Question:

"the jettys can be a blast. I did catch a striper and 2 blues on deceivers this fall (so far) on a nearby jetty ." of course, this was a jetty nearby my home … I live in Monmouth County which is the the northern end of the Jersey coast. Avalon is down at the southern end. Rob — so much fishing, so little time — –please remuv the ‘NOWAY2it’ from my email addy to email me–

Response:

Rob, Thanks for the info.  I think I’ll bring my 10×10 and my decievers and sea-bait flies and see if the stripers or blues are around down south.   Should I bring my waders?  My guess is yes. Thanks Chas – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "the jettys can be a blast. I did catch a striper and 2 blues on deceivers this fall (so far) on a nearby jetty ." of course, this was a jetty nearby my home … I live in Monmouth County which is the the northern end of the Jersey coast. Avalon is down at the southern end. Rob — so much fishing, so little time — –please remuv the ‘NOWAY2it’ from my email addy to email me–

Response:

Chas, If you can fit them, I would bring waders.  The jetties in NJ are 2 types: rough rock jetties and "finished" jetties, ie. filled in with a lot of concrete. I’m not sure about the Avalon jetty having never been there, but as you might suspect another aspect of fishing the salt is wading out on bars to get at better parts of the channel, better casts due to wind, better drifts due to tides etc. Another point on jetties: if you saw my post about jetty jumping earlier, I would *definitely* recommend having korkers or studded boots for jetties.  Even if it’s a "finished" jetty, if you actually have to land a fish, it will require you climbing down the rocks.  Water temps will be in the 50’s by then, which is perfect. Up until this week, they were in the low 60’s. On bait fish, we have peanut bunker, spearing, bay anchovies all hanging around now, so a variety of deceivers and clousers  should be the ticket. Hope you do well, Rob — so much fishing, so little time — –please remuv the ‘NOWAY2it’ from my email addy to email me–

Response:

I will be in Avalon NJ for a wedding November 9th.  We arrive the 7th and leave on the 11th.  We’ll be staying at a friend’s house on the beach.  I’m wondering if I should be bringing any tackle for fishing either from the beach, or in some inland waterway that’s nearby.  I’d probably not get more than a day’s fishing in, more likely a couple hours. What might I find, and should I be trying. Thanks Chas

Response:

Chas, I’m not too up on Avalon specifically, but in general this is prime time for surf fishing in NJ. According to Jim Freda in Fishing the NJ coast,  if you drive to the north point of Avalon you’ll come to Townsends Inlet. You can fish the eighth street jetty and 2 smaller groins (jettys).  Apparently there is a sand bar that forms from this point out into the inlet and you can work the various structures, either the jettys or from the bar into the adjacent channel. When fish are around (which they should be), working the jettys can be a blast. I did catch a striper and 2 blues on deceivers this fall (so far) on a nearby jetty . Prime target for this time of year are stripers, and there may be some slammer blues around as well.  Many live line eels for the stripers, but if you go onto stripersurf.com or njstriper.com (or even reel-time.com) you may be able to get some specifics on flyfishing the area.  Both sites have a flyfishing message board. Of course, if you ask at local tackle shops, you may find that Tautog (blackfish) are around. These are fished strictly with bait, specifically green crabs, and are little bulldogs when caught.  It’s tough fishing for them as they’re always around structure, have very hard teeth with which they can suck a crab off a hook in a split second, but are very good eating…14" minimum size Enjoy, Rob — so much fishing, so little time — –please remuv the ‘NOWAY2it’ from my email addy to email me–

Response:

Question:

Took the little lady out of school today to see Harry Potter (you are only young once). Saw the first showing in town.  Wasn’t bad, a good kids movie. They did however show the trailers for Lord of the Rings….looks good. Real good….may have to dust off an old brownie recipe and pretend I’m in college again….read ‘em in college don’t you know….(yup, got me an eddycation) john

Response:

Check out the scenery.. it was shot in New Zealand by a New Zealand director.. "Lord of the rings" fever has struck some parts LOL. Clark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Took the little lady out of school today to see Harry Potter (you are only young once). Saw the first showing in town.  Wasn’t bad, a good kids movie. They did however show the trailers for Lord of the Rings….looks good. Real good….may have to dust off an old brownie recipe and pretend I’m in college again….read ‘em in college don’t you know….(yup, got me an eddycation) john

Response:

Check out the scenery.. it was shot in New Zealand by a New Zealand director.. "Lord of the rings" fever has struck some parts LOL. Clark

Hell, you’ve picked up on a Canadian national sport – spotting the Montreal, Toronto, or Vancouver street landmarks in "NY street scene" movies.  (X-files is/was shot in Vancouver, for example.) Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

They did however show the trailers for Lord of the Rings….looks good. Real good….may have to dust off an old brownie recipe and pretend I’m in college again….read ‘em in college don’t you know

I have to admit I’m really looking forward to that one.  It appears pretty well done.  Rereading "Fellowship" right now  Gollum snatched his fish by hand you know, and ate ‘em raw…

Response:

Gollum snatched his fish by hand you know, and ate ‘em raw…

Unethical!!!! George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

Response:

They did however show the trailers for Lord of the Rings….looks good. Real good….

Blesssss us and splasssh us, me precioussssessss…we can hardly wait. Counting the days till this release.  I’ve been waiting years for someone to do a worthy version. BTW, saw David Mamet’s new one "Heist" tonight.  Strongly recommend to all fans of his writing.  He gives Devito has a phone conversation that almost rivals the "fucking Ruthie…" speech from "American Buffalo". Zippy Who can’t imagine the size of the checking accounts of the Harry Potter owner’s after this weekend.

Response:

Took the little lady out of school today to see Harry Potter (you are only young once). Saw the first showing in town.  Wasn’t bad, a good kids movie.

Saw it this afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed it.  Still like the books better though. They did however show the trailers for Lord of the Rings….looks good. Real good….may have to dust off an old brownie recipe and pretend I’m in college again….read ‘em in college don’t you know….(yup, got me an eddycation)

This one has me worried.  Hard to imagine anyone doing justice to the books. Wolfgang

Response:

They did however show the trailers for Lord of the Rings….looks good. Real good….may have to dust off an old brownie recipe and pretend I’m in college again….read ‘em in college don’t you know….(yup, got me an eddycation) This one has me worried.  Hard to imagine anyone doing justice to the books. Wolfgang

It has to be better than the Bakshi rotoscoped abortion, or the cutesy Rankin and Bass animations. From the trailers I’ve seen and the production photos on the web site, it looks like they are doing a  great job.  Shooting in NZ was a great idea – the mountains really look like the Misty Mountains.  They are doing all three books – "The Two Towers" next year and "Return of the King" in 2003, so at least they’re going to follow the story sequence at the grossest level.  Obviously they have to do a lot of story compression to meet the movie time limitations, but the word from the fan sites is that they are making a good attempt at completeness.  They did omit Tom Bombadil though – I liked the idea of a hippy living in the woods of Middle Earth. I went to see Harry Potter last night.  The visualizations were excellent – it was eerie how well the film matched the picture in my head.  Hagrid was perfect.  The only complaint I have is the movie’s pacing.  It was very episodic – which in retrospect is very like the book.  That’s the big difference between the media I guess – chapterization works well in book format, but you expect a movie to flow better.  They did manage to fit in most of the content of the book into the 2.5 hours.  My youngest son refused to go because he didn’t want to mess up the pictures in his imagination (he’s still reading book 3). –Stan (looking forward to getting my Gandalf soda flask at Burger King)

Response:

 I read it instead of studying for my first semester  freshman year finals.  Still managed to pass  everything ok, but it was all down hill from there.  I was dreading the movie: I didn’t want my images  of the story destroyed.

It’s interesting to hear how many people feel this way.  I just asked a question on a Tolkien newsgroup.  I can’t believe how many people are totally into the intricate details of that story and history, and how many people are upset that such a "holy" book is being put on film.

Response:

They did omit Tom Bombadil though – I liked the idea of a hippy living in the woods of Middle Earth.

Willi Bombadil – Master of Whitheywindle trout!

Response:

The best course of action is to first see the movie and THEN read the book. That way, you don’t have to work so hard to make up the imagery.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s interesting to hear how many people feel this way.  I just asked a question on a Tolkien newsgroup.  I can’t believe how many people are totally into the intricate details of that story and history, and how many people are upset that such a "holy" book is being put on film.  For me, it’s not that the book is somehow "holy" but that it  is a fantasy tale, I created pretty strong images of the fantasy  when I read the books, and I know that they will be erased  if I see the movie: I can’t make the images coexist.  I have  felt the same way about other books & movies based on them,  though I do feel stronger about this one.

It’s a common enough feeling.  And, of course, there is nothing holy about The Lord of the Rings.  However, Tolkien was blessed with a rare ability to create a believable (I was about to delete that word and replace it with "plausible" but have decide to let it stand) world and evoke very powerful images of what that world must look like.  Add to this the well known fact that a two hour long film can virtually never do justice to a book with which a reader lives for days or weeks, even under the best of circumstances, and it’s easy enough to see why many a fan would be wary.  And then too, many readers, like myself, were introduced to Tolkien at a relatively young age.  The images brought forth (and they are VERY powerful ones) have had time to seep deep into the consciousness.  Rereadings in later life will doubtless alter those images, but not radically.  More likely, they will simply reinforce them.  Not a thing to be tampered with lightly. Wolfgang who will go to see the movie but will NOT promise to like it.

Response:

snip< I was also wondering what this has to do with Fly Fishing. Looks like a hanging curve ball, out over the plate…..   Batter up.

That post can’t be for real. I mean I know pinheads like that exist but telling folks to read their Bible on ROFF ? I suspect an rdean spoof. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Funny thing I never take my kids out of school to subject them to a movie that is made to seem alright for kids. It involves sorcery and black magic. Do you think this is the kind of things kids should be watching. Oh it seems harmless as a movie but that is exactly the way they want it to be. Thats what draws kids in and seems interesting to them. It is apparent that you do not think much about where you will go after you leave this world. If I were you I would look into my Bible, If not for yourself do it for your children. I don’t mean to bust your chops so much but this is not the type of thing to take your kids to see. I was also wondering what this has to do with Fly Fishing. Since this is a Fly Fishing newsgroup anyway.

I personally wouldn’t take kids out of school to see any movie, but any action that pisses off the thumpers can’t be all bad.  Way to go John.  :-) Get a life "Maw".      - Ken

Response:

I’d rather see a movie version of "Bored of the Rings", actually. I’ll stick with the books for the ‘real thing’. — Charlie…

One can hope.  Given the success of parody movies like "Scary Movie", if the first LOTR movie is successful, a "National Lampoon’s: Bored of the Rings" might just happen. I lost my copy of BOTR many years ago, and a year ago I located a used copy on the Internet so my sons would not be deprived.  I found a few good links which have festered in my favorites folder since then.   Here’s a good one – this guy thought that the ending looked rushed, and so wrote an additional chapter to round it out.  For those folks who don’t or can’t have a full copy of BOTR, this might give you a taste for the full book. http://junior.apk.net/~drushel/b_scour.html –Stan

Response:

I lost my copy of BOTR many years ago, and a year ago I located a used copy on the Internet so my sons would not be deprived.  

Thanks for the link. I still have my original paperback but it’s pretty tattered. I found a decent copy in a used book store in San Rafael when I was in CA a few years ago (along with some of Gamov’s Mr. Tompkins books – it was a pretty good bookstore) and have passed it along to my sons as well. — Charlie…

Response:

(along with some of Gamov’s Mr. Tompkins books – it was a pretty good

bookstore) And I learn something new every day.  I had never heard of these, so I googled Mr. Tompkins.  I suppose those books had just lost their utility by the 60s – there was a lot more popularization of math and physics by then and I grew up on Asimov and Martin Gardner.

Response:

Funny thing I never take my kids out of school to subject them to a movie that is made to seem alright for kids. It involves sorcery and black magic. Do you think this is the kind of things kids should be watching. Oh it seems harmless as a movie but that is exactly the way they want it to be. Thats what draws kids in and seems interesting to them. It is apparent that you do not think much about where you will go after you leave this world. If I were you I would look into my Bible, If not for yourself do it for your children. I don’t mean to bust your chops so much but this is not the type of thing to take your kids to see. I was also wondering what this has to do with Fly Fishing. Since this is a Fly Fishing newsgroup anyway.

Response:

snip< I was also wondering what this has to do with Fly Fishing. Since this is a Fly Fishing newsgroup anyway.

Looks like a hanging curve ball, out over the plate…..   Batter up. Joe F.

Response:

And I learn something new every day.  I had never heard of these, so I googled Mr. Tompkins.  I suppose those books had just lost their utility by the 60s – there was a lot more popularization of math and physics by then and I grew up on Asimov and Martin Gardner.

I read them first, I think, in my early teens and re-encountered them in the late ’60s/earky ’70s in grad school. My research advisor had some and I thought it was pretty interesting to re-read them. — Charlie…

Response:

(along with some of Gamov’s Mr. Tompkins books – it was a pretty good bookstore) And I learn something new every day.  I had never heard of these, so I googled Mr. Tompkins.  I suppose those books had just lost their utility by the 60s – there was a lot more popularization of math and physics by then and I grew up on Asimov and Martin Gardner.

If I’m not mistaken, George Gamow was the guy who coined the word "google" (10^100) and googleplex (10^google). Now it’s a verb.

Response:

Funny thing I never take my kids out of school to subject them to a movie that is made to seem alright for kids. It involves sorcery and black magic. Do you think this is the kind of things kids should be watching. Oh it seems harmless as a movie but that is exactly the way they want it to be. Thats what draws kids in and seems interesting to them. It is apparent that you do not think much about where you will go after you leave this world. If I were you I would look into my Bible, If not for yourself do it for your children.

Right. The Bible is where you’ll find the really serious sorcery and black magic.

Response:

Rereadings in later life will doubtless alter those images, but not radically.  More likely, they will simply reinforce them.  Not a thing to be tampered with lightly.

Looks like you’ve started a manic phase, Wolfgang.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  I read it instead of studying for my first semester  freshman year finals.  Still managed to pass  everything ok, but it was all down hill from there.  I was dreading the movie: I didn’t want my images  of the story destroyed. It’s interesting to hear how many people feel this way.  I just asked a question on a Tolkien newsgroup.  I can’t believe how many people are totally into the intricate details of that story and history, and how many people are upset that such a "holy" book is being put on film.

People can get pretty obscessive about the Tolkien books. When I went to college back in the the Eocene I was into the books  in a big way. Went to a meeting of the "Tolkien Society" or some such name. There were some seriously disturbed individuals there. Some had adopted names and personas from the books and kept them while living in the outside world. You would see "Strider" stalking about campus in his cape and if you dared to call him his real name you would be viciously ignored. "Galadriel" would flounce around the library in her elvish garb. Actually, they fit in pretty well with Madison circa 1971. G.Cleveland

Response:

We were in the dorm playing the Hobbitt and I was into watching the fire trails of the flaming bolts of lightning  produced by the big kitchen matches  that I, as Gandalf, sent coursing over the heads of the trolls and demons who were pounding at the shower curtain door of my house when I caught the towels on fire….what a trip. john

Response:

Question:

The drift IS the presentation.

You took the words right out of my mouth.  Maybe he means the cast?? FiddleAway

Response:

The drift IS the presentation. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

yup, you guys are too sharp. <g and…. dang, them oregon rogues (dead guy ale) last night surely worked their magic on this poboy. –ww

Response:

Substitute "fly selection" for "presentation" and I still say Waldo’s dead on right. At least on the wild streams of NC anyway. –Steve

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The drift IS the presentation. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Response:

…. dang, them oregon rogues (dead guy ale) last night surely worked their magic on this poboy.

I like the 22 ouncers.  You can hang the empties on your belt for ballast.  Makes falling into bed (or somewhere near it anyway) a lot easier. Wolfgang and they glow in the dark!!

Response:

some may argue, pointless and without scope i may respectively add, that the drift is secondary to the presentation. i present, wickedly, that the drift is omnipotent. in scope….. jo jo left his home… (sorry, beatles cd in player) argue.. bitch.. cuss if you feel it necessary…. the drift is the cause, the glory, the prescience. doubt? surely you have observed the subtle twitch, the soft turn, the, the… the take…. on the proper drift. been there…. enuff to be comfortable with this knowledge…. –wataugan walt

Response:

TROLL! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – some may argue, pointless and without scope i may respectively add, that the drift is secondary to the presentation. i present, wickedly, that the drift is omnipotent. in scope….. jo jo left his home… (sorry, beatles cd in player) argue.. bitch.. cuss if you feel it necessary…. the drift is the cause, the glory, the prescience. doubt? surely you have observed the subtle twitch, the soft turn, the, the… the take…. on the proper drift. been there…. enuff to be comfortable with this knowledge…. –wataugan walt

Response:

You are right.  The Drift/Mend are one and the same, or put another way, "The Mend" is part of the cast.  I always mend on every cast even if I’m fishing straight down stream. Trust me.  You don’t want to go there.  For example, when one is fly fishing downstream and they lift their fly rod to drag their fly back upstream, that is the cast and then when they pull the fly a little right or left to align the fly along a current seam and then they lower the rod to start the fly drifting down again, that is the mend. Walter, you have it down cold as I know you are a very savvy fly fisherman All’s Fair With Fur or Feather gg

Response:

some may argue, pointless and without scope i may respectively add, that the drift is secondary to the presentation. i present, wickedly, that the drift is omnipotent.

<SNIP Hopefully somebody got your drift. TL MC

Response:

some may argue, pointless and without scope i may respectively add, that the drift is secondary to the presentation. i present, wickedly, that the drift is omnipotent. <SNIP Hopefully somebody got your drift.

The drift…er, well, he sounds like he in his cups, or at least, under the boardwalk, lusting after a rose in Spanish Harlem….well, as long as he doesn’t go up on the roof…. TC, R …down by the sea….

Response:

The drift IS the presentation. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Response:

some may argue, pointless and without scope i may respectively add, that the drift is secondary to the presentation. i present, wickedly, that the drift is omnipotent.

<SNIP Wailing, weeping, moaning, the sounds of weary lamentation, drifting down the stream, result of  fairly wicked presentation, argument and cursing, floating eerily, with but little hope, t

Question:

I am a recent arrival to the Central Valley- the Elk Grove area of Sacramento to be exact- and I’m looking for some fishing area tips. I did go out last night to the Sac River just south of the Freeport Bridge and caught cats with my neighbors, but catfishing is not my favorite pasttime. I did however learn several new tackle tips ; Magic String, Sliders" etc..  While I can tolerate bait fishing and always catch fishing using bait, it is not my favorite fishing. My former pursuits were the smallmouth bass of eastern NY rivers (Hoosick, Hudson, Mohawk) on spin and fly tackle so that may give you an idea of the kind of fishing I’m used to. I am perfectly happy fishing for bluegill  with a light fly rod and I have thoroughly enjoyed the occasional carp I’ve tied into. I know the area here has a wealth of fishing I’m just not sure where it is! I would like to start with freshwater sites for now. I do have a canoe so any smallcraft waters  directions would also be appreciated. Also any local publications I should be reading will be greatly appreciated. Also which stamps are worth the purchase on a CA fishing license? Thanks for being computer literate anglers! Phil

Response:

Get the Fish Sniffer, publisher is in Elk Grove.  Lots of fishing.  The pits next to I-5 hold bass, you can fish from shore, or canoe.  Get Tom Stienstra’s book, Fishing California, lists every bit of fishable water in the state.  The Stanislaus river is good, and canoe friendly.  Go up to Verona and shad may still be there, can fish fron the sandbar in the Feather.  Float the Sac above Colusa with the canoe.  Smallies, shad, salmon, LMB. Bill

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am a recent arrival to the Central Valley- the Elk Grove area of Sacramento to be exact- and I’m looking for some fishing area tips. I did go out last night to the Sac River just south of the Freeport Bridge and caught cats with my neighbors, but catfishing is not my favorite pasttime. I did however learn several new tackle tips ; Magic String, Sliders" etc..  While I can tolerate bait fishing and always catch fishing using bait, it is not my favorite fishing. My former pursuits were the smallmouth bass of eastern NY rivers (Hoosick, Hudson, Mohawk) on spin and fly tackle so that may give you an idea of the kind of fishing I’m used to. I am perfectly happy fishing for bluegill  with a light fly rod and I have thoroughly enjoyed the occasional carp I’ve tied into. I know the area here has a wealth of fishing I’m just not sure where it is! I would like to start with freshwater sites for now. I do have a canoe so any smallcraft waters  directions would also be appreciated. Also any local publications I should be reading will be greatly appreciated. Also which stamps are worth the purchase on a CA fishing license? Thanks for being computer literate anglers! Phil

Response:

Question:

So Charlie, I’d be making that H&H, you need the length for mending and for keeping the fly out of the crap behind you, on the backcast.

Thanks, I’ll get the parts ordered. — Charlie…

Response:

Charlie Choc: I’d need a 6wt (looking for an excuse to build a rod, actually<g). —

Build.  Build.  Build.  Tell the OWMBO that I said so. Dave Dave LaCourse

Response:

Uh, I hit send before I was finished.  More to follow. All of the fish I caught were on a 9 foot four weight with WF4F line.  A  6 weight would be ideal for lobbing streamers (help me here, Peter C.), but a 5 should work just as well.  And bring a four for nymphing and dry fly work.  Salmon Fly was using his own boo rod — prettiest damn thing you ever saw, and he was giving it a work-out.  I believe it was a 4 weight Dave LaCourse

Dave n’ Charlie Just fired up the laptop in North Bay before I start with their NT conversion (3 people branch – won’t take long) and I caught your plea for help.  <g I’m taking a 9 1/2′ 6 wt. for slinging big streamers into second current, off that big rock at the end of the island.  I’ll also be bringing a short 6 wt. and a 9′ 4 wt. and perhaps one other 4 wt. So Charlie, I’d be making that H&H, you need the length for mending and for keeping the fly out of the crap behind you, on the backcast. Peter

Response:

[snip report] Nice report Dave. Makes me think I need to start building a rod to use there in September. I’m thinking about a 9 1/2′ 6wt from an H&H blank. Think that’ll be useful for streamer fishing? (I’ll be bringing along 3, 4 and 5wt rods as well). Will that be enough firepower or will I need something heavier? — Charlie…

Response:

Nice report Dave. Makes me think I need to start building a rod to use there in September. I’m thinking about a 9 1/2′ 6wt from an H&H blank. Think that’ll be useful for streamer fishing? (I’ll be bringing along 3, 4 and 5wt rods as well). Will that be enough firepower or will I need something heavier? — Charlie…

Uh, I hit send before I was finished.  More to follow. All of the fish I caught were on a 9 foot four weight with WF4F line.  A  6 weight would be ideal for lobbing streamers (help me here, Peter C.), but a 5 should work just as well.  And bring a four for nymphing and dry fly work.  Salmon Fly was using his own boo rod — prettiest damn thing you ever saw, and he was giving it a work-out.  I believe it was a 4 weight Dave LaCourse

Response:

All of the fish I caught were on a 9 foot four weight with WF4F line.  A  6 weight would be ideal for lobbing streamers (help me here, Peter C.), but a 5 should work just as well.  And bring a four for nymphing and dry fly work.  

OK, like I said I’ll have 3, 4 and 5wt rods along, just wondered if I’d need a 6wt (looking for an excuse to build a rod, actually<g). — Charlie…

Response:

Jo, Henry and I arrived at Lakewood just in time for lunch on Monday.  I was a bit alarmed to hear that there were 15 people at the "island", but even more alarmed when told there were 35 there the day before!!!!!  I opted for the dam. Big mistake.  The dam should be easy to fish at 1300 cfs, but the new dam keeper just can’t get it right.  I had the place all to myself, but fishing was very difficult.  No rises.  Water temp at 51.  No hatches.  So, nymphs (or if Peter Charles streamers) were the order of the day.  I went through every nymph pattern I had and never got a strike.  Nothing!  I tied on a Prince as a dropper from a GRW and finally started to catch fish.  No brookies — only salmon 15 – 17 inches — and I ended the day with 3 fish. Tuesday found me at the "island" bright and early.  Two locals in a canoe lobbing big streamers in the 1st and 2nd currents.  I walked up to the wing dam pool and looked around for a few minutes.  No surface activity, but there were a few Henricksons coming off, but no fish rising to them.  I prefer fishing dries on this river, so I tied on a #16 Adams parachute.  Second cast into the riffles coming out of the wing dam and WHAM, a big brookie hit it.  I managed to land the 18 inch fish without a net, something I am not very good at. Beautiful color and it fought like hell.   I figured this was my day.  Wrong!  I fished for 4 more hours and never caught a thing.  But I was not alone.  I returned after lunch and the six or so people that were there had left, probably in disgust. I continued fishing the wing dam pool and managed another brookie about 15 inches, and a couple of salmon about 12 inches, all on prince nymphs. Wednesday, back to the "island" bright and early.  No one there.  I fished the wing dam pool again with limited results.  One of the guests at Lakewood walked his canoe up the rapids of the 2nd current and anchored in the fast water at the head of the pool.  In less that 10 minutes, he was into a helluva big fish.  When it broke off, he turned to me and put his hands about two feet apart.  "Honest", he said.  <g  Ten minutes later he was into another big one and managed to net all 23 inche of it.  It was the biggest brookie I had seen come out of those waters – not so much in length, but in girth too — it measured 16 inches in front of the dorsal.  I have forgotten the formula, but looking at that fish it must have weighed in at 6 pounds.  The irony of it all — that was his first and *only* fish of the day.    I landed (with help from my net!) a 20 inch brookie taken on a BWO emerger. The big brookies were not at the wingdam riffles like they normally are, but farther out in the pool.  They were porpoising, eating at what seemed a leisurely pace.  Every once in awhile, one would come straight up like he was trying to stand on his tail.  But there was very little splashing or noise — you wouldn’t know they were feeding unless you saw them.  And no one saw them except me.  Well, at least for awhile, anyway.  I threw every imaginable caddis emerger I could find in my fly box and they ignored everying.  I finally saw a flying insect and thought it to bea BWO.  Hmmmm. Not caddis.  Mayflies.  I tied on a BWO emerger that I bought several years ago on the advice of some "knowing" friend.  I bought a dozen and never used them — I *think* they are called RS2 or something like that.  Not being much of a mayfly fisher, I had completely forgotten them until now.  Well, I cast the damn thing out there and couldn’t see it in the moving water.  There was a rise where my fly *should* have been, but when  I set the hook, I had nothing.  So, I tied on a #14 Goddard Caddis and used the emerger as a dropper.  Second cast and the Goddard disappeared three seconds after it hit the water.  I set the hook Dave LaCourse

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Question:

I just moved to San Francisco and am looking for good streams for fly fishing.  Can someone tell me what’s the closest stream(s) to San Francisco city that offers good flyfishing? Thanks in advance Y CHEN —

Response:

I just moved to San Francisco and am looking for good streams for fly fishing.  Can someone tell me what’s the closest stream(s) to San Francisco city that offers good flyfishing? Thanks in advance Y CHEN

  The Madison HM

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Most of the good trout streams are 150 miles away. — Ernie Harrison Want something to do? Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just moved to San Francisco and am looking for good streams for fly fishing.  Can someone tell me what’s the closest stream(s) to San Francisco city that offers good flyfishing? Thanks in advance Y CHEN —

Response:

Most streams are closed this time of year. If you want to fish now, though, you can try Putah Creek below Lake Berryessa. Because of its proximity to the Bay Area, it can get crowded – especially on weekends. For good northern California fishing reports, check www.fishfirst.com – updated every two weeks. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Most of the good trout streams are 150 miles away. — Ernie Harrison Want something to do? Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh I just moved to San Francisco and am looking for good streams for fly fishing.  Can someone tell me what’s the closest stream(s) to San Francisco city that offers good flyfishing? Thanks in advance Y CHEN —

Response:

The best and closest I’ve found so far are Putah Creek and The Lower Yuba both of which are open this time of year.  I went to the Lower Yuba for the first time this past spring and it was a lot of fun. (Watch out for Rattle Snakes and Poison Oak though.  In fact, you should watch out for Poison Oak just about everywhere you fish in Northern CA.)  Good luck. Brian

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Question:

Could you *really* get lead poisoning from crimping split shot with your teeth? Bryce

Over time, yup. Peter

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No, but you could get a hernia in your hemostat. — 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’re worried about lead poisoning, crimp it hard with your hemostats. Works for me.Pete C Could you *really* get lead poisoning from crimping split shot with your teeth? Bryce

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The lead paint was a problem because kids actually eat the paint. Lead is not soluable so unless you inadvertantly swallow the shot its probably a low level problem. The one exception I see is if you get some lead caught in your teeth. Lead is soft and it could stick to a filling or crevas in you teeth and later come off when your chewing food. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Could you *really* get lead poisoning from crimping split shot with your teeth? Bryce I don’t know.  Better safe than sorry. Pete C Young children have been known to contract lead poisoning from gnawing objects painted with lead based paint( in the old days!) — Bill

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Change brands of shot.  Some are harder than others and definitely stay on better.

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Don’t cast. Stalk. — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "Guilt replaced the creel…"

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Try running the leader through the split twice before crimping.  This does put a wrap on the outside of the shot that may be subject to wear.  I have also used figure 8 knots on thick leader to prevent sliding.  That knot is relatively easy to undo. William Buchman

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I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks. Brian

Brian Putting the other smart-assed answers aside, I’ll assume you’ve done all the usual things.  Probably you are overhead casting, perhaps some fasle casting, and putting some effort into it to avoid clipping your ears.  Since the splitshot loads up the rod more, the whole contraption is now arriving at the end of the cast with some violence, sending your splitshot into the opposite bank at just under mach one. So instead of high powered overhead casts, use a gentle lob with a big open loop, a flick or a roll.  I usually allow my line to pull out straight downstream at the end of the drift, then pull gently toward the point upstream that I’m casting to.  A little flick and the line just rolls out without any fuss.  My 9 1/2′ seven wt. is the only rod I’ll use a conventional small loop, overhead cast with splitshot, as it has enough length and muscle to keep the line up without any extra effort on my part.   Instead of all sorts of fancy replacements and gimmicks; stop false casting, slow down your delivery, open up the loop and let the rod work.  Stepping down to a lighter or slower rod may help too. Peter

Response:

Tie a knot over the split and make sure the knot is over the back side of the split and not along the crimp seam. If its on the seam it will open up the crimp and you lose another shot. You will never lose a shot this way. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks. Brian

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Scrap the paper off of those "twister ties" that come on loaves of bread……use them for sinker action…..I love ‘em. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks. Brian

Response:

Don’t cast. Stalk. — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "Guilt replaced the creel…"

Don’t cast. Plop! Mr. G. "Guilt replaced Catch and Kill with Catch & Release" ; ) "cast, drift . . . cast . . . drift . . .?" Is this nymph going to work or not Tim?

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Pinch shot onto line and see if that helps. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks. Brian

Response:

I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks. Brian

Hi Brian, Sometimes the problem is squeezing them on to tight, especially if you’re using lead shot.  The lead shot is a lot softer than the "lead free" stuff and if you’re using either your teeth (not good – lead is poison you know), or forceps to close the split and you squeeze too hard, it opens up the back part of the split and the shot slips all over the place.   I usually put the split shot on the line and squeeze it with my fingers just hard enough to hold it.  Then I will take my forceps and squeeze it shut from the back of the shot, not from the split side.  I watch the split close and when it meets and compresses slightly I *stop* squeezing.  This way you close the back of the split securely and you can see if you’ve overtightened it.  It rarely moves with this technique.  However, as Peter and "another damn guide", both pointed out excessive forceful false casting may knock it loose anyway. Use water-loading as much as possible instead of false casts when fishing nymphs with shot (easier to do, and fewerangles). I’ve also used the "wrap it through twice" trick that William Buchman suggested, especially on soft BB shot and it works well.  I always expect it to break where it’s wrapped around the shot and it never does.  I’m still nervous about doing that, but it does stop it from slipping.                       Hope this helps,                              Dan Dan Gracia Orvis

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Put it between two molars and bite down.  It’s always worked for me. Later,     – Ken

Lucky bugger, I haven’t got two molars:-I — Bill

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I have two molars Bill, but they don’t meet. — 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 – Put it between two molars and bite down.  It’s always worked for me. Later,     – Ken Lucky bugger, I haven’t got two molars:-I — Bill

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If you’re worried about lead poisoning, crimp it hard with your hemostats. Works for me. Pete C

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If you’re worried about lead poisoning, crimp it hard with your hemostats. Works for me.Pete C

Could you *really* get lead poisoning from crimping split shot with your teeth? Bryce

Response:

Could you *really* get lead poisoning from crimping split shot with your teeth? Bryce

I don’t know.  Better safe than sorry. Pete C

Response:

Could you *really* get lead poisoning from crimping split shot with your teeth? Bryce I don’t know.  Better safe than sorry. Pete C

Young children have been known to contract lead poisoning from gnawing objects painted with lead based paint( in the old days!) — Bill

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first pinch with your hemostats/pliers then try reducing the force of an number of your false casts DryFly Another Damn Giude – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks. Brian

Response:

I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks.

Um, you *are* crimping them closed, aren’t you?

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no problem! Do  not use split shot.  Use twist ons.  Trust me the way to go if ya gotta get down.

Response:

I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks. Um, you *are* crimping them closed, aren’t you?

Maybe God is telling him to use dry flies. — something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks. Brian

_______ Brian, you should learn to tie your own leaders.  Go andbuy yourself a complete set of hard and soft Maxima Leader Material in clear mono. Order a bottle of Knot-Perfect from me for $3 which I will absorb shipping charges and labor/handling, etc.  A deal, I assure you. Use Knot-Perfect on each knot and at the tippet knot, use them as stoppers for your lead. There are other ways, but for nymphing, and/or lead flat/wire at knots, you will be much better off then using tapered leaders.  Tapered, single strand leaders take a lot of mobility and tricks away from you. Reconsider:  - or – shall we all revisit "Hand Tied Leaders" (?) I love making them. See: http://www.gink.com Place an  order and I’ll include a surprise.  I sort of am able to do things other employees can’t.  I’m the President. Mr. G.

Response:

I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks. Brian

Response:

I’ve bought cheap split shot, I’ve bought expensive split shot but no mater what I try the damn things inevitably fall off (or slip down to the fly.)  I also tried tying on a dropper line with a small knot to keep the split shot from sliding off but, of course, it slid off.  Anyone else have this problem and a solution.  Thanks.

Put it between two molars and bite down.  It’s always worked for me. Later,      - Ken — Not speaking for anyone but myself

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Question:

Beautifully shadowboxed along with a signature card. Limited numbers. $59 includes shipping. Can e-mail for a picture that I cand send back e-mail quickly. Bruce

Response:

Monday, August 17, 1998     4:26:33 AM Please, could you tell me what a Patriot Fly is?  Perhaps a short description  I have not heard of this pattern and it has piqued my interest. adam Small Stream Fly Fishing http://www.smallstreams.com

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It depends on what country you are from.  It has the colors in your flag. — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-Mail Selling my Fly Fishing Books Go to: http://users.ccnet.com/~emh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Monday, August 17, 1998     4:26:33 AM Please, could you tell me what a Patriot Fly is?  Perhaps a short description  I have not heard of this pattern and it has piqued my interest. adam Small Stream Fly Fishing http://www.smallstreams.com

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Please, could you tell me what a Patriot Fly is?  Perhaps a short description  I have not heard of this pattern and it has piqued my interest.

Hook            TMC 7999, Mustad 36890, sizes2-6 Thread          Black 6/0 prewaxed Tail            Red hackle fibres Rib             Fine oval silver tinsel Body            Yellow floss, thin Hackle          Vivid blue hackle, soft Wing            White polar bear hair or calftail. Originator  Frank Amato — Bill

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using the Patriot in tandem with a nymph pattern.  Unfortunately he doesn’t decribe in any detail the set-up of this rig.  Can anyone help? RWE

Hi Rich, I have heard some say they tie a clinch knot (improved) right to the bend of the hook of the dry to make the dropper. I have never tried this myself, but it seems like a workable solution.  I have, however, used the Patriot and found it to be a good searching pattern. Tie one up and give it a try next time out. Good luck, Dennis Haftel

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Hi Vince, you’re dead right. it is totally different.  I’m not familiar with U.S. flies. and I found the one I described in an American book. Does the Patriot vary from state to state, and why does it vary so much? Tried to help. but obviously way off mark! — Bill

I don’t know the answer to your question, Bill.  I tried to phone Charlie Meck, who lives here, but he now has an unlisted phone number.  I tried email and it was returned, "address unknown."  I’ll try phoning George Harvey, who also lives here, to see if he knows Charlie’s phone number. If I can get any information, I’ll post it. Meanwhile, can you post the author and title of the book in which you found the Patriot pattern you posted? vince norris

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Meck also describes in his book MID-ATLANTIC TROUT STREAMS & THEIR HATCHES using the Patriot in tandem with a nymph pattern.  Unfortunately he doesn’t decribe in any detail the set-up of this rig.  Can anyone help? RWE – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Vince, you’re dead right. it is totally different.  I’m not familiar with U.S. flies. and I found the one I described in an American book. Does the Patriot vary from state to state, and why does it vary so much? Tried to help. but obviously way off mark! — Bill I don’t know the answer to your question, Bill.  I tried to phone Charlie Meck, who lives here, but he now has an unlisted phone number.  I tried email and it was returned, "address unknown."  I’ll try phoning George Harvey, who also lives here, to see if he knows Charlie’s phone number. If I can get any information, I’ll post it. Meanwhile, can you post the author and title of the book in which you found the Patriot pattern you posted? vince norris

Response:

Hi Vince, you’re dead right. it is totally different.  I’m not familiar

with U.S. flies. and I found the one I described in an American book. Does the Patriot vary from state to state, and why does it vary so much? Because of the damned 10th Amendment to the US Constitution, each of the states is a semi-sovereign entity and can have "their" version of the Patriot be whatever colors they choose.  The Federal government is helpless to do anything about this situation as constitutionally, they are restricted to coining money and designing and deploying big things that go boom.     We have historically however, had worse problems than with 10th Amendment issues than this one….:)

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Where (not too specific please…  The state will do) do you fish this fly?  I have had success with it in northern/central New Jersey. Dennis Haftel

Check that…. Just got another look at your e-mail address. You guys gonna play Rutgers this year??  Don’t have a schedule!! D. Haftel

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writes – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Please, could you tell me what a Patriot Fly is?  Perhaps a short description  I have not heard of this pattern and it has piqued my interest. Hook            TMC 7999, Mustad 36890, sizes2-6 Thread          Black 6/0 prewaxed Tail            Red hackle fibres Rib             Fine oval silver tinsel Body            Yellow floss, thin Hackle          Vivid blue hackle, soft Wing            White polar bear hair or calftail. Originator  Frank Amato The pattern Charlie presents on pages 197-8 of his  book, _Patterns, Hatches, Tactics, and Trout_, is entirely different from the one submitted above: Hook:    Mustad 94833, sizes #10-18 Thread:  Red Tails:   Brown hackle fibers Body:    Smolt blue Krystal Flash wound around the shank.         Wind some of the red thread in the midle of the shank,         similar to the Royal Coachman. Wings:   White impala or calf tail, divided. Hackle:  Brown vince norris

Hi Vince, you’re dead right. it is totally different.  I’m not familiar with U.S. flies. and I found the one I described in an American book. Does the Patriot vary from state to state, and why does it vary so much? Tried to help. but obviously way off mark! — Bill

Response:

The pattern Charlie presents on pages 197-8 of his  book, _Patterns, Hatches, Tactics, and Trout_, is entirely different from the one submitted above: Hook:    Mustad 94833, sizes #10-18 Thread:  Red Tails:   Brown hackle fibers Body:    Smolt blue Krystal Flash wound around the shank.          Wind some of the red thread in the midle of the shank,          similar to the Royal Coachman. Wings:   White impala or calf tail, divided. Hackle:  Brown vince norris

Hi Vince, This is the version that I am familiar with also.  I have tied and fished it and it has produced when there was no hatch, or I couldn’t figure out what to use. It also works really well on panfish!   Where (not too specific please…  The state will do) do you fish this fly?  I have had success with it in northern/central New Jersey. Dennis Haftel

Response:

Please, could you tell me what a Patriot Fly is?  Perhaps a short description  I have not heard of this pattern and it has piqued my interest. Hook            TMC 7999, Mustad 36890, sizes2-6 Thread          Black 6/0 prewaxed Tail            Red hackle fibres Rib             Fine oval silver tinsel Body            Yellow floss, thin Hackle          Vivid blue hackle, soft Wing            White polar bear hair or calftail. Originator  Frank Amato

The pattern Charlie presents on pages 197-8 of his  book, _Patterns, Hatches, Tactics, and Trout_, is entirely different from the one submitted above: Hook:    Mustad 94833, sizes #10-18 Thread:  Red Tails:   Brown hackle fibers Body:    Smolt blue Krystal Flash wound around the shank.          Wind some of the red thread in the midle of the shank,          similar to the Royal Coachman. Wings:   White impala or calf tail, divided. Hackle:  Brown vince norris

Response:

Question:

Does anyone out there know anything about small trout lakes or spring-ponds in the Black Hills? I have heard rumors of good fishing there and would also like to see that part of the country. Thanks Forrest. flyfishing,packer football sports ingeneral

Response:

A long, long time ago I caught numerous small brookies on a beaver pond in Litch (?) Creek in the Black hills. I think it was in about 1981. The Black Hills are worth the trip, even if you’re not fishing. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone out there know anything about small trout lakes or spring-ponds in the Black Hills? I have heard rumors of good fishing there and would also like to see that part of the country. Thanks Forrest. flyfishing,packer football sports ingeneral

Response:

Litch (?) Creek in the Black hills. I think it was in about 1981. The Black Hills are worth the trip, even if you’re not fishing.

Excuse my ignorance, but, what state are we talking about? South Dakota? John Nesselrode Shawnee, KS

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Question:

Could any one help locate the name of the river in MD that was on TV channel ESPN called Flyfishing America April 1, 1995. I hope to be out that way soon. Thanks

Response:

Could any one help locate the name of the river in MD that was on TV channel ESPN called Flyfishing America April 1, 1995. I hope to be out that way soon. Thanks

Didn’t see the show, but if it was Maryland, it probably was the Gunpowder. Paul DiConza NY Capital District Angler

Response:

I believe the show was filmed on the North Branch of the Potomac below the Randolph Jennings Dam.  The general public cannot fish where the filming took place !!!!  I have fished in that river this spring and caught a few, biggest about 13".  There are large fish in there but they are fish that have been released from hatchery operation  by dam.  1 mile below dam is closed to public.  Gunpowder river north of Baltimore is probably better ‘bet but very busy on weekends and during good hatches.                                                    regards leo

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