Question:

I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder….

_______  Tons of books but I’d like to be the first to steer you to "Matching The Hatch" by Ernest Schwiebert.  After that, I don’t care what you read. Mr.G. — http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

Was a great illustrator. I believe he’s dead. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

Response:

Another classic is "Feather in the Breeze" Author J. Edson Leonard. Try it if you can find it. Maybe Amazon or Barns and Noble. It’s fiction with a lot of well written know how. Hugh

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Was a great illustrator. I believe he’s dead. Dave It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

Response:

Pick up any book by Robert Travers,  Nick Lyons (my favorite) or John Gierach for a great existential "been there" flyfishing read. Try Mel Krieger’s book "The Essence of Flycasting" or Lefty Kreh’s most recent tome for a good "how to" book. — Randall S. Davis

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks! It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

Response:

Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too!

I have three recommendations for you, Mark. They may not be the best books of yearning to be there next to them, at least in terms of action, but they offer very thoughtful and well-written perspectives and reflections. * Ted Leeson – The Habit of Rivers. Very thoughtful and humorous book. Simplifying and reflecting on complex and important matters, without missing crucial elements. Very impressive! You may get a "why didn’t I think of that?"-feeling from it, combined with uncontrolled chuckles.. This guy knows how to work a pen. * W.D. Wheterell – One River More. A book that you’ll spend hours reading only to find yourself wondering where the hell all the pages went. Amazingly smooth flow of the book, and his observations and writing style really appealed to me. You might look at your own favorite river different after reading this. Different as in many-facetted with regard to contexts and perspectives, which you probably didn’t know you were missing.. * Harry Middleton – Rivers of Memory. A small book — could easily be mistaken for a pamphlet. Until it is opened and read, that is. Middleton is a genius in communicating descriptions of atmospheres and scenery the way he sees them. I’m reading this book now, and judging from the size of it, I expected spending an hour or two on it.. Not so, as I time and time again find myself re-reading paragraphs while my slow brain catches up with the true power concealed in his words. A one-word description: "Wow!" (a word of caution: English is not my mother tongue, and this probably affects my reading pace and understanding, and thus my preferences in writers, a great deal..) I don’t like Gierach much, at least not compared the books and authors listed above. Too monotonous in perspective and writing style for my taste. He does have his moments, by all means, but somehow, it just doesn’t strike that cord with me.. If you do love Gierach books, you’re in luck, because he sure writes a lot of them….. Hope this helps! — Christian Figenschou – <URL: http://figen.com

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Grahm,    Read Trout Bum and View From Rat Lake.  He is a good writer and has only written one book that wasn’t excellent.  I enjoy his magazine articles too. Ernie Graham K. Jones wrote – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I would recommend anything written by John Gierach. I’ve read, just this fall, Sex, Death and Fly-Fishing, Dances with Trout, Another Lousy Day in Paradise and I am working on Standing in a River Waving a Stick when I can (not much lately). John’s writing really struck a cord with me, maybe it will for you as well. His books are a mix of the philosophy, technique, demographics and sociology of fly fishing. Graham

Response:

Grahm,    Read Trout Bum and View From Rat Lake.  He is a good writer and has only written one book that wasn’t excellent.  I enjoy his magazine articles too. Ernie

Ernie;Which one might that be? I have read everything he has written and they were all good. The only thing wrong with reading Gierach is that it might lead you to experiment with bamboo, heroin is cheaper and maybe not as addictive. John Before you buy.

Response:

Mark,  Two titles I would highly recommend:  A Flyfisher’s World by Nick Lyons and The Armchair Angler, an anthology edited by T. Brykczynski and D. Reuther.  Kerry Evans

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

Response:

I keep it on my coffee table….granted it is a great first book but it is large format, comic book style…… If anyone asks about flyfishing the can read it over coffee while you are slicing the cake (not very long) Well, it’s not exactly on the coffee table but it is in the living room along with my giant sized , reprint of the first issue of Superman. And if you don’t get it, you’ll always wonder about it now won’t ya? P.S. at the price, is there anything related to flyfishing you can get

Response:

Hello Mark, I would recommend anything written by John Gierach. I’ve read, just this fall, Sex, Death and Fly-Fishing, Dances with Trout, Another Lousy Day in Paradise and I am working on Standing in a River Waving a Stick when I can (not much lately). John’s writing really struck a cord with me, maybe it will for you as well. His books are a mix of the philosophy, technique, demographics and sociology of fly fishing. Graham

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

Response:

I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

Response:

Question:

If you’d be so kind as to indulge me in a little fish story… Last weekend my family and I went camping in Yosemite valley.  I will not get into the planning and strategies necessary to camp with seven-month old twins for four nights but suffice to say that I was, by the grace of my dear wife, able to sneak away for a little fishing here and there. If you’ve never been there, well, it really is as pretty as you’ve heard.  And much to my amazement, there are fish swimming in the Merced river — right by the spots that millions (well, hundreds of thousands, anyway) of tourists traverse each summer.  I have always assumed that any water with that ease of access and that many people around would be fished out.  But this isn’t the case here.  I suppose that (a) the artificial fly regulations limit the casual baitfishing that often accompanies camping and (b) most people are there to see El Capitan, Half Dome, and the waterfalls.  Anyway, as it turns out there were fish swimming in both the Merced and Tenaya Creek.  The following is the story of one of those fish. The river is extremely low this time of year — not surprising — and the fishing was challenging.  It was like fishing on a mirror, the water was so smooth, clear, and slow-moving. On the third morning I walked downstream until I got to a spot where Katy and I had seen fish the day before.  The good news was they were rising.  The bad news was I couldn’t figure out what they were rising to as nothing seemed to be coming off the water.  I suspect they were taking emergers of some type but never really figured it out.  I crawled to the water’s edge and started throwing out the usual suspects — small caddis, morning duns, light cahills, mosquitos, even a royal wulff.  Nothing.  Fish would rise just behind my fly so I hadn’t scared them — they had just taken a long look at my offering and found it wanting.  Ok, that’s not working.  I tried fishing a couple of these wet with the same effect.  Just for kicks I tied on an ant and cast that under a few branches.  Nothing. At this point I was getting a little frustrated — I’d been working this pool for practically two hours, watching fish rise the whole time, and hadn’t been able to elicit so much as a strike.  I suppose I should have been happy that I hadn’t scared them yet either but that seemed an awful small victory at the time.  I also started to feel that perhaps I should have paid a little bit closer attention in biology.  Stupid bugs. I retreated to a rock to sit and think for a minute.  Having thrown every likely dry in my box I decided it was time to (as my brother-in-law would say) turn to the dark side.  I started to tie on a royal coachman for an indicator and a small prince nymph dropper off the back of the hook.  As I was sitting working on my knots I heard a rustling in the brushes across the river.  I turned to see what it was and saw a deer and her fawn emerging on the far bank.  They seemed unfazed by my presence — I’m sure they have seen plenty of people — and proceeded down to the river to drink.  Figuring that they would go elsewhere once they caught a good whiff of me (remember it’s day three folks…), I turned my attention back to the river and cast out the double rig. About halfway through the pool — a drift that seemed like it took five minutes — I heard splashing behind me.  The deer were crossing the current and coming my way.  I stopped watching my fly and watched them walk by, no more than 20 feet away at the tree line.  As an aside, I overheard a lot of people that weekend complaining that the only wildlife they saw were squirrels and scrub jays — they just needed to get out of bed a little early, find a likely spot, and sit quietly for a while.  The park isn’t a zoo, folks.  Anyway. I decided that seeing the deer was a pretty cool thing and that I should be happy about that too.  It was getting late and I needed to be heading back to camp to help out with breakfast.  I rationalized that a couple more casts wouldn’t really make me that late, right?  I could walk a little faster back to camp. I cast out once again, just in front of an overhanging branch.  The coachman slowly drifted under the branch and then, suddenly, gone! Eyes to brain:  MSG URGENT you’ve got a strike…  I set the hook and started working on getting the fish in. A couple splashes and quick runs later I was unhooking a surprised 12" brown trout.  I know that the standard joke is that big fish are big and small fish are "nice" or "pretty" or "jewels" but I never get over the brilliant markings on a brown trout.  So colorful. That pretty much made the morning.  I cut off the flies, put them back in my box, reeled up my line, and humped it back to camp double-time — just in time for a fresh batch of pancakes off the griddle.  My brother-in-law and father-in-law (who had both declined to go with me that morning) did not believe me about my catch, but my wife saw the look in my eye and knew that I had indeed been successful in my hunt. I ended up getting back to this spot later in the afternoon, ready to go at it again, but by then the river was full of kids throwing rocks and splashing around.  The moment to fish that spot had passed — we were leaving the next morning.  I know that a more accomplished angler may have pulled five or six fish out of that pool in the two-plus hours that I worked it, but that one fish was like a reward, payoff for patience and sticking at it. Thanks for reading, BW Brad Williams father of twins — fly fisher — teller of long stories * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

Brad, Nice story.. I believe you!  :) Made me want to fish!! -Mark If you’d be so kind as to indulge me in a little fish story…

– Particle Salad/ Noom Room Studio http://home.earthlink.net/~psalad mp3 songs: http://www.mp3.com/particlesalad

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If you’d be so kind as to indulge me in a little fish story…

Nice story, glad you got a fish. TL MC

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Nice story Brad.  The smooth water in the meadows is fun to fish, but the fish are easier to catch if you go upstream to where the white water is. The fish are wild since they quit stocking hatchery trout in the park. Ernie Harrison Have you tried a Blood Knot Machine?  http://home.pacbell.net/ernie2

If you’d be so kind as to indulge me in a little fish story…

<nice story snipped – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Brad Williams

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Question:

Our general river opener is June 1st so you need to plan. I suggest the Yakima, year round water, good range of hatches, suggest you call Patricks Fly Shop (Seattle) or Morning Hatch Flyshop in Tacoma for conditions and advise. Float it for app. $350 for two all day from Elllensburg down Canyon. Lots of bank access also and drive down canyon in spring is great. Fair access for wading in upper canyon between E-burg and Cle Elum. The Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie is also open all year, smaller river, lots of small trout. Overall best bet is to take I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass, get off about four miles West of Cle Elum if you want to eat in Roslyn, or off at Cle Elum onto State Route 10, you can access the river right away if you take right to "North Cle Elum" just as you come into town. If you pay close attention to the lay of the land you will spot the access points east of town off route 10.  Follow RT 10 on down the upper canyon. The road winds lots so be careful. Access points are to the right of highway. Thru the village of Thorp and back onto I-90 to Ellensburg. Get off onto State 97 to follow river down. First access is at Thrall (just some Potato Packing sheds) to right on Ringer Road to a State F&G boat put in and parking lot. Further down river access is generally obvious off the road down to the Rosa dam. You can definitely get to the river on foot at Ringer, Umtanum, and above Red’s Riverview campground. Watch for Desert Big Horn Sheep on slopes in Canyon. Canyon Road will take you into Selah and back end of Yakima. Can take I-82 back to I-90 and home.  I don’t want to be a weenie but I do emphasize you drive carefully on 10 and 97. The country is big and scenic and it tends to pull your eyes off the road. Lots of trucks, log and ag, ripping down road. Don’t count on all hazards to be marked or the access roads to be civilized. Ellensburg has lots of motels, expensive off I-90 exits, but cheap sportsman digs are up road in town. Its a small college town (Central Washington State). Ellensburg veal and lamb are very good, even by Nebraska standards. Some great bars in old section of town. Flys: BWOs, Cahill wets, little brown stones, small nymphs, western March Brown,  ask Patricks Out on the coast the Steelhead will close down April 30th for a month. If you planned it right you could try the Bogachiel, Sol Duc etc.. With two days I wouldn’t recommend it. Lots to see out there but be prepped for weather. If you wanted to be casual about the fish, but see a great sample of the NW, and drive your ass off try this: Go over the pass and down to Yakima like I said above, go south thru the Yakima Indian Res. to Goldendale and then down the Columbia Gorge to Vancouver/Portland and back up I-5 to Tacoma/Seattle. Overnight at Goldendale. (Double ditto on what I said on the roads for the stretch between Goldendale and the Columbia River.  You would see more of the working NW than most ever see, and the pix would be spectacular, guaranteed. Now, Im in Scottsbluff in mid April. Any recommends for NW Nebraska in mid April? Dave Snedeker – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My (flyfishing) wife and I are going to be in Tacoma, WA May 26 – 30. We will be bringing our travel rods (4 weight) with us.  We’ll have two days for fishing.  Any suggestions for rivers/streams for trout withing a two hour drive of Tacoma would be appreciated.  I’m not looking for anyone’s honey hole, just a general location where access is not too rigorous All suggestions will be appreciated (also any clues as to what flies I should tie for the trip would be a big help). Thanks. Jim Impara

Response:

My (flyfishing) wife and I are going to be in Tacoma, WA May 26 – 30. We will be bringing our travel rods (4 weight) with us.  We’ll have two days for fishing.  Any suggestions for rivers/streams for trout withing a two hour drive of Tacoma would be appreciated.  I’m not looking for anyone’s honey hole, just a general location where access is not too rigorous All suggestions will be appreciated (also any clues as to what flies I should tie for the trip would be a big help). Thanks. Jim Impara

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Question:

I’ll be taking a trip to Los Angeles next week.  Anyone know of places near LA/SD for saltwater fly fishing?    Mu Young Lee         Ann Arbor,MI  o             oooo                          o   o   o o   o o o  o

Response:

King harbour, Redondo Beach, renown for 1/2 bonita on the fly.  See "inside Angler"

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Question:

[deleted] Don’t get too hung up on graphite specs.

Good call Dan !. *Much* better to buy based on more *useful* information such as: MVR (Maximum Vibration Technology) <g — TimW – Halfordian Golfer Guilt replaced the creel…

Response:

writes: Good call Dan !. *Much* better to buy based on more *useful* information such as: MVR (Maximum Vibration Technology) <g

Hi Tim, The point I was trying to make was that yes, there is a lot of different technology out there (including Orvis’ Maximum Vibration Reduction), but the whole point of the tech is to make a rod that works well and feels good to the individual.    It doesn’t matter what the technology is behind it if it doesn’t feel good (or make a difference) to the person buying it.  Got to keep that horse in front of the cart.<g                              Good Fishing,                                     Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools Mt. Shasta Fly Fishing Schools http://www.thegrid.net/flyfish

Response:

I’ve heard the designation IM6 used when describing rods. It seems as though this is some "grade" of graphite. Can someone enlighten me as to what it means? Thanks, Scott Wilkinson

Hi Scott, There are four generations of graphite compositions that rod makers use today. The original or first generation called graphite #1 is ~30 million modulus The second generation called graphite #2 or IM6 is ~40 million modulus The third generation called graphite #3 is ~ 50 million modulus The fourth generation called graphite #4 is ~ 64 million modulus The later generations are usually lighter and more efficient, but I am really more concerned about how they cast. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

Snip, snip….Don’t get too hung up on graphite specs.  Try out the rod and

see how it worksfor your needs.  Just because a rod says it is IM6 does not necessarily mean it is a better rod than one made out of the older graphite, or a worse rod than a rod made out of a newer graphite formula.  It allows the rod designer more design options than the old graphite and not as many options as the newestgraphite.  The result depends a lot on the skill of the rod designer and how he utilises those capabilities. Hope this helps,

I didn’t raise the question, but that’s about as good an answer as anybody could ask for. Cleared things up for me, anyway. Thanks. From the minute we’re born we all start dying;some of us just take longer than others. Me? I’ve been dragging my feet, but it doesn’t seem to help much.

Response:

I’ve heard the designation IM6 used when describing rods. It seems as though this is some "grade" of graphite. Can someone enlighten me as to what it means?

It stands for "Intermediate Modulus 600" and is a graphite specification that is used to make fly rods.  It is typically known as second generation graphite and was pretty much the standard for many rod companies prior to the higher modulus graphites (third and fourth generation) currently used.  Lots of good fly rods were/are made from this material although it is no longer the standard of the industry. I believe  Winston still makes all of their rods out of this material and they make some very nice (and expensive) fly rods from it. Don’t get too hung up on graphite specs.  Try out the rod and see how it works for your needs.  Just because a rod says it is IM6 does not necessarily mean it is a better rod than one made out of the older graphite, or a worse rod than a rod made out of a newer graphite formula.  It allows the rod designer more design options than the old graphite and not as many options as the newest graphite.  The result depends a lot on the skill of the rod designer and how he utilises those capabilities.                     Hope this helps,                           Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools Mt. Shasta Fly Fishing Schools http://www.thegrid.net/flyfish

Response:

I’ve heard the designation IM6 used when describing rods. It seems as though this is some "grade" of graphite. Can someone enlighten me as to what it means? Thanks, Scott Wilkinson

Response:

there was an excellent posting on all the types of graphite a couple of months back. I suggest you search Dejanews if you want the straight goods as I am sure I have muddled it up in my memory a tad; graphite as a raw material is available from a number of manufacturers. The original graphite had a modulus of 33 million or so ( 33 million what?) About 10 years ago "2nd generation" graphite appeared with a modulus of 42 million: IM6 and Sage’s graphite II were part of this crowd. 3rd generation followed (ie Graphite III), modulus of maybe 50 million etc etc. So IM6 refers to a 2nd generation graphite fibre from a particular manufacturer. It’s been used a long while, it’s proven, rod designers know it’s qualities and a lot of people like rods made from it. Ralph H note spurious hyperbole, insults and ‘personal attacks’ made by the author are meant to honour "the Soul of Cicero" and are not intended as personal slights. Please don’t take offense as none is intended. remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply.

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Question:

Hi Sandy, Great idea and post on the Skinny Minny. I’m going to give them a try after Christmas. There is usually some kind of thaw for a few day in mid January in Montana and I’m going to be prepared. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 materials catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

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[ skinnies 4K ]

             –Skinny Minnies and Rapalicas– WARNING:   The following discussion may prove hazardous to your sensibilities. If you like precise definitions and are uncomfortable with gray area, abort now and read no further. Else continue.   Hot damn. I’ve been working on this for over ten years, and now I finally have it: homemade, lightweight wigglers that are quick and easy to make. I wrote about this once, or, should I say John Gierach did, about 10 years ago in fly fisherman, in an article called "Flies or Lures," where my work was reviewed along with the work of several others (A K Best?) I had some wigglers that worked then, but they were way too heavy, and took way too long to make. I posted some interim, ‘almost works’ instructions to rec.outdoors.fishing a few years ago, and immediately started a flame war about what is and isn’t fly fishing. Several readers thought the very idea of fly rod wigglers was inherently reprehensible. One reader referred to them derisively as "Skinny Minnies." I thought it was a pretty good name. I’ll have to see if I can get something published under that name. For me, wigglers have been the hardest challenge in fly tying. I have been making them for years, but I never knew–until recently–which ones would work and which ones wouldn’t. Dave Whitlock once described the balancing of homemade wigglers as "Impossibly difficult." But it ain’t so: once you’ve got it, it’s easy. BACKGROUND:   First of all–just in case there is any doubt in your mind–wigglers are absolutely deadly. Tiny, 3/8" long wigglers are absolutely dynamite on the spring creeks. In bigger water, fat, long-bodied wigglers thrown into the i pockets behind overhanging willow branches pull out big browns like a magnet. MATERIALS:    Thin super glue.    5-minute epoxy    Spawn sack—dyed brown or black if you are a perfectionist    Clear mylar sheeting (get it at the drafting supplies store, ala                          Bett’s frog lip)    any standard hook…with hook size vaguely dependant on body length.    optional: any number of rubber leg, marabou, saddle hackle additions              that can be added, as-per-your imagination. TYING (assembly) INSTRUCTIONS:    ….say for a big one…    Cut a 1/4" x 1/4" x 2" square tube of closed cell foam. Use scissors to taper off the rear end. Use a razor blade to cut a 60 degree slanted front face in the foam. Slit what will eventually be the belly of the fly (lure?) and push in a flattened split shot, along with a dab of epoxy. This "belly-mounted" ballast is critical. This (belly ballast) was the missing part of the puzzle, for me. With a bouyant tail, a little ballast in the belly and slightly weighted bill, they all orient downwards, and dive and wiggle like crazy when you pull on the line.     Roll the foam body up like a cigarette (perhaps you learned how to do this i back in the late 1960’s)–in a rectangle of spawn sack. Twist up the loose spawn sack at the rear end, and glue the tight knot at the rear end with a spot of thin super glue. Clip off the excesss spawn sack. Twist the spawn sack flat over the slanted front end of the foam body. Use a small amount of thin super glue to pin the spawn sack flat against the slanted front end of the foam.   Cut a rectangle of rigid, clear mylar sheeting for the diving lip. Rough it up with sand paper. Glue the front end of the slanted foam body onto the diving lip with epoxy. Set it aside to dry.    Once the epoxy has hardened, use scissors to trim back the mylar sheeting into a Rapala-like diving lip. Glue an additional, flattened split shot on the lower edge of the bill.    At this point, you can add do-dads. Sew in rubber legs, flashabou, saddle hackles, beady eyes….whatever you want. What you have, at this point, is a soft-bodied lure that dives and wiggles like a daemon, and yet is no heavier than many commercially tied streamer flies. You can toss them easily with a fly rod. HOW TO FISH THE FLURE:   Use a bodkin needle to poke a hole through the bill. Push the tippet through the hole. Throw a half hitch around the body of the lure. Use a needle to push the tippet through the foam at its rear end. Tie on any hook you like. Fish it upstream and across, like a streamer. You may have to use toenail clippers to "fine tune" the action of the lure. Then try fishing it it downstream, swimming it back and forth at the top of likely looking pockets. Pay attention and be ready to set the hook. You’ll get plenty of strikes. You’ll find more big fish than you ever imagined. I fished some of these last summer on the Big Horn, and the results were nearly indescribable. The only flaw at that point, was that only about 1 in 4 flies I made worked (wiggled) right. Now they all do. It’s all in the belly ballast.

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Question:

Can anyone recommend a flyshop in Racine, WI (or further south) who could advise me on the steelhead fishing on the Root River?  Any guide recommendations? Many thanks, Bob McAnulty

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Can anyone recommend a flyshop in Racine, WI (or further south) who could advise me on the steelhead fishing on the Root River?  Any guide recommendations? Many thanks, Bob McAnulty

You could try the old Steelhead Hotline #. 414-382-7920. Another # used to work as well 382-7921 or 7929. I haven’t called these in about 2 yrs as the "scene" on the Root doesn’t do it for me (scene reads ‘mob scene’). I don’t know the flyshops in Milwaukee or Racine. Jon

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Hello Bob: Call Bob Blumreich at Silver Doctor Flyfishing guide service. (608) 756-2184. Good luck! Clay

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We are very pleased to announce the all new, FISHINTERNET AUSTRALIA http://www.fishnet.com.au/ This internet service is dedicated to the Australian recreational fishing scene. Sections cover all aspects of fishing in Australia with excellent information resources, fishing reports from around the country, full directory of all tackle shops, marine dealers, charters, guides, resorts etc. Please let us know what you think of this new service. Regards, David Dryden         Fishinternet Australia         http://www.fishnet.com.au/ I checked your page. It looks good. Can you help me with advice on fly-fishing for Barramundi in the Cairns / Port Douglas area, or even further north into Cape York. I’ve heard this is something of a new frontier in salt water fly fishing and that the Barramunid is excellent quarry. I will be in the area for 2 weeks in September. I’d like to know about seasons, flies, techniques, guides, etc. Thanks. Christopher Payne. Can you assure me of the availability of that nectar of the gods known

as Crown Lager Beer, its to die for. CL – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We are very pleased to announce the all new, FISHINTERNET AUSTRALIA http://www.fishnet.com.au/ This internet service is dedicated to the Australian recreational fishing scene. Sections cover all aspects of fishing in Australia with excellent information resources, fishing reports from around the country, full directory of all tackle shops, marine dealers, charters, guides, resorts etc. Please let us know what you think of this new service. Regards, David Dryden         Fishinternet Australia         http://www.fishnet.com.au/

I checked your page. It looks good. Can you help me with advice on fly-fishing for Barramundi in the Cairns / Port Douglas area, or even further north into Cape York. I’ve heard this is something of a new frontier in salt water fly fishing and that the Barramunid is excellent quarry. I will be in the area for 2 weeks in September. I’d like to know about seasons, flies, techniques, guides, etc. Thanks. Christopher Payne.

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We are very pleased to announce the all new, FISHINTERNET AUSTRALIA http://www.fishnet.com.au/ This internet service is dedicated to the Australian recreational fishing scene. Sections cover all aspects of fishing in Australia with excellent information resources, fishing reports from around the country, full directory of all tackle shops, marine dealers, charters, guides, resorts etc. Please let us know what you think of this new service. Regards, David Dryden          Fishinternet Australia          http://www.fishnet.com.au/

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Question:

Hi, a brand new german internet fly-fisherman is around ! I am sorry if a cause some troubles here, but it is my first time in the internet and i wanted to take a look at the worlds computer-fly-fishermen. So if i produce any mistakes in here, I AM SORRY !       Would be nice if somebody talks to me, just to see that i am right in here.    CU, bye…….

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Hi, a brand new german internet fly-fisherman is around ! I am sorry if a cause some troubles here, but it is my first time in the internet and i wanted to take a look at the worlds computer-fly-fishermen. So if i produce any mistakes in here, I AM SORRY !       Would be nice if somebody talks to me, just to see that i am right in here.    CU, bye…….

Hello and welcome. It’s always great to have flyfishers from different countries. I lived in Germany for 3 years and had some great fishing experiences there. Tchuss! Cal Harris — Fishin Buddy  o <<     o  |           These opinions are offered by weight  <     <  o       <J           provocative content may have occurred      <<       <<                    during shipping and handling.

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Howdy,     you are hear and heard…always nice to have someone from across the water join in.  Maybe you can tell me about Huchen if you have ever had the oportlunity to fish for them.                     Petri Heil                          Mike Leitheiser, Portland, Oregon

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Hi from around the world. Enjoy the ‘net and aloha, |Robert (aka: Bob) B. Graham – NINC-HON               Office: (808) 523-4500| |(Nerd-In-Chief Honolulu)                               Home: (808) 395-9360| |City & County of Honolulu           Prodigy: WTKW87A                       |  I have a vice, that vice is fishing – time stops, I’m in a different world.

: Hi, : a brand new german internet fly-fisherman is around ! : I am sorry if a cause some troubles here, but it is my first : time in the internet and i wanted to take a look at the worlds : computer-fly-fishermen. So if i produce any mistakes in here, : I AM SORRY !       Would be nice if somebody talks to me, : just to see that i am right in here.    CU, bye…….

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This thread is great! Does any one know if there is an IRC session on FFishing? That is where real time conversation can take place and our German friends can participate. I’m a Fly fisherman and amateur astronomer. On sundays an #ASTRONOMY session held. Folks from uk, as, fr and others participate. A FFishing session would be great too.

: Hi, : a brand new german internet fly-fisherman is around ! : I am sorry if a cause some troubles here, but it is my first : time in the internet and i wanted to take a look at the worlds : computer-fly-fishermen. So if i produce any mistakes in here, : I AM SORRY !       Would be nice if somebody talks to me, : just to see that i am right in here.    CU, bye……. —  Remember amateur astronomers: "keep looking for the next Universe"

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bob- glad to hear u made it on to the net and welcome.  no doesn’t seem like u caused any prblems but how the fishing in germany?  currently i am in Manchester, New Hampshire, USA and while its alittle cold here and the seasons is on hold the fishing was tremendous this summer and fall in our northern rivers and streams.  also was terrific out west in Wyoming and Montana where i spend three weeks every year.  so i guess we have u to blame for all these german browns that thrive in our rivers, well i can tell u they get pretty big over hear.  well lots of luck.                                                  tight lines

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Question:

Why not try a Fisher rod for a new experience.  The Fisher action is, in my opinion, one of the best on the market.  If you want a good buy, call Mike Solgat at (702) 782-4734 for his prices on a custom rod made from a Fisher blank.

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Why not try a Fisher rod for a new experience.  

 …and (addendum to last entry)…have you tried a Scott? steve drossel

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 Sage has many more choices.  Fenwick’s Ironfeather sounds like it’s their entry into the quality_rod category…. Right now, if in the same situation I’d tryout the Ironfeather with either Sage’s SP or RPL side_by_side if possible AND I (opinion) would include a few Orvis PMs (like EACH company’s line of rods…some are great, some are NOT!) tight_lines steve drossel

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Hey…         Hello Snowdog here…well my choice would be Sage..if u can afford SP OR RPL….they are wonderful rods.  The SP is top of the line…for anyone.  It is a very difficult rod…less for giving than the RPL so. I am still a poor college student…but have had a chance to use the rods. I have a four piece Discovery 5wt. 9′.  It is real nice and a nice upgrade from what I had before…a cheap Cortland.  I love it.  Orvis…well I look ed at them and for the money…at least what I could afford…Sage won hands down.  I live in the Upper Snake River Valley…I go to Idaho State University and by and far the most used quality rods around here are Sage. Orvis yes I guess is okay…but I just like how Sage feels.  Also…as long as u take care of your rod…and spending anywhere up to six hundred dollars u would be stupid not too…Sage guarentees it for life…your life.  Orvis does have that 25 year guarentee, but I think u pay more for it than the rod. Take can I hope this helps. Peter

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GO with the sage. Current Fenwick rods are not as good as the past oldies. Sage was started by former Fenwick designers and come real close to the traditional Fenwick tapers. I think that you will find the Sage a far better rod and will suit your needs better. In addition, some current Fenwicks have had some major breaking problems (the riverrunner casting rods come to mind). In addition quality control has lapsed since the company was purchased by that overseas conglomerate. Sage has become the rod of choice and former fenwick owners should feel comfortable with the feel and tapers. I can attest that the Fenwick return policy is quite liberal, if you still insist on the Fenwick. Ditto for Sage. I personally would settle for the Sage. REGARDS from a longtime Fenwick fan. Hope this helps. DA

I second this recommendation. I own four Fenwicks–old and new–and two Sages. The Fenwicks, old or new, do not compare to the Sages. I also have a couple of Orvis rods, and a Loomis 4-piece. The best by far is the Sage 9-ft 5-weight. Orvis, of course, has the best return/repair policy–free replacement regardless of cause.

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        I am in the process of looking for a new rod (to be graciously supplied by my insurance company) to replace one lost in a move. I have used Fenwick fly rods for ages and have been rather leery of anything else. The guy at the local shop has been pushing me to buy a Sage but I’m not sure.         Help me out guys. I need some opinions on the subject. Do I stick with the Fenwick or go for a new Sage. tips up folks

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Lafleur) writes:

 I am in the process of looking for a new rod (to be graciously supplied by my insurance company) to replace one lost in a move. I have used Fenwick fly rods for ages and have been rather leery of anything else. The guy at the local shop has been pushing me to buy a Sage but I’m not sure.  Help me out guys. I need some opinions on the subject. Do I stick with the Fenwick or go for a new Sage Buy the rod that feels best. Most quality rods will catch fish. buying "brand names" fits in the same boat as having a BMW or Rolex, both great products if you need them for anything other than ego gratification. I have noticed a disturbing trend in fly fishing in the last few years. It seems that what you use is more important than the results you get, or the fun you have. Both brands will do the job. Labbe

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Lafleur) writes:

<Do I go for Fenwick or Sage Much depends on your own style of fishing. Owning both Sage and Fenwick rods myself, I grab my Fenwick 4-wt when small streams with delicate presentations are the order of the day. For large rivers where something with a bit more oomph is needed, I’ll take my Sage 5-wt. Forced to a cross-situation of a large water needing very delicate casts, I use a $25 Berkley Blazer 4/5. Cheap as it is, it’s got enough backbone to deliver 50-55 feet of line, but is slow enough to allow great delicacy and control. Not bad for the price, I’d say. JL 8-Wt Editor

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Sage rods are truly a pleasure to fish with

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Lafleur) writes: I am in the process of looking for a new rod (to be graciously supplied by my insurance company) to replace one lost in a move. I have used Fenwick fly rods for ages and have been rather leery of anything else. The guy at the local shop has been pushing me to buy a Sage but I’m not sure. Help me out guys. I need some opinions on the subject. Do I stick with the Fenwick or go for a new Sage

GO with the sage. Current Fenwick rods are not as good as the past oldies. Sage was started by former Fenwick designers and come real close to the traditional Fenwick tapers. I think that you will find the Sage a far better rod and will suit your needs better. In addition, some current Fenwicks have had some major breaking problems (the riverrunner casting rods come to mind). In addition quality control has lapsed since the company was purchased by that overseas conglomerate. Sage has become the rod of choice and former fenwick owners should feel comfortable with the feel and tapers. I can attest that the Fenwick return policy is quite liberal, if you still insist on the Fenwick. Ditto for Sage. I personally would settle for the Sage. REGARDS from a longtime Fenwick fan. Hope this helps. DA

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