Question:

Good advice Jon; take it. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think you misspelt "opinion". In any case, some things are better kept to oneself. JonCook.

Response:

Frank, We’re just about 10 miles from the Rappahannock near Fredericksburg.  I live on the PO River.  Bluegills so big behind my house your pontoon boat would go for a sleigh ride!  Bring a 7 wt.!  Looks like we might have to postpone the Brookie trip Dianna and I had planned for tomorrow.  She bought me a strange here.  I bought her a fishing outfit and she bought me yard work tools.   hmmmmm…… I can’t quite put my finger on it but soething seems amiss. Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – lotsa snippage here of a great time had by Wayne…… Wayne, congrats on winning MC’s rod, I’m sure you’ll put it to good use. Of course you realize now that Dianna is outfitted and had a taste of ff’ing, your outfit is not complete…send me your snail mail addy and I’ll send you a matched set of a knife and fork to help you eat all that crow and humble pie  :-) …. before long Dianna will be outfishing you (just ask Rich Warren aka Debbies fishin’ pardner)  Still and all you’re a lucky man to have a wife interested in your favorite sport.  Whereabouts do you live in VA?  I get down to the eastern part fairly often (Roanoke/Lynchburg area) and haunt the Maury and James River for smallies. Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF RETIRED

Response:

I’ll just hazard a guess here….she has your number!  :-) Frank Church – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Frank, We’re just about 10 miles from the Rappahannock near Fredericksburg.  I live on the PO River.  Bluegills so big behind my house your pontoon boat would go for a sleigh ride!  Bring a 7 wt.!  Looks like we might have to postpone the Brookie trip Dianna and I had planned for tomorrow.  She bought me a strange here.  I bought her a fishing outfit and she bought me yard work tools.   hmmmmm…… I can’t quite put my finger on it but soething seems amiss. Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine! lotsa snippage here of a great time had by Wayne…… Wayne, congrats on winning MC’s rod, I’m sure you’ll put it to good use. Of course you realize now that Dianna is outfitted and had a taste of ff’ing, your outfit is not complete…send me your snail mail addy and I’ll send you a matched set of a knife and fork to help you eat all that crow and humble pie  :-) …. before long Dianna will be outfishing you (just ask Rich Warren aka Debbies fishin’ pardner)  Still and all you’re a lucky man to have a wife interested in your favorite sport.  Whereabouts do you live in VA?  I get down to the eastern part fairly often (Roanoke/Lynchburg area) and haunt the Maury and James River for smallies. Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF RETIRED

Response:

What a trip!  The past 6 days go to, surviving at, and returning from…….THE CLAVE!!!!.

Thanks for your report Wayne. I look forward to other reports. It’s lonely this side of the Pond:-) — Bill http://www.graigroad.demon.co.uk

Response:

Well, The Famous Grouse is almost gone ( I left my MaCallan at Clave Central).  Thanks for listening and sharing. — Wayne (who came away …..Changed!) To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

um…wayne, you didn’t think those polyleaders would be free, did ya?  i am in possession of your autographed bottle of mac… the benefit of being the last guy to leave. jeff

Response:

Fair trade Jeff!  I was just hopeing it went to a good home!  I’ll share my Mac with you anytime. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

strange here.  I bought her a fishing outfit and she bought me yard work tools.   hmmmmm…… I can’t quite put my finger on it but soething seems amiss.

Wayne:I feel your pain…I don’t think we were supposed to understand women, but I don’t know about those farm implements. I thought chainsaws were only useful for horror flicks about some fellow Texans. Thanks for the boots. I will need about 10 days to tie some good flies for the trade. I need to tie more now that there are two fly fishing persons in your family. Since stripers are available at your lake I will include some or Richard Hart’s Ghost Minnows which have been very useful on Lake Whitney. Please send me your snail mail address sometime in the next 10 days or so. It sure was good to meet you and your lovely wife Diana at the clave. I thought she got the best prize of all in the raffle in the Spam Shirt. We need to have more raffle prizes like that next year. Big Dale

Response:

What a trip!  The past 6 days go to, surviving at, and returning from…….THE CLAVE!!!!.  For all those of you who asked, a Clave is fishing camp for reprobates and some nice ladies.  Dianna and I arrived Friday after a pleasant  7 hour trip down from Virginia.  Dinner Friday night with Mark (Guyznflys), Debbie, Richard, Walt and his lovely wife Marie.  I was forced to sample the local brewery’s version of India pale Ale.  You’re right Walt, the horse has kidney trouble!  After plying Walt with a GREAT DEAL of alcohol I was finally able to twist his arm and get him to show my wife some fly rods.  You see, Dianna had shown a little interest in taking up the sport a couple of weeks ago.  I decided to buy her a set-up if she wanted to try it out.  Walt pulled out a nice selection of beginner/newbie rods for Dianna to look over.  Rather than forcing her to take the "best weight for a beginner" I elected to let her choose whatever felt good in her hands.  She tried quite a few and finally made a selection. Hardy Classic 7′ 3 wt. with a (color coordinated) Hardy Golden JHL Ultralight reel filled with a peach colored (color coordinated) WF3F 444 Rocket Taper flyline by Cortland.  What can I say, the woman has excellent taste in fly fishing equipment. Saturday we hung out at Clave Central and I cruised the Watauga out the back door.  Browns all over the place!  Saturday night Debbie gave Dianna casting lessons while Tom Brown created culinary masterpieces in rib roasting. Sunday I fished with Indian Joe on a middle stretch of Wilson’s Creek then up Little Wilson’s Creek.  Sunshine made ‘em spooky but we still caught fish.  The best part was meeting and fishing with IJ.  We worked the stream in grand style and I have never had a finer fishing companion.  When I slipped on a rock and a heavy log came crashing down on my leg as my face smashed into the gravel, I was glad to have someone along who doesn’t panic in and emergency.  Dazed and bleeding, struggling out from under the log, I heard a reassuring voice behind me; "Is your rod OK?"  It didn’t take but a few minutes back to fishing with IJ to forget all about the fall and get back to the enjoyment of the streams!  Monday was spent acquiring a fishing license and Choate wading shoes for Dianna and taking her down to the Watauga in the delayed harvest section to practice.  She did wonderfully and although she didn’t hook a fish she had several rises and a couple of strikes on her flys.  When she actually saw a nice Brown rise slowly, look her fly over, then smash it, she really got excited!  By Monday afternoon a newbie was born and a flyfisherwoman at that! Tuesday morning Dianna went shopping while IJ and I headed to Elk River.  I deeply regret leaving my oversize biscuit in it’s box on the table at Pappy’s!  I could use that biscuit about now!  The Elk started slow but finished strong with IJ and I catching a number of nice native (stocked 80 yrs. ago) Browns and Rainbows.  In the mid-afternoon IJ dropped me off at "the church" on the Watauga so Dianna could pick me up after shopping. During the 45 minutes I waited I made a few casts.  One Brown each 12", 15", and 18"!!  The really neat part was the spin fisherman standing about 100′ away watching me.  He hadn’t caught a thing and didn’t the whole time I was there!  Then on to "The Great Chili Cookout" courtesy of Indian Joe and the Clave Central crew.  A great meal and a great time.  Then the great raffle. I had carefully positioned myself for the drawing and read the flow with all the consummate raffle skills at my command.  Dianna won the fly tying vise and the great TEAM SPAM shirt!  She will not let me trade the vice off ( I don’t tie).  She says she will learn!   Then came the "BIG ONE"!!  Mike Conner’s contribution.  A beautiful 9′ 3 piece 4 wt. rod by MC himself!  I do have one complaint though.  IJ won the reel and line I need to go with it!!  And I thought he was a great guy!  Darn!  Now I hafta buy another reel and line!!  Woe is me.  Just one darn thing after another!!!!  OH!  BTW.  I met JEFFC.  I didn’t kill him or even threaten to kill him.  He is still and asshole but I did win the knotted leaders he brought to the raffle.  I usually use AirFlo Polyleaders but I am going to give these leaders a try. After using them I will drop jeffc a note to tell him how they performed. He will still be an asshole then but I will know how the leaders worked. For all the ROFF guys I met; you’re one helluva bunch of great guys!! Special THANKS to Mike Conner!!!!  (oh Mike, can you send me an autographed sticker to put on the rod?)  I am damn proud to own this rod.  I do not have another 4 wt.  It will make a great nymphing rod to Brookies and for smallmouth on the Rappahannock on those still June days.  Think of it!  A 3 pound smallmouth on a 5X tippet on Mike’s 4 wt. rod on a perfect June day! I’m drooling all over the keyboard.  That is one BEAUTIFUL rod Mike! Thanks to Waldo, Jeff, and all the gang who planned and made this thing possible.  Indian Joe is a friend and fishing buddy who made my days on the streams the stuff dreams are made of.  Friday morning the newest fly fisherperson in the family and I will head to the mountains for a day of Brookie fishing.  They have been waiting for us since before the last ice age.  Their time has come! Well, The Famous Grouse is almost gone ( I left my MaCallan at Clave Central).  Thanks for listening and sharing. — Wayne (who came away …..Changed!) To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

Response:

He will still be an asshole then but I will know how the leaders worked.

You missed the whole point of the Clave experience, Wayne. I’m embarrassed to think that you won Mike’s rod. –Steve

Response:

Facts is Facts Steve. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

You missed the whole point of the Clave experience, Wayne. I’m – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – embarrassed to think that you won Mike’s rod. –Steve

Response:

lotsa snippage here of a great time had by Wayne…… Wayne, congrats on winning MC’s rod, I’m sure you’ll put it to good use.  Of course you realize now that Dianna is outfitted and had a taste of ff’ing, your outfit is not complete…send me your snail mail addy and I’ll send you a matched set of a knife and fork to help you eat all that crow and humble pie  :-) …. before long Dianna will be outfishing you (just ask Rich Warren aka Debbies fishin’ pardner)  Still and all you’re a lucky man to have a wife interested in your favorite sport.  Whereabouts do you live in VA?  I get down to the eastern part fairly often (Roanoke/Lynchburg area) and haunt the Maury and James River for smallies. Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF RETIRED

Response:

Facts is Facts Steve.

Fair enough, Wayne. I was hoping that you’d put the past behind and let bygones be such–or at least let go of the angst–especially since you and Jeff are both guys who I consider friends and good people. I can’t even remember exactly what caused the escalation–but, OK, I’ll stop trying to Rodney King the whole thing Anyway, it was a pleasure meeting you and your wife and–your opinion of a friend of mine notwithstanding–I’ll recant my previous statement and say if it couldn’t be me who won the rod then I’m happy it was you. Next time I’m in the DC area, I’ll let you know. Especially since I never did get a chance to see that 6′ 6-piece gem–and everyone should catch a 4-pound smallmouth on a fly at least once a year. –Steve

Response:

Some of us like raspberry and some of us like vanilla; it’s what makes the world go round Steve!  I was hopeing you would get a look at that little pack rod.  It is extremely unusual and I know you would appreciate the workmanship in bamboo since you craft a beautiful rod in that medium.  You get up here often enough to catch the trout and smallmouth in good seasons. Since Dave Lacourse and Wolfgang let me try their lines on the pack rod and we determined it casts prety well with a 5 wt. I just might sneak that little rascal out and let you catch Brookies in the same stream President Hoover loved to fly fish in. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Facts is Facts Steve. Fair enough, Wayne. I was hoping that you’d put the past behind and let bygones be such–or at least let go of the angst–especially since you and Jeff are both guys who I consider friends and good people. I can’t even remember exactly what caused the escalation–but, OK, I’ll stop trying to Rodney King the whole thing Anyway, it was a pleasure meeting you and your wife and–your opinion of a friend of mine notwithstanding–I’ll recant my previous statement and say if it couldn’t be me who won the rod then I’m happy it was you. Next time I’m in the DC area, I’ll let you know. Especially since I never did get a chance to see that 6′ 6-piece gem–and everyone should catch a 4-pound smallmouth on a fly at least once a year. –Steve

Response:

Question:

I have seen an inflatable boat under a wing. Does anyone have info or experiences with this craft. Seems to be the logical choice for the Florida Keys. — Bragging may not bring happiness, but no man having caught a large fish, goes home through the alley. Anonymous http://fish-n-net.com/

Response:

Try SEAIR at     www.seair.com They make a 2 place wieght shift "trike" plane mated to a small hard-bottom inflatible boat with out-rigger pontoons. Their info vido raises a few questions:  The demo pilot flies with a helmet chin strap loose…  Then he flies a bit close to a palm tree, striking a frond with his wing tip! In a recent issue of "Yachting" magazine I saw an ad for a similar Rogollo wing trike mated to a Zodiac type boat. Good luck.  Rocky Kyle

Response:

The plane you are talking about is called a "Polaris" and the one of the sales outlets is in Florida. Dave Loveman http://www.ultralightnews.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen an inflatable boat under a wing. Does anyone have info or experiences with this craft. Seems to be the logical choice for the Florida Keys. — Bragging may not bring happiness, but no man having caught a large fish, goes home through the alley. Anonymous http://fish-n-net.com/

  ulnews.vcf

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Response:

I have seen such a craft. Call Mike Jacober at Arctic Sparrow aviation in Birchwood Alaska  (I haven’t got the phone number handy – it’s in the book) for more info. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen an inflatable boat under a wing. Does anyone have info or experiences with this craft. Seems to be the logical choice for the Florida Keys. — Bragging may not bring happiness, but no man having caught a large fish, goes home through the alley. Anonymous http://fish-n-net.com/

Response:

The phone # I have is 1-800 950-8830 for the Polaris the website is at http://www.polarismotor.it/ Dave Loveman http://www.ultralightnews.com *** Posted from RemarQ – http://www.remarq.com – Discussions Start Here ™ ***

Response:

The plane you are looking for is a Polaris and it can be found at http://www.polarismotor.it/ Dave Loveman http://www.ultralightnews.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen such a craft. Call Mike Jacober at Arctic Sparrow aviation in Birchwood Alaska  (I haven’t got the phone number handy – it’s in the book) for more info. I have seen an inflatable boat under a wing. Does anyone have info or experiences with this craft. Seems to be the logical choice for the Florida Keys. — Bragging may not bring happiness, but no man having caught a large fish, goes home through the alley. Anonymous http://fish-n-net.com/

  ulnews.vcf

< 1K Download

Response:

Try SEAIR at     www.seair.com They make a 2 place wieght shift "trike" plane mated to a small hard-bottom inflatible boat with out-rigger pontoons. Their info vido raises a few questions:  The demo pilot flies with a helmet chin strap loose…  Then he flies a bit close to a palm tree, striking a frond with his wing tip! In a recent issue of "Yachting" magazine I saw an ad for a similar Rogollo wing trike mated to a Zodiac type boat.

I have a 3-man inflatable but I am in Oklahoma, and I don’t see shipping. No one wants to send loot ahead, and I don’t see trusting them, either. I ask $85 for it, you pick it up. It should carry one man and a trike, with the wheels off.  Mounting it is your problem. Or I might trade for something good. Ham radio, ot rest gear, handgun, machine tools or test gear, whatever. "The learned Fool writes his nonsense in better language, but ’tis still nonsense." B.Franklin ‘Poor Richard Improved’ (1754) Lou H. Prolific inventor, Lousy Salesman, Incompetent businessman. (Typical of the Breed) Looking for both around Tulsa OK, USA

Response:

Question:

I am moving to the mexican interior for a year (Michoacan) and am looking for some suggestion for non-coastal fly fishing.  I know the mountain sttreams hold some trout but I know no more.  Thanks very much for any suggestions.

Response:

You might look around for some Cyclids.  (I believe that spelling is right). Peacock Bass are member of this family.  They behave like bluegills.  The northernmost occurs in South Texas and is called the Rio Grande Perch.  They will take flies and fight like hell. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am moving to the mexican interior for a year (Michoacan) and am looking for some suggestion for non-coastal fly fishing.  I know the mountain sttreams hold some trout but I know no more.  Thanks very much for any suggestions.

Response:

Question:

I am looking for anyone who may have some tips to share for fly fishing in cairns australia.  I am planning to go for two weeks at the end of october to through the middle of november.  Any information on charters, areas, tackle and lodging would be very helpful.

Peter Haynes is part of the Australia’s Premier Fly fishing Guides group, and would be the best guy for that area. His phone Number is 61 7 4033 2398, or if E-Mail is better, make contact through Peter Hayes Guided Fishing, via Neil Grose Tasmania Australia

Response:

I am looking for anyone who may have some tips to share for fly fishing in cairns australia.  I am planning to go for two weeks at the end of october to through the middle of november.  Any information on charters, areas, tackle and lodging would be very helpful.                 Fly-guy

  vcard.vcf

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Response:

Question:

Hi my name is Eric, I may be moving to northern Indiana near south bend come beginning of may do to job oppertunity.  Are there any lakes close by besides michigan that contain nice size walleyes.  any names would be greatly appreciated.  also love to bass and fly fish so they would halp also. thank you ERIC

Response:

Hi my name is Eric, I may be moving to northern Indiana near south bend come beginning of may do to job oppertunity.  Are there any lakes close by besides michigan that contain nice size walleyes.  any names would be greatly appreciated.  also love to bass and fly fish so they would halp also. thank you ERIC

Lake Erie is one of the premier walleye lakes in the world and ha a variety of types of angling from drifting to trolling and thelake has several distinct caharachteristics inbthe western basin it is relatively shallow and lots of structure in the central basin it is about 75 foot eeep and in the eastern basin it has holes between 100 foot plus in a few ateas and one spot over 200 feet deep. This promotes 3 distinct fisheries. In April and May head to the Islands by June july and August head farther east. There will still be fish in the Islands but schools of fish tend to move east and eventually sto between Geneva and Conneaut and then begin heading back to the Islands of the western basin. If you need local information or captains email me and I can steer you in the right direction. I know a couple dozen captains that fish in the islands and many more in the central basin. Typically the captains in the islands are tight lipped but the guys in the central basin are pretty open as long as you leave them room to fish. If you need information get it before you leave the dock  or only from peole you trust because there is a lot of misinformation given on the radio. Captain Bryce Seymour http://www.ncweb.com:80/biz/hooker/ New moster websight under construction will be up this spring

Response:

Eric,    I have lived in south bend my whole life and have done alot of fishing there.  Even though I don’t know of any lakes in the area good for walleye I have caught themout of the St. Joe river in S. Bend.  Most of the fishing I have done has been from shore but I do know of spots on the river you can catch them if you have a boat.  If you would like to here tell you more if you would like. Helpin’ you find ‘um, jason – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi my name is Eric, I may be moving to northern Indiana near south bend come beginning of may do to job oppertunity.  Are there any lakes close by besides michigan that contain nice size walleyes.  any names would be greatly appreciated.  also love to bass and fly fish so they would halp also. thank you ERIC Lake Erie is one of the premier walleye lakes in the world and ha a variety of types of angling from drifting to trolling and thelake has several distinct caharachteristics inbthe western basin it is relatively shallow and lots of structure in the central basin it is about 75 foot eeep and in the eastern basin it has holes between 100 foot plus in a few ateas and one spot over 200 feet deep. This promotes 3 distinct fisheries. In April and May head to the Islands by June july and August head farther east. There will still be fish in the Islands but schools of fish tend to move east and eventually sto between Geneva and Conneaut and then begin heading back to the Islands of the western basin. If you need local information or captains email me and I can steer you in the right direction. I know a couple dozen captains that fish in the islands and many more in the central basin. Typically the captains in the islands are tight lipped but the guys in the central basin are pretty open as long as you leave them room to fish. If you need information get it before you leave the dock  or only from peole you trust because there is a lot of misinformation given on the radio. Captain Bryce Seymour http://www.ncweb.com:80/biz/hooker/ New moster websight under construction will be up this spring

Response:

Question:

: What are the pros and cons of the expensive fly lines vs. the lower end : lines.  For example the Cortland 444 lazer vs the 333 lines.  Thanks   There are differences when you compare these two lines. The Cortland 444 is the industry standard fly line. It is offered in many more types and configurations than the 333. The 333 is the predecessor to the 444. The 444 is more supple, longer lasting, and slick than the 333. It also comes with a one year warrenty against failure. My experience with Cortland is that any 444 line returned will be replaced for free. This happened one year at the shop where we had many customers come back with defective lines. We had instructions from Cortland to take back all lines at that time. Their testing showed that they had a bad batch!   There is also a higher performance level with the more expensive lines. I find that they float higher and are easier to cast. The best line Cortland currently has is the 444 LazerLine. It has a textered finish. This line is the most supple, easiest mending, and farthest shooting line of any "general purpose" trout line I have used. Both 333 and 444 are good lines Jon Porter

Response:

What are the pros and cons of the expensive fly lines vs. the lower end lines.  For example the Cortland 444 lazer vs the 333 lines.  Thanks

In my opinion there aren’t many differences between lines that make a huge difference.  Higher priced lines are usually made from better materials(tougher, stronger, self lubricating, Uv resistant, etc.) but the taper really isn’t a measure of "quality".  It all depends on your casting style and requirements.  Some line may better match your technique and give better results (i.e. some people may perfere the same line in double taper vs. weight forward or vice versa).  Your fishing requirements (if they are very specific)  may demand that you must spend the extra money for a higher   end line but that is sometimes the nature of the beast!  Good luck,                         Joshua Haddock

Response:

Question:

writes:    A lot of people are touting the blood knot.

For more interesting reading on knots, including blood knots, try the current issue of FLY FISHERMEN where their test indicate that only two knots retain 100% line strength, given current tippet materials: the Palomar and the Trilene knot. Very interesting…

Response:

I gave up on the clinch and trilene this year because they kept pulling out on big fish, despite very cautious tying. I quit using them because I decided

Without commenting on which knots are best, let me point out that most break-offs will occur at a knot, no matter which knot you use.  The UIAA routinely tests mountaineering ropes, and this is common knowlege to such testing agencies.  It makes intuitive sense when you think about it: stress is concentrated at the bends in a knot. — -Wayne Trzyna

Response:

  A lot of people are touting the blood knot. Blood knots are not as good as they used to be! The newer multi polymer monofilaments are so hard and slick, the blood knot (and the clinch, inproved clinch, and Trilene knots) does not bite. We have a very sophisticated (read expensive) motor driven strain guage device that tests lines and knots to .01 pounds. 7 turn blood knots on Orvis SSS, Dai Riki, and Umpqua pull themselves apart at somewhere around 60-70% of the material breaking strength.

Ralph, I’ve abandoned the blood-knot alltogether because I’ve noticed an alarming decrease in strength in that connection with the new leader materials in recent years. I was beginning to fear that my own ability to tie the knot effectively had diminished, but your breaking strength measurements tell the real story. I now use the double-surgeon’s knot to connect the tapering segments of my leader and the double-surgeon’s loop-to-loop connection to attach tippets. Have you had the opportunity to measure the breaking strength of double-surgeons knots? Does the triple-surgeon’s provide significant additional strength? Thanks, Fred

Response:

  A lot of people are touting the blood knot. Blood knots are not as good as they used to be! The newer multi polymer monofilaments are so hard and slick, the blood knot (and the clinch, inproved clinch, and Trilene knots) does not bite. We have a very sophisticated (read expensive) motor driven strain guage device that tests lines and knots to .01 pounds. 7 turn blood knots on Orvis SSS, Dai Riki, and Umpqua pull themselves apart at somewhere around 60-70% of the material breaking strength.

I gave up on the clinch and trilene this year because they kept pulling out on big fish, despite very cautious tying. I quit using them because I decided that after all these years of using them I must have lost the ability to tie them properly ! I never suspected the mono may be a contributing factor. Used the non-slip mono loop all year and it worked pretty well for me. I use double surgeon’s loops to join tippet to butt (when I use a butt).                                                 jc

Response:

7 turn blood knots on Orvis SSS, Dai Riki, and Umpqua pull themselves apart at somewhere around 60-70% of the material breaking strength. Ralph,

Thanks for telling me the names of leader material to avoid when constructing tapered leaders. Ernie Harrison

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   A lot of people are touting the blood knot. Blood knots are not as good as they used to be! The newer multi polymer monofilaments are so hard and slick, the blood knot (and the clinch, inproved clinch, and Trilene knots) does not bite. We have a very sophisticated (read expensive) motor driven strain guage device that tests lines and knots to .01 pounds. 7 turn blood knots on Orvis SSS, Dai Riki, and Umpqua pull themselves apart at somewhere around 60-70% of the material breaking strength. I gave up on the clinch and trilene this year because they kept pulling out on big fish, despite very cautious tying. I quit using them because I decided that after all these years of using them I must have lost the ability to tie them properly ! I never suspected the mono may be a contributing factor. Used the non-slip mono loop all year and it worked pretty well for me. I use double surgeon’s loops to join tippet to butt (when I use a butt).                       jc

I’ve noticed the same thing with blood knots!  Thanks for the explanation.  I replaced the blood knot with the triple surgeons knot for any line/line connection.  According to a recent study, this line holds 100% of the weaker lines strength, wet or dry.  It’s simple to tie.  The only problem is that the any of the popular "double line through the eye" knots seem to be about the strongest, most durable knot I can find.  Anyone got a very strong, non-tightening loop knot as I fish for Stripers and like the free swing for the fly.  Most loops that I tie either slip or break and I’m looking for alternatives.  Most tippets I use are from 12-24lb Dai Rikki.  Thanks.     Tim —- "Just say no to bait"

Response:

Hi Dan! Thanks for the kind words regarding the slide show.         Re: blood knots. Your formula for X number of turns for X size tippet is rational.          We lubricate the line with KY jelly (it is water soluble unlike silicone) prior to drawing up the knots. Then we soak the line in water to a). remove the lubricant, and b) to test the wet strength of the line and knot. It defies common sense to depend on dry strength for fishing line; however, I’ve NEVER seen anyone else do it.          Wet testing demonstrates some pretty wierd changes in tippet diameter, static strength, dynamic strength, stretch, and abraision resistance. The fluorocarbon lines really shine when compared against standard nylon and multi polymer monofilaments.         You probably want to know what leaders I use?! Umpqua pre tapered leaders because I get them at cost. I replace the tippet section with Dai Rikki Velvet for normal (trout) conditions or with Dai Rikki Diver when I need abraision resistance (toothy critters or abraisive bottom structure).         Tight lines, Ralph —

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   A lot of people are touting the blood knot. Blood knots are not as good as they used to be! The newer multi polymer monofilaments are so hard and slick, the blood knot (and the clinch, inproved clinch, and Trilene knots) does not bite. We have a very sophisticated (read expensive) motor driven strain guage device that tests lines and knots to .01 pounds. 7 turn blood knots on Orvis SSS, Dai Riki, and Umpqua pull themselves apart at somewhere around 60-70% of the material breaking strength.    Back to back uni- knots are excellent as are three turn surgeons knots. I still use blood knots on the heavier parts of my leader because the line is so strong there, someting up front is going to break even though the blood knots is not 100%. Blood knots look cool, sound neat as they click through the guides and don’t tend to catch as much gunk as other joining knots. In short I like ‘em alot but use them with with prejudice.    The strongest loop knot for attaching flies is the monofilamnet loop knot as seen in Kreh’s new knot book. Lefty claims the uni-knot is weak, but our machine says it consistently tests 90-100%. In practice it’s easy to tie and doesn’t take up as mucj material as the monofilament loop knot. Its big disadvantage is that the loop cinches up where the monofilament loop knot is permanent.    tight knots! Ralph —

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am suppose to go camping for the whole month of August on the north shore of the St-Laurent River.  I will be going in the surrounddings of the Lac St-Jean. Parc Mingan, Gaspesie, P.E.I., New brunswick, Nova Scotia and finally Maine. I would be please if there was somebody out there that could advice me on  more specific place to go and flies and method of fishing to use Richard  457-3067 montreal

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I am suppose to go camping for the whole month of August on the north shore of the St-Laurent River.  I will be going in the surrounddings of the Lac St-Jean. Parc Mingan, Gaspesie, P.E.I., New brunswick, Nova Scotia and finally Maine. I would be please if there was somebody out there that could advice me on  more specific place to go and flies and method of fishing to use Richard  457-3067 montreal

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Richard, You didn’t say what part of Maine you need info for.  A couple suggestions if your plans are flexible. The West Branch of the Penobscot river west of Millinocket is the premier landlocked salmon river in New England.  The area below Ripogenus dam down past the entrance to Baxter State PArk is considered best.  Check the locals for specific flies/hatches, but bring along some hornbergs, green ghost, gray ghost, elk hair caddis and royal wullfs as a starter. The area around Moosehead lake and Rangely lake is also a good spot.  Try the Roach river, Cupsptic River, Moose river, Little Kennebago, Magalloway River with the same flies mentioned above, in addition to an current hatch-matching selections.  The Maine Guide fly shop in Greenville near Moosehead lake is a good place to check for current information. You could also call LL Bean in Freeport Maine and ask for the fishing department.   They keep track of what is going on all over the state. Tight Lines, Gerry Crow

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Question:

: DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A QUALIFIED MAN OR WOMAN WHO WOULD BE : INTERESTED IN PROVIDING FLY CASTING CLASSES TO CUSTOMERS OF AN : ORVIS FULL DISTRIBUTORSHIP IN ALBUQUERQUE NM?  ALSO LOOKING FOR : LICENSED GUIDES WHO CAN WORK THE PECOS, RIO GRANDE, CIMARRON, OR : CHAMA.   Call Harry D. Knox…he has a great school…

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DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A QUALIFIED MAN OR WOMAN WHO WOULD BE INTERESTED IN PROVIDING FLY CASTING CLASSES TO CUSTOMERS OF AN ORVIS FULL DISTRIBUTORSHIP IN ALBUQUERQUE NM?  ALSO LOOKING FOR LICENSED GUIDES WHO CAN WORK THE PECOS, RIO GRANDE, CIMARRON, OR CHAMA.   — manuel monasterio

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The FFF now has a program of certified fly fishing instructors, as well as a directory of those who have been certified.  Contact them in Montana. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A QUALIFIED MAN OR WOMAN WHO WOULD BE INTERESTED IN PROVIDING FLY CASTING CLASSES TO CUSTOMERS OF AN ORVIS FULL DISTRIBUTORSHIP IN ALBUQUERQUE NM?  ALSO LOOKING FOR LICENSED GUIDES WHO CAN WORK THE PECOS, RIO GRANDE, CIMARRON, OR CHAMA.   — manuel monasterio

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Question:

Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly Summary: Followup-To: Distribution: pwn Organization: Oregon Grad. Inst. Computer Science and Eng., Beaverton Keywords: Could someone please give me an idea of what Alec Jackson spey hooks cost by the 100 count, say for #3’s or #1.5’s.  A chap who taught a fly tying class I recently attended claimed that he could get them at a discount (about 20% less) and I need a reference price to confirm this is a reasonable claim.  Unfortunately, the catalogs only list prices for 25 count packages.  Also, I noticed that these hooks are sold in size #5’s – can someone tell me how this hook sizing relates to Tiemco (conventional) hook sizes – I have a hard time believing the sizing is the same since AJ #1.5’s are just about as large as a Partridge 3/0 hook.  Finally, if this discount proves reasonable then I’d be up for splitting a box two ways so let me know if you are interested; geesh, 100 hooks per size is more than i’d probably use in 5 years or more (knock on wood). Cheers, Roger — Roger S. Barga Oregon Graduate Institute of Science & Technology Portland, OR 97291-1000  USA

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Roger,     TMC 7999 #2 is just a tad larger than AJ #5.  If you want best price in quantity call Jackson direct…no, I don’t have #, look at ads in mags.  Might also try The Valley FlyFisher in Salem, Keith Burkhart is a friend of Alecs and usually has the best selectin available locally.                                 Mike in PDX                "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                                            Tom McGuane

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