern Norway?  Will be in Norway this summer and need some hints.

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Anyone have any information regarding river and streem fishing in southern Norway?  Will be in Norway this summer and need some hints.

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Overall, the article covers quite a bit and seems to be well researched although there was no mention of *my* baby, the flytying newsgroup. snip We still love you John. TimW The reference to Ted Williams was my selection for "who would you like to spend a day fishing with" — hardly a thread but I suppose they were trolling for references to their magazine. Now that I think of it, there aren’t many magazine references in ROFF or ROFFT. I certainly spend a lot more time these days fishing, tying and surfing the net and a lot less time reading magazines and watching TV. I cancelled FR&R last year and still haven’t read the September Fly Fisherman, let alone the just received December issue (don’t want to ruin the suspense by reading the November election results).

Me too.  The glossy magazines interest me little anymore.  There has to be something really worthwhile in an issue to buy one.   These newsgroups are much, much better. They are reader driven and not writer driven, in general.  In other words, ask and ye shall receive.  That is REAL value.  I’d just as soon not see the ng’s and the magazines cross paths, myself. TimW

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Overall, the article covers quite a bit and seems to be well researched although there was no mention of *my* baby, the flytying newsgroup. snip We still love you John. TimW The reference to Ted Williams was my selection for "who would you like to spend a day fishing with" — hardly a thread but I suppose they were trolling for references to their magazine. Now that I think of it, there aren’t many magazine references in ROFF or ROFFT. I certainly spend a lot more time these days fishing, tying and surfing the net and a lot less time reading magazines and watching TV. I cancelled FR&R last year and still haven’t read the September Fly Fisherman, let alone the just received December issue (don’t want to ruin the suspense by reading the November election results). Me too.  The glossy magazines interest me little anymore.  There has to be something really worthwhile in an issue to buy one.   These newsgroups are much, much better. They are reader driven and not writer driven, in general.  In other words, ask and ye shall receive.  That is REAL value.  I’d just as soon not see the ng’s and the magazines cross paths, myself. TimW

I still get value from the two magazines I get, FF in Salt Waters and Saltwater FF, though it certainly is different from what we have here ! I think SWFF is still new enough in printed word that the zines haven’t become too repetitive, although I think there is definitely a danger of this happening in the future. If I digress to the whole George Resign stuff, and I hate to do so, it seems to me that the magazine format would have been much better for him, having the ‘writer driven’ nature that Tim alludes to. The glossies are great places for established, experienced fishermen to convey information that the reader can take or leave. Which of course means the ngs are much more fun !                                                 jc

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Overall, the article covers quite a bit and seems to be well researched although there was no mention of *my* baby, the flytying newsgroup.

hmmmmmm…. 8^) TimW

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Overall, the article covers quite a bit and seems to be well researched although there was no mention of *my* baby, the flytying newsgroup.

It’s like the researcher that does a lifes work and it ends up in a University filing cabinet…then some beer swillin’ jet-setter with a word processor comes along and hacks out an article in an afternoon (you get a mention in the biblio) and the next thing you know he’s doing book signings at the fern bar. We still love you John. TimW

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For those that haven’t seen it, the most recent issue of Fly Rod & Reel contains a seven page article on Flyfishing and the Internet. I did a brief scan of the article and it primarily talks about various web sites and includes a pretty extensive list of sites and describes some of the bigger sites such as Virtual Fly Shop, and several others. There is also a short section on "mailing lists and non-profit sites" (hint to commercial advertisers in r.o.f.f.) which includes a couple of short references to this newsgroup.  Here’s how they described us… "Sometimes outrageous and always interesting, the newsgroup is worth a regular stop.  The last time I checked there were threads on the influx of newcomers to Montan (don’t leave your California-plated car alone at night), on women fly fishers and on the work of FR&R conservation editor Ted Williams [ does anyone remember this last thread? - john].  There was also a considerable section written have thread with cow magnet haiku? Overall, the article covers quite a bit and seems to be well researched although there was no mention of *my* baby, the flytying newsgroup. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

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Overall, the article covers quite a bit and seems to be well researched although there was no mention of *my* baby, the flytying newsgroup. snip We still love you John. TimW

The reference to Ted Williams was my selection for "who would you like to spend a day fishing with" — hardly a thread but I suppose they were trolling for references to their magazine. Now that I think of it, there aren’t many magazine references in ROFF or ROFFT. I certainly spend a lot more time these days fishing, tying and surfing the net and a lot less time reading magazines and watching TV. I cancelled FR&R last year and still haven’t read the September Fly Fisherman, let alone the just received December issue (don’t want to ruin the suspense by reading the November election results). Doug

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Question:

I’d like to hear if others have received replacements from Cortland (or your local fly shops).  Has the problem been fixed? (I just bought a Lazer 4wt.) Your thoughts will be appreciated. TK

My Lazerline began cracking after about 3 or 4 uses. Cortland  will replace cracked lines (through the shop from which it was purchased, if you prefer, and if they have them in stock, this way is quickest).  However, although Cortland has claimed to have fixed the problem, the manager of the local fly shop from which my line was purchased claims that 1 in 3 replacement lines still come back prematurely cracked.  I will continue to have mine replaced as long as I can get an immediate replacement at Cortland’s expense, but I’ll never purchase another Lazerline. GPS

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I also have difficulty with laserline cracking.  I had a 4 wt., 7 wt., 9wt. all crack after very little fishing time.  I thought it was my fault for storage.  I asked at the fly shop where I bought them and he said there had been only one other complaint.  All in all I would say the line cracked in about 1/2 the time I usually get out of a fly line. FlyphishR

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Had my laserline crack within the first year, also (they used to call it Lasterline, but had to change the name). My vote’s for SA SUPREME, if you can trust a line that doesn’t cost you $50! Have a Triangle taper on a reel I don’t use much…it did not revolutionize the way I fish, and am not sure that I can roll cast any better on it than any other line, although maybe it shines on LONG roll casts, something I am not prone to attempt… Lon C. Diehl

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My 8wt Laserline fractured at the point where the line came off the reel after my average cast. The break in the coating was clean and the core remained intact.  After a call to Courtland a replacement quickly arrived. The new line (2nd season now) seems better. HH — Harrison Hubard,Jr. 202 Berkshire Rd Richmond,Va 23221

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I was recently informed by a fellow fly fisherman that lazerline in his experience began to crack quite prematurely. As i am considering updating my lines this year I would appreciate any info. Also what about  Lee Wulfs triangle taper?comments? cheers — gp

Your fellow fly fisherman put you on the right track!  The Cortland444-lazerline does not hold up.  Right away you can tell something is wrong with line- it feels rough through the rod guides- and decreases over all casting accuracy at distances over twenty-five feet of so.  Cracking makes itself present after just a few months of normal use.                      *  As You Marinate your Sean R Borgerson   *  Melon With My Words…        Vancouver, WA.    *  …I’ll Be Matching the                    *  Hatch On The River Of                    *  Choice        

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yes I have had that problem too.  I’m just going to wait and go back to a SA mastery 3.  Which I feel casts much better anyway.  

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I was recently informed by a fellow fly fisherman that lazerline in his experience began to crack quite prematurely. As i am considering updating my lines this year I would appreciate any info. Also what about  Lee Wulfs triangle taper?comments? cheers — gp

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I have had extreme cracking problems with my 3 wt lazerline.  They have been nice enough to replace it THREE times, but it is a real pain waiting.

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Mt dad sent his Laser lines back to Cortland and they replaced them for free.  Said that early models had plastic compound problems.  Send ‘em back, bet yu get afree one (oh yeah, you’ll owe me a beer for the advice!)

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I was recently informed by a fellow fly fisherman that lazerline in his experience began to crack quite prematurely. As i am considering updating my lines this year I would appreciate any info. Also what about  Lee Wulfs triangle taper?comments?

I had a 6wt. lazer that I REALLY liked…after about 8 months it began cracking and was soon un-fishable.  I didn’t think too much of it and replaced it with another brand (simply because I was on a trip at the time and that’s all I could get…I would have prefered another Lazer).  I had no idea others were experiencing the same problem and never thought of sending it back to be replaced   I’d like to hear if others have received replacements from Cortland (or your local fly shops).  Has the problem been fixed? (I just bought a Lazer 4wt.) Your thoughts will be appreciated. TK

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writes: I have had extreme cracking problems with my 3 wt lazerline.  They have been nice enough to replace it THREE times, but it is a real pain waiting.

Is anyone having this problem with Cortland’s other lines?  Incidently, I have heard about this problem from guides I fish with.

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I just purchased a Lazer Line from my local shop. The owner convinced me that it was his favorite line because it was supple. He said the Courtland people said they had some trouble with their early lines but had fixed the problem. He said if the line wore out too soon he would replace the line. Richard Warren Raleigh, NC

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Question:

Does anybody have any float tube puncture experiences to relate? Whilst toodling along on a lake the other day I started to think about what would happen if my tube suddenly sprung a leak.  A life preserver is an obvious answer, but over fleece jacket and fly vest? What happens when your chest waders fill with water? How difficult is it to exit the deflated tube and then remove clothing? etc. etc. etc….. Failing any practical advice as a result of this posting, I think its time to find a pool somewhere and experiment with various scenarios. Any suggestions? B.

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Does anybody have any float tube puncture experiences to relate? Whilst toodling along on a lake the other day I started to think about what would happen if my tube suddenly sprung a leak.  A life preserver is an obvious answer, but over fleece jacket and fly vest? What happens when your chest waders fill with water? How difficult is it to exit the deflated tube and then remove clothing? etc. etc. etc…..

Float fishing without a life jacket is very ill advised (I started to say stupid, but decided to be nice instead).  With all the stuff you carry fly fishing you could go right to the bottom very easily.  Anybody carry extra spools, split shot, etc?  I don’t think waders are that much of a problem, since the water in them will be neutral boyancy, though I’ve not tried that. Try a better quality life jacket under your vest.  If you’re wearing a jacket anyway, it should not be that much of a problem.  Another solution is inflatable life jackets that have a CO2 cartridge in them. You can even buy fly vests with these built in.  And, I saw an integrated fly jacket/life jacket combination in a fly shop the other day which would be a good solution. One thing I wonder about is hyperthermia, though.  If you take a dip in a cold water pond in early spring or late fall, how long before you pass out?  I sure wouldn’t want to try it.  I would think waders would really help here, though, since they are somewhat like the wet suits divers wear. — | Dartmouth College                                  Home:  603-448-5677 | | 6211 Sudikoff Laboratory, Rm 108                                       | | Hanover, NH  03755                                                     |

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Does anybody have any float tube puncture experiences to relate? Whilst toodling along on a lake the other day I started to think about what would happen if my tube suddenly sprung a leak.  A life preserver is an obvious answer, but over fleece jacket and fly vest? What happens when your chest waders fill with water? How difficult is it to exit the deflated tube and then remove clothing? etc. etc. etc….. Failing any practical advice as a result of this posting, I think its time to find a pool somewhere and experiment with various scenarios. Any suggestions? B.

While it has never happened to me, my thoughts on the subject is the backrest is an inflated bladder on my float tube, so if I suffered a puncture, kick like crazy for the shore, and when the tube is too deflated to support me anymore, free my feet from the tube, hug the backrest, and keep kicking. In my younger days I surfed in the Pacific Ocean, and I wore a neoprene wet suit. The wet suit was fairly thin (for ease of movement), I would estimate about the same thickness of a 2 or 3 mm wader. The wet suit was amazingly buoyant. Enough so that I would float at chin level with no effort. I think a neoprene chest wader would help a lot with floatation also. I have also seen a set of suspenders that inflates with a CO2 cartridge. Maybe if I couldn’t swim I would consider buying it. Darryl

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<stuff deleted One thing I wonder about is hyperthermia, though.  If you take a dip

                                ^^ I rarely get hyperthermia unless I’m fishing too far down Hot Creek. HypOthermia, now that’s a problem in cold water. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist!) Sean Brennan

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Well, it happened to me tonight.  As I loaded my float tube, I noticed it was a bit low.  I stopped by the gas station on the way out, and filled the tube.  However, I did continue to wonder why it was low, so I did keep an eye on the tube level for a while.  Well my tube didn’t seem to be loosing air, so naturally my attention turned to the crappie and bass that were hitting tonite.  Long about dusk, I suddenly noticed the tube was getting low and -then- noticed the sound of a leak.  I wasn’t far off the bank, rarely am when fishing this local gravel pit, so I paddled over to the bank and got out.  No reason to panic, the loss of air was audible but fairly slow.  As I laid the tube in the back of mmy truck, I could still hear the leak. Altogether I had been out fishing at least 4 hours, I know because I was listening to the Broncos getting beat by the Jets, and the post game show. Sure glad the fish were biting, because the Broncs weren’t.  I suppose the radio headphones were the reason I couldn’t hear the leak. I have no clue why or how I got the puncture, probably was due to the tube being about 10 years old.  I think I’ll get a new one.  My tube is one that has a separate tube for a back rest, so in case of a rapid deflation, I might be able to stay afloat.   All things considered, I wouldn’t even consider wearing a life jacket not in the past and not in the future.  In some states, a life jacket is req’d, but I don’t think it is in CO.  This experience confirmed my belief that any small puncture will deflate very slowly, since the air pressure in a float tube is so low.  I would take a good swift slice with a knife to achieve a rapid failure, and that is not likely (at least in places where I fish . Tight Lines, Kevin

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