Question:

No, not the muskie lure.  Over the years I’ve read many posts here extolling the virtues of spinner baits.  I never much liked them, preferring crankbaits, body baits and soft plastics. However, this year I decided to give them a serious try.  In deep dark water I have thrown a black/red with heavy single Colorado blade.  In the spring I was using a silver plated double willow leaf with pumpkinseed colored skirt.  Muddy, post-rain storm conditions on the river I switch to a chartreuse buzzbait.   Over the tops of slop and lily pads.  OK, I like them.  I’ve had good success with spinnerbaits all season. The coup de grace came yesterday. I was standing up on top of the boat, one foot on the gunwhale and one on the dashboard of my friend’s boat.  I had my wide brimmed hat and wrap around polarized sunglasses.  I was fly casting and wanted a high vantage point.  My friend told me that if I damaged his dashboard I’d be crawling back to shore on my hands.  Anyway, it was really slow going.  Suddenly I spotted a large isolated fish cruising in just inches of water.  It was well camouflaged and even with my glasses I could only pick out the silhouette of its dark back.  I wasn’t sure if it was a bass or some other fish.  I turned to my other friend and told him where the fish was.  He threw a chartreuse and white buzzbait just perfectly – ahead of and to the side of the fish in such a way that once retrieved it moves across the field of vision of the fish but also away from the fish, appropriate prey behavior.  The fish changed course once it saw the lure and slowly followed but wouldn’t take.  Finally he stopped retrieving and while it dropped, I saw the mouth opening and the silicone skirt disappear.  "He’s got it! Set the hook!" I yelled and the fish was on.  It was well over five pounds.  The whole episode was very exciting but it all happened so perfectly that we were left speechless for a few moments.  I put away my fly rod and picked up my casting rod which already had a spinner bait attached.  I soon caught a smallish pike. OK, so that was only one incident but it capped off a couple of weeks of good fishing with spinnerbaits and I have gained much more confidence in them.  I still don’t use spoons or jigs too often.   Mu

Response:

Excellent story, thanks for sharing. — Early to Bed, Early to Rise…    Fish all Day, Make up Lies    Shawn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No, not the muskie lure.  Over the years I’ve read many posts here extolling the virtues of spinner baits.  I never much liked them, preferring crankbaits, body baits and soft plastics. However, this year I decided to give them a serious try.  In deep dark water I have thrown a black/red with heavy single Colorado blade.  In the spring I was using a silver plated double willow leaf with pumpkinseed colored skirt.  Muddy, post-rain storm conditions on the river I switch to a chartreuse buzzbait. Over the tops of slop and lily pads.  OK, I like them.  I’ve had good success with spinnerbaits all season. The coup de grace came yesterday. I was standing up on top of the boat, one foot on the gunwhale and one on the dashboard of my friend’s boat.  I had my wide brimmed hat and wrap around polarized sunglasses.  I was fly casting and wanted a high vantage point.  My friend told me that if I damaged his dashboard I’d be crawling back to shore on my hands.  Anyway, it was really slow going.  Suddenly I spotted a large isolated fish cruising in just inches of water.  It was well camouflaged and even with my glasses I could only pick out the silhouette of its dark back.  I wasn’t sure if it was a bass or some other fish.  I turned to my other friend and told him where the fish was.  He threw a chartreuse and white buzzbait just perfectly – ahead of and to the side of the fish in such a way that once retrieved it moves across the field of vision of the fish but also away from the fish, appropriate prey behavior.  The fish changed course once it saw the lure and slowly followed but wouldn’t take.  Finally he stopped retrieving and while it dropped, I saw the mouth opening and the silicone skirt disappear.  "He’s got it! Set the hook!" I yelled and the fish was on.  It was well over five pounds.  The whole episode was very exciting but it all happened so perfectly that we were left speechless for a few moments.  I put away my fly rod and picked up my casting rod which already had a spinner bait attached.  I soon caught a smallish pike. OK, so that was only one incident but it capped off a couple of weeks of good fishing with spinnerbaits and I have gained much more confidence in them.  I still don’t use spoons or jigs too often. Mu

Response:

Mu, I got into spinner baits last year, blame it on Warren. Recently, my oldest son and I was out.  I picked up one of my rods pretied with a spinner bait.  He fishes mostly with natural looking lures, and gave me a odd look.  "You catch things on that?", he asked. When you think about it, a spinner bait looks nothing like what the Beauties normally forage on.  Can’t imagine what ran through the mind of the person who invented the first one! On my second cast, I hooked into a nice 2+ pound beauty.  "Sometimes," I said! —    Go Fishing.  And may your fish be as big as your tales.    Columbia, SC  Lake Murray – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No, not the muskie lure.  Over the years I’ve read many posts here extolling the virtues of spinner baits.  I never much liked them, preferring crankbaits, body baits and soft plastics. However, this year I decided to give them a serious try.  In deep dark water I have thrown a black/red with heavy single Colorado blade.  In the spring I was using a silver plated double willow leaf with pumpkinseed colored skirt.  Muddy, post-rain storm conditions on the river I switch to a chartreuse buzzbait. Over the tops of slop and lily pads.  OK, I like them.  I’ve had good success with spinnerbaits all season. The coup de grace came yesterday. I was standing up on top of the boat, one foot on the gunwhale and one on the dashboard of my friend’s boat.  I had my wide brimmed hat and wrap around polarized sunglasses.  I was fly casting and wanted a high vantage point.  My friend told me that if I damaged his dashboard I’d be crawling back to shore on my hands.  Anyway, it was really slow going.  Suddenly I spotted a large isolated fish cruising in just inches of water.  It was well camouflaged and even with my glasses I could only pick out the silhouette of its dark back.  I wasn’t sure if it was a bass or some other fish.  I turned to my other friend and told him where the fish was.  He threw a chartreuse and white buzzbait just perfectly – ahead of and to the side of the fish in such a way that once retrieved it moves across the field of vision of the fish but also away from the fish, appropriate prey behavior.  The fish changed course once it saw the lure and slowly followed but wouldn’t take.  Finally he stopped retrieving and while it dropped, I saw the mouth opening and the silicone skirt disappear.  "He’s got it! Set the hook!" I yelled and the fish was on.  It was well over five pounds.  The whole episode was very exciting but it all happened so perfectly that we were left speechless for a few moments.  I put away my fly rod and picked up my casting rod which already had a spinner bait attached.  I soon caught a smallish pike. OK, so that was only one incident but it capped off a couple of weeks of good fishing with spinnerbaits and I have gained much more confidence in them.  I still don’t use spoons or jigs too often. Mu

Response:

I flat-out love spinnerbaits and fish them every chance I get. They are easy to use, extremely versatile, they seldom snag and they really catch fish. Interesting how the more I use them and the more things I try, the more I catch on them. I have probably used spinnerbaits about every way they can be used, except with a float (and that will probably happen someday). One of my favorite ways to use spinnerbaits is rapidly coming upon us; summertime deep water patterns. I particularly enjoy catching fish deep with my spinnerbaits while my boatmates are trying to unhang their crankbaits, and then rubbing it in as I land a nice one and promptly go back after another. A great method here is to jig a 3/8 oz. to 1/2 oz. crawfish-colored spinnerbait with a single small ( #3 Oklahoma or #5 Indiana) nickel blade, which I fish with a swift lift of 2′ to 4′ and follow with a slow controlled drop where the strikes take place. It can often be deadly and is always fun. — ~Bob Rickard Vote early and often this November; the country you save may be your own.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mu, I got into spinner baits last year, blame it on Warren. Recently, my oldest son and I was out.  I picked up one of my rods pretied with a spinner bait.  He fishes mostly with natural looking lures, and gave me a odd look.  "You catch things on that?", he asked. When you think about it, a spinner bait looks nothing like what the Beauties normally forage on.  Can’t imagine what ran through the mind of the person who invented the first one! On my second cast, I hooked into a nice 2+ pound beauty.  "Sometimes," I said! —    Go Fishing.  And may your fish be as big as your tales.    Columbia, SC  Lake Murray No, not the muskie lure.  Over the years I’ve read many posts here extolling the virtues of spinner baits.  I never much liked them, preferring crankbaits, body baits and soft plastics. However, this year I decided to give them a serious try.  In deep dark water I have thrown a black/red with heavy single Colorado blade.  In the spring I was using a silver plated double willow leaf with pumpkinseed colored skirt.  Muddy, post-rain storm conditions on the river I switch to a chartreuse buzzbait. Over the tops of slop and lily pads.  OK, I like them.  I’ve had good success with spinnerbaits all season. The coup de grace came yesterday. I was standing up on top of the boat, one foot on the gunwhale and one on the dashboard of my friend’s boat.  I had my wide brimmed hat and wrap around polarized sunglasses.  I was fly casting and wanted a high vantage point.  My friend told me that if I damaged his dashboard I’d be crawling back to shore on my hands.  Anyway, it was really slow going.  Suddenly I spotted a large isolated fish cruising in just inches of water.  It was well camouflaged and even with my glasses I could only pick out the silhouette of its dark back.  I wasn’t sure if it was a bass or some other fish.  I turned to my other friend and told him where the fish was.  He threw a chartreuse and white buzzbait just perfectly – ahead of and to the side of the fish in such a way that once retrieved it moves across the field of vision of the fish but also away from the fish, appropriate prey behavior.  The fish changed course once it saw the lure and slowly followed but wouldn’t take.  Finally he stopped retrieving and while it dropped, I saw the mouth opening and the silicone skirt disappear. "He’s got it! Set the hook!" I yelled and the fish was on.  It was well over five pounds.  The whole episode was very exciting but it all happened so perfectly that we were left speechless for a few moments.  I put away my fly rod and picked up my casting rod which already had a spinner bait attached.  I soon caught a smallish pike. OK, so that was only one incident but it capped off a couple of weeks of good fishing with spinnerbaits and I have gained much more confidence in them.  I still don’t use spoons or jigs too often. Mu

Response:

Question:

Well, I got back around 12 Sunday night from fishing in West Yellowstone with Ray Danen and his father Wayne (the people I met here on ROFF that are visiting from NM).  I stayed up until midnight tying flies that I thought would be productive.  I eventually went to bed around 1:30 am and got up at 3 am so I could meet them in West Yellowstone at 6 am.  After getting about 45 minutes away I remembered that I forgot the box of dries that I had tied for them and remembered only the nymphs.   We met in the morning at 6 am in front of one of the fly shops in West Yellowstone.  The air was cool, but the skies were clear and there was just a slight hint of a breeze.  We decided to have a bite first so we went to a cafe and got some breakfast.  They began to tell me how they had fished around Jackson Hole and that the wind had been terrible and conditions were almost unfishable.  I assured them that we would all catch fish today.  Okay, maybe not the smartest thing, but I wanted them to enjoy themselves and the probability for catching fish is pretty good in this area. After breakfast we drove down close to Quake Lake and planned on walking up the Madison close to Hebgen dam from there.  The wind started to pick up before we even saw the water.  As we hiked in we noticed several cars pulled alongside the road.  I know the three of us were a sight, but we couldn’t figure out what they were looking at.  As we walked on I saw a moose and we decided to give it a wide berth.  We eventually reached a little creek that empties into Quake Lake and started fishing our way down to the lake. Wayne is new to fly fishing so I stayed with him and tried to give him some pointers.  We found a nice hole and proceeded to fish it despite the increasing wind.  I was suprised at how fast Wayne picked things up and his eagerness to learn.  His casting was rough, but he could get some distance.  Just had a few minor adjustments that needed to be made and the wind wasn’t helping any. As we fished the hole Wayne seemed to improve with each cast.  Ray walked on ahead and began fishing another nice hole.  We ended up with nothing from either hole so we continued on.  I pretty much stayed with Wayne as he and Ray fished several other holes.  We finally fished our way down to Quake Lake and still hadn’t caught a single fish and we covered some pretty nice water so I was beginning to wonder how the day was going to turn out. We walked along the Lake sharing tidbits of info on the Quake Lake disaster and planned on fishing the mouth of the lake.  I don’t know why, but it is kind of eerie there.  I think it has to do with being at a site knowing that several people died there and are still buried under the rubble.  When we reached the mouth we decided to split up and fish the mouth.  Fish started rising so we began thinking today was going to shape up to be okay after all. We saw several small bugs (I’m not an entimologist so don’t ask) so decided to each try something different.  I tried a small parachute adams, Ray tied on a small BWO and I forget what Wayne tied on.  After several casts we had not even gotten a nudge.  Ray switched to a small PMD and on his first cast landed a small rainbow.  Okay, now we are starting to get somewhere.  At least Ray isn’t going to be skunked today.  I switched flies, switched again, switched yet again.  Guess I’m not going to be so lucky and it doesn’t look like Wayne is either. We moved around and fished the area and I found a group of small fish working an eddy.  There was one or two that looked to be decent size so I cast a small parachute BWO.  A small fish rose and I set the hook.  No fish.  Cast again. Same result.  Cast again.  Same.  After several casts I finally hooked a fish. I landed a beautiful, couldn’t be outdone…….roughly 10" whitefish.  Ah shit, hope nobody saw that.  Sure enough they did.  We continued our way up and found several other pods of rising whiteys. Enter Frosty  the Freaking Snowman.  Clouds began to move in and the temp dropped quite a bit.  The wind began to pick up more and little white flakes of snow started to fall.  Things were starting to turn ugly so we started moving up river faster.  Ray eventually lands a couple more whiteys.  Wayne and I weren’t having much success at all.  I had hooked into 2 fish and lost both while Wayne lost 1. My hope is starting to dwindle, but the best water is yet to come so we decide to just go there.  I fished every hole that normally holds fish with no success.  One more lost fish and that was it.  Ray landed a rainbow that was about 14".  Wayne, nothing. Then  Frosty decides to give us another dose.  It was pretty neat to see.  As the snow increased, the fish began to go nuts.  I casted and casted and casted and could not land one.  Several more missed fish.  Probably just more white fish. We end the day just like that and returned to West Yellowstone for some dinner.  They asked if I wanted to go out again Monday and since I didn’t have to work until 6 pm I thought I could spare a few hours. We met Monday morning and decided to go fish a stretch of the Madison.  It is really just a channel of the Madison, but it is one of my favorite spots.  I have never been skunked here and thought it would restore some faith and heal my wounded soul/ego. Well, when we got there Ray noticed the water was a little off color.  It was a milky green that I had never seen before.  We decided to go on and fish it. The weather was shaping up to be much better than the day before and I was hopeful that we would all catch fish. Since I had to leave early I decided to fish the stretch quickly.  I moved on ahead and went to my first honey hole.  No luck.  Next hole, one bite, next hole no luck, next hole no luck, next hole one bite.  And on and on it went. And to make matters worse the weather began to deteriorate.  Frozen rain began to fall fast and furious as the temperature took another dice. I came across a couple of dead fish and one that was lying belly up taking its last breaths.  I still don’t understand what was happening in the water.  Algae bloom?  I went to my favorite hole on this stretch that has ALWAYS provided for me.  Hell, I even took my wife there and she caught her first fish on a fly rod there.  Tons of fish in this pool.  I couldn’t go wrong here. Well, you can guess what happened.  I hooked into a fish and my damn line broke!  After fishing the hole for another 30 minutes with no luck I decided I had better go check on my companions and see what time it was.  I met up with Ray and Wayne and found out that Ray had caught 3 fish and lost one good one. We talked for awhile and went back up to the vehicles and said our goodbyes and decided that we might try again Friday if they are still around. What a tale of woe!  I’ve never had such bad luck and now think I am in the worst slump of my life.  Can only wonder what the hell they think of my "great places" and "guarantees" now.  I know one thing: I feel like shit and need a beer.  Hell, I couldn’t even come up with a good title for this piece because all the good ones are taken.  "Paradise Lost" is out.  "Tough Trip through Paradise" is out

Question:

I need some help casting.  I’m fairly new to the sport and trying to improve all the time.  I just bought my second rod and spent a lot more money on it. I did it right this time, I hope.  However, that’s have nothing to do with my problem.  I was out at our local park practicing my casting.  The back cast looked good, the loop was fairly small and shot backwards like two horizontal lines that straightened out to one.   I let the line continue to straighten out and then made my forward cast without whipping the rod.  The line moved over my head and rolled in front of me.  That’s the problem.  The forward cast had a large loop instead of shooting straight forward.  I should mention that there was a very slight wind that I was casting into. However, it was a very slight wind.  I’ve been told to close up the loop in the back and it will help eliminate the forward loop.  However, I think my back cast looks good.  How can I get rid of the large loop in my forward cast?  Any advise will help.  I will try all requests at my local park before driving out to the field.

Response:

I should have said that this regarding fly fishing.  Thanks

Response:

Question:

Attn:  Warren Funk Warren, If you are still interested in finding background for the knot you described I have found a name and diagram in some of my archives. It is called a Pitzen Knot.  I only have a print out of it that I have collected somewhere off a net site quite sometime ago.  The site probably doesn’t exist anymore.  I may have it shown in my "knot bible" but it is in the boat away from here. The tying technique is somewhat different than you described but I have tied the knot using yours and the diagram and I’m quite sure it is the same knot. I was quite intrigued with your description and technique for the knot and have been using it. The illustration I have on hand is not great but I think it would scan adequately.  I would be glad to do so and e-mail it to you or put it in the binary newsgroup if interested.

Response:

No need to do any of the tasks listed.  Just go to Alta Vista and search for "Pitzen Knot".  I got several hits.  One of which: http://nucleus.agron.missouri.edu/flyfishing/pitzen.html  has a good description and rating on the knot.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Attn:  Warren Funk Warren, If you are still interested in finding background for the knot you described I have found a name and diagram in some of my archives. It is called a Pitzen Knot.  I only have a print out of it that I have collected somewhere off a net site quite sometime ago.  The site probably doesn’t exist anymore.  I may have it shown in my "knot bible" but it is in the boat away from here. The tying technique is somewhat different than you described but I have tied the knot using yours and the diagram and I’m quite sure it is the same knot. I was quite intrigued with your description and technique for the knot and have been using it. The illustration I have on hand is not great but I think it would scan adequately.  I would be glad to do so and e-mail it to you or put it in the binary newsgroup if interested.

Response:

Al – thanks for checking on this.  I would have to try both and see what they look like when finished, but I can guarantee that the way I tie it is a whole lot faster and simpler than the way it is shown on the web site you gave.  I also thought that the Hangman’s knot looked very similar, and may be the same knot at the Pitzen knot. Warren Funk

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Attn:  Warren Funk Warren, If you are still interested in finding background for the knot you described I have found a name and diagram in some of my archives. It is called a Pitzen Knot.  I only have a print out of it that I have collected somewhere off a net site quite sometime ago.  The site probably doesn’t exist anymore.  I may have it shown in my "knot bible" but it is in the boat away from here. The tying technique is somewhat different than you described but I have tied the knot using yours and the diagram and I’m quite sure it is the same knot. I was quite intrigued with your description and technique for the knot and have been using it. The illustration I have on hand is not great but I think it would scan adequately.  I would be glad to do so and e-mail it to you or put it in the binary newsgroup if interested.

Response:

One of the sites I ran into looking for this showed another method, a variation of slinging the lure around the line.  I had opted for this method when using a heavy stiff 20+ACM- line that gave me trouble slinging it around. I let the lure hang down and wrapped the line around the vertical hanging line while holding on to the line and clinching loop. I use the Hangman’s Knot (Uni Knot) and I’m sure it is not the Pitzen Knot. Another one I use is the Scaffold Knot (Centauri).  I tie it by extending my forefinger beyond the tip of my thumb that is pinching the standing line and wrap the loose end 3 times around my finger tip, slip off the coil and run the loose end through the coils in the direction of the standing line.  It can also be doubled at the eye. Warren Funk …wrote … +AD4- …I would have to try both and see what +AD4- they look like when finished, but I can guarantee that the way I tie it is a +AD4- whole lot faster and simpler than the way it is shown on the web site you +AD4- gave.  I also thought that the Hangman’s knot looked very similar, and may +AD4- be the same knot at the Pitzen knot. +AD4- Al wrote … +AD4- +AD4- If you are still interested in finding background for the knot you +AD4- described +AD4- +AD4- I have found a name and diagram in some of my archives. +AD4- +AD4- It is called a Pitzen Knot…

Response:

Question:

I am planning a trip to Prince of Wales Island, Alaska, in mid May.  I plan on fly fishing the streams of the island.  Hopefully there will still be some spring steelheads around, but if not, I will go after Cut-throats and Dolly Varden. Has anyone ever fished there?  Any suggestions on specific rivers? Specific flies? Also, is there any saltwater fly fishing available in the area? Any info will be greatly appreciated. Frank Perkins Melbourne, FL

Response:

Rich Culver is the only flyfishing guide I know of in that area, and he pretty much knows it all–an osprey of a man.  He can set you up for fly outs from Juneau or Gustavus, at the Galcier Bay Country Inn, where they treated my one-year-old daughter like Princess Di.  Rich also runs some spectacular trips along the coast from a big  "mothership," where I ate king crab until my arms drooped, and from which you can drop Zodiaks in 90 seconds.   Silvers, steelhead, dollies, et al. Even if you’re not interested in a guide, e-mail him for info, and to tell him he should pay me for posts like this one. Rich Culver Flywater Adventures 907/789-2102 Glacier Bay Country Inn www.glacierbayalaska.com 800/ 628-09812

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Rich Culver is the only flyfishing guide I know of in that area, and he pretty much knows it all–an osprey of a man.  He can set you up for fly outs from Juneau or Gustavus, at the Galcier Bay Country Inn, where they treated my one-year-old daughter like Princess Di.  Rich also runs some spectacular trips along the coast from a big  "mothership," where I ate king crab until my arms drooped, and from which you can drop Zodiaks in 90 seconds.   Silvers, steelhead, dollies, et al. Even if you’re not interested in a guide, e-mail him for info, and to tell him he should pay me for posts like this one. Rich Culver Flywater Adventures 907/789-2102 Glacier Bay Country Inn www.glacierbayalaska.com 800/ 628-09812

While I recieved my information second hand (From Clients who have fished with Mr. Culver and Myself) I too have heard good things about this operation. Paul Hansen Alaska Rainbow Adventures http://www.akrainbow.com

Response:

Question:

An all too typical novice question: Present tackle is mainly spinning gear. light rod/reel, 6lb line, used for panfish, trout in samll lakes, bass, etc. Would like to add fly tackle to fish for the same species. Will use the fly tackle here in midwest (SW Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana- lake & small streams) and in Montana, as my son will be in school there(Missoula)and I expect to get there a few times annually. Any recommendations for type, make, budget? What are the better beginner setups? Have looked at Orvis, L.L. Bean catalogs, etc. What do I really need to get started?

Response:

Any recommendations for type, make, budget? What are the better beginner setups? Have looked at Orvis, L.L. Bean catalogs, etc. What do I really need to get started?

Hi Barry I recommend you contact your local fly shop and work with them. Cortland has some nice starter fly rods or you might consider a St.Croix or Reddington. Also ask your local fly shop if they rent rods. Most fly shops do rent equipment and also sell that equipment at the end of the season for a reasonable price. Also if you’ve never fly fished before do yourself a big favor and invest in a casting lesson or two. One hour spent with a casting instructor will save you years of trying to learn by yourself. If your local shop does not have an instructor (not very likely) you can contact the Federation of Fly Fishers and get the name of a Certified instructor near you or the name of the affiliate club near you. If you join the club you can learn from a friend. — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products On line catalog – tips & tricks at: http://www.btsflyfishing.com

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -An all too typical novice question: Present tackle is mainly spinning gear. light rod/reel, 6lb line, used for panfish, trout in samll lakes, bass, etc. Would like to add fly tackle to fish for the same species. Will use the fly tackle here in midwest (SW Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana- lake & small streams) and in Montana, as my son will be in school there(Missoula)and I expect to get there a few times annually. Any recommendations for type, make, budget? What are the better beginner setups? Have looked at Orvis, L.L. Bean catalogs, etc. What do I really need to get started?

I’m sure there are some who will disagree, but check the beginner packages in Cabela’s catalog. They also have higher end stuff. When I started 3 years ago, I purchased a 9′ – 6wt. Pfleuger rod and reel combo for about $120.00. It’s a low-budget set-up but quality enough to let you learn to cast and make a halfway smooth transition to a better rod when your ready. If you go buy a $50.00 rod, it will be harder. I’d recommend spending no more than $200.00 for rod, reel, backing, and line if you’re a beginner. A 30 year flyfisher gave me that advice. I still use that rod, it’s great. Have fun. For what it’s worth, TC

Response:

Question:

Someone posted a really nice list of web sites for flyfishing within the last week, but I inadvertantly deleted it.  Could you be so kind as to re-post it?

Response:

Try http://www.eaglenet.com/PaxP/mstrs/fishing.html

Response:

Question:

I’ll be in California during the last two weeks of this month. Does anyone know of any fishing in the Lake Tahoe area? In addition, I’ll be in and around the Bay area, Santa Cruz area and would like to try my hand at salt water flyfishing. I’ve read about it, never tried it, sounds like a great deal of fun. Suggestions from anyone would be appreciated. Rod

Some good resources for you would be Kiene’s Fly Shop or American Fly Fishing in Sacramento (800.4000FLY and 916.974.0903) for info on Tahoe and call Ernie’s Casting Pond (408.462.4665) for info on the Santa Cruz area. Have a good time. Larry Krum Pacific Grove, California

Response:

You might also check out The Great Outdoors section on Wednesdays in the Sacramento Bee. It has a column on fishing reports throughout the region; sketchy and not a lot on fly fishing specifically. Also, be sure to get a licence.

Response:

Hello Rod, The sierra district stream season opens April 27th and unless the weather is frigid the streams will be pretty blown out with runoff as we have a good snowpack, so you’ll want to concentrate on lakes in the Tahoe area. I don’t have much experience at them but the reservoirs to the north of Tahoe usually have good early fishing for large trout.  It is mostly done by bait dunkers but I would expect streamers might work. Look on a map for Boca, Prosser, and Stampede reservoirs. Every spring I hear of 5-10 pounders caught near the dams at these places. I think you’d do best with a small boat if you can arrange one. Martis Creek reservoir near Truckee should have good C&R nymph fishing. Indian Creek reservoir to the south near Markleeville south of south lake Tahoe should have some stockers and a few holdovers; hare’s ear, prince nymphs, and wooly buggers all work well here. These small lakes are both ideal for float tubes but shore fishing is possible. There are many other small lakes inthe tahoe area that require a short hike in.  Depending on our weather you should be able to hike to some where the ice is just coming off for very hungry trout. Beaches near Santa Cruz have surf perch close in at this time of year. Have a good time, Mark Vinsel – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll be in California during the last two weeks of this month. Does anyone know of any fishing in the Lake Tahoe area? In addition, I’ll be in and around the Bay area, Santa Cruz area and would like to try my hand at salt water flyfishing. I’ve read about it, never tried it, sounds like a great deal of fun. Suggestions from anyone would be appreciated. Rod

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I’ll be in California during the last two weeks of this month. Does anyone know of any fishing in the Lake Tahoe area? In addition, I’ll be in and around the Bay area, Santa Cruz area and would like to try my hand at salt water flyfishing. I’ve read about it, never tried it, sounds like a great deal of fun. Suggestions from anyone would be appreciated. Rod

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Question:

Hi Guys.  I’m slowly getting into fly fishing and wondering about waders.  I only know about Orvis products and the other stuff from Wal-Mart. What other brands are there and not wanting to pay just for the name, what’s the best value for the money.  As you know, the most expensive is not necessarily the best value.

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I like my Hodgman breathable waders.  I’ve fished hard in them for three years now with no problems at all.  I bought mine for less than $160, but the new model is around $215 at Dan Bailey’s. Maybe you can find them cheaper elsewhere.  Dan Baileys sells their own relatively inexpensive breathables for $130. http://www.dan-bailey.com/ Cabelas makes breathables ("Barebones") for $99.00.  Cabelas usually sells good products and stands behind them, but I can’t vouch personally for these waders. http://www.cabelas.com/texis/scripts/store/+/CatalogDisplay/displayPO… Orvis makes an inexpensive line of breathables (Clearwater) for $130.  I haven’t worn them, but that a friend of mine swears they’re great. Unless you’re going to do a lot of fishing in very, very cold water, go for breathable waders rather than neoprene.  You can always wear fleece underwear under the waders. JR — To reply, remove the Qs from the address above

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As you know, the most expensive is not necessarily the best value.

Blasphemy! Hodgeman, Dan Bailey’s, Bare, Ronny, all make good breathable waders for a decent price. LL Bean, Simms, Patagonia make damn good breathable waders for a bigger price but tis the end of season and the 2001s are coming,  check out www.rei-outlet.com and see if they still have last years Patagonia breathables on closeout. — Wayne Knight Expert in creating tailing loops and windknots Otherwise Fishless in Kansas Before you buy.

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Thanks for the advice guys.  Should I stay away from the Wal-Mart stuff? From your replies it looks like the breathable are what I should get, other wise we sweat too much or what? Sparky

Response:

Should I stay away from the Wal-Mart stuff?

Depends on what they sell. From your replies it looks like the breathable are what I should get, other wise we sweat too much or what?

I’m not sure if you actually sweat less in breathables than regular lightweight waders, but it’s more like wearing pants instead of plastic wrap.  You don’t get so clammy.  Because, you know, they "breathe".  You will sweat more in neoprenes, yes. Regards, Jeff

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My Hodgemaan Lakestream 4mm neoprene bootfoot waders lasted me about 4 years before I decided to give up on them.  However, early on, they developed a leak near the crotch seam which I attempted to seal using the repair adhesive that was supplied with the waders.  The Hodgeman adhesive never took hold and it dried into a hard stiff crust.  After a couple of uses, the Aquaseal that I had coated on top of it would be worn out from the crusty Hodgman adhesive rubbing up against from below.  I put even more Aquaseal on top of it but it turns out that a very thick layer of Aquaseal is not as flexible as the thin layer and it will eventually crack with repeated flexion.  So I gave up on them.  However, the later leaks that did occur, whether due to punctures or worn seams, I was able to repair (permanently) with a thin coat of Aquaseal w/o difficulty.  The Thinsulate layered boots were very warm and I usually only required a single sock even in freezing temperatures – the tradeoff was that the boots did not fit tightly so there was even less ankle support than what little you’d expect from bootfoot waders in the first place. The layer of air between my foot and the boot kept my toes warm.  The seams on the Hodgman Lakestream are glued and stitched but are not taped.  The connection between the boot and the neoprene held up very well and I never had a problem on either foot.  These cost between $99 and $119 typically.   Although I own a pair of Orvis (stockingfoot) breathables, which IMO have an extremely fair and honest warranty policy, I might buy another pair of Hodgeman neoprene bootfoots for: Saltwater 1) metal components on my standard wading boots face corrosion 2) even with gravel guards and a flats bootie, the pounding surf will force sand into the footwear. Float Tubing 1) your butt will get damp in breathable waders Extreme situations 1) if you are going to be in the water most of the time; your breathable waders won’t breath when submerged (though I suppose the vapor could escape out the top of your waders) 2) except perhaps for the Kevlar-coated breathable waders worn over thick plush polyester underwear, neoprene offers greater physical protection against prickly plants and jagged rocks. 3) on the coldest days, I still prefer neoprene bootfoot waders. The above is based on my preferences.  YMMV. Mu

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Hi Guys.  I’m slowly getting into fly fishing and wondering about waders.  I only know about Orvis products and the other stuff from Wal-Mart. What other brands are there and not wanting to pay just for the name, what’s the best value for the money.  As you know, the most expensive is not necessarily the best value. diawa waders are great

Before you buy.

Response:

Hi, I am from New Brunswick Canada. I am a beginner in fly fishing. I just subcribed to this group. I would like to know if anyone could advise me on waders purchasing. I am looking for chest waders and I visited a few fishing equ. supply stores. I would like to know if  particular brands are more durable than others and any information to know before bying.   Tanks in advance for any advice. Pete.

Response:

Pete;         It depends of what seasons and type of water you will be fishing. I fish in all weather and times of year, mostly from a float tube, and so like 5mil waders; the extra warmth is worth a little discomfort during the warmer weather. I have found the waders sold by Cabelas to be a good value. Ken…

Response:

Hi, I am from New Brunswick Canada. I am a beginner in fly fishing. I just subcribed to this group. I would like to know if anyone could advise me on waders purchasing. I am looking for chest waders and I visited a few fishing equ. supply stores. I would like to know if  particular brands are more durable than others and any information to know before

Two basic choices: — boot-foot or stocking-foot (with separate shoes); — material:  expanded foam, traditional rubber on canvas, or all latex. These days stocking-foots of expanded foam predominate among serious fly fishers.  But many Canadian stores stock nothing but rubber boot-foot waders (always heavy and sometimes too hot for summer use.) The most practical outfit is also the cheapest — all-latex stocking-foots with boots of your choice.  (I wear Seal-Dri latex with Converse boots, felt-soled with hard rubber toecap on fabric uppers.) So long as you buy boots large enough to wear 3 pairs of socks as well, this outfit does for both summer and winter fishing (with or without long johns etc.) But foam may be driving latex off the market. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

Hi, I am from New Brunswick Canada. I am a beginner in fly fishing. I just subcribed to this group. I would like to know if anyone could advise me on waders purchasing. I am looking for chest waders and I visited a few fishing equ. supply stores. I would like to know if  particular brands are more durable than others and any information to know before bying.   Tanks in advance for any advice. Pete.

Wardell and Bare are Canadian brands that are also sold in the US. They are both good companies with fine products. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <snip senseless twittering By the by, Charles, would this also be the same reason that you feel you must also top post?  If so, would I be stepping beyond the proper by asking that you dispatch the vile creature with a rather swiftly-deployed blow to the solar plexus…or a quick kick to the nards… Hoping with all earnestness that this truly helps, Hughsford Gentlingham Rectionsfield Who is this dude? Head marm of the Usenet?

Yes. — HTH, Tim

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HTH,

It did. Thanks. Russell And I was thinkin he was a kook.

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HTH, It did. Thanks. Russell And I was thinkin he was a kook.

Well, the resemblance IS uncanny. Wolfgang

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Maybe he is jealous as he has not a pair of waders to his name???????

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HTH, It did. Thanks. Russell And I was thinkin he was a kook. Well, the resemblance IS uncanny. Wolfgang

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <snip senseless twittering By the by, Charles, would this also be the same reason that you feel you must also top post?  If so, would I be stepping beyond the proper by asking that you dispatch the vile creature with a rather swiftly-deployed blow to the solar plexus…or a quick kick to the nards… Hoping with all earnestness that this truly helps, Hughsford Gentlingham Rectionsfield Who is this dude? Head marm of the Usenet? Yes.

!! Does Tony G. know about this?? /daytripper (anyone see some stray catz comin’ by this dump?

Response:

<snip senseless twittering By the by, Charles, would this also be the same reason that you feel you must also top post?  If so, would I be stepping beyond the proper by asking that you dispatch the vile creature with a rather swiftly-deployed blow to the solar plexus…or a quick kick to the nards… Hoping with all earnestness that this truly helps, Hughsford Gentlingham Rectionsfield

Who is this dude? Head marm of the Usenet? Russell

Response:

Why must you say?  Is there some huge demented freak standing there with a large-caliber weapon trained upon your person?  If so, you do so truly have my deepest sympathy and condolences.  By the by, Charles, would this also be the same reason that you feel you must also top post?  If so, would I be stepping beyond the proper by asking that you dispatch the vile creature with a rather swiftly-deployed blow to the solar plexus…or a quick kick to the nards… Hoping with all earnestness that this truly helps, Hughsford Gentlingham Rectionsfield – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I had a pair and they leaked like crazy, took them back and went out and spent the big bucks on a pair of orvis stocking foot waders….quite expensive i must say,,,,,,,but they are awesome. Does anyone know anything about Hodgman Wadelite Chest Waders?  First of all, do people like them?  Second, I am wondering if I should get xl or xxl (by mail).  I’m tall and thin, so if xxl is the same height as xl, just wider, I guess xl is my best bet.

Response:

I had a pair and they leaked like crazy, took them back and went out and spent the big bucks on a pair of orvis stocking foot waders….quite expensive i must say,,,,,,,but they are awesome.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone know anything about Hodgman Wadelite Chest Waders?  First of all, do people like them?  Second, I am wondering if I should get xl or xxl (by mail).  I’m tall and thin, so if xxl is the same height as xl, just wider, I guess xl is my best bet.

Response:

Does anyone know anything about Hodgman Wadelite Chest Waders?  First of all, do people like them?  Second, I am wondering if I should get xl or xxl (by mail).  I’m tall and thin, so if xxl is the same height as xl, just wider, I guess xl is my best bet.

I am not sure, if these are the waders you are lokking for, but it might help you. http://www.outdoorreview.com/pscFlyfishing,Equipment/Flyfishing,Appar… ers/PLS_1395_72crx.aspx If this link does not work, have a look at www.outdoorreview.com and search in the categorie flyfishing. Good luck Wim

Response:

Does anyone know anything about Hodgman Wadelite Chest Waders?  First of all, do people like them?  Second, I am wondering if I should get xl or xxl (by mail).  I’m tall and thin, so if xxl is the same height as xl, just wider, I guess xl is my best bet.

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Does anyone know anything about Hodgman Wadelite Chest Waders?

No.  No one in this group has ever heard of them. Wolfgang

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I just bought a pair and will try them out this Sunday. Iv talked to two people in our club who have them and are happy with them. — Fly Fisherman With a Furless Naked Cat named Dub.

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If anyone could please help with information on purchasing waders, I would greatly appreciate it. I am on a modest budget. Also, I don’t know what is meant by stocking foot, etc., so please educate this knowless fisher. Thanks, Matt

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<<If anyone could please help with information on purchasing waders, I would greatly appreciate it. I bought cabellas for both my neoprenes (stockingfoot, meaning I had to also buy boots<with felt soles for better traction) and my rubber coated canvas boot soled (so I didnt have to buy boots) waders. Cabellas quality is quite high and I have been very happy. A friend on the neversink river in the catskills, likes redball. I plan to buy red ball hip boots next spring.After all you can never have too many different ways to get into the stream. In Montana I just wore jeans, but it is nice to stay dry. Sean Skilling

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Question:

From root Fri Mar 26 08:16:39 1993 Received: from macadam.mpce.mq.edu.au by galen.med.Virginia.EDU (AIX 3.1/UCB 5.61/1.34) Received: from ipc15.mpce.mq.edu.au by macadam.mpce.mq.edu.au (5.64+/1.1) Received: by ipc15.mpce.mq.edu.au.mpce.mq.edu.au (5.64+/SMI-4.1) Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing Organization: Macquarie University, School of Mathematics, Physics, Computing and Electronics Status: OR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -What is a flathead? Jit Keith Boyd writes: Damn, don’t they have dictionary’s where you are??  Or are you just too lazy to look it up??   Flathead Catfish – (Plyodictis olivaris) – a large yellowish brown-mottled catfish of the central and Gulf States.   Taken from Webster’s Ninth Coll. (and no they don’t meow, they have "whiskers") Keith And no, the "whiskers" won’t sting ya’…… unless, of course, you’re wading and fly fishing! bobby — "I have been told that men are natural warriors and killers and that women are naturally kind, natural mothers, the protectors of stray cats and waifs." – Jack O’Connor – Complete Book of Shooting – 1965

Yo Bobby,         You might want to post this since I can’t, i only have read access to the net, but I thought I might enlighten you about the Australian Flathead.         It is no relation to any catfish we have but is (if you know where to go) a rather large, good fighting and good eating fish, with dangerously sharp spikes on the sides of it’s  head that can rip flesh to pieces, so so much for the quote they won’t sting,         but if you ever get the chance to chase some of our flathead, it’s one of the best fishing experiences you’ll get down here. Rob McNaught. * I’m not crazy                          * Robert McNaught.                    * * is insane.                             *                                     * — "I have been told that men are natural warriors and killers and that women are naturally kind, natural mothers, the protectors of stray cats and waifs." – Jack O’Connor – Complete Book of Shooting – 1965

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -From root Fri Mar 26 08:16:39 1993 Received: from macadam.mpce.mq.edu.au by galen.med.Virginia.EDU (AIX 3.1/UCB 5.61/1.34) Received: from ipc15.mpce.mq.edu.au by macadam.mpce.mq.edu.au (5.64+/1.1) Received: by ipc15.mpce.mq.edu.au.mpce.mq.edu.au (5.64+/SMI-4.1) Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing Organization: Macquarie University, School of Mathematics, Physics, Computing and Electronics Status: OR What is a flathead? Jit Keith Boyd writes: Damn, don’t they have dictionary’s where you are??  Or are you just too lazy to look it up??

*  Kieth:  If you are so damned hot with a Webster’s, learn how to spell.                      It’s "dictionaries" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Flathead Catfish – (Plyodictis olivaris) – a large yellowish brown-mottled catfish of the central and Gulf States.   Taken from Webster’s Ninth Coll. (and no they don’t meow, they have "whiskers") Keith And no, the "whiskers" won’t sting ya’…… unless, of course, you’re wading and fly fishing! bobby — "I have been told that men are natural warriors and killers and that women are naturally kind, natural mothers, the protectors of stray cats and waifs." – Jack O’Connor – Complete Book of Shooting – 1965 Yo Bobby,    You might want to post this since I can’t, i only have read access to the net, but I thought I might enlighten you about the Australian Flathead.    It is no relation to any catfish we have but is (if you know where to go) a rather large, good fighting and good eating fish, with dangerously sharp spikes on the sides of it’s  head that can rip flesh to pieces, so so much for the quote they won’t sting,    but if you ever get the chance to chase some of our flathead, it’s one of the best fishing experiences you’ll get down here. Rob McNaught. * I’m not crazy                          * Robert McNaught.                    * * is insane.                             *                                     * — "I have been told that men are natural warriors and killers and that women are naturally kind, natural mothers, the protectors of stray cats and waifs." – Jack O’Connor – Complete Book of Shooting – 1965

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