Question:

OK, maybe this is stupid, maybe its not. The reason I never did any big game hunting (deer, moose, etc) was I felt sorry for the animals. No problem whatsoever with my buddies who did it; I like deer meat. But I had this horrible empathy for them so I didn’t want to shoot them myself. Let someone else more steel-willed do it. Now, when I see pictures of trout on the fly, I see always notice them staring down at their mouths, like they are trying like hell to see what they have that is dragging them out of the water. Its like they are totally amazed or something. Not that I’m gonna quit fishing or anything, but when I see pics like this one http://www.ncffb.org/cgi-bin/ncffb.cgi?read=139220 I just sort of find myself feeling sorry for the poor bastard. Is this, like, completely abnormal? riverman

Response:

Not that I’m gonna quit fishing or anything, but when I see pics like this one http://www.ncffb.org/cgi-bin/ncffb.cgi?read=139220 I just sort of find myself feeling sorry for the poor bastard. Is this, like, completely abnormal? riverman

I read somewhere that the fish tries to keep its eyes pointing up so if it is lying on its side it looks as if it is looking at its nose, this is one way of telling if a fish in a picture is alive or dead. I wonder if that is why a fish stays still if you hold it lying on its back making it dissorientated. — Don`t Worry, Be Happy       Sandy —       Website:-  http://www.ftscotland.co.uk     IRC:- Sandyb in #Rabble  uk3.arcnet.vapor.com Port:6667      #Rabble Channel Website:- http://rabbled.cjb.net              ICQ : 41266150

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, maybe this is stupid, maybe its not. The reason I never did any big game hunting (deer, moose, etc) was I felt sorry for the animals. No problem whatsoever with my buddies who did it; I like deer meat. But I had this horrible empathy for them so I didn’t want to shoot them myself. Let someone else more steel-willed do it. Now, when I see pictures of trout on the fly, I see always notice them staring down at their mouths, like they are trying like hell to see what they have that is dragging them out of the water. Its like they are totally amazed or something. Not that I’m gonna quit fishing or anything, but when I see pics like this one http://www.ncffb.org/cgi-bin/ncffb.cgi?read=139220 I just sort of find myself feeling sorry for the poor bastard. Is this, like, completely abnormal?

Yes. Stop it. Go fishing. TL, Tim

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not that I’m gonna quit fishing or anything, but when I see pics like this one http://www.ncffb.org/cgi-bin/ncffb.cgi?read=139220 I just sort of find myself feeling sorry for the poor bastard. Is this, like, completely abnormal? riverman I read somewhere that the fish tries to keep its eyes pointing up so if it is lying on its side it looks as if it is looking at its nose, this is one way of telling if a fish in a picture is alive or dead. I wonder if that is why a fish stays still if you hold it lying on its back making it dissorientated.

They are disorientated.  Next time you have a trout held inverted,  watch what it does with its dorsal and pectoral fins and to a lesser degree the ventral fin.  If you move the trout to different angles,  you can induce him to try to roll in the opposite direction.  The fish obviously uses its fins to manoeuvre in the current just like the rudders on a aeroplane.  The trout must be bewildered as to why he cannot control his position whilst in air ~ everything must feel wrong to the fish, and so he dedicates all his brain power into trying to get himself back the right way up before he uses his tail to swim away.  If a trout is delicately help upside down he is so easy to unhook and release ~  however, a grayling is a different matter altogether! Regards, Michael.

Response:

No need to feel sorry for the animals, they dont give a squat about you.  As far as the fish is concerned you are trying to relate to them in human terms…its a fish for pete sakes, its brain is the size of a pebble.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, maybe this is stupid, maybe its not. The reason I never did any big game hunting (deer, moose, etc) was I felt sorry for the animals. No problem whatsoever with my buddies who did it; I like deer meat. But I had this horrible empathy for them so I didn’t want to shoot them myself. Let someone else more steel-willed do it. Now, when I see pictures of trout on the fly, I see always notice them staring down at their mouths, like they are trying like hell to see what they have that is dragging them out of the water. Its like they are totally amazed or something. Not that I’m gonna quit fishing or anything, but when I see pics like this one http://www.ncffb.org/cgi-bin/ncffb.cgi?read=139220 I just sort of find myself feeling sorry for the poor bastard. Is this, like, completely abnormal?

Considering your catch rate, Riverman, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Think of it this way. If the fish weighed 500 pounds and you were floating down the river, he’d eat you. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Not that I’m gonna quit fishing or anything, but when I see pics like this one http://www.ncffb.org/cgi-bin/ncffb.cgi?read=139220 I just sort of find myself feeling sorry for the poor bastard. Is this, like, completely abnormal? Considering your catch rate, Riverman, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.

If that weren’t so painfully true, it’d be funny. Actually, its pretty funny anyway. riverman

Response:

Question:

It’s the newbies I’m concerned about. I’ll give you a piece of advice: don’t worry about the newbies. They are a dime a dozen.  Novices have died in the outdoors for thousands of years.   Well, it’s the newbie net.ers that I’m talking about, not newbies to the backcountry. Some of these newbies could have some valuable input if they’d stick around the group.

Too big a "could."  Anyone really knowledgeable doesn’t have to stay here. The majority of posters don’t think that they are newbies (they are).   When you *know it all*, you are dead. No more data processing.

Well it’s not quite like that.    "Like a chicken playing a card game". ???   Newbie net.ers cocking their heads and giving them cards a good smart look. Still, a chicken is a bird brain.   I think Sam got the visuals.

Oh! Yeah, last time I played poker with a chicken, I lost all my feathers. Hey, I thought when she lowered her head and did that one eyed blink that she was bluffing, I swear! Need more chlorine in the gene pool.

Chickens do what chickens do best.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s the newbies I’m concerned about. I’ll give you a piece of advice: don’t worry about the newbies. They are a dime a dozen.  Novices have died in the outdoors for thousands of years.    Well, it’s the newbie net.ers that I’m talking about, not newbies to the backcountry. Some of these newbies could have some valuable input if they’d stick around the group. The majority of posters don’t think that they are newbies (they are).    When you *know it all*, you are dead. No more data processing. I have this image of a newbie wandering into traffic on the Information Superhighway, blindfolded. Better than a physical superhighway.    "Like a chicken playing a card game". ???    Newbie net.ers cocking their heads and giving them cards a good smart look. Still, a chicken is a bird brain.    I think Sam got the visuals. Yeah, last time I played poker with a chicken, I lost all my feathers. Hey, I thought when she lowered her head and did that one eyed blink that she was bluffing, I swear! Need more chlorine in the gene pool.    Ed Huesers    http://www.grandshelters.com

More likely too deep a dive in the White Russian Sea, oh well, it happens…<B stoopid G Sam

Response:

It’s the newbies I’m concerned about. I’ll give you a piece of advice: don’t worry about the newbies. They are a dime a dozen.  Novices have died in the outdoors for thousands of years.

   Well, it’s the newbie net.ers that I’m talking about, not newbies to the backcountry. Some of these newbies could have some valuable input if they’d stick around the group. The majority of posters don’t think that they are newbies (they are).

   When you *know it all*, you are dead. No more data processing. I have this image of a newbie wandering into traffic on the Information Superhighway, blindfolded. Better than a physical superhighway.    "Like a chicken playing a card game". ???

   Newbie net.ers cocking their heads and giving them cards a good smart look. Still, a chicken is a bird brain.    I think Sam got the visuals. Yeah, last time I played poker with a chicken, I lost all my feathers. Hey, I thought when she lowered her head and did that one eyed blink that she was bluffing, I swear! Need more chlorine in the gene pool.

   Ed Huesers    http://www.grandshelters.com

Response:

It’s the newbies I’m concerned about.

I’ll give you a piece of advice: don’t worry about the newbies. They are a dime a dozen.  Novices have died in the outdoors for thousands of years.  The majority of posters don’t think that they are newbies (they are). I have this image of a newbie wandering into traffic on the Information Superhighway, blindfolded.

Better than a physical superhighway.    "Like a chicken playing a card game".

??? Yeah, last time I played poker with a chicken, I lost all my feathers. Hey, I thought when she lowered her head and did that one eyed blink that she was bluffing, I swear!

Need more chlorine in the gene pool.

Response:

It’s the newbies I’m concerned about. I have this image of a newbie wandering into traffic on the Information Superhighway, blindfolded.

   "Like a chicken playing a card game".    Ed Huesers

Response:

It’s the newbies I’m concerned about. I have this image of a newbie wandering into traffic on the Information Superhighway, blindfolded.    "Like a chicken playing a card game".    Ed Huesers

Yeah, last time I played poker with a chicken, I lost all my feathers. Hey, I thought when she lowered her head and did that one eyed blink that she was bluffing, I swear! Sam

Response:

DsrtTravlr – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Valley, Sunnyside, Baker Reservoir, Gunlock, Kane Springs Wash, Rainbow Canyon, Beaver Dam State Park, Desert National Wildlife Refuge, Bird Springs Range, Monitor Valley, West Grand Canyon, Gold Strike Hot Springs, Gold Butte, Delmar Playas, Tikapoo Peak and Area 51, Sharktooth Hill, Christmas Tree Pass, Piute Springs, Cold Creek, Death Valley, Lovell Canyon, Hurricane Cliffs, Virgin Canyon, Tassi Ranch, Aquarius Plateau, Box Death Hollow Wilderness Area, Kaibab Plateau, Kolob Reservoir, River Mountain Trail, <snip, snip, snip. Need I go on?  You could go to a different place every weekend for five years and not hit the same place twice. Go to Mercury Blueprint at Sahara and Highland and get the $15 DOT Nevada State Book of Maps.  It will show you most secondary roads in Nevada.  Join an outdoors group, or hook up with some people who go out, or just get off the couch and go explore.  Nevada has the highest percentage of federal land in the continental US, and there are few fences. Of course, you might wait until the weather cools off.  And then do these things…… take plenty of water, some extra food, tools and repair items and enough warm gear.  Tell someone where you are going, and when you will be back. Leave a map with them.  Nevada has incredible search and rescue, and it is a simple matter if they know where you will be.  If something happens, just stay with your vehicle, and wait for help.  Almost everyone who has died in the desert has tried to walk out instead of staying with the car.  Learn about desert critters, plants, and flash floods….. one of which we had

yesterday. Steve, I sent a copy of this to my neice who is moving to LV.  Thanks, it’s a good long list and I especially wanted her (family) to read the extra precautionary notes you included.  Nobody understands the desert until they have lived it for awhile and finally when they think they do it will surprise them… Bill

Response:

  I use netscape which does have the capability but I choose to use my brain to filter.   It’s the newbies I’m concerned about.

I have this image of a newbie wandering into traffic on the Information Superhighway, blindfolded. Happy trails, Gary "In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on." -Robert Frost- Gary D. Schwartz, Needham, MA, USA Please reply to: garyDOTschwartzATpoboxDOTcom

Response:

Flood the group with ON-topic posts.

   Oh, I try. I even resort to jokes once in a while. Ignore the off topic stuff. Some posters are difficult because they also post useful things. Others can be entirely ignored.

   Ack. Think of this as incentive to get a newsreader with filtering.

   I use netscape which does have the capability but I choose to use my brain to filter.    It’s the newbies I’m concerned about.    Ed Huesers

Response:

You are kidding, right?  I grew up in Las Vegas, and there are a zillion places within the three to five hours you mention where you can go and not hardly see another human.   You say you are "told" that some places are overrun with tourists.  Don’t believe everything you are told.  While it is entirely true SOME TIMES IN THE YEAR, even those places have their seasons, and going there the other times of the year is very uncrowded.  There are many many places around here where one can go camping out in the boonies on BLM land and have peace and privacy.  Just look around.   Valley, Sunnyside, Baker Reservoir, Gunlock, Kane Springs Wash, Rainbow Canyon, Beaver Dam State Park, Desert National Wildlife Refuge, Bird Springs Range, Monitor Valley, West Grand Canyon, Gold Strike Hot Springs, Gold Butte, Delmar Playas, Tikapoo Peak and Area 51, Sharktooth Hill, Christmas Tree Pass, Piute Springs, Cold Creek, Death Valley, Lovell Canyon, Hurricane Cliffs, Virgin Canyon, Tassi Ranch, Aquarius Plateau, Box Death Hollow Wilderness Area, Kaibab Plateau, Kolob Reservoir, River Mountain Trail, <snip, snip, snip. Need I go on?  You could go to a different place every weekend for five years and not hit the same place twice. Go to Mercury Blueprint at Sahara and Highland and get the $15 DOT Nevada State Book of Maps.  It will show you most secondary roads in Nevada.  Join an outdoors group, or hook up with some people who go out, or just get off the couch and go explore.  Nevada has the highest percentage of federal land in the continental US, and there are few fences.   Of course, you might wait until the weather cools off.  And then do these things…… take plenty of water, some extra food, tools and repair items and enough warm gear.  Tell someone where you are going, and when you will be back. Leave a map with them.  Nevada has incredible search and rescue, and it is a simple matter if they know where you will be.  If something happens, just stay with your vehicle, and wait for help.  Almost everyone who has died in the desert has tried to walk out instead of staying with the car.  Learn about desert critters, plants, and flash floods….. one of which we had yesterday. You can e mail me if you need any particulars.  And anyone else who reads this.  The area around here is awesome, and most people don’t even know it is there. I like it like that. Steve Pat O’Connell writes: We just moved to the Las Vegas area, though we don’t have a "permanent" home just yet–still house hunting. Summer is obviously not a good time to be outdoors here, unless we head for Mt. Charleston. What else is within a short (say within 3 to 5 hours) drive of here that’s worth visiting and hiking in summer? Zion, Bryce Canyon, etc. are that close, but I’m told are overrun with tourists. — Pat O’Connell Take nothing but pictures, Leave nothing but footprints, Kill nothing but vandals…

               ~ Illegitimi Non Carborundum ~

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – then suddenly we have collectivist look-alikes invading from one side while the jackbooted sound-alikes push in from the opposite side.  There’s a movie locked up inside this scenario Dodo’s?   If you mean extinct, yes.   I can make an educated guess and say that the readership of the group is only 20% of what it was.   Ed Huesers Flood the group with ON-topic posts. Ignore the off topic stuff. Some posters are difficult because they also post useful things. Others can be entirely ignored. Think of this as incentive to get a newsreader with filtering.

Here’s the first shot: We just moved to the Las Vegas area, though we don’t have a "permanent" home just yet–still house hunting. Summer is obviously not a good time to be outdoors here, unless we head for Mt. Charleston. What else is within a short (say within 3 to 5 hours) drive of here that’s worth visiting and hiking in summer? Zion, Bryce Canyon, etc. are that close, but I’m told are overrun with tourists. — Pat O’Connell Take nothing but pictures, Leave nothing but footprints, Kill nothing but vandals…

Response:

: The newsgroup rec.outdoors.national-parks was the same way until quite : recently. The posts were at least 75% political in nature. After looking at the subject list of r.o.n-p again (first time I’ve read it for a while) it seems to be back to its old self  unfortunately. There should be an alt.politics.environment newsgroup we could banish these people to, if there’s not already.

The group is named talk.environment. It is useful to know the hierarchy. It could have been talk.politics.environment. That’s not the issue.  As I informed Moore who proposed sci.environnment s.e. should be moderated and as he admitted it was an "I told you so." Can’t banish people. Nothing wrong with politics. And there’s no reason you can’t send followups there if you know how.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – then suddenly we have collectivist look-alikes invading from one side while the jackbooted sound-alikes push in from the opposite side.  There’s a movie locked up inside this scenario    "Birds Of A Feather". Lee wrote Maybe more like Hitchcock’s "The Birds"…: ) Dodo’s?    If you mean extinct, yes.    I can make an educated guess and say that the readership of the group is only 20% of what it was.    Ed Huesers

Yeah, but Ed, we’re the dedicated 20%. Survive we will. Sam Benson

Response:

then suddenly we have collectivist look-alikes invading from one side while the jackbooted sound-alikes push in from the opposite side.  There’s a movie locked up inside this scenario Dodo’s?   If you mean extinct, yes.   I can make an educated guess and say that the readership of the group is only 20% of what it was.   Ed Huesers

Flood the group with ON-topic posts. Ignore the off topic stuff. Some posters are difficult because they also post useful things. Others can be entirely ignored. Think of this as incentive to get a newsreader with filtering. Happy trails, Gary "In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on." -Robert Frost- Gary D. Schwartz, Needham, MA, USA Please reply to: garyDOTschwartzATpoboxDOTcom

Response:

I can make an educated guess and say that the readership of the group is only 20% of what it was. I don’t know about number of readers but my reading is about 20% of what it was.

   Well, I’m basing it on our web page counter.    You guys, the core of the group, aren’t going to check our site because you’ve probably been there enough already. The lurkers are also likely to have the same situation.    It’s the newbies that’ll check it and some of them are the core group of tomorrow. All I see is just another swing of the pendulum.  It’s been both better and worse in the past.

   Yeah, I can try and believe in that but this pendulum arm must be a long one. I just wait until it passes.

   Well, it’s a long wait. I was waiting for the election to get over with all last summer. The thing about emotionally laden postings is that it’s hard to maintain righteous fervor over an extended period [with one notable exception] so they tend to flame for months then vanish.

   "Exception" noted and I have to chuckle as it seems that even he has backed off due to his posts getting lost in the pile.  It’s just as bad in other groups, right now others I’m reading are civil but that wasn’t the case last year.

   Well, I suppose it’s the fact that I used to participate in r.o.n-p. until about 2 years ago and the group was doing great. Then along they came and destroyed the group.    Now, after destroying the group, they’ve moved over here.    Ed Huesers

Response:

[snip]   If you mean extinct, yes.   I can make an educated guess and say that the readership of the group is only 20% of what it was.   Ed Huesers

I don’t know about number of readers but my reading is about 20% of what it was.  All I see is just another swing of the pendulum.  It’s been both better and worse in the past.  I just wait until it passes. The thing about emotionally laden postings is that it’s hard to maintain righteous fervor over an extended period [with one notable exception] so they tend to flame for months then vanish.   It’s just as bad in other groups, right now others I’m reading are civil but that wasn’t the case last year.

Response:

: The newsgroup rec.outdoors.national-parks was the same way until quite : recently. The posts were at least 75% political in nature. After looking at the subject list of r.o.n-p again (first time I’ve read it for a while) it seems to be back to its old self  unfortunately. There should be an alt.politics.environment newsgroup we could banish these people to, if there’s not already. Michael

Response:

: Yeah, and falling fast probably.  It really isn’t the same group it was. : Look at groups.google.com and see what the topics were back in the : 1990’s : : Only about half of the posts are related to the backcountry.  Now this : is an unmoderated group. ALL things are on topic. But whet drew me (and : I suspect most) others to this group was the work backcountry. I do not : subscribe to any political groups, because I’m not interested in : caricatured liberal and conservative attacking each other. The newsgroup rec.outdoors.national-parks was the same way until quite recently. The posts were at least 75% political in nature. Some of the group members got fed up and complained to the offending persons’ ISPs for violating the newsgroup charter and they were forced to stop posting there. I’ve heard that’s what happened anyway. Most of those posts were being cross-posted here, and many of the political posts here are from the same people that posted there. The concentration here has definitely increased since r.o.n-p was "clensed". Maybe we need a similar rebellion here? Michael — Michael Caver Photography http://photos.mcaver.com/

Response:

 I can make an educated guess and say that the readership of the group is only 20% of what it was.

Yeah, and falling fast probably.  It really isn’t the same group it was. Look at groups.google.com and see what the topics were back in the 1990’s As I wrote that I wondered myself. Here are the titles from a randomly selected day in Jult  1998: 06 Jul 1998    Where to buy white kerosene in the US?

Question:

I recommend Gary LaFontaine’s Fly Fishing the Mountain Lakes. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Most trout lakes have dragon- and damselflies in abundance so nymph imitations of those may possibly work, though warming water will get them more attention. Another possibility would be a callibaetis nymph.

Or streamers if there are some big ones in there. Baitfish and leeches. Very good suggestion on the damsels and dragons, they’re common and a substantial meal compared to a lot of other nymphs. And if someone recommends damsel nymphs or says they’re hot on the lake right now or starting to hatch or whatever, try to retrieve them toward shore because they migrate to shore and then hatch out of the water. Another tip: There’s no way to retrieve too slowly for most insect imitations in a lake. Another tip: If you fish chironomids, try them with a floating line and a very long leader to give a vertical presentation like the natural. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Deb & I are gearing up (literally) for the upcoming season and she really enjoyed fly fishing some of the local lakes.  The reason she enjoyed it so much was that she could really practice her casting, move away from people, and I did all the rowing. What I know about fly fishing lakes would rattle in a thimble.  I purchased a few books on fly fishing lakes and we have been tying up chronomids like crazy. Any you Roffian pros have any pointers for the lake fishing novices?  We hear, thru the local fly shop, that fly fishing has been pretty good at some of the lower elevation (read not frozen) lakes.  What would the trout be likely to be hitting this time of winter?  The fly shop owner thought Wolly Buggers fished on the bottom and slow might do the trick…any others? —– Padishar Creel Going through life in a constant state of confusion.

Response:

In May, I want to try for Ounaniche, using streamers (probably Magog Smelt) at Lac Tremblant. It is my understanding that these fish are deep and my question is this. If I use a Hardy Silex and a Spey-type rod with the streamer on a short 3 – 4ft leader, do I need to add weight to the streamer or weight the tip of the line in order to keep it down? I’m not sure what will happen here as I’ve never trolled a fly in deep water before. Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – To help you out a little regarding lake fishing, often your success is best under water.  Lakes that have Cutthroat can offer up some interesting dry fly fishing on occasion.  A miller moth or proper dry fly on the surface can be exciting but fishing them a little different and with more patience can produce heart stopping strikes.  Try letting your fly just sit after it lands upon the water.  The little ‘ring’ is an attraction as it is.  Let it set for fifteen seconds before you twitch the fly or surface film nymph just an inch.  Wait five seconds and do it again. Having full sinking shooting heads and sink tips are a must.  Your leader lengths should be kept short.  Eighteen inches of butt, taper, and tippet each is all you need because you want your streamers to not lag or sag or carry long curves of action under water because they are so far removed from the main line.  A particularly wonderful but simple lake fly on 2X hooks of medium size consists of a small sprig of Marlboro Red hackle tips about a quarter inch long, a peacock herl body with grizzly hackle at the head, pulled back a bit over the body is deadly.  Cast her out and let it sink and then when you’re at the depth you want, use short three inch strips.  This simple fly is a must for those who fish lakes and ponds from tubes. Leach patterns on size 8 – 4 long shank hooks often get instant attention.  Black with Olive Green palmered hackle bodies along with a green marabou tail and variations thereof are an arsenal must.  These are especially deadly on bass.  (Big Bass) Use Chenille for your bodies.  Black bodies, black marabou overwing, olive tail but keep it short and palmered green grizzly hackle bodies can vary by changing to black and brown, believe it or not, etc.  Leach patterns pump and breath and work well in large rivers.  I think often the darker patterns are taken for muddlers at times because these streamers seem to catch bigger fish.  Use a sink product to get these fluffy babies down and working. — (C) George Gehrke 2001 http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html     fine bamboo flyrods & blanks

Response:

For trolling flies deeply , a sinking line is required. Depth is controlled by the trolling speed, and the length of line out. Rod and reel are immaterial. For deep trolling ,one  may also use a downrigger, with a normal fly-rod, although fly-line is then basically superfluous, and you might just as well use a normal spinning rod and reel.  This is often very successful. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In May, I want to try for Ounaniche, using streamers (probably Magog Smelt) at Lac Tremblant. It is my understanding that these fish are deep and my question is this. If I use a Hardy Silex and a Spey-type rod with the streamer on a short 3 – 4ft leader, do I need to add weight to the streamer or weight the tip of the line in order to keep it down? I’m not sure what will happen here as I’ve never trolled a fly in deep water before. Any advice appreciated. Thanks.

Response:

Sometimes it helps to know what fish species are in there. I know lakes where there are trout but no bass. Pike but no trout. And so on. It depends on who eats who in the food chain. In a lake with no trout but lots of smallmouth bass for example, there were crayfish remains among the shoreline rocks, so I’d use a crayfish lookalike fly and flip it near the shoreline. Not to say you couldn’t use something else but, what the heck…If you know they like hot dogs, give ‘em hot dogs! I like to fish a lake several times to get to know it. The more the better. Sometimes it takes a couple of years and a lot of listening to the local liars club but don’t necessarily believe them. Some of them wear leech patterns as decoys on their hats but their fly box is full of muddlers.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Deb & I are gearing up (literally) for the upcoming season and she really enjoyed fly fishing some of the local lakes.  The reason she enjoyed it so much was that she could really practice her casting, move away from people, and I did all the rowing. What I know about fly fishing lakes would rattle in a thimble.  I purchased a few books on fly fishing lakes and we have been tying up chronomids like crazy. Any you Roffian pros have any pointers for the lake fishing novices?  We hear, thru the local fly shop, that fly fishing has been pretty good at some of the lower elevation (read not frozen) lakes.  What would the trout be likely to be hitting this time of winter?  The fly shop owner thought Wolly Buggers fished on the bottom and slow might do the trick…any others? —– Padishar Creel Going through life in a constant state of confusion.

Response:

Deb & I are gearing up (literally) for the upcoming season and she really enjoyed fly fishing some of the local lakes.  The reason she enjoyed it so much was that she could really practice her casting, move away from people, and I did all the rowing. What I know about fly fishing lakes would rattle in a thimble.  I purchased a few books on fly fishing lakes and we have been tying up chronomids like crazy. Any you Roffian pros have any pointers for the lake fishing novices?  We hear, thru the local fly shop, that fly fishing has been pretty good at some of the lower elevation (read not frozen) lakes.  What would the trout be likely to be hitting this time of winter?  The fly shop owner thought Wolly Buggers fished on the bottom and slow might do the trick…any others? —– Padishar Creel Going through life in a constant state of confusion.

Response:

Hi Chris, I would suggest you read and digest this site, most especially the articles by Brian Chan. http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/angling/stillwater/index.phtml My own series of articles on chironomids is not finished, although I have been working on them for quite some time, and I will probably not bother with them now anyway, as he says it better. He also covers more techniques, and better than I could. Woolly buggers, and similar things will often work, but careful imitation and tactics will invariably prove more satisfying, and often more successful. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

Most trout lakes have dragon- and damselflies in abundance so nymph imitations of those may possibly work, though warming water will get them more attention. Another possibility would be a callibaetis nymph.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Deb & I are gearing up (literally) for the upcoming season and she really enjoyed fly fishing some of the local lakes.  The reason she enjoyed it so much was that she could really practice her casting, move away from people, and I did all the rowing. What I know about fly fishing lakes would rattle in a thimble.  I purchased a few books on fly fishing lakes and we have been tying up chronomids like crazy. Any you Roffian pros have any pointers for the lake fishing novices?  We hear, thru the local fly shop, that fly fishing has been pretty good at some of the lower elevation (read not frozen) lakes.  What would the trout be likely to be hitting this time of winter?  The fly shop owner thought Wolly Buggers fished on the bottom and slow might do the trick…any others? —– Padishar Creel Going through life in a constant state of confusion.

Response:

To help you out a little regarding lake fishing, often your success is best under water.  Lakes that have Cutthroat can offer up some interesting dry fly fishing on occasion.  A miller moth or proper dry fly on the surface can be exciting but fishing them a little different and with more patience can produce heart stopping strikes.  Try letting your fly just sit after it lands upon the water.  The little ‘ring’ is an attraction as it is.  Let it set for fifteen seconds before you twitch the fly or surface film nymph just an inch.  Wait five seconds and do it again. Having full sinking shooting heads and sink tips are a must.  Your leader lengths should be kept short.  Eighteen inches of butt, taper, and tippet each is all you need because you want your streamers to not lag or sag or carry long curves of action under water because they are so far removed from the main line.  A particularly wonderful but simple lake fly on 2X hooks of medium size consists of a small sprig of Marlboro Red hackle tips about a quarter inch long, a peacock herl body with grizzly hackle at the head, pulled back a bit over the body is deadly.  Cast her out and let it sink and then when you’re at the depth you want, use short three inch strips.  This simple fly is a must for those who fish lakes and ponds from tubes. Leach patterns on size 8 – 4 long shank hooks often get instant attention.  Black with Olive Green palmered hackle bodies along with a green marabou tail and variations thereof are an arsenal must.  These are especially deadly on bass.  (Big Bass) Use Chenille for your bodies.  Black bodies, black marabou overwing, olive tail but keep it short and palmered green grizzly hackle bodies can vary by changing to black and brown, believe it or not, etc.  Leach patterns pump and breath and work well in large rivers.  I think often the darker patterns are taken for muddlers at times because these streamers seem to catch bigger fish.  Use a sink product to get these fluffy babies down and working. — (C) George Gehrke 2001 http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html     fine bamboo flyrods & blanks

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Question:

This group makes me think about where things are going in our sport. I like to pick out trends I see, fantasize about them and follow them to their extreme conclusions.  Below is one of the perverted, but maybe not too far fetched, scenarios I came up with. Jim and Bob arrived at the Neiman Marcus Orvis shop and met up with Rod, their guide for the day.  They were looking forward for a chance to get away from it all and rip some lips on the famous Turquoise river. A short ride took them to the base of the massive dam. While they were waiting for the Ranger directing traffic to give them the OK to launch, Rod started checking out their equipment. It was the latest and still showroom fresh. "I’m going to replace that 20X tippet you have on for some 15X. 20X is good enough for the little 10 or 15 pounders but when we get into some good fish you’ll be glad you have the 15X," He said. "What’s the new, hot fly?" Jim asked. "Rod’s Killer Krill (patent pending)," Rod replied, "Since they engineered the krill to live in fresh water and stocked the reservoir with them, that’s all the hogs will eat. They won’t even open their mouths for any of the insects that fishermen used to imitate. The fly is tied with Natural Scent Dubbing, so it smells and tastes just like krill, as well as looks like it. It’s the only fly you’ll need." The Ranger signaled to them that their turn had come and they quickly launched their boat and proceeded down stream. Rod skillfully maneuvered the craft to maintain the mandated 20′ between them and other boats. After a short drift, they arrived at the first hole and Rod switched to auto pilot to maintain distance and keep their place in line. He then started his instruction, "These fish are something special. By combining DNA from extinct species, they engineered a Super Trout that fights like an Atlantic Salmon, grows huge like a King and has the beauty of a Greenback Trout. They’re sterile, so all they think about is food and with the dam regulated temperatures and flows, all they do is eat all day, everyday." "They line up all across the bottom, gobbling up every krill that passes. All you need to do is cast up stream and with your Indi-glasses you’ll be able to follow the electro-indicator in your fly as it drifts along the bottom.  When your fly disappears, set the hook because it’s been eaten." The guys started casting.  Jim had fished a little when he was a kid and was having some trouble because he kept fighting the rod by trying to cast on his own. Rod said, "Just let the rod and reel do their job, quit fighting them. Throw a short length of line behind you, hold the rod straight up and let its molecular memory do the rest.  The reel will keep feeding out line and when your cast is far enough, drop the rod tip." The advice helped Jim and after his third decent cast, he got the first hook up. Rod cheered him on, praising Jim’s skill while knowing full well that with the 100 lb. test 15X tippet and the "smart" rod, Jim could land a truck. Fishing was great, as usual, and either Jim or Bob had on a fish every 20 or so casts. They made slow, steady progress down stream, filling in the spot vacated by the boat just below them. After releasing another 30 pounder, Rod reminded them, "This is a restricted take, Trophy river. The first fish caught under 4 pounds must be kept and the fishing for that angler stopped for the day." Rod knew that the state only stocked "Super" trout over 4 pounds in the upper river but in "Keeper Hole", just above the take out, they stocked plenty of old fashion stockers. This was a perfect arrangement for the outfitters, their clients could C&R hogs for a couple of hours, then catch their dinner just before take out. Things, as usual, went according to plan. Jim and Bob caught lots of fish that Rod recorded on Stereo Tape before releasing them. Jim and Bob each caught their dinner and Rod got his tip. That evening while eating their trout dinner and drinking their favorite tiny-mini-micro brew, Trout Sweat, Jim turned to Bob and said, "You know, it just doesn’t get any better than this." Willi

Response:

Willi Thats not a fantasy; its a nightmare. But you do have the writer’s touch. How about another scenario;  one where Jim and Bob remember how the fisheries Dr. Frankensteins had been making great progress on the supertrout, and Bob and Jim had even caught a few in the experimental river, but the whole technology had been lost when some crazed old coot from an island somewhere near Seattle had burned their lab to the ground, hunted down every last one of the technologists, but finally succumbed to the authorities screaming something about deconstructing the meniscus. Dave

Response:

Actually, the guys at Macrohard are working on a virtual reality fly fishing kit. You can plug it in any time,any where. Choose the type of fishing you want (small stream, lake, saltwater, etc.), level of difficulty, wind direction/speed, if the fish are easy or hard to land, etc. The game comes with a virtual fly rod that you wave around…if you present the fly well and you tie your virtual fly onto your virtual tippet ok, the virtual fish will take. What a kick. Also, you can choose if you want Cindy Crawford as your guide. If you choose Cindy, she gives you a kiss everytime you land a fish. You get the sensation of the fish fighting through the virtual rod. Sorry, I couldn’t resist. Bob E., Rochester, NY

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What is ya? Ignernt?

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Question:

Group, My wife has finally, I think, gotten tired of me planning our family camping vacations around a fly fishing destination (last year it was Manzanita Lake and Hat Creek, not to mention our obligatory trips to the Owens Valley/Mammoth area). She  has planned a trip to Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon area. Other than Lees Ferry, can someone offer suggestions on where to fish. I’m inclined to seek out small creeks and quiet lakes as opposed to some nationally recognized mecca. We’ll be there the first week of August. Any suggestions would be most welcome. I haven’t been through this area since I was about 8, so I’m looking forward to showing it to my kids…but I would like to fish even just a wee bit. Campground suggestions would be great too. Roger

Response:

We just got back last week from a trip to the same area.  We didn’t stay in the park when we went to Bryce, but at a campground in the national forest about 25 minutes drive to the park entrance.  The campground was at Tropic resevoir, 7 miles up a dirt road off the highway.  I didn’t take any fishing equipment with me but there were a lot people there fishing and the sight of many trout rising in the late evening (inlet side of the lake and the inlet creek) did make me wish I had my fly rod. We camped on the North Rim of the Grand, the campground was nice but reservations are required.  I didn’t see anywhere to fish near here.  At Zion we also camped in the park, reservations recomended.  The campground is on the Virgin river.  I didn’t see any fish rising or anyone fishing so I am afraid I dont’ know.  I would mention the temperatures while we were there June 6 – June 15.  Bryce (alt. < 8000 feet at Tropic res.); highs were mid 60’s, lows mid 30s (it snowed on the 5th).  Grand Canyon (alt 7800) highs mid 70, lows upper 40s.  Zion (alt 4000) high 103, low upper 60’s.  I think a warm front moved in between the Grand the Zion, but August should be warmer. Joe

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Group, << snip She  has planned a trip to Bryce, Zion, Grand Canyon area. Other than Lees Ferry, can someone offer suggestions on where to fish. I’m inclined to seek out small creeks and quiet lakes as opposed to some nationally recognized mecca. << snip Campground suggestions would be great too. Roger

Response:

Joe, I’m starting to think I may not bring the gear at all, since it looks like we won’t get down to Lee’s Ferry. This looks like it’s shaping up to be a "family" trip with few opportunities for fishing. How was the campground at Tropic Reservoir? I’m looking for an alternative to overcrowed NP campgrounds in the park, and those private monstrosities that feature swimming pools, arcades, snack shops etc. The kids are voting for the latter, but that ain’t camping to me. Problem is the wife insists on Showers. Which campground did you use in Zion? Thanks for your help Roger – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We just got back last week from a trip to the same area.  We didn’t stay in the park when we went to Bryce, but at a campground in the national forest about 25 minutes drive to the park entrance.  The campground was at Tropic resevoir, 7 miles up a dirt road off the highway.  I didn’t take any fishing equipment with me but there were a lot people there fishing and the sight of many trout rising in the late evening (inlet side of the lake and the inlet creek) did make me wish I had my fly rod. We camped on the North Rim of the Grand, the campground was nice but reservations are required.  I didn’t see anywhere to fish near here.  At Zion we also camped in the park, reservations recomended.  The campground is on the Virgin river.  I didn’t see any fish rising or anyone fishing so I am afraid I dont’ know.  I would mention the temperatures while we were there June 6 – June 15.  Bryce (alt. < 8000 feet at Tropic res.); highs were mid 60’s, lows mid 30s (it snowed on the 5th).  Grand Canyon (alt 7800) highs mid 70, lows upper 40s.  Zion (alt 4000) high 103, low upper 60’s.  I think a warm front moved in between the Grand the Zion, but August should be warmer. Joe

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Question:

John: having lots of trouble sending mail to you hope this worked. John: Hey great!!!  That’s what I need. Unfortunately I’m not familiar with the magazine and finding it at the library might not be successful.  Not much saltwater flyfishing here in Wisconsin.  If it’s not to much trouble, I would appreciate the electronic version mailed to me.  I should be able to read the scanned items with out any trouble. Al Hi Al: As I am a teacher I understand exactly what you are saying.  The is exactly the information you want in the June/July issue of Salt Water Flyfishing which can be acquired at places like Academy Sporting Goods.  The article is entitled the $400 Fishing Machine Conversion. The article can be found on Page 10. The boat transformed is a OMC Lowe Roughneck model 1648VT – a 16 foot boat.  The $400 figure refers to the cost of materials used, not the boat.  I am thinking of doing this myself.  If you can’t find the magazine, I will be happy to scan it for you and e-mail it if you are set up to read picture files such as jpegs or gifs.  You can open these with your web browser.  I will also be happy to mail you a photocopy of the article if you will supply your mailing address. Sincerely, John J. McGeough – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As a family man of moderate earnings and a desire for boating and fishing.  Purchasing a factory fishing rig is financially out of the question at this time.  Until the day comes where I’m able to purchase such a boat I need to look at other alternatives.  I would like to know if anyone knows of some recent articles or books on how to transform an older 14* or 16* aluminum boat in to a real fishing rig by adding floors, storage compartments, painting, installing carpet, proper materials to use etc. etc.  I see many of these so called *fixed up* boats in the used boat lots but often times the fix up job was done rather poorly and with the wrong materials.  If such an articles or other sources exists, I would be interested in knowing about it. Please E-mail me directly Thanks! Al Checkalski

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – that link is dead, Harry.  misspelling? frank As a family man of moderate earnings and a desire for boating and fishing.  Purchasing a factory fishing rig is financially out of the <snip Florida Sportsman magazine had a feature recently on such a conversion. Dunno if the story made its web page: www.flsportman.com If not, call them at 305 661 4222 This is the BEST fishing magazine in the United States, bar none. — Harry Krause EMAIL from newsgroup? Remove -nospam from return address – - – - – - – - – - "What I object to is you automatically treat me like an inferior!" –MP

– i screwed it up. Should be  www.flsportsman.com But even the right one was not working an hour ago. Harry Krause EMAIL from newsgroup? Remove -nospam from return address – - – - – - – - – - "HLLOWORL.CPP": 17 Errors, 31 Warnings….

Response:

Hi Al: As I am a teacher I understand exactly what you are saying.  The is exactly the information you want in the June/July issue of Salt Water Flyfishing which can be acquired at places like Academy Sporting Goods.  The article is entitled the $400 Fishing Machine Conversion. The article can be found on Page 10. The boat transformed is a OMC Lowe Roughneck model 1648VT – a 16 foot boat.  The $400 figure refers to the cost of materials used, not the boat.  I am thinking of doing this myself.  If you can’t find the magazine, I will be happy to scan it for you and e-mail it if you are set up to read picture files such as jpegs or gifs.  You can open these with your web browser.  I will also be happy to mail you a photocopy of the article if you will supply your mailing address.   Sincerely, John J. McGeough – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As a family man of moderate earnings and a desire for boating and fishing.  Purchasing a factory fishing rig is financially out of the question at this time.  Until the day comes where I’m able to purchase such a boat I need to look at other alternatives.  I would like to know if anyone knows of some recent articles or books on how to transform an older 14

Question:

Thumbing through a Japanese fly-fishing magazine recently, I noticed ads for waist-high waders- about 5 or 6 brands. The only one I’ve seen in the States is in the L.L. Bean catalog- and at a chest-high price. Anyone know of another source for non-neoprene waist waders? Thanks!

Response:

Check Cabelas out. They have a couple different waist-high waders. I do believe they are cheaper than the chest waders. www.cabelas.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thumbing through a Japanese fly-fishing magazine recently, I noticed ads for waist-high waders- about 5 or 6 brands. The only one I’ve seen in the States is in the L.L. Bean catalog- and at a chest-high price. Anyone know of another source for non-neoprene waist waders? Thanks!

Response:

Cabela’s has waist high waders neoprene for about 60 bucks was just looking at the online catalogue hope this helps will order a pair for myself in the next while Pierre – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thumbing through a Japanese fly-fishing magazine recently, I noticed ads for waist-high waders- about 5 or 6 brands. The only one I’ve seen in the States is in the L.L. Bean catalog- and at a chest-high price. Anyone know of another source for non-neoprene waist waders? Thanks!

Response:

I have a pair of Streamline waist-high stockingfoot waders that I bought about 6 years ago at a fly shop. They’ve been pretty good. The thing I liked (and still do) about the Streamlines is a collar inside them you can pull up around your chest when the water gets deeper than waist-deep (or when you’re tubing). I had misgivings at first about whether it would stay up, but hasn’t been a problem. They’re much cooler in summer and a lot easier to get down for those inevitable "pit stops" on the bank. I’d say go for it! Lance Hankins

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thumbing through a Japanese fly-fishing magazine recently, I noticed ads for waist-high waders- about 5 or 6 brands. The only one I’ve seen in the States is in the L.L. Bean catalog- and at a chest-high price. Anyone know of another source for non-neoprene waist waders? Thanks!

Response:

Try "Hook and Hackle" in Plattsburgh, NY, near the Canadian border. They have a web site under this name. I bought some very good stuff from them at a very reasonable price. Peter Diemand Montreal, Que. Canada – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thumbing through a Japanese fly-fishing magazine recently, I noticed ads for waist-high waders- about 5 or 6 brands. The only one I’ve seen in the States is in the L.L. Bean catalog- and at a chest-high price. Anyone know of another source for non-neoprene waist waders? Thanks!

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Question:

This is true.  Bass are funny like that.  My youngest son and I were out on a lake one morning when It was drizzling rain.  We couldn’t keep fish off our baits.  I even had one hit a plug floating on the surface while I was trying to unhook Brian’s fish.  We caught 21 that morning.  Best day ever for bass. -Burton

Did YOU read the subject line before posting? MikeH

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: The absolute worst time to fish is when a low pressure front is passing : through.  Changes in the barometric pressure affect all kinds of fish.  Their : balance system gets screwed up and they like to hold tight to cover and not : move.  Bass seem to bite better on cloudy days, but I’ve had no problems Sometimes it depends on intensity. One of the most memorable days I’ve had fishing came fishing for bass in Ohio. I was by myself in my 12′ canoe, and the morning was slow, but started to pick up. Then a front began closing in — the biggest, darkest, most defined storm front I’ve ever seen. I half expected a tornado to spawn, and had I been farther in the midwest it probably would have been certain. But the 1.5 hours before I got drenched was incredible. The bass were slamming my buzzbait so hard…not a single short strike…and they’d come leaping out 2, 3 times. It was great. In the end, I had "only" 7 hookups — but this was a C+K public lake (not even slot limits), and normally I’d have to work hard to catch one keeper sized bass all morning. But I remember each one, and I wouldn’t want to have caught any more. Since then, I’ve never been fortunate enough to be out fishing when a front like that has passed through. But I’m waiting. JonCook.

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Then a front began closing in — the biggest, darkest, most defined storm front I’ve ever seen. I half expected a tornado to spawn, and had I been farther in the midwest it probably would have been certain. But the 1.5 hours before I got drenched was incredible. The bass were slamming my buzzbait so hard…not a single short strike…and they’d

This is true.  Bass are funny like that.  My youngest son and I were out on a lake one morning when It was drizzling rain.  We couldn’t keep fish off our baits.  I even had one hit a plug floating on the surface while I was trying to unhook Brian’s fish.  We caught 21 that morning.  Best day ever for bass. -Burton — L. Burton Hawley         2330 NW Hummingbird Corvallis, OR

Response:

The absolute worst time to fish is when a low pressure front is passing through. snip… Well here in Minnesota, the walleye fishermen jump up and down when a low pressure system is passing through.  Lots of wind and clouds make for a good walleye Also see my post to Fishing for Quality.  I had my best day last year during a rain storm if that means anything. Anyway, for me a good day fishing beats most anything. Mike HDid you read the subject line before making this post?

-Burton — L. Burton Hawley           2330 NW Hummingbird Corvallis, OR

Response:

The absolute worst time to fish is when a low pressure front is passing through. snip…

Well here in Minnesota, the walleye fishermen jump up and down when a low pressure system is passing through.  Lots of wind and clouds make for a good walleye bite.  Also, as a muskie fishermen I would fish in a hurricane if we had ‘em.  Instead I’d fish in snow storms in November and have the best muskie fishing of the year. Also see my post to Fishing for Quality.  I had my best day last year during a rain storm if that means anything. Anyway, for me a good day fishing beats most anything. Mike H

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A little ryme I heard a long time ago goes:    Wind from the East, fishing is least.    Wind from the West, fishing is best.    Wind from the North, don’t salley forth. Don’t remember if there was one about the South!

But when the wind is from the South, It blows the fly to the fish’s mouth. A northeast wind is bad news around here. Woods Hole, MA   USA

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – the whole river seems dead. Are there any known environmental effects on trout feeding?  What conditions should one try to seek or avoid. The only advice I’ve heard is that cloudy days are better than sunny days. The absolute worst time to fish is when a low pressure front is passing through.  Changes in the barometric pressure affect all kinds of fish.  Their balance system gets screwed up and they like to hold tight to cover and not move.  Bass seem to bite better on cloudy days, but I’ve had no problems catching trout in all kinds of weather in a variety of temps.  I have also had trouble catching fish on very windy days (although that might have been a low pressure front moving now that I think about it). A little ryme I heard a long time ago goes:         Wind from the East, fishing is least.         Wind from the West, fishing is best.         Wind from the North, don’t salley forth. Don’t remember if there was one about the South! Tight Lines, -Burton

Wind or naught, don’t sit there and rot. — TimW Halfordian Golfer

Response:

the whole river seems dead. Are there any known environmental effects on trout feeding?  What conditions should one try to seek or avoid. The only advice I’ve heard is that cloudy days are better than sunny days.

The absolute worst time to fish is when a low pressure front is passing through.  Changes in the barometric pressure affect all kinds of fish.  Their balance system gets screwed up and they like to hold tight to cover and not move.  Bass seem to bite better on cloudy days, but I’ve had no problems catching trout in all kinds of weather in a variety of temps.  I have also had trouble catching fish on very windy days (although that might have been a low pressure front moving now that I think about it). A little ryme I heard a long time ago goes:         Wind from the East, fishing is least.         Wind from the West, fishing is best.         Wind from the North, don’t salley forth. Don’t remember if there was one about the South! Tight Lines, -Burton — L. Burton Hawley           2330 NW Hummingbird Corvallis, OR          "Those children that you spit on           as they try to change their worlds,           are immune to your consultations,           and quite aware of what they are going through."      "Changes"      David Bowie

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Question:

I’m hoping someone out there can help me convert a Medalist 1494 over to work for a left-handed person. I was lead to believe it possible. The reel didn’t come with any instructions. Do I just flip over the plastic ring that the drag rubs against? The two sides have a different # of click grooves on each side but this does seem to be the only way to reverse the drag. Do I also move the line guides? If anyone was a telephone # for Pflueger/Shakespeare please post. Thanks Don B.

Response:

I’m hoping someone out there can help me convert a Medalist 1494 over to work for a left-handed person. I was lead to believe it possible. The reel didn’t come with any instructions. Do I just flip over the plastic ring that the drag rubs against? The two sides have a different # of click grooves on each side but this does seem to be the only way to reverse the drag. Do I also move the line guides? If anyone was a telephone # for Pflueger/Shakespeare please post. Thanks Don B.

Yup, just flip that litle plastic ring over and you’re in business. You can also reverse the line guide, but to me it’s a pain in the butt so I usually don’t bother (there’s always ONE little screw that won’t budge )

Response:

Yes, just take out the two small screws (don’t lose them!), and turn over the disc.  There is a spring loaded gizzy that will pop out when you remove the disc.  So, lift it slowly.  Turn the disc over, postion over the screw holes, and tighten.  Changing the line guard is difficult, but I believe it is necessary.  The guard is there for a purpose, to protect the main body of the reel, and it really doesn’t take too long.  Good luck.  Dave Kumlien, Montana Troutfitters Orvis Shop, Bozeman, MT

Response:

I had tried and failed to convert my reel so I did the only reasonable thing, I went to the local fly shop and and asked for help.  I’ve been fly fishing for only one year, but I have found that the fellows who run fly shops are extremely helpful.  Of course, you will want to return the favor, especially if it was free, and buy a few flies — even if you don’t need any! Bob Jones

Response:

(Spin4trout) says: I’m hoping someone out there can help me convert a Medalist 1494 over to work for a left-handed person. I was lead to believe it possible. The reel didn’t come with any instructions.

Has there been a change in the way Mealists are fabricated?  I thought that the always came for left-handed people.  I have always changed to right hand operation.  That is, I hold the rod in my right hand for casting, line in my left hand, and when it comes to actually winding it in, doing so with my left hand.  I do not switch hands between casting and winding. Way back when, Neal Taylor mentioned that, by happenstance, the first two reel makers were left handed and that is why actual left-handed reels are called right-handed. Further edification will be appreciated.

Response:

(BillyFish) writes: Has there been a change in the way Mealists are fabricated?  I thought that the always came for left-handed people.  I have always changed to right hand operation.  That is, I hold the rod in my right hand for casting, line in my left hand, and when it comes to actually winding it in, doing so with my left hand.  I do not switch hands between casting and winding.

Right hand wind means you turn the handle with your right hand.  Left hand retrieve means you retrieve with your left hand.  The traditional way for a right hander to fish was to cast with the right hand, then switch the rod to the left hand and retrieve with the right hand also.  Now most right handers retrieve with their left hand probably because they either spincast first.  It doesn’t really matter, just different strokes for different folks.                                                              Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (BillyFish) writes: Has there been a change in the way Mealists are fabricated?  I thought that the always came for left-handed people.  I have always changed to right hand operation.  That is, I hold the rod in my right hand for casting, line in my left hand, and when it comes to actually winding it in, doing so with my left hand.  I do not switch hands between casting and winding. Right hand wind means you turn the handle with your right hand.  Left hand retrieve means you retrieve with your left hand.  The traditional way for a right hander to fish was to cast with the right hand, then switch the rod to the left hand and retrieve with the right hand also.  Now most right handers retrieve with their left hand probably because they either spincast first.  It doesn’t really matter, just different strokes for different folks.                                                             Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools

Thanks for the help from everyone. I should have said I had a USED reel that needed to be un-converted. Like Dan said above I got started with spinning and I don’t switch hands. Just lucky to be left-handed and glad you righties flip-flop hands. I now have the reel back to "normal". I still wonder why they made the two sides with different hole patterns?   Oh, well. Life’s full of questions. Is there left-handed whirling disease? Or do all the fish swin circles in the same direction? <G PLEASE no responses to that one. Don B.

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(Spin4trout) writes: I now have the reel back to "normal". I still wonder why they made the two sides with different hole patterns?  

Hey Don, The hole patterns are different because Pflueger never originally expected the reel to be converted to left hand retrieve.  Left hand retrieve works ok on the converted reel, but the click sounds funny. The Japanese are manufacturing the Pflueger now and it’s one of the few things they don’t do well.  Still works, but the old US models work better, albeit without an exposed rim.                                                    Dan

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Question:

Kirby, Grab your 4-5wt rod and head an hour south of SLC to Provo. Go up Provo Canyon and Fish anywhere between the city and Deer Creek Reservoir. You won’t be alone as this river is fished pretty heavily. But, "Love em and Leave em" is as highly regarded as the dominant religion is in Utah. The last two trips up the canyon have paid off for me. I have been using simple wooly boogers and other balack or brown nymph patterns. Pheasant tails have been particularly good to me. Use very light leaders as these fish all have PHD’s in entemology. You have to be stealthier than normal on this river but the fishing is great. 3-4 pound brown’s are not uncommon on this river. Good fishing, if you have any more questions drop me a line. RL

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My wife is working in Salt Lake City Utah for the next month.  I plan to visit her on the weekends and being from Austin Texas we see an opportunity to get in some fall fly fishing.  I would like tips on streams, access points, and fly patterns to generate a memorable fall fishing adventure near the great salt lakes.  

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