Question:

Here’s a few shots of the river. http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/nith-1.jpg http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/nith-2.jpg http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/nith-3.jpg

Nice shrubbery!

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Here’s a few shots of the river. http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/nith-1.jpg http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/nith-2.jpg http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/nith-3.jpg Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Very pretty.  There are a couple of stretches like that that I’ve fished, but this looks as if the whole river might be open and mellow. — rbc:  vixen    Fairly harmless remove invalid or hit reply to email. Though I’m very slow to respond. http://www.visi.com/~cyli

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Here’s a few shots of the river. http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/nith-1.jpg http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/nith-2.jpg http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/nith-3.jpg

Looks like easy wading at least…

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Very pretty.  There are a couple of stretches like that that I’ve fished, but this looks as if the whole river might be open and mellow.

that is a good description of it but the flow rate is down quite a bit.  I figure it’s about 6" to 12" below normal levels so the big fish bunch up in a few holes, making them easy pickings for the bucket brigade.  These long glides look like perfect trout water, even the temps are not bad, yet I’ve not encountered a single young steelhead. The shallows contain the most amazing amount and variety of minnow life, I’ve ever seen.  What is really encouraging, among them are hordes of young smallies.  This river has neat "hatches" – minnows jumping out of the water all over the place, fleeing the omnipresent smallie. BTW, went out yesterday and fished some of the same water.  I didn’t do nearly as well as though I did lose a clouser to a thumping smash from a northern.  It’s fall fair time and they have helicopter rides. Guess who was the star attraction on the River Nith?  "Look folks! There’s a guy fly fishing.  Let’s take a closer look and see if he’s catching anything."  After somewhere between 30 and 40 passes, what I wouldn’t have done for an AK-47.  A chopper thumping up the river valley doesn’t do much for the catch rate.  On one pass, he dropped down below the height of the riverside trees, coming straight at me. He would’ve looked real good in a ring sight.  Oh, and there was plenty of fresh worm sign too.  No wonder things were a little slower than Friday. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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Here’s a few shots of the river. http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/nith-1.jpg http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/nith-2.jpg http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/nith-3.jpg Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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40 min from the house…?…nice spot…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The Nith River was a real treat.  Thanks to low water and other abuses, a lot of the rivers around here don’t look so good but the Nith shows every sign of being very healthy.  The alewives were all fat and spunky, literally hundreds of them in every shallow riffle, and the smallies!  Each deep pool had an ordering of smallies. the little baby ones were scampering about the shallows, their older siblings hung along the edges of the pools while the big old buggers camped out in the deep middle.  A fly drawn in close would have a trail of ten or more little guys all taking turns nipping the tail. I’m used to seeing a smallie here and there, I can’t remember literally seeing dozens and dozens in one small area.  I was also pleased to see the obvious health of all of the age classes – there didn’t appear to be gaps – seeing 3" fish and catching everything from 6" to 14" plus hooking even larger.  All of this only a 100 yards from the access point.  If the GRCA website can be believed, it also has some browns and now I’m damn sure that I had a very large brown on yesterday.  I had it on for over a minute though I didn’t get it close enough to see it, the fish fought so different from the other large smallies it had to be a large trout.  The river also has pike and walleye but the take wasn’t pike-like at all and it fought too well for a walleye (unless it was a friggin’ huge walleye.) At this access point, the Nith is still a decent sized river, about as wide as Penns in some places but without the flow rates.  It’s a spate river, winding through agricultural land but a healthy riparian strip has been maintained long much of its length so the water quality is better than average for rivers in this part of the world.  The bottom is mostly gravel and cobble, providing for easy wading and access doesn’t require mountain goat DNA (and no rhodos either).  It has multiple access points, a minimum of postings, plus it’s not far from Whiteman’s Creek either.  It could easily support a group of anglers along this section without crowding, and though there are signs that some people come to fish it, It doesn’t show the evidence of pressure. This is a standard regulations river, so normal seasons, limits, and all tackle and baits in the regulations are legal. All of this only 40 minutes from the house. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at

http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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The Nith River was a real treat.  Thanks to low water and other abuses, a lot of the rivers around here don’t look so good but the Nith shows every sign of being very healthy.  The alewives were all fat and spunky, literally hundreds of them in every shallow riffle, and the smallies!  Each deep pool had an ordering of smallies. the little baby ones were scampering about the shallows, their older siblings hung along the edges of the pools while the big old buggers camped out in the deep middle.  A fly drawn in close would have a trail of ten or more little guys all taking turns nipping the tail. I’m used to seeing a smallie here and there, I can’t remember literally seeing dozens and dozens in one small area.  I was also pleased to see the obvious health of all of the age classes – there didn’t appear to be gaps – seeing 3" fish and catching everything from 6" to 14" plus hooking even larger.  All of this only a 100 yards from the access point.  If the GRCA website can be believed, it also has some browns and now I’m damn sure that I had a very large brown on yesterday.  I had it on for over a minute though I didn’t get it close enough to see it, the fish fought so different from the other large smallies it had to be a large trout.  The river also has pike and walleye but the take wasn’t pike-like at all and it fought too well for a walleye (unless it was a friggin’ huge walleye.) At this access point, the Nith is still a decent sized river, about as wide as Penns in some places but without the flow rates.  It’s a spate river, winding through agricultural land but a healthy riparian strip has been maintained long much of its length so the water quality is better than average for rivers in this part of the world.  The bottom is mostly gravel and cobble, providing for easy wading and access doesn’t require mountain goat DNA (and no rhodos either).  It has multiple access points, a minimum of postings, plus it’s not far from Whiteman’s Creek either.  It could easily support a group of anglers along this section without crowding, and though there are signs that some people come to fish it, It doesn’t show the evidence of pressure. This is a standard regulations river, so normal seasons, limits, and all tackle and baits in the regulations are legal. All of this only 40 minutes from the house. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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Question:

Congratulations, Darin. You will have a lot of fun with your new fishing buddy! Tim Lysyk – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

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Congratulations Life as you knew is over. Fortunately the best is yet to come. BJ Conner

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Congratulations from the Left Coast! Merry Christmas and I know you’ll all have a Happy New Year! John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

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A hearty Congrats to you and the Missus! — "Of what service would militia be to you, when most probably you will not have a single musket in the State; for as arms are to be provided by Congress, they may or may not furnish them?" -Patrick Henry,  5 June 1788

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Thank you all. May you all have a wonderfull Christmas. Mines already been perfect. Darin still the proud new father

And I must remind you to bring a big box of cigars to the next Clave.  :-) Joe F.

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Now, remember to be a nice Dad and make her birthdays special.  Two of my sons, and my wife have birthdays within 2 weeks of Christmas, and every year at least one of them reminds me that they feel like they are being overlooked because of the holidays. Congrats, and good health to you and your family, Darin! –Stan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That’s exactly what we were thinkin’. She was due Jan. 2, but due to a few circumstances she was induced 2 weeks early. Darin

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Congratulations, and best wishes to you all. Does he have a name yet?  ("Lefty" is nice <g) JR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

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Way to go Darin Dave

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Thank you all. May you all have a wonderfull Christmas. Mines already been perfect. Darin still the proud new father

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Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

Congrats Darin!  What a fine way to ring in the holiday season.  Best of luck and health to you and your family. Cheers. Natty

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Hey hey ! Congratulations, old man. And just in time for that nice tax deduction too. — Ken Fortenberry

That’s exactly what we were thinkin’. She was due Jan. 2, but due to a few circumstances she was induced 2 weeks early. Darin

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Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

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Congratulations. I guess if you have to give up fishing for a few years the SJ clave was a good way to end. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

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"Darin Minor" wrote Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son?

    Congratulations, and I hope mother and son are doing fine. Send "Uncle Charlie" your shipping address by e-mail, I think I may have what the boy needs.

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Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them.

Congratulations.   ‘Tis a fine thing. Joe F

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Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

Hey hey ! Congratulations, old man. And just in time for that nice tax deduction too. — Ken Fortenberry

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Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

Congratulations, and best to all. Happy Holidays, R

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Congratulations to you and your wife Darin, you’ll make an awesome dad. bruce h — bare your soul let your spirit burn out along the road to no return – r.e. keen

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Congrats!! I have a couple of fly rods that have been "accidentally modified" if you’d like a short rod! <g Congratulate the happy mother for us too.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

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Darin Minor writes: Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

Congrats, Darin.  My best to the mom.  Actually a 1 weight, 2 if he’s big, would be better. Dave LaCourse, ROFian Grandpa

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Congrats Darin!!! Willi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

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Congratulations to you and your wife, Darin! –Walt Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

– Ezflyfish.com: http://www.ezflyfish.com Blue Ridge Book Gallery: http://users.boone.net/wgw/brbg.html

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Congratulations Darin. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

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Congratulations!  Outstanding. Bruce Thomsen

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Congratulations from all over the pond! Herman Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

–         Cheers, Herman         Herman Nijland         Daytime webmaster         Lifetime flyfisher

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Question:

Yo Dave, I’m with you. And I know this guy is probably going to beat me up for getting out of line here, but I couldn’t help imagining Pat’s voice as Eddie G Robinson’s." See, I use only braided line, see. You use that mono and the fish is going to rub you out, see. N’yeah" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "PAT" But I take it as an insult when you tell me I don’t have a clue. Look pards, I don’t know where you’re from, and don’t care really. ok lemme explain… i didnt mean to insult you i just thought it funny that you are telling a new jig man to forget the $150 curado he just bought and upgrade to 80 lb test.. he surely doesnt need that… you must agree that a new jig man who obviously isnt fishing for millions in prize money wouldnt need to go buy a $300 dollar set up with 80 lb test.. if he misses one fish a day who cares? Thats why its called fishing not catching! On to the next comment.. You misunderstood or misread what i wrote.. as it is quoted above i said that the name tuna should have been the first clue.. i said nothing about you being clueless.. yo might be a great fisherman but seems to me that you dispense tournament advice to an amatuer who is gettin interested in a type of fishing.. My last point.. the name "pards" might actually be taken as offensive.. i had nothing in my letter to you that was meant to be taken as a direct insult to you.. yet you reply to my email seems to not hold as much charecter!!! End of discussion. Dave

Response:

Amen, AJH.  They should have to put labels about Jigs being addictive.  :-) After you start sticking those big beauties on the jig-n-chunk, your hooked for life.  I used to only use a jig for a short time at the end of the winter season, but then I learned to catch bass on the jig-n-pig (usually zoom super chunks).  Now I use them all year through.  Swimming them through shoreline weeds is almost as much fun as top water fishing. Bassman

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I fish a jig and pig just like a plastic worm. I use a 3/16 or 1/4 oz black and blue jig (Strike King Bitsy Bug) with a Zoom swimmin chunk Sapphire blue trailer. Right now I am using 14lb hi vis mono, I have ordered 30lb test Berkley Fireline in the hi vis green. I too feel it’s very important to watch the line when fishing jig and pig and worms. I am trying the Fireline in hope of improving my hook set and maybe it will allow me to feel the bass bite. Once you catch a few bass on the jig and pig you become obsessed with it. Anybody want to buy 1200 powerworms. Also I remove about half of the fibers in the weed guard, I think it allows a better hook set. I have caught at least 12 bass on the swimmin chunk I have on now and it still looks good so you can one advantage it has over the worm. Stick with it you will get hooked

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"PAT" But I take it as an insult when you tell me I don’t have a clue. Look pards, I don’t know where you’re from, and don’t care really.

ok lemme explain… i didnt mean to insult you i just thought it funny that you are telling a new jig man to forget the $150 curado he just bought and upgrade to 80 lb test.. he surely doesnt need that… you must agree that a new jig man who obviously isnt fishing for millions in prize money wouldnt need to go buy a $300 dollar set up with 80 lb test.. if he misses one fish a day who cares? Thats why its called fishing not catching!   On to the next comment.. You misunderstood or misread what i wrote.. as it is quoted above i said that the name tuna should have been the first clue.. i said nothing about you being clueless.. yo might be a great fisherman but seems to me that you dispense tournament advice to an amatuer who is gettin interested in a type of fishing.. My last point.. the name "pards" might actually be taken as offensive.. i had nothing in my letter to you that was meant to be taken as a direct insult to you.. yet you reply to my email seems to not hold as much charecter!!! End of discussion.

Dave

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Me too. — Why is it called ‘Tourist Season’ if we can’t shoot them ?     Shawn

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d like to hear more. We routinely fish with 1oz. jigs in less than 3′ of water.   I’ll explain later if anyone’s interested. What your car says about you – Ford Crown Victoria – "I enjoy having people slow to 55mph and change lanes when I pull up behind them" — Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

holy smokes…..thanks for the input. Keep em’ comin’ I had luck w/ one fish so far. 3 pounder. As soon as the thing hit the water BOOM had a 4" green tube as a trailer. That was it for the rest of the day….I guess i’m gonna keep on fishin’ keeping a open mind. Brian

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"Dave" Adjusted his Orvis fly fishing cap, put on his topsiders, laid down his Harvard business journal and decided the world needed to hear this: The name , tuna blank, of your "Heavy" setup should have been the first clue that you are not correctly set-up for bassin’ Dave

Look pards, I don’t know where you’re from, and don’t care really. I fish for money.  I described my tournament setups.  Why?  Lemme s’plain. First off, you gotta realise, we’re not throwing that jig on some rocky bank.   Three scenarios that I’ll explain, and maybe you’ll understand. 20′ deep matted hydrilla.  Use a minimum of a 1oz. jig.  Usually a 11/2 oz. when it’s really thick.  When that fish hits, if he moves laterally two feet, he’s gone. Lost, never to be seen again.  You must get him off the bottom and up through the matted grass instantly.  It ain’t gonna happen with 12 pound mono.  Period. Falcon lake, pitching into flooded mesquite trees.  VERY large, very strong fish.  They will stay in the thickest, nastiest part of the cover.  We used to use 30#mono, but you’d still get two a day lost by sawing off in the cover.   Skipping a jig under boat houses and docks.  Nasty place, lot’s of things to rub mono off on.  The braid ended the problem. Look Skippy, everyone goes fishing for a different reason.  If you think it’s more "sporting" to use light line, hey that’s just fine.  I’ve caught 120lb. Tarpon on fifteen pound line too.  It’s a different deal.  In a bass tournament, one lost fish is worth thousands of dollars. Literally.  If I can eliminate that from ever happening, then that’s what I’m gonna do.  But I take it as an insult when you tell me I don’t have a clue.  You spend one day on the lake with me, and you use your 6lb. mono.  Then let’s compare sacks at the end of the day.   End of discussion. Pat Goff

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Hi Brian: Brain: "This is what i understand to date. You try to get it in the water next to or right in the cover making the least amount of noise you can. right?" Reply: Yes & No.  When flipping or pitching, you try and get as close as you can to your target without spooking the fish.  Often this will depend on water clarity and depth.  Depending on how close you are to your target depends on if you are flipping (0-15ft.) or pitching (15-40ft.).  Flipping is easy. Pitching on the other hand requires a lot of skill and practice.  The longer the rod the easier it is to perform both of these techniques. Your 6′6" rod is the minimum length you want to use for this technique.  A 7′6" or 8′ flipping (heavy) is the best rod for this technique.  But with 6′6" you should be able to pitch up to 25′ comfortably and quietly. Brian: "Here’s a scenario of a river we fish often. The edges of the river have thick weeds and brush back about 25 feet all seeming to be in 1-3 feet of water. NOW do i throw the jig into the brush? how far back do i throw it? OR do I just try to work the edges?" Reply: When I am fishing a weedbed, I first flip or pitch to the shade side of weed points, cuts, and holes (1′ to 3′ in) along the edge.  I position the boat parallel to the weedbed but 15′ to 20′ off the weedbed itself and work the entire edge.  Then I would slowly and quietly move my boat so that it was just touch the weeds and then flip or pitch to the holes that are further in the weeds and thoroughly fish the weedbed out. Brian: "When should i use different colors or weights of jigs?" Reply: As for color you need to know what the fish are feeding on.  If the primary forage is crawfish, then I would use black, brown, pumpkin, or watermelon. If the primary forage is shad then I would use black, white, or black/white blend or gray/black/white blend.  Clear water (crawfish) I use brown/black (jig skirt/trailer), pumpkin/green or pumpkin/orange, watermelon/brown, pumpkin/brown, pumpkin/black.  Clear water (shad) white/black (jig skirt/trailer), black/white, white/white, black&gray/white. As far as weight, I use small 1/8, 3/16, 1/4 ounce jigs for smallmouth around rock and gravel bottom (0-8 ft of water)and #101 or #11 pork trailers, or 5/16 ounce for deeper water #11 trailer.  I use 5/16 & 3/8 ounce jigs for largemouth along weedbeds, brush piles, etc.  I use 1/2, 3/4, and 1 ounce jigs for thick weeds or fishing deep structures.  But I believe we can all learn from Woo’s Classic victory.  So you can count on me trying 3/16 & 1/4 jigs on 8 pound test with #11 trailers in deeper water. Brian: "Do you flip it in there, let it sit for a while? bounce it off the bottom? swim it? Or are there any rules at all? Does the same things apply here the same as in all other tackle? Or is it just a convoy mission to get in there, scare the crap out of the fish, so he’ll bite and then bring him on home?" Reply: Tough question.  I personally start with flipping or pitching a jig into the cover and let it settle to the bottom.  Then I hop it a couple of times in place (1" to 3"), then a couple more moving hops (6"-12") and then I swim it out.  Remember to stop it just before the jig gets to the top and let it drop a second and then pull it.  Once I get a strike or two, I know what they want and I drop the other movements. Brain: "If somebody could be kind enough to explain the point of Jig-n-a pig. It would make me(i bet a bunch of other people too!) understand it better." Reply: There are many types of jigs, all for different types of cover and presentations.  Jigs can represent many different types of forage.  A simple hair jig looks more like a fish or larvae.  A larger hair jig with a bigger pork trailer can represent a mouse or small animal.  While rubber skirted jigs look more like crawfish.  Silicone skirted jigs can represent both fish and crawfish depending on color.  Let’s start with "Hair" jigs.  These are the oldest type and are super effective in clear water or when there is little cover.  The hair moves with the water action (waves) and applied action looks more alive (in my opinion) then do silicone skirts.  They are excellent in colder water situations.  Rubber and silicone skirted jigs and all the possible colors can be customized to match the forage in your area. I always custom blend my skirts to closely match the crawfish or forage fish in the lake I am fishing.  Example.  The crawfish in my home lake are light brown and have black and light orange patches.  So I start with a pumpkin colored skirt and add a strain or two of black and orange.  Then I put on a brown or orange trailer.  On the orange trailer I use a black permanent marker and dye it so that it looks mostly black with orange spots. The jig can be presented in a lot of ways to match the conditions you are fishing.  A light jig (1/8, 3/16, 1/4 ounce) with a #101 can represent a small fish or crawfish.  On clam water this setup will have a medium fall rate (about 1 to 1.5 seconds per foot)  The same jig with a #11 pork trailer will fall much slower (1.5 to 2 second a foot), and look like a bigger fish or crawfish.  The same jig with a #1 trailer will fall real slow (2 to 3 seconds a foot) and an even larger fish and crawfish. Brian: When jig hits the water does it really matter if it’s quiet or not?" Reply: Most of the time you want to flip or pitch this type of lure into the water as quietly as possible.  But there are times when splashing the jig can be beneficial (like in muddy water or at night or when casting the jig on top of thick matted weeds). Hopes this helps. — Craig Baugher

Response:

I’d like to hear more. We routinely fish with 1oz. jigs in less than 3′ of water.   I’ll explain later if anyone’s interested.

What your car says about you – Ford Crown Victoria – "I enjoy having people slow to 55mph and change lanes when I pull up behind them" — Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

Mobees, also some ‘good’ reading on the subject here: http://www.bassdozer.com/articles.shtml What your car says about you – Ford Crown Victoria – "I enjoy having people slow to 55mph and change lanes when I pull up behind them" — Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

 My "light" duty setup is a Quantum flipping rod 7′6" with 50lb. Oldham’s braid.  My "heavy" setup is a Waterloo double wall tuna blank-8′ with 80lb. Oldham’s braid. 50lb. Oldham’s braid. 80lb. Oldham’s braid.

I have caught 100+ pound sharks..the meanest fighter pound for pound.. on 20 lb test around very sharp coral heads..much sharper than logs…I understand needing heavy equipment but heavy in the bass world is 20lb test… if you need 50 or 80 pound test for a 10 pound bass what would you use for a real fish? When i am land locked as i am now i use 6 or maybe 12 pound test and have done very well with bass.  It seems funny to me that you need heavier test than i have ever fished in the ocean with to catch bass… maybe you could email me and explain to me why the overly strong choice in test line?  The name , tuna blank, of your "Heavy" setup should have been the first clue that you are not correctly set-up for bassin’ Dave

Response:

I fish a jig and pig just like a plastic worm. I use a 3/16 or 1/4 oz black and blue jig (Strike King Bitsy Bug) with a Zoom swimmin chunk Sapphire blue trailer. Right now I am using 14lb hi vis mono, I have ordered 30lb test Berkley Fireline in the hi vis green. I too feel it’s very important to watch the line when fishing jig and pig and worms. I am trying the Fireline in hope of improving my hook set and maybe it will allow me to feel the bass bite. Once you catch a few bass on the jig and pig you become obsessed with it. Anybody want to buy 1200 powerworms. Also I remove about half of the fibers in the weed guard, I think it allows a better hook set. I have caught at least 12 bass on the swimmin chunk I have on now and it still looks good so you can one advantage it has over the worm. Stick with it you will get hooked

Response:

Mobees drank two pots of coffee, kicked the dogs off the porch, ran the kids off on the yard, sat down and decided the world needed to hear: When should i use differnet colors or weights of jigs? do you flip it in there, let it sit for a while? bounce it off the bottom? swim it? Or are there any rules at all?

Ok, I’m going to get probably ripped for what I’m going to tell you, that’s fine, if they’ve caught half the fish we’ve caught on a jig, I’ll listen to ‘em. There are no "rules"  I’ll tell you that right now. The only rule is figure out what’s working right now. Don’t ever be afraid to experiment with colors, weight, trailers, and combinations. Ok, I’ll give you a few things I’ve learned, and discovered. 1. Use a heavier jig when the water’s hot.  When the water’s warm, the metabolism of the bass is way high, so you need to match the speed of you lure to the fish’s aggressiveness.  We routinely fish with 1oz. jigs in less than 3′ of water.   I’ll explain later if anyone’s interested. 2.  Cast it into the MIDDLE of the cover.  That’s where they live. 3.  Don’t be afraid to experiment.  We use solid white, purple, chartuese, and other goofy looking colors.  Try lot’s of different trailers.  We’ll use an entire 8" lizard on the back of a jig with much success.   4.  Don’t be afraid to vary your presentation.  Somedays they just aren’t on the bottom.  Someday’s they want it fast, someday’s slow, they’ll tell you when you figure it out. 5.  Be a sniper.  You need to learn to put that jig into places you wouldn’t send your rabbit hound.   6.  Upgrade your equipment.  This isn’t a slam on your new rod&reel pards, but that’s what I’d fish an open rock bank with.  My "light" duty setup is a Quantum flipping rod 7′6" with 50lb. Oldham’s braid.  My "heavy" setup is a Waterloo double wall tuna blank-8′ with 80lb. Oldham’s braid. 7. Upgrade your jigs.  Anything you buy with an American made hook is second rate.  Anyone who’s ever used one would agree the Oldham’s eye-max is the finest jig made.  512-847-9202   There is much more to fishing the most effective quality bass lure made, and we’ll continue this discussion if anyone’s interested. Pat Goff

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Brain, I will try to answer some of your questions, and I’m sure there are other here that can tell you more than I can.  You will find that certain presentations produce more bass than others.  It depends on the weather, water conditions, mood of the fish (which is affected by everything), and also on what you feel comfortable with. Often times bass will hit a jig/pig combo on the initial drop.  These are the blessed times when you can ease along a bank, pitching or flipping a jig to cover and set the hook as soon as the bait starts to fall.  But they don’t always do that.  Sometimes they will not touch it jig if you are moving it.  They prefer for it to just lay there wriggling on its own, then the move in a pick it up.  You just have to try it one way and if it doesn’t work change.  I have noticed that on high pressure days, or in extremely clear water, the bass seem to prefer that the lure remain motionless, at least as far as your input to the motion is concerned.  I have also done well in these conditions by using a heavy jig head and getting the reaction strikes as the bait rips past them on the way to the bottom.  In murky water or flowing water bass seem to like to hit the jig on the initial fall. But, as I mentioned before… sometimes it’s just trial and error. Some things that you should follow as basic rules will help you increase your catch on jig and pigs combos.  Always watch your line.  Try to allow your bait to fall straight down on a simi-tight line; not so tight that the lure can’t fall straight down, but tight enough to remain in contact with the lure as it falls.  Always watch your line.  Place the lure into the water as quietly as possible, especially in shallow or clear water conditions.  Always watch your line.  Put you lure as close to cover as possible.  The clearer the water or higher the barometric pressure, the closer and deeper in cover they tend to be.  Set the hook fast upon detecting a strike, whether by site or feel, don’t pause at all like you might do with soft plastic lures.  And, always watch your line. I don’t know if this gives you a detailed enough outline of how to fish the jig-n-pig, but just as with any other lure, it’s always up to the bass to dictate how they will bite, we just have to figure it out. Good luck and always watch your line, Bassman Duane Knight

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everybody. I wanted to figure out how to fish jig n a pig style w/ 20 pound test on a heavier pole w/ a baitcasting reel. So i went out and bought a Shimano Curado and a lightning rod med/heavy 6′6" rod. thru on a 3/8 jig w/ a matching pork trailer…great. that’s the easy part….Now, I’m practicing how to flip it different ways etc…Okay…thats about as far as i got.    This is what i understand to date. You try to get it in the water next to or right in the cover making the least amount of noise you can. right? Sounds easy enough.     Here’s a scenario of a river we fish often. The edges of the river have thick weeds and brush back about 25 feet all seeming to be in 1-3 feet of water. NOW do i throw the jig into the brush? how far back do i throw it? OR do i just try to work the edges? I know i should just get out there and use it,use it and use it some more, but i like to understand things, before i go out and fish. When should i use differnet colors or weights of jigs? do you flip it in there, let it sit for a while? bounce it off the bottom? swim it? Or are there any rules at all? Does the same things apply here the same as in all other tackle? Or is it just a convoy mission to get in there, scare the crap out of the fish, so he’ll bite and then bring him on home??? I need help w/ this. If somebody could be kind enough to explain the point of Jig-n-a pig. It would make me(i bet a bunch of other people too!) understand it better. When jig hits the water does it really matter if it’s quiet or not? So many ?’s…..Anyway thanks in advance for any info you can provide me! Brian

Response:

Hi everybody. I wanted to figure out how to fish jig n a pig style w/ 20 pound test on a heavier pole w/ a baitcasting reel. So i went out and bought a Shimano Curado and a lightning rod med/heavy 6′6" rod. thru on a 3/8 jig w/ a matching pork trailer…great. that’s the easy part….Now, I’m practicing how to flip it different ways etc…Okay…thats about as far as i got.    This is what i understand to date. You try to get it in the water next to or right in the cover making the least amount of noise you can. right? Sounds easy enough.     Here’s a scenario of a river we fish often. The edges of the river have thick weeds and brush back about 25 feet all seeming to be in 1-3 feet of water. NOW do i throw the jig into the brush? how far back do i throw it? OR do i just try to work the edges? I know i should just get out there and use it,use it and use it some more, but i like to understand things, before i go out and fish. When should i use differnet colors or weights of jigs? do you flip it in there, let it sit for a while? bounce it off the bottom? swim it? Or are there any rules at all? Does the same things apply here the same as in all other tackle? Or is it just a convoy mission to get in there, scare the crap out of the fish, so he’ll bite and then bring him on home??? I need help w/ this. If somebody could be kind enough to explain the point of Jig-n-a pig. It would make me(i bet a bunch of other people too!) understand it better. When jig hits the water does it really matter if it’s quiet or not? So many ?’s…..Anyway thanks in advance for any info you can provide me! Brian

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Question:

Happy 99 is an apparently harmless but annoying Trojan, similar to a virus but it doesn’t duplicate itself.  What it does do is duplicate itself every time you send an email or newsgroup message. Below are instructions to remove it. Check Windowssystem for the presence of these files. 1. SKA.EXE 2. SKA.DLL 3. WSOCK32.SKA If you find them you have been attacked by Happy 99.  To remove them manually.   1. Delete SKA.EXE,SKA.DLL and WSOCK32.DLL 2. Rename WSOCK32.SKA as WSOCK32.DLL Make sure WSOCK32.SKA is present before deleting WSOCK32.DLL You may need to restart in safe mode to gain access to WSOCK32.DLL.

Response:

If we are going to vacation in Marbella, Spain and could land in Malaga or Gibraltar.  It is $200 less to fly into Gibraltar rather than Malaga and seems to be the same distance to Marbella from either airport.   Can you give me any other good reasons to chose one over the other. Rich Parker

 I would choose Malaga cos of the hold-ups in Gib.  However, if u dont hv a car in Gib, just walk over the border to La Linea, you can catch a bus, so you should not have the same Spanish customs border problems. Sue

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the train from the airport to Tormolenous (dont think that is spelt

right) Torremolinos,but the train continues to Fuengirola,better to change there.            L.P – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Happy99 is a virus! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –                   Name: Happy99.exe    Happy99.exe    Type: unspecified type (application/octet-stream)               Encoding: x-uuencode

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Thank you all for the great first hand input.  Just what I wanted.  I will have to search for the charter flights now between London and Malaga. Rich Parker – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -If we are going to vacation in Marbella, Spain and could land in Malaga or Gibraltar.  It is $200 less to fly into Gibraltar rather than Malaga and seems to be the same distance to Marbella from either airport.   Can you give me any other good reasons to chose one over the other. Rich Parker

Response:

You may possibly be able to walk across and get transport the other side.

Only a few minutes walk through the border to La Linea where local buses can take you to Algeciras ,from where frequent buses depart for Marbella. A little trouble but possibly woth

Question:

Why is anyone bothering to answer questions about catfish BAIT? This is FLYFISHING. We don’t use BAIT.

Response:

I have found that a ball of chicken liver on a medium size treble hook works well in most situations.

BBBbbbbbbut chicken liver flies right off the hook when you’re fly fishing.  Fresh pork skin is the best way for the fly fisherman —  * Center for Computational Biology  * Montana State Bozeman  (406) 994-7061  * http://www.nervana.montana.edu/~sandy */

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Hey…. Martha Stuart of Flyfishing <g <g <g Yuk Yuk Yuk !!! Are you still using the Hot Glue gun to tie your flies (I just came across your article from the Disco era) ?. I (obviously) found it amusing as hell….sorry…<g I also saw your foam nymphs in the Umpqua book…congratulations… — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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We don’t use BAIT.

Gary C. "Lie ? Me ? Never!  No, no, no, the truth is far too much fun !" – Captain Hook

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Why is anyone bothering to answer questions about catfish BAIT? This is FLYFISHING. We don’t use BAIT.

    Some of us not only flyfish, but on occasion I personally enjoy sitting down on the old river bank and do some bait chucking while relaxing on a lawn chair…..     For catties, a ball of Valetta cheese works pretty good.  Nothing however beats the good old nightcrawler though for catching the greatest variety of all fish in local streams, lakes, and rivers…..     I guess I should thank who started this thread, the water is a little unwadeable at my favorite flyfishing stream, maybe I’ll have to get my spinning outfits out today and grab a can of worms and go drown some worms this weekend ) –Randy

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Beginning angler, need advice: What would be best live/artificial Baits to catch Catfish & Bass? What should be the best locations in the streams (no current, fast current, ponds, depths, etc…) where Catfish or Bass are concentrated? Thank you very much indeed.

Response:

Brian, I haven’t done alot of catfishing but I ran across a guy the other day and he said he uses a product called junnies (do a search on the web). he said he bought the stuff off the internet and that a catfish guide told him about it he stated that the guide had the maker come fishing with him and they caught 10 to 1 (maker vs. guide). I do alot of creek fishing and catch alot of bass. I use a lure by rebel called a creek hopper. On a good day I catch and relese about 30 (1/2lb to 1 1/2lds) bass and no telling how many sunfish. you can also check: <A HREF="http:www.tn-outdoors.comtn-outdoors.com</A for other fishing and hunting articles. happy fishing Larry

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I have found that a ball of chicken liver on a medium size treble hook works well in most situations. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Beginning angler, need advice: What would be best live/artificial Baits to catch Catfish & Bass? What should be the best locations in the streams (no current, fast current, ponds, depths, etc…) where Catfish or Bass are concentrated? Thank you very much indeed.

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I have a question:  how do you get the chicken livers to stay on the hook.  I got some fresh chicken livers to use for bait and they were the consistancy of mush.  I would have had a better chance of trying to put grape jelly on the hook.  I have heard you can freeze them but this seems like a messy job.   Any suggestions you can give would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have found that a ball of chicken liver on a medium size treble hook works well in most situations. Beginning angler, need advice: What would be best live/artificial Baits to catch Catfish & Bass? What should be the best locations in the streams (no current, fast current, ponds, depths, etc…) where Catfish or Bass are concentrated? Thank you very much indeed.

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Question:

I am planning a backpacking/flyfishing trip into Isle Royale National Park (Michigan, Lake Superior) and my problem is that I am only familiar with types of hatches in my own area.  What types of flies tend to bring success on the island itself during mid- to late August?

You probably won’t need to worry about "hatches" per se up there.  I grew up fishing the mainland trout streams around there and never saw much in the way of concentrated hatch activivty.  Stick to attractors on the Island. You should consider a means of fishing the big lake if at all possible. The Island is home to shoreline -cruising Brookies called Coasters – they can be pretty good sized fish.  You’ll also run into Rainbows, Pike, and the occasional Redfin Lake Trout. Streamers, bucktails and the like would be a good bet.  I’d take Mickey Finns, Red Trudes, Royal Coachman, Muddlers, Spruces, Black-Nosed Daces, and a local fly Called a Pass Lake.  Wooly Buggers too. Unless you have a thing for Liver Fluke don’t drink the water. Don’t mess with the Moose. Take lots of bug dope.  A head net might not be a bad idea. have fun. </c

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I am planning a backpacking/flyfishing trip into Isle Royale National Park (Michigan, Lake Superior) and my problem is that I am only familiar with types of hatches in my own area.  What types of flies tend to bring success on the island itself during mid- to late August? Todd Hudson                *       "If the thunder don’t get ‘ya,  

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Question:

I am considering the purchase of Gortex waders (simms guide model) and I was wondering what people’s experience has been regarding the durability of these waders as compared with neoprene.  I have heard that they are very subject to developing leaks,  I am very tough on equipment and would crawl over glass and through barb wire to get to fish.  I am most interested in what your actual experince has been with these products and not what somebody said. Thanks for input, T. Frank

Response:

I am considering the purchase of Gortex waders (simms guide model) and I was wondering what people’s experience has been regarding the durability of these waders as compared with neoprene.  I have heard that they are very subject to developing leaks,  I am very tough on equipment and would crawl over glass and through barb wire to get to fish.  I am most interested in what your actual experince has been with these products and not what somebody said. Thanks for input, T. Frank

Although I don’t have any, the reason I don’t is my friends who do all had leaks. Some soon, some later, but all have had leaks so far. One friend has returned his waders 3 times, but they were an earlier model of a popular but unmentioned muanufacturer. (their service in exchanging them has been quite good.) The Simms guide model looks and fits great in extended sizes, but I have resisted the temptation so far. Don’t know anyone who has them yet. For now I’m sticking to nylon or supplex and neoprene. Kevin Williams

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I am considering the purchase of Gortex waders (simms guide model) and I was wondering what people’s experience has been regarding the durability of these waders as compared with neoprene. I have heard that they are very subject to developing leaks,  I am very tough on equipment and would crawl over glass and through barb wire to get to fish.  I am most interested in what your actual experince has been with these products and not what somebody said.

I’ve got a pair of Simms Gortex with about 150 hours on them with no problems but I’m real easy on equipment.  OTOH, I developed a leak in a pair neoprenes in the first 10 hours of use. John Johnson Atlanta, GA

Response:

I have been using the Simms Gor-Tex for about 1 year. They are the most comfortable wader I’ve worn. If you walk thru briars, barbed wire, etc. you are going to get leaks. Mine have been of the pinhole variety and are easily patched on the inside. I think they are not as durable as neoprene but the are certainly a lot more comfortable. GL. Jack.

Response:

I am considering the purchase of Gortex waders (simms guide model) and I was wondering what people’s experience has been regarding the durability of these waders as compared with neoprene. I have heard that they are very subject to developing leaks,  I am very tough on equipment and would crawl over glass and through barb wire to get to fish.  I am most interested in what your actual experince has been with these products and not what somebody said. Thanks for input, T. Frank

Hi I’m on my second season guiding with a pair of Simms Gortex.  They are the best investment I’ve ever made in the direction of my personal comfort.  Even in 100 degree heat I’m as comfortable as if I were wearing a pair of jeans. Regarding leaks:  The fine Goretex lining is subject pin hole leeks caused by nettles, thistles, etc.  The type of pointy objects that that will slip between the fibers on the outside protecting fabric and puncture the inner membrane.  The outside fabric is really quite tough so glass and barbed wire are less of a problem than the real fine pointed things I just mentioned. When I got my waders I bought a repair kit.  It’s real easy to use even on the stream if need be but the pin hole leeks are not like a leek in a regular wader.  They just kind of seep.  When I notice a wet spot on my jeans when I remove the waders at the end of the day I wait until I get home to fix them.  At home I reverse the waders and fill the reversed leg with water from a hose and mark the leek with a felt tip pen, empty the waders and hang them up to dry.  About an hour later I put on the goop and 20 minutes after that the patch and the waders are ready to go.  I consider this a very small price to pay for the incredible comfort I get as a result.  No more sweat soaked poly long handles for me, thank you. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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Question:

I am interested in taking lessons on building bamboo rods.  Do you know of any experts who teach classes, especially a one week intensive course.  I have read the books but believe I need to be taught by someone who really knows what they are doing.  Any ideas?

Response:

I am interested in taking lessons on building bamboo rods.  Do you know of any experts who teach classes, especially a one week intensive course.  I have read the books but believe I need to be taught by someone who really knows what they are doing.  Any ideas?

Another rod maker that offers classes is George E. Maurer of SweetWater Rods 610-683-6759 By the way the Catskill rodmakers gathering was a great experience

Response:

Anybody go to the Cane rod builders gathering at the Cattskill Fly Fishing Museum today.  How did it go? Rick

Response:

 Anybody go to the Cane rod builders gathering at the Cattskill Fly Fishing  Museum today.  How did it go?

My wife and I attended.  It was our first meeting, but several who had attended other gatherings of rod-builders–one man said he’d made them all!–said it was the best yet.   I can believe it.  There were about 35 of us, including a nice mix of beginners and old hands.  The experienced builders, among them, had more knowledge and more willingness to share it than I’ve seen in any comparable group in other fields.  Nice folks!  And the level of enthusiasm was such as to convert a casual visitor from "gee, that might be interesting" to "Where’s my checkbook?  I need CANE!"  Wherever the next meeting is, we’ll try hard to get there.  With one or two shiny new bamboo rods.

Response:

Question:

Any advice on the Provo River?  Going to Sundance in July for some R & R and some flyfishing.  Hear that nymphing is the best way to go.  What is the

Response:

Any advice on the Provo River?  Going to Sundance in July for some R & R and some flyfishing.  Hear that nymphing is the best way to go.  What is the

If you go the "nymphing" route, you should do ok.  The weather is fairly warm, and the river usually gets crowded really fast.

Response:

I try to fish it on a regular basis since I’m only 15 min. from it. We have had a late spring & the runoff is hitting it hard right now. There are still places to get on it but it’s tough fishing(fast, deep & a little dirty). If the water flow slows down it has good potential in July. I’d try; Chamois Caddis 14 – 18, Sow Bug 18 – 20, Brassies 16 – 18, Pheasant Tials 12 – 18. Fish it right on the bottom or on the edges. Towards evening there should be some surface activity. If it’s too high to get on take a ride up above Deer Creek to Charleston or Midway & fish that section, My brother in law loves it up there, he’s been doing well with a San Juan worm. It’s only another 20 min. from Sundance. Clint

Response:

Any advice on the Provo River?  Going to Sundance in July for some R & R and some flyfishing.  Hear that nymphing is the best way to go.  What is the If you go the "nymphing" route, you should do ok.  The weather is fairly warm, and the river usually gets crowded really fast.

PMD emergers are hot right now.

Response:

I try to fish it on a regular basis since I’m only 15 min. from it. We have had a late spring & the runoff is hitting it hard right now. There are still places to get on it but it’s tough fishing(fast, deep & a little dirty). If the water flow slows down it has good potential in July. I’d try; Chamois Caddis 14 – 18, Sow Bug 18 – 20, Brassies 16 – 18, Pheasant Tials 12 – 18. Fish it right on the bottom or on the edges. Towards evening there should be some surface activity. If it’s too high to get on take a ride up above Deer Creek to Charleston or Midway & fish that section, My brother in law loves it up there, he’s been doing well with a San Juan worm. It’s only another 20 min. from Sundance. Clint

Thankfully this high water misconception has curbed the number of ff’ers on the Provo lately.  This is nice as we’ve been catching anywhere from 5 to 10 fish an hour without too many neighbors.  The water is especially clear also, allowing you to see many of the fish.  This also makes for fish holding in very predictable places.  (ie slower deeper water)  The fly selection, now that’s the part that will make or break your day as well. Happy Trails and tattered flies. Curtis Fry FFFTWKISS!!!!

Response:

Any advice on the Provo River?  Going to Sundance in July for some R & R and some flyfishing.  Hear that nymphing is the best way to go.  What is the If you go the "nymphing" route, you should do ok.  The weather is fairly warm, and the river usually gets crowded really fast. PMD emergers are hot right now.

Mike,         Can you give me a description on the PMD emerger.  I dont know if I have         ever seen one before.         Thanks

Response:

I try to fish it on a regular basis since I’m only 15 min. from it. We have had a late spring & the runoff is hitting it hard right now. There are still places to get on it but it’s tough fishing(fast, deep & a little dirty).

I’m moving to Draper this month and have tried the Provo on several occasions.  The dirty water has perplexed me… I’m assuming it has to do with the releases from the dam upstream? With the road construction several years ago did the fishing change somewhat? If the water flow slows down it has good potential in July. I’d try; Chamois Caddis 14 – 18, Sow Bug 18 – 20, Brassies 16 – 18, Pheasant Tials 12 – 18. Fish it right on the bottom or on the edges. Towards evening there should be some surface activity. If it’s too high to get on take a ride up above Deer Creek to Charleston or Midway & fish that section, My brother in law loves it up there, he’s been doing well with a San Juan worm. It’s only another 20 min. from Sundance. Clint

I want to try the upper section myself. Any advice about access etc.? Coming from an area where my favorite waters are 4 to 5 hrs away, I am indeed excited about living close to the Provo (and Green) Trust I will bump into you on the river some day.         Wherever you go…. There you will be.

Response:

Any advice on the Provo River?  Going to Sundance in July for some R & R and some flyfishing.  Hear that nymphing is the best way to go.  What is the If you go the "nymphing" route, you should do ok.  The weather is fairly warm, and the river usually gets crowded really fast.

The Provo is a wonderful river, but nymphs are your only hope.  However, you won’t have to worry about crowds until the 9-5 crowd gets out from work.  You won’t have *much* problem mornings or early afternoons, except for us lousy college students The weather will be hot.  Be prepared for some heat; I’d leave my neoprenes at home.  The river is also higher this year than it has been in the past, but since you are just coming for a vacation, that won’t matter to you, will it? best o’ luck, Jeff Windsor

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Question:

Here’s one for you: . . . I asked where he put his pole. He said:  "I dropped it in the lake" . . .

What I’ve done with my 5yo. girl is to tie a string on the pole with a loop in it, have her put her hand through the loop and make sure the loop is snug on her wrist.  This allow the pole to be still attached even if dropped. Rey

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: Well, it’s more wierd than humorous, and I didn’t think it was very funny : at the time, which was yesterday afternoon.  If my typing is lousy it’s : because I’ve got a big bandage on my left index finger.  You’ll soon see why. : : : The hook was imbedded good, down to the bone.  There was no pushing it : through, and anyway, I didn’t have any pliers to bend down or cut off the : barb.  So there I sat, shoeless, blood running down my hand, a 3" Rapala : lure dangling from my hand, half a mile from my car.  I managed somehow to : get the hook off the plit ring.  Then I put on my shoes (not so easy) got : my stuff together, walked to the car, and drove to a local medical : facility where the nurse practicioner managed to yank that hook from my : hand (ouch!).   : : Meanwhile she told me a story that made me feel lucky.  Just after she had : started practicing whe got a call telling her that a young girl was on her : way with a fish in her foot.  Apparently she had stepped on a small fish : and the bony fins had stuck well up into the ball of her foot and acted : like a barbed hook.  Her father had tried holding down the fish his foot : and pulling on her leg with his hands, but it wouldn’t budge.  Then he : tried putting her foot in the water so the fish could swim free, but it : couldn’t.  The fish apparently was still alive and flopping around when : they arrived at the clinic.  They had to slice open the little girls foot : to remove the fish. : : I left that clinic counting my blessings. : :  Jim : : : Worse thing I ever saw like this was at my vets.  A man came in literally : dragging a big black lab.  I couldn’t understand why he was treating the : dog like that until I saw the big rapala with one hook firmly imbedded in : the poor dog’s nose and the other hook imbedded in the man’s arm.  The : vet sedated the dog and removed both hooks.  I still shiver when I think : about that.         I’m not so sure you should have posted that as Humorous Stories. I have an inch  long scar on the palm of my left hand from much the same sort of story.         I got a 20+ lb. ling cod in the boat. He was hooked on a diamond jig with a 6/0  treble hook. He was twisted up in the net, and as I tried to get him out, he thrashed  around hard, driving one of the exposed hooks through the palm of my hand. I had a  fishing buddy with me, and he knelt on the head of the fish until I could work the lure  free with the needle nosed pliers. I had no cutters, and the hook was held on with a  soldered ring, so I couldn’t free it from the lure. We had to push the hook back through  and cut the palm through to the hooh shank to free me of the lure. All this while bouncing  around in six foot seas. Needless to say, the pain and bleeding were considerable. The  wound later took six stitches to close.         It was a painful leason. I use a gaff now on big fish. I use a wood bat to stop  them from thrashing around. I keep a pair of heavy duty diagonal cutters on my boat.  And several Tylonal & codine in the first aid kit.

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Well, it’s more wierd than humorous, and I didn’t think it was very funny at the time, which was yesterday afternoon.  If my typing is lousy it’s because I’ve got a big bandage on my left index finger.  You’ll soon see why. Wednesday evening I stopped in to a local sporting goods store and found that they were selling out they’re fishing gear–everything was half-off. I picked up 5 Original Rapala’s, a cheap Browning fly rod and a nice baitcasting combo including a Diawa EL 2 reel and a Browning graphite rod, all for $92 including tax (oh yeah, I also got 5 Hopkins spoons in various sizes).  So all day yesterday I was aching to try some of this stuff out. I finished everything I had to at work and headed down to a spot at a nearby lake just to cast a few times and get a feel for my new combo.  I hooked up one of the Rapala’s (#11 original floater) and cast it a few times, reeling in quckly and casting again, trying to find a good setting on the magnetic anti-backlash mexhanism.  I was reeling in fast enough that the lure was diving down a foot or two, and once it got stuck on a tree limb I couldn’t see through the murky water.  So I took off my shoes and waded out to recover the lure.  I got it, left my shoes off and cast again a few times–still just casting and reeling in, just to get some casting practice.  Then I felt the lure get hung up again, and I started to walk out to retrieve it when the tree limb started to move.  I set the hook and a tidal wave erupted from the water.  I fought that fish for every bit of ten minutes and finally landed a big carp.  It was every bit of 20 pounds, probably quite a bit more.  With some effort I dragged it up on shore, a good bodies length from the water (which is a long way), put down the reel and started to stagger up the rocky shoreline, shoeless, to get pliers out of my tackle box (initial attempts at removing the treble hook had failed.  He was lip-hooked, but those were serious lips. Two of the barbs were in his lip, and the third was trwisted into a cross).  I got the tackle box, walked back to where the fish was.  When he saw me he made two big lunges and was in the water, still hooked.  I barely managed to snag the rod.  I fought him again (I’d've let him go, but I wasn’t gonna let him have my new Rapala) for about 5 minutes, landed him again, opened my tackle box and found that my pliers were missing.  I’d apparently left them out when I cleaned my tackle box the last time.  So I got out a rag, held the fish firmly with one hand and worked on the hook with the other. I wasn’t having much luck, so I let go of the fish and started working with both hands.  After about a minute the fish gave a massive flip, imbedded another hook in my left index finger, and used that leverage to do in half a second what I’d been unable to do in the previous 15 minutes–get the hook out of his lip.  In the meantime he had straightened out the hook in my finger.  The fish gave a lunge and was gone.  He’d gotten me back. The hook was imbedded good, down to the bone.  There was no pushing it through, and anyway, I didn’t have any pliers to bend down or cut off the barb.  So there I sat, shoeless, blood running down my hand, a 3" Rapala lure dangling from my hand, half a mile from my car.  I managed somehow to get the hook off the plit ring.  Then I put on my shoes (not so easy) got my stuff together, walked to the car, and drove to a local medical facility where the nurse practicioner managed to yank that hook from my hand (ouch!).   Meanwhile she told me a story that made me feel lucky.  Just after she had started practicing whe got a call telling her that a young girl was on her way with a fish in her foot.  Apparently she had stepped on a small fish and the bony fins had stuck well up into the ball of her foot and acted like a barbed hook.  Her father had tried holding down the fish his foot and pulling on her leg with his hands, but it wouldn’t budge.  Then he tried putting her foot in the water so the fish could swim free, but it couldn’t.  The fish apparently was still alive and flopping around when they arrived at the clinic.  They had to slice open the little girls foot to remove the fish. I left that clinic counting my blessings.         Jim By the way: my Audobon Field Guide says that the classification of fish that included carp and minnows (I can’t remember what it’s called) is charactized by "the absence of teeth in the jaw".  This fish definitely had some rather nasty looking teeth.  Skinny, about an eighth inch long. But I’d say it had to be a carp, since it was huge and had those characteristic barbels on its jaw.  What gives?

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: What I’ve done with my 5yo. girl is to tie a string on the pole : with a loop in it, have her put her hand through the loop and make : sure the loop is snug on her wrist.  This allow the pole to be : still attached even if dropped. : Rey All of this talk reminded me of one of my earliest memories.  We were living in Florida, which means I was no older than 4.  We were fishing on my father’s boat, and I was using a zebco or something, and I don’t know what we were after, but we were offshore.  I was in the front of the boat, and I had a strike.  Unfortunately, the drag was set real tight.  The fish dove down, and I started screaming for my father.  I held onto that rod for as long as I could, but the fish would definitely have won the tug-o-war.  I let the rod go just as my father made it up- he almost caught it.  I was so sad about it, and it must have made an impression if I remembered it all these years.           Moral of the story:  Just hope your 5 year old girl doesn’t tie into a 10 pound catfish or something.  Or make sure the drag is set right. -Jeff

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, it’s more wierd than humorous, and I didn’t think it was very funny at the time, which was yesterday afternoon.  If my typing is lousy it’s because I’ve got a big bandage on my left index finger.  You’ll soon see why. The hook was imbedded good, down to the bone.  There was no pushing it through, and anyway, I didn’t have any pliers to bend down or cut off the barb.  So there I sat, shoeless, blood running down my hand, a 3" Rapala lure dangling from my hand, half a mile from my car.  I managed somehow to get the hook off the plit ring.  Then I put on my shoes (not so easy) got my stuff together, walked to the car, and drove to a local medical facility where the nurse practicioner managed to yank that hook from my hand (ouch!).   Meanwhile she told me a story that made me feel lucky.  Just after she had started practicing whe got a call telling her that a young girl was on her way with a fish in her foot.  Apparently she had stepped on a small fish and the bony fins had stuck well up into the ball of her foot and acted like a barbed hook.  Her father had tried holding down the fish his foot and pulling on her leg with his hands, but it wouldn’t budge.  Then he tried putting her foot in the water so the fish could swim free, but it couldn’t.  The fish apparently was still alive and flopping around when they arrived at the clinic.  They had to slice open the little girls foot to remove the fish. I left that clinic counting my blessings.    Jim

Worse thing I ever saw like this was at my vets.  A man came in literally dragging a big black lab.  I couldn’t understand why he was treating the dog like that until I saw the big rapala with one hook firmly imbedded in the poor dog’s nose and the other hook imbedded in the man’s arm.  The vet sedated the dog and removed both hooks.  I still shiver when I think about that.

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  Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing  RE: Humorous fishing stories.  Here’s one for you:  This happened about three years ago-my little boy who was 4 at the time  was turning into quite the "fishing fool".  Life revolved around  fishing, and thankfully, still does.  Anyway, we were camping at a  secluded lake here in western Montana, and decided to go fishing one  evening after dark in the canoe.  We set up a couple of poles with  worms and a small marshmallow for floatation and a slip sinker.  We  went out in the bay about 50-60 yds from the 3-4 campsites  available-which were all full.  It wasn’t long before the silence and  serenity was broken several times by "I got one!!!".  I’d slide forward  in the canoe to help Chris check his line, only to find nothing there.  We’d then go through the procedure of reeling in, checking bait (which  was still there), and lowering it back down.  This probably continued  for about 20-25 minutes, and I was getting a little tempermental about  the whole program, and was ready to head back in.  Meanwhile, everyone  on shore could hear what was going on, and I’d hear laughter as he  hollared, followed by my explanations of how to tell whether a fish is  really biting (patience level was growing thin).  As I was ready to start paddling back to shore, once again he hollared  "I got one".   "Sure", I said.  "Just reel in, and we’ll try again in the morning".   "No, I REALLY have one this time".  (Laughter from shore).   "Christopher, you keep saying that, and we reel in, and your worm is   still on there", I said not so patiently.   About that time, I could see the outline of his Zebco rod and reel   silhouetted in the campfires from shore.  Sure enough, it was doubled   over and jerking frantically.   "Oh, sh__, you’ve got a fish on!", I exclaimed, as I clamored forward   to help him steady his pole.    After a five minute fight, Chris reeled in a 5 lb. bull trout.  As    the cheers subsided from shore, and I paddled in, Chris turned to me    and said "See, dad, when I say I got a fish on, I MEAN I got a fish    on.  You should listen to me".    Laughter erupted from the camps. ___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.12

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Here’s one for you: I took my 8 and 5 year olds out perch fishing last summer. Well you know what kind of fishing that is for me, but I don’t mind, its getting out with the boys.  I was in the middle of a couple of hours of taking off fish and baiting hooks, and was working with my 8 year old for a minute.  When I finished I looked back around at Paul my 5 year old and noticed he was just sitting there quietly.  All you people with kids know what a quiet kid means…… I asked him what was the matter and he said: "nothin" I then noticed he wasn’t holding his snoopy pole any more and asked why he wasn’t fishing.  he said: "don’t want to anymore" I asked where he put his pole. He said:  "I dropped it in the lake" His face went heavy and I asked why didn’t he tell me and he replied: "didn’t want to get in trouble." I didn’t know if I should laugh or cry.  Felt sorry for him and explained how fishermen ocassionally loose things, Not to worry and I rigged him up another rod, and back to fishing he went. we tried to fish out his pole, but the current had taken it away. another day, another hard lesson in the game of life for a 5 year old! Bob

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