Question:

Does anyone know anything about flyfishing the east coast of the Yucatan, south of Cancun?  Supposedly there are snook and small tarpon (redfish?) in the bays and estuaries there.  I’m particularly interested in the areas around Akumal, Xel-Ha, and Boca Paila. Thanks, J

Response:

Check out www.rodreeladventures.com I can’t give any recommendation, because I haven’t used them at all. Good luck, Bill… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Does anyone know anything about flyfishing the east coast of the Yucatan, south of Cancun?  Supposedly there are snook and small tarpon (redfish?) in the bays and estuaries there.  I’m particularly interested in the areas around Akumal, Xel-Ha, and Boca Paila. Thanks, J

Response:

Question:

Michael: I know I may be venturing into dangerous territory with this next question, because I’m a catch & release practitioner about 92% of the time. But, are any of these fish edible? I seem to recall reading something about a toxin in bonefish caught in that part of the world. Doug

Bonefish and tarpon are no good for the table at all: absolutely stuffed with small bones.  That’s probably why there seem to be more of these two species around than the more edible fish.  Jack are pretty tasty indeed and so long as you only eat the smaller ones <4lbs you won’t get the cigatera (spelling??) poisoning.  Apparently the larger fish have more toxin accumulated in their flesh and are best to be avoided.  A really nice fish to eat is any snapper:  the mangroves will be full of them upto 5lbs or so. Baracuda are also a good eating fish,  but again only eat the smaller ones <8lbs to avoid the cigatera poison risk.  The toxins originate in some algae or other that the little reef fish eat.  The toxins don’t affect the fish, but gets accumulated in fish flesh.  When a baracuda eats the flesh of fish that have been eating the algae, the toxins are transferred to the baracuda. The toxins have a fairly nasty effect on humans that can last for years, so it is best to avoid eating big reef predator fish in these tropical waters. Regards, Michael.

Response:

Michael: Thanks for the info! Doug – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Michael: I know I may be venturing into dangerous territory with this next question, because I’m a catch & release practitioner about 92% of the time. But, are any of these fish edible? I seem to recall reading something about a toxin in bonefish caught in that part of the world. Doug Bonefish and tarpon are no good for the table at all: absolutely stuffed with small bones.  That’s probably why there seem to be more of these two species around than the more edible fish.  Jack are pretty tasty indeed and so long as you only eat the smaller ones <4lbs you won’t get the cigatera (spelling??) poisoning.  Apparently the larger fish have more toxin accumulated in their flesh and are best to be avoided.  A really nice fish to eat is any snapper:  the mangroves will be full of them upto 5lbs or so. Baracuda are also a good eating fish,  but again only eat the smaller ones <8lbs to avoid the cigatera poison risk.  The toxins originate in some algae or other that the little reef fish eat.  The toxins don’t affect the fish, but gets accumulated in fish flesh.  When a baracuda eats the flesh of fish that have been eating the algae, the toxins are transferred to the baracuda. The toxins have a fairly nasty effect on humans that can last for years, so it is best to avoid eating big reef predator fish in these tropical waters. Regards, Michael.

Response:

Michael: I know I may be venturing into dangerous territory with this next question, because I’m a catch & release practitioner about 92% of the time. But, are any of these fish edible? I seem to recall reading something about a toxin in bonefish caught in that part of the world. Doug – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In late July, I’ll be visiting friends in Puerto Rico (southwest part of the island), and I’m curious whether anyone here has done any beach/jetty fishing there. What kinds & sizes of fish might I expect to find? I need this info so I can evaluate whether my existing equipment will be appropriate, or whether it’s time to invest in something different (always a pleasurable idea!). Doug if anything there are probably going to be some jacks (bar, horse-eye & yellow) lurking around beaches & jetties.  These can be had on 7 weights at a minimum, although if you have anything heavier than this (10 weight is preferred as there may be small tarpon ~  <60lb  around), then take that in preference to the no. 7.  For catching  jack,  you will need at least 150 yards of backing on your reel, preferably more, and I recommend 30lb gel spun braid for backing.  Jacks are absolutely excellent fun on a fly rod, and a 10lb fish will be a severe opponent:  don’t let them get snagged up in a coral head, or else you’ll lose some line and possibly damage your flyline too.  Flies are more or less steamers (deceivers and so on) 2" – 4" in length, and you need to be able to fish as deep as 15 feet or so at times, so be sure to have an outfit that can cover surface waters to 15 feet as appropriate. Simply fishing for jacks is enough fun for me in tropical waters, though you can suppliment the jack with occasional forays into the bonefish flats or tarpon mangroves for variety.  I take a 4 piece 9 foot 10 weight rod with a big 10/11 reel with me to tropical waters.  I also have an 8 weight 9′ 4 piecer as a back-up / bonefish special. For leaders I simply use a 6 foot length of 15 lb mono for the jacks on the surface, and tapered leader (8lb tippet) for bonefish,  and a reverse tapered leader  for the tarpon (i.e. 5 ft  20lb leader butt section and 1 foot 60lb shock tippet.  Tarpon have very abrasive jaws (no teeth as such, but very finely serrated) that can seriously chafe away at the tippet. For fishing deeper down the choices are a sinking polyleader attached to your regular floater, a commercial sink tip, or a variable tip line / shooting head assembly  (though I have not yet tried this, I like this concept and will be aiming to have one reel that is comprised of a big reel that also has a lot of backing and a decent drag, and upon which I have a length of running line terminating in a loop.  I wish to have a number of shooting heads that singularly link up to this loop so that I can have one reel that will fulfil a great number of roles). Flies vary from 1 to 2/0 in hook size.  It is sensible to be sure to have a pair of polarising sunglasses so that you can see into the water better; with these you can study where the fish are and watch how they behave when they see your fly being presented to them. Have fun,  and tightlines, Michael.

Response:

In late July, I’ll be visiting friends in Puerto Rico (southwest part of the island), and I’m curious whether anyone here has done any beach/jetty fishing there. What kinds & sizes of fish might I expect to find? I need this info so I can evaluate whether my existing equipment will be appropriate, or whether it’s time to invest in something different (always a pleasurable idea!). Doug

if anything there are probably going to be some jacks (bar, horse-eye & yellow) lurking around beaches & jetties.  These can be had on 7 weights at a minimum, although if you have anything heavier than this (10 weight is preferred as there may be small tarpon ~  <60lb  around), then take that in preference to the no. 7.  For catching  jack,  you will need at least 150 yards of backing on your reel, preferably more, and I recommend 30lb gel spun braid for backing.  Jacks are absolutely excellent fun on a fly rod, and a 10lb fish will be a severe opponent:  don’t let them get snagged up in a coral head, or else you’ll lose some line and possibly damage your flyline too.  Flies are more or less steamers (deceivers and so on) 2" – 4" in length, and you need to be able to fish as deep as 15 feet or so at times, so be sure to have an outfit that can cover surface waters to 15 feet as appropriate. Simply fishing for jacks is enough fun for me in tropical waters, though you can suppliment the jack with occasional forays into the bonefish flats or tarpon mangroves for variety.  I take a 4 piece 9 foot 10 weight rod with a big 10/11 reel with me to tropical waters.  I also have an 8 weight 9′ 4 piecer as a back-up / bonefish special. For leaders I simply use a 6 foot length of 15 lb mono for the jacks on the surface, and tapered leader (8lb tippet) for bonefish,  and a reverse tapered leader  for the tarpon (i.e. 5 ft  20lb leader butt section and 1 foot 60lb shock tippet.  Tarpon have very abrasive jaws (no teeth as such, but very finely serrated) that can seriously chafe away at the tippet. For fishing deeper down the choices are a sinking polyleader attached to your regular floater, a commercial sink tip, or a variable tip line / shooting head assembly  (though I have not yet tried this, I like this concept and will be aiming to have one reel that is comprised of a big reel that also has a lot of backing and a decent drag, and upon which I have a length of running line terminating in a loop.  I wish to have a number of shooting heads that singularly link up to this loop so that I can have one reel that will fulfil a great number of roles). Flies vary from 1 to 2/0 in hook size.  It is sensible to be sure to have a pair of polarising sunglasses so that you can see into the water better; with these you can study where the fish are and watch how they behave when they see your fly being presented to them. Have fun,  and tightlines, Michael.

Response:

In late July, I’ll be visiting friends in Puerto Rico (southwest part of the island), and I’m curious whether anyone here has done any beach/jetty fishing there. What kinds & sizes of fish might I expect to find? I need this info so I can evaluate whether my existing equipment will be appropriate, or whether it’s time to invest in something different (always a pleasurable idea!). Doug

Response:

Question:

Been enjoying an eBay catch "To Hell With Fishing" by Ed Zern and H.T. Webster. Thought I’d share a bit of 40’s humor… In one cartoon titled "The Honeymoon", Mr. Webster draws a happy fellow flyfishing in a stream, while his new bride stands on the shore in a lovely dress and hat, her head surrounded by gnats, while she looks a bit confused. Mr Zern comments: "Personally, I don’t get the point of this cartoon.  As far as I can see, it’s an ideal honeymoon, and I don’t know what Mr. Webster could be driving at.  I spent my honeymoon fishing for small-mouth bass.  I had to.  The trout season had ended." More wife-torturing tips available upon request. 8^)

Timothy Juvenal

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Been enjoying an eBay catch "To Hell With Fishing" by Ed Zern and H.T. Webster. Thought I’d share a bit of 40’s humor… In one cartoon titled "The Honeymoon", Mr. Webster draws a happy fellow flyfishing in a stream, while his new bride stands on the shore in a lovely dress and hat, her head surrounded by gnats, while she looks a bit confused. Mr Zern comments: "Personally, I don’t get the point of this cartoon.  As far as I can see, it’s an ideal honeymoon, and I don’t know what Mr. Webster could be driving at.  I spent my honeymoon fishing for small-mouth bass.  I had to.  The trout season had ended." More wife-torturing tips available upon request. 8^) Timothy Juvenal

Great book. G.Cleveland

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Been enjoying an eBay catch "To Hell With Fishing" by Ed Zern and H.T. Webster. Thought I’d share a bit of 40’s humor… In one cartoon titled "The Honeymoon", Mr. Webster draws a happy fellow flyfishing in a stream, while his new bride stands on the shore in a lovely dress and hat, her head surrounded by gnats, while she looks a bit confused. Mr Zern comments: "Personally, I don’t get the point of this cartoon.  As far as I can see, it’s an ideal honeymoon, and I don’t know what Mr. Webster could be driving at.  I spent my honeymoon fishing for small-mouth bass.  I had to.  The trout season had ended." More wife-torturing tips available upon request.

….And what if you should be so unfortunate as to find a lady who is a flyfisher? Worse yet, what if she is a flyfisher AND flytyer AND could give a rat’s rump if the seat is up or down? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 8^) Timothy Juvenal

Response:

Valkyrie postulated …And what if you should be so unfortunate as to find a lady who is a flyfisher? Worse yet, what if she is a flyfisher AND flytyer AND could give a rat’s rump if the seat is up or down? —– I have one of those special partners that is both a flyfisher and a fly tyer BUT she would rather that I put the seat down cuz she hates taking a midnight dip in the porcelain jacuzzi…I guess 2 out of 3 ain’t bad. Chris Fanning — got a nice package from Cabelas today, oh goodie…Very impressed with their $9.99 Grizzly No. 1 Saddle.

Response:

Count a second here.  Severe adversion of midnight dips.  2 for 3!!! Chris Richer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Valkyrie postulated …And what if you should be so unfortunate as to find a lady who is a flyfisher? Worse yet, what if she is a flyfisher AND flytyer AND could give a rat’s rump if the seat is up or down? —– I have one of those special partners that is both a flyfisher and a fly tyer BUT she would rather that I put the seat down cuz she hates taking a midnight dip in the porcelain jacuzzi…I guess 2 out of 3 ain’t bad. Chris Fanning — got a nice package from Cabelas today, oh goodie…Very impressed with their $9.99 Grizzly No. 1 Saddle.

Response:

"Chris Richer"  wrote… Count a second here.  Severe adversion of midnight dips.  2 for 3!!!

I really must object to this implication that the fair sex is not clever enough to put the seat down when neccasary.  I always leave the seat up, and have yet to fail to put it down when I’ve needed it in that postion.  I refuse to believe that the ladies are incapable of making the same judgement call. No, gentlemen, it’s not really about women being prone to falling into the toilet.  They’re no more likely to fall in than you or I, and in fact, are probably less likely.  No, this is nothing more than a convienient opportunity to tell you what to do, and one of the few instances when a woman is actually successful at that endeavor. We must be strong, men!  We must resist if we are to prevail in the war between men and women!  We must _insist_ that they leave the seat up!   For the dignity of all mankind! Timothy Juvenal

Response:

"Valkyrie"  wrote … ….And what if you should be so unfortunate as to find a lady who is a flyfisher? Worse yet, what if she is a flyfisher AND flytyer AND could give a rat’s rump if the seat is up or down?

Yes, I admit it would be hard to be strong under circumstances as extreme as those.  Especially if she isn’t always asking silly questions like "What’s *wrong* with you?!", and she can supply a good answer to a simple question like"What’s the big deal?", and she doesn’t decide that she doesn’t want to date men anymore after just a few dates, and all that other silly stuff women can be prone to. Timothy Juvenal

Response:

We must be strong, men!  We must resist if we are to prevail in the war between men and women!  We must _insist_ that they leave the seat up!   For the dignity of all mankind!

I’ve found that insisting that the seat AND lid remain down works better.  It looks better and if you have kids/pets it keeps them out of the toilet seem to work well as reasons for her to do it. Also negates the argument over falling in.  You can beat them at their own game.  :-)      - Ken

Response:

….And what if you should be so unfortunate as to find a lady who is a flyfisher? Worse yet, what if she is a flyfisher AND flytyer AND could give a rat’s rump if the seat is up or down?

And a masseuse. Don’t forget that. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

I’ve found that insisting that the seat AND lid remain down works better.  It looks better and if you have kids/pets it keeps them out of the toilet seem to work well as reasons for her to do it.

I use the same argument in reverse. What if the dogs get thirsty? It works for me, and it works for them. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Stand at the greeting card rack checking out all the romance cards.  Buy one and let her see you pay for it.  When you’re alone, throw it away. George Gehrke

Response:

….And what if you should be so unfortunate as to find a lady who is a flyfisher? Worse yet, what if she is a flyfisher AND flytyer AND could give a rat’s rump if the seat is up or down? And a masseuse. Don’t forget that.

   Shoot, I only got two out of the four.               Charlie,               who ties her flies AND leaves the seat down

Response:

"rw"  wrote… What if the dogs get thirsty?

So, a dog walks into a bar and says to the bartender, "It’s my birthday!  Do I get a free drink?"  And the bartender says, "Sure, the toilet’s down the hall!" Timothy Juvenal

Response:

"rw"  wrote… What if the dogs get thirsty? So, a dog walks into a bar and says to the bartender, "It’s my birthday!  Do I get a free drink?"  And the bartender says, "Sure, the toilet’s down the hall!"

T’ain’t nothin’ til ya hear about how RW’s dog mistook a nude sun-worshipper for a walking sausage factory. Mu

Response:

Glad to see that this appetizing (if OT) title has had so many bites . . . Lazarus — Lazarus Cooke

Response:

Question:

Hello people! I’ve just been doing a bit of flyfishing here in Australia in particularly the Thredbo river(Snowy mountains region) and have found it to be some of the most satisfying fishing I have done in quite some time and not to mention some of the best in the world!  I just found this news group and was wondering if thereare any "fly-swaps" happening  and could someone please give me some more info on how they work!      thanks.

Response:

Hello people! I’ve just been doing a bit of flyfishing here in Australia in particularly the Thredbo river(Snowy mountains region) and have found it to be some of the most satisfying fishing I have done in quite some time and not to mention some of the best in the world!  I just found this news group and was wondering if thereare any "fly-swaps" happening  and could someone please give me some more info on how they work!     thanks.

Ah Anthony, good to see we have another Aussie in our midst, welcome aboard. As to your fly swap question, you just missed the Great Fly Swap of 2001, which was kicked off in Jan. and finished the end of March.  I have hosted two of these thus far and plan to submit myself to more abuse of swapmeistering in the future.  This will probably turn out to be an annual event, so stay tuned.  Additionally, someone else is toying with the idea of hosting one this summer (our summer, not yours :-])  Put simply, the "swapmeister" sets the type of swap, ie: trout type fishing flies, warmwater flies, maybe all streamers, dries or whatever.  Folks sign-up, the number of participants determine the number of flies each will tie, all of same pattern of their choice, all tyers submit their flies to the swapmeister, who in turn re-distributes one of each pattern submitted, to all other participants. For example, say there are 30 people signed up for the swap, you submit 30 flies of the same pattern, you get back 30 different flies. Generally speaking, after signup is complete, you would have 30 days to get your flies sent in. This last swap had tyers from US, Canada, England, The Netherlands, and Australia, Steven Welsh being the sole contributor from there.  A great time was had by all, I grew a few more gray hairs ), and some gorgeous flies were sent round the world.  I hope you stick around to join us. Frank (bent and bowed, but not out) Church Elkhart, IN  USA

Response:

G’day Anthony, Thredbo eh?  Not too busy on the the Easter break? Frank has pretty much covered the swap administrivia, I heartily recommend participating if you can get signed up … well worth it and not such a chore (tying lots of flies) as you might think.  In a bit of a quandary about next year myself, I  will be in Tassie when its called <FHG. From our perspective … postage about $6 AUD to Frank in Indiana, took a week to get there.  Customs are not a problem from the US foot and mouth wise (hopefully that won’t be an issue at all soon) so you will get your set of flies back.   You might like to have a look at rec.outdoors.fishing.fly.tying   A couple of local sites you may or may not have discovered: www.flyflickers.com www.fishnet.com.au Fishnet has swaps run through their Virtual FlyBox … though these seem to be in hiatus at present.  FlyFlickers content is mainly drawn from experience around Eildon and the Goulburn (in Vic. Where you from anyway?) Flylickers hope to host a swap this winter (our winter … which gives me a lead in actually.   How many of you would be interested in joining an Aus. trout fly swap hosted by me at flyflickers?  NOTE: this is not a call for participation just an expression (or not) of interest … Hooroo, Steve Stephen Welsh Telephone:(03) 9905 5183 International callers: +61 3 9905 5183 Fax: (03) 9905 5146 International callers: +61 3 9905 5146 Postal address:     School of Computer Science and Software Engineering             Monash University Wellington Road Clayton, Victoria 3800 AUSTRALIA

Response:

Question:

I am planning to buy a decommissioned fishing boat in Holland. The vessel was built in the fifties, and probably has the original engine, a 150 HP Deutz SAM 528. I found nothing on the web concerning this engine (I am waiting for a reply from Deutz). Does anyone know, if parts are still available?

Deutz engines are/were very much used in our inland cargo vessels. Try some of our local shipyards in the Rotterdam area about parts and rebuilding of those engines. If you need some adresses send me an email and I will buy the dutch weekly cargo newspaper and give you a list of shipyards. regards, — Norbert Koster "Sundiver" Diamond aka Halcyon 27 Netherlands e-mail:   remove "remove_this" from email adress

Response:

I am planning to buy a decommissioned fishing boat…has the original engine, a 150 HP Deutz SAM 528. …nothing on the web….Does anyone know, if parts are still available?

Try looking at   http://www.deutz.de/framee.htm   . There’s a gent who sometimes shows his face on this NG and on the TrawlerWorld List ….  Paul Kruse.  He has done extensive comparisons in the course of selecting engines for two boats that he and his son are building, and is quite knowledgeable.  I know that he has quite a bit of information on the Deutz.  Also, another fellow on the TWL (Peter Denton) is, I believe, in the final stages of a large trawler he’s building (in his back yard) in which he has installed a Deutz. Regards, John Gaquin m/v Brefnie Queen 32′ Luhrs

Response:

Hmm….I wonder if it’s AIR COOLED!  All the Deutz diesels I ever encountered or ran were air cooled.  I had some driving 3 phase alternators in Iran that were V-16’s.  They ran faultlessly 24/7 and only came down when we changed the oil in 40C desert heat!…. Air cooled, with a fan in a shroud that could fly a jet, with no water jacket, they were VERY LOUD, indeed!  You had to wear hearing protection to get within 30 ft of one powered up and running 1500 RPM pulling a load….THAT loud. larry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am planning to buy a decommissioned fishing boat in Holland. The vessel was built in the fifties, and probably has the original engine, a 150 HP Deutz SAM 528. I found nothing on the web concerning this engine (I am waiting for a reply from Deutz). Does anyone know, if parts are still available? Thanks Peter Kiss Before you buy.

Response:

I am planning to buy a decommissioned fishing boat in Holland. The vessel was built in the fifties, and probably has the original engine, a 150 HP Deutz SAM 528. I found nothing on the web concerning this engine (I am waiting for a reply from Deutz). Does anyone know, if parts are still available? Thanks Peter Kiss Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

The fall is a great time for fishing the West. My wife and I do our annual regular 2 week car bum in Sept/Oct. Best time for avoiding crowds and in the NW in particular is argueably the best season. Suggest you read Ted Leason’s book for a rundown on the basics of year rounded fishing in the NW. Dave

Hey George, I don’t think David is any sort of traitor. Hell, I’ve bummed around a good part of Idaho for the last 15 years, kayaking and fishing in the summer. I’ve also been on this newsgroup since quite a while before you started posting here. I don’t post much now because I’m making my own bamboo rods and don’t intend to go the Bastard route, I’ve had my fill of the C&R debate so mainly I lurk now with an occasional comment. Hell man, I even have a bottle of Gink on my vest!! Watch out, I may even drop in on your facility unannounced one day! Cheers. Jon

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thought I’d probe you guys for a few suggestions. My wife and I are going out west in early fall to scope out some property. As part of this trip, we want to take a week for flyfishing (both are avid ff). I am looking for some suggestions as to good places to try. We have fished Montana extensively in the summer but never in the fall. We figured we could go to the Red Lodge or Bozeman area and bum around or perhaps get a guide to float the Yellowstone. Is this a good time (or even worthwhile) to float the Yellowstone (I figure around the big bend area might be best; this is one river we have never fished)? Suggestions? Our other thought is to go to Oregon. We have friends there and could combine the goals of the trip. Again, is this a decent time to go and where would you suggest? We have some free airline tickets coming up and are pretty flexible. The main thing we want to avoid is being shoulder to shoulder with a bunch of people (its OK for us to be around people, I just would prefer to avoid being in a crowd of urban maniacs going after some standard steelhead run near a metropolitan area, if you know what I mean). Anyway, all suggestions are appreciated. We are both pretty comfortable with doing exploratories and the general wilderness adventure scene. I know this request is pretty general. Its the fall season fishing that we are relatively unfamiliar with out there. Thanks for any input. Jon McAnulty

–Jon, If you have never fished the Deschutes river (Oregon) in the fall your missing one of the best rivers in the world to catch steelhead on a fly on the surface.   There will be plenty of room without many fishermen if you go in Oct.   October is when the big "B" class Idaho fish enter the river (15-25lb).   A 20lb steelhead in a fast moving river on a fly rod is a fish of a life time.   Drop me a line if you want more info. Sharp Hooks, Pat Holdzit Fishing Products Inc. http://www.holdzit.com Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

The full title is "The Habit of Rivers," (Reflections on Trout Streams and Fly Fishing), by Ted Leeson. Its literate and then some, and a useful perspective on NW fishing. Dave

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thanks for the reply. Any title on that book? I suspect it is obvious but an exact title would help as I will probably have to order it. Thanks again. Jon

Response:

The fall is a great time for fishing the West. My wife and I do our annual regular 2 week car bum in Sept/Oct. Best time for avoiding crowds and in the NW in particular is argueably the best season. Suggest you read Ted Leason’s book for a rundown on the basics of year rounded fishing in the NW. Dave

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thought I’d probe you guys for a few suggestions. My wife and I are going out west in early fall to scope out some property. As part of this trip, we want to take a week for flyfishing (both are avid ff). I am looking for some suggestions as to good places to try. We have fished Montana extensively in the summer but never in the fall. We figured we could go to the Red Lodge or Bozeman area and bum around or perhaps get a guide to float the Yellowstone. Is this a good time (or even worthwhile) to float the Yellowstone (I figure around the big bend area might be best; this is one river we have never fished)? Suggestions? Our other thought is to go to Oregon. We have friends there and could combine the goals of the trip. Again, is this a decent time to go and where would you suggest? We have some free airline tickets coming up and are pretty flexible. The main thing we want to avoid is being shoulder to shoulder with a bunch of people (its OK for us to be around people, I just would prefer to avoid being in a crowd of urban maniacs going after some standard steelhead run near a metropolitan area, if you know what I mean). Anyway, all suggestions are appreciated. We are both pretty comfortable with doing exploratories and the general wilderness adventure scene. I know this request is pretty general. Its the fall season fishing that we are relatively unfamiliar with out there. Thanks for any input. Jon McAnulty

– Mr. G. ‘all’s fair with fur or feather’ http://www.gink.com http://www.rodbuilding.com http://www.xink.com 509-243-4100 or 5500

Question:

George and Darren are dead right about the potential problem wading with higher water flows.  But we have been OK even when the flows are near 5000CFS – the trick is to watch other fishermen to locate crossings and places it’s safe to wade.  When you see one take one step forward and float two steps back, he’s getting a bit deep.  And don’t forget if your wading partner is shorter than you she might find the water more difficult…and I speak from personal experience WHICH SHE’LL NEVER LET ME FORGET!  And in May, that is some COLD water.  Good luck,  Bruce V

Response:

In Durango, CO is Duranglers; they also have (had?) a shop right on the river in NM.  Good folks to me. BB

Response:

In Durango, CO is Duranglers; they also have (had?) a shop right on the river in NM.  Good folks to me. BB

Mr. G. — Visit: http://www.gink.com        http://www.xink.com        http://www.rodbuilding.com        http://www.rodbuilder.com All Writings & Rights Reserved

Question:

______ The only music that doesn’t insult fly fishing. Amen – George —

Question:

Couple that with the fact that even the cheap graphite rods are dream tackle compared with what I used to use when I started, and there is no more argument for an expensive rod.

I’ve noticed that about many sports.  The people who’ve done it the longest don’t feel they need the fancy gear. At the rate of technological advance experienced in recent years a "great"(expensive) rod (or anything else for that matter) of 10 years ago is probably comparable to a decent model today. With some notable exceptions.   55 T-bird 58-61 Vette 67 – 69 Camaero 69-71 Chevelle 71 455 Vette 455 Olds Oh, but those are all pre oil crisis cars. Never mind…

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Couple that with the fact that even the cheap graphite rods are dream tackle compared with what I used to use when I started, and there is no more argument for an expensive rod. I’ve noticed that about many sports.  The people who’ve done it the longest don’t feel they need the fancy gear. At the rate of technological advance experienced in recent years a "great"(expensive) rod (or anything else for that matter) of 10 years ago is probably comparable to a decent model today. With some notable exceptions. 55 T-bird 58-61 Vette 67 – 69 Camaero 69-71 Chevelle 71 455 Vette 455 Olds

Don’t forget the 401c" Jeep Wagoneer-quadratrack, all wheel lock in the glove box, a few twiddles and tweeks and you have an over 500hp leviathon. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Oh, but those are all pre oil crisis cars. Never mind…

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Hello all from a longtime lurker. I agree with the cheapest rod to get the job done.  Here is my wonderful challenge: My wife has really taken to flyfishing and wants a rod and reel of her own instead of borrowing from others.  I completely understand.  We want to spend time hiking and fishing, so I am looking for a 8-9′ 4-6wt. 4 pc. rod for western ID and WA fishing.  I am currently using the Cabela’s willow creek combo.  I really like it and it is still available for $90.  Should I get this, or is there another cheaper rod I can get for us? Thanks and considering myself blessed! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     It’s like my 3wt if you remember ,the pretty little one with the wood insert except it is a graphite reel seat. It’s a Cabela’s special from flyer code #85-1001 stock#85-31-3111 it’s the rod from the youth combo-try it with that 3wt reel and line you use and see if it won’t do a passable job. If not, extra spool and line for 5wt for those big brookies you keep penned in back of your store. In JUNE !                                                          John Popp

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all from a longtime lurker. I agree with the cheapest rod to get the job done.  Here is my wonderful challenge: My wife has really taken to flyfishing and wants a rod and reel of her own instead of borrowing from others.  I completely understand.  We want to spend time hiking and fishing, so I am looking for a 8-9′ 4-6wt. 4 pc. rod for western ID and WA fishing.  I am currently using the Cabela’s willow creek combo.  I really like it and it is still available for $90.  Should I get this, or is there another cheaper rod I can get for us? Thanks and considering myself blessed!     It’s like my 3wt if you remember ,the pretty little one with the wood insert except it is a graphite reel seat. It’s a Cabela’s special from flyer code #85-1001 stock#85-31-3111 it’s the rod from the youth combo-try it with that 3wt reel and line you use and see if it won’t do a passable job. If not, extra spool and line for 5wt for those big brookies you keep penned in back of your store. In JUNE !                                                          John Popp

    My recommendation is the youth(see above) matched with the winchester reel(now on sale at $35.00) or one of the combos in the Cabela’s fly fishing catalog. I’m not in any way connected with them but I find the best deals there for the beginner. By the way mine arrived in a plastic rod case with sock. The case sells for 9.95 so the rod (priced at 29.95) actually cost $20 bucks. The case is big enough that I have the 5wt youth, 3wt three forks, and 7wt 11′ 3 piece Abu Garcia with sox all stored in it. The case fits nicely in the truck even with tool box.                                                           John Popp                                                         in Sanford Fl.

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One great choice is the Cortland Fairplay, available at WalMart for $39.95.    I bought one for my girlfriends boys, and it is great!  It is a bit soft, but practically casts itself.   I taught a buddy to cast with it, and he would rather use it than one of my better (faster) rods. Bob Scott

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Walt, that has been my opinion for some time.  When I go down I want a rod and reel I can toss to one side and worry about what happens to me, not some expensive equipment. — Ernie Harrison

It may sell for $300 or Less and this BastardBamboo may be cheap to buy, but it will stand up to anything ever made in America.  Sorry Ernie.  You’re going to have t drown and for cheap stuff at that. George

Question:

Any recommendations for the Stillwater the second week in July.  Looking for fly patterns and access points. Thanks! Don Albrecht

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I am going to fish the Stillwater River in Montana the second week in July. Any suggestions on flys and access points? I may have sent this message twice, since I’m new to the network and still learning! Sorry if someone sees it as a repeat. Don Donald Albrecht

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onald Albrecht write: : :I am going to fish the Stillwater River in Montana the second :week in :July. Any suggestions on flys and access points? : on : Don, There is a flyshop in Whitefish, Montana where I am sure you can get sound advice. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name of the shop. Someone else here probably knows of it. Whitefish, by the way, is a delightful little town. If you have time, definitely drive to the Kootnai River. If I remember correctly its only about 90 minutes from the Whitefish-Kalispell area and it is northwest Montana’s best trout stream. Tim

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Any recommendations for the Stillwater the second week in July.  Looking for fly patterns and access points. Thanks! Don Albrecht

Back in ‘81 I had a great time staying at the Stillwater Valley Ranch outside of Nye Montana. They also ran an operation known as "Montana School of Flyfishing." It was owned by the Moat family, and was a real nice place for the novice or experienced fisherman. My understanding was most of the land on the river was private and protected (at that time) rather jealously by the ranchers. Haven’t kept track of the Moats, but don’t see their ad anymore in the mags. Best to check with the DNR for info and access, or see if these guys still have their place. Kevin Williams

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Kootnai river is definately some of the best FF in Montana – actually world class.  It is located near Libby MT, way up in the north west corner. As far as the stillwater is concerned, it is *ok*. As far as the FF shop in Whitefish, It is called "One Season Fly Fishing Shop" and the phone number is (406) 862-1298. Other inquiries about Montana FF are welcomed, reply to Jeff

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