Question:

Fished my favorite local stream today.  Testing out the back after the new treatment.  WOO WOO!  Fished for five hours and my only complaint was cold feet (as in, "who switched my feet for these bricks"). Got to the Patapsco, below Daniels Dam (Old Fredrick Rd turnout) at about 8 a.m.  Water was 48 degrees, air about 50, foggy with a light breeze. I walked up to my favorite pool and started casting a size 14 wooly bugger. After two 10 inch stocker rainbows in the riffle, I started up a conversation with an older gentleman on the walking path.  Turns out that he is a "retired" fly fisherman who can no longer wade due to two artificial hips and some heart problems.  The sun had come out and he pointed out some fish rising in the next pool down.  He then "guided" me into position by spotting my traverse across the stream.  I stayed wonderfully dry because of him. With his advice, I got into perfect position behind a rock.  I was high enough out of the water to make a decent cast, but shielded from the fishes view by the rock.  There were about twenty fish rising in a 20 foot circle. I looked on the water and saw some tiny size 30 black gnats floating by. Well, didn’t have anything that small, so settled on a 22 Griffiths Gnat. No dice.  They splashed all around it.  I retied on the black wooly bugger, but again, no joy.  I then remembered a fly in my box that I learned about whilst inspecting the Pirate’s Dry Fly Larder (the man will never again have to tie a dry).  It was a size 16 parachute Hare’s Ear.  Chaching!  These guys couldn’t get enough of it.  About every third to fifth cast I was into another fish.  One fish was still bleeding slightly in the other side of the mouth from where I had hooked him before. Man, I love stupid fish.  Even got a very confused smallie (still had his winter coat on). When the action slowed down, I looked up and the gentleman was still there, sitting on a log.  I offered him my rod, but he refused.  He didn’t buy a license and was "adding a bit of English to my casts."  We chatted for a bit more and then the fish started rising again.  When action eased, I looked up and he was gone.  I want to thank him and all other "stream side angels." He was indeed fishing without a license, but my license worked for him, because I became his arms and legs for just a bit.  My cast straightened out, my fly selection was spot on and the fish were fearless.  I firmly believe that more than words pass between master and apprentice and today, while fishing that little circle of fish, that connection with this nameless gentleman, with the Pirate, with old Floyd Turnbull who took me fishing as a kid, and many, many others, was made. I sat on that pool all morning.  Others came by and said those were the only rising fish in two miles of river.  I sat on a rock and had my sandwich with my line in the water (still my pool, dammit!).  While sitting there, a huge (for the Patapsco) trout, about 18-20 inches, flashed about ten feet out from the rock.  I sat there for a 45 minutes casting everything in my flybox, hare’s ears, pheasant tails, wooly buggers, usuals, biots, nothing worked, even though he continued to flash and dart around.  That ethereal link was still there, but there are some fish that you aren’t meant to catch. A front came through at about one o’clock, clouds, sprinkles and wind.  Shut the fish down.  I didn’t mind.  I’d had a good morning, the fishing lust was sated, and I had reached a new level in my relationship with the water, and, my past. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply.

Response:

……a "retired" fly fisherman who can no longer wade due to two artificial hips and some heart problems.  The sun had come out and he pointed out some fish rising in the next pool down.  He then "guided" me into position by spotting my traverse across the stream…….

What greater ambition for a fly fisher than to BE that old man? Wolfgang see you at penn’s

Response:

Fished my favorite local stream today.  Testing out the back after the new treatment.

        (snip)         i am once again reminded of the best argument for the existence of this group–gifts such as that i snipped, above. your friend in the old north state wayno

Response:

Frank Reid wrote…

<snipped a wonderful TR A front came through at about one o’clock, clouds, sprinkles and wind.  Shut the fish down.  I didn’t mind.  I’d had a good morning, the fishing lust was sated, and I had reached a new level in my relationship with the water, and, my past.

Thanks for sharing that Frank.  Gems like that are what keep me coming back here. — Warren Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

Response:

but there are some fish that you aren’t meant to catch.

Boy, that’s an evocative line…thanks for the TR, Frank. – Sid

Response:

What greater ambition for a fly fisher than to BE that old man? Wolfgang see you at penn’s

To BE that old fly fisher and married to Anna Nicole Smith for her money?         Frank

Response:

What greater ambition for a fly fisher than to BE that old man? Wolfgang see you at penn’s To BE that old fly fisher and married to Anna Nicole Smith for her money?         Frank

See, that’s what we love about this place…….no question asked in good faith will go unanswered!     Wolfgang

Response:

What greater ambition for a fly fisher than to BE that old man? Wolfgang see you at penn’s To BE that old fly fisher and married to Anna Nicole Smith for her money?         Frank

Something tells me she’d insist on a strong pre-nup…

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What greater ambition for a fly fisher than to BE that old man? Wolfgang see you at penn’s To BE that old fly fisher and married to Anna Nicole Smith for her money?         Frank Something tells me she’d insist on a strong pre-nup…

Anything she wants!! Scott

Response:

Fished my favorite local stream today.  

Great story, Frank. That was a special day that I’ll think will stay with you. Willi

Response:

Question:

my god, stefan, as they say in rowan county, you ain’t worth shootin’! your friend in the old north state wayno

Sounds comforting, since I haven

Question:

….There is nothing more fun than tying flies from a Pheasant skin.

"Wolfgang wrote Geez Ernie, I don’t know quite how to put this Wolfgang "She said, that ain’t the way to have fun, son"

Wolfie, Just wait until you are 70 before commenting. Ernie

Wolfie, you don’t have to be 70 to agree with Ernie!  You can loose it by 48 too! — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

Response:

irridescent body feathers,go to make up a Jack Gartside pattern, the Sparrow. A very versatile subsurface fly, can be nymph or minnow.                             Tom Littleton

Use the reddish colored ones for a rusty sparrow. Heavily weighted it is a great crawfish pattern. Fish it with the old Heave it and leave it technique. Everything on this fly moves with very little current. Big Dale – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Do you people know any pattern that requires pheasant feathers, other than the tail? Cheers, Peter.

I tie a nymph for lakes with the marabou type fluff from the rump feather and a dubbed body color to match the fluff with a gold rib. Looks like a really dark hares ear with a fluffy tail. Simple pattern to tie and is quite effective. Darin

Response:

This is simply not true.  Mobile fibres such as marabou, polar bear hear, cat fur, and several others will simply not behave like this.  If a fly tied with such fibres is placed in water and left immobile, the fibres tend to fill out to their full volume,and wave around with every nuance of the current.  When pulled through the water, the fibres compress as a result of the ensuing water resistance, and many such flies assume a streamlined, torpedo like appearance in such circumstances.

Hmm in my experience Polar bear is very stiff and brittle. THe attractive thing about polar bear is that it is translucent. Tying streamers with polar bear creates a baitfish imitation that is translucent, much like many baitfish. I find it nothing like maribou, and I had to promise to leave the damn cats alone Ernie,  There is a pattern up here in Maine, called the muddler hopper that uses those nicely patterned feathers from the back of the pheasant as a wing. essentially the pattern is a muddler headed hopper pattern, very effective and we fish them like dalhberg divers once they begin to sink. Brookies love ‘em Flyfish – countdown to the clave!

Response:

Hmm in my experience Polar bear is very stiff and brittle. THe attractive thing about polar bear is that it is translucent.

One word: Icelandic Sheep.  OK, 2. Regards, Jeff

Response:

The blue rump fleathers can be used as eyes on baitfish imitations or wound as hackles on soft hackle flies. Tom ‘for the children of the world’  is a non-profit organization in the state of Washington that aids the child victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster.  Visit our website at: http://www.forworldschildren.org – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <snip Various short but passionate affairs with some materials, very often originally based on nothing more concrete than a desire to avoid wasting them, the plumulaceous base feathers from the common pheasant being a case in point, with rather disappointing results, have somewhat dampened my enthusiasm for experimentation in this regard. A hunting friend just gave me a complete pheasant skin to tie flies from. Apart from the tail feathers I use for various nymphs, I have not used pheasant  for any flies. Do you people know any pattern that requires pheasant feathers, other than the tail? Cheers, Peter.

–

Response:

This is simply not true.  Mobile fibres such as marabou, polar bear hear, cat fur, and several others will simply not behave like this.  If a fly tied with such fibres is placed in water and left immobile, the fibres tend to fill out to their full volume,and wave around with every nuance of the current.  When pulled through the water, the fibres compress as a result of the ensuing water resistance, and many such flies assume a streamlined, torpedo like appearance in such circumstances. When fished "sink and draw", that is to say, pulled, and then stopped, and then pulled again, such fibre bunches  tend to "pulse", as they are alternately compressed, and then released from compression. Presumably it is the apparent indication of life imparted by such "pulsing" and other movement, which causes many fish to attack them.  When fishing downstream ,on a tight line in heavy current for instance, such "pulsing" may be only slight, or even non existent, as the current is never weak enough to allow the fibres to fluff out to their full volume, and the flies retain a streamlined shape irrespective of manipulation by the rod and line. In heavy currents etc , other more robust, or springy, fibres must be used to achieve such effects.  The flies must be tied to suit the circumstances. Failure to appreciate this quite simple fact, will result in less fish being caught Some flies may have a particular shape or appearance in air, but it is not sensible to assume that they will retain such an appearance in water, which is quite obviously a completely different medium.  Their BEHAVIOUR, or FUNCTION, if you prefer,  may also be completely different.This is not entirely dependent on the materials used in their construction, but also the way in which they are used, and under what circumstances.  Wetting a fly and then looking at it in air is not a viable test, it must be completely immersed in water, and its various properties tested, if one wishes to know how it will behave under similar circumstances. Some things may be inferred from experience, or previous knowledge of certain fibres, without these tests, but only such tests are proof positive. You may check this quite easily, it is not necessary to take my word for it, just fill a sink with water and pull a fly tied like this through it. Then pull some others through as well, you will notice massive differences in their respective behaviour immediately. Exactly the same applies for soft hackled wet flies, which is why the patterns mentioned, when tied in this specific way, are not suitable for upstream fishing, or at least not as suitable as others.  Streamlined nymphal shapes, with a translucent, waving or "wriggling" body effect, as you put it, will only be apparent when the flies are pulled through the water, or at least held in the current, which is basically the same thing. Compressive fibre streamlining occurs as a direct result of water resistance. Without this they will not compress. Water resistance forces the fibres backwards, veiling the body, and this will then be an excellent imitation of an active swimming nymph. Or a fish for instance, in the case of some lures etc. This will only occur if the fly is pulled through the water, ( retrieved), or fished downstream on a tight line. In  ALL OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES the fly will not assume such an appearance. There are many variables here, and one may pursue such studies into realms of detail far beyond the scope or interest of most anglers. Various fibres behave in various ways, and there are a considerable number of excellent and valid reasons why most of these flies are tied with specific feathers. While it may be true that flies tied with somewhat less attention to detail, and with substitute feathers, still catch fish, it is my experience, and that of many others, that they are nowhere near as effective as the original patterns tied correctly.   If as you say you have noticed no difference, then that forces me to a number of conclusions. The first one is, if it does not matter as you say, then why are you arguing so vehemently against it? The second one is, as I know this to be an easily demonstrable fact, I am bound to assume that you have not tried it, as otherwise you could not possibly have a differing opinion. This subject is simply not a matter of opinion, it is a matter of known fact. The third one is, as I already stated, the originals, tied ( and fished! ),correctly, catch more fish. In order to know this you must have either tried it, or at least have it on hearsay that this is so. As you have obviously not tried the originals, or even apparently heard any reliable evidence to support this idea, you are in no position to argue as to its veracity. Fourthly, ease of tying is not my main criterion when tying flies, in fact it is not usually even a criterion at all. As an argument in favour of using less suitable materials, it is pure nonsense. If you can not tie flies using these materials, either due to a lack of manipulatory skill, or simply because you are unable to obtain them, then that is most unfortunate for you, but it is not a valid reason for arguing against others doing so. My flies are tied purely to catch fish, and they do so, with remarkable regularity and consistency. I do not really give a tinker

Question:

Hi all, I will be in Lake Placid next week, anyone know the conditions/hatches on the west branch? Thanks! Bob

Response:

A few of us fished it last weekend. The river was fishing rather well. In the evening there were tricos, LARGE stoneflies and small yellow stones with a few caddis. Stop into Fran Betters shop and ask what the river is doing. He is usually tying up flies to match the hatch. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all, I will be in Lake Placid next week, anyone know the conditions/hatches on the west branch? Thanks! Bob

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Paul Goodwin writes: A few of us fished it last weekend. The river was fishing rather well. In the evening there were tricos, LARGE stoneflies and small yellow stones with a few caddis. Stop into Fran Betters shop and ask what the river is doing. He is usually tying up flies to match the hatch. Paul Hi all, I will be in Lake Placid next week, anyone know the conditions/hatches on the west branch? Thanks! Bob

Yes, the river was fishing quite well.  Took some nice browns on cream colored nymps fished deep and slow.  Some surface activity — tricos and emerging midges.  Fran Betters will sell you some flies that you do not have in your fly box.  <g Dave LaCourse

Response:

Two report pages: http://www.ausablewulff.com/updates.html http://www.ausableriversportshop.com/conditions.htm Obviously the first is out of date, so email or call from the home page.  The second is obviously more up-to-date, but I have to comment on something interesting there.  On the ausableriversportshop.com home page, it says "…the Conditions page – it will give you an honest, accurate account of what’s happening on the river today."  Well, how honest is that?  At the top it says "Today is Friday August 11."  That is, that’s what it says for *you*, if you’re reading it today, Aug 11.  But that’s not what it says for me, because I was doing a little playing with my computer and changed the date (for a different reason).  Point being, they imply the page is updated each day, but in fact it just picks that date up from whatever the current date is set to on your computer! Regards, Jeff

Response:

I was in Syracuse for the TU convention. I heard mixed reports on the Ausable. Some good; some not so good. Al << Hi all, I will be in Lake Placid next week, anyone know the conditions/hatches on the west branch? Thanks! Bob

Response:

Question:

BTY I just read an article about the state of Wisconsin purchasing a 32,000 acre tract of land. Nice purchase by the people of Wisconsin.

I missed that one Willi.  What tract, where?

Response:

don’t have much info. This is from Nature Conservancy magazine:  "The State with support from Nature’s Conservancy purchased 32,00 acres, including significant natural areas properties adjacent to Nature Conservancy preserves, using funds from the Stewardship Fund. The the program for the next 10 years." Willi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – BTY I just read an article about the state of Wisconsin purchasing a 32,000 acre tract of land. Nice purchase by the people of Wisconsin. I missed that one Willi.  What tract, where?

Response:

Constantly freezing guides and line are not very fun. When the water is extremely cold the fish don’t feed often, won’t move to take a fly and generally fight like an old boot. I have to have cabin fever pretty bad to fish during that kind of weather. In the West (Southwest too) we have spells of nice weather, most years, all through the winter. A couple days of nice weather will generally get a few fish moving during the warmest part of the day. Willi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Willi, I live out in the Southwest and I have fished in the snow.  I mostly froze my butt off and didn’t catch anything.  You were a lucky dude to get in a few casts and have some fun. I remember fishing one creek in the mountains where I think the water was below freezing or right near freezing.  My fly line and leader was a long icicle. Eric It’s fairly warm but the skies are overcast and snow is falling.  I had about an hour or so free late this afternoon and I went to an area where I’ve been seeing some surface midging trout. Although I’m not too fond of the snow, the fish did seem to like the overcast skies. In areas where I had been finding single feeding fish, there were small pods of fish. Sometimes during overcast days even in the Winter, a very tiny BWO comes off. But none were to be found and the fish were feeding on the midges that they normally do this time of year. I approached the first pod of fish. Even with the low clear water, the overcast skies allowed me to get much closer to the fish than our more normal sunny skies do. At this distance, a good cast was easy as was following the tiny fly with my aging eyesight. The first cast resulted in a Rainbow whose fight put down the rest of that pod of fish. I waded downstream and approached the next pod of fish. Same result, one cast one Rainbow and the rest put down. I again went downstream and found another pod. First cast, no take. Second cast a Brown. I quit with that one. Good day, four casts and three fish! Cloud cover sure helps. Willi

Response:

Willi, I live out in the Southwest and I have fished in the snow.  I mostly froze my butt off and didn’t catch anything.  You were a lucky dude to get in a few casts and have some fun. I remember fishing one creek in the mountains where I think the water was below freezing or right near freezing.  My fly line and leader was a long icicle. Eric – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s fairly warm but the skies are overcast and snow is falling.  I had about an hour or so free late this afternoon and I went to an area where I’ve been seeing some surface midging trout. Although I’m not too fond of the snow, the fish did seem to like the overcast skies. In areas where I had been finding single feeding fish, there were small pods of fish. Sometimes during overcast days even in the Winter, a very tiny BWO comes off. But none were to be found and the fish were feeding on the midges that they normally do this time of year. I approached the first pod of fish. Even with the low clear water, the overcast skies allowed me to get much closer to the fish than our more normal sunny skies do. At this distance, a good cast was easy as was following the tiny fly with my aging eyesight. The first cast resulted in a Rainbow whose fight put down the rest of that pod of fish. I waded downstream and approached the next pod of fish. Same result, one cast one Rainbow and the rest put down. I again went downstream and found another pod. First cast, no take. Second cast a Brown. I quit with that one. Good day, four casts and three fish! Cloud cover sure helps. Willi

Response:

It’s fairly warm but the skies are overcast and snow is falling.  I had about an hour or so free late this afternoon and I went to an area where I’ve been seeing some surface midging trout. Although I’m not too fond of the snow, the fish did seem to like the overcast skies. In areas where I had been finding single feeding fish, there were small pods of fish. Sometimes during overcast days even in the Winter, a very tiny BWO comes off. But none were to be found and the fish were feeding on the midges that they normally do this time of year. I approached the first pod of fish. Even with the low clear water, the overcast skies allowed me to get much closer to the fish than our more normal sunny skies do. At this distance, a good cast was easy as was following the tiny fly with my aging eyesight. The first cast resulted in a Rainbow whose fight put down the rest of that pod of fish. I waded downstream and approached the next pod of fish. Same result, one cast one Rainbow and the rest put down. I again went downstream and found another pod. First cast, no take. Second cast a Brown. I quit with that one. Good day, four casts and three fish! Cloud cover sure helps. Willi

Response:

It’s fairly warm but the skies are overcast and snow is falling. (another nifty description of just one more day in paradise)

        you do appreciate it, don’t you, willi?  living where and how you live?  i thought so. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Willi

Response:

I do appreciate what I have. Fishing is and has been a big part of my life and has always been a consideration when deciding where to live and how to support myself. I’m self employed with a small business and the benefits of self employment are a mixed bag. I can get away from the business for frequent one to four hour outings but a "real" vacation is very difficult. It’s been several years since I’ve taken off more than four days. This lack of extended time off, I work at least a few hours seven days a week, has made me look closely at nearby waters. An hours drive one way is two hours less fishing. These local waters are generally ignored by other anglers. It seems that for most people, farther is better and famous or well known even more so.  In everywhere I’ve lived except Chicago (where I grew up) I was able to find such places. For the last 12 years I’ve lived on the edge of a metropolitan area of about 250,000 people with lots of fishermen. I fish a major river that runs through town and is passed by thousands of anglers on their way to work each day. Yet this eight mile stretch from the foothills until the river becomes too warm to support trout has MUCH less fishing pressure than any other area with public access on the 50 miles further upstream. Until the last four or five years, another angler more than a 100 yards from any point where a road crosses the river was an extremely rare occurrence. There are still a few stretches that get literally no pressure and even the most "crowded" ones may have one angler per 1/2 mile of river during prime time. IMHO, this area also has higher quality fish. It hasn’t been stocked in a VERY long time, the fish average about 4" larger than in the upstream sections, and there are a few VERY large fish around. However, the fishing is difficult. The density of the trout population is relatively low. The river is much more fertile (for a number of reasons both good and bad) so the fish can be choosy in when and how they feed. This is one of the things that keeps anglers away. My guess is that many people fish the area once or twice and write the area off as fishless. There are places similar to this area all over the country. They are worth checking out and getting to know them. In areas where lake fishing is popular, it may be a stream or river. Where streams are popular, it might be a pond or lake. Many of them are only productive certain times of the year and their secrets can be difficult to learn. Another bonus in these areas is the wide variety of wildlife these areas attract. Since they generally run through developed areas and the wildlife gets concentrated into these riparian areas. Check out your local waters well. Well known places aren’t always better. BTY I just read an article about the state of Wisconsin purchasing a 32,000 acre tract of land. Nice purchase by the people of Wisconsin. Willi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s fairly warm but the skies are overcast and snow is falling. (another nifty description of just one more day in paradise)         you do appreciate it, don’t you, willi?  living where and how you live?  i thought so. wayno Willi

Response:

Question:

(Michael Leitheiser) writes: If ;you are only 5 yrs old I have to say congratulations on managing to accumulate such an admirable collection of quality equipment to swap for good cane…..If you are 104, I would have thought you would already have some great cane..(<:

I’m forty, been fly fishing since ‘94 and own a few good cane rods but what can I say, I’m a greedy SOB. Besides my Winstons and T&T’s aren’t on that list. Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

Response:

What sort of cane rod are you planning on buying that needs such a clear-out?  If you want two beautiful cane rods at reasonable prices, drop me a line and I’ll put you in touch with Ted Knott.  He’ll custom make your two rods for a total of approx. $1,500.00 US.  I have his 7′ 4/5 wt. and believe me, it’s a gem.

Thanks I know of Mr. Knott, he has a good reputation. We are talking Leonards, Summers, and or a Howells. They don’t come along every day. The CFO is yours, Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

Response:

OK folks, chance to get some top quality gear at good prices and help me buy two cane rods I have a major lust for. Those offended by personal for sale adds should not read further. For Sale Sage 490-3 SP, Custom made by Dorothy Schramm for the 1998 trout bum bar b que- $375, or combo with UNUSED Lamson LP 1.5 and SA Mastery 4WF for $550. Excellent Condition She does great work. T&T Paradigm 490-3, Excellent Condition, very little use $425 or Combo with Orvis CFOIII (special silver edition) and line for $575. To buy this baby new in this combo will cost you over $850. Or if you want something better in a reel I will consider a Hardy UL Disk reel though the price will be a little higher. Sage 586-3 LL, Rod is great shape, thanks to a canoe accident is 2/3 new, (Sage replaced the top two sections). This is a great Spring Creek or Dry Fly rod. I fish it with a 6DT. Asking $300 for the rod though I’m sure I can combo it if that is what it takes. Sage 586-3 SP, Custom Made by Dorothy Schramm for the 1999 Trout Bum Bar B Que. I paid $400 for it at auction, that’s what I’m asking for it. Unfished and beautiful attention to detail. I can combo it with another Hardy UL Disk if that is what it takes. Sage 589-5 SP, I hate to part with this one…the Sage 5 pc SP with extra tip. Great rod which will cost you almost $700 new. Little use so far and in excellent Condition. Asking $525, will combo with Sage 3200 reel and SA XPS 5 wt line for $725. Diamondback 904/5-4 Fast rod, great entry level $150 (4/5 wt) Diamondback 909-3 Great chance for saltwater salmon rod in almost new condition-$150. Have a Marryat 9A with two spools will consider in Combo, but that reels goes for almost $400 + the spool but will combo for $350. Orvis, CFO 123 with two spools, good condition $150. All rods include socks & tubes, reels have cases. I pay ground shipping in the 48 states. I feel these are excellent rods & reels at good prices. Sorry warranties are not transferable but if you should bust one, I’ve been around since ‘94 and don’t intend upon dying anytime soon so I’ll help you get warranty coverage. It is not everyday you get a chance to buy a Summers and a Leonard in excellent condition. Thanks Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

Response:

Wayne What sort of cane rod are you planning on buying that needs such a clear-out?  If you want two beautiful cane rods at reasonable prices, drop me a line and I’ll put you in touch with Ted Knott.  He’ll custom make your two rods for a total of approx. $1,500.00 US.  I have his 7′ 4/5 wt. and believe me, it’s a gem. BTW, I’m very interested in your CFO 123 and spools but I won’t be able to send you cash until after I get back from my holidays the second week of August  (I’m leaving in a couple of days.)  Can you hold them for me?  It’s a guaranteed $150.00 sale, no backing out. ROFFian honour. Peter

Response:

If ;you are only 5 yrs old I have to say congratulations on managing to accumulate such an admirable collection of quality equipment to swap for good cane…..If you are 104, I would have thought you would already have some great cane..(<: OK folks, chance to get some top quality gear at good prices and help me buy two cane rods I have a major lust for.

Lots of stuff snipped Sorry, warranties are not transferable but if you should bust one, I’ve been around since ‘94 and don’t intend upon dying anytime soon so I’ll help you get warranty coverage. It is not everyday you get a chance to buy a Summers and a Leonard in excellent condition. Thanks Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

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

Response:

Question:

Damn!  I know that Eagle Claw was a cheap rod but I didn’t expect it to snap into on the third use!  This 7′ graphite rod broke about 1 inch above the graphite ferrule.  Any way to apply a new graphite ferrule?  I can find metal ferrules but not graphite.  This rod only cost me $30.  Worth salvaging or should I simply chuck it and buy another?  This was my 3 wt. temp. rod George. Where is my Bastard?  No small stream fishing this weekend and its 60 here today! Wayne to fish is human….to release divine

Response:

Damn!  I know that Eagle Claw was a cheap rod but I didn’t expect it to snap into on the third use!  This 7′ graphite rod broke about 1 inch above the graphite ferrule.  Any way to apply a new graphite ferrule?  I can find metal ferrules but not graphite.  This rod only cost me $30.  Worth salvaging or should I simply chuck it and buy another?  This was my 3 wt. temp. rod George. Where is my Bastard?  No small stream fishing this weekend and its 60 here today! Wayne to fish is human….to release divine

Hi Wayne, The least expensive rod that I know of that has an unconditional warranty is the third break. Bill Kiene (capitalist pig) Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 1-800-4000FLY (toll free in US) www.kiene.com

Response:

I think you’re right Bill.  I think I’ll chuck the Eagle Claw and look at either the St. Croix (I tried an Avid series at the show and liked it a lot) or the Diamondback 6′6" All American in 3 wt.  The St. Croix only comes in 7′ and I was thinking of something a little shorter in my original quest. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Wayne, The least expensive rod that I know of that has an unconditional warranty is the the third break. Bill Kiene (capitalist pig) Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 1-800-4000FLY (toll free in US) www.kiene.com

Response:

Question:

This month’s cover kit comprises a miniature rose sampler kit with wooden frame. p6 Cross Stitch World: news and giveaways p8 A Place in the Country: a picture of a thatched cottage with a profusion of flowers around it designed by Sheila Hudson. (28hpi jobelan; stitch count: 110 high x 140 wide). (All charts in black and white) (See Cool and Simple below) p12 Heart Sampler: lovely pastel sampler using white cotton perle for depth and texture, designed by Christine Ann Martin ( 32hpi jobelan, some beading, wildflowers threads, 218 high x 166 wide; kit available by mail order). p19 Your Letters p20 A Royal Romance: lovely carousel horses – Guinevere and Lancelot – designed by Sue Cook (28hpi evenweave, essential because of large use of fractional stitches, use of Anchor marlitt, Kreinlitt blending filament, Mill Hill beads and charms, tassels and couching; 135high x 100 wide). p26 The Perfect Figurine: article about Royal Doulton with address for cross stitch kit tie-ins. p29 Poppy Cushion: dramatic cushion design by Sue Page (28 hpi jobelan, 129highx129 wide). p32 In the Swim: kit reviews with a fish theme: Fisherman and his Catch by Eva Rosenstand; Fly Fishing by Heritage; Orca Trio by Cross My Heart Inc; and Fishing Sampler by Anchor (Penelope). p34 Classic Collection: a selection of Thank You cards by Debra Page. p39 Out of the Blue: last of the white on blue floral designs by Lesley Brankin to complete the cushion or to use separately. (28hpi evenweave; 133 high x 109 wide – 4 of the flowers plus border; kit available). p42 The Circus, Bath: the delightful Georgian terrace, composed by Christine Sylvester of Abacus Designs (14hpi aida; 74 high x 123 wide). p47 A Chart for Baby: chart reviews with a baby theme. p48 Cool and Simple: A lovely 3-panel sampler by Sue Page (28 hpi jobelan; use of satin stitch, Algerian Eyes, Eyelets and Diamond eyelets, which are all explained; kit available, although it is not mentioned in the mail order section but a kit for the Summer Cottage, see above, is). p54 Fragrant Stitches: round trinket box lid (designer not attributed) of dog roses and rose hips (32hpi evenweave in dark green, 51 high x 49 wide) p60 Do not disturb: door name plates for kids, again not attributed, full alphabet given (14hpi aida; 24 high x 130 wide). NEXT MONTH: lovely rose and lilies firescreen project, Golden Sun Angel, striking Barn Owl and Autumn Sampler. Free floral card kit plus 3 illustrated cards and envelopes. Dianne

Response:

How does one subscribe to this publication? thanks, Angie who can never have enought XS mags.

Response:

How does one subscribe to this publication? thanks, Angie who can never have enought XS mags.

Hi Angie, If you buy any of the x-stitch magazines there is a card or a page which you can fill in and send back to the publisher. Yours in Stitching Sharon ****** — Sharon D Ward http://www.danesholme.demon.co.uk

Response:

Question:

Need info on Olympic Steelhead.  Will be in WA March 6-10.  Called some guides fish the Sol Duc and Hoh, but they are way to expensive.  Need info on possibility of taking myself and a buddy steelheading.  I’m worried that the rivers may be too high.

Response:

Need info on Olympic Steelhead.  Will be in WA March 6-10.  Called some guides fish the Sol Duc and Hoh, but they are way to expensive.  Need info on possibility of taking myself and a buddy steelheading.  I’m worried that the rivers may be too high.

I’d suggest you call one of the Seattle area fly shops, such as Kaufmanns, Swallows Nest, Avid Angler or Patrick’s.  They should have good, up-to-date information on all the area streams, including the Olympic Peninsula.  Access on most of the major Peninsula streams is fairly limited, though there are exceptions;  a raft or drift boat can be a major advantage.  A good map is essential – the DeLorme ‘Atlas and Gazeteer’ will *generally* get you where you need to be, but forest service (Olympic National Forest) maps can be useful as well.   Stream conditions are NEVER certain – you pays your money and you takes your chances, whether visitor or local – but, in general, March tends to offer generally decent water.  But there just are no guarantees;  the whole month can be blown out or low, clear and fish-less.  One real plus of March is native (typically catch and release) fisheries on several of the local streams.  On the Peninsula, the Sol Duc comes to mind (also has some sections that are reasonably accessible).   On the subject of C&R, you might also want to check out some of the streams north of Seattle, such as the Skykomish, Skagit and Sauk. Fishing can be excellent at that time of year for very large native fish and most of these streams have pretty extensive access (though floating is still an advantage).  They also have some excellent fly water.   One last word of advice:  Guides may be expensive, but can make the difference between bust and boom, particularly on unfamiliar waters and unfamiliar fisheries.  Some streams, or even sections of streams, here fish best in ways that are not intuitive, even to experienced steelhead fly anglers.  You can easily spend months (hell, years! <g) fishing the wrong streams or the right streams wrong.  A day with a good guide at the beginning of the trip, can be parlayed into days (or even a lifetime) of successful fishing.  Any of the local shops can put you in touch with a good FF guide.  Also there are a number of excellent  independent guides, including John Farrar, who probably best exemplifies the ‘teaching guide’ approach.    (BTW, *most* Peninsula guides are, in my experience, mainly drift gear/plug fishermen;  be careful to get a full-time FF guide, no matter where you go).   -Wes Wes Neuenschwander Seattle, WA

Response:

Question:

I am seeking advice on where to fly fish in the Breckenridge area this weekend (18-20 February). Also, most of my fly fishing has occurred on alpine lakes, i.e. I am a relative novice in stream fishing. Thus any advice would be helpful, too. Please add if I will need waders to fish (I don’t have any, but I could borrow some). I really appreciate any help.                 Thanks,                  Matt

Response:

I am going to be in the Breckenridge, CO area this weekend (18-20 February) and would like some advice on where to fish. Also, most of my experience is fishing in alpine lakes, i.e. I have minimal experience in stream fishing. Thus any advice would be appreciated (especially types of flies). Please add if I will need waders to fish (don’t have any, but I can borrow some if necessary). I really appreciate any advice.                         Thanks,                           Matt Linnell

Response: