Question:

A true classic is A Fly Fisher’s Life by Charles Ritz. Now out of print although you may pick up a copy in second hand bookshops. Ritz, of Ritz hotels fame, a Frenchman by birth spent many years fishing in USA as well as Europe. His US fishing friends included A J McClane and Ernest Hemingway. These two latter wrote the Introduction and Foreword respectively to the 1954 printing of the book as a translation from the French. Published in US by Henry Holt and Company, New York, 1960. Ritz commenced his fly fishing life in 1912. Ritz became famous for his designs of bamboo rods, believed to be the first time some technical application was applied to such design. I picked up my copy of the book at David Ishii bookseller, 212 First Ave Sth, Seattle, phone 206 622 4719 a few years ago when visiting USA. There may be another copy available. Probably quite expensive now [I considered it quite expensive then!!]. Regards — Peter Sealy Victoria,  Australia Any speling errors in this document are due to software bugs

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -A true classic is A Fly Fisher’s Life by Charles Ritz. Now out of print although you may pick up a copy in second hand bookshops. Ritz, of Ritz hotels fame, a Frenchman by birth spent many years fishing in USA as well as Europe. His US fishing friends included A J McClane and Ernest Hemingway. These two latter wrote the Introduction and Foreword respectively to the 1954 printing of the book as a translation from the French. Published in US by Henry Holt and Company, New York, 1960. Ritz commenced his fly fishing life in 1912. Ritz became famous for his designs of bamboo rods, believed to be the first time some technical application was applied to such design. I picked up my copy of the book at David Ishii bookseller, 212 First Ave Sth, Seattle, phone 206 622 4719 a few years ago when visiting USA. There may be another copy available. Probably quite expensive now [I considered it quite expensive then!!]. Regards — Peter Sealy Victoria,  Australia

Actually the book has gone through so many printings that it is fairly easy to find in one form or another.  Some forms very expensive.   I think it might still be in print.  Interesting to hear someone from Australia mention David Ishii.  What a neat little bookstore he has.  I haven’t been up there in a while but used to make it a point to stop in every time I was in Seattle. — Clyde Drury Black Bass Book Collector http://hometown.aol.com/BassBks/index3.html

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If you want to read a great book I recommend  " Earth Is Enough " by Harry Middleton or any other book by him .His books are not just about flyfishing but also life in general . I guarantee you will like them but try not to get too hooked , one of his books " The Starlight Creek Angling Society " is out of print and cost $500 . Try " On The Spline Of Time " also

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A true classic is A Fly Fisher’s Life by Charles Ritz. Now out of print although you may pick up a copy in second hand bookshops. Ritz, of Ritz hotels fame, a Frenchman by birth spent many years fishing in USA as well as Europe. His US fishing friends included A J McClane and Ernest Hemingway. These two latter wrote the Introduction and Foreword respectively to the 1954 printing of the book as a translation from the French. Published in US by Henry Holt and Company, New York, 1960. Ritz commenced his fly fishing life in 1912. Ritz became famous for his designs of bamboo rods, believed to be the first time some technical application was applied to such design. I picked up my copy of the book at David Ishii bookseller, 212 First Ave Sth, Seattle, phone 206 622 4719 a few years ago when visiting USA. There may be another copy available. Probably quite expensive now [I considered it quite expensive then!!]. Regards — Peter Sealy Victoria,  Australia Actually the book has gone through so many printings that it is fairly easy to find in one form or another.  Some forms very expensive.   I think it might still be in print.  Interesting to hear someone from Australia mention David Ishii.  What a neat little bookstore he has.  I haven’t been up there in a while but used to make it a point to stop in every time I was in Seattle. — Clyde Drury Black Bass Book Collector http://hometown.aol.com/BassBks/index3.html

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Question:

you have your harness, you have your carabener(sp) you have your parachute with the long lanyard you might carry a couple more carabeners for a classic 3 bean’er attachment for lowering your self to the ground R. (repelling all the way down) Williams – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – a saw or better judgement

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a saw or better judgement

I recall that a self-rescue kit for tree landings was standard equipment among Tennessee/Georgia HG pilots when I flew there too many years ago. Consisted of one of those flexible-wire saws, a length of strong cord, some basic first-aid material and a whistle. may have been some other items, but it was along time ago. It was not for nothing that the local club is the ‘Tennessee Tree Toppers’, and yes, I qualified. Didn’t need the saw, though, ‘cos I fell straight out. Noel

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Does anyone know of a design or plan for a tree rescue kit?

A recent issue of paragliding magazine had just such a plan.  I don’t remember the exact issue but you can probably find out at the USHGA web site <http://www.ushga.org. — Forrest Keller

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Yes It is called "Tooth Floss" and comes in small boxes from the chemist. Strong enough to be dropped from the tree and haul up a climbing rope! Stewart Reid

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Does anyone know of a design or plan for a tree rescue kit?

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a saw

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Does anyone know of a design or plan for a tree rescue kit?

Check out http://www.kurious.org/PG/treeresq.htm Thanks to Lowell Skoog. Floyd Rogers

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Hi from Dwayne, A box of Dental Floss and say 5 2ft long ropes in your harness pocket. The dental floss is used to pull up a heaver rope when you are stuck in a tree. The 2ft ropes are used to tie yourself or your glider to the tree. I started my hang gliding in Wellington in 1995 back flying with Grant Tatham and company. In Dallas Texas now – I hope to visit NZ again soon. Regards, Dwayne Sinclair.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Does anyone know of a design or plan for a tree rescue kit?

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Does anyone know of a design or plan for a tree rescue kit?

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a saw

or better judgement

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Does anyone know of a design or plan for a tree rescue kit? Here in the NW USA, we have lots and lots of trees.  Unfortunately,

sometimes instead of flying over them, we fly into them.  We have a couple of guys in our club who put on a tree rescue clinic.  They also have recommendations for tree rescue kits.  Our trees are very tall (200 feet) so we have to be prepared.  I don’t know much about tree life in New Zealand, but in the Eastern US, a lot of places only have 30 foot trees. Anyway, we have very long tested ropes, at least 100 foot long for out here. About pencil width. Some people fly with them, others leave it in the truck. I leave it in the truck and carry fishing line in my PG harness.  In the HG I don’t have as much of penetration problems, but maybe I should carry it there too. I think 20 lb fishing test line is good to get the rope up to you.  One trick I used is to run over the line with my truck. I know it sounds weird, but it makes the spool much smaller without damaging the integrity of the spool or the line. It fits into harness better that way. You should also have an extra carabiner, you should know how to do the Munter hitch to lower yourself down, use the bowline knot to tie yourself or stuff off.  A lot of guys bring like an eight foot strap to immediately tie oneself into the trunk of the tree so you don’t fall while you’re getting yourself together.  You can really tire yourself out holding onto the tree wating for help.  I think those are the main things. John Saltveit Oregon NW USA

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maybe supplies for a tree fort

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Question:

Look around Red River Gorge area also.  It is south of Morehead an hour or so. Some of the streams are stocked around that area.  As the previous message said, check with F & W.  The local biologist would be the one to talk to. Kenny

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Any places in the eastern part of the state (near Lexington/Fayette County) that contain trout? — Nicholas J. Slodki

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Any places in the eastern part of the state (near Lexington/Fayette County) that contain trout? — Nicholas J. Slodki

I live in Tn but I know there’s a tailwater on Herrington Lake, also Cumberland river down south. Then there’s a few trout streams around Morehead on higway 64. Try Kentucky Dept of Wildlife or equivalent, Try on Alta vista or Yahoo. That should give you the adress. Hans

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Question:

GRAND CANYON TRIP REPORT (a fictitious account)

 Nicely written/related.  Reading your account makes me yearn for the Canyon.  Hmmmm, wait 17 years, pay $700 plus in fees and risk the no-mercy permit system, or go now, avoid the inane bureaucracy and risk $3000-4000 Happy Boating, Chris Donohue WSU – Pullman, WA "I used up all my sick days, so I’m calling in dead."                                                         – Anonymous

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GRAND CANYON TRIP REPORT (a fictitious account)

Great story;  what an adventure!  But, if the following is true: If one is to plan a clandestined run of the Canyon, best to do it during the off-season when not many people are likely to be encountered.  And of course, don’t get caught.  I hear the fine for running the Canyon without a permit is in the $3000-4000 range!!!   WOWWW!

why not just get a "cancellation permit" and run the river legal? Are there not plenty of open slots off season? — Chris

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GRAND CANYON TRIP REPORT (a fictitious account)

Hummm!!! "Fictitious account"????  Sounds fishy to me.  A few months ago Rocky wants to know from this group how to avoid rangers with radios on the Grand and now this story??!!!?  :-)

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| GRAND CANYON TRIP REPORT (a fictitious account) | | | Hummm!!! "Fictitious account"????  Sounds fishy to me.  A few months ago | Rocky wants to know from this group how to avoid rangers with radios on | the Grand and now this story??!!!?  :-) He was prob’ly just researchin’ the story just like any other fiction writer would. Of course, perhaps there was _other_ research involved in ensuring the story had dramatic impact and audience appeal with a feeling of truth. Let’s see what other tales Rocky comes up with. SYITP (see you in the pool) Ken

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why not just get a "cancellation permit" and run the river legal? Are there not plenty of open slots off season? — Chris

Actually I tried calling over 40 times last fall and didn’t get a cancellation.  They can be had, but it’s getting tougher and tougher to get them.  I don’t think it’s any easier getting cancellations in winter than in other months, because they reserve so few for the off-season anyway. -Rocky

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What would the probablity of success be? ;-

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What would the probablity of success be? ;-

Probability best if you go November or December.  Good if you go January or February, or October.  Next time I hear Joe plans on going in October because there’s no motorized rafts permitted that month and the weather is still pretty warm (highs 80s).   -Rocky

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: why not just get a "cancellation permit" and run the river legal? : Actually I tried calling over 40 times last fall and didn’t get a            ^ : cancellation. : -Rocky Ummm, don’t you mean ‘Joe’ called? Steve — Steve Cramer                     Test Scoring & Reporting Services      Sometimes you never can University of Georgia                    always tell what you Athens, GA 30602-5593                      least expect the most.

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: why not just get a "cancellation permit" and run the river legal? : Actually I tried calling over 40 times last fall and didn’t get a           ^ : cancellation. : -Rocky Ummm, don’t you mean ‘Joe’ called? Steve —

Oh, NO, Rocky didn’t mean "I" as in the first person.  He meant "I" as in an *initial*.  Another initial that Joe uses is "G". Isn’t that right, Rocky? Jackie                                  _                        _   _        _   _                     \                      / /       / /                     \                        "          "                         `                                        ,sSSs,,                         )w/(       ,sSS..)/{)                       <<..       sSSS_v)/                      )<*      sSS[(_]___         o                                                 o                             \     o      o                                              \  o            o                                  `                                                    o           o               o                                                  o GASP! – A forum for Gulf (of Mexico) Area Sea Paddlers http://www.intelenet.net/clubs/gasp/

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GRAND CANYON TRIP REPORT (a fictitious account)      The Grand Canyon is perhaps the finest river trip in the world.  A minimum of 225 miles must be traversed through the canyon to be able to put-in and take-out on roads.  The Colorado runs through the National Park in this area, and a permit is required.  It is a BIG DEAL.  Only approximately 350 private permits are issued per year.  If you put your name on the waiting list last year, you go behind 6000 other permit seekers.  That translates to 6000/350=17 YEARS before you get your permit!!!  Granted, for each permit you can have 20 people and stay in the canyon 14-30 days, but is there a place for the non-wealthy person that wants to go on a shorter trip, alone, or with only one or two others?  Should he/she just wait 17 years for such a permit, and then put to waste all those people spots and extra time that the permit allows?  For some, this is just too outrageous.  Better to become an outlaw and do the run without a permit.      Such was the attitude of one adventure seeker I know ("Joe").   Sometime in December, when a week could be taken off, the trip was planned.  Carefully -mind you.  Timing is critical.  No motorized craft are permitted in the canyon from September 15-December 15.  One doesn’t want a ranger speeding up behind you and catching you.  Such an event happened to me in Canyonlands National Park in 1994 when I was doing a solo trip from Loma to Hite through Cataract Canyon.  It would be nice to be able to locate rangers in the canyon to avoid any contact.  A CB radio was brought along.  At the South Rim, the rangers would not tell Joe what frequency they used.  All he got out of them was "the radios don’t work down in the canyon."  Perhaps they use special frequencies reserved for law enforcement people.  Hence the CB was not taken on the river.  How about put-ins?  Lees Ferry is the normal spot swarming with rangers, though Joe, having never done the Canyon before, didn’t know what the Lees Ferry area looked like.  Instead, he tried to put in 15 miles upstream at Glen Canyon Dam.  Upon arrival at Glen Canyon Dam, he noticed that there was no road down to the river there, and the walls are nearly vertical.  In the Dam visitor center, a kind woman informed Joe that there was a trail down to the river on river left just below the dam, but it was treacherous and takes about a half hour down.  Joe decided that this wasn’t the best idea, so decided to take his chances at Lees Ferry, perhaps launching at night when nobody could see.  Joy entered Joe’s heart when the lady informed him that they were releasing 13000-19000 cfs from the dam.  He had thought there would only be 8000 cfs in the river (as stated on the Colorado Flow Page).   More water = faster travel and funner rapids!      Off to Lees Ferry he went, arriving in the afternoon about 2 pm.   From the highway, a road several miles long leads down to the river at Lees Ferry.  It seemed terribly easy to get down to the river without anybody spotting him.  He settled on a spot by the Paria Riffle, just downstream of the Paria River, by some mobile home type areas, but right next to the water.  There was a nice large parking area and lots of shrubs/trees that the clandestined activitiy of loading the kayak could be accomplished at.  The normal put-in spot could be viewed about a half mile upstream.  The plan was to get everything out/off of the truck (the kayak as quickly as possible, since such a sight is a dead give-away), load up everything into the kayak, then drive back up to the little town of Marble Canyon and find somebody to drive the truck to near the take-out – Las Vegas.  Joe was thinking of finding a party of two or more going to Las Vegas, and having them leave his truck in the Excaliber (or Luxor) parking lot.  Joe would then return to the boat at dusk and launch.  At the takeout (Temple Bar on Lake Mead), he would get a lift into Las Vegas, drive back and pick up the kayak.  Such was the plan.  As he was loading the kayak, a car drove by and then down to the same spot Joe was at.  Very apprehensive at first, Joe hid everything that might give away his planned activity and approached the vehicle.   The Gods were in Joe’s favor!  The vehicle contained three foreigners – an Aussie, an Englishwoman, and an Israeli all in their 20s-early 30s.   Joe asked, "Sightseeing?" and so began a productive conversation.  The three were staying at the hostel in Page and just mosying around seeing whatever there was to see.  Just PERFECT!  Out of Joe’s mouth came the plan to run the river and the need for someone to drive his truck to Las Vegas.  He offered them $40 if they’d do it.  It turns out the Israeli, named Udi, actually was not with the other two, but was just bumming rides from people going around the country.  He had to get to LA in the next couple weeks to fly home.  After about a half hour of thought, Udi agreed to take the truck.  Joe told Udi he’d give him $60 if he went so far as to leave the truck at the take-out (Temple Bar on Lake Mead) instead of Las Vegas, and this he agreed to.  Joe planned 7 more days on the river, and told Udi, "you must have the truck at Temple Bar by dusk eight days from now."    So Joe took off into the wild, still anxious about a ranger spotting him in the first few miles.        Having launched around 3:30 pm the first day, not much distance could be made.  The days are short in December (10 hours of light), so every daylight hour is precious.  Passing the Navajo Bridge after several miles with no signs of rangers, Joe knew he was out of danger.   It grew dark after he had paddled 8 or 9 miles.  Badger Creek rapid was run in twilight.  The next four miles were quite exciting in the dark. Coming up on Soap Creek he noticed a couple lights.  Afraid it might be the law, he avoided contact with the campers, but paddled just past them as the Soap Creek rapid began, pulling over to the side to camp.   Paddling though a rapid such as Soap Creek was not smart in the dark – espially never having seen it before.  Quickly setting up his tent, he settled in for a fine meal of split-pea soup, bread, and cheese (to be had the next two nights as well), with hot chocolate to top it off.   Laying in the sleeping bag, he quickly fell asleep starting to read (around 8 pm).  In the night he heard what sounded like people walking around his tent.  Waking up at 4 am, he continued to read his recently purchased book by JW Powell, "The Exploration of the Colorado and Its Canyons".  In it he read about Powell’s group travelling through Marble Canyon and then reaching the Grand Canyon.  He also brought along "Cadillac Desert" which contained an abundance of information on the politics of water control in the West.        Before the first sign of light, Joe got up and stalked over to where the other campers were.  They must have hiked in, for there was no raft by the river.  And there was only one tent, so not very many people were there.  He wasn’t worried anymore.  He went back and started on a run up Soap Creek Canyon for almost an hour (getting up the canyon probably  2 miles or so before returning).  The water had dropped during the night – he’d be paddling on 13000 cfs today.  Joe went over to meet the camping couple, who were trying their luck at fishing.  He asked if they’d take some video of him going through Soap Creek Rapid, which they obliged him.  He was off at 9 am.   The boat he paddled was an old fiberglass Phoenix, something of a hybrid sea/whitewater kayak – probably about 90 gallons, 14 ft.  It was banged up from other rivers, and had been patched a year ago.  It leaked horribly, the outfitting was falling out (in particular a loose right hip pad), but it was fast.   Luckily Joe brought a sponge and bilge pump, which he had to use every half hour to remove the inch of water that accumulated on the bottom of the kayak.  Such a large boat is not great for playing, but since Joe wasn’t planning on much of that, the Phoenix was an ideal kayak for the journey.  If he had one, a nice sea kayak would have been preferred.   Paddling most of the time he was on the water, very good time was made on the journey.  The second day he made it to Nankoweap (about 42 miles from Soap Creek), passing House Rock Rapid, Stanton’s Cave, and the beautiful Vasey’s Paradise on the way.  Initially he had trouble finding Stanton’s Cave, looking up a gully that was actually just upstream of it.  Giving up after almost an hour of searching, he continued on paddling, only to spot the cave clearly from the river.  It is fenced off inside to help promote the BLACK Bat to roost in there once more.   In the side canyons above Nankoweap several deer were spotted among the mesquite bushes.  Around mile 40 a group of 5-6 rafts was passed (clearly a private party), though no contact was made.  At Nankoweap the guidebook states there is a long rapid (Grand Canyon class 3), but which is really not more than a class one.  Joe tried to camp at side canyons with fun hikes that he would do in the morning, and also ones with driftwood that he could build a small fire for warmth with.  Such was Nankoweap.  Fires are only permitted in the off-season (October through March), and all traces must be removed.  Joe didn’t take out the ashes (very minor amounts), but usually threw them in the river.  Of course Joe did pack out all solid human waste and trash.      The next morning he rose before dawn and started on the run/hike to see the springs a few miles up the canyon, and also the Indian ruins.   The stream here is perennial, with fresh, clear, cold water running down it.  It all originates up at the springs which are a good hike away.   The water seeps out of the ground in several spots up there, and there are many reeds growing around the springs.  Going fast, running much of

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    GRAND CANYON TRIP REPORT (a fictitious account)                     <big ol’ snip         realated by Rocky Contos               Thanks for the great story!  Too bad "Joe" is fictictious, sounds like     a hell of a paddler!

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – major snip Considering we are giving the Electrica Power Companies 100% of our rivers potential energies without setting 10% of it aside for spawning canals around those huge power structures, is insane.  We are allowing them and the high-seas robbers to destroy a multi-billion dollar economy in fishing resources in the interior economy base of this Nation without so much as a whimper, by comparison.  If the organizations that are fighting this problem were as effective as the dams that prevent free swimming fish to go and come on their own . . . these organizations would have won years ago. We need to see more and a stronger dynamic stand against the vandal few against the responsible majority.  It has to stop.  Soon! — Tillamook Country Smoker, Inc.

Bob, you bring up a point that I had not revisited in a long time.  The livestock issue to the proximity of clean waters that is going to voted on needs posting and explaining here as soon as possible.  I have an extensive study done on this years ago that cost my company tens of thousands of dollars called:"Wildlife: An American Ideal & Her Values" It directly attacks the dangers poised against our fisheries and outdoor inventories and how Livestock and other special interests (Logging)is destroying it before our very eyes. We the people need to get control back of our American Outdoors.  There is a way to do it.  I need to hear more of what you have to say Bob and I’m looking for a good reciepe for smoking fish. Thanks and you have my interest. George Gehrke

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I am look for a way to cook steelhead any recipe that have been used would be appreciated. Thanks Roger

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Cut head off and chuck. slice 1-2 lemons into wheels place a sheet of foil onto a cookie sheet Lay wheels o’ lemon onto foil. put salt & pepper into cavity (season to taste) place fish onto wheels o’ lemon pour 1-2 cups of soy sauce onto fish letting it drain into foil close up the foil LOOSELY (you want to make a "oven") place on BBQ (low heat) or in a oven 300, 15-30 minutes. Tasty — Bob Crossley oregoncoast.com I am look for a way to cook steelhead any recipe that have been used

would be appreciated. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Roger

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I am look for a way to cook steelhead any recipe that have been used would be appreciated. Thanks Roger

I hope you mean a recipe for those hatchery steelhead. Sorry if I might offend some out there, but I don’t think we can afford to kill any wild steelhead in North America. Fifty years ago it was OK, as the ratio of steelhead to angler was quite different. I might seem a little blunt, but it is probably because I have fished for steelhead for the last 35 years and have watched them fad away at an alarming rate. Lose of habitat from dams, hatcheries, logging, agriculture and general de-watering is the problem, not angling. When there are not many wild steelhead left, uncontrolled angling can be a problem. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

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major snip Considering we are giving the Electrica Power Companies 100% of our rivers potential energies without setting 10% of it aside for spawning canals around those huge power structures, is insane.  We are allowing them and the high-seas robbers to destroy a multi-billion dollar economy in fishing resources in the interior economy base of this Nation without so much as a whimper, by comparison.  If the organizations that are fighting this problem were as effective as the dams that prevent free swimming fish to go and come on their own . . . these organizations would have won years ago. We need to see more and a stronger dynamic stand against the vandal few against the responsible majority.  It has to stop.  Soon! Mr. George Gehrke

I agree with you G, but in addition to the Columbia Basin problem, we need to look at how we treat our river systems as a whole to save our fisheries.  In my area, gravel harvesting from historical spawning bed areas have decimated not only the Chum Salmon run, but also the Sea Run Cutthroat and the Winter & Summer runs of  wild Steelhead.  This area is also a major Dairy producer, i.e.. cattle run off right into the rivers.  We have no dams, but the problems facing the "wild" fish is just as formidable. Tackling the Dam problem is a very important issue, but an overall introspection into how we affect our rivers is also very worthy. On Oregon’s Nov. 5th ballot is a measure that addresses the issue of cattle in proximity to bodies of water.  The measure is not exactly a cure all, but it is a "measure" in the right direction. — Bob Crossley Tillamook Country Smoker, Inc.

Response:

Cut head off and chuck. slice 1-2 lemons into wheels place a sheet of foil onto a cookie sheet Lay wheels o’ lemon onto foil. put salt & pepper into cavity (season to taste) place fish onto wheels o’ lemon pour 1-2 cups of soy sauce onto fish letting it drain into foil close up the foil LOOSELY (you want to make a "oven") place on BBQ (low heat) or in a oven 300, 15-30 minutes. Tasty

I’ve used a similar recipe with an addition and a change.  Cut up some zuchinni, carrots, celery, or other similar veggies and stuff the cavity. Instead of foil use baking parchement paper and seal it up tight.  Cooking time is about the same and when you’re done you’ll also have some vegetables for a side dish that are perfectly steamed.  The veggies also contribute some natural juices so you don’t need quite as much soy sauce. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am look for a way to cook steelhead any recipe that have been used would be appreciated. Thanks Roger I hope you mean a recipe for those hatchery steelhead. Sorry if I might offend some out there, but I don’t think we can afford to kill any wild steelhead in North America. Fifty years ago it was OK, as the ratio of steelhead to angler was quite different. I might seem a little blunt, but it is probably because I have fished for steelhead for the last 35 years and have watched them fad away at an alarming rate. Lose of habitat from dams, hatcheries, logging, agriculture and general de-watering is the problem, not angling. When there are not many wild steelhead left, uncontrolled angling can be a problem. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

I think the greatest theif of Steelhead and Western Salmon Species is on the high seas and especially in the Gulf of Alaska by the Japanese and Commercial Netters.  The plunder is a criminal activity that boggles the mind.  The criminals go unpunished and the thief is flaggrant.  The criminal to the species declines are not the American Rodders who pay huge license fees but the former culprits I speak of.  The additional crime is the high-seas-netters not only extermine, what is left over to return to the spawning beds leaves ALL OF US with a guilt trip that is not of our doing.  I resent that label forced upon the responsible spirit of all fly fishermen who have little or nothing to do with those native salmon and/or steelhead families that are now going extinct. I agree about the dams being a major problem and the only reason that they continue to decimate the spawning rights of wildlife is because we are not organized.  We deal in fractured groups but we are not talking to the American People where our real power-base resides. We could have had spawing channels around ALL our dams on the Columbia River Drainage years ago and it would only take copper scent rods to get all the fish around and over all the dams at their pace and wishes, but no . . . the answer is too obvious and too simple. At least, this is my opinion.  Bill Kiene’s displeasure is certainly well founded.  I am for a serious conference that augments any positive effort to get those canals built in short order.  They do NOT have to be studied to death, they work and they are long overdue.  I have flown over every dam along the Columbia River to the Pacific ocean and we certainly have the land available or obtainable to get this project and problem resolved. Considering we are giving the Electrica Power Companies 100% of our rivers potential energies without setting 10% of it aside for spawning canals around those huge power structures, is insane.  We are allowing them and the high-seas robbers to destroy a multi-billion dollar economy in fishing resources in the interior economy base of this Nation without so much as a whimper, by comparison.  If the organizations that are fighting this problem were as effective as the dams that prevent free swimming fish to go and come on their own . . . these organizations would have won years ago. We need to see more and a stronger dynamic stand against the vandal few against the responsible majority.  It has to stop.  Soon! Mr. George Gehrke

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Question:

: I just located a 9 ft rod and the only ID is South Bend. There is no : line wt info on the rod. It has the original cloth bag and alum case. : Does anyone know anything about these rods other than made in Indiana? Seen quite a few of those rods come into the shop. They are usally not worth much in value, but they can be good fishing tools. South Bend is still around making tackle. Jon Porter

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I just located a 9 ft rod and the only ID is South Bend. There is no line wt info on the rod. It has the original cloth bag and alum case. Does anyone know anything about these rods other than made in Indiana?

Yes,  South Bend bought out Cross Rods when Wes Jordan was running the show.  As part of the deal he agreed to work for a few years for South Bend to get their rod production running smoothly.  South Bend was not real interested in making the top quality rods that Cross Rods did under Wes Jordan, but rather wanted to produce lots of rods.  Wes Jordan got all the machinery designed, built, and put into use and got out as quickly as he could. South Bend made what are known as "production" rods.  The detail work – such as making all the strips from one culm of bamboo for consistency of fiber density – were passed over in favor of quick production.  If you look at the nodes on the rod you will often find two of them side by side which makes a weak dead spot in the rod.  The varnish was usually good and the wraps were well done, but the rods were mediocre overall. They did use Tonkin cane of decent quality and many of the rods fish quite well. They are a bit heavy though.  I have a 3pc. 2 tip 9ft for a HDH (6 wt.) and it casts pretty well.  I take it out about once a year for half a day and then put it away because it is like swinging a tree through the air – HEAVY!  A South Bend in mint condition might draw as much as $150, but more likely ~$50.                                       Hope this helps,                                                   Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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I just located a 9 ft rod and the only ID is South Bend. There is no line wt info on the rod. It has the original cloth bag and alum case. Does anyone know anything about these rods other than made in Indiana?

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Question:

Anyone subscribe to the 8wt. Journal?  If so, have you received the January issue? Thanks, Larry Lincoln, NE   USA "Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes."    Thoreau

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Anyone subscribe to the 8wt. Journal?  If so, have you received the January issue?

Bummer, got my answer in the mail today.  8wt. Journal has ceased publication.  John Likakis, 8wt. Journal’s editor, is the new editor of American Angler.  Subscribers have the option of fulfilling their 8wt. Journal subscription with American Angler, Flyer Tyer or Saltwater Fly Fishing. Larry

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Question:

I am interested in taking lessons on building bamboo rods.  Do you know of any experts who teach classes, especially a one week intensive course.  I have read the books but believe I need to be taught by someone who really knows what they are doing.  Any ideas?

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I am interested in taking lessons on building bamboo rods.  Do you know of any experts who teach classes, especially a one week intensive course.  I have read the books but believe I need to be taught by someone who really knows what they are doing.  Any ideas?

Another rod maker that offers classes is George E. Maurer of SweetWater Rods 610-683-6759 By the way the Catskill rodmakers gathering was a great experience

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Anybody go to the Cane rod builders gathering at the Cattskill Fly Fishing Museum today.  How did it go? Rick

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 Anybody go to the Cane rod builders gathering at the Cattskill Fly Fishing  Museum today.  How did it go?

My wife and I attended.  It was our first meeting, but several who had attended other gatherings of rod-builders–one man said he’d made them all!–said it was the best yet.   I can believe it.  There were about 35 of us, including a nice mix of beginners and old hands.  The experienced builders, among them, had more knowledge and more willingness to share it than I’ve seen in any comparable group in other fields.  Nice folks!  And the level of enthusiasm was such as to convert a casual visitor from "gee, that might be interesting" to "Where’s my checkbook?  I need CANE!"  Wherever the next meeting is, we’ll try hard to get there.  With one or two shiny new bamboo rods.

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Question:

Next week I’ll go fishing the skagit R. Someone have any idea on what kind of flies I should use?

I fish the Skagit on the Canadian side quite frequently. I believe that it opens July 1st though so check your regs. Also catch and release only now. I have had most of my success with basic Nymph patterns, and Mosquito immitations.Also had one great day using Royal Coachmen{hooked over 30 14-16" fish in a couple of hours fishing a back channel} never had another day like it there since though. But always do well.Try fishing with sink tip line as close to bottom as you can get in deeper runs, exspecially if water on low-clear side..                Good Luck!!

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the skagit river flows from south west British Columbia… our Government is in constant battle with the U.S. over further damming of the river which would flood one of the most Beautiful valleys in the world.

We’re good at that. The Glen Canyon of the Colorado in northern Arizona, now Lake Powell, was by all accounts and the testimony of photographs, THE most beautiful canyon in the world. Good luck.

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the skagit river flows from south west British Columbia,headwaters in the Manning Park area into a Man Made lake {Ross Lake} it is then Dammed in Washington State and then flows through Northern Washington into the Pacific.I fish it on the Canadian side only and our Government is in constant battle with the U.S. over further damming of the river which would flood one of the most Beautiful valleys in the world.

Actually, the various BC governments have *not* done battle with the US over the Skagit. The Skagit is close enough to Vancouver (which is very important politically in BC). When Seattle City Light wanted to raise Ross Dam and flood more of the Skagit, the BC government had a better idea – they built the Seven Mile Dam on the Pend d’Oreille (the Kootenays being of less importance politically), thus flooding the falls which kept coarse fish out of the Salmo River, and sold the power so SCL. — 3798 Woodland Drive     voice: (604) 368-9315 Trail, BC               data:  (604) 368-9341

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  The dambuilding regieme [in particular the WAC Socreds] in British Columbia had an international reputation of "Profit first" environmentalism [comparatively, the present government is elligible for sainthood ]. One particular Rodderick H.Brown quote sets the way I used to feel about the rape of BC rivers at the expense of fish. "I hate practically everything British Columbia stands for today–the shoddy, uncaring devellopment of our natural resources, the Chamber of Commerce mentality which favors short-term material gain over all other considerations, the utter contempt for human values of any kind.  I hate and despise the trivial provincial mentality that denies Canada’s national heritage, which seeks petty advantage at cost to the common weal, which resists every vital Canadian concept and the whole range of modern knowledge and communication which can make the Canadian ideal a reality.  I apologize to the rest of Canada for this narrow lack of faith and vision."                        – Roderick Haig-Brown, June 21,1965. Actually, the various BC governments have *not* done battle with the US

over the Skagit. Water rights are pretty well Federal jurisdiction IF the despute is with a foreign country [in this case, the United States]. The Skagit is close enough to Vancouver (which is very important politically in BC). When Seattle City Light wanted to raise Ross Dam and flood more of the Skagit, the BC government had a better idea – they built the Seven Mile Dam on the Pend d’Oreille (the Kootenays being of less importance politically).

A lot of truth to this . . . When Seven Mile went in, the province was essentially being run from Howe Street in Vancouver [the financial backbone of B.C.]. Kryten// — @         0r

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Woahhh! Before you all go off fishin’ the Skagit, be aware that the

Out of curiosity, where is the Skagit? Tim

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 Out of curiosity, where is the Skagit? Tim the skagit river flows from south west British Columbia,headwaters in the Manning Park area

into a Man Made lake {Ross Lake} it is then Dammed in Washington State and then flows through Northern Washington into the Pacific.I fish it on the Canadian side only and our Government is in constant battle with the U.S. over further damming of the river which would flood one of the most Beautiful valleys in the world.

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the skagit river flows from south west British Columbia,headwaters in the Manning Park area into a Man Made lake {Ross Lake} it is then Dammed in Washington State and then flows through Northern Washington into the Pacific.I fish it on the Canadian side only and our Government is in constant battle with the U.S. over further damming of the river which would flood one of the most Beautiful valleys in the world.

If you need a US partner in blowing those damned dams on the Skagit the hell out of there, let me know.  Those damn dams gag that river.  Sadly a common story though.  However, I would be surprised if further proposed dams would ever possibly be built these days.  Thanks to interest groups, the plight of fish etc. as it relates to dams on rivers seems to be more near the front of people’s minds.   -tgades —

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Next week I’ll go fishing the skagit R.

The Skagit River in Washington state?  You know of course that your post is read all over the world.   Someone have any idea on what kind of flies I should use?

To catch what?  Steelhead?  Dolly Varden?  Cutthroat?   Are you fishing low or high on the river. It’d be easier to help if you answered some of these essential questions. -tgades —

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Next week I’ll go fishing the skagit R. Someone have any idea on what kind of flies I should use?

        I’m assuming that you’re fishing the upstream Canadian stretch in southwestern BC, where there is a lovely flyfishing only C & R stretch.         For all necessary info, contact Ruddick’s Fly Shop in Vancouver, tel: 604-434-2420.         I’ve fished it twice and the usual nymph patters (PTN, GRHE, Prince) and a green bodied caenis (#16 or #18) and Adams work.         Tight lines…

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Next week I’ll go fishing the skagit R. The Skagit River in Washington state?  You know of course that your post is read all over the world.  

The Skagit R. in British Columbia Someone have any idea on what kind of flies I should use? To catch what?  Steelhead?  Dolly Varden?  Cutthroat?   Are you fishing low or high on the river.

I’llbe fishing for Rainbows and also Dolly Varden.  I’ll be fishing at low river.                                                    Tks again                                                     Eric

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Next week I’ll go fishing the skagit R. Someone have any idea on what kind of flies I should use? A reply would be appreciated since I’m a novice at this sport                                                    TKS.

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Woahhh! Before you all go off fishin’ the Skagit, be aware that the river does not open on the Canadian side until July 1!!!! Even then there are C&R and other restrictions, so read the regs. My son and I were fishing there last year and I was approached by some very suspicous looking individuals who claimed they were just curious to see the fish. It was interesting to note they did not look like tourists and were carrying a net and wore waders. Can we say GAME WARDENs? My point is, check the regs and be aware that I believe the river is patrolled by officials who do not announce their intentions. On a positive note, the Skagit is beautiful and deserves all the respect it can get. I understand that over the years it has been threatened by dams and netting for meat. Fortunately there are people (Ted Peck included) who have managed to protect it for us and I think we should ensure its continued protection. The Skagit ‘bows are the most beautiful I have ever seen! The valley is a piece of paradise, especially when you work your way to the West side as far away from road access as possible. B.

: Next week I’ll go fishing the skagit R. : Someone have any idea on what kind of flies I should use? : A reply would be appreciated since I’m a novice at this sport   :                                                  TKS.

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Question:

I know this has been posted before but I can’t find my copy of the file.  Can anyone let me know where the NF outlets are (I’m mainly interested in the SF area) and when they might be having another sale?                         Mucho,                           Kevin

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I spent a few days in Baxter (actually Millinocket) last summer.  Baxter camping sites are reserved well in advance; doubt you can get in for this summer, maybe shoulder season like Sept. will work better.  Appalachia Trail’s ends (or begins depending upon point of view) at top of Katadin; maybe you can hike in and camp along trail?  I know the trail goes by a nice river at the border of  the park and the Golden Road; don’t know about other fishing venues.  Hope this helps.

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I would like to possibly spend a week or two at Baxter this summer. Information on good solitary tent sites and fly fishing possibilities would be much apreciated.                 Thanks,

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