Question:

Took the 15′6" 11 wt. Daiwa to the park at lunch for the first trials with the Airflo shooting head system.  I had on it a 45′ 12 wt. Airflo Type 7 shooting head with a 5′ leader – all attached to 100′ of Airflo running line and practiced my overhead casting with the big stick.  On the fourth cast, I pulled out the backing knot between the stripper and the reel.   That’s 150 freaking feet!! Now if I can only get over my Whirlpool paranoia (losing flies on the rocks on the backcast.) The Airflo shooting head system is super slick, never noticed the loops going through the guides.  I’m in love . . . Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

[shoot].   That’s 150 freaking feet!!

Man that’s gonna take awhile to get back on the spool Now if I can only get over my Whirlpool paranoia (losing flies on the rocks on the backcast.)

You have rocks in a laundry that is big enough for a 150ft cast? Everything *is* bigger up there The Airflo shooting head system is super slick, never noticed the loops going through the guides.  I’m in love . . .

Noted. (The airflo bit At least when you lose the whole fly you usually realise pretty quick,   losing the damn point is a much more subtle affair in the implementation and detection … Steve

Response:

[shoot].   That’s 150 freaking feet!! Man that’s gonna take awhile to get back on the spool

Marquis Salmon No.3 – not long Now if I can only get over my Whirlpool paranoia (losing flies on the rocks on the backcast.) You have rocks in a laundry that is big enough for a 150ft cast? Everything *is* bigger up there

Here’s a view of my washing machine. http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/whirlpool/spey_casting_the_line_layou… The Airflo shooting head system is super slick, never noticed the loops going through the guides.  I’m in love . . . Noted. (The airflo bit At least when you lose the whole fly you usually realise pretty quick,   losing the damn point is a much more subtle affair in the implementation and detection … Steve

Not with the big heads – there’s so much momentum it’s easy to snap it off and fish sans fly without noticing. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Here’s a view of my washing machine.

That the cable car line overhead? Joe F.

Response:

Here’s a view of my washing machine. That the cable car line overhead? Joe F.

And how long will it take him to tangle his line in that ?  That’ll piss em off Scott

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Here’s a view of my washing machine. That the cable car line overhead? Joe F.

Yup, it used_to_be out of reach. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Took the 15′6" 11 wt. Daiwa to the park at lunch for the first trials with the Airflo shooting head system.  I had on it a 45′ 12 wt. Airflo Type 7 shooting head with a 5′ leader – all attached to 100′ of Airflo running line and practiced my overhead casting with the big stick.  On the fourth cast, I pulled out the backing knot between the stripper and the reel. That’s 150 freaking feet!!

In the U.S that’s only 100′

Response:

Here’s a view of my washing machine. http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/whirlpool/spey_casting_the_line_layou…

S’a beautiful looking spot. Not with the big heads – there’s so much momentum it’s easy to snap it off and fish sans fly without noticing.

Yeah, thinking about it that sounds reasonable.  My only experience has been with lightweight (for heads) #8 #9 and the whole thing can "get out of shape" a lot easier than the conventional #4, & 6 WF setups I use.   I wonder how many Whirlpools there are world wide … I can think of 2 here in Aus. that I’ve fished … one in the salt and one in fresh.  I have pics of both somewhere, but your washing machine winds hands down for scenerics. Steve

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Took the 15′6" 11 wt. Daiwa to the park at lunch for the first trials with the Airflo shooting head system.  I had on it a 45′ 12 wt. Airflo Type 7 shooting head with a 5′ leader – all attached to 100′ of Airflo running line and practiced my overhead casting with the big stick.  On the fourth cast, I pulled out the backing knot between the stripper and the reel. That’s 150 freaking feet!! In the U.S that’s only 100′

My turn – BITE ME! Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Took the 15′6" 11 wt. Daiwa to the park at lunch for the first trials with the Airflo shooting head system.  I had on it a 45′ 12 wt. Airflo Type 7 shooting head with a 5′ leader – all attached to 100′ of Airflo running line and practiced my overhead casting with the big stick.  On the fourth cast, I pulled out the backing knot between the stripper and the reel. That’s 150 freaking feet!!

So how do you hook up with 150 freaking feet of line out? — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

… That’s 150 freaking feet!! So how do you hook up with 150 freaking feet of line out?

Accidentally. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Now if I can only get over my Whirlpool paranoia (losing flies on the rocks on the backcast.)

Have you considered trying a cut 850 grain Scientific Anglers Deepwater Express shooting head? I use a soft 8 wt rod in the surf and my preferred setup is about 18 feet of LC-13 connected to a running line.  I like having a short shooting head because sometimes the fish are in really close or they follow the fly all the way close to shore.  Whether I land the fish or not, I have a minimal amount of work to do in order to get the head out past the guides again in preparation for another cast since the head is so short.  Also, there are always dogs, kids, frisbees and who knows what else sneaking up behind me so the short head reduces the chances of incidental non-piscine hookups. A short head is also easier to lift back up to the surface when getting ready for the next cast.  You lose some distance and the transition from back cast to forward cast feels more abrupt (the latter can be minimized by altering your casting motion) but I really like it for the kind of fishing I do especially given that my St. Croix is a slow action rod. You could chop that SA DWE 850 grain head down to 15 feet and still have a 425 grain head. But Airflo has the fastest sinking heads.  That DWE 850 is rated at 9-10 IPS.  A 300 grain Airflo will (purportedly) sink just as fast. Mu

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Have you considered trying a cut 850 grain Scientific Anglers Deepwater Express shooting head? I use a soft 8 wt rod in the surf and my preferred setup is about 18 feet of LC-13 connected to a running line.  I like having a short shooting head because sometimes the fish are in really close or they follow the fly all the way close to shore.  Whether I land the fish or not, I have a minimal amount of work to do in order to get the head out past the guides again in preparation for another cast since the head is so short.  Also, there are always dogs, kids, frisbees and who knows what else sneaking up behind me so the short head reduces the chances of incidental non-piscine hookups. A short head is also easier to lift back up to the surface when getting ready for the next cast.  You lose some distance and the transition from back cast to forward cast feels more abrupt (the latter can be minimized by altering your casting motion) but I really like it for the kind of fishing I do especially given that my St. Croix is a slow action rod. You could chop that SA DWE 850 grain head down to 15 feet and still have a 425 grain head. But Airflo has the fastest sinking heads.  That DWE 850 is rated at 9-10 IPS.  A 300 grain Airflo will (purportedly) sink just as fast. Mu

I’ve done that before with a DWE 850 but I *really* didn’t like how they casted.  The Airflo Type 7 on a 15′6" rod isn’t a handful at all and can be brought in quite close.  The rod action allows some loading in tight in the event you just want to fish in front of you and the loops are so smooth, they’ll run through the guides with no problem. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Took the 15′6" 11 wt. Daiwa to the park at lunch for the first trials with the Airflo shooting head system.  I had on it a 45′ 12 wt. Airflo Type 7 shooting head with a 5′ leader – all attached to 100′ of Airflo running line and practiced my overhead casting with the big stick.  On the fourth cast, I pulled out the backing knot between the stripper and the reel. That’s 150 freaking feet!! So how do you hook up with 150 freaking feet of line out?

Ken’s right – 15 lbs. of steelie  or 30 lbs. of chinook doesn’t require any finesse – the fish hook themselves and with 15′ 6" of rod in the air, I can move a lot of line.  The furthest out I’ve hooked a fish so far has been about 80′-85′ on a streamer (below Lower Dam on the Rapid – about a 2 1/2 lb. salmon.).  There’s so much current pressure on the line that soon as you feel weight and tighten up, the pressure on the line sets the hook. Avoiding breaking off the fish, is the second biggest challenge.  It is real easy to overpower your tippet with that rod in those conditions.  Hooking up isn’t a big deal, getting ‘em to strike when things are slow – that’s the real challenge. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/whirlpool/spey_casting_the_line_layou… S’a beautiful looking spot.

Here is Mapquest’s rendition of the Whirlpool http://makeashorterlink.com/?U2DA6278 Looks like it’s about 900 across.  And that ain’t slack water in there. Look at the direction of the river (flows northwards).  I slams into the whirlpool in a northwesterly direction and then pours out northeasterly. Or maybe this is just the "shadow" Whirlpool Mu

Response:

loops are so smooth, they’ll run through the guides with no problem.

Are those the seamless polymer loops?  My Rio intermediate shooting head has a loop with some sort of sleeve on it and it does not traverse the guides very well. Mu

Response:

loops are so smooth, they’ll run through the guides with no problem. Are those the seamless polymer loops?  My Rio intermediate shooting head has a loop with some sort of sleeve on it and it does not traverse the guides very well. Mu

Yup, the Head loop is conventional looking but small.  The running line loop is the fused polymer type, very large so it can be slipped over a spool – very well thought out. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Mr Charles,   We are sorry to inform you sir that we will have to cry FOUL on the posting of that picture. To think that someone would have the cajones to post something like that only in the interest of teasing others. A pox upon you sir. Is there room in that whirlpool for 2? –SteveC– I’ll show if there are no A-6 drivers around.

Response:

–SteveC– I’ll show if there are no A-6 drivers around.

Then keep Epps out of the stew. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply.

Response:

Mr Charles,  We are sorry to inform you sir that we will have to cry FOUL on the posting of that picture. To think that someone would have the cajones to post something like that only in the interest of teasing others. A pox upon you sir.

nah, nah – I got my pox shots already – a pox back at ya Is there room in that whirlpool for 2?

Well sure, we can always fit in one more.  Just leave the pox at home. –SteveC– I’ll show if there are no A-6 drivers around.

Ah, I see you’ve met one or two already.  <g Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Peter Charles: –SteveC– I’ll show if there are no A-6 drivers around. Ah, I see you’ve met one or two already.  <g Peter

Dave, 4.2L A6

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Peter Charles: –SteveC– I’ll show if there are no A-6 drivers around. Ah, I see you’ve met one or two already.  <g Peter Dave, 4.2L A6

Perish the thought! This only applies to those guys that drive (and there’s only a few left) those gray Grumman A-6’s. I’ve noticed they aren’t real good around gondola wires. –SteveC– Who lives far too close to 2 naval air stations

Response:

Dave, 4.2L A6 Perish the thought! This only applies to those guys that drive (and there’s only a few left) those gray Grumman A-6’s. I’ve noticed they aren’t real good around gondola wires. –SteveC– Who lives far too close to 2 naval air stations

Ahh, that was a just little too obscure for us.  We’re slipping obviously. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mr Charles,  We are sorry to inform you sir that we will have to cry FOUL on the posting of that picture. To think that someone would have the cajones to post something like that only in the interest of teasing others. A pox upon you sir. nah, nah – I got my pox shots already – a pox back at ya Is there room in that whirlpool for 2? Well sure, we can always fit in one more.  Just leave the pox at home. –SteveC– I’ll show if there are no A-6 drivers around. Ah, I see you’ve met one or two already.  <g Peter

Unfortunately yes, I have. You can always spot ‘em from a mile off too, they love those big watches! –SteveC– I thought the Avenger was a comic book hero? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

–SteveC– I’ll show if there are no A-6 drivers around. Then keep Epps out of the stew.

Frank got it though – who ever said military intelligence is an oxymoron. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Question:

Hello all; Looking for recommendations for a good smallmouth streams in the King of Prussia, Pennsylvania area.  I will be in the Hatboro/Philadelphia area on business Thursday and plan on a little fly fishing Thursday night and Friday.  I will be wading.  Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Joe

Response:

A decent smallie area is the Perkiomen watershed park at routes 73 and 29 just outside of Collegeville (its in Schwenksville to be technical). Another area is the Evansburg park area on Germantown Pike. I can give you better directions if either sound appealing. Ron

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all; Looking for recommendations for a good smallmouth streams in the King of Prussia, Pennsylvania area.  I will be in the Hatboro/Philadelphia area on business Thursday and plan on a little fly fishing Thursday night and Friday.  I will be wading.  Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Joe

Response:

Question:

I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder….

_______  Tons of books but I’d like to be the first to steer you to "Matching The Hatch" by Ernest Schwiebert.  After that, I don’t care what you read. Mr.G. — http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

Was a great illustrator. I believe he’s dead. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

Response:

Another classic is "Feather in the Breeze" Author J. Edson Leonard. Try it if you can find it. Maybe Amazon or Barns and Noble. It’s fiction with a lot of well written know how. Hugh

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Was a great illustrator. I believe he’s dead. Dave It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

Response:

Pick up any book by Robert Travers,  Nick Lyons (my favorite) or John Gierach for a great existential "been there" flyfishing read. Try Mel Krieger’s book "The Essence of Flycasting" or Lefty Kreh’s most recent tome for a good "how to" book. — Randall S. Davis

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks! It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

Response:

Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too!

I have three recommendations for you, Mark. They may not be the best books of yearning to be there next to them, at least in terms of action, but they offer very thoughtful and well-written perspectives and reflections. * Ted Leeson – The Habit of Rivers. Very thoughtful and humorous book. Simplifying and reflecting on complex and important matters, without missing crucial elements. Very impressive! You may get a "why didn’t I think of that?"-feeling from it, combined with uncontrolled chuckles.. This guy knows how to work a pen. * W.D. Wheterell – One River More. A book that you’ll spend hours reading only to find yourself wondering where the hell all the pages went. Amazingly smooth flow of the book, and his observations and writing style really appealed to me. You might look at your own favorite river different after reading this. Different as in many-facetted with regard to contexts and perspectives, which you probably didn’t know you were missing.. * Harry Middleton – Rivers of Memory. A small book — could easily be mistaken for a pamphlet. Until it is opened and read, that is. Middleton is a genius in communicating descriptions of atmospheres and scenery the way he sees them. I’m reading this book now, and judging from the size of it, I expected spending an hour or two on it.. Not so, as I time and time again find myself re-reading paragraphs while my slow brain catches up with the true power concealed in his words. A one-word description: "Wow!" (a word of caution: English is not my mother tongue, and this probably affects my reading pace and understanding, and thus my preferences in writers, a great deal..) I don’t like Gierach much, at least not compared the books and authors listed above. Too monotonous in perspective and writing style for my taste. He does have his moments, by all means, but somehow, it just doesn’t strike that cord with me.. If you do love Gierach books, you’re in luck, because he sure writes a lot of them….. Hope this helps! — Christian Figenschou – <URL: http://figen.com

Response:

Grahm,    Read Trout Bum and View From Rat Lake.  He is a good writer and has only written one book that wasn’t excellent.  I enjoy his magazine articles too. Ernie Graham K. Jones wrote – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I would recommend anything written by John Gierach. I’ve read, just this fall, Sex, Death and Fly-Fishing, Dances with Trout, Another Lousy Day in Paradise and I am working on Standing in a River Waving a Stick when I can (not much lately). John’s writing really struck a cord with me, maybe it will for you as well. His books are a mix of the philosophy, technique, demographics and sociology of fly fishing. Graham

Response:

Grahm,    Read Trout Bum and View From Rat Lake.  He is a good writer and has only written one book that wasn’t excellent.  I enjoy his magazine articles too. Ernie

Ernie;Which one might that be? I have read everything he has written and they were all good. The only thing wrong with reading Gierach is that it might lead you to experiment with bamboo, heroin is cheaper and maybe not as addictive. John Before you buy.

Response:

Mark,  Two titles I would highly recommend:  A Flyfisher’s World by Nick Lyons and The Armchair Angler, an anthology edited by T. Brykczynski and D. Reuther.  Kerry Evans

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

Response:

I keep it on my coffee table….granted it is a great first book but it is large format, comic book style…… If anyone asks about flyfishing the can read it over coffee while you are slicing the cake (not very long) Well, it’s not exactly on the coffee table but it is in the living room along with my giant sized , reprint of the first issue of Superman. And if you don’t get it, you’ll always wonder about it now won’t ya? P.S. at the price, is there anything related to flyfishing you can get

Response:

Hello Mark, I would recommend anything written by John Gierach. I’ve read, just this fall, Sex, Death and Fly-Fishing, Dances with Trout, Another Lousy Day in Paradise and I am working on Standing in a River Waving a Stick when I can (not much lately). John’s writing really struck a cord with me, maybe it will for you as well. His books are a mix of the philosophy, technique, demographics and sociology of fly fishing. Graham

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

Response:

I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

Response:

Question:

In 2 days, the auction for a Beautiful Hardy Marquis 6 Fly Fishing Reel – No Reserve – will be completed. Please check it out. Thanks!

Response:

Question:

I started out with a 6-wt St. Croix Legend, and it’s still one of my favorite rods.   I liked it enough that I bought a 9-wt. St. Croix the next year.   It too is great.   I’ve casted better rods, and own better rods, but the St. Croix is a fine rod for the money.   Like another poster said, it matches my ability.   I have a really fine Sage 3-wt that cries whenever I pick it up. Joe

Response:

I know what you mean Wayne. I bought one of the entry level Cotland 4 piece 6weight rods back in the early eighties. I am glad I never got rid of that rod. I have bought a whole stack of rods since then that I don’t like as well. I have fished a couple of St. Croix rods that I liked. Try them all and buy what you like. Dale

Response:

My wife won a 4wt Ultra in a TU fund raiser and loves it. I had had her using my Loomis GL-3,4s and even a GLX which she never liked–too stiff. I tried it and was surprised at what a wonderful rod it was for dry fly fishing. In my opinion it doesn’t have enough backbone for nymph fishing or for casting anything with any weight. Bottom line is its your preference. If you’re really into dry fly fishing however, I’d highly recommend it for light wind situations. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

Response:

I think they are a great value for the money. Very good components that you see on much more expensive rods. Good looking rods. But the key is to cast the rods and compare.  A SP, GLX or LT might cast better but is it worth an extra $200? Michael L – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

Response:

OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry </PRE</HTML

Yes- they are good. Not a hidden bargain.  A real bargain. Their mid line rods "Imperial" great for the $. Joel Axelrad

Response:

St.Croix Rods do the job.  They are great folk and stand by their products. Watch out for "Tackle Gap". That is when your equipment is miles beyond your skill level.  I expect that my St.Croix rods will always be fine for my talents!  Put the extra $$  into good line – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry </PRE</HTML Yes- they are good. Not a hidden bargain.  A real bargain. Their mid line rods "Imperial" great for the $. Joel Axelrad

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Gerry,     I’m sure this is going to be unpopular advice but a rod ,despite what the manufactures want you to believe, isn’t going fix what ever is wrong with your casting. I’m lucky that I get to cast a lot of rods and some of them are great and some of them I wouldn’t give you a nickel for. Are they bad rods? No.. I just like some of them better than others. In fact, I’m still fishing a Sage DS. The point is get some help with your casting and buy the rod that feels good to you. Also, their is no rule that says you have to buy the "top of the line" rod. The rod either fits  your situation or it doesn’t. After that it is a warranty and appearance issue. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

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OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gerry,     I have not fly fished for years but I have done a heap of casting and fishing since I started earlier this year.  I decided about a month ago (after 3 days of casting lessons and a lot of practice) I was ready to see if better gear would make a difference for me.  I went to a fly fishing show (you can do the same at a well stocked dealer) and tried a number of different rods ( 7 or 8). I took along my reel with the line weight I would be using.  I switched it from rod to rod to make sure I was comparing apples to apples.  I tried several models from the same manufacturer and several manufacturers.  I bought the rod that FELT BEST TO ME!  I found that with my casting style, one rod stood out from the others.  It took less effort, cast further, laid out the line more smoothly, and turned over the tippet more uniformly and accurately than the others.  The difference was very noticeable.  I can’t say that manufacturer would be the best there is.  I really believe you have to try the darn things and make your decision.  My instructor had two St. Croix rods and I tried them both.  I liked my entry level Cortland much better and so did he.  You may find the St. Croix to be YOUR ROD!  Quality wise they make a decent stick. BTW: the rod I bought was just under $500 Wayne To fish is human…to release divine. OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

to fish them almost extensively. Regarding better quality fly rods at 1/3 rd the price, you should call Lamiglass Fly Rod Company  up Woodland Washington way and talk to Dick Posey.  These are the fly rods I fish exclusively.  Why? Well, they don’t break, for one thing and they have unmatched quality and technology.  Just remember this.  Loomis used to work for Dick Posey and Dick taught Garry almost everything he knows.  Well, that isn’t right either.  Let’s just say, ‘most of what he knows.’  Loomis products are over-priced, like it or not folks.  However; they are a fair rod but not as good as Posey Fly Rods in my opinion.  I think you can get a Lamiglass, factory direct for $230  more or less.  My 9′6" #8 Steelhead Fly Rod is a Lamiglass. George

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I can’t speak for their top-line model, but I own their mid-line rod and have cast their entry level rod, and I love them both. At the price, IMO they’re a great bargain, and like I said a couple of weeks ago here, they compare well with rods at twice the price. Having said that, whether its the rod for you, I’d try to find and cast one before shelling out the $$$. And if you’ve been flyfishing for years and your casting is still a problem, maybe some of the money could be spent on casting lessons? When I bought my new golf clubs, they looked damn good but didn’t make my swing better.  :) Sam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

Response:

Gerry,     I have not fly fished for years but I have done a heap of casting and fishing since I started earlier this year.  I decided about a month ago (after 3 days of casting lessons and a lot of practice) I was ready to see if better gear would make a difference for me.  I went to a fly fishing show (you can do the same at a well stocked dealer) and tried a number of different rods ( 7 or 8). I took along my reel with the line weight I would be using.  I switched it from rod to rod to make sure I was comparing apples to apples.  I tried several models from the same manufacturer and several manufacturers.  I bought the rod that FELT BEST TO ME!  I found that with my casting style, one rod stood out from the others.  It took less effort, cast further, laid out the line more smoothly, and turned over the tippet more uniformly and accurately than the others.  The difference was very noticeable.  I can’t say that manufacturer would be the best there is.  I really believe you have to try the darn things and make your decision.  My instructor had two St. Croix rods and I tried them both.  I liked my entry level Cortland much better and so did he.  You may find the St. Croix to be YOUR ROD!  Quality wise they make a decent stick. BTW: the rod I bought was just under $500 Wayne To fish is human…to release divine. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK , first of all I’ve fly fishing for years but I’m not a good caster. Was wondering how the top of the line St.Croix rods ( they’re so much more reasonable) stack up against the $500 and $600 rods from Sage, Loomis, Winston et al?? A lot of guys seem to like them . I know little about them. A hidden bargain? Or? Thanks, Gerry

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Question:

    Lately I have been having the worst kind of luck.. the kind only a newbie can have I have attended some fly courses and been watching the videos and the river where I live (calgary and the bow river) I have meandered the river watching the hatches and notching the pools and riffles along the river but only sporadic luck so far..perhaps the ones I catch are mentally challenged?? I know that I am matching the hatches and when the water shows no surface action am trying nymphs that the local fly shop has on their board of recommendations…. any help would be appreciated from any seasoned fly folks..especially if you can pass on some advice on nymphing techniques.. I believe that i am doing something wrong but am not sure what thanks for the help .      Pierre

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Have only fished the lovely Bow wilth a guide. (Dave Campbell, does any bodu know whats happed to him?)  The Bow only becomes productive thru and below Calgary, after it develops a food chain.  Divide the larger water into many smaller waters visually and fish these smaller divisions as if they were small waters.  Also strongly consider, streamers there .  Especially large 4-6 black wooly buggers to see if you can move some fish.  Oldies have exactly the same fishing experience you do, they just lie about it. Schuhfly

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   Lately I have been having the worst kind of luck.. the kind only a newbie can have I have attended some fly courses and been watching the videos and the river where I live (calgary and the bow river) I have meandered the river watching the hatches and notching the pools and riffles along the river but only sporadic luck so far..perhaps the ones I catch are mentally challenged?? I know that I am matching the hatches and when the water shows no surface action am trying nymphs that the local fly shop has on their board of recommendations…. any help would be appreciated from any seasoned fly folks..especially if you can pass on some advice on nymphing techniques.. I believe that i am doing something wrong but am not sure what thanks for the help .     Pierre

Shoot Pierre…you’ve been occupying your time in and around flyfishing. This is not bad luck, this is exceptionally good luck.  Catching fish is such a small part of it….and it will come,  you’re just paying your dues… Bag the videos and courses though, IMO. — TimW – Halfordian Golfer Guilt replaced the creel…

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Question:

I’m interested in fishing from a kayak and have seen ads from a California company that makes a molded plastic catamaran-style kayak they claim is "designed for fishermen."  Anyone have any experience with Mendocino Kayaks? Obviously I’d like something that paddles easily, is relatively stable, light-weight and car-toppable.  I’d welcome comments and suggestions.

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I currently own an Ocean Kayak malibu II, I love it. Its a two seater so maybe a single for you? The "sit on top" kayaks are real stable to fish from , which is my main reason for my purchacing one. I dont know your type of fishing, mine is fly fishing salt water flats and channels.Maybe this will help. Good luck mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m interested in fishing from a kayak and have seen ads from a California company that makes a molded plastic catamaran-style kayak they claim is "designed for fishermen."  Anyone have any experience with Mendocino Kayaks? Obviously I’d like something that paddles easily, is relatively stable, light-weight and car-toppable.  I’d welcome comments and suggestions.

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Question:

Question # 2 – What is a

Question:

Planning a visit to some friends in the Bolinas/Stinson Beach area early in April.  Thought I’d take my flyrod.  Anybody have any suggestions?  I’d be interested in fishing surf or small streams or anything in between, as long as it was close to Bolinas. Thanks, David

There’s a lake in the Point Reyes National Seashore that allegedly has some trout in it (Bass Lake), although I don’t know anyone who has actually fished it. Lagunitas Lake in the Marin Municipal Water District is stocked and artificial lures, no barbs, only. Some of the other lakes in the same area attract lots of bait fisherman. No stream fishing available in the area that I know of. Surf fishing with a fly rod?  Can’t say I’ve ever seen it done, but can’t say I’ve been looking either. Closest stream fishing (steelhead) would be the Russian River. — There is no such thing as a dumb question, but there IS such a thing as a dumb answer – I’ve given some.

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Try the small gas station / fishing shop on the road between Petaluma and Bodega.  George will tell you about fishing the area -especially Tomales bay.  Look on the map for Walker Ck.- which is a misnomer, but hal local currency.  If he is in the phone book, idt will be on BOdega Hiway, I athink. He is guiding on athe Russian R as well. Regards, Cliff

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suggestions?  I’d be interested in fishing surf or small streams or anything in between, as long as it was close to Bolinas.

Depends on how close is close. . . Most of the coastal rivers/streams are not open to fishing in that area, until you get up to the Russian River to the north.  There is good quality perch fishing at that time.  There are 2 or 3 guys who work at Western Sport Shop in San Rafael who i’ve seen out there each spring.  Their number is 415-456-5454. I’d ask for Gene or Noel.  They’ve got some patterns worked up which produce pretty well.  They’re real good on the whole area, too. re: other post The Bass Lake ponds in Pt. Reyes Natl Sea Shore are fun to walk to, but pretty fishless for about the last 10 years. *                                                     *

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Quoting brande from a message in rec.outdoors.fishing.fly    <Planning a visit to some friends in the Bolinas/Stinson Beach area    <early in April.  Thought I’d take my flyrod.  Anybody have any    <suggestions?  I’d be interested in fishing surf or small streams or    <anything in between, as long as it was close to Bolinas. David – You should may be able to catch surf perch off the beaches up there. Also, Russian River is just to the north.  Not too sure of all the specifics as I haven’t lived in NorCal in quite a few years. Jim Carlisle

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Planning a visit to some friends in the Bolinas/Stinson Beach area early in April.  Thought I’d take my flyrod.  Anybody have any suggestions?  I’d be interested in fishing surf or small streams or anything in between, as long as it was close to Bolinas. Thanks, David

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Question:

I’m planning a trip through Europe which will include time spent in Norway and would like all the information I can get about fly-fishing as a foreigner. Are there any guide recommendations and what would the cost be? Where do I find out about license and regulations for waters? Are the waters private access or public? What types of tackle do most Norway rivers rate? Thanks for any help. Kim

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I’m planning a trip through Europe which will include time spent in Norway and would like all the information I can get about fly-fishing as a foreigner. Are there any guide recommendations and what would the cost be? Where do I find out about license and regulations for waters? Are the waters private access or public? What types of tackle do most Norway rivers rate? Thanks for any help. Kim

Flyfishing in Norway can be both expensive and cheap. The country has with no doubt one of the worlds best and richest variety of streams, rivers, lakes and Europes longest coastline, were you can fish for both salmon and sea trout in salt water, beside of other seagoing species. The best areas for Atlantic Salmon is on the West-Coast (Vestlandet), Mid-Norway (Troendelag) and the Northern part of Norway (Nord-Norge). Even in the central part of the nation it is possible to flyfish for salmon and brown trout, if you prefer that. No guides are required (as in US and Canada, the commercial boost is not loose yet here..) Take your own gear with you. Fishing-gear is rather expensive in local shops if you compare with US& Canada-prices. There are around 400 registered rivers with Atlantic Salmon. Before fishing: You have to pay tax to the authoroties: Go to any postoffice and pay FISKERAVGIFT, 180 nkr in 1995. Aprx: 30 $. Now you can fish for salmon and seatrout in saltwater for free! Fishing in rivers: Buy FISHINGCARD. Sold from campingsites, local Tourist-offices. Most rivers: 100-200 nkr pr. day. 16-32 USD. Most expensive: West-Coast: Worst case: 30000-40000 nkr a day. Some English Lords still prefer to cash out 200000-300000 nkr for a whole week. But then they have all the river for themselves. In some rivers there are regulations on where foreigners can fish. NO BAG LIMITS. NO CATCH AND RELEASE required. Some rivers have days where the fish get to rest from fishermen. Usually Sunday-Monday. Fly patterns: My special favorite: Green Highlander. All hair-flies that are meant for salmon will go. Flies that pretend to be shrimps can be very succesfull! Colourchoosing: Ligth weather, sunny: Light coloured flies. Darker weather: Darker flies. Night: Black flies. Warm weather, warm river: Small flies. Cold river, much water: Large flies. For those who prefer bait and spoons: No foreign worms allowed. Espc. ban on German worms. No shrimps allowed. Spoons: Buck Special, Toby and Moeresilda in 20-45 grams are prefered, together with other slim spoons. Choose silverspoon in sunny weather. Green or brown spoons in darker weather. If you need any additional information on rivers, lakes or other places to fish in any part of Norway, I can provide you with more information on prices, where to go and where to call. Good luck Regards Jan Gunnar Furuly Norwegian flyfisher Ski, Norway.

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  I’m planning a trip through Europe which will include time spent in   Norway and would like all the information I can get about fly-fishing as   a foreigner. Are there any guide recommendations and what would the cost be? Where do I find out about license and regulations for waters? Are the waters private access or public? What types of tackle do most Norway rivers rate? Thanks for any help. Kim

 Flyfishing in Norway can be both expensive and cheap.  The country has with no doubt one of the worlds best and richest  variety of streams, rivers, lakes and Europes longest coastline,  were you can fish for both salmon and sea trout in salt water, beside  of other seagoing species.  The best areas for Atlantic Salmon is on the West-Coast (Vestlandet),  Mid-Norway (Troendelag) and the Northern part of Norway (Nord-Norge).  Even in the central part of the nation it is possible to flyfish  for salmon and brown trout, if you prefer that.  No guides are required (as in US and Canada, the commercial boost  is not loose yet here..)  Take your own gear with you. Fishing-gear is rather expensive in  local shops if you compare with US& Canada-prices.  There are around 400 registered rivers with Atlantic Salmon.  Before fishing:  You have to pay tax to the authoroties: Go to any postoffice  and pay FISKERAVGIFT, 180 nkr in 1995. Aprx: 30 $.  Now you can fish for salmon and seatrout in saltwater for free!  Fishing in rivers:  Buy FISHINGCARD. Sold from campingsites, local Tourist-offices.  Most rivers: 100-200 nkr pr. day. 16-32 USD.  Most expensive: West-Coast: Worst case: 30000-40000 nkr a day.  Some English Lords still prefer to cash out 200000-300000 nkr  for a whole week. But then they have all the river for themselves.  In some rivers there are regulations on where foreigners can fish.  NO BAG LIMITS.  NO CATCH AND RELEASE required.  Some rivers have days where the fish get to rest from fishermen.  Usually Sunday-Monday.  Fly patterns: My special favorite: Green Highlander.  All hair-flies that are meant for salmon will go.  Flies that pretend to be shrimps can be very succesfull!  Colourchoosing: Ligth weather, sunny: Light coloured flies.  Darker weather: Darker flies.  Night: Black flies.  Warm weather, warm river: Small flies.  Cold river, much water: Large flies.  For those who prefer bait and spoons:  No foreign worms allowed. Espc. ban on German worms.  No shrimps allowed.  Spoons: Buck Special, Toby and Moeresilda in 20-45 grams are  prefered, together with other slim spoons.  Choose silverspoon in sunny weather. Green or brown spoons in  darker weather.  If you need any additional information on rivers, lakes or other  places to fish in any part of Norway, I can provide you with more  information on prices, where to go and where to call.  Good luck  Regards  Jan Gunnar Furuly  Norwegian flyfisher  Ski, Norway.

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