Question:

Frank: It was also while on his honeymoon.  What a kicker. Nice report GM.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Report included pictures, extra roffians, huge fish, a veritable reiding rainbow, booze, perseverance in the face of illness, food, culture, geography, deep fried gerbils (well, they coulda been there!)….    Excellent report.  Congrats on the big fish and nice to hear the little brother is finally working again.  Good on ya, both you and Clark.  Sounds like the trip of a lifetime. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply.

Response:

Frank: It was also while on his honeymoon.  What a kicker. Nice report GM.

Thanks Stan. Still wanna do a run to the Battenkill? — Gary (Email address is munged with x’s)

Response:

Thanks Stan. Still wanna do a run to the Battenkill?

I’m thinking it’s a bit late for this year – the trout season ended Oct. 28′th. I tried to get in a last day of warmwater fishing last Saturday in Otis and it snowed!  We didn’t even get our canoes in the water<g.  We could always try to hit the Swift or the Millers.

Response:

… We could always try to hit the Swift or the Millers.

um…stan, could you maybe hold off for a while?  i’m currently engaged in a conflict in which i’m getting my ass whipped pretty good… …where is the millers – mass.? jeff

Response:

Thanks Stan. Still wanna do a run to the Battenkill? I’m thinking it’s a bit late for this year – the trout season ended Oct. 28′th. I tried to get in a last day of warmwater fishing last Saturday in Otis and it snowed!  We didn’t even get our canoes in the water<g.  We could always try to hit the Swift or the Millers.

Millers/Swift sounds good. Is the FF Only section open yet? The NY State side of the Battenkill is still open. I don’t think it closes, or it does at the end of Nov. Or did regs change? — Gary (Email address is munged with x’s)

Response:

…where is the millers – mass.?

The Millers River is a small river flowing west just south of the New Hampshire border into the Connecticut.  It is a typical New England river in that it has been dammed and abused by mills for a couple hundred years. There are some beautiful stretches though, and Gary wrote a nice piece about it this summer concerning a seemingly impossible cast. –Stan

Response:

Millers/Swift sounds good. Is the FF Only section open yet? The NY State side of the Battenkill is still open. I don’t think it closes, or it does at the end of Nov. Or did regs change? — Gary

I’m not sure about the NY regs.  I think that parts of the Ausable, Schroon and Battenkill are open year-round.  The general regs trout season ends Oct. 15. The Swift is still closed upstream from the Rt. 9 bridge.  It was supposed to re-open on Nov. 1 but the latest scare this week made them postpone the opening until Nov. 7.  Downstream is still open as usual, and has had much heavier pressure than usual because of the closed section.

Response:

Thanks for the kind words Gary. I also can add some reasons for the lack of a photo of the big fish and the fault is squarely mine, though Gary is too much of a gentleman to indicate so. In the process of landing the fish the fly came free of the fish as often happens at the end of the battle. On this occasion though it was because the clumsy guide had stepped on the leader thus freeing the fish prior to Gary getting the camera out. It was impossible to hold such a fish unrestrained  she was a big powerful brown at least in excess of 10lbs, exact weight I could only guess at between 10 and 12 pounds. A fish Gary should be proud of and one I am gutted to have prevented a photo of. So I owe apologies for "screwing up" to Gary and the promise of being more diligent should he ever return. I for one hope you do Gary, you were a pleasure to fish with. Clark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I met up with Clark Reid a week ago today for a few frolics in the middle of the South Island of New Zealand. Firstly I am eternally grateful to him, as the poor bastard was sick as a dog. So sick as to get up at 3am the night before, drive about 50 miles to hospitalize himself, only to be too tired to make the hospital, sleep in the truck and he still made our date at 8:30am. I felt guilty all day until I gave him a drop o’ old Jameson’s and he felt better. So did I, when he reciprocated with a delicious sour mash of his choosing. We were in the Mt Cook vicinity (http://www.rockypond.com/mtcook.jpg), an area that has a look not unlike that of Three Rivers in Montana (wide, arid, surrounded by mountains, http://www.rockypond.com/scenery.jpg). The nearby Lake Tekapo, where we stayed, is spectacular with a deep azure color from the nearby glaciers (picture includes shot of your friend and humble narrator, http://www.rockypond.com/tekapo.jpg). The first stream (http://www.rockypond.com/firstriver.jpg) we visited was about 15 feet in width, slightly off color and cold. I admit that it did not look like much. Clark assured me it held big fish. Clark explained that Kiwi fishing is different from US or UK fishing in that there are fewer fish that are much larger. This was certainly bourn out this day. Being early season there was not much of any dry fly activity, which was slightly disappointing, so we nymphed all day. I pounded water for about an hour and eventually hooked up near a wooden bridge. At first I didn’t think it a large fish as he came towards me, but when he made a run upstream, I was in no doubt. Upstream was an old wooden bridge and as I applied pressure I will never forget the wave the fish created in the river as it turned. The fish was a brown about 26 inches in size, maybe 8lbs or so. It fought for 10 mins and we eventually tagged him at an undercut. After that we moved to a different river over the nearby Burke’s Pass. We stopped to review a fish that Clark had scouted the day before that was in a tough, nearly impossible position. Sitting in front of a bridge leg, with a brush accumulation behind him, in the current that itself broke both ways around the bridge was a good 10lb brown. He was spooked immediately, but twenty mins later after we had eaten lunch and got ready he was back. This time, from the river level, I was fairly sure with Clark’s help I could get something on his nose. There was a rocky braid in the river shy of the lie and I hunched down using it as cover. When I reached the braid I lay down flat and peaked up to get the bearing; Clark called the casts though. Too short, lifted too soon, etc. My fear was to let the fly go too long and catch the brush pile. I managed two good drifts to the fish which he ignored and then Clark chose the strategy that since the current was breaking, making dead drift impossible, a swimming nymph would work. Clark told me the nymph was akin to the Isonychia, which I have had great success with in the US. I cannot remember but I believe it was the first or second cast that he yelled "Strike!" To my surprise he was hooked (the fish, not Clark). What ensued was almost complete anarchy and what happened next transpired over a few minutes. I stood up and the fish took off upstream. Above the pool were some step-like rapids and white water, which the fish barreled through even though I had full power on the loaded rod. Impressive indeed. I managed to turn him and he came down the pool to the (those who are following this could guess this next bit) brush pile at the bridge. Once he was there I thought it was game over. I pulled and could feel nothing only dead weight. As I was upstream I knew I was applying pressure in the wrong direction (either that, or I was trying to pull a brush pile and bridge in my direction).  I had to get a more acute angle. Without thinking I jumped into the white water and crossed this extremely fast current. I never would have done this without the adrenalin rush I was now experiencing and as I had to wade downstream I think this was the only thing that saved me from a dunking. By now both Clark and I had fallen a few times due to the step sides of the loose moraine in the rivers. When I got across and was almost 180 degrees from him I was pleased to see the fish was still on and I had successfully moved him from the brush pile into the deep blue pool. This was a good sighting point and how beautiful he was: a big olive head and a body that was 30 inches at least. He came to my feet and I contemplated beaching him, until I fell once again and this time painfully. He was spooked and off downstream, where, to Clark’s credit he was waiting for the fish in the shallow waters. At this point we released him a little too fast for a photograph, but that did not matter to me. It was a good stalk and a good team effort for a righteous fish. We could only laugh and shake our heads at the marvel of that emotional deluge we call fly-fishing. I had the greatest feeling though I was in pain from the falls. I will add at this point it was becoming clear to me that another characteristic of Kiwi fishing is that the river size coupled with large fish size definitely put the odds in favor of the fish. I personally could learn a lot more about playing a large fish by fishing more down there. By now, it was mid afternoon and I had had two fish. Like I mentioned earlier, this is pretty typical. I managed another fish a few minutes later upstream, about 3lbs (http://www.rockypond.com/fish3.jpg). We worked another hour and then decided to move on. As we were on either side of a pass in these past two fish it was apparent that the weather here is strange. At the last river the sky became cloudy and snow was visible at higher elevations, but as we returned across Burke’s Pass again the sky cleared. We fished a fast deep stream in the hot sunshine (name escapes me now, but here’s pic, http://www.rockypond.com/stream3.jpg). Spent nearly two hours here with no luck though we covered a lot of water. The afternoon was getting late and we decided to hit a creek called Mary Burn (a lot of Scots settled NZ). This river was barely a trickle (http://www.rockypond.com/maryburn.jpg). Tannin stained almost like the Scottish or Irish streams are, but barely 5 feet wide. No way was I going to believe that there were anything but fingerlings in there. I hiked off a bit and came to an electrical cattle fence. As I walked up the soft bank I spooked a 22inch brown, which scared the living shit out of me. He nearly beached himself trying to get away. I cannot imagine how this tiny stream grew such enormous fish. In any case this was to be the closest encounter I would have to one of Mary Burn’s progeny. A wind had whipped up and was blowing about 25 knots. As you can imagine trying to hit a less than 1-foot target area in a 5-foot stream with this kind of wind required skills I have yet not acquired, nor maybe never will. Also the temperature was dropping and this wind bit cold. We decided to head off for somewhere sheltered. Sadly the weather did not get better and it was 39F (down about 30 degrees from 2 hours earlier) due to a cold front that had moved in. We decided to call it a day around 7pm I think. It was almost 12 hours fishing and it was the most enjoyable kind. Good fish, good water, good spirits and good conversations. And, yes, Clark Reid is a great guide and good company. Anyway I do thank him again for a great time. He may be able to explain better than I to ROFF as to why the streams are as they are. I think it is to do with a low pH, no environmental issues (NZ has NO fossil fuel or nuclear power plants – all Hydro). That evening, myself and my new wife drove outside of town in the clear, still sky of the new cold front we took in Crux, the Southern Cross (a lifelong dream) and the Clouds of Magellan; not to mentions the upside down Northern Constellations. For the rest of my travels I stopped at many, many streams and every one had big fish (sunglasses over lens to polarize, http://www.rockypond.com/feeder.jpg), even by the Angler’s Access parking areas. One stream looked like someone had surgically lifted the River Avon in Wiltshire and dropped it in the valley of the Eglinton River. I watched a fish work every few seconds and he was mine (strictly up-and-across, mind), but I was sans rod and reel and could only dream. Another series of small lakes held a good dozen two foot long trout that sipped away oblivious to the visitors and gave me a good treatise on the Brownian feeding manner of the still water trout. Sorry for the long report. Hope you enjoyed it.

… read more »

Response:

Great report.  Thanks for writing it up. bruce h

Response:

Great report, Gary. Good reading and excellent pictures. Very well done. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

Response:

Report included pictures, extra roffians, huge fish, a veritable reiding rainbow, booze, perseverance in the face of illness, food, culture, geography, deep fried gerbils (well, they coulda been there!)….    Excellent report.  Congrats on the big fish and nice to hear the little brother is finally working again.  Good on ya, both you and Clark.  Sounds like the trip of a lifetime. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply.

Response:

I met up with Clark Reid a week ago today for a few frolics in the middle of the South Island of New Zealand.

really enjoyed your descriptions of the place & the fishing Mu

Response:

[great reportt snipped for brevity] Thanks for reading.

Thanks for writing! Steve

Response:

I met up with Clark Reid a week ago today for a few frolics in the middle of the South Island of New Zealand.

Great report snipped. Including pictures with your report was very appreciated. If find it interesting that the trout population is lower than here in the States but that there are more big fish. Willi

Response:

Sorry for the long report.

Uhhh…. don’t mention it.  Thanks.

Response:

I met up with Clark Reid a week ago <snip   Thanks for reading.

Thanks for writing.  Nice report. Kevin

Response:

Superb report, and I really enjoyed the excellent photos. It looks a lot like the Sawtooth and Stanley Basins, but the fish are a lot bigger. Is the area in runoff conditions now? BTW, I can’t believe you didn’t get a photo of that 30" brown. I’ll bet it flopped away before the camera was ready. Bruce Hopper and I are experts in that maneuver. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Superb report, and I really enjoyed the excellent photos. It looks a lot like the Sawtooth and Stanley Basins, but the fish are a lot bigger. Is the area in runoff conditions now?

It is supposed to be in runoff, but NZ had been in a drought situation for the past few years, so many rivers are dry and many are below average flows. Actually one picture I wish I had snapped was up on the lake of a boat ramp that was easily 150ft long and the lake itself was about 20ft beyond the *end* of the ramp. BTW, I can’t believe you didn’t get a photo of that 30" brown. I’ll bet it flopped away before the camera was ready. Bruce Hopper and I are experts in that maneuver.

LOL. You read it well.  Clark had a normal film camera and he was taking pics of the antics. Not sure if he actually caught it though. I certainly did not have time to get my camera out. — Gary (Email address is munged with x’s)

Response:

I met up with Clark Reid a week ago today for a few frolics in the middle of the South Island of New Zealand.

…and the goodness of this strange place is continued… thanks gary.  rw and you have raised the bar for trip reports with your illustrations, and i’ve enjoyed them a lot. jeff (off to wade the stagnant streams of the pitt county courthouse…)

Response:

jeff (off to wade the stagnant streams of the pitt county courthouse…)

        same same for your brother at the bar, little wayno, up into the wilds of surrey county, a lawless land if ever there were one… wayno  (but damn if those ol boys don’t grow some righteous ganga!)

Response:

I met up with Clark Reid a week ago today for a few frolics in the middle of the South Island of New Zealand. Firstly I am eternally grateful to him, as the poor bastard was sick as a dog. So sick as to get up at 3am the night before, drive about 50 miles to hospitalize himself, only to be too tired to make the hospital, sleep in the truck and he still made our date at 8:30am. I felt guilty all day until I gave him a drop o’ old Jameson’s and he felt better. So did I, when he reciprocated with a delicious sour mash of his choosing. We were in the Mt Cook vicinity (http://www.rockypond.com/mtcook.jpg), an area that has a look not unlike that of Three Rivers in Montana (wide, arid, surrounded by mountains, http://www.rockypond.com/scenery.jpg). The nearby Lake Tekapo, where we stayed, is spectacular with a deep azure color from the nearby glaciers (picture includes shot of your friend and humble narrator, http://www.rockypond.com/tekapo.jpg). The first stream (http://www.rockypond.com/firstriver.jpg) we visited was about 15 feet in width, slightly off color and cold. I admit that it did not look like much. Clark assured me it held big fish. Clark explained that Kiwi fishing is different from US or UK fishing in that there are fewer fish that are much larger. This was certainly bourn out this day. Being early season there was not much of any dry fly activity, which was slightly disappointing, so we nymphed all day. I pounded water for about an hour and eventually hooked up near a wooden bridge. At first I didn’t think it a large fish as he came towards me, but when he made a run upstream, I was in no doubt. Upstream was an old wooden bridge and as I applied pressure I will never forget the wave the fish created in the river as it turned. The fish was a brown about 26 inches in size, maybe 8lbs or so. It fought for 10 mins and we eventually tagged him at an undercut. After that we moved to a different river over the nearby Burke’s Pass. We stopped to review a fish that Clark had scouted the day before that was in a tough, nearly impossible position. Sitting in front of a bridge leg, with a brush accumulation behind him, in the current that itself broke both ways around the bridge was a good 10lb brown. He was spooked immediately, but twenty mins later after we had eaten lunch and got ready he was back. This time, from the river level, I was fairly sure with Clark’s help I could get something on his nose. There was a rocky braid in the river shy of the lie and I hunched down using it as cover. When I reached the braid I lay down flat and peaked up to get the bearing; Clark called the casts though. Too short, lifted too soon, etc. My fear was to let the fly go too long and catch the brush pile. I managed two good drifts to the fish which he ignored and then Clark chose the strategy that since the current was breaking, making dead drift impossible, a swimming nymph would work. Clark told me the nymph was akin to the Isonychia, which I have had great success with in the US. I cannot remember but I believe it was the first or second cast that he yelled "Strike!" To my surprise he was hooked (the fish, not Clark). What ensued was almost complete anarchy and what happened next transpired over a few minutes. I stood up and the fish took off upstream. Above the pool were some step-like rapids and white water, which the fish barreled through even though I had full power on the loaded rod. Impressive indeed. I managed to turn him and he came down the pool to the (those who are following this could guess this next bit) brush pile at the bridge. Once he was there I thought it was game over. I pulled and could feel nothing only dead weight. As I was upstream I knew I was applying pressure in the wrong direction (either that, or I was trying to pull a brush pile and bridge in my direction).  I had to get a more acute angle. Without thinking I jumped into the white water and crossed this extremely fast current. I never would have done this without the adrenalin rush I was now experiencing and as I had to wade downstream I think this was the only thing that saved me from a dunking. By now both Clark and I had fallen a few times due to the step sides of the loose moraine in the rivers. When I got across and was almost 180 degrees from him I was pleased to see the fish was still on and I had successfully moved him from the brush pile into the deep blue pool. This was a good sighting point and how beautiful he was: a big olive head and a body that was 30 inches at least. He came to my feet and I contemplated beaching him, until I fell once again and this time painfully. He was spooked and off downstream, where, to Clark’s credit he was waiting for the fish in the shallow waters. At this point we released him a little too fast for a photograph, but that did not matter to me. It was a good stalk and a good team effort for a righteous fish. We could only laugh and shake our heads at the marvel of that emotional deluge we call fly-fishing. I had the greatest feeling though I was in   pain from the falls. I will add at this point it was becoming clear to me that another characteristic of Kiwi fishing is that the river size coupled with large fish size definitely put the odds in favor of the fish. I personally could learn a lot more about playing a large fish by fishing more down there. By now, it was mid afternoon and I had had two fish. Like I mentioned earlier, this is pretty typical. I managed another fish a few minutes later upstream, about 3lbs   (http://www.rockypond.com/fish3.jpg). We worked another hour and then decided to move on. As we were on either side of a pass in these past two fish it was apparent that the weather here is strange. At the last river the sky became cloudy and snow was visible at higher elevations, but as we returned across Burke’s Pass again the sky cleared. We fished a fast deep stream in the hot sunshine (name escapes me now, but here’s pic, http://www.rockypond.com/stream3.jpg). Spent nearly two hours here with no luck though we covered a lot of water. The afternoon was getting late and we decided to hit a creek called Mary Burn (a lot of Scots settled NZ). This river was barely a trickle (http://www.rockypond.com/maryburn.jpg). Tannin stained almost like the Scottish or Irish streams are, but barely 5 feet wide. No way was I going to believe that there were anything but fingerlings in there. I hiked off a bit and came to an electrical cattle fence. As I walked up the soft bank I spooked a 22inch brown, which scared the living shit out of me. He nearly beached himself trying to get away. I cannot imagine how this tiny stream grew such enormous fish. In any case this was to be the closest encounter I would have to one of Mary Burn’s progeny. A wind had whipped up and was blowing about 25 knots. As you can imagine trying to hit a less than 1-foot target area in a 5-foot stream with this kind of wind required skills I have yet not acquired, nor maybe never will. Also the temperature was dropping and this wind bit cold. We decided to head off for somewhere sheltered. Sadly the weather did not get better and it was 39F (down about 30 degrees from 2 hours earlier) due to a cold front that had moved in. We decided to call it a day around 7pm I think. It was almost 12 hours fishing and it was the most enjoyable kind. Good fish, good water, good spirits and good conversations. And, yes, Clark Reid is a great guide and good company. Anyway I do thank him again for a great time. He may be able to explain better than I to ROFF as to why the streams are as they are. I think it is to do with a low pH, no environmental issues (NZ has NO fossil fuel or nuclear power plants – all Hydro). That evening, myself and my new wife drove outside of town in the clear, still sky of the new cold front we took in Crux, the Southern Cross (a lifelong dream) and the Clouds of Magellan; not to mentions the upside down Northern Constellations. For the rest of my travels I stopped at many, many streams and every one had big fish (sunglasses over lens to polarize, http://www.rockypond.com/feeder.jpg), even by the Angler’s Access parking areas. One stream looked like someone had surgically lifted the River Avon in Wiltshire and dropped it in the valley of the Eglinton River. I watched a fish work every few seconds and he was mine (strictly up-and-across, mind), but I was sans rod and reel and could only dream. Another series of small lakes held a good dozen two foot long trout that sipped away oblivious to the visitors and gave me a good treatise on the Brownian feeding manner of the still water trout. Sorry for the long report. Hope you enjoyed it. Visit NZ some time. The accommodation and car rental is reasonable. The steak and cheese pies and Sleights Old Dark are worth the trip in itself. Come on, don the DVT socks and do it. It’s only 12 hours from LA. Thanks for reading. Gary — Gary (Email address is munged with x’s)

Response:

Question:

 When Bob Skinner learned he lives along the route I drove, and at the halfway point, he opened up his home to me and the lovely massuese.         did i get that right; did you say you and "…the lovely massues"?  the hell with all that other bullshit–let’s hear about *that*! wayno, goin for the jugular

  Great, Charlie.  You let the cat out of the bag.  Now, the eastern clavers will want you to spill the beans. I fear that the bottom will then drop out of the goat market, hurting a lot of the local farmers:( Bob Skinner — —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Ok, so you attended the Western Conclave. You’re tired, you’re hungry, and you don’t have the time to post a week-long trip report… So how’s about you answer this little survey in the meantime? Most of the questions can be answered in a few words. It’ll only take a minute 1. What days were you there?

Got there friday night, airlifted out on Monday afternoon. 2. Who did you fish with?

Dan’l, Darin, Warren, the Hightowers, Bob Card and Willi. Planned to fish w/ KenF but arteries got in the way. 3. Where did you fish?

Fished once right next to camp, 2 smalls, one decent, all Browns. Second day fished up river a bit at burnt tree hole (?). Caught a few small browns. Third day fished braided channals south of town. Caught a lot of smaller browns. 4. What water was most productive for you? Loved the braided channels. Want to fish it again. 5. What was your favorite fly? I was using stimulators mostly, but I should

have used more . . . nymphs 6. What was your most memorable fish? 7. Did HWMNBN make a public appearance? Huh? 8. Did Ken and Vern get along? ? 9. What did you win at the raffle? A 3 weight line, 10. Where were you when Snedeker had the heart attack? Actually I was right

there. See that sucker was w/ Dan at the jiffy shop and Dan’l, whose offer of an aspirin had been earlier accepted, suggested Sned visit the clinic just for the hell of it. The countergirl said it was down the street, he went and, voila, started a whole chain of events that  . . . hold it. Sned IS ME! Yeah. I lived. At least so far. Ended up at Deaconess/Billings, great cardiac center, next am they found blockages and inserted 2 stints. Ill say more about these very interesting bits of stainless mesh some other time. Bob Skinner, is a great guy. He drove all the way to Billings and back to get my wife Bonnie to my van in Ennis. I will be forever greatful for that quiet kindness. 11. If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently? Quit

smoking 20 years ago and learned to hate eggs. 12. Which ROFFian was the MOST like you thought they’d be? All of em. No surprises really. 13. Which ROFFian was the LEAST like you thought they’d be? see above. Bonus questions (only one person need answer): (a) who won the bamboo rod and the Connor rod? (b) Is Snedeker going to be OK? Well so far. I was

lucky it happened when and where it did. I got the best care you can , I figured I was already dead so nothing hurt too much, and I got a pocket full of nitro in case I need it. Turns out I was having a rolling heart attack for about a month and kept telling myself it was musle strain, although I hear that Warren thinks it was his rap music that triggered the attack. No way Warren, although on second thought if it will  . . . .  And I survived so far.  Ive had a great life, and Im one dam lucky person. Getting tired and will post more some other time. Thanx for all the great wishes Snedeker – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

  You got that right Wayno. I took my girlfriend, who is a professional masseuse (strictly legit, sore muscles etc). Just what the doctor ordered after a hard day on the water; she also cooks and keeps a pretty tidy camp. The only drawback to having her along was that I seldom arose before 9:00 AM.

ahhhh, this post Charlie, in it’s simple innocence, is at this time causing wayno to tear what few reamining hairs he has out of his head. waldo

Response:

Walt Its even worse. The lady is classy, great lookin, has a sense of humor and fishes. Kinda like many of the other classy ladies of the West. To whom I dedicate this couplet: Yeah, and, and, and . . . she’s really cool. Grows her own, No pixy and looks grrrreat in the sun. Has a homeplace between John Day and Maupin, but mostly she’s keepen the old Beaver flying and in gas. Prefers older guys, dresses mostly out of REI, and little Sundance. Ties down to a 22. Somewhere West of Cheyenne Send er round Dave Snedeker – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   You got that right Wayno. I took my girlfriend, who is a professional masseuse (strictly legit, sore muscles etc). Just what the doctor ordered after a hard day on the water; she also cooks and keeps a pretty tidy camp. The only drawback to having her along was that I seldom arose before 9:00 AM. ahhhh, this post Charlie, in it’s simple innocence, is at this time causing wayno to tear what few reamining hairs he has out of his head. waldo

Response:

Ok, so you attended the Western Conclave. You’re tired, you’re hungry, and you don’t have the time to post a week-long trip report… So how’s about you answer this little survey in the meantime? Most of the questions can be answered in a few words. It’ll only take a minute 1. What days were you there?

I arrived on Fri. night the 21st and left on Sat morn the 29th. 2. Who did you fish with? Everyone who showed up except Ken, which I wish I could have. 3. Where did you fish? The Madison and Ruby rivers, Jack and Indian cricks, and two high altitude lakes with Steve (RW) which will remain nameless. 4. What water was most productive for you?

Probably the second lake Steve and I rode up to. We caught at least 2 doz. apiece in just a couple of hours. 5. What was your favorite fly?

Elk hair caddis, although this is not what I caught most of my fish on. 6. What was your most memorable fish?

The 20" cutthroat that I caught out of the first lake Steve and I rode to. 7. Did HWMNBN make a public appearance?

Nope, but I know where he was on Thursday, and I ain’t tellin. 8. Did Ken and Vern get along?

They appeared to. 9. What did you win at the raffle?

I won Michael Erana’s furled leaders and Forty’s book "Trout Stream Insects" 10. Where were you when Snedeker had the heart attack?

Fishing. 11. If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently?

I can’t think of a single thing. 12. Which ROFFian was the MOST like you thought they’d be?

To be honest, Ken Fortenberry. I can’t really explain why either. 13. Which ROFFian was the LEAST like you thought they’d be?

Steve. Sorry Steve, but it’s true, I thought you’d be more a serious type of guy. I was definitely wrong. Bonus questions (only one person need answer): (a) who won the bamboo rod and the Connor rod? (b) Is Snedeker going to be OK?

A) Vern won the cane rod and I’m cryin fix cause it was the first item up and his was the first name drawn. FIX! FIX! Just kidding Vern, you did a good, fair job with the raffle. Danl won the Conner rod, that lucky son of a bitch. I can say that cause it’s going to be a couple more weeks before he gets to a computer. B) Dave S. is going to be fine. Darin

Response:

Hello Peter Thanx for the good wishes. Im alive and kicking. Need a few weeks to figure this deal out. See whats included and whats not. Im just resting and glad to be alive. Take care Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – [snip] Well so far. I was lucky it happened when and where it did. I got the best care you can , I figured I was already dead so nothing hurt too much, and I got a pocket full of nitro in case I need it. Turns out I was having a rolling heart attack for about a month and kept telling myself it was musle strain, although I hear that Warren thinks it was his rap music that triggered the attack. No way Warren, although on second thought if it will  . . . .  And I survived so far.  Ive had a great life, and Im one dam lucky person. Getting tired and will post more some other time. Thanx for all the great wishes Snedeker This is starting to be an unpleasant trend. Take care and enjoy the opportunity to relax.  and follow the doctors orders, eh! Peter

Response:

did i get that right; did you say you and "…the lovely massues"?  the hell with all that other bullshit–let’s hear about *that*! wayno, goin for the jugular

  You got that right Wayno. I took my girlfriend, who is a professional masseuse (strictly legit, sore muscles etc). Just what the doctor ordered after a hard day on the water; she also cooks and keeps a pretty tidy camp. The only drawback to having her along was that I seldom arose before 9:00 AM.

Response:

Nice to hear from you personally David. Glad to hear you survived the ordeal.  Take your time and do some gentle fishing. Best wishes, regards, and tight lines! Mike Connor — "In order to know what is possible one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

[snip] – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well so far. I was lucky it happened when and where it did. I got the best care you can , I figured I was already dead so nothing hurt too much, and I got a pocket full of nitro in case I need it. Turns out I was having a rolling heart attack for about a month and kept telling myself it was musle strain, although I hear that Warren thinks it was his rap music that triggered the attack. No way Warren, although on second thought if it will  . . . .  And I survived so far.  Ive had a great life, and Im one dam lucky person. Getting tired and will post more some other time. Thanx for all the great wishes Snedeker

This is starting to be an unpleasant trend. Take care and enjoy the opportunity to relax.  and follow the doctors orders, eh! Peter

Response:

David Snedeker writes:

(nice stuff snipped) And I survived so far.  Ive had a great life, and Im one dam lucky person. Getting tired and will post more some other time. Thanx for all the great wishes Snedeker

Good for you, David.  Wish I could have been there with you.  Get well.. Dave LaCourse

Response:

"David Snedeker" wrote 11. If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently? Quit smoking 20 years ago and learn to hate eggs.

Dave,    Glad you made it.  There is no time like the present to quit smoking and eating those high cholesterol and fatty foods.  It seems like all the things you like to eat are bad for you.  You can set an example for all the 200+ pounders on ROFF. Ernie

Response:

Ok, so you attended the Western Conclave. You’re tired,…

Very you’re hungry,…

Very and you don’t have the time to post a week-long trip report

Very (???) 1. What days were you there?

Sat-Sat 2. Who did you fish with?

Bruce Bruiser Hopper, Warren, Willi Tight Line Loehman, and a bit with Ken, Bob Skinner and Ol’ Dan the Man Finn.  Have pics, will post. 3. Where did you fish?

Mostly the Madison (so much water!), but also Ruby, Beaver Head (huh huh), West Fork Madison, and a tiny private spring creek I got access to by being nice. 4. What water was most productive for you?

I netted big fish on the Beaver Head (:-) more later), but seriously, the Madison, most consistently below Ennis Lake. 5. What was your favorite fly?

Black Stonefly nymph, partly because all the fly shops said they wouldn’t work (I went in one shop and the bins with the size and style I wanted were empty, so I asked if they had more of em.  The guy said that he had in stock anything that I would want to use.)  I finally found what I was looking for at the True Value hardware store and went out and killed ‘em that day! 6. What was your most memorable fish?

First 2 are equal.  The very first fish I caught was a 17" brown from a spot that I worked *hard* to wade to, then it took off dowstream in heavy current. Then I had to work hard to wade *out*, this time fighting a fish, so I could get to a place I could net it. The second was a rising fish I saw in a quiet little braid in "the Channels". I cast and switched flies, and cast and switched angles, and switched flies and cast some more until I finally caught it.  Turned out to be an 8" brown, but still a great catch since I was so determned to get it. 7. Did HWMNBN make a public appearance?

Nope. 8. Did Ken and Vern get along?

Never talked AFAIK. 9. What did you win at the raffle?

Nothing!  They held it earlier than they said and I wasn’t back yet!  I gave my prize away.  Dang, I wanted a shot at that 8 ft 2 wt. 10. Where were you when Snedeker had the heart attack?

Telling him the size of the fish I just caught.  Sorry that was in bad taste – I’m joking only because I know he’s fine.  Enjoyed meeting Dave, had a nice chat with him about the fishing on the first day. 11. If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently?

Fish longer hours right from the start!  So much water! 12. Which ROFFian was the MOST like you thought they’d be? 13. Which ROFFian was the LEAST like you thought they’d be?

I honestly didn’t have any preconceived notions.  Sorry, boring answer.  Fun people though. Regards, Jeff

Response:

<snip Snedeker

Congratulations on making it back to the computer.  Glad to year you’re all right.  Best of luck and a speedy recovery. — Levi "So long, and thanks for all the fish."

Response:

   Glad you made it.  There is no time like the present to quit smoking and eating those high cholesterol and fatty foods.  It seems like all the things you like to eat are bad for you.  You can set an example for all the 200+ pounders on ROFF.

Ok, that does it!! Welcome to the new me. –Steve    2025

Response:

…Thanx for the good wishes. Im alive and kicking. Need a few weeks to figure this deal out. See whats included and whats not. Im just resting and glad to be alive.

Sad news about your trouble Dave.  Good news about your survival.  I join the rest in best wishes for a full and speedy recovery.  A word of advice: don’t do that heart attack shit again; it ain’t good for you (let’s just see if we can get an argument about THAT!) Wolfgang

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   Glad you made it.  There is no time like the present to quit smoking and eating those high cholesterol and fatty foods.  It seems like all the things you like to eat are bad for you.  You can set an example for all the 200+ pounders on ROFF. Ok, that does it!! Welcome to the new me. –Steve    2025

"2025"? Yikes – that’s even more than three Marlon Brandos!

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –    Glad you made it.  There is no time like the present to quit smoking and eating those high cholesterol and fatty foods.  It seems like all the things you like to eat are bad for you.  You can set an example for all the 200+ pounders on ROFF. Ok, that does it!! Welcome to the new me. –Steve    2025 "2025"? Yikes – that’s even more than three Marlon Brandos!

WOW!  2 Kilobrandos! or is that 20 Hectomarlons? R

Response:

WOW!  2 Kilobrandos!

Apocalypse Now? — Charlie…

Response:

1. What days were you there?

Arrived Sunday afternoon, left Thursday morning. 2. Who did you fish with?

Willi, Dan’l, Steve, Warren, Bob, JeffC. 3. Where did you fish?

Ruby, Madison, a lake I can’t name for fear of death & dismemberment by Warren and likewise a section of river I can’t name if I ever want to have Robin Cunningham guide me again. 4. What water was most productive for you?

The guided trip on Tuesday. 5. What was your favorite fly?

Elk hair caddis was most productive but I caught my biggest fish on a hopper. 6. What was your most memorable fish?

A whitefish on the Ruby, my first ever. 7. Did HWMNBN make a public appearance?

Nah, he hid behind Mary Dorsey’s skirts. 8. Did Ken and Vern get along?

Famously. Vern graciously offered the use of his pontoon so I could fish the alpine lake with Warren, Steve & Willi on Wednesday. Thanks again, Vern. 9. What did you win at the raffle?

Had already made reservations for Thursday & Friday in the Park way back in March, before the raffle day was set, so missed it. 10. Where were you when Snedeker had the heart attack?

Dave, Dan’l and I went into town to grab a bite of lunch, mail a postcard, have some film developed, get some maps and buy brimmed hats ’cause the tops of our ears were gettin’ fried in the brutal sun wearing just ball caps. "AH HAH !", says Kristine at this point in the narrative, "you were shopping. Three guys shopping, it’s a wonder any of you survived the experience." Humph, says I, were not either, we were BUYING, not shopping. Dave got into his van and drove to the clinic immediately upon our return to camp so I assume he was having a heart attack in the back seat of my Subaru, bummer, but all’s well that ends well. Dave, you’ll have to finish that ‘Clave painting from memory and post a photo. 11. If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently?

Stay all week. 12. Which ROFFian was the MOST like you thought they’d be? 13. Which ROFFian was the LEAST like you thought they’d be?

No surprises, really. Trip report to follow soon. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

 When Bob Skinner learned he lives along the route I drove, and at the halfway point, he opened up his home to me and the lovely massuese.

        did i get that right; did you say you and "…the lovely massues"?  the hell with all that other bullshit–let’s hear about *that*! wayno, goin for the jugular

Response:

7. Did HWMNBN make a public appearance?     I assume you mean George.  Haven’t figured out the acronym, yet. Nope.

Bob, It’s from the "Harry Potter" book series and It stands for "He Who Must Not Be Named". The Character is Voldemort, an evil Wizard that uses his powers for evil instead of good and is always causing trouble for Harry Potter and his friends. Paul

Response:

Steve Zimmerman wrote 1. What days were you there?

       Saturday through Friday 2. Who did you fish with?

       Just about everybody except Snedecker and Vern. 3. Where did you fish?

       The Madison, Jack Creek, Indian Creek, and the west fork of the Madison (my personal favorite). 4. What water was most productive for you?

       Jack Creek, where I didn’t even try to keep count. 5. What was your favorite fly?

       Took 90% of my fish on an elk hair caddis. 6. What was your most memorable fish?

       An 18" rainbow that I pulled out of Jack Creek, remarkable because the creek was so small. 7. Did HWMNBN make a public appearance?

       Not personally, but he sent an emissary bearing gifts. 8. Did Ken and Vern get along?

       Everybody got along splendidly, as long as Vern’s dog doesn’t count as a claver. 9. What did you win at the raffle?

       The 7 1/2′ Happy Hooker donated by George. Much more about this later. 10. Where were you when Snedeker had the heart attack?

         Fishing on Jack Creek. 11. If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently?

         I would of had the air conditioning on my truck fixed BEFORE driving 1700 miles. 12. Which ROFFian was the MOST like you thought they’d be?

         Dan’l. What a hoot. 13. Which ROFFian was the LEAST like you thought they’d be?

         Ken Fortenberry turned out to be the nicest, most considerate guy you’d ever want to meet. I suppose everybody turned out to be nicer than expected, especially compared to their on-line personalities.  Any one of these guys would’ve given you the shirt off his back. When Bob Skinner learned he lives along the route I drove, and at the halfway point, he opened up his home to me and the lovely massuese. We spent a fine evening together, then went and fished one of Bob’s secret spots this morning. Thanks Bob, and any roffer who finds himself in northern Colorado is just as welcome in my home. Even George.

Response:

Ok, so you attended the Western Conclave. You’re tired, you’re hungry, and you don’t have the time to post a week-long trip report… So how’s about you answer this little survey in the meantime? Most of the questions can be answered in a few words. It’ll only take a minute 1. What days were you there?

     I arrived Mon. afternoon and left Friday a.m. 2. Who did you fish with?

     I spent most of my time with ‘ol Daniel, Willi and Charlie Wilson it seems.   3. Where did you fish?

     Madison, Ruby and Indian Creek 4. What water was most productive for you?

     They were all about the same for me, fair, by comparison to where I normally fish.   99% of my fishing is lake fishing and my knowledge of stream fishing is limited.  But, that knowledge was increased quite a bit by watching Willi fish.  Heck, that guy could pull a fish out of the back of my Jeep, I believe.  I really enjoyed watching him fish & learned a lot. 5. What was your favorite fly?

    I seemed to have the most luck with an elk hair caddis and beadhead pheasant tail 6. What was your most memorable fish?

    The best fish was the one I broke off in the Madison.   I’m just not used to playing a fish in moving water (or keeping my footing.  Didn’t get wet but it was close a few times.) 7. Did HWMNBN make a public appearance?

    I assume you mean George.  Haven’t figured out the acronym, yet. Nope. 8. Did Ken and Vern get along?

    I didn’t monitor the "companionship monitor":) 9. What did you win at the raffle?

     I won a box of "Holdzit" products: Tool Saver, floatant holders in double and single and a new product that holds a 35mm plastic film canister.  There were duplicates so I put the extras as an add-on on the raffle items so more folks would be exposed to the products. 10. Where were you when Snedeker had the heart attack?

   He was in the hospital when I arrived.  I did get to meet him, however.  As he took his keys with him and his wife flew into Billings, I drove to Billings & picked up his wife and drove her back to Ennis so she could pick up their van.  Dave looked good and was in good spirits. Had a nice visit on the way back to Ennis with his wife, Bonnie. 11. If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently?

   I would have drift boated the Madison.  You can only reach so much water when casting from close to shore.  And, as I’m not used to wading big streams (and the Madison looked really big to me) I would have been more comfortable in a boat (or pontoon). 12. Which ROFFian was the MOST like you thought they’d be?

   ’ol Daniel, I guess. 13. Which ROFFian was the LEAST like you thought they’d be?

   That’s easy.  Ken Fortenberry.  A pleasant surprise.  I really liked the left winger much to my surprise. (Dear Ken, I hope I didn’t destroy your image.  Steve asked and I had to respond:) Bonus questions (only one person need answer): (a) who won the bamboo rod and the Connor rod? (b) Is Snedeker going to be OK?

  Vern won the wonderful rod that you donated, Steve.  What a beautiful piece of work!  It was very generous of you to donate such a nice rod.   beautiful piece of work.  Charlie stopped by here on his way back to CO and I got to cast the rod.  It was a delight.  A 4 wt. (don’t remember how long) and a pretty rod.  I laid out 60-70 feet of line with out too much trouble.  Charlie will post more of a review when he gets back, I’ll bet.  Sorry, I can’t remember who won Mike’s rod but it too was a finally crafted rod.  I am really tickled that Steve, G and Mike would donate such fine rods, especially complicated to build bamboo rods. That’s way beyond the call of duty and is very generous.  It was fun to see the look on the winner’s faces.  Every winner was tickled silly. Bob Skinner  Buffalo, WY — —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Ok, so you attended the Western Conclave. You’re tired, you’re hungry, and you don’t have the time to post a week-long trip report… So how’s about you answer this little survey in the meantime? Most of the questions can be answered in a few words. It’ll only take a minute 10. Where were you when Snedeker had the heart attack? Bonus questions (only one person need answer): (a) who won the bamboo rod and the Connor rod? (b) Is Snedeker going to be OK?

Holy…..!  He actually had a heart attack?  I saw something about it, but thought it was some joke I didn’t have time to catch up on… If so, add my name to the list sending good wishes. TC, R

Response:

Ok, so you attended the Western Conclave. You’re tired, you’re hungry, and you don’t have the time to post a week-long trip report… So how’s about you answer this little survey in the meantime? Most of the questions can be answered in a few words. It’ll only take a minute 1. What days were you there? 2. Who did you fish with? 3. Where did you fish? 4. What water was most productive for you? 5. What was your favorite fly? 6. What was your most memorable fish? 7. Did HWMNBN make a public appearance? 8. Did Ken and Vern get along? 9. What did you win at the raffle? 10. Where were you when Snedeker had the heart attack? 11. If you had it to do over again, what would you do differently? 12. Which ROFFian was the MOST like you thought they’d be? 13. Which ROFFian was the LEAST like you thought they’d be? Bonus questions (only one person need answer): (a) who won the bamboo rod and the Connor rod? (b) Is Snedeker going to be OK? –Steve

Response:

Question:

and hope that some of the flies that I tied..by no means the quality of the masters..yet put together with lots of hope and 8o thread would land me something that I could appreciate on a lure that made it decide to take mine instead of the naturals that abounded.

Hope, yes that’s the key drives so many of us to indulge in what would appear nothing short of madness to the uninitiated. learned that  a longtime ago when I was on my grandfathers knee and wondered why he let the "big ones" get away.

A connection to your past and for many of us as well.  My grandfather passed away this weekend and although we both loved to fish we never got to do it together.   Mu

Response:

It was gorgeous this past Sunday on the Bow River here in Calgary. Little or no breeze on the water and the wildlife was strolling or making whatever noises the particular creatures that strolled by make. I was content to enjoy the warmth and hope that some of the flies that I tied..by no means the quality of the masters..yet put together with lots of hope and 8o thread would land me something that I could appreciate on a lure that made it decide to take mine instead of the naturals that abounded.. small winged wonders I was amazed how many of them used me as their bloody landing post.. I felt like O’hare as then did their dances and such on my waders.. Then I got lucky.. copying a nymph from the folks here I landed a small rainbow on a flashback hare’s ear.. nothing to brag about but beauty is in the eye of the fisherman when you land it and then let it go.. I learned that  a longtime ago when I was on my grandfathers knee and wondered why he let the "big ones" get away.. I got to feeling pretty smug sitting on the bank and enjoying the catch of the day for me, when I spied an osprey.. gliding on the thermals and making life look pretty damned easy.. Suddenly he swung down to the river so fast at first I thought he might had died in flight.. and plucked a rainbow bigger than the one I had landed.. his was for a meal or a family one of the two.. but I was humbled by the fisherman who made a mockery of my meagre talent… then again.. he cant tie cripples as effectively as I so I figure we are even… Thanks for letting me ramble // this was melancholy at best but the day was great and the sights were better than the fishing so far.. hopefully both will continue to improve as my skills better with time Pierre

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -It was gorgeous this past Sunday on the Bow River here in Calgary. Little or no breeze on the water and the wildlife was strolling or making whatever noises the particular creatures that strolled by make. I was content to enjoy the warmth and hope that some of the flies that I tied..by no means the quality of the masters..yet put together with lots of hope and 8o thread would land me something that I could appreciate on a lure that made it decide to take mine instead of the naturals that abounded.. small winged wonders I was amazed how many of them used me as their bloody landing post.. I felt like O’hare as then did their dances and such on my waders.. Then I got lucky.. copying a nymph from the folks here I landed a small rainbow on a flashback hare’s ear.. nothing to brag about but beauty is in the eye of the fisherman when you land it and then let it go.. I learned that  a longtime ago when I was on my grandfathers knee and wondered why he let the "big ones" get away.. I got to feeling pretty smug sitting on the bank and enjoying the catch of the day for me, when I spied an osprey.. gliding on the thermals and making life look pretty damned easy.. Suddenly he swung down to the river so fast at first I thought he might had died in flight.. and plucked a rainbow bigger than the one I had landed.. his was for a meal or a family one of the two.. but I was humbled by the fisherman who made a mockery of my meagre talent… then again.. he cant tie cripples as effectively as I so I figure we are even… Thanks for letting me ramble // this was melancholy at best but the day was great and the sights were better than the fishing so far.. hopefully both will continue to improve as my skills better with time Pierre

Thanks for the report Pierre.  Sounds like you caught more with your eye than with your fly.  Proves there’s a lot more to flyfishing than just catching. Pat K

Response:

Question:

I am wondering what type of experiences people have had fishing smallmouth in the Quetico in early September.  We have a group who has gone on several spring trips thinking about a fall trip.  Several of us are fly fishermen, so in particular, I’m wondering if the fish use shallow areas this time of year or if they begin to go deep. Thanks Peter Jonas Iron Mountain, MI

Response:

I am wondering what type of experiences people have had fishing smallmouth in the Quetico in early September.  We have a group who has gone on several spring trips thinking about a fall trip.  Several of us are fly fishermen, so in particular, I’m wondering if the fish use shallow areas this time of year or if they begin to go deep.

        They are still deep in early Sept. Don’t forget they don’t care about the air temp., they care about the water temp. And by the end of Aug. the water is as warm there as it gets. Mornings and evenings might still be okay though. But otherwise think late Sept., early Oct. tgb

Response:

I’m wondering if the fish use shallow areas this time of year or if they begin to go deep.

We went in last September (early) into the northern part of the park and did fairly well on smallmouth catching quite a few in the 17-19" class.  Most of them were shallow to about 8′

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Question:

 ______  snipped barbarian verbal pictographs –             only to the like-minded. Our private strictures            answer to a vision that encompasses a practical            conduct, an aesthetic, and an ethic which is to say,             I suppose, that it is a philosophy. The multiple            nymphs affixed to my leader are the kind of             barbarism another fisherman might handle only with            tongs. I string them up without a second thought." will  be a long process) to slowly emulsify your Plural mind into a grand instrument of olympic proportions and singular thinking. May you discover the Single Action Fly Fishing System that does not include indicators and gang banging. May your leaded nymphs always hang up and may you always not have enough flies.   Really enjoyed this post.  I am haunted by this singular life –   —   Mr. G.   http://www.gink.com/html  (Come, visit)   One log per person.

Response:

[deleted] will  be a long process) to slowly emulsify your Plural mind into a grand instrument of olympic proportions and singular thinking.

[deleted] Ask not for whom the bug trolls George. Your pal, — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

Response:

Question:

Hi guys, what are your thoughts on this rod? ANdrew

Hi All,  Like so many other things in life, short/light rods are not for everyone. Here in Northern California, we have some ( hundred?  thousands? ) small streams that have ‘tons’ of fish under 10 inches. Today (things might change in week or so) I would personally choose to fish them with a Sage 8′2"#2 SPL or an 8′#2 Winston or some other little beauty. Think of fishing as fun. Well, what I would like to use really doesn’t count in the big picture. I think this is a problem with everything in life. Why should anyone expect everyone else to agree with them unless they think they know the answers to life??? Why are we so upset when someone else wants to do it a different way?  I would have been out of business years ago if every time a guy came in the store and wanted to buy a 6′ fly rod I said, " Well, what kind of idiot would even think of using a 6′ fly rod? Are you out of your mind?" No, you suggest that is a very short rod that is very specialized. Then you would find out, as I have so many times, that this person has several short rods that are all slightly longer than 6′ and he loves them. Get the picture? I think it is sad that there are fly fisherman that try to shove their person beliefs down everyone else throat. Why would they think they have the only answers and even the right answers? I am ready to have someone give me info that will change my mind or hopefully reinforce ideas that I have been forming for my lifetime. If you already have all the right answers then your learning is over. God might as well take you up to sit by his side so you can now straighten him out. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop www.kiene.com

Response:

Why would they think they have the only answers and even the right answers? I am ready to have someone give me info that will change my mind or hopefully reinforce ideas that I have been forming for my lifetime. If you already have

all the right answers then your learning is over. God might as well take you up to sit by his side so you can now straighten him out.

My nomination for ROFF post of the year. How true Mr. Kiene. Wayne Knight Geneva IL                            

Response:

<wisdom snipped I would have been out of business years ago if every time a guy came in the store and wanted to buy a 6′ fly rod I said, " Well, what kind of idiot would even think of using a 6′ fly rod? Are you out of your mind?" <snip

Didn’t Lee Wulff often fish a 6′6" fiberglass Garcia for Atlantic Salmon? With enough time on the water, I may one day be 1/10th the idiot he was. Mu Young Lee    Ann Arbor, MI  USA

Response:

Why would they think they have the only answers and even the right answers? I am ready to have someone give me info that will change my mind or hopefully reinforce ideas that I have been forming for my lifetime. If you already have all the right answers then your learning is over. God might as well take you up to sit by his side so you can now straighten him out. My nomination for ROFF post of the year. How true Mr. Kiene.

I would agree completely, Wayne, except that I think I said that before about one of Bill’s posts.  Or was it Mike Conner?  Or maybe Willi…… or perhaps Skeeter….?  Who the hell knows, but this was a great one. Mark Faulkner

Response:

I got one 3 years ago for fishing brushy creeks and it worked perfectly for casting under the canopy. On trips to the Klamath Basin and the San Juan River I took it along for dry fly fishing and found the 3-weight line gave me a decided advantage in delicate presentations; I had no trouble with rainbows to 22". Needless to say, it’s useless for fishing strike indicator situations such as Lee’s Ferry, but it’s not a problem to cast 60′.

Response:

How the hell do these lite sticks survive in the brush?  It seems to me that a lot more care is required when you bushwack. Consequently, you bushwack less.

I agree that different gear choices mean different perspectives.  Guys who fish mainly in the salt, for instance, probaby have little appreciation for the delicate feel of a nice 3-wt.  But I disagree about the brush and bushwacking. Being in Montana, I have bigger rods, 5-6 wts., natch, but I take my little rod when I am going to bushwack.  I keep it in its tube, which is smaller and easier to lash onto a backpack or my hip pack (for daytrips) and hike up into the little tribs, or the smaller wilderness streams, where an 18-inch cutt is liable to be the biggest fish I’m going to meet.  In fact, I primarily use my three weight on days when I’m probably not going to see another soul.

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OK, Ok, Ok Ill try someones 3 weight this summer. At least once. By the way, some of this reminds me of an old Lee Wulff article. Sorry but I tried a 1 and a 2 weight already. Never a "0." I felt like I had crossed over into weenie world and the next stop was an operating table in Denmark. Felt like I was play fishing. I know, I know. Adapt! I think Id rather head North and die in a snowbank. Daytripper has a point about the number of rods the average fisher has, and all that. Except for the SPL, mine are well worn vets. And you are right, I would not consider paying big bucks for a lite rod to target tiny fish. I catch enough of those already, thank you. But overall parsimony probably does play a role. If I need a new rod its an 8 or 10 weight for Salmon. Several folks made mention of the small trout opportunities on the Olympic Penn.. Yes indeed there are many small fish and small rivers. And I fish plenty of both. But thats not what I target on the Penninsula. Its taken me years to learn how to fish these rivers and I really know only a handful. There are decent size Cuts and bows in some of these small rivers much of the year.  And there are times when there are very large fish in these very small rivers.  You do not want to hook a Chum, Steelhead or King with one of these rods.  I would even go so far as to warn against fishing a 3 weight or less if there are any Pinks around. I can’t see a 1 or 2 weight in brushy water surviving that first run. One last item: By "runty brookies" I was not putting down the whole of the Squaretail Nation. Or the value of any fish less than 10 inches. Im referring to high lakes that are full of 2-5 inch malnorished fish. OK? (So now the Email death threats should stop?) Happy Easter Dave Snedeker

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Ken Yes I do fish the small Olympic streams that flow into the Hood Canal. In particular the Big and the Little Quillcene. I carry one, strung 3 piece 9ft rod. When you are under the canopy, with brush all over, the length is an asset for dibbling, roll casts and when you have an ally to shoot straight up or down into stairstep pools (like on the Graywolf.) In the Skokomish and in the bigger pools, and when you have a gravel bar to work off of, its an asset in dealing with the wind which is always present here. Ditto if you also fish the lower streachs just before the salt.  Overall the longer rod makes it easier to get it out of the trees when you do get hung up. Im usually in the brush, and I almost never see others fishing who are not in my party. I do not hike into the high lakes anymore because most just have runty brookies by the thousands and its not worth it. To Charlie Machete? Hell no, see thats another point in favor of the Sage. You don’t have to carry a machete or a wading staff either. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am not surprised, but am made more aware of the inherent differences in the group when I think about all this very light gear folks use: even some of the Montanans. I cannot conceive of finding a place hereabouts where fishing with a 1 or 2 weight for a whole day would be practical. Isn’t Bainbridge Island near the coast range (Olympics up there)? Down here in Oregon, there are tons of small streams in the coast mountains that a 2wt is great on.  Just gotta look around, there’s all sorts of stuff around the PNW if you’re willing to hike to it. Later,     – Ken — "Many go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after."             – Henry David Thoreau

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David, Most of the fishing that I have been doing for the last several years involves "bushwhacking" to get to small streams in VA, PA and NY. I avoid fishing anywhere near other fisherman – not a misanthrope, mind you, I just don’t want anyone to see me when I blow an easy cast, or trip over a rock. These streams are small and tight enough that 7′ to 7 1/2′ is about all I can get away with. Even then, I’m on my knees a lot. I find it easy to subdue the brookies and browns that I regularly find with these small rods. They aren’t sick fish, just not big. A 9" brookie from some of these streams is a nice fish. Still, the occasional 14" brown is no problem when he/she comes along. And these fish are landed and released quickly and in apparently good condition. Still, I would not go lighter than this. BTW, my wife and I had several superb days on the Firehole in October, casting Baetis imitations to rising trout in the wind with Winston 8 1/2" 3 wts. Lots of fish hooked, quickly landed and released in good condition. Of course, other’s mileage may vary… -Doc

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am not surprised, but am made more aware of the inherent differences in the group when I think about all this very light gear folks use: even some of the Montanans. I cannot conceive of finding a place hereabouts where fishing with a 1 or 2 weight for a whole day would be practical. Im just trying to understand how these things might be related to different perceptions of the sport. My own view of the resource and the sport is that both are more robust than the views of many of the brothers that are reflected in this NG.  I wonder how much gear choice affects the experiences that shape these different views of the sport? Dave Snedeker

I agree that a 1 or 2 is awfully light but I use a 9′ 3 wgt with a Cortland Clear Creek line quite often especially during low water conditions.  It presents small dries and nymphs with alot of delicacy. A 9′ rod, even a 3 wgt, can put alot of pressure on a fish, far more pressure than a 5X or lighter tippet can hold. Willi

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Ken Yes I do fish the small Olympic streams that flow into the Hood Canal. In particular the Big and the Little Quillcene. I carry one, strung 3 piece 9ft rod. When you are under the canopy, with brush all over, the length is an asset for dibbling, roll casts and when you have an ally to shoot straight up or down into stairstep pools (like on the Graywolf.) In the Skokomish and in the bigger pools, and when you have a gravel bar to work off of, its an asset in dealing with the wind which is always present here. Ditto if you also fish the lower streachs just before the salt.  Overall the longer rod makes it easier to get it out of the trees when you do get hung up.

There appear to be two mindsets on fishing in tight quarters.  One says go with a longer rod for "dibbling" and roll casts, the other says to go with a shorter rod to avoid getting caught up on trees, plants, etc. I’ll agree with the roll casts being easier with the longer rod, but I don’t find an extra foot or so to be of much help with "dibbling". I prefer the shorter rods (but not too short) since generally they are small enough to sort of flip the fly out there without getting hung up on stuff.  I’ve got a 7′9" 2wt that’s perfect for those tight places on small streams. It all comes down to personal preference. Later,      - Ken — "Many go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish  they are after."             – Henry David Thoreau

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I am not surprised, but am made more aware of the inherent differences in the group when I think about all this very light gear folks use: even some of the Montanans. I cannot conceive of finding a place hereabouts where fishing with a 1 or 2 weight for a whole day would be practical. Same goes for lite double taper lines. Regional conditions and opportunities Im sure have a lot to do with it. Although when Ive fished backeast I have not noticed folks using particularly short, lite sticks.

I’ve lived in Colorado, the Olympic Peninsula in Washington, and Massachusetts. All three regions provide plenty of streams where a small rod is perfectly suited and can be more fun than a 9′/5W. I don’t see many people using small, light rods either, even on streams that can be jumped. But I chalk that up to most people not having invested in a broad arsenal. When a flyfisher collects a set of rods, which rod purchased is the small, light one? Second? Third? Fourth? And if the average flyfisher only has one or two fly rods, is one of them a small lightweight? I’ve fished with a lot of people, young and old, over the years, and I’d guess only one in five owns a short three weight or lighter rod. I think this kind of gear difference must affect our differing perceptions of the sport and the resiliance of the resource.  For example, someone who uses this lite gear and is still inadvertantly killing fish, must be dealing with some pretty small or pretty sick fish. I do catch lots of small fish myself, but I get them in quick, do not play them, and release them quick. If you are using a 1 weight you are going to have to play that same tiny fish. You will get more "sport" from the fish, but alot more WILL die.

Your presumption is that you can’t fight a decent size fish with a small, light rod, but I don’t agree. I’ve caught a few fish (eg: a 22" rainbow) on my little Winston 2wt that would put a heck of a bend in a six weight, but the fish were all caught in cold water, and were landed quick enough to avoid over stress (remember that God gave *us* the big brains to figure out how to deal with stuff like this ;^) How the hell do these lite sticks survive in the brush?  It seems to me that a lot more care is required when you bushwack. Consequently, you bushwack less. As a result you have to fish with the crowd in more open degraded conditions. Consequently you are fishing hatchery fish more often. Consequently wild fish are a thing of the past for you.  And you might become certain that the same is true all over.

Yikes! You left out plagues and locusts! ;^) But it just ain’t so. Cripes, I’ve damn near gotten looking for short cuts to water, but I don’t endanger my rods when thrashing through the brush. I at least keep my rod in its sock if I’m hiking any distance. Otherwise, it’s a lot easy to pick your way along the stream with a short rod than a nine footer! Besides that…The tip on one of my 10′ long saltwater rods is only 1/64" larger in diameter than the tip of my little Winston, and it’d probably snap even easier. I wouldn’t want to try poking through the bush with that! /daytripper

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Hi guys, what are your thoughts on this rod? ANdrew

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what are your thoughts on this rod?

  Love it.  Buy it.  Treat it like you wished your wife treated you.

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Hi guys, what are your thoughts on this rod? ANdrew

    i have one, and it is a beautifully finished pleasure to fish.  but don’t expect to lay out a bunch of line. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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I sold mine and went to the 8 foot 4 weight because the wind always blows like crazy when I go.

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Andrew asked:what are your thoughts on this rod? As I always say you can’t have too many good 3-Weights. The only places I think it would be out of place would be in a float tube or a West Texas Wind. Big Dale

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Hi guys, what are your thoughts on this rod? ANdrew    i have one, and it is a beautifully finished pleasure to fish.  but don’t expect to lay out a bunch of line.

If that’s the case, go for Winston’s 7.5′ 2wt. Like everything the Winston people produce, it’s a gorgeous piece of workmanship. PLUS I can throw an entire, elderly SA DT2F with mine ;^) /daytripper

Response:

I am not surprised, but am made more aware of the inherent differences in the group when I think about all this very light gear folks use: even some of the Montanans. I cannot conceive of finding a place hereabouts where fishing with a 1 or 2 weight for a whole day would be practical. Same goes for lite double taper lines. Regional conditions and opportunities Im sure have a lot to do with it. Although when Ive fished backeast I have not noticed folks using particularly short, lite sticks. I think this kind of gear difference must affect our differing perceptions of the sport and the resiliance of the resource.  For example, someone who uses this lite gear and is still inadvertantly killing fish, must be dealing with some pretty small or pretty sick fish. I do catch lots of small fish myself, but I get them in quick, do not play them, and release them quick. If you are using a 1 weight you are going to have to play that same tiny fish. You will get more "sport" from the fish, but alot more WILL die. How the hell do these lite sticks survive in the brush?  It seems to me that a lot more care is required when you bushwack. Consequently, you bushwack less. As a result you have to fish with the crowd in more open degraded conditions. Consequently you are fishing hatchery fish more often. Consequently wild fish are a thing of the past for you.  And you might become certain that the same is true all over. Im just trying to understand how these things might be related to different perceptions of the sport. My own view of the resource and the sport is that both are more robust than the views of many of the brothers that are reflected in this NG.  I wonder how much gear choice affects the experiences that shape these different views of the sport? Dave Snedeker – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi guys, what are your thoughts on this rod? ANdrew    i have one, and it is a beautifully finished pleasure to fish.  but don’t expect to lay out a bunch of line. If that’s the case, go for Winston’s 7.5′ 2wt. Like everything the Winston people produce, it’s a gorgeous piece of workmanship. PLUS I can throw an entire, elderly SA DT2F with mine ;^) /daytripper

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How the hell do these lite sticks survive in the brush?  It seems to me that a lot more care is required when you bushwack. Consequently, you bushwack less. As a result you have to fish with the crowd in more open degraded conditions. Consequently you are fishing hatchery fish more often. Consequently wild fish are a thing of the past for you.  And you might become certain that the same is true all over.

Wow, lost me on the logic in that one.  I "bushwack" my way to small streams on a regular basis and then use lighter rods.  Haven’t encountered much that has worried me about the safety of my rods.  I’m far more worried about slipping on a rock and breaking a rod than trompsing through the woods and breaking a rod.  There’s one spot I regularly frequent which required climbing down a 75ft sheer bank, the rods stay in their tubes for that one, although I’m sure a fall there would break an 8wt as well as a 2wt. Oh well, later,      - Ken — "Many go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish  they are after."             – Henry David Thoreau

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I am not surprised, but am made more aware of the inherent differences in the group when I think about all this very light gear folks use: even some of the Montanans. I cannot conceive of finding a place hereabouts where fishing with a 1 or 2 weight for a whole day would be practical.

Isn’t Bainbridge Island near the coast range (Olympics up there)? Down here in Oregon, there are tons of small streams in the coast mountains that a 2wt is great on.  Just gotta look around, there’s all sorts of stuff around the PNW if you’re willing to hike to it. Later,      - Ken — "Many go fishing all their lives without knowing that it is not fish  they are after."             – Henry David Thoreau

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Question:

Anyone have an idea of the value of a 1977 Seamaster Tarpon Model flyreel. Anti-reverse, left ahnd retrieve.Thanks. Jack.

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Anyone have an idea of the value of a 1977 Seamaster Tarpon Model flyreel. Anti-reverse, left ahnd retrieve.Thanks. Jack.

Maybe $500 to $1000? I am not really sure,but they are hard to get. If you advertise it in the Miami Harold right now, it’s peak tarpon season, you might get more? Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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I’m not sure of the model and year of the reel you have, but I not seen a Seamaster under $1,100 in a long time down here. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone have an idea of the value of a 1977 Seamaster Tarpon Model flyreel. Anti-reverse, left ahnd retrieve.Thanks. Jack. Maybe $500 to $1000? I am not really sure,but they are hard to get. If you advertise it in the Miami Harold right now, it’s peak tarpon season, you might get more? Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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Bill- Is this an "S" handle reel or the one with the flat plate with the single knob mounted directly to it? If it is the latter and in v/g to exc condition, you might see upwards of $1500 for it. In lesser condition, considerably less. If it is an "S" handle, they are highly collectible in good condition and could bring $1500 to $2000. Good luck. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone have an idea of the value of a 1977 Seamaster Tarpon Model flyreel. Anti-reverse, left ahnd retrieve.Thanks. Jack. Maybe $500 to $1000? I am not really sure,but they are hard to get. If you advertise it in the Miami Harold right now, it’s peak tarpon season, you might get more? Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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Bill — Try contacting Bob Berger, owner of Bonefish Bob’s, a flyfishing store in Islamorada, FL. Bonefish Bob specializes in used saltwater flyfishing equipment and is an expert in Seamaster reels. Sorry, I don’t have his phone number handy, but I’m sure you can get it from information. BobE. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bill- Is this an "S" handle reel or the one with the flat plate with the single knob mounted directly to it? If it is the latter and in v/g to exc condition, you might see upwards of $1500 for it. In lesser condition, considerably less. If it is an "S" handle, they are highly collectible in good condition and could bring $1500 to $2000. Good luck. Anyone have an idea of the value of a 1977 Seamaster Tarpon Model flyreel. Anti-reverse, left ahnd retrieve.Thanks. Jack. Maybe $500 to $1000? I am not really sure,but they are hard to get. If you advertise it in the Miami Harold right now, it’s peak tarpon season, you might get more? Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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Question:

Hi, thanks for the response.  Is there any flats fishing in Costa Rica? I’m interested in a trip in 1997 .  Please e mail if possible. — Tim Ackerman "Everyone Lives Downstream"

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Hi, thanks for the response.  Is there any flats fishing in Costa Rica? I’m interested in a trip in 1997 .  Please e mail if possible. — Tim Ackerman "Everyone Lives Downstream"

Hi Tim, I believe that the east side is jungle rivers running to the ocean with tarpon and snook and the west coast is blue water with bill fish, dorado and wahoo. Lots of flats in other eastern Central American coasts. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

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Question:

I just purchased a mint condition South Bend bamboo 9′ fly rod.  Does anyone know the value of a rod like this, or know how I can find out the value.  

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I just purchased a mint condition South Bend bamboo 9′ fly rod.  Does anyone know the value of a rod like this, or know how I can find out the value.  

Len Codela of Turner’s Falls, Massachusetts can appraise it if you send it to him.  His current catalog lists South Bend rods anywhere from $100 or less to $400 or so.  There were many different levels of quality of South Bend rods. His prices are slightly high as he caters to collectors as much as fishers.  Call either 508 or 433-555-1212 to get his number I’m not sure which area code. As this is a fishing more than a collecting forum,  I say the real value is how it feels to fish.  Try out different lines with it if you can, then take it fishing.  If it sings the line out like poetry as smooth as twenty year Scotch, it’s priceless for fishing and that is it’s inspired destiny. Don’t incarcerate it. Mark Vinsel http://www.lanminds.com/local/vinnie/gallery.html

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I just purchased a mint condition South Bend bamboo 9′ fly rod.  Does anyone know the value of a rod like this, or know how I can find out the value.  

I’ve got one of these guys.  There more valuable as a fishing tool, albeit a very heavy one, than they are collectible.  Interestingly the South Bend company was started by Wes Jordan (later of Orvis fame) though the rods produced were mediocre at best.  Still, I fish mine a couple of times a year for half a day or so (really a heavy rod).  I’d say go fish it!                                                                      Dan

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Question:

I will be fly fishing the area between Creed and South Fork July 1st through the 7th.  Any information on hatches, water conditions, or recommendations will be greatly appreciated.   Joe H. Green

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I will be fly fishing the area between Creed and South Fork July 1st through the 7th.  Any information on hatches, water conditions, or recommendations will be greatly appreciated.  

Hed upstream to 4th of Jult Canyon (accesible by car) for some really good beaver pond fishing.  There are some large brookies in the area. Bob McDuffee Network Services Manager, WICHE Office:303.541.0299 Fax:303.541.0291

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 I will be fly fishing the area between Creed and South Fork July 1st  through the 7th.  Any information on hatches, water conditions, or  recommendations will be greatly appreciated.   I’m afraid you may find conditions less than ideal. The Rio Grande, along w/ most other Colo. rivers at the

moment, is running extremely high and roily and will probably not drop and clear until late July. Denver, Colorado        ftp.rmii.com/pub2/gwgodden      

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