Question:

I am a beginner at fly fishing (Boy, what fun??). Among the many questions that I have is about a creel. How is it used, do you just put a freshly caught fish in the creel, or what?

Response:

A creel is simply a basket to hold freshly caught fish, instead of putting them on a stringer. I’ll assume you’re talking about wicker creels (the weaved wooden kind.)  If you’re going to use a creel, it’s a good idea to put a layer of damp moss in it, to keep the fish cool and to keep it from drying out. I’ve read before that people even stick a layer of moss between each fish, to keep them fresh. you can either wear the creel with the help of a shoulder strap, or leave it on the bank until you need it (the latter would be easier on your shoulder, but it would mean slogging back to the bank when you wanted to keep a fish. I don’t think there’s too many guys still carrying a creel as an every-day piece of tackle, as many fly fishers have adopted the habit of catch & release fishing, only keeping fish every once in a while to eat. Again, to answer your question tho, the creel is just a basket to keep your fish in, instead of using a stringer. I’ve read that fish kept in a creel are usually better eating (better flavor) than those kept on a stringer. Creel is also a bit more convenient to carry than a stringer when you’re packing the fish out, as the creel is worn much like a ladie’s purse (or duffel bag, if you really need a macho example) instead of carrying it out in your hand. Hope this info is some help to you. PS…you don’t sound very enthused about taking up flyfishing, is there anything you’re confused about or need help with?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a beginner at fly fishing (Boy, what fun??). Among the many questions that I have is about a creel. How is it used, do you just put a freshly caught fish in the creel, or what?

Response:

A creel is simply a basket to hold freshly caught fish,

        a very wise man once said that "guilt replaced the creel"… wayno

Response:

        a very wise man once said that "guilt replaced the creel"… wayno

No, I’m pretty sure that it was Tbone… Kevin

Response:

          a very wise man once said that "guilt replaced the creel"… wayno No, I’m pretty sure that it was Tbone…

Yes, it was TBone.  The wise man was the one who said "guilt debased the meal" <g — Warren Findley Remove (nospamZZ) to respond via email http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt/

Response:

   a very wise man once said that "guilt replaced the creel"…

I thought it was a "quilt" that replaced the creel? Don’t tell me I was reading that wrong, it makes even *less* sense your way. <g — Charlie…

Response:

I am a beginner at fly fishing (Boy, what fun??). Among the many questions that I have is about a creel. How is it used, do you just put a freshly caught fish in the creel, or what?

Reed: Having come up with the "Old Men" who were still of a mind set that it was OK, even expected to "keep" the fish you caught I have a lot of experience with the wicker creel. Commonly it was lined with cedar fronds that were first wet in the river in which you were fishing thus keeping your catch cool. A fresh set of fronds was added as the creel recieved "layers" of fish. The fish was ALWAYS gutted and gilled first. The old guys commonly cut open their first fish (yep even if undersized) to examine stomach contents. Over the years my wickers were replaced with canvas. Then the canvas was left behind as fish became scarcer and privacy on the river became almost non-existant. Now the only fish I keep from the river are usually too badly injured to release with good survival chances. There is the infrequent meal when Fish are abundant. These then fit in my pouch nicely. My wickers now serve as traveling tackle boxes while spin fishing. For that they work freaking great! Especially while wading. The shoulder strap when used, goes (if wearing the creel on the right side) over the right shoulder, and then the body strap circles the torso and holds the shoulder strap in proper position. In general though creels went out of style and use just about the time when I finally figured out how to make one.  Figures! Mostly they are just a romantic and nostalgic accessory that sees little use these days. Buy some other piece of equipment instead. Something like a nice streamer wallet (also somewhat out of style but very classy), a couple of good braided butt leaders, or perhaps a nice tippet caddy. I would buy a nice streamside light for those times (everytime I am out) when you fish in the dusky dusk. These would see more use and provide more enjoyment. You could even buy some tying materials and REALLY get the bug. Tight Lines M. Wm.

Response:

I am a beginner at fly fishing (Boy, what fun??). Among the many questions that I have is about a creel. How is it used, do you just put a freshly caught fish in the creel, or what?

He must know all there is to know about creels…

Response:

        a very wise man once said that "guilt replaced the creel"… wayno No, I’m pretty sure that it was Tbone…

LMAO!

Response:

          a very wise man once said that "guilt replaced the creel"… wayno No, I’m pretty sure that it was Tbone… Yes, it was TBone.  The wise man was the one who said "guilt debased the meal" <g

First, I’m articulate, and now THIS!  I’m starting to worry about you Warren.     Wolfgang who is beginning to feel embarrassed by the actions of the thiasus

Response:

Thanks for the replies. I have been fishing for bluegills and other panfish. I do beleive in catch and release, but there are times that I want to keep a few for supper.

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First, I’m articulate, and now THIS!  I’m starting to worry about you Warren.    

Response:

I thought it was a "quilt" that replaced the creel? Don’t tell me I was reading that wrong, it makes even *less* sense your way. <g

Quilts can be bulky, and a wet quilt can weigh a ton. OTOH, a forked stick can do a pretty good job. Seriously, creels are nice to have. I feel naked without one. The wicker jobs are classic, but the canvas ones are more practical and less prone to damage. If you’re keeping a fish, kill it and field dress it ASAP, and put in in the creel. As it says, keep well soaked while in use. this will keep your catch cool and fresh. Now the sermon: Don’t keep a fish unless the stream can handle some harvest, and you intend to actually eat the fish, rather than letting it slowly rot in the fridge. Even when I don’t intend to keep anything, I’ll often use it as a streamside beer cooler. The looks you get on C&R water with a dripping, laden Polar Creel can be priceless. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyoming

Response:

Question:

The New Year is an occasion to separate our past from our future. Let’s gather what is best from our past and use it as a foundation to begin anew. Happy New Year ! — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

The New Year is an occasion to separate our past from our future. Let’s gather what is best from our past and use it as a foundation to begin anew. Happy New Year ! — Ken Fortenberry

yeah, yeah, yeah… if you think for one little second that this here post of yours is gonna save you a whuppin come may, you’re sadly mistaken pal. jeff, tom, wayno, PJ, and i got some special steel tipped wadin’ boots on order to urge you upstream  :) Happy New Year Everyone! Walt — Ezflyfish.com:  http://www.ezflyfish.com For Book & Print Auctions: http://www.amazon.com/seller/mariebooks Blue Ridge Book Gallery: http://www.bibliofind.com/cgi-bin/texis.exe/s/search/dhome.html?id=33… P.O. Box 5112, Banner Elk, NC 28604

Response:

yeah, yeah, yeah… if you think for one little second that this here post of yours is gonna save you a whuppin come may, you’re sadly mistaken pal. jeff, tom, wayno, PJ, and i got some special steel tipped wadin’ boots on order to urge you upstream  :) Happy New Year Everyone! Walt

Not to worry Ken, if those NC hicks get a little nasty, just hop in the Mazda and you’ll be safe. Peter BTW, your toast had very appropo sentiments for ROFF.

Response:

The New Year is an occasion to separate our past from our future. Let’s gather what is best from our past and use it as a foundation to begin anew.

Wise words, Ken. Happy new year to you and to everyone on ROFF. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

Response:

if you think for one little second that this here post of yours is gonna save you a whuppin come may, you’re sadly mistaken pal. … Not to worry Ken, if those NC hicks get a little nasty, just hop in the Mazda and you’ll be safe.

On the one hand we’re talkin’ about an alleged ass whuppin’ by a bunch of geriatric rednecks that think walking to the fridge for a beer constitutes a good days hike and on the other we’re talking about near certain flaming death in a Canadian pick up driven by a certifiable lunatic with a Jeff Gordon delusion. No offense, Peter, but I’ll take my chances with the rednecks. Worst comes to worst I can always outrun ‘em. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

On the one hand we’re talkin’ about an alleged ass whuppin’ by a bunch of geriatric rednecks that think walking to the fridge for a beer constitutes a good days hike and on the other we’re talking about near certain flaming death in a Canadian pick up driven by a certifiable lunatic with a Jeff Gordon delusion. No offense, Peter, but I’ll take my chances with the rednecks. Worst comes to worst I can always outrun ‘em. — Ken Fortenberry

Oh, OK – wrong about the delusion though – pilot. Peter

Response:

um, ken…bring your runnin shoes in may.  i’ll be warmin up the truck and waitin… as a prelude to the new year, yesterday i hauled a whinin waldo down to the stream that i first plonked a fly upon (introduction was via james mcdonald roberts).  it is now designated C&R, fly fishing only. the walk down to the stream is about 30 minutes, back up is about 45, unless you’re draggin a wheezin waldo with you <G, then it’s an hour.  we both thought of you.  i know you will enjoy fishing it in may…it would also be a great place to camp overnight. an incredibly beautiful small stream holding only wild trout. jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – if you think for one little second that this here post of yours is gonna save you a whuppin come may, you’re sadly mistaken pal. … Not to worry Ken, if those NC hicks get a little nasty, just hop in the Mazda and you’ll be safe. On the one hand we’re talkin’ about an alleged ass whuppin’ by a bunch of geriatric rednecks that think walking to the fridge for a beer constitutes a good days hike and on the other we’re talking about near certain flaming death in a Canadian pick up driven by a certifiable lunatic with a Jeff Gordon delusion. No offense, Peter, but I’ll take my chances with the rednecks. Worst comes to worst I can always outrun ‘em. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

… i know you will enjoy fishing it in may…it would also be a great place to camp overnight. an incredibly beautiful small stream holding only wild trout.

Sounds fantastic. Waldo’s got us signed up to fish Wilson’s the first two days of Spring Fling but let’s plan on this later in the week. I’ve got everything two people need to be comfy streamside overnight except your sleeping bag. Waking up to watch the morning sun battle its way into the dark holler has got to be a hell of a lot better than waking up to the spectacle of Louie’s BVDs. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Ken Fortenberry: Waking up to watch the morning sun battle its way into the dark holler has got to be a hell of a lot better than waking up to the spectacle of Louie’s BVDs.

LOL.  So loud that Henry came running down-stairs to see what the commotion was all about.   Not to worry my flat-lander former friend;  I will wear appropriate attire upon arising each morning from my gentle sleep.  <g Looking forward to seeing those Carolina reprobates in March, and you in May. Dave L.

Response:

Sounds fantastic. Waldo’s got us signed up to fish Wilson’s the first two days of Spring Fling but let’s plan on this later in the week. I’ve got everything two people need to be comfy streamside overnight except your sleeping bag. Waking up to watch the morning sun battle its way into the dark holler has got to be a hell of a lot better than waking up to the spectacle of Louie’s BVDs. — Ken Fortenberry

The N/T project better cut me some slack come else, I’m going to be all colours of green and bust a gut out of envy.  I think I’m feeling a serious flu coming on — in May. (truck’s already packed) Peter

Response:

Sounds fantastic. Waldo’s got us signed up to fish Wilson’s the first two days of Spring Fling but let’s plan on this later in the week.

We need reservations to fish around Boone? Geez, maybe I’ll go to Snowbird instead<g. — Charlie…

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Question:

A friend sent me ‘ The Top 15 Unforeseen Side-Effects of the Y2K Bug’ which I found rather amusing and I have included them herein, for your perusal. Thise got me to thinking along fishing lines, what will fishing be like in the future?  I’ve only read one short story (sci-fi) about fly fishing, a little ditty called "Ring Trout."  What do you think we can expect? ‘Laser Lines’ that parboil the fish automatically or make for a ‘laser’ guided cast?  Genetically engineered or fish that are otherwise raised to be harder to catch? (Remember my ‘trout swatter idea?) Fish tags with tracking devices to really catch ‘the big one?’ I need some help here fellows, it’s starting to keep me awake…….john              [  The Top 5 List   www.topfive.com  ]              [   Copyright 1999 by Chris White    ] 15 Computer glitch at People Magazine makes Dom DeLuise the     "Sexiest Man Alive!" 14 No power failures, no mass hysteria, but from January 1st on,     everyone’s toast is just a little bit burnt. 13 "Suddenly Susan" suddenly funny. 12 Their computers thwarted, the public library will finally get     their 12-year-overdue copy of "Our Bodies, Our Selves" back     and I… er, my friend won’t have to pay a penny in late fees! 11 Several thousand Internet start-ups simultaneously and     inexplicably turn a profit. 10 World falls under the iron fist of Amish overlords. 9 All "2000 Flushes" toilet bowl sanitizers simultaneously     detonate, causing a "Blue Butt" epidemic in trailer parks     across the US. 8 While speaking at a fund-raiser, Al Gore malfunctions and     shuts down in mid-sentence. 7 Overnight, CompUSA becomes "Crazy Larry’s Liquidation Center." 6 Strom Thurmond starts to receive free birthday ice-cream cones     at Baskin-Robbins. 5 "Student Loan?  No, I’m pretty sure I paid that in full     last month." 4 With all the rioting and looting, your reclusive neighbor     Chuck can finally roam the streets relatively unnoticed in     his halter top and buttless chaps. 3 "First-rate Hunter-gatherer" now a key resume bullet. 2 President Clinton’s January issue of "Hustler" is accidentally     sent to ex-president William McKinley. and Topfive.com’s Number 1 Unforeseen Side-Effect of the Y2K Bug… 1 McDonald’s faces a rash of lawsuits when out-of-work COBOL     programmers begin dumping hot coffee into their laps to     make ends meet.              [  The Top 5 List   www.topfive.com  ]              [   Copyright 1999 by Chris White    ]

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A friend sent me ‘ The Top 15 Unforeseen Side-Effects of the Y2K Bug’ which I found rather amusing and I have included them herein, for your perusal. Thise got me to thinking along fishing lines, what will fishing be like in the future?  I’ve only read one short story (sci-fi) about fly fishing, a little ditty called "Ring Trout."  What do you think we can expect? ‘Laser Lines’ that parboil the fish automatically or make for a ‘laser’ guided cast?  Genetically engineered or fish that are otherwise raised to be harder to catch? (Remember my ‘trout swatter idea?) Fish tags with tracking devices to really catch ‘the big one?’ I need some help here fellows, it’s starting to keep me awake…….john

"Hey Joe, you got anything ?".  "Sure have, just managed to hack into Fish and Games tracking satellite net, three salmon are due in within the next two days".  "Gee, thats great, havent seen a salmon for years, you think we have a chance at them".  "Sure do, just upgraded my $rvis magnetic fish implant tracking device, if one of those mothers gets within ten miles of us we

Question:

This past summer, my wife (god bless her) brought home a mint-condition model 1498 Pfleuger Medalist from one of her garage-sale sorties. It is loaded with backing and line in what appears to be unfished condition. Question: Is there any way I can figure out the weight of the line? There are no markings on it. Why don’t line manufacturers mark flyline anyways? It would seem to be a simple manufacturing step. Thanks Joe

Hi Joe, A 1498 was the biggest Medalist and was for rods from #9 and larger. It might have a shooting head on it? If you pull it off for about 20 feet you will notice that it is either a level line or has a front taper for the first 6 to 12 feet. This means that it is a tapered line and if it is a light color, then it is probably a floating line. At about 30 plus feet, but before 40′, it gets smaller again, then it is a weight forward. If it stays large for more that 40 feet it is probably a double taper. If you go  back to about 20 feet from the front and measure the diameter with a micrometer, you can get a pretty good idea what size it is. If I remember right, about ~0.048" is a 5 weight floater?  Email me some more info or put it on the group and we can determine what it is. PS: If that is an old Pflueger that was made in the USA and is in good condition, it would be great for some heavier fishing. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

Sorry to hammer the point one more time…… It’s NOT the LAST 30′ (unless of course its a double taper, in that case you can weigh either end) It’s the FIRST 30′ ( the end you tie your leader to,……. but don’t weigh the leader!) David

Response:

David, First and last is not a good description because either end can be first or last depending on whether you are talking about going on or coming off the real.  The end you tie your leader to is a meaningful description. — Ernie Harrison Fly Fishing Books, Blood Knot Machine Wading Boots, Making Rods, Fly Tying Box Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sorry to hammer the point one more time…… It’s NOT the LAST 30′ (unless of course its a double taper, in that case you can weigh either end) It’s the FIRST 30′ ( the end you tie your leader to,……. but don’t weigh the leader!) David

Response:

Joe, all the handling characteristics of a fly line are determined by the line’s plastic coating. Based on what we’ve seen with Cortland’s LazerLine, I’d have to guess that good ‘printability’ and good handling are not common in the same line. I’d expect the 1498 to be spooled with 7wt or higher. Try casting it on an 8wt rod and see how it feels at 30 feet.

Response:

Thanks for correcting my error Don and Dave all the rest of the sharp eyed readers, that’s what happens when you buy a cheap keyboard. — Ernie Harrison Fly Fishing Books, Blood Knot Machine Wading Boots, Making Rods, Fly Tying Box Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Question: Is there any way I can figure out the weight of the line? There are no markings on it. Why don’t line manufacturers mark flyline anyways? It would seem to be a simple manufacturing step. Thirty years of experience suggests either it is not simple or there is insufficient market demand. Weigh the last 30" of the line. That should be the last 30′ (not ") excluding taper. Most people find it easier to try the line on a rod of known type and see how it feels. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

 Weigh the last 30" of the line. — Ernie Harrison Fly Fishing Books, Blood Knot Machine Wading Boots, Making Rods, Fly Tying Box Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh

I think Ernie means " the FIRST 30 FEET" David

Response:

This past summer, my wife (god bless her) brought home a mint-condition model 1498 Pfleuger Medalist from one of her garage-sale sorties. It is loaded with backing and line in what appears to be unfished condition. Question: Is there any way I can figure out the weight of the line? There are no markings on it. Why don’t line manufacturers mark flyline anyways? It would seem to be a simple manufacturing step. Thanks Joe

Response:

Hi: I had a similar problem when I found a full shoting head when steelhead fishing last winter.  I took into my local fly shop to see if they could help.  The owner simply weighed the line and checked a catalogue he had to identify the weight.  Give this a try. Chris Brown – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This past summer, my wife (god bless her) brought home a mint-condition model 1498 Pfleuger Medalist from one of her garage-sale sorties. It is loaded with backing and line in what appears to be unfished condition. Question: Is there any way I can figure out the weight of the line? There are no markings on it. Why don’t line manufacturers mark flyline anyways? It would seem to be a simple manufacturing step. Thanks Joe

Response:

Weigh the last 30" of the line. — Ernie Harrison Fly Fishing Books, Blood Knot Machine Wading Boots, Making Rods, Fly Tying Box Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This past summer, my wife (god bless her) brought home a mint-condition model 1498 Pfleuger Medalist from one of her garage-sale sorties. It is loaded with backing and line in what appears to be unfished condition. Question: Is there any way I can figure out the weight of the line? There are no markings on it. Why don’t line manufacturers mark flyline anyways? It would seem to be a simple manufacturing step. Thanks Joe

Response:

Question: Is there any way I can figure out the weight of the line? There are no markings on it. Why don’t line manufacturers mark flyline anyways? It would seem to be a simple manufacturing step.

Thirty years of experience suggests either it is not simple or there is insufficient market demand. Weigh the last 30" of the line.

That should be the last 30′ (not ") excluding taper. Most people find it easier to try the line on a rod of known type and see how it feels. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

This past summer, my wife (god bless her) brought home a mint-condition model 1498 Pfleuger Medalist from one of her garage-sale sorties. It is loaded with backing and line in what appears to be unfished condition. Question: Is there any way I can figure out the weight of the line? There are no markings on it. Why don’t line manufacturers mark flyline anyways? It would seem to be a simple manufacturing step. Thanks Joe

Send me your shipping address and I’ll send you a bottle of PZ Line Dressing.   This is A MUST!  Do not attempt to cast this line until you dress it with PZ and get the placticizers back into the plastic coating. After you do this, you simply need to put it on a six weight fly rod which is the average weight used today and try it. Next, after you determine the weight fly rod the fly line is designed for, (and many times you can tell by when you have the fly line stretched out between ’stops’ so you can clean and recondition it.  (Let it set over night so the dressing has time to work before whipping it down and reloading it on the reel) Take an Indelable Marker Pen and a foot above the butt section ON the fly line, (if it is a seven weight for example) put a wide marker band for the number 5 and two narrow dot bands for the number one and then two add up to SEVEN.  I will try and use this key board to show you an example:  ___ _ _  = #7 WT  ___ _  = #6 WT   ___ = #5 WT  _ _ _ _ = #4 Wt Going the other way:  ___ _ _ _ = #8 WT If you want to remember if it is a DT or a WF fly line you can simply assume it is a double taper unless it has, six inches up the line another mark   _  to indicate Weight Forward because the extra mark is forward of your line wt.code. As you may well know, marking pens have a wide felt tip and a pointed one. But you get the idea and frankly, if you do this from now on, it is a system that will never let you down. Hope you like it.

Response:

Question:

Hi, I’m also trying to get started into flyfishing….

I would remind you (for all beginners out there) that more important than the ‘right’ knot is a knot that you have tested before the fish takes your fly. Sounds kind of simple, but I have seen many people claim the fish ‘broke’ their line when they really didn’t check their knot before they started fishing. Also check your leader/tippet every 1/2 hour or so for abrasion. Mike mikedahl-at-nmia-com

Response:

Hi, I’m also trying to get started into flyfishing and had a couple of questions about knots and such. 1)  What is the best knot to use when tying the fly-line to your reel?   2) What about the know to use when tying the fly-line to your leader.  Do you tend to make loops on both lines or connect them straight. 3) Do people use (i believe) tippet?  Then if so, can you tie tippet the same way as the fly-line to the leader? just curious…thanks Eric

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi, I’m also trying to get started into flyfishing and had a couple of questions about knots and such. 1)  What is the best knot to use when tying the fly-line to your reel?   2) What about the know to use when tying the fly-line to your leader.  Do you tend to make loops on both lines or connect them straight. 3) Do people use (i believe) tippet?  Then if so, can you tie tippet the same way as the fly-line to the leader? just curious…thanks Eric

Eric, Too long of answers for these questions, pick yourself up a knot handbook at your local outfitter, many are pamphlet style and free. I have learned 10 to 20 different knots, use about 5, never paid for a book. Look for step by step illustrations, practice at your favorite sittin’ spot, not in the river. There are different knots for all of the transitions you asked about. Try to get 3M/Scientific Angler’s "A Fly Fisher’s Pocket Guide". This has good pics and tells you what to use where. Patience, Good Luck. TC

Response:

[snipped] 1)  What is the best knot to use when tying the fly-line to your reel?  

Don’t do that Eric!  Tie on some backing line first.  Use a grinner knot and slide it down tight before you start to wind.  To gauge how much line you need from scratch try this.  Get two reels!  (Borrow one the same as yours).  Fasten the fly line to the arbour of the spare or borrowed reel with a piece of adhesive tape on the end which goes nearest the fly (most lines have a tag of paper fastened on the end which goes to the reel, you want the other end at this stage.  Wind on the line until it is all on the reel.  Then fasten the backing to the flyline.  You choose how based on the type of backing.  Nail knot for monofil backing and solid braid, sleeve and tube for hollow braid. Wind on this until the reel is full but not so full the line will drag against the reel cage.  Cut off the backing from the bulk spool.  Tie this now to the spool of your reel that you will be using.  Wind on the line as neatly as you can pulling the line free of the tape.  Now you are set. 2) What about the know to use when tying the fly-line to your leader.   Do you tend to make loops on both lines or connect them straight.

Don’t do that either! If the leader is monofil tie a sacrificial butt of heavy monofil to the line using either a nail or needle knot.  Both are neat.  If the leader is partially braid then use the braid connection method of feeding the line into the braid and pulling tight then passing a tube over the loose ends of braid. To either of these sacrificial butts (about 2 feet long is Ok but you may prefer longer) tie your leader using a four turn water knot. 3) Do people use (i believe) tippet?  Then if so, can you tie tippet the same way as the fly-line to the leader?

Tippet is just the name for the last bit of leader to which you attach your fly.  It is made of monofil usually. just curious…thanks

Good idea to be curious it helps you get things right. richard

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ….[snip]   2)What about the knot to use when tying the fly-line to your leader. I may be a little strange, but I prefer to use the "Leader Link".  For those of you who haven’t seen one, it is a little nylon sleeve and you slide your line in one end and tie an overhand knot and slide your leader into the other end and tie an overhand knot, then trim off the excess. What I like about it is the speed I can change leaders.  I carry pre tied leaders in my vest and when a tippet gets too short or I want a different leader I just clip it off and tie another one on.  I repair the old leaders in the evening, not while I am fishing.   Ernie Harrison I have found the system used by Orvis to be very handy. The fly line has a small loop at the end, as does the leader. You simply thread the two lines together. It makes it easy to change leaders without cutting, so your line and leader do not get a bit shorter each time. In theory a nail knot is smoother than this type of connection, but since the line-leader connection never goes through your guides and should never get near a fish I do not see what difference it makes. I am a beginner, so there may be things I am missing.

My line/leader connection goes through my guides quite often while I am fishing.  Granted, it doesn’t while I’m actually casting but if I’m fishing smaller streams I’m often on the move in between spots as much  I am actually casting.  Often the  terrain can be rock or I might have to climb over fallen trees or work my way through dense brush.  Winding in my line and attaching my fly to the hook holder makes it a lot easier to get between fishing spots without snagging my line.  When I arrive at the next pool it can get pretty annoying if the line/leader connection get stuck in the guides.  Often it can result in spooking a fish. After using braided loops under these conditions I’m going to switch back to nail knots or, the "superglue" leader/line connection that I had shown to me at the Delaware River Club by Bob Nastassi. Can anyone tell me if this loop system is unique to Orvis, or do other manufacturers use it too?

I’ve used the Orvis loops and another vendor as well.   Are you using just the loop or the braided loop as well? John Fereira Stop Unsolicited Commercial Email – Join CAUCE (http://www.cauce.org) Support HR 1748, the anti-spam bill.

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Hi, I’m also trying to get started into flyfishing and had a couple of questions about knots and such. 1)  What is the best knot to use when tying the fly-line to your reel?   2) What about the know to use when tying the fly-line to your leader.  Do you tend to make loops on both lines or connect them straight. 3) Do people use (i believe) tippet?  Then if so, can you tie tippet the same way as the fly-line to the leader? just curious…thanks Eric

Hey Eric, I am just "emgerging" from the beginner stage. I have found these knots helpful: Backing to reel: Arbor Knot Line to Backing: Albright knot Line to leader: Nail knot or I prefer to tie loops and inter connect like the Orvis system.  You could also purchase the glue on end or the Orvis line with the loop end from the factory. When your leader gets shorter you can tie on 2-4 foot sections of tippet with a surgeons knot. The Berkley web site has some knots diagramed.     Remove "tt" to respond by e-mail (anti spam)

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ….[snip]   2)What about the knot to use when tying the fly-line to your leader. I may be a little strange, but I prefer to use the "Leader Link".  For those of you who haven’t seen one, it is a little nylon sleeve and you slide your line in one end and tie an overhand knot and slide your leader into the other end and tie an overhand knot, then trim off the excess. What I like about it is the speed I can change leaders.  I carry pre tied leaders in my vest and when a tippet gets too short or I want a different leader I just clip it off and tie another one on.  I repair the old leaders in the evening, not while I am fishing.   Ernie Harrison

I have found the system used by Orvis to be very handy. The fly line has a small loop at the end, as does the leader. You simply thread the two lines together. It makes it easy to change leaders without cutting, so your line and leader do not get a bit shorter each time. In theory a nail knot is smoother than this type of connection, but since the line-leader connection never goes through your guides and should never get near a fish I do not see what difference it makes. I am a beginner, so there may be things I am missing. Can anyone tell me if this loop system is unique to Orvis, or do other manufacturers use it too? Peter G. Aitken

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Here is a URL for commonly used knots: http://www.flyshop.com/tactics/12-96Knots/index.html There is a book Co-authored my Mark Sosin (I can’t remember the title, but it is a yellow paperback) that has every knot you could imagine with a strength rating. You may not (no pun intended!) need all the info it, but I needed the special salt water leader knots.  But then again, I am an Assistant Scoutmaster and we’re nuts about knots anyway.

"Practical Fishing Knots II" by Mark Sosin and Lefty Kreh is the latest version I have. ISBN 1-55821-102-0. — Charlie…

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You might try the "nail-less" nail knot.  I find it to be just as effective as the real thing and you don’t have to carry around one of those little tools (or pay for it either). —                                                            -dnc- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ….[snip]   2)What about the knot to use when tying the fly-line to your leader. Use the Nail knot, you can buy a tool now to tie it alot easier I use it all the time.It about $6 dollars

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….[snip]   2)What about the knot to use when tying the fly-line to your leader.

I may be a little strange, but I prefer to use the "Leader Link".  For those of you who haven’t seen one, it is a little nylon sleeve and you slide your line in one end and tie an overhand knot and slide your leader into the other end and tie an overhand knot, then trim off the excess. What I like about it is the speed I can change leaders.  I carry pre tied leaders in my vest and when a tippet gets too short or I want a different leader I just clip it off and tie another one on.  I repair the old leaders in the evening, not while I am fishing.   Ernie Harrison

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Here is a URL for commonly used knots: http://www.flyshop.com/tactics/12-96Knots/index.html There is a book Co-authored my Mark Sosin (I can’t remember the title, but it is a yellow paperback) that has every knot you could imagine with a strength rating. You may not (no pun intended!) need all the info it, but I needed the special salt water leader knots.  But then again, I am an Assistant Scoutmaster and we’re nuts about knots anyway. — William J. Hobson, CNE,CNA Network and Computing Support Services Texas Engineering Experiment Station Phone: (409) 845-5808

Response:

1)What is the best knot to use when tying the fly-line to your reel? The best knot that I know of is the Duncan loop, much stronger than the Arbor knot which alot fisherman use. 2)What about the knot to use when tying the fly-line to your leader. Use the Nail knot, you can buy a tool now to tie it alot easier I use it all the time.It about $6 dollars Do you tend to make loops on both lines or connect them straight?. If you prefer, an easier way is just to buy a or make a braided leader loop on your fly line, then purchase a braided leader, and than all you have to do is add tippet.One thing with braided leaders, is if you get snaged on the bottom, the tippet breaks first, and you won’t wreck or lose your leader. They are good, there’s doubt, but expensive never the less. 3)Do people use (i believe) tippet?  Then if so, can you tie tippet the same way as the fly-line to the leader? From experience, use the Double Surgeons knot, it’s simple and easy to tie. I find that the best knot ever developed is the blood knot for tying tippet to my leader. I have practiced this knot enough so that I can tie it even when it’s windy on the stream. Alot stronger than the knot abouve, but try and find a knot that you can tie, even if isn’t the one’s I mentioned.Success starts here for flyfishing,it’s really that simple. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Eric

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1)  What is the best knot to use when tying the fly-line to your reel?   2) What about the know to use when tying the fly-line to your leader.  Do you tend to make loops on both lines or connect them straight. 3) Do people use (i believe) tippet?  Then if so, can you tie tippet the same way as the fly-line to the leader?

Every angler needs to know knots for these purposes: A.  Nylon to nylon:  the blood knot requires practice but gives you a nice straight line. B.  Nylon to hook:  the turle knot is not particularly strong but also gives you a nice straight line. C.  Fly line to something finer, e.g. backing or leader butt:  the needle knot does this well. Thus to answer Sherman: 1.  If there is backing under the fly line, almost anything will do. I use a large loop myself (which facilitates swapping lines and spools if you ever need to.) 2.  Double loops require learning one or two extra knots.  A permanent leader butt fastened to the end of the fly line by a needle knot will last almost as long as the fly line. 3.  "Tippet" is the finest part of the leader.  Since you lose an inch of tippet every time you change flies it gets shorter: and should be wholly replaced when it gets too short for efficiency.  If you can tie a good blood knot, you replace only the tippet, not the whole leader. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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Question:

I am looking for a telephone number (or adress) of a company called Float Tube Unlimited. Thanks in advance                      Thomas — Sender:  Thomas Urbig          Harvard University          Institute for Molecular and Cellular Biology          16 Divinity Ave.          Cambridge, MA 02138          Tel: (USA) 617 495 3716;   Fax:  (USA)  617 496 8726

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Quoting Thomas from a message in rec.outdoors.fishing.fly    <I am looking for a telephone number (or adress) of a company called    <Float Tube Unlimited. Jim Carlisle

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I tried to get a catalog off thier 1-800 #, 3 freak’n times.   NO LUCK. Whats with that company??? I went with Cabela’s. John

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Question:

Where, *exactly*, should I add split-shot on a WF-5-F line, or leader.

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I like to put it right next to the fly so that it looks like a head. I, of course, have no idea if that is correct or not.

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Where, *exactly*, should I add split-shot on a WF-5-F line, or leader.

The closer to the fly usually causes less tangling problems. Another method I use is to add a short section of lead core line between my leader butt section and the tipppet section. Some people find that easier to cast. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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: I like to put it right next to the fly so that it looks like a head. I, of : course, have no idea if that is correct or not. If it catches fish, it _is_ correct! ;-   Anywhere from about 18 inches up on the tippet to down close to the fly will do the trick. Another suggestion would be to use a section of lead core line. What you do is form a loop in each end and overwrap it with thread. Use a loop to loop connection to attach it to the flyline or the tippet end of the leader. There are premade ones out there also. The advantage to this is that it removes that "clunkiness" from the casting that is associated with the use split shot. Jon Porter

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Where, *exactly*, should I add split-shot on a WF-5-F line, or leader. The closer to the fly usually causes less tangling problems. Another method I use is to add a short section of lead core line between my leader butt section and the tipppet section. Some people find that easier to cast. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Too close to the fly can ruin the swimming action.  Leave at least a couple of feet for most flies. — Richard Nelson Spokane, Wa. "Its not that life is so short, its that death is sooo long."  

Question:

The show is advertised for January 19, 20, & 21, at the Royal Plaza Trade Center in Marlborough, MA  doors open at 9:00 on Saturday. I’ve been advised to get there early, it gets crowded. Rob

Response:

<snip Yes indeed – have only missed one (while recovering from surgical reconstruction of my hauling arm =8^O) ‘Course it helps that Marlborough is about 12 minutes from me ;^) For $9 ($8 if you got their mailing) you get to completely forget the freakin’ winter (and this winter it’d be worth more than $9 for that for us Far Easterners, eh?!) visit a bazillion booths filled with all sorts of FF stuff or places to go during the season, see plenty of tying and casting demonstrations, and spend a sh*tload of money (or not) on materials and equipment. Seems like a great deal to me – it’s a lot cheaper than taking your SO to the movies ;^)

I doubt it (remember your comment before…) Cheers! /dave (planning on going Friday)

See you there on friday! (Looking for a new Swift-river-rod?)                Thomas                                          /                       Harvard University                                                / Institute for Molecular and Cellular Biology                     / 16 Divinity Ave.                                                / Cambridge, MA 02138                                            / Tel: (USA) 617 495 3716                                       / Fax:  (USA)  617 495 9300                                 O  /                                                           |_/o                                                         / | – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <         "Read this and nobody gets hurt ;^)"         < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

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Am thinking of going to the National Fly Fishing Show down in Massachusetts as a cure for cabin fever, is it worth the nine bucks and the three hour drive? Am most interested in picking up some tying materials. Anyone gone before?

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I went to it a couple of years a go when it was in Boston. This was its first year, it was OK don’t know if its gotten any better or bigger. I saw that there is another show in March in Wilmongton, MA, World Fly Fishing Expo. Saw the ad in the Feb. ‘96 of FF mag. Looks like we’re in for a late fishing season this year!! Check out Battenkill conditions at <AHREF="http://www.sover.net/~batenkil"BattenKill Valley Traders</A The Brookside Angler will be posting local river conditions during the fishing season. Glenn Lemke Manchester

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I went last year.  Tons of stuff and tons of people.  Some of the tables can be repetitive after a while, but there are a lot of unique dealers there as well.  It is worth the $9 but be prepared to get elbowed a few times trying to see what you want. D.P.

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What is the date of this show? Thanks ahead of time. Curtis Quist

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Am thinking of going to the National Fly Fishing Show down in Massachusetts as a cure for cabin fever, is it worth the nine bucks and the three hour drive? Am most interested in picking up some tying materials. Anyone gone before?

Yes indeed – have only missed one (while recovering from surgical reconstruction of my hauling arm =8^O) ‘Course it helps that Marlborough is about 12 minutes from me ;^) For $9 ($8 if you got their mailing) you get to completely forget the freakin’ winter (and this winter it’d be worth more than $9 for that for us Far Easterners, eh?!) visit a bazillion booths filled with all sorts of FF stuff or places to go during the season, see plenty of tying and casting demonstrations, and spend a sh*tload of money (or not) on materials and equipment. Seems like a great deal to me – it’s a lot cheaper than taking your SO to the movies ;^) Cheers! /dave (planning on going Friday) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <         "Read this and nobody gets hurt ;^)"         < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

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Question:

I lost the post regarding information on the classes offered in Sept/Oct regarding the Striped Bass in Frank’s Tract.  Anyone have this info, please reply.   I believe the classes were around $125. Thanks,   Howard

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<<I lost the post regarding information on the classes offered in Sept/Oct regarding the Striped Bass in Frank’s Tract.  Anyone have this info, please reply.   I believe the classes were around $125. Thanks,   Howard

—

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I lost the post regarding information on the classes offered in Sept/Oct regarding the Striped Bass in Frank’s Tract.   I believe the classes were around $125. Thanks,   Howard

It was from Fish First in Albany – 510/526-1937.  Begins early Oct.   Sounds interesting moght see you there. bob

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Question:

I can’t stand it anymore!   Everytime I talke to a large fishing manufacture about making fishing stuff women they say; " The market is too small. Not that many women fish."  If you’re a woman, and you fish, let me hear from you.  It’s time somebody showed these guys that women enjoy fishing too.  Leave me your name and mailing address and I’ll send you a neat fishing trick just for making the effort. Thanks ladies and as always….good fishing!

How is fishing stuff for women any different than fishing stuff for men?  Every so often a woman posts in the flyfishing group asking about other women that flyfish and I point out that there are women such as Joan Wulff, Helen Shaw, and Lisa Cutter that have made a pretty big impact on the sport.  There is nothing inherent about fishing or fishing equipment that makes it a "mans" sport. As an aside,  Lisa Cutter and Joan Wulff both run flyfishing classes for women and I’m sure there are several others like them throughout the country.  I hear they are wonderful. — John Fereira

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I can’t stand it anymore!   Everytime I talke to a large fishing manufacture about making fishing stuff women they say; " The market is too small. Not that many women fish."  If you’re a woman, and you fish, let me hear from you.  It’s time somebody showed these guys that women enjoy fishing too.  Leave me your name and mailing address and I’ll send you a neat fishing trick just for making the effort. Thanks ladies and as always….good fishing!

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