Question:

Tres Cool! Left my house south of Ba’more at about 6:20 a.m.  (O-dark-thirty for the rest of you).  Headed north to beautiful Somerset, NJ (exit 10 North) and pulled into the Doubletree Hotel parking lot at 0930.  First time on the NJ Turnpike.  If you’re doing 75, then turn on your emergency flashers and get on the shoulder.  Also, if I’d not bought anything, discounting gas, the tolls and the entrance fee cost me about $32.  Sheesh!!  I’m a West Coast kinda guy.  We ain’t used to these toll roads. A few yards inside the door, there’s Tom Littleton tying one on (a Catskill tie).  I go to the Mike Martinek presentation and he remembers me and Frank’s Fightin’ Craw from the Chatsworth Angling Fair in the UK back in ‘97. At 12:30, Tom is done tying so we wander through to shop and check out the heavy hitters on hand.  We see A.K. Best, Borger (father and son), Fishy Fullum, Tim Trexlar, Oliver Edwards, Jack Gartside, Dick Talleur and a few dozen more.  Just watching these folks tie is incredible. There are some new people there too.  Gentleman by the name of Dave Martin. He ties the most realistic lion fish (yes, its a fly done with deer hair) that I’ve ever seen.  His blue-ringed octopus and scorpion are just as amazing.  I’ll post the pic of the lion fish this evening. Overall, a very worthwhile show.  By the way, Tom said that Stan, Handyman Mike and a few others were gonna show up.  Where were you, you whimps!?  If I can vibrate my spine silly on the Turnpike from the south, then someone should have to suffer the trip from the north. Thanks Tom for the introductions (man, everyone knows him) and the wonderful time. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply

Response:

Next time try – I-695 to I-83 North to I-81 North to I-78 East To I-287 South.  $0.25 toll each way (pay $0.50 when west bound) at the Delaware river. and believe it or not, it’s not 10 minutes longer and usually shorter due to low traffic volumes.  I’ve been doing it both ways for years. Gene

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tres Cool!   Also, if I’d not bought anything, discounting gas, the tolls and the entrance fee cost me about $32.  Sheesh!!  I’m a West Coast kinda guy.  We ain’t used to these toll roads. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply

Response:

Thanks! "Eugene Cottrell" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Next time try – I-695 to I-83 North to I-81 North to I-78 East To I-287 South.  $0.25 toll each way (pay $0.50 when west bound) at the Delaware river. and believe it or not, it’s not 10 minutes longer and usually shorter due to low traffic volumes.  I’ve been doing it both ways for years. Gene

Response:

Overall, a very worthwhile show.  By the way, Tom said that Stan, Handyman Mike and a few others were gonna show up.  Where were you, you whimps!?

(Un)fortunately, I get to play host for Thanksgiving this year so I have to rearrange the house to get a dining room back.  Also got signed up for a software project on Friday, so my schedule is way too tight.  I really wanted to go this year. Did you by any chance get to see Marla Blair tying?  She usually shares a table with Dick Talleur and I know they were traveling down together.  She ties some amazing (unfishable) realistic grasshoppers and crickets. –Stan (I *will* be at the Somerset flyfishing show in January)

Response:

Stan,   I saw Marla tying up something terrestrial, tough to get details as she had a crowd around her.  Too bad you couldn’t make it down…..maybe Danbury over the winter??                                Tom

Response:

I would LOVE to have made it up to this event!  Couldn’t get away this time around though. Right now I’m in pretty good shape in all departments except hooks and a tyer can NEVER have enough chicken feathers!  What I missed most was the techniques to be learned from the real experts.  I have an interest in the Catskill style and would really like to improve myself in that area. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tres Cool! Left my house south of Ba’more at about 6:20 a.m.  (O-dark-thirty for the rest of you).  Headed north to beautiful Somerset, NJ (exit 10 North) and pulled into the Doubletree Hotel parking lot at 0930.  First time on the NJ Turnpike.  If you’re doing 75, then turn on your emergency flashers and get on the shoulder.  Also, if I’d not bought anything, discounting gas, the tolls and the entrance fee cost me about $32.  Sheesh!!  I’m a West Coast kinda guy.  We ain’t used to these toll roads. A few yards inside the door, there’s Tom Littleton tying one on (a Catskill tie).  I go to the Mike Martinek presentation and he remembers me and Frank’s Fightin’ Craw from the Chatsworth Angling Fair in the UK back in ‘97. At 12:30, Tom is done tying so we wander through to shop and check out the heavy hitters on hand.  We see A.K. Best, Borger (father and son), Fishy Fullum, Tim Trexlar, Oliver Edwards, Jack Gartside, Dick Talleur and a few dozen more.  Just watching these folks tie is incredible. There are some new people there too.  Gentleman by the name of Dave Martin. He ties the most realistic lion fish (yes, its a fly done with deer hair) that I’ve ever seen.  His blue-ringed octopus and scorpion are just as amazing.  I’ll post the pic of the lion fish this evening. Overall, a very worthwhile show.  By the way, Tom said that Stan, Handyman Mike and a few others were gonna show up.  Where were you, you whimps!? If I can vibrate my spine silly on the Turnpike from the south, then someone should have to suffer the trip from the north. Thanks Tom for the introductions (man, everyone knows him) and the wonderful time. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply

Response:

Stan,   I saw Marla tying up something terrestrial, tough to get details as she had a crowd around her.  Too bad you couldn’t make it down…..maybe Danbury over the winter??                                Tom

The Danbury show is January 3-5.  I’ve never been to that one, but it’s pretty close by and I know a couple of people I could talk into going.  All they have listed on their site is a bunch of tying classes (and a rod building class).  What else do you know about that show? We already have a room booked for the Somerset show in January – I think at the Holiday Inn (better bar than the DoubleTree).  I love that show.

Response:

Howdy All     Would have liked to have made the show myself but with the recent rains i am behind on my yard cleanings with snow a possibility this week had to get as much done as we could this weekend. Maybe in Jan. who knows the weather will dictate that also.                    Handyman Mike           Standing in a river waving a stick

Response:

There are some new people there too.  Gentleman by the name of Dave Martin. He ties the most realistic lion fish (yes, its a fly done with deer hair) that I’ve ever seen.  His blue-ringed octopus and scorpion are just as amazing.  I’ll post the pic of the lion fish this evening.

The lion fish fly pic is on a.b.p.f. Frank

Response:

Question:

Can any one recommend information regarding a destination for flyrodding for pike in Canada.  I am looking for a location, not necessarily a lodge.  (A lodge may be a reasonable choice since I do not care to cook.)  However a boat rental might be necessary.  I would need airport service since I would be flying in from the SE USA.  Please respond directly via e-mail. Thank you. "If I have been able to see over the horizon, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants," Sir Isaac Newton

Response:

A possible source of information is at the only exclusively fly fishing store and guide service that I know of in Manitoba. They advertise for trout trips etc but they may be able to put you in contact with someone else who can help. Hope this helps. http://www.northernangler.mb.ca/index.html

Response:

Question:

        i would have preferred to send this communication on an email basis;  but we are too many for that.         finally, i hope that i am not too late to change the mind of one of the best of us; i hope that our english will reconsider, and stand with the rest of us, from timbo to jimbo, to….(god help me) ralph h,

God has helped me and I am sure he will help you as well.. Ralph H

Response:

<A bunch of nice stuff Usenet tradition addresses a good many of the problems that led to our brouhaha. I’m going to append the Welcome to Usenet from news.announce.newusers. Anyone that comes to a Usenet newsgroup should be able to expect a level of respect and decorum. Everyone from an 11 year old looking at flyfishing for the first time to a 60 year old with a closet full of degrees. We shoot the bull, swap tall tales and start to feel like we’re the Famous Grouse Good Old Boy’s Club, but we’re not. We are a Usenet newsgroup and in a junior high computer lab somewhere an 11 year old is getting a decidedly unfair advantage over his peers. I mean, imagine, swearing lessons from the great George Gehrke himself delivered straight to the screen. The kid will be a scourge and I hope his mom doesn’t ask where he learned that ! "The resources of civilization against its enemies are not exhausted."                                                         -Gladstone- Ken Fortenberry Welcome to Usenet!  The newsgroup news.announce.newusers contains a lot of introductory information about Usenet.  All new users should read and fully understand all the documents in news.announce.newusers before trying to post messages to Usenet or create new Usenet groups.  This may take a while, but it will help you find your way around Usenet much more easily. This short message is repeated three times a week to ensure that it is always available on your news system.  All other documents in news.announce.newusers are repeated every two weeks and should stay around for at least a month.  If you find news.announce.newusers empty (or cannot figure out how to read documents in it), please contact the help desk, customer support or news administrator on the computer system or service that you’re using and ask them for help.  Please do not send me e-mail asking for help reading news on your computer system or service. Please do not try to post or send any messages to news.announce.newusers. This is the list of the documents that news.announce.newusers should contain:         What is Usenet?         What is Usenet?  A second opinion.         Rules for posting to Usenet         Hints on writing style for Usenet         A Primer on How to Work With the Usenet Community         Emily Postnews Answers Your Questions on Netiquette         How to find the right place to post (FAQ)         Introduction to news.announce         A Guide to Social Newsgroups and Mailing Lists         Introduction to the *.answers newsgroups         FAQs about FAQs         Anonymous FTP: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) List         Advertising on Usenet: How To Do It, How Not To Do It         Copyright Myths FAQ: 10 big myths about copyright explained         Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about Usenet         How to Get Information about Networks         How to become a Usenet site         Usenet Software: History and Sources         Guidelines on Usenet Newsgroup Names         How to Create a New Usenet Newsgroup If you don’t see any of these documents in the newsgroup, you can ask for them by sending mail to with the following in the body of the message.  Note the address carefully; please do NOT send these requests to me. setdir usenet-by-group/news.announce.newusers send What_is_Usenet? send What_is_Usenet?__A_second_opinion. send Rules_for_posting_to_Usenet send Hints_on_writing_style_for_Usenet send A_Primer_on_How_to_Work_With_the_Usenet_Community send Emily_Postnews_Answers_Your_Questions_on_Netiquette send How_to_find_the_right_place_to_post_(FAQ) send Introduction_to_news.announce send A_Guide_to_Social_Newsgroups_and_Mailing_Lists send Introduction_to_the_*.answers_newsgroups send FAQs_about_FAQs send Anonymous_FTP:_Frequently_Asked_Questions_(FAQ)_List send Advertising_on_Usenet:_How_To_Do_It,_How_Not_To_Do_It send Copyright_Myths_FAQ:_10_big_myths_about_copyright_explained send Answers_to_Frequently_Asked_Questions_about_Usenet send FAQ:_How_to_find_people_s_E-mail_addresses send How_to_Get_Information_about_Networks send How_to_become_a_Usenet_site send Usenet_Software:_History_and_Sources send Guidelines_on_Usenet_Newsgroup_Names send How_to_Create_a_New_Usenet_Newsgroup quit You can also find these documents on the World Wide Web;  see         http://www.netannounce.org/news.announce.newusers/

Response:

        some observations:  it appears to me, unscientifically, that the postings to this group have undergone a massive increase in the last couple months.  the influx of newcomers has included some very bizarre, often unpleasant contributors.  many of the newbies have failed to understand (understandably) some of george gerkhe’s posts, and the wierdness thereof.  confrontations have been engendered thereby.  furthermore, the tendency of many to engage in what i will always contend are the only taboos (politics and religion) have contributed to the confrontational atmosphere.  this is a wonderful, but fragile, environment.  by my best count, there are more than fifty souls that emit consistently high levels of humor, insight, information, life advice, and all around bullshit, on a daily basis. many of us have made friends here.         but growth carries with it certain problems.  some folks don’t assimilate as comfortably as others.  some folks have no patience with the foibles of others, others who are fixtures in this group.  there comes a time when we must deal with the changes wrought by growth. one of those times has come, today.  one of the most intelligent, witty, and general good guys i have ever known has announced his intention to resign from this group.  that is truly unfortunate.  all of us hope that he will reconsider, find patience, and stay.  surely, though, this is a sufficient sign that we must discipline ourselves in the areas of communication that are most disruptive of the general good:  politics, and spam.         in short, we must call upon george to cease his relentless spamming.  i have come to consider the man a friend of mine; but we can no longer wink at george’s excesses while tearing the stranger limb from limb for less offensive posts.         i would have preferred to send this communication on an email basis;  but we are too many for that.           finally, i hope that i am not too late to change the mind of one of the best of us; i hope that our english will reconsider, and stand with the rest of us, from timbo to jimbo, from ken to ken, from charlie to yankee dave, from snedeker to the royal wulff, from fletcher (who is too silent for our own good) to (god help me) ralph h, to jon, the father of us all.  from waldo and john (not ever annis) popp, and all the rest of us,  the waynes and mark, and tom…         stick with us, connor. wayno  

Response:

Question:

I’ve bought some stuff from West Marine and had good service. Their catalog is excellent, although it leans more heavily to boating and less to fishing. Still, it’s a catalog worth having, it makes quite a wish book. Their prices are very competitive. Their phone is 1-800-BOATING says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – switch to E&B ,  they are top-notch Excuse my ignorance, who is E&B?? Do you have an 800 number to order catalog?? Thanks E&B is now West Marine.  They bought them last year.

Response:

Cabelas is ok with me – I had a pair of neoprenes that had a slight leak in one foot. I contacted them and  received the information on sending it back. They promptly sent a replacement pair which i’ve been using this Summer with zero problems. Other products are # 1 as well – I feel their service is as good as anyone can offer! Keith Piercey

Response:

Is anyone else finding Cabela’s customer service to be going downhill? They used to be really pleasant and willing to do whatever was needed to make things right when they would screw up an order. Anybody else have any problems with them? Mike

I haven’t had any problems in the 10 +  years I’ve been dealing with them !!

Response:

I recently broke a fish eagle FT fly rod that I bought as blank from CAbelas..the rod was two year old and they not only replaced my blank but the handle, guides and reel seat….all for nothing.  I talked to one of thier area speciallists in Sidney and after he recieved my rod he called me and worked out the details of what I needed. Needless to say I’m totally impressed and I’m going to be a customer for another ten years at least. Rocky Smith

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A friend of mine called Cabela’s to order a drift sock (otherwise known as a "sea anchor").  The customer service rep asked him, "and how many pairs would you like?"  You figure the $40 price tag would have tipped her off! Maybe she thought they were just Really Good Socks.  :-) — Bob Jarvis Mail address hacked to foil spammers!

Response:

Tom,I too have had many totally satisfactory experiences with Cabela’s. Some three years ago I picked up two disparate hobbies – blackpowder shooting and flyfishing. Through many orders Cabela’s has supplied all my black powder needs and most of the flyfishing gear.  All orders were by phone and I found always the sales folk tolerant of my ignorance in both disciplines and helpful in making selections.  On one occasion involving a multipiece order they sent a fly jacket instead of a fly line… they made the switch promptly and without cost to me.   I suspect there are other providers just as good but I certainly can find no fault with Cabela’s. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dear Mike,     No, every experience I’ve had with them was of the first order. Tom                         <snip Is anyone else finding Cabela’s customer service to be goin downhill? any problems with them? Mike

Response:

As much as we should ALWAYS support the local tackle guys, there’s just some things that you can’t buy were you are.  Take me, for instance.  I use a fair amount of bass baits for Pike, but you can’t get Lunker City Plastics, flipping jigs, or spinnerbaits ups here.

Where in Canada are you?  Fishing Plus in Etobicoke has a fantastic selection of soft plastics (Lunker City, Zoom, Gambler, Yamamoto, Phenix, Berkley, Guido Hibdon’s brand, Don Iovino’s brand, and more).  Lots of spinnerbaits, including the Terminator, Stanley, Bulldog, Strike King, Pro-Line, etcetcetc.  Lots and lots of flipping jigs too.  Great service, excellent and most importantly *informed* advice too. Peace, Charles

Response:

A friend of mine called Cabela’s to order a drift sock (otherwise known as a "sea anchor").  The customer service rep asked him, "and how many pairs would you like?"  You figure the $40 price tag would have tipped her off!

Maybe she thought they were just Really Good Socks.  :-) — Bob Jarvis Mail address hacked to foil spammers!

Response:

Is anyone else finding Cabela’s customer service to be going downhill? They used to be really pleasant and willing to do whatever was needed to make things right when they would screw up an order. Anybody else have any problems with them? Mike

My wife ordered me a bunch stuff for Christmas from Cabela’s and she was _extremely_ frustrated with the service. They were really uncooperative and did not fill orders completely or handle returns properly. When she threatened to take her business elsewhere, the response was apathetic and she ended up cancelling all her outstanding business and purchased the items through Bass Pro (who she felt did a superb job). Fortunately, she starts shopping in like September, so Christmas wasn’t ruined. I was really shocked at what a shitty job Cabela’s did on her stuff. Now I only buy from them when I get a chance (about once a year) to actually go to their store in Sidney. For mail order I’ve been able to get the items I need from BPS and Netcraft.

Response:

Do you mean Gander Mountain’s mail order business?  Because we have at least 3 Gander Mountain stores here in Michigan. I noticed the mail order business went away shortly after opening the stores. Mushrat Unfortunately, Cabela’s gobbled up Gander Mountain.  I guess now it’s Cabela’s vs. Bass Pro.  Time to do business with the local guys! Bob Scott

As much as we should ALWAYS support the local tackle guys, there’s just some things that you can’t buy were you are.  Take me, for instance.  I use a fair amount of bass baits for Pike, but you can’t get Lunker City Plastics, flipping jigs, or spinnerbaits ups here. As for the Cabela vs Bass Pro Shops, if you can fish for Muskies or Pike, try Reeds for a cat.  I’ve been fairly pleased so far.  Also, here in Canada, there is the Fishing Hole Cat and the Whole Sale Sports Cat.

Response:

A friend of mine called Cabela’s to order a drift sock (otherwise known as a "sea anchor").  The customer service rep asked him, "and how many pairs would you like?"  You figure the $40 price tag would have tipped her off! Pete C

Response:

FWIW, we have had the same good service for many years, with no glitches.  We get about two orders/year. SL – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is anyone else finding Cabela’s customer service to be going downhill? <snip out of the items I had originally ordered.  Two weeks after the call I finally got written notice that the items were out of stock. That was not the Cabelas I have come to expect. Mark Faulkner

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is anyone else finding Cabela’s customer service to be going downhill? They used to be really pleasant and willing to do whatever was needed to make things right when they would screw up an order. Anybody else have any problems with them? Mike In May, two items out of about a 10 item order were wrong – and not even close.  I got two fleece jackets instead of two sets of rain gear pants. First time in many years of Cabela’s orders that that has happened.  I immediately returned them with the appropriate form, requesting the original items.  Weeks passed.  I finally called, and by then they were out of the items I had originally ordered.  Two weeks after the call I finally got written notice that the items were out of stock. That was not the Cabelas I have come to expect. Mark Faulkner

I have never (I try occasionally every couple of years) had quick response to an exchange request. The only way I have found that works is to reorder what I want and return what I didn’t want for credit. I buy almsot nothing from Cabela’s anymore because they are so bad about listing sizes, weights, and strengths. Bass Pro is much better.                                 Erik from SF/Boston

Response:

I haven’t bought too much from Cabela’s in the past but this year I ordered a lot of stuff in several orders.  I had numerous conversations with "product specialists" , sometimes for my ignorance on superlines or more info about a rod or lure and I was always satisfied.  When it was a dimension not in the catalog they would run off and get me an immediate answer. I returned about four things for exchange or refund for reasons varied from broken to not what I expected.  Always prompt and no problems.  So far I like Cabela’s. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is anyone else finding Cabela’s customer service to be going downhill?

Response:

Now that they’ve grown HUGE, I would imagine this kind of thing would start to be a problem.  As Cabela’s got bigger and bigger, I liked doing business with Gander Mountain a lot more.  The no.2 guy is usually trying harder, and customer service is a sure-fire way to pick up repeat customers. Unfortunately, Cabela’s gobbled up Gander Mountain.  I guess now it’s Cabela’s vs. Bass Pro.  Time to do business with the local guys! Bob Scott

Response:

switch to E&B ,  they are top-notch – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is anyone else finding Cabela’s customer service to be going downhill? They used to be really pleasant and willing to do whatever was needed to make things right when they would screw up an order. Anybody else have any problems with them? Mike

Response:

Dear Mike,      No, every experience I’ve had with them was of the first order. Recently I unpacked an anchor rode I had purchased nine months ago, but had not used.  I found a flaw in the rope, called them, they offered to replace the rode without hesitation.  That’s beyond the call of duty. Take care, Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is anyone else finding Cabela’s customer service to be going downhill? They used to be really pleasant and willing to do whatever was needed to make things right when they would screw up an order. Anybody else have any problems with them? Mike

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – FWIW, we have had the same good service for many years, with no glitches.  We get about two orders/year. SL Is anyone else finding Cabela’s customer service to be going downhill? <snip out of the items I had originally ordered.  Two weeks after the call I finally got written notice that the items were out of stock. That was not the Cabelas I have come to expect. Mark Faulkner

what is cabela’s address or phone so i can get a catalog please thanks

Response:

E&B is now West Marine.  They bought them last year.

West Marine is primarily a boating store so you might not find the clerks as knowledgable as those of Cabela’s, as well as having a smaller selection, their prices on lures and such are outrageous.  Walmart is much more affordable. Marcus Ward 505 US 7569 "Voodoo" International 505 Class Yacht Racing Association Central Missouri State University – Department of Psychology http://www.throb.net/mward/

Response:

Go to:       http://www.cabelas.com for a free catalog. BTW I have been buying from them for four years and they treat me like a valuable customer. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – FWIW, we have had the same good service for many years, with no glitches.  We get about two orders/year. SL Is anyone else finding Cabela’s customer service to be going downhill? <snip out of the items I had originally ordered.  Two weeks after the call I finally got written notice that the items were out of stock. That was not the Cabelas I have come to expect. Mark Faulkner what is cabela’s address or phone so i can get a catalog please thanks

Response:

what is cabela’s address or phone so i can get a catalog please thanks

www.cabelas.com or (800) 237-4444.  I’ve had good service frim them so far.

Response:

Do you mean Gander Mountain’s mail order business?  Because we have at least 3 Gander Mountain stores here in Michigan. I noticed the mail order business went away shortly after opening the stores. Mushrat – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Unfortunately, Cabela’s gobbled up Gander Mountain.  I guess now it’s Cabela’s vs. Bass Pro.  Time to do business with the local guys! Bob Scott

Response:

<snip  Time to do business with the local guys! Bob Scott

It always has been! — Steve Vaughn Kodak Park Health, Safety & Environmental Services Eastman Kodak Company – http://www.kodak.com Phone: (716)722-4744 Fax:   (716)722-3695

Response:

Is anyone else finding Cabela’s customer service to be going downhill? They used to be really pleasant and willing to do whatever was needed to make things right when they would screw up an order. Anybody else have any problems with them?

I haven’t ordered from them since about February, but every time I’ve had to deal with their customer service people I’ve been happy.  Last fall I placed an order and when it showed up the box had been damaged and most of the stuff was gone.  They replaced everything, no problem.  In February I ordered some peacock sword from them, and the catalog said there were six swords per package.  When it showed up there were only four swords in the package.  I called and they sent another package (of four swords to make it right.  So I’m pretty happy when it comes to dealing with Cabelas. — Bob Jarvis Mail address hacked to foil spammers!

Response:

Is anyone else finding Cabela’s customer service to be going downhill? They used to be really pleasant and willing to do whatever was needed to make things right when they would screw up an order. Anybody else have any problems with them? Mike

Response:

Is anyone else finding Cabela’s customer service to be going downhill? They used to be really pleasant and willing to do whatever was needed to make things right when they would screw up an order. Anybody else have any problems with them? Mike

In May, two items out of about a 10 item order were wrong – and not even close.  I got two fleece jackets instead of two sets of rain gear pants. First time in many years of Cabela’s orders that that has happened.  I immediately returned them with the appropriate form, requesting the original items.  Weeks passed.  I finally called, and by then they were out of the items I had originally ordered.  Two weeks after the call I finally got written notice that the items were out of stock. That was not the Cabelas I have come to expect. Mark Faulkner

Response:

Question:

I need help on how to catch a bullfrog…any suggestions? I mean serious suggestions.

Get a fishing fly.  One with a hook in it.  Tie it to a piece of monofiliment.  Tie the other end to a long pole.  Twitch it in front of him.  When he grabs it, jerk the pole to set the hook.  Then unhook him and let him go.         Bill

Response:

I need help on how to catch a bullfrog…any suggestions? I mean serious suggestions. We bought this thing as a tadpole when he was all cute and cuddly(and quiet). Seeing as how we have poststamp size lots where I live, this frog is becoming hated by the neighborhood(along with me). I don’t want to here how nice they sound and I won’t kill him. He will go to a wetland where he belongs. Thanks Faith H.

 The flashlight should work. It does blind them and if your quiet, you should be able to catch him. Steve Johnson http://lornet.com/~alside

Response:

I need help on how to catch a bullfrog…any suggestions? I mean serious suggestions. We bought this thing as a tadpole when he was all cute and cuddly(and quiet). Seeing as how we have poststamp size lots where I live, this frog is becoming hated by the neighborhood(along with me). I don’t want to here how nice they sound and I won’t kill him. He will go to a wetland where he belongs. Thanks

Don’t worry!  I doubt if you’ll get flamed for wanting to relocate a recalcitrant bullfrog.  Although this technique is usually used by people who intend to eat the bullfrog, therefore gentleness is not an issue, the method I’ve heard is to "blind" them with a flash light.   Then you could slap a net over it.  I’m not saying this will be easy!! — Signed- Kellie  USDA zone 7/8, Sunset Zone 33 My Karma Ran Over My Dogma.  It was a Catastrophe. Now my Dogma’s Dead and my Karma’s out of alignment. Get in KNEE DEEP!  <http://w3.one.net/~rzutt/newsletter.html

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I need help on how to catch a bullfrog…any suggestions? I mean serious suggestions. We bought this thing as a tadpole when he was all cute and cuddly(and quiet). Seeing as how we have poststamp size lots where I live, this frog is becoming hated by the neighborhood(along with me). I don’t want to here how nice they sound and I won’t kill him. He will go to a wetland where he belongs. Thanks Faith H.

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I need help on how to catch a bullfrog…any suggestions? I mean serious suggestions.

Get a fishing fly.  One with a hook in it.  Tie it to a piece of monofiliment.  Tie the other end to a long pole.  Twitch it in front of him.  When he grabs it, jerk the pole to set the hook.  Then unhook him and let him go.         Bill

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I need help on how to catch a bullfrog…any suggestions? I mean serious suggestions. We bought this thing as a tadpole when he was all cute and cuddly(and quiet). Seeing as how we have poststamp size lots where I live, this frog is becoming hated by the neighborhood(along with me). I don’t want to here how nice they sound and I won’t kill him. He will go to a wetland where he belongs. Thanks Faith H.

 The flashlight should work. It does blind them and if your quiet, you should be able to catch him. Steve Johnson http://lornet.com/~alside

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I need help on how to catch a bullfrog…any suggestions? I mean serious suggestions. We bought this thing as a tadpole when he was all cute and cuddly(and quiet). Seeing as how we have poststamp size lots where I live, this frog is becoming hated by the neighborhood(along with me). I don’t want to here how nice they sound and I won’t kill him. He will go to a wetland where he belongs. Thanks

Don’t worry!  I doubt if you’ll get flamed for wanting to relocate a recalcitrant bullfrog.  Although this technique is usually used by people who intend to eat the bullfrog, therefore gentleness is not an issue, the method I’ve heard is to "blind" them with a flash light.   Then you could slap a net over it.  I’m not saying this will be easy!! — Signed- Kellie  USDA zone 7/8, Sunset Zone 33 My Karma Ran Over My Dogma.  It was a Catastrophe. Now my Dogma’s Dead and my Karma’s out of alignment. Get in KNEE DEEP!  <http://w3.one.net/~rzutt/newsletter.html

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I need help on how to catch a bullfrog…any suggestions? I mean serious suggestions. We bought this thing as a tadpole when he was all cute and cuddly(and quiet). Seeing as how we have poststamp size lots where I live, this frog is becoming hated by the neighborhood(along with me). I don’t want to here how nice they sound and I won’t kill him. He will go to a wetland where he belongs. Thanks Faith H.

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Question:

New Fly Fisherman in Central Maryland looking for someonne to go fishing with. Show me how to cast etc.

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There are several active fly fishing clubs in this area, and even more good fly shops. They are all great sources to meet new flyfishers who would be happy to help get you started. Good luck, and enjoy! — Tom Dougherty A.K.’s Fly Tying Tools http://www.aks-flytools.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – New Fly Fisherman in Central Maryland looking for someonne to go fishing with. Show me how to cast etc.

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Question:

….that I’ve never had as much fun fishing as I have when I’m tubing. Thanks to all who gave me advice when I asked for help on the subject. It took me awhile to get one, but I liked it so much I now have two- one for my son to use. I have to admit I don’t flyfish, mainly because I don’t feel I have the time (right now) I need to devote to it, but it even makes the common, vulgar way of fishing more enjoyable; especially when I don’t catch anything (which, in my case, is more often than not). If you haven’t tried it, I recommend it.:-) See you on the water, Pete

Take any fly rod and reel, with a full sinking flyline, any 4x leader and a #10 olive wooly bugger. Start kicking and let out 50′ or more line. Point your rod down to the water and add some twitches. In short order you will be hooked. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

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….that I’ve never had as much fun fishing as I have when I’m tubing. I agree but I must tell you a float tube story…true even… I was in my belly boat in Dillon reservoir about 10 years ago.  They were pretty unusual back then (I guess).  Anyway, this dipwad in a large power boat (20+ feet) had some chicks on board that he wanted to impress.  He started doing full throttle donuts around me.  I swear the water cavitated more than 6 feet (that’s what it looked like from my angle).  I know that I should have gotten numbers and stuff, at the time I just wanted some terra firma. Moral: Watch out for the power boat crowd.   TimW

        moral:  find a clever method that enables you to carry a pistol on your float tube.  excellent deterrent for arrogant bastards in power boats.         "all i require is a drink and a little respect".                 gustavus.

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….that I’ve never had as much fun fishing as I have when I’m tubing. Thanks to all who gave me advice when I asked for help on the subject. It took me awhile to get one, but I liked it so much I now have two- one for my son to use. I have to admit I don’t flyfish, mainly because I don’t feel I have the time (right now) I need to devote to it, but it even makes the common, vulgar way of fishing more enjoyable; especially when I don’t catch anything (which, in my case, is more often than not). If you haven’t tried it, I recommend it.:-) See you on the water, Pete

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….that I’ve never had as much fun fishing as I have when I’m tubing.

I agree but I must tell you a float tube story…true even… I was in my belly boat in Dillon reservoir about 10 years ago.  They were pretty unusual back then (I guess).  Anyway, this dipwad in a large power boat (20+ feet) had some chicks on board that he wanted to impress.  He started doing full throttle donuts around me.  I swear the water cavitated more than 6 feet (that’s what it looked like from my angle).  I know that I should have gotten numbers and stuff, at the time I just wanted some terra firma. Moral: Watch out for the power boat crowd.   TimW

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Question:

I use to lick my fingers to help with dubbing, control maribou, etc until I realized that I did not know where those critters/materials had been nor what they had been dipped in. I now use a sponge sitting in a soup dish filled with water to help control the maribou. My tongue has returned to its natural color. I have found a great dubbing wax and technique. Al Beatty sells the wax and provides instructions for the slickest way to apply dubbing I’ve found in the past 25 years of tying. Vic’s Fly-By-Night Too much time spent tying Not enough fishing

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Sorry–I missed the earlier thread on the Blitzen in Oregon.  What’s it like when it opens in spring?   Also… Stroking back marabou feathers the other night, I was licking my fingers and savoring the delightful petro-chemical taste of the dye when it occurred to me that I might be poisoning myself.  Anybody thought about this? D.

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Sorry–I missed the earlier thread on the Blitzen in Oregon.  What’s it like when it opens in spring? Also… Stroking back marabou feathers the other night, I was licking my fingers and savoring the delightful petro-chemical taste of the dye when it occurred to me that I might be poisoning myself.  Anybody thought about this? D.

If you regularly eat hot dogs, don’t worry about it. You’ve got bigger problems. Sorry, couldn’t resist it. Lolo Mt.

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Question:

Steve, How about sharing the outrageous p[attern.. This is one I have not heard of and would be most grateful for a reply.   Thanks

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: Steve, : : How about sharing the outrageous p[attern.. This is one I have not heard : of and would be most grateful for a reply.   Thanks : No problem. Let me explain how we came across this fly. My dad saw the pattern advertised by C.I. Tackle Co. of Battle Ground, Washington.  He bought four and we took them with us on our 1992 trip to the Alaska Peninsula.  The Pinks and Silvers went nuts with them. In no time, those four were gone.  Since then we make them part of every trip since they catch quite a few different fish. The thing I did not like about these Outrageous (the ones purchased) was the hook.  They are very poor quality.  I bought just one more and use it as a pattern for tying my own. As I mentioned, I use a Tiemco 5263 hook, no.4. The thread color is orange. I tie them weighted, but be sure to leave enough room for the head, it can get cramped. The body is pink, using, well, it looks like dyed wool. I tie it so it completely covers around the lead wire and is about 5/8" past the bend of the hook. Then, there are two sets of feathers that go along each side. These feathers are pink and red, I use schlappin (sp?).  Cut these feathers (use the ends) about 3 1/8" long and tie them just behind the eye of the hook.  I tie them with the pink feather on the inside (closest to the body) and the red on the outside.  Again, these go on both sides.  Next, tie in some *electric blue* Flashabou on top, kind of between the two sets of feathers.  This is tied in just behind the hook eye as well.  Then goes the hackle.  This is one orange and one red schlappin feather tied in a palmered style about 3/16" behind the hook eye.  Use the orange thread to build a nice head and finish per usual methods. Now, just add water.  The fish part will take care of itself! If I can find the old packaging from the materials, I will pass that along so the exact body material can be identified. Kindest regards, Steve Kernosky

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Since the subject has come up, I thought I would pass along some information concerning what flies worked on a recent trip to Alaska. Purple egg sucking leech-tied on a no.4 Tiemco 5263 hook. The egg was light pink to simulate the egg of a Chum salmon.  With this fly, I caught King salmon, Chum salmon, Rainbows (lots!), Char, and Grayling.  Really, this fly caught everything! Outrageous-Also tied on the no. 4 Tiemco 5263 hook.  This fly took King and Chum salmon, rainbows, and Char.  In previous trips, this fly has worked extremely well for Pinks and Silvers. Humpy-size 12.  Caught Grayling and Char with this fly.  The Char seemed to strike best when the fly was skated across the surface. The largest Grayling was about 22" (close to three pounds, maybe). Brown Drake-size 10.  Caught Grayling (lots!) and a few rainbow with this fly. Mice-this is the first trip where I have tried mice and I was absolutely amazed.  Char (upwards of seven pounds), rainbow, and even Grayling go after these things.  I tied some using caribou hair.  The final product was about an inch long but in the future I think I will cut this down just a bit.  The fish would often just keep striking the little critter until they were hooked. For the entire seven days, these are the only five flies I used.  I was fishing on the Alaska Peninsula through Blue Mountain Lodge, owned by Tracy Vrem.  The lodge is located about 15 miles southwest of Lake Becharof.  Without getting into too much detail (and sounding like an advertisement), Tracy conducts fly-out type fishing. The lodge itself is not really fancy. He has many places to fish within a short (say, twenty minutes) plane ride from the lodge. The fishing can vary from catching salmon on streamers to Grayling on dry flies. Thanks for you time. Best regards, Steve Kernosky Michigan Tech University      

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Question:

USUA: (301) 695 9100 P. O. Box 667 Frederick, MD 21705 Michael Bradford

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Be sure to join the USUA. They’ll send you a subscription to Ultralight Flying, where a lot of your interest will be eithe piqued or satisfied.

Can someone post the address or Phone # to USUA?? It’s probably in the FAQ, but I don’t know where that is either.. thanks.. Also,  I live near the ocean,  where the wind blows fairly steady but gusty. How much wind is acceptable to fly UL’s?   I hear alot about flying in places like Ohio, how about California next to the Pacific? Scott

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                                               ~~~~~ Don’t you dare! Post post post post!         Mark <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< Mark Crafts                                                   Melbourne FL       "You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough."

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Hello! <gosh what else to say right? Ever since I was a little kid laying on the front lawn looking at the jets with their vapor trails through binoculars, I’ve wanted to fly. One time I got the lucky chance of being taken up in a (ahem) Cessna and got to handle the controls for a few seconds while flying over the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes on the coast of Lake Michigan. God I wanted to fly so bad after it, seeing the actual "mitten" of Michigan over the horizon during an unforgettable sunset with thunderclouds in silhouette about 50 miles away…Even flyed over an island I camped on as a Boy Scout about 16 miles into the Lake. Well meanwhile as I grew up and still am attending college for Electrical Engineering, I never forgot that experience. Like many of you I love to travel, it’s no problem at all to hop in the Buick and drive all over just to see what is out there (anybody relate?) So, I got an amateur radio license KB8DWF and then learned about the internet to *travel* to places remote so to speak… Well, as it may be I’ve been sitting on the ground for quite a while studying books and basically imagining flying ever since. Being a college student about ready to enter grad school, even over the time since I was 12 the memory of flying has never left. My airline tickets always are the window seat <grin. I need your help really bad. I guess you can say I’ve got the terminal case of that "flying bug" that never lets go after it bites. Reading about that guy earlier who took an emergency day off whilst stylin around the New England coast filled me with an exhilirating mental image like I was the passenger looking out for the first time. Heh "IMAX"…Even now writing this message it’s like I’m extremely frusturated not to own an ultralight myself to take out and enjoy the scenery. Labor day is approaching, it’s beautiful weather right now and there’s nothing more I’d like to do than "take off" for a day! This was the last straw I tell ya, went up to visit my grandfather earlier in the day, he lives near Higgins Lake where the water is crystal clear and the sand is white, and near an airport to boot. While I was getting skunked fishing in the pontoon boat here comes an ultralight for a wave and flyby. Guess which I’d rather be piloting. Get the picture <grin? OK, it costs some money to buy and operate a craft, and "rumor has it" that you don’t need any special certification? I’m about as itchy as a flea behind a dog’s ear to get up in the air. (pardon the expression!) If anyone can give me general advice, specific advice, lend me some insight on your experiences, and possibly what it costs for the thrills, I’d be gratified. College student, yes, but willing to work very very hard to earn enough for a future buy and fly. An ultralight at beckon’s call for ‘mergency vacations sure would be serious and welcome "braino draino" <grin to disrupt normal everyday life! Sorry about sounding like a gushing newbie, just really that enthusiastic about it. Not many things seem impressive to me, and this does so I’m going for it all the way! Hope I made everyone want to fly as much as I do right now!!! Best Wishes     =Aaron= — ——- Aaron Robins Midland, Michigan

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: ultralight myself to take out and enjoy the scenery. Labor day is                                                        ^^^^^ Sorry about that, I was so excited about flying that I put this in instead of Memorial Day. My apologies to Veterans, my grandfather was a Navy Yellowjacket in Pearl Harbor (on the white gas ship, the one that incinerates if hit) and by Uncle has many experiences in a Huey over Vietnam. No net-flames about either please thanks <smile Using the "family account" here but looking forward to hearing from fellow ultralight enthusiasts!! =Aaron=

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: Hello! <gosh what else to say right? : If anyone can give me general advice, specific advice, lend me some : insight on your experiences, and possibly what it costs for the thrills, : I’d be gratified. College student, yes, but willing to work very very : hard to earn enough for a future buy and fly. An ultralight at beckon’s : call for ‘mergency vacations sure would be serious and welcome "braino : draino" <grin to disrupt normal everyday life! : Sorry about sounding like a gushing newbie, just really that enthusiastic : about it. Not many things seem impressive to me, and this does so I’m going : for it all the way! : Hope I made everyone want to fly as much as I do right now!!! : Best Wishes     =Aaron= Aaron, I’ve been taking flight instruction from a USUA certified Advanced Flight Instructor for the last few weeks. I’m five hours into it, and my solo isn’t far away, I’m moving along more quickly than usual.  Generally you can figure on 10 to 12 hours of dual time with an instructor before soloing.  Then a couple hours of solo time and then the written test to become a certified ultralight pilot via the USUA. Instruction will cost between 45 and 60/hr. Instruction is NOT legally required to become an ultralight pilot, just as instruction isn’t legally required to join the crew of the space shuttle, but it is a GOOD IDEA. In fact flight instruction has been extremely rewarding, my instructor has made the learning enjoyable and efficient. We fly a Maxair Drifter XP503. My instructor has over 4000 hours experience in ULs. I have heard of other instructors who are not as good, and it’s important to shop around, not for price, but for you’re own assessment of the instructor’s experience and competence. While my instructor charges the top rate, the learning curve and his thoroughness have helped reduce the actual number of hours I’ve needed. Used ultralights of the 80’s tube and sail type run about $1500 – $2500 in this area (SW Florida) in restorable or flyable shape if you look hard. Better maintained and more current models will run $4000-$7000 for singles. New current singles will run $7000-$10,000. You can build singles in wood for $3500-$5500 new. Be sure to join the USUA. They’ll send you a subscription to Ultralight Flying, where a lot of your interest will be eithe piqued or satisfied. Steve — |   STEVE REDMOND   : Naval Architect: Sarasota, : Liveaboard : T100SE laptop

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