Question:

Don’t forget a conical fermentor – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m not alone?  Oh no, it is as feared.  I’ve only brewed several batches of extract, but I can’t stop reading.  And now I think I grasp the fundamentals of all grain.  More equipment is inevitable.  Bigger brew pot.  Propane Burner, Wort Chiller Mash Tun, Lauter Tun, Wait, maybe a "false bottom" Mash Tun… Hmm single stage highly modified, or multi-stage undermodified? Probably single stage first?  I know I can’t stop myself!  The kegerator is coming.  Growing hops, not a problem.  Culturing yeast, maybe it’s worth it? Ah hell, who can resist that sweet yeasty smell bubbling from the carboy? And the unlimited supply of fresh homebrew…  I see taps in my future. Thanks to all those here who support this addiction! Rod. I’ve been a wine/cider maker for a few years now, nothing serious, just something I played with on the side.  Well, I’m not sure why it took me so long (I’ve always been a beer drinker), but a couple months back I brewed my first beer (a porter that turned out MUCH better than I expected).  I now have three different batches in various stages of fermentation, and all I think about in my free time is BEER!  …the bigger kettle, a kegging system, a fridge, a new  wort cooler, all the things I want (read: need!).  Football season is a month away! Normally by this time I would have trouble sleeping at night with anticipation (go eagles).  Now I can’t keep thinking to myself how great it would be to have a nice keg of homebrew in my truck for the tailgates, not about the games!  Will this madness ever end?!?!?!? SWMBO thinks I’ve lost my mind!  I don’t watch TV anymore, I read books! (Brewing books, but books nonetheless!)  Help me!  What’s the cure?? thanks for letting me vent a little, feeling better now.

Response:

I’m not alone?  Oh no, it is as feared.  I’ve only brewed several batches of extract, but I can’t stop reading.  And now I think I grasp the fundamentals of all grain.  More equipment is inevitable.  Bigger brew pot.  Propane Burner, Wort Chiller Mash Tun, Lauter Tun, Wait, maybe a "false bottom" Mash Tun… Hmm single stage highly modified, or multi-stage undermodified? Probably single stage first?  I know I can’t stop myself!  The kegerator is coming.  Growing hops, not a problem.  Culturing yeast, maybe it’s worth it? Ah hell, who can resist that sweet yeasty smell bubbling from the carboy? And the unlimited supply of fresh homebrew…  I see taps in my future. Thanks to all those here who support this addiction! Rod.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been a wine/cider maker for a few years now, nothing serious, just something I played with on the side.  Well, I’m not sure why it took me so long (I’ve always been a beer drinker), but a couple months back I brewed my first beer (a porter that turned out MUCH better than I expected).  I now have three different batches in various stages of fermentation, and all I think about in my free time is BEER!  …the bigger kettle, a kegging system, a fridge, a new  wort cooler, all the things I want (read: need!).  Football season is a month away! Normally by this time I would have trouble sleeping at night with anticipation (go eagles).  Now I can’t keep thinking to myself how great it would be to have a nice keg of homebrew in my truck for the tailgates, not about the games!  Will this madness ever end?!?!?!? SWMBO thinks I’ve lost my mind!  I don’t watch TV anymore, I read books! (Brewing books, but books nonetheless!)  Help me!  What’s the cure?? thanks for letting me vent a little, feeling better now.

Response:

Close…Dave Barry..         ——-Denny – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Who said that there is a fine line between "hobby" and "obsession?"  Dave Berry? — Dan Listermann Check out our E-tail site at www.listermann.com

Response:

Thanks for the reply.  After almost 25 years of putting up with me, SWMBO is pretty reasonable.  I was just getting a bit worried that there would be an obnoxious odor floating throughout the house for the entire fermenting period.  The wort boil won’t be so bad; fan in the kitchen window and a promise that it’s just one day of the process will be okay.  If the fermenting is no big problem I’ll keep it where I had in mind.  Heck, I’ve spilled beer before, so wouldn’t be much different upon occasion 8).   Ricky – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I run my fermenters in the bathroom, in the unused bathtub (I use the wet t-shirt trick to keep the fermenters cool enough during the summer).  Aside from the one fermentation that got so vigorous that it blew out the airlock and started oozing out onto the lid of the fermenter, there has been no noticeable smell.  Even that one that did smell a bit (it basically smelled like spilled beer) cleared up as soon as the fermentation subsided and I cleaned off the ooze. The smell that stinks up the house and makes SWMBO upset is when I’m boiling the wort and add the hops.   I think it smells wonderful, but she…. well let’s just say she is of a different opinion. Its gotten so bad, that SWMBO has told me she hates my new hobby. Speaking of SWMBO, I’m getting ready place an order to try my hand at this.  SWMBO is worried about the house smelling of beer during fermentation.  I explained that it won’t be smelling like beer; it’s yeast and grains, it’ll smell more like bread baking. Just how big a lie was that?   Ricky

Response:

I run my fermenters in the bathroom, in the unused bathtub (I use the wet t-shirt trick to keep the fermenters cool enough during the summer).  Aside from the one fermentation that got so vigorous that it blew out the airlock and started oozing out onto the lid of the fermenter, there has been no noticeable smell.  Even that one that did smell a bit (it basically smelled like spilled beer) cleared up as soon as the fermentation subsided and I cleaned off the ooze. The smell that stinks up the house and makes SWMBO upset is when I’m boiling the wort and add the hops.   I think it smells wonderful, but she…. well let’s just say she is of a different opinion.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Its gotten so bad, that SWMBO has told me she hates my new hobby. Speaking of SWMBO, I’m getting ready place an order to try my hand at this.  SWMBO is worried about the house smelling of beer during fermentation.  I explained that it won’t be smelling like beer; it’s yeast and grains, it’ll smell more like bread baking. Just how big a lie was that?   Ricky

Response:

My wife is 8 months pregnant… I think this contributes to her wild swings of sometimes taking an interest in my brewing, other times cursing the very notion of it.  Of course she can’t have any beer, but I defended my return to brewing by claiming that the beer will all be ready for her to drink after the baby comes.  Plus I tell her that once the baby comes I won’t have time to brew, so that’s why I’ve just got to have 2 or 3 batches going at once now.  Naturally I’m hoping to sneak in the occaisional brew session later this year, but for awhile I fear it’ll be all baby, all the time.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Its gotten so bad, that SWMBO has told me she hates my new hobby. What is it with SWMBOs anyway?  Mine once said through clenched teeth "I *REALLY WISH* you would get a DIFFERENT hobby" But then I clean up the kitchen so perfectly she has no ammunition…. Then of course there’s the one where she asks whether reading all these brewing books, websites and magazines are more important than her… do I have to answer that? Mine tolerates it pretty well (so far). She just uses it as an excuse to feed her hobby–you would not believe the amount of yarn the woman has. And she bought some kind of yarn winding doohickey that I just love (she doesn’t ask me to help her wind it any more). So get her hooked on her own hobby…

Response:

So your a little compulsive.  Be honest this has happened before maybe not tropical fish, making arrow heads, chess, banjo, fly fishing, bicycling and sailing but surely you recognize the pattern.  I myself went down with my German friend Brunhilda (I am not making this up.) to the local brewery to get a party pig of stout.  They had a homebrew section!  After that there was some sort of frenzy and when the fog cleared I had all this gear including Kegs, a refer, pots, a chiller, hoses stuff … big pile of stuff! Now when they see me coming I can see them lick their lips from the middle of the street.   My wife knew there was trouble (brewing) when the books started showing up. (The next horse she buys I’m getting a brew sculpture. ) In fact I am thinking that tomorrow, when the brewery opens up; I will buy another book; yes, a big fat one on making the perfect cream ale!     When you are feeling frustrated with this compulsiveness it is important to smoke lots and lots of cigars.  Also it helps to rotate addictions so as not to be overwhelmed.  Right now I am rotating through American Ales as fast as I can brew and heading for the English ones, then Stouts, then Lagers generally by 2005 (Spring) I should be up to lambics.  No sense in overdoing it. art

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been a wine/cider maker for a few years now, nothing serious, just something I played with on the side.  Well, I’m not sure why it took me so long (I’ve always been a beer drinker), but a couple months back I brewed my first beer (a porter that turned out MUCH better than I expected).  I now have three different batches in various stages of fermentation, and all I think about in my free time is BEER!  …the bigger kettle, a kegging system, a fridge, a new  wort cooler, all the things I want (read: need!).  Football season is a month away! Normally by this time I would have trouble sleeping at night with anticipation (go eagles).  Now I can’t keep thinking to myself how great it would be to have a nice keg of homebrew in my truck for the tailgates, not about the games!  Will this madness ever end?!?!?!? SWMBO thinks I’ve lost my mind!  I don’t watch TV anymore, I read books! (Brewing books, but books nonetheless!)  Help me!  What’s the cure?? thanks for letting me vent a little, feeling better now.

Response:

After looking through some threads via google searches I finally found one I think answers my question plus one question I didn’t ask. As to fermenting, someone mentioned they ferment in the basement because of smell and others that their spouse hated it, so I guess it must not be a "baking bread" smell.  8)    I didn’t even think about the brewing process but folks posted it "smells great"/"makes you want to vomit" so sort of YMMV it seems. Maybe I need to rethink where I’m going to be doing this.  I have a cooker and I have a workshop with part sectioned off and air conditioned, but I have no running water there (or I should say, no sink — there is a water hose outlet outside the shop door).  It might work, just figured it wouldn’t be as sanitary as the kitchen.  Ricky – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Its gotten so bad, that SWMBO has told me she hates my new hobby. Speaking of SWMBO, I’m getting ready place an order to try my hand at this.  SWMBO is worried about the house smelling of beer during fermentation.  I explained that it won’t be smelling like beer; it’s yeast and grains, it’ll smell more like bread baking. Just how big a lie was that?  Ricky

Response:

Question:

I fished Hood Canal yesterday with my fatherinlaw. We arrived at the beach at about 10:00 and just after getting our rods set up, my fatherinlaw was trying to set up our drift with the tide when I noticed a couple of coho rolling on the surface. I immediately started casting an ‘experimental’ floating candle fish pattern and they were all over it, unfortunately the line fouled around the hook. I switched to a dry fly and again they were all over it. I caught about 10-12 coho and 6-7 sea-run cutthroat in about 4 hours of fishing. The best fish of the day was about a 3-4 lb coho that launched itself about 4-5 times, and the best cutthroat was a feisty one about 16". Most of the fish were caught of a dry fly, which is just an absolute rush when they take it. This was my fatherinlaw first time flyfishing in 21 years, he caught one 14" cutt and had several other strikes. He said he had a great time and he will do more flyfishing. Boy it feels good to get somebody interested in the sport. Darin

Response:

Nice TR Darin.  Glad to hear you got some fishing time in.  Missed having you around for the clave this year. — Warren Findley Remove (nospamZZ) to respond via email http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt/

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I fished Hood Canal yesterday with my fatherinlaw. We arrived at the beach at about 10:00 and just after getting our rods set up, my fatherinlaw was trying to set up our drift with the tide when I noticed a couple of coho rolling on the surface. I immediately started casting an ‘experimental’ floating candle fish pattern and they were all over it, unfortunately the line fouled around the hook. I switched to a dry fly and again they were all over it. I caught about 10-12 coho and 6-7 sea-run cutthroat in about 4 hours of fishing. The best fish of the day was about a 3-4 lb coho that launched itself about 4-5 times, and the best cutthroat was a feisty one about 16". Most of the fish were caught of a dry fly, which is just an absolute rush when they take it. This was my fatherinlaw first time flyfishing in 21 years, he caught one 14" cutt and had several other strikes. He said he had a great time and he will do more flyfishing. Boy it feels good to get somebody interested in the sport. Darin

Response:

Darin: I lived in Lilliwaup for a few years, and fished the Hama Hama almost daily for sea run cutts and steelhead (fall and winter runs). Occasionally we’d putt out into the Canal proper when the salmon were running (well, ‘cept for the doggies – they came up river to us Where on the Canal did you put in? /daytripper – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I fished Hood Canal yesterday with my fatherinlaw. We arrived at the beach at about 10:00 and just after getting our rods set up, my fatherinlaw was trying to set up our drift with the tide when I noticed a couple of coho rolling on the surface. I immediately started casting an ‘experimental’ floating candle fish pattern and they were all over it, unfortunately the line fouled around the hook. I switched to a dry fly and again they were all over it. I caught about 10-12 coho and 6-7 sea-run cutthroat in about 4 hours of fishing. The best fish of the day was about a 3-4 lb coho that launched itself about 4-5 times, and the best cutthroat was a feisty one about 16". Most of the fish were caught of a dry fly, which is just an absolute rush when they take it. This was my fatherinlaw first time flyfishing in 21 years, he caught one 14" cutt and had several other strikes. He said he had a great time and he will do more flyfishing. Boy it feels good to get somebody interested in the sport. Darin

Response:

When we went passed Point No Point there were boats everywhere. There were also about 3-4 off of Point Hannon (Hoods Head). Where we fished there were none. We had all the water and all the fish to ourselves.

How does Point No Point come by its name? — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

When we went passed Point No Point there were boats everywhere. There were also about 3-4 off of Point Hannon (Hoods Head). Where we fished there were none. We had all the water and all the fish to ourselves. How does Point No Point come by its name?

LOL!…. it is one of the dumbest names for a point of land, aint it?  it’s a point, no wait, it’s not, i swear it’s a point, no wait, it’s not <G chris…. who just loves unimaginative names for places

Response:

Darin: I lived in Lilliwaup for a few years, and fished the Hama Hama almost daily for sea run cutts and steelhead (fall and winter runs). Occasionally we’d putt out into the Canal proper when the salmon were running (well, ‘cept for the doggies – they came up river to us Where on the Canal did you put in? /daytripper

We actually put in in Port Townsend, some bright idea my fatherinlaw had <g, and motored down from there. We fished just a little south of the H.C. bridge. Darin

Response:

Darin: I lived in Lilliwaup for a few years, and fished the Hama Hama almost daily for sea run cutts and steelhead (fall and winter runs). Occasionally we’d putt out into the Canal proper when the salmon were running (well, ‘cept for the doggies – they came up river to us Where on the Canal did you put in? /daytripper We actually put in in Port Townsend, some bright idea my fatherinlaw had <g, and motored down from there. We fished just a little south of the H.C. bridge.

Whoops! PT to the bridge and back is a bit of a haul for a one day outing You ever fish further south in the Canal? /daytripper

Response:

Whoops! PT to the bridge and back is a bit of a haul for a one day outing

You’re not kidding! It was 1 1/2 hours each way. We could’ve had another 2 hours fishing if we’d gone to a closer ramp. You ever fish further south in the Canal?

I tried the zoo humpie fishery at Hoodsport one evening after work a couple of years ago. Lining up with 20-30 other guys looking for that 1 fish is not my idea of fun. I lasted about a 1/2 hour before I called it quits. Long drive from PT for a 1/2 hr fishing. Other than that, no, I haven’t fished further south, except for the Dose, Duck, and the Hamma rivers. Darin

Response:

Hey Darin,   On the Kitsap County side of the bridge turn left and go north about 1 mile and there is Salisbury (sp) Point. I do believe it is a park but they have an excellent boat ramp.  In addition you may want to look at the Point no Point area to fish.  Lots of fish being caught from the beach and boats. I couldn’t entice any to my fly rod but I saw a few other flyfishers catch em.  Primarily humpies ( in the ocean phase no hump) and silvers. Dave —

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Whoops! PT to the bridge and back is a bit of a haul for a one day outing You’re not kidding! It was 1 1/2 hours each way. We could’ve had another 2 hours fishing if we’d gone to a closer ramp. You ever fish further south in the Canal? I tried the zoo humpie fishery at Hoodsport one evening after work a couple of years ago. Lining up with 20-30 other guys looking for that 1 fish is not my idea of fun. I lasted about a 1/2 hour before I called it quits. Long drive from PT for a 1/2 hr fishing. Other than that, no, I haven’t fished further south, except for the Dose, Duck, and the Hamma rivers. Darin

Response:

Good to hear you’re out fishing. Missed your enthusiasm at the Clave. Willi

Response:

Good to hear you’re out fishing. Missed your enthusiasm at the Clave. Willi

I missed being at the clave, especially after seeing that pig that RW caught. Must have been great to have seen it in person. Dairn

Response:

Hey Darin,   On the Kitsap County side of the bridge turn left and go north about 1 mile and there is Salisbury (sp) Point. I do believe it is a park but they have an excellent boat ramp.  In addition you may want to look at the Point no Point area to fish.  Lots of fish being caught from the beach and boats. I couldn’t entice any to my fly rod but I saw a few other flyfishers catch em.  Primarily humpies ( in the ocean phase no hump) and silvers. Dave

Theres one on the Jeff. Co. side too. My fatherinlaw just wanted to be near a dock. Old timers….. what can I say? <G. When we went passed Point No Point there were boats everywhere. There were also about 3-4 off of Point Hannon (Hoods Head). Where we fished there were none. We had all the water and all the fish to ourselves. Darin

Response:

Question:

My limited salt water flyfishing led to being bitten by a shark.  Vinnie and I were casting for perch from some tidal rocks at the James V. Fitzgerald wildlife preserve just south of Pacifica in Northern California.  It was an extra low tide and we were having moderate success.  We also had a bait rod set up and hooked a nice leopard shark on a strip of squid.  I took the hint and tied on a large white streamer of Vinnie’s design.  It worked and I was into a 4 foot leopard shark – a very nice leopard shark indeed.  It was a long, dogged fight that drew the attention of a group of people who were enjoying the tide pools.  As I landed the beautiful fish we were surrounded by onlookers.  I intended to keep the fish in the water and slip the hook out, but several people were asking for a look.  Here’s where I’m grateful for thick neoprene.  Now a leopard shark has relatively small teeth.  We’re not talking great white, mako or even blue shark here, but they do have teeth, so when I lifted the shark by the tail for my "audience" and he swiftly swung right up and onto my thigh, well I was a bit suprised.  The fish bit right into my upper thigh and proceeded to get his pointy little teeth stuck like velcro in my waders.  Well it brought a gasp from the crowd and sincere laughter from Vinnie.  The waders now have a very distinct "jaws" shaped area of leakage, but the leg went unscathed.  Had I been in shorts and bare legs this could have been a lot more interesting. JE * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

Response:

Any time you step into saltwater you become a potential part of the food chain.

Response:

Jonnie, what color/pattern were your waders? also size? wet or dry? i’m planning a lil shark fishin myself….

Response:

Interesting story.  I was expecting  something worse, as there are MUCH bigger sharks that roam the Northern California coast…… —Muskie Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

Hi, I maybe heading to the Lower Deschutes during the third week in May.  Does anyone know what I can expect as to the fishing that time of year ?  What hatches, river levels etc.,  What weight rod would be the best ?  Any recommendations to local advice/fly shops. Thanks in advance.

Response:

Hi, I maybe heading to the Lower Deschutes during the third week in May.  Does anyone know what I can expect as to the fishing that time of year ?  What hatches, river levels etc.,  What weight rod would be the best ?  Any recommendations to local advice/fly shops. Thanks in advance.

WIth snow levels this year, I think you can probably expect high water; snow pack is about double a normal year. A 9 foot, five weight rod with a floating line will work for most situations you’ll encounter on the Deschutes. Deep nymphing is the most consistently successful method on the lower river. The salmonfly hatch should be getting started, as well as the golden stoneflies. BIG, heavily weighted stonefly nymphs in black and gold. Black and golden stimulators for the adults. Caddis: Rhyacophilia, hydropsyche, Glossoma, Brachycentra: larvae, pupae, and adults. Mayflies: Baetis, Heptagenia, maybe some early PMDs. Midges. Local shops: The Deschutes Canyon fly shop in Maupin, The Fly Fishing Shop in Welches.

Response:

Question:

You’re right. Let’s not spend the money that might help rebuild their economy and let’s stay away out of respect for the dead. Jeez. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Are you guys for real? You’re talking about a hurricane that has killed thousands, and you’re worried it may have messed up your proposed fishing trips. — Colin Brown Also interested in response … would like to go there next year … was

Response:

says… Are you guys for real? You’re talking about a hurricane that has killed thousands, and you’re worried it may have messed up your proposed fishing trips. — Colin Brown

Colin, My initial reaction was similar to yours. After further contemplation, I decided that anyone who goes down there to fish is also going to be spending hard currency in an area that could use some right now. That is why I urge those fishermen (and anyone who can) to contact your local charitable organizations and send money/food/clothing now. They *really* do need it. –Wataugan Walt

Response:

I was there last July fishing at Turneffe flats. We were trying for the Grand Slam. I highly recommend the lodge. I will be seeing the owner of the lodge in two weeks. I. like yourself am concerned about the damage and to the well being of the local guides I fished with and their familys. When I find out I’ll let you know.                                                                 Mark Heskett

Response:

You’re right. Let’s not spend the money that might help rebuild their economy and let’s stay away out of respect for the dead. Jeez.

______ It is just a matter of time that American’s, in our own way, will begin turning tragedy into humor.  Out of chaos, we alway cheer the world up or ourselves because the pain is so great, the suffering inexpressiable, and so it goes.  But today, I called the Red Cross and made a donation to Mexico’s cause.  Its the least we can do for now. I think. THIS would be a good time for the Pope to make a visit just to help Mexico who needs him so, now.  The arms of the Catholic Church should enfold this nation and give comfort and spiritual support. Well . . . it sure would be nice to hear from them about now.

Response:

_____ If the Pope will supply 100,000 loaves of bread I will supply the bone fish for him to feed his flock.

Response:

In ______ It is just a matter of time that American’s, in our own way, will begin turning tragedy into humor.  Out of chaos, we alway cheer the world up or ourselves because the pain is so great, the suffering inexpressiable, and so it goes.  But today, I called the Red Cross and made a donation to Mexico’s cause.  Its the least we can do for now. I think. THIS would be a good time for the Pope to make a visit just to help Mexico who needs him so, now.  The arms of the Catholic Church should enfold this nation and give comfort and spiritual support. Well . . . it sure would be nice to hear from them about now.

bzzzzzttt, bzzzzzztttt, scrsssshhhhhhhh Earth to George… HONDURAS, NICARAGUA, & BELIZE. (and some southeastern parts of Mexico) aside from my sarcasm, many thanks for your contribution. They are in need of assistance. The death toll has climbed to over 10,000 with many thousands still unaccounted for. A MAJOR DISASTER. another aside, i know we have our differing opinions, but if you’re ever up here in god’s country, there is an open invite to you to join me and possibly wayno on a stream a’fishin’ for the brookies. –Wataugan Walt

Response:

Hi: Looking to fish Belize next May, but I’m concerned about the damage that Mitch may have done.  I’ve been searching the net for information to guide my trip decision, but haven’t come up with anything. I normally go to Belize River Lodge, but I have the feeling that they may have been washed away (they are right on the river).  I was also considering Blue Horizon.  Anyone have any idea how things fared at these two places and if Mitch’s rath may have screwed up the waters into next year? Thanks. Adam

Hi Adam, I think they were pretty lucky in Belize. I am not really sure about total damage, but heard that El Pescador did OK. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

_____ If the Pope will supply 100,000 loaves of bread I will supply the bone fish for him to feed his flock.

Response:

Hi.  I don’t know about the condition of the specific lodges you mentioned, but Belize in general suffered little damage from Mitch (when compared to what’s happening in Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua). The fishing is great right now, especially in southern Belize.  Lots of snook, especially.  You may be able to get info on your lodges from the ambergriscaye hurricane page.  I can’t remember the URL, but if you go to our Website (http://www.kevinmodera.com) and click on "Ambergris Caye" info at the top of the homepage, you’ll be linked to their hurricane site.  They have lots of information from many locations in Belize.  Our site also includes information on conditions in southern Belize. Generally, we expect the Placencia area to be pretty much back to "normal" (whatever that means for Placencia), in another week or so. BTW, please, anybody that has the time, money or inclination, Central America needs help desperately.  A group of our local guides donated their time and money to buy and deliver food to Honduras a couple of days ago. They just got back last night and could not believe how horrible it really is in northern Honduras.  It’s still so wet that they were unable to light fires to cook the beans and rice for people, no one has anywhere to go, no one has any food.  It’s apparently worse even than it looks on television. — Mary Mary V. Toy                           Kevin Modera Guide Services Professional Guides for Tropical Anglers Placencia, Belize Voice and Fax:  (314) 776-3496 URL:  http://www.kevinmodera.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi: Looking to fish Belize next May, but I’m concerned about the damage that Mitch may have done.  I’ve been searching the net for information to guide my trip decision, but haven’t come up with anything. I normally go to Belize River Lodge, but I have the feeling that they may have been washed away (they are right on the river).  I was also considering Blue Horizon.  Anyone have any idea how things fared at these two places and if Mitch’s rath may have screwed up the waters into next year? Thanks. Adam Hi Adam, I think they were pretty lucky in Belize. I am not really sure about total damage, but heard that El Pescador did OK. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

Hi: Looking to fish Belize next May, but I’m concerned about the damage that Mitch may have done.  I’ve been searching the net for information to guide my trip decision, but haven’t come up with anything. I normally go to Belize River Lodge, but I have the feeling that they may have been washed away (they are right on the river).  I was also considering Blue Horizon.  Anyone have any idea how things fared at these two places and if Mitch’s rath may have screwed up the waters into next year? Thanks. Adam

Response:

Also interested in response … would like to go there next year … was

Response:

Are you guys for real? You’re talking about a hurricane that has killed thousands, and you’re worried it may have messed up your proposed fishing trips. — Colin Brown – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Also interested in response … would like to go there next year … was

Response:

you moron they’re just asking about damn fishing trips here. take your patsyism elsewhere — Nicholas J. Slodki

:Are you guys for real? : :You’re talking about a hurricane that has killed thousands, and you’re :worried it may have messed up your proposed fishing trips. : : :– :Colin Brown : : : : Also interested in response … would like to go there next year … was : : : :

Response:

Question:

I remember an old Charlie Brown cartoon that suggested all babies be issued a banjo at birth. It’s close to impossible to play sad music on a banjo.

B

Question:

I recently broke the fly rod that I grew up fishing – an 8 ft 8 wt fiberglass Shakespeare.  I need to replace it and want a rod that I will not "out grow".  I have considered an L.L. Bean guide series 9 ft, 7 or 8 wt at about $200 with a lifetime unconditional guarantee.  I also saw a 9 ft 8 wt Loomis IMX recently for $275 on a close-out.  The Loomis cast very nicely.  I have not felt the Bean rod but have always been very happy with their products. Any advice would be appreciated.  How much better is the Loomis & is it worth the extra money?  Has anyone used the Bean rod? I grew up fishing for pickerel and bass in Delaware, but I primarily fish for Steelhead and smallmouth bass since moving to California and would like to do some Shad fishing.

Response:

Check out the St. Croix Products I Think For your money they rate up their with poles hundreds of $ more. — Larry D. Madison Life without Black would surely make White blind You. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently broke the fly rod that I grew up fishing – an 8 ft 8 wt fiberglass Shakespeare.  I need to replace it and want a rod that I will not "out grow".  I have considered an L.L. Bean guide series 9 ft, 7 or 8 wt at about $200 with a lifetime unconditional guarantee.  I also saw a 9 ft 8 wt Loomis IMX recently for $275 on a close-out.  The Loomis cast very nicely.  I have not felt the Bean rod but have always been very happy with their products. Any advice would be appreciated.  How much better is the Loomis & is it worth the extra money?  Has anyone used the Bean rod? I grew up fishing for pickerel and bass in Delaware, but I primarily fish for Steelhead and smallmouth bass since moving to California and would like to do some Shad fishing.

Response:

Question:

I am looking for someone who will provide first-time instruction to a fly fishing beginner in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of New Mexico.  Please

Response:

There is at least one shop in Santa Fe that offers a guide service. Look them up in the yellow pages at your local library. (Yep, paper still works to transmit information!) — Ken Clark Ft. Lupton, CO

Response:

There is at least one shop in Santa Fe that offers a guide service. Look them up in the yellow pages at your local library.

Try: Santa Fe Flyfishing School & Guide Service (505) 986-3913 Bill Schudlich Santa Fe, NM

Response:

Question:

I am looking at boat for coastal fishing for stripers.  It has a Force 50HP outboard engine that is about four years old and seems to be in mint condition.  Does anyone have any experience with Force? Thanks in advance JK

Response:

I am looking at boat for coastal fishing for stripers.  It has a Force 50HP outboard engine that is about four years old and seems to be in mint condition.  Does anyone have any experience with Force?

If you don’t mind dealing with pre-mix, then a Force is a decent enough engine for "in shore" flyfishing. The Force engine line was an older Chrysler design which is now made by Mercury, so the dealer support should be as available as "true" Merc’s… If you’re looking for opinions, I’d look for an engine with VRO (variable rate oiler) so you can avoid the pre-mix and cut down on fouled plugs (a dead engine while snuggling up to cast to a breakwater can be *very* exciting ;^) but that does come with a higher price tag… Cheers! /dave <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <         "Read this and nobody gets hurt ;^)"         < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Response:

I am looking at boat for coastal fishing for stripers.  It has a Force 50HP outboard engine that is about four years old and seems to be in mint condition.  Does anyone have any experience with Force? Thanks in advance JK

Reply. I have a Force 1985, 85 hp. on my 16 foot bass boat. It works great and hasen’t cost much money. It doesn’t like to run for long periods at high speed, other than that, no problem. I understand Mercury has bought the company out and is supplying service ?????

Response:

I have a Force 1985, 85 hp. on my 16 foot bass boat. It works great and hasen’t cost much money. It doesn’t like to run for long periods at high speed, other than that, no problem. I understand Mercury has bought the company out and is supplying service ?????

Dennis: Using the standard premix ratio (I think it’s probably 50:1?) is probably insufficient for extended high-speed operation of that engine. I can’t say for certain if it’s mentioned in the operator’s manual (but it should be) that for that kind of use the oil should be increased (to 25:1 or so). Otherwise you’re likely to overheat the engine which might explain it’s reluctance to carry on for you at full-blast/long period operation… This is one of the niceties of a good VRO (not to mention that you don’t have to muck around with premix in the first place)… Cheers! /dave <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <         "Read this and nobody gets hurt ;^)"         < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Response:

I am looking at boat for coastal fishing for stripers.  It has a Force 50HP outboard engine that is about four years old and seems to be in mint condition.  Does anyone have any experience with Force? Thanks in advance JK

I would avoid Force like the plague.  Every year in Canada someones motor breaks down and it’s ALWAYS a Force.  Have yet to see one make it thru a hard week of fishing. Just what I’ve seen. Vince

Response:

Question:

I’m interested in the standards that are used in the competitive judging of flies.  If anyone could e-mail me a list of evaluative criteria for any specific competition, I’d greatly appreciate it.   Also, I’d like to hear any thoughts on the _bases_ of these criteria:  Do they ultimately reflect how well flies catch fish, or are they based on how well a fly catches the eye of the fisherman!? Thanks in advance for any observations you might have, whether e-mailed to me personally or posted here for discussion in the newsgroup. Rick Anderson

Response:

I’m interested in the standards that are used in the competitive judging of flies.  If anyone could e-mail me a list of evaluative criteria for any specific competition, I’d greatly appreciate it.   Also, I’d like to hear any thoughts on the _bases_ of these criteria:  Do they ultimately reflect how well flies catch fish, or are they based on how well a fly catches the eye of the fisherman!? Thanks in advance for any observations you might have, whether e-mailed to me personally or posted here for discussion in the newsgroup. Rick Anderson

I have some experience on flytying competitions both as participant in the Canadian World Championship for salmon flies and others and as a member of the jury in the Mustad Scandinavian Open in 93 and 94. First of all: How well the fly catches fish can only be judged by the fish. In practice it would be impossible to measure how well a fly catches. Other parameters as changing conditions, skills of the fisherman, luck etc had to be averaged out. After years of testing a high number of the same fly by a lot of different people (who must not know exactly what fly they were using) one might be able to say that fly A is a better fishing fly than fly B. It is very important to distinguish between flies for fishing and competition flies. There are two types flytiers: Those who only want to crank out a number of fishing flies in shortest possible time and those who want to develop their flytying skills towards perfection. If you belong to the first category you must respect the "perfectionists" although we all agree that the fish does not care. Flytying competitions therefore have to be judged by people. In my opinion the general criteria can be divided into two groups: a) "Technical properties" and b) "Artistic content". Technical perfection is primary for a top fly. The most important aspects are: Small smooth wellshaped head, no visible thread were it should not, all materials well aligned, no wing splitting etc, symmetry, proportions, conformity to the given pattern (if applicable), balance between the different components, no "illegal tricks" (ex superglue in salmon fly wings, cutting of material which should end naturally etc). If the fly is self composed artistic content also plays a part as a secondary criterion. This may be use of new materials or known materials used in a special way. I do not regard creations molded in plastic or rubber as flies. The materials have to be attached to the hook by the use of a tying thread. The participants in a contest will of course want to know how their fly was judged. In the Canadian WC we used to get a written judgement of the flies to be able to improve what was wrong. When this practice was ended I stopped participating, but they may have reintroduced this feedback. In the Mustad championship we tried to give some comments last year. This year I was not in the jury due to a one year stay in the US. I heard that the overall level in the salmon classes were not too impressive this year. The dry fly and nymph classes were much harder to judge. Often you really have to look very close to find a tiny flaw. In some competitions they have a formalized table for judging the flies. The points for each part of the fly is added and compared afterwards to get the ranking. This may or may not be more fair than throwing out the worst flies until ten are left and then sorting the last ten to get ranking among the ten best. We have found the last method to work well in the Mustad Championship. The form/points for each part-method have been suggested. The feedback to the participants would be better, but the time it would take to judge 500 flies in 7 classes would increase conciderably mainly due to filling out the forms. Personally I am not sure that this would improve the quality of the judgement. The ideas expressed here are mine and mine alone and I do not speak for the other members of the jury. This years Mustad Scandinavian open is closed and all participating flies will be displayed at the Flyfishing Days June 17-18, 1995,at the Norwegian Forestry Museum in Elverum, Norway. Edvard Bergene Norwegian visiting scientist at UW Madison

Response: