Question:

 Sounds perfectly doable to me, and in fact ,easier than say kip or calf body. The bulk thing can be a problem with hair fibers and on small bugs the poly post is preferred. I use flats  only because of habit and the "natural" look.  I like the poly or  antron post because of the various colors one can use . Try a black post some time in  a white  foam line and you will literally_ see_ what I mean That’s what interesting about tying, not much is chiseled or even written in stone , you can do pretty much as you please. There are techniques that should be learned and practiced only because trial and error over time has shown them to be the "best" way.Once you master those, you can sub this for that and create things that work for _you_ …that’s the fun part.    Have at it ..;-)

Harry, that’s a great explanation on tying parachutes.  Your photographer should take a bow, too. BTW, I’ve always used an antron loop to form the post which I clip off the top when done, to form the wing.  Your method of tying off solved one of my problems; I’ll try it next time. Peter

Response:

There is a very interesting material called spiderweb.  Salmon and steelheaders who tie their own roe sacks from nylon netting use it to tie off their spawn bags.  Basically you just wrap it around and around and it somehow sticks to itself (so it says on the packaging).  It looks as thin as 8/0.  It would make a good tie off thread for parachute hackle where you finish the hackle on the post not on the hook shank.  I believe this is the product that Hans van Klinken was talking about in his article www.algonet.se/~sjostran/English/10035.htm Inspired by van Klinken’s method but not wanting to rely on this very specialized spiderweb material, lately I’ve been tying off the head and leaving the hackle (already secured to the post at a much earlier step) for the last step.  I anchor my thread onto the post near the bottom. Then wind the hackle down.  Then tie of with a series of half-hitches – each one I can manipulate as it tightens down (with the hooked end of my whip finisher) so that it doesn’t trap any hackle. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Also BTW, is it better to tie the body first, or the parachute? If you tie the parachute first how do you keep the hackle out of the way when tieing the body?

Response:

I use a slightly different technique, which results in a "flatter" hackle. I tie the post in as normal, tie the hackle in at the top of the thread on the post,  which is shorter than "normal", varnish the post with thin clear varnish, take three turns of hackle down the post, and then three turns back up through the hackle, I then wind the thread down through the hackle, binding the hackle down as I go, and just whip finish at the bottom of the post.  Using a needle from underneath, allow more thin varnish to soak into the windings. It also works with just four turns of hackle, two up, two down, and the hackle is then very flat with few stray fibres. ( I thought this might be what rw was referring to, when he said his hackles were too "bushy", meaning too spread out over the post length ). I have also done this around the base of normal split feather wings on dry flies without any problems.  I have not had one come undone while fishing yet. One must be careful here not to twist the wings too much when winding and finishing is all. I also often flatten the wings and hackle between my thumb and forefinger so that they are horizontal. This makes a great spinner pattern, with all the advantages of a parachute, and practically none of the disadvantages. This is especially good for larger flies where two turns of longish hackle are more than sufficient. The support given by a horizontal hackle is much greater than that given by a vertical hackle just sitting on its points. Works great. It is easier to do if you tilt the fly in the vice, as Hans suggests in his article about the Klinkhamer Special. But you can do it with the fly in the normal plane if you wish.  If your post is stiff enough, it is no trouble to wind through the hackle with ordinary 6/0 thread as you would on a normal fly. Makes a very robust fly, and there are more turns of hackle to support the fly where you need them, and not spread out over a longer length of the post. TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://connor.via.t-online.de/

Response:

I’ve had a demonstration by Hans van Klinken at the last Flyfair, tying the Klinkhammer in the fashion as on the mentioned webpage. It looks a bit awkward when you first see it, but try it! It’s a lot easier than it looks, sure made my parachutes a lot better. The key feature of spiderweb is it’s elasticity. Tie on as tight as you dare (its really, really thin) and it it will pull snug on itself, locking the hackle in the process. I think you can try thin nylon as an alternative.  Herman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There is a very interesting material called spiderweb.  Salmon and steelheaders who tie their own roe sacks from nylon netting use it to tie off their spawn bags.  Basically you just wrap it around and around and it somehow sticks to itself (so it says on the packaging).  It looks as thin as 8/0.  It would make a good tie off thread for parachute hackle where you finish the hackle on the post not on the hook shank.  I believe this is the product that Hans van Klinken was talking about in his article www.algonet.se/~sjostran/English/10035.htm Inspired by van Klinken’s method but not wanting to rely on this very specialized spiderweb material, lately I’ve been tying off the head and leaving the hackle (already secured to the post at a much earlier step) for the last step.  I anchor my thread onto the post near the bottom. Then wind the hackle down.  Then tie of with a series of half-hitches – each one I can manipulate as it tightens down (with the hooked end of my whip finisher) so that it doesn’t trap any hackle. Also BTW, is it better to tie the body first, or the parachute? If you tie the parachute first how do you keep the hackle out of the way when tieing the body?

–         Cheers, Herman         Herman Nijland         Daytime webmaster         Lifetime flyfisher

Response:

When I try the Parachute Adams I can’t get the hackle to look as nice as the store-bought ones. The professionally tied flies have nice "thin" parachutes, but mine are kind of bushy. Any suggestions, Harry? Are you referring to the post being bushy ? or  the hackle ?

I was referring to the hackle. Also BTW, is it better to tie the body first, or the parachute? If you tie the parachute first how do you keep the hackle out of the way when tieing the body? — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

If I get a chance I’ll upload a pic of the tye in area a bit later today……

  Take a look  : http://www.troutflies.com/flies/Parachute_howtoo/5Aposthackle_tieinMA… Harry Mason www.Troutflies.com

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When I try the Parachute Adams I can’t get the hackle to look as nice as the store-bought ones. The professionally tied flies have nice "thin" parachutes, but mine are kind of bushy. Any suggestions, Harry? Are you referring to the post being bushy ? or  the hackle ? I was referring to the hackle. Also BTW, is it better to tie the body first, or the parachute? If you tie the parachute first how do you keep the hackle out of the way when tieing the body?

  Some undersize the hackle by a hook size or so. I like that as well IMO, I think neck hackles are a better feather for a parachute because the barbs are stiffer, again IMO.  Being stiffer, they stay perpendicular to the post and do not "mesh"  with each other.A clean crisp look ,if you will. With this method you can tye in the hackle and the just leave it. After you apply the tail and dub the body including the head, you can then wrap the hackle and tye it off at the eye as a last step. What is clean about this is the fly is in essence done when you begin to wrap the hackle, you do not have to come back and dub the hackle tye down area after the hackle wraps. The last wraps are for the hackle .  The hackle will stand straight up alongside  the post and be out of the way more or less as you build the rest of the fly. Harry Mason www.Troutflies.com

Response:

  I tried to  clarify the steps for the Parachute tye down. Comments welcome  http://www.troutflies.com/flies/Parachute_howtoo/10A_finished.htm Harry Mason www.troutflies.com

Response:

 I tried to  clarify the steps for the Parachute tye down. Comments welcome

The only comment I can think of is great job, very helpful instructions. — Charlie…

Response:

Harry,  I tried to  clarify the steps for the Parachute tye down. Comments welcome http://www.troutflies.com/flies/Parachute_howtoo/10A_finished.htm

I’m mightily impressed with that how-to!  This is how God intended fly patterns to be presented when He invented the Web. Anybody else putting patterns on the web:  Note that Harry’s raised the bar. Bravo. Wes Peterson Who would call himself "liberal," let him love justice. Let him love equality. Let him love compassion and charity. But let him love first, and above all the rest, Liberty.

Response:

  I tried to  clarify the steps for the Parachute tye down. Comments welcome  http://www.troutflies.com/flies/Parachute_howtoo/10A_finished.htm

Very nice job Harry. Quality pictures well explained. TL MC

Response:

http://www.troutflies.com/flies/Parachute_howtoo/10A_finished.htm

Nice shots Harry. Who did your camera work? Someone with a lot of pateince? Do you usually hackle your flies before putting on the tail & dubbing. Seems to me I would have to move the hackle around too much & would have to be carefull not to bind the fibers down. Sol

Response:

http://www.troutflies.com/flies/Parachute_howtoo/10A_finished.htm Nice shots Harry. Who did your camera work? Someone with a lot of pateince? Do you usually hackle your flies before putting on the tail & dubbing. Seems to me I would have to move the hackle around too much & would have to be carefull not to bind the fibers down. Sol

  Thanks , Sol.  It’s just about the hackling method, not a pattern. For those that are just starting, seeing how can be much better than reading. Now if I can just find a way to show a blind pinch through my thumb I can tye a no hackle for the camera Harry Mason www.Troutflies.com

Response:

Thanks Harry….that’s a fine piece of work. I have alot of novice tiers in my wintercourse who will be very gladto get the URL from me. This indeed wil make things clear for them and give ‘m the oppotunity to take a good look when they’re back home again! Very nice photographic work too! — Hans van der Stroom http://www.casema.net/~stroomh ICQ # 20196762 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   I tried to  clarify the steps for the Parachute tye down. Comments welcome  http://www.troutflies.com/flies/Parachute_howtoo/10A_finished.htm Harry Mason www.troutflies.com

Response:

 I tried to  clarify the steps for the Parachute tye down. Comments welcome Harry Mason www.troutflies.com

Those are magnificent pictures, Harry, and very lucid text.  But let me desecribe an alternative method and ask you what you think of it. I learned this from Doug Wennick of Flyfisher’s Paradise, State College, PA. 1.  Select a length of post material (I like antron yarn) that is twice as long as necessary but only half as thick. 2.  Tie it across the BOTTOM of the hook shank with two figure-8 wraps, at right angles, like a "low-wing" airplane (or Trico spinner). 3.  Pull both "wings" upright, straight up, to make a post, and wrap the tying thread around it to hold it there,  just as in your picture. I have found this to work better, for me, than starting with the post material parallel to the hook shank and then propping it up and cutting off the tag ends. A lot less bulk. I would appreciate hearing your comments, pro or con,  about this method.  Thanks. vince norris

Response:

When I try the Parachute Adams I can’t get the hackle to look as nice as the store-bought ones. The professionally tied flies have nice "thin" parachutes, but mine are kind of bushy. Any suggestions, Harry? BTW, is it better to wind the grizzly hackle and the brown hackle at the same time or separately? — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

When I try the Parachute Adams I can’t get the hackle to look as nice as the store-bought ones. The professionally tied flies have nice "thin" parachutes, but mine are kind of bushy. Any suggestions, Harry?

Are you referring to the post being bushy ? or  the hackle ? BTW, is it better to wind the grizzly hackle and the brown hackle at the same time or separately?

 I like separate wraps.I find that if you turn both at the same time they do not "seat" well , one turns or spins and the thing turns into a hay seed.    Bind in last of  the two hackles a bit above the prior one on the post . Turn ( wrap) the lower one first.  You do not need to tye it off per say just half hitch the first one at the eye. Wrap the second one down to the eye and tye off both of them . This is the same method you can use for multiple hackle drys like Sofa pillows  or  the like . The only difference is the hackle collar is on the hook, not a post. Harry Mason www.troutflies.com

Response:

Hi RW, I also like the antron or poly yarn tied as per the last message. The professionally tied flies having the "nice thin" parachutes are probably the cause of the tier starting the wraps of hackle lower and giving you fewer wraps. I tend to tie still water flies sparsely and the rougher the water the fuller the hackling and tailing. I wrap both hackles at the same time. This works best if you don’t use hackle pliers and if you use maximum tension on the hackle. You will find the maximum but trial and error When I try the Parachute Adams I can’t get the hackle to look as nice as the store-bought ones. The professionally tied flies have nice "thin" parachutes, but mine are kind of bushy. Any suggestions, Harry? BTW, is it better to wind the grizzly hackle and the brown hackle at the same time or separately? — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

– Vic Brockett http://home.earthlink.net/~vicbrockett

Response:

If I get a chance I’ll upload a pic of the tye in area a bit later today…… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When I try the Parachute Adams I can’t get the hackle to look as nice as the store-bought ones. The professionally tied flies have nice "thin" parachutes, but mine are kind of bushy. Any suggestions, Harry? Are you referring to the post being bushy ? or  the hackle ? BTW, is it better to wind the grizzly hackle and the brown hackle at the same time or separately? I like separate wraps.I find that if you turn both at the same time they do not "seat" well , one turns or spins and the thing turns into a hay seed.   Bind in last of  the two hackles a bit above the prior one on the post . Turn ( wrap) the lower one first.  You do not need to tye it off per say just half hitch the first one at the eye. Wrap the second one down to the eye and tye off both of them . This is the same method you can use for multiple hackle drys like Sofa pillows  or  the like . The only difference is the hackle collar is on the hook, not a post. Harry Mason www.troutflies.com

Harry Mason www.troutflies.com

Response:

One of those, *hey why didn’t I think of it before* ideas. There are some instances where the thick part on the back of the post is actually useful to build up bulk for a nice tapered body but I can definitely think of situations where I had wished it wasn’t there.  Thanks. Mu Young Lee Ann Arbor, MI USA – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I learned this from Doug Wennick of Flyfisher’s Paradise, State College, PA. 1.  Select a length of post material (I like antron yarn) that is twice as long as necessary but only half as thick. 2.  Tie it across the BOTTOM of the hook shank with two figure-8 wraps, at right angles, like a "low-wing" airplane (or Trico spinner). 3.  Pull both "wings" upright, straight up, to make a post, and wrap the tying thread around it to hold it there,  just as in your picture. I have found this to work better, for me, than starting with the post material parallel to the hook shank and then propping it up and cutting off the tag ends. A lot less bulk. I would appreciate hearing your comments, pro or con,  about this method.  Thanks. vince norris

Response:

  Sounds perfectly doable to me, and in fact ,easier than say kip or calf body. The bulk thing can be a problem with hair fibers and on small bugs the poly post is preferred. I use flats  only because of habit and the "natural" look.  I like the poly or  antron post because of the various colors one can use . Try a black post some time in  a white  foam line and you will literally_ see_ what I mean  That’s what interesting about tying, not much is chiseled or even written in stone , you can do pretty much as you please. There are techniques that should be learned and practiced only because trial and error over time has shown them to be the "best" way.Once you master those, you can sub this for that and create things that work for _you_ …that’s the fun part.    Have at it ..;-) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  I tried to  clarify the steps for the Parachute tye down. Comments welcome Harry Mason www.troutflies.com Those are magnificent pictures, Harry, and very lucid text.  But let me desecribe an alternative method and ask you what you think of it. I learned this from Doug Wennick of Flyfisher’s Paradise, State College, PA. 1.  Select a length of post material (I like antron yarn) that is twice as long as necessary but only half as thick. 2.  Tie it across the BOTTOM of the hook shank with two figure-8 wraps, at right angles, like a "low-wing" airplane (or Trico spinner). 3.  Pull both "wings" upright, straight up, to make a post, and wrap the tying thread around it to hold it there,  just as in your picture. I have found this to work better, for me, than starting with the post material parallel to the hook shank and then propping it up and cutting off the tag ends. A lot less bulk. I would appreciate hearing your comments, pro or con,  about this method.  Thanks. vince norris

Harry Mason www.Troutflies.com

Response:

Question:

I have heard that the fishing for stripers can be good right through November. Can anyone point me to a source of information about this.  It would be helpful to know: How late the fish are generally around. Where you can launch a boat from and safely leave your truck and trailer. What tides and locations are best. Thanks for info. JK

Response:

Http://www.reel-time.com  Check the FishWire Reports.  Weekly NY saltwater fly fishing reports. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have heard that the fishing for stripers can be good right through November. Can anyone point me to a source of information about this.  It would be helpful to know: How late the fish are generally around. Where you can launch a boat from and safely leave your truck and trailer. What tides and locations are best. Thanks for info. JK

Response:

Question:

BTW Dave you have obviously forgotten the true king of sportfish the steelhead. I’ll take their tail walking antics and consecutive 100 yard screaming runs anyday Stevo the braggart Have you hooked a chinook?

Yup, up to 45 lbs. (unfortunately I have yet to get a real big one), but they rarely break the surface, preferring to sulk deep and do their running near the bottom. Unbelievable power though. Of  the species I’ve caught ( I admit to being an Atlantic virgin), steelhead are the most unpredictable, one second they are sulking deep, the next the line is slack and they are doing five or six consecutive jumps and then off for another long run right on the surface. unbelievable! Stevo the experienced (yah right)

Response:

Now why would those in the east want to stock those damn silly, wimp western salmon that only procreate once then leave their rotting, stinking carcasses in the water, when they have their own robust salmon that can procreate many times? Chris Richer (east of the flat spot) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – BTW Dave, being a naive westerner (we don’t get out much) which landlocked "introduced from the great waters of British Columbia" species are we talking about? Stevo the wanderer (NOT) <g Dave L.

Response:

Steve Cooper: <<BTW Dave, being a naive westerner (we don’t get out much) which landlocked "introduced from the great waters of British Columbia" species are we talking about? Ouananiche.  The Atlantic Salmon that is land-locked.  It’s also known as the Lake Salmon.  The largest I have caught was about 7 pounds, but I have heard of much bigger fish, especially in Labrador and Quebec.  It didn’t come from BC either.  <g Dave LaCourse

Response:

Yup, up to 45 lbs. (unfortunately I have yet to get a real big one), but they rarely break the surface, preferring to sulk deep and do their running near the bottom. Unbelievable power though.

I’ve seen plenty of hooked chinook jump & splash.  Saw a 20+ lber come about 3 feet out of the water last Thursday on the Pere Marquette in Michigan.  Maybe the fish here are different.  They tend to darken up really quick.  I’ve seen lots of photos of silver fish caught out of western rivers. Mu

Response:

Ouananiche.  The Atlantic Salmon that is land-locked.  It’s also known as the Lake Salmon.  The largest I have caught was about 7 pounds, but I have heard of much bigger fish, especially in Labrador and Quebec.  It didn’t come from BC either.  <g

Is that the Sebago Lake strain?  Also, what’s a Sunapee? Mu

Response:

Mu Young: <<Is that the Sebago Lake strain?  Also, what’s a Sunapee? No.  Not coming out of lakes/rivers in Labrador! I believe the Sunapee is actually a land-locked Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus).  It’s called the Blueback Trout in some Maine waters. Dave

Response:

Yup, up to 45 lbs. (unfortunately I have yet to get a real big one), but they rarely break the surface, preferring to sulk deep and do their running near the bottom. Unbelievable power though. I’ve seen plenty of hooked chinook jump & splash.  Saw a 20+ lber come about 3 feet out of the water last Thursday on the Pere Marquette in Michigan.  Maybe the fish here are different.  They tend to darken up really quick.  I’ve seen lots of photos of silver fish caught out of western rivers. Mu

  That’s only because its alot easier to jump out of your waters and tailwalk, being so full of chemicals and all <g…. Hey look on the bright side another 10 years or so and you won’t even need a boat to go fishing on the "lakes" "lake michigan…..too thick to drink, too thin to plow" Stevo the troller

Response:

Steve Cooper: <<BTW Dave, being a naive westerner (we don’t get out much) which landlocked "introduced from the great waters of British Columbia" species are we talking about? Ouananiche.  The Atlantic Salmon that is land-locked.  It’s also known as the Lake Salmon.

Oh you mean those big trout (genus Salmo) The largest I have caught was about 7 pounds, but I have heard of much bigger fish, especially in Labrador and Quebec.  It didn’t come from BC either.  <g Dave LaCourse

  Cheers

Response:

Steve Cooper: <<Oh you mean those big trout (genus Salmo) Yep!  One and the same.  <g

Response:

Steve Cooper: <<Oh you mean those big trout (genus Salmo) Yep!  One and the same.  <g

Ah hell before you know it I’ll be able to catch those on the West coast as well. Just let our salmon farms screw up and have a few more large escapements like the 30,000 yearlings that just escaped a Port McNiel farm, or the 60,000 smolts involuntarily released in Washington’s Puget Sound, and we may have to beat these things off our lines just to get at a good natural wild salmon.

Response:

BTW Dave you have obviously forgotten the true king of sportfish the steelhead. I’ll take their tail walking antics and consecutive 100 yard screaming runs anyday Stevo the braggart

Have you hooked a chinook? Ian Scott http://flyfishing.about.com/

Response:

Have you hooked a chinook?

No, but I did once know a guy who tried to drown a brown, get nookie brom a brookie, and pass a bass!

Response:

I did’nt forget them.  It was about Atlantic salmon, "King of the Sportfish".  I agree about steelies.  They are one of the best (of course)! Land locked salmon are also right up there.  Although they don’t get too big in Maine, they are a ball to watch tail walking. (I hope this doesn’t start a thread:  *MY* fish is better’n your fish!

But,… but,… but…. my fish IS better than your fish…… and my dad can so nyah, nyah, nyah, nyah nyah. BTW Dave, being a naive westerner (we don’t get out much) which landlocked "introduced from the great waters of British Columbia" species are we talking about? Stevo the wanderer (NOT) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <g Dave L.

Response:

Sheldonn Michael Pardy writes: <<If anyone wants some real flyfishing fun, come to Newfoundland, and go for some of our Atlantic salmon. These fish have a lot of fight, and I once had one fighting for one and a half hours. 10 whopping pounds!!! That beats bass any day. Uhhhhhh, you fought a 10 pound fish for 1 1/2 hours?  What ever happened to the old rule of a pound a minute?  I realize Atlantic Salmon are the fighters of all time, but an hour and a half.  Seems exceedingly long, sir.  I will agree about the bass, however. Dave L.

 Dave Not just exceedingly long, but lethal as well. Although Atlantics are well known for both their fighting prowess and tenacity towards survival, this fish if released was probably dead shortly thereafter. The lactic acid buildup in the muscular tissues (remember that salmonids are basically on BIG muscle) would likely have been lethal. Nothing to be particularly of, Sheldon. BTW Dave you have obviously forgotten the true king of sportfish the steelhead. I’ll take their tail walking antics and consecutive 100 yard screaming runs anyday Stevo the braggart

Response:

1.5 hours? You are full of shit. Next time you take an assignment as a flack, learn how to lie creditably. Dave

Response:

Steve Cooper: <<BTW Dave you have obviously forgotten the true king of sportfish the steelhead. I’ll take their tail walking antics and consecutive 100 yard screaming runs anyday I did’nt forget them.  It was about Atlantic salmon, "King of the Sportfish".  I agree about steelies.  They are one of the best (of course)! Land locked salmon are also right up there.  Although they don’t get too big in Maine, they are a ball to watch tail walking.   (I hope this doesn’t start a thread:  *MY* fish is better’n your fish! <g Dave L.

Response:

David Snedeker, the scribe, writes: <<1.5 hours? You are full of shit. Next time you take an assignment as a flack, learn how to lie creditably. ROFL.  Don’t mix your words, David.  Tell the fool *exactly* what you think of him.  That’s what I love about you, David; you are about as subtle as a nuclear weapon.  <g Dave L. (the calm Dave)  d;0)

Response:

One and a half hours to land a ten pound fish???  I think, perhaps, that you need a bit heavier outfit.  If you want to be in a position to release salmon and steelhead in some degree of health, you have to get them in and released in a lot less time.  I suspect that your ten pound Atlantic Salmon was one that you kept.  If not, I doubt if he lived very long after being released. Barry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If anyone wants some real flyfishing fun, come to Newfoundland, and go for some of our Atlantic salmon. These fish have a lot of fight, and I once had one fighting for one and a half hours. 10 whopping pounds!!! That beats bass any day.

Response:

        If anyone wants some real flyfishing fun, come to Newfoundland, and go for some of our Atlantic salmon. These fish have a lot of fight, and I once had one fighting for one and a half hours. 10 whopping pounds!!! That beats bass any day.

Response:

Sheldon, Sounds like fun. When is the best time to go? Bob Elliott, Rochester, NY – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If anyone wants some real flyfishing fun, come to Newfoundland, and go for some of our Atlantic salmon. These fish have a lot of fight, and I once had one fighting for one and a half hours. 10 whopping pounds!!! That beats bass any day.

Response:

        If anyone wants some real flyfishing fun, come to Newfoundland, and go for some of our Atlantic salmon. …

I’d love to. When the provincial government repeals those pernicious guide laws I’ll drop a dime in Newfoundland and Labrador too. Until then, I won’t fish there. — Ken Fortenberry Illini 3 – Tar Heels 1

Response:

Hey, Something fishy here.  If you took that long to land a little 10 pounder, you were abusing the fish and probably harming its chances of survival (assuming that you released it). Regards, Yuji Sakuma – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –         If anyone wants some real flyfishing fun, come to Newfoundland, and go for some of our Atlantic salmon. These fish have a lot of fight, and I once had one fighting for one and a half hours. 10 whopping pounds!!! That beats bass any day.

Response:

Sheldonn Michael Pardy writes:

<<If anyone wants some real flyfishing fun, come to Newfoundland, and go for some of our Atlantic salmon. These fish have a lot of fight, and I once had one fighting for one and a half hours. 10 whopping pounds!!! That beats bass any day. Uhhhhhh, you fought a 10 pound fish for 1 1/2 hours?  What ever happened to the old rule of a pound a minute?  I realize Atlantic Salmon are the fighters of all time, but an hour and a half.  Seems exceedingly long, sir.  I will agree about the bass, however. Dave L.

Response:

Response:

<a bunch of stuff he should have proof read first!!!!! Not just exceedingly long, but lethal as well. Although Atlantics are well known for both their fighting prowess and tenacity towards survival, this fish if released was probably dead shortly thereafter. The lactic acid buildup in the muscular tissues (remember that salmonids are basically on

<<<that should be ONE not on BIG muscle) would likely have been lethal. Nothing to be particularly of, Sheldon.

That should be "not particularly PROUD of, Sheldon" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – BTW Dave you have obviously forgotten the true king of sportfish the steelhead. I’ll take their tail walking antics and consecutive 100 yard screaming runs anyday Stevo the braggart

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Question:

Planning a trip next Jan/Feb … would be interested in opinions on the top spots on South Island for good flyfishing … plan on doing a little guided and a little on-my-own fishing … love rivers over lakes always … thanks

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Planning a trip next Jan/Feb … would be interested in opinions on the top spots on South Island for good flyfishing … plan on doing a little guided and a little on-my-own fishing … love rivers over lakes always … thanks

John, I’ve been to the South Island twice.  (You can read about it on my web site www.geocities.com/yosemite/falls/3363   with pictures.  The thumbnails will load a larger image if you click on them). There’s a lot to recommend about just about anywhere on the South Island. Most of my experience is in Otago (out of Wanaka) and Southlands (north of Gore). Absolute must stop is the Mataura river.  Can recommend guides to you if you email me. Michael

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I can recommend the Mataura River (the evening rise is spectacular), and also the Hurunui River if it has a good flow…unlikely at that time of year. Most of us Sth Islanders fish the lakes over summer, as the braided rivers are very low.  Try Lakes Hawea and Tekapo in Otago.  The West Coast gets most of the rain, so rivers like the Grey will fish well, but get a guide for these. Tight Lines Greg Christchurch, NZ — FREEDOM is neither a state of mind, nor a state of being. Rather, it is an essential part of every living persons’ existence

  troutnz.vcf

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        Are they some belgian fly fishers in this group, I would like to talk with, about our experiences in the different rivers within and out the country.         Je voudrais

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I recently moved to Atlanta, GA  and was wondering if anyone knew of any good spots to fly fish around here…Either wet or dry flies…Possibly on the Chattahoochee River?? Any help will do.. Thanks in Advance RONNY

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Suggest Jimmy Jacobs books on "fly fishing North Georgia" -or- "trout streams of southern Appalachias".  Your local fly shops should have these books.  There are also several good sites on the net. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently moved to Atlanta, GA  and was wondering if anyone knew of any good spots to fly fish around here…Either wet or dry flies…Possibly on the Chattahoochee River?? Any help will do.. Thanks in Advance RONNY

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Hello all- I want to relate the experience I had my first time……flyfishing. (You were expecting something else?)   Last winter I ran across a Martin 6/7wt rod & reel at Target. It’s not my first choice for a place to buy fishing gear, but at $20 on clearance I figured I couldn’t go wrong. I upgraded the reel to a Martin 63SS (also on clearance for $10), and then, after much consideration, fitted it w/ an Air-cell WF line.  I already had a float tube and have been enjoying that using my spinning rod. So finally, The Long Winter was over, the staircase I promised my wife for Christmas 3 yrs ago was built, and I hit the water last Sunday (5/18). There’s a small, maybe 80 acre, spring fed lake near my home in East Central MN. that I like to go to….full of Bass, crappie, sunnies, and a few northerns. Just before I was about to take off a wind kicked up out of the N/NE about 15-20 mph, which I figured wouldn’t bode well for a novice, so I went with the idea of probably just practicing casting, maybe staying for an hour or so. ……Four or five hours later, I figured I better quit because my hand was starting to cramp up. I haven’t had that much fun in a LONG time! I think I might be an addict…..I didn’t catch but three fish, none of them wighing much more than the fly, or wooly bugger, or whatever it was I had tied on, but the freedom of the tube along with the lightness of the tackle is, I believe, my kind of sport. I’m already thinking of upgrading again.  Do I have a disease? Thanks for listening.  Just thought I’d share my good times. Later, Pete

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Peter, Sorry to say, but yes you are hooked. It’s a slow, painful, yet incredibly enjoyable death and the support groups are a blast!!! Welcome to the ring and Fish On Fly Boy!!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello all- I want to relate the experience I had my first time……flyfishing. (You were expecting something else?)   Last winter I ran across a Martin 6/7wt rod & reel at Target. It’s not my first choice for a place to buy fishing gear, but at $20 on clearance I figured I couldn’t go wrong. I upgraded the reel to a Martin 63SS (also on clearance for $10), and then, after much consideration, fitted it w/ an Air-cell WF line.  I already had a float tube and have been enjoying that using my spinning rod. So finally, The Long Winter was over, the staircase I promised my wife for Christmas 3 yrs ago was built, and I hit the water last Sunday (5/18). There’s a small, maybe 80 acre, spring fed lake near my home in East Central MN. that I like to go to….full of Bass, crappie, sunnies, and a few northerns. Just before I was about to take off a wind kicked up out of the N/NE about 15-20 mph, which I figured wouldn’t bode well for a novice, so I went with the idea of probably just practicing casting, maybe staying for an hour or so. ……Four or five hours later, I figured I better quit because my hand was starting to cramp up. I haven’t had that much fun in a LONG time! I think I might be an addict…..I didn’t catch but three fish, none of them wighing much more than the fly, or wooly bugger, or whatever it was I had tied on, but the freedom of the tube along with the lightness of the tackle is, I believe, my kind of sport. I’m already thinking of upgrading again.  Do I have a disease? Thanks for listening.  Just thought I’d share my good times. Later, Pete

David726 E-mail for further assistance to:

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: Do I have a disease? Oh poor poor Pete!  My pitty goes out to you, and I understand because the same thing has happened to me in the last year. I have it so bad that the other day my wife said I should just go to Alaska for 6 months fishing and get it all out of my system.  Her thought was that then I could come back and be cured of my angling, and recently fly fishing disease. I explained to her that would be equivelant to sending a cocaine addict to Columbia expecting him to come back clean. Does anybody know what the fish in Alaska will be hitting on over the next 6 months.  ;-) — Kevin W. Tharp http://www.geocities.com/yosemite/4351

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Hello all- I want to relate the experience I had my first time……flyfishing. (You were expecting something else?)  

Well sort of.  We get a lot of these, and I was hoping beyond hope that maybe it was in fact something else.  Oh well. Last winter I ran across a Martin 6/7wt rod & reel at Target. It’s not my first choice for a place to buy fishing gear, but at $20 on clearance I figured I couldn’t go wrong. I upgraded the reel to a Martin 63SS (also on clearance for $10), and then, after much consideration, fitted it w/ an Air-cell WF line.  I already had a float tube and have been enjoying that using my spinning rod.

Well you could go wrong, but what the hell! So finally, The Long Winter was over, the staircase I promised my wife for Christmas 3 yrs ago was built, and I hit the water last Sunday (5/18). There’s a small, maybe 80 acre, spring fed lake near my home in East Central MN.

Whoa! Kewl!  Where in Mn pray tell? that I like to go to….full of Bass, crappie, sunnies, and a few northerns. Just before I was about to take off a wind kicked up out of the N/NE about 15-20 mph, which I figured wouldn’t bode well for a novice, so I went with the idea of probably just practicing casting, maybe staying for an hour or so.

Sounds just like MN. ……Four or five hours later, I figured I better quit because my hand was starting to cramp up. I haven’t had that much fun in a LONG time! I think I might be an addict…..I didn’t catch but three fish, none of them wighing much more than the fly, or wooly bugger, or whatever it was I had tied on, but the freedom of the tube along with the lightness of the tackle is, I believe, my kind of sport. I’m already thinking of upgrading again.  Do I have a disease?

Yes.  Most likely.  Some doofus around here might make some lame reference to Traver’s Trout Madness, but not me.  It probably has something to do with minnesota.  Long, round vowels.  Ending sentences with prepositions.  Inclination towards bland foodstuffs. Polka Music (God I hope you don’t live near Sturgeon Lake:-)).  Mosquitos. Calling creeks cricks.  Grain Belt.  The Vikings. Letting an NHL hockey team go like that.  It’s a disease all right, and you have it.   And don’t think that FFing is going to save from it – nope you’re f__king doomed pal. One thing will help, and that doesnt include NEVER GOING TO THE WHITE RIVER NEAR IRON RIVER WISC.  That won’t help you one iota.  So don’t bother going there.  Stay away.  Tell your friends so they go and leave all the good water to you. Thanks for listening.  Just thought I’d share my good times.

Always up for that. </chaz

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Like a Sturgeon.. oh oh… Hooked for the very first time… Like a stur-ur-ur-urgeon… I feel its heartbeat… through my line… I’ll stop now… — TimW Halfordian Golfer

There is.. a fish ..upon a dish.. They call the rising trout… it’s often seen by those who are keen.. but not by those who shout… — Colin J. McPherson B.Eng. Design and Structures Group, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Bath,Bath,U.K.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Like a Sturgeon.. oh oh… Hooked for the very first time… Like a stur-ur-ur-urgeon… I feel its heartbeat… through my line… I’ll stop now… — TimW Halfordian Golfer There is.. a fish ..upon a dish.. They call the rising trout… it’s often seen by those who are keen.. but not by those who shout…

"…hey !" Now you got the toes tapping…we could be in some serious trouble by friday… — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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Sorry if this has been repeated, It was April the 41st, being a quadruple leapyear, I was driving in downtown Atlantis.  My Barracuda was in the shop, so, I was in a rented Stingray, and it was overheating.  So I pulled into a Shell station, they said I’d blown a seal.  I said:  "Fix the damn thing and leave my private life out of it, okay pal?"  While they were doing that I walked over to a place called the Oyster Bar.  A real dive. But I knew the owner, he used to play for the dolphins.  I said "Hi Gill!", you have to yell, he’s hard of herring.   Gill was also down on his luck, fact is he was barely keeping his head below water.  I bellied up to the sandbar, he poured the usual:  Rusty snail, hold the grunion, shaken, not stirred, with a peanut butter and jelly-fish sandwich on the side, heavy on the mako.  I slipped him a finn, on porpoise.  I was feelin’ good.  I even dropped a sand-dollar in the box for Jerry’s Squids, for the halibut.  Well, the place was crowded.  We were packed in like sardines, they were all there to listen to the big band sounds of Tommy Dorsal.  What sole!  Tommy was rockin the place with a very popular tuna:  "Salmon Chanted Evening", and the stage was surrounded by screaming groupers.  Probably there to see the bass player.  One of them, she was this cute little yellowtail.  And she’s givin’ me the eye.  So I figure this is my chance for a little fun, you know, a piece of pisces.  But she said things I just couldn’t fathom.  She was too deep.  Seemed to be under a lot of pressure.  Boy, could she drink.  She drank like a… er, she drank a lot!  I said: "What’s your sign?"  She said: "Aquarian"  I said "great, let’s get tanked".   I invited her up to my place for a little midnight bait.  I said come on baby you wanna, it’ll only take a few minnows.  She threw me that same old line:  "Not tonight, I got a haddock"  And she wasn’t kiddin either cause, in came the biggest, meanest looking haddock I’d ever seen come down the pike.  He was covered with Mussels.  He came over to me and he said:  "Listen Shrimp, Don’t you come trolling around here."  What a crab.  This guy was steamed.  I could see the anchor in his eyes.  I turned to him and said "ah, baloney, you’re just being shellfish."  Well, I know there was going to be trouble, and so did Gil, cause he was already on the phone to the cods.  The haddock hits me with a sucker punch.  I catch him with a left hook.  He eels over.  It was a fluke.  But there he was, lying on the deck, flat as a mackerel.  Kelpless.  I said:  "Forget the cods Gil, this guy’s gonna  need a sturgeon."  Well, the yellowtail was impressed with the way I landed her boyfriend.  She came over to me and she said "Hey bigboy","you’re really a game fish, what’s your name?"  I said "Marlin."   Well, from then on, we had a whale of a time.  I took her to dinner, I took her to dance.  I bought her a bouquet of flounders.  And then I went home with her.  And what did I get for my trouble:  A case of the clams.  

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Like a Sturgeon.. oh oh… Hooked for the very first time… Like a stur-ur-ur-urgeon… I feel its heartbeat… through my line… I’ll stop now… — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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Try fishing Daniels Park on the Chagrin. It has a Dam which is the end of the line for the fish, unless the water is very high. There is a good holding pool below the dam and a few runs downstream could hold winter Steelhead. Since it is a public park, it does tend to get pressure during Salmon and Trout runs. Good luck, and release them. Tom Steele

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Has anyone had any success flyfishing for steelhead around the Cleveland area? Grand River, Chagrin, ect. I know the rain should have brought in a few fish over the last few days. Thanks in advanceI just came to this group looking for the same info.  There is a shopcalled Grand river Tackle shopwho usually has the skinny on cleveland area steelies.

IS IT POSSIBLE FOR YOU TO POST "Grand River Tackle" (’s) address and/or phone number,  please. George Gehrke/Mr. Gink

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Don’t tell anyone else, but the Plain Dealer had a "kiss and tell" article about how awesome the steelhead fishing is in the Grand, Conneat and Chagrin. Seems the Little Manistee River fingerlings that were stocked a while back have made it all happen. Oh, I guess all the rain we had over the last week pumped up the rivers to allow the silver bullets to pass through the gate. As we speak, I am tying egg sucking leaches and garish colored woolly worms. Guess you can tell what I will be doing this weekend. (Plus there are NO soccer games this weekend!!) Mark Rupp

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Has anyone had any success flyfishing for steelhead around the Cleveland area? Grand River, Chagrin, ect. I know the rain should have brought in a few fish over the last few days. Thanks in advanceI just came to this group looking for the same info.  There is a

shopcalled Grand river Tackle shopwho usually has the skinny on   cleveland area steelies.

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Has anyone had any success flyfishing for steelhead around the Cleveland area? Grand River, Chagrin, ect.       I know the rain should have brought in a few fish over the last few days. Thanks in advance

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        I’m brand new to fly fishing.  I haven’t been fishing at all in over 10 years.  I don’t know why; I used to go a lot when I was younger.  I always had fun.  Anyway, I want to get back into fishing, fly fishing. My father gave me an 8.5 foot Eagle Claw "Champion" Mod. M3ALA (line size 9).  The reel thats on it is kind of a cheap-o.  I’m not sure what size or type line is on it.           What is a good size and type of line for me to start out with?  What is a good type/brand of reel to use?  What is a tippet?  How critical is leader length and weight?  I’ve been out in the back yard playing with it, casting.  How far should I be able to cast?           Any other tip and hints I should know?  I don’t want to go out my first time and look like a total fool.  I’m not saying I’m not, I just don’t want it to show <g. Thanks

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   What is a good size and type of line for me to start out with?  What is a good type/brand of reel to use?  What is a tippet?  How critical is leader length and weight?  I’ve been out in the back yard playing with it, casting.  How far should I be able to cast?  

Hi Bill, I really recommend you check in with your local fly shop or fly fishing club for some expert help, especially with casting.  Just one lesson with a qualified instructor can save you years of frustration trying to learn by your self. You can find your local fly shop in the phone directory and a local club by calling the Federation of Fly Fisher’s at 800-618-0808. Now to answer some of your questions.  Size & Type of Line: The line you need should be balanced to your fly rod – you indicated your rod is a nine weight.  That is the weight you need for that rod, however that weight is a little heavy unless you are fishing in salt water or going after salmon or steelhead Tippet: A tippet is the fine monofilament that is attached to the end of the leader.  You tie the fly on this material. Leader:  In some fishing conditions leader length is the difference between catching fish and not catching fish. As an "all around" leader for fishing free stone streams I purchase a 7 1/2 foot 4x leader and then tie on another 1 1/2 feet of tippet material to bring me to a nine foot leader.  But that is only a starting point.  There are some situations where my leader will on be 4 feet in length and others where it will be close to 20 feet. How far to cast:  That is a tough question.  I feel it’s a good idea to be able to comfortably cast 30 – 50 feet.  That doesn’t mean you have to cast that far to fish, only that you have the skill.  You’ll be less tired at the end of the day if you do not have to continually "push the envelope" of your skills — on the other hand pushing your skill is how you improve. I hope I have not totally confused you.  Good luck. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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        I’m brand new to fly fishing.  

Bill,         The best advice I could give a new flyfisher is to get attached to a local fly shop and ask as manay questions as you can …. and remember all the answers.  Take the time to get some casting instruction.  It’ll be the best half hour you can spend.  Also, try to get a copy of "The Curtis Creek Manifesto", it’s a cartoon-type magazine/book that explains all the facets of fly fishing in simple terms that we all can understand.  Just remember, that if you keep fish, only keep what you need and that a fish killed is on that will never be caught again.  Some of us like to "Love ‘em and ‘Leave ‘em!"

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   I’m brand new to fly fishing.  I haven’t been fishing at all in over 10 years.  I don’t know why; I used to go a lot when I was younger.  I always had fun.  Anyway, I want to get back into fishing, fly fishing. My father gave me an 8.5 foot Eagle Claw "Champion" Mod. M3ALA (line size 9).  The reel thats on it is kind of a cheap-o.  I’m not sure what size or type line is on it.      What is a good size and type of line for me to start out with?  What is a good type/brand of reel to use?  What is a tippet?  How critical is leader length and weight?  I’ve been out in the back yard playing with it, casting.  How far should I be able to cast?      Any other tip and hints I should know?  I don’t want to go out my first time and look like a total fool.  I’m not saying I’m not, I just don’t want it to show <g. Thanks

What are you fishing for?  A 9-wt. line is quite heavy — to heavy for bass/bluegills/trout, more appropriate for light salt water.  You must use a line that fits your rod though.  Too light and you have to get a _lot_ of line out to cast properly (not recommended for a beginner) and a heavy line will overload your rod.  I would recommend a moderately priced weight-forward line (Cortland 333 or something in that price range) and a moderately priced, simple reel (Pflueger Medalist is the old standard).  Too cheap and you get junk.  For now, you present reel may be okay, but get a new line.  If possible, cast a test line on your rod; it’s possible that a 9-wt. isn’t best. A leader delivers your fly to the fish.  The length depends on the water and the fish, but it’s best to use the shortest one you can get away with.  Again, what kind of fish are you afetr in what conditions? The tippet is the very last part of the leader, and often replaced with a new section.  It must match your fly so that it behaves naturally, and sometime you just have to experiment to get a good match. Casting distance depends again on the fish and conditions.  Distance is nowhere near as important as control; it’s totally irrelevant to the fish!  You want to put the fly in the right position with the shortest practical cast, so you can 1) control the fly and 2) hook the fish. Hope this gets you started.  There should be a tackle shop near you which could advise you about what’s best for your area. Jim Benenson Los Alamos, NM "To save your rivers, save your mountains" Emperor Yu of China, circa 1600 BC

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I’m planning a FF trip to Montana and Idaho in August. What flies should I start buying for the Bozeman and Henry’s Fork areas? — Regards, Robert Webmaster of "Author Author!," "The Defoe Page," and Sayville Middle School’s web site Author Author! is a  recipient of the Point Survey top 5% of the Internet award Visit Author Author! http://www.li.net/~scharf/author.html Visit The Defoe Page http://www.li.net/~scharf/defoe.html Visit Sayville Middle School http://www.li.net/~scharf/sayville.html

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Hi, August in Montana is usually hopper time.  Depending on weather and water conditions, the hopper fishing on the Yellowstone, Madison, and Gallatin can be awsome!  Other good flies are any of the Bead Head nymphs, Royal Wulffs, Humpies, Trudes, Wooly Buggers.  For the spring creeks you’ll need midges, batis, pmd and of course hoppers. For the rivers in North Idaho, you’ll need the flies mentioned above but be sure to add Renegades and H&L Variants. For the Henry’s Fork I’ll defer to someone else on the newsgroup.  I only get over there two or three times a year which is not enough to give advise on what flies to bring on a trip.  There are several fly shops in the Island Park Area you could call for local conditions.  Also the shops in West Yellowstone are up to date on the Henry’s Fork. Good Luck. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (catalog avail)

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