Question:

.. how hard is it to get a hook up in the national forest  ( my cousines father is 80 and in poor health) i dont want to run a generator and make a lot of noise

  None of the NF campgrounds have power, period. — Personal e-mail is the n7bsn but at amsat.org This posting address is a spam-trap and seldom read RV and Camping FAQ can be found at http://kendaco.telebyte.com/rlindber/RV

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Im going to go fly fishing in gallatin nat forest can anyone help with any first hand knowledge will be takeing a 30 foot class A   is a dingy necessary ? how hard is it to get a hook up ( my cousines father is 80 and in poor health) i dont want to run a generator and make a lot of noise thank you glenn   please send email to

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Im going to go fly fishing in gallatin nat forest (july3 to 16 aprox) can anyone help with any first hand knowledge will be takeing a 30 foot class A   is a dingy necessary ? how hard is it to get a hook up in the national forest  ( my cousines father is 80 and in poor health) i dont want to run a generator and make a lot of noise thank you glenn   please send email to

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Im going to go fly fishing in gallatin nat forest can anyone help with any first hand knowledge will be takeing a 30 foot class A   is a dingy necessary ? how hard is it to get a hook up ( my cousines father is 80 and in poor health) i dont want to run a generator and make a lot of noise

there who is familiar with the area. Just click on the URL above, it’ll take you there directly without having to "subscribe" to the newsgroup.

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Im going to go fly fishing in gallatin nat forest

  When? (I’d ask why, since I wouldn’t bother any more) can anyone help with any first hand knowledge

  Yes will be takeing a 30 foot class A   is a dingy necessary ?

  Where are you planning to stay? how hard is it to get a hook up ( my cousines father is 80 and in poor health) i dont want to run a generator and make a lot of noise

  The only place I am recalling with power is the KOA at Bozeman Hotsprings (which also gives you access to the springs pools) —

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Question:

Segar Grand Max is pretty hot right now.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i like fluoracorbon material since the fish kant see it.  its expensive but works awsome.  have you ever perchased florocarbon from cabelas?  is it good.

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i like fluoracorbon material since the fish kant see it.  its expensive but works awsome.  have you ever perchased florocarbon from cabelas?  is it good.

Everyone I know whose fishing I respect uses the same old Maxima – reliable, strong, doesn’t get in a twist. LC — Lazarus Cooke

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i like fluoracorbon material since the fish kant see it.

If a tree falls in the forest and nobody is around, will berkeley hear it? (the bishop of Cloyne, not the tackle manufacturer in Iowa) Mu

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<Crap snipped. What you write, is an affront to most people

Question:

Will be in Negril area in late October. Any suggestions for fly opportunities appreciated. Please email. Thanks- Kent

Response:

Enough Jamaica bashing!!.

Don’t like Jamaica, oh no. I love her. Capt. Gary S. Colecchio West Palm Beach "The only people who have any business fishing are  young boys and married men. Everyone else should be  out getting laid."  …I said that.

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Enough Jamaica bashing!!. Don’t like Jamaica, oh no. I love her.

It was a present for my muther…

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Capt. Gary S. Colecchio West Palm Beach "The only people who have any business fishing are  young boys and married men. Everyone else should be  out getting laid."  …I said that.

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At Hedonism II you woun’t have to worry about your fly. Or wearing pants. Capt. Gary S. Colecchio West Palm Beach "The only people who have any business fishing are  young boys and married men. Everyone else should be  out getting laid."  …I said that.

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Enough Jamaica bashing!!. It is an undiscovered resource from the tarpon in Montego Bay to the flats that are not endless sand bottom flats, but the kind that run out from the shore to the reef that rings lots of the island and is immediately accesible from the road that runs along the coast from Ocho Rios to Negril. It helps tremendously to get a local driver who can properly interpret for an American what is happening. Then you’ll actually stop at a jerk stand or roadside bar and step from the road into the water and cast for tarpon etc. while the locals sipping red stripes wonder what the hell you’re doing. I assume that your flying into Montego bay and then busing to Negril. The road is in bad shape, and so the relatively few miles can take a couple of hours. Pay attention to the water out the right side of the bus and you’ll see where to fish. Hey, if you don’t take your rod your not going to fish. I. Clair

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Yes, don’t fly to Jamaica!  Lamest island in that neck of the world. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Will be in Negril area in late October. Any suggestions for fly opportunities appreciated. Please email.

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…got a little Rasta buddy down ther who’ll put you right on trans love – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Will be in Negril area in late October. Any suggestions for fly opportunities appreciated. Please email. Thanks- Kent

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Will be in Negril area in late October. Any suggestions for fly opportunities appreciated. Please email.

Was in Jamaica for my honeymoon, so fishing was not on my list of activities that week.   However, I’d recommend a Rastafarian named "Lucky" down near Ocho Rios for samples of the local vegetation.   In Negril, I’d go to one of the "clothing optional" resorts, then you won’t have to worry about your fly.  :-) Joe F.

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Question:

(Finland is bigger than it looks on the map!!)

I certainly hope so! On my map it looks like it’s about two square inches. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

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Anybody knows if there are any good flyfishing possibilities in Finland ? Robbie

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Finland is a great place to fish. Not been there (yet), but a good Finnish friend of mine keeps pushing me to visit him. So no first hand experience, but sure hope to be able to provide you with some! From what I gathered from his fishing stories there are very good possibilities to fish for trout, seatrout and salmon. If you need some more specific info, and know in what part of the country you’ll be staying (Finland is bigger than it looks on the map!!) I could inquire up north. Some links: http://gamma.nic.fi/~outdoor/ http://www.kotka.fi/~huusko/index2.html Anybody knows if there are any good flyfishing possibilities in Finland ? Robbie

–         Cheers, Herman         Herman Nijland         Daytime webmaster         Lifetime flyfisher

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Question:

Traditional wet flies were fished relatively shallow.  This was because it was difficult to get them to sink very far. This is no longer a problem, and you can fish them at any depth. TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello: When fishing a traditional wet fly (not a nymph or streamer): are they usually fished deep, or in, or just below, the surface film? thanks, Bob

Response:

Hello: When fishing a traditional wet fly (not a nymph or streamer): are they usually fished deep, or in, or just below, the surface film?

Yes.   They can also be fished bouncing along the surface on a dropper. There is no "wrong" way to fish them. With the exception of a resurgence in the popularity of wet hackles, traditional wet flies are not very popular. Once in a great while I’ll run into an "old timer" fishing a trio of woven "Mite" flies. Willi

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Which can be just the perfect reason to try them. Normally I hardly follow the patterns as described in books, but I make an exception for some traditionals. I just love tying and fishing a Peter Ross or Alexandra, or an Invicta for that matter. For me there’s something special in using these old patterns. Whenever I tie one on, I can’t help but think of some guy a hundred odd years back, pondering over his flywallet and making the same choice as I just did. And you know what? They still work. Peter Ross has helped me out more than once, the only reason I didn’t tie them for the swap is that they take too much time (for me, that is) to make two dozen of them. Herman

<snip With the exception of a resurgence in the popularity of wet hackles, traditional wet flies are not very popular. Once in a great while I’ll run into an "old timer" fishing a trio of woven "Mite" flies. Willi

–         Cheers, Herman         Herman Nijland         Daytime webmaster         Lifetime flyfisher

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– I just love tying and fishing a Peter Ross or Alexandra, or an Invicta for that matter. For me there’s something special in using these old patterns. Whenever I tie one on, I can’t help but think of some guy a hundred odd years back, pondering over his flywallet and making the same choice as I just did. And you know what? They still work. Peter Ross has helped me out more than once, the only reason I didn’t tie them for the swap is that they take too much time (for me, that is) to make two dozen of them.

I know just what you mean Herman. I remember the first time I was shown a fly box full of traditional wet flies: Alexandras, Peter Rosses, Butchers, Mallards & Claret and Dunkelds, etc. (I had never seen jungle cock before). That was over 35 years ago, but I still love the look of them and give them a wetting once in a while. It’s amazing how often an old traditional will sometimes deliver, when I (and others) am struggling with more modern patterns. I like the Peter Ross, too, but there is a curious thing here: the late, great, Dick Walker claimed he had never (try as he might) caught a fish on one. I’ve had stacks of fish on it! Tight Lines, Tony Deacon

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I’ve heard this before. Either the Peter Ross works for you, or not at all. There’s also another side to this, of course. Two fishermen, A and B: A: ‘Any luck?’ B: ‘Yes, but they’re selective. Only take small bwo imitions.’ A: ‘What are you using?’ B: ‘Small bwo imitations. Never fish anything else around here..’ In other words, you catch fish with the fly you fish with, not with the flies in the box. If someone tells me some patterns don’t work, I always want to know if he/she ever really tried it. But then again, who am I to doubt Dick Walker.. Herman

<snip I like the Peter Ross, too, but there is a curious thing here: the late, great, Dick Walker claimed he had never (try as he might) caught a fish on one. I’ve had stacks of fish on it! Tight Lines, Tony Deacon

– Cheers, Herman Herman Nijland Daytime webmaster Lifetime flyfisher

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Two fishermen, A and B: A: ‘Any luck?’ B: ‘Yes, but they’re selective. Only take small bwo imitions.’ A: ‘What are you using?’ B: ‘Small bwo imitations. Never fish anything else around here..’

LOL Yes, I know what you mean! These things can be self-fulfilling. I was talking to Moc Morgan a few years ago. He was telling me that, at one time, the group of waters he wrote reports on for a fishing magazine had 85% of ALL trout caught on one pattern – the ‘Cat’s Whisker’. Sure, it’s one of the deadliest lures ever invented for rainbow trout, but if everyone is using it -practically to the exclusion of every/any other pattern ….that’s the one that will be catching the fish. Tight Lines, Tony Deacon

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I’ve heard this before. Either the Peter Ross works for you, or not at all.

I’ve never heard of the Peter Ross being mentioned anywhere in any American fly fishing publication.  In the photos of it it that I have seen in European magazines however, I have seen ones that looked like a slightly bushy wet fly and others that looked almost like a streamer. Post your recipe and a picture.  I’m curious. Mu

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Hi Mu, There is a considerable selection of "Peter Rosses" on my site. The standard classic tie, and several variations. TL MC — "Humour is a great comfort in adversity" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve heard this before. Either the Peter Ross works for you, or not at all. I’ve never heard of the Peter Ross being mentioned anywhere in any American fly fishing publication.  In the photos of it it that I have seen in European magazines however, I have seen ones that looked like a slightly bushy wet fly and others that looked almost like a streamer. Post your recipe and a picture.  I’m curious. Mu

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Never heard of them? Impossible. I’ll add one in the swap flies mailing, I’ll have to tie some classics for Frank anyway. Herman I’ve heard this before. Either the Peter Ross works for you, or not at all. I’ve never heard of the Peter Ross being mentioned anywhere in any American fly fishing publication.  In the photos of it it that I have seen in European magazines however, I have seen ones that looked like a slightly bushy wet fly and others that looked almost like a streamer. Post your recipe and a picture.  I’m curious. Mu

–         Cheers, Herman         Herman Nijland         Daytime webmaster         Lifetime flyfisher

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cross posted from ROFF, There is a considerable selection of "Peter Rosses" on my site. The standard classic tie, and several variations.

http://www.mikeconnor.de/Flies/Classic_Flies/classic_flies.html Ahh.  The little hint about moistening the wing in order to produce that appearance clears up some of my confusion.  I had been wondering if there was a special technique in getting tapered wings of teal.   Is there an acceptable substitute for crimson seal fur?  How about Ruby Red Lite Brite? Mu

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In article <Pine.SOL.4.10.10006011058580.8298- acceptable substitute for crimson seal fur?  How about Ruby Red Lite Brite?

I find if I use the fur quickly after I club the seal, it is still a crimson color.  Otherwise it turns kind of rusty brown. If there are no seals near you, try African goat. * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

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Hi Mu, Mohair, wool, and a host of various synthetics may be used.  Antron mixed with wool works very well too. I am not familiar with "Lite Brite", but assume it will work OK as well. TL MC — "Humour is a great comfort in adversity" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – cross posted from ROFF, There is a considerable selection of "Peter Rosses" on my site. The standard classic tie, and several variations. http://www.mikeconnor.de/Flies/Classic_Flies/classic_flies.html Ahh.  The little hint about moistening the wing in order to produce that appearance clears up some of my confusion.  I had been wondering if there was a special technique in getting tapered wings of teal. Is there an acceptable substitute for crimson seal fur?  How about Ruby Red Lite Brite? Mu

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Hello: When fishing a traditional wet fly (not a nymph or streamer): are they usually fished deep, or in, or just below, the surface film?

Hello, I’m new to the group, but not the sport.  Thought I might dive in with this.  I love fishing wet flies.  I find them more effective than nymphs in a lot of conditions.  Traditionaly the wet fly is fished in a downstream arc and is one of the few times where drag is an advantage.   I usually start with a partridge and XXX with a brass bead tied on behind the hackle and, depending on the water weight the line with lead.   I cast upstream and fish it like a nymph so it sinks quite a bit, then begin lifting the fly through the water column as it swings through a downstream arc.  This way, you often get a fish when the fly is dropping or bouncing on the bottom or when begining the emerger phase of the run.   This has proven deadly when hatches are just starting or when nothing seems to be happening on the river.  The other advantage is that wet fly fishing is one of the few techniques where you can feel the fish hit the fly, this allows me to look around a bit and watch what develops on the stream while fishing.  Usually I’ll fish a nymph for a while then switch to a wet fly when I see some insect activity on the water.  I’ll fish the wet in the above "emerger" style well after a hatch has started and won’t switch to dries until I can see lots (and I mean lots) of surface activity on the part of the fish.  I think many I fish with switch to dries much too quickly at even the slightest hint of a hatch and end up wasting time as the fish are usually not feeding on the surface until (depending on the bugs) well after the hatch develops.   Switching to wets as a intermediate step allows me plenty of time to watch and learn how the fish are responding to the hatch. I’ve also had great luck taking nymph patterns that are popular on a particular river and tying a partridge hackle on and fishing them in this manner. Russell

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(snip) I’ve also had great luck taking nymph patterns that are popular on a particular river and tying a partridge hackle on and fishing them in this manner. Russell

        as a matter of fact, some of the veteran local smoky mtn tiers tend to tie their "nymphs" in just that fashion.           specific reference is made to bennie joe craig of waynesville, nc., who is probably better known to the denizens of roff as the grandfather of the incomparable laurie, of bryson city fame. wayno

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Hello: When fishing a traditional wet fly (not a nymph or streamer): are they usually fished deep, or in, or just below, the surface film? thanks, Bob

Response:

When fishing a traditional wet fly (not a nymph or streamer): are they usually fished deep, or in, or just below, the surface film? thanks, Bob

Depends on the fly. If it’s tied sparse it will stay just below or in the film.  If it’s tied heavy like a Picket Pin or Hornberg it will sink some. Cast it across and down stream. Allow it to drift straight below you. Swim it back up in 1 or 2 inch strips. Also, cast it across and mend line down stream to allow fly to sink more. Just before it goes straight below you raise rod to imitate emerging insect. Another thing to try is cast down stream and strip it back fast allowing it to bounce in the fast water. Fish have been known to leap out at it. Havr fun. Joel Axelrad

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Question:

For this 11 year old I would certainly be willing to give up my 8′ 6"  6 wt. Cortland Fairplay beginner’s outfit to get him started.  What should an 11 year old be able to handle?  Redington and others make great starting outfits but I don’t think much money is available here.  BTW, my Cortland outfit will be offered free if you guys think he can handle it.

When I was growing up without a father my next-door neighbor gave me flyfishing tackle and took me fishing. I’ll never forget him. You’ll be doing a very good deed. BTW, do you think maybe his mother has some additional reason for coming to the meeting?

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Stephen, From her demeanor, words, and actions, I believe she had a singular interest in the group; her son.  Besides, if your looking for a new pair of track shoes you don’t go looking in the brogan box. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -BTW, do you think maybe his mother has some additional reason for coming to the meeting?

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Stephen, From her demeanor, words, and actions, I believe she had a singular interest in the group; her son.  Besides, if your looking for a new pair of track shoes you don’t go looking in the brogan box.

Sounds like she may have come to the right place anyway. — Charlie…

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I attended the inaugural meeting of a new fly fishing club here in Fredericksburg VA last Wednesday night.  About 15 guys my age showed up, talked fly fishing and passed around photos of a bunch of 8 to 10 LB. stripers caught in the Rappahannock right under Rt. 1.  Also joining the group was a single mom (thirty something and very attractive).  She came to learn about fly fishing so she could teach her 11 year old son and take him fishing.  She seemed to think fly fishing was the most wholesome sport she could think of (no offense but she hasn’t met this group).

        for a shot at mom, i’ll put up my 8′ 2wt thomas&thomas. wayno the relentless

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Stephen, From her demeanor, words, and actions, I believe she had a singular interest in the group; her son.  Besides, if your looking for a new pair of track shoes you don’t go looking in the brogan box. Wayne

        hold on man; you can’t forget who you are…you are a wayne, dammit, and that *stands* for something in this crazy world of ours. just walk over to her, look her in the eyes, and say:  "my name is wayne.  what color mercedes would you like to have?"         she’ll be putty in your hands. wayno, who knows what he’s talkin about, i mean!

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My son is seven and he likes his KidStart system. It’s an 8 ft two piece rod with a 6/7 line. System comes with the backing, fly line, leader, and the case. The reel that comes with, is plastic. Nice for entry level anglers.

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Stephen, From her demeanor, words, and actions, I believe she had a singular interest in the group; her son.  Besides, if your looking for a new pair of track shoes you don’t go looking in the brogan box.

NEVER underestimate the subtlety of a woman. — something bogus to avoid spam)

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OK Wayno, I’ll bet it’ll be dark blue or black with leather upholstery, looks better on a blonde.  Sorry George, I don’t think this gal has ever had to sleep in a tent! Wayne the damsel in distress rescuer To fish is human…to release divine. Now how did Wayno know the meeting is held a block away from the Mercedes/Volvo dealer? Could it be he keeps a little black book with the names of all the Mercedes dealers? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – hold on man; you can’t forget who you are…you are a wayne, dammit, and that *stands* for something in this crazy world of ours. just walk over to her, look her in the eyes, and say:  "my name is wayne.  what color mercedes would you like to have?" she’ll be putty in your hands. wayno, who knows what he’s talkin about, i mean!

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I attended the inaugural meeting of a new fly fishing club here in Fredericksburg VA last Wednesday night.  About 15 guys my age showed up, talked fly fishing and passed around photos of a bunch of 8 to 10 LB. stripers caught in the Rappahannock right under Rt. 1.  Also joining the group was a single mom (thirty something and very attractive).  She came to learn about fly fishing so she could teach her 11 year old son and take him fishing.  She seemed to think fly fishing was the most wholesome sport she could think of (no offense but she hasn’t met this group). For this 11 year old I would certainly be willing to give up my 8′ 6"  6 wt. Cortland Fairplay beginner’s outfit to get him started.  What should an 11 year old be able to handle?  Redington and others make great starting outfits but I don’t think much money is available here.  BTW, my Cortland outfit will be offered free if you guys think he can handle it. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine.

   Check out "the poor mans fly fishing catalog" Cabela’s. Two of the short and extremely easy to cast. They longer stiffer rods are great if you are well coordinated, hefty, and expierienced. 11 year olds come in all sizes and muscularity but generally are of the smallish akward type and need all the help they can get from the rod.                                                              John Popp                                                          in Sanford Fl.

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I agree with Charlie. Physically he should be able to handle it. But I wouldn’t just give it without some ritual. Id make him earn it like this: Tell him and mom that you have this outfit, you think it might fit him but you wonder if he can handle a "man’s" outfit. Suggest a session with Mom and son at a park pond. She watches (the woman is for another time). Show him how to cast. Whatever happens, say it looks like he can handle a "man’s" outfit ( or at least "grow" into it) and give it. Show him how to carry it, break it down, and carefully put in sock etc. I hope Im not being too patronizing.  You are doing a good thing. This kid is not living with a dad so he’s going to have too handle a lot more than a "man’s outfit" on his own, but you can create with this one generous act a positive initiation ritual and talisman of manhood. Our Native American brothers understand this stuff real well.  Good luck , your message says you have the right heart for this. Dave

Response:

I attended the inaugural meeting of a new fly fishing club here in Fredericksburg VA last Wednesday night.  About 15 guys my age showed up, talked fly fishing and passed around photos of a bunch of 8 to 10 LB. stripers caught in the Rappahannock right under Rt. 1.  Also joining the group was a single mom (thirty something and very attractive).  She came to learn about fly fishing so she could teach her 11 year old son and take him fishing.  She seemed to think fly fishing was the most wholesome sport she could think of (no offense but she hasn’t met this group). For this 11 year old I would certainly be willing to give up my 8′ 6"  6 wt. Cortland Fairplay beginner’s outfit to get him started.  What should an 11 year old be able to handle?  Redington and others make great starting outfits but I don’t think much money is available here.  BTW, my Cortland outfit will be offered free if you guys think he can handle it. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine.

Response:

For this 11 year old I would certainly be willing to give up my 8′ 6"  6 wt. Cortland Fairplay beginner’s outfit to get him started.  What should an 11 year old be able to handle?  Redington and others make great starting outfits but I don’t think much money is available here.  BTW, my Cortland outfit will be offered free if you guys think he can handle it.

I think a 6wt would make a good all around starter set. — Charlie…

Response:

I think that he should easily beable to use that rod…My 8year old uses an 6 1/2 foot 4wt and does very well with it. Jon

Clipped – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -For this 11 year old I would certainly be willing to give up my 8′ 6"  6 wt. Cortland Fairplay beginner’s outfit to get him started.  What should an 11 year old be able to handle?  Redington and others make great starting outfits but I don’t think much money is available here.  BTW, my Cortland outfit will be offered free if you guys think he can handle it. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine.

Response:

For this 11 year old I would certainly be willing to give up my 8′ 6" 6 wt. Cortland Fairplay beginner’s outfit to get him started.  What should an 11 year old be able to handle?  Redington and others make great starting outfits but I don’t think much money is available here.  BTW, my Cortland outfit will be offered free if you guys think he can handle it. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine.

Wayne: My sons (11 through 14) all handle a 8.5′ 5 wt. just fine.  I got them a 7.5′ 3wt. Cabella outfit for Christmas but I wonder if the 3 wt. might be a little light for their casting ability.  I’ll find out in a couple of months!  I think that 11 year old will do very well with your 6 wt. outfit as long as he gets some good instruction. –Stan

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Question:

Can someone give me advise on how to go about learning the art of fly fishing?  How about any good books on the basics?  Thanks

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can someone give me advise on how to go about learning the art of fly fishing?  How about any good books on the basics?  Thanks

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Can someone give me advise on how to go about learning the art of fly fishing?  How about any good books on the basics?  Thanks

This is a big question.  First, is there a flyfishing shop near where you live?  If so, stop in and start talking.  Look at the books, check into casting lessons, and generally ask for information.  That’s the best I can do with this one! Mark Faulkner

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Can someone give me advise on how to go about learning the art of fly fishing?  How about any good books on the basics?  Thanks

Hi My favorite book is the ‘L.L.Bean Fly Fishing Handbook’ by Dave Whitlock. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

The Orvis Flyfishing Guide by Tom Rosenbaugh is a good starter – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can someone give me advise on how to go about learning the art of fly fishing?  How about any good books on the basics?  Thanks

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Question:

I use a wheelchair and though I would be transferring from my chair into the boat. Any advice or recommendations of where to look would be greatly appreciated. I am a complete novice as far as boats are concerned and all information on things that I should consider will be gratefully received.

There is a printed magazine called "Sports n’ Spokes printed by PVA Publications (paralized vets) that covers outdoors and athletic activities for the wheelchair world.  I haven’t seen a copy in a couple years (used to be very good.) Can reach PVA pubs at 602-224-0500 They probably have some past issues with boating articles, plus they have a questions area. Gary Polson RBBI http://www.virtualpet.com/rbbi

Response:

I would like some advice on what might be an appropriate style/make/model of small boat for use when either trolling or fly fishing on lakes. In the past I have used a converted 10 foot Portaboat with the center bench removed and a padded seat suspended between the front and back benches. A seat clamped onto a middle bench perched me too high and was not sufficiently stable for my comfort, which is why a three bench aluminum rowboat is probably not what I am seeking. I use a wheelchair and though I would be transferring from my chair into the boat, it must be something that allows be ready access from sitting on a dock to sliding into the boat. Climbing is not an option. My ideal boat would allow a small outboard motor and an electric trolling motor and have seating that allowed two people to sit comfortably and fish while at anchor. It should be light enough that one person could retrieve it and load it onto a trailer without any heavy lifting. I want something that is stable. Speed is not a consideration – just something to poodle about a calm lake. Any advice or recommendations of where to look would be greatly appreciated. I am a complete novice as far as boats are concerned and all information on things that I should consider will be gratefully received. Thanks, —

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would like some advice on what might be an appropriate style/make/model of small boat for use when either trolling or fly fishing on lakes. In the past I have used a converted 10 foot Portaboat with the center bench removed and a padded seat suspended between the front and back benches. A seat clamped onto a middle bench perched me too high and was not sufficiently stable for my comfort, which is why a three bench aluminum rowboat is probably not what I am seeking. I use a wheelchair and though I would be transferring from my chair into the boat, it must be something that allows be ready access from sitting on a dock to sliding into the boat. Climbing is not an option. My ideal boat would allow a small outboard motor and an electric trolling motor and have seating that allowed two people to sit comfortably and fish while at anchor. It should be light enough that one person could retrieve it and load it onto a trailer without any heavy lifting. I want something that is stable. Speed is not a consideration – just something to poodle about a calm lake. Any advice or recommendations of where to look would be greatly appreciated. I am a complete novice as far as boats are concerned and all information on things that I should consider will be gratefully received. Thanks, —

You do not list where you want to fish and what tpe of lake you are fishing so this may or may not be appropriate. I would look at a tri hull you should be able to pick up a used tri hull posibly arround 18-20 feet which if very stable for a couple thousand I would think.My father in law had one for years and it was nice boat. Another option would be a pontoon boat but I am not sure how easy that would be to trailor and how rough of water it would take. If you are fishing a larg lake like lake Erie I suggest you charter of go with a friend because a boat that can handle sudden storms typically has a lot of overhead like dockage and insurance etc. I think dockage arround here runs from about $700-1800 dollars another option which I recomend is use transient dockage. If you have a decent size boat you can put it in lake Erie at a Marina like Genva Stae park for about $22 per day so if you reserved a slip for Saturday you could come up fish Saturday and leave your boat in the wtaer after fishing and come back and go boating in the afternoon and evening and then then next morning you are already in he water so you can go out again and then at the end of the day take your boat home. If you sleep on the baot your showers etc are included in the price. If you come for 10 weekedns the cost is arround $220 and that is a beteer part of the summer.A caomparable dock is $1080 for a season so this is an alternative. Yo obviously would not be retricted to weekends only but you see the savings is there. I hope this helps Captain Bryce Seymour http://www.ncweb.com:80/biz/hooker/

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Question:

I’m looking for a source–mill or distributor–for soft nylon Catch & Release net mesh.   If you happn to know where I can find some, I’d much

I would go to garage sales and look fornets with 30-40 year old bags which almost guarantee release. TimW

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7/8/96 I’m looking for a source–mill or distributor–for soft nylon Catch & Release net mesh.   If you happn to know where I can find some, I’d much appreciate an e-mail.   Thanks.

Hi MRiffler If you have access to the Web go to the Thomas Register, a listing of manufacturers in the US.  They are at http://www.thomasregister.com.  If it’s manufactured in this country you show be able to find it there. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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7/8/96 I’m looking for a source–mill or distributor–for soft nylon Catch & Release net mesh.   If you happn to know where I can find some, I’d much appreciate an e-mail.   Thanks.

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Give Hook and Hackle in Plattsburg, NY a call. Glenn Manchester, VT

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I’m looking for a source–mill or distributor–for soft nylon Catch & Release net mesh.   If you happn to know where I can find some, I’d much

Most people concerned about softness of net mesh would say there is no such thing as soft nylon.  To minimize damage to fish coating you want either cotton or polyester/polyamide. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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I went to the Outdoor Fabric Store where I found bolts of the nylon mesh used for sewing vents and liners for the outdoor jackets. I made up a nice rectangular bag on the sewing machine and fixed it to my old aluminum net frame with small cable ties.  Cheap, looks good, and it is soft.  

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Question:

writes: writes: … I have also made large rod tubes for my one piece rods.  …  How long is the longest tube that you’ve taken on an airplane ?  I am asking  because I have received conflicting info from agents. I have taken a 9 ft two piece rod on numerous trips and put the rod

case in the overhead. Most of the airlines have overheads with two doors, however there is no divider between the two sections. A 9 ft rod just makes it provided there isn’t a lot of luggage in there already. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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I apolgize for the repetition here, but this is an important topic for those who are not regular travelers with flyrods.  There is nothing that will spoil a trip like lost or broken rods — insurance just won’t help. Never check rods!!!  First, I have only had one occasion where an agent tried to get me to check the rods, and I insisted on carrying them on board.  If you run into that problem, don’t give in.  Raise hell and they will let you on.  Second, I have always been able to get the rods (up to 9′ two piece) in the overhead bins, except on the smallest of commuters; then they went in the hanging bag compartment. Lyman Hughes Ennis,MT Dallas, TX

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writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -This is a good question.  I am travelling by plane for the first time with my fly rod, which a two piece 8 1/2 footer.  I have one of the 1 1/2" aluminum rod cases with the sock inside, which doesn’t lock.  Can I claim it as carryon? SHould I just tape up the cover?  Or should I paste a label over the brand name on the case and label it Blueprints? Any advice would be appreciated. Chris Bernard (508)640-2016 days (617)979-0464 home

Do not check your rods.  Continental lost my rod case for a day, even when I checked it in as oversized.  Apparently, some baggage systems lose long items because they fall off the system at the turns.  Fight like hell to take it on as luggage.  I start kissing the butts of the check in people and then plead with the flight attendants and it always works.  I use alum. rod tubes inside a nice looking Bean Maine Guide rod bag that actually looks like luggage.  Wear some god awful fishing hat with a TU catch and release pin and they’ll treat you as an eccentric and let you do what you want. Musconet

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Everything we do up here is by air.  Have a rod cases called the "Bazooka" model.  Hold 5 rods is bright red, easy to see and monitor, and is indestructable.  Have take it all over the world and have not had a problem. — Gene Dobrzynski, Eagle River, Alaska

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writes: writes: … I have also made large rod tubes for my one piece rods.  …  How long is the longest tube that you’ve taken on an airplane ?  I am asking  because I have received conflicting info from agents.

I have made tubes to carry one piece casting rods.  Longest rod is 7′6", and the rod tube is a couple of inches longer. It’s in the attic at the moment, but, if I remember correctly, it is a 4" ID tube.  (ABS – sched 40).  I I checked that with no problem ….. The longest I have carried on board is 54".  I put it in the hanger bag closets. Dee Crabtree DeeCrab*ibm.net

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(508)640-2016 days (617)979-0464 home Do not check your rods. Musconet

Many of you have said the same as the note ref’d above.  Maybe I’m just lucky, or don’t travel as much as you, (hmmm – nah!) but I have never had a rod tubes damaged, opened, lost or delayed – can’t say the same for my luggage (clothes) though!!   I mark the tubes well, the ends are secure (bottom cap glued & top cap drilled & tied with a large nylon bundling tie) and the rods padded inside. Dee Crabtree DeeCrab*ibm.net

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I’ve flown twice with my rods.  United insisted that I check them, but then required that I sign a waiver of responsibility for loss or damage. Horizon Airlines insisted that I carry them onboard.  Thanks Horizon.

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writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -This is a good question.  I am travelling by plane for the first time with my fly rod, which a two piece 8 1/2 footer.  I have one of the 1 1/2" aluminum rod cases with the sock inside, which doesn’t lock.  Can I claim it as carryon? SHould I just tape up the cover?  Or should I paste a label over the brand name on the case and label it Blueprints? Any advice would be appreciated. Chris Bernard (508)640-2016 days (617)979-0464 home

I’ve been flying with rods <g for a few years. Normally I carry them on, unless I have too much stuff. I have checked them on several occaisions, both in an aluminum tube and 3 tubes in a bag. Never had a problem. Perhaps I’m justlucky (on planes more than streams)! I’ve never been convinced a lock does much (for rods or bags), if someone wants it it’s gone. So I just make sure my insurance covers the important things. BTW I do carry older cane rods as well. David

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -This is a good question.  I am travelling by plane for the first time with my fly rod, which a two piece 8 1/2 footer.  I have one of the 1 1/2" aluminum rod cases with the sock inside, which doesn’t lock.  Can I claim it as carryon? SHould I just tape up the cover?  Or should I paste a label over the brand name on the case and label it Blueprints? Any advice would be appreciated. Chris Bernard (508)640-2016 days (617)979-0464 home

I’ve always carried my rod tube (and all my fishing gear for that matter! if my luggage gets lost…I can still fish!!) onto the plane. If it’s too long for the overhead…the attendant will put it in the standup closet.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -This is a good question.  I am travelling by plane for the first time with my fly rod, which a two piece 8 1/2 footer.  I have one of the 1 1/2" aluminum rod cases with the sock inside, which doesn’t lock.  Can I claim it as carryon? SHould I just tape up the cover?  Or should I paste a label over the brand name on the case and label it Blueprints? Any advice would be appreciated. Chris Bernard (508)640-2016 days (617)979-0464 home

If you can carry it on, great, but if not I would advise buying one of those travel bags that hold rod tubes rather than checking just the tube. Why ? Because tubes do get lost; I spent an hour in a Mexican airport once looking for mine and trying to describe it (in my limited Spanish) to the people who worked there. Turns out it fell off a conveyor type rack and was sitting on the floor underneath it. The travel bag looks more like a suitcase, is less likely to roll around and will probably be treated with more care (of course using the word ‘care’ in any description of baggage handling is risky…) If it does get lost it’s easier to describe and find than a piece of aluminum pipe or PVC.                                                         jc      

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Does someone have a recommendation about how to pack regular, two piece rods for airline travel?

Never, I repeat NEVER check your rods, unless you want new ones and want to claim them on your insurance.  They will eventually be broken or disappear if you check them.  When carrying rods on, try to board early before the flight attendants are swamped by people with 400 pound duffle bags looking for a place to stow them.  Be vnice to the flight attendants and they will generally find you a place to stow your rods.  In most cases they will fit in the overhead bin.                  /                 /                   John Woodling                /                    Sacramento, CA                   <     <

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If I understand correctly, the question is can you carry 2-piece rods as carry-on or must you check them.  I have traveled a few times with my 7′11 2-piece in the 1.5" tube and my 9′ 2-piece in a larger tube.   Although they are larger than what the regulations allow, I have never had anybody stop me.  In fact the flight attendants were helpful in stowing them.   I don’t know what I would do if they decided to be a hard ass about it.  There’s no way I would check through a $300+ rod! Tight Lines, Gerry

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I took two two piece fly rods and a two piece long musky weight bait casting rod from NJ to Miami to Quito to rainforest, overhead bin until I hit the Ecuadorian prop plane to the river port and the flight attendant there didn’t care where I stowed the rods. No guarantees but no one twitched about the tubes.

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Bob – Never, never, never check your rods.  That’s my advice.  The overheads will handle a standard size rod case.  On the one or two occasions that I have had a problem on an odd plane, I have always found a spot — usually in the hanging bag bin. Lyman                                               Dallas, TX                                               Ennis, MT

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Does someone have a recommendation about how to pack regular, two piece rods for airline travel? I have a large rod tube which can hold several rods of various sizes, but has no locking mechanism. Should I just securely seal the thing with tape (over the regular latch) and insure the daylights out of it? Any other suggestions? thx…. Bob Bob Sturtz                           "We have met the enemy – Traverse City, MI                        and he is us." – Pogo

Bob, I have carried rods across the country in home made and in commercial rod carriers.  I insert my aluminum fly-rod tubes into 1-1/2 in ABS tube which works just great to protect tube and contents.  (no damage since I start doing that!)  On my casting and spinning rods, I have carried them in a commercial rod case with a latch (which can have a pad lock attached.) I just secure the latch with a nylon tie.  I have also made large rod tubes for my one piece rods. I attached a drawer handle, capped one end and put a screw cap on the other end.  I insert foam inside both caps to protect the rods and also insert the rods into homemade sleeves. For the price of the commercial tube, I could build lots of custom tubes! Dee Crabtree DeeCrab*ibm.net

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This is a good question.  I am travelling by plane for the first time with my fly rod, which a two piece 8 1/2 footer.  I have one of the 1 1/2" aluminum rod cases with the sock inside, which doesn’t lock.  Can I claim it as carryon? SHould I just tape up the cover?  Or should I paste a label over the brand name on the case and label it Blueprints? Any advice would be appreciated. Chris Bernard (508)640-2016 days (617)979-0464 home

Response:

Does someone have a recommendation about how to pack regular, two piece rods for airline travel? I have a large rod tube which can hold several rods of various sizes, but has no locking mechanism. Should I just securely seal the thing with tape (over the regular latch) and insure the daylights out of it? Any other suggestions? thx…. Bob Bob Sturtz                           "We have met the enemy – Traverse City, MI                        and he is us." – Pogo

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