Loomis GL-3 anygood? | Fly Fishing | Fly Fishing Fisherman Wiki

Question:

Get Delorme’s ‘Topo 4′ or any of the other topographical software packages. They contain a majority of the roads and trails that exist in the U.S. and armed with a GPS receiver and a laptop computer you could more than likely cross the entire country with a minimum of pavement. Someone with savy map and compass skills could pre-select the route and go it on paper, although the lap top and GPS allow you to deviate when you want, or when necessary, as the real time conditions and choices come upon you. Bob Walker

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a dream. It is a nice dream. In this dream there is an interstate network of 4×4 trails . Imagine being able to drive from Charlotte NC to Charleston WV and have it take 2 weeks to get there. Imagine finding trails everywhere you go. Some among you say "That would be too expensive. " or " Who’s house are you going to bulldoze for your hobby?"

Response:

I have a dream. It is a nice dream. In this dream there is an interstate network of 4×4 trails . Imagine being able to drive from Charlotte NC to Charleston WV and have it take 2 weeks to get there. Imagine finding trails everywhere you go. Some among you say "That would be too expensive. " or " Who’s house are you going to bulldoze for your hobby?" My answer is: It would be very cheap. And no one’s house would have to torn down. We have this network of high voltage power transmission lines. It criss-crosses the entire nation. There are almost no houses built under these power lines. Most people don’t want to live near them. Here is how we pay for it. Tax breaks for power companies. Every power company has at least one bulldozer. Those same companies have the right-of-way for the land under their lines. The places that have no roads would be bulldozed one time and then left to deteriorate. Just so the power companies would not have to face any liablility (and also so they can maybe make a buck or 2 in the process) there could be permits issued by the CO for a small fee. Anyone who leaves trash would have their permits revoked and given the proper fine for littering. Think of the backwater places that will get money from the four wheel drives going by. Think of the fun that could be had. Sure there are places that no truck will be able to cross. There could be access trails to and from those areas to the main road. Wouldn’t it be grand? Everyone get together and bug your representative about this. Let’s get that interstate trail system. Nature lovers UNITE!

Response:

I have a dream. It is a nice dream. In this dream there is an interstate network of 4×4 trails . Imagine being able to drive from Charlotte NC to Charleston WV and have it take 2 weeks to get there. I

Of course that cheap beer you’ve been drinking is bad for you. If you’d wake up you’d discover that there are already many miles of off roading, some interstate, in the eastern US. Try Tellico in eastern TN, over the mountains to NC. In southern KY a network, some requiring very minor on road excursions, can take you into TN. In the west, all you need to do is look. Try the UT/CO border for some very good examples. The idea of Government allowing unlimited access in this age of terrorism won’t fly. Be happy with what we’ve got. Dick Burg

Response:

Most power lines are on private property, built using right-of-ways. Though the power company can enter the land to maintain their lines, etc., the land is still private, and subject to the owner’s restrictions. You’d have to negoiate with every land owner (and there would be many) to make this work. Good try, though! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have a dream. It is a nice dream. In this dream there is an interstate network of 4×4 trails . Imagine being able to drive from Charlotte NC to Charleston WV and have it take 2 weeks to get there. Imagine finding trails everywhere you go. Some among you say "That would be too expensive. " or " Who’s house are you going to bulldoze for your hobby?" My answer is: It would be very cheap. And no one’s house would have to torn down. We have this network of high voltage power transmission lines. It criss-crosses the entire nation. There are almost no houses built under these power lines. Most people don’t want to live near them. Here is how we pay for it. Tax breaks for power companies. Every power company has at least one bulldozer. Those same companies have the right-of-way for the land under their lines. The places that have no roads would be bulldozed one time and then left to deteriorate. Just so the power companies would not have to face any liablility (and also so they can maybe make a buck or 2 in the process) there could be permits issued by the CO for a small fee. Anyone who leaves trash would have their permits revoked and given the proper fine for littering. Think of the backwater places that will get money from the four wheel drives going by. Think of the fun that could be had. Sure there are places that no truck will be able to cross. There could be access trails to and from those areas to the main road. Wouldn’t it be grand? Everyone get together and bug your representative about this. Let’s get that interstate trail system. Nature lovers UNITE!

Peter D. Hipson NEHOG (New England Hummer Owners Group) checked monthly.

Response:

Of course that cheap beer you’ve been drinking is bad for you. If you’d wake up you’d discover that there are already many miles of off roading, some interstate, in the eastern US. Try Tellico in eastern TN, over the mountains to NC. In southern KY a network, some requiring very minor on road excursions, can take you into TN.

All well and good, but those places are far from me. The closest half-decent trail is 50 miles from here. I have spent many a day looking for someplace around here to go off road. I have been reduced to construction sites and mudholes in parking lots. Sure, there are atv trails galore, but atv’s require no skill to operate. Any kid can get on one and go anywhere. What is the fun in that? Every non-paved road in this area has either a gate or "NO TRESSPASSING" sign on it. There are literally thousands of 4 wheel drive SUV’s in the greater Charlotte area. The only place to go is Uwharrie (50 miles away) which is lame unless it has been raining for days. No one can make use of their 4×4 here. Do you realise that Lake Norman has 800 miles of shoreline and 0 4×4 trails that access it? There used to be a few, on power line rights-of-way, but the snobs that live along the lake forced Duke Power to gate, post and trench every one of them. (Can’t have those poor folk fishing around their million dollar shacks, now can we?) This is a problem that needs addressing. At least in this area. I am looking for the cheapest, least difficult method of correcting this problem. It is surprising that some farmer hasn’t made a 4×4 park yet. With all this drought I would think that would be a good way to make money. I would pay $50 for a season pass, and so would thousands of others. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -In the west, all you need to do is look. Try the UT/CO border for some very good examples. The idea of Government allowing unlimited access in this age of terrorism won’t fly. Be happy with what we’ve got. Dick Burg

Response:

deja.com says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a dream. It is a nice dream. In this dream there is an interstate network of 4×4 trails . Imagine being able to drive from Charlotte NC to Charleston WV and have it take 2 weeks to get there. Imagine finding trails everywhere you go. Some among you say "That would be too expensive. " or " Who’s house are you going to bulldoze for your hobby?" My answer is: It would be very cheap. And no one’s house would have to torn down. We have this network of high voltage power transmission lines. It criss-crosses the entire nation. There are almost no houses built under these power lines. Most people don’t want to live near them. Here is how we pay for it. Tax breaks for power companies. Every power company has at least one bulldozer. Those same companies have the right-of-way for the land under their lines. The places that have no roads would be bulldozed one time and then left to deteriorate. Just so the power companies would not have to face any liablility (and also so they can maybe make a buck or 2 in the process) there could be permits issued by the CO for a small fee. Anyone who leaves trash would have their permits revoked and given the proper fine for littering. Think of the backwater places that will get money from the four wheel drives going by. Think of the fun that could be had. Sure there are places that no truck will be able to cross. There could be access trails to and from those areas to the main road. Wouldn’t it be grand? Everyone get together and bug your representative about this. Let’s get that interstate trail system. Nature lovers UNITE!

In the west a lot of the power lines are thoruhg Government land and they need trails and access anyway to maintian them. A worthy idea and it will get you most of your western states. Since the Eastern states don’t have as much (if any?) government land… That’s another problem.

Response:

Question:

Bob, Great stuff, loved the mental picture of you thanking the fish! David

(rest of great tale snipped) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I paused just long enough to thank the fish for contributing to my initiation into this odd fellowship, and sent it back to foraging.

Response:

Hi Bob – Great report! Brings to me memories of my first trout in Montana almost thirty years ago from the same area. It was caught on a spinning rig, but that in no way reduced the thrill for me. The trout jumped and put up a good fight, and though it was only a small fish, what a gas it was. Thanks for the report and rekindling those precious moments, and here’s to many more of the same for you -Charlie Miller

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A week and a half ago, I had a business trip that took me to Billings, MT for about a week. Not wanting to squander an opportunity, I packed snip Bob Card

Response:

Bob, Great story. The neat thing about fly fishing is not necessarily catching the fish. It’s the experience being outdoors and just living the moment. Catching a fish is always a rush though no matter what big or little (although there’s a little more adrenlin with a larger fish). Also, trust your own instincts on picking out flies. I fished Henry’s Fork in Idaho last summer and must of bought $50 worth of flies that were recommended to me and overall didn’t have much success. I picked out a renegade fly on my own and that one worked! I couldn’t match the hatch but I could match the catch! Regards, Eric

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A week and a half ago, I had a business trip that took me to Billings, MT for about a week. Not wanting to squander an opportunity, I packed the most basic of my fly-flinging gear, and set out with high hopes, trying to keep in mind all that I’ve gleaned from your exchanges in the past several months. With a couple days of "free" time, I did a little advance scouting, visited the local fly guy, and developed a plan. I left early Sunday morning, driving through Red Lodge, and out to the spots on the West Fork (Rock Creek) that were suggested to me as starting places. Brief version: lots of walking, lots of casting, a few that actually looked and felt right, and a wonderful morning of enjoying sun, trees, water, and recharging. after a few hours of "casting practice", floating elk hair caddis and parachute adams into and through "fishy" spots, I finally felt a tug when a small trout grabbed the fly downstream just before I was to cast it. Before I could do anything about it, he (or she) declined the fight, and disengaged from the hook, on which I had pinched the barb. I drove downstream a bit, fished several other spots, and then moved northwestward, back toward I-90. Stopping along the way, I cast in a few places on the Stillwater, with no bites (that I noticed). With darkness closing, I headed back to Billings for some dinner and rest before another day of work. Monday afternoon, I charged westward again, to Columbus and a small fly shop not far from the freeway. The animated woman deftly tying small adams with pink indicators quickly steered me away from the hoppers I was eyeing, and recommended some blonde humpies, and a couple of larger patterns with bright yellow hues. She also gave me a good idea for a place to walk in and find some spots that I would surely have to myself. Taking her advice, I collected the flies, and headed out to the access point, which I had actually found and tried the day before (with no success, of course). Wading upstream, I cast to every spot that looked fishy, and many that did not, using first the small caddis with yellow underside and then the larger blonde humpy. Finally, I watched in amazement as the fly disappeared in a swirl. Somehow maintaining sanity, I waited the merest of moments before lightly tugging the rod and feeling the charge of energy from the other end of the line. The fight (if you can call it that) was brief, the fish was small and unremarkable, except for the remarkable fact that it was the first fish I had convinced to scarf up a fly and stay connected long enough to come face to face with me. I paused just long enough to thank the fish for contributing to my initiation into this odd fellowship, and sent it back to foraging. Further casting resulted only in more practice so, again with darkness closing, I walked back to the car and headed back to the city. I sat with my jeans still soaked to the knees and ate in the Mackenzie River Pizza Company in Billings, rewarding myself with a slice of raspberry cheesecake. From some perspectives, not a spectacular tale of fishing. However, for a new initiate, a most memorable outing indeed. Some things I learned: 1. With free advice, you get what you pay for. Purchasing some flies, floatant, leaders, or other minor necessities, a rapport can often be established with the local pusher which may result in a more successful effort. 2. A topographical map, such as the state atlas/gazeteer published by Delorme can be very helpful indeed. 3. (learned before, but frequently forgotten) sometimes not catching fish is a good day fishing. Thanks, all for the continued comments, debate, humor, etc. that make this place such a good place in which to hang. Bob Card

Response:

<excellent trip report snipped Congratulations Bob and thanks for the great story. One little bit of advice though…..next time throw in a line or two about your own impeccable taste in intoxicating beverages and a few disparaging comments on the so-called taste of your brethren. This always jazzes up a story nicely!

Response:

Nice post Bob, Keep it up and soon you won’t be able to count em : ) I personally just lie to myself either way. Tim Apple

Response:

A week and a half ago, I had a business trip that took me to Billings, MT for about a week. Not wanting to squander an opportunity, I packed the most basic of my fly-flinging gear, and set out with high hopes, trying to keep in mind all that I’ve gleaned from your exchanges in the past several months. With a couple days of "free" time, I did a little advance scouting, visited the local fly guy, and developed a plan. I left early Sunday morning, driving through Red Lodge, and out to the spots on the West Fork (Rock Creek) that were suggested to me as starting places. Brief version: lots of walking, lots of casting, a few that actually looked and felt right, and a wonderful morning of enjoying sun, trees, water, and recharging. after a few hours of "casting practice", floating elk hair caddis and parachute adams into and through "fishy" spots, I finally felt a tug when a small trout grabbed the fly downstream just before I was to cast it. Before I could do anything about it, he (or she) declined the fight, and disengaged from the hook, on which I had pinched the barb. I drove downstream a bit, fished several other spots, and then moved northwestward, back toward I-90. Stopping along the way, I cast in a few places on the Stillwater, with no bites (that I noticed). With darkness closing, I headed back to Billings for some dinner and rest before another day of work. Monday afternoon, I charged westward again, to Columbus and a small fly shop not far from the freeway. The animated woman deftly tying small adams with pink indicators quickly steered me away from the hoppers I was eyeing, and recommended some blonde humpies, and a couple of larger patterns with bright yellow hues. She also gave me a good idea for a place to walk in and find some spots that I would surely have to myself. Taking her advice, I collected the flies, and headed out to the access point, which I had actually found and tried the day before (with no success, of course). Wading upstream, I cast to every spot that looked fishy, and many that did not, using first the small caddis with yellow underside and then the larger blonde humpy. Finally, I watched in amazement as the fly disappeared in a swirl. Somehow maintaining sanity, I waited the merest of moments before lightly tugging the rod and feeling the charge of energy from the other end of the line. The fight (if you can call it that) was brief, the fish was small and unremarkable, except for the remarkable fact that it was the first fish I had convinced to scarf up a fly and stay connected long enough to come face to face with me. I paused just long enough to thank the fish for contributing to my initiation into this odd fellowship, and sent it back to foraging. Further casting resulted only in more practice so, again with darkness closing, I walked back to the car and headed back to the city. I sat with my jeans still soaked to the knees and ate in the Mackenzie River Pizza Company in Billings, rewarding myself with a slice of raspberry cheesecake. From some perspectives, not a spectacular tale of fishing. However, for

a new initiate, a most memorable outing indeed. Some things I learned: 1. With free advice, you get what you pay for. Purchasing some flies, floatant, leaders, or other minor necessities, a rapport can often be established with the local pusher which may result in a more successful effort. 2. A topographical map, such as the state atlas/gazeteer published by Delorme can be very helpful indeed. 3. (learned before, but frequently forgotten) sometimes not catching fish is a good day fishing. Thanks, all for the continued comments, debate, humor, etc. that make this place such a good place in which to hang. Bob Card

Response:

Good post, Bob, and quite full of wisdom. Congrats! /daytripper

[good story shortened] – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -From some perspectives, not a spectacular tale of fishing. However, for a new initiate, a most memorable outing indeed. Some things I learned: 1. With free advice, you get what you pay for. Purchasing some flies, floatant, leaders, or other minor necessities, a rapport can often be established with the local pusher which may result in a more successful effort. 2. A topographical map, such as the state atlas/gazeteer published by Delorme can be very helpful indeed. 3. (learned before, but frequently forgotten) sometimes not catching fish is a good day fishing. Thanks, all for the continued comments, debate, humor, etc. that make this place such a good place in which to hang.

Response:

A week and a half ago, I had a business trip that took me to Billings, MT for about a week. Not wanting to squander an opportunity, I packed the most basic of my fly-flinging gear, and set out with high hopes, trying to keep in mind all that I’ve gleaned from your exchanges in the past several months.

<snip Thanks, all for the continued comments, debate, humor, etc. that make this place such a good place in which to hang.

Bob: That was a great post. You’ve got the routine down pat, now. You just need more opportunity. If your work ever brings you to Utah, give a shout. I know a stream or two where you might be able to get your *third* trout Bob Before you buy.

Response:

Allright Bob Card. You are now a confirmed odd feller, and by the authority usurped by me I now and forever more delare you one more friend of the angle, a fly fisher well met, set, sealed and approved. It just gets better and better. Congratulations. Seriously. Dave Someone had to do it, what with half the official greeting committee probably self medicated this late in the day.

Response:

Great story and some important lessons learned. sf

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A week and a half ago, I had a business trip that took me to Billings, MT for about a week. Not wanting to squander an opportunity, I packed the most basic of my fly-flinging gear, and set out with high hopes, trying to keep in mind all that I’ve gleaned from your exchanges in the past several months. With a couple days of "free" time, I did a little advance scouting, visited the local fly guy, and developed a plan. I left early Sunday morning, driving through Red Lodge, and out to the spots on the West Fork (Rock Creek) that were suggested to me as starting places. Brief version: lots of walking, lots of casting, a few that actually looked and felt right, and a wonderful morning of enjoying sun, trees, water, and recharging. after a few hours of "casting practice", floating elk hair caddis and parachute adams into and through "fishy" spots, I finally felt a tug when a small trout grabbed the fly downstream just before I was to cast it. Before I could do anything about it, he (or she) declined the fight, and disengaged from the hook, on which I had pinched the barb. I drove downstream a bit, fished several other spots, and then moved northwestward, back toward I-90. Stopping along the way, I cast in a few places on the Stillwater, with no bites (that I noticed). With darkness closing, I headed back to Billings for some dinner and rest before another day of work. Monday afternoon, I charged westward again, to Columbus and a small fly shop not far from the freeway. The animated woman deftly tying small adams with pink indicators quickly steered me away from the hoppers I was eyeing, and recommended some blonde humpies, and a couple of larger patterns with bright yellow hues. She also gave me a good idea for a place to walk in and find some spots that I would surely have to myself. Taking her advice, I collected the flies, and headed out to the access point, which I had actually found and tried the day before (with no success, of course). Wading upstream, I cast to every spot that looked fishy, and many that did not, using first the small caddis with yellow underside and then the larger blonde humpy. Finally, I watched in amazement as the fly disappeared in a swirl. Somehow maintaining sanity, I waited the merest of moments before lightly tugging the rod and feeling the charge of energy from the other end of the line. The fight (if you can call it that) was brief, the fish was small and unremarkable, except for the remarkable fact that it was the first fish I had convinced to scarf up a fly and stay connected long enough to come face to face with me. I paused just long enough to thank the fish for contributing to my initiation into this odd fellowship, and sent it back to foraging. Further casting resulted only in more practice so, again with darkness closing, I walked back to the car and headed back to the city. I sat with my jeans still soaked to the knees and ate in the Mackenzie River Pizza Company in Billings, rewarding myself with a slice of raspberry cheesecake. From some perspectives, not a spectacular tale of fishing. However, for a new initiate, a most memorable outing indeed. Some things I learned: 1. With free advice, you get what you pay for. Purchasing some flies, floatant, leaders, or other minor necessities, a rapport can often be established with the local pusher which may result in a more successful effort. 2. A topographical map, such as the state atlas/gazeteer published by Delorme can be very helpful indeed. 3. (learned before, but frequently forgotten) sometimes not catching fish is a good day fishing. Thanks, all for the continued comments, debate, humor, etc. that make this place such a good place in which to hang. Bob Card

Response:

Question:

I have had this happen to me on occasion. I use a hemostat and open the gap of the hook a small amount as well as off-setting the point a bit. This seems to occur most often when I’m using very small flies, 18-24. Just my 2 cents worth and it helps my hook ups when I can’t seem to hook anything.

Response:

Mike, Maybe you should talk to your Doc. I just had knee surgery and my Doc said fishing and in particular float tubeing is great therapy. i.e. cold water for swelling and good low impact excercise. Talk to a sports medicine specialist. Which is all We have in Tahoe. As to missed hook ups? I miss just as many from a boat as from a tube go figure. Dick W.

Response:

Soft mouths may be part of the problem, it seems when this occurs, the sharper the hook, the larger the tear it makes in the tissue, resulting in a larger oblong hole, enabling the hook to let itself work free easier. Another problem may be fish caught and released rather frequently whose hmouth hasn’t had a chance to heal yet….I mean, I’m sure we’ve all been in a place where we’ve caught the same fish twice in one outing and you know what I’m talking about. What’s the answer? Hell, I dunno…it’s not barbed or duller hooks, that’s fersure! Larry #:)#

Response:

I have seen people dunk the rod tip in the water to prevent the fish jumping. Never tried it myself preferring to keep the tension on the line as the fish jumps. That is quite difficult, I don’t need to tell you. Good observation on the angle in a float tube. I had never thought about that

In salmon fishing, it is normal to "bow to the fish" by dropping the rod tip (not necessarily into the water) when he jumps. With such large fish, it is prudent to reduce sudden shocks to the hook hold. — | Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs, | | Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734 |

Response:

Hi Dennis, Nice to see you on this newsgroup. Sounds like you had a nice day fishing!!! As you can see, I am fairly limited this year due to the leg but still plan on taking my trip to the Mill Hole on the Kettle River this Summer!

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I had a really strange occurance happen to me this weekend. I was fishing one of my favorite lakes from a raft (tore up the ligaments in my left knee so no float tube for me this Summer!) with my Sage SP+. The fishing was really good and I hooked into about 18 fish. Of these 18, 4 got off via jumping and tossing the barbless fly, 1 actually made it to the boat and the rest of them had the fly pull out of their mouths during the fight. My hooks were sharp and I didn’t feel like I was doing anything different then normal. The only thing I can think of is the combination of the odd angle I had to sit in the raft combined with using my 9 foot SP+ (The wrong rod choice for this situation in hind sight. Should have used my softer DS II.) I did speak to another angler who reported that his fishing party was having the same problems. I know fish will develop soft mouths when the water gets really warm but this is a high mountain lake and the water was still quite cool. Any other ideas? Mike

Mike I wouldn’t think the rod or the angle has much to do with it. Sunday, I couldn’t get a hookup or land a fish to save my life. I think it has more to do with what the fish are taking. Emergers and duns they have to rush, spinners and cripples they can take their time. Yesterday, they were feeding on spent trico spinners. In retrospect, I should have been slower on the hook set. I was probably yanking the fly out of their mouths’. I know, it’s tough to slow down when you’re keyed for the strike. The previous few times that I have been out, the fish were consistently taking duns and emergers and I missed only a few. Worth a try. Peter

Response:

We have a different problem in the small streams in New Mexico and Colorado. 3 to 6 " small fish jump all over a dry fly and when you snap your wrist from the sudden and violent strike, the 3" to 6" small trout flies by your ear (right ear if right handed, etc.) and lands behind you. We have found that these "flying" fish will shoot off when released so we assume they enjoy this. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I don’t know if this applies to your situation, but I’ve found that if you apply direct pressure when a fish is facing you, pullouts are much more likely. I apply pressure to the side when a fish is facing me and try to get it turned and fighting away from me. This is especially true in streams and rivers where you want the fish fighting the current instead of using it to their advantage. Willi I had a really strange occurance happen to me this weekend. I was fishing one of my favorite lakes from a raft (tore up the ligaments in my left knee so no float tube for me this Summer!) with my Sage SP+. The fishing was really good and I hooked into about 18 fish. Of these 18, 4 got off via jumping and tossing the barbless fly, 1 actually made it to the boat and the rest of them had the fly pull out of their mouths during the fight. My hooks were sharp and I didn’t feel like I was doing anything different then normal. The only thing I can think of is the combination of the odd angle I had to sit in the raft combined with using my 9 foot SP+ (The wrong rod choice for this situation in hind sight. Should have used my softer DS II.) I did speak to another angler who reported that his fishing party was having the same problems. I know fish will develop soft mouths when the water gets really warm but this is a high mountain lake and the water was still quite cool. Any other ideas? Mike

Response:

Hi Mike, How are you? Sounds like you haven’t given up FF! Either have I, got several 20 to 22 inch brookies and bows last Monday on the Connetquot River. It was a great day. As for fast vs slow rods. I like slow rods for casting drys and faster rods for streamers. As for loosing fish. I can loose as many fish on a fast rod as can on a slow rod. Still casting flies and telling lies. Dennis

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<<I don’t want to start a rod fight but I’ve seen fishermen of various experience levels have problems with Sage RPL+ and other very fast rods. As I understand it the SP+ is even faster. I watched a fishing friend last year on the Madison above Quake Lake lose fish after fish with a brand new RPL+. I gave him my Loomis GL-3 and he started landing fish. I admit last month I would have given my left something for the RPL+ on Gray Reef with the wind howeling in my face and the Loomis just wasn’t enough gun to reach fish that under normal circumstances would have been easy to cast to. I have used my SP+ for two years now and haven’t ever felt I lost a fish due to the rod being too stiff until this particular weekend. In fact, on rivers, it is my rod of choice. Like I mentioned in my previous post, I normally fish in my float tube. Sitting in the tube is similar to standing thus I haven’t had a problem hooking and keeping fish. This occurance in the raft was just unique enough that I thought I would share it and see if anybody else has ever has this type of problem who wasn’t in a full leg brace and sitting at an angle in a rubber raft <grin The most likely cause was my sitting position combined with having a stiffer rod but I wanted to find out if anybody had ever run across trout who seemed to have really soft mouths like a Silver does. This particular lake was just rehabilitated last year so this is a different gene pool of trout and it is possible that this is a genetic characteristic of the trout that were planted in the lake. Anyway, it really doesn’t matter much. I had a great time and the one fish I did land was the largest of the year so I have nothing to complain about. Mike

Response:

I have seen people dunk the rod tip in the water to prevent the fish jumping. Never tried it myself preferring to keep the tension on the line as the fish jumps. That is quite difficult, I don’t need to tell you. Good observation on the angle in a float tube. I had never thought about that before. Gary

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I had a really strange occurance happen to me this weekend. I was fishing one of my favorite lakes from a raft (tore up the ligaments in my left knee so no float tube for me this Summer!) with my Sage SP+. The fishing was really good and I hooked into about 18 fish. Of these 18, 4 got off via jumping and tossing the barbless fly, 1 actually made it to the boat and the rest of them had the fly pull out of their mouths during the fight. My hooks were sharp and I didn’t feel like I was doing anything different then normal. The only thing I can think of is the combination of the odd angle I had to sit in the raft combined with using my 9 foot SP+ (The wrong rod choice for this situation in hind sight. Should have used my softer DS II.) I did speak to another angler who reported that his fishing party was having the same problems. I know fish will develop soft mouths when the water gets really warm but this is a high mountain lake and the water was still quite cool. Any other ideas? Mike

Response:

<<I don’t want to start a rod fight but I’ve seen fishermen of various experience levels have problems with Sage RPL+ and other very fast rods. As I understand it the SP+ is even faster. I watched a fishing friend last year on the Madison above Quake Lake lose fish after fish with a brand new RPL+. I gave him my Loomis GL-3 and he started landing fish. I admit last month I would have given my left something for the RPL+ on Gray Reef with the wind howeling in my face and the Loomis just wasn’t enough gun to reach fish that under normal circumstances would have been easy to cast to. I have used my SP+ for two years now and haven’t ever felt I lost a fish due to the rod being too stiff until this particular weekend. In fact, on rivers, it is my rod of choice. Like I mentioned in my previous post, I normally fish in my float tube. Sitting in the tube is similar to standing thus I haven’t had a problem hooking and keeping fish. This occurance in the raft was just unique enough that I thought I would share it and see if anybody else has ever has this type of problem who wasn’t in a full leg brace and sitting at an angle in a rubber raft <grin The most likely cause was my sitting position combined with having a stiffer rod but I wanted to find out if anybody had ever run across trout who seemed to have really soft mouths like a Silver does. This particular lake was just rehabilitated last year so this is a different gene pool of trout and it is possible that this is a genetic characteristic of the trout that were planted in the lake. Anyway, it really doesn’t matter much. I had a great time and the one fish I did land was the largest of the year so I have nothing to complain about. Mike

Response:

I don’t want to start a rod fight but I’ve seen fishermen of various experience levels have problems with Sage RPL+ and other very fast rods. As I understand it the SP+ is even faster. I watched a fishing friend last year on the Madison above Quake Lake lose fish after fish with a brand new RPL+. I gave him my Loomis GL-3 and he started landing fish. I admit last month I would have given my left something for the RPL+ on Gray Reef with the wind howeling in my face and the Loomis just wasn’t enough gun to reach fish that under normal circumstances would have been easy to cast to. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had a really strange occurance happen to me this weekend. I was fishing one of my favorite lakes from a raft (tore up the ligaments in my left knee so no float tube for me this Summer!) with my Sage SP+. The fishing was really good and I hooked into about 18 fish. Of these 18, 4 got off via jumping and tossing the barbless fly, 1 actually made it to the boat and the rest of them had the fly pull out of their mouths during the fight. My hooks were sharp and I didn’t feel like I was doing anything different then normal. The only thing I can think of is the combination of the odd angle I had to sit in the raft combined with using my 9 foot SP+ (The wrong rod choice for this situation in hind sight. Should have used my softer DS II.) I did speak to another angler who reported that his fishing party was having the same problems. I know fish will develop soft mouths when the water gets really warm but this is a high mountain lake and the water was still quite cool. Any other ideas? Mike

Response:

I don’t know if this applies to your situation, but I’ve found that if you apply direct pressure when a fish is facing you, pullouts are much more likely. I apply pressure to the side when a fish is facing me and try to get it turned and fighting away from me. This is especially true in streams and rivers where you want the fish fighting the current instead of using it to their advantage. Willi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had a really strange occurance happen to me this weekend. I was fishing one of my favorite lakes from a raft (tore up the ligaments in my left knee so no float tube for me this Summer!) with my Sage SP+. The fishing was really good and I hooked into about 18 fish. Of these 18, 4 got off via jumping and tossing the barbless fly, 1 actually made it to the boat and the rest of them had the fly pull out of their mouths during the fight. My hooks were sharp and I didn’t feel like I was doing anything different then normal. The only thing I can think of is the combination of the odd angle I had to sit in the raft combined with using my 9 foot SP+ (The wrong rod choice for this situation in hind sight. Should have used my softer DS II.) I did speak to another angler who reported that his fishing party was having the same problems. I know fish will develop soft mouths when the water gets really warm but this is a high mountain lake and the water was still quite cool. Any other ideas? Mike

Response:

I had a really strange occurance happen to me this weekend. I was fishing one of my favorite lakes from a raft (tore up the ligaments in my left knee so no float tube for me this Summer!) with my Sage SP+. The fishing was really good and I hooked into about 18 fish. Of these 18, 4 got off via jumping and tossing the barbless fly, 1 actually made it to the boat and the rest of them had the fly pull out of their mouths during the fight. My hooks were sharp and I didn’t feel like I was doing anything different then normal. The only thing I can think of is the combination of the odd angle I had to sit in the raft combined with using my 9 foot SP+ (The wrong rod choice for this situation in hind sight. Should have used my softer DS II.) I did speak to another angler who reported that his fishing party was having the same problems. I know fish will develop soft mouths when the water gets really warm but this is a high mountain lake and the water was still quite cool. Any other ideas? Mike

Response:

Question:

I’ve been catching some small Peacock Bass in South Florida with spun deer hair poper type of flies. I’ve seen some really big Peacock Bass hitting the top of the water, but the won’t take the small poppers. Anyone know of any paterns to attract these bigger fish? Thanks Ken Baker

Response:

I’ve been catching some small Peacock Bass in South Florida with spun deer hair poper type of flies. I’ve seen some really big Peacock Bass hitting the top of the water, but the won’t take the small poppers. Anyone know of any paterns to attract these bigger fish?

The book `South Florida’s Peacock Bass’ by Carlos Hidalgo tells you a great deals about catching these great fish on flies. Go to my Website (URL below) and follow the link "South Florida’s Peacock Bass (Book by Carlos Hidalgo)". Ron Looi ~ ~~ ~ ~ ..|.. ~ __|__ ~ ~ / o o o o ~ ~~ /~~ | X | /*_ .// |||. /_ ||| ||.. ^ . ~//_^ / . -/ / – Boeing Fishin’ in Seattle! < <, "www.geocities.com/RainForest/2730/" <<

Response:

With a bassing guide I trained to guide a flyfisherman, I’ve fished the canals of Miami for the last 6 years and haven’t gotten a peacock over 4-5 pounds. Maybe I’ve fished a total of 25-30 days for peacocks, so I’m no expert and take my thoughts about fishing for a grreat warmwater game fish. They are easiest to get on the surface when they are schooling. A popper does the trick here. Otherwise, in fishing along the edges, any popper of average size, but moved quickly without stopping (as one may do for largemouth) gets fish. Fishing just below the surface, a smartly moved clouser minnow (size 6-2) in chartreuse/white, chartreuse/yellow…anything with chartreuse does well. Fishing the cm deeperhas the potential of getting a big fish. The easiest way to catch peacocks is when they are bedding. Just drop the fly (easier said than when considering the way peacocks like to hide their beds in impossible places) on to the bed and the fish, both male and female, will continue to pick up the fly until either you catch him, or you say ‘enough is enough, you win…’ This method certainly isn’t the most most sporting. Good luck. Adam – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been catching some small Peacock Bass in South Florida with spun deer hair poper type of flies. I’ve seen some really big Peacock Bass hitting the top of the water, but the won’t take the small poppers. Anyone know of any paterns to attract these bigger fish? Thanks Ken Baker

Response:

I’ve been catching some small Peacock Bass in South Florida with spun deer hair poper type of flies. I’ve seen some really big Peacock Bass hitting the top of the water, but the won’t take the small poppers. Anyone know of any paterns to attract these bigger fish? The book `South Florida’s Peacock Bass’ by Carlos Hidalgo tells you a great deals about catching these great fish on flies. Go to my Website (URL below) and follow the link "South Florida’s Peacock Bass (Book by Carlos Hidalgo)".

Carlos also has an article on flys for peacocks in the July Florida Sportsman Magazine.

Response:

Question:

I’d like to cast my vote for stronger enforcement of the anti-snagging laws. It is still going on, although no weighted treble hooks are in evidence. Personally, I have all kinds of cute ideas for laws that would make lifting ineffective, but without enforcement, such laws would be meaningless. Personally, I’ve spent four days on the Salmon River this year and have yet to see any DEC enforcement, or hear of any arrests. I’ve seen plenty of lifting going on, even in the flyfishing sections of the River. I’d also like to see better and more "real-time" reporting of river conditions. A bad report might keep me from coming up on a given day, but no accurate reporting whatsoever leaves me with a level of risk, given my 5 hour drive to get to the River. It might be good if someone were to post the current Niagara Mohawk release reports somewhere. I’d like to see Jim Rusher at Whittakers do this, since he seems to have the best "river-oriented" site, but I understand that the cost of Niagara Mohawk’s 900 number could get a bit out of control…maybe a Chamber of Commerce opportunity lies in here. Bob Davis

Response:

writes: Bob,

Thanks for your comments. The C of C would be hard pressed to fund the purchase of a subscription to the Waterline # and I’m also sure that Waterline as a business would be less than pleased. You’r right though, timely water level conditions are of the utmost importance. I’d be happy to share any info I have on conditions, etc. as I look out my back window at the river. Today, the rains continued resulting in continued big water. My folks landed two rainbows in the upper fly zone, saw lots of fish in Trout Brook and saw plenty of snagging (unfortunately) in Oswego. Regards, Bill — Bill Fling Tel. (315) 298-3044 SALMON RIVER ANGLERS LODGE FAX (315) 298-2619 P.O. Box 353 Rt. 13, Rome Road Pulaski, NY 13142-0353 ‘SALMON RIVER/LAKE ONTARIO SPORTFISHING REPORTS’ ‘http://www.salmon-river.com’

Response:

I saw game wardens a few times this year on the river but they never seem to wander far from the parking areas.On the oswego river you see more wardens because it is a very easily accessable place to fish.They arent any more thrilled about going to work than average person so they really arent going to walk all that far to see if people are lifting farther up the river or not.I have seen many river guides lift fish and hand the rod right to there clients and of course the lifted fish was kept.Until we fisherman lose the "its going to die after spawning anyways"attitude the snagging will never stop.Maybe we should start a donate a roper program to help out the dec..

Response:

Bill — Because NYS has finally banned snagging, I have started to fish the Salmon River, and therefore patronize local restaurants, tackle shops, etc. In my six visits so far this year, I have not seen any evidence of law enforcement. I have, however, noticed a lot of anglers who have foul-hooked chinooks and have been very negligent in their releases. Many do not bother to revive fish after they remove their hooks. In my opinion, more law enforcement and angler education is needed to help the Salmon River become a truly great fishery. Moreover, the Chamber might want to explore ways to help clean the River banks and trails from the mess of liter and old line. Such an effort would greatly enhance the Salmon River’s image and popularity among influential anglers. Lastly, the DEC should be given alot of credit for finally making a stand against snagging/lifting. Showing appreciation and support to them would probably go a long way in helping the future of the Salmon River and the people who make a living from it. PS: I refuse to patronize any establishment in the Pulaski-area that has fought against the ban on snagging (MacDonald’s, etc.). Bob Elliott, Rochester, NY – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – At its next meeting in late November, the Pulaski/Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce will be discussing the law enforcement detail here on the Salmon River. As president, I’d be interested in hearing about any FIRST HAND experiences you may have had this year. I’ll use your contributions as a springboard to open discussion. Thanks in advance, Bill — Bill Fling Tel. (315) 298-3044 SALMON RIVER ANGLERS LODGE FAX (315) 298-2619 P.O. Box 353 Rt. 13, Rome Road Pulaski, NY 13142-0353 ‘SALMON RIVER/LAKE ONTARIO SPORTFISHING REPORTS’ ‘http://www.salmon-river.com’

Response:

At its next meeting in late November, the Pulaski/Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce will be discussing the law enforcement detail here on the Salmon River. As president, I’d be interested in hearing about any FIRST HAND experiences you may have had this year. I’ll use your contributions as a springboard to open discussion. Thanks in advance, Bill — Bill Fling Tel. (315) 298-3044 SALMON RIVER ANGLERS LODGE FAX (315) 298-2619 P.O. Box 353 Rt. 13, Rome Road Pulaski, NY 13142-0353 ‘SALMON RIVER/LAKE ONTARIO SPORTFISHING REPORTS’ ‘http://www.salmon-river.com’