Question:

Sounds terrific but I do have a question. If i can’t see very well anyway do these still need to be tied in the dark. I’ll wait for your answer. Thanks Larry

Absolutely!  That is why the flys appear way out of proportion to a seasoned fly tier.  The wings are too long to aid in locating the hook eye via touch.  The tail is too long to let you know which end has the eye.  The clump of feathers is tied around the hook to allow the fly to float no matter which way it lands on the water.  It often floats side- ways anyway. — Wayne To Fish is Human….To Release Divine!

Response:

Sounds terrific but I do have a question. If i can’t see very well anyway do these still need to be tied in the dark. I’ll wait for your answer. Meanwhile I am working to develop a fly that will penetrate up to 1 inch of ice to make the wait for spring a bit better. I am making progress but tend to snap the top 7 or 8 inches from my rods. Perhaps a smaller rod is the answer, I will keep you posted. Thanks Larry

A fourteen foot beachcaster, using a slightly modified pendulum cast, ( more or less straight up !! ), a  steel crash helmet and heavy kevlar shoulder padding, coupled with titanium reinforced body armour, ( in case "straight up" is taken too literally ),coupled with an eight ounce reversed squid pirk, with the tangs removed. Should do the trick. While practising at the week-end ( only with a six ounce reverse torpedo lead ), a guy from the local club, who reckoned he was a fair caster, asked to try my gear, as he had the pedulum cast which I was demonstrating to a few blokes from the local club, off to a fine art. Always willing to learn, I handed him my gear, warned him that the reel had neither magnetic nor air brakes, and that the bearings were oiled and adjusted for maximum free running, I handed him my gear, and moved to one side. One or two of the spectators, obviously acquainted with the talents of our worthy, made a few comments to the effect of "Give it some welly Dave", "Go on Dave, show him how its done", and similar encouraging remarks. Spurred on by this, and after a few moments of silent concentration, Dave reached out with the rod, rose to his full height, and began to whirl at considerable speed. Pirouetting with the consummate grace of a world class ballet dancer, rising up on his toes, and simultaneously heaving with the sheer brute force of a professional hammer thrower, issuing a long and ululating grunt which would have shamed a raging gorrila into immediate submission,  he blasted off a cast which would surely have been close to a world record, if only it had gone forwards, carrying the line with it.  However, due to a slight miscalculation on his part ( The technical term for this particular miscalculation,  is apparently, "F&%

Question:

I ran across some sinking tips which you attach to the end of your fly line with a loop connection.  They had 3 different sink rates (3"/second, 6"/second, 9"/second) in 12 foot lengths.  I purchased the slower two sink rates.  When I got home and unpacked these sink tips I was surprised to find that they are not tapered.  With the addition of a hinge in the line and the fact that they are not tapered, won’t this make casting them difficult.  I am going to try them tomorrow but would like to hear if anyone has some advice on how to properly use these add on sink tips.  After a day of messing with them I would like to read some advice from someone who has used these things. Thanks in advance David

Response:

I make them myself by chopping up a fast sinking flyline and threading the sinking line into a short piece of braided mono line.  I use them for salmon fishing with a 9wt rod.  You need a rod with a bit of punch and cast with a more open loop than you would normally.  I put a coat of flexament on my braids and that stiffens the hinge somewhat.  I do use a WF line with my setup and the rod will load up with alot less line out.  Just make a couple of practise casts and you will find the sweet spot.  I mark my floating line with a sharpie pen.  Check the loop connections regularly, I did have one fail on me while fighting a big fish.  Sounded like a firecracker.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I ran across some sinking tips which you attach to the end of your fly line with a loop connection.  They had 3 different sink rates (3"/second, 6"/second, 9"/second) in 12 foot lengths.  I purchased the slower two sink rates. When I got home and unpacked these sink tips I was surprised to find that they are not tapered.  With the addition of a hinge in the line and the fact that they are not tapered, won’t this make casting them difficult.  I am going to try them tomorrow but would like to hear if anyone has some advice on how to properly use these add on sink tips.  After a day of messing with them I would like to read some advice from someone who has used these things. Thanks in advance David

Response:

You can get tapered sink tips (not exactly tips per se) from Airflo.  They are called Polyleaders and come in 5′ and 10′ length in all sink rates from floating to type 4(?) sinking and in two weight ranges ("trout" for line weights up to 5 and "salmon/bass" for 6-9 weights). In spite of some other people’s complaints about Airflo products I have found these to be very good (as well as a 4 wt Hi Sense long belly fly line I use).  I made some level sink tips from a discarded full sinking line and defineitely found the Polyleaders to be superior. You can get these from ezflyfish.com.  I haven’t found another place that sells these (except Feathercraft in St. Louis, but they don’t have as broad a selection as Mr. Winter does). Mu

Response:

says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I ran across some sinking tips which you attach to the end of your fly line with a loop connection.  They had 3 different sink rates (3"/second, 6"/second, 9"/second) in 12 foot lengths.  I purchased the slower two sink rates.  When I got home and unpacked these sink tips I was surprised to find that they are not tapered.  With the addition of a hinge in the line and the fact that they are not tapered, won’t this make casting them difficult.  I am going to try them tomorrow but would like to hear if anyone has some advice on how to properly use these add on sink tips.  After a day of messing with them I would like to read some advice from someone who has used these things. Thanks in advance David

I fished the Orvis Sink Tips with my WF line yesterday and they worked quite well. They DO load the rod MUCH more rapidly at shorter distances though! Forget about using these things with light patters though. I fought more tailing loops and windknots with an 18 BeadHead than I did fishing it! If found that heavier patterns work well. — Michael Era

Question:

Anyone have an aluminum jon boat that they can recommend?

Rich, If it’s just for yourself try a ten foot aluminium jon boat.  Sea Nymph is a good brand.  It’s very light and doesn’t draw much water.   I believe you can get one new for about $500.00 – if it’s used, in my neck of the woods (Sullivan County, New York), they go for about $150 to $200 though the newspapers.   Plus, you can stand in them  when you cast which you really can’t do in a kayak or, for that matter, in a canoe. Merry Christmas, Tony Ritter – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Seconding another poster, have you considered a kayak?  Simple, light (50-80 pounds), easy to carry single-handed (simply hold it over your head and trot along), much faster than other paddle-powered boats (you will leave a rowboat in the dust, metaphorically speaking, and a canoe too), and stable enough if you get the right one.  If you get enthusiastic and skilled enough, you can even paddle these out into the ocean and saltwater fish. I would particularly look at the Folboat (sp?) brand of folding sea kayaks. These have a frame that you assemble and then insert into a rubber/fabric skin.  The advantages over regular kayaks are: the cockpit is open (your legs are exposed, rather than being tucked into a round coaming) which would make it easy to stash tackle bags, small coolers, the paddle, the rod, etc. which otherwise have to be strapped to the rounded top of the boat; these are beamy (wide) boats and hence very stable — not as stable as a jonboat and you won’t stand up in it, but if you have a minimum of coordination you’ll find it just fine to paddle, fish, even snooze in a seated position; because they break down and fit into a large duffel bag, you can stuff it in the trunk of your car or a closet or even check it on a plane; and, as folding kayaks go, it’s inexpensive (in the ballpark of $500-700 used for a single boat, I *think* — check out rec.boats.paddle.)  Hardcore sea kayakers may tell you the Folboat isn’t tough enough: they’re talking about multi-day ocean trips loaded with 100 pounds of food and water and launching through heavy surf, which isn’t too relevant for your usage.   Another folding kayak with a similar design, but tougher and more expensive, is the Klepper series.  (Kleppers have crossed the Atlantic, in fact.)  Overkill for fishing on a lake, and older ones might need too much TLC, but if you found one used for cheap enough it’d be OK. Yet another is the Feathercraft series.  I think these are tremendous for ocean use (I have two Feathercraft K-1’s) but they have a traditional hard cockpit coaming (not an open cockpit) and are definitely overkill (used price is like $3000).  I have flyfished from my Feathercraft off the California coast and found it a pain, since there was no handy place to put my rod when I picked up the paddle or vice versa. Another idea along the kayak line would be one of the surfboard style kayaks.  I don’t recall the actual name for this type.  They are molded out of a single piece of plastic, you sit in a molded depression, they are really quite cheap and capable but you do not stay dry so unless you like wearing wetsuits or fish in warm water . . . but might be a way to try out the concept for cheap, by renting one for a weekend. If you do choose a kayak, take a course in handling them and safety.   — Using Virtual Access http://www.soft-shop.com

Response:

I’m looking for ideas and info. on what you all think is the ideal boat/pram for fly fishing.   I plan to fish small lakes that I will need to row, or use an electric or gas motor (if allowed).  The boat needs to be somewhat light (100# thereabouts) because I will have to lift and carry it maybe 100 yards to launch in some cases.  I can car top or trailer, does not matter. I have seen the dinky prams in the magazines, but I think I need more room. Anyone have an aluminum jon boat that they can recommend? Appreciate any help Rich

Response:

If I were you I would look into a kayak. I upgraded from a float tube and think it’s great! If you want  I have some group postings I can email you. They helped me make my decision. Lot’s of good people in the group so you will get more good input, maybe more than you want. Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m looking for ideas and info.

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Question:

    Another question from me.. what is the best temp.(water temp) do the fish work at have been trying to read anything on the situation but so far have had no luck and am reluctant to ask the folks at the shop in case they think I am crazy.. have heard different numbers being bandied about but am wondering in specific areas like here in the foothills (calgary to be exact) what a "right" temperature might be?? Any ideas would be appreciated thanks for lending an ear and a hand in advice! Pierre

Response:

trout can be very active at water temp 45F to 65F,    53-57 best.  Depends greatly on the local adaptations, and the "hatches". Schuhfly

Response:

Also 35F to 40F water as on the San Juan. Devon – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – trout can be very active at water temp 45F to 65F,    53-57 best.  Depends greatly on the local adaptations, and the "hatches". Schuhfly

Response:

    Another question from me.. what is the best temp.(water temp) do the fish work at have been trying to read anything on the situation but so far have had no luck and am reluctant to ask the folks at the shop in case they think I am crazy.. have heard different numbers being bandied

Fish prefer different water temperatures, when they are likely to feed most actively, e.g. approx. 60 Fahr. for stream trout, 70 for smallmouth bass, etc.  Recommended temperatures are in several books, e.g. McClane’s Fishing Encyclopedia.  Water temp. is a guide how to fish, e.g. wet or dry, not whether to fish or not.  If you can present a fly really close to a fish without scaring him, he is likely to take it whatever the temperature. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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The "rule" I follow is to ensure that the air and water temp. do not vary by more than 10 c. This is for Atlantic Salmon fishing in the Maritimes. I cannot tell you if there is any documentation on this, however, the "good old boys" on the River will say this.                                           Robert – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –    Another question from me.. what is the best temp.(water temp) do the fish work at have been trying to read anything on the situation but so far have had no luck and am reluctant to ask the folks at the shop in case they think I am crazy.. have heard different numbers being bandied about but am wondering in specific areas like here in the foothills (calgary to be exact) what a "right" temperature might be?? Any ideas would be appreciated thanks for lending an ear and a hand in advice! Pierre

Response:

   Another question from me.. what is the best temp.(water temp) do the fish work at have been trying to read anything on the situation but so far have had no luck and am reluctant to ask the folks at the shop in case they think I am crazy.. have heard different numbers being bandied about but am wondering in specific areas like here in the foothills (calgary to be exact) what a "right" temperature might be?? Any ideas would be appreciated thanks for lending an ear and a hand in advice! Pierre

Hi All, Different species have different comfort ranges. I think that the activity can vary from stream to stream depending the norm. I have noticed that trout feed better between 55 and 65 degrees. If the water is a little too cold, I always fish more in the mid-day when the water is warming. If the water is too warm, I fish very early and late in the day when the water is cooler. Most fisheries have a two to six week window in the spring/early summer when the water is coming down and warming with all the larger bugs hatching. They can have a fall season too, when the water is cooling and the fish are feeding up for winter. Here in Northern California on a normal snow pack/runoff year, June and October are our top months for trout at a medium elevation (2,000 to 6,000′). Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

trout can be very active at water temp 45F to 65F,    53-57 best.  Depends greatly on the local adaptations, and the "hatches".

…and the species.  Lake trout like it colder than Brown trout, for example. Also I find trout seem to tolerate excesses of cold more than heat. — -Wayne Trzyna                           Fight spam! Join CAUCE (Coalition  http://www.cs.colostate.edu/~trzyna    See http://www.cauce.org/

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Question:

My family is taking a week long tour of Colorado the first ten days of July. Fishing is not the objective of the vacation, but I would like to get on a stream or river once or twice. Can anyone offer advice on some ‘can’t -miss’ places to try, and what flies and equpt I should bring? Perhaps there is a guide that could take me for a half day of fishing while the wife and kids go shopping. — Custom Internet Applications John Scherrer 814-756-4682 http://www.ncinter.net/~jds "Up to a point a man’s life is shaped by environment, heredity, and movements and changes in the world about him. Then there comes a time when it lies within his grasp to shape the clay of his life into the sort of thing he wishes to be. Only the weak blame parents, their race, their times, lack of good fortune, or the quirks of fate. Everyone has it within his power to say, This I am today; that I will be tomorrow. -Louis L’Amour (Jubal Sackett)

Response:

*where* in colorado ? TimW – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My family is taking a week long tour of Colorado the first ten days of July. Fishing is not the objective of the vacation, but I would like to get on a stream or river once or twice. Can anyone offer advice on some ‘can’t -miss’ places to try, and what flies and equpt I should bring? Perhaps there is a guide that could take me for a half day of fishing while the wife and kids go shopping. — Custom Internet Applications John Scherrer 814-756-4682 http://www.ncinter.net/~jds "Up to a point a man’s life is shaped by environment, heredity, and movements and changes in the world about him. Then there comes a time when it lies within his grasp to shape the clay of his life into the sort of thing he wishes to be. Only the weak blame parents, their race, their times, lack of good fortune, or the quirks of fate. Everyone has it within his power to say, This I am today; that I will be tomorrow. -Louis L’Amour (Jubal Sackett)

– TimW Halfordian Golfer

Response:

Hi John: My wife, son and I spent 4 days last July at a great, privately owned cabin just outside of Breckenridge, a beautiful tourist town with lots of quaint shops, restaurants, etc….  The cabin sleeps 8-10, has a washer & dryer, a jacuzzi on a second story deck, and is backed up to the Blue River where you’ll find some very catchable Brown Trout. There’s a lot of other spots nearby.  If you’re on the move all week, this is probably not the best place.   But if you’re looking for a great place from which to base your travels, and near a town that will satsify everyone in the family, email me back and I’ll dig up the name of the agents we rented from. Regards, Joe Andras p.s.  There are two fly shops in town.  I’m sure you could get the phone number from the Chamber of Commerce. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My family is taking a week long tour of Colorado the first ten days of July. Fishing is not the objective of the vacation, but I would like to get on a stream or river once or twice. Can anyone offer advice on some ‘can’t -miss’ places to try, and what flies and equpt I should bring? Perhaps there is a guide that could take me for a half day of fishing while the wife and kids go shopping. — Custom Internet Applications John Scherrer 814-756-4682 http://www.ncinter.net/~jds "Up to a point a man’s life is shaped by environment, heredity, and movements and changes in the world about him. Then there comes a time when it lies within his grasp to shape the clay of his life into the sort of thing he wishes to be. Only the weak blame parents, their race, their times, lack of good fortune, or the quirks of fate. Everyone has it within his power to say, This I am today; that I will be tomorrow. -Louis L’Amour (Jubal Sackett)

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While exploring a new stretch of a local smallmouth river (Flat R., MI, near Greenville), I came upon a real shallow stretch of water. Depths ranged from inches to about two feet.  The bass were very small and spooky. The last straw came when a group of wild canoeists (canoers?) paddled through the area I was fishing.  They were loud and obviously drunk (it seems to be a local ordinance that a canoe must have at least one six pack of Busch to be considered legal).  Discouraged, I strung up and started to walk back to shore and the truck. And damn near stepped on a sucker about 14" long!  I froze while he continued to slowly move along the bottom.  Then I realized that there were about thirty or forty of them moving together.  They didn’t spook because of me but they knew enough to avoid me. Well, I hadn’t caught much in the way of fish so I figured, hell, it’s swimming and has fins so I’ll try for it.  I tossed out almost everything I had for about an hour.  Dries, streamers, nymphs, attractors, salmon eggs left over from last fall, everything.  The only action I got was when I lined one of them and he moved a little faster than usual. Now the question: Exactly what do these fish eat and what flies imitate it?  I prefer bass and trout, enjoy panfish and the occassional pike but I’ve never cast for suckers or carp.  I’m not an expert flyfisherman but I can generally put it where I want it.  What’s needed to catch those fish!? Thanks, Brian "Frustrated but Still up to the Challenge" Austin Brian Austin The desperate never believe the obvious

Brian, I have caught many suckers fishing for trout, almost always on nymphs.                                 Mark Faulkner

Response:

Check the July/August issue of American Angler magazine for some tips on fly fishing for suckers. John Likakis

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While exploring a new stretch of a local smallmouth river (Flat R., MI, near Greenville), I came upon a real shallow stretch of water. Depths ranged from inches to about two feet.  The bass were very small and spooky. The last straw came when a group of wild canoeists (canoers?) paddled through the area I was fishing.  They were loud and obviously drunk (it seems to be a local ordinance that a canoe must have at least one six pack of Busch to be considered legal).  Discouraged, I strung up and started to walk back to shore and the truck. And damn near stepped on a sucker about 14" long!  I froze while he continued to slowly move along the bottom.  Then I realized that there were about thirty or forty of them moving together.  They didn’t spook because of me but they knew enough to avoid me. Well, I hadn’t caught much in the way of fish so I figured, hell, it’s swimming and has fins so I’ll try for it.  I tossed out almost everything I had for about an hour.  Dries, streamers, nymphs, attractors, salmon eggs left over from last fall, everything.  The only action I got was when I lined one of them and he moved a little faster than usual. Now the question: Exactly what do these fish eat and what flies imitate it?  I prefer bass and trout, enjoy panfish and the occassional pike but I’ve never cast for suckers or carp.  I’m not an expert flyfisherman but I can generally put it where I want it.  What’s needed to catch those fish!? Thanks, Brian "Frustrated but Still up to the Challenge" Austin Brian Austin The desperate never believe the obvious

much real help.  I have caught suckers a number of times (fair hooked) and on one occasion in the Kakisa River in the NWT, thought I had hooked up with a world record grayling. The fly was a Golden Stone but the kicker is that the water was quite turbid. Because suckers feed off the bottom it is unlikely in clear water with any velocity that you will have much chance. Small nymphs right on the bottom in rather slow moving water will fare better. Carp are another story altogether, they will take a moving fly.

Response:

While exploring a new stretch of a local smallmouth river (Flat R., MI, near Greenville), I came upon a real shallow stretch of water. Depths ranged from inches to about two feet.  The bass were very small and spooky. The last straw came when a group of wild canoeists (canoers?) paddled through the area I was fishing.  They were loud and obviously drunk (it seems to be a local ordinance that a canoe must have at least one six pack of Busch to be considered legal).  Discouraged, I strung up and started to walk back to shore and the truck. And damn near stepped on a sucker about 14" long!  I froze while he continued to slowly move along the bottom.  Then I realized that there were about thirty or forty of them moving together.  They didn’t spook because of me but they knew enough to avoid me. Well, I hadn’t caught much in the way of fish so I figured, hell, it’s swimming and has fins so I’ll try for it.  I tossed out almost everything I had for about an hour.  Dries, streamers, nymphs, attractors, salmon eggs left over from last fall, everything.  The only action I got was when I lined one of them and he moved a little faster than usual. Now the question: Exactly what do these fish eat and what flies imitate it?  I prefer bass and trout, enjoy panfish and the occassional pike but I’ve never cast for suckers or carp.  I’m not an expert flyfisherman but I can generally put it where I want it.  What’s needed to catch those fish!? Thanks, Brian "Frustrated but Still up to the Challenge" Austin Brian Austin The desperate never believe the obvious

Response:

. . . And damn near stepped on a sucker about 14" long!  I froze while he continued to slowly move along the bottom.  Then I realized that there were about thirty or forty of them moving together.  They didn’t spook because of me but they knew enough to avoid me. Well, I hadn’t caught much in the way of fish so I figured, hell, it’s swimming and has fins so I’ll try for it.  I tossed out almost everything I had for about an hour.  Dries, streamers, nymphs, attractors, salmon eggs left over from last fall, everything.  The only action I got was when I lined one of them and he moved a little . . . Exactly what do these fish eat and what flies imitate it?  I prefer

Unlike carp, suckers appear to be exclusively bottom feeders.  Their underslung mouths do not encourage them to take anything not actually resting on the bottom: and their digestions probably absorb anything from algae to big insects e.g. stoneflies.  They seem especially fond of worms, which hints they may scent food. A northern species of sucker called the Northern Redhorse is a beautiful fish (red fins) that runs to 30 inches and could break most fly tippets. Because so unafraid of predators, they can be caught on big nymphs if you can manage a dead drift within one inch of the bottom.  Dead drift (no skidding sideways) is ultra difficult on tippets strong enough to land a big one. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

… snip stuff preliminary to trying to catch suckers … Now the question: Exactly what do these fish eat and what flies imitate it?  I prefer bass and trout, enjoy panfish and the occassional pike but I’ve never cast for suckers or carp.  I’m not an expert flyfisherman but I can generally put it where I want it.  What’s needed to catch those fish!? Thanks, Brian "Frustrated but Still up to the Challenge" Austin

I am no expert, so have several grains of salt handy, but I believe that suckers determine what is food primarily by the smell of it, whereas bass and trout are sight hunters, determining what is food primarily by what it looks like (I think pike fall into this group as well).  Anyway, because a fly smells like a lump of feathers, fur, and steel, I would guess that you would have limited success with them.   Maybe if you smear that wet fly real well with extract of rotted fish… FWIW, etc. tq

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While exploring a new stretch of a local smallmouth river (Flat R., MI, near Greenville), I came upon a real shallow stretch of water. Depths ranged from inches to about two feet.  The bass were very small and spooky. The last straw came when a group of wild canoeists (canoers?) paddled through the area I was fishing.  They were loud and obviously drunk (it seems to be a local ordinance that a canoe must have at least one six pack of Busch to be considered legal).  Discouraged, I strung up and started to walk back to shore and the truck. And damn near stepped on a sucker about 14" long!  I froze while he continued to slowly move along the bottom.  Then I realized that there were about thirty or forty of them moving together.  They didn’t spook because of me but they knew enough to avoid me. Well, I hadn’t caught much in the way of fish so I figured, hell, it’s swimming and has fins so I’ll try for it.  I tossed out almost everything I had for about an hour.  Dries, streamers, nymphs, attractors, salmon eggs left over from last fall, everything.  The only action I got was when I lined one of them and he moved a little faster than usual. Now the question: Exactly what do these fish eat and what flies imitate it?  I prefer bass and trout, enjoy panfish and the occassional pike but I’ve never cast for suckers or carp.  I’m not an expert flyfisherman but I can generally put it where I want it.  What’s needed to catch those fish!? Thanks, Brian "Frustrated but Still up to the Challenge" Austin Brian Austin The desperate never believe the obvious

Dear "Frustrated but Still up to the Challenge": When I began fly fishing at the late old age of 24, I apprenticed under the tutelage of a fine old fly fishing gentleman who gave me the real inside skinny on fly fishing and fly selection. The only cast you will ever need is the roll cast and the only fly that will work in such a situation is a #4 Hair Wing Royal Coachman Streamer tied on a Mustad 9575. His reasoning: that the Limerick bend and exaggerated barb of that particular Mustad hook does a superior job of holding the bait. Bait: His enticement of choice was the lowly earth worm, but in your case I would heartlily recommend thin strips of calf’s liver which have aged several weeks or months until dark green (the back of the fridge is perfect for the aging process) and amazingly pungent. Tackle: I recommend a 8-9′, 6 wt., fiberglass, Garcia "Conolon" rod with a "sturdy" action. Line: 6-7 wt. level line. Terminal Tackle: 2-3′ of 0X leader material tied to the line with a double overhand knot. You will need weight to get it to the feeding depth (bottom), so about 1/4 oz. of split shot should do it (remember to use "non-lead" split shot-for the environment you know). Method: Using 6" forceps attach the liver to the aforementioned fly, impaling it twice over the point and barb, douse with a very generous squirt of "Easy Cheez" (my favorite is the "Swiss Flavor"). Simply "Chuck & Duck", quartering upstream, directly into the feeding lane. As the fly approaches the fish, should he not notice the fly (some suckers suffer from "Squirreling Disease" which affects their sight and smell), simply yank the rod 2-3′ upward in the "Field and Stream" position and drive the fly into it’s snout (this is referred to as the "induced take"). Landing the Fish: After a spectacular fight and amazing display of water acrobatics (hauling it in), I implore you to practice "catch and release" fishing, whereby you "release" the fish as far as you can into the woods (ALWAYS be sure to bring "flushable" baby wipes for removing the sucker’s protective slime from your hands and waders after a "catch and release"). This is the option of choice for the true sportsman. Unless of course there happen to be spectators nearby who have emmigrated from country whose vast culinary heritage has bestowed up them a deeper appreciation for such a delicacy. In these cases, I salute their superior senses of taste and smell and it is my practice to reward them with a gift of the fish. Cooking Methods (Once in a while ALL true sportsman will kill a fish to eat): Refer to Schweibert’s "Trout" as many good recipes. adaptable to the tasty sucker, therein can be found. This section of the book alone is makes the purchase of this fine work a justifiable expense. Other great fish cookbooks have been written by LaFontaine and Borger and can be found in better fly shops everywhere. Tight Lines!! Todd L. McCagg "Dry Fly… Schmy Fly!"

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Question:

Howdy, I’m going to be in Salt Lake City the week of March 18th for Brainshare. I’m staying over for the weekend   following, and I’d like to fish a little. I’ll be able to take along a travel rod, but I won’t be able to   take waders. I’d appreciate any recommendations for spots in the area where I can fish from the bank. What   kind of flies should I use? How much is a one day (or two, or whatever they have) non-resident permit? Any   good shops there where I could pick up some flies? Thanks a bunch, Jay Jay Freeman WT9S                            Life Member, NRA

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        Jay,         First off you’re going to love Brainshare.  Novell does a really nice job with the show.  Many of my friends are in charge of it so I am a little bias. As far as fishing is concerned I would suggest many of the unheard of streams around the valley.  Many people go to the Provo or the Weber, both of those two rivers have very nice Browns, but unfortunately the whole rest of SLC knows this too.  Soooo if you like fishing shoulder to shoulder then go to the Provo. I would be glad to share a little of my secrets with you.  That is if you like to have 20 to 25 fish days. "Fish On!" Stacy Hale

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Try the Provo or the Green.  Try Steve Schmidt at Western Rivers for Provo information and guides – 801-521-6424.  For the Green, I call Denny Breer at Trout Creek – 801-889-3735.  

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Jay, There is not that much good fly fishing within a short drive of Salt Lake City, particulary in March.  The best bet is the Provo River, which is about a 45 min drive south on I 15, exit 275 just before you get to Provo.  Fishing can be tremendous on this river.  It is loaded with brown trout.  Many times the fishing varies with the flow level of the river, but in March the river should be fishable.  However, I’m not sure how much success you would have fishing from the shore.  To get to some of the productive holes and runs you have to wade and there are not that many clear bank areas along the river that allow you to easily toss your fly into good water.  Even if you don’t wade it’s worth the time to go down anyway.  Provo canyon is pretty.  As for flies I would recommend small nymphs, size 16 and up.  Keep the flies simple, just some pink or lite grey yarn wrapped around a hook will produce on this river.  Hare’s ears are good, brassies, pheasant tail, scuds, and serendipidities are very productive.  Be sure to weigth the nympth enough to get it to the bottom.  You’ll only occassionally see fish rise in this river.  As for a license.   I don’t remember what a non-resident day pass costs.  But I do know that Utah is not aggressive in ensuring people have fishing licenses.  For more info on where to fish contact Anglers Inn in Salt Lake or Western Rivers Fly Shop in Salt Lake.  I hope you have fun.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy, I’m going to be in Salt Lake City the week of March 18th for Brainshare. I’m staying over for the weekend following, and I’d like to fish a little. I’ll be able to take along a travel rod, but I won’t be able to take waders. I’d appreciate any recommendations for spots in the area where I can fish from the bank. What kind of flies should I use? How much is a one day (or two, or whatever they have) non-resident permit? Any good shops there where I could pick up some flies? Thanks a bunch, Jay Jay Freeman WT9S                            Life Member, NRA

– Jay,   I work in a fly shop here in Provo and fish the Provo two to three times a week and its not too shabby.  Your time frame should put you in excellent shape for the spring baetis hatch.  A one day none resident liscence is $5 or $15 for three days.  The Provo is also good for non-waders in a lot of spots.  Its probalbly one of my favorite rivers to fish.  This weekend I picked up a lot of nice fish with midges on top.  Nothing beats dry fly action in the winter.  Check out my fly page for the latest info when you come.  Our shop is called Great Basin Fly and is located at 120 W Center ST in Provo.  We can fix you up with some good flies and info. Curtis Fry Fry’s Utah Fly Fishing Page http://www.et.byu.edu/~fryc

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Don’t forget the Bone’s on the flats of Great Salt lake…I hear it’s excellent that time of year with large schools of hungry bonefish finin’ just off shore!

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Question:

I will be staying on the beach at Ambergris Cay in mid October.  I plan on doing some guided fishing (tarpon, bonefish, etc…), but what about just flingin’ flies from the beach (fairly secluded)?  Are there snappers, etc available to throw small clousers to, or some other type of "saltwater panfish" to occupy an early morning of walking the beach?  Any suggestions on flies to bring and species available would be most appreciated. Paul DiConza Albany, NY

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: I will be staying on the beach at Ambergris Cay in mid October.  I plan on : doing some guided fishing (tarpon, bonefish, etc…), but what about just : flingin’ flies from the beach (fairly secluded)?  Are there snappers, etc : available to throw small clousers to, or some other type of "saltwater : panfish" to occupy an early morning of walking the beach?  Any suggestions : on flies to bring and species available would be most appreciated. Great question.  Please answer in the group.  Thanks. — Rick (who would like to do this himself, very soon.) T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    |  These University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    |  opinions Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. |  are mine.

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I will be staying on the beach at Ambergris Cay in mid October.  I plan on doing some guided fishing (tarpon, bonefish, etc…), but what about just flingin’ flies from the beach (fairly secluded)?  Are there snappers, etc available to throw small clousers to, or some other type of "saltwater panfish" to occupy an early morning of walking the beach?  Any suggestions on flies to bring and species available would be most appreciated. Paul DiConza Albany, NY

I was down in Belize a month ago and had a great time.  On the first morning I was preparing my rods and had a school of bonefish pass within fifty feet of the beach and had one on with the second cast.  There are plenty of "SW panfish" everywhere but you will have to use smaller flies.  I had my best luck with size 8 and 10 crazy charlies in Olive, olive brown,pink puffs (pink head white wings), tan and some orange.  You might have a hard time finding size 10 SW hooks and the only source I found was Partridge.  We ended up using 6 wt. rods most of the time stepping up to 8 wt. for permit and both with 15-18′ leaders.  Found that 3 feet of flourocarbon tippet of the end of a 15′ leader worked great.  We had many fish over 5Lbs. with the biggest landed fish of the week at 7lbs.  Saw plenty of bonefish over ten and a few golden bones.  Planning on going down again the end of March 97. EYES ON CHARLIES MINI, X-SMALL AND SMALL Good fishing,                      Marcos Vergara                      Fly & Field, Inc.

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Anywhere there is surf and coral you can catch small snappers, grouper and other stuff.  A wire leader is advisable.  The groupers will go to holes and have to be pulle out/

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Question:

: Are you referring to the Grand Wagoneer? With the cheesy wood trim along : the doors? : In 1994 The Grand Cheroke models I’ve seen are the Laredo, Limited, and : another without a designation that has the V8, tow,  & gold package. : Where does this model fall amongst the other 2 models as far as features : and accessories?? : : : : NO NO, not the ugly things, the sleek "Cheroke" replacement that never replaced it! Anyway, there is another pakage, the Orvis Ed.  This comes with the V8, tow, gold, and special interior treatment that is reflective of the "Orvis" company (I am told that they are a big fly fishing company in New England).  Personaly, I think the Limited with the V8 is the ultimate pakage (my friend has 2, a ‘94 4.0 limited and an ‘95 V8 limited).                                 -Sean "Doc" Hollywood

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Are you referring to the Grand Wagoneer? With the cheesy wood trim along the doors? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In 1994 The Grand Cheroke models I’ve seen are the Laredo, Limited, and another without a designation that has the V8, tow,  & gold package. Where does this model fall amongst the other 2 models as far as features and accessories??

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Question:

The annual N. California fly fishing conclave is coming up at the end of September.  Three days of tying speakers and displays.  Gary LaFontaine is the headline speaker, along with Lani Waller, Mel Krieger and lots of others.  Its held at the N. Lake Tahoe convention center in Kings Beach on the North shore of Lake Tahoe.  There is also good fishing in the area at this time of year.  The event is sponsored by the Northern California Council, Federation of Fly Fishers.  Contact Dave Duffy, (209)-824-2346 for details.

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(DaveF17965) writes:

Is there any similar event held in Southern California?

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