Question:

The Sages tend to be faster, more athletic rods, (US made if thats important to you)generally preferred in the West, imitated by others, a bit more expensive, but why waste money on an imitation? Dave Biased, they are made down the road.

Response:

I will say one thing about T&T. They have the prettiest rod cases in the business.

Plus I like the way they include a plastic dowel with their rod bags so that you don’t accidentally damage the rod tip by attempting to shove it into a folded bag.  My guess regarding the rod tube is that it’s from REC. Noticed that some of the Winston’s now appear to be using REC cases (or really good knock-offs). Mu

Response:

My apologies to Mu and the rest of you. If I would have known he meant one east-coast sissy boy in particular, rather than collectively, I would’ve understood immediately this was an inside joke.

My apologies too, soft-hackle.  I purposely did not append a to my post because it was in response to Wayne – who really does have a love affair with T&T.  There are lots of people here on ROFF and the regular posters by virtue of their familiarity with one another often make some people feel excluded.  But hey, I’m glad you spoke up cuz it gave us all a chance to know each other a little better than we did before.  No harm done. BTW, I do like using baitcasting equipment on occasion.  Feeling the humming of a fine piece of machinery under my thumb and making pinpoint casts into cover – well there is a certain pleasure to it.  I also own a minnow trap.  I find trapping/gathering my own bait to be fun too. Sometimes chucking a big spoon from the beach and watching it disappear behind the third gut is a thing of beauty in itself.  A favorite technique of mine for largemouth bass is to pitch an unweighted plastic worm and let it sink ever so slowly, twitching it so that it seems barely alive, until either I can’t stand it any more and have to recast or the fish can’t stand it any more and pounces upon the lure.  Even so, I find that 98% of my fishing is done with a fly rod.  I like tying up my own flies and testing them afield.  In fact I made a commitment in June to fish a single fly for three straight months (2 trips per week) to see if it really was effective or not.  Although I too feel that it’s silly for some people to get hung up on their equipment and techniques, I don’t begrudge them. We all have our own reasons why we fish – but in general most of us do it because it’s fun, plain and simple. Mu

Response:

My apologies to Mu and the rest of you. If I would have known he meant one east-coast sissy boy in particular, rather than collectively, I would’ve understood immediately this was an inside joke. Soft Hackle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mu is a highly respected and *cliquish* member of ROFF, thus I am sure he is not in the least confuse as to which rod is best used for flyfishin’!

Response:

I built a Sage 10 wt. RPL+ about 6 years ago. Have used it to catch about 500 salmon all the species in alaska. It is without a doubt the best rod I have ever fished with!! I have no experience with T&T so i can not offer any suggestions along that line. You will however be quite happy with any Sage

Response:

Mu is a highly respected and *cliquish* member of ROFF, thus I am sure he is not in the least confuse as to which rod is best used for flyfishin’! Op

 I personally don’t – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – confuse my flyrod with my real rod, as you seem to be doing. Yeah, many an east-coast sissy boy will agree! Think Sage. Mu yfitgs

Response:

to the scene of his latest crimes and snibbled: Discussions on the relative merits of various pieces of equipment are all well and good, but   It’s the stupidity of the question.  Its like asking "Plastic vs. Plastic". George was not here.  It’s your imagination.

And you were WAY too optimistic, wayno… /daytripper (Shall we proceed apace to Game 2?

Response:

Yeah, many an east-coast sissy boy will agree! Think Sage. …qualities with a certain brand of rod. I personally don’t confuse my flyrod with my real rod, as you seem to be doing. LOL. No worries, soft-hackle. Mu was simply yanking the chain of Wayno (the T&T bigot) and daytripper (the Winston bigot).

This should illustrate that we fully tolerate the unfortunate naifs who get burned by their lack of historical perspective Anyway…One should consider that there are few more cordial bigots than Winston bigots (if I do say so myself I consider myself in the very good company of those similarly afflicted – even those who occasionally experience moments of weakness and fall off the wagon to acquire a Sage, Loomis, TT, or even <shudder Scott… (Orvis, however, is right out!!) [I'll also take this opportunity to point out to my good friend in The Old North State that my littlest Winston 6/2 stood up to an entire day in the hands of the notorious Pamlico Jim Roberts on Upper Lower Middle Upper Creek, whilst your 8/2 TT didn't even survive the walk in. You had the wrong dog, son ] /daytripper (Smoke’em, fish’em, gotta love dem Winstons!

Response:

Yeah, many an east-coast sissy boy will agree! Think Sage. …qualities with a certain brand of rod. I personally don’t confuse my flyrod with my real rod, as you seem to be doing.

LOL. No worries, soft-hackle. Mu was simply yanking the chain of Wayno (the T&T bigot) and daytripper (the Winston bigot). –Steve

Response:

Sage discontinued the two best lines they ever made, the LL and SPL+. When they did that I started building T&T rods and appreciated the advantages of T&T over anything else I have built including Winston. Just curious – Do you sling meat from a baitcasting rig when the flyfishing is slow? The reason I ask is that baitcasters and bassholes are the only types of self-styled anglers who associate manhood with the brand of "fishing pole" being used. Most genuine anglers are confident enough in themselves not to compensate for shortcomings by identifying their personal qualities with a certain brand of rod. I personally don’t confuse my flyrod with my real rod, as you seem to be doing. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yeah, many an east-coast sissy boy will agree! Think Sage. Mu yfitgs

Response:

Discussions on the relative merits of various pieces of equipment are all well and good, but  

It’s the stupidity of the question.  Its like asking "Plastic vs. Plastic". George was not here.  It’s your imagination.

Response:

This is probably going to create a flame, but before I went to the expense of building one of these two rods, I would see if a local fly shops had them in stock and perhaps would let you cast them. I own one of the two rods and have tried the other. I am not the world’s greatest caster, but one fits my casting style much better than the other. After 65 years in this sport, I think a lot of people buy rods based upon brand name rather than trying to find one that fits your particular casting style and ability.

There is a great deal of truth in what you say.  On the other hand, fly casters are much more adaptable than are the tools they use.  Much is written here about the characteristics of various pieces of equipment and how they may suit one person’s ability and style more than another’s.  Much less attention is given to the fact that any competent caster can do pretty well with just about any broomstick or girder.  If a lot of people buy based on considerations other than what best suits their own personal physics it is probably just as well.  Even test casting a rod, reel, and line combination out in the parking lot for ten minutes isn’t really going to tell you all that much about performance out in the creek.  And in truth, one setup might suit an individual angler very well under a certain set of circumstances and be entirely unsatisfactory given different conditions even in the same stretch of a single stream. Discussions on the relative merits of various pieces of equipment are all well and good, but I think most anglers would benefit more from analysis of their own performance than they do from that of their gear. Wolfgang who is dreadfully sorry about the lack of heat.      

Response:

I, my ultimate preference is T&T.    good post.  many will agree. wayno

Yeah, many an east-coast sissy boy will agree! Think Sage. Mu yfitgs

Response:

I, my ultimate preference is T&T. good post.  many will agree. wayno Yeah, many an east-coast sissy boy will agree! Think Sage. Mu yfitgs

    unethical. wayno yfitons (thwtgs) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

I’m looking to build a new 9 wt. rod for the saltwater and stealhead.  I’m between the Sage RPLXi and the Winston Boron XTR.  Any opinions on which is better.  I know its about personal preference but I’d like some outside opinions.

I don’t know about the Winston, but I have a Sage RPLXi 9 weight. Very powerful rod. It’s perfect for bonefish, and particularly for casting heavy flies into a stiff wind. I’ve used it for steelhead, but I feel it’s too fast (i.e., stiff) for that.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I, my ultimate preference is T&T. good post.  many will agree. wayno Yeah, many an east-coast sissy boy will agree! Think Sage. Mu yfitgs     unethical.

Hey, Wayno. How’s that T&T with the "special action" that you loaned to Pamlico Jim? I will say one thing about T&T. They have the prettiest rod cases in the business.

Response:

Hey, Wayno. How’s that T&T with the "special action" that you loaned to Pamlico Jim?

He got it repaired, but it has lost a certain charm now. <g — Charlie…

Response:

Hey, Wayno. How’s that T&T with the "special action" that you loaned to Pamlico Jim?

    that is the rod i am using in zimbo’s pics of our recent small water adventure. they repaired it at no cost.  it is a wonder of an 8′ 2wt.     thanks for askin.  :) your friend in the old north state wayno

Response:

I’d go for the Sage personally. Clark – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I, my ultimate preference is T&T. good post.  many will agree. wayno Yeah, many an east-coast sissy boy will agree! Think Sage. Mu yfitgs

Response:

Of the two, for pure casting ability the XTR, even I can shoot an entire line with the darn thing,  as an overall fishing rod the RPLXi, tho I would suggest you consider the BL5 from Winston. Rod seems soft at first and it is a *soft action* SW rod, but back cast once and let it go…,

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m looking to build a new 9 wt. rod for the saltwater and stealhead.  I’m between the Sage RPLXi and the Winston Boron XTR.  Any opinions on which is better.  I know its about personal preference but I’d like some outside opinions. Thanks Dru

Response:

This is probably going to create a flame, but before I went to the expense of building one of these two rods, I would see if a local fly shops had them in stock and perhaps would let you cast them. I own one of the two rods and have tried the other. I am not the world’s greatest caster, but one fits my casting style much better than the other. After 65 years in this sport, I think a lot of people buy rods based upon brand name rather than trying to find one that fits your particular casting style and ability. Jack in Tn.

Response:

This is probably going to create a flame, but before I went to the expense of building one of these two rods, I would see if a local fly shops had them in stock and perhaps would let you cast them. I own one of the two rods and have tried the other. I am not the world’s greatest caster, but one fits my casting style much better than the other. After 65 years in this sport, I think a lot of people buy rods based upon brand name rather than trying to find one that fits your particular casting style and ability. Jack in Tn.

it might muddy the water a bit, but all the rods listed are extremely nice rods that cast very well.  i personally fish the sage rplxi’s quite a bit… but have cast the winstons and like them too… and the scott’s aint too shabby either… and the t&t’s cast beautifully… and so do the st. croix legend ultras (as a lower cost alternative). chris

Response:

I, my ultimate preference is T&T. Soft Hackle

        good post.  many will agree. wayno

Response:

I prefer Sage to Winston for building rods. True, Winston aesthetics are superior but if you are building the rod you can select your own components. However, my ultimate preference is T&T. Soft Hackle – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m looking to build a new 9 wt. rod for the saltwater and stealhead.  I’m between the Sage RPLXi and the Winston Boron XTR.  Any opinions on which is better.  I know its about personal preference but I’d like some outside opinions. Thanks Dru

Response:

I’m looking to build a new 9 wt. rod for the saltwater and stealhead.  I’m between the Sage RPLXi and the Winston Boron XTR.  Any opinions on which is better.  I know its about personal preference but I’d like some outside opinions. Thanks Dru

Response:

Question:

Got it…all except never saying the ‘m’ word.  Sounds nasty, but my dictionary says it is pretty benign as far as the English form of the word goes.

Sorry, that was an inside joke.   Which leads me to another tip if you’re a usenet newbie:  http://groups.google.com is an archive of past posts from this & other newsgroups going back several years.   It’s not a bad idea to do a search there before posting a question here (or anywhere).   Chances are good it’s been asked before & answered 20 different ways; but you’re always free to be #21.   Just for fun, you could do a search on the M word (it was the subject of some spirited discussion a while back). HTH, Joe F.

Response:

Thanks rb, Stan, Tom; Got it…all except never saying the ‘m’ word.  Sounds nasty, but my dictionary says it is pretty benign as far as the English form of the word goes.

Benign?  BENIGN??!!  Why you littl…….sputter…….wheeze….if I eve…..aaaaarrrrgggghhhh! Wolfgang deep breaths….deep breaths….

Response:

Thanks Guys, Found http://www.faqs.org/usenet/ is a good source of Usenet News Netiquette and Sundry.  Thanks to your suggestions. Goofed again thinking I knew how to post a link to a picture of a trout I caught with whirling disease, works…but to wrong photo.  Not sure if I can tell if I got the new posts cancelled which I attempted immediately.  Got Lots of studying before I post to other than ‘misc.test’ and such. Thanks for your patience, Scott

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  With the message you want to cancel selected, go to the tab marked "message" click on it, select "cancel message" and you are done. It won’t be cancelled on all servers if it has been a while since the post was made, but unless it is reallllly a bad post don’t bother sending a cancel.

Response:

That’s OK Scott, I’m an old fart hereabouts so I’ll say it for you…meniscus, meniscus, meniscus, meniscus, Wolfie sucks meniscus thru a straw!  There, I feel better now. (seg) Frank Church in Elkhart, IN bassbugr AT yahoo dot com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -}<((((o ~~~ }<((((o ~~~ }<((((o ~~~ }<(((o Thanks rb, Stan, Tom; Got it…all except never saying the ‘m’ word.  Sounds nasty, but my dictionary says it is pretty benign as far as the English form of the word goes. Scott

Response:

That’s OK Scott, I’m an old fart hereabouts so I’ll say it for you…meniscus, meniscus, meniscus, meniscus, Wolfie sucks meniscus thru a straw!  There, I feel better now. (seg)

He knows where you live.  He knows where you fish.  He will bide his time.  He is patient.  He is inexorable.  He is implacable. Not Pete

Response:

Thanks rb, Stan, Tom; Got it…all except never saying the ‘m’ word.  Sounds nasty, but my dictionary says it is pretty benign as far as the English form of the word goes. Benign?  BENIGN??!!  Why you littl…….sputter…….wheeze….if I eve…..aaaaarrrrgggghhhh! Wolfgang deep breaths….deep breaths….

– I’ve finally made my mind up about you Wolfgang.  You’re just like cancer.  Given enough time, you grow on people. Love your humor when it isn’t vicious. zoooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! deep breaths . . . *sigh* (C) George Gehrke 2001 http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html     fine bamboo flyrods & blanks

Response:

And, for GOD’s sake, watch out for Waldo if he’s having a bad hair day..

In the past 2+ years I’ve fished with Waldo probably 12-15 times and until he opened that shop in Morganton I wasn’t aware that he was capable of anything *but* bad hair days –Steve

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks rb, Stan, Tom; Got it…all except never saying the ‘m’ word.  Sounds nasty, but my dictionary says it is pretty benign as far as the English form of the word goes. Benign?  BENIGN??!!  Why you littl…….sputter…….wheeze….if I eve…..aaaaarrrrgggghhhh! Wolfgang deep breaths….deep breaths…. — I’ve finally made my mind up about you Wolfgang.  You’re just like cancer.  Given enough time, you grow on people. Love your humor when it isn’t vicious. zoooooommmmmmmmmmmmmmmm! deep breaths . . . *sigh*

Took you a while.  He’s always vicious.  If it didn’t seem like it, you missed something.  Trust me. Not Pete damn, where did you guys pick this one up?

Response:

Oops…is there a way for me (as the sender) to delete the post or have it deleted?

 With the message you want to cancel selected, go to the tab marked "message" click on it, select "cancel message" and you are done. It won’t be cancelled on all servers if it has been a while since the post was made, but unless it is reallllly a bad post don’t bother sending a cancel. — Don Thompson Another Thompson Scion – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Surprised that a post containing ‘<a href…etc’ was kicked back by the news server filter but it allowed attachment through if they are unacceptable. Saw that ‘alt.fan.bettie-page’ (that probably shows my age) had attachments but have no idea what ‘alt.’ means or which other allow for images besides ‘.binary.’ Are there any tutorials or faq for usenet newbies?  My isp (amexol) provides nothing.  Search for info did not cover such questions, mostly hows, not whats. Help, Scott Have pic of the most beautiful moss-back brown trout I have ever seen, beyond my abilities of description…are image attachments acceptable? Newbie to newsgroups.  Figure if attachments not allowed, wont go through…as I discovered with post containing HTML link being rejected. NO!   Image attachments are *not* okay here.   You should post them to a binary ng such as alt.binary.pictures.fishing.   Then simply post here that the pix are there.   And unfortunately yes, they did come through (all 92KB of them.); but nobody with a shred of sanity would open an unsolicited attachment anyway. HTH, Joe F.

Response:

Thanks rb, Stan, Tom; Got it…all except never saying the ‘m’ word.  Sounds nasty, but my dictionary says it is pretty benign as far as the English form of the word goes. Scott

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Don’t try to sell stuff or use this forum as your personal soapbox.   Do tell us about yourself, your fishing trips, your tips & secrets.   If you make a nasty comment meant in jest, it’s not a bad idea to make that clear with a smiley or grin for the benefit of the humor-impaired.   Don’t say anything  here you wouldn’t say to a man’s face.  Don’t forget that this is an international forum.    Don’t ever say meniscus. HTH, Joe F.

Response:

Have pic of the most beautiful moss-back brown trout I have ever seen, beyond my abilities of description…are image attachments acceptable? Newbie to newsgroups.  Figure if attachments not allowed, wont go through…as I discovered with post containing HTML link being rejected.

NO!   Image attachments are *not* okay here.   You should post them to a binary ng such as alt.binary.pictures.fishing.   Then simply post here that the pix are there.   And unfortunately yes, they did come through (all 92KB of them.); but nobody with a shred of sanity would open an unsolicited attachment anyway. HTH, Joe F.

Response:

Oops…is there a way for me (as the sender) to delete the post or have it deleted? Surprised that a post containing ‘<a href…etc’ was kicked back by the news server filter but it allowed attachment through if they are unacceptable. Saw that ‘alt.fan.bettie-page’ (that probably shows my age) had attachments but have no idea what ‘alt.’ means or which other allow for images besides ‘.binary.’ Are there any tutorials or faq for usenet newbies?  My isp (amexol) provides nothing.  Search for info did not cover such questions, mostly hows, not whats. Help, Scott

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Have pic of the most beautiful moss-back brown trout I have ever seen, beyond my abilities of description…are image attachments acceptable? Newbie to newsgroups.  Figure if attachments not allowed, wont go through…as I discovered with post containing HTML link being rejected. NO!   Image attachments are *not* okay here.   You should post them to a binary ng such as alt.binary.pictures.fishing.   Then simply post here that the pix are there.   And unfortunately yes, they did come through (all 92KB of them.); but nobody with a shred of sanity would open an unsolicited attachment anyway. HTH, Joe F.

Response:

Oops…is there a way for me (as the sender) to delete the post or have it deleted?

Some newsreaders (e.g. Outlook Express) allow a "Cancel Message" but it doesn’t always work, & I wouldn’t bother. Are there any tutorials or faq for usenet newbies?  My isp (amexol) provides nothing.  Search for info did not cover such questions, mostly hows, not whats.

Probably, but darned if I know where.   Undoubtedly someone here does & will jump in.   In general, though most of what you need to know will only come through experience.   Most groups have different "personalities" as far as the level of friendliness, abuse, hostility, etc. that goes beyond the how, what, & why.   With any group, it’s usually a good idea to just read all the posts for a while to get a feel for it before jumping in.   This group, for example, despite being primarily fly-fishing related, spends a great deal of time discussing other things.   In the right context, that is acceptable here; but some groups react badly to any off-topic discussions. Also in general, be respectful of basic societal norms and courtesies. Don’t be an asshole.   Pay attention if somebody tells you you are.   We cannot and do not keep total assholes from barging in here and being a nuisance, but we can at least have a great deal of entertainment at their expense (lemons from lemonade and all that).   You do not want to be on the receiving end of what some folks can dish out. Don’t try to sell stuff or use this forum as your personal soapbox.   Do tell us about yourself, your fishing trips, your tips & secrets.   If you make a nasty comment meant in jest, it’s not a bad idea to make that clear with a smiley or grin for the benefit of the humor-impaired.   Don’t say anything  here you wouldn’t say to a man’s face.  Don’t forget that this is an international forum.    Don’t ever say meniscus. Don’t think you’re smarter than us; you’re not.   The collective intelligence among the cast of characters here is amazing on a variety of topics.   If you ask for help, somebody will definitely know the answer if it’s fishing-related; and you’ve got a good chance even if it isn’t.   And be specific. We’re all human being behind these electronic facades, & it’s better when we act accordingly.   Read, pay attention, listen, join in.   It’s simple. HTH, Joe F.

Response:

And, for GOD’s sake, watch out for Waldo if he’s having a bad hair day.. Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Oops…is there a way for me (as the sender) to delete the post or have it deleted? Some newsreaders (e.g. Outlook Express) allow a "Cancel Message" but it doesn’t always work, & I wouldn’t bother. Are there any tutorials or faq for usenet newbies?  My isp (amexol) provides nothing.  Search for info did not cover such questions, mostly hows, not whats. Probably, but darned if I know where.   Undoubtedly someone here does & will jump in.   In general, though most of what you need to know will only come through experience.   Most groups have different "personalities" as far as the level of friendliness, abuse, hostility, etc. that goes beyond the how, what, & why.   With any group, it’s usually a good idea to just read all the posts for a while to get a feel for it before jumping in.   This group, for example, despite being primarily fly-fishing related, spends a great deal of time discussing other things.   In the right context, that is acceptable here; but some groups react badly to any off-topic discussions. Also in general, be respectful of basic societal norms and courtesies. Don’t be an asshole.   Pay attention if somebody tells you you are.   We cannot and do not keep total assholes from barging in here and being a nuisance, but we can at least have a great deal of entertainment at their expense (lemons from lemonade and all that).   You do not want to be on the receiving end of what some folks can dish out. Don’t try to sell stuff or use this forum as your personal soapbox.   Do tell us about yourself, your fishing trips, your tips & secrets.   If you make a nasty comment meant in jest, it’s not a bad idea to make that clear with a smiley or grin for the benefit of the humor-impaired.   Don’t say anything  here you wouldn’t say to a man’s face.  Don’t forget that this is an international forum.    Don’t ever say meniscus. Don’t think you’re smarter than us; you’re not.   The collective intelligence among the cast of characters here is amazing on a variety of topics.   If you ask for help, somebody will definitely know the answer if it’s fishing-related; and you’ve got a good chance even if it isn’t.   And be specific. We’re all human being behind these electronic facades, & it’s better when we act accordingly.   Read, pay attention, listen, join in.   It’s simple. HTH, Joe F.

Response:

Are there any tutorials or faq for usenet newbies?  My isp (amexol) provides nothing.  Search for info did not cover such questions, mostly hows, not whats.

Go to www.google.com and enter the search phrase ‘usenet FAQ’. Generally binaries are acceptable in alt.binary.*** groups and possible a few others.  There’s lots of reasons for keeping attachments out of the text newsgroup hierarchies, which the FAQs will explain.  Joes’s suggestion to post of alt.binaries.pictures.fishing is appropriate as is sending the URL of a web page where the picture can be retrieved.  Note that some of the ROFF readers cannot get a.b.p.f., and a web reference reaches more people. Nice fish by the way. –Stan

Response:

Question:

Hi I

Question:

I would like to try fly fishing next summer.   I don’t have any equipment now but I will be buying in the spring.  I could use some adive on what to buy.  I will be fishing mainly rivers and streams for trout.  Also some adive on a good book for beginners would be helpful. Thank You Ronald Johnson — SAVE MONEY!  7.5 cent/minute long distance.  Calling cards .10 cent/minute.  Click here to save money! http://www.myfreeoffice.com/starcom A FREE business opportunity you can run from the comfort of home http://telcom-mlm.com/bizop.cgi?rjcomp1998 Free Classifieds, Free Autoresponders!  Post your ad to one of the largest classifieds and get a Free autoresponder! http://www.websitings.com/classads/sites/starcom.htm

Response:

Ron,     Just to share my own newbie experience.  I bought a Cortland Fairplay kit.  It included graphite rod, graphite reel, line, backing, leader and "How To" video.  The rig was under $80.  The 6 wt. outfit was an excellent trout/smallmouth all-a-round rig.  I found it an excellent introduction. Talking with a Cortland rep. at a recent show, he said they do not promote the Fairplay outfit because it is a "price leader" (low profit margin). They do, however, get excellent feedback on the rod.  My casting instructor was extremely impressed with the outfit. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I would like to try fly fishing next summer.   I don’t have any equipment now but I will be buying in the spring.  I could use some adive on what to buy.  I will be fishing mainly rivers and streams for trout.  Also some adive on a good book for beginners would be helpful. Thank You Ronald Johnson — SAVE MONEY!  7.5 cent/minute long distance.  Calling cards .10 cent/minute.  Click here to save money! http://www.myfreeoffice.com/starcom A FREE business opportunity you can run from the comfort of home http://telcom-mlm.com/bizop.cgi?rjcomp1998 Free Classifieds, Free Autoresponders!  Post your ad to one of the largest classifieds and get a Free autoresponder! http://www.websitings.com/classads/sites/starcom.htm

Response:

Wayne hart: <<ust to share my own newbie experience.  I bought a Cortland Fairplay kit.  It included graphite rod, graphite reel, line, backing, leader and "How To" video.  The rig was under $80.  The 6 wt. outfit was an excellent trout/smallmouth all-a-round rig.  I found it an excellent introduction. Talking with a Cortland rep. at a recent show, he said they do not promote the Fairplay outfit because it is a "price leader" (low profit margin). They do, however, get excellent feedback on the rod.  My casting instructor was extremely impressed with the outfit. Hi, Ron.   I think Wayne’s advise is good.  I bought the same outfit for my youngest grandson (gave his older brother an Orvis that I didn’t care for).  He did extremely well with it, right out of the shute.  He’s talking Sage now, however.  I let him use my 5 weight — love at first cast…….  Go with what Wayne has advised.  Hell, can’t make many mistakes in life that will cost you less than $100. Dave LaCourse

Response:

 Hell, can’t make many mistakes in life that will cost you less than $100. Dave LaCourse

        truer words have not been spoken on this, or any other, newsgroup. wayno

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Makunke writes:   I have not heard any good reports about the types of wading staff that either fold or telescope.  Does anyone have any good experiences with these types of wading staff? Kirk,’Fraid not.  The problem is folding or telescoping back up after you’re done using the thing Kirk, another problem with Folstaff is storage. Should you keep it in your car year-round, unassembled, the bungee has a tendency to take a set, preventing future secure setup. A Folstaff, which relies upon friction, really locks up.

I have been happy with my Folstaff for the 10 years I’ve used it. I do not lubricate the joints as my expereince is they can vibrate loose in heavy currents. I tap them lightly with a rock when I need to fold it down. Perhaps inconvenient for some but it works fine for me. Ralph H replace "spamsucks" with direct for email reply.

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I made a simple one for my wife.  It was wood, about a meter and a half long with a rubber foot from a cane on the top end. She likes to lean on the end. The other end was fitted with a 1/2 inch copper coupling and cross pinned through the wood and copper with a brass rod to hold the coupling out by a couple of centimeters.  The copper tube cut through moss and algae for a better purchase on slippery rocks.  A loop of nylon with a stainless clip finished it off.

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  I have not heard any good reports about the types of wading staff that either fold or telescope.  Does anyone have any good experiences with these types of wading staff? I have been happy with my Folstaff for the 10 years I’ve used it. I do not lubricate the joints as my expereince is they can vibrate loose in heavy currents. I tap them lightly with a rock when I need to fold it down. Perhaps inconvenient for some but it works fine for me. Ralph H

The folstaff flexes a little and didn’t feel as secure as an adjustable length carbide tipped cross-country ski pole. The basket is removeable. I set the height to just at the top of my waders so if my hand gets wet I know not to take that step. It reduces down short enough to fit in my fat multi-rod travel tube. Mark Vinsel —   new web address:  http://www.vinsel.com

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I’ve taken to using a Folstaff and find it adequate if unaesthetic, although it’s certainly portable. Just keep the joints greased with a candle butt or you’ll never separate them. —

  Greetings:  I’m on my second Folstaff now. I like the larger version; the small one is a little too wosy to inspire my confidence in this contraption.  When the joints get wet and hard to separate, I find that tapping….er,…OK, _whacking_ the thing on a dead tree trunk, (or fellow fly fisher who is catching more fish than you),  will loosen up the joints if you kind of twist them off. (On the Folstaff, I mean…)  :-)   Cheers, and tight lines,   -Mark

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I find it a nuisance to carry a full length staff while hiking along a river/stream.  I have not heard any good reports about the types of wading staff that either fold or telescope.  Does anyone have any good experiences with these types of wading staff? Thanks, Kirk

Kirk, I bought the Orvis one since I  didn

Question:

I would like to know if there is any good flyfishing in NewEngland Jan,Feb,March.

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Matty Boy, I response to your query, I may only speak for Vermont.  The fishing for steelhead and browns can be good but it is unpredictable.  Lewis Creek, the Lamoille and Upper Connecticut are all options when a cold snap is followed by a warm-up.  Your timing has to be right on for it to be productive in terms of fish caught.  Otherwise it could be thought of as being productive in a character-building sense alone. James Ehlers Underhill, VT

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I would like to know if there is any good flyfishing in NewEngland Jan,Feb,March.

As I’m sure others will comment, the swift river in central Mass is a very popular winter fishing site.  The fishing is directly below the Quabbin Reservoir just outside of Belchertown.  If the weather isn’t arctic (i.e. reasonably calm and 25 Degrees or more) there will likely be a midge hatch going on.  The key to matching the hatch is size 24 midge patterns with a dark green thread body.  Lots of big fish, very hard to hook and harder to land.   Stay Warm and keep the ice off of your line! Randy

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Question:

I’m new to the group but has anyone ever posted pictures of flies to this NG?  Plus what was the feedback from the College Park, MD FF Show last Weekend?

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no pics in this group but maybe rec.outdoors.fishing.fly.tying — Jan Geert Meents, Munich, Germany | I’m new to the group but has anyone ever posted pictures of flies to this | NG?  Plus what was the feedback from the College Park, MD FF Show last | Weekend? | |

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I’m new to the group but has anyone ever posted pictures of flies to this NG?  Plus what was the feedback from the College Park, MD FF Show last Weekend?

don’t do it.   post to alt.binaries.pictures.fishing see you there ! TimW

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Question:

        I’m brand new to fly fishing.  I haven’t been fishing at all in over 10 years.  I don’t know why; I used to go a lot when I was younger.  I always had fun.  Anyway, I want to get back into fishing, fly fishing. My father gave me an 8.5 foot Eagle Claw "Champion" Mod. M3ALA (line size 9).  The reel thats on it is kind of a cheap-o.  I’m not sure what size or type line is on it.           What is a good size and type of line for me to start out with?  What is a good type/brand of reel to use?  What is a tippet?  How critical is leader length and weight?  I’ve been out in the back yard playing with it, casting.  How far should I be able to cast?           Any other tip and hints I should know?  I don’t want to go out my first time and look like a total fool.  I’m not saying I’m not, I just don’t want it to show <g. Thanks

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   What is a good size and type of line for me to start out with?  What is a good type/brand of reel to use?  What is a tippet?  How critical is leader length and weight?  I’ve been out in the back yard playing with it, casting.  How far should I be able to cast?  

Hi Bill, I really recommend you check in with your local fly shop or fly fishing club for some expert help, especially with casting.  Just one lesson with a qualified instructor can save you years of frustration trying to learn by your self. You can find your local fly shop in the phone directory and a local club by calling the Federation of Fly Fisher’s at 800-618-0808. Now to answer some of your questions.  Size & Type of Line: The line you need should be balanced to your fly rod – you indicated your rod is a nine weight.  That is the weight you need for that rod, however that weight is a little heavy unless you are fishing in salt water or going after salmon or steelhead Tippet: A tippet is the fine monofilament that is attached to the end of the leader.  You tie the fly on this material. Leader:  In some fishing conditions leader length is the difference between catching fish and not catching fish. As an "all around" leader for fishing free stone streams I purchase a 7 1/2 foot 4x leader and then tie on another 1 1/2 feet of tippet material to bring me to a nine foot leader.  But that is only a starting point.  There are some situations where my leader will on be 4 feet in length and others where it will be close to 20 feet. How far to cast:  That is a tough question.  I feel it’s a good idea to be able to comfortably cast 30 – 50 feet.  That doesn’t mean you have to cast that far to fish, only that you have the skill.  You’ll be less tired at the end of the day if you do not have to continually "push the envelope" of your skills — on the other hand pushing your skill is how you improve. I hope I have not totally confused you.  Good luck. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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        I’m brand new to fly fishing.  

Bill,         The best advice I could give a new flyfisher is to get attached to a local fly shop and ask as manay questions as you can …. and remember all the answers.  Take the time to get some casting instruction.  It’ll be the best half hour you can spend.  Also, try to get a copy of "The Curtis Creek Manifesto", it’s a cartoon-type magazine/book that explains all the facets of fly fishing in simple terms that we all can understand.  Just remember, that if you keep fish, only keep what you need and that a fish killed is on that will never be caught again.  Some of us like to "Love ‘em and ‘Leave ‘em!"

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   I’m brand new to fly fishing.  I haven’t been fishing at all in over 10 years.  I don’t know why; I used to go a lot when I was younger.  I always had fun.  Anyway, I want to get back into fishing, fly fishing. My father gave me an 8.5 foot Eagle Claw "Champion" Mod. M3ALA (line size 9).  The reel thats on it is kind of a cheap-o.  I’m not sure what size or type line is on it.      What is a good size and type of line for me to start out with?  What is a good type/brand of reel to use?  What is a tippet?  How critical is leader length and weight?  I’ve been out in the back yard playing with it, casting.  How far should I be able to cast?      Any other tip and hints I should know?  I don’t want to go out my first time and look like a total fool.  I’m not saying I’m not, I just don’t want it to show <g. Thanks

What are you fishing for?  A 9-wt. line is quite heavy — to heavy for bass/bluegills/trout, more appropriate for light salt water.  You must use a line that fits your rod though.  Too light and you have to get a _lot_ of line out to cast properly (not recommended for a beginner) and a heavy line will overload your rod.  I would recommend a moderately priced weight-forward line (Cortland 333 or something in that price range) and a moderately priced, simple reel (Pflueger Medalist is the old standard).  Too cheap and you get junk.  For now, you present reel may be okay, but get a new line.  If possible, cast a test line on your rod; it’s possible that a 9-wt. isn’t best. A leader delivers your fly to the fish.  The length depends on the water and the fish, but it’s best to use the shortest one you can get away with.  Again, what kind of fish are you afetr in what conditions? The tippet is the very last part of the leader, and often replaced with a new section.  It must match your fly so that it behaves naturally, and sometime you just have to experiment to get a good match. Casting distance depends again on the fish and conditions.  Distance is nowhere near as important as control; it’s totally irrelevant to the fish!  You want to put the fly in the right position with the shortest practical cast, so you can 1) control the fly and 2) hook the fish. Hope this gets you started.  There should be a tackle shop near you which could advise you about what’s best for your area. Jim Benenson Los Alamos, NM "To save your rivers, save your mountains" Emperor Yu of China, circa 1600 BC

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Question:

I have the opportunity to buy a used 2-man fiberglass drift boat, equiped w/oars, anchor, trailer, etc., but I’m really not sure what’s the going price? Any ideas?  Please let me know what to what out for in buying a used fiberglass drift.

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Please let me know what to what out for in buying a used fiberglass drift.

Leaks? — -Wayne Trzyna

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i looked at boat that could handle two persons only (not sure of the size) and the guy was asking $1400.  Because of the small size and ability to carry such a light load, many people don’t want them.  Bottom line is that the guy took $800 for it. Having had a few drift boat, don’t get sucked into the price and compromise on the size.  A two man boat offers limited carry capacity.  You will always have more gear then you anticipate plus at least two other friends who want to fish.   I just built a 17′ flyfishing model that can carry 3 fisherman and one oarsman confortability, first one I ever owned that really is close to what I need.   — Gene Dobrzynski, Eagle River, Alaska

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Question:

Why they are fishing with a bamboo shaped rod and not with an original ??

Modern graphite rods can cast considerably farther than bamboo, and the long false-casts made the casting scenes more dramatic, especially to non-flyfisher folks. They are much better and softer than these plastic rods.

Thats a strong statement.   Fish and fishing-waters come in all shapes, sizes, and characteristics.   There is hardly one best rod. You can serve the fly much softer…

Nice when needed, but what about techniques that require hard presentations? Also (an example), many steelhead rivers in the pacific northwest are large and fast – soft presentations are a don’t care, but long casts with potentially large flies are very useful. … and for some special technics I don’t know the name in english (when you have to feel the bite …

Nymphing?   Hard or soft, don’t care.   Sensitive, do care! … or you want to lead the fly against the flow) …

Many "swinging" techniques including wet fly swings, greased-line, lifts, etc.  It’s very debatable whether soft or hard is better. In Germany most of the good fly-fisher are fishing with bamboo-rods. What is it in USA ??

Many serious fly fisherman I know own bamboo (often lots of), but most only use them for "mood" or nostalgic moments, usually accompanied by a pipe or cigar, and possibly some whisky. I certainly enjoyed casting three different bamboo rods, and have my sights on buying some bamboo, but right or wrong, am spoiled and won’t give up my graphite. Thomas Gilg

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Some technical things in the movie were done beautifully.  Powell made bamboo shaped graphite rods to look like the originals,  and even matched all of the rod decorations, windings, etc., and the special lines that would show up on film were spectacular.   Why they are fishing with a bamboo shaped rod and not with an original ??

The main reason seems to be that the original Montague 8 1/2" 4 1/2 oz bamboos are now very rare and *very* valuable.  In the movie they only used Montagues for close ups and for shots where they needed the slower action of the cane rod.  They did not want to break any rods when playing buckets full of rocks or even when fighting "Fernando", the model fish. Denbigh

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| They are much better and softer than these plastic rods. | | Thats a strong statement.   Fish and fishing-waters come in all shapes, | sizes, and characteristics.   There is hardly one best rod. | | You can serve the fly much softer… | | Nice when needed, but what about techniques that require hard presentations? | | Also (an example), many steelhead rivers in the pacific northwest are | large and fast – soft presentations are a don’t care, but long casts | with potentially large flies are very useful. Yes you are right. Here in Germany we dont’t have these large fast rivers and no steeelhaeds. We have small rivers with with good natural grayling and trout populations. So for this ‘fine’ fishing I think they are the best choice because of their soft and special action that you can’t reach with artificial rods. | | … and for some special technics I don’t know the name in english (when | you have to feel the bite … | | Nymphing?   Hard or soft, don’t care.   Sensitive, do care! Yes, it’s a kind of nymphing. | … or you want to lead the fly against the flow) … | | Many "swinging" techniques including wet fly swings, greased-line, | lifts, etc.  It’s very debatable whether soft or hard is better. For wet fly it’s O.K.. But I mean for dry fly you need a in your words ’sensitive’ (excuse my english) rod and a good technik to imitate a fly running up the stream. Otherwise your fly is diving like a submarine. | | In Germany most of the good fly-fisher are fishing with bamboo-rods. | What is it in USA ?? | | Many serious fly fisherman I know own bamboo (often lots of), but most | only use them for "mood" or nostalgic moments, usually accompanied by | a pipe or cigar, and possibly some whisky. | | I certainly enjoyed casting three different bamboo rods, and have my | sights on buying some bamboo, but right or wrong, am spoiled and won’t | give up my graphite. | | Thomas Gilg Sure it has something nostalgic, maybe I am nostalgic too. I think you will agree with me when I say flyfishing is more than a hi-tec sport and not only the facts make you (and me) to buy a bamboo rod. And as longer I fish it’s more the fish in the water which fascinates me than the fish in my bag. It’s like the last sentence in Sherley Mc Lanes roman. In German it’s "Ich werde von Wassern verfolgt.". In english it has to be something like this: "I am followed by waters."       Olaf <Olaf Lindner                      | Technical University of Berlin    

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etc. It’s like the last sentence in Sherley Mc Lanes roman. In German it’s "Ich werde von Wassern verfolgt.". In english it has to be something like this: "I am followed by waters."       Olaf

My soul cringes at the thought of Shirley McLane (sp?) writing about fly fishing.  A River Runs Through It was written by *Norman* Maclean. Shirley M. is a weird US actress with strong views on her previous lives; Norman M. was very different. Incidentally, in the original he wrote "haunted" not "followed." Denbigh

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Olaf Lindner writes: A friend of mine has 15 bamboo-rods, all made by Bjarne Fries probably the best bamboo-rod builder in the world each about 1200$.

Olaf if your friend had graphite instead of bamboo he could probable cover the same range of fishing situations with 6 to 8 rods at rather than 15.  Graphite has greater latitude.  He’d also have $12,000 to go to New Zealand.  I know where I’ll spend my money.

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| | Olaf if your friend had graphite instead of bamboo he could probable cover | the same range of fishing situations with 6 to 8 rods at rather than 15.   That’s true but the point is not the range of fishing situations than the specia l action of a well built split cane rod. I see that this is a very dificult theme and at the end a personal decision. | Graphite has greater latitude.  He’d also have $12,000 to go to New Zealand.  I know | where I’ll spend my money. Hope you have fun. Olaf (Excuse me about the mistake with the names ‘Sherley’ and ‘Norman’. I don’t know  who it (Sherley) is (I only heard the name sometimes in the TV) but it sounds t errible.) — <Olaf Lindner                      | Technical University of Berlin    

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Why they are fishing with a bamboo shaped rod and not with an original ??

Thomas J. Gilg’s response to Olaf Lindner is right on the mark.  The only thing I can add is that bamboo rod’s are wonderful for small eastern spring creeks with lot’s of brush overhead.  Maybe Olaf is faced with kind of situation.   One other thought is that not every bamboo rod is good.  I’ve cast lots of junk.  Good rods seem to start at around $1000 (new or old).  The collection craze has recently driven the price of bamboo rods out of sight good and bad.  I’ve seen people at shows pay +$400 for a machine made japanese piece of junk.  I just can’t justify paying +$1000 for a rod that for all it’s beauty will be out performed by a rod of 1/3 to 1/2 the price.

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Some technical things in the movie were done beautifully.  Powell made bamboo shaped graphite rods to look like the originals,  and even matched all of the rod decorations, windings, etc., and the special lines that would show up on film were spectacular.  

Why they are fishing with a bamboo shaped rod and not with an original ?? They are much better and softer than these plastic rods. I got my first Spilt Cane rod on a Fly-Fishing congress in Germany these Spring for 800,- DM (about 500$). A friend of mine has 15 bamboo-rods, all made by Bjarne Fries probably the best bamboo-rod builder in the world each about 1200$. O.K. I agree with you when you say that’s crazy but Most people who have fished with one of these rods they will never again take these plastics. You can serve the fly much softer and for some special technics I don’t know the name in english (when you have to feel the bite or you want to lead the fly against the flow) they are probably the best choice because they are so soft and have and have a very special action. In Germany most of the good fly-fisher are fishing with bamboo-rods. What is it in USA ?? Olaf — <Olaf Lindner                      | Technical University of Berlin    

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