Question:

And I suppose to you it is an earth shattering event?? To me it don’t mean a damn thing. The death of my father,obscure and never publicised,was of enormously greater import.  Maybe you need to get a life.

losin a father, of course, is significant. how did you feel when you heard john lennon was shot? john kennedy? how did you feel when someone you admired and considered a hero died? listless? happy? don, maybe you need to get a life…. a real life. walt

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BTW, Dale Earnhardt was a native North Carolinian! — Opie  –Planning for the Past–

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just returned from Raleigh.  I took my dad his somewhat new golf cart.  I listened to the Daytona 500 on the way down and upon my return. Though I have never been a big NASCAR fan, I will truly miss Dale Earnhardt. He was one of the best loved and hated in his sport Opie  –Very Sad–

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I have just returned from Raleigh.  I took my dad his somewhat new golf cart.  I listened to the Daytona 500 on the way down and upon my return. Though I have never been a big NASCAR fan, I will truly miss Dale Earnhardt. He was one of the best loved and hated in his sport Opie  –Very Sad–

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I was about to post the following when Mark  beat me to it.  Cut and paste" Sad news in NASCAR racing, today.  Dale Earnhart, 7 time NASCAR champ, died after a crash on the final lap of today’s Daytona 500.  Michael Waltrip and his team-mate Dale Earnhart, Jr., came in 1st and 2nd.  Earnhart would have been third except for the incident that caused him and Kenny Schraeder to crash out of the race on the final lap.  The crash wasn’t that bad.  I’ve seen Earnhart walk away from far worse.  My heart goes out to all you Nortch Carolina boys, especially Pamlico Jim who was a wonderful Earnhart fan. The irony of it:  Michael Waltrip has been Cup racing for 15 or so years and never had a good car or someone to trust in him. He had never won a Nascar race. Earnhart saw the talent in Waltrip and owned the car that Michael drove today. I only hope he new that both of his cars, Waltrip’s and Jr.’s, came in 1st and 2nd. Dave L.

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Yeah, well, don’t count your elephants before they hatch! Opie  –Presently rosy cheeked–

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I don’t think too deeply….. Beginning to suspect there is little truth to this assertion. Wolfgang

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Joe F. wrote… <snip <snip   I guess if your number’s up… Friend, how about a little respect?  Lets not treat this mans death as some meaningless happening.

I think it’s pretty strange when drivers race cars at about 200 mph around an oval, within inches of one another, and then people get all surprised and upset when someone gets killed. The danger is really the POINT of auto racing. If somehow the powers that be could contrive to make it perfectly safe, interest in the sport would drop like a rock. It would have about as much interest as watching teenagers play video games. These guys race because paying customers like to see them risking their lives. They probably enjoy it, too, but they wouldn’t be doing it unless a lot of people were paying for the spectacle. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

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I feel miserable about the passing of Dale.  Last evening I was planning on tying a few flies and relaxing for the evening.  I then heard the news from a buddy of mine on the phone.  I still am in shock over the untimely death of a man that I hated, loved and admired.  I hated him on the track for his dirty ways.  I loved him for his zealousness, competitiveness and what he has done for the sport of stock car racing and apart from him racing ‘dirty’ at times, he appeared to be a true gentleman. All who watched the Daytona 500 on Sunday were able to witness a ‘new’ Dale Earnhardt, in that he was protecting the lead for either Michael Waltrip or his son, we don’t know which one, but we can all attest to the fact that that was very uncharacteristic of  the ‘Intimidator’ and I was very happy to see Dale race in that fashion.  He left us with an image of what he was probably like as a father, husband and friend— a real man, one who is loving, protective and gracious, even though in the past that picture wasn’t painted on the race track.  But, it is evident that Dale was a gentleman and he will be greatly missed!!!! Growing up I attended many NASCAR races at Michigan, Bristol, Charlotte and Daytona and he was always the thorn in this fans side because he always was winning, or preventing one of my favorites from winning—I was always happy to see him a lap down, running out of gas or with a blown tire, but never, ever did I wish any harm to him, nor any other driver.  I remember talking with my father during a Sunday race about Earnhardt and that he drove us nuts…..then we both agreed it was fun seeing him run his tank empty or blow a motor (which was rare for RCR Enterprises Engine Building Team) but we would never like to see him be injured because of a mishap.  I have lightened up over the years concerning Dale, and I actually enjoyed seeing him win the Daytona 500 a few years back.  I thought, "Good for you Dale, you have definitely earned it!!!" I sat last night in shock and tears because, reflecting on past conversations with my father about racing and Dale, I remember us agreeing that NASCAR wouldn’t be the same without Dale out there doing what he does best. I’m sad and I hurt for the whole community that was so close to him, his dear and close friends, and his family. To Dale:  It won’t be same without you!  Thank you for many years of fun filled and exciting races. You are and will be missed.  Richard may have been the King, but that never stopped you from making it to the top! God Bless the family, friends and partners of Dale, DEI and RCR.

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And I suppose to you it is an earth shattering event?? To me it don’t mean a damn thing. The death of my father,obscure and never publicised,was of enormously greater import.  Maybe you need to get a life. —  Don Thompson Another of the Thompson Boys

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Joe F. wrote… <snip <snip   I guess if your number’s up… Friend, how about a little respect?  Lets not treat this mans death as some meaningless happening.

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I don’t think too deeply…..

Beginning to suspect there is little truth to this assertion. Wolfgang

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Joe F. wrote…

<snip <snip   I guess if your number’s up… Friend, how about a little respect?  Lets not treat this mans death as some meaningless happening.

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Well sure he was a great personality. No doubt about it. But would you classify his death as noble? Ever read the short story entitled "The Lottery"? NASCAR reminds me of that.

Don’t know about ‘noble’ but I guess if I had to die young, a sudden death while fishing wouldn’t be the worst way to exit. I never met Dale Earnhardt, but I kind of think he felt the same way about racing, or he would have retired after Neil Bonnet’s death. As it was, Earnhardt wasn’t the same for some time after Bonnet died. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just returned from Raleigh.  I took my dad his somewhat new golf cart.  I listened to the Daytona 500 on the way down and upon my return. Though I have never been a big NASCAR fan, I will truly miss Dale Earnhardt. He was one of the best loved and hated in his sport I hadn’t heard until your post.   I couldn’t believe it.   I’m not a NASCAR fan either; but I have to appreciate anyone who’s done what Earnhardt has done in their particular venue.   Damned shame. Odd though, that in the news coverage, the crash that killed him didn’t look so bad compared to many of the flip in the air, acrobatic, car-disintegrating wrecks that some drivers walk away from (including the Home Depot car in that race).   I guess if your number’s up… Joe F.

Not to be flippant about a serious matter, but it’s like the old saying, "It’s not your parachute not opening that kills you, it’s the sudden stop that does it."  A "wild" crash certainly looks spectacular, but look more closely – the cars flip and/or spin, all the while losing speed and inertia – Earnhardt, basically, "instantly" decelerated (not "instantly" in the absolute, but you get the idea) from 180 MPH when he hit the wall at maybe 25 degrees from perpendicular and then the other car "drove" his.  If the other car had not driven his car sideways, I’d guess the "seriousness" would have been more readily apparent.  When I saw the crash the first time, I thought what most were saying – it didn’t appear too bad, but when I saw it in slower motion, looking critically, it looked pretty bad. TC, R

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Odd though, that in the news coverage, the crash that killed him didn’t look so bad compared to many of the flip in the air, acrobatic, car-disintegrating wrecks that some drivers walk away from (including the Home Depot car in that race).   I guess if your number’s up… Joe F.

Actually the ’spectacular’ crashes are sldom fatal because all of the acrobatics tend to scrub off speed and dissipate the force of the inpact. The truly deadly crashes are the sudden decelleration type that killed Earnhardt. 180 to 0 mph in less then a second. The human body simply wasn’t designed to deal with those kind of g-forces. The two drivers killed at Loudon, NH last year suffered the same type of injury, and niether crash appeared ’serious’. There is really no safety equipment that can be added to the car or driver that would prevent fatalities from this type of injury. Track design, (’soft walls’, water barriers, etc, might help. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

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He was a *great* sportz personality, regardless of Zimbo’z *opinion*! While I have never been fascinated by celebrity, nor have I ever had a hero, I must say that Dale Earnhardt’s death has affected me for some reason.

Well sure he was a great personality. No doubt about it. But would you classify his death as noble? Ever read the short story entitled "The Lottery"? NASCAR reminds me of that. –Steve

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I have just returned from Raleigh.  I took my dad his somewhat new golf cart.  I listened to the Daytona 500 on the way down and upon my return. Though I have never been a big NASCAR fan, I will truly miss Dale Earnhardt. He was one of the best loved and hated in his sport

I hadn’t heard until your post.   I couldn’t believe it.   I’m not a NASCAR fan either; but I have to appreciate anyone who’s done what Earnhardt has done in their particular venue.   Damned shame. Odd though, that in the news coverage, the crash that killed him didn’t look so bad compared to many of the flip in the air, acrobatic, car-disintegrating wrecks that some drivers walk away from (including the Home Depot car in that race).   I guess if your number’s up… Joe F.

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I don’t think too deeply, nor do I dwell upon the aspects that might make a *sport* appealing to varying people.  NASCAR is a *sport* and one that has in recent years drawn a good deal of attention from BIG MONEY sponsors.  The fact that some of its participants die is regrettable, but no more so than in other sports.  Dale Earnhardt knew the dangers involved and chose to race anyway.  I don’t lament the way in which he died, but the fact that he did die! Steve, people die everyday playing, for money and/or enjoyment, one or another otherwise *meaningless* sports.  If folks gain something from participating in a particular sport or from merely observing said sports, I have no qualms with it. Why would you suppose that I might think any death as noble?  I rarely use the term, when referring to humans! Opie  —-

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – He was a *great* sportz personality, regardless of Zimbo’z *opinion*! While I have never been fascinated by celebrity, nor have I ever had a hero, I must say that Dale Earnhardt’s death has affected me for some reason. Well sure he was a great personality. No doubt about it. But would you classify his death as noble? Ever read the short story entitled "The Lottery"? NASCAR reminds me of that. –Steve

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Zimbo writes: The really sad thing is that in addition to the fact that Dale was killed (he didn’t *die*, he was *killed*), this news will only bring more popularity to one of the world’s stupidest sports. –Steve

Give me a break!  It is the most popular sport in the world.  I would guess that more people are killed fly fishing every year than in organized automobile racing.  Bull fighting, mountain climbing and auto racing are the only sports. The rest are games (according to Hemingway).

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He was a *great* sportz personality, regardless of Zimbo’z *opinion*!  While I have never been fascinated by celebrity, nor have I ever had a hero, I must say that Dale Earnhardt’s death has affected me for some reason. Opie  –Planning for the Past–

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Kelly writes: I love Winston Cup racing, but for me, a big part of the thrill is gone. It’s been said he could see the air.  There wasn’t anyone like him, probably never will be.

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Kelly writes: I love Winston Cup racing, but for me, a big part of the thrill is gone.

It’s been said he could see the air.  There wasn’t anyone like him, probably never will be.

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Kelly writes: I love Winston Cup racing, but for me, a big part of the thrill is gone. It’s been said he could see the air.  There wasn’t anyone like him, probably never will be.

    When they put Waltrip’s car on display across the street from the speedway, tragically absent will be the donut Dale would have put on the driver side door.                    Kelly

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The sudden stop from 180 mph seems to be what killed him. The sudden decelleration caused severe head injuries. There really is no way to protect against this type of accident. Dale’s best friend, Niel Bonnet died under similar circumstances a few years ago.

The really sad thing is that in addition to the fact that Dale was killed (he didn’t *die*, he was *killed*), this news will only bring more popularity to one of the world’s stupidest sports. –Steve

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The sudden stop from 180 mph seems to be what killed him. The sudden decelleration caused severe head injuries. There really is no way to protect against this type of accident. Dale’s best friend, Niel Bonnet died under similar circumstances a few years ago. NASCAR might take a hard look at the recent changes in the "aero package" that causes the cars to stay bunched up for 500 miles. It makes a great show for the fans, but with an 18 car wreck, and then the fatality, it has proved very costly. Ironically, Earnhardt has been a vocal critic of restrictor plate racing for many years. A very sad day indeed. George Adams

    When they first ran the new aero package last fall at Talladega, and Dale made that great run from 15th or so to the victory in 5 laps, I’ll admit I thought the new rules were terrific. But I agree with you. Something needs to be looked at. Talladega is a lot wider than Daytona. I think the cleaner aerodynamics are safer at Daytona, where there is less room to bounce around. The big wreck was bound to happen. I know Dale hated the follow the leader plate races that he was so good at. I didn’t catch his feelings about running under the new rules, but I thought most of the Dodge and GM guys were favorable to them. NASCAR did indeed get the show they wanted, at least until the last lap, and it was one of the most thrilling races I’ve ever watched (even my wife watched a good part of it), but that’s not the kind of racing I like if this is how it ends.                      Kelly

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Forgive the spelling mistakes in that last post.  Very shook up over this.  I can hardly believe it.  It was a joy to see Earnhardt racing his son and protecting him.  I’m going to have to find a new hero……. and Earnhardt is going to be difficult to replace…

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The sudden stop from 180 mph seems to be what killed him. The sudden decelleration caused severe head injuries. There really is no way to protect against this type of accident. Dale’s best friend, Niel Bonnet died under similar circumstances a few years ago. NASCAR might take a hard look at the recent changes in the "aero package" that causes the cars to stay bunched up for 500 miles. It makes a great show for the fans, but with an 18 car wreck, and then the fatality, it has proved very costly. Ironically, Earnhardt has been a vocal critic of restrictor plate racing for many years. A very sad day indeed. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was about to post the following when Mark  beat me to it.  Cut and paste" Sad news in NASCAR racing, today.  Dale Earnhart, 7 time NASCAR champ, died after a crash on the final lap of today’s Daytona 500.  Michael Waltrip and his team-mate Dale Earnhart, Jr., came in 1st and 2nd.  Earnhart would have been third except for the incident that caused him and Kenny Schraeder to crash out of the race on the final lap.  The crash wasn’t that bad.  I’ve seen Earnhart walk away from far worse.  My heart goes out to all you Nortch Carolina boys, especially Pamlico Jim who was a wonderful Earnhart fan. The irony of it:  Michael Waltrip has been Cup racing for 15 or so years and never had a good car or someone to trust in him. He had never won a Nascar race. Earnhart saw the talent in Waltrip and owned the car that Michael drove today. I only hope he new that both of his cars, Waltrip’s and Jr.’s, came in 1st and 2nd. Dave L.

    As a big fan, I thought our run was over a few years back when, during his long winless streak, Dale passed out on the pace lap during the Southern 500 at Darlington and hit the wall coming out of turn 4. But then he came back at Daytona the next year with a truly spectacular victory. As the other drivers of his generation ended their careers just trying to make laps, he was still the best one on the track. He was amazing and thrilling to watch. Nerves of steel and will of iron. I thought the Goodwrench team was going to do it again this year.    DEI did an incredible thing today putting a brand new team in the winners circle at the 500. But I feel just awful for the Earnhardts, Michael and DEI, and RCR. This really is a very, very sad day for me and a lot of other motor-heads. I love Winston Cup racing, but for me, a big part of the thrill is gone.                                  Kelly

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Question:

Mine–admittedly just for ordinary shoes–are made of cork.  Maybe traditional ones aren’t durable enough for repeated soaking and drying out.

Need Portuguese cork from a good rod-building site. — fly-tyin’, drift-boat-rowin’, dutch-oven-cookin’, spring-crick-fishin’ western mountain mamas who yodel in the throes of passion.com

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Does anyone know of a good orthopedic wading boot?  I refuse to give up wading streams because I can’t walk.  More importantly, which one of you

Custom orthotics are nowadays made of resin. You just put them in your wading boots. — |        Carlsbad Springs, Ottawa, Canada        |

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Be careful with insurance. As we all know, some generic substitutions are fine (for example, I’ve heard that Danish and Finnish nude masseuses are clinically equivalent to Swedish masseuses), but some HMOs will try to foist masseuses from Hungary of the Czech Republic, as to which there is insufficient research to justify it medically. I propose a double-blind test: you in a dark room with nude masseuses of various nationalities, including Canadians as a control, and the guy opening the door and letting them in wearing earplugs so he can’t hear the accents. Let me know how it turns out or if you need any volunteers to obtain a more statistically relevant sample. Also, more seriously, go get a second opinion on this stuff. Podiatrists are great in their specialty, but as Dirty Harry Callahan says, "A man’s got to know his limitations." — fly-tyin’, drift-boat-rowin’, dutch-oven-cookin’, spring-crick-fishin’ western mountain mamas who yodel in the throes of passion.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll be lookin’ to all this stuff via the ‘net and my insurance policy.  I like the idea of the Swedish therapy most.  You think insurance will cover that as well?

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I thought you was a shrink Doc?  What you got a foot fetish too? I’ll be lookin’ to all this stuff via the ‘net and my insurance policy.  I like the idea of the Swedish therapy most.  You think insurance will cover that as well? Thanks Chris

— I used to be a shrink, but now I look at my feet all the time, so hence the expertise.  Actually, I looked this stuff up because I was concerned and put together my post based upon my research findings. If your insurance company does not cover well accepted medically necessary naked Swedish massage, then send a complaint to the insurance commission of your state.  Geesh, what are these mangled care, OOPS, I mean managed care companies coming to anyway? — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

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Aw heck JR, it was worth a shot….besides Ope knows I wish him the best, even if I don’t get all his goodies. FWIW, I have diabetes too, but mine can be controlled merely by watching my diet (can you say Dr Atkins?) and excersize. Frank (ain’t even *close* to bein’ a gear ho’) Church – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Oh, man.  What a brazen attempt to win the all-time, all-universe Gear Whore title. JR — To reply, remove the Qs from the address above Jeez Ope, I’m sorry to hear of your multiple maladies.  I’m sure at your young age you can beat them all handily, but just in case you expire, kin I have your rod collection?  [might as well throw in all your flies too] <bseg Frank (I’m all heart) Church

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I paid a visit to a podiatrist to day and was diagnosed as possibly havin’ one or more of 4 ailments/conditions, or all of them at once:  Lime’s Disease, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantars Fasciitis, and diabetes.

<snipped while being sad —- G&F,  I am sorry to hear about these things especially the last one. However, the good news is that there has been some serious progress in the treatment of diabetes, including reactivating a person’s pancreas.  I read somewhere that they are experimenting implanting animal pancreatic tissue for humans. As to your other ailments, Lime’s disease goes away when you stop using Limes in tequila and substitute lemons.  (Of course, you may have meant Lyme’s disease and that responds pretty well to broad spectrum anti-biotics).  Tarsal on the other hand responds poorly to therapy because the flexor retinaculum cannot stretch very much. As the pressure increases in the Tarsal Tunnel, the nerve is the most sensitive to the pressure and is squeezed against the Flexor Retinaculum. This causes dysfunction of the nerve leading to the symptoms of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.  Since you have to walk you may be required to re-learn how to motor around without inflaming the nerve.  Orthotics may be suggested to relieve the stretching of the nerve. A cortisone injection may give some temporary relief of symptoms. Surgery is the last resort, but it enjoys a pretty good reputation of success.  Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by a biomechanical imbalance resulting in tension along the plantar fascia and may be related your Tarsal issue. Treatment consists of medial arch support, anti-inflammatory medications, ice massage and stretching. Corticosteroid injections and casting may also be tried. Surgical fasciotomy should be reserved for use in patients in whom conservative measures have failed despite correction of biomechanical abnormalities. Additional treatments that have proved effective in all of these conditions, include *daily* swedish massage by several naked swedish ladies (substitutes may be appropriate, but first talk to your Doctor before introducing other nationalities). —- Hope this helps…. —- Padishar Creel, health expert to the recently deceased.

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Oh, man.  What a brazen attempt to win the all-time, all-universe Gear Whore title. JR — To reply, remove the Qs from the address above – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jeez Ope, I’m sorry to hear of your multiple maladies.  I’m sure at your young age you can beat them all handily, but just in case you expire, kin I have your rod collection?  [might as well throw in all your flies too] <bseg Frank (I’m all heart) Church

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Sorry to hear about your problems.  Get some answers quick about the "possibilities".  My mom had diabetes.  Terrible disease, but as Chris says, there are some much better treatments than in the past. Surprised the podiatrist didn’t suggest inserts, or is this not possible? Mine–admittedly just for ordinary shoes–are made of cork.  Maybe traditional ones aren’t durable enough for repeated soaking and drying out.  Might want to look into it though. I’m with you though, on not giving up wading rivers.  Some time ago there was a thread about rods carriers (as in spear carriers, as in flyfishing caddies).  If I ever get to where I can’t wade rivers, I hope I’m rich enough to hire a 6′6" 300 lb. fellow to carry me piggyback through my favorite steelhead runs. Hang in there. JR — To reply, remove the Qs from the address above – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I paid a visit to a podiatrist to day and was diagnosed as possibly havin’ one or more of 4 ailments/conditions, or all of them at once:  Lime’s Disease, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantars Fasciitis, and diabetes.

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I paid a visit to a podiatrist to day and was diagnosed as possibly havin’ one or more of 4 ailments/conditions, or all of them at once:  Lime’s Disease, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantars Fasciitis, and diabetes. Anyone else experience this type of foot ailment?

Don’t know about any of the others, but I have plantar fasciitis, and so does my sister.  Hurts like hell some mornings.  But I can tell you, cortisone injections work wonders for the short term, and orthotics work great for the long run.  My right foot was really bothering me, and the podiatrist tinkered with my orthotic for a while and got it fine tuned for me, and it’s been fine ever since.  Now my left foot is acting up, one of these days I need to get off my ass and go in and have him work in it too.  Especially with hunting season open now — it’s much more fun to put in the miles over hill and dale when my feet aren’t killing me. Kevin

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Since you were first to ask, yes you may.  However, you will have to share them with my creditors, as my fly gear is all I actually own.  All my other toys are debt laden! Opie  –Planning for the Past–

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jeez Ope, I’m sorry to hear of your multiple maladies.  I’m sure at your young age you can beat them all handily, but just in case you expire, kin I have your rod collection?  [might as well throw in all your flies too] <bseg Frank (I’m all heart) Church I paid a visit to a podiatrist to day and was diagnosed as possibly havin’ one or more of 4 ailments/conditions, or all of them at once:  Lime’s Disease, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantars Fasciitis, and diabetes. Does anyone know of a good orthopedic wading boot?  I refuse to give up wading streams because I can’t walk.  More importantly, which one of you surly bastards is practicing his Voodoo on me?  Shit like this don’t happen fer no reason, ya know.  Dave, I apologize; now please, remove the pins from that doll. Damn the luck!  Just when I thought I was getting over my years of bodily abuse, due to over indulgence in drugs and alcohol, I find out that my warranty (according to the Doc) ran out at 40.  Two years past warranty and I’m ready for the scrap yard! Anyone else experience this type of foot ailment? Opie  –Planning for the Past, hopin’ for a future–

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I thought you was a shrink Doc?  What you got a foot fetish too? I’ll be lookin’ to all this stuff via the ‘net and my insurance policy.  I like the idea of the Swedish therapy most.  You think insurance will cover that as well? Thanks Chris Opie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I paid a visit to a podiatrist to day and was diagnosed as possibly havin’ one or more of 4 ailments/conditions, or all of them at once:  Lime’s Disease, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantars Fasciitis, and diabetes. <snipped while being sad —- G&F,  I am sorry to hear about these things especially the last one. However, the good news is that there has been some serious progress in the treatment of diabetes, including reactivating a person’s pancreas.  I read somewhere that they are experimenting implanting animal pancreatic tissue for humans. As to your other ailments, Lime’s disease goes away when you stop using Limes in tequila and substitute lemons.  (Of course, you may have meant Lyme’s disease and that responds pretty well to broad spectrum anti-biotics).  Tarsal on the other hand responds poorly to therapy because the flexor retinaculum cannot stretch very much. As the pressure increases in the Tarsal Tunnel, the nerve is the most sensitive to the pressure and is squeezed against the Flexor Retinaculum. This causes dysfunction of the nerve leading to the symptoms of Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome.  Since you have to walk you may be required to re-learn how to motor around without inflaming the nerve.  Orthotics may be suggested to relieve the stretching of the nerve. A cortisone injection may give some temporary relief of symptoms. Surgery is the last resort, but it enjoys a pretty good reputation of success.  Plantar fasciitis is usually caused by a biomechanical imbalance resulting in tension along the plantar fascia and may be related your Tarsal issue. Treatment consists of medial arch support, anti-inflammatory medications, ice massage and stretching. Corticosteroid injections and casting may also be tried. Surgical fasciotomy should be reserved for use in patients in whom conservative measures have failed despite correction of biomechanical abnormalities. Additional treatments that have proved effective in all of these conditions, include *daily* swedish massage by several naked swedish ladies (substitutes may be appropriate, but first talk to your Doctor before introducing other nationalities). —- Hope this helps…. —- Padishar Creel, health expert to the recently deceased.

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I will check into what you have said, David.  Thanks for you help and kind words! Opie  –Eatin’ Crow, pigeon, and any other foul (pun intended) critter I happen upon–

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Opie I didn’t do it. I wouldn’t wish that shit on anyone.  Just one suggestion, while you are on a health kick, have a limpid panel test done, and a metabolic panel as well; get your own copies of the test results; learn what the numbers mean; manage accordingly. Most of this shit is controllable via what you put in and do to yourself. Dave I paid a visit to a podiatrist to day and was diagnosed as possibly havin’ one or more of 4 ailments/conditions, or all of them at once:  Lime’s Disease, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantars Fasciitis, and diabetes. Does anyone know of a good orthopedic wading boot?  I refuse to give up wading streams because I can’t walk.  More importantly, which one of you surly bastards is practicing his Voodoo on me?  Shit like this don’t happen fer no reason, ya know.  Dave, I apologize; now please, remove the pins from that doll. Damn the luck!  Just when I thought I was getting over my years of bodily abuse, due to over indulgence in drugs and alcohol, I find out that my warranty (according to the Doc) ran out at 40.  Two years past warranty and I’m ready for the scrap yard! Anyone else experience this type of foot ailment? Opie  –Planning for the Past, hopin’ for a future–

Response:

Yes, I intend to see other doctors concerning the *Lyme’s* (not Lime’s) Disease and diabetes.  However, I think I’ll stick with the foot doc for the others.  this is my first visit to a doc since my back surgeries in ‘92 & ‘93.  Just when you think thing can’t get worse, one misspells a word that could have come back to bite him in the ass.  But Nooooo, Dave S. takes the high road and actually offers kind words and good advise.  It’s hard to figure some people out (I’m talking about myself now!). Thanks for the suggestion Tom! Opie  –Planning for the Past–

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Why not go to a *real* doc (or a series of them) and get another opinion(s)? Tom I paid a visit to a podiatrist to day and was diagnosed as possibly havin’ one or more of 4 ailments/conditions, or all of them at once:  Lime’s Disease, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantars Fasciitis, and diabetes. Does anyone know of a good orthopedic wading boot?  I refuse to give up wading streams because I can’t walk.  More importantly, which one of you surly bastards is practicing his Voodoo on me?  Shit like this don’t happen fer no reason, ya know.  Dave, I apologize; now please, remove the pins from that doll. Damn the luck!  Just when I thought I was getting over my years of bodily abuse, due to over indulgence in drugs and alcohol, I find out that my warranty (according to the Doc) ran out at 40.  Two years past warranty and I’m ready for the scrap yard! Anyone else experience this type of foot ailment? Opie  –Planning for the Past, hopin’ for a future–

Response:

Why not go to a *real* doc (or a series of them) and get another opinion(s)? Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I paid a visit to a podiatrist to day and was diagnosed as possibly havin’ one or more of 4 ailments/conditions, or all of them at once:  Lime’s Disease, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantars Fasciitis, and diabetes. Does anyone know of a good orthopedic wading boot?  I refuse to give up wading streams because I can’t walk.  More importantly, which one of you surly bastards is practicing his Voodoo on me?  Shit like this don’t happen fer no reason, ya know.  Dave, I apologize; now please, remove the pins from that doll. Damn the luck!  Just when I thought I was getting over my years of bodily abuse, due to over indulgence in drugs and alcohol, I find out that my warranty (according to the Doc) ran out at 40.  Two years past warranty and I’m ready for the scrap yard! Anyone else experience this type of foot ailment? Opie  –Planning for the Past, hopin’ for a future–

Response:

Jeez Ope, I’m sorry to hear of your multiple maladies.  I’m sure at your young age you can beat them all handily, but just in case you expire, kin I have your rod collection?  [might as well throw in all your flies too] <bseg Frank (I’m all heart) Church – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I paid a visit to a podiatrist to day and was diagnosed as possibly havin’ one or more of 4 ailments/conditions, or all of them at once:  Lime’s Disease, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantars Fasciitis, and diabetes. Does anyone know of a good orthopedic wading boot?  I refuse to give up wading streams because I can’t walk.  More importantly, which one of you surly bastards is practicing his Voodoo on me?  Shit like this don’t happen fer no reason, ya know.  Dave, I apologize; now please, remove the pins from that doll. Damn the luck!  Just when I thought I was getting over my years of bodily abuse, due to over indulgence in drugs and alcohol, I find out that my warranty (according to the Doc) ran out at 40.  Two years past warranty and I’m ready for the scrap yard! Anyone else experience this type of foot ailment? Opie  –Planning for the Past, hopin’ for a future–

Response:

Opie I didn’t do it. I wouldn’t wish that shit on anyone.  Just one suggestion, while you are on a health kick, have a limpid panel test done, and a metabolic panel as well; get your own copies of the test results; learn what the numbers mean; manage accordingly. Most of this shit is controllable via what you put in and do to yourself. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I paid a visit to a podiatrist to day and was diagnosed as possibly havin’ one or more of 4 ailments/conditions, or all of them at once:  Lime’s Disease, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantars Fasciitis, and diabetes. Does anyone know of a good orthopedic wading boot?  I refuse to give up wading streams because I can’t walk.  More importantly, which one of you surly bastards is practicing his Voodoo on me?  Shit like this don’t happen fer no reason, ya know.  Dave, I apologize; now please, remove the pins from that doll. Damn the luck!  Just when I thought I was getting over my years of bodily abuse, due to over indulgence in drugs and alcohol, I find out that my warranty (according to the Doc) ran out at 40.  Two years past warranty and I’m ready for the scrap yard! Anyone else experience this type of foot ailment? Opie  –Planning for the Past, hopin’ for a future–

Response:

I paid a visit to a podiatrist to day and was diagnosed as possibly havin’ one or more of 4 ailments/conditions, or all of them at once:  Lime’s Disease, Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, Plantars Fasciitis, and diabetes. Does anyone know of a good orthopedic wading boot?  I refuse to give up wading streams because I can’t walk.  More importantly, which one of you surly bastards is practicing his Voodoo on me?  Shit like this don’t happen fer no reason, ya know.  Dave, I apologize; now please, remove the pins from that doll. Damn the luck!  Just when I thought I was getting over my years of bodily abuse, due to over indulgence in drugs and alcohol, I find out that my warranty (according to the Doc) ran out at 40.  Two years past warranty and I’m ready for the scrap yard! Anyone else experience this type of foot ailment? Opie  –Planning for the Past, hopin’ for a future–

Response:

Question:

I was driving back to Montreal on the Eastern Townships autoroute and crossed the Yamaska River.  My brief glimpse of it was pretty favourable so I looked it up on the map.  Are there fish in it, eg north of Farnham, or is it one of the rivers polluted by runoff from adjacent farms?  Where are access points for fly fishing, i.e. places to park?

Response:

I was driving back to Montreal on the Eastern Townships autoroute and crossed the Yamaska River.  My brief glimpse of it was pretty favourable so I looked it up on the map.  Are there fish in it, eg north of Farnham, or is it one of the rivers polluted by runoff from adjacent farms?  Where are access points for fly fishing, i.e. places to park?

Have you tried posting this question to can.rec.fishing?  I’ve crossed this river too and wondered the same thing. Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

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Question:

I’m leaning toward the Spring Creek because it’s a DT line, so you get two lines for price of one. Anyone here used a Spring Creek?

I have a Spring Creek in DT5. My only complaint is it has a lot of memory and so coils up worse than most. It’s relatively old though, ‘93 I think, so perhaps Orvis has improved that since then. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Since I am in Kansas <g, the season is closed in WI, and just because I like you, email your snail address to me and I’ll ship you my 2 wt to try out, then you can ship it back to me.

Excellent ! Did you make it to Crane Creek last weekend ? You know, trip reports are mandatory in January. Thanks, Wayne. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

… SA still makes the Ultra 3 in a buckskin (like the one I sent you.)  Keep them in mind.

I assume it’s a 2wt, is it a WF or a DT ? I’ve never had it off the spool, I’ll have to give it a try. You are right about the long front taper not being appropriate for close in work. You know some of the places where I want to fish with the 2 & 3 wt and there’s rarely a time when you have more than 20′-25′ of line out. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Anyone have experience with or observations about Sage Quiet Taper Fly Lines ?

My favorite rod/line combo is the Sage 484-3 SPL with the 4 wt. Quiet Taper line. With this combo I can cast all of the line easily, and indeed roll cast most of the line! I find it fishes in close well also. The other added advantage to this thinner line is a very quiet presentation, very important for places like Washington’s Rocky Ford creek or Wyoming’s Flat Creek where delicacy is a must. I think the main key is matching it with the rod you are fishing. The SPL series are medium action rods and these are the rods Sage designed the lines to match. Cheers, Ian McAllister Rodworks Seattle, WA Before you buy.

Response:

I assume it’s a 2wt, is it a WF or a DT ? I’ve never had it off the spool, I’ll have to give it a try. You are right about the long front taper not being appropriate for close in work. You know some of the places where I want to fish with the 2 & 3 wt and there’s rarely a time when you have more than 20′-25′ of line out. — Ken Fortenberry

Ken It’s a DT-2-F Mastery Ultra 3 with something like a 7′ front taper. That’s the line I used routinely on that rod and it short casted just fine. Peter Peter email is spam blocked – remove first ’s’

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That’s the line I used routinely on that rod and it short casted just fine.

And a short cast for you is what, 100′<g. — Charlie…

Response:

Anyone have experience with or observations about Sage Quiet Taper Fly Lines ? I currently have Cortland Clear Creeks on my 2 & 3 wts and I’m not real happy with them. It’s catalog season in the great white north and in perusing the catalogs these sound nice for close, delicate casting and they couldn’t possibly roll cast any worse than a Clear Creek. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Anyone have experience with or observations about Sage Quiet Taper Fly Lines ? I currently have Cortland Clear Creeks on my 2 & 3 wts and I’m not real happy with them. It’s catalog season in the great white north and in perusing the catalogs these sound nice for close, delicate casting and they couldn’t possibly roll cast any worse than a Clear Creek. — Ken Fortenberry

Ken I don’t know about the Quiet Tapers but the Clear Creeks aren’t a close in type of line.  Did some checking a while back and the front taper is quite long.  SA still makes the Ultra 3 in a buckskin (like the one I sent you.)  Keep them in mind. Peter

Response:

I like the Clear Creeks for the long thin front taper but also have some performance issues and wear issues with them.  In looking around, the two other lines I came up with that have a similar long, thin front taper are the Sage Quiet Taper and the Orvis Spring Creek. I’m leaning toward the Spring Creek because it’s a DT line, so you get two lines for price of one. Anyone here used a Spring Creek? PS I don’t think any conventional line with this type of front taper is going to be very good at roll casts. Their strength will be a delicate presentation with a sacrifice in casting performance. A silk line was recommended to me as probably the ideal for delicate presentation while still having good casting performance.  Since they float in a different manner than conventional lines, a silk line in an equal weight is much thinner than a conventional line. I’m hard on my equipment and know I would never do the maintance necessary with a silk line. Willi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone have experience with or observations about Sage Quiet Taper Fly Lines ? I currently have Cortland Clear Creeks on my 2 & 3 wts and I’m not real happy with them. It’s catalog season in the great white north and in perusing the catalogs these sound nice for close, delicate casting and they couldn’t possibly roll cast any worse than a Clear Creek. — Ken Fortenberry

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writes: Anyone have experience with or observations about Sage Quiet Taper Fly Lines ?

It works as advertised with the Sage SPL rods. I get good distance and good presentation with mine. Since I am in Kansas <g, the season is closed in WI, and just because I like you, email your snail address to me and I’ll ship you my 2 wt to try out, then you can ship it back to me. Wayne Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

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The quiet taper lines are recommended for the SPL series as they were designed around the taper of that rod.  Also, the lines only come in weight forward,  Try a DT line. Regards, Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone have experience with or observations about Sage Quiet Taper Fly Lines ? I currently have Cortland Clear Creeks on my 2 & 3 wts and I’m not real happy with them. It’s catalog season in the great white north and in perusing the catalogs these sound nice for close, delicate casting and they couldn’t possibly roll cast any worse than a Clear Creek. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

oooooowowee, Ken, I guess Dave Whitlock had a lot to do with designing the Sage Quite Taper lines for the new ultra light/soft Sage SPL series. I heard that they designed the line first and then worked on the rods. I guess it has a special core and is tapered to preform best at 10 to 30 feet? I think the Sage ‘Quiet Taper’ and the Mastery ‘XPS’ DT  are the top choices around our shop for short casting for trout? — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA http://www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had mentioned that I wasn’t real happy with the Cortland Clear Creek Taper for fishing in close, less than 30-35 ft., and was wondering if the Sage Quiet Taper might be a better choice for fishing in close with light rods. ROFF’s ultimate gear whore just happened to have a Sage Quiet Taper WF2 already rigged up on an Orvis CFO 1, beautiful little reel BTW, and he sent it along via snail mail for me to try. Thanks, Wayne. I put it on the Peter Charles 1 wt and walked across the street to the retention pond with Kipper the hound to test it out. Cutting right to the chase, I couldn’t tell much difference between the Clear Creek Taper and the Quiet Taper in WF2. Both seem to have long, fine front tapers that would be nice and delicate at 35-40 ft but don’t load a 1 wt very well at less than 30 ft. Forget roll casting. The small mountain streams of western North Carolina require short casts and roll casts more often than long, delicate spring creek type casts. I’ll take Peter’s advice and rig up the SA Ultra 3 for a test cast on the ice. Speaking of the ice, it is really quite refreshing to do something incredibly stupid and have a good long belly laugh at yourself. After testing the two lines for in close casting I decided to see how far I could cast. My back cast hit the chain link fence of the tennis court at about 45 ft or so. Now a person with an IQ bigger than his shoe size would have just moved to the other side of the pond away from the tennis court. Not your dumb ass correspondent, no I decided the thing to do was to step out onto the ice a few feet. You ever seen a hound dog laugh ? Kipper the hound looked at me like he’d be forever embarrassed to be associated with such a stupid dog, and he was right. But what the hell, if you survive it, doing something stupid now and then can be sort of amusing. That was the end of the casting comparison, I was wet, the hound was dry and we hurried back across the street so that the dumber of the two could dry off. — Ken Fortenberry

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Let’s see… the 3dt mastery is on a Winston Perfect, the 3dt courtland 444 is on a Princess the 3/4 tt is on the TR1 the 3wf mastery is on a golden JLH,   the 3wf spring creek is on a LP1.5,,, the 3dt silk is on a St. George Nope sorry no more CFO I’s in the bin <g, in a fit of lust for some new cane I sold my CFO 123 to Peter, cheaply I might add. Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

I thought I was a gear whore. Now it appears I am just a gear whore in training. Big Dale – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

I’ll take Peter’s advice and rig up the SA Ultra 3 for a test cast on the ice.

You got one laying around or do you want me to mail you one of those too? <g But what the hell, if you survive it, doing something stupid now and then can be sort of amusing.

Great little story, thanks. — Wayne Knight Expert in creating tailing loops and windknots Otherwise Fishless in Kansas Before you buy.

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(gear report and self-inflicted casualty report snipped) LOL, Forty.  I’m sure the hound had a good laugh. Mark Faulkner – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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I’ll take Peter’s advice and rig up the SA Ultra 3 for a test cast on the ice. You got one laying around or do you want me to mail you one of those too? <g

Peter sent one, but I don’t have it rigged up. You could send another one of those beautiful little Orvis CFO’s if you want. Great little story, thanks.

Thanks, … I think. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

writes: Peter sent one, but I don’t have it rigged up. You could send another one of those beautiful little Orvis CFO’s if you want.

Let’s see… the 3dt mastery is on a Winston Perfect, the 3dt courtland 444 is on a Princess the 3/4 tt is on the TR1 the 3wf mastery is on a golden JLH,   the 3wf spring creek is on a LP1.5,,, the 3dt silk is on a St. George Nope sorry no more CFO I’s in the bin <g, in a fit of lust for some new cane I sold my CFO 123 to Peter, cheaply I might add. Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

Response:

I had mentioned that I wasn’t real happy with the Cortland Clear Creek Taper for fishing in close, less than 30-35 ft., and was wondering if the Sage Quiet Taper might be a better choice for fishing in close with light rods. ROFF’s ultimate gear whore just happened to have a Sage Quiet Taper WF2 already rigged up on an Orvis CFO 1, beautiful little reel BTW, and he sent it along via snail mail for me to try. Thanks, Wayne. I put it on the Peter Charles 1 wt and walked across the street to the retention pond with Kipper the hound to test it out. Cutting right to the chase, I couldn’t tell much difference between the Clear Creek Taper and the Quiet Taper in WF2. Both seem to have long, fine front tapers that would be nice and delicate at 35-40 ft but don’t load a 1 wt very well at less than 30 ft. Forget roll casting. The small mountain streams of western North Carolina require short casts and roll casts more often than long, delicate spring creek type casts. I’ll take Peter’s advice and rig up the SA Ultra 3 for a test cast on the ice. Speaking of the ice, it is really quite refreshing to do something incredibly stupid and have a good long belly laugh at yourself. After testing the two lines for in close casting I decided to see how far I could cast. My back cast hit the chain link fence of the tennis court at about 45 ft or so. Now a person with an IQ bigger than his shoe size would have just moved to the other side of the pond away from the tennis court. Not your dumb ass correspondent, no I decided the thing to do was to step out onto the ice a few feet. You ever seen a hound dog laugh ? Kipper the hound looked at me like he’d be forever embarrassed to be associated with such a stupid dog, and he was right. But what the hell, if you survive it, doing something stupid now and then can be sort of amusing. That was the end of the casting comparison, I was wet, the hound was dry and we hurried back across the street so that the dumber of the two could dry off. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Question:

my partner and i are planning a trip to missoula this summer to see an old friend. unfortunately, he doesn’t fish, so there’s no immediate info on runnoff, snowpack, etc. we’re two wisconsin steelhead anglers who’ve soured on the notion of stampede fishing. we’d like to come to montana to escape the crowds. what’s that mean? we’re looking for a bit of info on runoff so we can avoid the crowds while still hitting a few nice dry-fly days. and we’re not necessarily looking for that "true" montana big water experience either. just a good trip, some challenges but more relaxing and just a general time to ease out. in our minds, brook trout caught in uncrowded waters are sometimes bigger than a brown in a crowd. hope this provides some info on what sort of trip we’re looking for a small glimpse on the sort of guys we are. *as a note, we’re interested in a few guided days, so any guides are encouraged to respond by email. thanks, jason

Response:

my partner and i are planning a trip to missoula

I’m not sure what exactly you’re looking for, or when you’re trip is planned.  I live outside Missoula.  I can tell you we have about average snowpack this year, so we’ll probably have an average run-off, which means forget all of May and most of June.  The last week or two of June might be all right.  But when run-off is running off, everything’s pretty blown out.  The nice thing is, different rivers go at different times.  Often Rock Creek will blow and clear while the Clark Fork is blowing.  The Blackfoot is usually a little later than the others.  That said, of course, depnding on how everything comes off, you could catch an amazing days or two on Rock Creek with the salmonfly hatch.  You’ll want a guide for that, and for my money the best guides are out of the Kingfisher fly shop, which I don’t have a phone number for, but they’re in information and they’re right off the interstate, first Missoula exit if you’re coming from the east.  Those guys hands down, no question, beyond a doubt have the best guides in town. From the last week in June through July and August you should have excellent fishing.  I would suggest hitting some of the Idaho panhandle streams (which I don’t want to post the names of, but ask around when you get here).  I’d also try the North Fork of the Blackfoot, way, way up, hike-in style, just because it’s a fantastic experience, and also often full of cutts and sometimes bull trout (which are endangered species so catching them is a no-no).  Upper upper Rock Creek can be nice, but the problem there is going to be crowds.  The Bitterroot is, well, see this month’s Fly Rod & Reel magazine.  The Clark Fork above Rock Creek is a waste of time, but from Rock Creek down all the way to St. Regis there’s very good water.  You’re going to find most of your fish up against the banks.  Depending on the time ofyear you’re here you could catch golden stonefly hatches, pmd hatches, really steady evening caddis blizzards, among other things (baetis, etc).    Missoula has very good fishing, very close, but it’s often overlooked for the more famous fisheries over by Bozeman.  I think you should hang around the Kingfisher, and call me if you want.  You should be in for some real treats.

Response:

Question:

Hi Iain, For your information: my absolute favourite is a rod made from the Loomis F1808/9-4 blank. This is a 4-piece, AFTMA # 8 rod with a length of 16 ft. IMHO this is the nicest Spey-rod & I never had the urge to go heavier! Also I’m very sure there isn’t such thing as a 8 ft. Spey rod. This must be a mistake in typing. Greetings, Hans van der Stroom Iain Sorrell heeft geschreven in bericht – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -How many folks out there fish Spey or Double handed rods? My interest is to learn what are the most popular rod weights – how many folks fish the new lighter sizes in say 7, 8 or 9 weights? Cheers, Iain.

Response:

How many folks out there fish Spey or Double handed rods? My interest is to learn what are the most popular rod weights – how many folks fish the new lighter sizes in say 7, 8 or 9 weights? Cheers, Iain.

Hello.  I use 9 weights, and 7 weights.  The 9 can handle any steelhead that swims.  The 7 on the other hand is fine for fish up to 10 pounds, after that, I’m not sure I would use it.  It excels however on runoff conditions for large trout.  There are large, frightening, rivers I fish in the spring in total safety, even with brush at my back.  The only issue is, with a fish under 16 inches you have to really discipline yourself to keep the rod tip down and to the side.  Otherwise the bouncy tip will result in almost every fish coming unbuttoned.  For trout 18 inches and above, the rod is amazingly fun and efficient. Phil

Response:

Iain, I have a 14ft 9/10 and a 12ft 7/8. I find the lighter rod tougher to cast because I tend to over power it. When I take it easy it is effortless. The rod is a blast on shad and the halfpounder steelies we have in California. I have had an easier time with the rod by up lining it to a 9/10 line. It loads deeper and really casts nice. With an 8 wt. double taper, my rod is a pure finness rod. I like the rod but I find myself fishing my 14fter more often. It is softer and more forgiving of my inept casting. Both my Spey Rods handle steelies and salmon well. Good Luck, MJR

Response:

How many folks out there fish Spey or Double handed rods? My interest is to learn what are the most popular rod weights – how many folks fish the new lighter sizes in say 7, 8 or 9 weights? Cheers, Iain.

Response:

How many folks out there fish Spey or Double handed rods? My interest is to learn what are the most popular rod weights – how many folks fish the new lighter sizes in say 7, 8 or 9 weights? Cheers, Iain.

I use 7wt and 8wt. I have 2 7’s an 8′ and an 11′, the 8wt is 8′. Any one who fishes Florida will have at least a 7wt for bass and another of the same weight for salt with 8wt or better preffered by most. I stick to the lighter weights for the finesse factor. The joy of the play so to speak. Those really into the really big fish use two handed 10wt and up for the power needed for Florida fish. Needless to say fishing here is much different than say Vermont where a 10" brookie is on the large side while our lower limit on large mouth bass is 14". Rainbows in North Carolina average less than 4lbs which makes a 3 to 5wt ideal in the mountain streams and rivers. Also in the mix is the size of fly needed for different species, an 18 or 20 used for brook or brown trout won’t get a second glance from a hunting bass or red. Plus on the salt breezes can be quite a factor. Of course if you are an ardent c&r advocate the equazion changes because to play the fish lessens its’ chance of survival so a rod must be choosen at least 1 size up from the wt you might expect use for the species you pursue.Thats my 2 cents worth hope it helps                                                         John Popp                                                        in Sanford Fl.

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I’m currently using a 9 wgt. for summer and winter steelhead.  I’m thinking about a 7 wgt. for summer steelhead.

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I’m sorry–did I miss something? Did you say you had an 8-foot Spey rod. Never heard of such a thing. Who makes that? George

Response:

I’m sorry–did I miss something? Did you say you had an 8-foot Spey rod. Never heard of such a thing. Who makes that?

Hi, Ian Sorrell asked the question "What are the most popular light rods (not spey rods)" at least the question could be read like that.  John Popp gave his answer fairly. I little bit of confusion here I think. — Bill

Response:

I’m sorry–did I miss something? Did you say you had an 8-foot Spey rod. Never heard of such a thing. Who makes that? George

    I was under the impression that what was asked was spey AND the reason a person used weights such as 7/8. To this end was my answer. If you noticed I included the 11′ 7wt. NOT included in the comments was 3wt or 5wt used in trout streams. I thought I had made clear that the larger heavier wts were seldom used in my area except for game fishing. If my answer did not fit the bill, sorry but it was only 2 cents worth.                                                   John Popp                                                  in Sanford Fl.

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Question:

Hi: hope to be in Key West 8/16 and 17.  I’m looking for a guide to take me inshore flyfishing.  I’ve been to Belize many times, but never to KW. would appreciate any suggestions and would also like to know if it is worth it in the summer heat.  I don’t mind the heat, but are the fish there? Adam

Hi Adam, I would call Nat Ragland as he will give you the straight scoop. 305/743-5806 Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

Response:

Try Florida Keys On-Line Guide. They have information about everything you could imagine in the keys.  I found it using Yahoo but you might be able to get the URL from any Chamber of Commerce in the Keys (I think there are 3 or 4) – all of them have 800 numbers as well.

: Hi: : hope to be in Key West 8/16 and 17.  I’m looking for a guide to take me : inshore flyfishing.  I’ve been to Belize many times, but never to KW. : would appreciate any suggestions and would also like to know if it is : worth it in the summer heat.  I don’t mind the heat, but are the fish : there? : Adam : : Hi Adam, : I would call Nat Ragland as he will give you the straight scoop. 305/743-5806 : Bill Kiene : Kiene’s Fly Shop : Sacramento,CA,USA : 800/4000FLY — Lori Dubay

Response:

Hi: hope to be in Key West 8/16 and 17.  I’m looking for a guide to take me inshore flyfishing.  I’ve been to Belize many times, but never to KW. would appreciate any suggestions and would also like to know if it is worth it in the summer heat.  I don’t mind the heat, but are the fish there? Adam

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Question:

: for the amount used the sg doesn’t count. Isn’t it more fun fishing than : being scientific? Keep em dry, Ummm…. not always.  But then I’m a geek. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

Response:

Question for Mr "Gink":  Is there any reason (physical, not political) that I shouldn’t use Gink as a fly-line dressing?  Will it corode the line? — -Wayne Trzyna

Response:

Gink keeps it up! I’ll have to remember that next time I pay a visit to Cottonwood ranch.

Aha!  We’ve discovered the secret ingrediant:  KY Jelly. — -Wayne Trzyna

Response:

: : GINK…has a specific gravity of .78 the density of water. : : FYI, pure fresh water has a specific gravity of 1.00, and sea water : averages 1.025. Now the question everyone is, What’s the specific : gravity of Albolene? : — : Gary A. Soucie – writer, editor, angler : TEL 1-301-322-8373;  FAX 1-301-322-4329 : 3007 Crest Ave., Cheverly, MD 20785 USA Gary, Hi,    I don’t think it matters. It works well. A drawback, if any, may be the low liquification temperature. I noticed yesterday that at body temperature, 98.6 deg F, it was a thin film not solid as it comes from the container. I guess the other floatants (like Al Beatty has) have higher melting/liquification temperatures.    One thing for sure is that water doesn’t like it, which is the property that makes flies float. Keep em dry, Bob — lukn4fish Bob Madden San Jose, Ca

Response:

GINK…has a specific gravity of .78 the density of water. FYI, pure fresh water has a specific gravity of 1.00, and sea water averages 1.025. But the question everyone wants answered is, What’s the chemical difference between Gink and albolene? — Gary A. Soucie – writer, editor, angler TEL 1-301-322-8373;  FAX 1-301-322-4329 3007 Crest Ave., Cheverly, MD 20785 USA

As different as a model A Ford is to a Jet Fighter.  If I wanted to be spilling out my guts regarding what my life’s work is all about I’d done it years ago but the secret formulations of GINK is patented and has nothing to do with whatever else you believe works.  What GINK is:  Its a dry fly dressing invented by a fly fishermen for fly fishermen. Remember, all other dry fly dressings and/or sinks are PLAGARIZED products from other industrial sources which are then forced onto the fishing establishment as working enities.  ALL MY PRODUCTS are original inventions Mr. Soucie.  If you want to use silicone, soaps, bear or goose grease dissolved with carbontetroclorhide and ruin your heart, or if you want to use perfumed cosmetics which you’re proposing and call it romancing the fly . . . be our guest. The differences are very great.  Gink is gink and it is MUCH, much better than old, obsolete albolene.  Albo absorbs tremendous amouts of water, its viscosity is wrong and its used to remove makeup from actor’s faces (primarily)  What albo is not, it is not a dry fly dressing.  At least not anywhere as great as GEHRKE’S GINK is.  And frankly Mr Soucie, nothing else in the world is either. Gink keeps it up. George Gehrke/Mr. Gink

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I plopped my trusty hydrometer into my tub of Albolene and it just layed there. Any chemists out there that can tell me what I’m doing wrong? John Nesselrode Shawnee, KS

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I soak my dries in a "permanent" treatment right after I tie them.  Stuff is called Fly Dry or something like that; probably Scotchgard.  Works pretty well.  If they start to sink, a few false casts solve the problem.  If they get slimed, dry floatant gets ‘em up again.  Not as permanent as the manufacturer suggests, but still a lot easier than dealing with floatant paste on a cold morning.   Haven’t used Gink.  Probably a fine product, but I’m wary of liquid floatants, given their tendency to leak in the vest pocket. Charlie Quinton

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Gink keeps it up! Aha!  We’ve discovered the secret ingrediant:  KY Jelly. — -Wayne Trzyna

No, no, Wayne.  You’re mistaken.  K-Y jelly gets it IN!  Keeping it in and UP is another question.  Not sure about Gink in that regard, but I’ve found that a couple of belts of sour mash pretty makes it hard (difficult?) to get down. Stan

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: :   I read this to say that Gink is roughly 3/4’s  the "density" of : water. Which make it lighter than water, therefore it floats. (FYI) : :         Yes, if Gink has a specific gravity of 0.78 it ought to float flies : very well. It seems strange, though, that Mr. Gink doesn’t know how his : conconcoction’s specific gravity compares to that of water. :         I don’t even know what Albolene is, but the name keeps popping up on : the thread. A simple, "Gink is not Albolene, Albolene is not Gink," This is good stuff. What if these products _are_ heaver than water, but their properties are such that they easily coat the hackel and hair fibers such the total weight is only increased a miniscual amount. The fact that good H2O doesnt like this material causes them to float really well (and for some time). Some guides I’ve talked to use Albolene and they say it works well. Heck, for the amount used the sg doesn’t count. Isn’t it more fun fishing than being scientific? Keep em dry, Bob — lukn4fish Bob Madden San Jose, Ca

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GINK…has a specific gravity of .78 the density of water. FYI, pure fresh water has a specific gravity of 1.00, and sea water averages 1.025. Now the question everyone is, What’s the specific gravity of Albolene? — Gary A. Soucie – writer, editor, angler TEL 1-301-322-8373;  FAX 1-301-322-4329 3007 Crest Ave., Cheverly, MD 20785 USA

  I read this to say that Gink is roughly 3/4’s  the "density" of water. Which make it lighter than water, therefore it floats. (FYI)   Harry

Response:

  I read this to say that Gink is roughly 3/4’s  the "density" of water. Which make it lighter than water, therefore it floats. (FYI)

        Yes, if Gink has a specific gravity of 0.78 it ought to float flies very well. It seems strange, though, that Mr. Gink doesn’t know how his conconcoction’s specific gravity compares to that of water.         I don’t even know what Albolene is, but the name keeps popping up on the thread. A simple, "Gink is not Albolene, Albolene is not Gink," would have sufficed, but instead Mr. Gink went into one of his patented rages. He’s certainly a poor spokesman for his product. — Gary A. Soucie – writer, editor, angler TEL 1-301-322-8373;  FAX 1-301-322-4329 3007 Crest Ave., Cheverly, MD 20785 USA

Response:

   Yes, if Gink has a specific gravity of 0.78 it ought to float flies very well. It seems strange, though, that Mr. Gink doesn’t know how his conconcoction’s specific gravity compares to that of water.

I think he said Gink has a specific gravity of .78 _compared_ to water (which is 1.00 as you point out). The english language is often imprecise. FWIW. Charlie…

Response:

: : : : Gink keeps it up. : : George Gehrke/Mr. Gink Ok Dr George, but don’t flash it. Just let it float. Keep em dry, Bob (tryin to beat T-Bone to the floatant) — lukn4fish Bob Madden San Jose, Ca

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snip BTW, I raised Tim’s issue over a year ago without a nibble. How come we don’t worry about all the floatant in the water?

Rick, At this point I think we’d be doing more worrying than fishing. Ross Wilson

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – GINK…has a specific gravity of .78 the density of water. FYI, pure fresh water has a specific gravity of 1.00, and sea water averages 1.025. But the question everyone wants answered is, What’s the chemical difference between Gink and albolene? — Gary A. Soucie – writer, editor, angler TEL 1-301-322-8373;  FAX 1-301-322-4329 3007 Crest Ave., Cheverly, MD 20785 USA As different as a model A Ford is to a Jet Fighter.  If I wanted to be spilling out my guts regarding what my life’s work is all about I’d done it years ago but the secret formulations of GINK is patented and has nothing to do with whatever else you believe works.  What GINK is:  Its a dry fly dressing invented by a fly fishermen for fly fishermen. Remember, all other dry fly dressings and/or sinks are PLAGARIZED products from other industrial sources which are then forced onto the fishing establishment as working enities.  ALL MY PRODUCTS are original inventions Mr. Soucie.  If you want to use silicone, soaps, bear or goose grease dissolved with carbontetroclorhide and ruin your heart, or if you want to use perfumed cosmetics which you’re proposing and call it romancing the fly . . . be our guest. The differences are very great.  Gink is gink and it is MUCH, much better than old, obsolete albolene.  Albo absorbs tremendous amouts of water, its viscosity is wrong and its used to remove makeup from actor’s faces (primarily)  What albo is not, it is not a dry fly dressing.  At least not anywhere as great as GEHRKE’S GINK is.  And frankly Mr Soucie, nothing else in the world is either. Gink keeps it up. George Gehrke/Mr. Gink

That’s atellin’ ‘em George. Les

Response:

GINK…has a specific gravity of .78 the density of water.

FYI, pure fresh water has a specific gravity of 1.00, and sea water averages 1.025. Now the question everyone is, What’s the specific gravity of albolene? — Gary A. Soucie – writer, editor, angler TEL 1-301-322-8373;  FAX 1-301-322-4329 3007 Crest Ave., Cheverly, MD 20785 USA

Response:

GINK…has a specific gravity of .78 the density of water.

FYI, pure fresh water has a specific gravity of 1.00, and sea water averages 1.025. Now the question everyone is, What’s the specific gravity of Albolene? — Gary A. Soucie – writer, editor, angler TEL 1-301-322-8373;  FAX 1-301-322-4329 3007 Crest Ave., Cheverly, MD 20785 USA

Response:

GINK…has a specific gravity of .78 the density of water.

FYI, pure fresh water has a specific gravity of 1.00, and sea water averages 1.025. But the question everyone wants answered is, What’s the chemical difference between Gink and albolene? — Gary A. Soucie – writer, editor, angler TEL 1-301-322-8373;  FAX 1-301-322-4329 3007 Crest Ave., Cheverly, MD 20785 USA

Response:

world’s first COMMERCIAL dry fly dressing to float a fly for more than one float.  In fact, it does it better even today than any other dressing in the world and will usually float a dry fly until the owner changes it or loses it . . . more often than not. The main point is, it works!  It works better than any other competitor’s efforts i the entire world.

Does anyone have the article someone posted awhile back which compared several different brands of floatants?   And that . . . in itself, is another story I might tell one day.  How it all came about.

I, for one, would be interested in hearing it.  For one thing, I’d like to know why it’s called "Gink". Gink keeps it up!

I’ll have to remember that next time I pay a visit to Cottonwood ranch. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

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It’s probably the same stuff as any other fly floatant.  I’m sure I’ll be corrected if I’m wrong, but I believe the reason floatant works is becasue it keeps the water off the fly… and anything that does that will gum up a gill, too.  BTW, I raised Tim’s issue over a year ago without a nibble. How come we don’t worry about all the floatant in the water?

Maybe environmental authorities would if they actually had people that fished. Coast Guard regulations require the reporting of a "visible sheen" on the water.  Some states’ environmental release reporting statutes and regulations prohibit, or require reporting of, any release, no matter what the quantity, of a listed hazardous substance to the environment.  Remember that post about not seeing game wardens?  Wait until the Coast Guard hands you a citation for the sheen coming from that floating fly on the end of your line and the state wants $10,000 a day for the failure to report the same "release".  Hope this doesn’t start Timbo on a new catch and "release" post fest! Musconet

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: the fly for long on the stream.  I’ve tried adding a little : silicon high-vacuum grease.  This stuff is less soluble, but much : tackier.  I find this a good way of floatin flies such as Letort : hoppers which are hard to gink properly by hand.  Overall rating: : 7 out of 10. : Isn’t this stuff, like, toxic to fish ? It’s probably the same stuff as any other fly floatant.  I’m sure I’ll be corrected if I’m wrong, but I believe the reason floatant works is becasue it keeps the water off the fly… and anything that does that will gum up a gill, too.  BTW, I raised Tim’s issue over a year ago without a nibble. How come we don’t worry about all the floatant in the water? — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : the fly for long on the stream.  I’ve tried adding a little : silicon high-vacuum grease.  This stuff is less soluble, but much : tackier.  I find this a good way of floatin flies such as Letort : hoppers which are hard to gink properly by hand.  Overall rating: : 7 out of 10. : Isn’t this stuff, like, toxic to fish ? It’s probably the same stuff as any other fly floatant.  I’m sure I’ll be corrected if I’m wrong, but I believe the reason floatant works is becasue it keeps the water off the fly… and anything that does that will gum up a gill, too.  BTW, I raised Tim’s issue over a year ago without a nibble. How come we don’t worry about all the floatant in the water? — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

SILICONE based dressings (plagarized products from another industrial source) absorb 10% of their weight in water.  (Also they are very dirt gathering prone).  This is why you do not want to use silicone based dry fly dressings. Hope this helps answer your problems about silicone dressings. Lastly, hollow deer haired flies such as hoppers, etc. a trimmed with sissors and the hollowed hair will suck in water if you do not dress the head liberally with Gink.  Why GINK is better in this area is because it has a specific gravity of .78 the density of water.  Which means, it floats all by itself.  Rick Fletcher is absolutely correct in that GINK keeps water from the tying material, making them basically impervious to the entry of water while adding a high degree of floatability.  This is only one reason why GINK is the World’s Number One Dry Fly dressing. That aside, from ginking flies to tying them, Gehrke’s Gink is the world’s first COMMERCIAL dry fly dressing to float a fly for more than one float.  In fact, it does it better even today than any other dressing in the world and will usually float a dry fly until the owner changes it or loses it . . . more often than not. The main point is, it works!  It works better than any other competitor’s efforts i the entire world. And that . . . in itself, is another story I might tell one day.  How it all came about. Gink keeps it up! George/Mr. Gink I would never break the romance of two lovers.  The fly that is dressed well who are in need of keeping a date with a fish. No more. No less. gg/;)

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Dear All: : I have access to some silicon oil.  Do you think I should try this on my : flies?  It is reagent grade stuff.  I’m not sure what I should cut it : with, as it is far too concentrated to use on an individual fly.  It : should work though.  Gink is essentially the same stuff but in a low : melting base. : JB I’ve tried using silicon oil on my flies.  I cut the oil about 1:10 with hexanes and dipped the flies in.  Unfortunately, I’ve found that the finished products is too thin and doesn’t protect the fly for long on the stream.  I’ve tried adding a little silicon high-vacuum grease.  This stuff is less soluble, but much tackier.  I find this a good way of floatin flies such as Letort hoppers which are hard to gink properly by hand.  Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

Isn’t this stuff, like, toxic to fish ? TimW

Response:

Dear All: I have access to some silicon oil.  Do you think I should try this on my flies?  It is reagent grade stuff.  I’m not sure what I should cut it with, as it is far too concentrated to use on an individual fly.  It should work though.  Gink is essentially the same stuff but in a low melting base. JB

Response:

: Dear All: : I have access to some silicon oil.  Do you think I should try this on my : flies?  It is reagent grade stuff.  I’m not sure what I should cut it : with, as it is far too concentrated to use on an individual fly.  It : should work though.  Gink is essentially the same stuff but in a low : melting base. : JB I’ve tried using silicon oil on my flies.  I cut the oil about 1:10 with hexanes and dipped the flies in.  Unfortunately, I’ve found that the finished products is too thin and doesn’t protect the fly for long on the stream.  I’ve tried adding a little silicon high-vacuum grease.  This stuff is less soluble, but much tackier.  I find this a good way of floatin flies such as Letort hoppers which are hard to gink properly by hand.  Overall rating: 7 out of 10. Pete

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Question:

May be ordered from Blu Ribbon Flies in W. Yellowstone.                         Mike in PDX                "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                                            Tom McGuane

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You can find it here and there. Check with Donegals and Castle Arms. Also, Hunters sells some silk floss. I use guderbrod’s (sp) silk. It’s inexpesive ($2-2.5 per spool) and does the job just fine. Charles (Chuck) Abbott      The MITRE Corporation "There is not a single blackfly in the Adirondacks. All are married and have large families." Henry Wells

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Dave Hughes mentions this as the best body material for soft hackles.  Does anyone know a mail order source for this rare stuff?

National Feather-Craft in St. Louis carries the silk in a variety of colors and is a large mail order house so it is easy to have them ship to you. For soft hackle flies you most likely want the silk thread (Gosmer) as opposed to the silk floss (stout). You can reach National Feather-Craft at 800-659-1707.

Response:

 I’m trying to tie size 20-26 midge drys. I can’t find hackle any smaller than 20 on even the most primium grade necks. I am now using darlone and other synthetic materials. What does everyone else use? Also I’d like help in how to tie the synthetics to look like a palmered hackle. I always get something that looks like an elk caddis and not a hackle that goes completely around the fly.

I have the same problem.  I have heard that using half a "normal" hackle in a dubbing loop has the right effect in that it alows you to choose the hackle length, but to date I haven’t tried it.  I can see it being tough to get all the hackle fibres to lie in the same direction doing this however. If you try it, let me know how you get on Russ ps have you tried Darrel Martin’s "Micropatterns" book for ideas ?

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Hoffman. Although, I understand your dilema. It’s ver difficult to size hackle on these small ones.

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Hey, if there is anyone out there who loves to fly fish and has the time to chat a little bit with me about fly fishing, PLEASE send me an E-mail. I am senior at the University of Oregon who started to fly fish last Spring. Fly fishing in my number one priority in life right now and I want to be out there in the rivers as much as I can when the season starts. I really don’t know that many people that fly fish around here so it is kind of frustrating not to have anyone to talk with about flies, rods, fish etc. Thanks, Marcelo

Response:

 I’m trying to tie size 20-26 midge drys. I can’t find hackle any smaller than 20 on even the most primium grade necks. I am now using darlone and other synthetic materials. What does everyone else use? Also I’d like help in how to tie the synthetics to look like a palmered hackle. I always get something that looks like an elk caddis and not a hackle that goes completely around the fly.

Response:

Also I’d like help in how to tie the synthetics to look like a palmered hackle. I always get something that looks like an elk caddis and not a hackle that goes completely around the fly.

You could try a dubbing loop, but on a size 26 fly, that might not be practical. Try ostrich herl. Have you tried CDC? Bob Petti Endwell, NY

Response:

Dave Hughes talks a lot about using Pearsall’s Gossamer silk thread for tying wets, especially soft hackles.  Does anyone know a mail order source for this stuff? — Jim Benenson                 Los Alamos, New Mexico, USA "To protect your rivers, protect your mountains"       Emperor Yu of China, circa 1600 B.C.

Response:

Actually it has nothing to do with fishing…it refers to the thin thread of sanity that kept Jim Pearsall attached to this earth.

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (Montgomery, Noel D.) writes: Hammond) writes… | | I have had no luck with SSS as an insect repellant.  If | it works for you great.  If you haven’t tried it before, | I’d bring muskol or cutters or whatever your favorite | brand containing 95-100% deet. | | I was curious to see how SSS and Muskol compared because I would rather use a non-deet repellant.  So during one trip I did in the middle of Algonquin Park (it was very hot and there were tons of nice, big mosquitoes) I did a test.  I put SSS on the bare skin of one arm and Muskol on the other. They worked equally well for about a half an hour and then the SSS lost its effectiveness.  The Muskol lasted for hours.  I usually bring both and use the Muskol  on my clothes and hat .  The SSS is too labour intensive having to put it on too often to be effective when the bugs are really bad. – Lori (ps sorry to whoever(I think it was Steve Hammond) I accidently e-mailed this  post to … Hit the wrong button!)

Saw something sometime recently (how’s that for a solid start?) that SSS isn’t really a repellent at all.  It’s oily, so it coats the skin and the mosquitoes can’t get to the skin … or because of it’s scent, the mosquitoes can’t smell the blood. It might work at first, but once perspiration dilutes it and/or washes it away, you would be without protection.

Response:

I have had no luck with SSS as an insect repellant.  If it works for you great.  If you haven’t tried it before, I’d bring muskol or cutters or whatever your favorite brand containing 95-100% deet. I go to the army surplus store and buy a little plastic squeeze bottle of army issue incent repellant.  I believe it’s 90% deet. I’ve been using the same bottle for three seasons.  It cost me about $2.  It works. —

I used that stuff when I was in the USAF…dissolved the vinyl steering wheel in my jeep too.  Left neato fingerprints on anything plastic. Anyway, it did work.  I also read an article once that said the most affective concentration of DEET was about 30%.  This was an Army study, so maybe the latest Army-issue stuff only has about 30% DEET in it.  I buy any brand with about that much in it and they seem to work fine.  I like the stinky ones…reminds me of when I was a kid and going camping, kinda like when you smell sun tan lotion and you remember when you were a kid going to the beach.. Brian — Brian Dixon, Machine Vision Engineer, Hewlett Packard (Corvallis, Oregon)

Response:

After 14 mosquito-free years in Southern California, I get to move to Massachusetts for grad school…  Any mosquitoes there?

Well, I don’t believe the mosquitos are that bad, but up north you have an evil creature called the black fly.  Never encountered one, but from what I hear they’re worse than any mosquito bite. Mosquitos are bad, but I’ll walk into a cloud of mosquitos any day over a cloud of no-see-ums!         Mark — <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mark Crafts                                                   Melbourne FL

Response:

After 14 mosquito-free years in Southern California, I get to move to Massachusetts for grad school…  Any mosquitoes there? Well, I don’t believe the mosquitos are that bad, but up north you have an evil creature called the black fly.  Never encountered one, but from what I hear they’re worse than any mosquito bite. Mosquitos are bad, but I’ll walk into a cloud of mosquitos any day over a cloud of no-see-ums!

A few years back, I went Pike fishing in the Adirondacks.  When I went back to the house, there were about 20 one inch trails of dry blood on my face. I was told that "black flies" were the culprits.  Are these the same critters that we’re talking about here?        Mark — <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mark Crafts                                                   Melbourne FL

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Saw something sometime recently (how’s that for a solid start?) that SSS isn’t really a repellent at all.  It’s oily, so it coats the skin and the mosquitoes can’t get to the skin … or because of it’s scent, the mosquitoes can’t smell the blood. Just so you win future trivial pursuit games, I think the current consensus is that mosquitos home in on the CO .                                             2

I think they follow CO2 trails, but home in on heat for the kill. How else can you explain the mosquito bite on my ankle? After 14 mosquito-free years in Southern California, I get to move to Massachusetts for grad school…  Any mosquitoes there?

Response:

I have had no luck with SSS as an insect repellant.  If it works for you great.  If you haven’t tried it before, I’d bring muskol or cutters or whatever your favorite brand containing 95-100% deet.

I go to the army surplus store and buy a little plastic squeeze bottle of army issue incent repellant.  I believe it’s 90% deet. I’ve been using the same bottle for three seasons.  It cost me about $2.  It works. — John Fereira Viacom Cable Pleasanton, CA

Response:

Saw something sometime recently (how’s that for a solid start?) that SSS isn’t really a repellent at all.  It’s oily, so it coats the skin and the mosquitoes can’t get to the skin … or because of it’s scent, the mosquitoes can’t smell the blood.

Just so you win future trivial pursuit games, I think the current consensus is that mosquitos home in on the CO .                                              2         Mark — <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mark Crafts                                                   Melbourne FL

Response:

| Saw something sometime recently (how’s that for a solid start?) that SSS | isn’t really a repellent at all.  It’s oily, so it coats the skin and the | mosquitoes can’t get to the skin … or because of it’s scent, the mosquitoes | can’t smell the blood. | | It might work at first, but once perspiration dilutes it and/or washes it away, | you would be without protection. | Actually, I put very little on so that is absorbs into the skin and your skin isn’t oily at all.  I thought I heard that it had citronella  (the stuff they make bug candles with) in it but I’m not sure.

Response:

I have had no luck with SSS as an insect repellant.  If it works for you great.  If you haven’t tried it before, I’d bring muskol or cutters or whatever your favorite brand containing 95-100% deet.   Steve —  Scientific Computing Division            /* /  _][     National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO     ____

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I have had no luck with SSS as an insect repellant.  If it works for you great.  If you haven't tried it before, I'd bring muskol or cutters or whatever your favorite brand containing 95-100% deet.

Yes, my ex-neighbor the entomologist (bug-man) said that SSS does nothing for mosquitos.  DEET is the way to go.  He did say that it works for very small biting insects like black flies because it drowns them.  Steve -- Scientific Computing Division            /* /  _][     National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, CO     ____

Noel Montgomery

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| | I have had no luck with SSS as an insect repellant.  If | it works for you great.  If you haven’t tried it before, | I’d bring muskol or cutters or whatever your favorite | brand containing 95-100% deet. | | I was curious to see how SSS and Muskol compared because I would rather use a non-deet repellant.  So during one trip I did in the middle of Algonquin Park (it was very hot and there were tons of nice, big mosquitoes) I did a test.  I put SSS on the bare skin of one arm and Muskol on the other. They worked equally well for about a half an hour and then the SSS lost its effectiveness.  The Muskol lasted for hours.  I usually bring both and use the Muskol  on my clothes and hat .  The SSS is too labour intensive having to put it on too often to be effective when the bugs are really bad. – Lori (ps sorry to whoever(I think it was Steve Hammond) I accidently e-mailed this   post to … Hit the wrong button!)

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