Question:

I fished with a ROFF lurker Sunday, a really good fisherman and tier, and we got rain, snow, and wind.  Both of us caught a few good fish and we enjoyed watching the guides and their sports in the Texas hole.  Two guys in one boat had a foul hooked double.  First time we’d ever seen that one.

I’m assuming you don’t mean my version of a double – foul hooking a fish with *both* my nymphs… ??

Response:

I’m assuming you don’t mean my version of a double – foul hooking a fish with *both* my nymphs… ??

  Man, that’s disgusting.  You need to brush up on your style:)   I caught a fish last year on two nymphs, one fly in each corner of his MOUTH. That’s the way we westerners do things. With a little class.  I’ll bet you tie Parachute Adams’ on treble hooks, too. Snoop — —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

I’m assuming you don’t mean my version of a double – foul hooking a fish with *both* my nymphs… ??

Wow.  I’ve never seen that one before either! bruce h

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I’m assuming you don’t mean my version of a double – foul hooking a fish with *both* my nymphs… ??   Man, that’s disgusting.  You need to brush up on your style:)   I caught a fish last year on two nymphs, one fly in each corner of his MOUTH. That’s the way we westerners do things. With a little class.  I’ll bet you tie Parachute Adams’ on treble hooks, too.

Yeah, but I’ve noticed that if I leave off the tail, body, wings and even hackle from my treble Adams it snags ‘em just as well.  Frankly, I don’t think the fish can tell the difference…..

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I’m planning on having a really small group at the San Juan December 7-10. You are invited if you are reading this.  Join the Western clique.  We’re really not all that picky 2002 has been a pretty slow year for me, fishing wise, although I’ve had the good fortune to take some good trips and I have caught lots of good fish. Just not as many as expected in many cases.  Fishing, like many other pursuits, can sometimes be improved by managing one’s expectations. Even the San Juan, a veritable aquarium, has been slower than expected on the days I managed to get up there this year.  And while I was in Idaho and Montana, struggling to catch fish and enjoying everyone’s company, the San Juan was rocking, with the fish eating anything, apparently.  Did I mention that Indian Joe is a HOOT? I vowed to make the time to fish the Juan for a weekend or more and really walk around and concentrate on locating concentrations of fish for the December trip.  Of course it’s not too tough in that river but the fish do move around as the conditions change.  And I’ve never even seen the river as low as it’s flowing now as a result of our drought – 350 cfs.  Last weekend I fished Friday afternoon and all weekend. At the Western Clave, Jeff C mentioned to me that he had hoped for visible hatches and working fish and a puzzle to solve.  We really didn’t get it. We were casting to likely water and mostly blind, not casting to visible fish (except the bridges!) or rise forms.  At the San Juan, you can cast to working fish and throw everything in your box at them and not hook anything but the Tamarisk behind you for two hours.  Well, unless your initials are WL that is.  And other times, the fish are visibly feeding, you can identify pretty closely what they’re eating, and lo and behold, a few of them eat your presentations of imitations.  As somebody once said and I’ve repeated often, some days are electric. Friday afternoon was Electric.  Saturday was raining, cold and mostly windy and the fish still ate a good presentation.  I looked up and down the river and saw the other fly fishers waiting for a chance to get a drift or sitting on the river bank waiting it out.  Sunday dawn I was walking across the upper flats, intent on checking out an apparently trapped goose that I had spotted from my truck.  As I got closer and it got a little brighter outside, I could tell it wasn’t a goose.  The shotgun blasts kicked my brain into gear.  Decoy, hunters.  Wow.  I’ve seen a lot of shotgun shells there but I’ve never had a couple of camo guys stand up on the island in front of me and start blasting at some distant ducks.  Even more amazing was the fact that they weren’t bothered by the other twenty or so guys that arrived over the next couple of hours. The baetis hatch Sunday afternoon was really something to behold.  We were at the right place at the right time.  I think there was a debate here some time ago about whether or not cloudy conditions bring out the baetis.  At the San Juan it seems obvious.  I was extremely happy to be there. I fished with a ROFF lurker Sunday, a really good fisherman and tier, and we got rain, snow, and wind.  Both of us caught a few good fish and we enjoyed watching the guides and their sports in the Texas hole.  Two guys in one boat had a foul hooked double.  First time we’d ever seen that one. bruce h

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Question:

New in Fish & Fly – the leading website dedicated to fly fishing in the UK & Europe – Dry Fly on buying a new rod – The Duffer talks about ‘trophy fish’ – The ‘hunting’ debate – National Trust publish angling guide – Ashima catalogue available NEW FEATURES… Dry Fly takes a look at purchasing a new rod and explains his passion for the rods made by Winston. http://www.fishandfly.co.uk/tackleroom/winston.html "I had simply caught my first fish on rod and fly on my own. It was no ‘Trophy’ trout but if I could have had it stuffed and mounted I would have, such was my pride " The Duffer on Fish of a Lifetime http://www.fishandfly.co.uk/bdedit0101.html THE HUNTING DEBATE… Charles Jardine’s statement on behalf of the Countryside Alliance’s Gone Fishing campaign started off the hunting/bloodsport debate again. Some of you feel that fishing will never be threatened as there are too many of us taking part – others aren’t so optimistic. Particularly interesting are responses posted by Arrogant Bee and Mark Powell. http://www.fishandfly.co.uk/dcforum/messageboard/1342.html Whatever your view it has become clear is that there is little point in us trying to convince each other that we’re ’safe’. All of us must make sure that we make our views felt. If nothing more I urge all of our visitors to make sure that they’re a member of at least one relevant body – be it the Countryside Alliance, Wild Trout Society, Salmon & Trout Association – the choice will depend on your own beliefs. But your subscription will make sure that somewhere down the line your view will be counted. LATEST NEWS… We’re not sure whether we can take any credit for this – but we’re pleased to announce that The National Trust will shortly be publishing ‘Enjoy Fishing with the National Trust’. http://www.fishandfly.co.uk/news.html OUR SPONSORS… We’re pleased to welcome Ashima as a Fish & Fly sponsor – and you can apply online for a free sticker & catalogue pack covering the full range of fly tying hooks, lines and leaders… http://www.fishandfly.co.uk/ashima.html Look forward to seeing you at Fish & Fly soon, Regards, Simon Lewin http://www

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[snip] – The Duffer talks about ‘trophy fish’

Hey Louie, How long have you been writing

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Question:

 What’s he do?   He hands his rod to my son to play it.   Ya gotta love a guy who would do that for a kid.

A story worth reading to the last full stop, just for this bit. Thanks Joe. — Bill http://www.graigroad.demon.co.uk

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The end of the shad run is near, and my buddy was heading up to Deer Creek for the evening, so I lobbied SWMBO for a few hours of freedom after work. It helped that I still hadn’t given Craig his birthday present from two months ago.   So I got home from work, grilled a few burgers, and had a quick dinner with the family unit before bolting for the river. My son had a lot of homework to do for school, but I was willing to cut him a little slack on that if he PROMISED to do it quickly and neatly on our return.   (He did.)   All of my stuff was already in the trunk, and I grabbed his waders and rod and we were gone. We got there about an hour before sunset, usually a good time for the action to pick up.   The best hole above the bridge was pretty crowded with about a half dozen anglers, but as we suited up, an old guy headed for shore, leaving us a decent space just upstream from my buddy.   This time, I had rigged both rods.   My son was going to fish on his own. I gave him a quick lesson on how to strip in the sink tip and shoot it out again on the cast, and he managed to reach a useful level of mastery in a short time.   I think it helped a lot that the fly line gives such visible and instant feedback when you screw up.   It didn’t take him long to see what a good cast looked like, even if it took him longer to do it more frequently.   Not waiting long enough on the back cast was his most chronic problem. I fished just upstream from him and caught a decent fish early, but it became clear that the run was about played out.   I never hooked another one, and neither my buddy or his guest caught anything in the hour and a half we were there.   But as darkness approached, my son got a good hit that surprised the heck out of him.  He managed to set the hook, but the calm (really) advice of dad wasn’t enough, and he lost it.   Still, it was another of those great moments of discovery for him. Now, standing in the middle of the river and casting into the deeper channel against the far shore was obviously unproductive, but that’s still where the fish were, so we persisted.   Except my son.   He says, "can I fish the other way?" and I figure, why not.   He turns around, casts back toward shore, and hooks up on the first cast.   Damned cool.   He lost that one too, but he felt smarter than the rest of us for hooking it. In closing, I’ll add a story about why my fishing buddy is a good friend of mine.   We’d been there for an hour and a half, with little or no action. Cast, drift, cast again.   Nothing.   It was especially tough for my buddy, because he was just upstream from the guy in the honey hole who was catching fish after fish.   So when I went ashore to the car to get something, I left my son out there next to Craig.   And, after an hour an a half of catching nothing, Craig finally hooks one.   What’s he do?   He hands his rod to my son to play it.   Ya gotta love a guy who would do that for a kid. Joe F.

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NEAT-O!!! — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

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The end of the shad run is near, and my buddy was heading up to Deer Creek for the evening, so I lobbied SWMBO for a few hours of freedom after work.

    (great story snipped)   And, after an hour an a half of catching nothing, Craig finally hooks one.   What’s he do?   He hands his rod to my son to play it.   Ya gotta love a guy who would do that for a kid.

    my best friend would have done just the opposite.  when your boy made his offside hookup, pamlico jim would have torn the rod from the kid’s hand and yelled for him to keep the hell out of the way until he had the fish in hand.  but, ya gotta love him, too; he will shoot your ass if you don’t. you will meet him at the clave. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Joe F.

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Question:

Billy If efficiency is your god, then stay with graphite.  If you’re a romantic . . .  I don’t have to finish the sentence. I have a Diawa 4/5 fly rod that is 5 1/2 times cheaper than my bamboo 4/5 and will out cast it.   Yet that has nothing to do why I like it or love the bamboo.  Others have said it better; you have to fish a good one to know. In a world that worships efficiency,  maybe it’s just our reaction against it.  Whatever it is, we aren’t about to question it.  We just fish. Peter

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 there’s certainly more to fly fishing than casting a whole line with a graphite rod… Regards Jeff

        the only way i and 90% of the rest of us will be able to cast an entire line is to buy one, and then throw it as far as we can, while it’s still in the cradle.  i say fish what makes you smile. wayno

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Harrison) writes: i say fish what makes you smile.

Cripes, you’re getting mellow, what happened? Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

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Harrison) writes: i say fish what makes you smile. Cripes, you’re getting mellow, what happened? Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

    advancing age and the discovery of balvenie. wayno, chilling – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Wayno: <<(Wayne Harrison) writes: i say fish what makes you smile. Cripes, you’re getting mellow, what happened? Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

    advancing age and the discovery of balvenie. wayno, chilling Speaking of chilling……. last night I found two bottles of Sleeman’s in the cooler.  Totally forgotten.  Serendipitous!  I picked my first two tomatoes and had a couple of tom and lettuce sandwiches for lunch, washed down with TWO Sleeman’s.  It ain’t gonna get any better than this……d;0) Dave L. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Speaking of chilling……. last night I found two bottles of Sleeman’s in the cooler.  Totally forgotten.  Serendipitous!  I picked my first two tomatoes and had a couple of tom and lettuce sandwiches for lunch, washed down with TWO Sleeman’s.  It ain’t gonna get any better than this……d;0) Dave L.

You are absolutely correct, Dave.  Sadly, my Sleeman’s is long, long gone, and my tomatoes are shriveling in the drought. Mark Faulkner

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Speaking of chilling……. last night I found two bottles of Sleeman’s in the cooler.  Totally forgotten.  Serendipitous!  I picked my first two tomatoes and had a couple of tom and lettuce sandwiches for lunch, washed down with TWO Sleeman’s.  It ain’t gonna get any better than this……d;0) Dave L.

dave, you are a cruel, cruel bastard. –waldo — Ezflyfish.com                 Blue Ridge Book Gallery Quality Gear & Service        Used & Out-of-Print Books http://www.ezflyfish.com      http://www.abebooks.com/home/BLUEBOOKS P.O. Box 5112  Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828)963-5001

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Until you add some dilled Walla Walla sweets and cucumber slices to the sandwich. Speaking of chilling……. last night I found two bottles of Sleeman’s in the cooler.  Totally forgotten.  Serendipitous!  I picked my first two tomatoes and had a couple of tom and lettuce sandwiches for lunch, washed down with TWO Sleeman’s.  It ain’t gonna get any better than this……d;0) Dave L.

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

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advancing age and the discovery of balvenie.

wait till I get some really good scotch in your blood stream vs just a good scotch, you’ll even start telling lawyer jokes. Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

Response:

Mike: <<Until you add some dilled Walla Walla sweets and cucumber slices to the sandwich. Speaking of chilling……. last night I found two bottles of Sleeman’s in the cooler.  Totally forgotten.  Serendipitous!  I picked my first two tomatoes and had a couple of tom and lettuce sandwiches for lunch, washed down with TWO Sleeman’s.  It ain’t gonna get any better than this……d;0)

Well, ya might have somethin there.  But I’ll take the pickles on the side and instead of cukes, and how about a thick slice of a hairy-assed Vidalia Onion.  Maybe a slice of *good* cheese? Dave LaCourse

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I’m reading all the posts about bamboo fly rods.   Why would a person want a fly rod made from bamboo, when you can have a grafite rod? Bamboo just dose’nt make sense. — Sharp Hooks, Pat Holdzit Fishing Products Inc. http://www.holdzit.com Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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is this a troll? — Nicholas J. Slodki http://trampled.net/Nikolai0/

:I’m reading all the posts about bamboo fly rods.   Why would a person :want a fly rod made from bamboo, when you can have a grafite rod? :Bamboo just dose’nt make sense. : :– :Sharp Hooks, at :Holdzit Fishing Products Inc. :http://www.holdzit.com : : :Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Pat- You’d probably ask the same question about fiberglass. Obviously, you’ve never cast one! There’s nothing like the FEEL of casting a bamboo rod…it’s sort of a magical thing, actually allowing you to feel the "tug" of a line straightening out behind you and urging you to begin your forward cast. When nymphing with a bamboo rod, I’ve never had the urge to even consider using a strike indicator (read= bobber) as you can actually feel the nymph being picked up on a tight line while high-sticking a nymph through a riffle. There are some of us who began on bamboo, then out of need, migrated to fiberglass (lack of suppliers of decent bamboo rods at prices the "common man" could afford) and never even bothered with graphite, especially after trying the original graphite rods to hit the market….true buggy whips or telephone poles, nothing in between… along with the horror stories of graphite rods exploding when they got too cold and were tapped against the side of a boat or other hard object. I do own a couple of graphite rods now, but don’t consider them the primary pieces in my arsenal…my primaries are an old Granger bamboo and my Fenwick glass rods, but I do use the graphites also. You’d need to handle one streamside to undrstand is all I can say….maybe someday you’ll find an obliging fly fisherman on the water that’ll let you cast his bamboo or glass rod and then when you take your graphite back and make afew casts you’ll understand better. Larry #:)#

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I’m reading all the posts about bamboo fly rods.   Why would a person want a fly rod made from bamboo, when you can have a grafite rod? Bamboo just dose’nt make sense.

If you are a slam bam thank you ma’m fisherman, tossing and in love with the latest greatest high modulus plastic rod, you’re right cane is not for you. I love cane rods because, and imo only, 1. A good cane rod is a result of someones labor of love as a craftsman not the result of some plastic rolling off of a sheet. 2. A good cane rod forces you to slow down and enjoy the experience. 3. A good cane rod is much more forgiving than a graphite rod to casting mistakes. 4. I believe they fish better, protect tippets better, lay down flies more delicately, 5. There’s a bit of nostalgia involved which for an aging baby boomer is kind of neat. 6.They’re made with mother natures own resources, so they’re probably more eco-friendly tho I have no scientific proof, but these are opinions . 7. The weight crap is overrated. They aren’t that heavy and it is great to feel the line lay out, they almost tell you when to begin the next stroke. Let’s see if I can put another way, using a cane rod to me is akin to sex, a cane rod is like having a loving romantic relationship over time which is much more fulfilling, a graphite rod is like having a one night stand, yea it feels good for a short time but once you shoot your load, there’s nothing left. I own more than my share of graphite rods, I use them, like them.but would not be devastated if I lost them. Take my cane tho, and I’ll have to kill you. My opinion only, but you asked. Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

Response:

It does when you have an old reel and silk line to go with it.  It is a real trip down memory lane. Ernie Harrison Like to make fly-fishing stuff?  See: http://users.ccnet.com/~emh/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m reading all the posts about bamboo fly rods.   Why would a person want a fly rod made from bamboo, when you can have a grafite rod? Bamboo just dose’nt make sense. — Sharp Hooks, Pat Holdzit Fishing Products Inc. http://www.holdzit.com Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Bamboo just dose’nt make sense.

Sure it dose. Bamboo, fiberglas & graphite all have plusses & minuses. It comes down to casting style and personal preference. I happen to think that bamboo is more forgiving of my lousy casting stroke. — Ken Fortenberry

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Wayne Knight wrote … Let’s see if I can put another way, using a cane rod to me is akin to sex, a cane rod is like having a loving romantic relationship over time which is much more fulfilling, a graphite rod is like having a one night stand, yea it feels good for a short time but once you shoot your load, there’s nothing left.

Gee thanks.  Now I’ll feel cheap and tawdry next time I go fishing. Keith Brewster

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Tradition, old timey feel. nose thumbing at technology, beauty, yankee pride. Dave

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I do not have much cane experience.  I have an old Montague rod.  Maybe more espensive ones may end up with my mind changed. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m reading all the posts about bamboo fly rods.   Why would a person want a fly rod made from bamboo, when you can have a grafite rod? Bamboo just dose’nt make sense. If you are a slam bam thank you ma’m fisherman, tossing and in love with the latest greatest high modulus plastic rod, you’re right cane is not for you. I love cane rods because, and imo only, 1. A good cane rod is a result of someones labor of love as a craftsman not the result of some plastic rolling off of a sheet.

I don’t care about this.  How good is the tool? 2. A good cane rod forces you to slow down and enjoy the experience.

Given the kind of fishing I do, I need a fast rod. 3. A good cane rod is much more forgiving than a graphite rod to casting mistakes.

See 2 above. 4. I believe they fish better, protect tippets better, lay down flies more delicately,

Possibly. 5. There’s a bit of nostalgia involved which for an aging baby boomer is kind of neat. 6.They’re made with mother natures own resources, so they’re probably more eco-friendly tho I have no scientific proof, but these are opinions . 7. The weight crap is overrated. They aren’t that heavy and it is great to feel the line lay out, they almost tell you when to begin the next stroke.

I find the weight a serious problem.  After about half an hour of fishing, my arm is worn out.  It is not the weight of the rod, per se.  It is the moment of inertia. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Let’s see if I can put another way, using a cane rod to me is akin to sex, a cane rod is like having a loving romantic relationship over time which is much more fulfilling, a graphite rod is like having a one night stand, yea it feels good for a short time but once you shoot your load, there’s nothing left. I own more than my share of graphite rods, I use them, like them.but would not be devastated if I lost them. Take my cane tho, and I’ll have to kill you.

Response:

(BillyFish) writes: I do not have much cane experience.  I have an old Montague rod.  Maybe more espensive ones may end up with my mind changed.

It does not have to be a more expensive one, there are lots of old cheap Heddons, South Bends, Wright & McGills, Union Hardware, etc which were good rods and don’t command premium prices. I have a project rod which used pieces of Leonard rods for a 5 wt which for a cane is a cannon. I paid $300 for the rod. It may not say Leonard, but it is a Leonard. Montagues, in most cases, are best used for tomato stakes or toothpicks Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

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wayne and others. SNIP SNIP Let’s see if I can put another way, using a cane rod to me is akin to sex, a cane rod is like having a loving romantic relationship over time which is much more fulfilling, a graphite rod is like having a one night stand, yea it feels good for a short time but once you shoot your load, there’s nothing left.

eww… i’m starting to feel a little yucky… have cast a cane rod a few times.. felt like they could cast a line around a 90 degree corner.. just wonderful. edwin

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I am a poor deprived person who has , I confess,  never even handled a cane rod much less fish with one.  To rectify this, in the light of all this debate, I  have been trying to cast with one of the wife’s bean sticks to see what the fuss was all about.  I got blank looks at the hardware store when I asked for a 4 wt – apparently they categorise them as tomato or bean and not by weight! so I came home and nicked one of hers.  Well, I have to say it did nothing for my style, such as it is, and the neighbours, already used to the sight of me flinging fly lines deep under the trees in the garden and trying to curve cast around the posts on the kids climbing frame, just took it all in their stride. George, you must wave a magic wand over a piece of bamboo to turn it into a rod, that’s all I can say. Yes I’ve read the G site (or should that be "spot"? )on how technological this bamboo thing is  - and now you guys have got me going.  I have got to see a real cane rod and have a cast with it just to compare it to my graphite and boron rods and see what all the fuss is about! Bendy bamboo to you all DBJ I don’t practice what I preach as I am not the sort of person I preach to! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bamboo just dose’nt make sense. Sure it dose. Bamboo, fiberglas & graphite all have plusses & minuses. It comes down to casting style and personal preference. I happen to think that bamboo is more forgiving of my lousy casting stroke. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Gee thanks.  Now I’ll feel cheap and tawdry next time I go fishing.

But will you respect it in the morning? Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wayne Knight wrote … Let’s see if I can put another way, using a cane rod to me is akin to sex, a cane rod is like having a loving romantic relationship over time which is much more fulfilling, a graphite rod is like having a one night stand, yea it feels good for a short time but once you shoot your load, there’s nothing left. Gee thanks.  Now I’ll feel cheap and tawdry next time I go fishing. Keith Brewster

Mark Faulkner, recalling those years gone by

Response:

Bamboo may not make sense, and I guess classic Jaguars, MG’s, and Porsches don’t either. But that doesn’t keep them from putting more grins on my face. There’s more to driving enjoyment than airconditioned, fuel-injected cars from the Pacific Rim, and there’s certainly more to fly fishing than casting a whole line with a graphite rod… Regards Jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m reading all the posts about bamboo fly rods.   Why would a person want a fly rod made from bamboo, when you can have a grafite rod? Bamboo just dose’nt make sense. — Sharp Hooks, Pat Holdzit Fishing Products Inc. http://www.holdzit.com Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Question:

Ernie, I think you forgot the most important thing! The FLIES!! Or do you plan on catching your own while fishing? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Over the years I have learned there are several things in addition to flies I want in my vest .  If you are new to fly-fishing you can look them over for suggestions, or you may want to suggest things you don’t find on mine. 1.      Crusher type water resistant hat. 2.      Duct tape for patching waders 3.      Fly Floatant. 4.      Fly line cleaner 5.      Forceps. 6.      Hook sharpener. 7.      Knot tier (Blood Knot Machine). 8.      Leader straightener. 9.      Leaders. 10.     Mosquito repellant 11.     Polarized glasses 12.     Sinkers (wrap on) 13.     Small 110 camera. 14.     Small first aid kit. (with aspirin) 15.     Small flashlight. 16.     Spool of tippet material. 17.     Stream thermometer 18.     Strike indicators 19.     Swiss pocket knife with scissors. 20.     Tippet cutter with hook eye cleaner. 21.     Toilet paper. 22.     Waterproof pancho (lightweight).

– Doug Knight                                     metalfab<atpacbell.net Junk e-mail, solicitation, sales, products and services gladly accepted at $500.00 per mailing and billed directly to your ISP.

Response:

Over the years I have learned there are several things in addition to flies I want in my vest .  If you are new to fly-fishing you can look them over for suggestions, or you may want to suggest things you don’t find on mine.

                        EDITED VEST ITEMS BY A PRO! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 1.      Crusher type water resistant hat. (Wide Brimmed Western Hat) 3.      Fly Floatant.    Gehrke’s Gink 4.      Fly line cleaner    Gehrke’s PZ Fly Line Cleaner 5.      Forceps.    Not needed with Barbless Hooks 6.      Hook sharpener. 8.      Leader straightener.  (PULL HARD then relax slowly) 9.      Leaders.    Hand tied of course. 10.     Mosquito repellant  (Famous Grouse) 11.     Polarized glasses    (Blue and Yellow) 12.     Sinkers (wrap on)    Gehrke’s XINK Wet Fly Dressing 13.     Small 110 camera.    Water Proof 14.     Small first aid kit. (with aspirin)  and a flask of booze 15.     Small flashlight.    (Water Proof) 16.     Spool of tippet material.  (Make this plural) 17.     Stream thermometer    (Only if you have a diary) 18.     Strike indicators    argggggggggggggggggggggggggh! 19.     Swiss pocket knife with scissors. 20.     Tippet cutter with hook eye cleaner. 21.     Toilet paper.        (Inside a Zip Lock Bag) 22.     Waterproof pancho (lightweight).

    23  A Box of Dry Flies     24  A box of Wet Flies     25  A box of Nymphs     26  A box of Streamers     27  A bottle of KNOT-PERFECT — Doug Knight                                     metalfab<atpacbell.net Junk e-mail, solicitation, sales, products and services gladly accepted at $500.00 per mailing and billed directly to your ISP.

– George Gehrke All Writings

Question:

I will be heading north the last weekend in June and would like any input on where to fish or what we should be using. Also, does anyone know a reliable fly shop around Pittsburg that could help direct us to some fish, preferably salmon? Thanks BillW Bill W

Response:

Bill W writes:

<<Also, does anyone know a reliable fly shop around Pittsburg that could help direct us to some fish, preferably salmon? There is a fly shop between town  and Back Lake (on the right). I was in the Conn. Lakes Region a couple of years ago and it is a big disappointment to what it was in the forties/fifties (what isn’t?). If you have access to a canoe, try East Inlet (to 2nd Lake).   Also, the river between First Lake and Lake Francis.  And, below the Lake Francis Dam.  Count on a hatch of caddis (Elk Hair, Henryville Specials, Goddard ought to do.)  Stonefly nymphs (big and black) should also work well. Green caddis worm, pheasant tail, and ever-present wooly bugger should round out your repertoire. When I was a kid, there were nice brookies in Middle Pond, Moose Pond, Harris Pond (big walk) and Round Pond.  Also, Scotts Bog above 2nd Lake.  However, today it is probably all stocked stuff.  Tall Timbers and other camps used to maintain boats at these ponds.  Don’t know if they still do. Treat yourself to a meal at the Glen on Second Lake. It is beautiful country.  The catching might not be all that good, but the fishing sure is. Dave LaCourse  

Response:

Question:

I tend to wade pretty aggressively, so I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve gotten wet, but the week before last was the first time I’ve had to actually swim for it.  For those who are interested, results follow: I was fishing the Missouri under fairly high water conditions on July 3 and wading down a gravel spit below an island.  Without paying much attention, I had waded down far enough that I was up nearly to the tops of my waders.  No problem until I tried to turn back upstream, at which point I discovered that the gravel shifted under my feet each time I tried to take a step back up.  After about ten minutes of struggling for a foothold, I realized I simply wasn’t going to be able to wade back up the gravel spit.  To struggle further would have been a waste of energy, I would have to swim for it.  My neoprenes fit reasonably snuggly, but I was not wearing a belt, so it was inevitable I would take on some serious water.  I tucked my vest into my waders to snug up the fit a bit more and made a go for shore, probably 100-130 feet away.  I’m here, so you know I made it.  I did not sink like a rock, but it was pretty darn hard to swim, and especially to kick productively, with my waders full of water.   All in all, I can’t recommend the experience.  Even though the Missouri below Holter is powerful, it is relatively smooth.  Had I been bounced around, it would have been harder.  Although I haven’t been swimming much lately, I am a fairly strong swimmer ( 2 miles a pop when I used to swim regularly).  Finally, I was fortunate that I didn’t fall in and have to react quickly; I had time to make a plan and steel myself. What I do recommend is: 1)  Don’t ever assume you can wade back via the same route. 2)  Do wear a belt. 3)  Go out and try it in a swimming pool before it happens by accident.     Some day, something like this may happen to you, too.  If you’ve tried     it at home, you’ll know your limitations, so you’ll know where not to     go.  You’ll know your capabilities, so you won’t panic.  Knowing one     without the other may not do you much good.  If you’re in over your     ability *or* if you panic, you may get more than just wet. Happy (and dry) fishing to all, Bill S. P.S.  Good nymphing, a little bit of dry fly action at dusk.

Response:

I tucked my vest into my waders to snug up the fit a bit more and made a go for shore, probably 100-130 feet away.  I’m here, so you know I made it.  I did not sink like a rock, but it was pretty darn hard to swim,

What did you do with your rod? — -Wayne Trzyna

Response:

Bill, Thanks for a very clear analysis of "swimming with waders on". Your article has convinced me to start wearing a belt again while in neoprene waders. Me getting into neoprene waders is akin to packing a sausage but you’ve convinced me that water will get in there eventually. Many of us are not in the kind of shape we used to be and a long swim in waders could very well be our last. Thanks again, Steve – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I tend to wade pretty aggressively, so I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve gotten wet, but the week before last was the first time I’ve had to actually swim for it.  For those who are interested, results follow: I was fishing the Missouri under fairly high water conditions on July 3 and wading down a gravel spit below an island.  Without paying much attention, I had waded down far enough that I was up nearly to the tops of my waders.  No problem until I tried to turn back upstream, at which point I discovered that the gravel shifted under my feet each time I tried to take a step back up.  After about ten minutes of struggling for a foothold, I realized I simply wasn’t going to be able to wade back up the gravel spit.  To struggle further would have been a waste of energy, I would have to swim for it.  My neoprenes fit reasonably snuggly, but I was not wearing a belt, so it was inevitable I would take on some serious water.  I tucked my vest into my waders to snug up the fit a bit more and made a go for shore, probably 100-130 feet away.  I’m here, so you know I made it.  I did not sink like a rock, but it was pretty darn hard to swim, and especially to kick productively, with my waders full of water. All in all, I can’t recommend the experience.  Even though the Missouri below Holter is powerful, it is relatively smooth.  Had I been bounced around, it would have been harder.  Although I haven’t been swimming much lately, I am a fairly strong swimmer ( 2 miles a pop when I used to swim regularly).  Finally, I was fortunate that I didn’t fall in and have to react quickly; I had time to make a plan and steel myself. What I do recommend is: 1)  Don’t ever assume you can wade back via the same route. 2)  Do wear a belt. 3)  Go out and try it in a swimming pool before it happens by accident.     Some day, something like this may happen to you, too.  If you’ve tried     it at home, you’ll know your limitations, so you’ll know where not to     go.  You’ll know your capabilities, so you won’t panic.  Knowing one     without the other may not do you much good.  If you’re in over your     ability *or* if you panic, you may get more than just wet. Happy (and dry) fishing to all, Bill S. P.S.  Good nymphing, a little bit of dry fly action at dusk.

Response:

Thank you for this story.  You have totally cured the false sense of security I have long had in my neoprene waders floatability and watertightness.  I’ll be getting a belt. —                                                            -dnc- William A. Segraves wrote – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I tend to wade pretty aggressively, so I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve gotten wet, but the week before last was the first time I’ve had to actually swim for it.  For those who are interested, results

Response:

Question:

I’d go looking for a catalog from a man called Lew Codella…I think it’s in Boston, MA? A friend of mine swears by him. Try looking in a back of a magazine for the address. Also there’s a zillion bamboo guys with web sites try doing a little web surfing and maybe you’ll find a few phone numbers or e-mail addresses. — Enter the WWW fly tying contest by visiting my web site:http://www.commonlink.com/~Midwestflytying

Response:

Dear fellow fishing enthusaists: I have the opportunity to buy an antique Orvis fishing rod and reel at a local fly-fishing shop and was wondering if the asking price is approximate to its true value.  The rod is an ORVIS IMPREGNATED BAMBOO ROD- SUPERLIGHT SPIN.  The serial # is 65072, length is 6′0", and it’s two-piece design.  It is in mint condition and comes with the orginal container.  The reel is an ORVIS 50A SPINNING REEL.  The owner wants $250 for it.  Is this fair?  Your comments will be very appreciated. Thank you, Peter Byron   Albany, NY

Peter: I believe this is a fair deal, slightly below market value, where market value is what the main dealers in this stuff charge.  I’d say the reel alone has a market value of $50-75 and the rod $250-300, especially if it’s truly mint.  Remember, though, that market value is what the dealers get. If you tried to sell it, you might not get that much, although tne Net has opened this up a bit.  Hope this helps. –Rich

Response:

Dear fellow fishing enthusaists: I have the opportunity to buy an antique Orvis fishing rod and reel at a local fly-fishing shop and was wondering if the asking price is approximate to its true value.  The rod is an ORVIS IMPREGNATED BAMBOO ROD- SUPERLIGHT SPIN.  The serial # is 65072, length is 6′0", and it’s two-piece design.  It is in mint condition and comes with the orginal container.  The reel is an ORVIS 50A SPINNING REEL.  The owner wants $250 for it.  Is this fair?  Your comments will be very appreciated. Thank you, Peter Byron   Albany, NY

Response:

Question:

I am looking for the fly fishing computer game software that is out.  I thought it was distributed by Orvis, but a call to the Philly store and the local Orvis retailers has been to no avail. Any iformation would be greatly appreciated.

John – There is one called Winfish 3.0- Fly Fishing.  It is shareware.  I downloaded it off of AOL.       Gene

Response:

I am looking for the fly fishing computer game software that is out.  I thought it was distributed by Orvis, but a call to the Philly store and the local Orvis retailers has been to no avail.  Any iformation would be greatly appreciated.

Response:

Question:

The Madison River is open from Hebgen to Quake Lakem, year around.   It’s closed from Quake to Macatee till the 3rd Saturday in May.  It’s open from Macatee to Ennis Bridge, year around, and it is closed from Ennis Bridge to Ennis Lake from December 1 through the 3rd Saturday in May. Dave Kumlien, Montana Troutfitters,Bozeman html

Hi Dave, Thanks for the information, it’s right on. I enjoy your posts, keep them up. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response:

Does anyone know if the special closure on the Madison between Lyons and Pallisades is in effect for 1996?

From what I have heard it is open. Take Care,

Response:

   Here’s the deal on the upper Madison.  Quake to Lyons will open on the 3rd Saturday in May and will close at the end of November.  Lyons to Squaw creek is open the same way.  Squaw to Windy Point is permanently closed as a study/control section.  Windy Point to Macatee is closed right now, but it will reopen on the 3rd Saturday in May.  Macatee to Ennis Bridge is open right now, and will remain open year around.  Ennis Bridge to the Ennis Lake is closed(critical goose nesting habitat by the lake), and it will reopen the 3rd Saturday in May.  If you can keep track of all of that, you pass the bar exam! http://www.gomontana.com/Business/Trout/trout.html

Response:

Does anyone know if the special closure on the Madison between Lyons and Pallisades is in effect for 1996?

as far as I know the river is currently closed from quake lake to ennis until the 3rd saturday in may….

Response:

I think its open in the upper stretch because my nephew was fishing around the Raynolds Pass bridge during spring break.

Response:

I think its open in the upper stretch because my nephew was fishing around the Raynolds Pass bridge during spring break.

Probably illegally…as I understand it the rive ris closed from Quake Lake to below Ennis until sometime in May..

Response:

The Madison River is open from Hebgen to Quake Lakem, year around.   It’s closed from Quake to Macatee till the 3rd Saturday in May.  It’s open from Macatee to Ennis Bridge, year around, and it is closed from Ennis Bridge to Ennis Lake from December 1 through the 3rd Saturday in May. Dave Kumlien, Montana Troutfitters,Bozeman html

Response:

Does anyone know if the special closure on the Madison between Lyons and Pallisades is in effect for 1996?

Response:

Does anyone know if the special closure on the Madison between Lyons and Pallisades is in effect for 1996?

Looks like it will be open.  See http://www.cyberport.net/flyfish/cent_reg.html for regs.  A phone call may be in order. — "If the facts do not conform to the theory, they must be disposed of."      Maier’s Law

Response: