Question:

I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder….

_______  Tons of books but I’d like to be the first to steer you to "Matching The Hatch" by Ernest Schwiebert.  After that, I don’t care what you read. Mr.G. — http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

Was a great illustrator. I believe he’s dead. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

Response:

Another classic is "Feather in the Breeze" Author J. Edson Leonard. Try it if you can find it. Maybe Amazon or Barns and Noble. It’s fiction with a lot of well written know how. Hugh

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Was a great illustrator. I believe he’s dead. Dave It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

Response:

Pick up any book by Robert Travers,  Nick Lyons (my favorite) or John Gierach for a great existential "been there" flyfishing read. Try Mel Krieger’s book "The Essence of Flycasting" or Lefty Kreh’s most recent tome for a good "how to" book. — Randall S. Davis

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks! It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

It’s a classic. Sheridan Anderson is a magnificent illustrator and an excellent instuctor as well as being an idividualist. The book is entertaining and instuctive and it’s only 6 bucks, go for it.

Response:

Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too!

I have three recommendations for you, Mark. They may not be the best books of yearning to be there next to them, at least in terms of action, but they offer very thoughtful and well-written perspectives and reflections. * Ted Leeson – The Habit of Rivers. Very thoughtful and humorous book. Simplifying and reflecting on complex and important matters, without missing crucial elements. Very impressive! You may get a "why didn’t I think of that?"-feeling from it, combined with uncontrolled chuckles.. This guy knows how to work a pen. * W.D. Wheterell – One River More. A book that you’ll spend hours reading only to find yourself wondering where the hell all the pages went. Amazingly smooth flow of the book, and his observations and writing style really appealed to me. You might look at your own favorite river different after reading this. Different as in many-facetted with regard to contexts and perspectives, which you probably didn’t know you were missing.. * Harry Middleton – Rivers of Memory. A small book — could easily be mistaken for a pamphlet. Until it is opened and read, that is. Middleton is a genius in communicating descriptions of atmospheres and scenery the way he sees them. I’m reading this book now, and judging from the size of it, I expected spending an hour or two on it.. Not so, as I time and time again find myself re-reading paragraphs while my slow brain catches up with the true power concealed in his words. A one-word description: "Wow!" (a word of caution: English is not my mother tongue, and this probably affects my reading pace and understanding, and thus my preferences in writers, a great deal..) I don’t like Gierach much, at least not compared the books and authors listed above. Too monotonous in perspective and writing style for my taste. He does have his moments, by all means, but somehow, it just doesn’t strike that cord with me.. If you do love Gierach books, you’re in luck, because he sure writes a lot of them….. Hope this helps! — Christian Figenschou – <URL: http://figen.com

Response:

Grahm,    Read Trout Bum and View From Rat Lake.  He is a good writer and has only written one book that wasn’t excellent.  I enjoy his magazine articles too. Ernie Graham K. Jones wrote – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I would recommend anything written by John Gierach. I’ve read, just this fall, Sex, Death and Fly-Fishing, Dances with Trout, Another Lousy Day in Paradise and I am working on Standing in a River Waving a Stick when I can (not much lately). John’s writing really struck a cord with me, maybe it will for you as well. His books are a mix of the philosophy, technique, demographics and sociology of fly fishing. Graham

Response:

Grahm,    Read Trout Bum and View From Rat Lake.  He is a good writer and has only written one book that wasn’t excellent.  I enjoy his magazine articles too. Ernie

Ernie;Which one might that be? I have read everything he has written and they were all good. The only thing wrong with reading Gierach is that it might lead you to experiment with bamboo, heroin is cheaper and maybe not as addictive. John Before you buy.

Response:

Mark,  Two titles I would highly recommend:  A Flyfisher’s World by Nick Lyons and The Armchair Angler, an anthology edited by T. Brykczynski and D. Reuther.  Kerry Evans

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

Response:

I keep it on my coffee table….granted it is a great first book but it is large format, comic book style…… If anyone asks about flyfishing the can read it over coffee while you are slicing the cake (not very long) Well, it’s not exactly on the coffee table but it is in the living room along with my giant sized , reprint of the first issue of Superman. And if you don’t get it, you’ll always wonder about it now won’t ya? P.S. at the price, is there anything related to flyfishing you can get

Response:

Hello Mark, I would recommend anything written by John Gierach. I’ve read, just this fall, Sex, Death and Fly-Fishing, Dances with Trout, Another Lousy Day in Paradise and I am working on Standing in a River Waving a Stick when I can (not much lately). John’s writing really struck a cord with me, maybe it will for you as well. His books are a mix of the philosophy, technique, demographics and sociology of fly fishing. Graham

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

Response:

I have seen this book get recommended countless times on this newsgroup, and since the Winter has shut me down and I am interested in finding a good read to spend my time and increase my knowledge of flyfishing, I went to amazon.com and looked this one up. At only $6+ it seems a great deal, however it is aimed towards beginners. I am a beginner myself, having only been flyfishing seriously for about 3 intense months now, but I am past the stage of how to select a fly rod, etc. I’ve read 3 or 4 beginners guides already. Would anyone still recommend this book for someone like me? The endorsements of this book make me wonder…. Also, I am looking for something to read, not so much for the instructional aspects of it, but for the imagery/emotion of "being there" during the read. What I’m asking here is, can anyone recommend a book based on flyfishing that is either a. Fictional, or B. An experiential, essay like text. I want something that will make me yearn to be there with the writer casting my line too! Thanks!

Response:

Question:

All Rounder with many extras. 10 ft.  1 or 2 people.  600 lb capacity.

Response:

 we can pic up a pail of lard for jeff to cook the eggs in,

actually, after careful study of the fly dressing thread, i’m ordering a barrel of albolene…understand it has a thousand uses… jeff

Response:

a thousand and one…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  we can pic up a pail of lard for jeff to cook the eggs in, actually, after careful study of the fly dressing thread, i’m ordering a barrel of albolene…understand it has a thousand uses… jeff

Response:

Mail by several of the members of that group to request that I ask you guys to stay at home. Their group has many fine ladies and gentlemen involved who like to discuss the finer points of technical points of fishing  , cigar smoking, and didigal camera without the necessity of deleting  a bunch of messages fro  a bunch of drunken rowdies planning another meeting in the woods.  I of course replied -something here inside cannot be denied- when smoke gets in your eyes.             We will have plenty of food for the  spring clave, lots of wild weeds to make Ken"s meetless lasanga,  tomatoes will be in season so Dave an juswt drop whole big ones   in his tacos, I sill have a half gallon of Wall Mart special red,  we can pic up a pail of lard for jeff to cook the eggs in, and I know Walt has a couple of jars of spaghetti sauce. God I’m getting as silly as the rest of you jackasses.  Indian Joe3 ied

Response:

Question:

I was just wondering how good flurocarbon tippet is.  I just can’t decide if I want to risk dropping the money and it turns out like crap.  I usually carry at least 5 spools of tippet material and it would be a costly venture, especially when there are so many more tying materials that I want (does it ever stop?!?!). I have heard how it goes bad in sunlight.  Any other drawbacks?  What are the benefits?  This is not a troll, just want some info. Thanks for the input (should I receive any), Warren

Response:

Warren writes:

(brevity snip) <<I have heard how it goes bad in sunlight.  Any other drawbacks?  What are the benefits?  This is not a troll, just want some info. I don’t think it is as prone to UV (sunlight) damage as mono is. The only drawback (very slight) is that it doesn’t float.  I usually gink mine up to within five inches of the dry fly.  Benefits:  It’s refractive index is very close to that of water, making it almost invisible to the fish.  I have found that I can drop down one size (i.e. 6x to 5x or even 4x) with the same results.  It is stiffer than mono and less prone to twisting. Go to www.dejanews.com and look up "flurocarbon tippet".  There was an exhaustive thread on it not too long ago. Dave LaCourse

Response:

It works great for me!  I use it everywhere.  Perfect for salt or fresh. Forrest – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was just wondering how good flurocarbon tippet is.  I just can’t decide if I want to risk dropping the money and it turns out like crap.  I usually carry at least 5 spools of tippet material and it would be a costly venture, especially when there are so many more tying materials that I want (does it ever stop?!?!). I have heard how it goes bad in sunlight.  Any other drawbacks?  What are the benefits?  This is not a troll, just want some info. Thanks for the input (should I receive any), Warren

Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

I was told that flurocarbon is more abrasion resistant. If that’s the case I would definetly look into it. Can’t say that I know though. Is it? Have a good one,     Jeff Jowers     Revelation 3:20 Many times I’ve seen why they call it fishing, not catching.

Response:

I bought some Orvis Mirage knotted leaders (9′, 12lb) last year out of their sale flyer. I tried them one day while fishing for stripers with a friend. I was catching many more fish than he. I gave him one of the leaders (it was his boat) and he started getting as many fish as I. Then the past few times I was fishing the swift I was using 8x maxima ultra green tippet and the fish were avoiding my flies while the guy down stream with the same fly was catching fish on 5X flurocarbon. I think it does make a difference. The stuff really does disappear in water so it can’t hurt. sf

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was just wondering how good flurocarbon tippet is.  I just can’t decide if I want to risk dropping the money and it turns out like crap.  I usually carry at least 5 spools of tippet material and it would be a costly venture, especially when there are so many more tying materials that I want (does it ever stop?!?!). I have heard how it goes bad in sunlight.  Any other drawbacks?  What are the benefits?  This is not a troll, just want some info. Thanks for the input (should I receive any), Warren

Response:

I bought some Orvis Mirage knotted leaders (9′, 12lb) last year out of their sale flyer. I tried them one day while fishing for stripers with a friend. I was catching many more fish than he. I gave him one of the leaders (it was his boat) and he started getting as many fish as I.

Yup – I remember that. I was using dark Maxima as usual, but on that day the fish were thumbing their beaks at me. The Mirage did seem to turn the tide, so to speak… And it’s always a good thing to give the Captain a boost if his luck is off: it’s usually a long walk back to shore ;^) /daytripper (ps to sf: I’ll be on the Cape of Cod all next week, we’ll do the ‘Mack again when I get back)

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I bought some Orvis Mirage knotted leaders (9′, 12lb) last year out of their sale flyer. I tried them one day while fishing for stripers with a friend. I was catching many more fish than he. I gave him one of the leaders (it was his boat) and he started getting as many fish as I. Then the past few times I was fishing the swift I was using 8x maxima ultra green tippet and the fish were avoiding my flies while the guy down stream with the same fly was catching fish on 5X flurocarbon. I think it does make a difference. The stuff really does disappear in water so it can’t hurt. sf I was just wondering how good flurocarbon tippet is.  I just can’t decide if I want to risk dropping the money and it turns out like crap.  I usually carry at least 5 spools of tippet material and it would be a costly venture, especially when there are so many more tying materials that I want (does it ever stop?!?!). I have heard how it goes bad in sunlight.  Any other drawbacks?  What are the benefits?  This is not a troll, just want some info. Thanks for the input (should I receive any), Warren

determines its invisibility first and then color. I’m sure I will be reading soon about tippet material that is .0002 in diameter which has a breaking strength of 125 pounds.   Great sport. — Mr. G.   ‘all’s fair with fur or feather’ http://www.gink.com http://www.rodbuilding.com http://www.xink.com 509-243-4100 or 5500

Question:

I’m going to try shad fishing this year in Mass.  Any recommendations for flies to tie?   Any other tips would also be appreciated.   _Rich_

Response:

  I’m going to try shad fishing this year in Mass.  Any   recommendations   for flies to tie?   Any other tips would also be appreciated.     _Rich_ Last year at the Merrimack River I had good luck with small clousers.  I can’t honestly say I was trying to catch just shad, but that’s what took the fly.  The most important aspect of this type of fishing is getting the fly down to where the fish are, any fly reasonably close in imitation will work as long as it gets down to the fish.  In a strong current you’re going to need a weighted line such as a Teeny 350, let the current and the line do the work for you. Don

Response:

Last year at the Merrimack River I had good luck with small clousers.  I can’t honestly say I was trying to catch just shad, but that’s what took the fly.  The most important aspect of this type of fishing is getting the fly down to where the fish are, any fly reasonably close in imitation will work as long as it gets down to the fish.  In a strong current you’re going to need a weighted line such as a Teeny 350, let the current and the line do the work for you. Don

I’ve been shad fishing the past two weekends on the Roanoke River in NC and have had the best success with 2-1/0 white/yellow clousers.  Everyone says to go small(6-4), but I did much better with the larger flies.  Granted, these are Hickory shad, but they did seem to prefer the larger fly.  I also had a lot of success with a gold or silver ’spoon’  fly(braided mylar coated with epoxy). The visibility in the Roanoke hasn’t been great, and they really seemed to like the flash.  -William Ivey   Raleigh, NC

Response:

Question:

  I am considering a trip to fly fish in Cuba. If I go I will be near Camaguay and was wondering if anyone has fished near there. Mostly what I need is the names of guides and water to fish.  Thanks    Phil. Political responses unneeded. —

Response:

  I am considering a trip to fly fish in Cuba. If I go I will be near Camaguay and was wondering if anyone has fished near there. Mostly what I need is the names of guides and water to fish.  Thanks    Phil. Political responses unneeded. —

I don’t know about water to fish but water to drink should be rain water ! — "The true Angler is content to fish alone" Brian Di Carlo

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   I am considering a trip to fly fish in Cuba. If I go I will be near Camaguay and was wondering if anyone has fished near there. Mostly what I need is the names of guides and water to fish.  Thanks    Phil. Political responses unneeded. — I don’t know about water to fish but water to drink should be rain water ! — "The true Angler is content to fish alone" Brian Di Carlo

Panangling Travel servise has a Cuban destination for fly fishing for bones, tarpon, permit, snook, etc. They have a web page. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

Response:

Question:

Hi there, Anyone have advice on driftboats?  We live in Seattle and can’t help but slobber at the parade of drift dories you see on the rivers around here.  From what I’ve been able to gather, it seems 16 feet is a good all around size but what about materials?  Wood, aluminum or fiberglass?  Wood seems to be making a comeback. Can fiberglass be durable enough? Hmmm. What about necessary gizmos and accessories? Help!

Darren Wooden driftboats can be very nice.  Can last a long time if you take care of them.  But they do take more maintenance than a glass or aluminum boat. Wood boats arn’t cheap if you buy a new one.  Some of the used ones can be pretty junky.   Jim

Response:

Mr Gehrke, is this you speaking or the imposter? how do we know? (I thought you resigned from this group.)   BWalter – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Jim.  If you’re going to do it . . . do it right!  Spend the money.  Its cheap enough entertainment as it is.  Beats hanging around in the bars. Trust me. George Gehrke Mr. Gink

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there, Anyone have advice on driftboats?  We live in Seattle and can’t help but slobber at the parade of drift dories you see on the rivers around here.  From what I’ve been able to gather, it seems 16 feet is a good all around size but what about materials?  Wood, aluminum or fiberglass?  Wood seems to be making a comeback. Can fiberglass be durable enough? Hmmm. What about necessary gizmos and accessories? Help! Darren Wooden driftboats can be very nice.  Can last a long time if you take care of them.  But they do take more maintenance than a glass or aluminum boat. Wood boats arn’t cheap if you buy a new one.  Some of the used ones can be pretty junky. Jim

JIM tells you correct.  Wood boats are higher in maintenance but are also heavier to handle around the trailer. Fiberglass with a Jell-Coated Bottom such as a Don Hill will last you the rest of your life.  Metal boats (aluminum) are noisy and cold and hang up on rocks with a vengence.  Don’t ever commit to an aluminum drift boat.  BIG mistake!  All day in a cold river and your feet will be talking too you.  16 feet is exactly the best size as it floats shallower than a 14 footer and you can haul more and/or you don’t have to work as hard holding an oared position while you cast. Remember, overall a McKenzie Drift Boat Design is a two person operation.  One rows and one fishes.  You can go alone but it will be anchor and fish or dead drift and fish.  It works but not as efficiently with any boat. Don Hill (Springfield Or PH: 541-747-7430) Drift Boats are strong and have all the design features you need.  They have a very nice front casting deck with stripping line area and hip brace recess so you can stand without fear of falling.  You will have GOBS of storage and plent of storage space and even a large floor area for extra coolers and gear. You will want a quick release anchoring system and of course lead anchors, which I sometimes make special for friends at only a dollar a pound plus shipping.  You will want two anchors.  One for front and rear. You will need rope, and three oars.  (A backup or spare)  You will need to buy a trailer.  Don Hill does it all.  If you call him, say hello for me. I’ve owned one of his boats for over ten years now.  It has seen the wars on volcano rock rivers, boulders, and gravel bars.  It is the kind of boat I have put my life at stake in and it has always come through. If you have never shot "The Narrows" on the No-Name River here with me . . . you won’t know what I mean.  Ray Baker has owned a lot of drift boats in his guiding career and a Don Hill  boat had always been high on his list. There are other McKenzie Brand of Drift Boats but dollar for dollar, a Hill boat will serve you well.  They take a lot of abuse. When just starting out in this arena of fly fishing or fishing, you will need to spend some bucks to set yourself up right . . . because if you don’t, where a drift boat will take you . . . and you WILL GO THERE NOW, you will be glad you did.  Remember to have life-vests for everyone aboard and never have them hidden away. Hang your wooden oars vertically off some wall with none of it standing on the floor so your oars don’t ever take a warp or bend.  Never store your oars horizonally, anywhere.  Always hang them up. This is all the advise I have for now.  I’ve been drift boat fishing all my life.  I think you can count on what I offer here with confidence. It is also the safest kind of boat to own for the family and they are very stable.  Whatever you do, do NOT purchase a Clackacraft as you will be sorry in a number of ways.  Cheap is not the way to go in this arena Jim.  If you’re going to do it . . . do it right!  Spend the money.  Its cheap enough entertainment as it is.  Beats hanging around in the bars. Trust me. George Gehrke Mr. Gink

Response:

Fiberglass is plenty durable for all but the roughest conditions.  I have a glass reinforced wood boat, which serves me well in the lower reaches of puget sound rivers, but I wouldn’t use it in rougher waters. I’ve had wood and fiberglass.  Fiberglas is much easier to care for, but wood is much cooler.  Especially if you build it yourself.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there, Anyone have advice on driftboats?  We live in Seattle and can’t help but slobber at the parade of drift dories you see on the rivers around here.  From what I’ve been able to gather, it seems 16 feet is a good all around size but what about materials?  Wood, aluminum or fiberglass?  Wood seems to be making a comeback. Can fiberglass be durable enough? Hmmm. What about necessary gizmos and accessories? Help! Hi Darren I own a wood drift boat.  They are beautiful but do take a bit of extra maintenance.  Fiber glass is very good and I personally think the Hyde drift boat is top of the line.  You can contact those people at 208-529-4343. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

Response:

Hi there, Anyone have advice on driftboats?  We live in Seattle and can’t help but slobber at the parade of drift dories you see on the rivers around here.  From what I’ve been able to gather, it seems 16 feet is a good all around size but what about materials?  Wood, aluminum or fiberglass?  Wood seems to be making a comeback. Can fiberglass be durable enough? Hmmm. What about necessary gizmos and accessories? Help!

Response:

Can fiberglass be durable enough?

Hi Darren, Don’t know much about driftboats but I was on the Yakima with a guide recently in a Lavro driftboat (fiberglass).  I asked him about durability and he said Lavro (they’re in Monroe, I think) guarantees the hull for life for recreational users and 5 years for guides.  His is still in good shape after 6 years. I don’t know any more about them, though. BTW, no affiliation with Lavro. If you become expert on the subject I’d be interested in your findings. If my wife knew I was even THINKING about spending big dough on some 16 foot garage monster. . .<g Good Luck, August Kristoferson Watercolor Fish Art http://www.eskimo.com/~augustk

Response:

Hi there, Anyone have advice on driftboats?  We live in Seattle and can’t help but slobber at the parade of drift dories you see on the rivers around here.  From what I’ve been able to gather, it seems 16 feet is a good all around size but what about materials?  Wood, aluminum or fiberglass?  Wood seems to be making a comeback. Can fiberglass be durable enough? Hmmm. What about necessary gizmos and accessories? Help!

In my area in southwest Montana,  I’d have to say that the 15-16′ fiberglass drift boat is the most popular.  However, from what I know of the river’s in your area on the west coast, I’d consider aluminum.  Wood is nice, quiet, and warm, but the upkeep is high. Don’t think fiberglass is durable enough for your coastal rivers.  As far as the gizmos go, I’d suggest anchor system and plenty of watertight storage.  Seat configuration is different on the coast, I think.  I’d try and talk to a couple of guides in the area who aren’t selling a line of boats.  Good luck! — Dave Kumlien Montana Troutfitters 1716 W. Main St., Bozeman, MT 59715 http://www.gomontana.com/Business/Trout/trout.html http://www.ffa.com/montana/montanatroutfitters.html

Response:

Hi there, Anyone have advice on driftboats?

snip Hey Darren- 16 ft drift boats give you a little more room, but turn slower than a 15′. I have a Alumaweld 15′ that has been around since Jesus was in high school!  I am very happy with mine.  After a day on the river, I just tip it up and run a hose over it for a couple of minutes.  I could not tell you the difference in "stickiness" on rocks as compared with a glass boat, but I have not had any problems.  I would think that Aluminum has to be stronger than fiberglass when your bouncing off the rocks MTCW. Hope this helps — Keep their Heads Up! Bob Crossley Tillamook Country Smoker, Inc.

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Hi there, Anyone have advice on driftboats?  We live in Seattle and can’t help but slobber at the parade of drift dories you see on the rivers around here.  From what I’ve been able to gather, it seems 16 feet is a good all around size but what about materials?  Wood, aluminum or fiberglass?  Wood seems to be making a comeback. Can fiberglass be durable enough? Hmmm. What about necessary gizmos and accessories? Help!

Hi Darren I own a wood drift boat.  They are beautiful but do take a bit of extra maintenance.  Fiber glass is very good and I personally think the Hyde drift boat is top of the line.  You can contact those people at 208-529-4343. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

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Question:

Hey fisherfolks! I will be going fishing for steelhead for the first time on the Pere Marquette River in Michigan in mid-November. I would like to tie some flies before I go. I realize that I can buy them from a local fly shop, but it is always more fun to catch a fish on fly that I have tied myself. Can anyone point me to a good source for tying instructions for great lakes steelhead flies? Thanks! Steve Rosenblum Ann Arbor, MI

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Hey fisherfolks! I will be going fishing for steelhead for the first time on the Pere Marquette River in Michigan in mid-November. I would like to tie some flies before I go. I realize that I can buy them from a local fly shop, but it is always more fun to catch a fish on fly that I have tied myself. Can anyone point me to a good source for tying instructions for great lakes steelhead flies? Thanks! Steve Rosenblum Ann Arbor, MI

Purple yarn eggs.  They work sweet.

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I’ve never seen anyone use anything but yarn.  Orange and/or chartreuse in small egg patterns.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey fisherfolks! I will be going fishing for steelhead for the first time on the Pere Marquette River in Michigan in mid-November. I would like to tie some flies before I go. I realize that I can buy them from a local fly shop, but it is always more fun to catch a fish on fly that I have tied myself. Can anyone point me to a good source for tying instructions for great lakes steelhead flies? Thanks! Steve Rosenblum Ann Arbor, MI Purple yarn eggs.  They work sweet.

PURCHASE "Flies for Steelhead" by Dick kStewart and Farrow Allen.  Full retail is a nickle short of $35.  It is an excellent book and exactly what you’re looking for Steve. Michigan Steelhead waters are usually very low and slow regarding current.  Concentrate on light wire Partidge Hooks.  And yes, they are also expensive but it beats spending your money in a bar. You don’t have much time left to get going on this fly tying business as Mid-November will be here before you know it.  You’re asking a lot, so I kid you not on EXACTLY what book to get.  Don’t be surprised, since the book is not over 3/8 inch thick or slightly over 1/4 inch.  It is packed with nothing but Steelhead patterns.  A must, for your library if you are a serious fly tyer.  (This is spelled two ways, ‘Tyer & Tier’) Again, don’t forget your GINK.  It will skate your flies with a vengence! George Gehrke/Mr. Gink

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If you want to buy a book check out Fly Fishing for Great Lakes Steelhead,  The fly patterns are not as good as a book on just flies but it’s got load of info on other places in other states to fish. I find that an egg with a Nymph Dropper works better than anything else. (ham and eggs as we call it).  Tie on an egg fly (size 6-10, if fish move out of the way of your fly drop down in size) and then 8-20 inches of tippet tied of eye or shank of egg hook to a PM Caddis or Greem Rock worm (Rycaphelia) (don’t flame my lack of correct spelling).  Or try Kaufmann Stones Black or Golden (6-10). Egg Sucking Leeches in black olive or purple,  Green Butt Skunks,  and just about anything buggy or nymph looking on a stout hook. Position yourself slightly upstream, quarter your cast slightly upstream, use enough weight to ‘tick’ along the bottom and hope they inhale your fly while they are yawining or something.  Good  Luck T. Frank BUFF – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hey fisherfolks! I will be going fishing for steelhead for the first time on the Pere Marquette River in Michigan in mid-November. I would like to tie some flies before I go. I realize that I can buy them from a local fly shop, but it is always more fun to catch a fish on fly that I have tied myself. Can anyone point me to a good source for tying instructions for great lakes steelhead flies? Thanks! Steve Rosenblum Ann Arbor, MI

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I’ve never seen anyone use anything but yarn.  Orange and/or chartreuse in small egg patterns.

Didn’t catch the first article here but I think I ge tthe jist of the question.  My adivce is to visit the salmon river homepage at http://www.salmon-river.com. Not only is it a great page for anyone who fly fishes the great lakes tribs it has an entire section on flys to use for salmon and trout.  My personal favorite for fresh run steelhead is a frammus pattern (orange body with chartruse wing or just the opposite).  This fly satisfies all the criteria ( ie.  easy to tie, cheap to tie and very effective fished on both a dead drift and a swing ). Easy and cheap are important because you tend to loose alot of flies.  Remember in the cold water if your not ticking the bottom your probably not fishing deep enough.   For steelhead who have been holding over in the stream a while ( Late Fall/Winter time )I try and use dark nymphs ( gray or brown are my favorites ) in around a size 10. Good Luck, PCR

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Hey fisherfolks! I will be going fishing for steelhead for the first time on the Pere Marquette River in Michigan in mid-November. I would like to tie some flies before I go. I realize that I can buy them from a local fly shop, but it is always more fun to catch a fish on fly that I have tied myself. Can anyone point me to a good source for tying instructions for great lakes steelhead flies? Thanks! Steve Rosenblum Ann Arbor, MI

Steve, Try tying Glow Bugs or Egg patterns in a variety of colors: I use a size 6 or 8 hook and try them pretty small, (a little larger that a real egg). I feel this is the best winter pattern. Colors to tie-up: white, pink salmon egg light orange orange pink red They are fast easy and effective. Try the little Manistee when you are in the area. Also contact Frank Lendzion at the Wellston Inn, Wellston, MI. 616-848-4163. Tell him I sent you. He is a guide in the area that could be a valuable source of information. Since it is your first time on new water, I suggest you hire someone to get you started and you help you get into fish. Tighten ‘em up, then release them Tom Steele

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey fisherfolks! I will be going fishing for steelhead for the first time on the Pere Marquette River in Michigan in mid-November. I would like to tie some flies before I go. I realize that I can buy them from a local fly shop, but it is always more fun to catch a fish on fly that I have tied myself. Can anyone point me to a good source for tying instructions for great lakes steelhead flies? Thanks! Steve Rosenblum Ann Arbor, MI Purple yarn eggs.  They work sweet.

If you can tie a wooley bugger, You’ve mastered the great lakes steelhead fly.  Black, Black, BLack…. Beyond the wooley bugger, egg sucking leeches are most likely my best fly.  THe type we (ontario) use is a black wooley buger with a colored head.  Chartreuse is the best in the fall, but also stock pink, orange, and some "milk" colours.  Size 8 and 10… Also stoneflies, I make a modified Kaufmann’s using raffia folded for the wingcase instead of turkey.  Pheasent Tails in traditional and black work welll, try varing the the color of the thorax..  Same for the stones.   Chartreuse or red works well. Some guys have been doing o.k. with eggs and double egg or spermflies lately.. As for rigging… You will need lots of lead!!!, and flies for that matter.  If your not loosing flies your not in the right spot.  I use a good size float indicator.  However, instead of buying those expensive ones, go to a walleye or hardware trout shop and by some rig floats, a few tooth picks and you set.. Ian

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Question:

I will be in Minneapolis in the third week of September, and would like to stay an extra day to fly fish.  What is available within a reasonable distance of Minneapolis, and can someone recommend a guide?  Thank you.

I hear Christmas Lake (South of Lake Minnetonka a bit) is the only lake in the metro area that’s good enough for trout. I don’t know what kind of access there is, though. Maybe someone can verify this? Pete

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I will be in Minneapolis in the third week of September, and would like to stay an extra day to fly fish.  What is available within a reasonable distance of Minneapolis, and can someone recommend a guide?  Thank you.

Whitewater River and Root River are both within  2 hours of Minneapolis.  They are in the Rochester, MN area. Here are the #’s for a couple of Minneapolis area flyshops: Bob Mitchell’s Fly Shop 612.770.5854 The Fly Angler 612.572.0717 I’m sure they will direct you towards Wisconsin.   _-=J=-_

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I lived in Minneapolis for about 5 years and belonged to a fly-Tying/Fishing group.  You can find a good plenty of good streams very close to Mpls.  If you want to fish trout, head to the Kinnickinnic near River Falls Wisconsin (25 miles from Mpls) and drive to the park/dam in town, Lot’s o’ browns. Also the Root in southern MN (1 hour).  If you want BIG bass, there are alot of lakes in and around the city, Centerville Lake, 10 miles north on 35w is a good late summer producer.  All in All, call some fly shops when you get there, they will be glad to help. Bob Crossley – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I will be in Minneapolis in the third week of September, and would like to stay an extra day to fly fish.  What is available within a reasonable distance of Minneapolis, and can someone recommend a guide?  Thank you.

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I will be in Minneapolis in the third week of September, and would like to stay an extra day to fly fish.  What is available within a reasonable distance of Minneapolis, and can someone recommend a guide?  Thank you.

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Question:

Any info on possibilities of small lake or stream fishing here. I have heard there’s some bass possibilities here.

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There are lots of ponds with LM and Peacock bass in them.  I’ve personally only caught them on a spinning rod, but there’s no reason they wouldn’t take flies.  There may be some bass or other interesting creatures in the larger streams.  There sure are a lot of them on Kauai, and there are some nice flats areas that ought to be fishable for Ulua (Trevally) and their younger brothers, Papio.–Crashjibe

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Only stream fishing when i was there ran through Kokee State Park.  Purely "put & take" trout.  Definite for Peacock.  Don’t expect to find ANY gear there, though.

I fished some of the freshwater reservoirs in cane fields (get a permit…they’re free from the sugar co.). Largemouth and peacock a’plenty *:) I thought I remember reading where Kokee has a very short fishing season….did I remember right?

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Question:

Can anyone provide information of good fly fishing spots in and around Ithaca New York?   Thanks GDO

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Can anyone provide information of good fly fishing spots in and around Ithaca New York?   Thanks GDO

I have made the three – plus hour trip out to Ithaca from Albany a few times to fish for landlocked salmon, brown trout, and rainbow trout in the spring and fall.  Mostly I have stuck to Fall Creek, but I have also fished Salmon Creek which is a short drive from Ithaca.  Fall Creek flows right through Ithaca, and some of the best fishing can be in the large pool at the base of the magnificent waterfall about 1.5 miles upstream from where the creek pours into Cayuga Lake.  For info on what when where why etc. I suggest the book "Good Fishing in Western New York"…I think it is available from Countryman Press. Right now it may be a little early for the rainbows, but browns and salmon may be in.  It’s been a dry fall around here, though, and I haven’t heard anything great about the fishing in the Finger Lakes tribs.  Of course, if you live in the area it’s no big deal to check it out…if you hear anything about the salmon run, please post it.  I am desperate to catch a landlock on my flyrod!!! Paul DiConza     NY Capital District Angler

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