Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Wilfred, glad you enjoyed the site.  To your question:    Shooting heads are actually nothing more than pieces of fly-line whose weight is matched as exactly as possible to the rod.  They are normally made by using a normal DT line, from one to two sizes heavier than the recommended line weight for the rod, and cutting this to a suitable length. Which line you choose to start with depends on the intended purpose of the finished head. Any given rod, including fly-rods, will cast best of all when loaded with a specific weight.  Shooting heads are based on this principle.  Once you find the "optimum" weight for your rod, then you can weigh the result, and any line of this actual weight may be cast well with this rod, or indeed even a piece of lead of the same weight. There are of course physical limitations to the length of line etc, but within fairly wide parameters the above holds true.  Again, within certain parameters, the length, diameter, and other line characteristics are quite immaterial, only the actual weight is important. "Ready made" shooting heads are not normally as good as the ones you make up yourself, as they rarely match the rod properly, which rather defeats the object of the exercise. In order to make up a shooting head for any particular rod, the procedure is as follows: Obtain a DT line one size heavier than the recommended line weight, ( if there are two numbers on your rod, i.e. #5/7 ) then use a number seven DT. It is immaterial whether one uses a floater or a sinker, or any other type of line, however, for your particular purpose, ( deep fishing ), a high density sinking line is the only really suitable choice to start with. Put this line on your rod, and then cast it normally without using any hauling etc.  Do not try to cast more than about forty feet maximum, as this may overload the rod, and even damage it.    When you are casting effortlessly and well, with say 30 to 40 feet of line outside the rod tip, ( this will vary considerably dependent on the rod used ), then take a marking pen, lay the rod down, and mark the line at the rod tip. You have just found the ideal line weight for your rod.   Cut the line at this point. Attach your backing line to where the line was cut, ( 20 LB flat nylon monofil, for instance, such as "amnesia", although normal monofil will also work, but has a tendency to tangle more) with a needle knot or similar, ( I prefer loops, see below). Now, using a double haul, ( the technique is described on my site ), you should be able to shoot a great deal of this backing without any trouble or effort at all.  With practice, even extreme distances may be reached. One hundred foot casts are no problem at all, and a great deal more may be reached with practice.  The technique is to lay out the backing on a level surface, or use a line tray or similar, aerialise the head, execute a double haul, and allow the backing to shoot. For your specific purpose, I would actually advise getting a DT line two sizes heavier than your rod recommendation. The procedure is then the same, but your shooting head will be a lot shorter, as the line is heavier to start with. Do not try to aerialise more than thirty feet of this line, it will damage your rod. A "short"  heavy head is more advantageous for deep fishing, as it sinks more rapidly, and also more uniformly.  This may mean that your "head" is only twenty -five feet long.  This is slightly more difficult to cast, but it is better for your purpose. One does have the advantage that one is constantly casting a piece of line of the same length and weight, and once this is learned, there is never any need to alter ones timing etc.  This is quite easy with a little practice. You do not say which flies you would like to use, but normally for this purpose, largish streamers and similar flies are used. The rig described will carry quite large heavy flies fairly easily. The trick now is to cast the line out, and start "counting down" in seconds, retrieve, when you get a take, then you know the fish are at this depth, and on subsequent casts you simply count the same number of seconds before starting your retrieve.   You do not of course know the actual depth you are fishing at, but this is not necessary, and it would do you little good to know it anyway. There are quite a few problems associated with very deep fly-fishing, not the least of which is finding the fish.  Large lakes and similar bodies of water invariably have what is known as a "thermocline" at some specific depth, which varies with the weather etc. This is a distinct separation line between relatively "warm" surface water, and relatively "cold" water.  The temperature difference may be quite considerable, and the fish may be on one side or the other of the thermocline,  if you are not fishing in the correct zone, you will catch nothing at all, a few inches deeper or higher, and you may get a bagfull. The "countdown" method allows you to find this depth fairly quickly. It is rarely necessary to fish even close to the bottom in such deep lakes, as there are very few fish there at all, if any.   Most of the deep lakes I fish in Summer, ( in Winter, there is no thermocline as such, for various physical reasons, this of course assumes that your "Winter" is cold ), generally have fish ( and large ones ! ) at between 25 and 50 feet, and these fish invariably feed on shoals of baitfish. On very large lakes, you can "trail" this rig behind the boat at slow speed, paying out backing to control the depth.  The more backing out, and the slower the speed, the deeper you fish.  This may help you to find the fish before you tire yourself out casting!  Use a larger reel than you normally would, with plenty of backing line. At the very least one hundred and fifty yards.  If you get hooked into a ten pounder or more it will give you a hell of a fight usually, and very long unstoppable runs are fairly typical of such fish. If you do not have enough backing, they will simply break you. The best flies are invariably streamers as I said, and you should use larger ones.  Most of my "standards" are at least three inches long, and sometimes larger. The leader you use can simply be a piece of normal monofil line, I invariably use a ten foot length of ten pound nylon.  "Turnover", and "presentation" are not factors in this type of fishing, in the sense that the "presentation" takes place under water at considerable depth, and any casting finesse on the surface is superfluous. This is not an elegant method of fishing, but it is extremely effective. If you find that even this rig gets down too slowly ( unlikely but possible ), then obtain a length of "lead core" line, follow the procedure described for making up a shooting head, but use the lead core line to do this. Only use a short piece of this to start casting with, and be careful, a whack in the back of the head from this stuff will quite possibly knock you out, and if it hits the rod it may shatter it.  This rig is a real pig to cast, as the timing is extremely critical, but it will get down deep and fast, and more and more people are using such rigs for fishing in deep water, especially in the ocean.  Personally I prefer the more "normal" high density sinker, as it is more pleasant to use. For fishing at depths in excess of say thirty or forty feet, there is no real alternative to a high density head, or lead core line.  You will doubtless be surprised at how long it takes such a line to sink as well.  If you want to try this, then simply cast out, and wait for the line to hit bottom.  You will feel this when it happens, the backing line will "go slack". If you want to increase your fishing depth, then after casting, pay out backing as required until you reach your previously determined "count down" depth. This also helps the line to sink in a more or less horizontal plane, and prevents the line hanging "straight down" under the boat, which makes for bad presentation. The fish you are attempting to imitate rarely swim vertically, and a horizontal presentation is invariably more succesfull. For "trailing " behind the boat ( this method is often called "trolling", which is however incorrect ), the lead core line may be superior, especially as casting is not then necessary. Just pay line out as required. To close, if you wish to experiment with shooting heads, then I would advise you to buy "mill ends" from the following address.  These are cheap, and of excellent quality, and one can make up a whole range of heads for various purposes for very little money.  I have used these for years.  You can make up two shooting heads from a DT line, and you can use the odd thirty feet which is left over from the middle for other experiments, or making up other custom lines, like sink tips, intermediates etc. I use "shooting heads" almost exclusively, for all my fishing, and I am very happy with them. I can change lines at will, simply by looping a new head onto my backing, even when "normal" trout stream fishing etc. I carry up to ten heads coiled in a wallet in my jacket pocket, and I can immediately react to any changes in water or weather etc, simply by looping on a new head Mullarkey & Sons 184-185 Waterloo Street, Burton-on-Trent, Staffs DE14 2NQ England You can pay by credit card, order by phone,  ( I believe they are working on a web-site as well )  the service is excellent, and many of the other products are worth taking a look at as well. Their phone number is  01283   566777  ask them to send you a catalogue. I have no connection with them by the

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Response:

Ooops !  This post was actually a mistake, it was a reply to an e-mail which I once again accidentally posted to ROFF.  Oh well never mind, if it was of any help to you. I am sure nobody will mind.   I will have to avoid posting when I am tired out in future. TL MC — "In order to know what is possible one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de Excellant Post – Very informative.  I have been cutting double tapered

lines

Response:

I used to cut double tapers in half for small stream fishing but quit when my son came back from the Lamar River in Yellowstone one Fall and complained about only having hip boots and 1/2 Double Taper Line. Seems the trout were feeding just out of reach and he thought I had endangered the family jewels. Ernie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Excellant Post – Very informative.  I have been cutting double tapered lines in two for years, mostly because I am cheap and use only half a line most of the time anyway.   Your method of tuning the line is brilliant. This fall I will have a section of 10 weight on the old Ugly Stick up on the Ho. I use to have a size G-A "spinning taper"  ( made to fly fish with a spinning rod )  that I used on a nine weigh.  It  was 14′ long and worked very well but I haven’t seen one for years.  I have been using a weight forward line and never have been really thrilled with them. Thanks again   BJ Conner Hello Wilfred, Mike "In order to know what is possible one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de —–Urspr

Question:

You said it twice, so, I can only guess that was a sincere *response*. Opie  **Hurt in Lenoir!**         isn’t that the town that inspired the famous axiom, to wit: "if you’re found here at night, you’ll be found here in the morning"? or was that "you can’t go home again"?         no, wait:  "stuck inside of lenoir with the ashville blues again"…ah, hell, forget it.

I knew a guy named Emil Lenoir many years ago.  Once told me that he bought a twelve year old Tuareg girl when he was in the foreign legion in Morocco.  Not sure what the connection is here. Wolfgang who has been to Lodi, WI but managed to escape

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wolfgang who has been to Lodi, WI but managed to escape         in the inimitable style of ol forty himself:  not to put too fine a line on it, or some similar shit, but wasn’t creedence clearwater making reference to lodi, california? anally retentively yours, wayno

No, no, NO!  What DO they teach in the schools these days?  Leopold squeezed the Congo with an iron hand from Belgium, WI. Hitler wrought havoc on the entire European continent (not to mention a whole heap of gypsies and other undesirables) from Berlin, WI.  Friday night witch frys are a lovely old tradition in Salem, WI.  And why on Earth would anyone suppose that an immensely popular rock band would sing a song about some nothing little burg in California?  And don’t even get me started on what goes on in Oconomowoc!! Wolfgang geographer nonpareil         p.s.:  and isn’t this just the kind of question that answers the question, "what the hell does wayno *do* all the time…

the answer IS the question grasshopper

Response:

…. wilson’s is always good…. Sure!  Never took ME there, sumbitch! Wolfgang who has created a monster.  Becky wants to go backpacking on the AT in NC in April.  Wanna go fishin Waldo?    :)

sure as shit i’ll go afishin’ with ya….. but *not* on wilsons <g walt

Response:

You said it twice, so, I can only guess that was a sincere *response*. Opie  **Hurt in Lenoir!**

        isn’t that the town that inspired the famous axiom, to wit: "if you’re found here at night, you’ll be found here in the morning"? or was that "you can’t go home again"?         no, wait:  "stuck inside of lenoir with the ashville blues again"…ah, hell, forget it.         wayno

Response:

Wolfgang who has been to Lodi, WI but managed to escape

        in the inimitable style of ol forty himself:  not to put too fine a line on it, or some similar shit, but wasn’t creedence clearwater making reference to lodi, california? anally retentively yours, wayno         p.s.:  and isn’t this just the kind of question that answers the question, "what the hell does wayno *do* all the time…

Response:

This past weekend I was visited by two gracious Southern gentlemen, Tom Brown and Jeff Miller. …

FIVE people fishing Wilson’s at the same time ? Sounds crowded. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

This past weekend I was visited by two gracious Southern gentlemen, Tom Brown and Jeff Miller. … FIVE people fishing Wilson’s at the same time ? Sounds crowded.

lol’s…. walt (couldn’t really call them drsob’s, at least when they’re not present)

Response:

Now looka here Walt, I don’t mind a little embelishment of detail to make a good story, but *nobody* will believe *that* introduction. It was a fun trip, though.  Wish I could remember what Tom — Tom Brown Wake Forest, NC Please don’t tell my mother that I hang out at ROFF; she thinks I play piano at a whorehouse.                                              Author’s name withheld This past weekend I was visited by two gracious Southern gentlemen, Tom Brown and Jeff Miller.

Response:

This past weekend I was visited by two gracious Southern gentlemen, Tom Brown and Jeff Miller.

<sniped I don’t know about anybody else, but the writing here is a good as the articles I read in my fly fishing magazines and I really like the annual subscription rate…

Response:

‘preciate the invite Walt! Opie  **No LDB’s in Walt’s future from me!**

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This past weekend I was visited by two gracious Southern gentlemen, Tom Brown and Jeff Miller. Tom stayed here at my home and Jeff stayed down at his cabin, the only roughing-it, aside from the stream, was cooking those big 16 ounce rib eyes on the grill friday evening. Saturday morning we headed out to Wilson’s Creek after stops at the flyshop and the grocery store for sandwiches and beer. We arrived at the trail head, rigged up, grabbed a walking brew, and headed down the trail to meet the stream. No encounters of the snake kind, a uneventful 30 minute hike. The stream was absolutely gorgeous. The water was running high and clear from the recent rains we have been enjoying here in the mountains. The usual rainbow in the first pool rejected my initial proffering, par for the course, I think he enjoys teasing me. We fished upstream with the usual ahhhs and reflections that a beautiful day on the water inspires deep within. Initially, the fishing was slow as we moved up. We each caught a fish or two with some misses. I was fishing a black beetle but switched to an adams para b/c in my haste to leave the house, I had forgotten my sunglasses and a low riding black meniscus beetle is tough to keep track of even with glasses. Both Tom & Jeff were fishing visible flies and the switchover made sense. We fished up through the timeless granite pools, each taking his turn, each watching the waters with anticipation of the next strike. We arrived at the junction of Little Wilsons and Jeff headed solo up that tiny water…. water that is infested with little feisty brownies in the 5 to 10 inch range. Tom and I continued up Wilson’s and it was like night and day. Whereas the fishing was somewhat slow before, we were now catching fish in nearly every pool or riffle, I think we even had a three fish pool, which is an accomplishment on these waters. On this day, I encountered a knot failure. I lost a fly in a rhodo when the line broke at the clinch knot. I usually don’t suffer that failure, the knot is a good one and I’ve been using it as long as I can remember. It’s usually my wind knot that fails. The secret to a good clinch is 5 turns, through the loops, wet with spittle, and gently cinch down by holding the fly in one hand and the tippet in the other, don’t tighten by pulling on the tag end of the tippet. Also, I believe that tippet needs to be similar in size to the eye of the hook for a clinch to perform properly. A size 6 wooly bugger on 6x will break at the knot….. just my experience. Anyway, Jeff, after much success on ‘lil wilsons, pulled out into a camp of beer-swillin, pig-lovin, banjo-playin rednecks. That must have been a sight. He hiked back to the truck and was kind enough to drive it up to where Tom & I would be pulling out so we would not suffer those gross indignities <g. It was great to see Jeff’s truck when we pulled out. The last 1/2 mile of river all I heard from Tom was "where’s the beer!" We lounged a bit enjoyin’ a beer or two, ate our lunches, and Jeff and I headed back up Wilson’s, leaving Tom with the beer. I think it made Jeff’s day when he caught one more fish than I on this side trip…. he being such a competitive cuss. Great day, great fish, and greater companions…… thanks guys, I needed it. Walt

Response:

I never saw that original post, thanks for the report, have been wondering about fishing Wilson’s sometime soon  Would you say the fishing generally stays good between now and, say, October?  Thanks, This past weekend I was visited by two gracious Southern gentlemen, Tom Brown and Jeff Miller. Tom stayed here at my home and Jeff stayed down at his cabin, the only roughing-it, aside from the stream, was cooking those big 16 ounce rib eyes on the grill friday evening. Saturday morning we headed out to Wilson’s Creek

Regards, Jeff

Response:

I never saw that original post, thanks for the report, have been wondering about fishing Wilson’s sometime soon  Would you say the fishing generally stays good between now and, say, October?  Thanks,

that’s whaccha get fer killfilin’ me <g sure jeff…. wilson’s is always good…. walt

Response:

‘preciate the invite Walt! Opie  **No LDB’s in Walt’s future from me!**

not my fault op. i swear, it was jeff’s fault. he was in charge of the invites… ldb’s…. shoot, i think we drank a bunch of them <g walt

Response:

You said it twice, so, I can only guess that was a sincere *response*. Opie  **Hurt in Lenoir!**

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ‘preciate the invite Walt! Opie  **No LDB’s in Walt’s future from me!** not my fault op. i swear, it was jeff’s fault. he was in charge of the invites… ldb’s…. shoot, i think we drank a bunch of them <g walt

Response:

…. wilson’s is always good….

Sure!  Never took ME there, sumbitch! Wolfgang who has created a monster.  Becky wants to go backpacking on the AT in NC in April.  Wanna go fishin Waldo?    :)

Response:

This past weekend I was visited by two gracious Southern gentlemen, Tom Brown and Jeff Miller. <sniped I don’t know about anybody else, but the writing here is a good as the articles I read in my fly fishing magazines and I really like the annual subscription rate…

Amen!  An English professor I knew in college was fond of saying that writing is the most difficult work that man has ever created for himself.  He never read this news group.  Never have so many made it look so easy. Wolfgang waiting for the day when some ambitious soul collects it all and turns it into a novel

Response:

This past weekend I was visited by two gracious Southern gentlemen, Tom Brown and Jeff Miller. Tom stayed here at my home and Jeff stayed down at his cabin, the only roughing-it, aside from the stream, was cooking those big 16 ounce rib eyes on the grill friday evening. Saturday morning we headed out to Wilson’s Creek after stops at the flyshop and the grocery store for sandwiches and beer. We arrived at the trail head, rigged up, grabbed a walking brew, and headed down the trail to meet the stream. No encounters of the snake kind, a uneventful 30 minute hike. The stream was absolutely gorgeous. The water was running high and clear from the recent rains we have been enjoying here in the mountains. The usual rainbow in the first pool rejected my initial proffering, par for the course, I think he enjoys teasing me. We fished upstream with the usual ahhhs and reflections that a beautiful day on the water inspires deep within. Initially, the fishing was slow as we moved up. We each caught a fish or two with some misses. I was fishing a black beetle but switched to an adams para b/c in my haste to leave the house, I had forgotten my sunglasses and a low riding black meniscus beetle is tough to keep track of even with glasses. Both Tom & Jeff were fishing visible flies and the switchover made sense. We fished up through the timeless granite pools, each taking his turn, each watching the waters with anticipation of the next strike. We arrived at the junction of Little Wilsons and Jeff headed solo up that tiny water…. water that is infested with little feisty brownies in the 5 to 10 inch range. Tom and I continued up Wilson’s and it was like night and day. Whereas the fishing was somewhat slow before, we were now catching fish in nearly every pool or riffle, I think we even had a three fish pool, which is an accomplishment on these waters. On this day, I encountered a knot failure. I lost a fly in a rhodo when the line broke at the clinch knot. I usually don’t suffer that failure, the knot is a good one and I’ve been using it as long as I can remember. It’s usually my wind knot that fails. The secret to a good clinch is 5 turns, through the loops, wet with spittle, and gently cinch down by holding the fly in one hand and the tippet in the other, don’t tighten by pulling on the tag end of the tippet. Also, I believe that tippet needs to be similar in size to the eye of the hook for a clinch to perform properly. A size 6 wooly bugger on 6x will break at the knot….. just my experience. Anyway, Jeff, after much success on ‘lil wilsons, pulled out into a camp of beer-swillin, pig-lovin, banjo-playin rednecks. That must have been a sight. He hiked back to the truck and was kind enough to drive it up to where Tom & I would be pulling out so we would not suffer those gross indignities <g. It was great to see Jeff’s truck when we pulled out. The last 1/2 mile of river all I heard from Tom was "where’s the beer!" We lounged a bit enjoyin’ a beer or two, ate our lunches, and Jeff and I headed back up Wilson’s, leaving Tom with the beer. I think it made Jeff’s day when he caught one more fish than I on this side trip…. he being such a competitive cuss. Great day, great fish, and greater companions…… thanks guys, I needed it. Walt

Response:

Question:

Do you really think that selling fly reels is the "public welfare"?< Well, it’s in MY welfare and last time I checked, I was a member of the great unwashed public.

THIS IS NOT MY POST!!!!!   I DID NOT POST THIS Check for your self.  I might be a lot of things-  but I would NEVER post under anyone else’s name.  Look Ken F.  I’m laughing like a dawg at a lot of this,  but YOU were cool to me when a few others dogged my ass…   Don’t you let this fool you. I can play games w/ the best of’em-  but the bastards better play fair-  ’cause  I sure as hell know how to fight dirty-   You see for your self.   I am nothing if not loyal to my own ethic.  You may not understand that ethic-  BUT  look around and see…   I made one hell of a mark fer a new scum bag.   Do I EVER not sign my posts? The primary concern of the individual should be that of becoming ‘diluted’, more specifically- Delusion. That shit is NOT RIGHT!!!!] The real BRUCE post Outta be 200 lbs of low grade CHUM!!!!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – THAT wasn’t the question Bellows.  The question was, why aren’t the shop carrying all our other products because the are so good. Now THAT, is a good question. Finally, this isn’t a question of me/us/ making money to pay many people their rightful wages and livelihood.  It is a question of "SERVICE" being provided at the retail level.  We make more money for Distributors and Retailers then what we profit by at the lower food-chain level of capitalism.  I hope you remember that in your regard Mr. Bellows.  I’m not the injured party here.  It is the retail shop owner and the American Fly Fisherman that are the injured party because the Retailer isn’t looking out for your interests and finally, not his own.

george, get over yourself.  there are plenty of other products that compete with your products that are just as good, if not better.  while it’s all well and good that you are proud of your products, and i would expect nothing less from a business owner, you must realize that other people’s products are damn good… and that if a fly shop decides to carry them instead of your products, they are doing what they feel is best for THEIR customers.  i frequent a shop that doesn’t sell many of your products… do i feel short shafted?  HELL NO.  if i thought i’d gain by using your flyfuzz (or whatever the hell it is) vs. the naturals and synthetics i allready use… i’d let the owner know and have him order me some.  i’m not losing out on diddly, no matter how much you think so.  same with your dubbing wax.  if i thought i absolutely had to have it, i would.  george, it’s friggin wax for christ’s sake.  i can’t imagine my tying would be so much better with a different kind of wax, no matter what gerke propoganda you choose to use. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thank you for your comments.  If you haven’t tried a NEW tube of FLY-MAKER’S WAX then you may not know what you are missing as a fly tier, for instance, nor any of our other products. George Gehrke/President Gehrke’s Outdoor Fly Fishing Products. Visit: http://www.gink.com MAY I SUGGEST THAT THOSE WHO cannot get our products at their local fly shop MAY ORDER FACTORY DIRECT at the same retail level (and sometimes less).  WE want to get any or all of our products into everyone’s hands, no matter what it takes. Please visit the capitalistic pig’s WEB SITE ABOVE.  or here : http://www.gink.com/ Read about what we can do for you.  If you want to truly protect your fly lines for instance, TRY our PZ fly line dressing and cleaner.  It is the best in the world.

when you call everything you make "the best in the world" my bullshit alarm starts screaming. EVERYTHING is guaranteed.  I defy everyone not to like anything we make.  

well, i’m not a huge fan of gink.  it’s allright, but not divine.  i enjoy trying out lots of different products… some work well, some don’t.   We happen to have the world’s best Guarantee also.  It seems to never end – this quality of products we make.  We are in a very Special Field of this Industry.

blah, blah, blah, propoganda, blah, blah, blah….lol chris

Response:

THAT wasn’t the question Bellows.  The question was, why aren’t the shop carrying all our other products because the are so good. Now THAT, is a good question. Finally, this isn’t a question of me/us/ making money to pay many people their rightful wages and livelihood.  It is a question of "SERVICE" being provided at the retail level.  We make more money for Distributors and Retailers then what we profit by at the lower food-chain level of capitalism.  I hope you remember that in your regard Mr. Bellows.  I’m not the injured party here.  It is the retail shop owner and the American Fly Fisherman that are the injured party because the Retailer isn’t looking out for your interests and finally, not his own. Thank you for your comments.  If you haven’t tried a NEW tube of FLY-MAKER’S WAX then you may not know what you are missing as a fly tier, for instance, nor any of our other products. George Gehrke/President Gehrke’s Outdoor Fly Fishing Products. Visit: http://www.gink.com MAY I SUGGEST THAT THOSE WHO cannot get our products at their local fly shop MAY ORDER FACTORY DIRECT at the same retail level (and sometimes less).  WE want to get any or all of our products into everyone’s hands, no matter what it takes. Please visit the capitalistic pig’s WEB SITE ABOVE.  or here : http://www.gink.com/ Read about what we can do for you.  If you want to truly protect your fly lines for instance, TRY our PZ fly line dressing and cleaner.  It is the best in the world. EVERYTHING is guaranteed.  I defy everyone not to like anything we make.  We happen to have the world’s best Guarantee also.  It seems to never end – this quality of products we make.  We are in a very Special Field of this Industry. Very Special. gg

Response:

Otherwise  L.R.  I don’t know what else to do.  Every fly shop that carries all our products grosses several thousand dollars a year or more.

george, you’re the only one making lots of money of gink, xink, and your wonderful wax… how many bottles of gink must a shop sell to make thousands of dollars<G?

Response:

_______ Everyone needs to have a heart to heat with their local pro shop.  Each Pro Shop that orders some of our other products they don’t carry, gets free samples of everything we carry that they can sell at full retail which is around thirty – $50 dollars worth of pure profit. Take this into your local retail outfitter and show them this offer.  If anyone has any other idea, I’m for it.  I’ll donate a whole box full of products for your favorite fly fishing club or person in need.  Each person that gets a fly shop to order two or more new products they haven’t tried with us yet, gets a complete set of FISH-FUZZ.  This is around $66 worth of free, deadly, streamer, wet fly, tying material in dazzling colors. Otherwise  L.R.  I don’t know what else to do.  Every fly shop that carries all our products grosses several thousand dollars a year or more. We move a lot of product that takes care of the majority of most fly fisherman’s needs world wide, but we could do a lot better Mr. Trout. You are certainly correct about this. Thanks for your support.  It is an excellent fly tying wax at that. Sincerely, george gehrke Used your fly tying wax for the first time this evening tying up some Golden Ribbed Hare’s Ears.  Best wax I’ve ever used.  How come so many places only carry Gink and not your other stuff? L. Baird

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Question:

Hi  I would like to know what licenses I need for flyfishing in Finnmark, Norway??

Response:

Hi  I would like to know what licenses I need for flyfishing in Finnmark, Norway??

Try this URL: http://www.flyshop.no — Esa Niemel

Question:

I was wondering if those in the Winnipeg vicinity know if either the Fishing Hole or S.I.R. is (or will have soon) a sale of fly-fishing gear. I’ve been tying for a couple of years, started (like most) with a typical pre-packaged all-in-one kit and would now like a better vise. Can those of you out there with more experience than I reccommend a few vises and their approximate costs?  What should I be looking for in my "next step up from the bottom level" vise? (I would also consider mail-order, too!) Your advice is appreciated, K.M.H. Outside the Perimeter, Manitoba.

Response:

: I was wondering if those in the Winnipeg vicinity know if either the : Fishing Hole or S.I.R. is (or will have soon) a sale of fly-fishing gear. : I’ve been tying for a couple of years, started (like most) with a typical : pre-packaged all-in-one kit and would now like a better vise. Can those : of you out there with more experience than I reccommend a few vises and : their approximate costs?  What should I be looking for in my "next step : up from the bottom level" vise? (I would also consider mail-order, too!) : Your advice is appreciated, : K.M.H. : Outside the Perimeter, Manitoba. Decide first how much you want to spend. At the $50 level (American), you could choose from the likes of Thompson, Griffin, and like vises. Go to the $100 level and you might want to consider a Renzetti Traveler vise, Or even a Griffin Rotary.  Any "intermediate" level vise will have the quality to last a lifetime for the average tyer. Jon Porter

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I have used all of the mentioned vises, the Thompson "A" is my hands down favorite. It is inexpensive, durable and functional. NO COPIES! I found the Griffin to be a bit awkward. I am currently using a Renzetti presentation, although a nice piece of machinery it rates below the "A" in terms of all around usefulness. All of the above are definatly IMHO. A.J.Thramer

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I bought the Renzetti Traveller used, two years ago as a intermediate upgrade (sound like a computer junkie don’t I) and cannot find any excuse to upgrade further.  The rotary feature is the key to "intermediate" tying.  I am not a production tyer though.   jg

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J.J., See my post about an new improvement to the Traveler. Otherwise, I agree with you except that after I tied some flies on the Renzetti Master, I came to the conclusion that if God tied flies here on Earth, he would tie with the Master (naturally!).

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Hi,   Does anyone have any information on an electric fly reel for a physically challanged flyfisher? I’ve seen ocean reels, but nothing that will balance on a 5wt rod. Thanks, Jim Jim, Nevada Jim’s Outdoor Sports, Elko, NV

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  Does anyone have any information on an electric fly reel for a physically challanged flyfisher? I’ve seen ocean reels, but nothing that will balance on a 5wt rod.

Clockwork "automatic" reels were made 1955-75 by several firms, including Scientific Anglers.  It may be hard to find one in good working order nowadays. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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Clockwork "automatic" reels were made 1955-75 by several firms, including Scientific Anglers.  It may be hard to find one in good working order nowadays.

I just saw a new automatic reel on the shelf in Sears yesterday. Made by a company called Martin. Darryl Hayashida

Response:

Clockwork "automatic" reels were made 1955-75 by several firms, including Scientific Anglers.  It may be hard to find one in good working order nowadays.

I have on old automatic reel made by Perrine that my father gave to me. He used it when he was little but he didn’t fly fish a lot.  It is in very good condition.   -Russell

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: Clockwork "automatic" reels were made 1955-75 by several firms, including : Scientific Anglers.  It may be hard to find one in good working order : nowadays. : I just saw a new automatic reel on the shelf in Sears yesterday. Made by : a company called Martin. : Darryl Hayashida There are still a couple of models of automatic fly reels around. Manufacturers include Martin, Perrine and Pflueger. Pflueger’s model is actually a *new* one, introduced only in the last year or two. Cabela’s, about US$25. These reels are *not* the best; drag increases unbelievably fast if you get a fish big enough to take line, and capacity is limited (usually the fly line and about 25 yards of backing). Also, do not attempt to dismantle one of these yourself; if you’ve ever had the recoil starter on an outboard motor explode into a giant tangle of spring steel, you’ll get an idea of what can happen. On the other hand, if you’ve only got one functioning hand, these reels allow you to fish again. Pretty decent trade-off. 3798 Woodland Drive     voice: (250) 368-9315 Trail, BC               data:  (250) 368-9341

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Question:

i am looking for a recommendation for a guide for steelhead fishing on the north oregon coast. i will be in portland around xmas and would be grateful for any help in this regard.       thanks         greg

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i am looking for a recommendation for a guide for steelhead fishing on the north oregon coast. i will be in portland around xmas and would be grateful for any help in this regard.       thanks         greg

Check out TK Flysupply’s web page at: http://ourworld.compuserve.com:80/homepages/tk_flyshop/ I went fishing on one of the North Oregon coast streams with Kendall Lee a few weeks ago and caught a bright 20# Chinook. Kendall is a flyfishing pro and part time guide. He knows the rivers and can get you into fish. Your visit to Portland is timed right for early winter stealhead fishing. Should be a great time to fish. —        * * *  Some days I’d rather just give up and go fishing * * * Doug Freeman

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i am looking for a recommendation for a guide for steelhead fishing on the north oregon coast. i will be in portland around xmas and would be grateful for any help in this regard.       thanks         greg

Hi Greg: You might try calling Glenn Young.  He may not be actively guiding anymore, but can probably recommend someone to you.  He used to specialize in northern Oregon coastal fly fishing.  His number is 503-642-4570.  Best of luck!!! Paul

Response:

Greg — Mark Bachmann at the Flyfishing Shop in Welches is one of the best, especially if you want to fish the Sandy in a drift boat.  The shop’s web page address is — http://www.teleport.com/~flyfish/index.html and the telephone number is — (503) 622-4607. Have fun. Rob – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i am looking for a recommendation for a guide for steelhead fishing on the north oregon coast. i will be in portland around xmas and would be grateful for any help in this regard.       thanks         greg Hi Greg: You might try calling Glenn Young.  He may not be actively guiding anymore, but can probably recommend someone to you.  He used to specialize in northern Oregon coastal fly fishing.  His number is 503-642-4570.  Best of luck!!! Paul

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Question:

I went to their web site today…http://www.flyfishamerica.com. <<

Don:  That’s not the Federation.  You found a new fly fishing magazine that has both electronic and print versions.  They have the complete content of the print version (including all seven regional editions) on their website, so you need Acrobat to be able to capture and read it all.  Free print copies are available through fly shops, but you’ll only get your local region’s section.                                                 Brian

Response:

Could someone please re-post the Web page URL and/or 800 number for the Federation of Fly Fishers.  I seem to have lost the paper I wrote it on. Thanks in advance. Puck Wullenweber Ithaca, NY FFF  http://www.ool.com/fff/Federation of Fly Fishers

PO Box 1595 Bozeman MT 59771 406-585-7592

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I went to their web site today…http://www.flyfishamerica.com. Unfortunately, it is another one of those sites where you have to get their damn special software to view, so I can’t tell you what is there. — Don Jordan POB 2357 Chiefland, FL 32644 http://ripserv.com/indyjones

HI! Don! Click on Adobe Acrobat for a free downloading when you visit the site next time. Hans!

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Could someone please re-post the Web page URL and/or 800 number for the Federation of Fly Fishers.  I seem to have lost the paper I wrote it on. Thanks in advance. Puck Wullenweber Ithaca, NY

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I went to their web site today…http://www.flyfishamerica.com.   Unfortunately, it is another one of those sites where you have to get their damn special software to view, so I can’t tell you what is there. — Don Jordan POB 2357 Chiefland, FL 32644 http://ripserv.com/indyjones

Response:

Could someone please re-post the Web page URL and/or 800 number for the Federation of Fly Fishers.  I seem to have lost the paper I wrote it on. Thanks in advance. Puck Wullenweber Ithaca, NY

FFF  http://www.ool.com/fff/

Response:

Could someone please re-post the Web page URL and/or 800 number for the Federation of Fly Fishers.  I seem to have lost the paper I wrote it on. Thanks in advance. Puck Wullenweber Ithaca, NY FFF  http://www.ool.com/fff/

Hi Puck You can find acces to the FFF at http://www.flyfishing.com/fff/index.html  or call them at 406-585-7592. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

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Question:

Howdy, I had to make a trip from N. Idaho to Kalispell, MT over the weekend for my daughter’s soccer tourn. and was quite interested in the look of the St. Regis River. I haven’t seen much mentioned about it here so I thought I would ask. What’s the scoop?? Looks VERY FINE to say the least. I sometimes come over to St. Regis to take the Gold Creek road over to the St. Joe. If the fishing is worth while, I would venture a few hours enroute. Anyone in the know?? Smilin’ in North Idaho, Jerry

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy, I had to make a trip from N. Idaho to Kalispell, MT over the weekend for my daughter’s soccer tourn. and was quite interested in the look of the St. Regis River. I haven’t seen much mentioned about it here so I thought I would ask. What’s the scoop?? Looks VERY FINE to say the least. I sometimes come over to St. Regis to take the Gold Creek road over to the St. Joe. If the fishing is worth while, I would venture a few hours enroute. Anyone in the know?? Smilin’ in North Idaho, Jerry

Hi Jerry I saw the river the other day and it was dropping.  I would suspect it will be fishable soon.  It’s a great brown trout fishery but also a very early in am and late pm as well. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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Question:

Could someone please post me detials of what this organisation does and how I can get hold of them internationally – 1800 numbers are no good to a New Zealander. Best Wishes Simon Simon Lusk Fly Fishing New Zealand on the WWW http://www-aghort.massey.ac.nz/flyfish/intro Department of Consumer Technology Massey University Palmerston North New Zealand

Response:

Hi Simon The FFF’s moto is Conserving, Restoring, & Educating through Fly Fishing. Our main focus is on education, especially youth, and conservation.  To get information sent to you contact then at the following Compuserve email address: Good luck Al Beatty (former FFF President) BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT

Response:

Could someone please post me detials of what this organisation does and how I can get hold of them internationally – 1800 numbers are no good to a New Zealander. Best Wishes Simon Lusk Fly Fishing New Zealand on the WWW http://www-aghort.massey.ac.nz/flyfish/intro Department of Consumer Technology Massey University Palmerston North New Zealand

Simon, the FFF has a Web site at <http://www.wsa.com/ool/fff.html.  The site gives a lot of information as well as offering a link for E-mail. The direct tele# in Bozeman, MT is 406-585-7592. I hope this helps.   —Catch & Release— To catch a fish is human,     To release it is divine!

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Question:

I’m just getting in to the sport and could use some advice on rod selection.  I’ve been looking at the Sage Discovery systems #5 9′ pack rod 4 piece, I think.  This seems to be the best rod for the things I’ll be doing (i.e. backpacking, fishing Montana, OR, WA in the summers and New England in the Fall and Spring) my dilemma is this: EVERY retailer I’ve called has had an "outfit" price of precisely the same amount, that is $280.  I’m a little surprised that there is literally NO variation in price.  Is this normal?  Am I calling all the wrong places or all the right ones?  Is this a good beginner rod that I’ll be able to grow into? I was thinking of going to the Orvis store in Boston this weekend and seeing if they had anything comperable, although from what I can tell Orvis looks to be the Nordstrom of fly fishing gear.  Is this a correct assessment?  Will Orvis have an outfit in my under $300 price range or will I be sneered out of the store by snotty, AMEX gold wielding yuppies?  Any advice you can give will be helpful.  Thanks in advance, Jack

Response:

Well, first no I wouldn’t expect to find any bargains at an Orvis shop. It’s great stuff, but pricey. I’m building a rod for light salt water, an 8-9 weight and I got a St. Croix Imperial blank for $60.00. Now of course it’s not a Sage, but I’ve tried out the 2 piece versions and I think they’ll do just fine. The finished rods go $130 – $140 on the 7-1-93 – 6/30/94 price list, can’t imagine they’d be much higher. Couple this with a nice Medalist reel and you’ll be in business for under $200. Spend the change on a weekend trip.

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Peter… I would have to disagree with your assessment of the sage sp being less forgiving than the RPL’s.  The RPL’s action is so much quicker that your timing must be very precise, whereas the SP flexes in a manner ‘that could be categorized as medium,id est more forgiving and easier to throw.  Unfortunately this ease of castability comes at a price.  I took the dive and bought the 3 pc. 8wt. and a 9 ft. 4wt. ( pro deal) and would recommed them both particularly the 4 wt.  FOr those without positive cash flow or pro pricing ( who should this be addressed to anyway?)  and especially a beginner, you cannot go wrong with any of the large manufacturers.  In the end its all a matter of taste.  I’ve thrown MANY rods and have my own opinions which I would be glad to share with anyone who wants to hear them.  One last thing… I know of a custom rod maker in FLagstaff Arizona, Steffan Brothers, who make some of the best blanks and rods in the business and they are reasonably priced too. I have their number and can get them at a discount.  GOod Luck and tight lines! Henry

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