Question:

John, that’s an inspiration to aspiring Grandads throughout ROFF. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Grandma and I had #1 and #2 grandsons this afternoon fishing Foothill Lake in Palo Alto.  #2 is two years old and, with Grandma, was tossing his Snoopy rod and reel with the practice casting plug everywhere, sometimes in the water <g!  #1 is 8 years old and ALWAYS catches more fish with Dad than with Grandpa <g!  #1 was tossing Powerbait, worms and marshmallows all over the lake with no luck but he was doing a good job.  Late in the day, the following occurred: He:  Look at that guy on the dock, Grandpa.  What is he fishing with? Me: A fly rod. He:  Isn’t that what you fish with? Me: Yes. He:  That looks like fun.  (Heart twinges) Me:  It is. He:  It looks hard. Me:  Well, it takes training.  Like bicycle riding or a skate board. He:  They’re easy, Grandpa. What’s he doing now? Me:  Stripping a fly imitating a minnow. He:  That looks like lots of fun (Heart Jumps). Me:  It is. He:  Would you show me how?  (BE STILL MY HEART) Me:  OK, whenever you want too. He:  Takes spin outfit, sits on rock and watches caster roll casting, double hauling and practicing long beautiful casts for good 5 minutes <WOW. She:  (Watching #1 watching fly caster) to me:  BE STILL MY HEART. Me:  OK Bud, it’s time to go. He:  Grandpa, will you teach me how to fly fish? HEART IN MY THROAT!!! Me:  Too choked up to say anything but SURE – Who’s Hungry? He:  Later he said:  "Mom Grandpa is going to show me how to fly fish!" She:  (Rolls eyes) Oh, he IS is he?  to me "How did you arrange that?" Me:  It’s in the genes <g!

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<snip A most delightful post, John. And a great lesson to one who pushed too hard to get my kids to embrace my sport.  Ah!!! But when the grandchildren come along. Patience, patience and patience. Perhaps.<G Thanks Kiyu

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You are indeed a lucky fellow.  Great post.  Looking forward to hearing how he progresses.  If only every 8 year old was as lucky …. Cheers and TLs. Natty

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Grandma and I had #1 and #2 grandsons this afternoon fishing Foothill Lake in Palo Alto.  #2 is two years old and, with Grandma, was tossing his Snoopy rod and reel with the practice casting plug everywhere, sometimes in the water <g!  #1 is 8 years old and ALWAYS catches more fish with Dad than with Grandpa <g!  #1 was tossing Powerbait, worms and marshmallows all over the lake with no luck but he was doing a good job.  Late in the day, the following occurred: He:  Look at that guy on the dock, Grandpa.  What is he fishing with? Me: A fly rod. He:  Isn’t that what you fish with? Me: Yes. He:  That looks like fun.  (Heart twinges) Me:  It is. He:  It looks hard. Me:  Well, it takes training.  Like bicycle riding or a skate board. He:  They’re easy, Grandpa. What’s he doing now? Me:  Stripping a fly imitating a minnow. He:  That looks like lots of fun (Heart Jumps). Me:  It is. He:  Would you show me how?  (BE STILL MY HEART) Me:  OK, whenever you want too. He:  Takes spin outfit, sits on rock and watches caster roll casting, double hauling and practicing long beautiful casts for good 5 minutes <WOW. She:  (Watching #1 watching fly caster) to me:  BE STILL MY HEART. Me:  OK Bud, it’s time to go. He:  Grandpa, will you teach me how to fly fish? HEART IN MY THROAT!!! Me:  Too choked up to say anything but SURE – Who’s Hungry? He:  Later he said:  "Mom Grandpa is going to show me how to fly fish!" She:  (Rolls eyes) Oh, he IS is he?  to me "How did you arrange that?" Me:  It’s in the genes <g!

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Thanks, that story ruled!  Perhaps you should start shopping for 6 ft fly rods <g Best of luck and congratulations, — Warren Findley

It might be easier for him to learn with an 8 foot rod. About fifteen years ago a friend and I started his eight year old son with my 8 foot 6 weight Cortland. He still uses that rod. I will look forward to meeting him at Flyfish 2002 next year. Big Dale

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<snipped story of Grandson Thanks, that story ruled!  Perhaps you should start shopping for 6 ft fly rods <g Best of luck and congratulations, — Warren Findley

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Question:

Thank you Azure. I hope you are well, spike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Noen; You are welcome. A) I’m scared of Alan. B) He is nice to the new ppl like you. C) He is nice to the ca girls. D) Or It’s because he has been here about 3 years longer that you. I have seen extraordinary acts of kindness from him, and has earned certain rights, that as a boundary i don’t allow all ppl to have. In short he is pretty fly for a white guy. He has that punk ethos happening, i respect that. With love, spike But really the number one reason, is the way he flames ppl that ask stupid questions or when a new person thinks they have things all figured out, and they get a post from Alan. (uproarious giggles) Spike, you have a hilarious way of hitting the nail right on the head. azure drop ‘trou’ to reply — For more information about this posting service, contact: If you want an anonymous account, visit our sign-up page: http://asarian-host.org/emailform.html

Response:

Hi Colin; Yikes beats me. Maybe your news reader doesn’t like doing it. For some reason, it doesn’t work with the new icq proper either. Try it with a word app, like notepad, if it does, it’s that agent warez, you are using. It’s the right-hand number pad you are using right? I’m good, thank you, it’s nice you are back. How is life? You are building now? Roofing and framing? Hey if you need a garage door(s) i’ll tell you how it get it very cheap, and if the fishing is as good as i hear, in that area, i’ll hang it for free. Are your finger nails that pretty purple color, framers always have? Take care and use a level and square, spike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – 0233=

Question:

I will be on Cozumel in March and would be interested in any advice or comments on fishing for bonefish there or on the Yucatan coast.  Thank you.

Response:

I will be on Cozumel in March and would be interested in any advice or comments on fishing for bonefish there or on the Yucatan coast.  Thank you.

You can go bonefishing on Cozumel. The cost is $300 for two anglers. Capt Gene Kelly

Response:

I will be on Cozumel in March and would be interested in any advice or comments on fishing for bonefish there or on the Yucatan coast.  Thank you.

Hi All, There are at least a half dozen bonefish guides on Cozumel. I would get a guide for a half day for about $200 in the AM. Take a #7, 8 or 9 weight multi-piece outfit with a floating line. Have a hat, light colored Polarized glasses and sun screen. Bill Kiene (capitalist pig) Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 1-800-4000FLY (toll free in US) www.kiene.com

Response:

I will be on Cozumel in March and would be interested in any advice or comments on fishing for bonefish there or on the Yucatan coast.  Thank you.

Be prepared for a real long boat ride. Make sure the boat has life preservers. Don’t trust the signs in hotels that say "purified water". Take $50 in one dollar bills to pay for cabs. The drivers won’t make change.

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Question:

I’ll be in Portland (weather permitting) from the 15-19 of Jan (This weekend) and I’m looking for info on a spot to try for a days fishing. Preferably if someone is interested in taking me along on a trip, I’ll provide transportation, cover all the costs and in return offer my services up here in Victoria B.C. I’ll fly fish for basically anything that swims and if steelheading doesn’t look good, then I’m up for anything.

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I’ll be in Portland (weather permitting) from the 15-19 of Jan (This weekend) and I’m looking for info on a spot to try for a days fishing. Preferably if someone is interested in taking me along on a trip, I’ll provide transportation, cover all the costs and in return offer my services up here in Victoria B.C. I’ll fly fish for basically anything that swims and if steelheading doesn’t look good, then I’m up for anything.

As of today, Tues 1/13, everything is blown out of shape. Forecast doesn’t look good…but who knows?

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Question:

I’m heading to St. Petersburg in late june and would like to tie some flies up.  Any suggestions for redfish, small tarpon and snook on the flats and backwaters would be appreciated.  Hook size and patterns.  Patterns that would catch two or more of the species would be preferable.  Thanks for your help. — Jay

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I’m heading to St. Petersburg in late june and would like to tie some flies up.  Any suggestions for redfish, small tarpon and snook on the flats and backwaters would be appreciated.  Hook size and patterns.  Patterns that would catch two or more of the species would be preferable.  Thanks for your help. — Jay

Jay, I just came back from Sanibel and had a lot of luck with the following: Del’s Merkin – Tan – Redfish Big Eye Deciever – White w/Brown back – Snook/Tarpon Chartruese/White Deciever – Snook/Tarpon Chartruese Clouser – Snook/Tarpon I’d add a shrimp fly or two to the list and also make sure to have a small crab imitator for any permit. BTW, I never go anywhere without decievers and clousers.  They’re my "confidence" flies.  Also weedless patterns help, especially for snook under mangroves and dockes. — Mark N. Cahill For E-mail remove the _Remove_This from the reply to address. http://www.geocities.com/Baja/3297

Response:

I’m heading to St. Petersburg in late june and would like to tie some flies up.  Any suggestions for redfish, small tarpon and snook on the flats and backwaters would be appreciated.  Hook size and patterns.  Patterns that would catch two or more of the species would be preferable.  Thanks for your help. — Jay

I would recommend a Chico’s Seaducer in size 2 to 1/0 to 3" in yellow or white with a red collar and a little flash for snook and tarpon. There are many different patterns to try. Try some chartreuse or white poppers in the mangroves for snook and tarpon. I would try to get a fly fishing  guide with boat for one day. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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Question:

Join us for dinner at a new soul-food restaurant, after we surf the rapids on inner tubes in the Catskill Mountains on Saturday, Sept 14      Our 26th adventure will be appreciated by the thrill seekers everywhere.  Several times a year, a dam is opened in the Catskill Mountains.  This results in a tidal wave surging down the Esopus Creek.  Whitewater enthusiasts seize upon this moment to shoot these rapids on truck inner tubes.  If you seek an adrenalin rush, read on.      Our car pool will take us on a 2.6 hour trip to Phoenicia, New York, a village of 970 in the Catskill Mountains.  It is west of Woodstock, New York and south of Hunter Mountain (elevation, 4,025 feet).  The Phoenicia Business Association claims that they are the "northeast’s tubing capital".  In fact, they are blessed with no less than three (count ‘em) tube rental companies.  Phoenicia also boasts of "world class" fly fishing, although fishing for flies never appealed to us.        After we arrive in Phoenicia, we will board a shuttle van operated by the Rubber Ducky Tube Rental Company (no, we are not making the name up).  It will take us to the headwaters of the Esopus Creek.  Those fluent in the Mohawk Indian dialect will know "Esopus" means fast water.  Those not fluent but not legally blind will realize this anyhow.  The Esopus feeds the Ashokan Reservoir, which is a source of New York City drinking water.  So it’s clean.      Rubber Ducky will provide us with helmets, foot protectors (old sneakers, really) and thickly padded life jackets.  After being suitably atTired for tubing (no pun intended), we will assume a reclining diaper position in a modified truck tire inner tubes. They will have rope handles (hold on tight!) and a seat.      The seat is just a wood board, but it protects your buns against unsightly bruises, thereby saving you from embarrassing questions from your significant other.  But you can expect minor bruises and scrapes on other body parts.  You may want to bring knee pads.        Your next 100 minutes on the Esopus Creek will give you a deeper appreciation of what it would be like to be a pair of underpants during the spin cycle.  With of course, a scenic view of the Catskill Mountains.  Among the sights you can see is the twisted wreck of a steel railroad trestle, which was nearly washed away by the raging waters of the Esopus.      Lest we scare you away from doing this trip, we feel duty bound to advise you that we tubed the Esopus on our 14th outing on June 22nd, with no loss of life or ill effects.  Indeed, everyone wanted to do it again.  Admittedly, we did not go when there was a dam opening.  However, Rubber Ducky tells us that tubing is a lot smoother when there is a dam opening.  This is because the water level is higher, so there are less rocks to bump into, and hence, there is less chance you will be spilled into the water.  The water, however, is faster, making for a quicker, and more fun ride.      Our deal with Rubber Ducky includes unlimited rides upstream on their shuttle to the casting-off point.  So you can do the ride down the Esopus over and over again, for just $13, everything included.  We will stay until our third and last run is completed between 6:00 pm and 6:30 pm.        Lunch:  After our first run, we will eat lunch together.  The Phoenicia Business Association says the village has "great" restaurants.  We found one nice outdoor cafe which served decent brick oven pizza.        Dinner:  We will have dinner at about 9 pm at Mr. Tony’s Soul Kitchen, 337 East 9th Street.  It was reviewed in the New York Times by Eric Asimov on September 6, 1996 (excerpted below):      New York Times best dishes recommendations:  Salmon cakes, green salad, sweet potato pancakes, soups, chicken fried steak, sauteed trout, grilled tuna, fried chicken breast, watermelon sorbet, flourless chocolate cake, fruit cobblers.      "And word is slowly getting around about the food, which inspired by Southern traditions but is completely contemporary American cooking.  Dinners start with a basket of corn bread, neither dry nor greasy, sometimes blended with cheddar cheese, other times with jalapeno.  The menu is small but has some significant standouts, like fresh salmon cakes ($7.95) with crisp, wonderfully delicate skins, served with a dill remoulade and a nice little green salad.  A bigger green salad ($5.75) is terrific, topped with walnuts and little buttons of goat cheese.  Crisp sweet-potato pancakes ($5.25) look big and awkward, but they are delicious, served with a chunky, spicy apple sauce.      Me. Tony’s "painstaking prepared soup du jour" ($5) earns its name.  One day it’s a corn-and-leek chowder with a lingering smoky taste.  Another day it’s a peppery cream of broccoli soup with a lasting, multidimensional flavor.  Main courses all come with creamy mashed potatoes and a vegetable.  I ordered chicken fried steak ($11.95), imagining truck-stop fare best washed down with high-octane coffee; I was astonished to find a real steak in a delicate breading with a dainty cream gravy and glazed carrots.  A special of grilled tuna steak au poivre ($13.95) came rare and very peppery in a sweet blend of port wine and soy sauce.  Fried chicken breast ($8.95) in an excellent, smoky barbecue sauces is much better than the pallid, unremarkable roasted chicken ($9.95) and the surprisingly dry broiled pork chop ($10.95).      …Mr. Gaskin is volubly proud of his desserts ($4 each).  I’m sure his father would be proud, too.  I’m sure his father would be proud, too, with dishes like refreshing watermelon sorbet, rich flourless chocolate cake topped with chocolate sauce, and wonderful fruit cobblers served in little ramekins."      Departure:  From 86th Street and Broadway, northwest corner, in front of the Gap, near the exits for the 1 and 9 local trains, on Saturday, September 14th (rain date, 9/15).  We LEAVE at 9:03 a.m. SHARP.  No kidding.      Directions:  Take the New York State Thruway to Exit 19 at Kingston.  Follow Route 28 west for 25 miles.  See sign on right welcoming you to Phoenicia.  Go down ramp, over the bridge, and make left to Rubber Ducky (914-688-2018).      Reservations:  You can make life as easier for us by confirming your reservation ASAP.  Please tell us if you joining us for dinner AND whether you can make it Sunday if the weather is bad -NYC Young Adult Activity Group-

Response:

    Our 26th adventure will be appreciated by the thrill seekers everywhere.  Several times a year, a dam is opened in the Catskill Mountains.  This results in a tidal wave surging down the Esopus Creek.  Whitewater enthusiasts seize upon this moment to shoot these rapids on truck inner tubes.  If you seek an adrenalin rush, read on.

"Whitewater enthusiasts" paddle down these rapids in appropriate watercraft, with appropriate equipment, including PFD’s, helmets, sufficient clothing to withstand rather cold water, and, most importantly, with appropriate knowledge of class III whitewater. Tubing the Esopus is, at best, a dubious idea, suitable not for "thrillseekers" but for those with a careless attitude toward their health.  If you must engage in tubing, please do it on a river like the Delaware, where the consequences are likely to be much less severe. —Rsk

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: Join us for dinner at a : new soul-food restaurant, : after we surf the rapids on : inner tubes in the Catskill : Mountains on Saturday, Sept 14 Hey everyone, The trip has been moved to Sunday, Sept 15. You can check out the site for the any late updates (http://www.cnct.com/home/kris/) -Charlie-NYCYAAG-

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Question:

I am interested in learning more about flyfishing for stripers in fresh water.  I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and would like any information that pertains to fishing the SF bay delta area as well.   I would like to know of good books to read and local quides to contact Thanks Stu Booth

Response:

Good places for stripers in the SF area are Franks Tract in the Delta; you will need a boat, and the O’Neill Forebay of San Luis Reservoir which is accessible by canoe, float tube or boat.  The O’Neill is right at the intersection of Rte. 152 and I-5 near Los Banos jsut as you come down out of the Pacheco Pass into the Central Valley.  Although I haven’t caught one yet, there are reported to be a nice population of big stripers in this small lake. There are also stripers to be found in the main reservoir too, but it is a much more formidable piece of water. Pick up a copy of California Fly Fisher.  There are always ads for guides for striper fishing the bay and Franks tract in the back. Good luck–Crashjibe

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Question:

Ten Tips for Beginning Fly Fishers* x xBy Clay Riness x x1.  Don’t take yourself too seriously…it’s supposed to be fun. You don’t have to have the mind of Einstein and the hand-eye coordination of Stefan Edberg to enjoy fly fishing–as much of the contemporary literature seems to suggest. True, catching wary trout can be difficult. But learning to have fun with a flyrod is not difficult at all. x x2.  Seek a mentor. All kinds of fly fishing instruction is available: books, videos, schools, clinics, ad infinitum. Each has its place, but nothing compares to what you learn standing at the side of a veteran angler. The friendship you develop is very special, too. x x3.  Quit thinking of fly fishing solely in terms of trout. All fish are fun on a flyrod! Bass,bluegills, crappies, northern pike, even carp- go forth and figure out how to hook them. x x4. Choose your tackle wisely. Forget about buying an "entry level" rod, reel and line. You’ll blame yourself for its lack of performance, and it won’t have any resale value. Check around; try different rods; ask your mentor’s advice. x x5. Join fishing-related organizations and clubs.  You’ll meet people who share your interests, and who are willing to share their expertise as well. Plus, you’ll be contributing to the protection of the resource. x x6. Learn to cast on grass, not water. use your yard, or a local park (or even a gymnasium, if one’s available). This way, you can concentrate strictly on developing and improving your casting, without having to worry about anything else. The flyrod can be a tool of great precision; you’ll catch a zillion more fish in the long run by knowing how to use that tool before you face your quarry. Besides, if you can’t get your fly to the fish, you can’t fish. x x7. Take up a little basic  fly tying. Losing flies is much easier when it’s a ratty old thing you tied for eight cents, instead of a two dollar bit of fluff with an intimidating name. Catching fish on your home-tied creation is a lot more fun, too. And if you keep at it, you’ll eventually be able to tie fancy bits of fluff with intimidating names. x x8. Get free catalogues. You can learn all incredible amount about fly fishing by studying the wishbooks that cater to it. You’ll also get an idea of what’s out there in the way of tackle. x x9. Keep a notebook of your experiences. Keeping a journal affords you the luxury of reliving your adventures in your own words. You will also be able to process this information over the seasons, and learn from it. x x10.  Go Fishing! x xClay Riness is the proprietor of Rocking Trout Spring Creek Fishing Service in Coon Valley, Wisconsin. x x x*Story from the FFF Story File x x

Response:

Ten Tips for Beginning Fly Fishers* x x6. Learn to cast on grass, not water. use your yard, or a local park (or even a gymnasium, if one’s available). This way, you can concentrate strictly on developing and improving your casting, without having to worry about anything else.

I agree to a point.  Picking up your line before the back cast is an important aspect and the feel of the line coming off the water is different than coming off of grass.   x x7. Take up a little basic  fly tying. Losing flies is much easier when it’s a ratty old thing you tied for eight cents, instead of a two dollar bit of fluff with an intimidating name. Catching fish on your home-tied creation is a lot more fun, too. And if you keep at it, you’ll eventually be able to tie fancy bits of fluff with intimidating names.

More importantly, I think fly tying makes you much more aware of the insects that you are trying to immitate and the various stages.  You’re not just fishing with a fancy bit of fluff with an intimidating name but a representation of a real insect. — John Fereira Pleasanton, CA

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Question:

I will be in yosemite along the merced river  sept 13 for 10 days and would appreciate any advice on that or other nearby rivers: eg, patterns, line weight, good areas, guides, weather conditions, etc, etc.  please email me and thanks for the help.   daved

Response:

writes: I will be in yosemite along the merced river  sept 13 for 10 days and would appreciate any advice on that or other nearby rivers: eg, patterns, line weight, good areas, guides, weather conditions, etc, etc.  please email me and thanks for the help.   daved

I’ve never fished it, but "California Fly Fisher" magazine had a short article in their July-Aug ‘93 issue on the Merced.  Call them at (415)621-3117, maybe they can send you a back issue.  They said the better fishing for wild trout is outside the park.  Good luck, Bill Uyeki

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Question:

I’d like to apologize to Mark for flaming him.  That was not my intent!  My intent was to poke a little fun at elitist dry fly fishermen who look down on nymphing.  BTW my perferred method of fishing is with a dry fly or emerger, but only when it is effective, most of the time it’s just not as effective as nymphing.  IMO nymphing in many ways is more challenging than dry fly fishing.   For example dead drift is every bit as important to nymphing as with a dry fly presentation but tougher due to the differential current speeds from surface to stream bottom.

Response:

Keywords: I got  e-mail in response to a previous post  and I thought I’d share it with the group. Mark Writes in response to my post below: For nymphs fished dead drift I always use long leaders, indicators and lead. when you say "indicators", are you referring to "bobbers"? i.e. Little things that float around and bounce up and down when a fish bites.                           Mark

Yes Mark that’s exactly what I mean and with no apologies.  Except for sight nymphing where you can see both the fish and the nymph at the same time, its almost impossible to see the take by watching your line (another little thing that floats around and bounces up and down when a fish bites).   Even with an indicator experienced fisheman miss at least 50% of the takes.  This experience comes from years of fishing to sighted fish with partners, where one partner spots for the other.   Frequently, when I’m up on a bank with a good angle, I’ve watched the trout we’re hunting inhale the nymph with no movement in the line leader or indicator.  A nymphing trout’s take is very subtle.  They suck the nymph and almost as quickly blow it back out again if you don’t set the hook. So Mark if you can’t stomache using a bobber or indicator, then just sit back and continue to be   self satisfied catching only the trout dumb enough to hook themselves (Usually the smaller ones who have to dart in from the side.), then by all means continue.   I’ll just have to take my satisfaction from success on the water, knowing deep down inside that somehow I’m just not the fisherman I could be if I could only loose my dependence on those bobbers! Just in case anyone out there thinks I’m serious.  I don’t know a single nymph fisherman, whose opinion I respect, who doesn’t use indicators ( that includes Andre Puyans, Mike Lawson, Lamb, etc.).  I vary the type of indicator to the conditions I’m fishing.   In fast water I use Marks bobbers to set the depth of float as much as anything.  In fast water the line drag usually sets the hook sets the hook before you’ll see the indicator move or pause.  In glass smooth gin clear water I use either a little silicon on the leader or a small tuft of yarn.  But what the heck it’s all bobber fishing right Mark.

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