Question:

This week a fisherman in Beaufort Inlet near Harker’s Island reported catching an Octopus on a fly.  He didn’t give out his secret octopus pattern but you can rest assured the guides are already mounting ad campaigns for octopus fishing, Orvis is developing a special octopus rod, and Scientific Anglers  has an octopus line in the works.  This time next year there will be several books out on octopus fly patterns and videos on octopus fly presentations. Have a look at: http://fishmojo.com/cgi-bin/noteboards/harkers.cgi Wayne to fish is human….to release Divine!!

Response:

This week a fisherman in Beaufort Inlet near Harker’s Island reported catching an Octopus on a fly.  He didn’t give out his secret octopus pattern but you can rest assured the guides are already mounting ad campaigns for octopus fishing, Orvis is developing a special octopus rod, and Scientific Anglers  has an octopus line in the works.  This time next year there will be several books out on octopus fly patterns and videos on octopus fly presentations. Have a look at: http://fishmojo.com/cgi-bin/noteboards/harkers.cgi Wayne to fish is human….to release Divine!!

Good.  Catch ‘em all and kill ‘em.  Octopi once had a well deserved reputation for being vicious, grasping, and rapacious.  "Scientists" (well known for their comsymp leftist leanings) have gone to great lengths…..some might say EXTRAORDINARY lengths….to "rehabilitate" them in the popular image for some decades now, and with not a little success.  But there are still those of us with a clarity of vision not in the least diminished by the blandishments of our corrupt cognoscenti "comrades".  The careful observer, unfazed by the clamoring and yammering of the proletariat rabble will not be immune to the obvious symbolism of the octopus’s eight slithering sucking arms radiating from a "central governing body", nor to the significance of it’s disgusting and cowardly habit of escaping under the cover of an obfuscating ink screen like so many pinko "journalists", rather than standing up and fighting like a man.  Shit, one good marine could open up a HUGE can of whupass on hundreds of them slimy little clam eating bastards!  And don’t even get me started on them chicom urchins just loafing around on the seafloor when they oughta all be put in a workhouse where they could be doing something productive rather than just sucking on the taxpayers tit, like we did when I was a ki…..um…….well, just DON’T!     Wolfgang i got a list here in my pocket!

Response:

Now there is one taxidermy mount you will never see…..at least nobody’s wife would ever allow it displayed in the home!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This week a fisherman in Beaufort Inlet near Harker’s Island reported catching an Octopus on a fly.  He didn’t give out his secret octopus pattern but you can rest assured the guides are already mounting ad campaigns for octopus fishing, Orvis is developing a special octopus rod, and Scientific Anglers  has an octopus line in the works.  This time next year there will be several books out on octopus fly patterns and videos on octopus fly presentations. Have a look at: http://fishmojo.com/cgi-bin/noteboards/harkers.cgi Wayne to fish is human….to release Divine!!

Response:

Wolfgang notes: "Scientists" (well known for their comsymp leftist leanings) have gone to great lengths…..some might say EXTRAORDINARY lengths….to "rehabilitate" them in the popular image…..

<much good humor snipped ….yeah, I think I read about that in the NY Times……or was it the Washington Post?                              Tom

Response:

Geez, Wolfy!  I did not know octopi were that bad, honestly.  Not did I know anyone could have such a vengeance against them.  It makes me look not so bad with my vengeance against grass carp. Please, enlighten me (seriously).  I have never had any kind of run-in with an octopus before.  What do they do?  Are we talking Captain Nemo and "2000 Leagues Under the Sea" kind of bad, or are they harming the fish? I can picture one mounted with its legs straight out and used as a coat rack. Scott

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This week a fisherman in Beaufort Inlet near Harker’s Island reported catching an Octopus on a fly.  He didn’t give out his secret octopus pattern but you can rest assured the guides are already mounting ad campaigns for octopus fishing, Orvis is developing a special octopus rod, and Scientific Anglers  has an octopus line in the works.  This time next year there will be several books out on octopus fly patterns and videos on octopus fly presentations. Have a look at: http://fishmojo.com/cgi-bin/noteboards/harkers.cgi Wayne to fish is human….to release Divine!! Good.  Catch ‘em all and kill ‘em.  Octopi once had a well deserved reputation for being vicious, grasping, and rapacious.  "Scientists" (well known for their comsymp leftist leanings) have gone to great lengths…..some might say EXTRAORDINARY lengths….to "rehabilitate" them in the popular image for some decades now, and with not a little success.  But there are still those of us with a clarity of vision not in the least diminished by the blandishments of our corrupt cognoscenti "comrades".  The careful observer, unfazed by the clamoring and yammering of the proletariat rabble will not be immune to the obvious symbolism of the octopus’s eight slithering sucking arms radiating from a "central governing body", nor to the significance of it’s disgusting and cowardly habit of escaping under the cover of an obfuscating ink screen like so many pinko "journalists", rather than standing up and fighting like a man.  Shit, one good marine could open up a HUGE can of whupass on hundreds of them slimy little clam eating bastards!  And don’t even get me started on them chicom urchins just loafing around on the seafloor when they oughta all be put in a workhouse where they could be doing something productive rather than just sucking on the taxpayers tit, like we did when I was a ki…..um…….well, just DON’T!     Wolfgang i got a list here in my pocket!

Response:

Geez, Wolfy!  I did not know octopi were that bad, honestly.  Not did I know anyone could have such a vengeance against them.  It makes me look not so bad with my vengeance against grass carp. Please, enlighten me (seriously).  I have never had any kind of run-in with an octopus before.  What do they do?  Are we talking Captain Nemo and "2000 Leagues Under the Sea" kind of bad, or are they harming the fish?

Well, aside from their aforementioned leftist tendencies, they seem pretty bastards……they ALWAYS SEEM harmless……till it’s too late! I can picture one mounted with its legs straight out and used as a coat rack.

Yep, oughta have one in the lobby of every VFW and Legion post! Wolfgang

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Geez, Wolfy!  I did not know octopi were that bad, honestly.  Not did I know anyone could have such a vengeance against them.  It makes me look not so bad with my vengeance against grass carp. Please, enlighten me (seriously).  I have never had any kind of run-in with an octopus before.  What do they do?  Are we talking Captain Nemo and "2000 Leagues Under the Sea" kind of bad, or are they harming the fish? Well, aside from their aforementioned leftist tendencies, they seem pretty bastards……they ALWAYS SEEM harmless……till it’s too late! I can picture one mounted with its legs straight out and used as a coat rack. Yep, oughta have one in the lobby of every VFW and Legion post! Wolfgang

LOL! Scott

Response:

This week a fisherman in Beaufort Inlet near Harker’s Island reported catching an Octopus on a fly.

I remember being called by my daughter when she was about 13 and we were all snorkelling in greece.  I swam over and she pointed. She, in her mask and snorkel, was staring at an octopus, which, quite clearly, was just as interested and curious as she was. They hovered closer and closer, looked at each other, then the octopus swam away, stopping every so often to look back. I’ve found it hard to eat the critters ever since. Wayne, this of course was post-Junta Greece. The colonels wouldn’t have tolerated the liberal scum in their waters. Lazarus

Response:

I can picture one mounted with its legs straight out and used as a coat rack.

 It could be the center of a mobile,  your other mounted trophies hanging from the tips of it’s tenticals.

Response:

Question:

George, You seem to be the Rofiian expert here so……. Could you tell me where I would be able to purchase balde eagle feathers? I have an idea for a great dry fly pattern that would require these beauties….. Thanks Georgie……. Robert

Response:

George, You seem to be the Rofiian expert here so……. Could you tell me where I would be able to purchase balde eagle feathers? I have an idea for a great dry fly pattern that would require these beauties….. Thanks Georgie……. Robert

Ye Olde lil’ wayno’s?

Response:

I pondered this post a bit. Now we have plenty of baldies around so if you want a feather or two all you have to do is come down here, shiney up a tree where there is a nest, wait for the bird, grab a few and come back down. That’s the easy part. The hard part is explaining to a wildlife dude holding a smoke pole in your geezer that what you have is a turkey feather and all those scratches you have you got from a thistle while you picked up the feather. Would you like me to bring you anything on visitors day?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – George, You seem to be the Rofiian expert here so……. Could you tell me where I would be able to purchase balde eagle feathers? I have an idea for a great dry fly pattern that would require these beauties….. Thanks Georgie……. Robert

Response:

Vasoline?  Soap on a rope?  Pictures of Wayno naked?      Frank Would you like me to bring you anything on visitors day?

Response:

George, You seem to be the Rofiian expert here so……. Could you tell me where I would be able to purchase balde eagle feathers? I have an idea for a great dry fly pattern that would require these beauties….. Thanks Georgie……. Robert

You can get one loaned to you by an American Indian.  How’s that for a legal answer and it happens to be a fact. — (C) George Gehrke 2001 http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html     fine bamboo flyrods & blanks

Response:

Yes, I know its fact George….just having a little fun…… (some snippage) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – George, You seem to be the Rofiian expert here so……. Thanks Georgie……. Robert You can get one loaned to you by an American Indian.  How’s that for a legal answer and it happens to be a fact.

Response:

Question…the bald eagle…or ‘iggle’ as the guide at the denver show called them…is no longer on the endagered or even threatened species list…correct ? — Halfordian Golfer .

Response:

Question…the bald eagle…or ‘iggle’ as the guide at the denver show called them…is no longer on the endagered or even threatened species list…correct ?

According to http://endangered.fws.gov/ they are classified as "threatened, proposed de-listing", but they are still on the list. — Charlie…

Response:

Question…the bald eagle…or ‘iggle’ as the guide at the denver show called them…is no longer on the endagered or even threatened species list…correct ? According to http://endangered.fws.gov/ they are classified as "threatened, proposed de-listing", but they are still on the list.

And I don’t think you’d be able to possess the feathers or hunt them regardless of their status on that list.  IIRC, the possession, hunting, etc. would still be controlled as are other "birds of prey" like hawks, and carrion-eating birds like vultures, would they not? TC, R

Response:

RDean writes: And I don’t think you’d be able to possess the feathers or hunt them regardless of their status on that list.  IIRC, the possession, hunting, etc. would still be controlled as are other "birds of prey" like hawks, and carrion-eating birds like vultures, would they not?

Time for a grandson story: Jeff and I were in Labrador in July of ‘98.  The guide pointed out the remains of a bald eagle laying on a sandy beach just above the area we were fishing. Jeff walked back and took all of the wing bones from  the skeleton.  When he showed them to me after dinner that night, I told him that I though possession of them was illegal.  I checked with the guide and he confirmed my suspicions. The next day Jeff asked if we could stop by the sandy beach.  When we did, he approached the eagle’s remains and very carefully placed each bone in the position he had found it.  It took him several minutes to complete his task. He was very solemn when he returned to face us.  He saw that I was near tears witnessing this tender moment of his.  He took his fly rod from me, smiled and said, "C’mon, Poppop.  Let’s catch some biggggg brookies."  We did.  <g Dave LaCourse, aka Pop Pop

Response:

I have a friend who has a few, but you better belong to the same type of tribe he does or else it gets costly.  Last I talked to him (3 months) they were still controled with a heavy fine if you weren’t Native American. Lou

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Question…the bald eagle…or ‘iggle’ as the guide at the denver show called them…is no longer on the endagered or even threatened species list…correct ? According to http://endangered.fws.gov/ they are classified as "threatened, proposed de-listing", but they are still on the list. And I don’t think you’d be able to possess the feathers or hunt them regardless of their status on that list.  IIRC, the possession, hunting, etc. would still be controlled as are other "birds of prey" like hawks, and carrion-eating birds like vultures, would they not? TC,

I heard tell some folks call bald turkeys vultures, ifn thats so there goes next thanksgiven turkey, guess this next year itl be storebought. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – R

Response:

I’m in awe of the birds of prey… *Why* are they treated differently than non bop’s ? Not a rhetorical question. Everything lives somewhere on the food chain…right ?

Response:

Tim Walker writes: I’m in awe of the birds of prey… *Why* are they treated differently than non bop’s ? Not a rhetorical question. Everything lives somewhere on the food chain…right ?

I think their treatment is the result of their resurgence.  For years there were no BOPs around because of ddt usage and other pollutions.  Today we have red tail hawks nesting on our land, and goshawks have also been spotted nearby.  After a recent snow storm, when the snow was still fresh and beautiful, a red tail swooped down the forested hill behind the house and swooped up a feeding bluejay.  There was a shadow, then an explosion of feathers as it flew off with the jay.  The impact area looked like a bomb crater with  many of the jay’s feathers spread out from "ground zero".   Dave L.

Response:

I’m in awe of the birds of prey… *Why* are they treated differently than non bop’s ? Not a rhetorical question. Everything lives somewhere on the food chain…right ?

well, i look around my neck of the woods at birds that seem abundant and cannot be killed (seagulls, bald eagles, turkey vultures, etc.) and i wonder how bad things would smell and how much extra garbage would be laying around without all these birds (and other animals) around to eat all of the dead animals and edible garbage… something to think about. cb

Response:

I have a friend who has a few, but you better belong to the same type of tribe he does or else it gets costly.  Last I talked to him (3 months) they were still controled with a heavy fine if you weren’t Native American.

My brother-in-law got one for his high school graduation last year. I’ll have to ask him if he knows the current rules.      - Ken

Response:

If you look in our local phonebook yellow pages under Native American, it says "see Indian". I just thought that was interesting. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a friend who has a few, but you better belong to the same type of tribe he does or else it gets costly.  Last I talked to him (3 months) they were still controled with a heavy fine if you weren’t Native American. My brother-in-law got one for his high school graduation last year. I’ll have to ask him if he knows the current rules.      - Ken

Response:

In Montana, you cannot possess any feather fron any raptor unless you hold a valid and current falconers license (Native Americans excepted). Having one "loaned" to you by a Native American doesn’t count (at least not here). — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana http://www.montana.com/dno/dno.htm 406-626-4022

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – George, You seem to be the Rofiian expert here so……. Could you tell me where I would be able to purchase balde eagle feathers? I have an idea for a great dry fly pattern that would require these beauties….. Thanks Georgie……. Robert You can get one loaned to you by an American Indian.  How’s that for a legal answer and it happens to be a fact. — (C) George Gehrke 2001 http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html     fine bamboo flyrods & blanks

Response:

I’m in awe of the birds of prey… *Why* are they treated differently than non bop’s ? Not a rhetorical question. Everything lives somewhere on the food chain…right ? well, i look around my neck of the woods at birds that seem abundant and cannot be killed (seagulls, bald eagles, turkey vultures, etc.) and i wonder how bad things would smell and how much extra garbage would be laying around without all these birds (and other animals) around to eat all of the dead animals and edible garbage… something to think about.

Same could be said of rats too.  They eat all sorts of garbage!  :-) However,  I’ll keep shooting the longtail every chance I get.

Response:

I’m in awe of the birds of prey… *Why* are they treated differently than non bop’s ? Not a rhetorical question. Everything lives somewhere on the food chain…right ?

I think that those creatures lower down in the food chain can recover from dire times a lot easier than those higher up.  An easy way to illustrate this is to compare the breeding rates of lower down food chain species like rats and mice with the breeding rates of the predators.  I saw a program that informed of the sheer breeding power of the brown rat.  One pair of rats can create thousands or even hundreds of thousands of rats in one year; the rats are phenomenal multipliers.  I suppose that the food chains are like the Chinese Triad,  a wide and stable base to support the diminushing by layer orders above.  If the upper layers are removed,  then the lower orders become erratic and quite unstable. The top level predators are the product of the genetic refinery  and represent the cutting edge of evolution  (e.g. bats, dolphins,  (humans) and allsorts of others).  Whilst all levels are as important as each other in maintaining the appropriate balance,  the top level predators  are possibly more affected on a  numerical basis.  i.e.  breeding rates.

Response:

orders become erratic and quite unstable.

This is some sort of Republican Party code isn’t it?  <g The top level predators are the product of the genetic refinery  and represent the cutting edge of evolution  (e.g. bats, dolphins,  (humans) and all sorts of others)….

This idea that there is "progress" in evolution is a common fallacy.  A good book on this subject is "The Blind Watchmaker: Why the Evidence of Evolution Reveals a Universe Without Design," by Richard Dawkins. JR

Response:

This idea that there is "progress" in evolution is a common fallacy.  A good book on this subject is "The Blind Watchmaker: Why the Evidence of Evolution Reveals a Universe Without Design," by Richard Dawkins.

Actually, the notion that there is no "progress" in evolution a cause championed most famously by Stephen J. Gould, who happens to be Dawkins’ intellectual enemy. Their feud goes way back, and I think it’s fair to say that they detest each other. I once asked Dawkins’  what he thought about a paper by Gould and Lewontin (The spandrels of San Marco and the Panglossian paradigm: A critique of the adaptationist programme. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, B205:581-598) that bears on exactly this issue. He (Dawkins) raved for at least ten minutes about how stupid and misguided the paper is. Dawkins’ own views on the subject are more accurately summarized in the book "Climbing Mount Improbable," which definitely gives the impression that there is "progress" of a sort in evolution (i.e., climbing higher on the Mount Improbable). My own opinion is that if there weren’t progress in evolution we’d still be blue-green algae, or worse. The problem is that "progress" is a subjective concept. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Jeff and I were in Labrador in July of ‘98.  The guide pointed out the remains of a bald eagle laying on a sandy beach just above the area we were fishing. Jeff walked back and took all of the wing bones from  the skeleton.  When he showed them to me after dinner that night, I told him that I though possession of them was illegal.  I checked with the guide and he confirmed my suspicions. The next day Jeff asked if we could stop by the sandy beach.  When we did, he approached the eagle’s remains and very carefully placed each bone in the position he had found it.  It took him several minutes to complete his task. He was very solemn when he returned to face us.  He saw that I was near tears witnessing this tender moment of his.  He took his fly rod from me, smiled and said, "C’mon, Poppop.  Let’s catch some biggggg brookies."  We did.  

Thanks Dave, These personal anecdotes are my favorite posts. Willi

Response:

You’re right that definitions of progressive evolution differ.  The disagreement between Dawkins and Gould on this matter is in fact is pretty much a difference in definitions.  Dawkins believes that in order to deny progress in evolution, Gould insists on a human-chauvanistic definition "which makes it all too easy to deny progress in evolution."   His own definition he calls "adaptationist;" i.e., "a tendency for lineages to improve cumulatively their adaptive fit to their particular way of life, by increasing the numbers of features which combine together in adaptive complexes."   No doubt Gould thinks this definition makes it all too easy to *propose* progress in evolution.  Nevertheless, Dawkins, like Gould, does not and never has believed in the sort of "progress" implied in the concept of a "ladder of life," on which there are higher and lower orders.  This is the sort of evolutionary progress I believe Michael was referring to in his original post. I tend to think that the feud between Dawkins and Gould is blown out of proportion by the popular (and popularizing) press and that it is unlikely they "detest" each other.  I’ve read reviews by Dawkins of Gould’s books and reviews that, while disagreeing strongly with one argument or another, display no rancor or animosity. Quoted from a response by Dawkins to a Guardian article about the "feud": "Stephen Gould certainly is an ‘implacable opponent of . . . genetic determinism’.  Right then, Dawkins must be in favour of it – otherwise there wouldn’t be a feud, and that would be no fun. In fact, as anybody would know who reads what I actually say instead of what I am supposed to say, I too am an implacable opponent of genetic determinism. "Gould thinks that the extinction of the dinosaurs had nothing to do with natural selection. Sorry to spoil the fun, but so do I.  Gould thinks natural selection is not the only force shaping the course of evolution. Well, I know it seems a shame, but so do I, and I have devoted large portions of my books to explaining this." ***** Just what did Dawkins disagree with in the Gould / Lewontin article? BTW, you don’t think the idea that something older than blue-green algae on the evolutionary scale is somehow "worse" than blue-green algae (or us) is just the sort of human chauvinism that *both* Dawkins and Gould would rave against. <g JR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This idea that there is "progress" in evolution is a common fallacy.  A good book on this subject is "The Blind Watchmaker: Why the Evidence of Evolution Reveals a Universe Without Design," by Richard Dawkins. Actually, the notion that there is no "progress" in evolution a cause championed most famously by Stephen J. Gould, who happens to be Dawkins’ intellectual enemy. Their feud goes way back, and I think it’s fair to say that they detest each other. I once asked Dawkins’  what he thought about a paper by Gould and Lewontin (The spandrels of San Marco and the Panglossian paradigm: A critique of the adaptationist programme. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, B205:581-598) that bears on exactly this issue. He (Dawkins) raved for at least ten minutes about how stupid and misguided the paper is. Dawkins’ own views on the subject are more accurately summarized in the book "Climbing Mount Improbable," which definitely gives the impression that there is "progress" of a sort in evolution (i.e., climbing higher on the Mount Improbable). My own opinion is that if there weren’t progress in evolution we’d still be blue-green algae, or worse. The problem is that "progress" is a subjective concept.

Response:

My own opinion is that if there weren’t progress in evolution we’d still be blue-green algae, or worse. The problem is that "progress" is a subjective concept.

Perhaps the most succinct and irrefutable refutation of one’s own opinion that I have ever seen. Wolfgang o.k., this oughta be good!

Response:

Question:

Call the Blacktail Ranch near Wolf Creek Montana.

Or Dick Klick up at Augusta.  Don’t remember the name of the place, but it’s up against the Bob.  You’ll not find more beautiful country, the cutts in the Sun river are multitudinous and "unsophisticated," horse back and hot springs are at your disposal and the further you’re willing to go into the wilderness, the bigger and better the fish.  Plus you won’t have the hordes you’ll have down in the Madison/Paradise Vallies.

Response:

Call the Blacktail Ranch near Wolf Creek Montana.  It is a working cattle ranch with excellent fishing in a small stream and in a series of beaver ponds with big trout.  You can choose a camping option that is very reasonable.  If you want to fish big water you can go to the Missouri and hire a guide to fish down from Hardy Bridge.  It is my favorite part of Montana. Ted Lannan

Response:

Here’s a wide open question: I have the opportunity to go fishing with two old friends in July or August pretty much anywhere out West.  I have fly fished for quite a while but my two friends have never done it at all.  I have the idea that a lodge with guides etc which has some "easy" water nearby (a casting pond with trout) as well as some more challenging rivers nearby would be ideal. We’re in good shape and can hike a bit I have looked through Sports Afield’s Guide to Fishing Lodges, the Orvis catalog, done web searched etc and I am totally bewildered by the sheer number of lodges. I am interested in comments/recommendations on lodges – as well as any other ideas (e.g. float trips).  Our budget is not huge, but we can spend some money this one time. Thanks for the help, Patrick Keith-Hynes

Response:

Question:

[rip...] Boulder: A prime reason to resume above-ground nuclear weapons testing.

What do you think Rocky Flats is there for ? — TimW Halfordian Golfer

Response:

I have a good friend who is going to the Boulder, CO, area around Labor Day and would like to know what’s available for fly fishing.  Do you have any information on rivers/streams and guide services?  Any information would be appreciated.  Thanks.

Response:

I have a good friend who is going to the Boulder, CO, area around Labor Day and would like to know what’s available for fly fishing.  Do you have any information on rivers/streams and guide services?  Any information would be appreciated.  Thanks.

if you read john gierach, you would get a pretty good idea of what the area is like…it is his haunt and he does talk about it a lot… — TimW Halfordian Golfer

Response:

I have a good friend who is going to the Boulder, CO, area around Labor Day and would like to know what’s available for fly fishing.  Do you have any information on rivers/streams and guide services?  Any information would be appreciated.  Thanks. Saw Hill Ponds, off 75th st. in Boulder.  Big bluegill and lots of bass, some very large.  I know it ain’t trout, but the panfish action will be great this time of year.  Tell him to walk to the back ponds. JE

Response:

: I have a good friend who is going to the Boulder, CO, area around Labor : Day and would like to know what’s available for fly fishing.  Do you have : any information on rivers/streams and guide services?  Any information : would be appreciated.  Thanks. Right under the library downtown.  I believe I’ve seen that big fish from Vail there… I guess it makes road trips.  (Will I ever stop flogging this horse?) — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

Response:

: I have a good friend who is going to the Boulder, CO, area around Labor : Day and would like to know what’s available for fly fishing.  Do you have : any information on rivers/streams and guide services?  Any information : would be appreciated.  Thanks. Right under the library downtown.  I believe I’ve seen that big fish from Vail there… I guess it makes road trips.  (Will I ever stop flogging this horse?)

If you go under the library, or downstream at the observatory, make sure it is well after midnight…those literary types get all bent out of shape when you creel a couple for dinner in front of them… — TimW Halfordian Golfer

Response:

: I have a good friend who is going to the Boulder, CO, area around Labor : Day and would like to know what’s available for fly fishing.  Do you have : any information on rivers/streams and guide services?  Any information : would be appreciated.  Thanks. Right under the library downtown.  I believe I’ve seen that big fish from Vail there… I guess it makes road trips.  (Will I ever stop flogging this horse?) If you go under the library, or downstream at the observatory, make sure it is well after midnight…those literary types get all bent out of shape when you creel a couple for dinner in front of them…

I would not try to smoke any tobacco products either.  They get pretty testy about that shit.  Noone will bug you if you decide to spark up a Fat One:-) though, in fact they may want to join you. I would also avoid taking dumpsters, lighting them on fire, and then rolling them down The Hill at policemen. You can, however, get away with murder in that town.  If you do kill someone, the police will posture for months and then bust some poor homeless guy on drugs instead. Boulder: A prime reason to resume above-ground nuclear weapons testing. </chaz

Response:

Question:

Hi All, This most certainly has been discussed before, so forgive any repetition. I currently have a pair of rubber coated canvas waders. Eventually these will fail and need replacement…at least that’s what I tell my wife . So far they have held up through two seasons, but you never know…. Does anyone have experience with 5mm vs 3mm neoprene waders? Specifically, what is the durability difference between the two (if any)? Is one more prone to pinhole leaks than the other? What about heat retention? Fishing here in Georgia, we have a much longer warm season than say, Montana, so insulation is not as big a factor. What about fishing from a float tube..wouldn’t the neoprene be better than the canvas? (looking for purchase justification here!! ) Thanks in advance, –John        John Carney          Fly Fisher & Parrot Head

Response:

Fishing here in Georgia, we have a much longer warm season than say, Montana, so insulation is not as big a factor. What about fishing from a float tube..wouldn’t the neoprene be better than the canvas? (looking for purchase justification here!! )

Hell in GA I’d skip the neoprene and go for the Gortex.  I would think that the heat would be more of a problem than the cold.  5mm are very very warm, Xmas of 95, I was in a river with 6" of ice and was comfortable.  They’d probably cook you in Dixie!!! jg

Response:

Does anyone have experience with 5mm vs 3mm neoprene waders? Specifically, what is the durability difference between the two (if any)?

I’ve been using 3mm Simms neoprenes for several years now.  They have remained warm and flexible.  Whatever brand you buy, spend a little more than you can afford. Is one more prone to pinhole leaks than the other?

Pinholes don’t seem to be the main problem, rather leaks at seams, especially when you do a lot of tubing in them. What about heat retention? Fishing here in Georgia, we have a much longer warm season than say, Montana, so insulation is not as big a factor.

3mm keep me good and warm, but early in the season I do wear some Thermax bibs.  During warm season a pair of light thermal pants or silks will help keep you from getting too clammy from sweat.  I got the thinner neoprenes because I figure I can always add extra insulation when it’s cold, but you can’t reduce the insulation of a 5mm wader when it’s hot. What about fishing from a float tube..wouldn’t the neoprene be better than the canvas? (looking for purchase justification here!! )

Even in high summer tubing gets cold, because all the heat eventually gets leeched away, no matter what you’re wearing.  I find that I can last about 3-4 hours at a stretch in 50 degree water before I have to get out and warm up and take a leak.  Only problem I’ve had with neoprenes in my tube is some slight leaking as the seams stretch because I sit in the tube, and the slight chaffing on the upper thigh where the neoprene rubs against the material of the tube. Anglerboy

Response:

This most certainly has been discussed before, so forgive any repetition. I currently have a pair of rubber coated canvas waders. Eventually these will fail and need replacement…at least that’s what I tell my wife . So far they have held up through two seasons, but you never know…. Does anyone have experience with 5mm vs 3mm neoprene waders? Specifically, what is the durability difference between the two (if any)? Is one more prone to pinhole leaks than the other? What about heat retention? Fishing here in Georgia, we have a much longer warm season than say, Montana, so insulation is not as big a factor. What about fishing from a float tube..wouldn’t the neoprene be better than the canvas? (looking for purchase justification here!! )

Hi John, The 3 mil waders will do everything you want them to down to water temperatures of ~42.  Usually below 42 degrees I have to put some mid weight synthetic longs on underneath them.  Above that I use the lightweight synthetic longs to keep any moisture off my skin and keep it between my longs and the waders.  The 3 mil neoprenes will give you the flexibility  you want and the comfort while float tubing.  Take a llok at the Orvis Hi-back 3mil neoprenes ($225) or the bare bones version the Clearwater neoprenes ($98). If it is usually hot most of the time you are fishing, you should check out the breathable waders.  Orvis makes two models.  The No-Sweat wader for $305 which feature a brushed micro-fiber outer fabric, knee pads, and a floating heel (easier to fit various shoe sizes)on the neoprene foot.  They just came out this year with the Clearwater No-Sweat waders for $165.  They are made out of a tightly woven nylon outer fabric, have the standard type of neoprene foot and no knee pads.  Not quite as durable as the premium No-Sweats, but covered with the same guarantee (4 years) and about 1/2 the price of other breathable waders.  Keep in mind that the breathable waders offer no insulation of their own and they don’t stretch.  As long as you layer accordingly underneath for colder weather they are fine, and nothing is more comfortable on a hot day.                          Hope this helps,                                  Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi All, This most certainly has been discussed before, so forgive any repetition. I currently have a pair of rubber coated canvas waders. Eventually these will fail and need replacement…at least that’s what I tell my wife . So far they have held up through two seasons, but you never know…. Does anyone have experience with 5mm vs 3mm neoprene waders? Specifically, what is the durability difference between the two (if any)? Is one more prone to pinhole leaks than the other? What about heat retention? Fishing here in Georgia, we have a much longer warm season than say, Montana, so insulation is not as big a factor. What about fishing from a float tube..wouldn’t the neoprene be better than the canvas? (looking for purchase justification here!! ) Thanks in advance, –John       John Carney         Fly Fisher & Parrot Head

Hi John, The 3mm neoprene is the standard in the industry with 5mm being more durable, warmer and less flexible. For serious float-tubers, 5mm will hold up longer. Gor-Tex is coming on very strong, as this will be the year of the breathable Gor-Tex wader. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

Response:

I have been fishing with Orvis Clearwater Gortex waders this year in Minnesota.  Yesterday I went out and it was 15 degrees.  I wore my waders with fleece pants and long underwear.  It was toasty.  In the summer I know they will be a thosand times more comfortable than the 2mm neoprenes I had before. Mike H

Response:

To this thread specifically. I have used Body Glove 5mm’s for the last 8 years. Got some cheap Hodgman 3mm’s for Christmas.   Wished I’d of had the 5mm’s on saturday.  Toes got cold for the first time in 8 years.  They were dry, but cold. Summer heat, the 3s’ll be a godsend. — TimW Halfordian Golfer

Response:

Question:

I AM GOING TO MAGDALENA BAY LAST FEW DAYS OF OCYOBER FIRST FEWE OF NOV.  I AM A FLY FISHERMAN .  ANYONE HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE THERE ? WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ?

Response:

Michael You’re likely to encounter anything in Mag Bay – yellowtail (in the south end), halibut, corvina, bass, pargo, and some snook. Clauser minnows in blue/white and green/white, and any deep running flys in all white should work well. Fish a shock leader, everything there has teeth. Get your fly as close to the mangrove roots as possible, sink it two feet and retrieve with one foot strips, 2 second intervals. Where fouling is less possible, fish something heavy along the bottom. A 6/7 wt rod should be plenty. Try to catch the last hour of the flood and first 2 hours of the ebb. If you fish Lopez Mateos, ask for Sergio Tapia. He’ll take you out in his panga at a very reasonable rate – a great fisherman and a fine person. Mention me, I was almost his brother-in-law (cunyado) ! BTW, 4 years ago, there was a 200 lb. jewfish living under the dock at the town cannery ! I hooked him once (no, not on a fly rod !) and he wrapped me around a piling faster than I could get the reel in gear ! No great surprise there – a fast, TOUGH fish. Let me know if you need more, I lived there for 5 years. Dave Martin

Response:

Question:

Need advice on where to look for  an inexpensive (<$100) 4 peice pack rod (preferably 9′ 6 wt)–used or new.  If anyone knows of a good

Look for glass rods with the Abu or Fenwick name — probably no longer sold new, but the old ones must be somewhere…. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

Need advice on where to look for  an inexpensive (<$100) 4 peice pack rod (preferably 9′ 6 wt)–used or new.  If anyone knows of a good starting point would appreciate a tip!

Response:

Need advice on where to look for  an inexpensive (<$100) 4 peice pack rod (preferably 9′ 6 wt)–used or new.  If anyone knows of a good starting point would appreciate a tip!

For the same money, you might be able to get a better quality rod by going to a two piece rod.  Put it in a schedule 40 PVC tube and use it for a walking stick.  It helps me a lot crossing streams and going up/ down steep inclines.  The thin wall PVC won’t hold up as well if you really put your weight on it (like when you need it most).   Rob

Response:

: For the same money, you might be able to get a better quality rod by : going to a two piece rod.  Put it in a schedule 40 PVC tube and use it : for a walking stick.  It helps me a lot crossing streams and going up/ : down steep inclines.  The thin wall PVC won’t hold up as well if you : really put your weight on it (like when you need it most).   Rob, I also use two-piece rods hiking and backpacking.  I carry them in a sturdy PVC tube and use the tube as a walking stick.  If I ever fell right on top of it. . . well I think I would rather have the rod break than me (but I am not too sure). Schedule 40 PVC?  Hmmm.  I guess I will know what to ask for next time I acquire a PVC rod tube.  Thanks for the terminology. Cheers, Burnaby, BC

Response:

Check and see if you can find a st. Croix dealer in canada. I bought two 4 pc.    pack

Response:

Hi, If you are into building your own rod the River’s Edge in Bozeman, MT has Sage second blank (4 peice pack rods) for about $130.00.  If you think you might be interested you can call them at 406-586-5373. Good Luck Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (catalog avail)

Response:

Al, Thanks for the post.  I saw your message of Jan 4 regarding the River’s Edge and the sage seconds.  We live in Chicago and have a tough time finding a source for seconds, especially travel rods at this price! Bryan and company at rivers edge were quite helpful.  I just purchased two of the blanks and there in the mail now.

Response:

St. Croix is available in Canada at a decent price.  Diawa makes a 4 – 5 wt. that fishs very well.  Pack rods at low prices can be hard to find.  Good luck. Peter – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Check and see if you can find a st. Croix dealer in canada. I bought two 4 pc.    pack

Response:

Check the Cabela’s 1996 Spring catalog.  They’re listing a 4pc. pack rod blank (9′/6wt I think) for less than $50.  They list it as an import, but who knows.

Response:

I looking for an moderately priced pack rod, and have found a Cabela’s Fish Eagle 8′ 4wt. for #116.  Anybody out there have any opinions about the rod?

Response:

I really like the St. Croix Imperial, 8′ for 4/5 in a 4 piece … rod holder included for around $125. Also it has a lifetime guarantee … I like the intermediate action so much that I am fishing it almost as my #1 rod. bob vorel

Response:

Question:

This summer I fished the interior of B.C.,I came across a small flyshop out of 100 mile house that was selling weird looking leaders. The leaders had a clear rubber section in it about 6 in. Has anybody seen this type of leader before? What is it’s advantage or disadvantages? I think they look like a gimmic,since they were $6.00 Canadian for a single pack. -I fish because I love to; because I love the environs where trout are found, which are invariably beautiful….and….not because I regard fishing as so terribly important, but because I suspect that so many of the other concerns of men are equally unimportant and not nearly so much fun…. R.Traver

Response:

Frank: It’s probably a version of a "bungee-type" leader used to land big fish on small tippets. The "rubber" absorbs the shock and allows you to fight a heavier fish than you normally would if the "rubber" wasn’t there. The concept is used quite often by those trying for International Game Fish Assoc. (IGFA) records with 2# or 4# tippets. RIO sells small spools of the "bungee" material, so you can construct your own custom leaders. Hope this helps. Bob E. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This summer I fished the interior of B.C.,I came across a small flyshop out of 100 mile house that was selling weird looking leaders. The leaders had a clear rubber section in it about 6 in. Has anybody seen this type of leader before? What is it’s advantage or disadvantages? I think they look like a gimmic,since they were $6.00 Canadian for a single pack.

Response:

This summer I fished the interior of B.C.,I came across a small flyshop out of 100 mile house that was selling weird looking leaders. The leaders had a clear rubber section in it about 6 in. Has anybody seen this type of leader before? What is it’s advantage or disadvantages? I think they look like a gimmic,since they were $6.00 Canadian for a single pack. -I fish because I love to; because I love the environs where trout are found, which are invariably beautiful….and….not because I regard fishing as so terribly important, but because I suspect that so many of the other concerns of men are equally unimportant and not nearly so much fun…. R.Traver

Rio makes the Shock Gum leaders and sells spools of the Shock Gum. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

Response:

That sound like a shock leader to be.  Some fishermen here in Oregon when fishing for hard striking fish like sea-run cutthroat or Kokanee will include in their gear a 6 inch section of rubber tubing that will strech and absorb the shock of a hard strike instead of snapping the leader. -Burton – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This summer I fished the interior of B.C.,I came across a small flyshop out of 100 mile house that was selling weird looking leaders. The leaders had a clear rubber section in it about 6 in. Has anybody seen this type of leader before? What is it’s advantage or disadvantages? I think they look like a gimmic,since they were $6.00 Canadian for a single pack. -I fish because I love to; because I love the environs where trout are found, which are invariably beautiful….and….not because I regard fishing as so terribly important, but because I suspect that so many of the other concerns of men are equally unimportant and not nearly so much fun…. R.Traver

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -That sound like a shock leader to be.  Some fishermen here in Oregon when fishing for hard striking fish like sea-run cutthroat or Kokanee will include in their gear a 6 inch section of rubber tubing that will strech and absorb the shock of a hard strike instead of snapping the leader. -Burton This summer I fished the interior of B.C.,I came across a small flyshop out of 100 mile house that was selling weird looking leaders. The leaders had a clear rubber section in it about 6 in. Has anybody seen this type of leader before? What is it’s advantage or disadvantages? I think they look like a gimmic,since they were $6.00 Canadian for a single pack. -I fish because I love to; because I love the environs where trout are found, which are invariably beautiful….and….not because I regard fishing as s

Used to be a company out of Montana called Beartooth that sold a leader with a short clear rubber like section tied into a braided leader. I had a couple. Idea was to provide stretch and reduce tippet breaks. I haven’t seen these for a while and after using them I short regarded them as Rube Goldberg devices; impressive but of no real value or utility. Ralph H

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That sound like a shock leader to be.  Some fishermen here in Oregon when What is it’s advantage or disadvantages? I think they look like a gimmic,since they were $6.00 Canadian for a single pack. -I fish because I love to; because I love the environs where trout are found, which are invariably beautiful….and….not because I regard fishing as s Used to be a company out of Montana called Beartooth that sold a leader with a short clear rubber like section tied into a braided leader. I had a couple. Idea was to provide stretch and reduce tippet breaks. I haven’t seen these for a while and after using them I short regarded them as Rube Goldberg devices; impressive but of no real value or utility. Ralph H

I seem to remember a humor column in one of the fishing magazines a few years back where the hero invents a leader that has stretch in it to protect his tippets.  The first thing he caught with it was a rattle snake.   Quite humorous all of his antics to try to break of a angry snake.   Patrick McManus?  Maybe, I don’t really remember. Steve My Rod and Reel They comfort me.

Response:

Question:

Did anyone catch a Namaycush on a fly (wet or dry)?

Response:

: Did anyone catch a Namaycush on a fly (wet or dry)? I fish lake trout quite frequently on the fly, in the spring, just after ice-out.  I normally throw a sink-tip or sinking line.  If the laker population is largely piscivorous (fish-eating), I start near an inflowing stream where they’ll probably be gorging on baitfish in fairly shallow water.  In Switzerland, I expect bream and perch are likely forage.  In these conditions, I’ll go with some kind of a flashy streamer.  With planktivorous lake trout populations (those feeding mainly on invertebrates), some kind of an emerger pattern, matching the activity you see in the water, is usually a good bet.  I’ve never caught a _really_ big one like this, but I can assure you that a 4 kg fish on a 4 weight rod is certainly a memorable experience! In my area, flies are pretty much out of contention by mid-June, unless you’re fishing a really smal, spring-fed lake, wherein you might be able to use a fast-sinking line and get them all summer long!  Oh joy; oh bliss! Hope this helps.  Tchuss! —                                 | Dave Fluri                      |       "No me agaro ya de nada, para North Bay, Ontario, Canada      |        asi no tener nada que defender."                                 |               -Carlos Castaneda                                 |

Response:

Question:

A couple of years ago, I heard Gary Borger give directions for dyeing fly line.I wrote the information down, and now I can’t find it. I got a deal on some Wulff lines, but there almost white. If anyone has any information on dyeing lines, or know of a reference book ,any information would be appreciated.If anyone has dyed lines, any tips, would be great. Thanks, in advance. Vince

Response:

Hi Vincent,     I’m not familiar with the dying technique you are asking about but I remember reading in a fly fishing magazine a couple of years ago about using simple pantone? marking pens to do a camo dying job on a fly line. I liked the idea of breaking up the one color line and intended to try it on mine but never have. Maybe I will try it this year after reading your question and being reminded about it. Those pens work good for dying individual hackles too if you tie your own flys. Much cheaper than having to buy a neck for $50. I bought one creme color hackle for that purpose.                     Good Luck, Arlie Turman                     Scranton, Pa. USA

Response: