Question:

Any opinions on what will be hatching this Thursday, with 90 degree weather last week, snow today, and low water?   On the river I’ll be fishing, on 4/25 I would expect the end of the Quill Gordons, some Blue Quills, the beginning of the Hendricksons, maybe some Shad Fly caddis.  But, with the odd weather, heaven knows what’s happening and I’d appreciate some opinions, founded in current observation or not. Thanks in advance. Glenn GKT

Response:

Any opinions on what will be hatching this Thursday, with 90 degree weather last week, snow today, and low water?   On the river I’ll be fishing, on 4/25 I would expect the end of the Quill Gordons, some Blue Quills, the beginning of the Hendricksons, maybe some Shad Fly caddis.  But, with the odd weather, heaven knows what’s happening and I’d appreciate some opinions, founded in current observation or not.

How are the water temps compared to what they would normally be?  IMO, that is a very important, if not THE most important, part of the "equation." — Warren change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

Response:

I think you’re right but I won’t know the exact temperature for that stream until I get there.  They are probably near normal now, most likely following a small spike during the four hot days. GlennHow are the water temps compared to what they would normally be?  IMO, that is a very important, if not THE most important, part of the "equation." — Warren change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

GKT

Response:

I think you’re right but I won’t know the exact temperature for that stream until I get there.  They are probably near normal now, most likely following a small spike during the four hot days.

Sometimes you can get water temps from the USGS Streamflow reports.  Look around http://mt.waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/help/?redirect=rt_www_redirect — Warren change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

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Question:

OH NO  don’t ask the boner to whup it out. —  Don Thompson Another of the Thompson Boys

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You might ask one our regulars to show you his "maps". TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

I here the Brown Trout are good there. Especially in the river when the treatment plants overflow. It must suck living in Ohio!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi –    I worked in Utah for about 8 months last year, and got interested/started in fly fishing – then I got transferred to Cincinnati…  So now that I’m in Ohio – any suggestions as to where I should go to fly fish?  Not a lot of mountain strams around here…    Thanks!      Brian

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Look I’m really sorry, but the law is the law….no trailer trash allowed. You can however visit for no more than a two weeks period…. john

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<Seemingly excellent advice snipped look for a book, ’smallmouth strategies for the fly rod’ by will ryan……a good place to start. get a gazetteer with county maps….get a kayak…

You might ask one our regulars to show you his "maps". TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de

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Mouse imitations. —  Don Thompson

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I love bass too, John.  But I’m new to fly fishing.  What type of flies do you use for smallmouth?     Brian

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yes, and popper and muddlers but, my all time favorite is wooly buggers. tied in various colors, white , yellow purple etc.  Now you would use a cone head wooly.  Soon, a bead head….during the spring feed and spawn  a wooly with no weight.  then a bead head, going to a cone head in the hot summer. Tie them with an upturned barb so you can fish over the bottom and over brush. I like them with a little flashabou in them and my favorite is a brown and dark red and dirty rusty red and  dark green color to imitate crayfish. Or any mixture of those colors… Any place you can get in the water on the Miami is good, any of the ohio tributaries…Brush Creek…little Miami…Scioto, Hocking , Ceasars creek…. basically, if it flows all year and doesn’t freeze solid in the winter it has smallmouth… look for a book, ’smallmouth strategies for the fly rod’ by will ryan……a good place to start. get a gazetteer with county maps….get a kayak… john

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Lake Ere steelhead. Smallmouth bass in all state waters..walleye, saugeye….white bass runs….we even have a couple of trout streams,,,,but I don’t bother with them very much unless I am jonesin’ real bad.  smallmouth rules in Ohio. john……Dayton

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I love bass too, John.  But I’m new to fly fishing.  What type of flies do you use for smallmouth?     Brian – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Lake Ere steelhead. Smallmouth bass in all state waters..walleye, saugeye….white bass runs….we even have a couple of trout streams,,,,but I don’t bother with them very much unless I am jonesin’ real bad.  smallmouth rules in Ohio. john……Dayton

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Thank’s, Harry – a much more useful suggestion

than Idaho or Michigan (are those suburbs of Cincinnati or something?)…  

I *think* Idaho is a small town in KY (either that or a woman’s name and profession) but Michiscum (also known as "Meatchicken") is up north somewhere.  <g

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Hi –    I worked in Utah for about 8 months last year, and got interested/started in fly fishing – then I got transferred to Cincinnati…  So now that I’m in Ohio – any suggestions as to where I should go to fly fish?  Not a lot of mountain strams around here…    Thanks!      Brian

Response:

Hi –    I worked in Utah for about 8 months last year, and got interested/started in fly fishing – then I got transferred to Cincinnati…  So now that I’m in Ohio – any suggestions as to where I should go to fly fish?  Not a lot of mountain strams around here…    Thanks!      Brian

If you want mountain streams go to Montana, but stop short of Idaho, please. Seriously, I’ve read that there are pretty decent runs of "landlocked rainbow trout", aka "faux steelhead", in Ohio, in the streams that feed Lake Erie. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Hi –    I worked in Utah for about 8 months last year, and got interested/started in fly fishing – then I got transferred to Cincinnati…  So now that I’m in Ohio – any suggestions as to where I should go to fly fish?  Not a lot of mountain strams around here…    Thanks!      Brian

Try Michigan…

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Brian writes: So now that I’m in Ohio – any suggestions as to where I should go to fly fish?

Take a look at – http://www.flyshop.com/Centers/Midwest/7-98Mad/index.html

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Thank’s, Harry – a much more useful suggestion than Idaho or Michigan (are those suburbs of Cincinnati or something?)…    Brian – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Brian writes: So now that I’m in Ohio – any suggestions as to where I should go to fly fish? Take a look at – http://www.flyshop.com/Centers/Midwest/7-98Mad/index.html

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Question:

dhdriftboats.com.    I built a 16" dory for the Grand Canyon

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Anybody know where i can find a good Mckenzie drift boat plan,  i’ve search the web without much success. Thank you so much for your help! Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

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Anybody know where i can find a good Mckenzie drift boat plan,  i’ve search the web without much success. Thank you so much for your help!

Try searching here: http://www.boat-links.com/search-LL.html Steve

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Try this web site for on line plans and instructions. http://www.montana-riverboats.com/boats/ Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

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You need to try the fly fishing magazines and resources on the web.  Ray’s River Dories in Portland, OR, at least sells kits. Contact is Ray Heater at 503-244-3608 or e-mail at Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

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Question:

I’ll be in the Denver area next weekend and have 1 day free for some fly fishing.  Any suggestions on where to go this time of year? Don

Hi Don, Denver sits on the banks of Lake Norman. It’s a lake full of specs, bass, catfish, and panfish. The Catawba river flows into it and out of it through a dam. It’s a great place to fish and relax here in the NC piedmont. It does get hot as hell in the summer though. Ooops, oh, that Denver……sorry, Waldo…to damn early in the am.

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I’ll be in the Denver area next weekend and have 1 day free for some fly fishing.  Any suggestions on where to go this time of year? Don

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Question:

Hello, all I will be taking a vacation to Scotland next summer, probably in mid-July. I am interested in fly fishing for salmon in the rivers Spey, Usk, Loch Ness, and Loch Carron. Are the salmon running at that time of year? I have a 9.5 ft 10 wt with an Orvis Battenkill 10-11 reel. Would that rig be sufficient, if so, what flies, leaders, and other equipment might I need. TIA Bryce Carron

I have been fishing for salmon in Scotland for the past 7 years on the South Elks (East coast).  This summer we caught 2 salomon and two sea trout.  The worst in all of my years.  It seenms that the commerical fisheries are netting all the fish before they ready the rivers.  You may have a difficult time booking a beat unless you known someone.  Day tickets can be a waste of time.  If you really want to go try the Spy (around Aveiemore or Pitlockry). There aren’t the fish in the rivers where you can get a day’ ticket.  As for your rod, I use a Spy casting (two handed) with fast sinking line, (depends on the water – fast of slow moving).  Any way, you will need a line that sinks to the fish. They don’t feed in fresh water what you are doing is making him mad enough to move the fly out of this area.  Flies used are shrimp (prones), Skotes tail or any streamer with color works well.  If you Tight lines, Keith Gibson

Response:

  – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have been fishing for salmon in Scotland for the past 7 years on the South Elks (East coast).  This summer we caught 2 salomon and two sea trout.  The worst in all of my years.  It seenms that the commerical fisheries are netting all the fish before they ready the rivers.  You may have a difficult time booking a beat unless you known someone.  Day tickets can be a waste of time.  If you really want to go try the Spy (around Aveiemore or Pitlockry). There aren’t the fish in the rivers where you can get a day’ ticket.  As for your rod, I use a Spy casting (two handed) with fast sinking line, (depends on the water – fast of slow moving).  Any way, you will need a line that sinks to the fish. They don’t feed in fresh water what you are doing is making him mad enough to move the fly out of this area.  Flies used are shrimp (prones), Skotes tail or any streamer with color works well.  If you Tight lines, Keith Gibson

Keith         I hope its your keyboard that you are having trouble with and not the grey matter between your ears. mean the South Esk."     2) You put the lack of fish down to increased commercial fishery netting.         "For your information there are many factors affecting salmonoid stocks,         sea-temperature, deforrestation, dry winters, reduction in spawning grounds…etc" mean Aviemore as         for Pitlockry there is no such place in the UK, the nearest I can find is Pitlochry but that         is about 100 miles from the Spey, surely you didn’t mean that. Even using your Spy rod         I doubt you could cast that far.     4) The Spey is a shallow river for most of its length and to advise anybody to use a fast         sinking line is foolish, unless you want to loose lots of flies and nylon.         To fish the Spey even in February we locals don’t use anything more than a Wet Cel 1 but         more often its just a sink-tip. believe I knoe that one. I think the         fly you are trying to reccommend is the Stoats Tail. Good advice…….for certain conditions but when         would you use it as opposed to a Allies Shrimp, Garry Dog, Hornet and in what sizes and on what hooks?. When did you escape from that nice warm and cosy hospital    :-)     Only joking Kieth, but try to make your comments as accurate as possible in future,                     Chris

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The Association waters on the Spey at Abernethy and Grantown give pretty good fishing at reasonable cost. You would find a single-handed rod pretty short for the Spey – it’s a wide river. The Tourist Information Office at Grantown would give details. Tight Lines

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Question:

How is the fishing on the Hiwasse in eastern Tennessee this time of year. Is it worth the drive from Columbus, Ohio, over the Presdient’s Day weekend?  I tried calling the Adams Fly Shop in Relience, but all I’ve gotten is an answering machine.  Would it be worthwhile to bring my driftboat?  Any information would be appreciated. Ed Orazen

Response:

How is the fishing on the Hiwasse in eastern Tennessee this time of year. Is it worth the drive from Columbus, Ohio, over the Presdient’s Day weekend?  I tried calling the Adams Fly Shop in Relience, but all I’ve gotten is an answering machine.  Would it be worthwhile to bring my driftboat?  Any information would be appreciated. Ed Orazen

Hi Ed – It can be good, but check with the folks at the Hiwassee Angler, 423 338-6263. — Visit Dave Teffeteller’s Fly Fishing Guides page http://www.olfart.com

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Question:

   To All;   I have been asked by some in my tying classes , what 5 things makes up a High Quality Fly. The question is valid and would like to hear what the ROFF group may say.    Harry

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  To All;  I have been asked by some in my tying classes , what 5 things makes up a High Quality Fly. The question is valid and would like to hear what the ROFF group may say.   Harry

Hi Harry, I offer my ideas regarding the 5 things that make a high quality fly from my perspective, a commercial fly tier: 1. Durability – quality materials, strong hook, etc. 2. Proper proportions, tail length, hackle, etc. 3. Attractive to the fly fisher 4. Attractive to the fish 5. Will sell It will be interesting to see what other fly tiers/fisher think. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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   To All;   I have been asked by some in my tying classes , what 5 things makes up a High Quality Fly. The question is valid and would like to hear what the ROFF group may say.    Harry

Harry,         Here’s my list of the five characteristics of a good quality fly: Durability – It has to last.  This isn’t art for art’s sake. Ease of tying – The point is to go fishing sometime this century.  I         lose enough flies that I need to tie more than one per day. Bugginess – Oh, that elusive quality.  If it doesn’t "look buggy" it         probably will never get tied on my tippet.  I’ve carried flies         for years that just don’t get a rise out of me. Availability of Ingredients – Part of this is my frugality.  But, part         is my ecological awareness.  If I’m going to have to spend         my tying and fishing time tracking down materials, I’m outta         here. Catches Fish – Course, before I know this, I’ve tracked down the         materials, easily tied the fly, am confident in its durability,         and have tied it on my tippet.  But, hey, this is what we’re         doing this for, isn’t it? Charley

Response:

  To All;  I have been asked by some in my tying classes , what 5 things makes up a High Quality Fly. The question is valid and would like to hear what the ROFF group may say.   Harry

Reply Never counted my reasons. 1. Do I enjoy tying the fly? 2. Does it REALLY require all of those materials that I don’t have? Can I sub. and    still have a good looking fly that will work. 3. Do I have confidence in the fly. 4. Do I need another fly like this one. How many of this type do I already carry that    I don’t use now. 5. And back to # 1. If I like to tie the fly thats what matters. I’m here for just      the fun.  CU, Steve Birkes Buckner, Mo.

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  To All;  I have been asked by some in my tying classes , what 5 things makes up a High Quality Fly. The question is valid and would like to hear what the ROFF group may say.

I can boil it down to just three things: 1.  It has to catch fish. 2.  It has to catch fish. 3.  It has to catch fish. Larry H.

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I fish mainly in still waters and I fine one other quality to be of importance when tying.I like to call this Pulsability; giving the illusion of a bubbling, pulsating, swimming creature. John Hafner

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Harry, as a former pro tyer I would have to say it’s more a case of WHO makes a good fly. Style and expertise does not come to everyone, even if you have the correct materials for any given pattern.   To All;  I have been asked by some in my tying classes , what 5 things makes up a High Quality Fly. The question is valid and would like to hear what the ROFF group may say.   Harry

– dave tait

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I fish mainly in still waters and I fine one other quality to be of importance when tying.I like to call this Pulsability; giving the illusion of a bubbling, pulsating, swimming creature. John Hafner

A good fly should take less time to tie than it does to lose it.    -Ralph —

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  To All;  I have been asked by some in my tying classes , what 5 things makes up a High Quality Fly. The question is valid and would like to hear what the ROFF group may say.   Harry

1. proportion 2. balance 3. durability 4. castability 5. silouette these are what i shoot for when tying flies for stripers, etc. shade/color would probably come in 6th for me.                                                 jc

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        Does it catch fish?         That, essentially, is the bottom line.

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        Does it catch fish?         That, essentially, is the bottom line.

Yes, but,…… There are lots of flies out there that catch marlin, peacock bass, sharks, etc.  They catch fish, but are not a good fly for me.  I don’t get to sea too often.  And, when I do, I’m usually looking for salmon! So, now we have to add the delimiter, "Does it catch the fish I’m after?". This is such a complex question! :^) Charley

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –         Does it catch fish?         That, essentially, is the bottom line. Yes, but,…… There are lots of flies out there that catch marlin, peacock bass, sharks, etc.  They catch fish, but are not a good fly for me.  I don’t get to sea too often.  And, when I do, I’m usually looking for salmon! So, now we have to add the delimiter, "Does it catch the fish I’m after?". This is such a complex question! :^) Charley

Hi Charley, Good point Charley! My flies always catch the fish I’m after IF i’m telling the story.?! Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response:

Al Beatty said: Hi Charley, Good point Charley! My flies always catch the fish I’m after IF i’m telling the story.?!

Cheers for Al’s honesty.  I will add that if they don’t, I damn quick change the story. Dick Hubbard

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   To All;   I have been asked by some in my tying classes , what 5 things makes up a High Quality Fly. The question is valid and would like to hear what the ROFF group may say.    Harry

Harry: 1. Ease of tying: most of us fit fly tying between the responsibilities work, running a home, and the ten o’clock news. Functional patterns are not necessarily a compromise. You can crank out a dozen brown-hackle-peacocks or BWO compara duns in the time it takes to tie half-as-many extended body paradrakes. This is not to say you don’t need extended body paradrakes–just save the more involved patterns for those rare occasions when you have a few hours to spend on the vice. 2. Proportions and technique: Spend time understanding how to size hackle and dimension tails; without such understanding, you can easily turn a humpy into a spider. Study A. K. Best’s "Production Fly Tying." He explains technique in this book, not recipes for ties (this book is made most valuable as a reference source: when you’re lashing down a moose mane tail, you can consult the book for a brief technique refresher before you begin, and your flies look a little better for your trouble). 3. Materials: Garbage in, garbage out. Webby dry fly hackle, too soft biots, it doesn’t matter. There’s nothing you can do to disguise poor materials. 4. Hooks: I used to recycle hooks but quit when I discovered that hooks grow weaker in boxes–every time your fly box gets submerged, the hooks will weaken from rust, particularly where the bend enters foam. I prefer Tiemco (particularly the 200R) and Daichi hooks. 5. Bottom Line: tie patterns that have proved their worth on the waters you fish. While just about any pattern will work at one time or another, there are a lot of useless diversions out there. Get to know old timers and knowledgable guides. They’ll turn you on to patterns you won’t find in books. Mitch Mulhall

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –    To All;   I have been asked by some in my tying classes , what 5 things makes up a High Quality Fly. The question is valid and would like to hear what the ROFF group may say.    Harry Harry: 1. Ease of tying: most of us fit fly tying between the responsibilities work, running a home, and the ten o’clock news. Functional patterns are not necessarily a compromise. You can crank out a dozen brown-hackle-peacocks or BWO compara duns in the time it takes to tie half-as-many extended body paradrakes. This is not to say you don’t need extended body paradrakes–just save the more involved patterns for those rare occasions when you have a few hours to spend on the vice. 2. Proportions and technique: Spend time understanding how to size hackle and dimension tails; without such understanding, you can easily turn a humpy into a spider. Study A. K. Best’s "Production Fly Tying." He explains technique in this book, not recipes for ties (this book is made most valuable as a reference source: when you’re lashing down a moose mane tail, you can consult the book for a brief technique refresher before you begin, and your flies look a little better for your trouble). 3. Materials: Garbage in, garbage out. Webby dry fly hackle, too soft biots, it doesn’t matter. There’s nothing you can do to disguise poor materials. 4. Hooks: I used to recycle hooks but quit when I discovered that hooks grow weaker in boxes–every time your fly box gets submerged, the hooks will weaken from rust, particularly where the bend enters foam. I prefer Tiemco (particularly the 200R) and Daichi hooks. 5. Bottom Line: tie patterns that have proved their worth on the waters you fish. While just about any pattern will work at one time or another, there are a lot of useless diversions out there. Get to know old timers and knowledgable guides. They’ll turn you on to patterns you won’t find in books. Mitch Mulhall

  To Mitch and all who took the time to reply, thank you !!  I will take these notes to the start of yet another class Thursday night.   Again Thanks    Harry

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Question:

I turned back to the 444SL after I tried othrs. The LASER line is very nice to cast and floats very high (makes line pickup easier), but: all this only for a very short time (I used it for only one season!). The hard coating is worn out very fast and you have to replace the line. The Wulf Triangel taper is very nice to fish, too. I used it in the 3/4 and 5/6 weight. Rollcasting is much fun and, especially with the 3/4, presentation of drys to very shy trout is terrific. The disadvantage, especially for the 3/4, is that it is very hard to transport heavier or more wind resistant flies. I now returned to the 444SL which can do the job much better: Very long casts are much easier with the 444SL, rollcasting nearly as good as with the TT, but if the situation requires it, I can also tie on a heavy stremer or a heavy weigthed nymph with a few split shots with still comfortable casting.                             Thomas

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If anyone needs a Cortland Fly line or has any questions about

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I used a 444SL for many trouble-free years.  In fact, I wore it out — the first line that I ever killed.  I’ve been thinking about giving the Lazer line a try, but have been playing around with Lee Wulf’s Triangle taper, as well as a few others.  Give me your pros and cons on the 444SL and the Lazer Line, with regard to durability, floatability.  Thanks.

Response:

I used a 444SL for many trouble-free years.  In fact, I wore it out — the first line that I ever killed.  I’ve been thinking about giving the Lazer line a try, but have been playing around with Lee Wulf’s Triangle taper, as well as a few others.  Give me your pros and cons on the 444SL and the Lazer Line, with regard to durability, floatability.  Thanks.

According to the folks at FEATHER-CRAFT Fly Fishing in St. Louis, 444SL is designed specifically for fast-action rods, is stiffer than most lines and is considered 1/4 weight higher than it’s rating.  The Lazer line are supposed to be best for light action rods because it loads the rod quickly for short casts.  

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Question:

I am looking into getting a new net. I want something durable and easy on the fish.  I only catch and release.  I have seen some long narrow nets that have shallow bags.  These were listed as C&R nets but I thought the lack of depth might make it difficult to control a large fish when removing the hook. I am not interested in looks, just reliability. any ideas/comments? Thanks John Lokanis

Response:

I am looking into getting a new net. I want something durable and easy on the fish.  I only catch and release.  I have seen some long narrow nets that have shallow bags.  These were listed as C&R nets but I thought the lack of depth might make it difficult to control a large fish when removing the hook. I am not interested in looks, just reliability.

Those "C&R" nets are certainly the rage these days. They’re design is the polar opposite of the typical trout net with a bag that’s so deep you could hide Jimmy Hoffa in it. Given the choice of a conventional net with a deep bag, a conventional net with a shallow bag (which I have), or the narrow C&R net, I’d definitely go the the C&R net. I hope to find the time n this lifetime to build one of those myself ;^) If it’s large fish you’re worried about, the purpose of the long narrow hoop is to avoid folding the fish on itself – which can harm the fish and make the release a bity futile. There is just enough depth to the net to contain the fish while you quickly remove your barbless hook, and in most cases a large fish will remain fairly docile once it’s layed out on the netting (I’ve found the smaller fish will be the more wriggly)… <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <           "Read this and nobody gets hurt"           < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking into getting a new net. I want something durable and easy on the fish.  I only catch and release.  I have seen some long narrow nets that have shallow bags.  These were listed as C&R nets but I thought the lack of depth might make it difficult to control a large fish when removing the hook. I am not interested in looks, just reliability. any ideas/comments? Thanks John Lokanis

John, L.L. Bean sells one ($50) having the following dimensions:  Net — 16" long, 7" wide, 6 1/2" deep; 23" long overall. Orvis also sells the Rocky Mountain Stretch and Release ($69) with the following dimensions:  Net — 15" long, 10" wide, 18" deep; 22" long overall.  This is probably more your speed. Best regards, Jim Davis Philadelphia, PA Temple University

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking into getting a new net. I want something durable and easy on the fish.  I only catch and release.  I have seen some long narrow nets that have shallow bags.  These were listed as C&R nets but I thought the lack of depth might make it difficult to control a large fish when removing the hook. I am not interested in looks, just reliability. any ideas/comments? Thanks John Lokanis John, L.L. Bean sells one ($50) having the following dimensions:  Net — 16" long, 7" wide, 6 1/2" deep; 23" long overall. Orvis also sells the Rocky Mountain Stretch and Release ($69) with the following dimensions:  Net — 15" long, 10" wide, 18" deep; 22" long overall.  This is probably more your speed. Best regards, Jim Davis Philadelphia, PA Temple University

I just got an LL Bean C&R the other day.  Nice net, but just a little large.  But, I still like it anyway.  Good quality wood too.  Keep away from those cheap imported ones ($20 or less).  I got one and it was crap!  The screw eye in the handle stripped out the third time I grabbed for it.  I bought a good net basket and replaced the cheap one it came with, put a bigger screw eye in the handle, and gave it to my 7 year old for her first net (she’ll never know).  :-) Steve   A sunny day,      a box of midges,         and a wandering stream…   Man, this MUST be heaven!   <    Steve Kulpa    <<

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I am looking into getting a new net.

I’m courious why you need a net at all.  I have been fly fishing for five years and have caught every thing from redfish in the Gulf of Mexico to salmon in British Columbia and have never needed a net (except when fishing for Spring Salmon).  If a fish is played correctly, and handled with a little care your god given hands should be good enough.  Instead, why not check out some of the new gloves that are available for handling fish.  They help avoid damage to the fish’s layer of protective slime. Just my $.02

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I have a C&R net, and I have securely landed trout up to 22" in the mesh bag. If you are worried about losing fish when removing hooks, don’t be.   The finer mesh helps keep the protective slime on the fish and the shallower bag prevents the fish from "bending," a major cause of injury.

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I am looking into getting a new net. I want something durable and easy on the fish.  I only catch and release.  I have seen some long narrow nets that have shallow bags.  These were listed as C&R nets but I thought the lack of depth might make it difficult to control a large fish when removing the hook. I am not interested in looks, just reliability. any ideas/comments? Thanks

I’ve heard good things about Bridgeport Landing Net Company. They are in Portland OR. I don’t have a net, but will soon, and from wh= at I can tell they seem to be a good deal for the money. Michael Paine – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -John Lokanis

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Hi Michael, I’m struggling with my newsreader, so I’m not sure if this response will get posted to the newsgroup, but here goes.  If my previous one got posted, please ignore… I see some of the other responses suggested various models, but for me, I really advise using the hand. Although it takes some getting used to, rolling the trout on it’s back usually quites them down – or – holding them upright with gentle pressure applied just forward of the ventral fins will also.   Compared to the struggle of getting teeth, gills, and hook untangled from the net always seems more traumatic and time consuming to me.  Bag the net – they’re more bother than they are worth, and bringing to hand is more satisfying.  Besides, the trout I’m into won’t fit into any net small enough to carry

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I am looking into getting a new net. I want something durable and easy on the fish.  I only catch and release.  I have seen some long narrow nets that have shallow bags.  These were listed as C&R nets but I thought the lack of depth might make it difficult to control a large fish when removing the hook. I am not interested in looks, just reliability. any ideas/comments? Thanks

I just bought the Orvis Stretch and Release net. I’ve landed about a dozen fish over 17 inches with it, with no problems. It is without a doubt the best net I’ve ever owned, I would highly recommend it. Also take a look at their magnetic net attachment gizmo, I love that thing.

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Given the choice of a conventional net with a deep bag, a conventional net with a shallow bag (which I have), or the narrow C&R net, I’d definitely go the the C&R net. I hope to find the time n this lifetime to build one of those myself ;^)

I presume you will make one from a kit. Where can you buy a kit for a net? Richard Warren Raleigh, NC

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TO:   hi there      re: your  net inquiry…I know it’s the fashion to bash Orvis products these days, but I am going to go out on a limb here and recommend the Orvis "Catch and Release" net. I have had one two years and they are very easy on the fish. The mesh is soft and tightly woven. Yes they are shallow, but if you buy the large one, I doubt you will stick many trout that you cant handle with it. Three weeks ago I caught 4 trout between 20 and 21 inches on the Bighorn R. and had no problem handling the fish. A year ago I caught my largest fish ever on a fly..a bruiser brown 26"..in North Carolina of all places. I landed him with this same net and was able to control him and gently release him with no harm done. I am not an Orvis junkie, but this is the best net I’ve ever owned.  I fish alot, and in two years the net, including the mesh, is still in fine shape. My only hope is that someday soon you catch a trout that really is too big for this net to handle! Dale Owens

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How about some interesting new discussion topics, or maybe some fish stories? I can’t go fishing ’cause it’s exam time, but surely someone else has something entertaining to say. Montana Bob, stuck in the computer lab again.

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How about some interesting new discussion topics, or maybe some fish stories? I can’t go fishing ’cause it’s exam time, but surely someone else has something entertaining to say.

OK, I’m hoping to go out South of Buena Vista, Colorado (Brown’s Canyon, a summertime whitewater rafting haven, but full of trout) to flyfish on the Arkansas this coming Christmas week, since I’ve got most of the week off, but I’m wondering if I’ll run into problems with hard water (water so hard you can’t get your fly through it). It’s been pretty chilly (more than normal at least) lately, hopefully things will warm up a little soon. Anyone fished the Arkansas in cold weather with any luck? Lots of bead-head princes, I presume, what other flies/nymphs/sizes would you recommend? — Cray Computer Corporation    http://www.craycos.com/~ferguson/ferguson.html Colorado Springs, CO                                     Solely my opinions

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