Question:

Get Delorme’s ‘Topo 4′ or any of the other topographical software packages. They contain a majority of the roads and trails that exist in the U.S. and armed with a GPS receiver and a laptop computer you could more than likely cross the entire country with a minimum of pavement. Someone with savy map and compass skills could pre-select the route and go it on paper, although the lap top and GPS allow you to deviate when you want, or when necessary, as the real time conditions and choices come upon you. Bob Walker

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a dream. It is a nice dream. In this dream there is an interstate network of 4×4 trails . Imagine being able to drive from Charlotte NC to Charleston WV and have it take 2 weeks to get there. Imagine finding trails everywhere you go. Some among you say "That would be too expensive. " or " Who’s house are you going to bulldoze for your hobby?"

Response:

I have a dream. It is a nice dream. In this dream there is an interstate network of 4×4 trails . Imagine being able to drive from Charlotte NC to Charleston WV and have it take 2 weeks to get there. Imagine finding trails everywhere you go. Some among you say "That would be too expensive. " or " Who’s house are you going to bulldoze for your hobby?" My answer is: It would be very cheap. And no one’s house would have to torn down. We have this network of high voltage power transmission lines. It criss-crosses the entire nation. There are almost no houses built under these power lines. Most people don’t want to live near them.   Here is how we pay for it. Tax breaks for power companies. Every power company has at least one bulldozer.  Those same companies have the right-of-way for the land under their lines. The places that have no roads would be bulldozed one time and then left to deteriorate.  Just so the power companies would not have to face any liablility (and also so they can maybe make a buck or 2 in the process) there could be permits issued by the CO for a small fee. Anyone who leaves trash would have their permits revoked and given the proper fine for littering. Think of the backwater places that will get money from the four wheel drives going by. Think of the fun that could be had. Sure there are places that no truck will be able to cross. There could be access trails to and from those areas to the main road. Wouldn’t it be grand? Everyone get together and bug your representative about this. Let’s get that interstate trail system. Nature lovers UNITE!

Response:

I have a dream. It is a nice dream. In this dream there is an interstate network of 4×4 trails . Imagine being able to drive from Charlotte NC to Charleston WV and have it take 2 weeks to get there. I

Of course that cheap beer you’ve been drinking is bad for you.  If you’d wake up you’d discover that there are already many miles of off roading, some interstate, in the eastern US.  Try Tellico in eastern TN, over the mountains to NC.  In southern KY a network, some requiring very minor on road excursions, can take you into TN.   In the west, all you need to do is look.  Try the UT/CO border for some very good examples.   The idea of Government allowing unlimited access in this age of terrorism won’t fly.  Be happy with what we’ve got. Dick Burg

Response:

Most power lines are on private property, built using right-of-ways. Though the power company can enter the land to maintain their lines, etc., the land is still private, and subject to the owner’s restrictions. You’d have to negoiate with every land owner (and there would be many) to make this work. Good try, though! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have a dream. It is a nice dream. In this dream there is an interstate network of 4×4 trails . Imagine being able to drive from Charlotte NC to Charleston WV and have it take 2 weeks to get there. Imagine finding trails everywhere you go. Some among you say "That would be too expensive. " or " Who’s house are you going to bulldoze for your hobby?" My answer is: It would be very cheap. And no one’s house would have to torn down. We have this network of high voltage power transmission lines. It criss-crosses the entire nation. There are almost no houses built under these power lines. Most people don’t want to live near them.   Here is how we pay for it. Tax breaks for power companies. Every power company has at least one bulldozer.  Those same companies have the right-of-way for the land under their lines. The places that have no roads would be bulldozed one time and then left to deteriorate.  Just so the power companies would not have to face any liablility (and also so they can maybe make a buck or 2 in the process) there could be permits issued by the CO for a small fee. Anyone who leaves trash would have their permits revoked and given the proper fine for littering. Think of the backwater places that will get money from the four wheel drives going by. Think of the fun that could be had. Sure there are places that no truck will be able to cross. There could be access trails to and from those areas to the main road. Wouldn’t it be grand? Everyone get together and bug your representative about this. Let’s get that interstate trail system. Nature lovers UNITE!

Peter D. Hipson NEHOG (New England Hummer Owners Group) checked monthly.

Response:

Of course that cheap beer you’ve been drinking is bad for you.  If you’d wake up you’d discover that there are already many miles of off roading, some interstate, in the eastern US.  Try Tellico in eastern TN, over the mountains to NC.  In southern KY a network, some requiring very minor on road excursions, can take you into TN.  

All well and good, but those places are far from me. The closest half-decent trail is 50 miles from here.  I have spent many a day looking for someplace around here to go off road. I have been reduced to construction sites and mudholes in parking lots.  Sure, there are atv trails galore, but atv’s require no skill to operate. Any kid can get on one and go anywhere. What is the fun in that? Every non-paved road in this area has either a gate or "NO TRESSPASSING" sign on it.  There are literally thousands of 4 wheel drive SUV’s in the greater Charlotte area.  The only place to go is Uwharrie (50 miles away)  which is lame unless it has been raining for days.  No one can make use of their 4×4 here.  Do you realise that Lake Norman has 800 miles of shoreline and 0 4×4 trails that access it? There used to be a few, on power line rights-of-way, but the snobs that live along the lake forced Duke Power to gate, post and trench every one of them. (Can’t have those poor folk fishing around their million dollar shacks, now can we?) This is a problem that needs addressing. At least in this area. I am looking for the cheapest, least difficult method of correcting this problem. It is surprising that some farmer hasn’t made a 4×4 park yet. With all this drought I would think that would be a good way to make money. I would pay $50 for a season pass, and so would thousands of others. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -In the west, all you need to do is look.  Try the UT/CO border for some very good examples.   The idea of Government allowing unlimited access in this age of terrorism won’t fly.  Be happy with what we’ve got. Dick Burg

Response:

deja.com says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a dream. It is a nice dream. In this dream there is an interstate network of 4×4 trails . Imagine being able to drive from Charlotte NC to Charleston WV and have it take 2 weeks to get there. Imagine finding trails everywhere you go. Some among you say "That would be too expensive. " or " Who’s house are you going to bulldoze for your hobby?" My answer is: It would be very cheap. And no one’s house would have to torn down. We have this network of high voltage power transmission lines. It criss-crosses the entire nation. There are almost no houses built under these power lines. Most people don’t want to live near them.   Here is how we pay for it. Tax breaks for power companies. Every power company has at least one bulldozer.  Those same companies have the right-of-way for the land under their lines. The places that have no roads would be bulldozed one time and then left to deteriorate.  Just so the power companies would not have to face any liablility (and also so they can maybe make a buck or 2 in the process) there could be permits issued by the CO for a small fee. Anyone who leaves trash would have their permits revoked and given the proper fine for littering. Think of the backwater places that will get money from the four wheel drives going by. Think of the fun that could be had. Sure there are places that no truck will be able to cross. There could be access trails to and from those areas to the main road. Wouldn’t it be grand? Everyone get together and bug your representative about this. Let’s get that interstate trail system. Nature lovers UNITE!

In the west a lot of the power lines are thoruhg Government land and they need trails and access anyway to maintian them.  A worthy idea and it will get you most of your western states.  Since the Eastern states don’t have as much (if any?) government land… That’s another problem.

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Question:

Hi Ed and all you other ROFFers, I too enjoy fly fishing from a float tube, canoe or small boat (pram). Have not tried the kayaks but looks great. The hottest float tube for us is the v-boat. Outcast makes the ‘top of the line’ "Super Fat Cat". This is great for still water where you need portability. We see more pontoon boats on still water too. They are just a little more to pack around than a float tube. A canoe is the favorite of Chico Fernandez, Flip Pallot and others in Florida for sneaking back into the shallow jungle of the Everglades. They like the Merrimack "Souhegen16 "(sp) or the Narrvaro " Otter 16". These are great for fly fishing because they are 36" wide, flat bottom with a keel. Chico and his friends use a 12′ pole for poling in water less than 4′ in the Everglades for snook, tarpon and bass. Not all canoes are good for fly casting. He said that there are shorter models that are wider, but they don’t perform too well. Here in Nor Cal, we have used 8′, 10′ & 12′ pram made from aluminum or fiberglass for car-topping. These boats are very flat and wider than average boats this length. Valco boat company still makes  8′, 10′ and 12′ aluminum prams that is very wide. Most small prams (Jon boats) are 36" at the rear & bottom of the boat. These are 44" which makes them very good for standing and fly casting in lakes and tide water of small rivers for steelhead and salmon. There are many other good pram made but you just have to look for them. Don’t buy anything that is too narrow. An 8 footer is for mostly one person. The 10 footer is for one or two. The 12 footer is for 2 to 3 anglers. We use long oars(most are too short), electric motors(12v/50#tiller) and/or small outboards to propel these little boats. You have to watch the total weight you put in these boats or they will not work too well. Columbia Fiberglass makes the ‘Olympia’ fiberglass boats that come in many sizes too. They come in 7′ to 14′ and are very good for fly fishing. PS: If you have any questions about small boats & motors (8′ to 16′) for fly fishing let me know. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop http://www.kiene.com 800/4000FLY USA toll free

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here in Texas we have plenty of small ponds, larger lakes and I have been looking for some help in selecting a method to float this type of still warmwater…any suggestions on pros/cons of Float tubes, Cats, canoes and fishing kayaks? Thanks Ed

Response:

Here in Texas we have plenty of small ponds, larger lakes and I have been looking for some help in selecting a method to float this type of still warmwater…any suggestions on pros/cons of Float tubes, Cats, canoes and fishing kayaks? Thanks Ed

I use a 15′ canoe for fishing area lakes and ponds, it also serves as my duck hunting boat.  Canoes can be very stable platforms for pursuing sporting endeavors if they have the proper qualities.  I would look for: 1. Flat to nearly flat bottom 2. a good wide, full length keel 3. at least a 36" beam The model I have fits the bill for me.  It’s light enough for me to easily carry and cartop alone (around 60lbs) and if desired can be outfitted with an electric trolling motor. I can stand and cast with no trouble, although it does take a while to get your sea legs, so to speak.  Mad River, Old Towne and Great Canadian all make models that will serve you well.  I’m sure there are many others but these come to mind first. Good luck and enjoy whatever you decide to get. Natty

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Ed, I fish out of a Keowee  here’s the link.. http://www.asudoit.com/RetailKayakAquPix.html and would love to buy another one for the Mrs. Durable, light, works up to class three rapids..(rated at two but class three is a real roller coaster in it..) there are one or two or three other varities out there but there are two musts….. Adjustable foot rests…(ask your back why) A folding seat back (storage space) Some yaks have a small watertight compartment that is good for wallets and keys and such, I just have a dry bag…okay make a dry bag a must. You can check locally, a lot of kayak clubs have an introductory course you can sign up for…of course they will be into high thrills whitewater but most of the basic info and safety considerations are the same. For fishing, short, broad beam and big cockpit are the keys… gimme an e-mail if i can answer any questions john

Response:

Here in Texas we have plenty of small ponds, larger lakes and I have been looking for some help in selecting a method to float this type of still warmwater…any suggestions on pros/cons of Float tubes, Cats, canoes and fishing kayaks? Thanks Ed

Response:

Here in Texas we have plenty of small ponds, larger lakes and I have been looking for some help in selecting a method to float this type of still warmwater…any suggestions on pros/cons of Float tubes, Cats, canoes and fishing kayaks?

I like sit-on-top kayaks for this kind of fishing. Wilderness Systems Ride is my favorite. — Charlie…

Response:

Same thing here in Georgia, Ed. I ended up getting an aluminum boat and a trailer. I’ve got a 50 pound trolling motor on it. Buying it the way I did, bare bones, I didn’t spend that much, and, hopefully, have a boat that will last many years. Also, if I get a wild hair, I can tow it just about anyplace I would want to go. Also, if I ever get a friend, I have room for two… — Michael Collier Citizen Fisherman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here in Texas we have plenty of small ponds, larger lakes and I have been looking for some help in selecting a method to float this type of still warmwater…any suggestions on pros/cons of Float tubes, Cats, canoes and fishing kayaks? Thanks Ed

Response:

Question:

 The Department eventually adopted 33 of these "suggestions" …..

To clarify – the ODFW angling regulation task force, upon which the Oregon Council FFF has a seat, reviewed 900+ proposals and ultimately forwarded 33 (?) for further consideration by the ODFW and the Fish and Wildlife Commission (the final decision rests with the Commission). AS OF NOW, the Department is recommending *against* catch and release for Davis Lake, and their last minute reasons have come as a complete surprise to the Oregon Council FFF and other clubs.  The Commission will decide the fate of Davis during their September 22 hearing. I’m trying to get my comments in, and need to get my butt in gear and share them with all of you so you can make comments. For those that do not know, this is the first time a task force of angling and other representatives has been put together to pre-filter what has historically been a mass of regulation change proposals (some individuals would submit dozens of changes without demonstrating any broad support).  An early point of contention on the new process is whether the proposals being forwarded by the task force to the commission were being recommended for approval by the commission, or whether the tasks forces only job was to look for proposals that had broad support of any kind, or some reason to be debated further in front of the commission. Evidently some of the angling representatives on the task force felt the former (forwarding meant recommending for approval), and felt caught off guard when the ODFW made contrary recommendations *after* all the public meetings and after the task force had concluded its business. Thomas Gilg

Response:

This will be a news item that would interest those who fish in Oregon (and those of you who visit).  The Federation of Fly Fishers, Oregon Council was able to present 160 rule changes to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.  The Department eventually adopted 33 of these "suggestions" and the principle gain for the fly fishing community was the removal of the harvest on Davis Lake (catch and release only).  In addition to this major proposal, the Department agreed to close the Odell Creek channel form the buoy upstream to the Forest Service road between the east and west campgrounds to protect spawning beds. My thanks to the volunteers at our local chapter, who worked so hard, so we all could benefit from their splendid efforts. Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

Response:

 The Department eventually adopted 33 of these "suggestions" ….. To clarify – the ODFW angling regulation task force, upon which the Oregon Council FFF has a seat, reviewed 900+ proposals and ultimately forwarded 33 (?) for further consideration by the ODFW and the Fish and Wildlife Commission (the final decision rests with the Commission). AS OF NOW, the Department is recommending *against* catch and release for Davis Lake, and their last minute reasons have come as a complete surprise to the Oregon Council FFF and other clubs <snipped

Thomas, thanks for bringing this news up-to-date and correcting the lastest statements from FFF. (I was quoting the __Oregon Fly Fisher Newsletter I rec’d in the mail today).  I am sorry to hear about their recommendation against the Davis Lake proposal, in fact I am stunned.  I am in SW Washington and I would be happy to show up at any meetings you think would assist in getting the Oregon Council proposals adopted.  I purchase an out-of-state fishing license every year, so I believe I have a say here even though I am not a resident of the great State of Oregon. — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

Response:

Question:

Hi, I’m a relative new comer to both fly fishing and Florida.  Having said that, I’ve fished the no motor zone at Cape Canaveral twice in the last few days and only caught a few small spotted sea trout. Anyone having any better luck?  Is it me, the screwy weather or a combination? Mind you, I’m not really complaining.  You know what they say about a bad day fishing…. David

Response:

See Action Spotter in January Florida Sportsman.  Somebody’s been catching fish on flyrod there recently.   Good Luck.

Response:

Hi, I’m a relative new comer to both fly fishing and Florida.  Having said that, I’ve fished the no motor zone at Cape Canaveral twice in the last few days and only caught a few small spotted sea trout. Anyone having any better luck?  Is it me, the screwy weather or a combination? Mind you, I’m not really complaining.  You know what they say about a bad day fishing…. David

   Been off the water a bit but the same goes for fresh water. I got out this last week a couple of hrs. Weather was cool so the gators has took to the mud, all I caught were about a dozen bity bream and 1 decent war mouth. Seems it’s kinda off on the east central but I understand the gulf is hot.                                                              John Popp                                                           in Sanford Fl.

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Well, I can only tell you of my experiences over on the west coast, but the fish (Snook, Redfish & Trout) are not in their usual Fall/Winter haunts. Since it is not spring and the Gulf waters here are warmer than they should be, the fish are still on the flats, hungry as ever, but they seem scattered as opposed to the same weather/water conditions in the late spring/summer. I’ve had to cover a lot of water to find them. Good Luck — Tight Lines.

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Question:

If you like mailing lists try this one, it has about 800 members and you will receive up to 150 e-mails per day.  Leave your flames, off topic subjects, fights and swearing at home. http://www.uky.edu/~agrdanny/flyfish/list.htm — Ernie Harrison Fly Fishing Books, Blood Knot Machine Wading Boots, Making Rods, Fly Tying Box Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh

the majority of those messages have zip to do with flyfishing or tying. Much of it is aimless chit chat and worse. I subscribed for a few weeks and gave it up after my mail box was crammed full of useless drivel only a cut above spam. I am on Joe’s flyting list it is a much better group. Ralph H remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply.

Response:

Ok Ralph,  I am willing to give to give Joe’s a look, what is the URL? — Ernie Harrison Fly Fishing Books, Blood Knot Machine Wading Boots, Making Rods, Fly Tying Box Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you like mailing lists try this one, it has about 800 members and you will receive up to 150 e-mails per day.  Leave your flames, off topic subjects, fights and swearing at home. http://www.uky.edu/~agrdanny/flyfish/list.htm — Ernie Harrison Fly Fishing Books, Blood Knot Machine Wading Boots, Making Rods, Fly Tying Box Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh the majority of those messages have zip to do with flyfishing or tying. Much of it is aimless chit chat and worse. I subscribed for a few weeks and gave it up after my mail box was crammed full of useless drivel only a cut above spam. I am on Joe’s flyting list it is a much better group. Ralph H remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply.

Response:

Ralph H schrieb in Nachricht …

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -If you like mailing lists try this one, it has about 800 members and you will receive up to 150 e-mails per day.  Leave your flames, off topic subjects, fights and swearing at home. http://www.uky.edu/~agrdanny/flyfish/list.htm — Ernie Harrison Fly Fishing Books, Blood Knot Machine Wading Boots, Making Rods, Fly Tying Box Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh the majority of those messages have zip to do with flyfishing or tying. Much of it is aimless chit chat and worse. I subscribed for a few weeks and gave it up after my mail box was crammed full of useless drivel only a cut above spam. I am on Joe’s flyting list it is a much better group.

Hi Ralph, I must admit I was not overly impressed with the group either. I obviously tried it about the same time as you, after an invitation to do so here on ROFF, and a lot of the mail at the time concerned  your dissatisfaction with it as I remember ! <G  You are also perfectly right about the other content, large quantity of fairly aimless or personal stuff, not all that much on fly fishing. I unsubscribed after a couple of weeks as well, without bothering to express my diappointment though, thought it would be a waste of bandwidth.  If you have an address for a good tying or fishing list I would be most  interested. Thanks and tight lines ! Mike Connor

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to subscribe I believe you simply need to send an email to Ok Ralph,  I am willing to give to give Joe’s a look, what is the URL? —

Ralph H remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply.

Response:

Thanks for the info Ralph.  I recognize the mailing list from the URL you provided.  I was subscribed to it for about a month and the only thing I received was messages from people trying to "unsubscribe".  It  was very disappointing. — Ernie Harrison Fly Fishing Books, Blood Knot Machine Wading Boots, Making Rods, Fly Tying Box Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – to subscribe I believe you simply need to send an email to Ok Ralph,  I am willing to give to give Joe’s a look, what is the URL? — Ralph H remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply.

Response:

Thanks for the info Ralph.  I recognize the mailing list from the URL you provided.  I was subscribed to it for about a month and the only thing I received was messages from people trying to "unsubscribe".  It  was very disappointing.

That was an anomily. Someone didn’t know how to unsubscribe, another misunderstood an economical response for terseness, and it digressed there for a bit. I’ve been on it for a few months and found it informative and easy, with even some latitude for humor (a couple duct tape jokes). Being a pretty rank beginner, I feel I can ask anything, however dumb it seems, and get a kind answer.   pete

Response:

I would like to invite each of you to join our Flyfishing and Flytying Mailing List.  We are experiencing some great traffic with some wonderful tips and tricks.  We also host a weekly irc chat session for mailing list members only.  Come join us for some great tips/tricks from such pro’s as:     Al Beatty     Neal Grose     Colin McPherson     Joyce Westphal put anything in the subject or message body area or your email.  You will be automatically subscribed. Thanks.  We look forward to having you join us JoeBoy

Response:

If you like mailing lists try this one, it has about 800 members and you will receive up to 150 e-mails per day.  Leave your flames, off topic subjects, fights and swearing at home. http://www.uky.edu/~agrdanny/flyfish/list.htm — Ernie Harrison Fly Fishing Books, Blood Knot Machine Wading Boots, Making Rods, Fly Tying Box Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh

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Question:

Thought you all might be interested in a new Fly Fishing Loop of websites. The loop is just getting started, but already has been well received. It’s called the: Fly Fishing Loop Located at: http://homepage.interaccess.com/~tsteele/FlyFishingLoop/ Any fly fishing related website can be in the Loop. This can include, personal home pages, commercial websites (such as a manufacturers with products or services that are fly fishing related), fly tying sites, fly fishing clubs, organizations, links pages, fly fishing publications or periodicals, fly fishing guides, fly fishing shops etc. If it is fly fishing related and has a website, it can be in the Loop. You can get more information, and sign-up online. It takes about 2 mins. Everything you need to be in the Loop will be emailed to you automatically, after you sign-up. I hope that will take a moment to visit the Loop’s home page. The loop is devoted to fly fishing and all things related to the pursuit of fish on a fly. It needs your support. Website that are in the Loop will get increased traffic from the Loop. Visitors to the Loop will be interested in one thing…Fly Fishing. For commercial sites and those in the trade, the benfits are obvious, you get exposure to a specific audience of FF visitors to the Loop. Personal sites, organizations and clubs will get increased website exposure in the Loop, and can use the loop to get their word out, to the right audience as well! The Loop also benfits from the diversity and range of content that the various members have on their sites. Throught the Loop you can navigate all member sites, easily. I hope you will consider joining the loop. Tight lines and light leaders, Thomas Steele The Steelhead Site http://steelheadsite.com

Response:

Thought you all might be interested in a new Fly Fishing Loop of websites. The loop is just getting started, but already has been well received. It’s called the: Fly Fishing Loop Located at: http://homepage.interaccess.com/~tsteele/FlyFishingLoop/

Hi, Just tried and got no connection. Could you verify that the above is correct. Thanks. Michael — Mit der Dummheit kampfen Gotter selbst vergebens -Schiller-

Response:

Just tried and got no connection. Could you verify that the above is correct.

Works for me … must have been server trouble. Looks very cool and is a neat concept. Thomas Steele The Steelhead Site

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Question:

I am in the market for a new pair of float tube fins to replace the ones I currently use – which are Caddis fins. The new fins I am interested in buying are something called Force Fin float tube fins. They are advertised as being 40 – 60 percent more efficient than the average float tube fins on the market today. Here are some of my questions: 1. Has anyone used Force Fin float tube fins and found them better than the ones they previously used. 2. Does anyone knows how many models they have. 3. Do they (Force Fin) have a web site? Don. "May the fish be with you"

Response:

I am in the market for a new pair of float tube fins to replace the ones I currently use – which are Caddis fins. The new fins I am interested in buying are something called Force Fin float tube fins. They are advertised as being 40 – 60 percent more efficient than the average float tube fins on the market today. Here are some of my questions: 1. Has anyone used Force Fin float tube fins and found them better than the ones they previously used.

Force fins are great if you have to hike in with them.  They are very light, and provide reasonable propulsion.   For most of my tubing, however, I use a longer, stiff scuba fin that gives me more power. 2. Does anyone knows how many models they have.

I think they have two, one fits all sizes, one comes in S, M. L. XL, etc. 3. Do they (Force Fin) have a web site?   Don’t know?

If you decide to buy them, I can put you in touch with someone who sells Force Fin cosmetic blems for a good price compared to full retail. John Woodling Sacramento, CA

Response:

I’ve been using mine for three or four years and have no complaints. I do believe they are a little more powerful than my previous standard fins, and they are a little bit easier to "walk" in. Hope this helps! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am in the market for a new pair of float tube fins to replace the ones I currently use – which are Caddis fins. The new fins I am interested in buying are something called Force Fin float tube fins. They are advertised as being 40 – 60 percent more efficient than the average float tube fins on the market today. Here are some of my questions: 1. Has anyone used Force Fin float tube fins and found them better than the ones they previously used. 2. Does anyone knows how many models they have. 3. Do they (Force Fin) have a web site? Don. "May the fish be with you"

Response:

Personally, if you are driving to the lake, or the walk is short, forget about anything but SCUBA PRO Jet fins.  With these large rubber fins you can tube for hours and hours and never tire.  Your maneuverablilty is unbelievable and best of all you can tube faster than most powerboats out there!!!

Response:

Hi Donald: I don’t know if it really matters, but Force Fins are scuba fins.   They’re not super big hits in the diving community though.  It’s either because they don’t work as well as regular fins or because they look plain weird. Either way, I use regular, Scuba Pro-like fins for both diving and tubing.

<snip The thing is – I don’t want to pay $100+ for a pair of Force Fin fins if it does not perform at least as good as a pair of scuba fins.

<snip

Response:

You may be right, I beginning to think that scuba fins are better than the Caddis fins, Flip fins, Force Fin fins, or any of the short float tube fins on the market today. One of the reasons I wanted to get a new pair of float tube fins is to be able to keep up with my friends who are using scuba type fins to propel themselves. But at the same time, I wanted to be able to wear my wading boots with my fins, something that Force Fin fins will allow me to do. I was also hoping that the Force Fin fins will at least allow me to have the same thrusting power as a good pair of scuba fins. But by some of the responses I have been getting from folks here, it seems that a good pair of scuba fins may be more superior to a pair of Force Fin fins when it comes to propelling one’s float tube on the water. The thing is – I don’t want to pay $100+ for a pair of Force Fin fins if it does not perform at least as good as a pair of scuba fins. On large lakes, one does not want to expend a lot of extra energy to propel a float tube after a 3+ hour hike to get to a high mountain lake. Don. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Personally, if you are driving to the lake, or the walk is short, forget about anything but SCUBA PRO Jet fins.  With these large rubber fins you can tube for hours and hours and never tire.  Your maneuverablilty is unbelievable and best of all you can tube faster than most powerboats out there!!!

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Look for fins that: 1- Cover your heel so you don’t chafe holes in your wet suit and don’t fill up easily with mud and sand when slogging around in the shallows. You can also wear booties to protect waders but it’s one more thing to buy, lug around and lose. 2- FLOAT. Diving fins are usually slightly negatively bouyant. Float tube fins do get scrubbed off when doing the heavy weed thing. Use tethers if your fins don’t float. 3- Flex rather easily. Diving fins are propelled by a slightly bent leg with most of the energy arising from the thigh, buttock and lower back. A float tube fin is propelled by the quads and a kick from the foot. Your legs will easily tire and your foot can cramp after heavy duty kicking with a long bladed, stiff dive fin. A flexy fin will sacrifice power up front but you’ll more than make up for it in the long run.    -Ralph – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You may be right, I beginning to think that scuba fins are better than the Caddis fins, Flip fins, Force Fin fins, or any of the short float tube fins on the market today. One of the reasons I wanted to get a new pair of float tube fins is to be able to keep up with my friends who are using scuba type fins to propel themselves. But at the same time, I wanted to be able to wear my wading boots with my fins, something that Force Fin fins will allow me to do. I was also hoping that the Force Fin fins will at least allow me to have the same thrusting power as a good pair of scuba fins. But by some of the responses I have been getting from folks here, it seems that a good pair of scuba fins may be more superior to a pair of Force Fin fins when it comes to propelling one’s float tube on the water. The thing is – I don’t want to pay $100+ for a pair of Force Fin fins if it does not perform at least as good as a pair of scuba fins. On large lakes, one does not want to expend a lot of extra energy to propel a float tube after a 3+ hour hike to get to a high mountain lake. Don. Personally, if you are driving to the lake, or the walk is short, forget about anything but SCUBA PRO Jet fins.  With these large rubber fins you can tube for hours and hours and never tire.  Your maneuverablilty is unbelievable and best of all you can tube faster than most powerboats out there!!!

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You may be right, I beginning to think that scuba fins are better than the Caddis fins, Flip fins, Force Fin fins, or any of the short float tube fins on the market today. One of the reasons I wanted to get a new pair of float tube fins is to be able to keep up with my friends who are using scuba type fins to propel themselves. But at the same time, I wanted to be able to wear my wading boots with my fins, something that Force Fin fins will allow me to do. I was also hoping that the Force Fin fins will at least allow me to have the same thrusting power as a good pair of scuba fins. But by some of the responses I have been getting from folks here, it seems that a good pair of scuba fins may be more superior to a pair of Force Fin fins when it comes to propelling one’s float tube on the water. The thing is – I don’t want to pay $100+ for a pair of Force Fin fins if it does not perform at least as good as a pair of scuba fins. On large lakes, one does not want to expend a lot of extra energy to propel a float tube after a 3+ hour hike to get to a high mountain lake. Don. Personally, if you are driving to the lake, or the walk is short, forget about anything but SCUBA PRO Jet fins.  With these large rubber fins you can tube for hours and hours and never tire.  Your maneuverablilty is unbelievable and best of all you can tube faster than most powerboats out there!!!

As far as the wading bots go, I use scuba fins and a pair of good ol’ Converse tennies for boots, and they work great.  I can outrace my buddy in his force fins quite handily.  He gets into the tube and the water more easily, however.

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Good points all Ralph, but are you familiar with the "Jet Fin"?  It is quite flexible though it does not cover your heel.  By the way, how’s the situation at Martis?

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am in the market for a new pair of float tube fins to replace the ones I currently use – which are Caddis fins. The new fins I am interested in buying are something called Force Fin float tube fins. They are advertised as being 40 – 60 percent more efficient than the average float tube fins on the market today. Here are some of my questions: 1. Has anyone used Force Fin float tube fins and found them better than the ones they previously used. 2. Does anyone knows how many models they have. 3. Do they (Force Fin) have a web site? Don. "May the fish be with you"

I know that Force Fins are very popular in northern California with the float-tubers. They make lots of models, but the fly shops usually carry the original model and the Adjustable. The originals come in sizes small, medium, medium/large, large, extra large and xx-large. The Adjustable come in one size and will fit over a boot or almost anything. The original sells for $85 to $99 and the Adjustable sells for $119 to $135. We sell the Caddis to people that are not traveling great distances in a day of fishing. They don’t float, so get some teethers. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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0] : I am in the market for a new pair of float tube fins to replace : the ones I currently use – which are Caddis fins. The new fins I : am interested in buying are something called Force Fin float tube : fins. They are advertised as being 40 – 60 percent more : efficient than the average float tube fins on the market today. : : Here are some of my questions: : : 1. Has anyone used Force Fin float tube fins and found them better : than the ones they previously used. : : 2. Does anyone knows how many models they have. : : 3. Do they (Force Fin) have a web site? : : Don. "May the fish be with you" If you would like some entertainment, try posting this question in rec.scuba and follow the resulting thread/holy-war. Mike — Michael McGuire                     Hewlett Packard Laboratories Phone: (415)-857-5491               Palo Alto, CA 94303-0971

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Question:

   I only suggest Mike lawson’s if you have 1000 dollars to spend…. they are rude and won’t give you the time of day.  Try Jimmy’s All seasons angler in Idaho Falls…you will get just as good information…better in my opinion and no attitude.

Hi Peter I also suggest the boys at the Hyde Drift Boat Shop in Idaho Falls 208-529-4343. They are also great and very helpful. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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Need up to date info on the Henry’s Fork.  Will be there Aug. 15, 16 & 17.  Can anyone help?

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I was just out in July. I suggest you go see Mike Lawson’s fly shop and ask for HELP!  You will NEED IT !! rm

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        I only suggest Mike lawson’s if you have 1000 dollars to spend…. they are rude and won’t give you the time of day.  Try Jimmy’s All seasons angler in Idaho Falls…you will get just as good information…better in my opinion and no attitude.

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I am planning on fishing the Island Park area next week and wondered if anyone has any recent reports as the fishing and water conditions.  At this point I have plans to fish the Henry’s Fork and Warm River.  Anyone have any info please let me know Thanks in advance Robert Warren –

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I am planning on fishing the Island Park area next week and wondered if anyone has any recent reports as the fishing and water conditions.  At this point I have plans to fish the Henry’s Fork and Warm River.  Anyone have any info please let me know

I have been maintaining a WWW Page that tracks both the flows and fishing reports for the area you are going to be in.  Point your browser to: http://www.nicoh.com/flyfish/reports Matt — NICOH Net Internet Access Provider for Eastern Idaho

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Question:

I will be taking a two week trip to the yukon canoeing down the Yukon river this summer and would like to know if anyone has done this before. I would like to fish for grayling, artic char etc and would appreciate hearing from anyone what flies & methods i should use. If anyone has done this trip fishing or not, please drop me a line

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I will be taking a two week trip to the yukon canoeing down the Yukon river this summer and would like to know if anyone has done this before. I would like to fish for grayling, artic char etc and would appreciate hearing from anyone what flies & methods i should use. If anyone has done this trip fishing or not, please drop me a line

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My Name: My, this reminds me of an incident that I wittnessed while I was stationed at Galena Air Force Station in 1963/64.  Galena is located on the banks of the Yukon river in central Alaska. I and some friends were drinking beer and cooking hamburgers/hotdogs one afternoon when we spied a canoe pulling up to shore where we were. As soon as the canoe was pulled up on shore the two occupants split at a trot in different directions without saying a word to us or each other. We got a good laugh out of this and continued eating and drinking. The next day I talked with one of the canoeists and he said that they had seen so much of each other and hardly no one else that they were ready to pitch in and fight each other and had been at each other’s throat for a while.  I guess they finally settled their differences as they left a day or two later in the canoe and together. The feude undoubtly arose out of the ever present bowman/sternman dispute. The bowman can’t pick a route and the sternman can’t steer. So don’t ( as they say in the Eastern Shore of Delaware ) "fall into a fight" with your partner. Richard Warren Raleigh, NC

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Question:

I am trying to contact the Martin Reel company.  They seemed to have closed both their factory in Mohawk, NY where my fly reel   was manufactured and their customer service office in Tulsa OK, which is listed on my warranty card.  Good thing I decided to call before sending my reel in for repairs!  I thought my troubles were solved when I found a phone# for Martin Reels in a recent product review in Flyfishing magazine, but instead it was the residence of one very irrate lady who sounded pretty fed up with people calling about fly reels.  Anyway, if you happen to know a phone number for Martin Reels, or have a recent warranty card with a new address or phone number I would certainly appreciate it! Roger. —  Roger S. Barga     | Department of Computer Science and Engineering                     | Oregon Graduate Institute of Science and Technology (503) 690-1121 7308 | P.O. Box 91000

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I am trying to contact the Martin Reel company.  They seemed to have closed both their factory in Mohawk, NY where my fly reel   was manufactured and their customer service office in Tulsa OK, which is listed on my warranty card.  Good thing I decided to call before sending my reel in for repairs!  I thought my troubles were solved when I found a phone# for Martin Reels in a recent product review in Flyfishing magazine, but instead it was the residence of one very irrate lady who sounded pretty fed up with people calling about fly reels.  Anyway, if you happen to know a phone number for Martin Reels, or have a recent warranty card with a new address or phone number I would certainly appreciate it! Roger.

Martin was bought by Zebco, hence the Tulsa address, so you should be able to call them. -bruce pencek — Political Science, Box 15036      as eternal salvation — come by grace and   Northern Arizona University       grace comes by art and art does not come Flagstaff, AZ  86011-5036         easy."                 — Norman Maclean

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