Question:

The fates have decreed I must go to Rockport, Texas this weekend and could have time to fish Monday and/or Tuesday.  I’m not after anything specific but am *not* equipped to fish the salt.  Hell, bluegills will be just fine…..any suggestions?  No boat this trip. Frank Church

Response:

Frank, Since I don’t see much advice – I can offer my 2cents – the area you’ll be in is a tough one to come up with "non salt" unless you want to drive a long distance. If your interested I’ll post a map of the area and a few suggestions on possible light saltwater flyfishing. Gary

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The fates have decreed I must go to Rockport, Texas this weekend and could have time to fish Monday and/or Tuesday.  I’m not after anything specific but am *not* equipped to fish the salt.  Hell, bluegills will be just fine…..any suggestions?  No boat this trip. Frank Church

Response:

Thanks Gary, but that being the case I’ll just drop my load and hustle on home. I’ll work on my dispatcher to get me a run to Florida instead. Frank Church – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Frank, Since I don’t see much advice – I can offer my 2cents – the area you’ll be in is a tough one to come up with "non salt" unless you want to drive a long distance. If your interested I’ll post a map of the area and a few suggestions on possible light saltwater flyfishing. Gary The fates have decreed I must go to Rockport, Texas this weekend and could have time to fish Monday and/or Tuesday.  I’m not after anything specific but am *not* equipped to fish the salt.  Hell, bluegills will be just fine…..any suggestions?  No boat this trip. Frank Church

Response:

Question:

Try rec.outdoors.fishing.fly.tying — Regards, Jeff Before you buy.

Response:

There is an excellent fly-tying course at http://www.flyanglersonline.com TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

I sort of agree with the kit concept….granted some things are sub-par….but you have to have decided you want to tie and be getting ‘into’ it before you have the knowledge that the things ‘are’ sub par. there are different grades of kits, and you usually get a vidoe or book or two to help you get started….. To a person who knows they want to tie…..piecemeal…..to the curious or don’t forget the local groups like the one you missed…..there are usually more than just Trout Unlimited….. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There is a catch 22 here…If you buy a beginners kit, it is cheap and if you decide tying is not for you, you only loose a few bucks.  However the tools are also cheap and that can make tying difficult and annoying.  On the other hand, good tools are a pleasure to use however they can be pricey. If possible, get a friend to let you tie or at your local fly shop.  If you like it, invest in a nice vice and bobbin. There is an excellent video series on PBS called "flytying, the anglers art".  You might try to hunt it down.  That’s how I learned to tie. gang, last fall I found out that our local TU chapter was going to offer a free fly tying course in the Jan/Feb time-frame and provide all the materials to anyone that was interested.  I asked them to email me when they finalized the dates and a couple of the guys that ran the meeting agreed.  To make a long story short, I never got an email and when I finally found out about the course, it was already in the 4th week so I figured I missed all the basic stuff and blew it off (my own fault, of course, I should have been checking on it instead of relying on being notified). Now that I’ve been fishing again for a month, I’m really regretting missing that course and wondering if I could teach myself with a tying kit and a good book or video.  I realize it would probably not be a good way to learn, but I don’t know anyone that ties and there are no scheduled courses anywhere near me that I’m aware of. Can anyone recommend a good learners kit and/or setup that would get me started?  If I’m just asking for trouble and should bag the idea please let me know that too! Tim

Response:

If it is a full coat of a reasonable ( light) colour, consider cutting it up and dyeing it. Mink makes excellent dubbing, and the guard hairs ( these are the longer hairs )  may be used for hair-wings etc.  Cut into strips they make excellent zonker patterns etc. It might however be a good idea to try selling the coat as it is, you may find that the proceeds will keep you in fly-dressing materials for a long time. By the way, mink skins are cheap and easy to come by, any furrier will give you a bundle of them for next to nothing, mink coats seldom are ! TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

Buying materials separately is usually a much better and more economical idea. Have a look at my site, ( address is in the sig line) there is a little bit about starting fly-dressing there. TL MC

I printed your tool list and will take it shopping.  Makes sense to buy the correct amount of the right material.  Now I have to decide what to do with this full length mink coat.  I have had it for years and my new bride doesn’t want it.  She has already released it for tying material.  Maybe eel or leach patterns with mink strips?  Maybe I can make up a couple of mink reel pouches! — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

Decide what you want to tie, look up the materials necessary. Buy these. Buy a Thompson pro vice, a good pair of scissors, a ceramic bobbin holder and a pair of medium hackle pliers.  A needle glued into a piece of dowel with epoxy, makes a good dubbing needle, and is also used for applying varnish ( head cement) to flies.  Start with simple flies. There are some very good kits on the market, but these are invariably quite expensive, and will contain stuff you do not need. Also the amount of certain materials is usually less than you need for a couple of dozen flies. Buying materials separately is usually a much better and more economical idea. Have a look at my site, ( address is in the sig line) there is a little bit about starting fly-dressing there. TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

Can anyone recommend a good learners kit and/or setup that would get me started?  If I’m just asking for trouble and should bag the idea please let me know that too!

The Art of Fly Tying CD-ROM is only $20 these days (www.feather-craft.com).  You don’t need a kit.  Thompson Pro is a good beginner’s vise and will last a long time.  Many experienced tiers still use theirs.  You have fished for a year now so should have a good idea of what flies you commonly use.  Buy the materials you need for those flies and you will be in good shape.  Start with simple flies like wooly buggers or hare’s ear nymphs.  Do you trust the guys at the local fly shop?  They should be able to get you pointed in the right direction. Mu Mu

Response:

 Dr. Slick sounds familiar but I can’t place the name.

Cabela’s has them, as well as most fly shops. — Charlie…

Response:

Oh BTW I’ve found it very handy to also have a pair with a serrated edged for tougher stuff.  Mine are cheaper than my "fine" ones and work fine. YMMV — Regards, Jeff Before you buy.

Response:

Equipment caveat:   Avoid the cheapo kits.   Get decent stuff.   If you buy a cheapo kit, your chances of having a positive result are reduced, and you’ll end up throwing it all out because nobody else wants it.   Spend twice as much on decent stuff, and if you don’t like it, you can sell it for half what you paid on Ebay.   You’re out the same amount of money either way.

Joe, I’m getting lots of good advice here and am leaning toward buying a kit just because I really don’t have anyplace closeby to buy it peice by peice and I can order one from somewhere like Orvis or Cabela’s. What would you consider to be a good kit and not a "cheapo" kit? I also really like the idea of the CD and am going to see if I can find it somewhere. Tim

Response:

At least one pair of fine top quality scissors is more or  less essential for fine work on the flies themselves.  For everything else normal scissors will do. Keep your fine scissors only for fine work, and do not cut any rough materials or wire with them, and they will last a long time. TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

Check out the Wiss scissors, which I’ve seen in other stores besides fly shops – made for sewers I guess.  There’s a picture on this page: http://www.mwflytying.com/tools/fav_tools.html *Disclaimer: I haven’t used them, I just think they look cool and I’m about to buy some myself.

I have a couple pair of Wiss scissors, a larger one I use for sewing projects and a small one I’ve used for fly tying for many years.  Very high quality at a reasonable price.

Response:

I have some but prefer Dr. Slick (scissors that is). — Charlie…

You find those at medical supply/pharmacy houses, fly tying material shops, hardware stores, or fabric shops?  Dr. Slick sounds familiar but I can’t place the name. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

A pharmaceutical fly shop?…..bet he’s got leaves from bushes to chew on to – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My top tip – get good scissors.   Nothing is worse that trying to make that close cut with dull, shitty scissors. Joe F. I just spent some time on Mike Connor’s site.  I think I’ll take up "fly dressing" instead of "fly tying", sounds much prettier.  Mike makes the same point about the scissors.  I’ll be dropping by Harry Murray’s fly shop tomorrow when Dianna and I are on the way up to Big Stoney Creek for trout.  Harry is a pharmacist and runs the fly shop and pharmacy together.  Perhaps I can compare surgical scissors and "fly dressing" scissors. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

Check out the Wiss scissors, which I’ve seen in other stores besides fly shops – made for sewers I guess.  There’s a picture on this page: http://www.mwflytying.com/tools/fav_tools.html *Disclaimer: I haven’t used them, I just think they look cool and I’m about to buy some myself.

I have some but prefer Dr. Slick (scissors that is). — Charlie…

Response:

We do have a question though.  What about the quality of the scissors being offered out there.  Do we need the speciality scissors or are there commonly available scissors doing the same or better job?

Check out the Wiss scissors, which I’ve seen in other stores besides fly shops – made for sewers I guess.  There’s a picture on this page: http://www.mwflytying.com/tools/fav_tools.html *Disclaimer: I haven’t used them, I just think they look cool and I’m about to buy some myself. Regards, Jeff

Response:

….What about the quality of the scissors being offered out there…..

I have no idea of what is offered with kits Wayne, and I suppose that there is a wide variety of types and quality sold in fly shops.  What really matters is that they have fine points, are well made of quality material, and that they fit your fingers.  The most convenient place to look for scissors that will meet these criteria is a fabric shop.  Sewers use a variety of scissors and they come in all sizes.  If you’re looking for something more specialized, your local veterinarian or a friend who works at a hospital can turn you on to a bewildering array.

Response:

Tim,      I have recently taught myself to tie.  I bought a kit, and I’m not upset that I did.  It gave me a vise, scissors, bobbin, threader, hooks and some materials.  Granted, this stuff isn’t the greatest quality but it got me started.  The next thing I did was purchase a book by Skip Morris, Fly Tying made Clear and Simple.  This book is great.  It can teach anyone to tie.  Now that I am better I am ready to upgrade my vise, but the one from the kit has done just fine.  When you catch your first fish on a fly you tied yourself, it is all worth it! I highly recommend the Skip Morris book, it has very thorough step by step instructions and great pictures for each step.  It is also spiral bound, so that it stays open easily.  What I did was bought the book, picked the first few patterns, went to my fly shop and bought the things I needed to tie those. Came home and worked on those few patterns, when I got them down, I  went on to the next few patterns, went to the shop for the materials  etc…That way I didn’t have to drop hundreds of dollars at once.  I have really enjoyed it and am sure you will too. Have fun with your new hobby, J. Day

Response:

My top tip – get good scissors.   Nothing is worse that trying to make that close cut with dull, shitty scissors. Joe F.

I just spent some time on Mike Connor’s site.  I think I’ll take up "fly dressing" instead of "fly tying", sounds much prettier.  Mike makes the same point about the scissors.  I’ll be dropping by Harry Murray’s fly shop tomorrow when Dianna and I are on the way up to Big Stoney Creek for trout.  Harry is a pharmacist and runs the fly shop and pharmacy together.  Perhaps I can compare surgical scissors and "fly dressing" scissors. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

Can anyone recommend a good learners kit and/or setup that would get me started?  If I’m just asking for trouble and should bag the idea please let me know that too!

I received a Christmas gift last year of a computer CD "The Art of Fly Tying" that has a lot of video clips and audio instruction on various techniques.   It’s actually pretty cool.   I’m a beginner myself, and I did take a short course from a local shop the year before, but I thought the CD showed a lot of the same stuff (more, actually) just as well, and in some cases better (close up shots).   There is no substitute for in-person instruction for feedback, evaluation, and troubleshooting; but if you have no other option, I’d recommend the CD. Equipment caveat:   Avoid the cheapo kits.   Get decent stuff.   If you buy a cheapo kit, your chances of having a positive result are reduced, and you’ll end up throwing it all out because nobody else wants it.   Spend twice as much on decent stuff, and if you don’t like it, you can sell it for half what you paid on Ebay.   You’re out the same amount of money either way.   My top tip – get good scissors.   Nothing is worse that trying to make that close cut with dull, shitty scissors. Joe F.

Response:

I sort of agree with the kit concept….granted some things are (snip)

Due to a happy turn of events my wife and I have recently begun to look at fly tying.  We will be picking up some basic beginner books and canvassing some local tiers for "hands on" assistance.  At least one local fly shop offers "custom kits" made to suit your skill level and the type of fly you wish to tie.  They even offer "specialty kits" to tie specific flys.  I think we will read and watch and try a few basic flys.  This winter we will attend one of the many fly tieing classes being offered. We do have a question though.  What about the quality of the scissors being offered out there.  Do we need the speciality scissors or are there commonly available scissors doing the same or better job? — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

Hi Tim, I bought a kit when I first started to learn to tie, that was a mistake. Go down to your local shop and buy a vice, scissors, and a bobbin. You can add to your tools as you see fit. Then ask the guy behind the counter what materials you need to tie the types of flies that you use most, and buy the materials to tie them. Also ask him to recommend a book. I taught myself how to tie and while I’m not the greatest, I do catch fish (occasionally) on my flies. When you buy a kit, you get materials that you may never use. I still have some stuff from my kit and I’ve been tying for about 8 years now. HTH, Darin

Response:

There is a catch 22 here…If you buy a beginners kit, it is cheap and if you decide tying is not for you, you only loose a few bucks.  However the tools are also cheap and that can make tying difficult and annoying.  On the other hand, good tools are a pleasure to use however they can be pricey.  If possible, get a friend to let you tie or at your local fly shop.  If you like it, invest in a nice vice and bobbin. There is an excellent video series on PBS called "flytying, the anglers art".  You might try to hunt it down.  That’s how I learned to tie.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – gang, last fall I found out that our local TU chapter was going to offer a free fly tying course in the Jan/Feb time-frame and provide all the materials to anyone that was interested.  I asked them to email me when they finalized the dates and a couple of the guys that ran the meeting agreed.  To make a long story short, I never got an email and when I finally found out about the course, it was already in the 4th week so I figured I missed all the basic stuff and blew it off (my own fault, of course, I should have been checking on it instead of relying on being notified). Now that I’ve been fishing again for a month, I’m really regretting missing that course and wondering if I could teach myself with a tying kit and a good book or video.  I realize it would probably not be a good way to learn, but I don’t know anyone that ties and there are no scheduled courses anywhere near me that I’m aware of. Can anyone recommend a good learners kit and/or setup that would get me started?  If I’m just asking for trouble and should bag the idea please let me know that too! Tim

Response:

My uncle gave me his 1950 Herters fly set-up a couple a years ago.  I have been learnin’ ever since.  But a starter kit, a few books on the subject, and just start tryin’. Op

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – gang, last fall I found out that our local TU chapter was going to offer a free fly tying course in the Jan/Feb time-frame and provide all the materials to anyone that was interested.  I asked them to email me when they finalized the dates and a couple of the guys that ran the meeting agreed.  To make a long story short, I never got an email and when I finally found out about the course, it was already in the 4th week so I figured I missed all the basic stuff and blew it off (my own fault, of course, I should have been checking on it instead of relying on being notified). Now that I’ve been fishing again for a month, I’m really regretting missing that course and wondering if I could teach myself with a tying kit and a good book or video.  I realize it would probably not be a good way to learn, but I don’t know anyone that ties and there are no scheduled courses anywhere near me that I’m aware of. Can anyone recommend a good learners kit and/or setup that would get me started?  If I’m just asking for trouble and should bag the idea please let me know that too! Tim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – gang, last fall I found out that our local TU chapter was going to offer a free fly tying course in the Jan/Feb time-frame and provide all the materials to anyone that was interested.  I asked them to email me when they finalized the dates and a couple of the guys that ran the meeting agreed.  To make a long story short, I never got an email and when I finally found out about the course, it was already in the 4th week so I figured I missed all the basic stuff and blew it off (my own fault, of course, I should have been checking on it instead of relying on being notified). Now that I’ve been fishing again for a month, I’m really regretting missing that course and wondering if I could teach myself with a tying kit and a good book or video.  I realize it would probably not be a good way to learn, but I don’t know anyone that ties and there are no scheduled courses anywhere near me that I’m aware of. Can anyone recommend a good learners kit and/or setup that would get me started?  If I’m just asking for trouble and should bag the idea please let me know that too! Tim

Response:

gang, last fall I found out that our local TU chapter was going to offer a free fly tying course in the Jan/Feb time-frame and provide all the materials to anyone that was interested.  I asked them to email me when they finalized the dates and a couple of the guys that ran the meeting agreed.  To make a long story short, I never got an email and when I finally found out about the course, it was already in the 4th week so I figured I missed all the basic stuff and blew it off (my own fault, of course, I should have been checking on it instead of relying on being notified). Now that I’ve been fishing again for a month, I’m really regretting missing that course and wondering if I could teach myself with a tying kit and a good book or video.  I realize it would probably not be a good way to learn, but I don’t know anyone that ties and there are no scheduled courses anywhere near me that I’m aware of. Can anyone recommend a good learners kit and/or setup that would get me started?  If I’m just asking for trouble and should bag the idea please let me know that too! Tim

Response:

Question:

Having spent a couple enjoyable afternoons casting around on Chittenango Creek, I’m wondering if there are stretches that make more sense for fly fishing than others.  I’ve been drifting nymphs in the fast water within a mile below the falls, mostly because the lower stretches have numerous posted signs. Are there any public areas I’m missing above or below the village?  How about above the falls?  Thanks in advance. DS

Response:

DS, I didn’t know Chittenango Creek was open this time of year.  Well anyway, there is a public fishing area above the falls a little ways that I’ve never had much luck at but it might be worth a try.  I’ve never had any problem with posted land along the stream, the only area that’s posted that I know of that prevents access is near the concrete blocks with the cable strung between them. If you drive downstream from the falls on the highway the first left hand turn on a gravel rd ( I can’t remember the name) will allow pretty easy access.  Downstream from the gravel road there are plenty of nice pools and riffles that hold some decent fish but can be a little hard to maneuver around when summer rolls around and the area gets more overgrown. I’ve never fished much in the village but have seen many others.  Check out the Yankee Fly shop in the village the owner would probably know more than I. I have to say that Chittenango creek is one of my favorite streams the entire area below the falls has plenty of fish. Hope this helps. Wayne – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Having spent a couple enjoyable afternoons casting around on Chittenango Creek, I’m wondering if there are stretches that make more sense for fly fishing than others.  I’ve been drifting nymphs in the fast water within a mile below the falls, mostly because the lower stretches have numerous posted signs. Are there any public areas I’m missing above or below the village?  How about above the falls?  Thanks in advance. DS

Response:

Question:

The main thing is, beef up your terminal gear. 0X fluorocarbon is a greatchoice. Nine foot is a goo length, tapered. Intermediate shooting head seems to be better than a floater – cuts wind and waves better. Charlies and gotchas are usually good, but when in doubt and in the usual 3-4 ft of water, I tie on a lightly weighted size 2 ultrashrimp. Nice chunk of meat substitute for big bones. Probably too big if the water is shallow. The Battenkill is a tough call. I caught bones on a Battenkill 8/9, but took care to clean out the salt afterward. If you hook a 9-10 lb bone, you might get spooled. I caught a 29 inch bone in Aruba (9.5lbs?) that almost spooled me with an Abel 3 reel (8wt head, 100 ft running line, 200 yds 30lb dacron backing). Think about it. One other thing: Before you make cast number one, just stand still and watch the ebb and flow of the water around you for 10 – 15 minutes (if you can stand it). Bones are like trout – find their feeding lanes and cruising lanes, and cast where they live. Be prepared for the time of your life. Salt water can ALMOST spoil you for anything else. FlyFisherRay

Response:

I have never been bonefishing before and I’m wondering if any of you have any advice for me. I have an 8wt Sage and regular floating line on a Orvis Battenkill reel. I don’t own any bonefish flies. I am wondering what I will need to make my trip this C-mas to the Bay islands of Honduras a successfull one. Will a regular floating line work? What type of leader size and length is typical? Can I wade in TEVAs or tennis shoes? Should I bring a 6wt rod as well? Has anyone been to or heard anything about the Bay islands? We will be at the largest one called Roatan or something like that. Any advice I could get that would help me get my first Bone would be appreciated. What about barracuda? I know some of you out there have experience in the salt, won’t you help a poor landlocked chump out? Brady

Hi Brady, Your outfit will be fine. I would get the stiffest 9′ 0x knot less tapered leaders with matching 0x tippet material. Use a bead eyed Charlie type bonefish fly for sand bottoms and a snapping shrimp type pattern for turtle grass flats. good colors are brown, tan, olive and pink. Take some small crab imitations in tan or olive for permit. Get a long needle fish imitation with a wire leader for cudas. I always take some light colored small/medium salt water poppers and some small/medium salt water streamers. A hat, Polarized glasses and sun screen are important.  Casting skill is very important in salt water fly fishing, so be sure to work on that a bit. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

I’ve been to Belize a few times but not Honduras. The 8wt should be fine but the Battenkill reel probably won’t hold up. Get a disk drag saltwater reel (SA System 2 or equivalent at least). The line should be OK too but there are some special lines made for salt water that you should look at. They tend to be more of a shooting taper and a little stiffer so they don’t sag as much in hot weather. I have had the best luck with Crazy Charlies and Permit Puffs as flies. For barracuda try a needlefish imitation and strip _real_ fast with both hands. As far as wading, it depends on the bottom. Some flats are very soft and can’t be waded very well. I fished primarily from a boat in Belize. Have a great time and try to see some ruins as well. I have never been bonefishing before and I’m wondering if any of you have any advice for me. I have an 8wt Sage and regular floating line on a Orvis Battenkill reel. I don’t own any bonefish flies. I am wondering what I will need to make my trip this C-mas to the Bay islands of Honduras a successfull one. Will a regular floating line work? What type of leader size and length is typical? Can I wade in TEVAs or tennis shoes? Should I bring a 6wt rod as well? Has anyone been to or heard anything about the Bay islands? We will be at the largest one called Roatan or something like that. Any advice I could get that would help me get my first Bone would be appreciated. What about barracuda? I know some of you out there have experience in the salt, won’t you help a poor landlocked chump out? Brady

– Charlie…

Response:

I have never been bonefishing before and I’m wondering if any of you have any advice for me. I have an 8wt Sage and regular floating line on a Orvis Battenkill reel. I don’t own any bonefish flies. I am wondering what I will need to make my trip this C-mas to the Bay islands of Honduras a successfull one. Will a regular floating line work? What type of leader size and length is typical? Can I wade in TEVAs or tennis shoes? Should I bring a 6wt rod as well? Has anyone been to or heard anything about the Bay islands? We will be at the largest one called Roatan or something like that. Any advice I could get that would help me get my first Bone would be appreciated. What about barracuda? I know some of you out there have experience in the salt, won’t you help a poor landlocked chump out?  Brady

Response:

Question:

A friend/client, has fished in many parts of the world, without booking through outfitters. Is there any way this can be done in Alaska. He is prepared to hire a guide, at least for a while, possibly the whole trip, and we would appreciate any advice on an alternative to being based at a lodge. Private responses are welcome. Many thanks Del

Response:

A friend/client, has fished in many parts of the world, without booking through outfitters. Is there any way this can be done in Alaska. He is prepared to hire a guide, at least for a while, possibly the whole trip, and we would appreciate any advice on an alternative to being based at a lodge. Private responses are welcome. Many thanks Del

Sure, it’s easy.  Long as you’re not scared of bears and are comfortable with backwoods camping and rafting.  Lot’s of people arrange their own float trips, and there is a thriving business in Alaska around doing that.  You have to be an independent sort, but it is NOT hard.   Try contacting Alaska Bush Carriers in Anchorage, or Fresh Water Adventures in Dillingham.  ABC flies to the Talachulitna, Mulchatna, Chilikadrotna, Deshka, and Lake Creek.  FWA does the Togiak, Goodnews, Kanektok, and others.  Both can help you with rafts, or you can get rafts from Wild Alaska Rivers in Anchorage, and air frieght them to point of need. You can do the Tal for about $500/man, and the Goodnews for about $800/man, not counting airfare.  ABC can rent you a tent and camping gear package as well as the rafts.   Camp Bendeleben, out of Nome, is an interesting trek outside of rainbow trout country, and is on the edge of the known planet.  GREAT silver salmon and char fishing in late august.   I’ve used both of these outfits, and like them.  Using a different outfit to go to the Alagnak this summer, will see how they do.   I recommend that you get the book, ALaska Fly Fishing, by Tony Route, to get you grounded in what kind of tackle you need.  All the gear you need can be gotten in Anchorage if you have a couple of hours between flights.  Try Mountain View Sports, or McAfee’s Fly Shop. Feel free to write if this isn’t enough to get you going.   — Andrew Brunette

Response:

Have you considered Arctic char fishing in Canada’s High Arctic?  The Cdn $ (the loonie) is way down so prices are currently a bargin in US $. There are three options out of Pond Inlet on northern Baffin Island:  1. An Inuit guide/outfitter can drop you off at a fishing spot for a few days and pick you up later.  2. The guide can stay with you and you can try different fishing spots, and enjoy the specatular scenery, mountains, fiords, glaciers, caribou, whales, etc.  3. Or try the lodge in Kuluktoo Bay (most expensive). Up to 6 fishers can share a boat so a small group is most economical. Tununiq Travel and Adventure can put it together for you.  As a tour operator, they can access the lowest published airfares for you out of Montreal or Ottawa. Pond Inlet is well north of the Arctic Circle so you have lots of day light to work with in August.  The ice usually goes out in late July/early August, and after that you can travel by boat. The char are along the shores of the fiords and near the mouths of river until late August. Last year some lucky fishers were throwing back the 15 lbers and keeping the 19 lbers. For more information visit the web site:  www.tununiq.com General descriptions of Fishing adventures are on the Tununiq Adventures page, but check out the other pages for background information (e.g., the Wildlife and Climate pages via the Our Natural World page). Is you want some booking information send and email to Mike Ferguson – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A friend/client, has fished in many parts of the world, without booking through outfitters. Is there any way this can be done in Alaska. He is prepared to hire a guide, at least for a while, possibly the whole trip, and we would appreciate any advice on an alternative to being based at a lodge. Private responses are welcome. Many thanks Del Sure, it’s easy.  Long as you’re not scared of bears and are comfortable with backwoods camping and rafting.  Lot’s of people arrange their own float trips, and there is a thriving business in Alaska around doing that.  You have to be an independent sort, but it is NOT hard. Try contacting Alaska Bush Carriers in Anchorage, or Fresh Water Adventures in Dillingham.  ABC flies to the Talachulitna, Mulchatna, Chilikadrotna, Deshka, and Lake Creek.  FWA does the Togiak, Goodnews, Kanektok, and others.  Both can help you with rafts, or you can get rafts from Wild Alaska Rivers in Anchorage, and air frieght them to point of need. You can do the Tal for about $500/man, and the Goodnews for about $800/man, not counting airfare.  ABC can rent you a tent and camping gear package as well as the rafts. Camp Bendeleben, out of Nome, is an interesting trek outside of rainbow trout country, and is on the edge of the known planet.  GREAT silver salmon and char fishing in late august. I’ve used both of these outfits, and like them.  Using a different outfit to go to the Alagnak this summer, will see how they do. I recommend that you get the book, ALaska Fly Fishing, by Tony Route, to get you grounded in what kind of tackle you need.  All the gear you need can be gotten in Anchorage if you have a couple of hours between flights.  Try Mountain View Sports, or McAfee’s Fly Shop. Feel free to write if this isn’t enough to get you going. — Andrew Brunette

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Question:

Rick, Interesting note.  I can’t help much – this is my first trip up north.  We are going to Fireside Lodge near Sioux Lookout.   It is a drive in but is the only lodge on a group of 8 lakes.  I had initially planned on a fly-in but decided to opt for a lodge this first trip.  I can recommend Uichi Lake Lodge – my Uncle and his friends have been there a number of times and speak very highly of it.  He says the food is great, the fishing is great, and the hosts are great people.  It is a little pricier than Fireside Lodge but only slightly.  It is not an outpost, where you are the only one on the lake, but you do have the luxury of having all meals prepared. Good Luck George

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Last year I went on a trip with Nestor Falls Outfitters.  We had a great trip.  If you are looking for someone, I suggest you give them a try.  The person I went with has been using them for several years and returns year after year.  Good Luck.

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Rick, I went on a fly in trip with Lee Cole back in 1992.  Your experience bouught back some memories.  The fishing was fine, but the life was too rough for us. From now on we go on the American Plan at a lodge.  This year we are going to a new place on Wabatongushi Lake.  If you know anything about this lake let me know. good luck,

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Rick, i found your note interesting, mainly because myself and a group of guys are going on a fly-in next summer.  We were at this place ten years ago.  It is very remote and we never used live bait.  But without bait we still caught tons of fish.  For an example while catching larger northern (pike) I would put the butt of my fishing rod in my stomach to gain leverage.  Upon returning from that trip I had a large bruise on my stomach from catching so many sizable fish.  That’s what you call contact fishing! My best advice is to go earlier, mid to late June.  And to go as remote as you can. Keep me on your list of contacts  I’ll be interested in what you find out.

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Ive been in on ten various fly ins dating back to 1979.  I had to laugh at the Lee Cole story because Ive had other guys steer me away from his operation with the same complaints you had.  My best fishing by FAR has been up around the Red Lake/Sioux Lookout area.  Ive fished a few lakes out of Wawa/ Hawk Junction etc. and frankly believe that the gene pool has been so depleted up there that the quality will not improve for a long time, if ever.  Youve got to drive the extra miles before flying in to separate the men from the boys.  If it doesnt hurt a little to get there you havent gone far enough.  The reward is worth the extra effort.

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I would reccommend earlier than that, we go up for opening day of Walley, 3rd sat in may, and this beats all bugs, but, there is a 1 in 5 chance you will hit ice then – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Rick, i found your note interesting, mainly because myself and a group of guys are going on a fly-in next summer.  We were at this place ten years ago.  It is very remote and we never used live bait.  But without bait we still caught tons of fish.  For an example while catching larger northern (pike) I would put the butt of my fishing rod in my stomach to gain leverage.  Upon returning from that trip I had a large bruise on my stomach from catching so many sizable fish.  That’s what you call contact fishing! My best advice is to go earlier, mid to late June.  And to go as remote as you can. Keep me on your list of contacts  I’ll be interested in what you find out.

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Question:

Any one know where I can find Flyfishing poetry?  Or more short stories like one posted: Testament of a Fisherman?  This for a speech class.  I love this sport and wish to convey this others.

There’s some in Izaak Walton’s book, now what’s it called… Andrew

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Of course, your public library will be cheaper, but probably won’t be open because people aren’t willing to spend the money on literacy.  (Oops, off topic.)

Sounds like a dedicated and somewhat frustrated teacher’s comment to me ;^                       Go Bruce!                              Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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John, Your best bet for depth and variety is a fly shop, or catalog.  Of course, your public library will be cheaper, but probably won’t be open because people aren’t willing to spend the money on literacy.  (Oops, off topic.) I’ve heard it said, and probably said it myself once or twice, that angling has the most extensive, oldest, most thoughtful literature of any blood sport.  I reckon it’s because there’s so much time for contemplation between fish.  Even within this newsgroup you’ll hear folks wax poetic.   Good luck in your search, Bruce

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Any one know where I can find Flyfishing poetry?  Or more short stories like one posted: Testament of a Fisherman?  This for a speech class.  I love this

Best anthology yet is The Magic Wheel, ed. David Profumo and Graham Swift (British paperback, 1985). — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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Fishing Where the line sinks into the sky, Old men sit, waiting paul

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Any one know where I can find Flyfishing poetry?  Or more short stories like one posted: Testament of a Fisherman?  This for a speech class.  I love this sport and wish to convey this others. Thanx John

Nothing professional but here is a little day dream I had this morning in anticipation of my first Steelhead trip this weekend. My reel was screaming as the fiesty beast made another run downstream. My rod held firm as I turned the fish upstream. Slowly the mighty fish was coerced nearer to shore as fatigue set in. My arms ached in pain but I held firm. Suddenly, with a thunderous splash, the fish tried to escape again. Leaping in to the air it lashed about and threw its head sideways trying to dislodge the fly that had fooled it earlier. "Pull up, don’t give it any slack!" my companion advised. My 12 Lb. tippet stretched under the strain but it did not snap. Once again the Steelhead was running. The fly line burned my fingers as I tried to slow him. I managed to turn up my drag just enough to slow him once more. The screaming reel silenced as the fish came to rest 100 yards down stream. We both held still as one another tried to anticipate the opponents next move. Twenty minutes have past since I felt the first gentle tug on my line. Twenty minutes of thrill and anticipation. Just how big is this fish on my line? He’s lived in the open ocean for three years. Then an urge unknown to man posessed this fish to swim east. A mysterious instict that has guided this species for millions of years tells the fish to find his birth place. Thousands of miles and thousands of rivers but this fish seeked the waters that he was born in. His journey almost complete he now finds himself in an unfamiliar situation. A tug on his jaw forces him slightly upstream. This is a force that is much different than the force guiding him to the spawning grounds. This fish, who understands the true meaning of survival, pumps his gills faster. The miracles of nature energizes the fish as he fights the force that is opposing his quest. With a tremendous effort he hurdles his body out of the water and twists with all his might. Back into the river his mighty tail powers his body as he slices through the water. "He’s running again. Hold tight!" my friend yells. I helplessly watched as the backing on my reel quickly dwindled. I dare not touch the line as it is pulled from my reel at a speed of 25 miles per hour. In a last ditch effort to turn the fish I lay back on the rod with all my weight. Would this work or have I met my match? The line slows as the fish circles. 200 yards now seperate us. The fish rests again. I check my line to see that ony 2 yards remain on the spool. "Move down stream. Try to get closer or we’ll lose him!" my friend of fifteen years frantically yells. I start reel as I slowly make my way to the bank. "Keep the pressure on him!" I fumble to the shoreline and manage to close the gap between us. The Steely sits quietly in the flowing water as I gather my line one turn at a time. The floodwaters of last week have littered the shore as I work my way closer. Back into the water I go, carefully stepping and feeling my way through the river bed. A few more turns and my yellow flyline once again makes contact with my rod. For the last ten minutes it was the nylon mesh backing line that kept me connected to the opponent. A few more turns and the familiar looking flyline is started on the reel. Relief eases my heart ever so slightly and a little confidence returns. "At least if he breaks off now I wont lose my line." I proclaim. Forty yards to go and I keep the pressure on. A deep pocket of water lies ahead of me. "This is as close as I can get. Grab the net and I’ll try to ease him in!" are the orders I direct to my friend.  He’s lived in Seattle for 6 years and fishes at least twice a month. He understands the adventures of Steelhead and Salmon. He fished diligently for 2 summers before landing his first. An excellent day in this sport is several hookups and a single fish to the bank. Now I understand why. Thirty minutes have passed and forty yards remain. My forearms begin to cramp as I apply more pressure to the graphite rod. "Pump and reel, see if he moves!" my coach advises. The resting fish gives way as I pull him closer. Forty yards become thirty. Thirty becomes twenty, and twenty becomes ten. For the first time since the fight began I can see the fish through the clear running water. A beautiful silver body with colorful sides. Nearly three feet long and a tail larger than a plate. I can see into his eyes, and he into mine. His mouth is slightly open as he rythmically passes the water over his gills. I can see my fly in the corner of his mouth. A simple wirehook and some feathers. Not much more than that is what tricked this fish earlier this morning. For nearly a minute we stare at each other. Motionless, both of us rest. My arms are numb and my wrist are throbbing. "Towards the net! Pull him towards the net!" I head him towards shore and the fish focuses on my companion. He sees the net and wiggles his head. With a violent splash he turns his body around and powers his tail again. with a spray of water he leaps into the air twisting and turning. "SNAP!" then silence. The resistance is gone. My rod holds straight and my line lies limp as the steely slowly swims away. "Damn! He took my fly. Let’s take a break and tie some more of those up." I concede. "Too bad you didn’t land that one. He was almost as big as the last one you caught!" my friend consoles. "Oh’ well, chalk it up as a humane release. I just wanted my fly back first." — Fran Current

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Any one know where I can find Flyfishing poetry?  Or more short stories like one posted: Testament of a Fisherman?  This for a speech class.  I love this sport and wish to convey this others. Thanx John

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Question:

Folks, I need your help. I downloaded a new version of GNN tonite (31a – avoid it at all costs) and it blew away my hotlist with all my flyfishing links,  Would you all please wpost your favorite liwweb pages  with the correct http adresses?  I used to have all of the "classics", but they are gone for now.  I’ll try to build them back by doing some serious surfing, but any help you can provide would be appreciated. Thanks, Kevin

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Folks, I need your help. I downloaded a new version of GNN tonite (31a – avoid it at all costs) and it blew away my hotlist with all my flyfishing links,  Would you all please wpost your favorite liwweb pages  with the correct http adresses?  I used to have all of the "classics", but they are gone for now.  I’ll try to build them back by doing some serious surfing, but any help you can provide would be appreciated. Thanks, Kevin

Kevin, Perhaps you’ve tried this already but if not,  it’ll give more locations than you probably want:  <http://www.lycos.com/  (don’t put in these things  < )  I ran a test on it just searching for  "fly fish" and got more that 50 pages with the majority being specificly fly fishing. (it said it had "10k documents" if I wanted to look at them !!!) Regards,   ~~ The Eddie Bauer catalog offers pitch-saturated kindling wood "felled by lightning or other natural causes." WHAT!

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Question:

: I live in Downriver Detroit and love to travel to No. Mich. to fly fish : for trout.  Unfortunately, it appears my travel budget will be seriously : curtailed this summer.  Does anyone out there know of good streams or : lakes in the metro area that are wader-accessible?  Fish species are : unimportant.  Also, any guidance on flies for warmwater species will be : appreciated.   You live in one of the most lake-besotted states in the union! There are *scores* of good fishing lakes in your neighborhood. Go to a large bookstore or DNR office and get a copy of the book "Fishing in Michigan". It lists scores of lakes with details of access, location, species and so forth. For warmwater flies, think pink and green. I have caught tons of panfish on a variety of nymphs, wooly buggers and even tiny 1/32 oz pink jigs. Some folks tie a bit of hackle to these so it looks more like flyfishing My favorite and one of my most successful for ‘gills and crappie has been a sort of scud tied as follows: #12-14 3906 thread: tan body: light beige dubbing shell: three pieces of flashabou- one green and two iridescent rib: copper wire- about #36. Tie in the wire and flashabou strands. Dub on body. Pull flashabou forwards and tie off. Rib with wire and tie off. For bass, I like big deer hair mice and a sort of worm tied from a zonker strip (about 3-4" long) and some maribou on a #2 hook. –mike

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Paint Creek in Rochester. The Huron River out by Proud Lake Rec Area (this is already open, flys only- and when ya get done, you can go XC skiing- supposed to snow 2 night…doncha jus love Mich?…).

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I live in Downriver Detroit and love to travel to No. Mich. to fly fish for trout.  Unfortunately, it appears my travel budget will be seriously curtailed this summer.  Does anyone out there know of good streams or lakes in the metro area that are wader-accessible?  Fish species are unimportant.  Also, any guidance on flies for warmwater species will be appreciated.   Paul Wise

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Question:

Would you be so kind as to tell an old boy from Florida what a "spey rod" is and what it’s used for.

Spey rods were developped and still used for freshwater salmon fishing in rivers.  The rods are double handed and are 12+’ up to 16′.  The rods allow you to make long (40yds+) casts in gorges ravines where there is no room ‘behind’ for a back cast.  The length of the rod also allows you to control the water ie control the swing of the fly to get the right speed releative to the current.  Old hands on the river Ness in Scotland were able to throw approx 50yds to the far bank and catch fish in places where no one else could reach.  I believe that they are increasingly being used by Steelheaders over your side of the pond.  You might want to try one for bonefish you could sure lay a long line in a stiff breeze! Chris Enstone

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rivers.  The rods are double handed and are 12+’ up to 16′.  The rods allow you to make long (40yds+) casts in gorges ravines where there is no room ‘behind’ for a back cast.  The length of the rod also allows you to control the water ie control the swing of the fly to get the right speed releative to the current.  Old hands on the river Ness in Scotland were able to throw approx 50yds to the far bank and catch fish in places where no one else could reach.

You really mean yards (120-150 ft cast). I can hardly cast my fly 70ft+ now. Is spey casting easy to learn? How far could an average caster cast with a spey rod, in an ideal condition? Thi Nguyen

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Bruce and Walker in England make spey rods for spey casting.  I have a 14′ for 10-11 weight designed by Hugh Falkus that I enjoy very much. I have also used the Bruce and Walker Merlin, which is a 15′ for an 11 wt. that is also quite nice. Both are much slower than the Sage rods. If you contact either the Sparrow’s Nest, or Kaufman’s Fly shop, both in Seattle, they can put you in touch with Joe Rissano, who imports these rods into the U.S.

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writes: Bruce and Walker in England make spey rods for spey casting.  I have a 14′ for 10-11 weight designed by Hugh Falkus that I enjoy very much.

Would you be so kind as to tell an old boy from Florida what a "spey rod" is and what it’s used for. Thank you.

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