Question:

I wish you gents had FISH there in North Carolina.  I mean, some BIG fish.  14 – 20 inch rainbows and/or browns.

Could send one up here and I will try it on some 23" cutts I know of  Or maybe some big rainbows and browns on a few other pieces of water I know. Maybe I should have just broken down and bought a bloody bastard for myself…….By the sounds of it I should have.   Nice report Walt.  I was going to post a congratulations to you on your new tool and to George on what appears to be a job well done, but it didn’t sound right.  I’ll drink a cold one to your health and happiness and pray that I don’t catch minnows tomorrow. Warren

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I wish you gents had FISH there in North Carolina.  I mean, some BIG fish.  14 – 20 inch rainbows and/or browns. Could send one up here and I will try it on some 23" cutts I know of  Or maybe some big rainbows and browns on a few other pieces of water I know. Maybe I should have just broken down and bought a bloody bastard for myself…….By the sounds of it I should have. Nice report Walt.  I was going to post a congratulations to you on your new tool and to George on what appears to be a job well done, but it didn’t sound right.  I’ll drink a cold one to your health and happiness and pray that I don’t catch minnows tomorrow. Warren

a small fortune and one doesn’t need to be making mistakes.  They don’t even come fitted, which is a mind blower.  But wrapping guides all night and fitting hardware on these Bamboo Beauties is a lot of work.  I don’t mind as long as I have people such as yourself interested in the future.  I should send you one just to try but I have no spare Bastards.  They’re all taken.  Can you use a 7.5′ 4 Wt Warren?  I’m working on one tonight to send to MAINE!  Do you hear that Maine?!  The Brown Truck cometh sooneth! — Mr. G.   ‘all’s fair with fur or feather’ http://www.gink.com http://www.rodbuilding.com http://www.xink.com 509-243-4100 or 5500

Question:

Do you know good river like Big Horn? I came from Italy to USA in August for flyfishing holiday. My trip start in Oregon for Wyoming and go-back. I know only the Umpqua and the Deschutes, the Big  Horn and Shoshone Ok for C&R. Thank you for informations Giovanni Bartolozzi  Il Martin Pescatore Mosca Club

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I live in Bend, Oregon.  I can help you with lots of questions on fly fishing in Central Oregon.  I mostly do stillwater fishing. But can get answers to any questions you might have.  chow  gjbend

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Will be in bend 1st week of April. Do you think davis Lake will be accessable and is a float tube adequate?

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I think thats what the rumor is that Davis wood be accessable April 1.  I have my doubts tho.  I fished Fall River Tues. and the parking lot still has 2 feet of snow and had to park on the hwy.  Fall River and Crooked might be an option.  Actually, Chickahomany(sp) should be thawed and  ready too.  Good luck.

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Geeez….would   not wood.  Saw that as I sent.  :(

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How was fall river, BWO’s?

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If the weathers keeps warm you might try BWO.  I used a #20 black midge with cdc wing that worked great. The fish were lightly nibbleing at the surface so just drifted fly about 2 inches below the surface.  If you have ever fished there you know what its like to watch the fish suck up your fly.

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Question:

I’m moving to Pensacola FL and was wondering what kind of FF I can expect to find there.  Someone told me redfish.  Anything else, and what equipment am I looking at buying? — Work like you don’t need money Love like you’ve never been hurt Dance like nobody’s watching Keith Friesen

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writes: I’m moving to Pensacola FL and was wondering what kind of FF I can expect to find there.  Someone told me redfish.  Anything else, and what equipment am I looking at buying?

Redfish and speckled trout mostly for SW fly fishing tho other species are there including mackerals (sp?), bonita, and the rare sailfish comes into the shallow water. (I once hooked a small tarpon between Gulf Breeze and Fort Walton). Fresh water includes of course bass, bream. I would think a 7 weight would be a good all around rod down there though I carry a 6 and an 8 wt when I visit the family. There is an active FF program at the junior college, a good fff club and the SE FFF conclave is held there every two or three years (gulf breeze actually). Lots of fishing in the bay, the bayous, sound, and salt marshes from Appalachicola to Mobile Bay. Plus numerous fresh water ponds and rivers. Wayne Knight Geneva IL                            

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Question:

Hi,     I’ll be fishing with a reservation guide on the Quinault river (WA state) on Oct 19th.  We’re going for Kings and Silvers.  She knows nothing about flyfishing and I’ll be the only one in my party bringing a flyrod.  If there’s anyone out there familiar with the area I would appreciate exchanging emails cause I really would rather not go cold. I’m pretty new at salmon fishing. Here are some starter questions I have: What flies are best? What is a good line/leader set up (I’m bringing a 10′ 8wt)? Any other tips for this area in the Oct. time of year? Thanks!                         Ken

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I went with a guide a couple of years ago on the Quinault, looking for Kings. Fishing was just fair for most parties, although two of us stuck to our guns with flys and were fishless late in the afternoon. The guide finally hooked into a 20 lb King (he said it was a Steelhead, go figure) using a 6" dayglo orange flatfish. He handed me the rod and it was a lot of fun. So I would suggest big colorful streamers. Maybe even reeaally big, like a bunny bug in bright colors. Always have some dark ones too, especially purple. The 8wt will be ok for the Silvers and smaller Kings, but the Quinault has been know to produce 60lb Kings, so if you do hook one of those, god help you, and just hope that your party has the patience to wait an hour or more for you to land it, if it doesn’t break you off (or bust your rod!) Bring your rain gear and a thermos of hot coffee! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi,     I’ll be fishing with a reservation guide on the Quinault river (WA state) on Oct 19th.  We’re going for Kings and Silvers.  She knows nothing about flyfishing and I’ll be the only one in my party bringing a flyrod.  If there’s anyone out there familiar with the area I would appreciate exchanging emails cause I really would rather not go cold. I’m pretty new at salmon fishing. Here are some starter questions I have: What flies are best? What is a good line/leader set up (I’m bringing a 10′ 8wt)? Any other tips for this area in the Oct. time of year? Thanks!                         Ken

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Your setup sounds just right, I’de trust your guide but an october caddis in a 6 to 4 for a floating line and a kaufmans stone fly dark for a sink tip shooting head line for steelhead… fish the spots the guide recommends as the water will be all yours and very under fished, excellent choice… just a thought… I’de be glad to answer any other questions you may have at

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi,    I’ll be fishing with a reservation guide on the Quinault river (WA state) on Oct 19th.  We’re going for Kings and Silvers.  She knows nothing about flyfishing and I’ll be the only one in my party bringing a flyrod.  If there’s anyone out there familiar with the area I would appreciate exchanging emails cause I really would rather not go cold. I’m pretty new at salmon fishing. Here are some starter questions I have: What flies are best? What is a good line/leader set up (I’m bringing a 10′ 8wt)? Any other tips for this area in the Oct. time of year? Thanks!                        Ken

Hi Ken, I don’t know that river, but Oct is a great month to fish in the Northwest for steelhead. There might be some fall Kings, late Silvers and some Sea run Cutthroats too? I would have a floating line and a T-300 or similar line. Get some stiffer 71/2 foot 0x to 2x leaders and matching tippet material. Get some black flies like a Bunny Leeches, Egg Sucking Bugger or any black steelhead patterns. Get some bright colored flashing flies in orange or chartreuse. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

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Question:

Charlie Chock: <<Stop in at or call Unicoi Outfitters in Helen.  They are on the main hiway (Rt 75?) next to the Hooch just before you go into Helen (from the south).  They will know what’s going on and where.

They also have a ‘pay to fish’ stretch of the river now by their shop I hear. — Charlie… Yeah.  They tried to get me to rent a half day.  They have some pix of big fish being taken, but somehow I couldn’t see myself paying to fish. I did, however, have a reservation at Dukes Creek (off of 75A).  Cost $3.00 to park, they inspect your hooks to make sure they are barbless. Great water, but it is all C and R. Dave LaCourse

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I did, however, have a reservation at Dukes Creek (off of 75A).  Cost $3.00 to park, they inspect your hooks to make sure they are barbless. Great water, but it is all C and R.

Waters Creek has similar regs but you can keep 1/per day and 3/yr if they meet the size limit. Haven’t caught a keeper there yet though<g. — Charlie…

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Cindy Wolfe: <<Anyone fly fish in North Georgia, specifically the Dahlonega and Helen area. We are planning a trip there soon, and we’d like to know where they are biting… Stop in at or call Unicoi Outfitters in Helen.  They are on the main hiway (Rt 75?) next to the Hooch just before you go into Helen (from the south).  They will know what’s going on and where. Dave LaCourse

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Cindy Wolfe: <<Anyone fly fish in North Georgia, specifically the Dahlonega and Helen area. We are planning a trip there soon, and we’d like to know where they are biting… Stop in at or call Unicoi Outfitters in Helen.  They are on the main hiway (Rt 75?) next to the Hooch just before you go into Helen (from the south).  They will know what’s going on and where.

They also have a ‘pay to fish’ stretch of the river now by their shop I hear. — Charlie…

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Anyone fly fish in North Georgia, specifically the Dahlonega and Helen area. We are planning a trip there soon, and we’d like to know where they are biting… Thanks for the replies…

Check out http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ngto/. There is a wealth of information there. Also, as was suggested. Unicoi Outfitters in Helen is a good source. — Charlie…

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Anyone fly fish in North Georgia, specifically the Dahlonega and Helen area. We are planning a trip there soon, and we’d like to know where they are biting… Thanks for the replies…

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Cindy, there is lots of great water in North Georgia. Chatahoochee runs through Helen. Its easily accesible. I like fishing the Toccoa. It’s about an hour from Dahlonega following 60. Doesn’t seem to get much pressure. Mind the dam generation schedule (TVA). They typically do not generate on the weekends. Also in that area is Coopers Creek and Rock Creek. You’ll seen the forest service signs on the way to the Toccoa. Good Luck! Kevin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone fly fish in North Georgia, specifically the Dahlonega and Helen area. We are planning a trip there soon, and we’d like to know where they are biting… Thanks for the replies…

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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

Response:

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:

writes: Does anyone know of some reputable sources for materials for tying trout flies? If so, please e-mail address and/or phone numbers. Thanks!

You can get a current fly tying catalog and place orders through Orvis at 1-800-548-9548.                                                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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Does anyone know of some reputable sources for materials for tying trout flies? If so, please e-mail address and/or phone numbers. Thanks!

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Does anyone know of some reputable sources for materials for tying trout flies? If so, please e-mail address and/or phone numbers. Thanks!

Try "On The Fly" at 1-800-232-9359.  Good selection, good prices. Craig

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Try Hunters in NH . 1-800-331-8558.   The prices are not always the lowest but the quality of materials has always been unsurpassed. Without having to sort through the junk it might even be an equitable trade off. A.J.Thramer

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Question:

Hi gang: Since moving to Oregon I have been doing alot more fly fishing and I began to see the advantages of a drift boat or the like.  However Drift boats take up alot of space and require a trailer and cost$$$.  I have always enjoyed rafting and surf kyaking so it seemed logical to look at canoes.  What I need is something that can handle the equipment for fishing and camping for a few days and the ability to handle upto class III rapids. Am I dreaming?  Do any of you folks fish from a canoe and have some suggestions on what to look for.  I am willing to give up some initial stability for whitewater capability as most of the rivers I fish have at least a couple of class III and IV rapids. Thanx in advance! charles.

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Hey If you find one let me know..I love fishing bones in a canoe..use an electric troller… and I’m due for a new one.

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Canoes are great watercraft, but not the best fishing craft on streams.  I have a Mad River Explorer which I love, but it is quite difficult for a single person, i.e. stern paddler to manage the canoe in fast water and at the same time place the fisherman in the bow in optimal position to fish holding water.  This is particularly true if the canoe is loaded down with camping gear.  If fishing is you primary use, I would recommend a raft with rowing frame.  It takes up less space than a canoe or driftboat and you could probably pick up one at an end-of-season sale for little more than you’d spend for a canoe capable of negotiating whitewater safely.  On the other hand, if you mostly want to float and *stop* to fish likely areas, the canoe is faster and more fun.  Hope this helps.  One thing to remember is that you won’t stop at Class III if you’re like most of us.   Longspeer

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I fish from canoes quite a bit but in somewhat different waters (ozark streams). My  experience is  that flyfishing while solo paddling required a canoe with good tracking otherwise one ends up having to correct my course during almost every cast. However note that  to run class III rapids you will probably want a play boat with plenty of rocker unless you are exceptionally good on a canoe. I have no solution for this opposing requirements. For what is worth, I use a Mad River Malacite. RioSimpson.

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I used to have an Old Town Katahdin that I could stand in easily.  It has a 41" beam and is a good buy for the money!

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writes: Canoes are great watercraft, but not the best fishing craft on

streams.  I……Longspeer   I Have to Agree that a canoe of any type would be less than ideal for fishing in most faster water.  Rafts are much more stable and forgiving when your attention is on that HUGE trout you have on.  We used to count on going swimming if we took a canoe, and we were on pretty tame waters.  I usually fish from a drift boat, but have fished from rafts and, if set up right, they are great! Steve May

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Check out Aquaterra’s kayaks: Keowee, Keowee II and Gemini or Jocasse. I’ve had a Gemini, a two person 16′ kayak with a single 6′ opening, for six years or so. The big advantage over a canoe is that it’s less influenced by wind. It’s very stable and has a comfortable seating position. Downside: a little on the heavy side 65# and not very practical to carry overhead like a canoe but you can drag it just about over any type of terrain without worrying about damage. Glenn Lemke Manchester, VT

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I agre with Glenn on the advantage of a Sea Kayak over a canoe.  I have an Aquaterra Chinook, BUT–if you ever hook into the bow portion, and I’ve done it with a clumsey cast, you’re screwed!  For all around use in flatwater of 50acres or less–the float tube is probably the way to go.

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Charles: I’ve done considerable fishing from my Mad River "Courier" and it would be an excellent boat for what you want. It was designed to be an extended wilderness tripping boat. It is tough and handles rapids very well and has a semi-v bottom characteristic of Mad River canoes. The construction is of Royalex (or Mad River’s equivalent) so it will take a beating and keep on ticking. I use mine for camping, fishing and just tooting around. I would definitely buy another. Richard Warren Raleigh, NC

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I am the one that suggested a Mad Rive Courier canoe. I forgot to add that this is a solo canoe. Buy yourself one of those cheap short paddles about 24" long to correct your drift with. It is a lot easier than reaching for a long heavy paddle. Richard Warren Raleigh, NC

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Question:

I am an avid flyfisherman, both streams and lakes (mostly lakes). I am 17 years old and try to go fishing as much as possible.  What I wanted to know is if there are any decent dry damselfly patterns out there.  I have seen a few with extended deer hair bodies, polypropylene wings, and parachute hackles, but I also wanted to know if there where any other patterns for this insect.  I have not yet seen any dry dragonfly patterns, so I want to know about them as well.  Although I personally don’t prefer dry fly fishing on stillwaters but, it can be very succesful at times. Scott Laliberte . —    ___       __  ____    ___  /    (__/ /    /   /      |  Student of Computing Science, SFU

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am an avid flyfisherman, both streams and lakes (mostly lakes). I am 17 years old and try to go fishing as much as possible.  What I wanted to know is if there are any decent dry damselfly patterns out there.  I have seen a few with extended deer hair bodies, polypropylene wings, and parachute hackles, but I also wanted to know if there where any other patterns for this insect.  I have not yet seen any dry dragonfly patterns, so I want to know about them as well.  Although I personally don’t prefer dry fly fishing on stillwaters but, it can be very succesful at times. Scott Laliberte . —    ___       __  ____    ___  /    (__/ /    /   /      |  Student of Computing Science, SFU

I’ve been told that the reason for the lack of dragon fly dry imitations is because the fish only take them in mid flight, not sitting on the water (when is the last time you saw a dragon sitting on the water?).  With damsels, I tie an extended deer hair parachute adams in both blue (for the female) and tan (for the male), and have gotten limited success.  My most interesting catch was when a natural mounted my dry and tried to copulate with it in mid cast!  I’ve had my best luck fishing waters laden with damsels using a yellow marabou nymph.  Basically, it looks like a long AP, but tied with palmered marabou for a body instead of dubbing.  Good luck. . Lenny Bloksberg . .

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Philippe Laliberte) writes: any dry damsel patterns?

Look in the book "Tying Dry Flies"  by R. Kaufmann. Has a  "braided butt damsel" using braided leader butt for the extended body. These flies are also available in the Kaufmann catalog. I have an example of this fly in front of me now and it is a fine rendition. After hatching, adult damsels are often blown onto the water where the trout feast on them.

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I am an avid flyfisherman, both streams and lakes (mostly lakes). I am 17 years old and try to go fishing as much as possible.  What I wanted to know is if there are any decent dry damselfly patterns out there.  I have seen a few with extended deer hair bodies, polypropylene wings, and parachute hackles, but I also wanted to know if there where any other patterns for this insect.  I have not yet seen any dry dragonfly patterns, so I want to know about them as well.  Although I personally don’t prefer dry fly fishing on stillwaters but, it can be very succesful at times.

  The best pattern I’ve found is the Borger damsel which has a body made of braided leader material which you dye with pantone markers (blue or brown & black).  Tie this on the hook then tie on a post of crystal flash (blue or brown) then wind a big grizzly hackle on this post papachute style.  Now dub on a short body and eyes if you want them then pull the hackle to the back so it splays 180 deg. in the rear, pull down the post and tie it off like a nymph wing case.     You can’t tell this thing from a real bug on the water and I’ve had males try and mate with my blue imitations.   Tim

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Philippe Laliberte) writes:

<I am an avid flyfisherman, both streams and lakes (mostly lakes). I am 17 years old and try to go fishing as much as possible.  What I wanted to know is if there are any decent dry damselfly patterns out there. Curtis: Have been fly fishing for trout and bass for 20 years. I think I’ve seen some big fish hit damselfly nymphs, but cannot confirm it. I know I have never observed a big fish rise for a damselfly dry. I’ve tied several different patterns myself and have copied Dave Whitlock and R. Kaufmann patterns without success. Personally, I think it is a waste of time to focus on damselfly dry patterns. If anyone disagrees, please let me know. I’d appreciate insights based on observations. Thanks…Bob Elliott. Rochester, NY

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Last summer I landed 2 22"+ trout on adult damsels and hooked 2 other fish that easily went 26" on them too,  loosing one when my reel fell apart after all my line and 1/2 my backing was gone.  Big fish gulp damsels at the right time and they do work. Tim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Curtis: Have been fly fishing for trout and bass for 20 years. I think I’ve seen some big fish hit damselfly nymphs, but cannot confirm it. I know I have never observed a big fish rise for a damselfly dry. I’ve tied several different patterns myself and have copied Dave Whitlock and R. Kaufmann patterns without success. Personally, I think it is a waste of time to focus on damselfly dry patterns. If anyone disagrees, please let me know. I’d appreciate insights based on observations. Thanks…Bob Elliott. Rochester, NY

Response:

Curtis: Have been fly fishing for trout and bass for 20 years. I think I’ve seen some big fish hit damselfly nymphs, but cannot confirm it. I know I have never observed a big fish rise for a damselfly dry. I’ve tied several different patterns myself and have copied Dave Whitlock and R. Kaufmann patterns without success. Personally, I think it is a waste of time to focus on damselfly dry patterns. If anyone disagrees, please let me know. I’d appreciate insights based on observations. Thanks…Bob Elliott. Rochester, NY

Bob, I have seen fish jump out of the water a good foot for a damselfly sitting on some grass.   This happened at a lake near Cody Wyoming.  These trout would swim all around you in about 1 to 3 ft. of water.  They would sit and eye the damselfly for a second or two and then spring out of the water for the insect.  It was really quite interesting watching this fish do this and of course I did not have any damselfly patterns with me. Tim Trujillo

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What I wanted to know is if there are any decent dry damselfly patterns out there. Curtis: Have been fly fishing for trout and bass for 20 years. I think I’ve seen some big fish hit damselfly nymphs, but cannot confirm it. I know I have

I cannot compete with you regarding years fished, but I have to disagree. patterns without success. Personally, I think it is a waste of time to focus on damselfly dry patterns. If anyone disagrees, please let me know. I’d appreciate insights based on observations. Thanks…Bob Elliott.

If you would go to any Western lake in British Columbia or Alberta, damselflies are your "bread and butter" flies.  Especially on trophy lakes in BC.  Many of times, especially on widy days that’s the only fly the big trout (20" plus) will take.  It’s quite nice watching these about 1 inch long, slender creatures wiggle and struggle on their journey just to be taken with a VERY AGGRESSIVE splash. Not too complicated to tie, one of the best patterns is from G. Borger’s Designing Trout Flies.  The only modification I’ve made is that I’m using seal in a dubbing loop instead of recommended hackle.  Of course, the fly has to have an action, so tying it on a dry fly hook is better than nymph hook (the new Accupoint from Mustad is just great!).  Fish it just on or couple inches below the surface with jerky, short strips. Respectfully J.K.

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Question:

Why not try a Fisher rod for a new experience.  The Fisher action is, in my opinion, one of the best on the market.  If you want a good buy, call Mike Solgat at (702) 782-4734 for his prices on a custom rod made from a Fisher blank.

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Why not try a Fisher rod for a new experience.  

 …and (addendum to last entry)…have you tried a Scott? steve drossel

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 Sage has many more choices.  Fenwick’s Ironfeather sounds like it’s their entry into the quality_rod category…. Right now, if in the same situation I’d tryout the Ironfeather with either Sage’s SP or RPL side_by_side if possible AND I (opinion) would include a few Orvis PMs (like EACH company’s line of rods…some are great, some are NOT!) tight_lines steve drossel

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Hey…         Hello Snowdog here…well my choice would be Sage..if u can afford SP OR RPL….they are wonderful rods.  The SP is top of the line…for anyone.  It is a very difficult rod…less for giving than the RPL so. I am still a poor college student…but have had a chance to use the rods. I have a four piece Discovery 5wt. 9′.  It is real nice and a nice upgrade from what I had before…a cheap Cortland.  I love it.  Orvis…well I look ed at them and for the money…at least what I could afford…Sage won hands down.  I live in the Upper Snake River Valley…I go to Idaho State University and by and far the most used quality rods around here are Sage. Orvis yes I guess is okay…but I just like how Sage feels.  Also…as long as u take care of your rod…and spending anywhere up to six hundred dollars u would be stupid not too…Sage guarentees it for life…your life.  Orvis does have that 25 year guarentee, but I think u pay more for it than the rod. Take can I hope this helps. Peter

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GO with the sage. Current Fenwick rods are not as good as the past oldies. Sage was started by former Fenwick designers and come real close to the traditional Fenwick tapers. I think that you will find the Sage a far better rod and will suit your needs better. In addition, some current Fenwicks have had some major breaking problems (the riverrunner casting rods come to mind). In addition quality control has lapsed since the company was purchased by that overseas conglomerate. Sage has become the rod of choice and former fenwick owners should feel comfortable with the feel and tapers. I can attest that the Fenwick return policy is quite liberal, if you still insist on the Fenwick. Ditto for Sage. I personally would settle for the Sage. REGARDS from a longtime Fenwick fan. Hope this helps. DA

I second this recommendation. I own four Fenwicks–old and new–and two Sages. The Fenwicks, old or new, do not compare to the Sages. I also have a couple of Orvis rods, and a Loomis 4-piece. The best by far is the Sage 9-ft 5-weight. Orvis, of course, has the best return/repair policy–free replacement regardless of cause.

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        I am in the process of looking for a new rod (to be graciously supplied by my insurance company) to replace one lost in a move. I have used Fenwick fly rods for ages and have been rather leery of anything else. The guy at the local shop has been pushing me to buy a Sage but I’m not sure.         Help me out guys. I need some opinions on the subject. Do I stick with the Fenwick or go for a new Sage. tips up folks

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Lafleur) writes:

 I am in the process of looking for a new rod (to be graciously supplied by my insurance company) to replace one lost in a move. I have used Fenwick fly rods for ages and have been rather leery of anything else. The guy at the local shop has been pushing me to buy a Sage but I’m not sure.  Help me out guys. I need some opinions on the subject. Do I stick with the Fenwick or go for a new Sage Buy the rod that feels best. Most quality rods will catch fish. buying "brand names" fits in the same boat as having a BMW or Rolex, both great products if you need them for anything other than ego gratification. I have noticed a disturbing trend in fly fishing in the last few years. It seems that what you use is more important than the results you get, or the fun you have. Both brands will do the job. Labbe

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Lafleur) writes:

<Do I go for Fenwick or Sage Much depends on your own style of fishing. Owning both Sage and Fenwick rods myself, I grab my Fenwick 4-wt when small streams with delicate presentations are the order of the day. For large rivers where something with a bit more oomph is needed, I’ll take my Sage 5-wt. Forced to a cross-situation of a large water needing very delicate casts, I use a $25 Berkley Blazer 4/5. Cheap as it is, it’s got enough backbone to deliver 50-55 feet of line, but is slow enough to allow great delicacy and control. Not bad for the price, I’d say. JL 8-Wt Editor

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Sage rods are truly a pleasure to fish with

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Lafleur) writes: I am in the process of looking for a new rod (to be graciously supplied by my insurance company) to replace one lost in a move. I have used Fenwick fly rods for ages and have been rather leery of anything else. The guy at the local shop has been pushing me to buy a Sage but I’m not sure. Help me out guys. I need some opinions on the subject. Do I stick with the Fenwick or go for a new Sage

GO with the sage. Current Fenwick rods are not as good as the past oldies. Sage was started by former Fenwick designers and come real close to the traditional Fenwick tapers. I think that you will find the Sage a far better rod and will suit your needs better. In addition, some current Fenwicks have had some major breaking problems (the riverrunner casting rods come to mind). In addition quality control has lapsed since the company was purchased by that overseas conglomerate. Sage has become the rod of choice and former fenwick owners should feel comfortable with the feel and tapers. I can attest that the Fenwick return policy is quite liberal, if you still insist on the Fenwick. Ditto for Sage. I personally would settle for the Sage. REGARDS from a longtime Fenwick fan. Hope this helps. DA

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