Question:

Things seem to have changed from the good ‘ol ‘357′ fishing days …… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The only trouble I had was  with a fly fisherman who was alone in  a 3-4 person  spot and thought I was rude  moving into it.

Response:

<snip Choc fishing maggots for carp in Japan. Excellent. Most Excellent. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

Maggots are great to fish on a flyrod. They are not easily cast off the hook, and are great fishcatchers. Good, reliable pattern for me. Herman

Response:

Choc fishing maggots for carp in Japan. Excellent. Most Excellent.

And ethical. — Charlie…

Response:

I ve been up at  Pulaski a couple  days  a week during Oct., generally at the Baseball field. The only trouble I had was  with a fly fisherman who was alone in  a 3-4 person  spot and thought I was rude  moving into it.

I fished the baseball field area many years ago (pre-ffing), and IIRC, it’s a madhouse of shoulder to shoulder spin fishermen.   Anybody who’d seriously attempt to fly fish there is crazier that I am.  :-) Joe F.

Response:

……I think back on how insuffereable I must have been to my trolling and casting buddies when I went through my 20 years of catch and release flyfishing purist horseshit…..

Might be worthwhile to approach this from a slightly different angle. Ever stop to think that maybe you are simply insufferable……that it might not have anything to do with whatever dim glimmerings of a philosophy are bumping around in your skull at any given moment, or the way you fish? Something to think about anyway. Wolfgang

Response:

 The "Unified Stream Theory"  has eluded the grasp of every philosopher  that has tried to fabricate it so far. — Don Thompson Another Thompson Scion

LOL !!!  MT

Response:

Well…most flyfishermen I’ve met really do think that they are superior No, not the back cast  but the latter

Before I fly fished and in the first couple of years after I started, most fly fishermen that I encountered did fit that mold.  I’ve met plenty however who are not like that at all.  My favorite moment from the shad trip this past June happened while standing in the river with Bill Kiene. He was talking in that particular Kiene way – I don’t know if he is trying to be funny but for some reason you want to smile or even start laughing when he’s saying stuff.  He was admiring the colors of the sunset when he directed my attention to a bait fisherman on far bank.  I’ll paraphrase what he said but it went something along the lines of: that guy might be soaking stinkbait for catfish but I bet he loves the outdoors and this river as much as we do.  So we aren’t that different from him.  And that’s a good thing. Mu

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well…most flyfishermen I’ve met really do think that they are superior No, not the back cast  but the latter Before I fly fished and in the first couple of years after I started, most fly fishermen that I encountered did fit that mold.  I’ve met plenty however who are not like that at all.  My favorite moment from the shad trip this past June happened while standing in the river with Bill Kiene. He was talking in that particular Kiene way – I don’t know if he is trying to be funny but for some reason you want to smile or even start laughing when he’s saying stuff.  He was admiring the colors of the sunset when he directed my attention to a bait fisherman on far bank.  I’ll paraphrase what he said but it went something along the lines of: that guy might be soaking stinkbait for catfish but I bet he loves the outdoors and this river as much as we do.  So we aren’t that different from him.  And that’s a good thing.

I’ve heard nothing but good things about Bill Keine. I’d like to fish with him sometime. Willi

Response:

I’ve heard nothing but good things about Bill Keine…..

Sorry.  Been busy.  Give me a couple of days. Wolfgang

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Their comment was they  prefer to stay away from fly fisherman. I’m assuming you mean as so to not be hooked on a wayward backcast ? An interesting perspective…… Well…most flyfishermen I’ve met really do think that they are superior because they flyfish. This is unbelievably sickening to the average blue collar fishermen.  I think back on how insuffereable I must have been to my trolling and casting buddies when I went through my 20 years of catch and release flyfishing purist horseshit. I owe them for sticking with me.

No, not the back cast  but the latter. I guess each type of fishing has   it s own ethos, maybe  somewhere out there  theyll be a unifying   principals of  fishing  that someone will discover that works for everything.  MT

Response:

No, not the back cast  but the latter. I guess each type of fishing has it s own ethos, maybe  somewhere out there  theyll be a unifying principals of  fishing  that someone will discover that works for everything.

That’s the funny thing. There is a common core, in fishing probably more than in any other human endeavour. If you read the english fishing publication "The Waterlog" it becomes immediately apparent where deep love and lore of fishing exists and where one can find these elusive unifying principals. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Their comment was they  prefer to stay away from fly fisherman. I’m assuming you mean as so to not be hooked on a wayward backcast ? An interesting perspective…… Well…most flyfishermen I’ve met really do think that they are superior because they flyfish. This is unbelievably sickening to the average blue collar fishermen.  I think back on how insuffereable I must have been to my trolling and casting buddies when I went through my 20 years of catch and release flyfishing purist horseshit. I owe them for sticking with me. No, not the back cast  but the latter. I guess each type of fishing has it s own ethos, maybe  somewhere out there  theyll be a unifying principals of  fishing  that someone will discover that works for everything.

 The "Unified Stream Theory"  has eluded the grasp of every philosopher that has tried to fabricate it so far. — Don Thompson Another Thompson Scion

Response:

It’s like an addiction – you know it isn’t good for you, you know the neighbourhood isn’t the best, you know that nothing much good comes of it, but you go anyway.  At least once a year, I need my salmon fix. Those that know the Great Lakes tributary salmon hunt, find superlatives are non-existant and compliments stick south of the navel, yet it’s amazing how many of us like to get down and grubby. The Burnhamthorpe parking lot was a sight to be seen.  Not a spot anywhere, with the truly desperate parking on any semi-level ground not occupied by an immoveable object.  The new 2002 fishing car got broken-in as I scraped its belly on a half-buried concrete curb in an effort to secure the last stretch of unmuddied grass.  Truck habits are obviously hard to break.  Two weeks ago it would’ve been, "What curb?" My Scott SAS two-hander had only been out a couple of times and still didn’t have a fish to it’s credit – neither did the reel (in my possession.)  So despite this being highly unsuitable conditions for a two-hander, I took it anyway.  The long and the short of it – fair hooked three, landed one.   Though not Alaska combat conditions, one does fish cheek-by-jowl. There’s something to be said for shooting the shit with a half dozen or more anglers with earshot – sharing a laugh or helping out with another’s fish, spotting a salmon for someone, or giving ground when your offering has been rejected and letting someone else have a go. More than just fishing, given proximity to a couple of pleasant personalities, it turns into a little social event.  There is the odd dickhead but it isn’t much of a challenge in refusing to let the mood be spoiled. Probably take the bro-in-law and Scott out next Sunday morning for one last try. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Though not Alaska combat conditions, one does fish cheek-by-jowl. There’s something to be said for shooting the shit with a half dozen or more anglers with earshot – sharing a laugh or helping out with another’s fish, spotting a salmon for someone, or giving ground when your offering has been rejected and letting someone else have a go. More than just fishing, given proximity to a couple of pleasant personalities, it turns into a little social event.  There is the odd dickhead but it isn’t much of a challenge in refusing to let the mood be spoiled.

…this is so, well… YOU!  one of the reasons your presence at the roff gatherings is such a welcoming thing. well said… jeff (a sow’s ear)

Response:

There’s something to be said for shooting the shit with a half dozen or more anglers with earshot – sharing a laugh or helping out with another’s fish, spotting a salmon for someone, or giving ground when your offering has been rejected and letting someone else have a go. More than just fishing, given proximity to a couple of pleasant personalities, it turns into a little social event.  There is the odd dickhead but it isn’t much of a challenge in refusing to let the mood be spoiled.

That’s a good description of the silver lining to the crowds on the Salmon River in Pulaski.   Yeah, it can be a bit testy at times, but now and then you find yourself, as much through luck as anything else, standing amongst a crowd of genuinely good-natured fellows out to have as much fun as you.   In some respects, there’s a parallel to ROFF in these situations.   A group of strangers shout, joke, fish, and generally have a good time in each other’s company; and the occasional dickhead doesn’t ruin the fun.   Solitude on a peaceful stream is still great, but there *is* something to be said for the group mayhem during these runs. Joe F. (ten more days ’til my turn.)

Response:

That’s a good description of the silver lining to the crowds on the Salmon River in Pulaski.   Yeah, it can be a bit testy at times, but now and then you find yourself, as much through luck as anything else, standing amongst a crowd of genuinely good-natured fellows out to have as much fun as you.  

That sounds a lot like shad fishing on the American River in Sacramento. Now if only the shad would cooperate … — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

 I ve been up at  Pulaski a couple  days  a week during Oct., generally at the Baseball field. I ve found the  other fisherman up there to be a great  bunch of folks, willing to  get out of your way when a  hooked salmon  goes plunging thru the spots they re fishing, helping with   landing and interesting to talk to. The only trouble I had was  with a fly fisherman who was alone in  a 3-4 person  spot and thought I was rude  moving into it. As I was only there to  help a friend get started  salmon fishing I soon left    once he   got the hang  it.  I mentioned this encounter to some of the regulars   on the other bank. Their comment was they  prefer to stay away from fly fisherman. An interesting perspective……  MT

Response:

Their comment was they  prefer to stay away from fly fisherman.

I’m assuming you mean as so to not be hooked on a wayward backcast ? An interesting perspective……

Well…most flyfishermen I’ve met really do think that they are superior because they flyfish. This is unbelievably sickening to the average blue collar fishermen.  I think back on how insuffereable I must have been to my trolling and casting buddies when I went through my 20 years of catch and release flyfishing purist horseshit. I owe them for sticking with me. Choc fishing maggots for carp in Japan. Excellent. Most Excellent. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

Response:

Question:

Sure there’s a better way, but to all those who replied to my post. Many thanks I will follow it up. Mike…. Why not propitious?  ROFF? Where else did you see it? Ian So many questions, so little knowledge!!!

Response:

What do you plan on doing with the bottom and top? Never seen a cane wading staff before…. like to se it when you done john

Actually the old US 10th Division WWII ski poles are made of split cane, like a kind of hell-for-stout cane rod. I’ve got a couple around and have been considering coverting one. Mike — Michael McGuire                     Hewlett Packard Laboratories Phone: (650)-857-5491               Palo Alto, CA 94303-0971          

Response:

Sure there’s a better way, but to all those who replied to my post. Many thanks I will follow it up. Mike…. Why not propitious?  ROFF? Where else did you see it? Ian So many questions, so little knowledge!!!

Too complex to explain the remark on the relative propitiousness of your question I am afraid, it would waste too much space, and probably not make much sense.  I believe I saw the post on one of the UK groups first. Probably uk.rec.fishing.game. ROFF is,  rec.outdoors.fishing.fly, and is an international group, although dominated by Americans.  You posted individually to the groups concerned, and so I realised it was not a troll etc, before I saw it on ROFF.  I replied to your e-mail because I was not certain which groups you read regularly, if at all, and you obviously really did want some info. TL MC

Response:

Hi I’m trying to build some cane and wonder if anyone can help. I’m using the triangular formar method. The info I have is old so need to know what glues are best to use to a) hold the cane to the formar i.e it has to release with heat and b) to glue the cane. Having split the cane it has  side to side bows. i.e it zig zags. Should I straighten this and if so how or just cut oversize and plane straight thereby cutting across the grain more. My father used to build his own rods and I have acquired his cane and formars. I’m only doing it for interest and will only make a wading staff. Cheers  Ian

Response:

Hi I’m trying to build some cane and wonder if anyone can help.

<SNIP Just as well I saw your post elsewhere before it arrived on ROFF.  Not exactly a propitious time to be asking about cane on here.  No way you could know that of course. You will find all you need here; http://www.teleport.com/~gord/canelink.shtml TL MC

Response:

What do you plan on doing with the bottom and top? Never seen a cane wading staff before…. like to se it when you done john

Response:

Hi I’m trying to build some cane and wonder if anyone can help.

<snip I’m only doing it for interest and will only make a wading staff.

Ian In my opinion, seems like a lot of trouble to go through just to make a wading staff (hell, for that matter, it’s a lot of trouble to go through to make a fishing pole )  It sounds like you already have the major tools that you need.  Go ahead and make yourself a rod.  It’s not that hard. Mike Connor already listed a very good reference link.  Let me recommend another.  The Rodmakers’ site has a wealth of information on building cane rods.  You might want to subscribe to the mailing list and pose some of your questions there.  I would recommend searching the rather extensive list archives first, however, since a lot of your questions may have already been asked and answered.  Here’s a link to the site: http://www.canerod.com/rodmakers/ As far a straitening goes, most people today use an electric heat gun to gently warm the bamboo.  This softens it and allows you to straighten it by hand or in a vise.  This is a fairly tedious and time consuming process. Regarding glues, the choices are too many to discuss here.  You will find many suggestions on the Rodmaker’s site. Good luck and have fun! Keith

Response:

I’d highly recommend the  rodmakers mailing list. I did when building my first rod and got a lot of help from some very knowledgeable rod builders. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi I’m trying to build some cane and wonder if anyone can help. <snip I’m only doing it for interest and will only make a wading staff. Ian In my opinion, seems like a lot of trouble to go through just to make a wading staff (hell, for that matter, it’s a lot of trouble to go through to make a fishing pole )  It sounds like you already have the major tools that you need.  Go ahead and make yourself a rod.  It’s not that hard. Mike Connor already listed a very good reference link.  Let me recommend another.  The Rodmakers’ site has a wealth of information on building cane rods.  You might want to subscribe to the mailing list and pose some of your questions there.  I would recommend searching the rather extensive list archives first, however, since a lot of your questions may have already been asked and answered.  Here’s a link to the site: http://www.canerod.com/rodmakers/ As far a straitening goes, most people today use an electric heat gun to gently warm the bamboo.  This softens it and allows you to straighten it by hand or in a vise.  This is a fairly tedious and time consuming process. Regarding glues, the choices are too many to discuss here.  You will find many suggestions on the Rodmaker’s site. Good luck and have fun! Keith

Response:

Question:

– half-assed spey – if the current is moving to left to right (for a right hander) drag the rig up in front of you with the rod parallel to the water then raise the rod, make the typical spey "D" loop behind you and out it goes.

Peter, could you explain this a bit more?  I’ve heard of spey casting but I don’t really know what it involves, but I’d like to try what you’re saying. — Regards, Jeff Before you buy.

Response:

When I’m casting really heavy rigs, like for steelhead, I let the backcast drop into the water behind me and let the current straighten the line out. Then I just lob the rig upstream.

I had to do that with the "bead ‘n’ bunny" rig I talked about earlier. It never gets pretty looking, but if you don’t shoot a little line as well like you mentioned earlier, it *feels* absolutely horrible. — Regards, Jeff Before you buy.

Response:

Bruiserman writes: I get that "bounce" effect, especially on the forward cast, whenever i cast a little lead.  All of my rods are moderate action and i don’t throw anything like a tight loop.  Sometimes my flies even bounce back at me

…in which case, you are approaching George Harvey’s preferred nymph presentation, which he calls a tuck cast. The principle is: overcast the forward pitch upstream, dropping the rod tip at the end, resulting in this bounce effect. You thereby get the weight(nymphs,etc) to strike water first and start to sink, with the floating part of the rig piled up on the water. Then, when the nymph drifts downstream, it does so with far less drag and covers the absolute bottom more effectively. Control of this technique takes lots of practice(I pull it off gracefully perhaps one time in three tries), but does allow an upstream nymph to fish through a lot of water.                              Tom Littleton

Response:

On another topic entirely, I was fishing down at the lake the other day for carp and was dropping in a #12 cracked corn fly made with yellow chenele and copper wire.  Couldn’t keep the LARGE bluegill off the darn thing!  We’re talking bluegill measured by weight not relationship to hand size. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

Sounds so simple even I can tie it. I will tie up a dozen tonight. Ought to work great on my G-series 2 weight rod. Big Dale – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Wish i had a video of these techniques because my St. Croix 14 foot rod arrived yesterday and I am trying to figure out how to cast with it.

Watcha’ gonna’ do with that bad boy, BD? — Charlie…

Response:

—

Check out www.Billysandifer.com to get a few ideas. This guy guides on South Padre Island and does the surf thing by guiding clients out of an old Surburban. He finds that the door hinges wear out first on his trucks.This guy is no where near the lunatic fringe…he is way past the fringe. He likes the two-handed rods for casting 100 feet into 40 mph winds that are common. His personal record in a 740 pound shark, but one of his clients beat that by 80 or 90 pounds. I just think it would be a good excuse to learn how to play with a two handed rod. Big Dale

Response:

— Check out www.Billysandifer.com to get a few ideas. This guy guides on South Padre Island and does the surf thing by guiding clients out of an old Surburban. He finds that the door hinges wear out first on his trucks.This guy is no where near the lunatic fringe…he is way past the fringe. He likes the two-handed rods for casting 100 feet into 40 mph winds that are common. His personal record in a 740 pound shark, but one of his clients beat that by 80 or 90 pounds. I just think it would be a good excuse to learn how to play with a two handed rod.

Barbed or barbless hooks? <g — Charlie…

Response:

Big Dale, On another topic entirely, I was fishing down at the lake the other day for carp and was dropping in a #12 cracked corn fly made with yellow chenele and copper wire.  Couldn’t keep the LARGE bluegill off the darn thing!  We’re talking bluegill measured by weight not relationship to hand size. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

Response:

A lot of people would call that desirable as it allows the nymph to get into the water ahead of your line and start sinking more quickly! Smooth it out a bit and proclaim "I meant to do that" and that’s what a tuck cast is.  Lot’s of good fishermen do it.  Otherwise, you could either underpower your cast slightly, or leave a little slack in your line – let go of the line with your line hand and instead of snapping back it will shoot out a bit more.  Once in awhile, I can even practice what I preach, so it can’t be too hard That’s actually a casting question that I wanted to ask here.  I get that "bounce" effect, especially on the forward cast, whenever i cast a little lead.  All of my rods are moderate action and i don’t throw anything like a tight loop.  Sometimes my flies even bounce back at me a little.  What’s the easiest way to moderate or fix this casting problem?  (I usually use a DT line if that matters)  I’d let up a little but i’m usually trying to throw the whole mess (the indicator, lead, and two fly setup jeffc mentioned) into the wind or something. Any suggestions?

– Regards, Jeff Before you buy.

Response:

the opposite way, drag the rig a little past you with the rod level then continue moving the rod tip behind, pickup and drag the rig in the air in half circle then out with the rod vertical.  It’s easier to do than explain.

Wish i had a video of these techniques because my St. Croix 14 foot rod arrived yesterday and I am trying to figure out how to cast with it. Big Dale – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

the opposite way, drag the rig a little past you with the rod level then continue moving the rod tip behind, pickup and drag the rig in the air in half circle then out with the rod vertical.  It’s easier to do than explain. Wish i had a video of these techniques because my St. Croix 14 foot rod arrived yesterday and I am trying to figure out how to cast with it. Big Dale

man, you finally gotta rod that matches your moniker.  congrats. The best explanation I’ve seen so far is Mike Maxwell’s "The Art & Science of Spey Casting." Really, the main difference between roll casting and spey casting shows up in the forward loop.  The roll cast rolls off the water where the spey cast looks like a regular forward loop from an overhead cast. Without gettting fancy, go out to a pond and roll cast.  After you’ve got a rhythm going, then add an upward push at the end rollcast power stroke.  Instead of a rollcast, you’ll end up with a forward overhead cast looping, assuming the timing works. drop me an email if there’s some things you want to go over. Peter

Response:

I think it’s because you’re usually throwing weight, and a fast action rod isn’t good for that. It generates shocks in the line when the weight reaches the end of forward or backward cast.

That’s actually a casting question that I wanted to ask here.  I get that "bounce" effect, especially on the forward cast, whenever i cast a little lead.  All of my rods are moderate action and i don’t throw anything like a tight loop.  Sometimes my flies even bounce back at me a little.  What’s the easiest way to moderate or fix this casting problem?  (I usually use a DT line if that matters)  I’d let up a little but i’m usually trying to throw the whole mess (the indicator, lead, and two fly setup jeffc mentioned) into the wind or something. Any suggestions? bruiser Before you buy.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think it’s because you’re usually throwing weight, and a fast action rod isn’t good for that. It generates shocks in the line when the weight reaches the end of forward or backward cast. That’s actually a casting question that I wanted to ask here.  I get that "bounce" effect, especially on the forward cast, whenever i cast a little lead.  All of my rods are moderate action and i don’t throw anything like a tight loop.  Sometimes my flies even bounce back at me a little.  What’s the easiest way to moderate or fix this casting problem?  (I usually use a DT line if that matters)  I’d let up a little but i’m usually trying to throw the whole mess (the indicator, lead, and two fly setup jeffc mentioned) into the wind or something. Any suggestions?

Try shooting some line. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

That’s actually a casting question that I wanted to ask here.  I get that "bounce" effect, especially on the forward cast, whenever i cast a little lead.

I’ve been practicing the Lefty technique of swinging the backcast around behind you (in a clockwise motion for right handed casters) rather than pulling the line straight back. The forward cast is just like normal except you aim high. I’ve seen people who use this technique with streamers and it’s pretty impressive. I’m still working on the form, but I do get less bounce that’s for sure. I can now cast heavy streamers 15′ instead of 10′ –Steve

Response:

I’ve been practicing the Lefty technique of swinging the backcast around behind you (in a clockwise motion for right handed casters) rather than pulling the line straight back. The forward cast is just like normal except you aim high. I’ve seen people who use this technique with streamers and it’s pretty impressive. I’m still working on the form, but I do get less bounce that’s for sure. I can now cast heavy streamers 15′ instead of 10′ –Steve

Typical overhead casting is usually not a good idea with lead and weighted flies anyway.  I use a number of different casts, rarely overhead, when nymphing.  No matter what method, I always keep the loops wide open and yes, I prefer a slower rod for this. – upstream lob – just let the rig run straight downstream at the end of the drift then in one motion, pick it up and lay it out upstream. – half-assed spey – if the current is moving to left to right (for a right hander) drag the rig up in front of you with the rod parallel to the water then raise the rod, make the typical spey "D" loop behind you and out it goes. – circle or half a half-assed spey – with the current going the opposite way, drag the rig a little past you with the rod level then continue moving the rod tip behind, pickup and drag the rig in the air in half circle then out with the rod vertical.  It’s easier to do than explain.

Response:

I’ve been practicing the Lefty technique of swinging the backcast around behind you (in a clockwise motion for right handed casters) rather than pulling the line straight back. The forward cast is just like normal except you aim high. I’ve seen people who use this technique with streamers and it’s pretty impressive. I’m still working on the form, but I do get less bounce that’s for sure. I can now cast heavy streamers 15′ instead of 10′

When I’m casting really heavy rigs, like for steelhead, I let the backcast drop into the water behind me and let the current straighten the line out. Then I just lob the rig upstream. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

– half-assed spey – if the current is moving to left to right (for a right hander) drag the rig up in front of you with the rod parallel to the water then raise the rod, make the typical spey "D" loop behind you and out it goes.

I had a guide teach me this one day when I couldn’t roll cast worth a shit (okay, that’s most days).   Not only is it a great way to cast a nymph & shot, but it looks damned cool too. Joe F.

Response:

Why is a softer rod better for nymphing?

Response:

Why is a softer rod better for nymphing?

No no Wayno, just turn and walk away… <g — Charlie…

Response:

Why is a softer rod better for nymphing? No no Wayno, just turn and walk away… <g — Charlie…

        your wisdom prevails, as usual, mon duc. wayno, who never enjoyed a sitting duck

Response:

Yeah, yeah, I know. Maybe nymphs would be scared off by a stiff rod? But really: seems that medium to slow action is recommended for nymphing, faster for casting (esp. into a wind, streamers, etc). Why? -A humble and ignorant supplicant

Response:

I can’t really put my finger on it, but…. Oh that didn’t sound good. The thing is, I have a pretty stiff rod now, and… umm… let’s try again. For one thing, you don’t really want an super-tight loop if you’re using 2 nymphs, lead, and a strike indicator.  Nymphing does not necessarily mean those things, but sometimes it does.  A less-stiff rod helps you open the loop a bit. A faster rod usually generates higher line speed, which some people find helpful for drying out a dry fly.  With a nymph or streamer, not only is this not necessary, but it’s undesirable.  I once saw a video where an expert suggested a tactic of letting your streamer drop and touch the water behind you to keep wet, thereby allowing it to sink a little more quickly when landing on the forward cast.  I’ve never tried it for fear of looking like an even worse fisherman than I am. Finally, and this is the part I "can’t put my finger on", but a stiff rod just doesn’t seem to give the best feel when detecting strikes or setting the hook.  If you are literally feeling the take with your rod tip, I’m sure your line would be too tight to the fish, but still it just doesn’t feel right to me.  Bottom line for me personally – I have a Loomis GLX I’ve been using for nymphing and I’m switching to a little more moderate action.  Even though I tend to like faster rods, it doesn’t feel right to me for nymphs.  I’m not an expert but intermediate – don’t know if that means I’m more or less helpful to you at your level. Yeah, yeah, I know. Maybe nymphs would be scared off by a stiff rod? But really: seems that medium to slow action is recommended for nymphing, faster for casting (esp. into a wind, streamers, etc). Why? -A humble and ignorant supplicant

– Regards, Jeff Before you buy.

Response:

Scottb: Yeah, yeah, I know. Maybe nymphs would be scared off by a stiff rod? But really: seems that medium to slow action is recommended for nymphing, faster for casting (esp. into a wind, streamers, etc). Why?

Who says they are?  I’m a successful nympher and use a Sage RPl+, SP, and a Winston LT (soft compared to Sages).  I find the stiffer rod makes casting (albeit short casts) easier with split shot and strike indicator.  It’s more of a lob.  Some would say that *all* my casts are like a lob, but that’s another story.  <g Dave LaCourse

Response:

Why is a softer rod better for nymphing?

I think it’s because you’re usually throwing weight, and a fast action rod isn’t good for that. It generates shocks in the line when the weight reaches the end of forward or backward cast. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

But really: seems that medium to slow action is recommended for nymphing, faster for casting (esp. into a wind, streamers, etc). Why? Who says they are?

Well there ya go Scott.  Some things have pretty much universal answers, others have as many answers as fishermen.  Best way is to experiment.  Cheapest way to experiment is to buy used, use it, then sell it and buy another.  Sometimes you can break even or even make a few bucks in the process. Regards, Jeff

Response:

The Winter 2001 issue of Flyfishing and Tying Journal has an outstanding 13 page article on nymphing stategies.  If you don’t get this Journal (1st copy for me), e-mail me with your home state.  They list flyshops that sell the Journal.   It is some of the best info I have seen on the subject. Dave L.

Response:

The Winter 2001 issue of Flyfishing and Tying Journal has an outstanding 13 page article on nymphing stategies.  If you don’t get this Journal (1st copy for me), e-mail me with your home state.  They list flyshops that sell the Journal.   It is some of the best info I have seen on the subject. Dave L.

It is well done, but I hear that the author only wrote it after spending a week with our Uncle Louie on the Rapid. Peter

Response:

Dave, As a newbie, nymphing is my next great challenge, since everyone seems to talk about how productive it is.  I’ve caught one (1) trout on a wet fly and one (1) trout on a dry fly, with several misses on each as well.  I’ve caught numerous pan fish on panfish/bass bugs. So, yes, I’d be interested in getting a copy of this journal. Thanks, Rob The Winter 2001 issue of Flyfishing and Tying Journal has an outstanding 13 page article on nymphing stategies.  If you don’t get this Journal (1st copy for me), e-mail me with your home state.  They list flyshops that sell the Journal.   It is some of the best info I have seen on the subject. Dave L.

– Robert Switzer        wk (732) 949-4942 Lucent Technologies   rm. 4J-263, 101 Crawfords Corner Rd. Holmdel, NJ, 07733

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Peter Charles writes: The Winter 2001 issue of Flyfishing and Tying Journal has an outstanding 13 page article on nymphing stategies.  If you don’t get this Journal (1st copy for me), e-mail me with your home state.  They list flyshops that sell the Journal.   It is some of the best info I have seen on the subject. Dave L. It is well done, but I hear that the author only wrote it after spending a week with our Uncle Louie on the Rapid. Peter

Well, thank you, young fella.  You show me how to streamer fish and I’ll reveal the secrets of nymphing — this June, at Lakewood. Louie Dave LaCourse

Response:

Rob Switzer writes: So, yes, I’d be interested in getting a copy of this journal.

Hi, Rob.  I’ve answered you by e-mail, not knowing you listed your address here.   In New Jersey they list: The Fly Hatch in Shrewsburg (www.flyhatch.com) Orvis Store in Paramus (www.orvis.com) The Sportsmen’s Center in Bordentown (www.sportsmenscenter.com) Hope this helps, Rob.  If not, please feel free to e-mail me with any questions. Dave LaCourse

Response:

Question:

called the House Rockers.  I remember  I had an LP…33rpm…whatever… issued by Alligator Records.  I think I bought it in the late seventies when I was in college in Minneapolis.  The cover shot was of Hound Dog playing…was it a Fender Stratocaster?… along with his porkpie hat in a studio sitting next to small amp.  Yes…he had other stuff on besides his hat.  The print job on the album cover was a nice rich duotone photo in brown-sepia. Link to the album…you have a good memory. I believe he also played an old Rickenbacker. http://cdu2.cduniverse.com/asp/albuminfo.asp?LC=1455+4701&cart=850147… Here’s a link of a short bio: http://mathrisc1.lunet.edu/blues/Hound_Dog_Taylor.html and here’s a link of the early Alligator/Hound Dog history….. http://www.allmusic.com/cg/x.dll?p=amg&sql=B543 I tried to download a mp3 of his from the LYCOs mp3 site…but the links appear to be dead.      -Wow…Hound Dog Taylor… excellent      guitarist.   Up there with Stevie Ray and Buddy      Guy…

agreed….especially after he indulged      - Congatulate Matt for me.  What store?

I believe he mentioned an Orvis store in Scranton….but I’m not sure.      - When you get a chance please tell him to bring      some of "Wayno’s Finger-Lickin’ Bar-B-Que Hot      Sauce" along with "Wayno’s Ol’ Time Porch      Sittin’ Lemonade" with him.   A lot of wagers      came in after the World Series and now us yanks      are in cotton.

terrible series. –Walt — Ezflyfish.com http://www.ezflyfish.com BRBG http://www.abebooks.com/home/BLUEBOOKS P.O. Box 5112  Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828)963-5001

Response:

HR Blaine: <<I believe I have that on 33, but where I come from, we call it jazz.  <g   *Exactly*.  That was my point, HR.  I have managed to duplicate my entire jazz collection (vinyl 33s) with CDs.  Manne, with Previn and Leroy Vinnegar on bass, was one of the first albums I started with in 55/56.   Dave L.

Response:

  Walt Winter, man of letters and spirits, gives me the last word on Hound Dog Taylor:   Link to the album…you have a good memory. I believe he also played an old Rickenbacker. http://cdu2.cduniverse.com/asp/albuminfo.asp?LC=1455+4701&cart=850147…   Here’s a link of a short bio:   http://mathrisc1.lunet.edu/blues/Hound_Dog_Taylor.html   and here’s a link of the early Alligator/Hound Dog history…..   http://www.allmusic.com/cg/x.dll?p=amg&sql=B543   I tried to download a mp3 of his from the LYCOs mp3 site…but the links appear to be dead.   – Incredible Walt!  Absolutely incredible!  I still can’t get over the whole connectivity thing.  Just great…something like this simply didn’t exist a few years ago.  The ‘net…what power!  And, let’s hope, it stays available to all for a long time…   – By the way, do mean to tell me that for some blues artists, or for any performing artists for that matter,  you can get a sound clip as well.  Let me know when you get a chance.     Kindest regards,   Tony Ritter

Response:

Manne, with Previn and Leroy Vinnegar

on bass, was one of the first albums I started with in 55/56.< Hmmm.  My first was Miles Davis, Round Midnight.  I was in college, mid-50s, had  to "save up" a couple of bucks to buy it.  

Response:

HR Blaine: <<I believe I have that on 33, but where I come from, we call it jazz.  <g   *Exactly*.  That was my point, HR.  I have managed to duplicate my entire jazz collection (vinyl 33s) with CDs

    i just wish i could duplicate your luck, louie my boy. wayno

Response:

Wayno: <<<<I believe I have that on 33, but where I come from, we call it jazz.  <g   *Exactly*.  That was my point, HR.  I have managed to duplicate my entire jazz collection (vinyl 33s) with CDs

    i just wish i could duplicate your luck, louie my boy. It ain’t luck, counselor.  Told ya that long ago.  <g I *may* be in Durham on the 10th.  How far is that from your digs?  Dinner?  We have a school in Wilmington on the 10th, and *maybe* one in the Durham area on the 11th. Dave

Response:

How about Robert Johnson, considered by many to be the most influencial blues musician of all time. The Blues and the food are the only two things I miss since moving from Chicago. Willi

Response:

Walt: thanks for the links. Big Dale

Response:

blues comment is about enough to make me jump! Too name of a few of the greatest are as follows all though some may be considered R & B… John Lee Hooker, Jimi Hendrix (yes, his blues cd is exceptional)

When I start driving in the morning on a trip of any length I prefer to start driving a couple of hours before dawn with The Jimi Hendrix Concerts and then follow it with my favorite flyfishing electric blues guy Eric Clapton’s album From The Cradle…the first cut Blues Before Sunrise will get you going. He also does a great cut of Hoochie Man on this album. I love the blues, but if I am driving from Dallas to Nashville and forget to set the cruise control when listening to some of the old acoustic stuff like Hank Williams’ Low Down Blues pretty soon I will be only driving about 35 mph and it will take forever to get there. I have to follow the blues with some punk rock like The Clash or The SezxPistols. Since I still like rockabilly another way to get going in the fast lane again particularly in East Arkansas or WesternTtenn. I put in Archive byThe Stray Cats…20 great cuts.. you gotta love those Fishnet Stockings and the song Gene and Eddie..I do agree that Hendrix’s blues cd is excellent, but then a lot of hard rockers and country artists have some great blues…check out Willie Nelson’s Milk Cow Blues sometime this is a great song. Blues are where you find them. I always found it kind of odd that a lot of American rockers learned the blues after a lot of the English rockers introduced the blues to them. Big Dale

Response:

  …Howlin Wolf…. now thars a name you don’t see mentioned to often.   Way back in the early 70’s, I was associated with an all-white blues band that went by the name of Cadillac Jake. Anyway, we had a gig to open for the Wolf at a big ‘ole church (yeah, I know, but this is southside Chicago) and afterwords we all piled in a couple of vans and headed up to Florence’s to catch Hound Dog. I’ll never forget the electricity that was generated by that man (between gulps of Ole Grand Dad whisky, generously proffered by yours trully) and the way that he could swing from house-rockin’ blues to old southern blues. Amazing stuff.   – I believe Hound Dog Taylor’s band was called the House Rockers.  I remember  I had an LP…33rpm…whatever… issued by Alligator Records.  I think I bought it in the late seventies when I was in college in Minneapolis.  The cover shot was of Hound Dog playing…was it a Fender Stratocaster?… along with his porkpie hat in a studio sitting next to small amp.  Yes…he had other stuff on besides his hat.  The print job on the album cover was a nice rich duotone photo in brown-sepia.   -Wow…Hound Dog Taylor… excellent guitarist.   Up there with Stevie Ray and Buddy Guy…   As far as music at a site…..it can be annoying to some people. The other day on the way back from fishin’ with Matt, he had this tape that had a Louie Armstrong and Bing Crosby ditty called "Gone Fishin’" playing. I’ve been hummin it ever since and it would be kinda cool to have that playing in the background. Most web-designers discourage music though….takes up to much valuable load time.   Speakin’ of Matt…he just got a job at some flyshop up in PA. He’s real excited about it (probably cuz’ us mountain hoosiers won’t be outfishin’ him nomore) and he’s even more excited about being able to fish the Delaware, Salmon, etc….   – Congatulate Matt for me.  What store?   – When you get a chance please tell him to bring some of "Wayno’s Finger-Lickin’ Bar-B-Que Hot Sauce" along with "Wayno’s Ol’ Time Porch Sittin’ Lemonade" with him.   A lot of wagers came in after the World Series and now us yanks are in cotton.   If you can’t beat ‘em…   Regards,   Tony Ritter in NY

Response:

Louie, who is sticking with Brubeck, MJQ, Peterson, Mulligan, et al. Dave L. I guess you never know, I had you figured for show tunes<g.

Now *that’s* funny!

Response:

"My Fair Lady" with Shelly Mann and

Andre Previn sounds good.< I believe I have that on 33, but where I come from, we call it jazz.  <g

Response:

"electric gitars do not belong on a blues record" ,they came in with post war urban groups that tried to drown the joint with volume. Sorry I can’t comment since I wasn’t there, but I believe the electric blues comment is about enough to make me jump! Too name of a few of the greatest are as follows all though some may be considered R & B… John Lee Hooker, Jimi Hendrix (yes, his blues cd is exceptional), Buddy Guy, BB King, Albert King, Albert Collins, Son House, Elmore James, Johnny Guitar Watson, Otis Rush and the list has just begun. Sorry to be abrupt and to the point but I feel your point on electric blues is a bit skewed. Tony Norton

Response:

Charlie Choc: <<I guess you never know, I had you figured for show tunes<g. "My Fair Lady" with Shelly Mann and Andre Previn sounds good. D Dave L.

Response:

Louie, who is sticking with Brubeck, MJQ, Peterson, Mulligan, et al. Dave L.

I guess you never know, I had you figured for show tunes<g. — Charlie…

Response:

– Charlie…Wayno…y’all kin john in hear?

"any fish bite if you got good bait"<g — Charlie…

Response:

– Hi Walt,- Indeed I did.  And also The ‘Fess…Sippie Wallace…Howlin’ Wolf…Luther Vandross… – Luther Vandross? – Only kidding…by the way Walt it’s been about a year since we met in cyberspace and I value your opinion when it comes to the aesthetics of the web.   Would it be too tacky to add a sound clip of let’s say Taj Mahal playing "The Fishing Song" to my site… you know…"ah’m I goin’ fishn’ you ah goin’ fishin’ and mah bebbe’s goin’ fishin’ too". – Charlie…Wayno…y’all kin john in hear? Waitin’ fo dee fyah…Tony Ritterin Noo Yawk

Howlin Wolf…. now thars a name you don’t see mentioned to often. Way back in the early 70’s, I was associated with an all-white blues band that went by the name of Cadillac Jake. Anyway, we had a gig to open for the Wolf at a big ‘ole church (yeah, I know, but this is southside Chicago) and afterwords we all piled in a couple of vans and headed up to Florence’s to catch Hound Dog. I’ll never forget the electricity that was generated by that man (between gulps of Ole Grand Dad whisky, generously proffered by yours trully) and the way that he could swing from house-rockin’ blues to old southern blues. Amazing stuff. As far as music at a site…..it can be annoying to some people. The other day on the way back from fishin’ with Matt, he had this tape that had a Louie Armstrong and Bing Crosby ditty called "Gone Fishin’" playing. I’ve been hummin it ever since and it would be kinda cool to have that playing in the background. Most web-designers discourage music though….takes up to much valuable load time. Speakin’ of Matt…he just got a job at some flyshop up in PA. He’s real excited about it (probably cuz’ us mountain hoosiers won’t be outfishin’ him nomore) and he’s even more excited about being able to fish the Delaware, Salmon, etc…. Gone Fishin’….. Walt — Ezflyfish.com http://www.ezflyfish.com BRBG http://www.abebooks.com/home/BLUEBOOKS P.O. Box 5112  Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828)963-5001

Response:

Walt Winter wrote Tony… You forgot Hound Dog Taylor. Waldo

- Hi Walt, – Indeed I did.  And also The ‘Fess…Sippie Wallace…Howlin’ Wolf…Luther Vandross… – Luther Vandross? – Only kidding…by the way Walt it’s been about a year since we met in cyberspace and I value your opinion when it comes to the aesthetics of the web.   Would it be too tacky to add a sound clip of let’s say Taj Mahal playing "The Fishing Song" to my site… you know…"ah’m I goin’ fishn’ you ah goin’ fishin’ and mah bebbe’s goin’ fishin’ too". – Charlie…Wayno…y’all kin john in hear? Waitin’ fo dee fyah… Tony Ritter in Noo Yawk

Response:

Tony… you forgot Hound Dog Taylor. Waldo – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sorry to say I did get a few recommendations on…(the blues) – Then try: In no order of preference: Albert King Stevie Ray Vaughn Bonnie Raitt John Mayall The Yardbirds (with Clapton) Johnny Lang Buddy Guy Robert Johnson Freddie King oh… and  *early* Ry Cooder – especially "Paradise and Lunch" Kindest regards, Tony Ritter Narrowsburg, New York

– Ezflyfish.com http://www.ezflyfish.com BRBG http://www.abebooks.com/home/BLUEBOOKS P.O. Box 5112  Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828)963-5001

Response:

wayno, the musically deprived: <<hot damn!  my retirement dream come true!  i’m buyin a new set of black diamonds for the ol d-28 this very afternoon!         #you take sally, i’ll take sue…# What a horrible vision — you singing while dressed in sequins! Hell, take your pick; either would be horrible, but together the thought is not only horrible, but obscene.  If you did that, *everyone* would be…….changed. Louie, who is sticking with Brubeck, MJQ, Peterson, Mulligan, et al. Dave L.

Response:

Sorry to say I did get a few recommendations on…(the blues)

- Then try: In no order of preference: Albert King Stevie Ray Vaughn Bonnie Raitt John Mayall The Yardbirds (with Clapton) Johnny Lang Buddy Guy Robert Johnson Freddie King oh… and  *early* Ry Cooder – especially "Paradise and Lunch" Kindest regards, Tony Ritter Narrowsburg, New York

Response:

w  the foundation gives grants to blues artists…but only those older than 55 and with incomes below $18k per year.  I think his label is called MusicMakers, or something like that.  The N&O did a story on him about 4 months ago.  Sounds like that might be what you are searching for.

        hot damn!  my retirement dream come true!  i’m buyin a new set of black diamonds for the ol d-28 this very afternoon!         #you take sally, i’ll take sue…# wayno

Response:

Indian Joe, One of the best records I ever owned was a collection of LPs called the Blues Box, which I purchased in the mid-1960s. Man, talk about authentic blues! Sonny Terry, original Leadbelly, etc. Wish I had those records now. Bob Elliott, Rochester – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Did not get to enjoy much music at recent Fall Ball as you could not hear over loud mouth drunks and the CD player would only work if one person stood beside with his hand on top . Sorry to say I did get a few recommendations on blues.  Sorry to say I purchased three of them and guess  I will wrap them up for future clave raffles. You guys are confused about blues, or maybe just grew up to late to understand that blues  are s  a song of troubles, deep down hurting troubles, not just some bunch of guy playing and electric gitar with a bunch of be bops howling in the background. The Blind Pig 20th Anniversary Collecting  is so badly recorded that you cannot understand the vocals over the electric gitars.. electric gitars do not belong on a blues record,they came in with  post war urban  groups that tried to drown the joint with volume. .The Alligator Records  20th Anniversary Collection  has the same problems, seems to me these recording companies with ther rehash of misfits are just trying to rip you off, as there is no way locally to hear the cd before purchase.   Then Charlie recommended  Ry Cooder  Buena Vista Social Club.D don’t know what you learned in music appreciation class in Georgia, but I now own a cd with a bunch of guys singing in some foreign language, I thought California had passed a law against all tha foreign lingo being used in our country. Perhaps I can sell it to some of the Latino working around the golf course.    dIf you guys want to hear some blues try  Leadbelly Alabame Bound  RCA or Best fo the Blues #3 McA.  It hurts but goes down good with manhattans. At next clave someone is really going to wonder who to blame when Indian Joe wins a box of beautiful flies and he receives a small round disk someone purported to be the blues. I      Indian Joe   Wilmington N.C

Response:

…since you seem to be fond of direct talk IJ, let me suggest yer full of shit if you think alligator records CDs aint the blues. however, each to his own.  Perhaps you should take a journey on the internet and check out the names of the folks who have been selected for the blues hall of fame…many of them are on the alligator record label.  Also, i’ll be glad to take the blind pig and buena vista club cds off yer hands…let’s see, used cds in trade go for about 2 dollars… btw, there is a fella and his wife in pilot mountain, north carolina who started a foundation for the preservation of the "old-timey" blues music.  the foundation gives grants to blues artists…but only those older than 55 and with incomes below $18k per year.  I think his label is called MusicMakers, or something like that.  The N&O did a story on him about 4 months ago.  Sounds like that might be what you are searching for…i used to have his web site, but it’s changed and i don’t know if he’s relocated.  charlie choc might have it…   also, check out www.thebluehighway.com (that’s a web site IJ <G). you surely aren’t claiming that true blues musicians don’t/won’t/can’t play the electric guitar?  or are you? sorry you didn’t care for the alligator records collection CD…but then, what was that gawdawful cd you made me play…and those movies you made me watch???   jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Did not get to enjoy much music at recent Fall Ball as you could not hear over loud mouth drunks and the CD player would only work if one person stood beside with his hand on top . Sorry to say I did get a few recommendations on blues.  Sorry to say I purchased three of them and guess  I will wrap them up for future clave raffles. You guys are confused about blues, or maybe just grew up to late to understand that blues  are s  a song of troubles, deep down hurting troubles, not just some bunch of guy playing and electric gitar with a bunch of be bops howling in the background.  The Blind Pig 20th Anniversary Collecting  is so badly recorded that you cannot understand the vocals over the electric gitars.. electric gitars do not belong on a blues record,they came in with  post war urban  groups that tried to drown the joint with volume. .The Alligator Records  20th Anniversary Collection  has the same problems, seems to me these recording companies with ther rehash of misfits are just trying to rip you off, as there is no way locally to hear the cd before purchase.    Then Charlie recommended  Ry Cooder  Buena Vista Social Club.D don’t know what you learned in music appreciation class in Georgia, but I now own a cd with a bunch of guys singing in some foreign language, I thought California had passed a law against all tha foreign lingo being used in our country. Perhaps I can sell it to some of the Latino working around the golf course.     dIf you guys want to hear some blues try  Leadbelly Alabame Bound  RCA or Best fo the Blues #3 McA.  It hurts but goes down good with manhattans.  At next clave someone is really going to wonder who to blame when Indian Joe wins a box of beautiful flies and he receives a small round disk someone purported to be the blues. I       Indian Joe   Wilmington N.C

Response:

Did not get to enjoy much music at recent Fall Ball as you could not hear over loud mouth drunks and the CD player would only work if one person stood beside with his hand on top . Sorry to say I did get a few recommendations on blues.  Sorry to say I purchased three of them and guess  I will wrap them up for future clave raffles. You guys are confused about blues, or maybe just grew up to late to understand that blues  are s  a song of troubles, deep down hurting troubles, not just some bunch of guy playing and electric gitar with a bunch of be bops howling in the background.  The Blind Pig 20th Anniversary Collecting  is so badly recorded that you cannot understand the vocals over the electric gitars.. electric gitars do not belong on a blues record,they came in with  post war urban  groups that tried to drown the joint with volume. .The Alligator Records  20th Anniversary Collection  has the same problems, seems to me these recording companies with ther rehash of misfits are just trying to rip you off, as there is no way locally to hear the cd before purchase.    Then Charlie recommended  Ry Cooder  Buena Vista Social Club.D don’t know what you learned in music appreciation class in Georgia, but I now own a cd with a bunch of guys singing in some foreign language, I thought California had passed a law against all tha foreign lingo being used in our country. Perhaps I can sell it to some of the Latino working around the golf course.       dIf you guys want to hear some blues try  Leadbelly Alabame Bound  RCA or Best fo the Blues #3 McA.  It hurts but goes down good with manhattans.  At next clave someone is really going to wonder who to blame when Indian Joe wins a box of beautiful flies and he receives a small round disk someone purported to be the blues. I       Indian Joe   Wilmington N.C

Response:

Question:

<Snip  You may want to underline it by one size.  In any case, try some lines on it and see what works best for you in the way of line weight…as the rod will probably throw several line sizes…but with a different action etc. Barry

I would concur with this idea.  In fact, I did just that on my South Bend mod. 59.   The rod’s rated for a 6 weight, but I use a DT5 on it and it casts great.   The rod has a stout "bass action", but I can cast dry flies with noticeably greater speed, pinpoint accuracy, and the delicacy of a two weight.   IOW:  Try it! Good luck… Homey

Response:

<snip Wes Jordan (of Orvis fame) was the master rod builder at South Bend when your rod was probably made.  He started there in 1926.  The Model Number 47 describes the rods action.  In this case, a stiff or Bass Action.   100 series rod were light action, 300 series rods were considered Dry Fly action.

<snip again Al Manchester NH Still fishing a South Bend 359

Hi Al, If the numbers indicate the action, where does the model 59 fit in to this scheme? Just wondering… Homey

Response:

If the numbers indicate the action, where does the model 59 fit in to this

scheme? Just wondering…<BR Hi Homey South Bend made most if not all of thier rods in thee actions. Bass Action model numbers with   *xx* Wet fly or Trout  modle numbers with   *1xx* Dry Fly Action modle numbers with *3xx* This is for the three piece rods. The rods all had the same hardware and wraps, only the taper was different. So a modle 59 would be a fast action rod, a 159 would be a slow or wet fly action rod, and a 359 would be a dry fly action rod – medium to fast. The modle 59’s were made, depending again on the handle and sticker sometime after 1936 and originaly sold for $5.00 to $9.35. If the rod has a grip that has distinct lines in it, and a thumb rest, called by South Bend a Comficient Grip ( comfortable and efficient ) it was made after 1939, which is when South Bend first started using these grips.  The reel seet will also give a clue as to the rods age. You can pick these rods up pretty cheep, around $125 to $150 and they are ok casting tools and good old everyday rods.  I have an 8 1/2 ft  359 that I have completely redone with modern hardware.  It is a fun nymphing rod.  Although it is a bit heavy.  There isn’t much collector interest in Sout Bend rods it seams becasue they were mass produced, made on milling machines and the sections came from different culms of bamboo.   But so were many other companies rods.  Some big names too that just might shock some people.  It is interesting to read in Wes Jordan – Profile of a Rod Maker, his attention to detail and quality when he was at South Bend.  My personal opinion is that these rods are somewhat undervalued and one day just might get some recognition.  This is in part becasue Wes Jordan always worked for a company, and never produced rods under his own name, so the lack of recognition follows..  For right now, if you want to have some fun fishing cane for a not a lot of money, a South Bend rod just might be the ticket.  You can fish them as is, or, if they are in need of some work, replace the hardware with modern stuff and have a decent cane rod.  The ferrules are the keys, make sure you have a good fit and that they are tight to the cane.  My 359 throws a DT 5 very nicely, mends well, and if I fall down and brake it, well, it’s not a Leonard or a Payne.   Mike Sinclairs book, Bamboo Rod Restoration has a chaper in it in South Bend rods, and has some good advice for those wishing to refinish or even resore an old rod.  For $25.00 it is not a bad refference to have around. Well, see, you asked a simple question and got me started )  Hope this helps. Al

Response:

Some years ago I acquired a South Bend No. 47 split cane rod. It is a nine feet long, three piece rod in a cotton rod bag, and marked in the ‘old’ line ratings as suitable for HCH.C or GBF lines. It came with(and still has) a spare top section. I was hoping someone might be able to give me a little history of the rod, in particular over what time was it made, and what would be its equivalent modern line ratings. The present management of South Bend was unable to help. The rod was previously owned by a well known Australian fisherman and tackle dealer named Hank Newman, now dead for some years. Thanks Peter Barda

Response:

(snip) I was hoping someone might be able to give me a little history of the rod, in particular over what time was it made, and what would be its equivalent modern line ratings. The present management of South Bend was unable to help. The rod was previously owned by a well known Australian fisherman and tackle dealer named Hank Newman, now dead for some years. Thanks Peter Barda

Which model of rod is this?  I believe South Bend made several models/price ranges/quality etc.  Also…if memory serves me correctly, the line size that you mentioned is about an eight weight.  The HCH signified a double taper line and the GBF a weight forward.  This was back when they marked line by diameter….and not just weight.  Today’s lines are categorized by weight….as you know.  By the way, my first fly rod was a South Bend rod that my dad gave to me.  I wish I still had it. One other comment on line sizes for old bamboo rods….  Back in the "good old days", we accepted a slower action than is now standard in most rods. Consequently, you may find that the recommended line size is too heavy for your casting style on the South Bend rod.  You may want to underline it by one size.  In any case, try some lines on it and see what works best for you in the way of line weight…as the rod will probably throw several line sizes…but with a different action etc. Barry

Response:

Some years ago I acquired a South Bend No. 47 split cane rod. It is a nine

feet long, three piece rod in a cotton rod bag, and marked in the ‘old’ line ra0tings as suitable for HCH.C or GBF lines. It came with(and still has) a spare top section.<BR I was hoping someone might be able to give me a little history of the rod, in

particular over what time was it made, and what would be its equivalent modern line ratings. The present management of South Bend was unable to help. Peter, Your rod was made sometime after 1936.  If you could describe the grip and the decal,  I could date it much more acurately for you.  It it has the Comficient Grip, with a gold decal, it was probably made after1939.  If the decal on the grip is a yellow rectangle, the rod was made sometime after WWII. Wes Jordan (of Orvis fame) was the master rod builder at South Bend when your rod was probably made.  He started there in 1926.  The Model Number 47 describes the rods action.  In this case, a stiff or Bass Action.   100 series rod were light action, 300 series rods were considered Dry Fly action.  The HCH refers to a modern DT 7 and GBF is the equivilent of a modern WF8.  The rod sold for around $10.00 to $15.00 depending on when it was made.   A good refference for South Bend Rods is Michael Sinclair’s Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook and Dick Spur’s and Gloria Jordan’s Wes Jordan – Profile of a Rod Maker.  Gloria Jordan still lives in Manchester Vt and runs a fly shop there. Hope this bit of info helps. Al Manchester NH Still fishing a South Bend 359

Response:

Question:

I will be fishing the upper Elk soon (near Slaty Fork).  Any advice on fly selection, water conditions etc?  Thanks in advance

Response:

Hey Again! You sure are persistent in putting posts about WV Flyfishing on this newsgroup!  If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were a plant ffor my guide business as you and I seem to be the only ones regularly discussing WV flyfishing.  As for what is going on, wait until a few days or even the day before you leave and send me an e-mail.  If I don’t reply within 24 hours, chances are that I’m somewhere inthe backcountry and without access.  Call and leave a message at our 800 number and ask for a call back about conditions on the Slaty.  Oak fields these calls and is usually pretty good about getting back quickly.  I hope you catch them all as long as you put ‘em back!!! See you Streamside, Keith Comstock Cranberry Wilderness Outfitters phone: (800) 848-8398 web: http://www.wvoutfitters.com PS- I’m thinking about putting up a conditions page and trying to update in no less than once a week.  What do you think?

Response:

Question:

 CABLE BOX DESCRAMBLER  BUILD YOUR OWN DESCRAMBLER FAST CHEAP AND EASY Just a few inexpensive parts from Radio Shack and a little time and you can descramble every cable channel. See all your favorite movie channels,pay per view etc To recieve detail instructions and diagrams on how to construct your own Cable Box Descrambler Mail $5.00 CASH  MONEY ORDER  CHECK S&G Enterprise 12145 Augusta Woods Cir Suite 3 Orlando FL. 32824 Please be sure to include your full name & address Allow 10 days to recieve Thank You Seth Garner

Response:

Attention, folks, this is illegal, and the cable suppliers have ways of finding your "black box". They can come a destroy it for you, too, and then prosecute you through the courts for theft of signal. Just thought you should be warned.  CABLE BOX DESCRAMBLER  BUILD YOUR OWN DESCRAMBLER FAST CHEAP AND EASY Just a few inexpensive parts from Radio Shack and a little time and you

can descramble every cable channel. See all your favorite movie channels,pay per view etc To recieve detail instructions and diagrams on how to construct your own

Cable Box Descrambler – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mail $5.00 CASH  MONEY ORDER  CHECK S&G Enterprise 12145 Augusta Woods Cir Suite 3 Orlando FL. 32824 Please be sure to include your full name & address Allow 10 days to recieve Thank You Seth Garner

Response:

        I reported the original of this article to both the postmaster originated from aol.  The assistant postmaster thanked me for letting her know about the post, told me it was a forgery, and said she had pulled it from usenet feeds.  The post had hit usenet and listservs before the postmaster could do anything.         If you see spam on the net, try to direct a copy of the post to the postmaster at the domaine listed.  This can help to stem the tide.         BTW, I saw the same post on the fly fishing and opera groups. I wonder … – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Attention, folks, this is illegal, and the cable suppliers have ways of finding your "black box". They can come a destroy it for you, too, and then prosecute you through the courts for theft of signal. Just thought you should be warned.  CABLE BOX DESCRAMBLER  BUILD YOUR OWN DESCRAMBLER FAST CHEAP AND EASY Just a few inexpensive parts from Radio Shack and a little time and you can descramble every cable channel. See all your favorite movie channels,pay per view etc To recieve detail instructions and diagrams on how to construct your own Cable Box Descrambler Mail $5.00 CASH  MONEY ORDER  CHECK S&G Enterprise 12145 Augusta Woods Cir Suite 3 Orlando FL. 32824 Please be sure to include your full name & address Allow 10 days to recieve Thank You Seth Garner

Response:

   BTW, I saw the same post on the fly fishing and opera groups. I wonder …

It was posted to every group I subscribe to. (alt.aquaria, rec.pets.dogs.behavior, alt.wolves, rec.pets)         Denna Lasik         "Never take life seriously; it isn’t permanent."         DEATH TO SPAM

Response:

Question:

The Angler’s Lie is at 3510 Lee Highway in Arlington, VA. They claim to be only 7 minutes from the White House!  Since I don’t live in the White House it really never mattered too much to me.  Call and someone will give you directions, from the White House or wherever. Phone (703) 527-2524 Have fun, John

Response:

Call Scotty Wolf at Wolf’s Fly Shop in Ellicott City, right up Rt. 29.  He is one of the best around. Ralph Curd

Response:

Try the Anglers Lie, 3510 Lee Hwy, Arlington, VA. 703 527 2524. Great selection of fly tying materials etc. They only deal in fly fishing.

Response:

I am looking for a good fly shp in Alexandria VA Can anyone give a few recommendations ? Thanks   Richard Lewis

Response:

Richard, You are in luck.  One of the best flyshops in the area is in Alexandria. The Angler’s Lie is on Lee highway 10 minutes from the White House.  They are in the phonebook.  Huge selection on tying materials.  Enjoy!

Response:

Question:

Well, here’s a good reason to boycott N.A.F.C.: They just sent me a book I didn’t order. I am supposed to keep it and Pay $7.00, or send it back. They provide a label to apply for return postage, but still, its a nuisance to have to return the thing. And I definately don’t want it.      Along with the book I sent back my request that they terminate my membership immediately. This sort of marketing, if not illegal, is certainly unethical. Dale Owens

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –       I just received in the mail an application to the North American Fishing Club.  I’m not sure if I have heard of it before and was wondering if anyone can give me any information on it.  Thanks. Basically, it’s a way of flogging a magazine. not much more. I get 2 or three of their mailings each year, and recycle immediately. One thing I save – that foil sticker! Put it on a favourite flybox and you’ll never leave it behind on a rock. — 3798 Woodland Drive     voice: (604) 368-9315 Trail, BC               data:  (604) 368-9341

I received (UN-solicited) a copy of NAFC magazine and was disgusted!!! I contained 1 minor reference to conservation of any sort.  And was filled with pages of smiling anglers from around North America, happily displaying their dead fish.  Not one LIVE release.  A true demonstration of "CONSERVATION THROUGH INCOMPETENCE" I will not support any publication or organization that does not take a responsible view toward fish stocks, and/or the environment. I am not a radical, "tree hugger", "sliver slut" or the like, but I am a responsible fly fisherman.  And as such believe in Catch and Release. The Californian ocean stocks, and the Atlantic Cod Stocks should have shown us something !  When they’re gone, they’re gone. NAFC publishes all the tried and true ways of catching fish, with a few "new" wrinkles.  But they should not promote the constant slaughter of fish just for their own profit. (thats my two cents worth)

Response:

$ .02  Good on ya !

Response:

FRY,TRAIL,BC,) says:       I just received in the mail an application to the North American Fishing Club.  I’m not sure if I have heard of it before and was wondering if anyone can give me any information on it.  Thanks. Basically, it’s a way of flogging a magazine. not much more. I get 2 or three of their mailings each year, and recycle immediately. One thing I save – that foil sticker! Put it on a favourite flybox and you’ll never leave it behind on a rock. —

A guy I work with just offered me the membership that the North American Fishing Club sent to his rabbit!  (Honest!  "This came in under my rabbit’s name."….goes the note…) What a mailing list! Tim

Response:

A boycott can be a VERY powerful tool…if used properly…however, lately I have noticed that any time someone sees something that THEY think MIGHT be unethical/immoral/not right/etc., they start screaming "boycott"… I’ll be honest with you, I know nothing about the North American Fish Club, and there may be a VERY good cause to boycott them…but just because the issue you happened to see had too many catch-and-keep pictures?  C’mon… Perhaps a better strategy would be to write them and ask them their policy on C&R and if it’s not to your liking, inform them that you disapprove… if you then feel strongly about it, check around and see if others agree with you…THEN, scream "boycott" from the mountaintops…and give your (well- researched) finding…given thorough information, perhaps more people will agree with your "boycott" suggestion… Fish on!, *Simple name, simple tagline…                                     * *("If at first you don’t succeed, face it…                        * *             …you might just be stupid.")                        *

Response:

says:       I just received in the mail an application to the North American Fishing Club.  I’m not sure if I have heard of it before and was wondering if anyone can give me any information on it.  Thanks.

I am a current member of the NAFC, but not for long.  It is just like all fishing magazines: get a one year subscription, save the magazines, and pretty much read them for the rest of your life.  Not much new. Yesterday I received a mailing from the same people to join the Handyman of America Club, or some such crap.  Right in the trash. John Richardson

Response:

says:       I just received in the mail an application to the North American Fishing Club.  I’m not sure if I have heard of it before and was wondering if anyone can give me any information on it.  Thanks.

I canceled my subscription to NAFC.  It’s ok, but not great.  I took the money and doubled my contribution to TU.  At least there my $ goes to do some good for cold water fishing, and the magazine from them isn’t too bad either.  NAFC is not for me, but save the boycott for an important issue. Don’t boycott every company you don’t want to buy from, and don’t cry wolf at every corner.  People are becoming too de-sensatized as it is.  (my 0.02) . Lenny Bloksberg . .

Response:

A boycott can be a VERY powerful tool…if used properly…however, lately I have noticed that any time someone sees something that THEY think MIGHT be unethical/immoral/not right/etc., they start screaming "boycott"… … Perhaps a better strategy would be to write them and ask them their policy on C&R and if it’s not to your liking, inform them that you disapprove… if you then feel strongly about it, check around and see if others agree with you…THEN, scream "boycott" from the mountaintops…and give your (well- researched) finding…given thorough information, perhaps more people will agree with your "boycott" suggestion…

I agree with JC 100% on this one.  An important issue here is that usually on the internet we only get to hear one side of the story.  A couple of years ago there was a heated debate about this issue in a local "general" newsgroup.  Someone posted a boycott suggestion after he got what he felt was poor service from an audio/video repair shop.  The person posted very littles about the details of the repair but didn’t hold back in claiming that the proprietor was technically incompetent, unbusiness-like and even went as far as to question the proprietors morals and sanity.  Meanwhile the proprietor was totally unaware that this information was being posted to a newsgroup read by thousands of potential customers.  What that poster didn’t count on was the fact that I lived across the street from this shop and had spent hours in there "talking shop" about audio equipment, music, and home computing.  More importantly, I saw his business practices first hand, and albeit being a little gruff at times, he always seemed fair, honest, and very technically competant (he’s been in the business for 17 years).  I showed him a copy of what was being said about him on the internet and within an hour or two he acquired an internet account from a local provider and I showed him how to post a response to the group.  This was a fairly rare case where the business bearing the brundt of someones accusations had a chance to respond.  So before crying "boycott" and making some accusations, take a breath and try to look at both sides of the issue.  If you *do* decide to post, make sure that you give us enough facts to determine that you’re not just a disgruntled customer with a vendetta. Sorry, this isn’t really fishing related but I’m going to followup with an article this *is*. — John Fereira   "Guru of Miscellany" Pleasanton, CA Viacom Cable Division

Response:

I’m trying to figure out where to go fishing in Washington this weekend.  I have never tried Coldwater Lake by Mt. St. Helens.  I read something a few weeks ago that said fishing was getting better.   Anyone have any recent experience there?  I will be using my float tube if it is legal there. TIA

Response:

kratz / Mike Bosko) writes: I’m trying to figure out where to go fishing in Washington this weekend. I have never tried Coldwater Lake by Mt. St. Helens.  I read something a few weeks ago that said fishing was getting better.   Anyone have any recent experience there?  I will be using my float tube if it is legal there. TIA

Though the fishing at Coldwater was great, right after it opened up, the lake is still not highly fertile.  After the initial good results, it tailed off quickly, to where it is now another mediocre high lake. Sadly, catch and release does not equal no kill.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -A boycott can be a VERY powerful tool…if used properly…however, lately I have noticed that any time someone sees something that THEY think MIGHT be unethical/immoral/not right/etc., they start screaming "boycott"… I’ll be honest with you, I know nothing about the North American Fish Club, and there may be a VERY good cause to boycott them…but just because the issue you happened to see had too many catch-and-keep pictures?  C’mon… Perhaps a better strategy would be to write them and ask them their policy on C&R and if it’s not to your liking, inform them that you disapprove… if you then feel strongly about it, check around and see if others agree with you…THEN, scream "boycott" from the mountaintops…and give your (well- researched) finding…given thorough information, perhaps more people will agree with your "boycott" suggestion… Fish on!, *Simple name, simple tagline…                                     * *("If at first you don’t succeed, face it…                        * *             …you might just be stupid.")                        *

Boy are you right JC.  Boycott furs, ’cause I don’t feel it’s right to wear them.  Boycott Winchester, ’cause I think the lever action is an unfair advantage.  Geez, pretty soon we’ll all be standing around naked and hungry because someone doesn’t like someone else’s ideas.  Seems a little foolish to me. North American Fishing Club has NEVER attempted to be a flyfishing organization nor has it portrayed itself as such.  It is an organization of fisherman from ALL types of fishing, much as the NRA is an organization for gun enthusiasts/hunters from all types of hunting.  Keep in mind that not all fisherman beleive in C&R fishing.  While I agree this is a shame (I personally use selective harvest advocted by the In-Fisherman) but I am not about to advocate boycotting fishing because not everyone agrees with me. For some reason that seems to be the attitude of many flyfisherpersons I meet, if you don’t agree with them you MUST separate yourself from them and make an example of them.  That attitude is silly, and selfish. I fish with a number of people with whom I have disagreements about fishing, but I still enjoy fishing with them even though our personal definitions of what fishing *is* differs 180 degrees. I haven’t quite figured out how this FF attitute thing works, and I hope to GOD I never get it.  Perhaps it’s just my imagination but there seems to be a number of FF’s who look down their nose at other forms of fishing. While I prefer FFing I hold nothing against the bait/artificial fisherman.  And just because a guy decides to keep a few fish does not make him a Simon Lagree, it just makes him someone who enjoys an occasional meal of fresh fish.  

Response:

Although I’ve yet to actually BUY and use fly gear, I’m extremely interested in it…Still, I think I see the fundamental "problem" with the mentality of many FFers and some good reasons for this "problem"… Most of the fish that FFers fish for happen to be the same fish that are most benefitted by C&R…so it’s just an inherent part of FFing…but it occasionally is "forced" onto every person who owns a fishing pole… while C&R is essential/necessary/at least a "good" thing, it is not necessarily the ONLY choice… For example, catching and KEEPING a limit of crappie is ENCOURAGED in MANY public (state and county) waters in my area of Missouri…as well as other panfish…also, in my hometown (read:  backsticks Missouri), there are literally HUNDREDS of private ponds/lakes that are FULL of bass/catfish/etc… if these waters were fished catch & KEEP for the next thousand years, they will STILL be FULL of fish…you simply can not eliminate all of the fish from a body of water in a situation like this by C&K fishing even every day… My point (buried somewhere in the early morning post) is that there is a definite need for C&R fishing…but that C&K is not inherently evil… and that the "morality" of fishermen should not be evaluated simply on whether they are exclusively C&R or C&K… FYI, so you know where I stand…I obey ALL length/creel limit laws…and I C&R all fish that I do not intend to eat…however, I do keep most crappie that I catch, most of the legal largemouth bass that are in the 1 to 4 pound range (that’s not necessarily a C&K mentality based on the spawning capabilities of larger fish, it’s just that they’re not as tasty when they’re large), and many other species…limited to the amount that I and my family will eat…Is this an "unethical" way to fish? Fish on!, JC – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Boy are you right JC.  Boycott furs, ’cause I don’t feel it’s right to wear them.  Boycott Winchester, ’cause I think the lever action is an unfair advantage.  Geez, pretty soon we’ll all be standing around naked and hungry because someone doesn’t like someone else’s ideas.  Seems a little foolish to me. North American Fishing Club has NEVER attempted to be a flyfishing organization nor has it portrayed itself as such.  It is an organization of fisherman from ALL types of fishing, much as the NRA is an organization for gun enthusiasts/hunters from all types of hunting.  Keep in mind that not all fisherman beleive in C&R fishing.  While I agree this is a shame (I personally use selective harvest advocted by the In-Fisherman) but I am not about to advocate boycotting fishing because not everyone agrees with me. For some reason that seems to be the attitude of many flyfisherpersons I meet, if you don’t agree with them you MUST separate yourself from them and make an example of them.  That attitude is silly, and selfish. I fish with a number of people with whom I have disagreements about fishing, but I still enjoy fishing with them even though our personal definitions of what fishing *is* differs 180 degrees. I haven’t quite figured out how this FF attitute thing works, and I hope to GOD I never get it.  Perhaps it’s just my imagination but there seems to be a number of FF’s who look down their nose at other forms of fishing. While I prefer FFing I hold nothing against the bait/artificial fisherman.  And just because a guy decides to keep a few fish does not make him a Simon Lagree, it just makes him someone who enjoys an occasional meal of fresh fish.

Response:

   I just received in the mail an application to the North American Fishing Club.  I’m not sure if I have heard of it before and was wondering if anyone can give me any information on it.  Thanks.

Basically, it’s a way of flogging a magazine. not much more. I get 2 or three of their mailings each year, and recycle immediately. One thing I save – that foil sticker! Put it on a favourite flybox and you’ll never leave it behind on a rock. — 3798 Woodland Drive     voice: (604) 368-9315 Trail, BC               data:  (604) 368-9341

Response:

Question:

 Marc         You seem to have developed quite a mature appretiation of "our sport" at a rather young age. That is very nice to see. If you are ever in the Northeast ,especially Pa. or New York  and need a place to fish, give me a ring , I’ll be glad to help. It’s not Montana, but it’s not bad.

Response:

:  Marc :         You seem to have developed quite a mature appretiation of "our : sport" at a rather young age. That is very nice to see. If you are ever in : the Northeast ,especially Pa. or New York  and need a place to fish, give : me a ring , I’ll be glad to help. It’s not Montana, but it’s not bad.       Here in Newfoundland we still have rivers where you can fish for days without seeing another fishermen.  I have located such an area and try to spend at least 2 weeks per year there during the salmon season.  I have fish in other areas of the province where fisermen are shoulder to shoulder and at times heated arguments would arise.  I quickly decided that this type of surrounding was not for me and moved to the River of Ponds system in western Newfoundland.  After three years of unsuccessful salmon fishing I finally figured out the pools and the proper flies and now regularly fill my quota each year.  If your ever in the area during July or August llet me know and I’ll show you around. Paul Saunders NF, Canada

Response:

        I’m french.Although I’m just eighteen, I have fished in a lot of nice place  in the world (Ireland, Norway) but one of the best place I know is Montana : fabulous rivers, big trout and not too many fishers. I think people who live in Montana near Yellowstone Park for example are very lucky.They may not realize this but if they were living in France they would understand what I mean.I often fish in the "most famous" river in France but there is too many fishers, canoe-kayak and the fishing rules are stupid.Mentality is special: people don’t know "catch and release". In 10 years, it will be impossible to flyfish in this river.I find it very sad.That’s why I have to travel for flyfishing. Don’t forget it flyfishermen. Marc Nguyen

Response: