Question:

……the greta cover-up… you might wanna work on that a bit…..

Ya’ll are a hard crowd!  I think you should ease up on Petah……he’s taken just about enough heat for his garboed spelling.     Wolfgang hey, us immigrants gotta stick togethah.

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PS I usually fail, but that’s the whole point. L — Lazarus Cooke

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – One of those rare, magic moments in fly fishing, out with greta friends on a perfect stream, Greta? My cousin wisely married the man who owns the house on the Greta – the house by the bridge on the river in the north of England that Cotman painted. Sadly I’ve never managed to fish in the river, but I’m glad to see a ROFF post on it. More please! Lazarus

        dear mr. cooke:  i am pleased to represent mr. peetah charles, late of the royal air force, in all his domestic relations…um, matters.         this is to advise that any further (farther?) references to the woman formerly known as "greta" will result in our immediate action at law, wherein your private parts will first be exposed (while at rest) to several cheerleaders from the university of south carolina, followed by their immediate severance from your person.         it is our earnest hope that this caution will suffice to silence any further (yep, that’s it) references to the aforementioned lady, her heirs, assigns, or private investigators. yr. obt. svt. a.wayne harrison,  atty at law.

Response:

PS I usually fail, but that’s the whole point. L

So do I I hate to spoil the greta thing you and wayno got going but my greta spelling is only surpassed in gretaness by the inability of my greta spell checker to properly correct greta. I hated to put in this correction with wayno in full legal warhoop, but I’ve heard some stories about those Tarheel cheerleaders  . . . Didn’t want to be responsible . . . Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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Which has since made me wonder – do people actually pull off the dead upstream dry fly cast to a visible fish in gin clear water?

In Vermont many of the small brookie streams I fish the only way is to fish straight up. I walk up some streams for over 8 hours. Sometimes I can get up-and-across cast, but mostly, due to foliage, the cast it straight up and down the river. Most of the line floats and lands on the water where I get strikes. Isn’t low pressure a wonderful thing? Gary

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petah, petah…old chap…those were SOUTH carolina cheerleaders – "i.e., "gamecocks" – wayno referenced.  it’s ok…you’re still well within limits of literacy for us over 50 geezers.  but, the greta cover-up… you might wanna work on that a bit.

South – North, what’s a little geography between friends. jeff (who’s observed your gretaness with the tattooed bighair wimmen at the union co. sportsman’s club)

still pissed that I swiped your date, eh? Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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petah, petah…old chap…those were SOUTH carolina cheerleaders – "i.e., "gamecocks" – wayno referenced.  it’s ok…you’re still well within limits of literacy for us over 50 geezers.  but, the greta cover-up… you might wanna work on that a bit. jeff (who’s observed your gretaness with the tattooed bighair wimmen at the union co. sportsman’s club) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – PS I usually fail, but that’s the whole point. L So do I I hate to spoil the greta thing you and wayno got going but my greta spelling is only surpassed in gretaness by the inability of my greta spell checker to properly correct greta. I hated to put in this correction with wayno in full legal warhoop, but I’ve heard some stories about those Tarheel cheerleaders  . . . Didn’t want to be responsible . . . Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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I hated to put in this correction with wayno in full legal warhoop, but I’ve heard some stories about those Tarheel cheerleaders  . . .

the university brass had astroturf installed at the football stadium to keep ‘em from grazing during halftime. i don’t quite understand the decision really, considering that was the only entertainment value with a NC football ticket. waldo

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Which has since made me wonder – do people actually pull off the dead upstream dry fly cast to a visible fish in gin clear water?

I had a casting lesson years ago from Andy Murray, the Hardy casting expert, who said firmly that it was perfectly possible with a 9′ leader only. I use a longer one – more to avoid drag than anything else, probably about 12′ all told, (ie inc bit of thick mono tied to line, then tippet tied to 9′ tapered leader) but it’s what I do – on the Itchen & Test, which are pretty clear. Not DEAD upstream, unless I’m casting right handed from the right bank, but yes, then. Lazarus — Lazarus Cooke

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One of those rare, magic moments in fly fishing, out with greta friends on a perfect stream,

Greta? My cousin wisely married the man who owns the house on the Greta – the house by the bridge on the river in the north of England that Cotman painted. Sadly I’ve never managed to fish in the river, but I’m glad to see a ROFF post on it. More please! Lazarus — Lazarus Cooke

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<SNIP a foot above the trout. He nailed the fly, jumped once and threw the hook. He was maybe 10 to 12 inches long. It was fun and satisfying to finally hook it but a bit anticlimactic. Willi

I find it very satisfying to catch fish from difficult lies. I don

Question:

ROFF became a sort of sociology experiment for me.

I commend you. What a refreshing and clever idea! Please let us know what hypotheses you were attempting to theorize. Here are a few of my own hypotheses that your little experiment appears to confirm: (1) If you come across as a loser on USENET, people will naturally assume you are that way in real life. Why wouldn’t they? (2) Occam’s Razor applies to USENET. In other words, if the simplest explanation for your behavior is that you are a dishonest a–hole, then that’s how you’ll be perceived despite whatever more complicated explanation you might provide. If clear evidence points to a case of assumed identity, people are going to see it as such regardless of protracted denials. (3) Deception, dishonesty, and remorselessness are far less tolerated on USENET than are poor taste, ill humor, poor grammar, off-topic posting, or lack of knowledge about the subject. Again, I congratulate you on your experiment and I await the report of your findings. It’s quite refreshing to have been the unknowing pawn in not one, but *two* sociology experiments over the last few days. It’s good to know that my time spent on ROFF is not simply leisurely idleness. Unfortunately, statistically speaking, your attempts to "get the group riled up" have gone in vain because out of the hundreds of regular readers of this group, only a very few have even bothered to respond to you–and of those, I can’t think of any right now how have appeared at all to be "riled up" at you. For example, if the use of the F word is any indication of riled-upness (maybe it is, maybe it isn’t) then it would appear that–at least in the threads in which you have participated–you are by far the most riled. Does self-riling pleasure you? –Steve

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I do regret that. My apology was an attempt to salvage that. But, what is done is done, and, boy, is this ever done…

Now you’ve got me confused–don’t worry too much, it happens. You just said that your participation on ROFF was a little sociology experiment (great idea, BTW) and that you couldn’t understand why anyone thought you cared what they said. I’m paraphrasing here, so please correct me if I’m mistaken. But it now appears that you regret your behavior. Why? Or are you still experimenting–you clever dog! Man, you’re gonna get us so confused and riled up that we just won’t know what to expect next. This is a wild ride for a naive Western boy like me, but I sure am excited at the prospects of helping you gather your data. –Steve

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Ahhh, the grudge maven… When was the last time, to the nearest month, that I tried to sell something, feebly or otherwise.

Well, you’ve been feebly trying to sell us that story about how you didn’t post to ROFF on behalf of someone named Lindsey ever since it happened. But that shouldn’t be counted against you as salesmanship because nobody’s buying it. –Steve

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Ahhh, the grudge maven… When was the last time, to the nearest month, that I tried to sell something, feebly or otherwise.

Part of your sociology experiment?  Nice try.  But your message brought more than a couple chuckles, I’m sure.  You can try to salve your pride any number of clever ways.  The fact is, for most of us, this is a means of social interaction, whereby we’ve made many real life friends.  All it requires is a modicum of sincerity and integrity, desire to fly fish, and making the effort to travel.  Even those who haven’t traveled have at least the sincerity and integrity part down.  I can (and have) made transactions with a number of people here that I haven’t met.  Buying a rod from you would be laughable. You wanna try and convince us that other than how you behave around here, in real life you’ve got a… well… real life?  What kind of malcontent loser would defend himself like that?  You think you’re toying with us?  Believe whatever you need to.  In the mean time, I’ll be enjoying camaraderie and friendship with these folks, even if I don’t see them for long periods at a time.  Unplug your skull from your anus and you’d realize it’s worth it. It’s too bad you keep buzzing around like a deer fly, but that’s life in the great outdoors.

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Now, tell me who doesn’t ‘get it’…

You don

Question:

I recently moved to Glendora, and I know of the west fork in the San Gabriel Canyon, but I wanted to know if there were any other close spots to fly fish. Also if any parts of the SG river have smallmouth bass or sunfish in them. Thanks alot.

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You can fly fish in many spots, the further you go NORTH or in ALTITUDE the better your chances of good fishing.   Try the Kern wilderness, the Big-Bear area and also the San-Bernardino Park system. You can find more info and links at www.troutworld.com Good Luck, Jeff Gray – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently moved to Glendora, and I know of the west fork in the San Gabriel Canyon, but I wanted to know if there were any other close spots to fly fish. Also if any parts of the SG river have smallmouth bass or sunfish in them. Thanks alot.

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Question:

The rare blue amadou is found growning in rectangular white nesting boxes fastened to the uprights that hold the roofs over gas pumps in rural areas.  Individual specimens are large,, abjut 8 1/2 by 11 and they cluster tightly in the white nesting boxes.  When the pump jockey has his back turned, gently poke a couple of fingers into the nesting box, stroke the amadous belly to relax it and swipe a 1/2 dozen or so. When folded to make a pad, does a great job of instantly drying small flies and removing slime. Seriously, corresponded with a brit some time ago and it is a fungus that grows on trees that is quite common in Europe…dunno if it occurs naturally in US or not, but Orvis and Cabellas both have it for sale now…..the blue amadous is easier to get though. My piece of Amadou(sp?) has hit the dust and my local shops don’t carry it. Anyone know of a web based or mail order store that does? Willi

– Mike in PDX "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                          Tom McGuane

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Bill,    Amadou is too expensive, just crush up some desiccant and put it in a 35mm film canister.  when you want to dry your fly put it in the canister, put the top on and shake it. Ernie Harrison See Ernie’s Fly-Fishing Stuff:   http://home.pacbell.net/ernie2

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -My piece of Amadou(sp?) has hit the dust and my local shops don’t carry it. Anyone know of a web based or mail order store that does? Willi

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I believe I saw some in the Orvis or Bean catalog. Bean, I think. — To him, all good things — trout as well as eternal salvation– come by grace and grace comes by art and art does not come easy  ……Norman Maclean

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My piece of Amadou(sp?) has hit the dust and my local shops don’t carry it. Anyone know of a web based or mail order store that does? Orvis (really). — Charlie…

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My piece of Amadou(sp?) has hit the dust and my local shops don’t carry it. Anyone know of a web based or mail order store that does? Willi

   Willi,     If you don’t want to bother with mail order, Bob’s in Loveland has some in stock.

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My piece of Amadou(sp?) has hit the dust and my local shops don’t carry it. Anyone know of a web based or mail order store that does? Willi

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My piece of Amadou(sp?) has hit the dust and my local shops don’t carry it. Anyone know of a web based or mail order store that does?

Orvis (really). — Charlie…

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My piece of Amadou(sp?) has hit the dust and my local shops don’t carry it. Anyone know of a web based or mail order store that does?

Cabela’s sells both the Samadou, a synthetic, and Amadou but both varieties come attached to leather. I prefer just a hunk of Amadou stuffed in the front pocket of my vest. I get them from John Norris of Penrith, for a catalogue see: http://www.johnnorris.co.uk — Ken Fortenberry Illini 3 – Tar Heels 1

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Question:

There does not seem to be much interest in old flies and I’m wondering if anyone knows of a fly fishing museum that I could give them to. I have over 600 trout flies of at least 40+ varities that are 75+ years old. Most of them are tied directly to a 4" gut leader with loop tied at the end. The flies with gut leaders are stored in either in their original packets from Wm. Mills & Sons or in a pigskin leather bound flat fly files (so they are flat). The flies with steel eyes are stored in boxes and are much newer (possibly 50

Question:

I second that!!! Doug

Response:

I second that!!! Doug

        may the bears feed on the bastards without end.                 a. wayne harrison

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A black bear went into the Country General here at high noon the other day. Walked right through the automatic doors.  They killed her.  Probably the sporting goods department manager did the deed. TimW

Shoplifting, no doubt. Charley

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writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -For crying out loud… Of course there are bear in Colorado!!!! I was merely poking fun at folks headed for the South Platte who were honestly amazed at the thought that they might get encounter bear in the mountains! I mean, imagine that … Personally, having encountered black bear in Colorado and other places, I’d much prefer to run into one of them than what I’m more likely to run into near Deckers: armies of overdressed and undertalented Doug Swisher wannabes fishing midge patterns downstream like streamers and taking pictures of each other drinking Coors on the river bank. A bear would be better company! Spinoleo

Very Well said indeed my friend. I also think that some of the bears would have better manners too! Cliff

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For crying out loud… Of course there are bear in Colorado!!!! I was merely poking fun at folks headed for the South Platte who were honestly amazed at the thought that they might get encounter bear in the mountains! I mean, imagine that … Personally, having encountered black bear in Colorado and other places, I’d much prefer to run into one of them than what I’m more likely to run into near Deckers: armies of overdressed and undertalented Doug Swisher wannabes fishing midge patterns downstream like streamers and taking pictures of each other drinking Coors on the river bank. A bear would be better company! Spinoleo

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Bears in Colorado? Ha! That’ll be the day!

There are many bears in CO.  We have had bears in our yard.  Black bears however, but if they are eating your head I guess it doesn’t really matter.

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Bears in Colorado? Ha! That’ll be the day! There are many bears in CO.  We have had bears in our yard.  Black bears however, but if they are eating your head I guess it doesn’t really matter.

A black bear went into the Country General here at high noon the other day.   Walked right through the automatic doors.  They killed her.  Probably the sporting goods department manager did the deed.   TimW

Response:

Hey Spinoleo, When were these bear attacks? I fish that area a lot and have even backpacked and camped back in Cheesman Canyon before. Anyway, I’ve not heard of any bear attacks. When did this happen? Thanks, Cliff

It happened about a week after the incident that drained the Big Hole in Montana… Or the spaceship episode on the Henry’s Fork… IT DIDN"T HAPPEN!!!! Bears in Colorado? Ha! That’ll be the day! Spinoleo

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You can go to the South Platte at DeckersI-70 south on I-25 to the Santa Fe exit{u.s285}south from Denver to sedalia, west 27 miles. Best fishing is a mile above or below the small town of Deckers.(nice drive too!) It sure is a nice drive, but I don’t think anyone would want to take it nowadays, not with all the bear attacks. No trout is worth being maimed and mutilated beyond recognition, like those two fellows from Illinois. Spinoleo  

I make this drive at least once a week to Deckers and I have never seen  or heard of a bear attack. The biggest problem with Deckers is the weekend horde of flyfishers. If you can avoid the crowd, the experience is uplifting.

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Hey Spinoleo, When were these bear attacks? I fish that area a lot and have even backpacked and camped back in Cheesman Canyon before. Anyway, I’ve not heard of any bear attacks. When did this happen?                                 Thanks, Cliff

Response:

In Colorado, I found that nothing can beat the Arkansas River especially in Sept and October (Brown spawning season).  Its about a 2 hour drive from Denver but worth it.  The water should be warm enough to wet wade by Early August.   The Arkansas River just down stream of Salida  is excellent. It’s not as crowded as the S. Platte. Brown stone flies nymphs, renegades, and olive elk hair caddis, hoppers.  In early October I had a 40 fish (14-18 inches) morning there on renegades fished just below the surface.   The best technique is wade the center of the river and cast to both banks.   The browns can often be seen with their dorsel fins out of the water up against the banks.  They also can be found during the summer in the riffles with their heads right into the rocks as the water comes over them.(more oxygen). My son and I spent many very enjoyable and productive hours on the Arkansas.  Continue on Rt 285 over Trout Creek Pass into the Arkansas Valley.  I can’t remember the Rt numbers from here but Salida is on the map.         The other possibility is Tarryall Resevoir.  The road to Tarryall is in Lake George (I think) off of rt 24.  Or coming from Denver; go out RT 285 over Kenosha Pass and hang a left at the little town (garage and real estate office) of Jefferson and follow the road to Tarryall.   Wade fish from shore (water is cold) with damsel fly/dragon fly/sonefly nymphs twitched just below the surface (long leader, 10′).  You can cast to feeding fish.  Fish the side that has the paved road frontage toward the dam (in between the stone jettys).  There is very good dry fly activity there after the sun goes down (say 7pm) and dark. (Native browns, stocked rainbows (12-14") and even some cutthroat).  This was my alternative to stream fishing during the runoff.  Size 12 olive buggers will sometimes work as well. There is a weed bed the parallels the shore line about 20 feet out. The fish come in looking for nymphs coming out of the weeds.         There is also the So. Platte in Deckers up Rt 167 out of Woodland Park.  Or from Denver: take Rt 285 west toward Pind Junction.  Turn left and Pine Junction and follow the road all the way down into the So Platte Canyon.  You will cross a small trestle bridge in Deckers.   I found fishing up or down from the bridge to be excellent.         South Platte River in Deckers.  Use 2 flies, RS-2 and Buckskin (both nymphs) size 18 or 20.  No larger than a 6X leader is mandatory.  Use a small floating strike indicator and place a very small shot about 6 to 8 inches from the fly.   The idea is to keep the nymph just off the bottom so adjusting the indicator for water depth is essential.  Fish places where slow water meets fast water like behind larger rocks.  The fish are there so make sure you work the section very well adjusting the indicator for depth.  Looking for flashing fish near the bottom that are feeding.  Flip the rig up stream and let the indicator float as naturally as possible.  Keep repeating until the indicator hesitates the slightest in the float.  Just raise up you rod tip and bingo! there’s a fish on.   If you use this method correctly you will get hook ups (gauranteed!!) the trick is to bring them to net on a 6X leader in fast water.  The regulations are flies and lures only. 2 fish per day over 16 inches.  Try just down stream from the trestle bridge at Deckers.  The technique is effective on all Colo streams.  The "Flies and Lies" fly shop in Deckers can also help in supplying you with flies. On a Saturday, you will not be alone.  But there are so many fish and so few fisherman that know the method and use it effectively , it has never gotten in my way.  I’d recommend getting there at 1st light (Say 5:30) fish unitl 1000 AM and then leave.  Return at say 6 Pm and fish until dark (9 PM).  I’ve found you can avoid a crowd this way.            indicator (e.g. lil corkie)              micro shot In the current, looks like this flow is right to left                               !                               !                               !                               ! Good luck

Response:

Within an hour, the South Platte. If you are willing to drive another 30 minutes there are numerous streams in the foothills thata re fishing well. Check with a shop near where you are staying for details, or feel free to reply off-line. — Ken Clark Ft. Lupton, CO

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I am going to be in Denver next week and would like to know what good rivers are within one hour of driving from Denver for fly fishing?

You can also take US 285 west until you reach the city of Fairplay.  To fish the South Fork of the South Platte, just continue on 285, and you will see 2 or 3 State Wildlife Areas on the left side of the road. Water’s a bit low this time of year, but there are lots of fish in there…  Or, you can take Hwy. 9 south from Fairplay and fish the Middle Fork, particularly from Tomahawk SWA, which is hidden on the left side of the road.  The Middle Fork is a bigger stream which holds larger fish than the South Fork… good luck, — MORGAN P. BROWN                 Colorado School of Mines                 Rice University                 Phone:   (303) 215-9190 URL:     http://timna.mines.edu/~mbrown                http://www.owlnet.rice.edu/~mpbro

Response:

You can go to the South Platte at DeckersI-70 south on I-25 to the Santa Fe exit{u.s285}south from Denver to sedalia, west 27 miles. Best fishing is a mile above or below the small town of Deckers.(nice drive too!)

Response:

You can go to the South Platte at DeckersI-70 south on I-25 to the Santa Fe exit{u.s285}south from Denver to sedalia, west 27 miles. Best fishing is a mile above or below the small town of Deckers.(nice drive too!)

It sure is a nice drive, but I don’t think anyone would want to take it nowadays, not with all the bear attacks. No trout is worth being maimed and mutilated beyond recognition, like those two fellows from Illinois. Spinoleo  

Response:

I am going to be in Denver next week and would like to know what good rivers are within one hour of driving from Denver for fly fishing? Thanks, Luc Nocente — Luc Nocente

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Question:

We are announcing the opening of a new full service flyfishing resort located in North Central Colorado, near Walden, Colorado.  The new lodge has a maximum capacity of 12 anglers per week and features gourmet foods, outstanding new accommodations and twelve miles of  private virgin headwaters of the North Platte that have never been fished by the public.  Excellent populations of browns, brookies, rainbows, cutthroats and cutbows in the same water.  All walk and wade.  Guided.  Instruction available.  No extra costs.  Catch and release.  For further information, check out http://little-grizzly-creek.com/lgc.html or  7113 N. Tatum, Paradise Valley, Arizona  85253. 602-952-9732.

Response:

We are announcing the opening of a new full service flyfishing resort located in North Central Colorado, near Walden, Colorado.  The new lodge has a maximum capacity of 12 anglers per week and features gourmet foods, outstanding new  accommodations and twelve miles of virgin headwaters of the North Platte that have never been fished by the public.  Good populations of browns,  brookies, rainbows, cutthroats and cutbows in the same water.  All walk and wade.  Guided.  Instruction available.  No extra costs.  Catch and release. For further information, check out http://little-grizzly-creek.com/lgc.html  7113 N. Tatum, Paradise Valley, Arizona  85253  602-952-9732

Response:

: We are announcing the opening of a new full service flyfishing resort located : in North Central Colorado, near Walden, Colorado.  The new lodge has a maximum [snip] : that have never been fished by the public.  Good populations of browns, :  brookies, rainbows, cutthroats and cutbows in the same water.  All walk and It’s not new anymore!  You’ve been advertising here for many, many months. Give us a rest… — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

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Question:

I’m a native of Florida and have been tying my own flies for some time now. I have an assortment of 3 that Snook/Redfish and Trout kill in the backcountry of Central and South Florida. If I get good response from this message I’ll post a photo in the and sell them my mail order. Let me know what you think. -Mark Ballard I have been flyfishing in Jenson Beach area of Florida without great results..I would be interested in information on your {hot flies and how to fish them.     Thanks, TomI plan on a "business trip" to central Florida the first part of May and

plan to fish in the Titusville area.  I would like to know more about your flies and other patterns that are successful in the area.

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Mark: I am headed to S.W.Florida- would really like to have some trout and redfish flies and also the best type of places to fish them. Thanks-Alex

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I would like to hear about those flies also. Jerry Virzi

Response:

For all these fish there are several types of flies that are very successful: 1)  Clouser Minnows 2)  Lefty’s Deceivers 3)  Crazy Charlies and other shrimp/crab immitations. These all work well on the Texas flats, assume they will work in Flordia or elsewhere.

Response:

I’m a native of Florida and have been tying my own flies for some time now. I have an assortment of 3 that Snook/Redfish and Trout kill in the backcountry of Central and South Florida. If I get good response from this message I’ll post a photo in the and sell them my mail order. Let me know what you think. -Mark Ballard

Response:

I’m a native of Florida and have been tying my own flies for some time now. I have an assortment of 3 that Snook/Redfish and Trout kill in the backcountry of Central and South Florida. If I get good response from this message I’ll post a photo in the and sell them my mail order. Let me know what you think. -Mark Ballard

I have been flyfishing in Jenson Beach area of Florida without great results..I would be interested in information on your {hot flies and how to fish them.     Thanks, Tom

Response:

Question:

I’ll be turkey hunting in the florida area next week and was wondering if anyone has any experiance fishing the cold upstream of rte 2. Ive never fished it but seen it deep in the woods and it looks tasty but I never threw a fly there. Any info would be great!! P.S. I dont mind walking

Response:

: I’ll be turkey hunting in the florida area next week and was wondering if : anyone has any experiance fishing the cold upstream of rte 2. Ive never : fished it but seen it deep in the woods and it looks tasty but I never : threw a fly there. : Any info would be great!! : P.S. I dont mind walking The Deerfield River guidebook describes it as a highly variable flowing stream with a small population of wild brookies.  I know the state stocks it, but I’m not sure with what, and there’s always the chance that big fish from that nice pool on the deerfield that the cold empties into could have come upstream.  I don’t know if the state stocks this river anywhere upstream of the last route 2 bridge.  They may, but I’m sure most of the fishing pressure is on the lower stretches.

Response:

Question:

Hello all, I’m sure this question has been asked a million times, and I’m sorry to do it again, but here goes.  I’m planning on starting fly-fishing this spring, mostly for bass and panfish.  I got a fly rod and reel for my birthday, a package deal from Cabela’s with everything I need to start–according to them. Its a nine foot 8 or 9 weight rod with a nice reel, backing, line, and leader included, some bass flies, a fly tying kit, etc. What I’m looking for is advice on books and videos on tying lines together, casting, etc., basically all the beginner stuff.  Something to get me started.  Or should I just take a class and forget trying to teach myself? Any help appreciated. Mike

Hi Mike, Teaching yourself is definitely worth the effort.  You can certainly learn enough to catch a few fish.  Then find a friend to go with you that has fly fishing experience and just watch for a while.  Ask questions… Swap flys. The Poul Jorgenson videos on tying are very good and the Lefty Kreh casting tapes are good as well.  I found a book called "Fly Fisherman’s Bible" that gives very good basic techniques for dry, wet, streamer and nymph flys.  But I must admit, I did not begin to understand wet flys until I read Bergman.   I have been very fortunate to have a wonderful friend, fishing buddy and teacher.  He has taught me so much and saved me years, literally, in fishing trips through his experiences.   Hi John!  (grin)! Thanks, Bob

Response:

Mike— Glad to see you starting out.While you can teach yourself with the help of many fine pieces of literature out there,a casting class combined with a guided excursion or fishing class will pay high dividends as well as the fun you will have.   Also check for local clubs as they offer a wealth of info at little or no charge as well as the ability to meet people and a possible partner.     At any rate ,I hope to see ya on the river!                                      tight loops!!  D.Davy

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flies, a fly tying kit, etc. What I’m looking for is advice on books and videos on tying lines together, casting, etc., basically all the beginner stuff.  Something to get me started.  Or should I just take a class and forget trying to teach myself? Any help appreciated.

It is posible to become an inelegant, fish-catching caster by standing in the middle of a lawn with your rod in one hand and an instruction book in the other.  Scientific Anglers put out a magazine format intro text that is worth much more than the $3.95 they charge.  If you want a real book, though, pick up Roderick Haig-Brown’s "Primer of Flyfishing".  His explanations are as easy and fluid as a good cast.  The book was written in 1964, but the essentials have not changed in the last 30 years. If you meet someone who is catching fish, quickly reread the chapter on stream etiquette and introduce yourself.  There is no substitute for liveware. — Keep your stick on the ice.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello all, I’m sure this question has been asked a million times, and I’m sorry to do it again, but here goes.  I’m planning on starting fly-fishing this spring, mostly for bass and panfish.  I got a fly rod and reel for my birthday, a package deal from Cabela’s with everything I need to start–according to them. Its a nine foot 8 or 9 weight rod with a nice reel, backing, line, and leader included, some bass flies, a fly tying kit, etc. What I’m looking for is advice on books and videos on tying lines together, casting, etc., basically all the beginner stuff.  Something to get me started.  Or should I just take a class and forget trying to teach myself? Any help appreciated. Mike

I started Fly-fishing about two years ago.  My first move was to make contact with a friend of a friend who knew his stuff.  That I think was the best move, he was very helpful and I was able to branch off to other aspects of the sport since then. If you don’t have any acquaintences who enjoy the sport, maybe seek out an experienced guide, or take a class. If you are going to enjoy the sport to its fullest potential, have an experienced angler show you the ropes Good Luck and enjoy. Ben

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Hello all, I’m sure this question has been asked a million times, and I’m sorry to do it again, but here goes.  I’m planning on starting fly-fishing this spring, mostly for bass and panfish.  I got a fly rod and reel for my birthday, a package deal from Cabela’s with everything I need to start–according to them. Its a nine foot 8 or 9 weight rod with a nice reel, backing, line, and leader included, some bass flies, a fly tying kit, etc. What I’m looking for is advice on books and videos on tying lines together, casting, etc., basically all the beginner stuff.  Something to get me started.  Or should I just take a class and forget trying to teach myself? Any help appreciated. Mike

Very lucky!! Get a copy of the Curtis Creek Manifesto, and read it and take its advice. Then, find somebody who already knows how to flyfish, and ask them to take you out, then buy them a beer or something afterwards. Have fun! Tim

Response:

Hello all, I’m sure this question has been asked a million times, and I’m sorry to do it again, but here goes.  I’m planning on starting fly-fishing this spring, mostly for bass and panfish.  I got a fly rod and reel for my birthday, a package deal from Cabela’s with everything I need to start–according to them. Its a nine foot 8 or 9 weight rod with a nice reel, backing, line, and leader included, some bass flies, a fly tying kit, etc. What I’m looking for is advice on books and videos on tying lines together, casting, etc., basically all the beginner stuff.  Something to get me started.  Or should I just take a class and forget trying to teach myself? Any help appreciated. Mike

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