Question:

I am planning a trip to Ontario this summer and want to try flyrodding for Northerns. Can anyone tell me how to rig and what lures to use. I’m experienced at pike fishing but have never tried using a fly rod. Thanks!    

Response:

Ernest, Get Barry Reynolds book Pike on the Fly from Johnson Books.  Barry spends   a LOT of time in Manitoba and Ontario fishing for pike with flies and his   book has everything you need to get started.  He also has a video called   The Flyrodders Guide to Pike on a Fly that is very good. Gregg

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: I am planning a trip to Ontario this summer and want to try flyrodding : for Northerns. Can anyone tell me how to rig and what lures to use. : I’m experienced at pike fishing but have never tried using a fly rod. : Thanks!     A few years ago, I got the idea that I’d like to try Northern fishing with a fly and proceeded to tie a bunch of brightly colored saltwater patterns on BIG hooks.  I also bought a ten-weight rod, learned to tie a bimini twist and then didn’t manage to make the trip. Seriously, though, I think that any of the big saltwater patterns (Lefty’s Deceiver et al.) would do well.

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…I’m experienced at pike fishing but have never tried using a fly rod. Thanks!

PIKE?!? (I hate them I guess practically any fly will do… maybe you should tie a duck or a frog… they eat practically anything that moves -F-

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Question:

I use a Madriver Tahoe(14Ft). Weighs 52 pounds-easy enough to handle by myself. This is a recreational canoe-wide,and with good primary stability- really good for trips with small children and dogs.

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can somebody recomend a good canoe 12′-15′ long and really light under $600 primarily used for fishing thanks chris

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can somebody recomend a good canoe 12′-15′ long and really light under $600 primarily used for fishing thanks chris

Chris,  You want some initial stability…to give you that casting platform. I’d go with a light kevlar or some kind of composite in a wide hull. I love dynamically designed hulls, but I just haven’t paddled anything       lightweight in a medium to narrow width with the secondary stability that’s necessary to avoid hair-raising adventures with any sudden movements or just wind.  Kevlar, or anything else that would be light is just not cheap_$$$, I’d go the USED route.  Be energetic in your search…and you should find something via the web. $.02, Steve

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can somebody recomend a good canoe 12′-15′ long and really light under $600 primarily used for fishing thanks chris

I use an Old Town Pack, 12 foot long, 33 pounds, on lakes and slow rivers.  New they are near $600, but I got mine used for <$300, including a lovely bent shaft paddle.  I have not had a problem with primary or secondary stability for fishing (YMMV).  I use it for both casting and trolling, while my husband has used it for flyfishing (but not as successfully).  I have found that me, 6 Ft or shorter rods work best in small canoes or kayaks.  Get a nice anchor and a brush anchor too.  Enjoy. Pam in Iowa

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Question:

A merry (year end festible of choice) to all of you. May the beer god smile apon you and your stockings be filled with bamboo rods, cool vests, waders, zingers and other tools of joy! Even you daytripper, get a bamboo ok? Flyfish — dave’s homepage madness http://www.ctel.net/~brooktrout flyfishing in Maine and more

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A merry (year end festible of choice) to all of you. May the beer god smile apon you and your stockings be filled with bamboo rods, cool vests, waders, zingers and other tools of joy! Even you daytripper, get a bamboo ok? Flyfish

Bah! Humbug! If God had meant us to fish with cane, He’d have them grow with the guides and a UPS shipping label already attached… /daytripper (who actually owns four cane rods but prefers plastic)

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have never fished before except once at a trout farm where you drop in a line and the fish attack it. I go canoeing alot on a local reservoir and I’d like to get started fishing it. The lake has bass, trout, walleye, crappie and some others. I just got a Shimano spinning combo but I dont know how to get line on the spool or exactly how the spinning reel works. Any help/advice about spinning rods and fishing in general will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 p[0]       Have a look at the Feild and Stream Web site they have articles on filling your reel and properly setting the drag on you spinning reel as well as the proper way to use the rod to fight the fish. You can find them at http://www.fieldandstream.com/     You might also want to try having a look at the In-Fisherman Web site. They have several of the articles on line and the search engine will help you find techniques for any of the fish you are after. Their URL is http://www.in-fisherman.com     Finally you can try the web site for many of the popular tackle companies. You can find a list of many of them at http://www.acc.umu.se/~widmark/lwmanufa.html     Good luck hope this helps some Maurice. Regards,   —

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I have never fished before except once at a trout farm where you drop in a line and the fish attack it. I go canoeing alot on a local reservoir and I’d like to get started fishing it. The lake has bass, trout, walleye, crappie and some others. I just got a Shimano spinning combo but I dont know how to get line on the spool or exactly how the spinning reel works. Any help/advice about spinning rods and fishing in general will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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I just got a Shimano spinning combo but I dont know how to get line on the spool or exactly how the spinning reel works. Any help/advice about spinning rods and fishing in general will be greatly appreciated.

Advise you to take your reel to your local bait shop or sporting goods store. They will fill your reel usually for 2 or 3

Question:

Does anyone have information on fly fishing in France in early September?  Any sources to look for?  My son and I would apreciate any help.

Response:

Try the travel agents/tourist pages on yahoo uk/Ireland we found some good Information on fly fishing in France. Best Regards & Tight lines Chris & Sue Simmons. U.K.         – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone have information on fly fishing in France in early September?  Any sources to look for?  My son and I would apreciate any help.

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Assuming you haven’t left already — Where will you be?  I was in France in July and picked up a really helpful book called "Guide des Parcours de Peche en France" which lists almost every river and lake in detail.  I fished a number of rivers in northeastern France.  Full of wild fish but very tough fishing (v. low water in midsummer).  There is also a legendary fly fishing hotel in a small village called Goumois on the Swiss border (River Doubs).  I really enjoyed staying there, and prices are reasonable.  But it all depends where you plan to be — Normandy, for example, is full of classic English-style chalk streams.  E-mail me if you’d like more details and I’ll be happy to pass on tips from the book I mentioned.  Beware, by the way, of the incredibly complicated and bureaucratic licensing requirements — you basically have to buy a new license for each river, often each section of river, you intend to fish. Best wishes, George Black

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Question:

Today there are almost as many different type of fly-casts as there are flyfishermans. Does it exist a generel Guide or dictionary which describes all these many casts? Maybe there are some nice sites about this? Thanks Gustav Hellstrom, Sweden

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There is really only one basic cast and everything is built of that.  The double haul, for example, is an extension of the traditional backcast, as is Lefty’s back cast etc.  The roll cast is a little different, but the rod tip physics are the same.  The key is to get the basic cast right.  After that, Lefty Kreh has a very good book entitled "Longer Fly Casting"

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Today there are almost as many different type of fly-casts as there are flyfishermans. Does it exist a generel Guide or dictionary which describes all these many casts? Maybe there are some nice sites about this? Thanks Gustav Hellstrom, Sweden

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Hellstroem) writes: Today there are almost as many different type of fly-casts as there are flyfishermans. Does it exist a generel Guide or dictionary which describes all these many casts? Maybe there are some nice sites about this?

Hi Gustav, Probably the best book I’ve seen describing and analyzing lots of different fly casts is Joan Wulff’s book "Fly Casting Techniques".  she is very analytical in her approach and gives clear concise instructions. The old Kelson Book "Salmon Flies" (originally published in 1895 and reprinted a lot), although primarily recognized because of its fly tying instructions, has some nice info on various casts with a two handed rod along with illustrations of the techniques.                                 Hope this helps,                                          Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools Mt. Shasta Fly Fishing Schools http://www.thegrid.net/flyfish

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Question:

I’m heading to St. Petersburg in late june and would like to tie some flies up.  Any suggestions for redfish, small tarpon and snook on the flats and backwaters would be appreciated.  Hook size and patterns.  Patterns that would catch two or more of the species would be preferable.  Thanks for your help. — Jay

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I’m heading to St. Petersburg in late june and would like to tie some flies up.  Any suggestions for redfish, small tarpon and snook on the flats and backwaters would be appreciated.  Hook size and patterns.  Patterns that would catch two or more of the species would be preferable.  Thanks for your help. — Jay

Jay, I just came back from Sanibel and had a lot of luck with the following: Del’s Merkin – Tan – Redfish Big Eye Deciever – White w/Brown back – Snook/Tarpon Chartruese/White Deciever – Snook/Tarpon Chartruese Clouser – Snook/Tarpon I’d add a shrimp fly or two to the list and also make sure to have a small crab imitator for any permit. BTW, I never go anywhere without decievers and clousers.  They’re my "confidence" flies.  Also weedless patterns help, especially for snook under mangroves and dockes. — Mark N. Cahill For E-mail remove the _Remove_This from the reply to address. http://www.geocities.com/Baja/3297

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I’m heading to St. Petersburg in late june and would like to tie some flies up.  Any suggestions for redfish, small tarpon and snook on the flats and backwaters would be appreciated.  Hook size and patterns.  Patterns that would catch two or more of the species would be preferable.  Thanks for your help. — Jay

I would recommend a Chico’s Seaducer in size 2 to 1/0 to 3" in yellow or white with a red collar and a little flash for snook and tarpon. There are many different patterns to try. Try some chartreuse or white poppers in the mangroves for snook and tarpon. I would try to get a fly fishing  guide with boat for one day. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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Question:

I am curious if Boeing Jets like those of 747s can do a landing or take-off using auto-pilot? How about military jets?  Are they able to do auto landing and take-offs? Thank you.

Response:

    I am curious if Boeing Jets like those of 747s can do a landing or     take-off using auto-pilot? Landings, yes.  The aircraft and pilots have to be specially certified, though. The takeoff may be a capability of the aircraft, but I don’t know if it is commonly used.     How about military jets?  Are they able to do auto landing and     take-offs? Landings, yes.  I know of no automatic takeoff capability. — John Weiss Seattle, WA

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    I am curious if Boeing Jets like those of 747s can do a landing or     take-off using auto-pilot? Landings, yes.  The aircraft and pilots have to be specially certified,

though. I’ve been (as a passenger) on a couple of auto landings in 757s. Fog was so thick I only saw the runway inches from touchdown. Pilots are required to do a number of those every so often (don’t remember how many in how many months). If you don’t see a youth in the right front seat and the aircraft goes bumpy on approach (power, then brakes, then more power…) odds are they are doing a practice auto landing. Pilot has to take the plane between the two outer side beacons and more or less on the center beacon at something like 7 miles, and then engage the contraption. The takeoff may be a capability of the aircraft, but I don’t know if it is commonly used.     How about military jets?  Are they able to do auto landing and     take-offs? Landings, yes.  I know of no automatic takeoff capability.

Auto take-offs make no sense… you are on the runway. You see it’s lights at least up to VR speed, after that normal instruments flight. What’s the point? IIRC, first USN bird capable of auto traps was the F-4G back in ‘Nam time. Auto throttles came before. — Jos

Question:

Wow! George and Tim-Bone have done it time and time again. Lets give each other a chance. I believe they are good folks, but haven’t met either. I have never fished a nymph, but tied a few. I’ve fished worms, soft shelled crabs, minnows, etc. when I was little and didnt know about fly fishing. At the age of 12 I mowed lawns to earn $12 for my first fly rod, a bamboo, and still have it. One of my most enjoyable times was in Wisconsin Muskie fishing. Another was on the Mc Kinzie in Qregon with my wife. The Muskie fishing was with live shiners and the Oregon trip was dry flies. A point I would like to make about fishing is that it isn’t what you use that memories are made of it is the stream, lake, fish caught (kept or released) and the _moment_ of excitement at the time. What you used doesn’t matter, it is the memory that you will keep. So let’s give some slack to the folks who use INDICATORS, droppers or otherwise, and remember the memories. keep ‘em dry lukn4fish Bob Madden San Jose, Ca

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wow! George and Tim-Bone have done it time and time again. Lets give each other a chance. I believe they are good folks, but haven’t met either. snip A point I would like to make about fishing is that it isn’t what you use that memories are made of it is the stream, lake, fish caught (kept or released) and the _moment_ of excitement at the time. What you used doesn’t matter, it is the memory that you will keep. So let’s give some slack to the folks who use INDICATORS, droppers or otherwise, and remember the memories. keep ‘em dry lukn4fish Bob Madden San Jose, Ca

And don’t forget the enjoyment fishing with the right partner can add. Steve

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You had better be careful…your post sounds an awful lot like good, old, common sense…something that is often missing from some of the rhetoric I see in this group.  Ever think of applying for a moderators position? JIM WARD

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Good comments!  It’s really about how you internalize the experience, not so much the tools that you use. -Burton (p.s., I love the McKenzie) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wow! George and Tim-Bone have done it time and time again. Lets give each other a chance. I believe they are good folks, but haven’t met either. I have never fished a nymph, but tied a few. I’ve fished worms, soft shelled crabs, minnows, etc. when I was little and didnt know about fly fishing. At the age of 12 I mowed lawns to earn $12 for my first fly rod, a bamboo, and still have it. One of my most enjoyable times was in Wisconsin Muskie fishing. Another was on the Mc Kinzie in Qregon with my wife. The Muskie fishing was with live shiners and the Oregon trip was dry flies. A point I would like to make about fishing is that it isn’t what you use that memories are made of it is the stream, lake, fish caught (kept or released) and the _moment_ of excitement at the time. What you used doesn’t matter, it is the memory that you will keep. So let’s give some slack to the folks who use INDICATORS, droppers or otherwise, and remember the memories. keep ‘em dry lukn4fish Bob Madden San Jose, Ca

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Question:

I’m considering buying a pair of stream cleats. Are they worthwhile ??? Better than the felt soles ??? There are a number of different types ranging from stubs that look like football cleats to long metal "V" shaped irons…is there any advantage to which type is best ??? Any info is much appreciated.

One thing you should keep in mind is that if you are wearing cleats you must be aware of where your line is .As in don’t step on your line.I have ruined many a line . The cleats will cut right into the line. Good fishin to you,and watch your step.           Lou H.

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The Surfcaster in Connecticut offers an new design in korkers that does not slip off.  ….bought a pair this past winter and have been quite pleased. DBZ

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I have a pair of the felt soled sandles that I’m not too proud of They don’t stay on the boots too well and flop around out of the water.  I have used the "V-cleats" that were on a slip-on rubber shoe…looked like the rubbers your grandpa wore over his sunday best shoes.  They worked great…would recommend them to anyone. Cleats or swimmin?, an easy decision for me Bill

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Kiene) writes: They are a little heavy and tend to come off in the water if your not careful.

They’re more than a little heavy, but if laced across the top of the boot correctly they never come off.  Back in the mid 80’s folks would lace them around the edges (old directions used to suggest that as the proper way) instead of crossing the laces like a regular pair of shoes and that’s where the problem came from.  I specifically bought mine because I fished the North Umpqua a lot, and you don’t even want to think about wading that river without some kind of cleats.  On a scale of 1 to 10 in wading difficulty, it’s a solid 9.  Even with cleats I would often end up swimming at least once a day.                                                              Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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One thing you should keep in mind is that if you are wearing cleats you must be aware of where your line is .As in don’t step on your line.I have ruined many a line . The cleats will cut right into the line.

This is true with the stream cleats that are bent aluminum bars set in rubber galoshes. The edges are real sharp when new and will cut your line in a flash.  After they’ve been distorted a bit from use they don’t eat lines quite so quickly but watch your step.  The Korkers (sandals with carbide tipped steel studs) won’t cut the line but are a lot heavier.                                                     Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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I’m considering buying a pair of stream cleats. Are they worthwhile ??? Better than the felt soles ??? There are a number of different types ranging from stubs that look like football cleats to long metal "V" shaped irons…is there any advantage to which type is best ???

I have used the original Korker sandals from Oregon.  They are a little heavy and tend to come off in the water if your not careful. They have carbide tipped,  replaceable studs and grip very well. They were made famous buy steel headers on the North Umpqua river in Oregon. The original ones had nylon laces, but they have a new model with adjustable web straps with buckles.   Dan Bailey’s Stream Cleats from Montana are rubber goulashes with aluminum grids.  They work well and slip on and off easily.  The rubber can tear and the aluminum wears out,  but the are effective on large rivers. Today, most people use wadding shoes with studded felt soles for large rivers.  They are all one piece and wear well.  Not everyone likes metal on the bottom of the wadding boots.  Some still prefer felt.

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I’ve used korkers and they’re fine- a bit expensive and heavy but they work well in very slick streams.    I dont like the extra weight, so I’ve taken to placing a couple of dozen small hex headed sheet metal screws in the boot felt.  (the exact size escapes me but they are about 3/8" long +/-)   I’ve set some in expoy but to be honest it didnt seem to make any difference.  Most of the screws will last a season before they wear off or pull out.   All things considered, its a 50 cent and five minute solution.

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   I bought a pair of "CORKERS" yes that’s the brand name. 40.00 per pair, but I love-em !!!  Never had a slip problem, and the tie right onto your existing boots. (i leave em tied right onto the boots all the time).  I bought them for fishing for steelies in the winter time up in pulaski N.Y. on the salmon river. (all the river banks are frozen big time, and They’re steel tipped, so I never slip.  Look em up, they’re worth every penny.                        Hugh

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I’m considering buying a pair of stream cleats. Are they worthwhile ??? Better than the felt soles ??? There are a number of different types ranging from stubs that look like football cleats to long metal "V" shaped irons…is there any advantage to which type is best ??? Any info is much appreciated.

I fished for several years with aluminum cleated overshoes (from Dan Bailey, I believe).  Excellent traction; much better than felt.  They look really goofy, though.  I now have been using Orvis wading boots with felt soles and boron tips.  Best of all worlds and a little snugger fit overall.  Price is just about the same; the shoes are a bit more expensive but last longer (I’d rip the hell out of the overshoe).  Most importantly, with the shoes on I look like a FF poster child  :-)

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Stream cleats and spikes are incredibly effective on some rivers and streams, particularly for aggressive waders who end up needing the equivalent of four-wheel drive to get out of trouble. One piece of river etiquette that is forgotten all too often, however:  if you are floating, your guide or host would appreciate being asked whether or not it’s appropriate to wear cleats or spikes in the boat, since they can make quite a permanent mess on someone’s floorboards or non-scuff paint. As an alternative you might look at either the removable kind (sort of like shoe rubbers) or a folding wading staff. Good Luck, Peter Yoakum, Editor Flyfishers Online — Flyfishers Online at http://flyfishers.com

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I’m considering buying a pair of stream cleats. Are they worthwhile ??? Better than the felt soles ??? There are a number of different types ranging from stubs that look like football cleats to long metal "V" shaped irons…is there any advantage to which type is best ??? Any info is much appreciated.

   Depends on what you do and where you go. Cleats are hell on a drift boat or raft, useless in sand, mud or gravel and tend to trip you up (especially when they’re new and sharp).  On the other hand felts on slick grassy banks, polished granite boulders or when it’s below freezing are not much fun.    Hardened steel studs or Korkers are the best for walking around on pock marked volcanic substrate or when walking on slimy logs. For hard slick stuff like polished granite or marble, aluminum is best because it smears against the rock to provide traction where hard points skid.    -Ralph —

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Corkers for Wading Yes, they’re great but here’s a couple of tips: Put a wood screw horizontally through the corker into the heel of your wader or wading boot from each side. ( 2 on each boot, # 8 x1 1/4 " wood screw  works O.K. ) This will save replacing corkers lost in fast water. Say a prayer before descending a steep snow-covered hill, corkers are like skis on snow.

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I’m considering buying a pair of stream cleats. Are they worthwhile ??? Better than the felt soles ??? There are a number of different types ranging from stubs that look like football cleats to long metal "V" shaped irons…is there any advantage to which type is best ??? Any info is much appreciated.

Response:

I’m considering buying a pair of stream cleats. Are they worthwhile ??? Better than the felt soles ??? There are a number of different types ranging from stubs that look like football cleats to long metal "V" shaped irons…is there any advantage to which type is best ??? Any info is much appreciated.

Since I’ve first worn ‘Korkers’ 15 years ago Salmon fishing..I never go into a stream without them unless it’s a sandy bottom or like that. I’ve gotten so used to being able to worry less about my footing and concentrating more on the fishing that I feel uncomfortable in the stream without them. The Korkers brand by far is the best as they use carbide caulks that outlast any of the others I’ve tried. A good investment…. Tight Lines!! JAPPLE

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