Question:

i have been fly fishing for a few years but have never really used buzzers!! i live in scotland uk and i would like any help on how to fish and use buzzers

Response:

i have been fly fishing for a few years but have never really used buzzers!! i live in scotland uk and i would like any help on how to fish and use buzzers

Buzzers are usually called midges or chironomids on this side of the pond, so doing this google search will turn up more information than you can possible need: http://www.google.com/search?q=flyfishing+buzzers+OR+chironomids Kevin

Response:

Nick Reeves writes: i have been fly fishing for a few years but have never really used buzzers!! i live in scotland uk and i would like any help on how to fish and use buzzers

If I remember correctly, your "buzzers" are our chironomids.  See this site: http://www.fineflies.com/Articles/chrinomid_technique.htm Dave

Response:

i have been fly fishing for a few years but have never really used buzzers!! i live in scotland uk and i would like any help on how to fish and use buzzers

some of the best information on fishing buzzers (or chironomids) can be found in the writings of brian chan of british columbia.  i’m sure an internet search about chironomid lake fishing in the western us and british columbia will lead to many excellent suggestions if finding the lake fishing books is difficult in scotland. i’m not a lake fisherman myself, so i don’t have the titles of books on the top of my head, but checking with amazon would probably give you the titles. chris

Response:

i have been fly fishing for a few years but have never really used buzzers!! i live in scotland uk and i would like any help on how to fish and use buzzers

    not a chance, bub.  unethical. your friend in the old north state wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

i have been fly fishing for a few years but have never really used buzzers!! i live in scotland uk and i would like any help on how to fish and use buzzers

Here is the list of pages that I have book marked: www.guidebc.com/flypatterns.html – scroll down to Chironomid patterns http://www.coastnet.com/~rpike/nov00.htm http://www.flyfishusa.com/flies/midges.htm http://www.sci.ouc.bc.ca/fwsc/iwalker/intpanis/ http://www.fishbc.com/adventure/angling/protalk/rowley/sinking.phtml http://www.sportfishingbc.com/fishing/flyfishing_midges.htm http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/Biology/Harbour/SPECIES/CHIRONO/HOME.html http://www.flyfisherbc.com/chironomidpatterns.html http://www.flyshop.com/bench/features/06-01Midges/frames.html http://www.telusplanet.net/public/cnangler/html/fom9798.htm#fom3 http://www.oppub.com/bcfroa/03fish/03methods.html http://www.fishbc.com/adventure/angling/protalk/chan/confession.phtml http://www.fineflies.com/Articles/chrinomid_technique.htm http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/angling/bugs/chironomid/chironomid. phtml http://www.fishbc.com/adventure/angling/flies/chironomid/larva.phtml http://www.virtualflybox.com/swaps/chir.html http://www.fishing-in-wales.com/wildlife/insects/diptera/buzzer1.htm http://members.attcanada.ca/~aelliott/chironomid.html Some of these links are articles that describe methods, habitat, etc and others contain fly patterns.  Some of these have both.  Hope they help. — Warren www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

Response:

For a simple start: Take a dry fly that floats well and you think will catch fish.  Tie a length of appropriate size tipet for the size of the midge to the bend of the dry fly hook with an improved cinch knot.  Tie the midge so it trails about 10 inches (26 cm if Scotland is metric) in back of the dry fly.  Fish the dry fly.  Consider the dry fly both a lure and a bobber ( pardon me -"Strike Indicator"). Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i have been fly fishing for a few years but have never really used buzzers!! i live in scotland uk and i would like any help on how to fish and use buzzers

Response:

Question:

Frank;   I think you missed my e-mail as well. You must have a full batch of e-mails at home in a seperate folder. I’m in for an Orange/Gold/Brown Clouser Deep Minnow/Crawdad. Let us know how many we need to tie up–and a Postal address for you. Thanks for being the swapmeister.   Dave M

Response:

Stan, don’t know what happened but I have yet to receive your post, and as well Bob Weinberger, Jamie Heim and Mike Connor.  Rest assured gentlemen, you are all on the list now.  Also, Chris Cook your name has been duly changed. Perhaps we can use roff and rofft as backup communication if the event this happens again.  Thank you all, an update to follow. Frank Church – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Frank: Did you miss my e-mail?  I sent you a message not 5 minutes after you posted the start of the swap…  Even put "FLYSWAP" in the subject like you asked? I signed up to do a dragonfly nymph, and my 14 year old son, Steve, signed up to do a Prince nymph. –Stan OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

Add my name to the list of missed e-mails. Actually, I sent two. I would like to do an olive mountain midge. Tim Lysyk – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Stan, don’t know what happened but I have yet to receive your post, and as well Bob Weinberger, Jamie Heim and Mike Connor.  Rest assured gentlemen, you are all on the list now.  Also, Chris Cook your name has been duly changed. Perhaps we can use roff and rofft as backup communication if the event this happens again.  Thank you all, an update to follow. Frank Church Frank: Did you miss my e-mail?  I sent you a message not 5 minutes after you posted the start of the swap…  Even put "FLYSWAP" in the subject like you asked? I signed up to do a dragonfly nymph, and my 14 year old son, Steve, signed up to do a Prince nymph. –Stan OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

Stan, don’t know what happened but I have yet to receive your post, and as well Bob Weinberger, Jamie Heim and Mike Connor.  Rest assured gentlemen, you are all on the list now.  Also, Chris Cook your name has been duly changed. Perhaps we can use roff and rofft as backup communication if the event this happens again.  Thank you all, an update to follow. Frank Church

and mine? Peter

Response:

Me three, Since his news reader seems to be better than his Email I Replied to this post. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Me too, apparently you missed mine as well. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de Frank: Did you miss my e-mail?  I sent you a message not 5 minutes after you posted the start of the swap…  Even put "FLYSWAP" in the subject like you asked? I signed up to do a dragonfly nymph, and my 14 year old son, Steve, signed up to do a Prince nymph. –Stan OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

Frank, TBD is a technical term that roughly translates into "I haven’t a F(*&ing Clue what I’m going to tie – but I’ll tie something and I’ll try not to be the last one to submit my entries" Paul (to be determined)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That must be the famous Thorax Bodied Dunn.  I’m thinking of making it my first attempt at tying.  I’ll have to substitute a plastic Brillo pad for the Adelusian Grosebeak Hackle but it should work! — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine! Alright Paul, you’re in for a TBD fly.  What’s a TBD fly, or am I gonna be sorry for asking? Frank C.

Response:

Orange/Gold/Brown Clouser Deep Minnow/Crawdad

And the fly is easier to tie than pronounce?

Response:

Stan;   Yeah–not only easier to tie than pronounce–but works like a charm for both Browns–for you Adipose fin fanatics–and Smallmouths for those of you of the cool/warmwater persuasion.   Dave

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Stan, don’t know what happened but I have yet to receive your post, and as well Bob Weinberger, Jamie Heim and Mike Connor.  Rest assured gentlemen, you are all on the list now.  Also, Chris Cook your name has been duly changed. Perhaps we can use roff and rofft as backup communication if the event this happens again.  Thank you all, an update to follow. Frank Church Frank: Did you miss my e-mail?  I sent you a message not 5 minutes after you posted the start of the swap…  Even put "FLYSWAP" in the subject like you asked? I signed up to do a dragonfly nymph, and my 14 year old son, Steve, signed up to do a Prince nymph. –Stan OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

_____  How many does one tie of a pattern, by the way Frank? — (C) George Gehrke 2001 http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html     fine bamboo flyrods & blanks

Response:

OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

uh…..anybody got a pattern for a Miller dry?  Where can I get a white magic marker?? Will whiteout work? — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

….uh, Wayne ol buddy, have you considered having Dianna tie the flies?  I hear wimmin have a natural propensity for doing close-in highly detailed work. Frank (jest trying to help) Church – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – uh…..anybody got a pattern for a Miller dry?  Where can I get a white magic marker?? Will whiteout work? — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine! OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

Frank Church writes: OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Frank, put me down for a Bottom Dweller Caddis Worm.  <g Dave LaCourse Pirate and Bottom Dweller

Response:

Frank, Put me down for a TBD fly. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

Okey dokie Dave, you’re down for a BDCW! Frank

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Frank Church writes: OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly Frank, put me down for a Bottom Dweller Caddis Worm.  <g Dave LaCourse Pirate and Bottom Dweller

Response:

Alright Paul, you’re in for a TBD fly.  What’s a TBD fly, or am I gonna be sorry for asking? Frank C.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Frank, Put me down for a TBD fly. Paul OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

That must be the famous Thorax Bodied Dunn.  I’m thinking of making it my first attempt at tying.  I’ll have to substitute a plastic Brillo pad for the Adelusian Grosebeak Hackle but it should work! — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Alright Paul, you’re in for a TBD fly.  What’s a TBD fly, or am I gonna be sorry for asking? Frank C.

Response:

Frank: Did you miss my e-mail?  I sent you a message not 5 minutes after you posted the start of the swap…  Even put "FLYSWAP" in the subject like you asked? I signed up to do a dragonfly nymph, and my 14 year old son, Steve, signed up to do a Prince nymph. –Stan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

Frank, please could you change the name I am under (Richard Cook) to Chris Cook? That is my name but we had to register the e-mail address as Richard. Anyway, the pattern I will by tying for the fly swap will be a goldhead sawyers nymph. As long as this suits everyone I will get tying straight away! Happy new year to you all Regards Chris Cook

Response:

Frank, Like Stan, I also sent you an email right after you announced. I signed up to do a size 16 Biot & CDC Caddis.  Bob Weinberger

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

Frank,     Like the other two gents you seem to have missed my e-mail as well. I repiled shortly after your post went up. Anyhow, sign me up for a Mickey Finn (the greatest streamer of all time). I’ll include to more special flies for you to cover the Canadian postage. — Regards, Jamie  8^) http://clik.to/flyfish

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Frank, Like Stan, I also sent you an email right after you announced. I signed up to do a size 16 Biot & CDC Caddis.  Bob Weinberger OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

You tie as many as there are total swappers, minus one, unless you want one of your own flies sent back to you. Old Gray Swapmeister Stan, don’t know what happened but I have yet to receive your post, and as well Bob Weinberger, Jamie Heim and Mike Connor.  Rest assured gentlemen, you are all on the list now.  Also, Chris Cook your name has been duly changed. Perhaps we can use roff and rofft as backup communication if the event this happens again.  Thank you all, an update to follow. Frank Church

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Frank: Did you miss my e-mail?  I sent you a message not 5 minutes after you posted the start of the swap…  Even put "FLYSWAP" in the subject like you asked? I signed up to do a dragonfly nymph, and my 14 year old son, Steve, signed up to do a Prince nymph. –Stan OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly _____  How many does one tie of a pattern, by the way Frank? — (C) George Gehrke 2001 http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html    fine bamboo flyrods & blanks

Response:

My apologies Frank, and other swappers. I withdraw from the swap. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

Mike Connor writes: My apologies Frank, and other swappers. I withdraw from the swap.

I understand.  I’ve been thinking the same. Dave

Response:

Me too, apparently you missed mine as well. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Frank: Did you miss my e-mail?  I sent you a message not 5 minutes after you posted the start of the swap…  Even put "FLYSWAP" in the subject like you asked? I signed up to do a dragonfly nymph, and my 14 year old son, Steve, signed up to do a Prince nymph. –Stan OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

Question:

[deleted] Don’t get too hung up on graphite specs.

Good call Dan !. *Much* better to buy based on more *useful* information such as: MVR (Maximum Vibration Technology) <g — TimW – Halfordian Golfer Guilt replaced the creel…

Response:

writes: Good call Dan !. *Much* better to buy based on more *useful* information such as: MVR (Maximum Vibration Technology) <g

Hi Tim, The point I was trying to make was that yes, there is a lot of different technology out there (including Orvis’ Maximum Vibration Reduction), but the whole point of the tech is to make a rod that works well and feels good to the individual.    It doesn’t matter what the technology is behind it if it doesn’t feel good (or make a difference) to the person buying it.  Got to keep that horse in front of the cart.<g                              Good Fishing,                                     Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools Mt. Shasta Fly Fishing Schools http://www.thegrid.net/flyfish

Response:

I’ve heard the designation IM6 used when describing rods. It seems as though this is some "grade" of graphite. Can someone enlighten me as to what it means? Thanks, Scott Wilkinson

Hi Scott, There are four generations of graphite compositions that rod makers use today. The original or first generation called graphite #1 is ~30 million modulus The second generation called graphite #2 or IM6 is ~40 million modulus The third generation called graphite #3 is ~ 50 million modulus The fourth generation called graphite #4 is ~ 64 million modulus The later generations are usually lighter and more efficient, but I am really more concerned about how they cast. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

Snip, snip….Don’t get too hung up on graphite specs.  Try out the rod and

see how it worksfor your needs.  Just because a rod says it is IM6 does not necessarily mean it is a better rod than one made out of the older graphite, or a worse rod than a rod made out of a newer graphite formula.  It allows the rod designer more design options than the old graphite and not as many options as the newestgraphite.  The result depends a lot on the skill of the rod designer and how he utilises those capabilities. Hope this helps,

I didn’t raise the question, but that’s about as good an answer as anybody could ask for. Cleared things up for me, anyway. Thanks. From the minute we’re born we all start dying;some of us just take longer than others. Me? I’ve been dragging my feet, but it doesn’t seem to help much.

Response:

I’ve heard the designation IM6 used when describing rods. It seems as though this is some "grade" of graphite. Can someone enlighten me as to what it means?

It stands for "Intermediate Modulus 600" and is a graphite specification that is used to make fly rods.  It is typically known as second generation graphite and was pretty much the standard for many rod companies prior to the higher modulus graphites (third and fourth generation) currently used.  Lots of good fly rods were/are made from this material although it is no longer the standard of the industry. I believe  Winston still makes all of their rods out of this material and they make some very nice (and expensive) fly rods from it. Don’t get too hung up on graphite specs.  Try out the rod and see how it works for your needs.  Just because a rod says it is IM6 does not necessarily mean it is a better rod than one made out of the older graphite, or a worse rod than a rod made out of a newer graphite formula.  It allows the rod designer more design options than the old graphite and not as many options as the newest graphite.  The result depends a lot on the skill of the rod designer and how he utilises those capabilities.                     Hope this helps,                           Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools Mt. Shasta Fly Fishing Schools http://www.thegrid.net/flyfish

Response:

I’ve heard the designation IM6 used when describing rods. It seems as though this is some "grade" of graphite. Can someone enlighten me as to what it means? Thanks, Scott Wilkinson

Response:

there was an excellent posting on all the types of graphite a couple of months back. I suggest you search Dejanews if you want the straight goods as I am sure I have muddled it up in my memory a tad; graphite as a raw material is available from a number of manufacturers. The original graphite had a modulus of 33 million or so ( 33 million what?) About 10 years ago "2nd generation" graphite appeared with a modulus of 42 million: IM6 and Sage’s graphite II were part of this crowd. 3rd generation followed (ie Graphite III), modulus of maybe 50 million etc etc. So IM6 refers to a 2nd generation graphite fibre from a particular manufacturer. It’s been used a long while, it’s proven, rod designers know it’s qualities and a lot of people like rods made from it. Ralph H note spurious hyperbole, insults and ‘personal attacks’ made by the author are meant to honour "the Soul of Cicero" and are not intended as personal slights. Please don’t take offense as none is intended. remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply.

Response:

Question:

     I have been fishing for about fourteen years now, since I was about three.  However, the fishing I have done has been either spinning or baitcasting for various types of fish in mostly still bodies of water, or small rivers.  I recently had the opportunity to try my hand at flyfishing for trout, something which had been somewhat frightened of due to its seemingly immense complexity. Since then, it has occured to me that there was a lot that I was limiting myself from flyfishing.  The result, I am interested in starting a.s.a.p.  I realize that there is a lot to learn, and that it may take a very long time to master, but i have plenty of time ahead of me and am quite eager to learn.      First, though, it seems to me that I should first purchase a rod and a reel.  This is where my first discrepancy arises.  Being that I am new to the sport, I am unsure as to what I should purchase.  i would be using the setup mainly for bass and trout, though primarily for bass due to the limited amount of good long-term trout waters in my area.  For reference, that would be Cleveland, OH.  What weight setup should I get?  I was wondering if there is a good medium which would work well on smaller ohio bass (around two pounds, give or take) and trout, perhaps even small steelhead.  It seemed that a seven weight might be adequate.      Anyhow, I am looking to spend around 200 dollars for a decent setup.  Now for my second question.  How should I set up my line?  From what I have gathered, it seems that it would be best to use either a weight forward or bass bug taper.  However, I am unsure as far as a leader and tippet goes.  It seems as if it might be best to get a couple of sizes, depending on the situation. What are your suggestions?      To sum up a rather lengthy post, I need to know what sort of setup to purchase, and what sort of leaders and tippets to employ.  All suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance Ron. By the way, please mail responses directly to my.

Response:

i would be using the setup mainly for bass and trout, though primarily for bass due to the limited amount of good long-term trout waters in my area.  For reference, that would be Cleveland, OH.  What weight setup should I get?

I would suggest a seven weight rod, with a double taper  flyline. A weight forward line would be fine as well. Anyhow, I am looking to spend around 200 dollars for a decent setup.

At that price, you’ll find a great flyfishing setup. Don’t spend too much more yet; you need practice, not fancy equipment. However, I am unsure as far as a leader and tippet goes.  It seems as if it might be best to get a couple of sizes, depending on the situation. What are your suggestions?

Stroll down to your local FFing shop and ask them what they’d suggest. They’ll have the skinny on the local conditions, and if you’re lucky, someone will take you under his wing. However, I am unsure as far as a leader and tippet goes. It seems situation. Best of luck! Frank Longtine                             the Second Amendment was not, and is not, about 1984 Ford F-150                                  hunting rights. It was, and is, about 1997 Rokon Trail Breaker                       tyrranical governments.

Response:

Question:

please E-mail me of you are selling a float tube at a fair price I live in the Vancouver Area B.C Canada

Response:

please E-mail me of you are selling a float tube at a fair price I live in the Vancouver Area B.C Canada

Testing testing

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The Dutch government intends to forbid live bait fishing (i.e., fishing with living fish, minnows, etc.) starting January 1, 1997.  If you think this is none of your business, please read on.  Eventually, perhaps sooner than you think, this plan might restrict anyone’s freedom to fish. Not allowing live bait fishing is of course nothing new.  It is in effect in several countries in Europe and, if I am correctly informed, also in some states in the US of A.  Some fishing associations also allow only artificial bait in (some of) the waters they rent.  The reasons vary from country tot country and from place to place.  So what else is new, why should you care? What’s new is, that our government uses an ethical argument: the fish feel pain, suffer, etc.  As you might expect, our government’s current viewpoint is the result of a protracted lobby of the Dutch Animal Rights movement, which have for years argued against fishing for ethical reasons, although the scientific basis for ‘the ethical argument’ seems to be weak.  In fact, neurological evidence points in the opposite direction: fish don’t have the brain structures that are held responsible for feelings of pain and suffering in mammals. Forbidding life bait fishing for ethical reasons is alarming, because once you use an ethical argument against life bait fishing, it’s hard not to apply it to fishing in general and, consequently, forbid fishing entirely.  Of course, the long-term goal of our Animal Rights movement is just that. If fishing is no longer allowed in one country, this will surely encourage Animal Rights movements in other countries to strive for something similar. It is for this reason that I think that fishermen in other countries should care. Lots of fishermen in The Netherlands have written letters of protest to the political parties that support the government’s intention.  Letters from fishermen in other countries would also be most welcome and very much appreciated, the more the better.  We have ridiculously many political parties, but four of them really matter here: PvdA, D66, VVD, and CDA (the latter two do not have a very strong opinion on the matter, but they are among the largest parties). If you would like to support us, please send an E-mail to them.  They should be addressed as follows:                             E-mail address If you write a letter of protest, please be polite.  It wouldn’t do any harm, however, when you pointed out that you would not feel terribly at ease in a country that forbids life bait fishing and that therefore … Because I would like to know whether a protest like this can be organized on the net, I would appreciate being informed by those who do send a letter of I’ll let you know what happens. This is the first posting of this letter.  It will probably be posted by me two times more in the next two weeks. Leo Beem E-mail:

until it’s too late.We in America keep suupporting ,subconciously,politicians who have no balls to stand up to Amimal rights nonsense.Just like gun-ownership and hunting,we will become the fringe ,as the media and liberal politician will paint us .Then ultimately bans on bait will be seen as the middle ground,and then bans on hook barbs,thenbans on anything but fly fishing,then a total ban.And yes ,the fly fishermen will go along with all of this,as their exclusive sense of moral righteousness,and sportsmanship will encourage this type of political crap.     If you don’t believe me,go talk to some members of trout unlimited,who will tell you they are ethically superior in their means of sportsmanship,Of course baitfishing is considered "unsporting" and fishing with barbed hooks is "deadly to the fish".     The other example I have to offer is the so-called assault weapon.Go to a skeet match and speak to the elite shotgunners with Perazzi’s and Beretta’s.They will tell you what neanderthals those men are who own semi-auto rifles and large magazines.They will tell you they should be banned.So you see,Americans have no unity in their ranks.We will lose our outdoor heritage,as our membership continues to compromise on what they consider moral,and ethical

Response:

The Dutch government intends to forbid live bait fishing (i.e., fishing with living fish, minnows, etc.) starting January 1, 1997.  If you think this is none of your business, please read on.  Eventually, perhaps sooner than you think, this plan might restrict anyone’s freedom to fish. Not allowing live bait fishing is of course nothing new.  It is in effect in several countries in Europe and, if I am correctly informed, also in some states in the US of A.  Some fishing associations also allow only artificial bait in (some of) the waters they rent.  The reasons vary from country tot country and from place to place.  So what else is new, why should you care?  What’s new is, that our government uses an ethical argument: the fish feel pain, suffer, etc.  As you might expect, our government’s current viewpoint is the result of a protracted lobby of the Dutch Animal Rights movement, which have for years argued against fishing for ethical reasons, although the scientific basis for ‘the ethical argument’ seems to be weak.  In fact, neurological evidence points in the opposite direction: fish don’t have the brain structures that are held responsible for feelings of pain and suffering in mammals.   Forbidding life bait fishing for ethical reasons is alarming, because once you use an ethical argument against life bait fishing, it’s hard not to apply it to fishing in general and, consequently, forbid fishing entirely. Of course, the long-term goal of our Animal Rights movement is just that. If fishing is no longer allowed in one country, this will surely encourage Animal Rights movements in other countries to strive for something similar. It is for this reason that I think that fishermen in other countries should care. Lots of fishermen in The Netherlands have written letters of protest to the political parties that support the government’s intention.  Letters from fishermen in other countries would also be most welcome and very much appreciated, the more the better.  We have ridiculously many political parties, but four of them really matter here: PvdA, D66, VVD, and CDA (the latter two do not have a very strong opinion on the matter, but they are among the largest parties). If you would like to support us, please send an E-mail to them.  They should be addressed as follows:                             E-mail address If you write a letter of protest, please be polite.  It wouldn’t do any harm, however, when you pointed out that you would not feel terribly at ease in a country that forbids life bait fishing and that therefore … Because I would like to know whether a protest like this can be organized on the net, I would appreciate being informed by those who do send a letter I’ll let you know what happens. This is the first posting of this letter.  It will probably be posted by me two times more in the next two weeks. Leo Beem

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Please be aware that in many states in the good old USA live bait is restricted for reasons other than cruelty. Many fish species used for bait are not indigenous to the local ecology. Introducing foreign species to certain lakes and ponds can wreak havoc and destroy the local ecology. These introduced species can thrive in ares where natural competition is not present. Many states restrict live bait for these reasons. You would be amazed how many so called sportsmen have introduced fish species into local ecologies via bait and or intentionally trying to stock and improve their local fishery. A VERY bad idea.

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Question:

The mission requires a boat, the Kenai is the best one to start on.  only a few minor rapids.  there is a boat rental in Anch. called Wild Alaska Rivers Co. on old seward hwy. (907-344-wild)  get a raft.  The only bummer on the trip is a lake that must be rowed across , you can also get a motor for more $.  but the trip on the skyloc lake is worth it.  Many camping possibiltiy and Bear are abundant.  A fisherman on the russian river was mauled on the butt,  lucky.  It’s the best way to avoid the crowds.   Iteleboard (Jon Y.)

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Yes, there are plenty of road accessible streams and rivers, but getting a guide is really the way to go.  Some of the rivers are quite robust and I wouldn’t want to fish them without boat access.  Also, for Kings especially, guides can quickly point out the common resting holes.   To begin, I would recommend getting the fishing regulations from the DNR and other tourist information.  These are very precise, and will point out flies only spots.Plenty of famous spots on the Kenai, but if you go for Kings it could be "combat fishing".  There are plenty of good spots off the main drag to Talkeetna…check the fishing regs for flies only locations. This can also be mobbed during the King runs.   For an absolutely fabulous car tour, drive an hour or two to Portage, put your car on the flat bed of a train to Whitier.  It goes right through the mountains…there’s no other way to get there.  Then at Whitier put the car on the fairy to Valdez (about 8 hrs.).  Fantastic views of Price William sound, glaciers, whales ect.  Spend the night at Valdez and fish the Copper River basin.  Good spots near Glenallen, without the Anchorage-based crowds (still recommedn a guide though).  From there take the dirt road to Denali, see the park, then down to fish the Talkeetna basin.  The perfect Alaska trip, and it will bring right next to some of the best fishing they have to offer.  Kings on Fly rod…WOW!  Monster rainbows…delicate char.  Lucky dog. Have a good one. Tom

Response:

Dan:    Your query is one I have pursued for over 25 yrs.  Best suggestions:    Kenai River (if you can tolerate crowds), Deep Creek(same reservation), Anchor River (same) and a hike into Crescent Lake for greyling (float tube helpful); all above on the Kenai peninsula.  North of Anchorage try the Kepler Bradley Lakes (buy local folding maps which show lakes and raods) and further north, try lakes and streams along the Denali Hwy for wonderful greyling fishing, esp Clearwater Crk.  Local dealers at mcAfee’s fly shop and Mtn View Sprts. are helpful w/ directions. Good luck, Tom Nelson

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Hello, I’d like to go Anchorage, Alaska this summer and flyfish for any species of char, salmon, or trout without using guides or lodges.  I’d like to try to do this trip by driving from Anchorage (any distance) or taking a ferry and then wading or paddling on any streams or lakes. I’d like to camp or stay in motels.  So where and when are the best places for independent fishing, Kenai, North of Anchorage, or Kodiak, ect?  Are there any good books on the subject? Thanks in advance. Dan Janies University of Florida

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Question:

I,ll be in Missoula May 5-12.  Whenever I get to Montana I like to make the best of it! I have never fished there in early May.  What can I expect?

Response:

Early may can be an excellent ime for our rivers. As long as the runoff hasn’t started, which is usually late may, there will be dry fly activity as well as streamer and nymph fishing. One of my favorite hatches at that time is the Skwala hatch, an olive stonefly.Also there will be Ameletus, a large black mayfly. If you like streamer fishing, there will be plenty of opportunities to fish large nymphs and streamers to imitate the salmonfly which would be hatching within two to four weeks of when you plan to be there. I’m a local guide and would be glad to offer any advice. Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson

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Question:

Well in that case I would like your opinion about it. I have tried it myself, when I ran out of my usual ‘oily-rings-on-the-water-stuff’, and man was I disappointed. Sure, it worked beautifully. For a couple of seconds. But when the fly once been drown, it stayed submerged. I followed then instructions to dry the fly and put some more of that powder on, but this time the fly didn’t even seem to notice the surface. I think the name of the stuff was ‘Dry n Shake’. Bloody expensive too…     Gink forever…./ Hans

Response:

Well in that case I would like your opinion about it. I have tried it myself, when I ran out of my usual ‘oily-rings-on-the-water-stuff’, and man was I disappointed. Sure, it worked beautifully. For a couple of seconds. But when the fly once been drown, it stayed submerged. I followed then instructions to dry the fly and put some more of that powder on, but this time the fly didn’t even seem to notice the surface. I think the name of the stuff was ‘Dry n Shake’. Bloody expensive too…    

I’ve tried Dry Shake this summer and found that it worked fine when fishing in calm water. In moving water the powder  rinsed away to fast. I found out that you must make the fly as dry as possible before putting the stuff on it again. It worked for me. But I’m only using Dry Shake in  calm water. It is very expensive though  (100 Skr for 25 gram).. I’m still looking for the ultimate dry fly floatant! /Mikael — Mikael Andersson                        Ericsson Telecom AB Phone: +46 8 7190794                    KK/ETX/T/BDH Fax:   +46 8 6812626                    S-126 25 Stockholm

Response:

writes: Well in that case I would like your opinion about it. I have tried it myself, when I ran out of my usual

‘oily-rings-on-the-water-stuff’, and man was I disappointed. Sure, it worked beautifully. For a couple of seconds. But when the fly once

been drown, it stayed submerged. I followed then instructions to dry the fly and put some more of that powder on, but this time the fly didn’t even seem to notice the surface. I think the name of the stuff was ‘Dry n Shake’. Bloody expensive too…     Gink forever…./ Hans

If this is the same "Shake’n Dry" stuff that I use, it isn’t meant to be a floatant, it’s supposed to dry off a drowned fly. You have to reapply your favorite floatant after it’s dried. By the way, this stuff is ordinary silica gel dessicant. You can get the same stuff for about 5 bucks (US) a pound at hobby shops. They use it for drying flowers and such. One pound will last you for a lifetime (or get together with some of your fisherman friends and split the cost) the only other thing you need to get is a suitable container (but you already have one since you bought Shake’n Dry). This stuff also works great for cul de canard flies, since you can’t use floatant on them. Darryl

Response:

Have you tried the powder dry fly floatant?   Nntp-Posting-Host: eplu04 Organization: Erisoft AB Umea Sweden Lines: 9 Well in that case I would like your opinion about it. I have tried it myself, when I ran out of my usual ‘oily-rings-on-the-water-stuff’, and man was I disappointed. Sure, it worked beautifully. For a couple of seconds. But when the fly once been drown, it stayed submerged. I followed then instructions to dry the fly and put some more of that powder on, but this time the fly didn’t even seem to notice the surface. I think the name of the stuff was ‘Dry n Shake’. Bloody expensive too…     Gink forever…./ Hans

I have had a similar experience with the dry powder. However, I have found a flotant which is superior, for me, to Gink or Dave’s…. I do a lot of my fly on backpacking trips in the High Sierra of California, where it is pretty cold in the morning. I find Gink, etc. to be VERY viscous to the point of not flowing. I have found some silicone based flotant in Andy Puyan’s fly shop, Creative Sports, in Pleasant Hill Califorinia, which was developed by one of Andy’s fly tying students. The student was a chemist at Dow in nearby Pittsburg, CA. This stuff is the consistency of honey at any temp between 25 and 105 degrees F. I’ts called Andy’s flotant & it works really well for me. Rick Najarian

Response:

I do a lot of my fly on backpacking trips in the High Sierra of California, where it is pretty cold in the morning. I find Gink, etc. to be VERY viscous to the point of not flowing. I have found some silicone based flotant in Andy Puyan’s fly shop, Creative Sports, in Pleasant Hill Califorinia, which was developed by one of Andy’s fly tying students. The student was a chemist at Dow in nearby Pittsburg, CA. This stuff is the consistency of honey at any temp between 25 and 105 degrees F. I’ts called Andy’s flotant & it works really well for me.

Can you give an address/phone number? — Rick

Response:

I do a lot of my fly on backpacking trips in the High Sierra of California, where it is pretty cold in the morning. I find Gink, etc. to be VERY viscous to the point of not flowing. I have found some silicone based flotant in Andy Puyan’s fly shop, Creative Sports, in Pleasant Hill Califorinia, which was developed by one of Andy’s fly tying students. The student was a chemist at Dow in nearby Pittsburg, CA. This stuff is the consistency of honey at any temp between 25 and 105 degrees F. I’ts called Andy’s flotant & it works really well for me. Can you give an address/phone number? — Rick

Dear RW, The shop is: Creative Sports 1924 #C Oak Park Blvd. Pleasant Hill, CA 94253 (510) 938-2255 P.S. "Andy" is Andy Puyans of the "A.P. Nymph series" & this is his fly shop. Naj

Response:

FYI, the guides I’ve talked to in Montana and the Eastern Sierras swear by "Aquel" by Loon.  It seems to hold its consistency well in the heat.

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hi,    i recently found a "New in Box" fly rod.  I’m sure that someone on this news feed can provide some information for me (at least I hope so). It is a bamboo flyrod made by James Heddon’s Sons in Dowagiac, Michigan. Model T170, 6 1/2′ in length.  It says Heddon Deluxe on the shaft, with a number 4 – 3 on the balsa cork handle.  It is a two piece rod with the obligatory aluminum traveling tube. Anyone have an idea of when it might have been made? Anyone every heard of James Heddon’s Sons?  I’ve also got about 200 hundred of their big game lures (sure don’t look like flys to me . Are they still in existence?  I wouldn’t mind knowing when it was sold (I’m guessing in the 40’s to 50’s.), and what it’s good for. I found the rod & equipment in the garage of a recently deceased relative.  He was quite the sportsman.  This particular rod was never used (or even had a reel attached – the shipping notice is still attached), and looks like a nice one.  I now have part of the equipment needed to finally break into fly fishing (of course, what I should do is unload all of this stuff & buy my wife a new washer/dryer, but i’m not too stupid). Any information would be helpful, Thanks, Larry —          "There is NO kill like a guns kill"        CMDR. W. Driscoll, USNR Code 5585                             (202)767-3040  

Although the Heddon Company is still in operation, I expect they stopped making split cane rods many years ago.  Off-hand I would guess your rod was made in the mid 1960s.  I think the 4-3 you mention refers to suggested size of line.  The earlier HDH, HCH, IFI type of line designation was replaced by the number in the ’60s.  Shorter rods were more in fashion a bit later too. Heddon was a good solid production company.  Its rods were not high end custom products, like Garrisons, Dickersons, and Paynes. Is there an extra tip? Heddons, IMHO, should be worth $100 to $200.  There are some oddball collectors who have paid a bit more.  I believe a President model (gold fittings) once brought a thousand.  Your rod is not a president model, but it is in a desirable short size, and if condition is pristine as you say, it could bring a bit more.  With two tips, it could sell RETAIL for even $400-500 (quite optimistically speaking).  OTOH, a dealer would pay you about half of what he thought he could sell it for. Why not keep it and fish with it?  You can pay $400-500  for a fancy graphite fly rod today. I’d rather use an old Heddon. Dave

Response:

hi,         i recently found a "New in Box" fly rod.  I’m sure that someone on this news feed can provide some information for me (at least I hope so). It is a bamboo flyrod made by James Heddon’s Sons in Dowagiac, Michigan. Model T170, 6 1/2′ in length.  It says Heddon Deluxe on the shaft, with a number 4 – 3 on the balsa cork handle.  It is a two piece rod with the obligatory aluminum traveling tube. Anyone have an idea of when it might have been made? Anyone every heard of James Heddon’s Sons?  I’ve also got about 200 hundred of their big game lures (sure don’t look like flys to me . Are they still in existence?  I wouldn’t mind knowing when it was sold (I’m guessing in the 40’s to 50’s.), and what it’s good for. I found the rod & equipment in the garage of a recently deceased relative.  He was quite the sportsman.  This particular rod was never used (or even had a reel attached – the shipping notice is still attached), and looks like a nice one.  I now have part of the equipment needed to finally break into fly fishing (of course, what I should do is unload all of this stuff & buy my wife a new washer/dryer, but i’m not too stupid). Any information would be helpful, Thanks, Larry —           "There is NO kill like a guns kill"    CMDR. W. Driscoll, USNR Code 5585                                 (202)767-3040  

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