Question:

It was good to meet you and great to fish with you. Hope you continue to post. Next year maybe a Colorado/New Mexico Clave? Willi

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Next year maybe a Colorado/New Mexico Clave? Willi

Now that that cat is out of the bag, I’ll tell you that I’ve started a list of potential locations for a CO/NM western clave 2001. A friend in the office showed me some pictures today, and after some coaxing i got the locations from him….  beautiful cutthroats…. lots of other nearby fishing….. WESTERN CLAVE 2001  in a secret town somewhere in southern colorado. bruiser Before you buy.

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Education & employment: Went to college in Lubbock, Tx at Texas Tech University.  Received a BBA in MIS/Finance and MBA with a concentration in MIS.  

Welcome to another Red Raider. As far as I know we are the only two on ROFF. Big Dale, Class of ‘77

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colorado. bruiser

Count me in. Any excuse to get to the mountains in the summertime. Big Dale

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Count me in!!! But whats this "next year" stuff?? Ain’t there fishin yet to be done this year, or do you suppose there’s so many claves going already there might be conflicts? (Conflicts??? on ROFF??? Tell me ain’t so !!!) Danl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Next year maybe a Colorado/New Mexico Clave? Willi Now that that cat is out of the bag, I’ll tell you that I’ve started a list of potential locations for a CO/NM western clave 2001. A friend in the office showed me some pictures today, and after some coaxing i got the locations from him….  beautiful cutthroats…. lots of other nearby fishing….. WESTERN CLAVE 2001  in a secret town somewhere in southern colorado. bruiser Before you buy.

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With Big Dale and Dan’l, it’s a CLAVE already. We want time to plan, and time for everyone to restock their travel $ and hall passes.  Probably July 2001. Big Dale, we all missed you at the W Clave, although we know you’d have liked to go. We’ll get Jon Cook and Kelly roped into it also i’m sure.  Correct me if i’m wrong, jon, but it seems like you know your way around NM and CO pretty well. Before you buy.

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BIO name:  Kelly Rogers but I answer to a lot of things, depending upon the who’s yellin’ at me

<snipped a damn impressive BIO ’bout damn time there Kelly! <g  Enjoyed reading your 3 part post and look forward to reading mroe from you.  I was beginning to think you were going to wuss out. So did you do any fishin’ after the clave?  Feel free to email me the secret locations. I never did get a chance to stop in there and check on that girly, but I am planning on going for a weekend very soon and will no doubt have some free time. — Warren Findley Member of the Clavemeister Club Before you buy.

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rivers. Big Dale All we need is a clavemeister, Big Dale. I know at least one guy will show up.

It won’t be me. I have spent my whole life trying to stay out of west Texas and the decade I spent there was the worst flyfishing in my life. Big Dale

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I’m also thinking of a trip to southern Colorado/northern New Mexico sometime this September to check out some possible areas. Anyone interested in getting together?

   I’m up for that Willi, let’s synchonize our daytimers.    I’d been giving some thought to doing a clave in the North Park area, maybe even volunteering to be clavemeister. Wherever it is held, the bossman will need to be somebody with good knowledge of the local waters; me and Willi and probably a few others can find our way around North Park. Just an idea.

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   I’d been giving some thought to doing a clave in the North Park area, maybe even volunteering to be clavemeister. Wherever it is held, the bossman will need to be somebody with good knowledge of the local waters; me and Willi and probably a few others can find our way around North Park. Just an idea.

Dude, what about South Park?!?  Oh my god!  You killed Vern!  You bastard!!!! <g — Warren Findley Member of the Clavemeister Club Before you buy.

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It ain’t a hell of a lot of fun flyfishing in the land of dusty rivers. Big Dale

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It ain’t a hell of a lot of fun flyfishing in the land of dusty rivers. Big Dale All we need is a clavemeister, Big Dale. I know at least one guy will show up.

I don’t know.  Maybe a Vegas Clave with each member bringing a big roll of 20s.  Maybe Vern can give us some casting lessons and show us where the honey holes are <g — Warren Findley Member of the Clavemeister Club Before you buy.

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It ain’t a hell of a lot of fun flyfishing in the land of dusty rivers. Big Dale

All we need is a clavemeister, Big Dale. I know at least one guy will show up. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

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I do have a question though.  What are the possiblities of having more than one Western Clave for 2001?  Maybe another in Montana, Idaho or Wyoming as well as the CO/NM clave.  Thoughts, ideas, suggestions anyone?

How about West Texas? — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

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(awesome plan clipped) WHAT HE SAID!!! bruiser Before you buy.

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Willi, September’s great i agree.  I’m into a remodeling job on a dump i just bought but maybe a day or two here and there… I am psyched now for next september. bruiser Before you buy.

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Willi, September’s great i agree.  I’m into a remodeling job on a dump i just bought but maybe a day or two here and there… I am psyched now for next september. bruiser

Bruiser, you know to just count me in.  How the hell could I say no after reading over half of this book in one night (p 104 of 142 btw)?!?! I do have a question though.  What are the possiblities of having more than one Western Clave for 2001?  Maybe another in Montana, Idaho or Wyoming as well as the CO/NM clave.  Thoughts, ideas, suggestions anyone? — Warren Findley Member of the Clavemeister Club Before you buy.

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I do have a question though.  What are the possiblities of having more than one Western Clave for 2001?  Maybe another in Montana, Idaho or Wyoming as well as the CO/NM clave.  Thoughts, ideas, suggestions anyone?

I like Willi’s idea for a September CO/NM ‘Clave. I’ve been mulling over the idea of a summer ‘Clave in the Park. If we got on it early enough we could rent cabins at Roosevelt and be a short drive from a wide variety of fishing. From the geezer accessible Lamar and Soda Butte to the real challenge of Hellroaring Creek and the canyon of the Yellowstone. Steve’s horses are welcome in the Park and of course there’s campgrounds for those that prefer to camp. Just a thought. — Ken Fortenberry

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I’m game if I can work out the time schedule. When do you have in mind? Danl

July 2001. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I vote for fall. Fishing is always good in September. Weather is usually great, tourists are gone etc. July fishing depends on snow pack and the tourists are out in force. I’m also thinking of a trip to southern Colorado/northern New Mexico sometime this September to check out some possible areas. Anyone interested in getting together? Willi

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restock their travel $ and hall passes.  Probably July 2001.

This sounds good, but a little naive. I don’t see my travel $ ever being restocked what with some talking of a meeting in The Big Easy ( I always spend WAY TOO MUCH in the big easy). I have never fishing in Penn and have always wanted to see a game in Happy Valley. I have always enjoyed fishing Northern New Mexico and Colorado. One area I go to as often as I can is around Gunnison, cause it has lots of different types of water. I happen to enjoy those little brookies and cutthroats in the high mountain meadows…they are small but the area is beautiful. The more I think about it I am tempted to load the truck and leave right now. Big Dale.

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With Big Dale and Dan’l, it’s a CLAVE already. We want time to plan, and time for everyone to restock their travel $ and hall passes.  Probably July 2001.

I vote for fall. Fishing is always good in September. Weather is usually great, tourists are gone etc. July fishing depends on snow pack and the tourists are out in force. Big Dale, we all missed you at the W Clave, although we know you’d have liked to go. We’ll get Jon Cook and Kelly roped into it also i’m sure.  Correct me if i’m wrong, jon, but it seems like you know your way around NM and CO pretty well.

I’m also thinking of a trip to southern Colorado/northern New Mexico sometime this September to check out some possible areas. Anyone interested in getting together? Willi

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BIO name:  Kelly Rogers but I answer to a lot of things, depending upon the who’s yellin’ at me vitals: 6′4", as recent as a couple of months ago 226 lbs but currently hoverin’ around 208 lbs. (who says lite beer diet doesn’t work) , 35 yrs old the early years:  Born in Irving, TX but moved to Big Spring, TX in 1972 when my Grand Pa  past away.  Moved there to take over the family cotton farm along with a small time (and I do mean small time, 25-30 head) cattle operation that was thrown in for good measure.  Had a great up bringing of hard work on the farm, chasing gals in the big city of Big Spring, and drinking beer (not necessarily in that order). Education & employment: Went to college in Lubbock, Tx at Texas Tech University.  Received a BBA in MIS/Finance and MBA with a concentration in MIS.  Went to work at Sandia National Labs in 1992 and currently still employed there which is my first and only job outside of the farm. marital stats:  Married 10 years in June but that will probably be done in about a month. fishin’ stats:  Started fishing early on mostly on lakes and stock ponds around the house.  Not much to choose from in west Texas.  In 1992, a co-worker introduced me to flyfishing and have looked back since. Other interest: bird hunting and up until 1992-93, competitive trapshooting. Started shooting in 1979 through 4-H.  Shot skeet for about 1 1/2 years before a friend invited me over to the trap range one Saturday.  Shot three rounds that day and the friend told my Dad that if he didn’t take me to San Angelo the next day to shoot in the Zone II shoot that he would.  Dad took me that next day where I won runner up in the handicap championship.  Used the prize money to buy my own BT-99 and finished out that year shooting only singles and handicap.  The next year I started shooting doubles in order to try and make the All-American team.  Made the junior team that year and the next.  After the second year on the team, the ATA sent me to the US Nationals for Olympic style shooting where I won the US Nationals. Over the next 3 years, I won the Nationals one more time and 3rd twice.  As a junior, I shot in two World Championships in 1983 (Canada) and 1985 (Italy).  Won 2nd in ‘83 and 4th in ‘85.  I quit Olympic style after ‘85 and went back to shooting ATA.  Shot for the next 6 years with my best year coming in the 91′ season where I ended up high-overall and doubles (at the time, my average was 8th highest on record but they’ve since kicked the livin’ snot outta that) average leader for the year.  Over the years, I shot a Browning BT-99, Gamba combo, Perazzi, Beretta (they made a matched set of combo’s for me when I was there in 85), and finally a Kreighoff K-80 from ‘89 on.  In ‘93, I was hitting pretty hard on the burnout factor when I suffered a 2.5-degree separation of my right shoulder playing softball.  Combine those two things with my new love of flyfishing, I decided to hang’em up.  I’m also an avid hacker, and I do mean hacker, of the golf ball. Jeez, pretty simple life I guess but that’s about it. Kelly

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Question:

I figure tying your own pays around $3 per hour.  It has to be a labor of love.

Well, it is.  And flies tied with the local knowledge angle are nearly always better.  Way better. bruce h

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4. Green Butt Skunks (If you want you can collect about 3 dozen of these, from me, by looking at low hanging branchs on the Clackamas in OR)

Hehee…Christian, if you’re interested, I’ll work out a swap with you.  I’ll send you directions to a collection of great flies hanging on the BWO-eating Boxwood, which is right upstream of the Hendrickson-eating Hardwoods and slightly west of the Adams-eating Ash (not to be confused with the Cahill-chewing Conifer) directly across from the…. Zippy Who decorates trees year round regardless of which holiday season is in effect

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On the glow bugs, I was taught my Jeff at Kaufmanns how to do that and my is it easy.  You tie the material on just like you would bar bell eyes and wind your thread as tight as you can underneath the materia, getting it to stand up as straight as you canl.  Cut it to the desired length and presto it is a ball that wraps around the hook…neat as hell…(I guess you would have to see it done, but it is very easy) Padishar Creel — who ties all his own flies except those he buys and those that actually catch fish…<g

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Do you guys tend to buy or tie your own flies?

I tie my own flies and only fish with flies I tied. No synthetic material on those flies, no CDC, no foam. Bamboo rod built by hand in my garage. Horse hair leaders. No sinkers or strike indicators, ever. Silk line, no plastic allowed. Click-n-pawl reel; disc drag is an abomination. I always put the fish on the reel, no matter how small the fish. Dry flies only, fished upstream, thank you very much. My floatant is wind and wind alone. To do anything less or anything different would be ungentlemanly. I am a gear jingo. –Steve

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<quite right and me too , snipped I am a gear jingo.

BY JOVE ! I think he’s got it ! — Ken Fortenberry

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While it’s true that most of the flies I tie wouldn’t win any prizes, the fish don’t seem to give a damn. FiddleAway

Same here.  The fish is the best judge IMHO. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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[snip] To do anything less or anything different would be ungentlemanly. I am a gear jingo.

Please keep this crap off of roff. There are streamer fishermen here who find it offensive. — Charlie…

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you guys tend to buy or tie your own flies? I tie my own flies and only fish with flies I tied. No synthetic material on those flies, no CDC, no foam. Bamboo rod built by hand in my garage. Horse hair leaders. No sinkers or strike indicators, ever. Silk line, no plastic allowed. Click-n-pawl reel; disc drag is an abomination. I always put the fish on the reel, no matter how small the fish. Dry flies only, fished upstream, thank you very much. My floatant is wind and wind alone. To do anything less or anything different would be ungentlemanly. I am a gear jingo. –Steve

Good one Steve but CDC is natural. Willi

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Good one Steve but CDC is natural.

Regardless. Clearly you are no gentleman –Steve

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I have tied about 200 flies for the SJ in January and they’ll all fit easily in one film container  Everything for that river is easy to tie except the tiny dries, which I usually buy.  $1.50 for a size 24 single adult midge seems like a bargain.  $1.50 for a UFO on the other hand… bruce h

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when i travel, i buy locally tied flies to support local tiers and also when i see patterns i don’t know that turn my crank…but i love to tie and i tie maybe 75-80% of my flies…a few of them I even tie well. Eugene Knapik Toronto

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have tied about 200 flies for the SJ in January and they’ll all fit easily in one film container  Everything for that river is easy to tie except the tiny dries, which I usually buy.  $1.50 for a size 24 single adult midge seems like a bargain.  $1.50 for a UFO on the other hand… bruce h

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Do you guys tend to buy or tie your own flies?

Common flies (e.g. wooly buggers, royal coachmen) can be purchased on eBay or from gofishin.com for around 50 cents each. More unusual ones go as high as 75 cents.  The same White Wulffs I paid $2.75 each for at a fly shop were 75 cents on eBay. Frogs, mice, crabs, big streamers are a little more (around $1.25). I figure tying your own pays around $3 per hour.  It has to be a labor of love. Ken (to reply via email remove "zz" from address)

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Bruiser– I’m thinking of getting into tying  just save a little on foam humpies, foam black ants  and midges. Your note sounds as if midges {24} are difficult and you perfer to buy.  If I am reading you right–why are midges harder to tie if you use some type of  magnifier?Indian Joe

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Bruiser– I’m thinking of getting into tying  just save a little on foam humpies, foam black ants  and midges. Your note sounds as if midges {24} are difficult and you perfer to buy.  If I am reading you right–why are midges harder to tie if you use some type of  magnifier?Indian Joe

When tying the same pattern, small flies are much more difficult, IMO. There is very little room on the shank of the hook and a very light touch is needed. It isn’t just seeing what you are doing. Your fingers are VERY large when tying a size 24 fly. Willi

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I tie my own flies and only fish with flies I tied. … … To do anything less or anything different would be ungentlemanly. I am a gear jingo.

Steve, I have some cork, a natural product, should you ever run out. FiddleAway

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IJ,  What I meant was, I buy the tiny dries (except maybe comparadun and griffiths) and tie all the nymphs and emergers, which are super easy once you get the hang of it.  Yes I use magnification. The little dries, like tiny parachute adams, bwo parachute, and single adult midge patterns are impossible for me. bruce h

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While it’s true that most of the flies I tie wouldn’t win any prizes, the fish don’t seem to give a damn. FiddleAway

true with me as well…I don’t catch many fish whether they’re my own or store bought!

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Do you guys tend to buy or tie your own flies?

I do both. I do a bit of both, but seems like I buy quite of few of the patterns that I can’t create worth a damn.

I’m not sure of your point (or question).  The only way to get better is practice, but if you don’t want to get better (or even tie, and there’s nothing wrong with either), I see nothing "wrong" with buying. If you only use a few flies of "quite (a) few..patterns," you’re probably better off cost-wise in buying them, esp. if they are patterns that utilize the more-expensive materials.  IMO, tying is more a related "hobby" as opposed to a cost-saving measure (there are a few exceptions).  Plus, it gives you a good, relatively inexpensive excuse to frequent fly shops in that you truly are buying essential FF’ing items – whether you buy ‘em or tie ‘em, you gotta have ‘em. TC, R

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Do you guys tend to buy or tie your own flies? I do a bit of both, but seems like I buy quite of few of the patterns that I can’t create worth a damn.

While it’s true that most of the flies I tie wouldn’t win any prizes, the fish don’t seem to give a damn. FiddleAway

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I tie all my flies except in these situations: 1. I do not have the materials ( I have been collecting alot of material so this does not happen often ) 2. I have never tied that fly, but hear it’s the ‘go to’ fly for my next fishing adventure. I’ll buy one to copy. 3. Egg patterns ( I have not figured out glo-bugs and I’m not pouring plastics) Flies I really enjoy tying: 1. Soft Hackles (that and they work great) 2. Balsa wood bass poppers 3. Spun deer hair flies Flies I end up tying most of the time: 1. Soft Hackles 2. Adams 3. Wolly Buggers 4. Green Butt Skunks (If you want you can collect about 3 dozen of these, from me, by looking at low hanging branchs on the Clackamas in OR)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you guys tend to buy or tie your own flies? I do a bit of both, but seems like I buy quite of few of the patterns that I can’t create worth a damn.

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I tie virtually all my own flies and love doing so, there are occasions in the peak of the season where I am unable to keep up and need to restock from commercial supplies. Clark Guided Flyfishing in paradise! http://www.dryflynz.cjb.net

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I tie most flys I use often, like bead heads and wooly buggers..I buy most dries, i’m not a very good tyer. Tim Apple Do you guys tend to buy or tie your own flies? I do a bit of both, but seems like I buy quite of few of the patterns that I can’t create worth a damn.

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Do you guys tend to buy or tie your own flies? I do a bit of both, but seems like I buy quite of few of the patterns that I can’t create worth a damn.

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I tie most flys I use often, like bead heads and wooly buggers..I buy most dries, i’m not a very good tyer. Tim Apple

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you guys tend to buy or tie your own flies? I do a bit of both, but seems like I buy quite of few of the patterns that I can’t create worth a damn.

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Do you guys tend to buy or tie your own flies?

Personally, I tie my own. I do a bit of both, but seems like I buy quite of few of the patterns that I can’t create worth a damn.

I buy one as an example to take home as an aid so that I can tie my own. I have this thing about not fishing with flies I didn’t tie myself.  I seldom use flies that were either bought or given to me by a friend unless I am totally out of the pattern and have nothing that will substitute. When I met Lou Teletski in Yellowstone we had a little "mini-fly swap" which was pretty cool.  It was fun seeing some of the patterns I have heard many of the ROFFians back east talk about that are not popular out here.  I stuck the flies in my collection of patterns, which I keep as examples, and have since tied a few of my own duplicates.  It is kind of nice doing it this way because you always have the original example pattern and still get the pleasure of tying/using your own flies.  The more I practice, the better the pattern turns out and eventually I can make a halfway decent replica. — Warren www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

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Harry Mason: For one thing the big bugs show the mistakes in a much larger format  :-) Proportion is displayed in all its glaring reality much more in larger bugs. One can cheat on big flies.

Don’t you mean "one can NOT cheat on big flies"?  After receiving a book on Carrie Stevens, I went out and bought all the feathers and stuff to tie her flies.  Boy, do little mistakes show up as big ones when you are tying a size 2  8x.  I am keeping the 1st Grey Ghost and Rapid River that I have tied. Hopefully, somewhere down the line, I will improve, especially with the proportions.  But, right now, I am struggling.  I want these to be perfect, and I doubt I have the knowledge/skill at this point. Dave LaCourse

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Anything with knotted Pheasant tail legs. I have to have a few Islay malts first. Maybe that’s the problem.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know we all would rather tye our flies than buy them for a  number of reasons, but…… What six bugs would you  like  to purchase because you find tying them a hassle or time consuming or both or what ever ?  I’ll start… 1   Royal Wullf 2   Kauffman stones 3   small humpy 4   no hackles 5   prince….my fav 6   muddler style flies Harry Mason www.troutflies.com

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When I go on an extended trip, I always take along my tieing gear. When I get there (wherever) there always seems to be one fly or another  that’s hot that week, and it’s usually something I don’t have in my 500+ on-hand.   The question is generally, "Do I want to tie flies, or do I want to fish?"   Since I usually fish from dawn to dusk, I end up buying them, regardless of how easy they may be to tie. There’s nothing that I buy instead of tie because of the difficulty. That doesn’t mean mine will turn out as well, however… As a germane aside, my sister is an expert fly tier, as well as an excellent fly fisher.  She tied every evening for years, while watching t.v., tackling some of the most difficult for the challenge.   Then her house burned up in the Oakland fire and she lost over 4,000 unfished flies.   The insurance comany tried to pay her for the hooks, feathers, etc., but finally did settle up for replacement value. Max Before you buy.

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I know we all would rather tye our flies than buy them for a  number of reasons, but…… What six bugs would you  like  to purchase because you find tying them a hassle or time consuming or both or what ever ?

I’m pretty new at this tying thing, so for me it comes down to anything with hackle, anything with wings, and anything with dubbing.  :-)   I’m getting better, though (I’ve just about got this GRW thing <g). Joe F.

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What six bugs would you  like  to purchase because you find tying them a hassle or time consuming or both or what ever ?  

spun deer hair flies microfibbet tails extended bodied mayflies Mu

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How ’bout #20 Tricos?  I bought a bunch from Trout Fitters in Fergus. The things are so small, I had one sitting here on my desk, and it just disappeared on me…  I have never had any success with them mind you, but they sure are neat to look at!  

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Mike;   I found a few tyers like that in England.  Incredible flies at a great price.  Unfortunately, I’m pretty tight-fisted right now and can’t buy a fly unless I’m using it as a model.  Flies that I would rather have made  -    Tupp’s Indespensible (I don’t have a good source for a ram’s (tupp) scrotum hairs.    Frank’s Fightin’ Craw – I get tired when I’m on the 60th fly of the evening.  Can’t we just ship them off to Thailand for production?    Classic salmon flies – I got to sit down and watch Poul Jorgensen tie at a Partridge of Redditch event for 2 hours.  It was awesome.  I tried to replicate his efforts and felt woefully inadequate.    First flies on the new water – need model flies to figure out the pattern.  What does a White Miller Caddis look like if you’ve never seen it and have to get ready for the hatch?    Burnt wing flies – you know how many decent wings I’ve torched trying to do this?  You know what this smells like?    "The fly that the guy at the bottom of the pool is cleaning up with while I’m being skunked."  If some one came along the bank and said "hey, want what he’s using?  20 bucks!"  I would be on him like buzzards on the renderin’ wagon.  Its a testosterone thing.  Why did you buy that new Ford 350 pick’em-up wid da V-8 and when your wife would have been happy with a new Ford Focus?  Its a testosterone thing.  Why do you have tools in your work room that most people just rent?  Its a testosterone thing.  Why do you wanna jump Anna Nichole Smith’s bones?  Hell with testosterone, if you don’t you be dead.               Frank "stream of conciousness" Reid Before you buy.

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How ’bout #20 Tricos?  I bought a bunch from Trout Fitters in Fergus. The things are so small, I had one sitting here on my desk, and it just disappeared on me…  I have never had any success with them mind you, but they sure are neat to look at!

______  Probably kidnapped and raped by real Tricos.  Those little bugs are real gang bangers. Those little suckers can catch you the largest trout of your life on a dry Ian.  I wish we could get together on a river or three I have in mind regarding these little devils. It is perhaps the most exciting kind of dry fly fishing any man could hope for, my friend. — Mr.Gink "the saga continues"   http://www.gink.com/

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For me, anything smaller that 18, I would rather buy, my ole eyes can’t take it much any more.  I love fishing the tiny fly in the tiny stream. chris

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I know we all would rather tye our flies than buy them for a  number of reasons, but…… What six bugs would you  like  to purchase because you find tying them a hassle or time consuming or both or what ever ?    I’ll start… 1   Royal Wullf 2   Kauffman stones 3   small humpy 4   no hackles 5   prince….my fav 6   muddler style flies Harry Mason www.troutflies.com

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1.  Dave’s Hopper, 2. Dave’s Hopper…6. Dave’s Hopper Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know we all would rather tye our flies than buy them for a  number of reasons, but…… What six bugs would you  like  to purchase because you find tying them a hassle or time consuming or both or what ever ?  I’ll start… 1   Royal Wullf 2   Kauffman stones 3   small humpy 4   no hackles 5   prince….my fav 6   muddler style flies Harry Mason www.troutflies.com

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Those of us that do tye and there lots of reasons not to  :-) do have patterns that we just hate . Clipped  Deer hair seems to head the list. Small bugs are intimidating to some but IMO they can and usually are a  easier to build than the big ones. For one thing the big bugs show the mistakes in a much larger format  :-) Proportion is displayed in all its glaring reality much more in larger bugs. One can cheat on big flies. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -How ’bout #20 Tricos?  I bought a bunch from Trout Fitters in Fergus. The things are so small, I had one sitting here on my desk, and it just disappeared on me…  I have never had any success with them mind you, but they sure are neat to look at!  

Response:

<< I know we all would rather tye our flies than buy them for a  number of reasons, but…… I guess I am an odd duck in the world of fly fishing but I hate tying flies.  I love building rods and wrapping the guides but fly tying drives me nuts.   For years I forced myself to tie due to the high prices in the fly shops but I finally found a store that sells high quality flies for .50 each.  For the first time in years, my fly box is full of dry flys of every size shape and color.  I have enjoyed fishing this a lot more because I don’t go through the pre-trip tying grind. So I guess my vote is for all of them. Mike

Response:

Easy, anything with stacked, compressed and clipped deer hair.  I hate spinning and clipping deer hair – the fly usually ends up looking like shit.  I can never get it compressed enough without bending the hook or breaking something and when I clip it, it looks like it just lost a fight with a chainsaw. Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Question:

I will be going to Alaska this summer and would like to fly fish for anything.  I am an avid hiker and will be hiking in Denali National Park, the Wrangell-st.elias National Park as well as the entire Kenai Peninsula and Prince William sound region.  Rivers that I can hike to and fish would be ideal.  Is there anyone who has been to that region that might have any information about what there is to fish for and where I could access the best spots on rivers. Tight lines, Brent

Response:

I will be going to Alaska this summer and would like to fly fish for anything.  I am an avid hiker and will be hiking in Denali National Park, the Wrangell-st.elias National Park as well as the entire Kenai Peninsula and Prince William sound region.  Rivers that I can hike to and fish would be ideal.  Is there anyone who has been to that region that might have any information about what there is to fish for and where I could access the best spots on rivers. Tight lines, Brent

You are hiking the entire Kenai and Prince Williams Sound. Are you sure you have a map that shows a scale? Anyway, I would be more worried about my boots then the fishing.  Walt in Juneau, AK.

Response:

I apologize for the confusion.  These are general areas that I am considering.  I only plan on going to Denali for a week and then one other specific place for a week.  I would love some input as to which areas would give me the best opportunities for good hiking and GREAT fishing in July.  I would want to fish for trout or salmon.  (I’m not picky). Any response would be helpful. Thanks, Brent – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I will be going to Alaska this summer and would like to fly fish for anything.  I am an avid hiker and will be hiking in Denali National Park, the Wrangell-st.elias National Park as well as the entire Kenai Peninsula and Prince William sound region.  Rivers that I can hike to and fish would be ideal.  Is there anyone who has been to that region that might have any information about what there is to fish for and where I could access the best spots on rivers. Tight lines, Brent You are hiking the entire Kenai and Prince Williams Sound. Are you sure you have a map that shows a scale? Anyway, I would be more worried about my boots then the fishing.  Walt in Juneau, AK.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I will be going to Alaska this summer and would like to fly fish for anything.  I am an avid hiker and will be hiking in Denali National Park, the Wrangell-st.elias National Park as well as the entire Kenai Peninsula and Prince William sound region.  Rivers that I can hike to and fish would be ideal.  Is there anyone who has been to that region that might have any information about what there is to fish for and where I could access the best spots on rivers. Tight lines, Brent You are hiking the entire Kenai and Prince Williams Sound. Are you sure you have a map that shows a scale? Anyway, I would be more worried about my boots then the fishing.  Walt in Juneau, AK. Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit <!doctype html public "-//w3c//dtd html 4.0 transitional//en" <html &nbsp; <blockquote TYPE=CITEI will be going to Alaska this summer and would like to fly fish for <branything.&nbsp; I am an avid hiker and will be hiking in Denali National <brPark, the Wrangell-st.elias National Park as well as the entire Kenai <brPeninsula and Prince William sound region.&nbsp; Rivers that I can hike to <brand fish would be ideal.&nbsp; Is there anyone who has been to that region <brthat might have any information about what there is to fish for and <brwhere I could access the best spots on rivers. <pTight lines, <pBrent</blockquote You are hiking the <ientire Kenai and Prince Williams Sound.</i Are you sure you have a map that shows a scale? Anyway, I would be more worried about my boots then the fishing.&nbsp; Walt in Juneau, AK.</html At Denali call Glacier Expeditions toll Free 1-877-880-9045 they kn

Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

Reminds me of another local "snack" I came across a few years back touring the Canadian Maritimes.   It was basically (as I understand it) seaweed harvested off rocks at low tide & dried.   It smelled like low tide.   It was salty and strangely tasty though.   The name escapes me. Joe F.

        i aint gonna do it.  i thought about it, but i aint gonna do it. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

i aint gonna do it.  i thought about it, but i aint gonna do it.

LOL.   Best laugh I’ve had from someone *not* telling a joke. Upon reading my inadvertant straight line, I must commend your admirable restraint. Joe F.

Response:

Me to, but licketysplit I just got hold of myself and stopped. Dave

Response:

Joe It’s called Dulse and my impression is that it is sold more to tourists than locals! I was on Grand Manan island last summer (Canada, just N of Maine)and they claim to be the Dulse capital of the world (I get the distinct impression that it is a very small world!). In my home country of Wales we eat Laverbread which is basically a sea lettuce sort of seaweed that is normally pan fried with bacon. I love it, but my English wife hates it.  OTH we both find Dulse a bit dry, salty and strong, but with a beer – now you’re talking! David – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – guess it’s like smoked oysters, either you like em or you don’t! Reminds me of another local "snack" I came across a few years back touring the Canadian Maritimes.   It was basically (as I understand it) seaweed harvested off rocks at low tide & dried.   It smelled like low tide.   It was salty and strangely tasty though.   The name escapes me. Joe F.

Response:

Joe,    You reminded me of a time when I was taking my mother to dinner at Fisherman’s Wharf.  We had just gotten off the cable car and were walking down to the restaurant when we got a whiff of the bay.  Mom said "Whew, smells like the ocean" then paused and in a quieter tone said, "farted".  I almost rolled the rest of the way down the hill. Ernie Harrison – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Reminds me of another local "snack" I came across a few years back touring the Canadian Maritimes.   It was basically (as I understand it) seaweed harvested off rocks at low tide & dried.   It smelled like low tide.   It was salty and strangely tasty though.   The name escapes me. Joe F.

Response:

…it is a very small world!

Easy for you to say Davie, you never had to paint it! Wolfgang <who couldn’t care less about context under the circumstances

Response:

… A well stocked icebox full of white fleshed California peaches, oversized Concord grapes and plenty of squid jerky kept me happy in spite of the slow fishing.

Squid jerky ? Sounds fascinating, please expound. — Ken Fortenberry Illini 1 – Tar Heels 0

Response:

Nice report Mu.  I’m starting to think that unless we get some rain here in Michigan, we aren’t going to have any water left in our streams. Glad you could make the most of it while out there!  Did you say squied jerkey?? Jeff Boks Fly Fishing~~~~~Just Do It

Response:

Thursday morning I left home around 5AM to catch a plane to Los Angeles. Besides a quick lunch in the city, that was the last time I would set foot in LA until my return to the airport this morning.  Most of the extended Labor Day vacation was spent in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties which lie northwest of Los Angeles. First off, the food was amazing. Quality, variety and freshness which is completely unavailable where I live (it also didn’t hurt that my hosts were magicians in the kitchen who could whip up gourmet meals upn a whim).   Went up to Lake Cachuma and rented a little motorboat.  This is stocked trout lake with plenty of bass and panfish.  I didn’t expect any trout since it’s still technically summer.  The water was very choppy and all had I brought with me was 4 wt travel rod which was rendered completely useless by the constant gusting wind.  I put the rod away and became a full time boatsman at the mercy of the whims of a four year old niece. Next day was spent searching the Los Padres National Forest for fishable water.  My friend told me that many streams in this part of California typically have little or no flow by the time July rolls around. Nevertheless, a good map, a lovely lady and a well muscled vehicle were sufficient incentive to explore quite a bit of the nearby highlands.  I did find one stream that had enough flowing water to hold fish.  We bounced around from boulder to boulder and scaled craggy rocks to safely negotiate the hike along and through the creek.  It was more of a hiking trip with a few incidental pokes of my leader into some of the likely looking holes.  I only had three solid strikes and landed one plump rainbow trout on a prince nymph out of the deepest hole.   The last day was spent surf casting with "bloodworms" for ocean perch near Vandenberg Air Force base.  My girlfriend’s dad told me these were his secret baits that a supplier flies in daily from the east coast.  They weren’t the bloodworms I was used to from childhood flounder trips on the Long Island Sound, the ones with the big black pincers that come out of the sphincter on one end when you squeezed them.  These were what we used to call sandworms.  I caught one surf perch on a worm and later caught one on a sand flea that had accidentally impaled itself on my hook as my rig was tumbling in the waves.  Neither fish were worth keeping for the grill so I let them go.  The old fella caught nothing but at least he wasn’t doubled over in sea-sickened vomit position like the last time we went fishing together.  A well stocked icebox full of white fleshed California peaches, oversized Concord grapes and plenty of squid jerky kept me happy in spite of the slow fishing.  On the way home we stopped at the Channel Islands Harbor in a port town called Oxnard for some fresh dungeness crab, no utensils necessary. This wasn’t a hard core fishing weekend but a tour of some of the hills and beaches of the central California coast.  All streams, beaches, roads, turnouts, restaurants and vineyards were carefully logged in my mind for the inevitable return visit. Mu

Response:

Question:

Uh-Oh…I think someone just turned on the heater it’s starting to get hot in here….. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To all sponsoring and/or midwiving the BASTARD: The news surrounding the birth of the BASTARD is nothing short of fantastic. As a fan of split-cane rods, I salute these efforts and think everyone should have the chance to own and fish a properly tooled and crafted cane rod.  So what about the BASTARD?  Does anyone out there really think that a split-cane rod can be produced for $300???!!!  HELLO?!  ARE WE ALL THAT DELUDED??!!?? Cane hex blanks alone wholesale for over $200 and quadrates are double that. But the BASTARDS will be made from cheap cane in a no-nonsense fashion, as if a BLANK has any nonsense. Cheap cane is cheap because it is covered either with water marks or grower’s marks.  I know, I know…the BASTARD aesthetic is not concerned with aesthetics.  But grower’s marks typically go through the enamel and sever the power bundles.  Yes, this effects casting, noticeably.  Really.  Cane costs could be reduced by making one-tip rods, but that cuts the life of the BASTARD in half. What about the tapers?  Initially, it would be easy enough to sell only one taper/length in each line weight; there are plenty of tapers out on the web. But soon customers won’t be so patient.  You’ll need more.  That means taking the time to reset you planing forms and triple-check the depth.  Then you’ll have to test out guide spacing on each different taper.  Time, time. What about tooling?  To put up with the rigors of production, you’ll have to get decent tooling.  Your cheapest tools will be your planing forms (~$800 for one that will last) and planes (at least four; as much as you want them to be, but don’t skimp on the blades).  Don’t forget your beveler and binder which together go for the price of a year’s tuition at an Ivy-league school.  A good depth guage is a car payment.  And don’t forget your wrapper, whipping thread, sock, tube…  To keep costs down I guess you don’t have to worry about the finish, just use tung-oil.  Then you don’t need varnish, dip-tanks, color-preserver, or any of that.  But tung-oil rods *often* won’t last a half of a decade. What about hardware?  Snakes and tip-tops are no big deal, but forget about the agate (or even agatine) stripper.  If you find a good agate stripper for less than $30, then you haven’t found agate. (Doesn’t sound like much, but that’s already 10% of your rod.)  To keep costs down, what’s wrong with SiC? Hook-keepers?  Anyone who’s read Garrison knows that American cane rod-makers don’t use hook-keepers.  It’s called a stripping guide. Yup.  Saved money there.  Reel seats?  Forget fancy, how about alder?  Don’t even get me started on ferrules. If you can somehow get all the above costs diffused through an enormous production run so that they retail for under $500, you still haven’t paid you labor.  Even if it’s a labor force of one, Mr. G, he’ll need to eat once in a while.  Hobbyists can finish a cane rod in about 40-50 man-hours.  Custom rods from the 30 or so who make cane rods for a living (full-time) take about 80-100 man-hours.  These folks probably want to charge a little more than minimum wage. There are reasons that cane rods cost as much as they do, and there are reasons that the many attempts to produce low-cost cane rods in the last 30 years have failed.  What you get in a properly made and well-crafted cane rod is not only a superior fishing instrument, but a piece of American history. The cane-rod industry is one of the last in this country that consists of independent artisans who apprentice under masters and continue to improve upon the tradition.  If you read up on the history of cane-rods you’ll notice that even though split-cane and greenheart originated in the UK, the modern tradition of split-cane rods is American and any reputable rod-maker can trace his apprenticeship back to a 19th century master.  Yes, they still cost a lot, but if you ever talk to a full-time rod-maker (at the FFF or somewhere) you’ll see that no one gets rich making rods, they do because they love it. And finally…Is there a real difference between cane and graphite or glass? Well, is there a difference between an Aston-Martin and a Geo?  or is there a difference between Night Train and the Famous Grouse?  Both cars will get you where you want to go and both drinks will eventually get you drunk, but I guess it depends on how you want to get there.  Maybe a better analogy is shaving with garden-shears or a straight razor.  One is clumsy and potentially painful and the other, with a little practice, is an instrument of precision and tradition that is a pleasure to use and surpasses all. If you decide to get a split-cane rod, get the right one for the right reasons.  Don’t get any old BASTARD because it is cheap.  Perhaps the BASTARD will be the rod that will change the ff-ing world.  Perhaps not.  But at least talk to a cane rod-maker (check out the cane Rodmakers page at http://home1.gte.net/jfoster/index.htm) to see what kind of rod they can make you and what their rods can do over a production rod. Oh, but I doubt any of of those rodmakers would be able to seel you a Marryat reel.  Tough luck. The Tonkin Kid

Response:

To all sponsoring and/or midwiving the BASTARD:

and George began his reply: ______ That is me, "tonkin kid".  Talk to me.  I’m the man.  I’m the uno numeruno Bastard you need to address yourself too.  Now then?  You were saying?

(remainder of repartee snipped, in my never-ceasing attempt to save band-width) Go get’em George.  We can’t have these blithering naysayers ruining our fun. Mark Faulkner

Response:

‘kid,’ is licking his wounds.  He will heal though and will come back to try to learn  more about us. O.G.O

Response:

Tonkin Kid, I think you should change your name to "The Foolium Kid". 1. Do you know what the price of a bundle of Tonkin cane is. 2. Do you know the average number of good culms in a bundle of Tonkin cane? 3. Do you know how many rods with extra tips can be built with one culm? 4. Do you know how many strips a man using power tools can plain in a day? 5. Do you know how many blanks one man can finish in a day? 4. Do you know what the mark up is on a bamboo rod? I don’t know where you buy your hardware and materials but you won’t ever find me there.  I have seen figures just like yours trying to justify the cost of graphite rods also, but you should peddle your foolium elsewhere, I am not in the market. Ernie Harrison

Response:

To all sponsoring and/or midwiving the BASTARD: The news surrounding the birth of the BASTARD is nothing short of fantastic. As a fan of split-cane rods, I salute these efforts and think everyone should have the chance to own and fish a properly tooled and crafted cane rod.  So what about the BASTARD?  Does anyone out there really think that a split-cane rod can be produced for $300???!!!  HELLO?!  ARE WE ALL THAT DELUDED??!!?? Cane hex blanks alone wholesale for over $200 and quadrates are double that. But the BASTARDS will be made from cheap cane in a no-nonsense fashion, as if a BLANK has any nonsense.   Cheap cane is cheap because it is covered either with water marks or grower’s marks.  I know, I know…the BASTARD aesthetic is not concerned with aesthetics.  But grower’s marks typically go through the enamel and sever the power bundles.  Yes, this effects casting, noticeably.  Really.  Cane costs could be reduced by making one-tip rods, but that cuts the life of the BASTARD in half. What about the tapers?  Initially, it would be easy enough to sell only one taper/length in each line weight; there are plenty of tapers out on the web. But soon customers won’t be so patient.  You’ll need more.  That means taking the time to reset you planing forms and triple-check the depth.  Then you’ll have to test out guide spacing on each different taper.  Time, time. What about tooling?  To put up with the rigors of production, you’ll have to get decent tooling.  Your cheapest tools will be your planing forms (~$800 for one that will last) and planes (at least four; as much as you want them to be, but don’t skimp on the blades).  Don’t forget your beveler and binder which together go for the price of a year’s tuition at an Ivy-league school.  A good depth guage is a car payment.  And don’t forget your wrapper, whipping thread, sock, tube…  To keep costs down I guess you don’t have to worry about the finish, just use tung-oil.  Then you don’t need varnish, dip-tanks, color-preserver, or any of that.  But tung-oil rods *often* won’t last a half of a decade. What about hardware?  Snakes and tip-tops are no big deal, but forget about the agate (or even agatine) stripper.  If you find a good agate stripper for less than $30, then you haven’t found agate. (Doesn’t sound like much, but that’s already 10% of your rod.)  To keep costs down, what’s wrong with SiC? Hook-keepers?  Anyone who’s read Garrison knows that American cane rod-makers don’t use hook-keepers.  It’s called a stripping guide. Yup.  Saved money there.  Reel seats?  Forget fancy, how about alder?  Don’t even get me started on ferrules. If you can somehow get all the above costs diffused through an enormous production run so that they retail for under $500, you still haven’t paid you labor.  Even if it’s a labor force of one, Mr. G, he’ll need to eat once in a while.  Hobbyists can finish a cane rod in about 40-50 man-hours.  Custom rods from the 30 or so who make cane rods for a living (full-time) take about 80-100 man-hours.  These folks probably want to charge a little more than minimum wage. There are reasons that cane rods cost as much as they do, and there are reasons that the many attempts to produce low-cost cane rods in the last 30 years have failed.  What you get in a properly made and well-crafted cane rod is not only a superior fishing instrument, but a piece of American history. The cane-rod industry is one of the last in this country that consists of independent artisans who apprentice under masters and continue to improve upon the tradition.  If you read up on the history of cane-rods you’ll notice that even though split-cane and greenheart originated in the UK, the modern tradition of split-cane rods is American and any reputable rod-maker can trace his apprenticeship back to a 19th century master.  Yes, they still cost a lot, but if you ever talk to a full-time rod-maker (at the FFF or somewhere) you’ll see that no one gets rich making rods, they do because they love it. And finally…Is there a real difference between cane and graphite or glass? Well, is there a difference between an Aston-Martin and a Geo?  or is there a difference between Night Train and the Famous Grouse?  Both cars will get you where you want to go and both drinks will eventually get you drunk, but I guess it depends on how you want to get there.  Maybe a better analogy is shaving with garden-shears or a straight razor.  One is clumsy and potentially painful and the other, with a little practice, is an instrument of precision and tradition that is a pleasure to use and surpasses all. If you decide to get a split-cane rod, get the right one for the right reasons.  Don’t get any old BASTARD because it is cheap.  Perhaps the BASTARD will be the rod that will change the ff-ing world.  Perhaps not.  But at least talk to a cane rod-maker (check out the cane Rodmakers page at http://home1.gte.net/jfoster/index.htm) to see what kind of rod they can make you and what their rods can do over a production rod. Oh, but I doubt any of of those rodmakers would be able to seel you a Marryat reel.  Tough luck.   The Tonkin Kid

Response:

To all sponsoring and/or midwiving the BASTARD:

______ That is me, "tonkin kid".  Talk to me.  I’m the man.  I’m the uno numeruno Bastard you need to address yourself too.  Now then?  You were saying? Oh?  By the way – Refer to me from now on as "O.G.O." The news surrounding the birth of the BASTARD is nothing short of fantastic.

As a fan of split-cane rods, I salute these efforts and think everyone should have the chance to own and fish a properly tooled and crafted cane rod.  So what about the BASTARD?

dense quality Imported Just For this bastard. Does anyone out there really think that a split-cane rod can be produced for $300???!!!

HELLO?!  ARE WE ALL THAT DELUDED??!!??

Cane hex blanks alone wholesale for over $200 and quadrates are double that.

But the BASTARDS will be made from cheap cane in a no-nonsense fashion, as if a BLANK has any nonsense.

more careful on who you’re talking too here ‘tonkin kid’.  Is that it?  "Tonkin Kid?"  Are you saying you have the market cornered on cheap bamboo?  Sorry.  We don’t want any. Cheap cane is cheap because it is covered either with water marks or grower’s marks.  I know, I know…the BASTARD aesthetic is not concerned with aesthetics.

BASTARD BAMBOO FLY ROD.  This fly fishing world is ready for a Beautiful Bastard – and this is it.  In fact, you’re beginning to qualify for one. But grower’s marks typically go through the enamel and sever the power bundles.  Yes, this effects casting, noticeably.  Really.  Cane costs could be reduced by making one-tip rods, but that cuts the life of the BASTARD in half.

equate your kind of foolishness with a high quality BASTARD FLY ROD.  "Don’t Tread On Me Dude"  Just might become a Bastard Model.  Thank goodness, nothing you’ve said so far applies to a BASTARD FLY ROD.  "Half Life," looks more promising to the "tonkin kid," buddy.  Where do you get off making such outlandish statements and lies?  Do you work for Bill Clinton? What about the tapers?

Initially, it would be easy enough to sell only one taper/length in each line weight; there are plenty of tapers out on the web.

But soon customers won’t be so patient.

You’ll need more.  That means taking the time to reset you planing forms and triple-check the depth.  Then you’ll have to test out guide spacing on each different taper.  Time, time.

BASTARD BAMBOO FLY ROD.  Like I said.  I’m rich. What about tooling?  To put up with the rigors of production, you’ll have to get decent tooling.

tooling is the best in the world.  Do you want to come and work for me? Your cheapest tools will be your planing forms (~$800 for one that will last) and planes (at least four; as much as you want them to be, but don’t skimp on the blades).  Don’t forget your beveler and binder which together go for the price of a year’s tuition at an Ivy-league school.  A good depth guage is a car payment.  And don’t forget your wrapper, whipping thread, sock, tube…  To keep costs down I guess you don’t have to worry about the finish, just use tung-oil.  Then you don’t need varnish, dip-tanks, color-preserver, or any of that.  But tung-oil rods *often* won’t last a half of a decade.

shop.  Everything is free except raw materials.  You need to get your planing forms from someone that doesn’t screw you all the time, kid.  It was "kid" – right? What about hardware?  Snakes and tip-tops are no big deal, but forget about the agate (or even agatine) stripper.  If you find a good agate stripper for less than $30, then you haven’t found agate. (Doesn’t sound like much, but that’s already 10% of your rod.)  To keep costs down, what’s wrong with SiC? Hook-keepers?  Anyone who’s read Garrison knows that American cane rod-makers don’t use hook-keepers.  It’s called a stripping guide. Yup.  Saved money there.  Reel seats?  Forget fancy, how about alder?  Don’t even get me started on ferrules.

have too but, I will admit I’d rather just buy them ready made.  You’re down to nickle/dime stuff.  Hardware.  No mystery in hardware.  If we can’t buy it at a price that is fair, we will make it right here. Kid, you just don’t know what the hell  you’re talking about.  If we can build it cheaper, guess what the choice is going to be? If you can somehow get all the above costs diffused through an enormous production run so that they retail for under $500, you still haven’t paid you labor.  Even if it’s a labor force of one, Mr. G, he’ll need to eat once in a while.  Hobbyists can finish a cane rod in about 40-50 man-hours.  Custom rods from the 30 or so who make cane rods for a living (full-time) take about 80-100 man-hours.  These folks probably want to charge a little more than minimum wage.

person operation.  Automation on as much as is possible is guaranteed.  Those ‘full time’ rod makers have to cut the vacations and coffee breaks pal. I just love it when all these losers keep equating how others should run their businesses.  Has anyone latched onto that yet?  "Welllllllll?"  They think.  If it takes ME 100 hours to make a bamboo fly rod, that means its going to take you 100 hours too." wrong! There are reasons that cane rods cost as much as they do, and there are reasons that the many attempts to produce low-cost cane rods in the last 30 years have failed.  What you get in a properly made and well-crafted cane rod is not only a superior fishing instrument, but a piece of American history. The cane-rod industry is one of the last in this country that consists of independent artisans who apprentice under masters and continue to improve upon the tradition.  If you read up on the history of cane-rods you’ll notice that even though split-cane and greenheart originated in the UK, the modern tradition of split-cane rods is American and any reputable rod-maker can trace his apprenticeship back to a 19th century master.  Yes, they still cost a lot, but if you ever talk to a full-time rod-maker (at the FFF or somewhere) you’ll see that no one gets rich making rods, they do because they love it.

BASTARDS. And finally…Is there a real difference between cane and graphite or glass?

_______Well, gee?  I don’t know?  Is there a difference between land and water? The moon and the sun?  Your wife as compared to mine?  Golfing in the middle of a street and a fairway?  You tell us kid.  This is a heavy question. Well, is there a difference between an Aston-Martin and a Geo?  or is there a difference between Night Train and the Famous Grouse?  Both cars will get you where you want to go and both drinks will eventually get you drunk, but I guess it depends on how you want to get there.  Maybe a better analogy is shaving with garden-shears or a straight razor.  One is clumsy and potentially painful and the other, with a little practice, is an instrument of precision and tradition that is a pleasure to use and surpasses all.

qualified.  Park it dude.  Your engine is racing but your tires are standing still.  All this has NOTHING to do with   BASTARD FLY RODS.  You have not one, single, base point to stand on.  You are just (to be perfectly frank) a baseless opinion.  A noise.  A silent fart in church.  You are way off base on nearly everything.  But!  That is okay.  We get them like you here all the time.  We just need to soften you up a little and get you drunk a time or two.  We might even teach you how to be a success.  Here, anything is possible.  Even for you kid. If you decide to get a split-cane rod, get the right one for the right reasons.  Don’t get any old BASTARD because it is cheap.

pine tree all the time?  Just LISTEN to yourself!  Quote:  "Don’t get any old BASTARD because it is cheap."  Well, there are no other BASTARDS and these are not old.  Right away, you make yourself out an idiot of principle, ‘kid’. This also isn’t ANY old BASTARD.  That is another mistake.  It is my BASTARD FLY ROD COMPANY and you have NO RIGHT to say or ASSUME the things you’re doing here . . . kid. (God, I love this place!) Perhaps the BASTARD

‘hope’ for ‘the kid.’  What do you guys think?  Is he or is not ‘the kid’ qualifying as a real bastard who should own a bastard? will be the rod that will change the ff-ing world.

life.  How do we know?  Because you’re HERE!  It is everyone’s pleasure to meet a cynic such as  yourself.  You

… read more »

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Question:

Hello all- I would appreciate any and all information on fly fishing in Cherokee, North Carolina. Especially interested in effective patterns for late May / early June. Locations and / or contacts would be helpful. Thank You — Joe

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Hello all- I would appreciate any and all information on fly fishing in Cherokee, North Carolina. Especially interested in effective patterns for late May / early June. Locations and / or contacts would be helpful. Thank You

I’m in the piedmont area of NC but If you’re from out of state you might want to get the fishing regulations from the NC Wildlife Resources Commission at 512 N. Salisbury St. Raliegh, NC 27604-1188 Call info office (919) 662-4381.  It lists locations to fish by county.  Marry that to some maps and it’ll be a good start.  Since many of the streams are trophy streams and have various limitations the locations are important.  The book also has pages of advertisements for shops.  There are probably some in the Cherokee/Murphy area that you can phone directly.

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Question:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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Question:

After a long break away from fly fishing (but fishing extensively in salt water), I want to begin fly fishing for stripers. In an attempt to start out with a decent but not overly expensive rod, I was considering purchasing a 9 weight Cabela’s Fish Eagle PT rod for $140.00. Comments please. Thank you. Baron Briggs

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start out with a decent but not overly expensive rod, I was considering purchasing a 9 weight Cabela’s Fish Eagle PT rod for $140.00. Comments please.

I have the PT in the 4 weight 4 piece.  My favorite rod, over and above my others from Orvis, Redington, etc.  However, the rod is somewhat slow, and I’m not sure if the 9wts are similar.  If so, a faster rod may be better for throwing into wind, bigger flies, etc.  Btw, Cabela’s Cahill reels are fine for trout and bluegill (I have 3 of them), but I doubt they’d be sturdy enough for saltwater/big fish. Jerry Cobb Nashville, TN

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Question:

Does anyone know of a fishing expo in the NYC area. A friend of mine said there is one comming to boston. Just curious if it would make it to NYC, it would save me a road trip. Thanks, DAVE — Dave Blizard "Pork, the other white meat."

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There is a Fly Fishing Only show the second satruday in March in White Plains, NY by the Theodore Fly Fishers.  It’s a really great show done with style.  Not too crowded as you would expect at the Suffern Show. Have fun!

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Question:

I just got my orvis catalog in the mail today..ah, it’s January but spring is already in the air…So, my fellow fly fishermen, what are we buying Orvis braided leader system..it seems like it would be great. I want to pick it up, but first i’d like to know if anyone knows how good it is..Thanks.. Frankie… NYC fly-fisherman..just a 2 hour drive to the Beaverkill..

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The advertisement for Jeep that starts…       "A Tradition Runs Through It…." About made me lose chow… Tim Walker

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The advertisement for Jeep that starts…       "A Tradition Runs Through It…." About made me lose chow…

I hope the Royal Coachman does not make you nauseous; it was invented by Mary Orvis Marbury.  Unless I am mistaken, you must carry your line coiled up in your hand.  The thought of using a modern fly reel, which traces its lineage back to the CFO reel developed by Charles F. Orvis, is repugnant. On the other hand, it may be the Jeep/Orvis advertising executives who make you sick.  The thought that anyone would exploit fly fishing’s traditions, your heritage, for commercial gain could upset you.  That is why I only fish with tackle donated to me by Trappist monks.  They have to give up both fishing and sex. Shudder! Unfortunately, fewer and fewer folks are willing to make that double sacrifice so I am running low on tackle.  I am therefore looking forward to drooling over my Orvis catalogue.  I imperil my immortal soul by dealing with them (the toll free #, 1-800-666-6666, is scary) but what the heck.  Some of it is nice stuff. — Keep your stick on the ice.

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The advertisement for Jeep that starts…       "A Tradition Runs Through It…." snip Yeah, Tim, but if you keep reading, it only gets worse: "…The Orvis name informs (sic) the spirit of every fly fisherman…in America"   WHAT does that mean??!!

Inform (vt) does not just mean to impart knowledge, it also means 1) obs to give material form or to arrange 2)to give character or essence; hence to be characteristic of 3)to train or discipline 4)to guide or direct.  I don’t know why Webster says that 1 is obsolete; Aristotelian and Thomistic metaphysicians are always prattling on about formal causes informing material causes. So how do you like that?  Madison avenue says that Orvis gives you character, disciplines you, and/or guides you.  And I thought that they just had some nice stuff for sale.  If it were not for those ads I might have gone to my grave without recogning my essential Orvisness. — Keep your stick on the ice.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The advertisement for Jeep that starts…       "A Tradition Runs Through It…." snip Yeah, Tim, but if you keep reading, it only gets worse: "…The Orvis name informs (sic) the spirit of every fly fisherman…in America"   WHAT does that mean??!! Inform (vt) does not just mean to impart knowledge, it also means 1) obs to give material form or to arrange 2)to give character or essence; hence to be characteristic of 3)to train or discipline 4)to guide or direct.  I don’t know why Webster says that 1 is obsolete; Aristotelian and Thomistic metaphysicians are always prattling on about formal causes informing material causes.

Thanks for the vocabulary lesson!  Now that I know what they’re talking about, somehow I don’t feel much better.  However, I agree with the people who have posted to the effect that this drivel is an ad, after all; Orvis is just using the media to try to turn a buck, and I don’t sweat them that.  My beef is with the media…do they really think we are a bunch of sheep? Anyhow, seeing the ad did not stop me from placing an order from the same catalog.  Boycotting is a bit extreme, I think. Paul DiConza NY Capital District Angler

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: The advertisement for Jeep that starts… :       "A Tradition Runs Through It…." : About made me lose chow… : On the other hand, it may be the Jeep/Orvis advertising executives who : make you sick.  The thought that anyone would exploit fly fishing’s Norman Maclean must be rolling in his grave.  His son and his daughter must not have ever read the book, or they missed the point.  Ol’ Norm was very protective that his story was personal and he never wanted to exploit it for commercial gains.  Now he’s dead and his family is raping his memories.  If I ever see an orvis edition jeep at my fishing hole, I think I’ll let the air out of it’s tires for Norm…I think he’d approve. Tim Walker

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Who would buy an Orvis Cherokee…maybe the same tweedy types that keep Orvis in business and FF a bad name. Went way too far this time pa.

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Tim Walker suggests that he would let the air out of the tires of any Orvis Jeep parked near his fishing spot and that Norman McLean would approve. Tim – If I ever see anyone letting the air out of any fisherman’s vehicle (of whatever kind), I’ll do my best to see if I can get the person arrested. Making such a suggestion, even as hyperbole, reflects poor judgment (among other things).                                               Dallas, TX                                               Ennis, MT

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