Question:

<snipped Vittorio, Do you have any craft or needle point stores in your area?  I have found some extra small beads this way.  I just did a search with google.com and found these sites: http://www.netway.com/~flyshop/catalog/beads.htm http://www.kman.com/Catalog/Page87/Page87.htm http://www.mwflytying.com/new_stuff/ns_materials.html Hope this helps. bc. — Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. -Benjamin Franklin I don’t care who you are, you are not walking on the water while I’m fishing.

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Hi folks. I am looking for a source of tiny metal (NOT glass) beads to tie size 20-24 bead head flies.  I picked up a few BW-WD40 size 22 in Montana this summer and they seem to work around here too ! Most beads I found around are too large for such small hooks. However, the fly shop in MT must have found their beads somewhere. Any suggestion ? I posted this query to ROFFT, and someone there suggested to post it here too, as many knowledgeable anglers post here but not on ROFFT. Cheers, -Vittorio

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Hi folks. I am looking for a source of tiny metal (NOT glass) beads to tie size 20-24 bead head flies.  I picked up a few BW-WD40 size 22 in Montana this summer and they seem to work around here too ! Most beads I found around are too large for such small hooks. However, the fly shop in MT must have found their beads somewhere. Any suggestion ?

ones in several types (brass, lead, ect) or try Then there is always National Feathercraft in St. Louis but I won’t recommend em. <g — Wayne Knight Expert in creating tailing loops and windknots Otherwise Fishless in Kansas Before you buy.

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Although you specified not glass. There are indeed quite a number of metallised glass beads available in a fair range of sizes.  For very small flies I have not been able to find anything as good as these in metal.  They have a number of advantages I think, They do not tarnish, they are available in a range of metallic colours, and they certainly provide enough weight on small flies. Durability does not seem to be a problem, as though I broke a few when putting them on the hooks, none have so far broken under actual fishing conditions. They are available at a lot of places, and they are cheap compared to metal beads. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi folks. I am looking for a source of tiny metal (NOT glass) beads to tie size 20-24 bead head flies.  I picked up a few BW-WD40 size 22 in Montana this summer and they seem to work around here too ! Most beads I found around are too large for such small hooks. However, the fly shop in MT must have found their beads somewhere. Any suggestion ? I posted this query to ROFFT, and someone there suggested to post it here too, as many knowledgeable anglers post here but not on ROFFT. Cheers, -Vittorio

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Question:

I am going to take a few days off and head up to Colorado to teach my brother how to flyfish.  And maybe drink a little Oban or Talisker. Can someone recommend a good place to go fishing?  Thanks for any clue cookies tossed this way. bc. — Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. -Benjamin Franklin

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I fish several places when working in Denver. Always check in with the fly shop; located in Silverthorne; Cutthroat anglers; 888-876-8818; see ‘em at www.fishcolorado.com Good, knowledgable guys, Trapper, Andrew, Jimmy. I think the South Platte and Arkansas are fishing really well. Also Blue, Colorado and Williams Fork. Call the shop. They’re only an hour and 15 west of Denver. All interstate. If you speak with them, mention my name and convey my best regards to them. Tight Lines, Phil Joffe, Raleigh, NC

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<snipped Thanks for the advice Phil – I’ll visit the website and forward this information to my brother. bc. — Beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. -Benjamin Franklin

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Question:

It’s our 2-year anniversary this weekend, and hubby and I had decided a couple of weeks ago that we’d go out to a nice restaurant for dinner.  Well, 2 nights ago he said he wanted to make a weekend of it and we could take a short trip somewhere.  I was so excite because 1) he never wants to take trips; and 2) I’d really been wanting to just get away for a couple of days for a long time coming, and this sounded perfect.  Well, this meant he’d have to work a late the rest of the week so he wouldn’t have to work this weekend.  I went to his work the night before and last night and helped out a bit.  I didn’t mind one bit even though I was having a bad week myself.  I just kept saying, just think of this weekend.  So I was really counting on it.  On our way home last night, I asked where he thought we could go this weekend.  He then said he was going to be too tired to go anywhere this weekend, and we’d do it next weekend.  I reminded him my mom was coming to visit that weekend.  So he said we’d do it some other time… which equates to never.   Believe me, every time we don’t have a definite date scheduled for something it never happens.  And we can’t schedule anything too far in advance now because of his erratic travel schedule. This has happenned before… where he’ll suggest something, get my hopes up, then it never happens.  Like this spring he suggested we take a weekend and go to one of the local resorts.  I said great.  Two weeks later when he hadn’t mentioned it further, I pulled out some brochures to look at with him.  He said he’d take care of the planning and not to push him on it (is looking at brochures pushing someone???).   Anyway, I never brought it up again, and the trip never happenned. To top things off, I went to the salon last night to lighten my hair (from dark brown -> medium brown) and I ended up blonde (kinda my fault, long story).  I’m going back this weekend to get it fixed (for free), but I have to sit through work today (including a meeting with the CEO of our company this morning) with blonde hair. OK, I feel better now.  Thanks for the ears.  Oh, and any advice on how to handle hubby’s lack of planning would be greatly appreciated. Melissa * 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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From: melissa >So he >said we’d do it some other time… which equates to never.  

Ooooh I HATE that!!  Here’s what you do. The moment he says, "let’s go" you ask, "where to?"  The idea is to get him on the upswing and strike while the iron’s hot.  Get as much info from him at this time, ’cause as the days go by there will be more of a chance that he’ll change his mind. Once you have an idea of what he prefers, you take it upon yourself to make all the arrangements.  Don’t ask him what he thinks about this or that during the planning period… just do it, but do keep in mind his likes and dislikes…. as in don’t plan on a beach resort getaway if hubby mentioned going to the mountains in that preliminary conversation. When everything is arranged (and paid for) present him with the plan. Be prepared for a tantrum… and even for the possibility that you won’t be going anywhere.  In that case, remind him that there go $X that you’ll never get back. Also, be prepared for hubby to reproach the fact that you went ahead and made all the plans without him.  That’s when you *calmly* tell him exactly how it makes you feel when he promises something and then doesn’t come through. Explain that you didn’t want to be disappointed again so you took it upon yourself to plan the trip.  If nothing else, you’ll get started on communicating  about the problem.  Maybe it’ll break him of the bad habit of blowing smoke up your ass.  Good luck.

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Melissa Quick, you have half a day to plan. Find a nice place that is not too far from home and relaxing. Pack your bag and his and as soon as he comes home, kidnap him. Tell him he has to do nothing just enjoy being with you and he can relax. Then drive off with him … Sorry, my imagination is running wild but I do feel for you. This is a hard situation to be in …. I think Gidget’s ideas are great though. Katie Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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melissa wrote: > reminded him my mom was coming to visit that weekend.  So he > said we’d do it some other time… which equates to never.

I can feel the disappointment oozing off the screen here on my end.   > Believe me, every time we don’t have a definite date > scheduled for something it never happens.  And we can’t > schedule anything too far in advance now because of his > erratic travel schedule.

Trent’s idea has merit (i.e., schedule non-refundable vacations, etc), but my guess is that you’re limited by his travel schedule.  If that’s the case, then you’ll have to gird yourself and dicuss how his behavior in this manner bothers you.  And THEN start scehduling non-refundable vacations!  :) > resorts.  I said great.  Two weeks later when he hadn’t > mentioned it further, I pulled out some brochures to look at > with him.  He said he’d take care of the planning and not to > push him on it (is looking at brochures pushing someone???).

It could be seen that way.  If he wanted to have children right now and you wanted to wait a few years, would his leaving a copy of "Parents" magazine laying around be seen as pushing by you?  Its all in the eye of the beholder.   You know what, though?  When you couple this vacation-ditching conduct with the cold feet house purchase, he does seem to have a thing about committing, though.  Its got to be exasperating. > To top things off, I went to the salon last night to lighten > my hair (from dark brown -> medium brown) and I ended up > blonde (kinda my fault, long story).  I’m going back this > weekend to get it fixed (for free), but I have to sit > through work today (including a meeting with the CEO of our > company this morning) with blonde hair.

Missie!  I think you look devine as a blonde!  If you’re serious about having it fixed this weekend, I’m sorely tempted to make a comment about your husband having a short window of opportunity for role-playing sex involving a blonde.  But sometimes discretion wins.  I won’t say anything!  :) > OK, I feel better now.  Thanks for the ears.  Oh, and any > advice on how to handle hubby’s lack of planning would be > greatly appreciated.

Have you read Passionate Marriage yet?  Its a given in marriage that the low desire partner controls the amount of any activity (in this case, vacationing). But you know what?  I don’t think its a low desire issue here…I think its a reluctance to commit to some course of behavior.  Why don’t *you* commit him instead (not to a mental institution, although I bet that’s crossed your mind Drew

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floridanewbie wrote in message

<37c0e0d7.117195…@news.flatoday.infi.net>… >On 23 Aug 1999 01:16:51 GMT, gidgeto…@aol.com (GidgetOliv) wrote: ><snip> >>What do you folks think of homeschooling? (I know there are newsgroups dealing >>with the topic, but I want to know what people *here* think.)  Just curious… >Education involves so much more than just learning from books … how >about the social aspects of learning about different kinds of people, >getting along in groups and learning how to settle conflicts in an >acceptable manner?

There are many many schools where this doesn’t apply. I don’t think that the alternatives to public education sprang up purely because of doubts that the children were receiving anadequate education. I really think that there is more to it. These alternatives are a way of coping with situations that are otherwise intolerable for many. >Additionally, in a good classroom, the teacher will let the group >stumble around trying to solve problems or discuss aspects of an >assignment … even wrong answers or peculiar tangents contain much >useful knowledge .. that is missing in home schooling.

The qualifier there is "good classroom". They’re becoming more rare with each passing day. I know several good teachers who are very frustrated at the way things have developed over the past couple of decades. >Then there are the athletic aspects … unless home school parents have >a dozen kids, most physical activites involving teamwork can’t be done.

Sure they can – kids can still play hockey and baseball etc on the community teams. >Granted, if a person lives in the middle of an ice field in Alaska or is >otherwise isolated, home schooling beats no schooling but in general, >while people mean well, I suspect a great many kids are being ill-served >with such efforts.

The studies are showing (at least where I live) that home schooled children are on par or above children who are attending public, private, and charter schools. >Instead of yanking the kids out of school, find out >exactly what is being done and then supplement those efforts with the >things you think are missing.

What if it’s not the missing things that bother you? What if it’s the things that are being done? >By the way, I seriously doubt many parents are competent across the >board other than for the lowest levels of school …

I thinkmany parents don’t realize the work that is involved. Im’ not sure it’s a matter of competency but there is a huge time commitment for each passing grade. You work for it just as much (if not more) than your children do. >the first few years would seem to put the child at a big disadvantage >when s/he is thrown into the arena with kids who already know the ropes >and who have formed strong friendships.

One has to be very careful to introduce social situations whenever possible to avoid that type of scenario. — ….my two cents ….

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GidgetOliv wrote in message

<19990822211651.24654.00001…@ng-ch1.aol.com>… >What do you folks think of homeschooling? (I know there are newsgroups dealing >with the topic, but I want to know what people *here* think.)  Just

curious… It depends on the situation. It takes a lot of time (and I do mean a lot)… you have to be very careful that it doesn’t put a wedge between you and your kid(s) cause you’re now the parent and the teacher… kind of hard to find time to relax sometimes. The plus side is that you have a whole lot more input into your child’s education and you can be actively involved in shaping their future. You might want to check out the area that you live in to see what kind of support is given to homeschooling families. In our area, we have the full resources of the schools in our district as well as staff from the distance learning center. The newsgroups and your community papers will probably give you more of a lead about what’s available. Before you make the choice, you might want to check other options – like an online school,perhaps, where the kids have a teacher but you have the kids at home. It would help you decide which would be best if you know why you are looking for alternatives. — ….my two cents ….

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On 23 Aug 1999 01:16:51 GMT, gidgeto…@aol.com (GidgetOliv) wrote: <snip> >What do you folks think of homeschooling? (I know there are newsgroups dealing >with the topic, but I want to know what people *here* think.)  Just curious…

Education involves so much more than just learning from books … how about the social aspects of learning about different kinds of people, getting along in groups and learning how to settle conflicts in an acceptable manner? In classrooms, students see that people learn at different rates and in different ways.  Some do better with quantitative methods while others thrive with qualitative methods.  Home schooling most likely will only use one method; that risks stunting the potential growth that might otherwise occur. Additionally, in a good classroom, the teacher will let the group stumble around trying to solve problems or discuss aspects of an assignment … even wrong answers or peculiar tangents contain much useful knowledge .. that is missing in home schooling. Then there are the athletic aspects … unless home school parents have a dozen kids, most physical activites involving teamwork can’t be done. Granted, if a person lives in the middle of an ice field in Alaska or is otherwise isolated, home schooling beats no schooling but in general, while people mean well, I suspect a great many kids are being ill-served with such efforts.   Instead of yanking the kids out of school, find out exactly what is being done and then supplement those efforts with the things you think are missing. By the way, I seriously doubt many parents are competent across the board other than for the lowest levels of school … to home school for the first few years would seem to put the child at a big disadvantage when s/he is thrown into the arena with kids who already know the ropes and who have formed strong friendships. Floridanewbie

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GidgetOliv asked: >What do you folks think of homeschooling

It has become a very popular alternative here in Alaska. It is working very well and has attempted to alleviate as many of the shortcomings as possible. We have one public school district (open state-wide) where you get a computer when you enroll and attend classes on-line. The homeschooled kids have their own graduation ceremony here in Fairbanks. We have 3 students in our karate school whose monthly dues are paid by the school district to satisfy their physical education requirement (or some other elective). It wouldn’t work for me, though. I am not confident that I have the right temperament to teach my own children. I don’t know whether I could be objective enough. — Sourdough sez: We would worry a lot less about what other people think of us, if we realized how seldom they do.

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From: floridanew…@hotmail.com  (floridanewbie) >trent_m…@hotmail.com (Trent) wrote: ><snip> >>–      What have you done to save your schoolchild this year? >Just sneaking in here Trent … >that list of things (security and safety) people should know about their >children’s schools is at Gavin deBecker’s site:

This post reminds me…. What do you folks think of homeschooling? (I know there are newsgroups dealing with the topic, but I want to know what people *here* think.)  Just curious…

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In article <11f733ec.1e956…@usw-ex0106-048.remarq.com>, melissa  <missie.johnsonNOcrS…@eudoramail.com> wrote: >It’s our 2-year anniversary this weekend, and hubby and I >had decided a couple of weeks ago that we’d go out to a nice >restaurant for dinner.  Well, 2 nights ago he said he wanted >to make a weekend of it and we could take a short trip >somewhere.  I was so excite because 1) he never wants to

Well… I would have gone anyway.  Yes, even if that meant going by yourself.  Because you know why… I get the feeling that this scenario plays itself out again and again because nothing otherwise happens.   Yes, I would have said, "Oh, that’s too bad. Will you really be too tired? Oh, well, I’m going to go.  I really wish you’d come to." Then do it. He either would not have come, in which case you could have had a nice relaxing weekend to yourself. If he had come, then you would have rousted him out of his old lazy habits, and the two of you could have had a great time. He "ruins" things for you so often because in a way, you let him. amy — alyo…@bluemarble.net                   http://www.bluemarble.net/~alyoung                         Speaking only for myself.

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I’m not a big fan especially after 3-4th grade because the kids get educaion from various people who are trained very highly in the subjects they’re teaching.  There’s no way I have the resources to give my child the kind of round education in music, chemistry, and algebra that three different teachers who have degrees to teach these specifics can.  I’m a big supporter of private and magnet schools. Tamara – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> GidgetOliv said… > This post reminds me…. > What do you folks think of homeschooling? (I know there are newsgroups dealing > with the topic, but I want to know what people *here* think.)  Just curious…

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Nothing serious but sometimes people refuse to do things if they have problems with strangers. I mean maybe he gained weight and he doesn’t like to see people, maybe he doesn’t have nice out fits, maybe he doesn’t like the car..etc U know anything and it could be nothing but being busy with work. * 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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I think for some people homeschooling could work out. The people who I know who homeschool have had all good things to say, and their kids have ended up doing great on their SAT’s and in college. Personnally though, I would love to be able to teach my kids and have that family time before they grow up and move on. But, I don’t think I could do justice to their education. I am well educated, and excelled in school, but kids today are learning more, and learning it different then I did even 10 yrs. ago. I also think that kids have to experience the socializing with their peers. I hate when kids are teased, and the bickering that goes on amongst the children at school, but I also realize that kids learn how to adjust, and learn that in their life they are going to run into people that don’t see eye to eye with them. I don’t believe that school is only for education. School teaches you life, socialization, and commitments, and responsibilities. Just my 2 cents worth momalot – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -GidgetOliv wrote: > From: floridanew…@hotmail.com  (floridanewbie) > >trent_m…@hotmail.com (Trent) wrote: > ><snip> > >>–      What have you done to save your schoolchild this year? > >Just sneaking in here Trent … > >that list of things (security and safety) people should know about their > >children’s schools is at Gavin deBecker’s site: > This post reminds me…. > What do you folks think of homeschooling? (I know there are newsgroups dealing > with the topic, but I want to know what people *here* think.)  Just curious…

– ned!

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do something for yourself…..go to a movie go shopping just do something gary

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Sorry I misunderstood.  I realize that some people just like to get to where they’re going and not have to bothered with the details. I Agree with you!  I think we all feel that way sometimes about something. But if this guy is this way.  Why does he seem to get so pissed when she tries to take the initiative?  Also, the worries about whether you can afford it or not might be valid.  Can you afford these trips Melissa?  Are you 100% aware of all financial situations in your marriage?  Make sure you know all about his and your debt and responsibilities.  Because, If he works like a dog for a vacation and you help.  Then, all of the sudden he is too tired to go and worried about the money. There might be something he is afraid to share.  Maybe he is just more worried about spending or working up debt on the credit cards or something.  You should save for a vacation.  Not just up and go and think you will just put it on the "card" and pay for it later.  This is how you get upside down in debt.  Be careful, I think lots of relatively new marriages have these problems. L8R, Carl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -GidgetOliv wrote: > From: Carl mcent…@earthlink.net > >Yeah, or maybe he’ll just start blowing all of his vacation days from that > >point on > >fishing with the guys.  I would be careful dropping that kind of bomb on a > >guy. > Absolutely!  But I never meant for her to keep it a secret… just to take him > up on it but be in charge of all the planning. > My partner does this every year… he’s usually the one to suggest vacation > destinations, but I’m the one who gets to do all the booking and planning. > Not complaining in the least, as I realize that some people just like to get to > where they’re going and not have to bothered with the details.

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>I >do like the idea of planning something myself with advance >notice from him.  He wouldn’t be thrilled, but as long as it >wasn’t something he’d openly opposed… he’d go along with >it.

Some people just don’t like the element of surprise.  You can always tell him that "his" idea to get away is an excellent one, and that he shouldn’t worry because you’ll take care of the arrangements.  That way you won’t be surprising him with plans "out of the blue" Also, you mentioned that he whines about whether or not you can afford it.  It got me thinking… maybe during that first conversation, when he says "let’s get away" you could say "I don’t know… can we afford it?"  If it’s *his* idea to get away, he might come back with something like, "Sure we can… we’re just talking [blank] bucks or so."  If he does, then you can use his figure and plan around that budget.  Then if he whines, you remind him that it was all his idea in the first place.  :)

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On Fri, 20 Aug 1999 19:37:06 GMT, trent_m…@hotmail.com (Trent) wrote:

<snip> >–      What have you done to save your schoolchild this year?

Just sneaking in here Trent … that list of things (security and safety) people should know about their children’s schools is at Gavin deBecker’s site:   http://www.gdbinc.com/ Floridanewbie

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> Can you afford these trips Melissa?  Are you 100% aware of > all financial situations in your marriage?

Yes, we can afford the kind of weekend trip he was talking about.  About our financial situation, I know more about it than he does… I’m the bill payer in the house, and I see everything, from credit card info to checkcard info to what checks went where. Melissa * 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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What about planning something that you can afford? Trade houses with a family member or friend out of town? Even a picnic can be a getaway if you plan right. There are specials posted on the web for hotels and stuff….. last minute deals……. usually the ones in your own town are quite reasonable. — ….my two cents …. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -melissa wrote in message <0221c012.928fa…@usw-ex0102-014.remarq.com>… > Besides, the last time I surprised him with a night away >from home, all he did was whine about whether or not we >could afford it.  It really ruined the evening.

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From: Carl mcent…@earthlink.net >Yeah, or maybe he’ll just start blowing all of his vacation days from that >point on >fishing with the guys.  I would be careful dropping that kind of bomb on a >guy.

Absolutely!  But I never meant for her to keep it a secret… just to take him up on it but be in charge of all the planning. My partner does this every year… he’s usually the one to suggest vacation destinations, but I’m the one who gets to do all the booking and planning. Not complaining in the least, as I realize that some people just like to get to where they’re going and not have to bothered with the details.

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Yeah, or maybe he’ll just start blowing all of his vacation days from that point on fishing with the guys.  I would be careful dropping that kind of bomb on a guy. Doing it in stages might be better.  For instance, if you have to fly, mention you purchased the airline tickets for the "trip" today (get the kind you can schedule departure after the fact).  Then ask when it would be a good time to sit down and figure out the dates so you can schedule the departure and hotel reservations. Then, at the point you notice his interest is peaking and he has accepted the fact you are going.  Ask him to help plan or investigate some activities to do while you are there and express that you want to make sure you do things he would like. Carl – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -GidgetOliv wrote: > From: melissa > >So he > >said we’d do it some other time… which equates to never. > Ooooh I HATE that!!  Here’s what you do. > The moment he says, "let’s go" you ask, "where to?"  The idea is to get him on > the upswing and strike while the iron’s hot.  Get as much info from him at this > time, ’cause as the days go by there will be more of a chance that he’ll change > his mind. > Once you have an idea of what he prefers, you take it upon yourself to make all > the arrangements.  Don’t ask him what he thinks about this or that during the > planning period… just do it, but do keep in mind his likes and dislikes…. > as in don’t plan on a beach resort getaway if hubby mentioned going to the > mountains in that preliminary conversation. > When everything is arranged (and paid for) present him with the plan. Be > prepared for a tantrum… and even for the possibility that you won’t be going > anywhere.  In that case, remind him that there go $X that you’ll never get > back. > Also, be prepared for hubby to reproach the fact that you went ahead and made > all the plans without him.  That’s when you *calmly* tell him exactly how it > makes you feel when he promises something and then doesn’t come through. > Explain that you didn’t want to be disappointed again so you took it upon > yourself to plan the trip.  If nothing else, you’ll get started on > communicating  about the problem.  Maybe it’ll break him of the bad habit of > blowing smoke up your ass.  Good luck.

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> Find a nice place that is not too far from home and > relaxing. Pack your bag and his and as soon as he comes > home, kidnap him. Tell him he has to do nothing just enjoy > being with you and he can relax. Then drive off with him > …

As much as I’d *love* to do this, I don’t think he’d be too happy at all, which would cause him much misery on what should be a happy occasion.  Just the fact that I went ahead and planned something he’d nixed would really piss him off.  Besides, the last time I surprised him with a night away from home, all he did was whine about whether or not we could afford it.  It really ruined the evening. Thanks for the advice though you guys, I appreciate it.  I do like the idea of planning something myself with advance notice from him.  He wouldn’t be thrilled, but as long as it wasn’t something he’d openly opposed… he’d go along with it. Melissa * 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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> Missie! I think you look devine as a blonde! If you’re > serious about having it fixed this weekend, I’m sorely > tempted to make a comment about your husband having a > short window of opportunity for role-playing sex involving > a blonde. But sometimes discretion wins. I won’t say > anything!

Thanks for the discretion, Drew.  Actually, I’m at auburn now (I had it fixed just a little while ago).  Not what I wanted, but not blonde, either.  You’ve gotta understand, I’m definitely not one of those complexions that is good for blonde hair.  My natural hair color is so dark a brown it’s almost black!  Anyhow, I like the auburn… I feel much much better. Melissa * 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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Well, then go off and have a fun weekend by yourself. If he insists on spoiling things, don’t allow yourself to be dragged down to his level. Yes, it’s your anniversary … he’s shown a disregard for your feelings in this matter. Take yourself to a nice hotel or B&B, snuggle up with a brandy and a good book, and spoil yourself. –Welmoed

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Melissa, what would happen if you planned the weekend…Get flowers, dress the house up a little with decorations like it was someplace else.  Then, make sure you send up a flare to the families/friends that call often to resist unless it’s an emergency.  Get a new cute "lingerie" type item and have a romantic dinner planned with his favorite meal.  It could be pizza by candlelight if that’s what he loves.  Then, during the evening maybe post-meal while your stomachs are settling, before the "passionate replay of the consummation of your marriage", mention how you wanted to give him a "weekend away" without the hassle of traveling somewhere and that you hope he would try harder to plan a short trip somewhere for you soon.  I for one would love this myself…maybe I should keep a copy of this for my wife. Good luck, Carl P.S.  All marriages have bumps and you shouldn’t feel bad about maybe seeking some biblically based counseling to help with your communication skills and understanding each others different needs. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -melissa wrote: > It’s our 2-year anniversary this weekend, and hubby and I > had decided a couple of weeks ago that we’d go out to a nice > restaurant for dinner.  Well, 2 nights ago he said he wanted > to make a weekend of it and we could take a short trip > somewhere.  I was so excite because 1) he never wants to > take trips; and 2) I’d really been wanting to just get away > for a couple of days for a long time coming, and this > sounded perfect.  Well, this meant he’d have to work a > late the rest of the week so he wouldn’t have to work this > weekend.  I went to his work the night before and last night > and helped out a bit.  I didn’t mind one bit even though I > was having a bad week myself.  I just kept saying, just > think of this weekend.  So I was really counting on it.  On > our way home last night, I asked where he thought we could > go this weekend.  He then said he was going to be too tired > to go anywhere this weekend, and we’d do it next weekend.  I > reminded him my mom was coming to visit that weekend.  So he > said we’d do it some other time… which equates to never. > Believe me, every time we don’t have a definite date > scheduled for something it never happens.  And we can’t > schedule anything too far in advance now because of his > erratic travel schedule. > This has happenned before… where he’ll suggest something, > get my hopes up, then it never happens.  Like this spring he > suggested we take a weekend and go to one of the local > resorts.  I said great.  Two weeks later when he hadn’t > mentioned it further, I pulled out some brochures to look at > with him.  He said he’d take care of the planning and not to > push him on it (is looking at brochures pushing someone???). > Anyway, I never brought it up again, and the trip never > happenned. > To top things off, I went to the salon last night to lighten > my hair (from dark brown -> medium brown) and I ended up > blonde (kinda my fault, long story).  I’m going back this > weekend to get it fixed (for free), but I have to sit > through work today (including a meeting with the CEO of our > company this morning) with blonde hair. > OK, I feel better now.  Thanks for the ears.  Oh, and any > advice on how to handle hubby’s lack of planning would be > greatly appreciated. > Melissa > * 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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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello All, <snip Hello Warren.  I’m a relative newcomer to ROFF myself, having first set foot here about three months ago.  Since then I have been badly beaten up only once, though every once in a while I still get an unexpected slap in the back of the head.  I consider this a small price to pay for the education and entertainment I get here. Welcome aboard.

Nonsense !!! You have been here forever, just like the meniscus ))) ( Slap, Slap ! ) Is it really only three months ?  You seem like one of the old crowd somehow, you fit in so well. TL MC

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Is it really only three months ?

Um…not sure Mike.  I was just guessing….something I would never do in a more serious thread where, as you well know, I always come armed with TRUTH and LIGHT!

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Um…not sure Mike.  I was just guessing….something I would never do in a more serious thread where, as you well know, I always come armed with TRUTH and LIGHT!

Don’t you mean VERACITY and ILLUMINATION ? TL MC

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Don’t you mean VERACITY and ILLUMINATION ?

As always Mike, I am not sure what I mean.  I eagerly await ROFFian consensus on just what it is I am trying to say.  Imagine; just three (?) months ago I thought I knew my own mind!    :)

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This old Texan still thinks God made mountains for Texans to go to in August.

Thank God for mountains and Texans!!!! Everything is Peachy Keene (hehehe) got lots of family in Keene, Ft Worth, ect.  Lived there a tad myself. You coming up this way this August perchance? Warren

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Warren asked: You coming up this way this August perchance?

Sorry Warren, but I leave Monday to drive to Gatlinburg for the FFF Conclave.The first day’s drive always kicks my ass…dosen’t matter whether it is Dallas to Denver or the 670 miles from Dallas to Nashville. I plan to visit Montana again next summer. Big Dale

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Hello All,

<snip Hello Warren.  I’m a relative newcomer to ROFF myself, having first set foot here about three months ago.  Since then I have been badly beaten up only once, though every once in a while I still get an unexpected slap in the back of the head.  I consider this a small price to pay for the education and entertainment I get here. Welcome aboard.

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ROTFLMAO Mark Faulkner – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good God! Massachusetts is the center of the roffian universe. SNIP … the elite circles of this group, most of whom live south, west, and east of massachussets.

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…AND THE HOME…..OF THE……DAVE’S! /daytripper (PLAY BALL!! ;^) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Good God! Massachusetts is the center of the roffian universe.

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the last couple of months.  I finally decided to get off my duff and come out of the shadows and introduce myself.

Welcome to the group Warren,I hope you enjoy it as much as most of us do.I have visited the Livingston area several times and have enjoyed it very much. This old Texan still thinks God made mountains for Texans to go to in August. I try to get out that way every couple of years. Big Dale

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I’m sorta a newbie also Warren, and I extend you a welcome as well. Look forward to reading your posts here, and the way things look in here, we both have alot of smart humor, exciting commentary, up to the minute play-by-play of current fly fishing topics, candid view points and some real good laughs ahead of us!….What more could ya want??!! Jeff Boks Fly Fishing~~~~~Just Do It

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Good God! Massachusetts is the center of the roffian universe.

SNIP … the elite circles of this group, most of whom live south, west, and east of massachussets. wayno Warren

– Mike in PDX "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                          Tom McGuane

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Welcome to the extended family that is ROFF, Warren! One thing, though: mind if we call you Wayne? It’ll be easier to remember your name that way ;^) Cheers! /daytripper

        now there’s a one liner that reaches right up to the level of le duc himself! wayno

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[very pleasant intro snipped] Welcome to the extended family that is ROFF, Warren! As you’ve been lurking for a couple of months, you’re well aware that we put the "fun" in "disfunctional" – but there’s always room for another wacko member of the tribe. One thing, though: mind if we call you Wayne? It’ll be easier to remember your name that way ;^) Cheers! /daytripper

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[snip] this group, most of whom live south, west, and east of massachussets. wayno "EAST" of Mass ???

    thought you’d never ask; how about wales, the brits, the netherlands, scandanavia; and, of course, mike connor in germany. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Hello All, My name is Warren Findley and I have been lurking this NG for the last couple of months.  I finally decided to get off my duff and come out of the shadows and introduce myself.  Actually, I have been holding back to responding to some the posts because I didn’t want to seem like some FNG (freaking new guy) coming in and trying to raise a ruckuss.

Welcome to Freak-R-Us. Mu Young Lee             Ann Arbor, MI  USA

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – [snip] this group, most of whom live south, west, and east of massachussets. wayno "EAST" of Mass ???     thought you’d never ask; how about wales, the brits, the netherlands, scandanavia; and, of course, mike connor in germany. wayno

Okay, I fell for that one…

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No actually almost all live West of Seattle. Welcome aboard. Dave

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 My wife has chewed my ass several times for "paying more attention to the computer" than her.

I think both our wives are related. Right now my wife is kicking me off the computer, mumbling something about moving in to days and I haven’t started packing yet. WOMEN! since my daughter was born 6 weeks ago it hasn’t been nearly enough.

Congratulations! We should all chip in and buy her a Playskool tying vise. I am looking forward to becoming a participating member of this NG and hopefully pick up some more good tips and info from you all

We’re looking forward to reading your post. What’s good about ROFF is that although it’s easy to put your foot in your mouth (mine is permanently coated in sugar for flavor) the people here forgive and forget very soon after. I gotta go now, the wife’s at it again! Welcome to the fly paper. Chris Fleitman Fisherman by nature-goofball by society.

Response:

Hello All, My name is Warren Findley (good intro snipped)

Welcome to ROFF Warren. Check out:  http://www.roff.org for comings and goings of claves, pics, etc. Congrats on your’n youngin’….what…should be fly casting in another 18 months? Walt — Ezflyfish.com                 Blue Ridge Book Gallery Quality Gear & Service        Used & Out-of-Print Books http://www.ezflyfish.com      http://www.abebooks.com/home/BLUEBOOKS P.O. Box 5112  Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828)963-5001

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Hello All, My name is Warren Findley and I have been lurking this NG for the last couple of months.  I finally decided to get off my duff and come out of the shadows and introduce myself.

        good to have you, warren.  your tasteful and polite introduction bodes well for your inclusion in the elite circles of this group, most of whom live south, west, and east of massachussets. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Warren

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[snip] this group, most of whom live south, west, and east of massachussets. wayno

"EAST" of Mass ???

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Always glad to welcome freaking new guys, to talk on anything from booze to ginking dry flies Welcome Warren, and I hope you get your wish that reading some of this will help you catch more fish. Tight lines ! Mike Connor

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Warren  Findley writes:

(snip of good stuff) <<I am looking forward to becoming a participating member of this NG and hopefully pick up some more good tips and info from you all. And I, for one, am looking forward to hearing from you.  Welcome aboard, Warren.  You live in some beautiful country, so I am sure your tales will be well read.   Dave LaCourse

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Hello All, My name is Warren Findley and I have been lurking this NG for the last couple of months.  I finally decided to get off my duff and come out of the shadows and introduce myself.  Actually, I have been holding back to responding to some the posts because I didn’t want to seem like some FNG (freaking new guy) coming in and trying to raise a ruckuss. Over the last few months I have had a good look at what goes on around here and like what I see for the most part (except for the AR lunacy that sometimes runs rampant, ect).  The part I have enjoyed the most is how well you people interact, debate, and rag on one another.  It is truly interesting to keep up with.  My wife has chewed my ass several times for "paying more attention to the computer" than her.  Of course she uses that line when I go fishing too. I am currently living in Livingston, MT and try to fish as much as I can. However, since my daughter was born 6 weeks ago it hasn’t been nearly enough. I am still surving though.  I actually even got to go today (took the wife and baby so she couldn’t refuse).  I have been fly fishing since about the last ten years, but really started hard core the last two years.  I fish all year long and actually prefer winter because there aren’t as many people crowding the waters (not that I don’t enjoy company mind you, just like a little time to mull things over without any interuptions as I fish). I am also a novice fly tyer, hunter (yes, I eat what I kill) and enjoy working my in-laws horses as often as possible.  Actually broke my thumb in two places 3 months ago and had 4 pins put in, but I didn’t let it stop me from floating the Big Horn as the pictures and my wife will attest (she still gets mad at me for leaving for the weekend).  As you can guess, my wife has been jealous since the little one was born because she fishes too and hasn’t been able to go out since I don’t have the necessary equipment to keep the baby from starving. I am looking forward to becoming a participating member of this NG and hopefully pick up some more good tips and info from you all. Warren

Response:

Question:

I should have printed the message, but didn’t.  Someone submitted an exercise where you use the tip of your fly rod and practice casting indoors.  Could that person re-send that message?  I’m new to fly fishing and would like to practice indoors.

This practice method seems to have been proposed first by Lee Wulff about 40 years ago, mainly to teach timing.  Instead of a fly line you use a thickish rope of lightweight wool, such as is used to tie curtains or ornamental parcels, about 10 to 12 feet long.  It works. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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I should have printed the message, but didn’t.  Someone submitted an exercise where you use the tip of your fly rod and practice casting indoors.  Could that person re-send that message?  I’m new to fly fishing and would like to practice indoors. Thanks and Good Fishing Gary

Response:

Gary, what you do is run thick yarn through the guides of the end of your rod as if it was the actual fly line. Its a good way to begin to understand the principles of casting, for example casting a wide loop as opposed to a narrow loop, that sort of thing. Hope this helps. Kevin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I should have printed the message, but didn’t.  Someone submitted an exercise where you use the tip of your fly rod and practice casting indoors.  Could that person re-send that message?  I’m new to fly fishing and would like to practice indoors. Thanks and Good Fishing Gary

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – …while this was sound advice beware of the impression that all the problems you may have starting out is due to the lower cost equipment you purchased. No matter how much is spent on the rod everyone has to learn how to cast. In my experience even lower cost rods are fine for this – often their ’slower’ characteristics are more forgiving to the beginner. While the line is the most important part of the tackle – many of the lower priced lines available – ie the Sci Anglers Aircel lines, are quite alright. Basically the same line they sold for 2x the price a decade or two ago. But beware cheap off brands, particulary level lines. If the line has no brand name on it and you can’t detect it getting thicker as you move up the tip several feet, you should throw it away or keep it for trolling. Ralph H

Ralph has some good points,especially about avoiding level lines.  They are a total waste of money, plus cause casting problems and bad casting habits that take years to get rid of.  The less expensive Orvis Clearwater lines, and the SA beginner lines actually make casting easier for novices because of their short front taper design.  They turns over flys more easily.  The sacrifice delicacy in doing so, but usually a novice’s casting skills aren’t too delicate anyway and they help the cast extend.  As your skills improve, you will probably want to buy a better line before you wear one of these out. While some people have a tough time learning on a fast action or tip-flex rod, I’d hesitate to recommend a full-flex (soft action) rod for a beginner. In 1987 as we started changing the rods in the Orvis West Coast Schools from the full-flex Superfine Limestone Special to the mid-flex "Western Series Spring Creek" we had both types available for a while for our students.  Students would race to get the Western Series rods because they were easier to cast without throwing tailing loops.  Shortly thereafter we replaced all the full flex rods with the Western Series.  I should note we teach a forearm based stroke in our casting programs (both Orvis WC and my own schools) which works very well with this type of rod.  When people first start out the most common mistake is to use too much wrist often snapping it in mid stroke which almost ivariably overdrives the tip and causes tailing loops.  The mid to tip flex rods eliminate a lot of this problem because it is harder to overdrive the tip with this kind of design.  It can still be done, but is a more forgiving (of mistakes) action for beginners. Still, you need to cast the rods to see which ones you like.                            Good Luck,                                      Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools Mt. Shasta Fly Fishing Schools http://www.thegrid.net/flyfish

Response:

I’m very, very new to fly fishing, and if nothing else, the people on this newsgroup have been very friendly in sharing information for a beginner. So, I went to our local fly shop, and was browsing around, and I saw something that floored me….the rods they were selling were in the $300 and up range… Now, I bought a fly rod and reel combo, that came with line, backing, leader, and a few flies for less than $60.00. What, exactly, does the extra $250.00 or more for a rod get me?  (Other than broke. <grin)  What makes those rods that much more valuable? Thanks, Monte P.S. To reply via email, remove the ".dot" from my email address.

Response:

I’m very, very new to fly fishing, and if nothing else, the people on this newsgroup have been very friendly in sharing information for a beginner. So, I went to our local fly shop, and was browsing around, and I saw something that floored me….the rods they were selling were in the $300 and up range… Now, I bought a fly rod and reel combo, that came with line, backing, leader, and a few flies for less than $60.00. What, exactly, does the extra $250.00 or more for a rod get me?  (Other than broke. <grin)  What makes those rods that much more valuable?

If you are new, next to nothing.  At first, you probably won’t be able to tell the difference between a $60 outfit and a $500 rod.  Take your outfit out, fish with it, beat it up, make mistakes, break a tip, slip on a rock and break the handle off the reel (done that), but go fishing.  In a year or so, go to a fly shop and cast various rods once you’ve got the hang of things. If you can tell the difference and like the difference buy what you can afford.  If you can’t tell the difference or don’t like the difference stick with what you have or buy another one. I started out with a $15 rod/reel combo.  It cast like a broomstick, but it was what I could afford and caught fish. When I actually had money, I knew how to cast and could feel the difference in the actions of various rods and bought a reasonable quality rod/reel.  Plus when I fell on that rock and busted my reel I didn’t worry about it (much). My $0.02,      - Ken — Not speaking for anyone but myself

Response:

Well the feel of the rod and its ability to case by improving transfer of energy to the line.  Oh I almost forgot the most important part, to demonstrate your dedication to the sport by showing others that you sent a reasonable sum of cash.  The person who spent the most has the best zen in fly fishing the rest is just for fun.  So I suggest that you peal the name off your rod and turn your reel in a lath and tell folks it is a two grand custom rig from Scotland this will impress them and the fish.  Or you could spend your time fishing and simply enjoying your surroundings and the sport.   good luck and get out and spend or fish. Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m very, very new to fly fishing, and if nothing else, the people on this newsgroup have been very friendly in sharing information for a beginner. So, I went to our local fly shop, and was browsing around, and I saw something that floored me….the rods they were selling were in the $300 and up range… Now, I bought a fly rod and reel combo, that came with line, backing, leader, and a few flies for less than $60.00. What, exactly, does the extra $250.00 or more for a rod get me?  (Other than broke. <grin)  What makes those rods that much more valuable? Thanks, Monte P.S. To reply via email, remove the ".dot" from my email address.

Response:

Monte Porche wrote [snip] Now, I bought a fly rod and reel combo, that came with line, backing, leader, and a few flies for less than $60.00. What, exactly, does the extra $250.00 or more for a rod get me?  (Other than broke. <grin)  What makes those rods that much more valuable?

My guess is you’re probably right in going with the less expensive outfit to begin with.  I think you have to flyfish for awhile before you can start to appreciate some of the performance advantages of a more expensive rod. After you’ve gotten to the point where your casting effectively (not necessarily great … but effectively), try finding some fishing buddies who’ll let you try a few casts with their more expensive rods … or see if the flyshop you frequent will let you try casting a few of the rods they sell.  You may find some will perform better (then again, maybe not).  Rod speed is a factor that is important to many people – this refers to speed of casting movement which most "naturally" optimizes the cast for a particular rod.  Some people like fast rods, some like slow ones, it’s a matter of personal preference.  It’s also an issue you probably shouldn’t worry about until you have some experience … learn how to deal with the rod you have and you’ll be better able to feel the differences in performance of other rods. Also, these days, many of the more expensive rods come with a lifetime, no-questions-asked guarantee.  What this really means is that part of the price you pay is really group benefit rod insurance.  (If you fish a lot, you’ll probably make a claim sooner or later yourself!). —                                                       -dnc-

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All of the replies so far have been good. Heres my addition: The difference between low cost vs higher cost is nearly always a direct relationship between low quality vs. better quality, sophistication and performance. If you had just started driving (let’s say), perhaps you would never have realized that a Ferrari F355 could be so much more enjoyable than a Toyota Tercel (no offense intended, Tercel owners).  They both serve the same basic transportation purpose. Yet if you had started with the Ferrari, you might have said it’s "Hey it’s too twitchy, too hard to press in the clutch pedal thing, and when I press the accelerator the car goes wild! Nobody would wanna drive this!" The point is it’s better off starting with the basics. You’ve started out fine. Have fun. Don M. J.Kennedy Fisherto a Loomisto a Winstonto a W. Powellto a ??

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Don M. made the analogy of expensive flyrods/cheap flyrods to cheap cars/sports cars.  My question is this – Will a Winston or a Thomas & Thomas get you laid? Pete C

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If so, I’ve got to get me one of those. Dana

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Don M. made the analogy of expensive flyrods/cheap flyrods to cheap cars/sports cars.  My question is this – Will a Winston or a Thomas & Thomas get you laid? Pete C

Response:

Don M. made the analogy of expensive flyrods/cheap flyrods to cheap cars/sports cars.  My question is this – Will a Winston or a Thomas & Thomas get you laid? Pete C

It’s not how expensive your rod is, it’s what you do with it that counts.  :-)      - Ken — Not speaking for anyone but myself

Response:

try finding some fishing buddies who’ll let you try a few casts with their more expensive rods … or see if the flyshop you frequent will let you try casting a few of the rods they sell.  You may find some will perform better (then again, maybe not).

Don’t do this!!! If you do you may end up in the same boat with the rest of us. A poor flyfisherman with alot of snazzy tackle and a wife who shakes her head with alarming frequency; as they say ignorance is bliss. Of course I never follow my own advice either. T.G. Mittler

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: If you had just started driving (let’s say), perhaps you would never have : realized that a Ferrari F355 could be so much more enjoyable than a Toyota : Tercel (no offense intended, Tercel owners).  They both serve the same basic : transportation purpose. Yet if you had started with the Ferrari, you might have : said it’s "Hey it’s too twitchy, too hard to press in the clutch pedal thing, : and when I press the accelerator the car goes wild! Nobody would wanna drive : this!" I understand the point ArtDrectr is making and for many, it probably works.  But not for me, and here is why.  Automobiles are sophisticated pieces of machinery and involve many parts that must work together. Significant design and engineering is required and many, many decisions made along the way to the market.   A graphite rod is very different.  It has a couple of numbers that characterize the performance and it is not difficult to change these numbers to make a rod.  For example, look at catalogs or talk to experienced fisherfolk… they will tell you a particular rod is soft or stiff, or at most describe 3 different types of flex.  A second factor is the weight, but that is about it.  That’s really all that matters.  (Well, durability too, but the guarantee should cover that.) As you get more experienced, you might move into a personal preference for a particular rod and if it matters much to you, spend the money.  For now, you done good with the cheap outfit.  As you gain experience, take the opportunity to try every rod you can, and see if you prefer other rods.  I suspect you will find rods that might be a bit less stiff than your current rod and you will definitely find rods that weigh less.  Pay attention to these things, but trust your judgement.  Your initial suspicions are right on. And by all means, send your kids to a good school before you spend your extra cash on expensive rods.  That is something that really makes a difference. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

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Don M. made the analogy of expensive flyrods/cheap flyrods to cheap cars/sports cars.  My question is this – Will a Winston or a Thomas & Thomas get you laid? Pete C

        maybe not; but you’ll feel like it’s happenin when you lay out line with either one.         a. wayne harrison

Response:

What, exactly, does the extra $250.00 or more for a rod get me?

The extra $250 gets you a guarantee.  Slam the tip in the car door and they will replace it.  I buy blanks and build my own rods, its a little cheaper, sometimes still get the guarantee,  put the same grip on all my rods (everythng must have the Fenwick style).  Its pretty easy once you get the hang of it, and its a good way to spend the off season. I’d fish the $60 outfit until the thing falls apart.  I’ve got more rods than you can swing a stick at and I always use the same two.  One of them is the first rod I built.  Good Luck. Patrick  

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: : What, exactly, does the extra $250.00 or more for a rod get : me? : The extra $250 gets you a guarantee.  Slam the tip in the car door and they : will replace it.   Redington offers a replacement guarantee for a little over $100 complete, $70 blank. The 5-6 wt. is a fine rod. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m very, very new to fly fishing, So, I went to our local fly shop, and was browsing around, and I saw something that floored me….the rods they were selling were in the $300 and up range… Now, I bought a fly rod and reel combo, that came with line, backing, leader, and a few flies for less than $60.00. What, exactly, does the extra $250.00 or more for a rod get me?   Hi Monte, One of the key things to keep in mind is that if you can’t tell the difference, it doesn’t make any difference to you. By the same token, junk is junk and a waste of money, *time* and *effort*, no matter how cheap it is.  A lot of folks start fly fishing buying the cheapest stuff they can find, slap it together, and try to make it work.  I did the same thing and spent 2 1/2 frustrating years trying to make a piece of junk work that just plane wouldn’t – it was bad equipment.

…while this was sound advice beware of the impression that all the problems you may have starting out is due to the lower cost equipment you purchased. No matter how much is spent on the rod everyone has to learn how to cast. In my experience even lower cost rods are fine for this – often their ’slower’ characteristics are more forgiving to the beginner. While the line is the most important part of the tackle – many of the lower priced lines available – ie the Sci Anglers Aircel lines, are quite alright. Basically the same line they sold for 2x the price a decade or two ago. But beware cheap off brands, particulary level lines. If the line has no brand name on it and you can’t detect it getting thicker as you move up the tip several feet, you should throw it away or keep it for trolling. Ralph H note spurious hyperbole, insults and ‘personal attacks’ made by the author are meant to honour "the Soul of Cicero" and are not intended as personal slights. Please don’t take offense as none is intended. remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply.

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Question:

If any one out there has mounted turkey tailfeathers in the fan position with the beard below, could you advise on how to remove the tail section (where to cut)? and how to preserve "set" the fan etc?

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If any one out there has mounted turkey tailfeathers in the fan position with the beard below, could you advise on how to remove the tail section (where to cut)? and how to preserve "set" the fan etc?

I have mounted several.  The easiest way is to buy a kit.  I bought a real nice one from Duns several years ago.  It had a solid Walnut plaque.  The only ones I can find in the catalogs now are press board with a laminate.  The kits come with all you need. With or without a kit, the first step is to cut off the tail along with about 6 inches of back skin and feathers.  Use a sharp knife to cut as much meat from the tail as you can without destabilizing the tail feathers.  Next you need some Borax.  It is hard to find.  I found some a Kmart several years ago.  A large box should last a lifetime. Be sure to get Borax not Boraxo (a combination of borax and soap).  Rub the borax into skin and any remaining meat.  A table spoon or two should be more than enough.  This acts as a preservative. The next step is to arrange the tail feathers.   Get a large cardboard box.  I use one of the large UHAUL moving boxes.  The box should be in its original flat form not folded into a box form.  Get a dozen or so nails.  Lay the box flat on the floor and put the tail on it.  Spread the feathers evenly to form a fan.  Use the nails like thumb tacks to hold the main tail feathers evenly apart.  Set this aside in a dry cool environment to set.  In a couple of weeks or less the tail will harden in the form you placed it in. Now, lets look at the beard.  When you pluck the bird, firmly but gently pull the beard from the breast.  It should come right off.  There are several ways to prep this for display.  My favorite is to use some heavy nylon thread (sewing store or fly fishing shop).  I like to wrap the top 1/4 inch of the beard with the thread.  You can tie the thread off neatly using the same technique bow mechanics use to finish a serving. You can find this technique in many archery magazines with pictures.  If you tie your own flies you probably are familiar with a Whip finish. This works fine as well.  I then coat the thread lightly with clear nail polish to help hold it in place.  Set this aside to dry. Now lets look at the spurs.  There are many techniques used to display these, but this is my favorite.  I use a hack saw to cross cut the leg just below and just above each spur.  Use a sharp knife to remove the scaly skin and any flesh from the bone.  Hot water helps.  Next I use a grinder or disc sander to flatten the sides of the bone and round the corners.  You want to end up with enough bone that is flat enough to drill a small hole through.  I usually buy a couple of gold colored brads from the hardware store.  Pick a drill bit slightly larger than the brads. If you get a kit, follow the directions for installing the pieces.  If not, you first want to make a shelf for the fan.  The dimensions depend on the size of your plaque.  Start with 1 x 1/2 x 6 inches.  Make a datto down the middle of the length of the shelf.  The datto should be about 1/2 inch wide and 1/4 inch deep.  This the dattoed side will be the bottom of the shelf.  Center the shelf from left to right on your plaque about 1/4 of the way down from the top.  Use screws through the back of the plaque to secure the shelf.  Next, set the fan on top of the shelf.  Use short drywall screws to screw through the base of the tail into the plaque.  Don’t worry about hiding the screws.  You will next make a half round cover plaque.  The flat side is the same length as the shelf.  The height at center is high enough to obscure the screws and ugly base of the tail.  This should be as thin as possible and can be any material you like.  It should be as thin as possible.  1/8 inch or less.  It is simply decorative.  You can use nice gold brads to secure it to the shelf.  You can put a picture or any decoration you want on the cover plaque.  Use three brads to secure the cover plate to the shelf.  You may want to drill slightly undersized holes for the brads. The center brad should be as long as the shelf is deep and centered on the shelf.  the height of all brads should be 1/2 of the depth of the datto. Next, insert the top of the beard into the center of the shelf datto. then insert the center brad through the cover plate, the front of the shelf, the beard, and the back of the shelf. Finally, position the spurs against the lower side of the main plaque on either side of the hanging beard.  Use two gold brads through the holes you drilled in the bone to secure the spurs. This is only one of many techniques. Enjoy, Jack

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Question:

I’m going up to Seagull Lake in the BOundary Waters Canoe Area of Northern MN in late May.  I’m new to sm bass fly-fishing and was wondering what flys, sizes & patterns are successful.  If anyone knows Seagull, I sure would appreciate any pointers you would be willing to share.

Jon: Don’t know Seagull but was in BWCA last year at end of May precisely for FF for smallmouth, though I had a friend along with spinning gear. We started looking for them deepish at first, with little luck. Then went to shallower bays where water was warmer and fished right up against shore with poppers, Dahlberg Diver’s, etc. and from there on out it was a blast, esp. in the a.m. and p.m. I think almost anything on the surface would have worked, I liked foam poppers for indestructibility, but had fun with my own Muddlers too. (My friend just used small Rapalas that we did surgery on to get rid of the trebles and barbs.) Anything you can make a little disturbance with, and sometimes the more the better. But we found you had to really put that thing right up against shore. It would seem crazy, but the bass, even if obviously laying 3-4 feet away from shore, really appeared completely taken in by something spluttering away from the shore. I bet those Mouserat jobs would work fine, but my exp. with smallmouths is that you can’t go wrong with smallish lures. You are in for a great time. Just look for the warmest water possible. Northern shorelines of bays would seem smartest.

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I’m going up to Seagull Lake in the BOundary Waters Canoe Area of Northern MN in late May.  I’m new to sm bass fly-fishing and was wondering what flys, sizes & patterns are successful.  If anyone knows Seagull, I sure would appreciate any pointers you would be willing to share.  But we found you had to really put that thing right up against shore. It would seem crazy, but the bass, even if obviously laying 3-4 feet away from shore, really appeared completely taken in by something spluttering away from the shore.

I agree with putting it right on the bank and pulling it off.  I was up in Crooked Lake last May and bouncing it off rocks on the shore and letting it drop in was the most succesful. –Patrick

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I’m going up to Seagull Lake in the BOundary Waters Canoe Area of Northern MN in late May.  I’m new to sm bass fly-fishing and was wondering what flys, sizes & patterns are successful.  If anyone knows Seagull, I sure would appreciate any pointers you would be willing to share. Thanks ! Jonathan

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I’m going up to Seagull Lake in the BOundary Waters Canoe Area of Northern MN in late May.  I’m new to sm bass fly-fishing and was wondering what flys, sizes & patterns are successful.  If anyone knows

FF is suitable for bass in lakes only if the bass are shallow and you know where they are:  but you might be able to find river inflows and outflows which will be easier.  Try: — in streamy water at least a yard deep (potholes OK) fish a big streamer (Muddler or something brighter e.g. Yellow Sally) as deep as you can e.g. on a sink-tip line. — bring a few very small poppers on big hooks.  They’re not good hookers, but you can often tease bass up to the top and get hits. — be ready to match (very roughly) an evening rise to hatching insects, e.g. wet alder fly (for caddis), biggish nymphs, high-floating dries. The half hour after sunset can be thrilling, and if the moon is right (to see your fly) you can fish into full dark. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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Question:

Check out the area around Tofino – most especially Meares Island – you can catch a ride out to Meares’ Island for not much money and there is a *fabulous* rain forest with almost no people out there. — gene levine http://world.std.com/~elevine/

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: If you have been to Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia and have : any specific information about hikes in the area I would like to hear : from you.  I am thinking of visiting in the fall or late summer and : am interested in doind some solo hiking. Thanks. Patrick. Patrick – I live in Victoria, and while not a hicker per se (more a fish in remote lakes/rivers chap) I might be able to help. What specific types of hiking were you thinking about, in terms of length of trip, terrain, and so on? I presume you’ve already perused the material available on the West Coast Trail…

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        World Wide Books and Maps         736A Granville Steet         Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 1G3         (604) 687-3320 published by Outdoor recreation Council Also ask about 3 books: 104 Walks, 105 Hikes, and Hiking Guide to the Big Trees

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you have been to Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia and have any specific information about hikes in the area I would like to hear from you.  I am thinking of visiting in the fall or late summer and am interested in doind some solo hiking. Thanks. Patrick.           We were there last sept and decided next time out we would attempt the west coast trail. it starts in Port Renfrew (take 14 out of victoria as far as you can go) on the S. side and is about a weeks hike w/ bridges, ladders etc. only a certain amt. of people allowed on               N. Vancouver, B.C. V7G 1L3     hope you have fun Charlie and Jen

The West Coast trail is one of BC’s best known and busiest hiking routes.  I highly recommend it.   Around Victoria for a good day Hike, try the East Sook Trail, its along the west coast just north of Victoria and you’l see scenery much like the trail furhter north.  If you cant get on the west coast traIL, they have opened a new trail along the coast that is south of the west coast trail.  Its a nice area, but wont be as remote as the west coast trail as there is access off of the highway.   Around Vancouver, I would recomend Garibaldi park, the trials around Black tusk, Golden Ears Park or the Howe Sound Crest trail.  Any of these can be done in part as a day hike or you could make a weekend of it.  Garibaldi is probably the nicest of them.  These hikes all go into the alpine region, so they wont really be free of snow until May/June.  I remember going to garibaldi years ago in May thinking it would be a good time for alpine flowers.  Found about 16 feet of smow in the apline medows instead. All this trips are discussed in various hiking trails  and day hikes books.   I’m sure Tourism BC can help you with that & they have a 800 number you can get from directory service (800 555 1212) If you want something a little more rugged, I recomend the Mackenzie trial or Carrier trail or Grease route.  All different names for the overland route from the Fraser river near Quesnel to Bella Coola on the coast.  its about 300 to 350 kilometers, depending where you start from.  My wife & I did bout 300 kilometers of it last summer in 15 days.  You have to get a couple of food drops flown in in advance.  There is a few fly in fishing camps along the first half of the trail.  The last half is truly remote.  We went for 8 days without seeing another person.  Only about 10 – 20 hikers do it a year. I’d be happy to supply more details if anyone is intersted.

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If you have been to Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia and have any specific information about hikes in the area I would like to hear from you.  I am thinking of visiting in the fall or late summer and am interested in doind some solo hiking. Thanks. Patrick.

           We were there last sept and decided next time out we would attempt the west coast trail. it starts in Port Renfrew (take 14 out of victoria as far as you can go) on the S. side and is about a weeks hike w/ bridges, ladders etc. only a certain amt. of people allowed on                N. Vancouver, B.C. V7G 1L3      hope you have fun Charlie and Jen

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Question:

Can anyone recommend any fly-fishing lodges or camps in Saskatchewan? What is the status of fly-fishing in this area? -Phil Plumbo

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THere are excellent flyin in the Northern part of Saskatchewan.  The best time to fish IMHO is in late May or early June.  Contact the askatchewan tourism borad for a list of outfitters.  Some lakes have only pike, walleye but no Mack’s other have all three and even some grayling.  The depth of the lake determines the type of fish, e.g Mack’s Topwater FF for pike is a thrill and the explosion is like a backfire in the middle of a traffic wait! Good luck on your quest, you’ll love the people of Saskatchewan Cheers Patrick Maxon

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