Question:

I fish the manistee below m-72 when i can get the chance. I know the betsie much better though. I was on the manistee for the hex hatch this year. way too many bugs though. i didnt think i could ever be chased off of a river. mu i totally agree with you. I went onto steelheadsite and told everyone how i went to missouri and people that i met there told me that every one they met on their trip to michigan was arrogant. i no  longer wanted to be associated with fly fisherman. I just ignore it now though. if you are arrogant on the water to me. I will let you know. steelheadsite is a decent place. i met a guy off of there and he taught me a lifetime of things in 4 hours. great fisherman, great guy. dont judge everybody. but i do understand your prejudging of most of us fly fisherman. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks guys for the replys. A couple of years ago I was able to get us going with an information chain relative to the action on the rivers. I for reasons beyond control dropped out of sight and have only recenmtly returned here and to the rivers. Any one else like to get something like this moving? I will do my part if anyone is interested. Fished the Jordan Last weekend with moderate success. The stretches below Rogers brige produced a couple of hefty bows and two snmaller browns. Being the afternoon and fairly bright that is not surprising. I used a Light Cahill (10) and a Royal coachman bucktail (8) I tie with flashabu instead of bucktail. This is also a good spot for a Royal Wulf in a variety of sizes. Anybody fishing the Manistee below m-72? Tight Lines M. William Olson

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Fish it every year. Know a couple of holes where big trout and hexes go hand in hand. As to further info, see www.troutbums.com/forums. Info from my friends is water is kind of warm, going to do the upper mannistee Tuesday morning, near where some springs come into it. Thanks guys for the replys. A couple of years ago I was able to get us going with an information chain relative to the action on the rivers. I for reasons beyond control dropped out of sight and have only recenmtly returned here and to the rivers. Any one else like to get something like this moving? I will do my part if anyone is interested. Fished the Jordan Last weekend with moderate success. The stretches below Rogers brige produced a couple of hefty bows and two snmaller browns. Being the afternoon and fairly bright that is not surprising. I used a Light Cahill (10) and a Royal coachman bucktail (8) I tie with flashabu instead of bucktail. This is also a good spot for a Royal Wulf in a variety of sizes. Anybody fishing the Manistee below m-72? Tight Lines M. William Olson

Upper Manistee? As in Deward area? I have a couple of buddies taht love that section, I have never been there with them and can never quite seem to find the right spot. Lots of pretty water though. Small but gorgeous. Let me know how you do please?

Response:

Fish it every year. Know a couple of holes where big trout and hexes go hand in hand. As to further info, see www.troutbums.com/forums. Info from my friends is water is kind of warm, going to do the upper mannistee Tuesday morning, near where some springs come into it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks guys for the replys. A couple of years ago I was able to get us going with an information chain relative to the action on the rivers. I for reasons beyond control dropped out of sight and have only recenmtly returned here and to the rivers. Any one else like to get something like this moving? I will do my part if anyone is interested. Fished the Jordan Last weekend with moderate success. The stretches below Rogers brige produced a couple of hefty bows and two snmaller browns. Being the afternoon and fairly bright that is not surprising. I used a Light Cahill (10) and a Royal coachman bucktail (8) I tie with flashabu instead of bucktail. This is also a good spot for a Royal Wulf in a variety of sizes. Anybody fishing the Manistee below m-72? Tight Lines M. William Olson

Response:

Thanks guys for the replys. A couple of years ago I was able to get us going with an information chain relative to the action on the rivers. I for reasons beyond control dropped out of sight and have only recenmtly returned here and to the rivers. Any one else like to get something like this moving? I will do my part if anyone is interested. Fished the Jordan Last weekend with moderate success. The stretches below Rogers brige produced a couple of hefty bows and two snmaller browns. Being the afternoon and fairly bright that is not surprising. I used a Light Cahill (10) and a Royal coachman bucktail (8) I tie with flashabu instead of bucktail. This is also a good spot for a Royal Wulf in a variety of sizes. Anybody fishing the Manistee below m-72? Tight Lines M. William Olson

Response:

Thanks guys for the replys. A couple of years ago I was able to get us going with an information chain relative to the action on the rivers.

You should check out http://www.steelheadsite.com/reports/michigan/ After lurking there for a while you’ll figure out who the serious anglers are.  Try to get in contact with them.  Once in a while a biologist from among a few of the more trustworthy and non-idiotic regulars.  I used to try to post thoughtful stuff there but found that ROFF is a far better place for really interesting and substantive discussion.  As far as reports go, yes, ROFF ain’t such a great place for sharing info on your local streams.  However I did meet a wonderful gentleman named Wayne Williams here on ROFF and we went fishing up on the Manistee.  Capital fellow with top manners and Southern hospitality.  FWIW though, I stayed away from fly fishing for a long time because most (with a few exceptions) of the FFers I met afield in Michigan were real jerks.  During my time in Michigan I basically was a self-taught fly angler.  Taught myself to cast from books and videos.  Taught myself to tie flies and build rods.  Most of the FFers I’ve met so far in California have been extremely friendly, helpful and generous – to the point that it’s very surprising. Mu

Response:

Went below the CCC bridge a couple of months ago. Very nice time. Lots of action even though the size left a lot to be desired. All went back in, so they are there for you to enjoy as well. Did do some FFing above the bridge but did not have as much luck. WLM – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks guys for the replys. A couple of years ago I was able to get us going with an information chain relative to the action on the rivers. I for reasons beyond control dropped out of sight and have only recenmtly returned here and to the rivers. Any one else like to get something like this moving? I will do my part if anyone is interested. Fished the Jordan Last weekend with moderate success. The stretches below Rogers brige produced a couple of hefty bows and two snmaller browns. Being the afternoon and fairly bright that is not surprising. I used a Light Cahill (10) and a Royal coachman bucktail (8) I tie with flashabu instead of bucktail. This is also a good spot for a Royal Wulf in a variety of sizes. Anybody fishing the Manistee below m-72? Tight Lines M. William Olson

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -What would the investment in equipment be to make high quality: 1. Bamboo Rods 2. Hooks (including a chemical sharpener) I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take?  I think I will call my new rods…..wait for it…..BITCH yep, that’s it…<g I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

Did you actually _read_ the quote in your signature? <G R …does "Padishar Creel" mean "shit stirrer" in elf<G? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

I have some pics (somewhere) from a hookmaker in Redditch England  and they use a number of very simple machines just dedicated to one task such as forming the eye and one for putting on the bend etc. Cane rods are difficult because cane is a very difficult material  to work with and a 4ft strip of cane takes ‘x’ amount of time to machine. There is a feed and speed relationship that cannot be bridged, everything takes time. You can develop machines making it possible to employ an operator for $10 per hour and break the craft down into managable steps (as did Henry Ford)  It does not matter how you cut it, cane can never be cheap. If George had any production experience he would not have mouthed off so much before ever building a rod. He really listened to the wrong people. But if he can knock out the blanks at a timely rate and find a market for them which I am sure there is then he can scrape by. Terry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -What would the investment in equipment be to make high quality: 1. Bamboo Rods 2. Hooks (including a chemical sharpener) I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take?  I think I will call my new rods…..wait for it…..BITCH yep, that’s it…<g I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

Response:

I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot Did you actually _read_ the quote in your signature? <G …does "Padishar Creel" mean "shit stirrer" in elf<G?

—— Richard, your so right!  I thought stiring stuff about about fly fishing might be able to compete with all the political pot stiring.  I see I may have been right… —- Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What would the investment in equipment be to make high quality:  1. Bamboo Rods  2. Hooks (including a chemical sharpener) I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take?  I think I will call my new rods…..wait for it…..BITCH yep, that’s it…<g I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

I know I said I’d lurk a while without chiming in much, but I can’t resist —- I WANNA BUY A BITCH!!! <BFG

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have some pics (somewhere) from a hookmaker in Redditch England  and they use a number of very simple machines just dedicated to one task such as forming the eye and one for putting on the bend etc. Cane rods are difficult because cane is a very difficult material  to work with and a 4ft strip of cane takes ‘x’ amount of time to machine. There is a feed and speed relationship that cannot be bridged, everything takes time. You can develop machines making it possible to employ an operator for $10 per hour and break the craft down into managable steps (as did Henry Ford)  It does not matter how you cut it, cane can never be cheap. If George had any production experience he would not have mouthed off so much before ever building a rod. He really listened to the wrong people. But if he can knock out the blanks at a timely rate and find a market for them which I am sure there is then he can scrape by. Terry What would the investment in equipment be to make high quality: 1. Bamboo Rods 2. Hooks (including a chemical sharpener) I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take?  I think I will call my new rods…..wait for it…..BITCH yep, that’s it…<g I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

Scrape by?  I have a standing order for 1000 blanks.  Scrape by?  Surely you jest Ackland? — George G. Bastard Bamboo Fly Rods http://www.gink.com/ http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What would the investment in equipment be to make high quality:  1. Bamboo Rods  2. Hooks (including a chemical sharpener) I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take?  I think I will call my new rods…..wait for it…..BITCH yep, that’s it…<g I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot I know I said I’d lurk a while without chiming in much, but I can’t resist —- I WANNA BUY A BITCH!!! <BFG

See?  There are so many spin off’s to my genius.  You’re all welcome.   — George G. Bastard Bamboo Fly Rods http://www.gink.com/ http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot Did you actually _read_ the quote in your signature? <G …does "Padishar Creel" mean "shit stirrer" in elf<G? —— Richard, your so right!  I thought stiring stuff about about fly fishing might be able to compete with all the political pot stiring.  I see I may have been right…

Oh, what the hell… You mean you want to hear about the Duke of Erl’s plan to corner the hook market? And awa-a-a-y we go……<G. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text —– Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

Response:

What would the investment in equipment be to make high quality: 1. Bamboo Rods 2. Hooks (including a chemical sharpener) I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take?  I think I will call my new rods…..wait for it…..BITCH yep, that’s it…<g I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?…

You want quality – and quantity? Well, there’s a bankrupt faker living in a single-wide on the Snake River that is bound to respond to your question. However, you should understand that he knows nothing about either. Set mode = ignore for your own sanity.

Response:

Scrape by would be the right term to use. Mr. Sage can wrap a $4 piece of Carbon fiber around a mandrel in 5 minutes and get more than you can get for your blanks. Sad but true, Terry   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have some pics (somewhere) from a hookmaker in Redditch England  and they use a number of very simple machines just dedicated to one task such as forming the eye and one for putting on the bend etc. Cane rods are difficult because cane is a very difficult material  to work with and a 4ft strip of cane takes ‘x’ amount of time to machine. There is a feed and speed relationship that cannot be bridged, everything takes time. You can develop machines making it possible to employ an operator for $10 per hour and break the craft down into managable steps (as did Henry Ford)  It does not matter how you cut it, cane can never be cheap. If George had any production experience he would not have mouthed off so much before ever building a rod. He really listened to the wrong people. But if he can knock out the blanks at a timely rate and find a market for them which I am sure there is then he can scrape by. Terry What would the investment in equipment be to make high quality: 1. Bamboo Rods 2. Hooks (including a chemical sharpener) I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take?  I think I will call my new rods…..wait for it…..BITCH yep, that’s it…<g I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot Scrape by?  I have a standing order for 1000 blanks.  Scrape by?  Surely you jest Ackland? — George G. Bastard Bamboo Fly Rods http://www.gink.com/ http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take?

Let me put it to you this way… Let’s say you were able to sell 200 bamboo rods per year with a profit (after advertising, components, amortized equipment costs, salaries, etc) of $150 per rod. You’d make a whopping $30,000/year. You could do worse, of course, but there are *lots* of ways to make that much money with fewer startup costs and less risk. So let’s say that rather than trying to start a production line, you make them one-by-one instead. Quality over quantity. So, you buy a Morgan Hand Mill ($2500) and various other tools of the trade (another $1000–I know you could do it for less but if you were making professional quality rods you’d need professional quality tools). Then, you could–once you got a reputation–sell your rods for somewhere between $900 and $1500. Let’s say $1200, with a profit of $1000 per rod. So, let’s say it takes you 40 hours per rod. Assuming a 2000 hour year and unlimited demand, you could sell 50 rods and make an even more whopping $50,000/year. But the key here is unlimited demand. I’d be shocked if there are more than a couple of full-time custom builders making more than $30K/year. You can live off of $30K/year, of course. But you could make more money with less risk by taking a two-month computer training course. Plus you could get paid to read ROFF So why don’t you do this: build ten rods for the fun and experience of it. Since they won’t be perfect rods, give them away. You’ll have a great time, learn some of the tricks of the trade, and a few other folks will get to fish with the fruits of your labors. After you make ten rods, chances are that some of the pleasure will wear off and the reality that making rod-building a profession would be hard, tedious work will begin to set in. Sounds somehow familiar –Steve

Response:

Why do I think that there are some folks who already get paid to read ROFF even without having taken a computer training course?  Or is that just cynical?  ;-) JR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some very interesting stuff about bamboo start-up costs snipped. You can live off of $30K/year, of course. But you could make more money with less risk by taking a two-month computer training course. Plus you could get paid to read ROFF

Response:

Why do I think that there are some folks who already get paid to read ROFF even without having taken a computer training course?  Or is that just cynical?

Ah, good point. You clearly understand the concept of (mis)using OPM <g. –Steve

Response:

What would the investment in equipment be to make high quality:  1. Bamboo Rods  2. Hooks (including a chemical sharpener) I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take?  I think I will call my new rods…..wait for it…..BITCH yep, that’s it…<g I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take? Let me put it to you this way… Let’s say you were able to sell 200 bamboo rods per year with a profit (after advertising, components, amortized equipment costs, salaries, etc) of $150 per rod. You’d make a whopping $30,000/year. You could do worse, of course, but there are *lots* of ways to make that much money with fewer startup costs and less risk. So let’s say that rather than trying to start a production line, you make them one-by-one instead. Quality over quantity.  

______  This is the hole in your thesis Steve.  "Quality over Quantity" It is now possible and it is now being done here to have both because a machine can do more accurately what a human can do with a plane, and do it a hundred times better. And cheaper.  This equates into being a Bastard, I guess. George G. Bastard Bamboo Fly Rods http://www.gink.com/ http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take? Let me put it to you this way… Let’s say you were able to sell 200 bamboo rods per year with a profit (after advertising, components, amortized equipment costs, salaries, etc) of $150 per rod. You’d make a whopping $30,000/year. You could do worse, of course, but there are *lots* of ways to make that much money with fewer startup costs and less risk. So let’s say that rather than trying to start a production line, you make them one-by-one instead. Quality over quantity. ______  This is the hole in your thesis Steve.  "Quality over Quantity" It is now possible and it is now being done here to have both because a machine can do more accurately what a human can do with a plane, and do it a hundred times better. And cheaper.  This equates into being a Bastard, I guess. George G. Bastard Bamboo Fly Rods http://www.gink.com/ http://www.gink.com/chat

_______  By the way Steve, what are you paying for one Clum of Bamboo now and where are you buying it from? — George G. Bastard Bamboo Fly Rods http://www.gink.com/ http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

ND#1

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take? Let me put it to you this way… Let’s say you were able to sell 200 bamboo rods per year with a profit (after advertising, components, amortized equipment costs, salaries, etc) of $150 per rod. You’d make a whopping $30,000/year. You could do worse, of course, but there are *lots* of ways to make that much money with fewer startup costs and less risk. So let’s say that rather than trying to start a production line, you make them one-by-one instead. Quality over quantity. So, you buy a Morgan Hand Mill ($2500) and various other tools of the trade (another $1000–I know you could do it for less but if you were making professional quality rods you’d need professional quality tools). Then, you could–once you got a reputation–sell your rods for somewhere between $900 and $1500. Let’s say $1200, with a profit of $1000 per rod. So, let’s say it takes you 40 hours per rod. Assuming a 2000 hour year and unlimited demand, you could sell 50 rods and make an even more whopping $50,000/year. But the key here is unlimited demand. I’d be shocked if there are more than a couple of full-time custom builders making more than $30K/year. You can live off of $30K/year, of course. But you could make more money with less risk by taking a two-month computer training course. Plus you could get paid to read ROFF So why don’t you do this: build ten rods for the fun and experience of it. Since they won’t be perfect rods, give them away. You’ll have a great time, learn some of the tricks of the trade, and a few other folks will get to fish with the fruits of your labors. After you make ten rods, chances are that some of the pleasure will wear off and the reality that making rod-building a profession would be hard, tedious work will begin to set in. Sounds somehow familiar –Steve

Response:

Question:

The East Fork of the Carson should be in decent shape.  Nice river and it’s not too far from South Lake.  The Truckee should also be in shape. There’s a flyshop right near stateline that can point you in the right direction. Joe – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – sorry i meant hike…i was typing faster than i can spell.  or is that sprel? Yes, and you can get free drinks at the clubs at State Line and hick a lot. The is the Lake, the Truckee and a zillion little high country ponds if you are willing to hick a bit. I’ll be in S. Lake Tahoe for a week soon.  Are there any good flyfishing opportunities within a 35 mile radiius?  I would greatly appreciate any recommendations, including any details re locations, hatches, directions, etc. Thanks in advance!!  Pat K.

Response:

I’ll be in S. Lake Tahoe for a week soon.  Are there any good flyfishing opportunities within a 35 mile radiius?  I would greatly appreciate any recommendations, including any details re locations, hatches, directions, etc. Thanks in advance!!  Pat K.

Response:

The is the Lake, the Truckee and a zillion little high country ponds if you are willing to hick a bit.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll be in S. Lake Tahoe for a week soon.  Are there any good flyfishing opportunities within a 35 mile radiius?  I would greatly appreciate any recommendations, including any details re locations, hatches, directions, etc. Thanks in advance!!  Pat K.

Response:

Yes, and you can get free drinks at the clubs at State Line and hick a lot.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -The is the Lake, the Truckee and a zillion little high country ponds if you are willing to hick a bit. I’ll be in S. Lake Tahoe for a week soon.  Are there any good flyfishing opportunities within a 35 mile radiius?  I would greatly appreciate any recommendations, including any details re locations, hatches, directions, etc. Thanks in advance!!  Pat K.

Response:

sorry i meant hike…i was typing faster than i can spell.  or is that sprel?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yes, and you can get free drinks at the clubs at State Line and hick a lot. The is the Lake, the Truckee and a zillion little high country ponds if you are willing to hick a bit. I’ll be in S. Lake Tahoe for a week soon.  Are there any good flyfishing opportunities within a 35 mile radiius?  I would greatly appreciate any recommendations, including any details re locations, hatches, directions, etc. Thanks in advance!!  Pat K.

Response:

Question:

Last weekend I camped on the Beaverkill river in Roscoe, NY.  Feeling somewhat daunted by the low water, I fished the first evening at Hendrickson Pool. There was a good spinner fall and some caddis activity.  I got a strike when it was barely light enough to see.  I set the hook, and got screeched into my backing.  It took me way upstream.  I was stranded on the large rock I stood on, not wanting to follow it in the dark.  I also knew that there was a wind knot in my tippet – making a breakoff a huge likelyhood. I finally managed to land the fish.  A nineteen inch brown trout – snagged right in the vent(you know, its asshole).  I wondered how I could have managed that with a dry fly.  I left, wondering whether to feel proud or cheated. The next night, I fished the same pool.  I noticed a rise in the same spot, and sent a drift through there.  It was the same nineteen inch brownie, this time hooked properly.  There were three guys within sight to watch me, and they all made appreciative remarks as I picked it out of the water. HA! Pete C

Response:

Pete,    If that Brown came back for seconds on the kind of treatment he got on the first night, I think I would wonder about his sexual preferences. Ernie Harrison Like to make fly-fishing stuff?  See: http://users.ccnet.com/~emh/

<snip  A nineteen inch brown trout – snagged right in the vent(you know, its

asshole). <snip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -The next night, I fished the same pool.  I noticed a rise in the same spot, and sent a drift through there.  It was the same nineteen inch brownie <snip Pete C

Response:

If that Brown came back for seconds on the kind of treatment he got on the first night, I think I would wonder about his sexual preferences. Ernie Harrison..

Reminds me of the story of the massive alternative lifestyle grizzly bear..

Response:

Question:

I got a used rod from my dad who picked it up at a house auction and want to change from spin casting to fly fishing this spring. The rod is a 3pc bamboo ~9′ and was made by Union Hardware Co, Torrington, Conn. I can’t find any markings on it that would indicate the correct weight line, but am assuming 6-7 weight. I usually fish in small spring creeks & from a canoe paddling small lakes casting towards shore. Can i get away with 1 line? I was thinking of a slow sinking tip line. Can i use this rod for the type of fishing i do or should i purchase a 4- 5wt rod?  mark

Response:

If you are only buying one line, get a floater. You can always use a neutral or slow sink leader but you can’t make a sinking line float properly. I don’t know much about bamboo rods but would have thought you would be better off with a carbon 5wt, probably 8 – 9 feet in length. — Regards Peter Kay (Remove "nospam" to email)

:I got a used rod from my dad who picked it up at a house auction and :want to change from spin casting to fly fishing this spring. : :The rod is a 3pc bamboo ~9′ and was made by Union Hardware Co, :Torrington, Conn. I can’t find any markings on it that would indicate the :correct weight line, but am assuming 6-7 weight. : :I usually fish in small spring creeks & from a canoe paddling small :lakes casting towards shore. Can i get away with 1 line? I was thinking f a slow sinking tip line. : :Can i use this rod for the type of fishing i do or should i purchase a 4- :5wt rod? : : mark

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got a used rod from my dad who picked it up at a house auction and want to change from spin casting to fly fishing this spring. The rod is a 3pc bamboo ~9′ and was made by Union Hardware Co, Torrington, Conn. I can’t find any markings on it that would indicate the correct weight line, but am assuming 6-7 weight. I usually fish in small spring creeks & from a canoe paddling small lakes casting towards shore. Can i get away with 1 line? I was thinking of a slow sinking tip line. Can i use this rod for the type of fishing i do or should i purchase a 4- 5wt rod?  mark

Mark,    First, since you indicated that you need line, anyway, take your rod in to a good fly fishing shop and ask what weight line would be appropriate.   (You might save a few bucks at a K-Mart, but you’re going to need some good advice, which you aren’t likely to find there, and nothing is tackier than buying goods from a discount store and then going to a fly shop for advice on how to use it.)   Also, you can find out how much the rod you have is worth; some older bamboo rods are too valuable for a beginner to be fishing with.    Second, no, if I had only one line, it wouldn’t be a sinking tip.    For a novice, a double tapered floating line is almost mandatory.   You can fish nymphs and such with a floating, but you can’t fish a dry fly with a sinking tip, and I can’t even imagine fly fishing without fishing drys (about 90% of the fun, to me).    Third, since you’re a novice, I’d try out the rod before decideing on whether or not the rod you have is perfectly suited for your type of fishing. You can always ‘fine tune’ later, and will appreciate new and better equipment even more.   (I can still remember my first graphite after years of bamboo and fiberglass…ahhhhhhh!) Good luck, Max http://www.inetarena.com/~mwi

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Mark, I would agree with Peter with the floating line, but I would really say that perhaps you are approaching this problem a little backwards.  First determine what type of fish you are fishing for and under what are the typical conditions then select the correct equipment.  What type of fish are you going to be fishing for?  Are you going to typically stick to the lake? What type of insects are available on the lake or stream?  Do you want to fish streamers, dries or wets?  I would say that once you can answer these types of questions, then the answer of the flyline becomes quite obvious. Hope that wasn’t a long roundabout answer to your question. Dana – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I got a used rod from my dad who picked it up at a house auction and want to change from spin casting to fly fishing this spring. The rod is a 3pc bamboo ~9′ and was made by Union Hardware Co, Torrington, Conn. I can’t find any markings on it that would indicate the correct weight line, but am assuming 6-7 weight. I usually fish in small spring creeks & from a canoe paddling small lakes casting towards shore. Can i get away with 1 line? I was thinking of a slow sinking tip line. Can i use this rod for the type of fishing i do or should i purchase a 4- 5wt rod? mark

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Question:

: :Is it really possible-as our friend with his first boat seems to think it :is-for  any  GPS to "steer" a boat running WOT around all these hazards?   no, the accuracy is only good to 50ft or so under ideal conditions. — george jefferson

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| Now, the question: | | Is it really possible-as our friend with his first boat seems to think it | is-for  any  GPS to "steer" a boat running WOT around all these hazards?   | Seems to me it would take a complete map of the bottom and more waypoints | than any  device could handle. | | Peggie Hall/Peal Products | Specializing in marine toilet systems since 1987 | (And should prob’ly stick to giving plumbing advice only!) | | Peggie, If your boating friends make such wide-sweeping assumptions that you do, then I can understand why they would run aground in the middle of a channel! Actually, many ocean-going boats have much more advanced guidance and navigation systems than most of the lake-trailers that you see on Lake Lanier. Auto-pilots and GPS combined are used by many fishing and scuba outfits to drop almost dead-on a target with minimal search. I’ve seen it done many times. Please read what I have written again. If I was looking for a target, why would I run WOT? However, if I was heading for a fishing spot on, say, Lake Hiwassee, and I knew the GPS co-ordinates, then why do you fail to see the value in inland lake GPS? Actually, there are GPS maps of many lakes available, with features pre-programmed. Plug and play, as it were. I doubt that any electronics, whether it be GPS or marine radios, can replace the instrument between your ears. Now, you want to talk useless. With a toilet at every ramp, who needs a marine toilet?

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I doubt that any electronics, whether it be GPS or marine radios, can replace the instrument between your ears.

Absolutely true. You mentioned going fast, night running, unfamiliarity with powerboats, unfamiliarity with the lake (which has a nasty habit of changing week to week)…and spoke of using a GPS to do your navigating. But from your above comments, it’s obvious I misread your intent to use it to navigate going fast at night…Sorry!  However,  when you’ve heard as many stories as I have about some of the ideas new boat owners have, it’s understandable.  The best one recently was a dealer who told me about a first time buyer who wanted GPS and an autopilot on his new houseboat so it could take him back to his slip at night if he was too drunk to do it himself! I see bass boats hauling all over the lake at night at WOT (more often than not with no lights showing BTW)… occasionally hear of  tragic consequences….I just don’t want you to be  one of  ’em. Now, you want to talk useless. With a toilet at every ramp, who needs a marine toilet?

Anyone who has a boat with enough privacy for one who doesn’t  want to go find a toilet on land every time his wife has to pee! <gg Bring that shiny new toy up my way one of these days and I’ll buy you a beer…it’s the least I can do after insulting your intelligence! Peggie Hall/Peal Products Specializing in marine toilet systems since 1987

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WARNING – This post will have little content. I picked up my first bass boat on Saturday and I am gleaming from ear to ear.

Welcome to boating!  I plan to add a Bimini top, fishfinder(s), bilge pump (not included!), and a tachometer, once the checkbook balances out. I even have to add tie-down cleats! I put in another 6 gallon tank.

Welcome to the reality of owning (and dumping money into) a boat . . .

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For one thing, you’ll learn that GPS isn’t a speedometer…it stands for Global Positioning System…it’s a computerized satellite navigation system that tells you where you are and what course to steer in latitude/longitude terms. Since you can always see the shore on all sides, you don’t need one to find your way home on Lanier!

Gee, my GPS displays current course and speed. (In knots, statute miles per hour, or km per hour) If you go over the the sci… groups, you can debate whether the speed is calculated based on delta-t / delta-d or doppler shift. Lee Lindquist     lindquist ‘at’ ibm.net "Only 2 more years until people stop telling me when the millenium REALLY ends."

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For one thing, you’ll learn that GPS isn’t a speedometer…it stands for Global Positioning System…it’s a computerized satellite navigation system that tells you where you are and what course to steer in latitude/longitude terms. Since you can always see the shore on all sides, you don’t need one to find your way home on Lanier! Gee, my GPS displays current course and speed. (In knots, statute miles per hour, or km per hour) If you go over the the sci… groups, you can debate whether the speed is calculated based on delta-t / delta-d or doppler shift.

So I’ve heard from a dozen people via e-mail!  Since there’s no real practical use for ‘em on an inland lake, the only ones I’ve seen were on friends’ sailboats on the Chesapeake Bay….and those only showed course and position. The owners  all have separate knotmeters. How ’bout expanding  my learning curve a bit more…first, the lake conditions: Lanier is a river in the foothills of the Smokies that was dammed and spread out over hills & valleys…around 260′ deep at the dam, but as little as 15′ deep up "creeks" out of the main channel. The water level fluctuates as much as 13′…what’s  6′ below the surface-and no problem–at full pool can "rise" to 2′ below it in a  matter of a week or two,  much of  it in the middle of  channels.  And the shoreline "moves" as a result.  In fact, the shoreline is "expanding" and islands  are shrinking–some have disappeared –due primarily to wake…Lanier is the most-used Corps of Engineers lake in the country. While the areas that are always shallow, many of which are passable when the lake is at full pool, but not when it’s down as little as 2′,  are marked,  it’s impossible to mark the ones that appear and disappear with fluctuating water levels as fast as often happens …and markers get knocked down. "Local knowledge" of the reefs and shoal waters is  essential…prop and outdrive repair accounts for a major percentage of the marine repair  business around the lake…even seasoned boaters who’ve been on the lake for more than a decade fall victim, proceeding VERY cautiously even in the daytime, and especially at night. Just last fall a friend who’s had a houseboat on the lake for more than 20 years lost an outdrive on an unmarked shoal in the main  channel of the lake, more than 100 yds from the shore…running at about  1200 rpms, but not paying enough attention to his course. Now, the question: Is it really possible-as our friend with his first boat seems to think it is-for  any  GPS to "steer" a boat running WOT around all these hazards?   Seems to me it would take a complete map of the bottom and more waypoints than any  device could handle. Peggie Hall/Peal Products Specializing in marine toilet systems since 1987 (And should prob’ly stick to giving plumbing advice only!)

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| Congratulations!  You’re about to find out why B.O.A.T. stands for Break | Out Another Thousand! <gg | | However…. | | I am new to powered boats, but have driven friend’s boats. This boat | will fly! I am not sure how fast, though – no GPS, yet. I plan to add… | | But first do the rest of us on Lanier–and yourself–a HUGE favor: take | a Coast Guard Auxiliary or US Power Squadron boating safety course! | | For one thing, you’ll learn that GPS isn’t a speedometer…it stands for | Global Positioning System…it’s a computerized satellite navigation | system that tells you where you are and what course to steer in | latitude/longitude terms. Since you can always see the shore on all | sides, you don’t need one to find your way home on Lanier! | | You DO need a VHF radio, however…so you can call for help when you run | out of gas. <GG | | A boating safety course costs nothing but the time to do it. You’ll | learn the rules of the road, correct VHF procedure, how to read a chart, | how to recognize when weather is building and get to shelter before the | storm hits (I’ve been on Lanier in sudden squalls packing 45 knot | winds–NOT where someone in a 17′ open boat wants to be!)…safety gear | and how to use it–what’s required…a whole BUNCH of information that | could save your life–or mine. <g | | Have fun and be safe!  When you get the radio (and learn how to use it), | call SOLITAIRE…I’d love to see your boat. | | Peggie Hall/Peal Products | Specializing in marine toilet systems since 1987 | | Peggie | Thanks Peggy, I am reading a boating safety manual right now, which is probably more than most boaters do as a minimum. It is not my first time on the water, just my first power boat. I’ve have four other boats under the deck. Thanks, too, for the info on the GPS. I was trying to head off the corrective comments about speedometers not being accurate. GPS is a lot more useful than just finding your way back to the dock, in my estimation. It can be a safety device in tough boating conditions such as inclement weather or just being in the dark. Shorelines can be tricky to read in the dark, and one might not want to run next to waterway markers if there is a boat anchored nearby. Last, but not least, GPS can be used to re-locate positions, whether it be underwater cover, building foundations (my wife and I are divers, as well), and submerged islands, particularly on the distant lakes where I plan to trailer my boat. Not too sure I need a VHF radio, though. I’ve got twelve gallons of gas and I am an awful cautious. I switch over a tank leaving enough to get back on in the empty. I prefer to have a HONKIN’ bilge pump with a redundant back-up to buy me enough time to get to safety or shore. I have been in a thirteen foot Ghenoe on a river when it was raining so hard and the boat was filling with water so fast that I couldn’t stop bailing long enough to set the gear out of the boat on the bank! I’ve also paddled the Ocoee river in my kayak a few of times and gotten chewed up by Double Trouble and Diamond Splitter, as well as Hell Hole and Double Suck, but I’ll say this…it wasn’t as thrilling as cruising the lake in MY BASS BOAT!!! See you on the water.

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Congratulations!  You’re about to find out why B.O.A.T. stands for Break Out Another Thousand! <gg However…. I am new to powered boats, but have driven friend’s boats. This boat will fly! I am not sure how fast, though – no GPS, yet. I plan to add…

But first do the rest of us on Lanier–and yourself–a HUGE favor: take a Coast Guard Auxiliary or US Power Squadron boating safety course! For one thing, you’ll learn that GPS isn’t a speedometer…it stands for Global Positioning System…it’s a computerized satellite navigation system that tells you where you are and what course to steer in latitude/longitude terms. Since you can always see the shore on all sides, you don’t need one to find your way home on Lanier! You DO need a VHF radio, however…so you can call for help when you run out of gas. <GG A boating safety course costs nothing but the time to do it. You’ll learn the rules of the road, correct VHF procedure, how to read a chart, how to recognize when weather is building and get to shelter before the storm hits (I’ve been on Lanier in sudden squalls packing 45 knot winds–NOT where someone in a 17′ open boat wants to be!)…safety gear and how to use it–what’s required…a whole BUNCH of information that could save your life–or mine. <g Have fun and be safe!  When you get the radio (and learn how to use it), call SOLITAIRE…I’d love to see your boat. Peggie Hall/Peal Products Specializing in marine toilet systems since 1987 Peggie

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I think its great that you got you’re first boat. I bought my first boat as well last week. Its an old boat a ‘72 Starcraft with a small motor (35 HP). We took it out Sunday and ran around a local lake. Sonce i was a kid I’ve wanted a boat. Someday, I’ll upgrade, but I’m just in heaven from this boat. I did not catch any fish my first time out, but I did not really try. Have fun and be safe. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – WARNING – This post will have little content. I picked up my first bass boat on Saturday and I am gleaming from ear to ear. I bought a 17ft Grumman with console steering with a 50HP Johnson with pwr trim/ tilt. Two casting decks, aerated livewell, and a Johnson foot-operated trolling motor. My wife and I went out both Saturday and Sunday on Lake Lanier (north of Atlanta) and just had a blast. I caught a small spotted bass (about 1-1/4#) and she made me bring him home and clean him, since it was the inaugural bass, in the first 15 minutes of fishing! I am new to powered boats, but have driven friend’s boats. This boat will fly! I am not sure how fast, though – no GPS, yet. I plan to add a Bimini top, fishfinder(s), bilge pump (not included!), and a tachometer, once the checkbook balances out. I even have to add tie-down cleats! I put in another 6 gallon tank. This boat sips fuel, though. My wife loves it and the dogs were great for their first trip out. Got to get that bimini top on, though, for everyone’s sake. There was hardly anybody on the lake, especially yesterday. Although, it was partly sunny, we saw only a dozen boats. Great time for us to try out our new baby. The name of our new boat? Well, I guess we’re getting silly as we age, but we call our new Ford truck the "Golden Boy" (after the "Seinfeld" episode), so our aluminum boat is called the "Silver Queen", after the corn we love to pick out of our teeth. See you on the water…

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This is what it is all ABOUT!!! Tear it up Tom & family…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – WARNING – This post will have little content. I picked up my first bass boat on Saturday and I am gleaming from ear to ear. I bought a 17ft Grumman with console steering with a 50HP Johnson with pwr trim/ tilt. Two casting decks, aerated livewell, and a Johnson foot-operated trolling motor. My wife and I went out both Saturday and Sunday on Lake Lanier (north of Atlanta) and just had a blast. I caught a small spotted bass (about 1-1/4#) and she made me bring him home and clean him, since it was the inaugural bass, in the first 15 minutes of fishing! I am new to powered boats, but have driven friend’s boats. This boat will fly! I am not sure how fast, though – no GPS, yet. I plan to add a Bimini top, fishfinder(s), bilge pump (not included!), and a tachometer, once the checkbook balances out. I even have to add tie-down cleats! I put in another 6 gallon tank. This boat sips fuel, though. My wife loves it and the dogs were great for their first trip out. Got to get that bimini top on, though, for everyone’s sake. There was hardly anybody on the lake, especially yesterday. Although, it was partly sunny, we saw only a dozen boats. Great time for us to try out our new baby. The name of our new boat? Well, I guess we’re getting silly as we age, but we call our new Ford truck the "Golden Boy" (after the "Seinfeld" episode), so our aluminum boat is called the "Silver Queen", after the corn we love to pick out of our teeth. See you on the water…

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WARNING – This post will have little content. I picked up my first bass boat on Saturday and I am gleaming from ear to ear. I bought a 17ft Grumman with console steering with a 50HP Johnson with pwr trim/ tilt. Two casting decks, aerated livewell, and a Johnson foot-operated trolling motor. My wife and I went out both Saturday and Sunday on Lake Lanier (north of Atlanta) and just had a blast. I caught a small spotted bass (about 1-1/4#) and she made me bring him home and clean him, since it was the inaugural bass, in the first 15 minutes of fishing! I am new to powered boats, but have driven friend’s boats. This boat will fly! I am not sure how fast, though – no GPS, yet. I plan to add a Bimini top, fishfinder(s), bilge pump (not included!), and a tachometer, once the checkbook balances out. I even have to add tie-down cleats! I put in another 6 gallon tank. This boat sips fuel, though. My wife loves it and the dogs were great for their first trip out. Got to get that bimini top on, though, for everyone’s sake. There was hardly anybody on the lake, especially yesterday. Although, it was partly sunny, we saw only a dozen boats. Great time for us to try out our new baby. The name of our new boat? Well, I guess we’re getting silly as we age, but we call our new Ford truck the "Golden Boy" (after the "Seinfeld" episode), so our aluminum boat is called the "Silver Queen", after the corn we love to pick out of our teeth. See you on the water…

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Question:

I’m heading to St. Petersburg in late june and would like to tie some flies up.  Any suggestions for redfish, small tarpon and snook on the flats and backwaters would be appreciated.  Hook size and patterns.  Patterns that would catch two or more of the species would be preferable.  Thanks for your help. — Jay

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I’m heading to St. Petersburg in late june and would like to tie some flies up.  Any suggestions for redfish, small tarpon and snook on the flats and backwaters would be appreciated.  Hook size and patterns.  Patterns that would catch two or more of the species would be preferable.  Thanks for your help. — Jay

Jay, I just came back from Sanibel and had a lot of luck with the following: Del’s Merkin – Tan – Redfish Big Eye Deciever – White w/Brown back – Snook/Tarpon Chartruese/White Deciever – Snook/Tarpon Chartruese Clouser – Snook/Tarpon I’d add a shrimp fly or two to the list and also make sure to have a small crab imitator for any permit. BTW, I never go anywhere without decievers and clousers.  They’re my "confidence" flies.  Also weedless patterns help, especially for snook under mangroves and dockes. — Mark N. Cahill For E-mail remove the _Remove_This from the reply to address. http://www.geocities.com/Baja/3297

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I’m heading to St. Petersburg in late june and would like to tie some flies up.  Any suggestions for redfish, small tarpon and snook on the flats and backwaters would be appreciated.  Hook size and patterns.  Patterns that would catch two or more of the species would be preferable.  Thanks for your help. — Jay

I would recommend a Chico’s Seaducer in size 2 to 1/0 to 3" in yellow or white with a red collar and a little flash for snook and tarpon. There are many different patterns to try. Try some chartreuse or white poppers in the mangroves for snook and tarpon. I would try to get a fly fishing  guide with boat for one day. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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Question:

Just to clarify my previous post – Summit County, Colorado. Zemel

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Anyone have good info on fly fishing in Cabo San Lucas?  I am going down in April and would love some salt water action.   Keith McDonald Columbia Homes, Inc. 206-222-6317

Be sure and read the article on "Gonzalo’s" under rec.outdoors.fishing.saltwater.  Don’t think I’d mess with them from those other people’s experience.

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 Anyone have good info on fly fishing in Cabo San Lucas?  I am going down – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – in April and would love some salt water action.   Keith McDonald Columbia Homes, Inc. 206-222-6317

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Couple questions from a group newcomer: 1) Heading to Summit County in March – any suggestions, away from towns preferrably? 2) I need some cold-weather fishing gloves – again, any suggestions? Thanks in advance. Mitch Zemel

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Question:

I am headed down to Bend, Oregon this weekend and wanted to do a little fly fishing.  I know only portions of the Deschutes are open at this time (Bend north to Lake Billy Chinook) and was wondering if anyone had any advice on where to go and what to use.  Email me directly…and thanks in advance. Kevin Curry Linfield College

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I am headed down to Bend, Oregon this weekend and wanted to do a little fly fishing.  I know only portions of the Deschutes are open at this time (Bend north to Lake Billy Chinook) and was wondering if anyone had any advice on where to go and what to use.  Email me directly…and thanks in advance. Kevin Curry Linfield College

Kevin and other Deschutes flyfishers: Check out the Online Gillie section at Flyfishers Online.  A long-time guide on the river has begun writing monthly articles as well as contributing condition reports for the river. Online Gillie is at: http://www.flyfishers.com:80/flyfishers-online/flyfishers-gillie.html Condition Reports are at: http://www.flyfishers.com:80/flyfishers-online/flyfishers-reports.html Cy Happy, a guide and partner at Ray’s River Dories (also at Flyfishers Online) floated Trout Creek to Maupin a week ago and reported that the high water flow had changed the bank topography quite considerably. For instance, at the favorite island lunch stop just south of North Junction he reported that the water had swept a good number of the bankside trees away, leaving the channel quite navigable; a change, indeed, from the past few years. Hope this helps. Best, Peter Yoakum, Editor Flyfishers Online

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Question:

                                                                    The thing that got me was that i read Lyman Hugh’s response, when he stated that he was always disappointed to see them on the end of the line.  My question is, if the fish fight well (which they really do), and if they aren’t too ugly (which, in my book, they’re not), then why the disappointmentR?

A)…..white fish can’t jump! B)…..they fight hard for few moments, and then poop out, perhaps        because their mouths are so small, so they run out of oxygen        faster. C)…..they’re good smoked, a delicacy, in fact. Because of their        oily flesh, they take the smoke better. (But they’re hard to        keep lit). —

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I’m pretty sure you are now talking about 2 different species of fish. The whitefish in Montana looks a lot like a grayling/sucker, relatively long and thin.  The Great Lakes whitefish, a delicacy, is a chunky, somewhat oily fish that is a high-priced restaurant meal, commercially netted.  I have caught them in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, rising at dusk to the white may flies that come in August.  They are usually broiled with paprika, andthe fillets are delicious. Whitefish are sought after up here in Ontario. You guys don’t know what

you’re missing. They fillet great and are also stuffed/baked. They must be good ifthey are sold commeircially here but I get mine thru the ice on Simcoe andwould rank them behind crappie and walleye in terms of tastiness They – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -will also hit minnows and jigs. — Richard Park    

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Well, I ditched work for the afternoon yesterday and ventured out upon the local waters and managed to catch my first brown trout (2 of ‘em, actually — I’m a novice ffisherman).  I also caught a mountain whitefish.  I’ve caught a couple of whitefish now.  The fishing proclamation calls them gamefish here in Utah, but to my knowledge, most fishermen treat them as trash fish.

Jay, I’ve caught mountain whitefish and a couple of species of lake w’fish. They taste just fine. Despite the scales, they’re salmonids (as are grayling). The mountain species lives in substantially the same waters as trout, eats almost the same stuff, and fights quite respectably. Unfortunately, there is a perception on some waters that fish fall into one of two categories (trout & trash). Sad — 3798 Woodland Drive     voice: (604) 368-9315 Trail, BC               data:  (604) 368-9341

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inhis posting on whitefish, Jay stated The fishing proclamation calls them gamefish here in Utah, but to my knowledge, most fishermen treat them as trash fish. Does anyone know if whitefish are edible?  (Well, of *course* they’re edible, but does anybody purposely fish for them and take them home for supper?)

     Whitefish are excellent eating, and they are truly wonderful smoked, which is easy to do. There is a good article and recipe in the latest issue of Big Sky Journal. Whitefish are best eaten when caught in the colder weather months, i.e. November through April.       In addition, whitefish provide some pretty good sport to any Ffisher with an open mind. They take dry flies, love nymphs, and fight respectably. They are NOT a trash fish. The term Trash Fish usually conjures up images of fish species that take over sections of river that become either too warm or too polluted to sustain hte more desireable game fish.  Also, trash fish are often accused, either rightly or wrongly,  of having a negative impact on trout or other gamefish populations, which is certainly not the case with Whitefish.      Whitefish, require the same pristine river conditions that trout do. Chances are that a river that can no longer sustain breeding trout populations can’t sustain whitefish either. They too are an indicator species for water quality. Finally they are a member of the overall family of which trout are also members, like second or third cousins, so they cant be all bad!  I wish trout fishermen who catch them would stop throwing them on the banks to die needlessly, and either return them to the rivers or take them home and make use out of them Dale Owens

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Well, Me and my girlfriend caught a couple on accident while fishing for crappie.  We took it home, and filleted them.  We froze them and then took them out of the freezer to thaw.  The thawed for a while (we went somewhere that weekend), and when we came back, they were ruined.  They filleted real nicely and had a lot of boneless meat to them, so They would not be a problem to try them and see if they are any good.  I hear they are good smoked.  We hear about them all the time in our hunting and fishing news, they are active about the same time the other fishes are spawning (they eat eggs).  People catch them on whitefish flies (what are whitefish flies), and also with a maggot on the fly.  This did not answer the question, but had to say my piece.

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Whitefish are sought after up here in Ontario. You guys don’t know what you’re missing. They fillet great and are also stuffed/baked. They must be good if they are sold commeircially here but I get mine thru the ice on Simcoe and would rank them behind crappie and walleye in terms of tastiness They will also hit minnows and jigs. — Richard Park    

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.. would not be a problem to try them and see if they are any good.  I hear they are good smoked. …

I really like them smoked (although a lot of bones, but I don’t mind) … Peter

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Jay  Clibern writes:

"The fishing proclamation calls them gamefish here in Utah, but to my knowledge, most fishermen treat them as trash fish. Does anyone know if whitefish are edible?  (Well, of *course* they’re edible, but does anybody purposely fish for them and take them home for supper?)" Jay – As ugly as they are, they are edible – smoked is the only way that I know of.  I can’t say I am a big fan, but lots of folks like them.  If you fish around Ennis, MT on the Madison, you can take 4 or 5 (or fewer) whitefish into the Resvedts Meat market, give them a fish and a dollar for each fish, and they will give you an already smoked whitefish. A big surprise to me is the fact that the whitefish is part of the trout family.  Hard to believe.  I don’t like whitefish (could you tell?), and to me nothing is as frustration as thinking you ahve a big trout on the line only to see that slimey rubber lipped head appear.  But that’s ony one man’s opinion. Lyman Hughes Ennis, MT Dallas, TX                                               Dallas, TX                                               Ennis, MT

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The round whitefish is another Great Lakes species. Locally they are called "Menominee." I catch them off Michigan piers in October to freeze up. In 1994 I fished as late as after Christmas. They bite on a single poached salmon egg on the bottom. They are timid biters and the real trick is to know when they are after the bait. My family considers them delicious. Incidently, nobody fishes for them on the Wisconsin side of the lake. Wisconsin comercial fishermen net them but I’ve never seen anyone fishing for them in the Michigan manner.

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you are correct about the Lake witefishes.  But the mountain whitefish of the Rockies and the Truckee drainage in California/Nevada ( The answer to a trivia question about distribution of Western Salomids before coming of the european )  are a completely different case then the  whitefish of the Great Lakes.        The Mountain Whitefish, otherwise Known as Salmo ( as they are a salmonid )  Carpi, have been extending their range.  It seams that with all the "progress"  and the wonderful benefit that strip mining brings to the landscape and the stream.  That the Mountain Whitefish is able to withstand the rapid changes in its environment, better then the trout.

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I think that all the answers to the original note follow pretty much what I have read and heard about Whitefish.  I have just one other thought.  I am a catch-and-releaser, mainly because I really don’t like trout that much.  But that’s another story.  I have caught a zillion whitefish in Montana and Wyoming and I can truly say that in most cases I didn’t know they were whitefish until I got them up close in the stream.  That says that they gave me the fight I was looking for and if you don’t keep the fish, what difference does it make if it isn’t a trout but gives you pleasure in catching it?  I’ll have to admit I’m always a little disappointed when I see it’s not a trout since I came to catch trout.  But – accept the fun of the catch and the fight and enjoy the experience. John B. in Mpls..

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Re: white fish-Not to rehash other wf remarks, but … they do fight well and taste great! Have caught them in Madison fried them for breakfast and grilled them. Meat is white and chunky. I caught 16 last year on dry files in about 30 minutes. Way to tell if guy down stream has a wf, the rod tip will jiggle up and down and trout have more steady bend. I got ‘em, turned away from crowd to release them, still in water and everyone thought I was catching trout!!! Was fun.

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