Question:

I know this isn’t the right group to post this on, but I’m too impatient to go through the hassle of subscribing to another newsgroup just for one (for now) question.  And a lot of you do regreational flying, so might be more familiar with this issue. I have read FAR 73 here: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfrhtml_00/Title_14/14cfr73_00.html and cannot find where it describes, specifies, or even implies what sorts of areas are restricted or prohibited.  Am I missing something? This came up in a discussion at work on fishing remote lakes.  The fisherman in question thinks it’s illegal to fly in to certain remote lakes, say in designated wilderness areas, wildlife refuges, National parks, etc.  I think he’s right, but where can I see what specifically is allowed, and what areas specifically are restricted or prohibited? David

Response:

That information is depicted graphically on the aviation charts, and temporary restrictions are published in the NOTAMS (notices to airmen). Best regards, Rob Housman

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know this isn’t the right group to post this on, but I’m too impatient to go through the hassle of subscribing to another newsgroup just for one (for now) question.  And a lot of you do regreational flying, so might be more familiar with this issue. I have read FAR 73 here: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfrhtml_00/Title_14/14cfr73_00.html and cannot find where it describes, specifies, or even implies what sorts of areas are restricted or prohibited.  Am I missing something? This came up in a discussion at work on fishing remote lakes.  The fisherman in question thinks it’s illegal to fly in to certain remote lakes, say in designated wilderness areas, wildlife refuges, National parks, etc.  I think he’s right, but where can I see what specifically is allowed, and what areas specifically are restricted or prohibited? David

Response:

Check with the manageing agency for the area you want to fly into.  The BLM, Forest Service, etc.  These governmental agencies set the regs for use within their holdings.  I don’t think the FAA has an interest in your question. To partially answer though, no motorized vehicles or even bicycles are allowed in designated USFS wilderness areas.  This would include aircraft landing or taking off.  Some refuges are restricted, some aren’t, an example being some located in Alaska.  Anyway, for specific restrictions, check with the managment.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know this isn’t the right group to post this on, but I’m too impatient to go through the hassle of subscribing to another newsgroup just for one (for now) question.  And a lot of you do regreational flying, so might be more familiar with this issue. I have read FAR 73 here: http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/cfrhtml_00/Title_14/14cfr73_00.html and cannot find where it describes, specifies, or even implies what sorts of areas are restricted or prohibited.  Am I missing something? This came up in a discussion at work on fishing remote lakes.  The fisherman in question thinks it’s illegal to fly in to certain remote lakes, say in designated wilderness areas, wildlife refuges, National parks, etc.  I think he’s right, but where can I see what specifically is allowed, and what areas specifically are restricted or prohibited? David

Response:

Question:

So before you spend big $$s on tying technique books, ‘a kit’, materials you don’t know, vises, new gizmos, threads, hooks, gear, etc. contact me. There’s NO charge, NO fee. Just sound FREE advice from someone who has no affiliation to any manufacturer, catalog company, fly shop or publisher. And, if I can’t answer your question, I’ll say so!

Allan, that’s extremely nice of you and I assume that most people will take you at your word. Don’t be suprised, though, if a few people are skeptical because (1) your subject line is in all capital letters, (2) unless I’m mistaken, you haven’t posted much if at all on this newsgroup in the past, and (3) the phraseology of your post sounds a bit like one of those "too good to be true" sales pitches. Unfortunately, the combination of these three things gives your post the flavor of SPAM. I hope that’s not the case. One litmus test of whether or not someone has solely commercial interests in participating in this newsgroup is a simple examination of his or her posting habits. That said, I hope you’ll make a habit of sharing your fly tying insight with us. So here’s your first question… I’ve considered starting fly tying but can never quite justify it in my mind since I’m not sure it’s something I would enjoy. Here’s what I’d probably tie: parachute Adams, EHC, very small pheasant tail nymphs with and without bead, orange and yellow stimulators, foam beetles, yellow humpies, winged red ants, black gnats, tiny cream midges, even tinier griffiths gnats, and assorted woolly buggers. Is there one vise I can buy that will allow me to tie these flies? How much would I have to spend on supplies and materials to be able to tie these flies? –Steve

Response:

This group appears only to be interested in advice coupled with at least a modicum of bullshit. So basically, no bullshit, no dice. The group exists for exchanging information ( and bullshit), so that everybody can participate. What is the point of going to e-mail ? If ROFF can not answer your questions, we will do it anyway. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you have a fly tying question?  I don’t have all the answers but, what I do know, I’m willing to share without any b.s..

Response:

<< So here’s your first question… I’ve considered starting fly tying but can never quite justify it in my mind since I’m not sure it’s something I would enjoy. Here’s what I’d probably tie: parachute Adams, EHC, very small pheasant tail nymphs with and without bead, orange and yellow stimulators, foam beetles, yellow humpies, winged red ants, black gnats, tiny cream midges, even tinier griffiths gnats, and assorted woolly buggers. Is there one vise I can buy that will allow me to tie these flies? How much would I have to spend on supplies and materials to be able to tie these flies? –Steve    Very nice.  And can he field strip an M50, blindfolded? GKT

Response:

Do you have a fly tying question?  I don’t have all the answers but, what I do know, I’m willing to share without any b.s..

        great to have you back, connelly…but there’s no need for that false name and addy! wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Do you have a fly tying question?  I don’t have all the answers but, what I do know, I’m willing to share without any b.s..    great to have you back, connelly…but there’s no need for that false name and addy! wayno

<SPLORK!

Response:

Do you have a fly tying question?  I don’t have all the answers but, what I do know, I’m willing to share without any b.s..

Should it be legal to patent or trademark a pattern ? Thanks man, — Halfordian Golfer It is impossible to catch and release a wild trout. A cash flow runs through it.

Response:

Do you have a fly tying question?  I don’t have all the answers but, what I do know, I’m willing to share without any b.s.. Should it be legal to patent or trademark a pattern ?

I don’t see why not. Might be hard to enforce, though. If you determine the genetic sequence of a natrual insect you can patent it under fairly broad conditions. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Allan,    Your offer is appreciated by the members of ROFF, and are you also willing to share the price of your flies? Ernie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you have a fly tying question?  I don’t have all the answers but, what I do know, I’m willing to share without any b.s.. After 40 years of fly tying (probably over 50,000 flies) mostly for trout up here in the n.e. (Catskills), fly fishing and reading all that I can get my hands on I think I’ve learned some things that may help you find solutions to your fly tying and maybe fly fishing problems. So before you spend big $$s on tying technique books, ‘a kit’, materials you don’t know, vises, new gizmos, threads, hooks, gear, etc. contact me. There’s NO charge, NO fee. Just sound FREE advice from someone who has no affiliation to any manufacturer, catalog company, fly shop or publisher. And, if I can’t answer your question, I’ll say so! Tight Wraps Allan

Response:

Do you have a fly tying question?  I don’t have all the answers but, what I do know, I’m willing to share without any b.s..

Without ANY b.s. ? Boy, are you ever in the wrong newsgroup. Just kiddin’ Allan, but it would be more appropriate to just chime in here on the newsgroup for all to read when you have something to contribute rather than popping in here unannounced and soliciting private email. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you have a fly tying question?  I don’t have all the answers but, what I do know, I’m willing to share without any b.s.. After 40 years of fly tying (probably over 50,000 flies) mostly for trout up here in the n.e. (Catskills), fly fishing and reading all that I can get my hands on I think I’ve learned some things that may help you find solutions to your fly tying and maybe fly fishing problems. So before you spend big $$s on tying technique books, ‘a kit’, materials you don’t know, vises, new gizmos, threads, hooks, gear, etc. contact me. There’s NO charge, NO fee. Just sound FREE advice from someone who has no affiliation to any manufacturer, catalog company, fly shop or publisher. And, if I can’t answer your question, I’ll say so! Tight Wraps Allan

Thanks Allan, I have a question or two….. questions that concern legitimacy. To the best of my recollection, this is your first message to this august body. Hence, my natural-borne skepticism. Are questions to be posted here at ROFF where you will answer them here publically at ROFF? Or do you prefer that questions be sent to you via e-mail? If the latter, what is your privacy policy concerning the security of e-mail addresses of questionaires? Since you mentioned that you had no affilition with fly shops, etc., but failed to mention that you had *no* affiliation with internet marketeers, I ask these hard questions not to dissuade your altruism, but to clarify your position concerning the privacy of ROFFians who visit this newsgroup, and who, unwittingly, may fall prey to the tentacles of ever-present address collectors who share or sell their lists to spammers. My questions are not posed nor meant to demean your knowledge and your apparent willingness to share that knowledge. That is commendable. *But*, please excuse my skepticism…. we’ve seen these types of posts before. –Walt — Ezflyfish.com: http://www.ezflyfish.com Blue Ridge Book Gallery: http://users.boone.net/wgw/brbg.html

Response:

Do you have a fly tying question?  I don’t have all the answers but, what I do know, I’m willing to share without any b.s.. After 40 years of fly tying (probably over 50,000 flies) mostly for trout up here in the n.e. (Catskills), fly fishing and reading all that I can get my hands on I think I’ve learned some things that may help you find solutions to your fly tying and maybe fly fishing problems. So before you spend big $$s on tying technique books, ‘a kit’, materials you don’t know, vises, new gizmos, threads, hooks, gear, etc. contact me. There’s NO charge, NO fee. Just sound FREE advice from someone who has no affiliation to any manufacturer, catalog company, fly shop or publisher. And, if I can’t answer your question, I’ll say so! Tight Wraps Allan

Response:

Question:

I think that I’ve got it narrowed down to a couple of different models: Wilderness Systems The Ride Perception Swing I plan on using it in the bays around Long Island, NY I do not plan on too much use in the surf, but it may happen. I’m looking for a good Kayak…I am trying to keep down the length to under 14 feet or so. I notice that The Ride has a factory installed Rudder as an option. Would this be a good idea for my kind of use? Is the Swing more versatile than the Ride? How about stability??? Help a newbie out please!! -Tim Before you buy.

Response:

I think that I’ve got it narrowed down to a couple of different models: Wilderness Systems The Ride Perception Swing

I have 2 Ride’s that I use in flat water rivers and inshore in saltwater (I live in Atlanta). I don’t have rudders and haven’t had problems with tracking, but I use mine primarily to fly fish from and not for any kind of touring. — Charlie…

Response:

I grew up on Peconic and Shinnecock bays and wish I could paddle there during these interminable hot days down south. If I were you I would go for the Freedom by WS over the Ride. Both have a rudder option but the Freedom without rudder is as stable as any sot I have ever been in. It seems to sit lower in the water which means it gets less side push from winds, it is faster than Ride and the cost is comparable (Ride w rudder, Freedom w/o) The rudder is not to steer but to keep you on a more or less straight line when winds push against you. I doubt you will need a rudder on the Freedom, learn to control the boat by edging and adjusting your paddle stroke. I would invest the extra money in getting the optional back rest, it will be worth it to you in comfort. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think that I’ve got it narrowed down to a couple of different models: Wilderness Systems The Ride Perception Swing I plan on using it in the bays around Long Island, NY I do not plan on too much use in the surf, but it may happen. I’m looking for a good Kayak…I am trying to keep down the length to under 14 feet or so. I notice that The Ride has a factory installed Rudder as an option. Would this be a good idea for my kind of use? Is the Swing more versatile than the Ride? How about stability??? Help a newbie out please!! -Tim Before you buy.

Response:

I was looking at the Freedom as well, but I elimintaed it due to it’s size….I thought it to be  too long.  I’ll take a closer look.  Anyone with any other thoughts??? Thanks, Tim I – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I grew up on Peconic and Shinnecock bays and wish I could paddle there during these interminable hot days down south. If I were you I would go for the Freedom by WS over the Ride. Both have a rudder option but the Freedom without rudder is as stable as any sot I have ever been in. It seems to sit lower in the water which means it gets less side push from winds, it is faster than Ride and the cost is comparable (Ride w rudder, Freedom w/o) The rudder is not to steer but to keep you on a more or less straight line when winds push against you. I doubt you will need a rudder on the Freedom, learn to control the boat by edging and adjusting your paddle stroke. I would invest the extra money in getting the optional back rest, it will be worth it to you in comfort. I think that I’ve got it narrowed down to a couple of different models: Wilderness Systems The Ride Perception Swing I plan on using it in the bays around Long Island, NY I do not plan on too much use in the surf, but it may happen. I’m looking for a good Kayak…I am trying to keep down the length to under 14 feet or so. I notice that The Ride has a factory installed Rudder as an option. Would this be a good idea for my kind of use? Is the Swing more versatile than the Ride? How about stability??? Help a newbie out please!! -Tim Before you buy.

Before you buy.

Response:

Hi Tim, I’m relatively new to sea kayaking and I recently bought a used Scupper Pro (sot) that’s 14′9". I got it because it was in my price range and offered good sized hatches for gear and I found it easy to paddle. (One week this summer I paddled around Shelter Island, Peconic Bay and such.) I’m curious why you didn’t want something longer than 14 feet. In my limited experience, length of the kayak on the water hasn’t been an issue – what do I not know? I am thinking of investigating the rudder option for the Scupper – tracking in wind on the big bays around here (southern New Jersey) would be easier! Karenne

Response:

Question:

   Ok folks, tommorow will be a one day snapshot of flyfishing accross the globe, all to be posted here for the world to enjoy.  I will not be anywhere near a computer until Monday morning, so let’s decide what the header will be for our results so they’re all in one thread.  I know some participants may post over the weekend, so for simplicity’s sake, let’s call it Fishing Day Results.  Yes?  No?    I’ll be heading up to some high desert lakes myself, feeling pretty good about the prospects.  We’ll see on Monday! JE

And for those who can’t fish tomorrow, Sunday the 18th will automatically be deleted and the 17th will carry over for another 24 hours. Big Al

Response:

   Ok folks, tommorow will be a one day snapshot of flyfishing accross the globe, all to be posted here for the world to enjoy.  I will not be anywhere near a computer until Monday morning, so let’s decide what the header will be for our results so they’re all in one thread.  I know some participants may post over the weekend, so for simplicity’s sake, let’s call it Fishing Day Results.  Yes?  No?    I’ll be heading up to some high desert lakes myself, feeling pretty good about the prospects.  We’ll see on Monday! JE

Lucky b—-r, I’ll  be stuck battling a fibreglas hatch on the Credit. Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.cgocable.net/~pcharles/index.html

Response:

    Ok folks, tommorow will be a one day snapshot of flyfishing accross the globe, all to be posted here for the world to enjoy.  I will not be anywhere near a computer until Monday morning, so let’s decide what the header will be for our results so they’re all in one thread.  I know some participants may post over the weekend, so for simplicity’s sake, let’s call it Fishing Day Results.  Yes?  No?     I’ll be heading up to some high desert lakes myself, feeling pretty good about the prospects.  We’ll see on Monday! JE

Response:

Question:

Hi My sentiments are similar to Christian’s first posting. I prefer a slightly stiffer rod when Spey casting, I started with a so called "Spey" but found it difficult to achieve distance without perfect timing. You need to slow down your whole casting action, wait for the rod to load before applying the power. Timing is everything when using a traditional Spey actioned rod. They are not suitable for using with any kind of sinking line, the action is just too slow and this gives the line time to sink between the "back cast" and forward cast. I soon changed to a 15′ 1" Sage with a stiffer action and found this to be near perfect for me, with both floating and sinking lines. It can be used with shooting heads as Christian mentions (12 meters of #12 line is perfect) and casts of 40+ yards are fairly routine with this method. It is tireing though having to strip in nearly 30 yards of line every cast. As for breakages, the more expensive the rod the better the guarentee (usually), my Sage has a lifetime guarentee, the Diawa doesn’t have any guarentee. As usual it all comes down to "how much you want to spend". Bruce & Walker rods are a range I can recommend – buy the "Walker" rods they have the stiffer action. The Norway or Speycaster range are excellent rods. The Diawa Amorphous is a good range. At the top of the tree are the Sage and the Hardy Ultralite/Elite range. Only my opinions. Chris

Response:

Hi Chris

Hi Chris I would like to make a couple of small but very important points here regarding your change from one rod to another. It is my humble opinion  your first rod didn’t quite suit your casting style and or body shape. With the greatest respects that doesn’t mean that particular rod is not suitable for somebody else. Just as your move to a Sage doesn’t mean that a Sage will suit everybody. My point is that the individual must buy a rod that suits/fits him or her. Two of my mates fish and cast perfectly well with 19ft (yes 19 feet) B&W’s but I cannot cast very well with them. I can cast however the same amount of line (as them) with a 15ft B&W, I can also cast a few of the other available rods, including almost all of the Daiwa rods, equally well. Other rods that I cannot come to grips with are the B&W Hexograph the Sage (Chris’s rod) and some of the Walkers although I think with practice I could master the Walkers. My point is that someone buying a new rod must try a few out first and choose the one that they think suits them. I fish regularly with a stiff rod the B&W 15ft heavy duty Expert, but this rod has a very fast action, unlike the slower action of the ones I cannot use. As mentioned before there are many X’s in the equation and here are some of them. A stiff rod with a fast action A stiff rod with a slow action A soft rod with a slow action ( I can’t think of a soft rod that’s got a fast action) The size of line you choose to fish with your chosen rod, (normally rods are rated for three sizes, but there is a tremendous difference between a 9 and an 11. This will also has an impact on how soft the rod feels and casts) Floating etc…etc…etc…. Okay I’m off the pedastal ) Regards Lawr, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi My sentiments are similar to Christian’s first posting. I prefer a slightly stiffer rod when Spey casting, I started with a so called "Spey" but found it difficult to achieve distance without perfect timing. You need to slow down your whole casting action, wait for the rod to load before applying the power. Timing is everything when using a traditional Spey actioned rod. They are not suitable for using with any kind of sinking line, the action is just too slow and this gives the line time to sink between the "back cast" and forward cast. I soon changed to a 15′ 1" Sage with a stiffer action and found this to be near perfect for me, with both floating and sinking lines. It can be used with shooting heads as Christian mentions (12 meters of #12 line is perfect) and casts of 40+ yards are fairly routine with this method. It is tireing though having to strip in nearly 30 yards of line every cast. As for breakages, the more expensive the rod the better the guarentee (usually), my Sage has a lifetime guarentee, the Diawa doesn’t have any guarentee. As usual it all comes down to "how much you want to spend". Bruce & Walker rods are a range I can recommend – buy the "Walker" rods they have the stiffer action. The Norway or Speycaster range are excellent rods. The Diawa Amorphous is a good range. At the top of the tree are the Sage and the Hardy Ultralite/Elite range. Only my opinions. Chris

Response:

My fishing buddy and I have obseved a few people Spey casting up here on the Miramichi.  It looks like fun.  They cast a mile-long line.  But, we have always wondered if the method helps them catch more fish?  We cover the same amount of water (or more) by fishing from a canoe.  If there are fish that are out of our reach, we just move the boat into a position so that we get a good swing over them. JB

Response:

Hi Lawr You are right to make these valid points but I thought I had mentioned them in my original posting, I checked and I had. I prefer a slightly stiffer rod when Spey casting Timing is everything when using a traditional Spey actioned rod. I soon changed to a 15′ 1" Sage with a stiffer action and found this to be near perfect for me

I think these snippits confirm that the information I gave was MY preferences, I was not trying to make hard and fast rules that apply to everybody. As for hard and fast rules I still believe the only comment I made against traditional actioned "spey" rods was They are not suitable for using with any kind of sinking line, the action is just too slow and this gives the line time to sink between the "back cast" and forward cast.

and this is something I still maintain. Thanks for keeping us on our toes Lawr. Chris

Response:

I’m sorry Chris!! I wasn’t trying to have a go at your opinions, postings can often come across a bit strong. My intention was to add other considerations to all the other opinions including yours. Don’t mind me I rattle on a bit when it’s a subject I like ) however I can say sorry and I can do a U-Turn if I’m wrong ) Best Regards Lawr, PS Have you checked out the Ness System reports etc…on my website?? www.f-deans.freeserve.co.uk – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Lawr You are right to make these valid points but I thought I had mentioned them in my original posting, I checked and I had. I prefer a slightly stiffer rod when Spey casting Timing is everything when using a traditional Spey actioned rod. I soon changed to a 15′ 1" Sage with a stiffer action and found this to be near perfect for me I think these snippits confirm that the information I gave was MY preferences, I was not trying to make hard and fast rules that apply to everybody. As for hard and fast rules I still believe the only comment I made against traditional actioned "spey" rods was They are not suitable for using with any kind of sinking line, the action is just too slow and this gives the line time to sink between the "back cast" and forward cast. and this is something I still maintain. Thanks for keeping us on our toes Lawr. Chris

Response:

Hi, I am interested in buying a double handed salmon rod, It should be quite allround, so I am thinking of a rod of about 14′ for #9/10. I have been casting both (still having to learn a lot) and like the single and double Spey and rollcasts. Should I choose the somewhat softer "old" design Speycastrods or would a modern stiffer design be better ???? I don’t want to start with just a cheap rod, then a fair rod, a good rod and after that buying a realy nice rod. Good advise is welcome……. Regards, Ger.

Response:

It should be quite allround, so I am thinking of a rod of about 14′ for #9/10. [...] Should I choose the somewhat softer "old" design Speycastrods or would a modern stiffer design be better ????

I say go for the modern stiffer design.  Not that you especially need a stiff rod, but because the old design speyrods were designed with traditional speycasting in mind, meaning loading the rod all the way around the spey cast. Nowadays, you would just go with a shooting head and a spiced up roll cast. I’ll happily admit, I’m drawing up two extremes here, and even though your question kinda opened that door, it isn’t particularly useful in terms of fishing. The old style spey casting would enable you to cast a 45 yard DT line in a single casting motion, but it required very good technique and it was also hard work. Rods had to be heavy and slow action to perform such a cast, and I think you need to wear tweed to get it right, as well..   That time has past, basically. — At least here in Norway. ( it seems the time of rivers packed with salmon are gone up here too..)  Lightweight, fast rods are dominating, and shooting heads are getting more popular. Some still use WF-lines or other taperings, in contrast to the now rare, but formerly very popular DT line. Most people tend to retrieve quite a bit of line before making the cast (especially with shooting heads), and the cast isn’t really a jolly old God save the Queen spey cast (Hi there, Brits! , but more like an advanced roll cast. It works, and I’ve found it to be much easier than real spey casting. The distance potential is impeccable, and its only drawback is that you have your fly less in the water than with real spey casting (due to line retrieval between casts). Also, sinking vs. floating line can make a difference in your choice. To handle a sinking line, a light weight, fast tip-action rod might not be sufficient. But for WF or ST floating lines, the faster and lighter rod would excel. So, I think you need to ask yourself, do you want to fish effectively and easily with a two-handed rod, or do you in fact want to learn the traditional spey casting?  Absolutely nothing wrong with the latter. I may be off with my definitions. The last time I responded to a spey cast question, several knowledgeable people objected and offered alternative views, and I can’t guarantee I got it right this time. I just feel that you perhaps shouldn’t go for the heavy, slow action rod, based solely on tradition, without considering more modern applications of two-handed casting (and besides, slow action rods doesn’t have to be heavy – I just made that up.. ). As always when buying a rod, test casting several options is the best way to go. We all have our quirks and preferences. Too fast of an action can be very bad, considering you’re dealing with a 14′ rod here –the longer the rod, the more accuracy is needed in handling it. Personally, I would put great emphasis on weight. I use to have a Bruce & Walker Powerlite 15′, an absolutely wonderful rod, extremely light weight for its size. It broke, and most other rods I’ve tried, made me and especially my back longing for my B&W.. Its successor is the B&W Powerlite Speycaster, and if you have the chance, I’d suggest you have a look at it. — Christian Figenschou – http://figen.com

Response:

Should I choose the somewhat softer "old" design Speycastrods or would a modern stiffer design be better ????

If you plan to use switch, single and double spey casts, then go with a true "spey" rod. If you plan to use casts like one would with a trout rod (i.e. overhand + false casting), then go with a more modern rod. The big difference is that the spey rod flexes for the entire length of the shaft, and it can handle flexing in all directions.  More modern rods have a "progressive taper" where the butt section of the shaft hardly bends and most of the flex occurs in the top 1/3-rd of the shaft.  Modern rods have also been optimized for front-back casting, and may not handle flexing in all directions as well as a spey rod. Finally, don’t confuse stiffness with power.  Modern rods have a quick snappy tip designed to generate high line speed over a short distance.  Older rods, including glass, generate moderate line speed, but over a greater distance. In part because of my decent but not super-powerful wrist and forearm strength, I feel like I can toss a line farther and more accurately with the softer rods. Thomas Gilg

Response:

Thomas and Christian have given you very good advice however it is my humble opinion that you must buy a rod that suits/fits  *you*.  When buying a pair of shoes you do not buy a pair that fits somebody else and this is the case with Spey Rods. When Spey casting/fishing there are many many X’s in the equation and without trying a rod on to see if it *fits* you (and the type of water you are fishing) you will be unaware of them. This is why it takes years to perfect a good Spey cast. You are right however to go for a good quality rod first time round. On the river Ness System Scotland, a great Spey casting area, the most common rod is the Daiwa  Amorphous 15 or 16 ft, I don’t own one at the moment but if buying a new rod I would buy the 15ft. The extra lightweight rods *may* have a tendency to break as Christian pointed out especially if using a sink tip or full sinking line. HTH Lawr, www.f-deans.freeserve.co.uk         "Fishing On The Fly"               :{)< – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi, I am interested in buying a double handed salmon rod, It should be quite allround, so I am thinking of a rod of about 14′ for #9/10. I have been casting both (still having to learn a lot) and like the single and double Spey and rollcasts. Should I choose the somewhat softer "old" design Speycastrods or would a modern stiffer design be better ???? I don’t want to start with just a cheap rod, then a fair rod, a good rod and after that buying a realy nice rod. Good advise is welcome……. Regards, Ger.

Response:

Oh! dear does your friend have a licence ) (only kidding) When you get accustomed to a rod it is difficult to make the transition to another rod. Even two rods from the same maker with exactly the same specifications (i.e. two B&W 15ft heavy duty Experts) can have different actions. Over the years I have seen quite a few Spey rods broken during casting (the noise is a bit like a gun going off) with no particular rod type being the worst case.  IMHO it would be more difficult to break an Expert than say a Powerlight especially if using a sinking line or sink tip coupled with 3 inch leaded waddington. I know the above is an extreme case but you may need a rod that is capable of fishing all the extremes. Regards Lawr, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The extra lightweight rods *may* have a tendency to break as Christian pointed out especially if using a sink tip or full sinking line. In this particular case, I’ve found them to have a tendency of breaking when your friend runs over them with his car..   — Christian Figenschou – http://figen.com

Response:

Question:

   He he, my wife’s back-up deer rifle is a Dragunov SVD. It does seem to get odd looks from other hunters:-) Dino in Reno

Hey dino:   My wifes weapon of choice for deer is my formerly pristeen Toyota Pick-up truck! And why does somebody named Tamela have a wife??????? — Carl Johansson, Guardian of Yahoo Central  "J-3 frontseater, P-51 backseater" Avid Mark IV N2114N

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – She’s just upset ’cause the last one I got was less than 25 yards away, through the PA Brush, in the rain, 15 minutes in the season with a Marlin 336 30-30. The last one I got was at 50 yards from home — in between the house and the shop.  I got him at blank point range with a model 94 Ford Ranger.  Bambi Jerky, yum yum To alleviate that problemn I’ve moved to the residential airpark and my new shop (i.e., hangar) is right outside my back door.

John, I generally recommend something that uses less expensive projectiles! HF

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Why all of you bad guys ought to be ashamed of yourselves for heading out into the desert armed with all those high powered assault weapons just hoping to assassinate some poor…. Got to practice somehow Uncle HF.  It pays to be in shape, and be a good (long-range) marksman to boot.  Never know with the Mongolians or the Turks will come over the mountain! BWB    He he, my wife’s back-up deer rifle is a Dragunov SVD. It does seem to get odd looks from other hunters:-) Dino in Reno

Mine is an aging Winchester chambered for 45-70.  It has been in the family since it was new.  It is a little short for BWB’s sniper hunting, but it is the absolute ticket for brush popping the darn critturs. HF

Response:

She’s just upset ’cause the last one I got was less than 25 yards away, through the PA Brush, in the rain, 15 minutes in the season with a Marlin 336 30-30.

The last one I got was at 50 yards from home — in between the house and the shop.  I got him at blank point range with a model 94 Ford Ranger.  Bambi Jerky, yum yum To alleviate that problemn I’ve moved to the residential airpark and my new shop (i.e., hangar) is right outside my back door. – John Ousterhout – Cessna driver, Flybaby builder, RV Wantabe

Response:

Why all of you bad guys ought to be ashamed of yourselves for heading out into the desert armed with all those high powered assault weapons just hoping to assassinate some poor…. Got to practice somehow Uncle HF.  It pays to be in shape, and be a good (long-range) marksman to boot.  Never know with the Mongolians or the Turks will come over the mountain! BWB

   He he, my wife’s back-up deer rifle is a Dragunov SVD. It does seem to get odd looks from other hunters:-) Dino in Reno

Response:

Haa Haa got you there!!  you can’t count my thumb.  Since it spends so much time inserted in my rectum it cannot – repeat cannot be counted as a digit – and that is by international decree my friend – "the Warsaw thumbsitting act of 1987 to be exact)

Just a minor correction there Carl,it was the "Warsaw left handed Thumbsitting act of 1987" to be exact. It was authored by Stanislaw Podgorski who also authored the "Right foot in Mouth Act of 1982" and the "It’s not Sex,but an inapporiate Act, Act of 1998" often cited by bill clinton… Just a minor detail. Chuck(Polish Historian)Slusarczyk..author of the "He’s not Crazy he’s Nuts act of 1997.

Response:

Haa Haa got you there!!  you can’t count my thumb.  Since it spends so much time inserted in my rectum it cannot – repeat cannot be counted as a digit – and that is by international decree my friend – "the Warsaw thumbsitting act of 1987 to be exact)  – Carl Johansson, Guardian of Yahoo Central "J-3 frontseater, P-51 backseater" Avid Mark IV N2114N

Just one of many "acts" I’ve heard you are so intimately familiar with. And I don’t care if you like it or not, you’re still my Good Buddy, John Stricker — why I had to put it in.  If one of you real humans wants to contact me: "I didn’t spend all these years getting to the top of the food chain just to become a vegetarian"

Response:

Carl, FYI, I currently own four

Thats 4 POS scouts for those of you not keeping track  (that’s the same number of fingers you have left on your hand including your thumb since you lost that one in the barrel of BWB’s gun a while back you dimwit)

Haa Haa got you there!!  you can’t count my thumb.  Since it spends so much time inserted in my rectum it cannot – repeat cannot be counted as a digit – and that is by international decree my friend – "the Warsaw thumbsitting act of 1987 to be exact)   — Carl Johansson, Guardian of Yahoo Central  "J-3 frontseater, P-51 backseater" Avid Mark IV N2114N

Response:

Ahh!  You got it right John.  Carl is a crybaby.  I may have shot that buck from 700 yards.  It gets longer everyday that I think about it. What really griped me was Carl giving credit to Twyla.  Shit, she just sat, smoked Camels and bitched the whole time about Tommy Cooper.  I have no idea what her problem was.  

She’s just upset ’cause the last one I got was less than 25 yards away, through the PA Brush, in the rain, 15 minutes in the season with a Marlin 336 30-30. And I shot it in the head because you can’t eat the damm horns anyway. She was mad because I looked that Bambi in its sad eyes and KILLED IT ANYWAY. Miss Geeter thought for that fleeting moment I had a colder heart that she did but we all know that’s impossible. Tom "I might just use a 12 Ga. this year" Cooper

Response:

I haven’t been introduced to the gentile sport of BWB hunting, and don’t know the rules.  Are Gatling spud guns considered unsporting? "Lennie the Lurker"

No not unsporting, but bake ‘em first and it will be considered tasty. Tom "here we go talking about food again" Cooper

Response:

Why all of you bad guys ought to be ashamed of yourselves for heading out into the desert armed with all those high powered assault weapons just hoping to assassinate some poor young "Bambi" on his very first sortie away from his loving mother.  I know you don’t really need the groceries because you can buy hamburger already ground up and patted out into patties at Wal-Mart for MUCH less that a box of ammunition for those vicious weapons. Yah – so whats your point??????

Py Yimmeny, Mister Johansson, if YOU can go fishing,  I can go fishing! HF

Response:

I haven’t been introduced to the gentile sport of BWB hunting, and don’t know the rules.  Are Gatling spud guns considered unsporting? "Lennie the Lurker"

We currently have a crew of engineers working out the mounting points and the loading system for installation on a Mooney for rec.aviation flyin at Pink Knee in 1999.  We plan to usher in the millenium with a proper celebration.  All of the millenia. Since we have many programmers in the group, and programmers always start counting with "zero" their millenia is 2000.  For everyone else, who start counting with "one," the mellenia is 2001.  However, Arther C. Clarke already usurped that one. HF

Response:

Ahh!  You got it right John.  Carl is a crybaby.  I may have shot that buck from 700 yards.  It gets longer everyday that I think about it. What really griped me was Carl giving credit to Twyla.  Shit, she just sat, smoked Camels and bitched the whole time about Tommy Cooper.  I have no idea what her problem was.  You know, she just turned 94.  I guess when you are that old it’s impossible to reason with you.  She was ranting and raving that she made some deal with God that she can’t die until Carl, Me, Tommy, Tony,  Chuck and O’ring are in our graves.   We made the old bag sleep outside in a tent both nights that she was there.  One night it rained like hell.  I could hear her praying while we were in the RV with our heater on  in nice, warm and soft beds.  I thought to myself.  To Hell with you.  You old bag.  I’m glad to see you suffer, you old decrepit piece of crap.  The next day she came in for a shower and she was soaked to the bone.  Serves the old bag right I say. BWB – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -PS:  Nice shot Bill.  I notice there were nothing but excuses from old Carl here.  God what a whining baby.

Response:

Why all of you bad guys ought to be ashamed of yourselves for heading out into the desert armed with all those high powered assault weapons just hoping to assassinate some poor….

Got to practice somehow Uncle HF.  It pays to be in shape, and be a good (long-range) marksman to boot.  Never know with the Mongolians or the Turks will come over the mountain! BWB

Response:

I haven’t been introduced to the gentile sport of BWB hunting, and don’t know the rules.  Are Gatling spud guns considered unsporting? "Lennie the Lurker"

Response:

Badwater Bill wrote Got to practice somehow Uncle HF.  It pays to be in shape, and be a good (long-range) marksman to boot.  Never know with the Mongolians or the Turks will come over the mountain! BWB

The Real Truth about the hunting trip: BWB lurks in the shadows of the ridge mumbling softly to himself.  "I’ll get them this time.  Them Turks, they’re after me.  They’ve been after me for a long time but I’ll get them this time." Poor innocent Bambi strolls through his valley not far from where he was born, looking for nothing more than a tuff of dry grass in the late season. BWB sees the movement and says "There they are!  The Turks!  And they’re in disguise again!" BLAM!! Bambi’s blood stained body is thrown against a tree and the last thing he sees as the light fades from his eyes is a madman running down from the ridge screaming "I GOT THEM!  I GOT THEM!" Can nothing stop this maniac?  Who or what will he hit next?  Look forward to the next exciting episode of: "Let’s Go Hunting This Weekend.or I’m Going Settle This Suit One Way Or The Other" Rich Isakson

Response:

Phillips you ought to be ashamed of yourself. Why all of you bad guys ought to be ashamed of yourselves for heading out into the desert armed with all those high powered assault weapons just hoping to assassinate some poor young "Bambi" on his very first sortie away from his loving mother.  I know you don’t really need the groceries because you can buy hamburger already ground up and patted out into patties at Wal-Mart for MUCH less that a box of ammunition for those vicious weapons.  

Some lady asked me the other day as I got out of my truck dressed in my camo hunting outfit,"How could you kill a deer?" I said with a bow ,shotgun, muzzleloader(no not the drinking kind) or pistol. She then said"why do you do that?,don’t you like deer?" I said ,yes ma’am, I like ‘em… baked, fried, BBQ’ed, Roasted, made into sausage, cooked on a grill, made into spaghetti, chili,stew,…… She just shook her head in disgust walked away and went into Mac Dee to eat something someone else killed….Go figure… Chuck(my biggest was a 180# heavy rack 10 pt.)Slusarczyk PS Besides Bambi, I eat Porky Pig,Henny Penny,Mother Goose,Bugs Bunny,    Bossie the Cow and the rest .If God didn’t want me to eat’em He wouldn’t    have made ‘em taste good.

Response:

HF, With Carl on the operating end of the weapon, Bambi can sleep secure. John Stricker — why I had to put it in.  If one of you real humans wants to contact me: "I didn’t spend all these years getting to the top of the food chain just to become a vegetarian" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Phillips you ought to be ashamed of yourself. Why all of you bad guys ought to be ashamed of yourselves for heading out into the desert armed with all those high powered assault weapons just hoping to assassinate some poor young "Bambi" on his very first sortie away from his loving mother.  I know you don’t really need the groceries because you can buy hamburger already ground up and patted out into patties at Wal-Mart for MUCH less that a box of ammunition for those vicious weapons. Shame, shame, shame. HF

Response:

I’ve been nuts for at least 30 years that I’m aware of.  I actually think that O’ring drove me nuts because of my close contact with him for many years.

Denying any mental illness is itself a symptom of mental illness (see Zoom paradox no. 1).  Conversely if you claim that you’re nuts, you probably aren’t. I’ve met O’Ring and he seems quite normal to me.  Fortunately for O’Ring, being exposed (literally) to you hasn’t harmed him. Carl Johannson is of the same caliber as O’ring and myself.

I’ve met Carl and anyone that wears those beutiful Hawiian shirts has to be a mentally healthy person. Thank Dog, there is NO ONE else the same caliber as you. – John (44 caliber) Ousterhout –

Response:

A whole bunch of stuff – most of which was true – some of which is now Guess what.  I got the deer… and they got skunked!!!!

We did come out of the desert with one deer (this trip – openning day we had two more, and just last night we got a big one during the muzzleloader season – no Bob not that kind of Muzzleloader!!!! But Phillips in his scotch hazed memory has forgotten the real scenario. Were out in the desert just fooling around having some fun – when up pulls this beat up old 1966 international.  (BTW Stricker I’ll put my stock Defender up against that POS scout you have any day – I used to have one-  criminy what a ride!!!) Anyway out jumps this rickity old grandma who immediately starts ranting and raving about "that miscreant Billy Phillips".  It’s Miss Geeter!!!!! She followed the scotch fumes and a trail of empty Tecate cans to find that idiot!!!! Phillips tries to hide in the luggage compartment of the motorhome but Miss Geeter smells him out – grabs him by the ear and pulls him out of there (as we sit doubled over in laughter). Anyway Miss Geeter sits there by the fire with us – she’s smoking filterless camels and belching like a sailor, and tells us that the only failure she has ever encountered in her life is not being able to teach (or more correctly train) BWB anything of any value.  So now she has decided in a last ditch attempt to  teach Bedwetter Billy (as she calls him) anything at all, she figures she may be able to reach him through this hunting stuff. So we drop old BWB and Miss Geeter in the "badlands" the next morning. Turns out we put the SOB right in the middle of the action, as almost immediately this tiny – really stupid buck, full of testosterone, and no common sense pops up 25 yards in front of BWB and begs to be shot. I’m sitting up on top of the hill watching the soap opera unfold. So BWB attempts to put this deer in his sights and the gun barrel is moving around like a bamboo in a hurricane.  Suddenly Miss Geeter loses patience with Phillips and grabs the gun from him.  Phillips shrinks down into a fetal sitting position hiding behind a Joshua tree, shaking like a leaf and sucking his thumb!! So Geeter drops the hammer on the deer, and Phillips flinches like a nuclear bomb went off in his shorts.  Then he gets on the radio and starts crowing about how HE "got him –  he’s huge – 4 point".  turns out to be a little forky – and Phillips was cowering behind the tree while that Geeter Chick did the dirty work. Way to go Geeter Baby!!!!! This as you all know is the true story of BWB’s suposedly sucessfull deer hunt!!!!!! Phillips you ought to be ashamed of yourself. — Carl Johansson, Guardian of Yahoo Central  "J-3 frontseater, P-51 backseater" Avid Mark IV N2114N

Response:

Phillips you ought to be ashamed of yourself.

Why all of you bad guys ought to be ashamed of yourselves for heading out into the desert armed with all those high powered assault weapons just hoping to assassinate some poor young "Bambi" on his very first sortie away from his loving mother.  I know you don’t really need the groceries because you can buy hamburger already ground up and patted out into patties at Wal-Mart for MUCH less that a box of ammunition for those vicious weapons.   Shame, shame, shame. HF

Response:

Why all of you bad guys ought to be ashamed of yourselves for heading out into the desert armed with all those high powered assault weapons just hoping to assassinate some poor young "Bambi" on his very first sortie away from his loving mother.  I know you don’t really need the groceries because you can buy hamburger already ground up and patted out into patties at Wal-Mart for MUCH less that a box of ammunition for those vicious weapons.

Yah – so whats your point?????? Carl Johansson, Guardian of Yahoo Central  "J-3 frontseater, P-51 backseater" Avid Mark IV N2114N

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Phillips you ought to be ashamed of yourself. Why all of you bad guys ought to be ashamed of yourselves for heading out into the desert armed with all those high powered assault weapons just hoping to assassinate some poor young "Bambi" on his very first sortie away from his loving mother.  I know you don’t really need the groceries because you can buy hamburger already ground up and patted out into patties at Wal-Mart for MUCH less that a box of ammunition for those vicious weapons. Shame, shame, shame. HF

Hear, Hear Yoram Leshinski

Response:

Carl, While your most of your story is certainly believable and I heartily accept as the truth, there is one issue that I simply must address. Were out in the desert just fooling around having some fun – when up pulls this beat up old 1966 international.  (BTW Stricker I’ll put my stock Defender up against that POS scout you have any day – I used to have one-  criminy what a ride!!!)

FYI, I currently own four (that’s the same number of fingers you have left on your hand including your thumb since you lost that one in the barrel of BWB’s gun a while back you dimwit) (4) of these fine specimens of American Truck production.  Even the sorriest of the lot would be more than up to the task of defending it’s name against your baseless charges you wuss. And if by some miracle of divine intervention, they should fail, out comes the S1700.  And if IT fails in totally destroying whatever that junk example you drive, I’ll dolly up the semi trailer and finish you off with the CO9670 and 435 hp Detroit. However, I’m quite sure that it won’t come to that, as I don’t expect you to ever make good on your feeble claims of superiority.  Obviously, anyone that "used to have one" and got rid of it is at least half a bubble out of plumb. John "Give me 392cid of 1000# American Iron for an engine any day" Stricker PS:  Nice shot Bill.  I notice there were nothing but excuses from old Carl here.  God what a whining baby. — why I had to put it in.  If one of you real humans wants to contact me: "I didn’t spend all these years getting to the top of the food chain just to become a vegetarian"

Response:

I think the people who build and fly their own airplanes are for the most part nuts.  I’ve been nuts for at least 30 years that I’m aware of.  I actually think that O’ring drove me nuts because of my close contact with him for many years.  I was hanging on to certain threads of reality when I met him in 1972.  He’s a chemist by trade and everyone knows that chemists are nuts from birth.  I tried to remain calm and focused as a young physicist working in the same lab that housed O’ring.  But, as time went on and my association with him became closer he drove me over the edge.   Carl Johannson is of the same caliber as O’ring and myself.  Unlike me, however, he was probably was born nuts.  I notice no transition period in his life that caused him to become what he is.  I think he was always crazy.  For instance, he trained for decades to be an Olympian.  He did nothing but work out 8 hours each day for the Olympics, totally focused, totally committed, totally obsessed. Carl is strange in his own kind of way.  He told me a year ago, "Phillips, you come to Utah and I’ll take you fishing.  You WILL catch fish and you will catch a lot of fish in a short period of time."  I retaliated, "Gonzo, you’re full of crap.  I never catch fish unless I fish in the ocean."  Gonzo says, "Yeah, sure, you come to Utah and we’ll not only catch fish, we’ll catch enough fish in one afternoon to feed a party of ten people." Of course the only catch is that I had to walk through a river for two hours with water temps near freezing to get to an obscure canyon that no human has ever been to other than Carl.  Then if you were to try to walk up the canyon on the side of the stream you’d need a four foot machete to claw your way.  I said, "Yo Gonzo, there ain’t no way up this stream!"  Carl laughs, "You don’t walk along the side, you walk UP the stream in the center of the water.  Don’t worry about getting wet, you’ll be wet all day.  We need to cast into the ponds above us as we go. That’s where the fish are." Combat fishing is what it is.  We caught fish alright but the reason why is that no other human being would subject themselves to the torture of the environment to do it. SO!  What all this is head toward is the hunting trip we just took last weekend.  Here’s the Johannson thought process.  Last December Carl asked me if I wanted to go deer hunting with him and his brother this fall.  He asked me 9 months ahead of time because I’m a fat slob and I needed to get in shape to go with them.  I said, "Sure, I’d like to go, what do I do?"  Carl’s reply was, "See that mountain behind your house there?  You have to climb that mountain at least 4 times a week for about three months to start.  Then you have to climb it quickly  for about the next three months.  Then you have to push yourself and get anaerobic for the last three months.  Don’t worry about your weight loss.  You are a fat slob anyway and you need the exercise." Well, I did just that.  I climbed that mountain at least four times a week, even in the summer.  I lost 20 pounds, my heart felt good, my sex life improved, it all came together.  Then last weekend was the big hunt.  Two weeks ago I sighted my 300 Win-Mag in to be on target at 300 meters.  That put the round about 3 inches high at 100 meters, about   1.5 inches high at 200 meters, dead on at 300 meters, 4 inches low at 400 meters and 8 inches low at 500 meters.   You have no idea what it’s like to hunt with the Johannson brothers. You get up in the dark at 04:00 and drive for an hour to get to some canyon in the middle of the desert-nowhere.  You walk up and over about three mountains in the dark until you perch on some crestline where you use your binoculars to "Glass" the valley before you, searching for a lone buck.  You sit there in 25 degree temperatures at 9000 feet looking 300 to 600 meters away.  Carl pulls out an infrared laser distance measuring device. He hits a rock on the left in the center of the valley then an outcropping across the valley and another boulder on the right.  He leans over to me in a whisper and says, "He Phillips, that rock is 323 meters, the hill over there is 450 meters and that boulder on the right is 525 meters.  Get your ballistic table out and figure the drops.  If a deer comes along, hold the sighting point appropriately.  Got it dummy!" "Got it Gonzo.  You can count on me." This is not deer hunting, it’s being a sniper!  Sniper hunting is the only way to describe it.  These guys laugh at me for carrying a 300 Win-mag while they carry 220 swifts.  They shoot 50 grain bullets at 4200 feet per second with flat ballistics, while I shoot a CANNON!  I was using 180 grain hot loads in my sniper rifle, but my ballistics aren’t bad.  That gun can shoot the ass off a gnat at 300 meters. AND

Question:

ugliest bearing remnant or piston rod (or maybe the alarm buzzer?) on the little display shelf that I call "The Chamber of Horrors."  It includes

At my house I call it the  "Hall of Shame" Iam gonna have it rebuildt. My first adventure will be  the trip back up river. I hope.. What kind of warrenty do you get on a rebuild? d mac

Response:

Yes, a humorous (to us!) post about a sad time, and we’ve all had them, but there is usually a valuable lesson-learned in any marine mishap, even on a small boat, and I found a good one buried in this one:  insure that critial alarms are audible or install remotes that will be.  Not to mention the other L RE-learned, that could’ve been more tragic in a river current: ground tackle is safety equipment!  Always know the water depths you’ll be traversing in advance (er, read a chart), and have sufficient scope (5 – 7 x depth) aboard & at the ready. Motor bearings, etc. are likely fried.  I’d fix it anyway, and put the ugliest bearing remnant or piston rod (or maybe the alarm buzzer?) on the little display shelf that I call "The Chamber of Horrors."  It includes such conversational items as a badly broken motorcycle helmet that came off my own head, a bolt fragment from inside a low suction valve bonnet that kept a chemical tanker in drydock for 3 extra days at a charter loss of millions, a stellite steam turbine blade that not only made it through the casing but pierced a forced-draft blower housing several stories higher, a peephole fitting that got buried in my fireman’s forehead (didn’t purge the furnace B4 lighting off after 38 years in the fireroom), the ring from my first marriage, and the empty envelope from the personal Christmas card Larry River$ painted for me that I accidently threw into the stove.

Response:

Fix the engine, and do the trip again to proof your wife wrong.  Just joking, but I will do the trip over myself.

Ha good point, I will finish it someday. d mac

Response:

I have no idea whats wrong but enjoyed reading your story….. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well for the last week of kids being out of school had a trip planned. Mini vacation, money tight end of summer one last cheap trip. I keep my boat at Paris Landing Tenn , stayed there a few nights and sat morning had planned for me wife 2 kids to go 50 miles to Toms creek on Tenn river to meet friends and there kids and stay  there 2 days and come back SUN…. Wife told me dont do it lets drive we know we will get there ..yang, yang, yang ect ect…… Nope Iam ready for a TRIP family time.. BOAT is a 86 28′Harris Pontoon  w/86 115 Johnson, OIL INJECTED  2nd owner, I have had 3 years nver gone anywere serviced once a year only used it once this year as in go for day. BOAT is slip kept.. 8AM SAt we take off have extra battery, cable, chart maps my 2 12 gallon tanks 20 more gallons of gas, oil reservier is FULL.. food, suit cases lots of cold beer for when I get there with my pardner , wives are good friends me and RON will kick back…. Off we go. Iam thinking hell Iam MANLY kinda guy looking for ADVENTURE!! Iam figurein  about a 3 hr trip running from 20 to 25mph.. ran my first tank out abouit a hour, was following bouys running red up river,things going good had a neat chart maps by TVA showe my marking ect.. I ran out of 1st tank of gas after about a hour changed to full tank 10 min later let son drive, he does fine 10 min later there is a CLANKing knocking nose, could tell motor was missing I started driving Talk about your a STUBBORN asshole  I TOLD YOU SO look from my wife….. I didn’t hear beeping nose(oiler beeps when not working)… no smoke , steam , smell… I cut off motor took off cover. I saw a cracked small hose that outlet that pumps water from engine to side of motor that lets you know water pump is working. I cut off bad hose pout back, this had nothing to do with problem. Engin was hot to touch.. well here I was with family floating Tenn River nobody around. what should I do? Just passed a god I know 3 wide 10 deep barge heading my way a few miles ago water dept is 40 feet in channel. My anchor ropw is 25..  I started motor back up, it was clanging more I could go forward just went slow. Fisherman came by I flagged him down he stopped, He asked me about oil told him it was 1/2 full. I cranked again he said its fixing to LOCK UP.. i shut if off.. let it cool cranked it again it just bumped didnt turn over.. HMmmm not good… we talked then I asked him the big one how far is closest mechinac.."About 5 miles that way,, I had a phone called info got marina "NOPE no one here  or gonna be here today but me" talk about being in  JAM… I told fisherman ID sure pay ya if you can tow me in… he had a RANGER 150  he said, "Ive been in your shoes before, you gotta rope?"  There is a GOD!! these fellow could have said see ya dont wanna be ya..  These  2 guys towed us a few miles told us  they had to stop saw fish in finder. They started fishing got into a mess of stripes, they cought 10 stripes it was great, wife and kids got a kick out of that… called folks we were on they were hour away they were on their way. When we got to dock and in slip I had $50 in my  hand and asked how much and the guy said "nothing the man didnt charge me anything and you just pass it on" I said please take this let me buy your lunch, take these 20 gallons of gas its not gonna do me any good. NOPE he didnt want nothing.. Well friends came picked us up (he to told me it was dumb to make the trip, so I HAD to listen to his remarks and rightfully so, I had screwed up his day driveing. We left boat over night, called had a friend pick up my trailor meet me there on SUN we picked it up now its in back yard.. END of story I had OIL in reseror tank, my water pump impeller replaced last year with cover off I can turn fly wheel about 4 turns and will turn  when starting but will come to stop and then will only bump unless your turn with had but will again come to stop and go no futher… Gonna have checked out, what ya think it is. Do I fix this motor or is it to OLD (86 Johnson 115) what could it be. d mac Tennessee

Response:

Sorry to hear your story.  Really sad, but at least you are ok. Fix the engine, and do the trip again to proof your wife wrong.  Just joking, but I will do the trip over myself. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well for the last week of kids being out of school had a trip planned. Mini vacation, money tight end of summer one last cheap trip. I keep my boat at Paris Landing Tenn , stayed there a few

Response:

Well for the last week of kids being out of school had a trip planned. Mini vacation, money tight end of summer one last cheap trip. I keep my boat at Paris Landing Tenn , stayed there a few nights and sat morning had planned for me wife 2 kids to go 50 miles to Toms creek on Tenn river to meet friends and there kids and stay  there 2 days and come back SUN…. Wife told me dont do it lets drive we know we will get there ..yang, yang, yang ect ect…… Nope Iam ready for a TRIP family time.. BOAT is a 86 28′Harris Pontoon  w/86 115 Johnson, OIL INJECTED  2nd owner, I have had 3 years nver gone anywere serviced once a year only used it once this year as in go for day. BOAT is slip kept.. 8AM SAt we take off have extra battery, cable, chart maps my 2 12 gallon tanks 20 more gallons of gas, oil reservier is FULL.. food, suit cases lots of cold beer for when I get there with my pardner , wives are good friends me and RON will kick back…. Off we go. Iam thinking hell Iam MANLY kinda guy looking for ADVENTURE!! Iam figurein  about a 3 hr trip running from 20 to 25mph.. ran my first tank out abouit a hour, was following bouys running red up river,things going good had a neat chart maps by TVA showe my marking ect.. I ran out of 1st tank of gas after about a hour changed to full tank 10 min later let son drive, he does fine 10 min later there is a CLANKing knocking nose, could tell motor was missing I started driving Talk about your a STUBBORN asshole  I TOLD YOU SO look from my wife….. I didn’t hear beeping nose(oiler beeps when not working)… no smoke , steam , smell… I cut off motor took off cover. I saw a cracked small hose that outlet that pumps water from engine to side of motor that lets you know water pump is working. I cut off bad hose pout back, this had nothing to do with problem. Engin was hot to touch.. well here I was with family floating Tenn River nobody around. what should I do? Just passed a god I know 3 wide 10 deep barge heading my way a few miles ago water dept is 40 feet in channel. My anchor ropw is 25..  I started motor back up, it was clanging more I could go forward just went slow. Fisherman came by I flagged him down he stopped, He asked me about oil told him it was 1/2 full. I cranked again he said its fixing to LOCK UP.. i shut if off.. let it cool cranked it again it just bumped didnt turn over.. HMmmm not good… we talked then I asked him the big one how far is closest mechinac.."About 5 miles that way,, I had a phone called info got marina "NOPE no one here  or gonna be here today but me" talk about being in  JAM… I told fisherman ID sure pay ya if you can tow me in… he had a RANGER 150  he said, "Ive been in your shoes before, you gotta rope?"  There is a GOD!! these fellow could have said see ya dont wanna be ya..  These  2 guys towed us a few miles told us  they had to stop saw fish in finder. They started fishing got into a mess of stripes, they cought 10 stripes it was great, wife and kids got a kick out of that… called folks we were on they were hour away they were on their way. When we got to dock and in slip I had $50 in my  hand and asked how much and the guy said "nothing the man didnt charge me anything and you just pass it on" I said please take this let me buy your lunch, take these 20 gallons of gas its not gonna do me any good. NOPE he didnt want nothing.. Well friends came picked us up (he to told me it was dumb to make the trip, so I HAD to listen to his remarks and rightfully so, I had screwed up his day driveing. We left boat over night, called had a friend pick up my trailor meet me there on SUN we picked it up now its in back yard.. END of story I had OIL in reseror tank, my water pump impeller replaced last year with cover off I can turn fly wheel about 4 turns and will turn  when starting but will come to stop and then will only bump unless your turn with had but will again come to stop and go no futher… Gonna have checked out, what ya think it is. Do I fix this motor or is it to OLD (86 Johnson 115) what could it be. d mac Tennessee

Response:

Question:

Checkout Lefty’s outstanding Tips and Techniques for Fly Fishing at: http://www.fred.net/downsouth/lefty.htm

Response:

Checkout Lefty’s outstanding Tips and Techniques for Fly Fishing at: http://www.fred.net/downsouth.lefty.htm

Response:

Question:

Hi everyone,         I am new to this sport.  I’ve been spin-fishing for all my life and was suddenly introduced to the world of fly-fishing last summer.  I am a beginner and would like to know where to purchase informative videos on this sport. My starting outfit consists of the L.L.Bean angler outfit (8 1/2 ft. 6-7 wt. rod and reel).  My local library doesn’t stock many books on the subject either, so if you have any recommendations, please e-mail them to me.  I accidentally broke about 3 inches off of my rod tip in my car window (damn those power windows!) and I would like to know how to go about repairing it. L.L.Bean said it would take 1-1 1/2 months!  Is the rod going to be as serviceable after repair?  Is my starting outfit of a quality worth investing into a repair?  If anyone would like to share their wisdom with me, I would greatly appreciate it!  If you wish to give me a hand, please e-mail me at:                                 Humbly Yours,                                 Robert Greenleaf  (Rob) P.S. I am also looking for someone to correspond with regarding tips and tactics until I am better versed in this sport.  I am a sport fisherman who believes in sustainable fishing.  Thank you once again.

Response:

: Hi everyone, :         I am new to this sport.  I’ve been spin-fishing for all my life and was : suddenly introduced to the world of fly-fishing last summer.  I am a beginner : and would like to know where to purchase informative videos on this sport. If you want specifics, I think the older 3M – Doug Swisher series is great.  Swisher is a good instructor, except he makes me mad the way he *always* hooks a large fish.  *Always*.  Even his buddies he brings in to help get large fish.  I wonder how that works…<g "Oh…Good Fish on!  Big Rainbow.  Good Fish…"  Thanks for the informative commentary, Doug. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant 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:

Question:

Geez, Folks, this topic has used too many ergs and is getting mighty boring. It has digressed from flyfishing and descended into the pit of insult, confrontational commentary, and foolishness. Once the useful comments and opinions have been "voiced," you can let the thread die …. please.  I’ve tried to block the subject, but I guess I’ll have to create a broader "twit filter" and block authors. Is this a flyfishing newsgroup or not?  

Response:

Geez, Folks, this topic has used too many ergs and is getting mighty boring. It has digressed from flyfishing and descended

Look at the subject list today man…you want BORING ? "For Sale, ex-Wifes wader suspenders", "should i fish upstream or down", "how many split shots blah blah..", "removing the smell from the glove compartment of my 1964 rambler", etc. etc. etc. ad nauseum. Just like the magazines these days…SOS regurgitated…only a forum for ads, newbies and places for the rich to go on vacation. I’ve cancelled all of my subscriptions.   Now, look at the net man.  Instant ‘letters and feedback to the editors’…discussions, arguments, points of view…way cool… and PETA ? Christ almighty man, NOTHING is more relevant to the sport than a group of people who would piss out the flyfishing flame with their manhatten breed of fish coddling piss. And the beauty of it all is…*YOU* can decide to read it or not. This morning, personally, I read the lone PETA article and marked the rest as read… You say… Is this a flyfishing newsgroup or not?  

and I say, it most certainly is…and it’s perfect. Tim Walker

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Geez, Folks, this topic has used too many ergs and is getting mighty boring. It has digressed from flyfishing and descended Look at the subject list today man…you want BORING ? Now, look at the net man.  Instant ‘letters and feedback to the editors’…discussions, arguments, points of view…way cool… and PETA ? Christ almighty man, NOTHING is more relevant to the sport than a group of people who would piss out the flyfishing flame with their manhatten breed of fish coddling piss. And the beauty of it all is…*YOU* can decide to read it or not. This morning, personally, I read the lone PETA article and marked the rest as read… You say… Is this a flyfishing newsgroup or not?   and I say, it most certainly is…and it’s perfect. Tim Walker

Tim, I have no disagreement with you that PETA is an important topic. And, I was following it daily.  My coment was that the interaction had gotten away from the topic and dipped into unrelated confrontational commentary. If the respondents maintain the topic – that’s great…. When it turns to idiocy – that’s worthless ….

Response: