Question:

Fished with Capt. Dave Dudley for a 4 hour trip.  Headed out of Oregon Inlet to the ocean side and about 6 miles north and a quarter mile off the beach.  Stripers were scattered but managed 5 small fish 15 to 18 lbs. Will try one more time before the water temp gets too low for a decent fish.  Reports from the Sound indicate plenty of 3-8 pounders still being taken. Fish are taking LARGE Halfandhalfs and Deceivers (at least 8 inches). Capt Dave is an excellent guide specializing in fly fishing and light tackle. Spotted a nice whale in the area and rode along side for a bit. Great to look at but stink big time. Wayne to fish is human….to release Divine!!!

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time, pack the 40-weight rod and some #54 diatom imitations……backing should be substantial as well<g. Report warmed up the day for me, ice-bound in central PA.                                  Tom

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Question:

<snip Nice report, Roger. I watched a UK fishing show about a guy who rented and floated a large river in Sweden on a raft. He fished for whitefish and trout. Ever heard of this? — Gary M

Response:

Nice report, Roger. Keep catching those big, fat grayling, and keep the reports coming. — Jarmo Hurri address or apply rot13 to header email address.

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Hi! Had planned to stop working 2 pm. As usual something came up and I wasn’t on my way until 4 pm. Driving the 85 km to my intended fishing spot downstream the Village of Myrheden, I passed a local thunderstorm headed for the coast. However, on arrival at the river the weather was sunny and approx 23 degrees Celsius. River Byske is one of Swedens most famous salmon rivers, but also hold grayling and trout. Earlier in the history of the river it was used to float timber to the coast. As a consequence there were long arms of stone built to concentrate the flow of water to a smaller area and as such deepening the river. Listening to my grandfather talk about the fishing in these days it is obvious that fish benefitted from the timber floating. A huge amount of timber in the first half of the summer meant an enormous food supply for the fish as a variety of insects fell into the water with the timber. Grayling up to lb 4 were caught every summer and brown trout up to lb 10. Today the care takers of this fishing area has started to restore the river to its "natural" state by digging these stone arms back into the river using excavators. Fish biologists have pointed out that this work must be done so that alternating deeper and shallower parts of the river are created (obvious) but the care takers look at money first and as a consequence the cheapest contractor gets the job. What happens? Well, this contractor often knows nothing about restoring the river bed and the result is just as often dissapointing. The tragic part of all this is that the restorations are made with the salmon’s best interest in mind. So in failing improvements for salmon, which after all are migratory fish, the care takers have failed catastrophically with the stationary fish which is only a remnant of what it once was. Enough of this crap, back to the report. Since this was the first trip, this year, to this area, I went straight for the hot spots that have emerged during 26 years of fly fishing in this river. There’s a square meter of the river that every year gets my first attention and this year was no different. Kind of silly isn’t it? to go to the exact same spot year after year, especially since the river is something like 150 km long. But to me it’s like visiting an old friend and being there makes me content if nothing else. The first thing I noticed was that the river was low, more so than usual this time of year. The second was that, probably due to a surprisingly early summer with above average temperatures for over three weeks in a row, the insect life was in full activity. There were two different mayflies swarming and also a number of caddis flies with a medium sized grey variant in majority. One of the mayfly species (don’t know its latin name) was a bright yellow and fairly large mayfly, these mayflies, with the grace of a butterfly, are beautiful to watch. To reach the spot I had to do some wading and whilst doing so I saw a rise just where I had expected it to be. It looked like a fairly large grayling. The spot is located on the neck of a stream with an underwater rock just upstream. By this time my expectations were high and my first cast a bit short in the eager to reach the fish. The second cast I hooked a 15.5 inch grayling weighing slightly below lb1.5 . I usually catch one fish for eating, but this one was too big so I released it. All in all I caught 18 grayling and kept two for breakfast, one for me and one for my 80 year old grandfather who still fly fish but due to a bad knee mostly in lakes. I fished until 4 am with a short break for cooking coffee at midnight. As always this time of the year the presence of the sun was visible as a redish light in the horizon even at 1 am. End of story. P.S. I just got off the phone as a friend of mine called to tell me about a visit to a small river "Mal

Question:

InTheBite.Com has now added a full feature message board.  You can tell your fish stories, communicate with other fisherman, find fishing partners or post classifieds.  Just one more way we keep you "In the bite!" They even have a protected forum just for professional captains and crews. Check it out at:  http://www.inthebite.com/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – http://www.inthebite.com We are currently covering the 17th Annual Treasure Cay International Billfish Tournament and Our very own Robert "The Fly" Navorro is covering the 1st Annual June Moon Tournament in St.Thomas. Check in daily to see updates and results. Next week we round out the Bahamas Billfish Championships in Boat Harbour. This should be exciting to see who will win the 2000 title. Tournament updates will continue and in the near future we will have a system where you will be able to choose the tournaments updates of your choice. InTheBite.com http://www.inthebite.com The Crews Source

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http://www.inthebite.com We are currently covering the 17th Annual Treasure Cay International Billfish Tournament and Our very own Robert "The Fly" Navorro is covering the 1st Annual June Moon Tournament in St.Thomas. Check in daily to see updates and results. Next week we round out the Bahamas Billfish Championships in Boat Harbour. This should be exciting to see who will win the 2000 title. Tournament updates will continue and in the near future we will have a system where you will be able to choose the tournaments updates of your choice. InTheBite.com http://www.inthebite.com The Crews Source

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Question:

Though I should be an expert at jig tieing …… Are there books on tieing jigs. Thier are many to be found for fly fishing (I just cant understand the appeal). John Jay Wirth Jay Wirth Renaissance Ink Member GPA

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Though I should be an expert at jig tieing …… Are there books on tieing jigs. Thier are many to be found for fly fishing (I just cant understand the appeal).

        Jay-         You ever tie into a 2 lb. largemouth on a flyrod? AWESOME!!! And smallies are even better!         Bob– Robert E. Longshore

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Question:

I too had a similar experience.   Was fishing a new rod and after a while, noticed I wasn’t able to shoot any line out.   Must’ve made a few more casts before realizing the guides were frozen solid. My advice?  If you’re fishing a small lake, try pouring some prestone in it. Keeps it from freezing.   It’s hopeless in a river as the current carries it all downstream and it makes for a very expensive outting. No serious replies please… i was just kidding. Ken. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ahh, ROFF the beautiful… I was in Utah all this week and at the last minute decided not to take a fly rod. That was a mistake because the weather kept getting warmer and warmer. By Wednesday all of the snow had melted and it was downright warm. Bummer. Guess I shoulda packed along a rod and called bc afterall. Anyway, although I checked in on ROFF from time to time while I was away, it took me quite a while to get caught up. Some truly hilarious stuff this week, indeed. Went fishing yesterday afternoon. Who’d a thunk it would be colder in Raleigh than in Utah? The wind finally died down and I took a quick trip over to the pond. A couple of disinterested takes but nothing landed. I started noticing this really odd scraping sound during my forward cast after I’d been fishing for about 10 minutes. I couldn’t figure out what it was. It kept getting louder and louder. The water wasn’t overly murky so it couldn’t be pond scum–maybe the guides are bent, I thought, or perhaps I missed a guide when I threaded up the rod. Duh. Turns out there was ice on the guides!  I had to keep breaking little ice chunks off the guides and line as it kept getting colder and colder. Somehow I thought I was going to be able to fish un-interrupted all year round. Hmm. –Steve Zimmerman

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it was downright warm. Bummer. Guess I shoulda packed along a rod and called bc afterall.

I say a pray to St. Peter, light a candle, we get beautiful weather, a nice midge hatch in the afternoon and your not there For your eyelet’s and ice, try dabbing them with a little RainX – it works. bc. — ROFF is like a herd of performing elephants with diarrhea — massive, difficult to redirect, awe-inspiring, entertaining, and a source of mind-boggling amounts of excrement when you least expect it."

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Happened to me today — and the reel froze solid. Beautiful day though, and I discovered some new water (for me anyway). -Palmer

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ahh, ROFF the beautiful… I was in Utah all this week and at the last minute decided not to take a fly rod. That was a mistake because the weather kept getting warmer and warmer. By Wednesday all of the snow had melted and it was downright warm. Bummer. Guess I shoulda packed along a rod and called bc afterall. Anyway, although I checked in on ROFF from time to time while I was away, it took me quite a while to get caught up. Some truly hilarious stuff this week, indeed. Went fishing yesterday afternoon. Who’d a thunk it would be colder in Raleigh than in Utah? The wind finally died down and I took a quick trip over to the pond. A couple of disinterested takes but nothing landed. I started noticing this really odd scraping sound during my forward cast after I’d been fishing for about 10 minutes. I couldn’t figure out what it was. It kept getting louder and louder. The water wasn’t overly murky so it couldn’t be pond scum–maybe the guides are bent, I thought, or perhaps I missed a guide when I threaded up the rod. Duh. Turns out there was ice on the guides!  I had to keep breaking little ice chunks off the guides and line as it kept getting colder and colder. Somehow I thought I was going to be able to fish un-interrupted all year round. Hmm. –Steve Zimmerman

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Ahh, ROFF the beautiful… I was in Utah all this week and at the last minute decided not to take a fly rod. That was a mistake because the weather kept getting warmer and warmer. By Wednesday all of the snow had melted and it was downright warm. Bummer. Guess I shoulda packed along a rod and called bc afterall. Anyway, although I checked in on ROFF from time to time while I was away, it took me quite a while to get caught up. Some truly hilarious stuff this week, indeed. Went fishing yesterday afternoon. Who’d a thunk it would be colder in Raleigh than in Utah? The wind finally died down and I took a quick trip over to the pond. A couple of disinterested takes but nothing landed. I started noticing this really odd scraping sound during my forward cast after I’d been fishing for about 10 minutes. I couldn’t figure out what it was. It kept getting louder and louder. The water wasn’t overly murky so it couldn’t be pond scum–maybe the guides are bent, I thought, or perhaps I missed a guide when I threaded up the rod. Duh. Turns out there was ice on the guides!  I had to keep breaking little ice chunks off the guides and line as it kept getting colder and colder. Somehow I thought I was going to be able to fish un-interrupted all year round. Hmm. –Steve Zimmerman

Response:

<snipped Duh. Turns out there was ice on the guides!  I had to keep breaking little ice chunks off the guides and line as it kept getting colder and colder. Somehow I thought I was going to be able to fish un-interrupted all year round. Hmm. –Steve Zimmerman

Geeze Steve, That sounds like a mirror image of what happened to me on my last local pond trip! Definitely no fishing for a while until this cold snap (Ha!) buggers off. It’s kinda good that we’re almost through January. Only two more months before it get’s reasonable again! Who hoo! — Michael Era

Question:

For this 11 year old I would certainly be willing to give up my 8′ 6"  6 wt. Cortland Fairplay beginner’s outfit to get him started.  What should an 11 year old be able to handle?  Redington and others make great starting outfits but I don’t think much money is available here.  BTW, my Cortland outfit will be offered free if you guys think he can handle it.

When I was growing up without a father my next-door neighbor gave me flyfishing tackle and took me fishing. I’ll never forget him. You’ll be doing a very good deed. BTW, do you think maybe his mother has some additional reason for coming to the meeting?

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Stephen, From her demeanor, words, and actions, I believe she had a singular interest in the group; her son.  Besides, if your looking for a new pair of track shoes you don’t go looking in the brogan box. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -BTW, do you think maybe his mother has some additional reason for coming to the meeting?

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Stephen, From her demeanor, words, and actions, I believe she had a singular interest in the group; her son.  Besides, if your looking for a new pair of track shoes you don’t go looking in the brogan box.

Sounds like she may have come to the right place anyway. — Charlie…

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I attended the inaugural meeting of a new fly fishing club here in Fredericksburg VA last Wednesday night.  About 15 guys my age showed up, talked fly fishing and passed around photos of a bunch of 8 to 10 LB. stripers caught in the Rappahannock right under Rt. 1.  Also joining the group was a single mom (thirty something and very attractive).  She came to learn about fly fishing so she could teach her 11 year old son and take him fishing.  She seemed to think fly fishing was the most wholesome sport she could think of (no offense but she hasn’t met this group).

        for a shot at mom, i’ll put up my 8′ 2wt thomas&thomas. wayno the relentless

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Stephen, From her demeanor, words, and actions, I believe she had a singular interest in the group; her son.  Besides, if your looking for a new pair of track shoes you don’t go looking in the brogan box. Wayne

        hold on man; you can’t forget who you are…you are a wayne, dammit, and that *stands* for something in this crazy world of ours. just walk over to her, look her in the eyes, and say:  "my name is wayne.  what color mercedes would you like to have?"         she’ll be putty in your hands. wayno, who knows what he’s talkin about, i mean!

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My son is seven and he likes his KidStart system. It’s an 8 ft two piece rod with a 6/7 line. System comes with the backing, fly line, leader, and the case. The reel that comes with, is plastic. Nice for entry level anglers.

Response:

Stephen, From her demeanor, words, and actions, I believe she had a singular interest in the group; her son.  Besides, if your looking for a new pair of track shoes you don’t go looking in the brogan box.

NEVER underestimate the subtlety of a woman. — something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

OK Wayno, I’ll bet it’ll be dark blue or black with leather upholstery, looks better on a blonde.  Sorry George, I don’t think this gal has ever had to sleep in a tent! Wayne the damsel in distress rescuer To fish is human…to release divine. Now how did Wayno know the meeting is held a block away from the Mercedes/Volvo dealer? Could it be he keeps a little black book with the names of all the Mercedes dealers? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hold on man; you can’t forget who you are…you are a wayne, dammit, and that *stands* for something in this crazy world of ours. just walk over to her, look her in the eyes, and say:  "my name is wayne.  what color mercedes would you like to have?" she’ll be putty in your hands. wayno, who knows what he’s talkin about, i mean!

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I attended the inaugural meeting of a new fly fishing club here in Fredericksburg VA last Wednesday night.  About 15 guys my age showed up, talked fly fishing and passed around photos of a bunch of 8 to 10 LB. stripers caught in the Rappahannock right under Rt. 1.  Also joining the group was a single mom (thirty something and very attractive).  She came to learn about fly fishing so she could teach her 11 year old son and take him fishing.  She seemed to think fly fishing was the most wholesome sport she could think of (no offense but she hasn’t met this group). For this 11 year old I would certainly be willing to give up my 8′ 6"  6 wt. Cortland Fairplay beginner’s outfit to get him started.  What should an 11 year old be able to handle?  Redington and others make great starting outfits but I don’t think much money is available here.  BTW, my Cortland outfit will be offered free if you guys think he can handle it. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine.

   Check out "the poor mans fly fishing catalog" Cabela’s. Two of the short and extremely easy to cast. They longer stiffer rods are great if you are well coordinated, hefty, and expierienced. 11 year olds come in all sizes and muscularity but generally are of the smallish akward type and need all the help they can get from the rod.                                                              John Popp                                                          in Sanford Fl.

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I agree with Charlie. Physically he should be able to handle it. But I wouldn’t just give it without some ritual. Id make him earn it like this: Tell him and mom that you have this outfit, you think it might fit him but you wonder if he can handle a "man’s" outfit. Suggest a session with Mom and son at a park pond. She watches (the woman is for another time). Show him how to cast. Whatever happens, say it looks like he can handle a "man’s" outfit ( or at least "grow" into it) and give it. Show him how to carry it, break it down, and carefully put in sock etc. I hope Im not being too patronizing.  You are doing a good thing. This kid is not living with a dad so he’s going to have too handle a lot more than a "man’s outfit" on his own, but you can create with this one generous act a positive initiation ritual and talisman of manhood. Our Native American brothers understand this stuff real well.  Good luck , your message says you have the right heart for this. Dave

Response:

I attended the inaugural meeting of a new fly fishing club here in Fredericksburg VA last Wednesday night.  About 15 guys my age showed up, talked fly fishing and passed around photos of a bunch of 8 to 10 LB. stripers caught in the Rappahannock right under Rt. 1.  Also joining the group was a single mom (thirty something and very attractive).  She came to learn about fly fishing so she could teach her 11 year old son and take him fishing.  She seemed to think fly fishing was the most wholesome sport she could think of (no offense but she hasn’t met this group). For this 11 year old I would certainly be willing to give up my 8′ 6"  6 wt. Cortland Fairplay beginner’s outfit to get him started.  What should an 11 year old be able to handle?  Redington and others make great starting outfits but I don’t think much money is available here.  BTW, my Cortland outfit will be offered free if you guys think he can handle it. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine.

Response:

For this 11 year old I would certainly be willing to give up my 8′ 6"  6 wt. Cortland Fairplay beginner’s outfit to get him started.  What should an 11 year old be able to handle?  Redington and others make great starting outfits but I don’t think much money is available here.  BTW, my Cortland outfit will be offered free if you guys think he can handle it.

I think a 6wt would make a good all around starter set. — Charlie…

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I think that he should easily beable to use that rod…My 8year old uses an 6 1/2 foot 4wt and does very well with it. Jon

Clipped – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -For this 11 year old I would certainly be willing to give up my 8′ 6"  6 wt. Cortland Fairplay beginner’s outfit to get him started.  What should an 11 year old be able to handle?  Redington and others make great starting outfits but I don’t think much money is available here.  BTW, my Cortland outfit will be offered free if you guys think he can handle it. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine.

Response:

For this 11 year old I would certainly be willing to give up my 8′ 6" 6 wt. Cortland Fairplay beginner’s outfit to get him started.  What should an 11 year old be able to handle?  Redington and others make great starting outfits but I don’t think much money is available here.  BTW, my Cortland outfit will be offered free if you guys think he can handle it. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine.

Wayne: My sons (11 through 14) all handle a 8.5′ 5 wt. just fine.  I got them a 7.5′ 3wt. Cabella outfit for Christmas but I wonder if the 3 wt. might be a little light for their casting ability.  I’ll find out in a couple of months!  I think that 11 year old will do very well with your 6 wt. outfit as long as he gets some good instruction. –Stan

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Question:

I think Steve W asked about, or commented on weighting the bow for better tracking. The weight I use is the deep cycle battery, which weighs almost 70 lbs. That’s a lot of weight, more than most folks think of using, but it’s worked great. Bill Mack askedWhat did you do for the long connection from the fron of the boat to the motor?<< I used thick wire and connectors available from auto supply stores. Use at least 10 ga for 12 volt connections, I use 6 ga so I can use it with my 24 volt 70 lb thrust motor for real fast flowing water. Two deep cycle batteries up forward REALLY stabilize it. Hope this helps, sorry for the delay in replying. Fair winds and following seas, Pat in Pawtucket  RI

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I am looking for an canoe/boat with a square stern for mounting an electric trolling motor and some type of keel that would allow it to track upstream in a moderate current without the bow being swept around to the rear by the current. Specifically I would be using this in the Muskegon River (in case some may be familiar). I have tried this unsuccessfully with a 17′ fiberglass canoe (with a side mounted motor near the stern & without a keel). My electric motor is equal to a 3 hp gas. Anybody out there have any suggestions? CowboyMI – Steven W. There never was a horse that couldn’t be rode, nor a Cowboy that couldn’t be throwed….

Response:

Steve W wrote I have tried this unsuccessfully with a 17′ fiberglass canoe (with a side mounted motor near the stern & without a keel). My electric motor is equal to a 3 hp gas.<< I use a 14′ fiberglass canoe in a similar situation, and sometimes even rivers flowing briskly. My electric motor is only 36 lbs of thrust (about 2.2hp). Had problems until I put weight in the bow (put the deep cycle battery up there) after which tracking true against the current became much easier. It also stabilized the canoe much better for fly casting. Fair winds and following seas, Pat in Pawtucket  RI

Response:

PatKapsner wroteI use a 14′ fiberglass canoe in a similar situation, and sometimes even rivers flowing briskly. My electric motor is only 36 lbs

of thrust (about 2.2hp). Had problems until I put weight in the bow (put the deep cycle battery up there) after which tracking true against the current became much easier. It also stabilized the canoe much better for fly casting.

I have tried putting ballast in the bow of my 17′, tried many rocks & later 2 five gallon jugs full of water. It helped some but, I still had the problem with the bow swinging around when I ran into some faster currents. My electric motor has 52 lbs thrust. Perhaps it is the extra length & weight of mine that makes it harder to handle? Is your motor mounted on a square stern or on the side near the back? CowboyMI – Steven W. There never was a horse that couldn’t be rode, nor a Cowboy that couldn’t be throwed….

Response:

Steve:  Try a Coleman Crawdad…square stern, takes either a 2.2 hp or an electric, goes upstream well, damn near indestructible.  I love mine…costs about $800.00 Canadian, and you can get them at Canadian Tire, Walmart, etc.  They’ve got a nice smooth trot and always move on the right lead…Good fishing… Jim Ward Twin Willow Farm Home of good horses, fine whiskey and great wild trout

Response:

You might want to loo at the Mad River Missiquoi, it fits your requirements. However MDRs are expensive, but you get what you pay for. I have a MDR Winooski and love it. It is the same as the Missiquoi without the square stern. I use extensively for fly fishing in South Florida. . – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am looking for an canoe/boat with a square stern for mounting an electric trolling motor and some type of keel that would allow it to track upstream in a moderate current without the bow being swept around to the rear by the current. Specifically I would be using this in the Muskegon River (in case some may be familiar). I have tried this unsuccessfully with a 17′ fiberglass canoe (with a side mounted motor near the stern & without a keel). My electric motor is equal to a 3 hp gas. Anybody out there have any suggestions? CowboyMI – Steven W. There never was a horse that couldn’t be rode, nor a Cowboy that couldn’t be throwed….

Response:

: PatKapsner wrote : (about 2.2hp). Had problems until I put weight in the bow (put : the deep cycle : battery up there) after which tracking true against the current became : much easier. It also stabilized the canoe much better for fly casting. : I have tried putting ballast in the bow of my 17′, tried many rocks & : later 2 five gallon jugs full of water. A couple of things. First, your motor is probably just on the edge of being able to push your canoe up the current. With this, adding "ballast" to the front will bring the front down, but it also makes more total weight for the motor (already struggling) to push. Moving the battery up front (thus not adding *more* ballast) may help this. You still might have problems, though. I used to bass fish from a 12′ canoe, and kept the battery up front. Worked beautifully, but I was on still water. Second, is your canoe keeled? Keeled canoes track better, but in your case maybe the keel catches the current quicker. I don’t know, just wondering. Length certainly does matter for turning the bow, so yeah, your little motor is struggling to turn it in this situation. I don’t think stern mount vs. side mount makes much difference, when you’re talking about your 17′er. My tip: pull out a paddle, kneel down a little forward of your rear seat so you can wield the paddle around the middle of the side of the canoe, and help the motor out. With the paddle you can easily keep the bow in place, heading up the current. Assuming you’ve canoed a bit, you know all the push, pull, J strokes you can do to quickly right the direction of the canoe. Try it, I think you’ll get through the fast sections with ease. JonCook.

Response:

Steve W wrote I have tried this unsuccessfully with a 17′ fiberglass canoe (with a side mounted motor near the stern & without a keel). My electric motor is equal to a 3 hp gas.<< I use a 14′ fiberglass canoe in a similar situation, and sometimes even rivers flowing briskly. My electric motor is only 36 lbs of thrust (about 2.2hp). Had problems until I put weight in the bow (put the deep cycle battery up there) after which tracking true against the current became much easier. It also stabilized the canoe much better for fly casting. Fair winds and following seas, Pat in Pawtucket  RI

What did you do for the long connection from the fron of the boat to the motor?  Bill Mack

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Question:

Hi  I would like to know what licenses I need for flyfishing in Finnmark, Norway??

Response:

Hi  I would like to know what licenses I need for flyfishing in Finnmark, Norway??

Try this URL: http://www.flyshop.no — Esa Niemel

Question:

I’m Fly-Fishing the Alphabet, and have come up short on rivers beginning with O (probably a temporary oversight), Q, R, and Z. This is admittedly a daffy undertaking, but it’s better than the aimless wanderings of Fly Fishing America.   I  find that I’ve already fished most of the alphabet (Arkansas, Bighorn, Colorado, Dolores, Encampment, Fryingpan, Grande Ronde, Henry’s Fork, you get the picture). An "i" river was a problem, until I remembered the tiny Illinois River in northern Colorado. Any ideas for Q, X and Z? The Quinalt and Quillaute would do. Nice Sea run cutts in there right now.  Steelhead later.

Question!  Is it your goal to fish a stream for each letter of the alphabet or to catch fish from a stream for each letter of the alphabet? I once knew a fisherman who set out to fish every stream and lake in Montana.  Dont’t know if he made it or not but it would be fun trying. So much water, so little time. Jim

Response:

: I once knew a fisherman who set out to fish every stream and lake : in Montana.  Dont’t know if he made it or not but it would be fun : trying. This little suggestion made my heart go floppa-floppa.  Not Montana, but this would be a *great* way to justify the hard trips to the interior of Idaho.   Wow.  Greeeeat suggestion! I have fished many of the "great" rivers of the west.  I don’t think I would miss much at all if I narrowed my focus to the rivers and streams of Idaho.   It would also make me feel better when I’m standing in a stream in the middle of a pasture with my line in the water and a speeding pickup goes cruising by at high speed with five guys screaming out the window and bed "You fool…there’s no fish left in there…"  I’ll have an excuse when they see me in the local tavern later that night. Perfect, a fishing version of Sissy Hankshaw.  I can see it now, casting a puddle because it is a body of water and it is there.  Perhaps my thumb will sprout a flyrod. Cool. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

Response:

the Quinipoxet river flows into the Wachusetts resevoir about 40 miles west of Boston.  it contains stocked brown and some native brook trout. Gerry

Response:

the Quinipoxet river flows into the Wachusetts resevoir about 40 miles west of Boston.  it contains stocked brown and some native brook trout. Gerry

X & Z may require you to travel abroad. Not so bad an idea. George Gehrke/Mr. Gink

Response:

: X & Z may require you to travel abroad. Not so bad an idea. Send me the money from one out of every 100 little bottles you sell and I’ll travel!<g  (That’s all I ask, one out overy hundred.) — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

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Quinn River, Nevada.      There are good browns in most of the river, and the fishing is improving. The Quinn River Allotment Management Plan is up for consideration until October 23, copies of which can be had from the Humboldt National Forest, 2035 Last Chance Rd., Elko, NV 89801. Alternative 4 will provide the best future fishing and is the preferred alternative. The river runs along the NV-OR border north of Winnemucca. Jim, Nevada Jim’s Outdoor Sports, Elko, NV Jim, Nevada Jim’s Outdoor Sports, Elko, NV

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I’m Fly-Fishing the Alphabet, and have come up short on rivers beginning with O (probably a temporary oversight), Q, R, and Z.

Try the Quitapahilla outside of Lancaster, PA.  This is still on my "to fish" list so I don’t know how well it fishes.  Directions are available in Dwight Landis’ Trout Streams of PA or Charlie Meck’s Pa Trout Streams and Their Hatches

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: I’m Fly-Fishing the Alphabet, and have come up short on rivers beginning : with O (probably a temporary oversight), Q, R, and Z. : This is admittedly a daffy undertaking, but it’s better than the aimless : wanderings of Fly Fishing America.   I  find that I’ve already fished most : of the alphabet (Arkansas, Bighorn, Colorado, Dolores, Encampment, : Fryingpan, Grande Ronde, Henry’s Fork, you get the picture). : An "i" river was a problem, until I remembered the tiny Illinois River in : northern Colorado. : Any ideas for Q, X and Z? These can all be handled in the PNW, but I’m not telling where.  You will enjoy searching the map, or just use the web and do a search with one of the map services or the Geological Survey. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

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I’m Fly-Fishing the Alphabet, and have come up short on rivers beginning with O (probably a temporary oversight), Q, R, and Z. This is admittedly a daffy undertaking, but it’s better than the aimless wanderings of Fly Fishing America.   I  find that I’ve already fished most of the alphabet (Arkansas, Bighorn, Colorado, Dolores, Encampment, Fryingpan, Grande Ronde, Henry’s Fork, you get the picture). An "i" river was a problem, until I remembered the tiny Illinois River in northern Colorado. Any ideas for Q, X and Z?

The Quinalt and Quillaute would do. Nice Sea run cutts in there right now.  Steelhead later.

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I’m Fly-Fishing the Alphabet, and have come up short on rivers beginning with O (probably a temporary oversight), Q, R, and Z. This is admittedly a daffy undertaking, but it’s better than the aimless wanderings of Fly Fishing America.   I  find that I’ve already fished most of the alphabet (Arkansas, Bighorn, Colorado, Dolores, Encampment, Fryingpan, Grande Ronde, Henry’s Fork, you get the picture). An "i" river was a problem, until I remembered the tiny Illinois River in northern Colorado. Any ideas for Q, X and Z?

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Question:

Does anyone have any experiance with them? I am in the process of building a Thomas and Thomas 8wt 3 piece and I was thinking about what guides to use. You say T&T doesnt make those blanks? Yeah I know, but a buddy of mine pulled a few strings and it is going to be a special item. Anyway, I need some advice on the Titanium Nitride guides, are they worth the money? Are the a pain in the ass the put on? Any problems? Thanks….. -Mike

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Does anyone have any experiance with them? I am in the process of building a Thomas and Thomas 8wt 3 piece and I was thinking about what guides to use. You say T&T doesnt make those blanks? Yeah I know, but a buddy of mine pulled a few strings and it is going to be a special item. Anyway, I need some advice on the Titanium Nitride guides, are they worth the money? Are the a pain in the ass the put on? Any problems? Thanks….. -Mike

I put a set of PacBay TN guides on an 8 weight I built on a Powell blank. Aesthetically very nice, the the finish is now wearing off the tip (after 4 yrs.). I can’t really tell you I noticed a big performance difference, not like going from snake guides to single foot SICs. They are more corrosion resistant, though IMO if you clean your rod properly this shouldn’t be a huge deal. They go on the same as any guide :- I think if I were to build myself a real top of the line designer rod I’d use TN guides as well a TN reelseat (Clemens and Orvis have them) because I think they look pretty slick. There are many brands of TN guides now, you want to check as many as possible. The cheaper ones may wear off faster. I believe one of the saltwater ff mags had a review on titanium components a few months ago. I’ll try to find it tonite…                                                 jc

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   any experiance with them? I am in the process of  building a Thomas and Thomas 8wt 3 piece and I was thinking about what  guides to use.  Anyway, I need some advice on the Titanium Nitride guides, are they worth  the money? Are the a pain in the ass the put on? Any problems?  Thanks…..  -Mike  Hi  If your design includes gold hardware; reelseat, guides, tiptop, etc.  you’ll get a beauty of a rod. I use T/N stuff on my rods and notice  appreciative stares from others.  Haven’t got any bad news about ‘em either. – six years later.  –  Thanks,  J.P.Erwin – System Tech – Network Surveilance  Views expressed here are MINE – nobody else dares to open their yap!

Hello Mike,  I used TN guides on a Sage RPL I did last year.  I used the guides along with a gold Powell reel seat and got a nice look.  The gold appearance is not that gaudy.  I’m hoping for good durability. Jeff

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Does anyone have any experiance with them? I am in the process of building a Thomas and Thomas 8wt 3 piece and I was thinking about what guides to use. You say T&T doesnt make those blanks? Yeah I know, but a buddy of mine pulled a few strings and it is going to be a special item. Anyway, I need some advice on the Titanium Nitride guides, are they worth the money? Are the a pain in the ass the put on? Any problems? Thanks….. -Mike There is also a black TN guide set (at least I think it is TN) that is

really hard and looks good.  I use them for the stealth factor.  Have em on two rods and they appear to be pretty good.  Have only used them for about a season at this point, but they got hard use.  No grooving to date, unlike the set they replaced.

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If TiN coating is used as a wear preventative on so many drills, reamers and carbide metal cutting tools, I would think it would be an excellent finish for guides.

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: -Mike There is also a black TN guide set (at least I think it is TN) that is : really hard and looks good.  I use them for the stealth factor.  Have em What exactly is the stealth factor?  Are we now involved in all out war? In order to combat the fisherman with radar and motors on their float tubes, the trout have established hidden "listening posts" to detect the presence of fisherman topside?   Titanium nitride has a low radar cross section, so the stealthy fisherman goes undetected? Just wondering.

First, I lied.  They’re not TiN, they are DLC guides from Hopkins and Holloway.  They’re still good. By stealth factor, I mean that they are black, so they reflect less light and thus spook fewer fish.   Now, I do have composite wrapping on the drift boat to keep the radar signature down…

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I’m looking for any comparisons between the Sage RPL in 4 and 5 weight and the Orvis PM 10 in 4 and 5 weight. If you’ve tried either one or both, give me your thoughts on what they do best, advantages, disadvantages and any other thoughts. I’ll be trying them both real soon to build up from the blank.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : -Mike There is also a black TN guide set (at least I think it is TN) that is : really hard and looks good.  I use them for the stealth factor.  Have em What exactly is the stealth factor?  Are we now involved in all out war? In order to combat the fisherman with radar and motors on their float tubes, the trout have established hidden "listening posts" to detect the presence of fisherman topside?   Titanium nitride has a low radar cross section, so the stealthy fisherman goes undetected? Just wondering. First, I lied.  They’re not TiN, they are DLC guides from Hopkins and Holloway.  They’re still good. By stealth factor, I mean that they are black, so they reflect less light and thus spook fewer fish.   Now, I do have composite wrapping on the drift boat to keep the radar signature down…

May I suggest an inflatable for total stealth ? As far as low reflection guides go, I had pretty good luck with the Perfection ‘EZ Flow’. Oversized and a nice grey color. Think I gotta do something about my chartreuse fishing hat though…

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First, I lied.  They’re not TiN, they are DLC guides from Hopkins and Holloway.  They’re still good. By stealth factor, I mean that they are black, so they reflect less light and thus spook fewer fish. Now, I do have composite wrapping on the drift boat to keep the radar signature down… May I suggest an inflatable for total stealth ? As far as low reflection guides go, I had pretty good luck with the Perfection ‘EZ Flow’. Oversized and a nice grey color. Think I gotta do something about my chartreuse fishing hat though…

I hope those aren’t the same grey guides I got some time back form Anglers Workshop.  They were supposed to be teflon coated and real slick.  Well, they were, until they got all grooved up.  They were way soft.  That’s why I got the DLC guides I referred to.   Bear in mind I’m tough on guides.  I fish from a boat most of the time, and sand and grit gets all over the line.  A better recipe for destroying guides could not be found.

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I’m looking for any comparisons between the Sage RPL in 4 and 5 weight and the Orvis PM 10 in 4 and 5 weight. If you’ve tried either one or both, give me your thoughts on what they do best, advantages, disadvantages and any other thoughts. I’ll be trying them both real soon to build up from the blank.

Kevin, I built an Orvis PM10 4pc 4wt last year, and unfortunately I’ve been pretty disappointed with it’s performance. The rod throws nice tight loops for casts out to about 60′ (using a Cortland 444 Lazerline WF4W) but for anything beyond 60′ the rod just feels overloaded and "mushy" (i.e. not crisp). I also built an Orvis PM10 4pc 8wt and can throw it about 90′ before the same "mushy" feeling sets in, so I’m sure that some of my impression is biased by the lighter line weight. I’m now in the process of building a GLoomis IMX 4pc 5wt and have great hopes for it. The rod feels *much* stiffer throug- out it’s length than do any of the Orvis rods I’ve built, but I’m reserving final judgement until I’ve had a chance to finish the project and get the rod out to the local casting ponds. Unfortunately, I have no experience with the Sage RPL in 4 and 5 wt, so I really can’t give any feedback on that series. Best of luck with whatever you decide, Fred

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – First, I lied.  They’re not TiN, they are DLC guides from Hopkins and Holloway.  They’re still good. By stealth factor, I mean that they are black, so they reflect less light and thus spook fewer fish. Now, I do have composite wrapping on the drift boat to keep the radar signature down… May I suggest an inflatable for total stealth ? As far as low reflection guides go, I had pretty good luck with the Perfection ‘EZ Flow’. Oversized and a nice grey color. Think I gotta do something about my chartreuse fishing hat though… I hope those aren’t the same grey guides I got some time back form Anglers Workshop.  They were supposed to be teflon coated and real slick.  Well, they were, until they got all grooved up.  They were way soft.  That’s why I got the DLC guides I referred to.   Bear in mind I’m tough on guides.  I fish from a boat most of the time, and sand and grit gets all over the line.  A better recipe for destroying guides could not be found.

Hmm, I’ll have to check them. If they’re teflon coated I didn’t know it when I bought them :- Mine were on a Fisher 10 wgt. used mostly on surf and jetties in N.E., like you I’m rough on tackle (the rod is now broken . I originally had SICs on the rod, but switched to snakes to accomodate the heavy heads I like to throw. On my other rods, my black PacBays on my 11 weight have held up extremely well, fishing surf 3-4 times/week May- Oct. for 2 years. My PacBay TNs have begun to wear after about 4 years. The SICs, though ugly, have held up well for me too. Also, the single foot takes less time to wrap, which is important for me this time ‘cos I have to build the rod between the screams/needs/etc. of a 3 mo. old ! Fast is good, ja. I tend to cycle through rods pretty fast, slipping on jetties, etc. tends to beat them up good, so often the guides don’t get a chance to wear out !                                                         jc

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: I’m looking for any comparisons between the Sage RPL in 4 and 5 weight : and the Orvis PM 10 in 4 and 5 weight. If you’ve tried either one or : both, give me your thoughts on what they do best, advantages, : disadvantages and any other thoughts. I’ll be trying them both real soon : to build up from the blank. Hi Kevin,    I read a follow on post about the Orvis PM 10 and thought I’d mention my thoughts about the RPL (and the LLB) series. I have a 586 RPL and a 790 RPL and love them both. They are what the RPL stands for: Reserve Power Line. Wonderful line throwers. Now on the other hand, My wife has a 4711 LLB and I have just finished a 490 LLB and they are too soft for my arm. I have great difficulty casting with them. My wife, however, wouldn’t give her’s up. It is light and does a great job for her.    Two of my daugherts also have 586 RPL(s) and they swear by them. It is a very easy rod to cast. lukn4fish — Bob San Jose, Ca

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I’m looking for any comparisons between the Sage RPL in 4 and 5 weight and the Orvis PM 10 in 4 and 5 weight. If you’ve tried either one or both, give me your thoughts on what they do best, advantages, disadvantages and any other thoughts. I’ll be trying them both real soon to build up from the blank.

Hi Kevin, I have cast and fished with both the Sage and Orvis 5wt. rods you mentioned. The RPL in my opinion is the all around better of the two.  Both are very fine rods; However,  the Sage has more backbone and will throw a tighter loop.  The chioce is yours as to which rod is better for you.  I prefer a very fast rod.  Some people like to have a slightly slower,  softer rod.  The fast action of the RPL is somewhat unforgiving when you use light tippets. I suggest that you fish with both before purchasing.  A day on the stream with a rod will give you much more information than casting one or the other at a fly shop. Good luck,  let me know what you think of both. Bryan Bonds White River Anglers http://www.ipa.net/~bbonds Fayetteville,  Ar

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I’m looking for any comparisons between the Sage RPL in 4 and 5 weight and the Orvis PM 10 in 4 and 5 weight. If you’ve tried either one or both, give me your thoughts on what they do best, advantages, disadvantages and any other thoughts. I’ll be trying them both real soon to build up from the blank.

Hi Kevin, I’ve tried both before buying the PM-10 9′ 5wt 2 pce. Depending on your preferences in a rod both are very nice rods. The RPL is a somewhat stiffer rod, very nice casting (even beyond 75′) but when you hook a moderate sized trout the PM-10 gives you more pleasure. Recently I bought a Sage LL 590-3 instead of the PM-10. Its casting is about in between the RPL and the PM-10. Above all it gives a lot more fun when playing a moderate sized trout. Finally : When distance is your main goal, buy a RPL 590 or even better SP+ 590. when performance is your goal, buy PM-10, LL 590 (3) or SP 590 (3). Succes,  Ger.

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Kevin, I can’t speak about the Orvis– However, I have fished with a Sage RPL 8ft for a 4 for many years.  I have fished the West Branch of the Ausable to the Madison.  I have never been disapointed with the rod.  I’ve caught everything from  bluegills to landlocked salmon with it and it has been a pleasure.  Tight loops, distance,  and when needed a delicate feel. I also own two Orvis Rods.  A green mountain and a far and fine.  Neither of these rods are worth the money I spent on them.  They hang on my wall while I fish with my Sage rods. In my opinion there is no comparison.  Fish with the Sage! Mike

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You should try these rods yourself and see which ones cast best for you.  We all have different casting styles and preferences.

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I’m looking for any comparisons between the Sage RPL in 4 and 5 weight and the Orvis PM 10 in 4 and 5 weight. If you’ve tried either one or both, give me your thoughts on what they do best, advantages, disadvantages and any other thoughts. I’ll be trying them both real soon to build up from the blank.

Kevin, Can’t help with the Sage rods, but can speak form experience about the PM-10’s.  I personally fish with the PM-10 865-4 (8 1/2 ft. 5 wt. 4 pc.) and the rod fits me perfectly. I love it.  The tip is very delicate and the rod loads and casts easily up close as well as having plenty of power to boom out the entire line if I need to. As you cast more and more line, the rod very smoothly and predictably flexes farther and farther down the blank with no sudden stops or hinges.  It became available this year in a 9ft. version for a little better line control, but I still like the 8 1/2ft.  We use the PM10 905 in our fly fishing schools and it is also superb.  Same light tip with plenty of power but I prefer the way the 4 pc. casts over the 2pc.  One of those things about buying top quality shoes and they’re all good, but this one’s really comfortable.  The PM10 904 is a little smoother IMHO than the 905 but doesn’t have as much power.  If  you