Question:

<snip That kinda defeats the purpose.  It’s just not the same giving a boxed gift as opposed to something handmade especially for an individual.

  I would definitely agree with this comment! I know my son cherishes his rod I made for him! Especially if he gets to help you make it. Gary

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Another way to go is to find a suitable spinning rod blank and make it into a fly rod. I did this for my son when he was about 6. We went down to Shoff’s Tackle (http://www.shofftackle.com/) and found a 6′ 2 piece blank that seemed to have a nice light action. Once I made the rod up it took a 5wt and cast like a dream.

Anyone else try this, I would be interested in hearing your results. Tim Apple

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I have to agree with this.  I started my 9 year old son this year, thinking that a 7′6" rod would be better since he is smaller.  We tried several rods, and he had an easier time with an 8′6" rod. The extra length helps him keep the line off the ground and helps to generate a little more line speed. I have built three rods on the PacBay blanks from H&H, 9′ 3wt, 7′9" 3wt, and 9′ 7wt.  The 9′ 3wt is REALLY nice.  The 7′9" rod could stand a 4wt line easily.  I haven’t had enough time with the 7wt to form much of an opinion yet, haven’t had it on water yet. The PacBay and H&H brand blanks are identical except for color. Ted – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I know nothing about building rods. But as to going shorter and lighter because its a kid . . . I wouldn’t. The requirements of the stream and fish don’t change with the size of the fisher.  So, I’d go for an 8, 8.5, 4 to 6 weight, assuming a mix of bass, trout, occasional searun and silvers, plus that big old carp he will eventually staulk one summer. Id go for sturdy and full size. Besides, kids tend to look on stuff scaled for them as "kid stuff". "Real stuff" is adult sized. Dave

Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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I would advise against a 2 weight for a beginner. I have a 2 weight and I love it, I  use it more than all my other rods combined, but, as my brother puts it "takes forever to cast line out using light rods". Two weeks ago a guide described my brother to a fellow as "the guy that casts 50 ft with a 1 weight rod in THAT wind" (it was a very windy day in Paradise Valley). IMHO, a short 4 weight would be a much better choice for a young beginner. There are numerous very light, short 4 weight rods that ought to do the trick. -Vittorio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : have a 6′6" 2wt blank that with web discount sells for $36. I have no experience, but doesn’t everyone say that a kid shouldn’t be started on very light-weight rods, like a 2wt? Don’t know, I’ve heard conflicting opinions.  My gut feeling tells me that for a little kid, a short lightweight rod will be easier to handle. If you really want a light-weight rod, many people will second my on saying: just buy him the Cabela’s 3forks 3wt combo. Rod, reel, line, leader, no hassle, $49 or so. BTW, it’s a 7′6" rod. That kinda defeats the purpose.  It’s just not the same giving a boxed gift as opposed to something handmade especially for an individual. Thanks,      - Ken — "Many go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish  they are after."    - Henry David Thoreau

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Ken I’ve casted a number of 6′ 6" rods and I’ve only ever liked one as they transmitted very little feel to the hand. Personally, I’d prefer a slower rod, but it doesn’t seem like anyone produces shorter rods with slow actions.  Anyone have a suggestion? Try a fibatube deluxe carbon fly rod (this company produces the

blanks for Hardys).As you may know an equivalent rod thru Hardy will cost you double. You can buy a completed rod in England FIBATUBE 7 ft 2pc for

Question:

Is it a possibility to have one out West, say July or August, that would be accessible for the crowd West of the Mississippi ?

That’s a superb idea, Fred. Everyone knows that Western flyfishing is better than Eastern flyfishing. I’m tempted to volunteer to host it, but I don’t think I’ll be ready this year. Maybe next year. If someone else wants to organize something in the Western Rockies count me in. — something bogus to avoid spam)

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Is it a possibility to have one out West, say July or August, that would be accessible for the crowd West of the Mississippi ? That’s a superb idea, Fred. Everyone knows that Western flyfishing is better than Eastern flyfishing. I’m tempted to volunteer to host it, but I don’t think I’ll be ready this year. Maybe next year. If someone else wants to organize something in the Western Rockies count me in.

The Western Rockies would be great – next year might be best, that’ll give folks a chance to do some planning.     http://www.newsfeeds.com/       The Largest Usenet Servers in the World!

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<<Is it a possibility to have one out West, say July or August, that would be accessible for the crowd West of the Mississippi ? Gehrke is coming from the fine northwestern state of Washington. If you do have a western clave, count me in. Dave LaCourse

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<<Is it a possibility to have one out West, say July or August, that would be accessible for the crowd West of the Mississippi ? Gehrke is coming from the fine northwestern state of Washington. If you do have a western clave, count me in. Dave LaCourse

____  I suppose if we held it here, I’d have to take all you guys on these remote float trips, jet up the Snake River and/or fish for wild cuttrhroat like it was 200 years ago in a wilderness? egads.  the thought of it. Mr. G.

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Is it a possibility to have one out West, say July or August, that would be accessible for the crowd West of the Mississippi ? That’s a superb idea, Fred. Everyone knows that Western flyfishing is better than Eastern flyfishing. I’m tempted to volunteer to host it, but I don’t think I’ll be ready this year. Maybe next year. If someone else wants to organize something in the Western Rockies count me in.

        now, now, boys, don’t y’all fret yourselves about a little ol clave organization job.  fortunately for you big sky folks, little wayno’s outfitters (we never close) has just expanded its service area to include the entire western united states.         for a nominal sum (contact the undersigned *only* for details), lwo’s, as we are called in the buckhead section of atlanta, will provide you with the time of your life.  of course, certain, um, "services" are actually provided by big joe’s flesh emporium of nasty, colo., but we can assure you of an event that will be burnt into your memories for eternity.         we’ll need a 50% advance and a ten day lead time.  glad to be of assistance. for the firm wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text — something bogus to avoid spam)

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        we’ll need a 50% advance and a ten day lead time.  glad to be of assistance.

hell, you’ll have spent all the money in less than 10 days….. waldo the reelist —          The Blue Ridge Book Gallery      P.O. Box 5112  Banner Elk, NC 28604 http://www.abebooks.com/home/BLUEBOOKS/HOME.HTM

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____  I suppose if we held it here, I’d have to take all you guys on these remote float trips, jet up the Snake River and/or fish for wild cuttrhroat like it was 200 years ago in a wilderness? egads.  the thought of it. Mr. G.

They had jetboats in the late 1700’s? C’mon G, now I don’t even believe that. Big Al

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They had jetboats in the late 1700’s?

Yes, they did.  All tricked out and ready to go.  Fortunately, gasoline had yet to be invented so everyone sat around lookin’ at ‘em and saying, "Damn! I wish someone ‘ud invent gasoline so we could go tearin’ around like maniacs and ravage us an ecosystem!".  Whale oil was available but didn’t have a high enough octane rating.  Eventually the jetboats were abandoned in favor of dugout canoes.  Thought you’d want to know. — Bob Jarvis Mail address hacked to foil spammers!

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Is it a possibility to have one out West, say July or August, that would be accessible for the crowd West of the Mississippi ?     http://www.newsfeeds.com/       The Largest Usenet Servers in the World!

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – some 2nd Amendment Gun Oil for your guns?  I’ll be glad to send you a bottle. Best stuff for any weapon you have, especially for anything auto or semi automatic.  Best in the world but the Pentagon doesn’t know it yet.  (as usual). Be glad to send you ‘a sample’.  On me.  It will save you four bucks.  (Expensive stuff to make).  You’re worth a regiment here on ROFF pard. got to keep your fire power up. Mr. G. —

Question:

Got a good fishin’ buddy (my brother-in-law) that is looking for a spare spool for an old F.W. Young & Sons Ltd. model #1535 fly reel.  Dunno where he got it, but we wondered if anybody out there can help us locate a spool for it.  We both suspect it was made in the U.K.  Thanks a lot for any info available!  -Bill-

Response:

FW Young & Sons Ltd. are made in Redditch England. Great reel by the way, still popular here in Norway. I have used the #1540 for Atlantic Salmon fishing for years, never failed. FF-shops here sell them. About $50 for a #1535 a spare spool. Probably cheaper in the US. O.N Norway – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Got a good fishin’ buddy (my brother-in-law) that is looking for a spare spool for an old F.W. Young & Sons Ltd. model #1535 fly reel.  Dunno where he got it, but we wondered if anybody out there can help us locate a spool for it.  We both suspect it was made in the U.K.  Thanks a lot for any info available!  -Bill-

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Question:

I live in Eastern Mass. and am looking for a good spot for Flyfishing. Any recommendations?

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I live in Eastern Mass. and am looking for a good spot for Flyfishing. Any recommendations?

Try Walden and White pond for trout The Mystics for bass and pikerel. Any river off the North shore for stripers and bluefish Email me for more specifics Bubba B

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Question:

Considering a 3-day solo (not counting dog) backpack trip mid june somewhere in the sierras.   Anyone with good experiences or heard of good areas for fishing and scenery?  Remote is good. thanks eric

Response:

Hi Eric-    I agree, remote is good; however, with only three days remote won’t be very. For most of the range the season will be on your side. You’ll find lots of snow, many lakes will be frozen, and not many people will be hanging out.    Try the southern Sierra northeast of Bakersfield. Hike into the Golden Trout Wilderness near the Quaking Aspen campground and hike up the Kern River (either fork). Probably not much snow, nice scene, the fishing is okay and the terrain is easy enough to cover some distance in three days. Take a snake bite kit, I was bit while fishing the area a few years back and was greatful for the kit.    -Ralph Considering a 3-day solo (not counting dog) backpack trip mid june somewhere in the sierras.   Anyone with good experiences or heard of good areas for fishing and scenery?  Remote is good. thanks eric

Ralph Cutter, California School of Flyfishing. http://www.flyline.com

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Question:

What is the best line size for small mouth fishing?

Response:

What is the best line size for small mouth fishing?

Since smallies rarely get over 6lbs in our neck of the woods, I use 6lb Maxima (or 4lb if I want to be really subtle) on my spinning gear. I use 10-12lbs test on my baitcaster for crank baits where finesse is not a requirement. And unlike largemouth you don’t often have to horse smallies out of heavy cover so anything over 10lbs is probably overkill. David E. Malone All opinions expressed are my own.

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I have used a 7wt rod/line combo. When fishing in the shallows I look for a shorter leader, say a six footer with an eighteen inch tippet. This setup also works well in windy conditions. In deeper water like around rocks in the middle of a lake where there might be a dropoff I use a sinktip line with as long a leader as possible usually around ten feet. This is all subject to change if there is a lot of wind. Then I usually stay home and fly a kite!   Hope this is some help. A guy who knows one heck of a lot more than I do set me up this way and it seems to work.                                                         Best of luck,                                  J.Christian Decker,  Danville, NH

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What is the best line size for small mouth fishing?

Largest flies needed for SMB are #4 streamers tied sparse, which a #7 fly line can carry to maximum range.  (If not, go one fly size smaller or one fly line size heavier.) — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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I thought this group was for fly-fishermen, not Bass Masters.  I normally use a six weight line for streamers (sink tip) and an eight weight wf floating for poppers etc…

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I use anywhere from an eight weight down to a five. It depends on the stream and the fly that I want to fish with. My tippets will be from a 6x all the way to a 1x for the big ones! Jon Porter

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Question:

we usually catch at least twenty big Browns (2-4 lbs) in an hour or so.

Curtis, I must have missed your first message where you gave the name of thr river you were fishing.  Just post it to me on private E-mail, we don’t want to bother all of the fishermen on this group with small talk. Ernie Harrison

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Fishing spawning beds ??? I dont know nuffink about the case in question guv, but fishing a spawning bed just does not seem to be a done thing old chap

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I think that’s a good assessment of the situation.  Thanks.

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I remember reading an article in either Trout or Fly Fisherman of a study that looked at the effect of wading across spawning beds on egg mortality. I don’t recall exact numbers, but more than 75% of the eggs were squashed in the study setting. Sounds like besides stressing this year’s fish, you are also impacting several years of fish classes.

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I remember reading an article in either Trout or Fly Fisherman of a study that looked at the effect of wading across spawning beds on egg mortality. I don’t recall exact numbers, but more than 75% of the eggs were squashed in the study setting. Sounds like besides stressing this year’s fish, you are also impacting several years of fish classes.

 Ditto!,   Flyfishing affords us the chance to think before we act..IF we choose to. sd

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Now that the Browns are spawning, I have been fishing the spawning beds quite heavily lately on our local river and have been wondering what effect it has on the spawing fish.  I’ve heard that if you’re careful where you step, the actual catching of the fish doesn’t have too much of an effect on them.  To give you an idea of what its like, we usually catch at least twenty big Browns (2-4 lbs) in an hour or so.  I would appreciate any comments or experience anyone might have.

  Curtis, think REAL hard now….does anyone go through your bed with corks on? Not  the best place to hook fish.   Harry

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writes: I would imagine that since fishing is allowed on this stream during the spawning period that the local biologists are not terribly worried about population level effects, either because the stream is heavilly stocked or there are adequate numbers of trout and spawning areas to compensate for the fish which are not able to complete spawning because of being caught.

I think that the Fish and Game departments are less concerned about numbers of fish and more interested in revenues. For a lot of people, the spawning periods and fishing on the beds are the only time that they can catch large numbers of fish on a lot of the heavily pressured rivers. The Wildlife Resource guys smile upon this because the happier their anglers are, the more liscenses they sell; the more liscenses they sell, the more money they make for their management needs. The problem with this is that resource management seems to be entirely about budgets rather than sensibility. Why protect a wild strain when you can make a bunch of money to stock the depleted river with hatchery fish the next year? One case which sticks out like a sore thumb is our local Provo River which has been so well advertised this year. Western Rivers Flyfisher {full service fly shop and outfitter} 867 East 900 South – SLC, UT 84105 (800)545-4312~~(801)521-6424~~fax(801)521-6329 Green River reports, Utah fishing conditions, and statewide guide info.

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As a non-scientist (but an avid angler) who follows this issue closely here in PA, I think Mark is dead on the money in his assessment…… Each individual stream is very much a situation unto itself in terms of population dynamics, recriutment, natural mortality, etc….  If wild trout in a freestone stream have a 40-70 percent annual natural mortality regardless of angling pressure, as I have read, then the effect of issues like catching and releasing spawning fish may be masked and indiscernable to the average angler from season to season……. However, in heavily pressured fisheries, I suppose every little bit hurts.   Additionally, it occurs to me that our measurement of fish abundance as anglers  tends to tell us very little in many cases…Here in PA, the prevailing management  strategy removes BT streams from the stocking list when they exceed a biomass of about 40 lb/surface acre of water.  Some of our better freestones hold in the 75-95 lb/acre range fairly consistently.  Now, if because of drought, flood, predation or fishing over spawners, stream A goes from 85 lb/acre last year to 60 lb/acre this year, do you think as anglers we would be able to tell the difference when we fished the stream?  60 lb/acre is still a lot of trout.  So the difference is kinda like waking up in the morning and finding 23 inches of snow on your car as opposed to 19 inches.  Either one is more than enough snow…  It’s all very subjective in my view….      

Response:

Now that the Browns are spawning, I have been fishing the spawning beds quite heavily lately on our local river and have been wondering what effect it has on the spawing fish.  I’ve heard that if you’re careful where you step, the actual catching of the fish doesn’t have too much of an effect on them.  To give you an idea of what its like, we usually catch at least twenty big Browns (2-4 lbs) in an hour or so.  I would appreciate any comments or experience anyone might have.<<<<

The reproductive cycle, from the production of gonads thru the actual act of spawning, takes up a tremendous amount of energy for a trout.  In fact many trout will die within weeks of spawning.  The added stress of being caught and fought to the point of exhaustion probably increases that fishes chance of dieing within a few weeks.  Also that fish may not have enough left in it after the fight to finish spawning, therefore no prodigy will be spawned from that individual this year.  If ther is enough trout and enough prime spawning areas  in the stream to compensate for the fish which are not spawning because of being caught, then compensatory reproduction and survival of young should help to prevent  any noticible population level effects.  If, however, either there is so much fishing pressure, or so little adequate spawning areas for these fish then you could be having profound impacts on the population (or actually the future population) in this stream.  I would imagine that since fishing is allowed on this stream during the spawning period that the local biologists are not terribly worried about population level effects, either because the stream is heavilly stocked or there are adequate numbers of trout and spawning areas to compensate for the fish which are not able to complete spawning because of being caught.  it is worry some to me anyway that someone can catch "at least twenty fish in an hour".  This sounds to me like this spawning population is big time vunerable to anglers. But on the other hand if so many fish are available and this type of fishing has been common in th past then one could conclude that the population seems able to compensate for the increased mortality of spawning fish due to being caught.It is imporatnt to note that no two streams are alike and what may be fine on one stream could be devestating to the next.  Just my two cents anyway. Mark Arrigo SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Syracuse, NY

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Question:

I need some help with a fly pattern. I am reading an article by Don Daughenbaugh, "American Angler" Sept/Oct 1994, pp. 42-45, which deals with tying a sow-bug pattern.   My questions are: 1. Where can one get Pantone permanent magic markers?                   2. What is CA Adhesive (Zap-A-Gap), and where can                      one purchase it? I live near Pittsburgh, PA, and have visited a few of the local fly fishing stored, but to no avail.  Any help you could provide would be greatly appreciated.  BTW/ The end of the article states that Mr. Daughenbaugh lives in Pennsylvania, but does not give an address or fly-fishing store that he might be affiliated with. This pattern looks like it might do the trick on Central Pennsylvania’s Spring Creek.  It seems as though every rock you turn over in this stream is just loaded with sowbugs (40-50 per 8 in diameter rock). Probably one of the reasons the trout in this stream do so well. Also, any fishing reports from Spring Creek would be welcomed. Thanks, John P. Coxey

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I need some help with a fly pattern. I am reading an article by Don Daughenbaugh, "American Angler" Sept/Oct  1994, pp. 42-45, which deals with tying a sow-bug pattern.   My questions are: 1. Where can one get Pantone permanent magic markers? John: You should call the American Museum of Flyfishing in Manchester Vt. 802-362-3300. Don Johnson is ex.director. Call me any Satrurday  6-7AM toll free at 800-298-8255. I have a radio show that goes to 200 cities call the Fishin’ Zone. It is sponsored by the Fisheries Defense Fund a non profit ortganization that is dedicated to the preservation of America’s Fishery Resources. You can mention my name to the museum as I am a trustee. Tight Lines.. Steve Sloan                  2. What is CA Adhesive (Zap-A-Gap), and where can                     one purchase it? I live near Pittsburgh, PA, and have visited a few of the local fly  fishing stored, but to no avail.  Any help you could provide would be  greatly appreciated.   BTW/ The end of the article states that Mr.   Daughenbaugh lives in Pennsylvania, but does not give an address or  fly-fishing store that he might be affiliated with. This pattern looks like it might do the trick on Central Pennsylvania’s  Spring Creek.  It seems as though every rock you turn over in this  stream is just loaded with sowbugs (40-50 per 8 in diameter rock).   Probably one of the reasons the trout in this stream do so well. Also, any fishing reports from Spring Creek would be welcomed. Thanks, John P. Coxey

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Question:

Hello,         My family is heading up to the North Fork (Henry’s Fork) of the Snake River in about a week.  Can anybody tell me how are the water conditions?  How is the (non-fly) fishing, in general? Thanks The above opinions are unregistered, evaluation opinions.  They are copyrighted solely by me.  If you wish to purchase a license to use these opinions, please send me $15.  Distribution without intent of permanent possesion is permitted and encouraged. "When one has lost one’s reason for living, one tends to be less motivated."  – Utwig, StarControl II

Response:

(Brad Kirby) writes:

havent heard lately how henrys is running, the main stem is still pretty full, although it changes almost daily due to water releases. i’m going over that way on the 18th for a week or so. you missed the salmon fly hatch by now on the henrys fork, overall the fishing on the snake system is [generally] pretty good, i always have good luck on large black roostertails for cutthroat, any large type spinner for browns in that area and lately have been having success with bro or black or some combination of jig, let it tap the bottom and keep your line tight, cutts will grab it on the fall, good luck.

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