Question:

I just want to say thanks to all of the participants in the past weeks issues.  Listening to everyones feelings and knowing that I am not alone in my distraction.  I just need to make something!!! So its out to the shop I go to build some blanks for some new turned bowls. I also have to make a material list for the new shop addition!!!  25 X 11 for a dark humidity controled storage area. While I am changing my focus from last week’s event’s, my outrage and desire to see those responsible fry is still very strong. Well I hear some Black Walnut calling. O, I’m going to go out later and do my part to stimulate the economy. Need a new pair of hip waders. Later Tom in Oregon

Response:

Right there with ya Tom, I made sawdust all day yesterday and didn’t miss that TV one little bit. David – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I just want to say thanks to all of the participants in the past weeks issues.  Listening to everyones feelings and knowing that I am not alone in my distraction.  I just need to make something!!! So its out to the shop I go to build some blanks for some new turned bowls. I also have to make a material list for the new shop addition!!!  25 X 11 for a dark humidity controled storage area. While I am changing my focus from last week’s event’s, my outrage and desire to see those responsible fry is still very strong. Well I hear some Black Walnut calling. O, I’m going to go out later and do my part to stimulate the economy. Need a new pair of hip waders. Later Tom in Oregon

Response:

O, I’m going to go out later and do my part to stimulate the economy. Need a new pair of hip waders.

Yep, winter in the Northwest is quickly approaching – btw, maybe you ought to locate the shop in a hill.   — Owen Lowe and his Fly-by-Night Copper Company Offering a shim for the Porter-Cable 557 type 2 <http://www.flybynightcoppercompany.com <http://www.easystreet.com/~onlnlowe/index.html

Response:

One thing that I like about woodworking (or making anything else for that matter) is that it keeps me away from TV, which is a good thing IMHO (too much biased crap on TV nowadays) — replace n with s to reply — Tai Fu NAR# 76089 L1

Response:

Well Owen, I’m in Aloha and there just ain’t no hills on my land. Looking forward to several days on the wilson river though, hoping for some decent fishing. All the while remembering those who are no longer with us. The bowl I finished yesterday was started and dated 9-11-01. I had just dated it when my wife told me what was happening in New York. Tom in Oregon – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – O, I’m going to go out later and do my part to stimulate the economy. Need a new pair of hip waders. Yep, winter in the Northwest is quickly approaching – btw, maybe you ought to locate the shop in a hill.   — Owen Lowe and his Fly-by-Night Copper Company Offering a shim for the Porter-Cable 557 type 2 <http://www.flybynightcoppercompany.com <http://www.easystreet.com/~onlnlowe/index.html

Response:

I agree Tai. Last week end we did not listen to any broadcast TV. Just watched a bunch of movies.  Partly due to to much information and being overwhelmed by it all, but mainly needing some time to reflect and try to sort out our feelings. Tom in Oregon – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – One thing that I like about woodworking (or making anything else for that matter) is that it keeps me away from TV, which is a good thing IMHO (too much biased crap on TV nowadays) — replace n with s to reply — Tai Fu NAR# 76089 L1

Response:

Question:

We camped right by a water fall. Barb-Animal lover, nature lover, camper, and mom.

Response:

<<I am planning to visit Glacier National Park in September of 2000.  I’d like suggestions on flyfishing and accomodations there.  Thank you. We tent camped/backpacked there about 9 years ago. My gosh we saw so many grizzly bears. I didn’t sleep too good at night. Every noise I heard freaked me out. Barb-Animal lover, nature lover, camper, and mom.

Response:

Accomodations?  Like with room service? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am planning to visit Glacier National Park in September of 2000.  I’d like suggestions on flyfishing and accomodations there.  Thank you.

Response:

I am planning to visit Glacier National Park in September of 2000.  I’d like suggestions on flyfishing and accomodations there.  Thank you.

Response:

Question:

I’m fairly new to fly fishing. While I was taking a course in fly fishing the guide tied on two flies at once.  I’m trying to remember his technique. It seems that he tied line on the hook on one fly and added another on the end. How do you tie on more than one fly? Is this even a good idea? Thanks Greg

Response:

Hi Gregory, That is known as tying on a ‘dropper’ fly.  I tie it on above the barb of the first fly, using the clinch knot, about 18" long.  There are other methods of tying on a dropper on the tippet above the terminal fly, but your instructor wanted to keep it simple.  And yes, it is a good idea to use a dropper at times.  Many times when fish won’t hit on top, they’ll go for the dropper.  I fish for bluegill with this method when they get a little sulky in the summer,  and again in the fall when topwater fishing slows down.  Some might call this ‘bobber fishin’, but don’t let that influence you. Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF  RET.

|I’m fairly new to fly fishing. While I was taking a course in fly fishing |the guide tied on two flies at once.  I’m trying to remember his technique. |It seems that he tied line on the hook on one fly and added another on the |end. How do you tie on more than one fly? Is this even a good idea? Thanks |Greg

Response:

This is a common technique when fishing wet flies. A fly is tied to the end of the leader as usual and another is tied to what is called a dropper. This is usually made when tying the leader by extending one end of the blood knot. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m fairly new to fly fishing. While I was taking a course in fly fishing the guide tied on two flies at once.  I’m trying to remember his technique. It seems that he tied line on the hook on one fly and added another on the end. How do you tie on more than one fly? Is this even a good idea? Thanks Greg

Response:

(good dropper advice snipped ) Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF  RET.

Frank, I know you are a smallie fan.  A #4 or #6 hair bug for the surface and a nymph or small streamer as a dropper tied in the manner you described makes a particularly deadly combination for smallmouth.  The fish may take either fly.  This also works on trout on larger waters and is particularly effective in faster water.  In the case of trout use a slightly smaler top bug and a size 14 or 16 nymph. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

You can add an additional fly by simply tying a length of tippet to the eye of the first fly. This is how I was taught on the San Juan. The first fly can be dry attractor ( serves as strike indicator) or other while the lower fly a nymph. Two nymphs regular technique on San Juan, at least for the guide I had. One warning, I am not sure two flies are legal on all waters. You should check before using this technique as ignorance of the rules will not necessarily get you off the hook so to speak. Regards from Montreal John Brkich

Response:

Question:

An interesting novel that I found with some great fly-fishing sequences. Not only about fishing, a murder mystery, but ties fishing in as a part of life – right on! Its an E-Book. http://www.spiritvirtualbooks.com/Trone.htm Learn the recipe for a hot new fly. "The Blonde Armpit"  :)

Response:

http://www.getfishy.com/picks for the top ten fly fishing books.  –ed – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – An interesting novel that I found with some great fly-fishing sequences. Not only about fishing, a murder mystery, but ties fishing in as a part of life – right on! Its an E-Book. http://www.spiritvirtualbooks.com/Trone.htm Learn the recipe for a hot new fly. "The Blonde Armpit"  :)

Response:

Question:

How often should you change your line.  Mine has been on a year but does not seemed damaged. — Praise God for the changing of the seasons; Baseball to Football, Fishing to Hunting.

Response:

I say that you should change your line when it wears out and loses floatability or, er… sinkability (?). Bryce Carron Rockford, Tn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -How often should you change your line.  Mine has been on a year but does not seemed damaged.

Response:

if it splashes down when casting, is cracked or sinks, get a new one

Response:

How often should you change your line.  Mine has been on a year but does not seemed damaged. — Praise God for the changing of the seasons; Baseball to Football, Fishing to Hunting.

Hi All, Some lucky suckers get to fish every day, so they might get a new line every season. Other get out an average amount and need a line in 3 to 5 years. Some poor guys never get to go and their lines are still great after 20 years in the closet. You can usually tell by looking at the finish. If it looks like it is cracking or is sinking after it is cleaned and dressed, it is probably worn out. The top fly lines are still only $50. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

How often should you change your line.  Mine has been on a year but does not seemed damaged.

The easy answer is when it wears out.  The line will get stiff and crack, or start sinking when it wears out and then you should replace it.  I replace mine about once a year, most people replace theirs every 3 to 5 years.  If you don’t use it much it will last much longer if you keep it out of the sun and heat. Also, "cracking the whip" with your fly line will not only lose a lot of flies, but cause your line to crack and wear out prematurely.                                    Hope this helps,                                           Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools Mt. Shasta Fly Fishing Schools http://www.thegrid.net/flyfish

Response:

If I replace mine every time it splashes down while casting I’d need a new one every couple of casts.             Jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – if it splashes down when casting, is cracked or sinks, get a new one

Response:

I’m new to fly fishing and have just recently purchased my own equipment instead of using someone else’s.  could you tell me how this line is supposed to go?  Is it backing – line- leader- tippet?  If so how much leader and how much tippet.  I fish in Arkansas rivers (mostly the White and the Buffalo). Thanks, Alan Edwards

Response:

I’m new to fly fishing and have just recently purchased my own equipment instead of using someone else’s.  could you tell me how this line is supposed to go?  Is it backing – line- leader- tippet?  If so how

Yes "backing – line- leader- tippet" and then: Leaders for beginners should usually be about 9 feet. The tippet is simply the finest part of the leader next to the hook.  Rough guideline:  3x tippet = 0.008" suits #12 hook                          4x            007"       #16 and similarly up and down.  You need to replace the tippet when (after changing flies) it gets too short or too thick. New tippets should be roughly 18" inches (less if your dry fly does not "turn over" neatly, longer for more delicate touchdowns etc.)   Backing is measured last, so as to fill up the reel, without squashing the line, once everything is unspooled and respooled the right way.  A filled reel reduces line curl (and provides extra insurance if you hook a bigger fish than expected.) — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

Question:

Of course, I haven’t fished California that often at all.  Maybe twice in my life.  Your trails are just too chucked full of broken rods.  ;)    - Just kiddin, just kiddin!

That’s cuz when we break a rod, we just Chuck it! Charley

Response:

Gosh, but it works for me just fine.  Your bushes are THAT thick there, huh?  I never find it probable enough to change directions with ‘that many’ hang-ups Charlie.  I frankly would rather do it this way than stumble forward onto a rod or jamming the tip into exactly what you don’t like . . . thick bushes.  What I do, if and when on those rare occassions it IS that thick, is the rod simply is dangling on my finger-tips.  It it hangs up it pulls enough for me to stop immediately and wiggle it loose.

I almost always carry mine with rod tip trailing, with a loose grip, for the same reasons GG mentions.  If the brush is very thick and the trail meanders (like willow thickets), I somtimes carry the rod pointing straight up.  I rarely carry it tip first; too easy to snap a rod.  Also, when traveling on a hillside, the rod should always be carried on the downhill side.  That way, if your feet slide out from under you, you won’t fall on your rod and ruin your day. Charlie Quinton

Response:

Always walk down a trail with your rod butt in your hand and your rod trailing after. It is then a simple matter to unhook your upper fly and bingo! You already have enought line to cast and feed out. Mr. Gink

George,         I was with you right up to here.  In the pacific north west and California, it’s just too damn brushy for this.  I always carry my rod so I can see the tip and keep it out of trouble.  Invariably, when I try to trail it behind an eye or the line catches on a branch, and I end up retracing my steps to get it unwound.  Nice theory, haven’t gotten it to work here. Charley

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Always walk down a trail with your rod butt in your hand and your rod trailing after. It is then a simple matter to unhook your upper fly and bingo! You already have enought line to cast and feed out. Mr. Gink George,         I was with you right up to here.  In the pacific north west and California, it’s just too damn brushy for this.  I always carry my rod so I can see the tip and keep it out of trouble.  Invariably, when I try to trail it behind an eye or the line catches on a branch, and I end up retracing my steps to get it unwound.  Nice theory, haven’t gotten it to work here. Charley

thick there, huh?  I never find it probable enough to change directions with ‘that many’ hang-ups Charlie.  I frankly would rather do it this way than stumble forward onto a rod or jamming the tip into exactly what you don’t like . . . thick bushes.  What I do, if and when on those rare occassions it IS that thick, is the rod simply is dangling on my finger-tips.  It it hangs up it pulls enough for me to stop immediately and wiggle it loose.  I simply just don’t get hung up that often Chuck to worry about it.  Of course, I haven’t fished California that often at all.  Maybe twice in my life.  Your trails are just too chucked full of broken rods.  ;)    - Just kiddin, just kiddin!

Response:

I have to admit, I’m in the ‘hold the rod forward’ school myself…I have read and been told that this is not the best way, but when I tally the thing behind me, I always ball it up on the bushes like Charley.   TimW – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Always walk down a trail with your rod butt in your hand and your rod trailing after. It is then a simple matter to unhook your upper fly and bingo! You already have enought line to cast and feed out. Mr. Gink George,         I was with you right up to here.  In the pacific north west and California, it’s just too damn brushy for this.  I always carry my rod so I can see the tip and keep it out of trouble.  Invariably, when I try to trail it behind an eye or the line catches on a branch, and I end up retracing my steps to get it unwound.  Nice theory, haven’t gotten it to work here. Charley thick there, huh?  I never find it probable enough to change directions with ‘that many’ hang-ups Charlie.  I frankly would rather do it this way than stumble forward onto a rod or jamming the tip into exactly what you don’t like . . . thick bushes.  What I do, if and when on those rare occassions it IS that thick, is the rod simply is dangling on my finger-tips.  It it hangs up it pulls enough for me to stop immediately and wiggle it loose.  I simply just don’t get hung up that often Chuck to worry about it.  Of course, I haven’t fished California that often at all.  Maybe twice in my life.  Your trails are just too chucked full of broken rods.  ;)    - Just kiddin, just kiddin!

Response:

Two comments: 1. Rain forests of Pacific Northwest sometimes limit this method when bushwacking to the next pool. I often have to take the rod down to avoid breakage when working through foilage with jungle like characteristics. This applies to about 5% of my fishing. Otherwise it works. 2. DO NOT BEND THE END OF THE ROD when doing this. You can break it. There is a tendancy to pull the line from the reel end when hooking the guide. Rather one should pull the line straight out from the tip. Next time you have a fish on (or are snagged) look at the last foot or so of your rod. You will notice it is straight, while the rest of the rod bends. B.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Going to move to a different fishing location? Or walk down a trail with your flyline? Here is a tip on how to string up your leader and flyline for travel. Take the fly and do not hook it on the fly guide. This is a waste of time. Rather, take your fly and hook it about two or three guides below the Rod Tip. Bring your hand back on the loop and and loop your leader/flyline around the reel housing and then reel up the remaining slack. What this does, when done correctly is keep your leader out of the tip guide. Here is how it should look. Your fly line comes out of the tip, changes into your leader which goes directly down to and around your reel and back up to your fly which is hooked in a guide up near your rod tip. Always walk down a trail with your rod butt in your hand and your rod trailing after. It is then a simple matter to unhook your upper fly and bingo! You already have enought line to cast and feed out. Mr. Gink

Hi George, I’ve used this system for years and you are right it’s a great way transport a "rigged rod."  Also it keeps you, your friends, or clients from ending up with a fly hook snagged in the carry hand.  I can’t tell you the number of time each year I get to remove hooks from clients hands who chose to use the hook keeper rather than the system you suggest. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

Response:

Going to move to a different fishing location? Or walk down a trail with your flyline? Here is a tip on how to string up your leader and flyline for travel. Take the fly and do not hook it on the fly guide. This is a waste of time. Rather, take your fly and hook it about two or three guides below the Rod Tip. Bring your hand back on the loop and and loop your leader/flyline around the reel housing and then reel up the remaining slack. What this does, when done correctly is keep your leader out of the tip guide. Here is how it should look. Your fly line comes out of the tip, changes into your leader which goes directly down to and around your reel and back up to your fly which is hooked in a guide up near your rod tip. Always walk down a trail with your rod butt in your hand and your rod trailing after. It is then a simple matter to unhook your upper fly and bingo! You already have enought line to cast and feed out.

Two comments: – check the reel foot before you do this – many have quite sharp corners and will definitely eat into the leader. All of my CFO’s (which use a machined reel foot) needed a light touchup with a bit of sandpaper to take the edge off them (most of my Hardy’s needed a similar buffing job). – most flyfisherpeople I know have been doing this for decades… Cheers! /dave <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.       Alpha Server Engineering < < Parker Street Campus            Maynard, Massachusetts   < <        Charter Member of "Curmudgeons Unlimited"       < <<<<<<<<<<<< AMA 548313 <<<<<<<<<<<< Disclaimer: Opinion and content is mine alone, and unlikely             to be shared by my employer, etc…

Response:

Going to move to a different fishing location? Or walk down a trail with your flyline? Here is a tip on how to string up your leader and flyline for travel. Take the fly and do not hook it on the fly guide. This is a waste of time. Rather, take your fly and hook it about two or three guides below the Rod Tip. Bring your hand back on the loop and and loop your leader/flyline around the reel housing and then reel up the remaining slack. What this does, when done correctly is keep your leader out of the tip guide. Here is how it should look. Your fly line comes out of the tip, changes into your leader which goes directly down to and around your reel and back up to your fly which is hooked in a guide up near your rod tip. Always walk down a trail with your rod butt in your hand and your rod trailing after. It is then a simple matter to unhook your upper fly and bingo! You already have enought line to cast and feed out. Mr. Gink

Response:

Question:

I’ ll be in Cancun in early Dec. with some nonfishing friends and would like to get two days of bonefishing in if possible.  I was wondering if anyone was familiar with any guides or fishing areas within a short distance from Cancun. I’ve fished at Ascension Bay Bonefish club in the past and its unfortunately much to far to go for a day trip. Any help would be appreciated.

You can fish for 10 to30# tarpon in Dec. north of Cancun with a good guide servise we use. If you go out to the island of Cozumel you can get a guide for bonefish year round. Call us at 800/4000FLY for more info. You can rent a car and drive south down to the Boca Paila bridge for some wading for bonefish and permit. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

Response:

I’ ll be in Cancun in early Dec. with some nonfishing friends and would like to get two days of bonefishing in if possible.  I was wondering if anyone was familiar with any guides or fishing areas within a short distance from Cancun. I’ve fished at Ascension Bay Bonefish club in the past and its unfortunately much to far to go for a day trip. Any help would be appreciated.

Response:

Question:

I will be traveling through Montana in June and would like some advice of the high spots I might fish.  I will probably enter Montana at Twin Falls and exit to Sheridan in Wyo.  Can anyone give me an itenerary or a list of the high spots I might try in two or three days?  my email I’m impressed at the response that "Montana in August" received.   Thanks in advance.

Response:

You have the Bitterroot, by Dillon, Grasshopper creel, by Dillon, The Big Hole, then you could swing up and hit Rock Creek, Blackfoot and the Little Blackfoot(might be getting too north here….) Then cut back toward Wy. and drive along the Madison…… Let me know if you need more help

Response:

I will be traveling through Montana in June and would like some advice of the high spots I might fish.  I will probably enter Montana at Twin Falls and exit to Sheridan in Wyo.  Can anyone give me an itenerary or a list of the high spots I might try in two or three days?  my email I’m impressed at the response that "Montana in August" received.   Thanks in advance.

Hi There are several private lakes and spring creeks in the Livingston area. For reservation on said waters call the River’s Edge in Bozeman at 406-586-5373 or RJ Cain at 406-587-9111. Sorry to tell you that the rivers in Montana in June are usually very high and dirty. We have a snow pack that is well above 100% so spring run off will probably be fairly long. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Product Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response:

I will be traveling through Montana in June and would like some advice of the high spots I might fish.  I will probably enter Montana at Twin Falls and exit to Sheridan in Wyo.  Can anyone give me an itenerary or a list of the high spots I might try in two or three days?  my email I’m impressed at the response that "Montana in August" received.   Thanks in advance.

If you are going to travel through Yellowstone Park during your trip, you might want to check out the Firehole and the upper Madison. You might run into some PMD’s, baetis, and caddis hatches.  Soft hackles and a variety of suggestive nymphs are often productive when the insects are not active.  Have fun. Take Care,

Response:

Question:

I’ll try to remain calm… I just heard about a guy here in Glenwood Springs that is attempting to get a patent for a new Green Drake pattern that he ‘invented’. I am (almost) physically ill at the thought of this. When we walk down to the stream (or lake or salt or…) to flyfish we are carrying with us the knowledge, spirit and soul of hundreds of years of tradition.  We can design flies,  but our basis is that of every fisher who ever wet a line. I can think of nothing more arrogant. Tim Walker

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll try to remain calm… I just heard about a guy here in Glenwood Springs that is attempting to get a patent for a new Green Drake pattern that he ‘invented’. I am (almost) physically ill at the thought of this. When we walk down to the stream (or lake or salt or…) to flyfish we are carrying with us the knowledge, spirit and soul of hundreds of years of tradition.  We can design flies,  but our basis is that of every fisher who ever wet a line. I can think of nothing more arrogant. Tim Walker

I’ll agree in principal, but practicaly it wishful thinking.  Some people seek a living from the sport, and a patent can serve to protect their interest.  Pott Mite flies still carry a patent.  Parachute flies were patented at one time, and called "gyros".  Mike Tucker has a patented scud pattern (it’s excellent).  Many people today trademark the name of their patterns.  You may not like the idea, and I must say that a patent is perhaps going a bit too far, but only because it’s so easy to get around it by switching materials, or process.  If someone wants to, I’d be the last person to object, but I sure wouldn’t waste my time by doing it. —  Have a marvelous time, and be sure to get a lot of roughage in your Diet! Chaz ;-

Response:

: I’ll try to remain calm…   … as will I … : I just heard about a guy here in Glenwood Springs that is attempting to : get a patent for a new Green Drake pattern that he ‘invented’. : I am (almost) physically ill at the thought of this. : When we walk down to the stream (or lake or salt or…) to flyfish we : are carrying with us the knowledge, spirit and soul of hundreds of : years of tradition.  We can design flies,  but our basis is that of : every fisher who ever wet a line.   This man may fly-fish but he certainly doesn’t fit my definition of a   fly-fisherman. : I can think of nothing more arrogant.   Nor I : Tim Walker   Izaak Walton had a little to say about "rich men" being a sad lot because   they become " vexatious " and ‘invent’ ways to hold on to their money .   This guy sounds like he’s inventing other things besides fly-patterns.   For crying out loud, who does he think he is, what tyer/fisher hasn’t   developed a pattern that works for him/her and is his favourite when a   a hatch of "so and so’s" is on … and I bet there’ll be a guy a mile or   so upstream using a similar pattern that he ‘invented’. In the interests of sharing patterns here’s one I ‘invented’ (given the constraint listed above) for use as a general search pattern on a small river that I fish quite often. This river has a population of freshwater crayfish, which are royal blue and black with a large white claw and white spots on the carapace nodules ( the spiny bits on the shell). The best part is the young also look like this and can be represented quite nicely on a size 10 long shank hook. Large black mayfly numphs also thrive here, with the distinguishing feature of these blokes is a white under belly …. So this Is what I came up with ….         hook: 10ls, 12, 14           tail: black cock (1/2 body length – good bunch)     body: black – antron, seals fur, dyed carpet underlay (cow hair) all work.         rib : fine dark blue tinsel 3-4 turns depending on size.         thorax: same as body material – just a bit of a hump not execessive.     wingcase: pale electric/iridescent blue feather from the wing of one of               our local Australian parrots (Rosella – Ithink – I pick the                           feathers up in the yard – the advantages of living in the hills         throat hackle: guinea fowl (natural)         NOTES:                 General nymph shaped body.             Weight for heavy water.         Fishing: Large (10) – fished down and across with little crayfishy jerks     in the slower sections.         Smaller – just like a normal nymph – upstream under a dry for an indicator.         It works well in grubby water as well as clear … well down here at least.         I would be pleased to hear about about any similar patterns  that anyone     knows of. steve Melbourne, Australia

Response:

I’ll try to remain calm… I just heard about a guy here in Glenwood Springs that is attempting to get a patent for a new Green Drake pattern that he ‘invented’. I am (almost) physically ill at the thought of this….

The practice of patenting a fly, or patenting the design/materials/methods used in tying one, is not new.  There were British and American patents granted decades ago, and for all I know it has been done under the patent laws of other countries.  I doubt that anyone would begrudge a rodmaker patenting an improved ferrule, or a reel designer patenting a unique drag system.  But there is something about the art, or at least the craft, of fly design that causes us to resist the idea of patents being granted in this area.  You may at least take solace in the fact that fly patents are never likely to have much impact on the market.  If the fly is not effective, the fly fisher will not buy it and the patent holder will not benefit.  If the patented fly is successful (the McMurray Ant comes to mind), its success will likely be due to a design principle that cannot be easily constrained under patent law.  The balsawood-and-monofilament McMurray design really catches fish, but the principle was easily mimicked by closed cell foam-bodied ants, which have the added benefit of being more durable. Woods Hole, MA   USA

Response:

   I think this patent thing is a great idea.  Just think of all the opportunities it will afford thousands of people across America.  I myself can’t wait until its in full scale across the country.  I want to be one of the firt to sign up for "fly patrol".  Just think of it.  I’ll get to travel across the country to its finest streams and rivers and check the fly boxes of each angler I see.  I can see it now.  "Excuse me, sir. Do you have the proper licencing for that Green Drake pattern?" Jason

Response:

Parachute flies were patented at one time, and called "gyros".

Yes indeed!  I have a set of four of these flies, tied on #16 hooks; each has a ginger hackle and a partridge body feather tied in parachute-style. They date from the 1930’s and were sold by Alex. Martin, Ltd. of Scotland. One of the flies has a tiny piece of paper attached to the hook, reading: "Parachute" Reg’d. Trade Mark – Alex. Martin’s Patent 379343. Woods Hole, MA   USA

Response:

        Sounds like the guy has an attitude problem.  I cna’t ever imagine a true flyfisher not wanting to share in his experiences and knowledge.                 Tom <:?

Response:

Just to add to the list of patent fly patterns: I seem to remember that the Teeny Nymph was/is a patented fly, even though I’ve seen tying instructions (dead easy, really) all over the place. — Blair Sharpe Ottawa, ON, Canada

Response:

I’ll try to remain calm… I just heard about a guy here in Glenwood Springs that is attempting to get a patent for a new Green Drake pattern that he ‘invented’. I am (almost) physically ill at the thought of this. I can think of nothing more arrogant.

Unless he’s really got something _outrageous_, the only patent protection available would be a Design Patent.  That means if he got it, he could bring suit to stop someone producing the fly.  In practical terms, read producing it _commercially_.  You, of course, and thousands of others, could be equally arrogant, tie his fly for your own use, and say, "So sue me for infringing your patent."  Getting a patent is a _lot_ easier than enforcing it. This is not legal advice, merely the reality of patents. — John Taylor    (W3ZID)     |  "The opinions expressed are those of the

Response:

Question:

This group is so full of guys with boats and sonar. Has anybody thought of creating a new group rec.outdoors.guy.boat.sonar? Seriously, aren’t there any flyfishers out there?  Has the world gone completely to sonar … -john

Just a few weeks ago the complaint was ‘are there only flyfishers here?’ or did you know that Its starting to warm up here- may hit 70F soon. flyfishers are starting to crawlout of hibernation (read tying den)– stoneflies are hatching– ITS TIME! BTW, I always use a fishfinder when I go flyfishing— polaroids + hares’ ear nymph in case the water is a little turbid or the pool is too deep to see in. mike

Response:

I don’t know how everybody else felt about the two a day fillet knife postings, but I really don’t like reading ads, so after I asked the guy to stop twice, and he didn’t, I complained to Berkeley and they inactivated his account. I hope he didn’t have any important projects due 8-). Usenet is not for commercial posting. University equipment is generally not for commercial posting. Now, back to your regularly scheduled fishing news. This group is so full of guys with boats and sonar. Has anybody thought of creating a new group rec.outdoors.guy.boat.sonar? Seriously, aren’t there any flyfishers out there?  Has the world gone completely to sonar driving thick thumbed baitcasting bass and tuna fishers? Well, I guess the guys with boats and sonar pretty much don’t have anything to do all winter until iceout. We flyfishers just tie and post and tie and post. The weather sucks here too. -john — John Danskin                    | (609) 258-5386                  | Gradual student (609) 258-1771 fax              | Graphics systems

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I don’t know how everybody else felt about the two a day fillet knife postings, but I really don’t like reading ads, so after I asked the guy to stop twice, and he didn’t, I complained to Berkeley and they inactivated his account. I hope he didn’t have any important projects due 8-). Usenet is not for commercial posting. University equipment is generally not for commercial posting. Now, back to your regularly scheduled fishing news. This group is so full of guys with boats and sonar. Has anybody thought of creating a new group rec.outdoors.guy.boat.sonar? Seriously, aren’t there any flyfishers out there?  Has the world gone completely to sonar driving thick thumbed baitcasting bass and tuna fishers? Well, I guess the guys with boats and sonar pretty much don’t have anything to do all winter until iceout. We flyfishers just tie and post and tie and post.

        John,         Are you quite done giving your self-righteous decree of what should be posted in this group? My belief is that this group is for any subject-matter related to fishing. Fillet knives are definitely a part of fishing! How was this any different from the posts you see where some person either has a trolling motor for sale or is looking to buy one?! Who died and made you God?!         Larry

Response:

  I am planning to go up to Norfolk(?) lake in N. Arkansas (east of Bull Shoals lake) on the last week of April. Any hints on what to expect up there? The lady told me everything will be biting, crappie, bass, striper, sandies, everything. Are there `bows up there? I will be renting a decent bassboat so I will be mobile. I wanted to see what ya’ll say, so I will not be unprepared when I go. I have the standard bass gear, plus UL, spinning gear, and my flyrod. The little woman will be with me, so at least one person will outfish me d8^)!                                           thanks,                                                    Daty

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I don’t know how everybody else felt about the two a day fillet knife postings, but I really don’t like reading ads, so after I asked the guy to stop twice, and he didn’t, I complained to Berkeley and they inactivated his account. I hope he didn’t have any important projects due 8-). Usenet is not for commercial posting. University equipment is generally not for commercial posting. Now, back to your regularly scheduled fishing news. This group is so full of guys with boats and sonar. Has anybody thought of creating a new group rec.outdoors.guy.boat.sonar? Seriously, aren’t there any flyfishers out there?  Has the world gone completely to sonar driving thick thumbed baitcasting bass and tuna fishers? Well, I guess the guys with boats and sonar pretty much don’t have anything to do all winter until iceout. We flyfishers just tie and post and tie and post. The weather sucks here too. -john — John Danskin                        | (609) 258-5386                      | Gradual student (609) 258-1771 fax              | Graphics systems

Actually, many of us bass fishers do so because it is the only game in town.  I was an avid fly fisher until I was forced to live in San Antonio (yes, I know there are stocked trout near here, but it is hard to elbow your way in between all the corn fishers).  I have fly fished for bass (and tied my own bugs).  But are bass fishers and their depthfinders really that different from trout fishers and their 300+ dollar fly rods? If you want to be a gadgeteer, you can do it anywhere. Just a thought Noel Montgomery p.s.:  There is no ice out in SA TX, we catch fish year round.

Response:

|  My belief is that this group is for any | subject-matter related to fishing. Fillet knives are definitely a part of | fishing! How was this any different from the posts you see where some person | either has a trolling motor for sale or is looking to buy one?! Who died and | made you God?! |   Larry Actually Larry, there is quite a bit of difference between a person who wants to get rid of his personal trolling motor (or wants to buy a used one) and a guy who is running a business for profit and is advertising on the net.  On the other hand, if something offends me, I just don’t read it.  BTW everyone it is REALLY Spring in the Southland,  I fished Fri,Sat,Sun and got a pretty good sunburn through some SPF-25 lotion!                         -Pat. p.s. nobody had to die, I’ve always been God.   p.p.s.  I haven’t gotten many replies, anyone have a used light saltwater         conventional reel for sale?  (noncommercial responses         only please :}  ).

Response: