Question:

You’re actually going to fish with them. I usually make copies and save the original. Who knows, someday a full set of the great fly swap flies may be worth a small fortune. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I see the fly swap packages are starting to show up and most seem happy with the goodies contained therein, and that’s a good thing. Off to Houston, TX. in a few minutes so I won’t be here to answer complaints or other comments until Sat AM most likely.  You girls play nice while I’m gone, on the road slaving over a hot steering wheel. Frank Church recently deposed SwapDictator Thanks to all the tyers and to you Frankie baby…… great collection of flies. I can’t wait to try ‘em! –waldo

Response:

You’re actually going to fish with them.

yup! hell, i can’t tie anywhere as nice as you guys….. hell, they’re meant to catch fish! I usually make copies and save the original. Who knows, someday a full set of the great fly swap flies may be worth a small fortune.

well, your (and others) have gone up in value, as there will soon be one less set on the market. –waldo – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Paul I see the fly swap packages are starting to show up and most seem happy with the goodies contained therein, and that’s a good thing. Off to Houston, TX. in a few minutes so I won’t be here to answer complaints or other comments until Sat AM most likely.  You girls play nice while I’m gone, on the road slaving over a hot steering wheel. Frank Church recently deposed SwapDictator Thanks to all the tyers and to you Frankie baby…… great collection of flies. I can’t wait to try ‘em! –waldo

– Tight Lines, –Walt Fly Fishing NC & more… http://www.ezflyfish.com http://www.wilsoncreekoutfitters.com

Response:

I see the fly swap packages are starting to show up and most seem happy with the goodies contained therein, and that’s a good thing. Off to Houston, TX. in a few minutes so I won’t be here to answer complaints or other comments until Sat AM most likely.  You girls play nice while I’m gone, on the road slaving over a hot steering wheel. Frank Church recently deposed SwapDictator

Thanks fro everything Frank!  Draive safely. Op

Response:

<<  "Frank Church"   << I see the fly swap packages are starting to show up and most seem happy with the goodies contained therein, and that’s a good thing. Off to Houston, TX. in a few minutes so I won’t be here to answer complaints or other comments until Sat AM most likely.  You girls play nice while I’m gone, on the road slaving over a hot steering wheel. Frank Church recently deposed SwapDictator   Thank you so much. Glenn Tippy GKT

Response:

God it’s got to be the first clave ever!!  See Wayno on the right.  Go to www.csse.monsah.edu.au/~steve/clave.jpg

Response:

I see the fly swap packages are starting to show up and most seem happy with the goodies contained therein, and that’s a good thing. Off to Houston, TX. in a few minutes so I won’t be here to answer complaints or other comments until Sat AM most likely.  You girls play nice while I’m gone, on the road slaving over a hot steering wheel. Frank Church recently deposed SwapDictator

Response:

I see the fly swap packages are starting to show up and most seem happy with the goodies contained therein, and that’s a good thing. Off to Houston, TX. in a few minutes so I won’t be here to answer complaints or other comments until Sat AM most likely.  You girls play nice while I’m gone, on the road slaving over a hot steering wheel. Frank Church recently deposed SwapDictator

Thanks to all the tyers and to you Frankie baby…… great collection of flies. I can’t wait to try ‘em! –waldo

Response:

Question:

As a beginner with the fly, and a resident of Scotland, I get confused about the different styles between USA and UK fly fishing. It seems that USA rods are much shorter (8 to 10 feet?) than UK rods (10 to 14 feet?) Is this just a matter of fashion or is there a good reason for it? Plus, I need to know what weight of line / rod to go for- I will be fishing for brown trout of around 0.75 to 1 pound, plus sea trout of up to around 3 pounds, the odd Arctic Charr of up to 2 pounds, plus the (rarer) chance of a salmon- I guess I’m talking about two rods, aren’t I? The fishing will be on small rivers (say 10m wide), streams (3m-5m wide) and hill lochs, big and small, shore and boat. What weight should I go for? * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

As a beginner with the fly, and a resident of Scotland, I get confused about the different styles between USA and UK fly fishing. It seems that USA rods are much shorter (8 to 10 feet?) than UK rods (10 to 14 feet?) Is this just a matter of fashion or is there a good reason for it? Plus, I need to know what weight of line / rod to go for- I will be fishing for brown trout of around 0.75 to 1 pound, plus sea trout of up to around 3 pounds, the odd Arctic Charr of up to 2 pounds, plus the (rarer) chance of a salmon- I guess I’m talking about two rods, aren’t I? The fishing will be on small rivers (say 10m wide), streams (3m-5m wide) and hill lochs, big and small, shore and boat. What weight should I go for?

Hi Paul,  in the USA much shorter rods are used for nearly all fishing. For general fly-fishing in Scotland I would go for an 8 foot 6inch 5 weight, or a nine foot five weight if you fish lochs regularly.  This will handle all the fish you mention, cover nearly all situations adequately, allow reasonable boat fishing, and is not too heavy for delicate fishing.  Very short rods are only advantageous on small over grown streams. If you hook a salmon on this rod you may still be able to land it, but it would be folly to use such a rod deliberately for salmon. For the Salmon you really need another rod. Tight lines ! Mike Connor

Response:

As a beginner with the fly, and a resident of Scotland, I get confused about the different styles between USA and UK fly fishing. It seems that USA rods are much shorter (8 to 10 feet?) than UK rods (10 to 14 feet?)

Hi Paul, If you’re fly fishing in Scotland, mostly for trout. I would start with a 9 to 9.5 foot rod, rated for a 6 or 7 weight line. Even if your tastes develop such that you eventually want other rods (believe me, you probably will!), you will always find plenty of uses for such a rod in your armoury. Daiwa makes decent rods to this spec; so does Reddington if you want to spend a bit more and get a worthwhile guarantee. A nine foot 6/7 weight is light enough for river dry fly and wet fly fishing, yet has enough steam to throw a team of flies on a windy loch, or a longshank sea trout lure (streamer). Nine foot gives enough length to control the line and flies properly in a number of techniques, while not being so long that it will tire you. Above ten feet and the leverage starts to be noticeable. Traditionally, Americans have tended to use shorter rods than we do in the British Isles. With modern carbon fibre, there is not much case for rods of under eight feet, unless for fishing under overhanging trees (even then, the case is often overstated or spurious). The advantages of carbon fly rods in the nine to ten foot range are manifest and worthwhile. Americans have retained a sentimental affection for split cane (bamboo) fly rods. Cane rods are more labour intensive to make than modern carbon rods and are generally considerably more expensive. The material is heavier and ’slower’ than modern carbon fibre. A cane rod gets pretty ponderous if it is much OVER eight feet long. Forget cane as a first fly rod. Fly rods of over 12 feet are almost always double handed salmon rods, used for the various Spey casts, etc. They are not suitable for general trout fly fishing. You might be interested to look at the NG: uk.rec.fishing.game Tight Lines, Tony Deacon

Response:

Question:

I read somewhere that using Armour-All will make your line more susceptible to UV damage.  I can’t remember the source, but it stuck in my head. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some old fart (hope he doesn’t read this NG) here in Boulder taught me this one: When your line gets grungy and needs some TLC, soak a soft cloth in Armour-all and wipe the grime off. This not only cleans your fly line, but it lubes it up so it slides through the guides with ease. Ben Holmes Boulder, CO

Response:

I thought that this NG decided about 12 months ago that Amour-all wasn’t the best thing for fly lines Okay, so we’ve decided that Armour-All sucks. Now… what about Murphy’s Oil-Soap. It cleans every thing else known to man. Why not clean fly lines?

Don’t know about Murphy’s specifically, but what I’ve seen is that the best line cleaner is soap and water.  YMMV. — Bob Jarvis Mail address hacked to foil spammers!

Response:

I’ve used Armor-all on my fly lines too, and it works well. BUt, there are ecological factors to think about when using such a product.  Armor-all doesn’t have alcohol or solvents, but I’m sure there are trace elements of toxins to fish. I’d much rather be safe than sorry.   Tim: Nobody told me that. I’ve been doing this to my 444 lines for three seasons (years) now and I have to report that I’m on my 4th season (year) with two of them. They still float, they slide like grease through a goose through my guides, and they are in one nice shiny piece. Armour All is a water based silicone solution, not at all unlike other dressings that cost much more. If the NG has decided that it is bad for my lines, well, someone should have told that to my lines.

John W. Kramer                           Clearwater Outfitters                   WE ENDORSE CATCH AND RELEASE (717) 938-3423

Response:

Ohhh NOOOOOOOO,  Here we go again – this thread comes up all the time !!! DO NOT use Armour All – use soapy (read dish detergent) water and then just dry the line – like by casting it a few times. AA will build up and wreck your line’s finish after a while and if you live where there is no year round fishing it will gum up on the reel after time. That’s all I’m gonna say this time (see I can restrain myself gang) Bill Some old fart (hope he doesn’t read this NG) here in Boulder taught me this one: When your line gets grungy and needs some TLC, soak a soft cloth in Armour-all and wipe the grime off. This not only cleans your fly line, but it lubes it up so it slides through the guides with ease. Ben Holmes Boulder, CO

– Bill Curry Tight Lines Guide Service Lockeport, Nova Scotia, Canada http://www.tightlines.ns.ca

Response:

I thought that this NG decided about 12 months ago that Amour-all wasn’t the best thing for fly lines

Okay, so we’ve decided that Armour-All sucks. Now… what about Murphy’s Oil-Soap. It cleans every thing else known to man. Why not clean fly lines? Bryce

Response:

Tim: Nobody told me that. I’ve been doing this to my 444 lines for three seasons (years) now and I have to report that I’m on my 4th season (year) with two of them. They still float, they slide like grease through a goose through my guides, and they are in one nice shiny piece. Armour All is a water based silicone solution, not at all unlike other dressings that cost much more. If the NG has decided that it is bad for my lines, well, someone should have told that to my lines. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This thread again? I thought that this NG decided about 12 months ago that Amour-all wasn’t the best thing for fly lines — Tim Wohlford header return goes to a nasty spammer…. Uh Oh!  Here we go again! Bob Scott  (guilty in the past)

Response:

I thought that this NG decided about 12 months ago that Amour-all wasn’t the best thing for fly lines

Yes, for only the third or fourth time since ‘94 that I’m aware of. Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools Mt. Shasta Fly Fishing Schools http://www.thegrid.net/flyfish

Response:

Jesus H. Christ on a crutch!!  I’m on Social Security and that definitely  puts me in the old fart category, which By God, I worked for, and am proud  of!  Why is it these politically correct weenies feel they have to step in  "mind our manners for us?"  Enough of this crap already!!  Chances are,   that old fart Ben alludes to couldn’t care less that moniker is applied   to him, and if he did, isn’t it HIS place to make the admonishment? And   I’m sure you PC weenies noticed I took the Lord’s name in vain, at this   age, I’ll do anything I damn well please, PC’ers can stuff it. Get a life!   There, I feel better now. Where the hell are my crutches?   Frank (politically incorrect) in Elkhart, IN – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Ben, Some manners, please?   A great many in this group fall into what you seem to think is an age group to insult. Everybody is heading for that time of life.  Take a look forward, if you can. When you say you hope "he" doesn’t read this NG, you show that you realize you’re using a derisive term. How about if we all try to make the world, and especially the flyfishing world, a better world? If you appreciate what "he" taught you, why not call him "some nice old guy?" Regards, Jess Some old fart (hope he doesn’t read this NG) here in Boulder taught me this one: When your line gets grungy and needs some TLC, soak a soft cloth in Armour-all and wipe the grime off. This not only cleans your fly line, but it lubes it up so it slides through the guides with ease. Ben Holmes Boulder, CO

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jesus H. Christ on a crutch!!  I’m on Social Security and that definitely  puts me in the old fart category, which By God, I worked for, and am proud  of!  Why is it these politically correct weenies feel they have to step in  "mind our manners for us?"  Enough of this crap already!!  Chances are,   that old fart Ben alludes to couldn’t care less that moniker is applied   to him, and if he did, isn’t it HIS place to make the admonishment? And   I’m sure you PC weenies noticed I took the Lord’s name in vain, at this   age, I’ll do anything I damn well please, PC’ers can stuff it. Get a life!   There, I feel better now. Where the hell are my crutches?   Frank (politically incorrect) in Elkhart, IN

       Three cheers; I rather refer to myself as an oldy but goody, however if refered to affectionatly as an old fart I’ll take that. Weuns older guys, by reason of survival and longevity have earned the right to accept any name we choose. That said, this farts for you.                                                       John Popp                                                      in Sanford Fl.

Response:

I think there is confusion here about Armour All. I am confused too. Isnt there a bunch of stuff in spray bottles called Armour All? The cleaners are solvents and bad on lines. The preservatives are water based and don’t clean but rather make plastic etc shine. I’m sure there is more then one product. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tim: Nobody told me that. I’ve been doing this to my 444 lines for three seasons (years) now and I have to report that I’m on my 4th season (year) with two of them. They still float, they slide like grease through a goose through my guides, and they are in one nice shiny piece. Armour All is a water based silicone solution, not at all unlike other dressings that cost much more. If the NG has decided that it is bad for my lines, well, someone should have told that to my lines. This thread again? I thought that this NG decided about 12 months ago that Amour-all wasn’t the best thing for fly lines — Tim Wohlford header return goes to a nasty spammer…. Uh Oh!  Here we go again! Bob Scott  (guilty in the past)

Response:

Ummmm, Jesse, no harm meant – the old fart is my dad. Fact is he did read it, and it was his advice for you to lighten up just a bit. But, to keep from rubbing you into a chaffe I’ll refer to him as "some nice old guy" from this day forward. Regards, Ben – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Ben, Some manners, please?   A great many in this group fall into what you seem to think is an age group to insult. Everybody is heading for that time of life.  Take a look forward, if you can. When you say you hope "he" doesn’t read this NG, you show that you realize you’re using a derisive term. How about if we all try to make the world, and especially the flyfishing world, a better world? If you appreciate what "he" taught you, why not call him "some nice old guy?" Regards, Jess Some old fart (hope he doesn’t read this NG) here in Boulder taught me this one: When your line gets grungy and needs some TLC, soak a soft cloth in Armour-all and wipe the grime off. This not only cleans your fly line, but it lubes it up so it slides through the guides with ease. Ben Holmes Boulder, CO

Response:

Some old fart (hope he doesn’t read this NG) here in Boulder taught me this one: When your line gets grungy and needs some TLC, soak a soft cloth in Armour-all and wipe the grime off. This not only cleans your fly line, but it lubes it up so it slides through the guides with ease. Ben Holmes Boulder, CO

Response:

Uh Oh!  Here we go again! Bob Scott  (guilty in the past)

Response:

Some old fart (hope he doesn’t read this NG) here in Boulder taught me this one: When your line gets grungy and needs some TLC, soak a soft cloth in Armour-all and wipe the grime off. This not only cleans your fly line, but it lubes it up so it slides through the guides with ease.

So being an old fart: 1.  He probably had a secret stash of ancient Armorall of "classic formulation."  After long debate, posters seem to agree the Armorall you can buy nowadays damages the finish on the fly lines you can buy nowadays. 2.  He did not think of soap.  The best way to clean normal angling dirt off fly lines is to wash them with dilute liquid detergent. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

This thread again? I thought that this NG decided about 12 months ago that Amour-all wasn’t the best thing for fly lines — Tim Wohlford header return goes to a nasty spammer…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some old fart (hope he doesn’t read this NG) here in Boulder taught me this one: When your line gets grungy and needs some TLC, soak a soft cloth in Armour-all and wipe the grime off. This not only cleans your fly line, but it lubes it up so it slides through the guides with ease. Ben Holmes Boulder, CO

Response:

Hi Ben, Some manners, please?   A great many in this group fall into what you seem to think is an age group to insult.   Everybody is heading for that time of life.  Take a look forward, if you can. When you say you hope "he" doesn’t read this NG, you show that you realize you’re using a derisive term. How about if we all try to make the world, and especially the flyfishing world, a better world? If you appreciate what "he" taught you, why not call him "some nice old guy?" Regards, Jess – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some old fart (hope he doesn’t read this NG) here in Boulder taught me this one: When your line gets grungy and needs some TLC, soak a soft cloth in Armour-all and wipe the grime off. This not only cleans your fly line, but it lubes it up so it slides through the guides with ease. Ben Holmes Boulder, CO

Response:

Question:

My sister in law is getting married. She lives in France. I’ve got to go. Cause that’s the only way they’re going to get me there! Ari Ari Bert                                        Gaelle Bert +27 (0) 83 232 9903                             +27 (0) 83 236 5308 Flyfishing Corner +27 (0) 11 447 7230                             Shop 94, Admirals Court +27 (0) 11 882 8537 (fax)                       Cnr Craddock & Tyrwhitt www.troutfishing.co.za                                Street, Rosebank P.O.Box 79067 Senderwood 2145 South Africa

Response:

There is plenty of flyfishing in France Ari. It is quite complicated getting a licence etc.   A web search will turn up plenty of info. TL MC – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My sister in law is getting married. She lives in France. I’ve got to go. Cause that’s the only way they’re going to get me there! Ari

Response:

My sister in law is getting married. She lives in France.

great fishing, great fishermen. Whereabouts in France~? Tony — Tony Knox remove the bit about not spamming

Response:

The French have a long tradition in flyfishing. The possibilities for (sea)trout depend largely on the region you’re going to, and when in case of seatrout. Be prepared for _very_, _very_ (and I’m holding back here), _very_ spooky trout. The mentioned long tradition combined with the fine French cuisine have made the bigger trout (i.e. edible size) quite hard to find. Even if you find them it will be hard to get withing casting range. The best chances are late in the evening or very early in the morning, there is no sense at all in fishing during daytime. Getting a license (permis de peche) is not so hard, although it must sound strange for Americans who are used to buy a license for an entire state. Lucky basterds. France is devided in regions, and each region sells license for their waters. Very often regions cooperate by allowing acces on certain waters for license holders for other regions, but check this carefully. Furthermore, the waters are divided in two categories, 1st and (duh) 2nd. From the top of my head 1st category (premier categorie in French) is potential(!) trout water, 2nd category anything else, like big rivers, lakes etcetera. When you buy a license, you’ll need the ‘trout stamp’ which allows you to fish the 1st category waters. Every fishing shop sells them, and if you can’t find any ask in a local ‘Tabac’. Since the French are just as avid smokers as they are fishermen they’ll most certainly be able to tell you where to buy one, or even sell you one right away. I’ve bought licenses in the most unexpected places. According to http://perso.libertysurf.fr/CANTON/ouverture/pech4.htm a holiday license (three weeks license, available from the 1st of June to 30th of Septembre) will set you back FF 150, which is about 25 USD. Outside that time slot you depend on the availability of day/week tickets, but you’ll have to figure that out with the local chaps. Don’t go out without one – you’ll have an expensive holiday if you get caught. Some tips: 1. Speaking French helps a lot. 2. Speaking French helps a lot. 3. ‘Reserve de peche’ signs in a river don’t mean reserved for fishermen. It means fish reserve – NO FISHING!! Certain areas of most rivers, mostly over a length of a hundred to a few hundred meters are kept void of fishermen in order to keep some fish in the river. You wonder where those big trout are? <g 4. Have a great time. France is a nice country outside the big cities. People are friendly, and there is some great food & wine and scenery to be enjoyed. Salut, Herman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My sister in law is getting married. She lives in France. I’ve got to go. Cause that’s the only way they’re going to get me there! Ari Ari Bert                                        Gaelle Bert +27 (0) 83 232 9903                             +27 (0) 83 236 5308 Flyfishing Corner +27 (0) 11 447 7230                             Shop 94, Admirals Court +27 (0) 11 882 8537 (fax)                       Cnr Craddock & Tyrwhitt www.troutfishing.co.za                          Street, Rosebank P.O.Box 79067 Senderwood 2145 South Africa

–         Cheers, Herman         Herman Nijland         Daytime webmaster         Lifetime flyfisher

Response:

Hi Ari,   I live and fish in France and YES there is good flyfishing here.  When and where are you going? I live in the eastern part (near Geneva, Switzerland) and there are plenty of trout streams within two hours drive. However, the other regions also have good trout streams and lakes.  If you tell me where you are going I can help you to get some info. Cheers, Peter. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My sister in law is getting married. She lives in France. I’ve got to go. Cause that’s the only way they’re going to get me there! Ari

Response:

I will be in southern France (Bordeaux) in late September/early October. Does anyone have information on freshwater flyfishing in southern France or NOrthern Spain (Pyrenees mtns)? Thanks in advance. Alan Hanson

Response:

I will be in southern France (Bordeaux) in late September/early October. Does anyone have information on freshwater flyfishing in southern France or NOrthern Spain (Pyrenees mtns)? Thanks in advance. Alan Hanson

Hello, I’m french even If I don’t know this area pretty well, there are very fine spot to fly fish trout in this area of france the number of the "departements" (it s french versions of states) are 64 "pyrenes atlantiques" 65 "hautes pyrennees" 66 "pyrennes orientales". You ‘ll find streams named the "nives" exemple: nive de baiguorri, etc plus they are moutain lakes stocked with browns, brooks, and even cristivomers. You may try to contact the "ministere du tourisme" in paris and ask for the "relais St Pierre" It’s a directory of french hotels everywhere in france who have special accomadation for fishermen. Hope this helps regards Gh P.s at the moment you are coming ( September/early October ) the fish will probably be closed for trouts, so be sure to check that first, if it’s not recontact me later my fishing partner is gone with the river directory of france ( a book with all the rivers listed and quoted regarding how they are stocked). —                          http://www.cortosys.fr                               Paris FRANCE                              01-46-38-06-93     "I have also seen children successfully surmounting the effects of     "an evil inheritance. That is due to purity being an inherent     "attribute of the soul."                                                      [Mahatma Gandhi]

Response:

Question:

                Hi!         I am wondering if anyone has ever used the Gorilla and Sons                   Vise you see in all the fly fishing and fly tying                   magazines. I am asking if anyone has ever used this v                vise and if it has good hook holding power and how it d               does  VS. the Thompson "A" vise.  Wich one                     would you reccomend is a better beginner  vise                         THANKS!                                 Dolph                      

Response:

The Gorilla vise is junk- mine wouldn’t even assemble. Evan

Response:

Question:

                     Thank you for stopping to read this       Hi, my name is Ash and I am currently doing reserch on the pschology of fly fishing. Through my reserch I found Abraham Maslow’s "hierarchy of needs" It is a pyramid which outlines our needs as humans. It states the following with physioloical needs being at the base. HIERARCHY OF NEEDS 1) Self-actualization needs     to find self- fulfillment amd realize one’s potential 2) Aesthetic  needs     symmetry, order, and beauty 3) Cognitive needs     to know, understand, and explore 4)  Esteem needs      to achieve, be competent, and gain approval and recognition 5)  Belongingness and love needs      to affiliate with others, be accepted, and belong 6)  Safety needs      feel secure and safe, out of danger 7)  Physiological needs      hunger, thirst, and so forth If you could please explain in detail how fly fishing meets these needs and if not why ?  What needs are being met by fly fishing. Thanks a lot for being apart of this. Once completed I will post my results on ths board so you may all see the results.

Response:

Sorry pal, I’m to busy fly fishing and meeting my needs. Guess you’ll have to do the owrk yourself. Gone Fishing Lolo Mt

Response:

7)  Physiological needs

In fly fishing, the difference between "want" and "need" is irrelevant.                                                 Randy Lutz

Response:

Question:

My fisrt fly rod was (and still is) a St. Croix Imperial 4-piece 8/9 weight.  I think that this rod is one of best kept secrets in the fly fishing community.  It casts very well and I have used it for steelhead, medium saltwater, and bass.  I have have a couple of very experienced fishermen spontaneously comment "nice rod" after casting it (one of them was a guide who next showed me how to cast the entire line  without double hauling).         I recommend the 4-piece because it is easier to transport and comes with an aluminum tube.  I have since "upgraded" to a very fast rod although I have not yet decided that my more expensive rod is more pleasant to fish with.

Response:

My fisrt fly rod was (and still is) a St. Croix Imperial 4-piece 8/9 weight.  I think that this rod is one of best kept secrets in the fly fishing community.  It casts very well and I have used it for steelhead, medium saltwater, and bass.  I have have a couple of very experienced fishermen spontaneously comment "nice rod" after casting it (one of them was a guide who next showed me how to cast the entire line  without double hauling).         I recommend the 4-piece because it is easier to transport and comes with an aluminum tube.  I have since "upgraded" to a very fast rod although I have not yet decided that my more expensive rod is more pleasant to fish with.

Right on Bert, St Croix makes a helluva rod for the money. I purchased last year the Imperial 4 pc 5/6 rod for my official travel rod. Spent all that money on top o’ the line rods only to discover I could have spent a fraction and had just as much fun! BTW, I have a Sage 4 piece, 6 wt RPL rod for sale if anyone is interested. $250, you pay the shipping. Excellent condition, aluminum tube. (too fast for me) — Frank Church Elkhart, IN

Response:

Anyone have any feedback regarding this rod in 9"0", 6/7 wt?

Response:

I think the Imperial rods are a great deal. The rod you are asking about is medium action and very smooth casting. —                    "One Fish is Worth a Thousand Lies"                             http://Flyfish.Com

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The first rod I ever bought.  I think St Croix has been making rods as long as anyone,many for sold under other brands like Orvis.  I will still us it on windy days over my Scott or Loomis.

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Yeah, I had one.   It broke in half on me landing a medium sized trout, and my fathers broke the same weekend.  Sunland sports in La Cananda, CA (point of purchase) sent them back and St. Croix replaced them.  Haven’t used them since.  Bought a Sage and am very happy.

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Question:

I pulled open a drawer where I keep all kinds of eyes for tying fishing flies.  As I was getting set to tie some bonefish flies, I realized that a lot of my bead chain had come out of any pouch that it had been in.  Some of the bead chain is old standard stuff, some is Stainless, which I’d like to use on my bonefish flies.   Anyone know of an easy way to tell which is the stainless eyes? (besides letting it sit in salt water for a few days/weeks) Weird question, but I would hope some metallurgist fly-fisherman might know the easy answer! TIA… Steve

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I pulled open a drawer where I keep all kinds of eyes for tying fishing flies.  As I was getting set to tie some bonefish flies, I realized that a lot of my bead chain had come out of any pouch that it had been in.  Some of the bead chain is old standard stuff, some is Stainless, which I’d like to use on my bonefish flies. Anyone know of an easy way to tell which is the stainless eyes? (besides letting it sit in salt water for a few days/weeks) Weird question, but I would hope some metallurgist fly-fisherman might know the easy answer! TIA… Steve

Hi Steve Using a magnet is a good starting point in that (in my experience) even the highest-quality stainless steel exhibits some magnetic properties. I have three kinds of bead chain; chrome plated mild steel, shiny stainless steel and chrome plated brass.  A magnet should enable you to tell these three apart, in that brass won’t be even faintly magnetic. Hope that helps  Russ

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Anyone know of an easy way to tell which is the stainless eyes? (besides letting it sit in salt water for a few days/weeks)

I believe that a magnet will not attract stainless steel. Dave

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In general the stainless will not be "ferromagnetic" and will, therefore, not be attracted to a magnet, unlike the steel bead, which will.  Although this is not always the case I would take about any odds that it will work, as ferritic stainless is rare….make that very rare. dave

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: I pulled open a drawer where I keep all kinds of eyes for tying : fishing flies.  As I was getting set to tie some bonefish flies, I : realized that a lot of my bead chain had come out of any pouch that it : had been in.  Some of the bead chain is old standard stuff, some is : Stainless, which I’d like to use on my bonefish flies.   : : Anyone know of an easy way to tell which is the stainless eyes? : (besides letting it sit in salt water for a few days/weeks) : : Weird question, but I would hope some metallurgist fly-fisherman might : know the easy answer! : : TIA… : : Steve Austenitic stainless steel will not attract a magnet.   Martensitic stainless steel *will* attract a magnet. So, one has to be careful.  Now, what you do have going for you is that austenitic stainless steel is the most corrosion resistant and thus might be the best choice for saltwater use.  However, martensitic is the type that can be the strongest.  As far as the other type of stainless, ferritic, I am not sure, but I think that also might attract a magnet.  As I said, one has to be careful. Good luck. Kind regards, Steve Kernosky Michigan Tech Univ.

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Stainless steel is generally not attracted to a magnet nearly as strongly as regular steel because of the increased content of other metals, i.e. nickel and others.  If you have a small magnet, you might try this until a *real* metal expert replies.  longspeer

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Anyone know of an easy way to tell which is the stainless eyes? (besides letting it sit in salt water for a few days/weeks) I believe that a magnet will not attract stainless steel.

Russel and Dave- You are both right on.  Thanks for the tip… Steve

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The technical stuff all sounds great – if you are trying to tell between Stainless and Mild Steel, the simple way is to make sure the item is clean (and not sharp) and taste it – stainless does not taste of anything, mild steel has a , well, metallic sort of taste. Dont hook yourself. hope it helps.

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snip Anyone know of an easy way to tell which is the stainless eyes? (besides letting it sit in salt water for a few days/weeks) Weird question, but I would hope some metallurgist fly-fisherman might know the easy answer! TIA… Steve

I believe that stainless steel is not a ferromagnetic material, and therefore will not be attracted to a magnet. — Brian Charles

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: : The technical stuff all sounds great – if you are trying to tell : between Stainless and Mild Steel, the simple way is to make sure the : item is clean (and not sharp) and taste it – stainless does not taste : of anything, mild steel has a , well, metallic sort of taste. : : Might look a little silly. : :   : Dont hook yourself. : : That would look even worse. Just try explaining *that* to the wife. : : -DLB I guess I’ve come into this thread late, but has anyone mentioned that stainless steels (cept 17-4 HT or 18-8 HT) has very low to none magnetic capability. To determint it quickly I use a strong magnet. Mild steel is easy determined this way. Bob — Bob San Jose, Ca

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Hi, try using a good magnet. The stainless steel will roll to the magnet quicker. Good uh ? fishing.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – snip Anyone know of an easy way to tell which is the stainless eyes? (besides letting it sit in salt water for a few days/weeks) Weird question, but I would hope some metallurgist fly-fisherman might know the easy answer! TIA… Steve I believe that stainless steel is not a ferromagnetic material, and therefore will not be attracted to a magnet. — Brian Charles

No, some types of stainless steel (typically the 400 series, I believe) are at least slightly ferromagnetic, so a magnet is not an accurate way to determine whether or not the metal is stainless steel. Unfortunately, I don’t know of any easy, reliable way to distinguish stainless steel.  Usually one can tell by appearance:  stainless steel has a relatively dull, gray sheen compared to plated materials (eg. chrome or cadmium over steel), but brighter than aluminum or pot metal alloys.  It helps to have a practiced eye – as well as some examples of true stainless steel.  Surface texture is also a good clue:  with stainless, the machine tool marks may still be evident, whereas plating will typically smooth or fill these in.   -Wes Wes Neuenschwander Seattle, WA

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Question:

However, there are tons and tons of pre-tied flies sold.  I see folks buying them all the time.  I suspect that a possibly relevant follow-up question is to ask what % of the flies that you use did you tie and what % did you buy. I know that there are lots of folks that buy lots of flies.  However, I do not.

I – and again, everyone I fish with – tie *all* of my/their own flies, whether fresh water or salt water, dry fly/emerger/nymph/popper/diver/whatever… But then, I’ve been a dyed-in-the-wool flyfisher for 29 years, and everyone I fish with has been flyfishing for 15 to 50 years… I agree that all those flies you see binned up in the shops *must* get sold to someone, but them’s ain’t us ;^) /dave <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <           "Read this and nobody gets hurt"           < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

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: Anybody know the percentage of fly fisherman who tie their own flies? : I’d be interested to hear your comments on the percentage. I’d be even : interested in the percentage of your fishing buddies who tie their own. : Thanks, Craig, all the fly fishers I know tie a percentage off their flies. Of these only one is a 100% "my fly only type" the rest will swap buy tie as the need arises. Some guys refuse to tie dries, other won’t tie (or fish in public nymphs. Thats about 8 fellas that spring to mind. hooroo steve ps Perhaps an ancilliary question : "How many only fish with their self tied flies 100%?"

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Anybody know the percentage of fly fisherman who tie their own flies? I’d be interested to hear your comments on the percentage. I’d be even interested in the percentage of your fishing buddies who tie their own. Thanks,

Craig, Of the five people (4 males & 1 female) that I fish with on a regular basis, three of us tie our own .                                         Steve

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Most of the people I fish with tie their own and then borrow some flies when an individual seems to have the "hot pattern" for the day. I would guess that most of the flies fished in my area are tied by foreign teenage girls however. One company is reported to sell 700,000 dozen this year. That is a lot of flies and represents only the largest importer.

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Anybody know the percentage of fly fisherman who tie their own flies?
I’d be interested to hear your comments on the percentage. I’d be even interested in the percentage of your fishing buddies who tie their own.
Thanks,
Craig,
Of the five people (4 males & 1 female) that I fish with on a regular basis, three of us tie our own .
                                   Steve

Out of 5 other fly fishing buddies (6 including myself) I am the only one who ties flies. Darryl Hayashida

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: : I know that there are lots of folks that buy lots of flies.  However, : I do not. : I – and again, everyone I fish with – tie *all* of my/their own flies, whether I buy a fly or two every now and then.  I may see a particularly well-tied one that I’ll keep as a "model", or I’ll get something recommended for local conditions.  But most of the flies I buy are for "models". — Laboratory for Applied Logic    Dept. of Computer Science University of Idaho             www: http://www.cs.uidaho.edu/~foster

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Anybody know the percentage of fly fisherman who tie their own flies? I’d be interested to hear your comments on the percentage. I’d be even interested in the percentage of your fishing buddies who tie their own. Thanks,

I’m a member of a small fishing club in Sweden with approx. 250 members All of them are flytiers. We have yearly studying circles in fly tying for all ages so we can keep up the craftmanship of fly tying. So… all my flyfishing friends are tying there own. Best flytying regards Lars Elfner

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I have only been ff for three years now but I can say that in that time I have only bought maybe 15 flies, total. A month after I started fishing I taught myself to tie. Since then the only time I buy flies is when I need info on a hatch from a local sporting shop ( I have only done this twice). I tie flys for everyone that I go with which is about three different people. On the water, I think most of the weekend hobbiests buy flies, while the Flyfishermen tie them. Eg. on a stocked river that I frequent, all the ff people I talk to buy their flies, while on Hat creek, just the thought of a store bought fly would give you a bad look. As a percentage I would say that more are bought, just by the fact that there are more overpopulated rivers than there are ff rivers.

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The way I do it is. I tie the flies that are known to catch fish in this area. I buy one or two of few patterns that work well in the surrounding areas just in case I get to go out of town.

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Anybody know the percentage of fly fisherman who tie their own flies? I’d be interested to hear your comments on the percentage. I’d be even interested in the percentage of your fishing buddies who tie their own. Thanks,

Half my ff-ing friends tie their own, the other half buy them from me! I bought my flies the first time I set out, then started tying very soon after.  That first batch was the only ones I ever bought. My guess is that most the folks that buy commercially ties flies probably do lots of other types of fishing too, and are not completely engrossed in fly fishing.  I can’t see laying out all the money that I see some people do buying flys.  Yea, I know how much I laid out on my tying equipment and supplies, but that’s different!  :-) Most of that stuff was paid for by selling the stuff I tied.   A sunny day,      a box of midges,         and a wandering stream…   Man, this MUST be heaven!   <    Steve Kulpa    <<

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Perhaps an ancilliary question : "How many only fish with their self tied flies 100%?"

Pretty much everyone I fish with fits this category. Most of us fish with rods we built ourselves too. Cost is a big factor, but I think it’s more of a natural curiosity we have, as most of us tie a box of standards like clousers, then set to tying more "experimental" patterns to imitate mackerel, pogies, eels, etc. Sometimes the winter in Maine seems so long that building a new rod or tying a mess of flies is the only way to stay sane. Well that and writing about yuppies on the net…. :-

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Perhaps an ancilliary question : "How many only fish with their self tied flies 100%?"

That’s me.  I’ve never caught a trout on a fly that I didn’t tie.  Why bother paying $2.00-$3.00 for a fly when you can tie your own for much less and can make a much better looking fly in most cases.  Economics are a main issue here. I am in college and I couldn’t afford to have a well stocked fly box if I didn’t tie the flys myself.  Also the satisfaction that comes from tying your own fly and then catching a trout with it is incredible. Jake

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2 out of 5 tie.                         jamie

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I fish with five guys on a regular basis. Out of these five, four of them tie their own flies. Only two of us tie flies for the situations we encounter. I’m currently tying salmon fly patterns for my trips to the Deschutes River. last Friday night we slaughtered ‘em on size 4 red patterns! Bill Ruddick

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<snip : However, there are tons and tons of pre-tied flies sold.  I see folks buying : them all the time.  I suspect that a possibly relevant follow-up question : is to ask what % of the flies that you use did you tie and what % did you : buy. : I know that there are lots of folks that buy lots of flies.  However, : I do not. A primary reason for buying flies is to get a quick selection of local favourites. New water? – locate a local shop, shoot the bull with the owner, get some local tips, buy a few flies  - both the get a head start on matching local conditions and as a way of "thanking" him for his advice. I tie almost all of my flies, but I haven’t got to the point where I take my tying supplies with me on a trip (my van won’t pull two trailers  ) — 3798 Woodland Drive     voice: (604) 368-9315 Trail, BC               data:  (604) 368-9341

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I tie most of my own, the exception being those special hatches and unforseen occasions. Then, I’ll buy one or two at a time. My four friends are the same way. I have to add that I guess the people on this list would not be a representative sample of the flyfishing world. –sean

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For what it’s worth, I think they’re two seperate activities.  Its just nice that they happen to be related.  As Dave mentioned, most of the people I fish with tie their own flys.   I buy some (I cant tie Wulffs worth a damn) and I occasionally I find some that are different.   By-the-way: I saw a box full of excellent flys this past week They were tied by a shop in New Hartford Conn.  (Classic and Custom Fly Shop – I think) Very nice examples of Conn hendricksons, emergers and some of the old standards tied ‘catskill’ style.  I dont think the fish care all that much, but these were really first rate.

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i tie my own. i bought four or five when i got into this insanity, figured i might as well wade into the deep water, bought a vise, a bobbin, and a small fortune in supplies and have been saving the big bucks ever since.  everytime i see a new pattern, i buy a hundred dollars worth of chicken necks and other assorted parts, (not to mention artificial stuff that sells for who knows what an ounce.  as soon as the ups man leave, i head to my fly room and tie five of ‘em.  hmmm, that would be twenty bucks per.  don’t tell my wife, i just hit her up for a hoffman #2 cream for father’s day!. seriously, i wouldn’t buy a fly now.  i can’t fish worth a damn, but my flies are much better than most of the ones you see in the bins.

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Just thought I’d delurk for a moment and post this in response to this continuing thread.  I enjoy fly-fishing and fly-tying.  Tying my own flies is an extension of fly-fishing and provides a great way for me to relax from my day job.  Since I primarily fish for trout and freshwater fish, I try to tie flies to match the hatches on the VA streams.  Though I don’t fly-fish for salmon often, I tie full-dress salmon flies.  Hunting down materials over the past ten years has added greatly to the enjoyment of tying these flies. I’ll offer this opinion of mass-produced flies.  Often they are produced only for the "fly-fisher," not for the fish.  Though I try to tie flies which match the naturals, the flies in the shops often have too much hackle or do not balance correctly on the water.  Also, many of these flies are not produced in the US, Canada, or the UK. (I’m saying this because these are my fishing areas.)  The flies just aren’t tied correctly and they do not stand up to the wear and tear of the fish.  I also think that regional flies outperform mass-produced ones. For example, a Grey Ghost streamer by a well-known company.  The traditional Steven’s dressing is not followed and the flies are sloppily constructed.  A friend and I were fishing some of the Appalachian lakes and his flies were not holding up for more than one or two strikes. In short, I’d rather tie my own flies for a lot of reasons.  I also like tying for my fishing buddies and helping them and others with flies.  It greatly enriches my fishing experience. DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed herein are not those of my employer. Loral Federal Systems                                         (301) 470-1957

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Anybody know the percentage of fly fisherman who tie their own flies? I’d be interested to hear your comments on the percentage. I’d be even interested in the percentage of your fishing buddies who tie their own. Thanks, I can’t think of *any* of my flyfishing buddies that *don’t* tie their own.

However, there are tons and tons of pre-tied flies sold.  I see folks buying them all the time.  I suspect that a possibly relevant follow-up question is to ask what % of the flies that you use did you tie and what % did you buy. I know that there are lots of folks that buy lots of flies.  However, I do not. -tgades

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Anybody know the percentage of fly fisherman who tie their own flies? I’d be interested to hear your comments on the percentage. I’d be even interested in the percentage of your fishing buddies who tie their own. Thanks,

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Can’t give you an accurate percentage, but I would be willing to bet anyone who has been fly fishing for more than a year or so probably has started tying their own.  All fly fishermen I know do their own tying (and THAT numbers around 25) Greg

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Anybody know the percentage of fly fisherman who tie their own flies? I’d be interested to hear your comments on the percentage. I’d be even interested in the percentage of your fishing buddies who tie their own. Thanks,

I can’t think of *any* of my flyfishing buddies that *don’t* tie their own. (Hey Harlan, do *you* know anyone that doesn’t tie their own?) /dave <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <           "Read this and nobody gets hurt"           < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

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Question:

I’m planning a trip through Europe which will include time spent in Norway and would like all the information I can get about fly-fishing as a foreigner. Are there any guide recommendations and what would the cost be? Where do I find out about license and regulations for waters? Are the waters private access or public? What types of tackle do most Norway rivers rate? Thanks for any help. Kim

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I’m planning a trip through Europe which will include time spent in Norway and would like all the information I can get about fly-fishing as a foreigner. Are there any guide recommendations and what would the cost be? Where do I find out about license and regulations for waters? Are the waters private access or public? What types of tackle do most Norway rivers rate? Thanks for any help. Kim

Flyfishing in Norway can be both expensive and cheap. The country has with no doubt one of the worlds best and richest variety of streams, rivers, lakes and Europes longest coastline, were you can fish for both salmon and sea trout in salt water, beside of other seagoing species. The best areas for Atlantic Salmon is on the West-Coast (Vestlandet), Mid-Norway (Troendelag) and the Northern part of Norway (Nord-Norge). Even in the central part of the nation it is possible to flyfish for salmon and brown trout, if you prefer that. No guides are required (as in US and Canada, the commercial boost is not loose yet here..) Take your own gear with you. Fishing-gear is rather expensive in local shops if you compare with US& Canada-prices. There are around 400 registered rivers with Atlantic Salmon. Before fishing: You have to pay tax to the authoroties: Go to any postoffice and pay FISKERAVGIFT, 180 nkr in 1995. Aprx: 30 $. Now you can fish for salmon and seatrout in saltwater for free! Fishing in rivers: Buy FISHINGCARD. Sold from campingsites, local Tourist-offices. Most rivers: 100-200 nkr pr. day. 16-32 USD. Most expensive: West-Coast: Worst case: 30000-40000 nkr a day. Some English Lords still prefer to cash out 200000-300000 nkr for a whole week. But then they have all the river for themselves. In some rivers there are regulations on where foreigners can fish. NO BAG LIMITS. NO CATCH AND RELEASE required. Some rivers have days where the fish get to rest from fishermen. Usually Sunday-Monday. Fly patterns: My special favorite: Green Highlander. All hair-flies that are meant for salmon will go. Flies that pretend to be shrimps can be very succesfull! Colourchoosing: Ligth weather, sunny: Light coloured flies. Darker weather: Darker flies. Night: Black flies. Warm weather, warm river: Small flies. Cold river, much water: Large flies. For those who prefer bait and spoons: No foreign worms allowed. Espc. ban on German worms. No shrimps allowed. Spoons: Buck Special, Toby and Moeresilda in 20-45 grams are prefered, together with other slim spoons. Choose silverspoon in sunny weather. Green or brown spoons in darker weather. If you need any additional information on rivers, lakes or other places to fish in any part of Norway, I can provide you with more information on prices, where to go and where to call. Good luck Regards Jan Gunnar Furuly Norwegian flyfisher Ski, Norway.

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  I’m planning a trip through Europe which will include time spent in   Norway and would like all the information I can get about fly-fishing as   a foreigner. Are there any guide recommendations and what would the cost be? Where do I find out about license and regulations for waters? Are the waters private access or public? What types of tackle do most Norway rivers rate? Thanks for any help. Kim

 Flyfishing in Norway can be both expensive and cheap.  The country has with no doubt one of the worlds best and richest  variety of streams, rivers, lakes and Europes longest coastline,  were you can fish for both salmon and sea trout in salt water, beside  of other seagoing species.  The best areas for Atlantic Salmon is on the West-Coast (Vestlandet),  Mid-Norway (Troendelag) and the Northern part of Norway (Nord-Norge).  Even in the central part of the nation it is possible to flyfish  for salmon and brown trout, if you prefer that.  No guides are required (as in US and Canada, the commercial boost  is not loose yet here..)  Take your own gear with you. Fishing-gear is rather expensive in  local shops if you compare with US& Canada-prices.  There are around 400 registered rivers with Atlantic Salmon.  Before fishing:  You have to pay tax to the authoroties: Go to any postoffice  and pay FISKERAVGIFT, 180 nkr in 1995. Aprx: 30 $.  Now you can fish for salmon and seatrout in saltwater for free!  Fishing in rivers:  Buy FISHINGCARD. Sold from campingsites, local Tourist-offices.  Most rivers: 100-200 nkr pr. day. 16-32 USD.  Most expensive: West-Coast: Worst case: 30000-40000 nkr a day.  Some English Lords still prefer to cash out 200000-300000 nkr  for a whole week. But then they have all the river for themselves.  In some rivers there are regulations on where foreigners can fish.  NO BAG LIMITS.  NO CATCH AND RELEASE required.  Some rivers have days where the fish get to rest from fishermen.  Usually Sunday-Monday.  Fly patterns: My special favorite: Green Highlander.  All hair-flies that are meant for salmon will go.  Flies that pretend to be shrimps can be very succesfull!  Colourchoosing: Ligth weather, sunny: Light coloured flies.  Darker weather: Darker flies.  Night: Black flies.  Warm weather, warm river: Small flies.  Cold river, much water: Large flies.  For those who prefer bait and spoons:  No foreign worms allowed. Espc. ban on German worms.  No shrimps allowed.  Spoons: Buck Special, Toby and Moeresilda in 20-45 grams are  prefered, together with other slim spoons.  Choose silverspoon in sunny weather. Green or brown spoons in  darker weather.  If you need any additional information on rivers, lakes or other  places to fish in any part of Norway, I can provide you with more  information on prices, where to go and where to call.  Good luck  Regards  Jan Gunnar Furuly  Norwegian flyfisher  Ski, Norway.

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