Question:

Hell I forgot this place, try it first: Charleston Angler  843-571-3899) jim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Cap’t Champ Smith, can be booked through Buck n Bass Mount Pleasant SC. He will provide all the gear, be prepared to be humbled. jim Greeting Friends, I will be tagging along with my wife for a business trip to Charleston, South Carolina on November 12th and would like to try a guided trip in Saltwater (the flats hopefully).  I have never fished the Salt with a Fly rod and am jazzed about the possibilities.  Unfortunately with no experience I am not sure how to start looking for a quality guide, I have searched the net and found several but I am not sure of the correct questions to help me decide who might be the best. I also do not have Saltwater Fly equipment and will have to rely on decent equipment being supplied by the Captain. If anybody has had any experience with fishing SC this time of year and could recommend a good guide I would be very grateful.  Also any advice as to what fish are still active for fly fishing this time of year and necessary equipment and flies that I should start tying would be much appreciated. You gentlemen have always been instrumental in my fly fishing education for which I will be forever thankful. Sincerely, Tony Norton

Response:

I was down there (Kiawah) this past June, tried doing saltwater for the first time by myself. Got skunked…next time I will get Dave Crosby at Charleston Angler. Went by the shop,,,real nice folks. Tim, not giving up on sw yet, Long – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hell I forgot this place, try it first: Charleston Angler 843-571-3899) jim Cap’t Champ Smith, can be booked through Buck n Bass Mount Pleasant SC. He will provide all the gear, be prepared to be humbled. jim Greeting Friends, I will be tagging along with my wife for a business trip to Charleston, South Carolina on November 12th and would like to try a guided trip in Saltwater (the flats hopefully).  I have never fished the Salt with a Fly rod and am jazzed about the possibilities.  Unfortunately with no experience I am not sure how to start looking for a quality guide, I have searched the net and found several but I am not sure of the correct questions to help me decide who might be the best. I also do not have Saltwater Fly equipment and will have to rely on decent equipment being supplied by the Captain. If anybody has had any experience with fishing SC this time of year and could recommend a good guide I would be very grateful.  Also any advice as to what fish are still active for fly fishing this time of year and necessary equipment and flies that I should start tying would be much appreciated. You gentlemen have always been instrumental in my fly fishing education for which I will be forever thankful. Sincerely, Tony Norton

Before you buy.

Response:

Greeting Friends, I will be tagging along with my wife for a business trip to Charleston, South Carolina on November 12th and would like to try a guided trip in Saltwater (the flats hopefully).  I have never fished the Salt with a Fly rod and am jazzed about the possibilities.  Unfortunately with no experience I am not sure how to start looking for a quality guide, I have searched the net and found several but I am not sure of the correct questions to help me decide who might be the best. I also do not have Saltwater Fly equipment and will have to rely on decent equipment being supplied by the Captain. If anybody has had any experience with fishing SC this time of year and could recommend a good guide I would be very grateful.  Also any advice as to what fish are still active for fly fishing this time of year and necessary equipment and flies that I should start tying would be much appreciated. You gentlemen have always been instrumental in my fly fishing education for which I will be forever thankful. Sincerely, Tony Norton

Response:

Hey Tony check out NGTO they have a lot of members who fish all over I bet they will be able to help you out . Gray Ghost http://www.georgia-outdoors.com/ngto/ Check the message board and register and ask your questions all fisherman welcome.

Response:

Cap’t Champ Smith, can be booked through Buck n Bass Mount Pleasant SC. He will provide all the gear, be prepared to be humbled. jim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Greeting Friends, I will be tagging along with my wife for a business trip to Charleston, South Carolina on November 12th and would like to try a guided trip in Saltwater (the flats hopefully).  I have never fished the Salt with a Fly rod and am jazzed about the possibilities.  Unfortunately with no experience I am not sure how to start looking for a quality guide, I have searched the net and found several but I am not sure of the correct questions to help me decide who might be the best. I also do not have Saltwater Fly equipment and will have to rely on decent equipment being supplied by the Captain. If anybody has had any experience with fishing SC this time of year and could recommend a good guide I would be very grateful.  Also any advice as to what fish are still active for fly fishing this time of year and necessary equipment and flies that I should start tying would be much appreciated. You gentlemen have always been instrumental in my fly fishing education for which I will be forever thankful. Sincerely, Tony Norton

Response:

Question:

Agree that the Sage discovery rules on the $200 price point. St Croix the way to go on the $100 level. Great rods, great company. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Mark, Just pick a winner?  The only way I know to proceed from here is for you to cast all these rods? The next catagory is the $200+ range with the Sage DS2 being at the front of I’ve decided on a 6 weight fly rod to start and I’m wondering what you all feel about the below choices I’m espcially interested in the Bass Pro White River, the Cabela’s Fish Eagle, and the Reddington Red.fly:  Those are my "high three" based on what I know so far. Bass Pro  Hobbs Creek $69.95 Bass Pro White River Classic $99.95 Cabela’s Sweetwater $85.00 Cabela’s Fish Eagle $99.99 St. Croix Pro Graphite $85.00 Reddington Red.fly $75.00 Coutland CL $99.95 — "The number of job openings for Philosopher-Kings is  limited in the late 20th Century." – Dr. Megabyte Tuba Playing Technocrat in Winchester, VA    KD4HRI

Response:

Hi Mark, Just pick a winner?  The only way I know to proceed from here is for you to cast all these rods? The next catagory is the $200+ range with the Sage DS2 being at the front of – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve decided on a 6 weight fly rod to start and I’m wondering what you all feel about the below choices I’m espcially interested in the Bass Pro White River, the Cabela’s Fish Eagle, and the Reddington Red.fly:  Those are my "high three" based on what I know so far. Bass Pro  Hobbs Creek $69.95 Bass Pro White River Classic $99.95 Cabela’s Sweetwater $85.00 Cabela’s Fish Eagle $99.99 St. Croix Pro Graphite $85.00 Reddington Red.fly $75.00 Coutland CL $99.95 — "The number of job openings for Philosopher-Kings is  limited in the late 20th Century." – Dr. Megabyte Tuba Playing Technocrat in Winchester, VA    KD4HRI

Response:

Asadi, Just a quick story to share about flyrods, channel cats and kids.  My daughter was with me at a pond and she was catching pan fish and bass using a soft Orvis (Flea) 6′6" 4 wt rod.  Out of nowhere, a thirty-inch cat fish rose and took the fly, he was hooked in the corner of his mouth in the grissle. Her and her brother ‘fought’ this fish starting around 6 pm.  She was 12 and he was 14.  It gets dark in the summer around 9:30pm.  They took turns as they tired.   I went and got the pickup so we would have lights.  Fortunately, the pond wasn’t so big that when he ran, the fish run out of pond before the kids ran out of backing.  Eventually, they tired the fish enough that Dad could wade out and place the net under him.  It was 10:30pm. A few pictures and the fish was released.  That is what memories are made of. Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just bought my first graphite the other day.  A Cortland CL, 5/6 weight, 8′6"……. <<snipped Personally, fishing a lot out of a kayak, and considering the usual circumstances I run into..occassional carp and channel cat..if I could afford a rod for every occasion I believe a 7/8 would be my choice for

Response:

The Reddington Red Start took best overall rod a few years ago.  I haven’t heard much about them since Orvis bought them.  Priced at a $100 they were considered a very good buy. Ernie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m curious if others have any opinions on the Reddingtons and their comparative quality.  I have a 5/6 wt Red.Start and a 9wt Red.Fly.  The fly shop owner talked me into a Red.Fly even though he could have easily talked me into a Red.Start at the time (and probably knew it). I’m too much of a novice at this to offer an opinion on comparitive quality especially since the only thing I’ve ever known is Reddington.  But I will say I’ve never had a problem with their warranty.  I snapped the tip on the Red.Start walking out to a pond one time and the fly shop let me swap it out with them the very next day (though I’ve since learned some fly shops want you to deal with Reddington directly). But certainly interested in any unbiased opinions on the relative quality of Reddington.  I was definitely going to buy my son a cheaper Cabela rod and reel though (until I’m sure he’s going to enjoy it). Thank you, Shawn

Response:

I’m curious if others have any opinions on the Reddingtons and their comparative quality.  I have a 5/6 wt Red.Start and a 9wt Red.Fly.  The fly shop owner talked me into a Red.Fly even though he could have easily talked me into a Red.Start at the time (and probably knew it). I’m too much of a novice at this to offer an opinion on comparitive quality especially since the only thing I’ve ever known is Reddington.  But I will say I’ve never had a problem with their warranty.  I snapped the tip on the Red.Start walking out to a pond one time and the fly shop let me swap it out with them the very next day (though I’ve since learned some fly shops want you to deal with Reddington directly). But certainly interested in any unbiased opinions on the relative quality of Reddington.  I was definitely going to buy my son a cheaper Cabela rod and reel though (until I’m sure he’s going to enjoy it). Thank you, Shawn

Response:

Mark E. Sunderlin Winchester, VA

Mark, Haul yourself down to the Fly Fishing show in College Park Maryland this weekend.  Try the rods, pick the one which works best for you. Catch the seminar on Saturday at 10:00. Harry Murray’s talk on smallmouth fishing. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

I just bought my first graphite the other day.  A Cortland CL, 5/6 weight, 8′6"……. I’ve used primarily glass rods, and do primarily smallmouth fishing as that is the dominate fish in my area. The rather sensitive, delicate nature of graphite is taking some getting used to, at times I think I would have done well with a 7/8 weight as far as smallmouth goes but I was trying to get a rod I could also use for trout. Personally, fishing a lot out of a kayak, and considering the usual circumstances I run into..occassional carp and channel cat..if I could afford a rod for every occasion I believe a 7/8 would be my choice for With glass I found my 7/8/9 wieghts to be too much for how I prefer to fish, smallmouth in the riverwise, but these graphites are a whole different story. FWIW I found a book "Smallmouth Strategies for the Fly Rod" by Ryan to be – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’ve decided on a 6 weight fly rod to start and I’m wondering what you all feel about the below choices I’m espcially interested in the Bass Pro White River, the Cabela’s Fish Eagle, and the Reddington Red.fly:  Those are my "high three" based on what I know so far. Bass Pro  Hobbs Creek $69.95 Bass Pro White River Classic $99.95 Cabela’s Sweetwater $85.00 Cabela’s Fish Eagle $99.99 St. Croix Pro Graphite $85.00 Reddington Red.fly $75.00 Coutland CL $99.95 — "The number of job openings for Philosopher-Kings is limited in the late 20th Century." – Dr. Megabyte Tuba Playing Technocrat in Winchester, VA    KD4HRI

Response:

Bass Pro  Hobbs Creek                      $69.95 Bass Pro White River Classic               $99.95 Cabela’s Sweetwater                        $85.00 Cabela’s Fish Eagle                        $99.99 St. Croix Pro Graphite                     $85.00 Reddington Red.fly                 $75.00 Coutland CL                                $99.95

The Sweetwater owned by a friend of mine seemed rather stiff.  The St. Croix at least has a decent warranty and is limber enough for lobbing clousers or split shot.  I would recommend it.  Have no experience with the other rods you mentioned. Mu

Response:

I’ve decided on a 6 weight fly rod to start and I’m wondering what you all feel about the below choices I’m espcially interested in the Bass Pro White River, the Cabela’s Fish Eagle, and the Reddington Red.fly:  Those are my "high three" based on what I know so far. Bass Pro  Hobbs Creek                   $69.95 Bass Pro White River Classic            $99.95 Cabela’s Sweetwater                     $85.00 Cabela’s Fish Eagle                     $99.99 St. Croix Pro Graphite                  $85.00 Reddington Red.fly                      $75.00 Coutland CL                             $99.95 — "The number of job openings for Philosopher-Kings is  limited in the late 20th Century." – Dr. Megabyte Tuba Playing Technocrat in Winchester, VA    KD4HRI

Response:

Question:

Since this is a forum of public opinion, let me state mine… With few exceptions, spammers don’t actually read newsgroups. That means they (follow closely now) *don’t read the followup posts*. My suggestion is that if you see a post that you feel is spam then–by all means–send a *private* informational email. I doubt most of these folks are initially aware that what they’re doing is considered inappropriate, so my recommendation would be to keep that first email polite and profanity free, but that’s just my own personal style. If the person inappropriately posts a second time, then flame away–but again in *private*. If the poster’s email address is bogus then grit and bear it or try to hunt him/her down–but *don’t post your flame here*. Either we agree with you (which means you don’t need to post a response) or we disagree with you (which means we don’t want you to post a response). But posting a newsgroup followup message in response to spam does absolutely no good, IMO. Reprimand in private, ignore in public. –Steve

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Since this is a forum of public opinion, let me state mine… With few exceptions, spammers don’t actually read newsgroups. That means they (follow closely now) *don’t read the followup posts*. My suggestion is that if you see a post that you feel is spam then–by all means–send a *private* informational email. I doubt most of these folks are initially aware that what they’re doing is considered inappropriate, so my recommendation would be to keep that first email polite and profanity free, but that’s just my own personal style. If the person inappropriately posts a second time, then flame away–but again in *private*. If the poster’s email address is bogus then grit and bear it or try to hunt him/her down–but *don’t post your flame here*. Either we agree with you (which means you don’t need to post a response) or we disagree with you (which means we don’t want you to post a response). But posting a newsgroup followup message in response to spam does absolutely no good, IMO. Reprimand in private, ignore in public. –Steve

_____  Excellent Steve.  This also applies to e-mailing IN PRIVATE your displeasure to those who Spam about Spamming all the time.  Your policy is what we have been doing for a long while now.  I think most of us (except new individuals) understand UserNet manners and among the gentlemen of the group I rate you pretty high on the pole. What comes to mind is the vast numbers of humanity that are starting to talk to each other.  The old saying, ‘Familiarity breeds contempt,’ flies more true then ever before.  The real dangers in the world getting to know itself more and more, has awesome possibilities for the nurturing of hatreds.  We must all guard against that by watching our demeanor, our writing style, by not getting personal as you say, and always disagreeing in a tactful manner.  There is nothing more dangerous in the W.W.W. today then a mental bully or those that will not listen in private to friendly advice.  Overall we all respond to those we like to read, yet in retrospect, there are many here who thrive on conflicts or who answer other posts in such a manner as to flame, demean, or to incite a response.  There are those here who still like to attack others for the littlest reason.  We should not respond to such attacks but I will be the first to admit that I have had the tendency fighting these style brats from time to time myself. Again, good post Steve. We can agree to disagree without malice and ROFF will improve a thousand fold if everyone adheres to that standard.  No Name Calling! Praise in public, condemn in private is the mark of leadership. Mr. G.   — http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

Since this is a forum of public opinion, let me state mine…

        damn good idea, steve.  think i’ll do the same. With few exceptions, spammers don’t actually read newsgroups. That means they (follow closely now) *don’t read the followup posts*.

        i don’t know whether the spammers read the posts or not, and i doubt that you can document your assertion that they don’t; however, i sure as hell read them:  damn fine literature, some of them.  jesus, without fortenberry’s masterful hyperbole, or connor’s absolutely brutal rejoinders, we would be left with endless drivel about strike indicators,  or droning repetitions of saccarine wisdom from bill kiene, et. al.         jesus, next thing you know, you’ll be whining about wolfgang’s tendencies toward off-topic posts, or the lack of clarity in asadi’s, well…art.         shit, man, you’d think this was a flyfishing newsgroup! chill, baby; you need a little more dr. hunter thompson and a little less mr. rogers. wayno

Response:

[The Big Snip]    shit, man, you’d think this was a flyfishing newsgroup! chill, baby; you need a little more dr. hunter thompson and a little less mr. rogers.

LMAO! That was priceless, counselor.

Response:

i don’t know whether the spammers read the posts or not, and i doubt that you can document your assertion that they don’t; however, i sure as hell read them:  damn fine literature, some of them.  jesus, without fortenberry’s masterful hyperbole, or connor’s absolutely brutal rejoinders, we would be left with endless drivel about strike indicators,  or droning repetitions of saccarine wisdom from bill kiene, et. al.

Well, then, HEY EVERYBODY, CHECK OUT WWW.CODEMARINE.COM!!! (just tryin’ to make ROFF more enjoyable for ya, counselor). And do say hi to the wagonmaster for me. –Steve Zimmerman

Response:

_____  Excellent Steve.  This also applies to e-mailing IN PRIVATE your displeasure to those who Spam about Spamming all the time.  Your policy is what we have been doing for a long while now.  I think most of us (except new individuals) understand UserNet manners

I’ve been on usenet for over five years. I remember a time when spam was all-but-nonexistent. We didn’t need filters. ISP’s didn’t need abuse addresses. I can find absolutely nothing wrong with honest anti-spam efforts. Opt out == cop-out. What’s so hard to understand?

Response:

[snip] shit, man, you’d think this was a flyfishing newsgroup! chill, baby; you need a little more dr. hunter thompson and a little less mr. rogers. wayno

Wayno, Don’t you think one psycho journalist in this news group is enough?

Response:

Question:

Hi, I am interested in trying my hand a fly fishing this Spring, and I have been given a Horrocks Ibbotson Model 1104 bakelite fly reel and a Langley fly rod that is about 8′ long and came in an aluminum tube.  Everything is in real nice shape, and the reel has the original box.  This set looks to be from the 30’s or 40’s(?) and I am wondering as to whether it would be better to try and learn on this vintage equipment, or sell it/trade it and try and get a more modern outfit.  Any suggestions appreciated, especially if any one can tell me what weight line I should equip it with or have any other hints.  Please email Thank you, Jim K Media, PA  

Response:

Jim, Horrocks-Ibbotson rods were very cheap, production rods.  Even ones in good shape aren’t worth much today.  Go ahead and fish it ot your heart’s delight. Pete C

Response:

Question:

Looking for info on fly fishing around Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. I will be there in August of ‘99 for a week and would like to fly fish the area with out a 2 hour drive. Could use any and all help. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. JWTrout

Response:

Looking for info on fly fishing around Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. I will be there in August of ‘99 for a week and would like to fly fish the area with out a 2 hour drive. Could use any and all help. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. JWTrout

John: I don’t have my information here in front of me, but one place you might want to try is the Blackfoot River above Blackfoot Reservoir.  If you do a little checking, you’ll find that the Nature Conservancy and the State of Idaho have purchased a large piece of land surrounding the river and are in the process of restoring the cutthroat fishery there.  Based on pictures I’ve seen, it looks like classic meadow fishing and supposedly there is starting to be some very good fishing. There is also a rod-fee fishery on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation in the something-or-other Springs close to the Snake River near the town of Blackfoot. There is an Idaho Flyfishing book that I’ll look up when I get home.  It has quite a few suggestions for SE Idaho fishing. Bob

Response:

Looking for info on fly fishing around Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. I will be there in August of ‘99 for a week and would like to fly fish the area with out a 2 hour drive. Could use any and all help. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Check out this website         www.2.state.id.us/fishgame/askfish.htm It might help you out Big Al

Response:

Looking for info on fly fishing around Lava Hot Springs, Idaho.

No fishing there. Nope. None.  Don’t bother to bring waders. For some reason Idaho Fish and Game close the river in town to fishing.  Afraid people would hook a swimmer or something. As for fishing ousid of Lava Hotsprings.  Just drive around until you find a stream.   An Idaho Topo Atlas by Delorme is worth the $15 investment even if you are only going to use it that week. Carl

Response:

bring your float tube and try out Daniels, Twenty-Four Mile, and Chesterfield Reservoirs.

Response:

Question:

Bruce: Hey, you don’t have to rub our USA noses in it, do you?  Seriously, thanks for an informative post.  Of course, do you realize you just ruined your fishing? Now your area will become a dreaded "destination fishery", bringing yuppie Yankees crawling all over your fishing waters.  Articles will appear in fishing magazines, rods will be named after your favorite rivers, and if you’re really lucky there will be a Jeep model named in your honor.  :) Mark Faulkner – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hmmmm, humble Aussie here, and after reading numerous articles from the newsgroups I’ve gotta say you have to get down into the Southern Hemisphere. Where I live in Horsham in Western Victoria, down south in case you didn’t know, I have world class lake fishing virtually at my doorstep. Twenty minutes in one direction takes me to Lake Toolondo, home of sensational brown trout, and 30 minutes in the other direction takes me to Lake Fyans where I landed a lovely little rainbow on Sunday night. Lovely start to the working week, I must say. Seriously, without being flippant, I had no idea how lucky I was as far as my fly fishing goes until I started to read articles from the newsgroup. I don’t have to plan fishing trips. Mates simply call during the day, ask what I’m doing later and whether I’d like to go fishing. We pack our gear into the car and we’re there in no more than half an hour. And that’s to get to the best waters. There are plenty as close as 10 minutes away which produce browns to 5lb on a good day. If anyone’s considering an Aussie holiday, you could do worse than to visit from September through to March. Hope you like it hot, though. Regards, Bruce L.

Response:

Mark Faulkner you’re really lucky there will be a Jeep model named in your honor.  :) The Subaru already has the "Outback".   Dave LaCourse

Response:

Mark Faulkner you’re really lucky there will be a Jeep model named in your honor.  :) The Subaru already has the "Outback". Dave LaCourse

Jeez, how could I forget that.  Mark Faulkner

Response:

Bruce: Hey, you don’t have to rub our USA noses in it, do you?  Seriously, thanks for an informative post.  Of course, do you realize you just ruined your fishing? Now your area will become a dreaded "destination fishery", bringing yuppie Yankees crawling all over your fishing waters.  Articles will appear in fishing magazines, rods will be named after your favorite rivers, and if you’re really lucky there will be a Jeep model named in your honor.  :) Mark Faulkner

Don’t worry about it Mark, Rex Hunt will probably be there, and he will keep the tourists away! Regards, — Bill

Response:

Question:

I will be in Australia’s Northern Territory (near Darwin) in late August through September. I was hoping someone could offer some advice as to what weight rods I should bring and what type of flies. Any help will be greatly appreciated. -Alex Hill

Response:

I will be in Australia’s Northern Territory (near Darwin) in late August through September. I was hoping someone could offer some advice as to what weight rods I should bring and what type of flies. Any help will be greatly appreciated. -Alex Hill

from what appears to be the area you are describing. He has developed some flies that were effective enough for his son to establish a new world record on one of the fish (I don’t remember the name)in a line/tippet class. Please mention Flymaker during your communication. It will probably cause him to be more willing to be of assistance.

Response:

I will be in Australia’s Northern Territory (near Darwin) in late August through September. I was hoping someone could offer some advice as to what weight rods I should bring and what type of flies. Any help will be greatly appreciated. -Alex Hill

Hi Alex, What sort of fish do you want to catch? Freshwater rivers and billabongs (lakes) – barramundi are not really on the bite at that time of year, but saratoga are and are excellent sport on 8-10 wt rods with surface flies like dahlberg divers. Saltwater is excellent in August-September with large spanish mackerel (king mackerel?), longtail tuna, queenfish and giant trevally all close to Darwin. I will try to get some Darwin guides email addresses or phone numbers for you. Cheers John Knight Sydney Fly Rodders’

Response:

Question:

Please teach a newbie gardener the basics of dividing irises.  The specific Iris I have in mind is Siberian, I think, tall with lance-shaped leaves and small blooms.  The plant itself is doing wonderfully (20 blossoms and counting), but I’ve noticed that it’s taken on a circular growing pattern, with a blank space of soil at the center.  I understand that this is a sign that the plant needs to be divided and/or moved. How do I cut the rhiozomes to divide the plant? When is the best time of year to perform the operation? Do irises need to be moved to fresh soil occasionally?

Siberian irises have bulbs, not rhizomes.  You divide them [in the fall] by cutting off all the leaves about 4" above ground level, digging up the entire clump, gently splitting the bulbs apart, and replanting at about 6" depth, and 8-12" separation.  To avoid fungus problems, I generally wash and dry the bulbs before replanting, and dust with sulphur, but this is completely optional. To divide rhizomatous iris, cut off the leaves, dig up the clump, wash off the soil, and, using a sharp knife, divide the rhizomes into groups of 1-3 leaf bundles.  Dry very well, and dust with sulphur before replanting, with the rhizomes above the ground.  [In very cold areas you put winter mulch on the rhizomes after the ground freezes, and remove it in early spring.] As long as you are fertilizing regularly, your irises don’t need to be moved to a new location. Chris Owens

Response:

Siberian irises have bulbs, not rhizomes.

  Did you mean the reverse?  Mine grow in expanding grass-like clumps of nearly solid root mass so it’s hard to tell.  Looks more like a rhizome.   With healthy clumps of Cesears Brother, I’ve heard it recommended to dig them up and run over them with a car until you get them broken into managable clumps.  It’ll take a pick ax to get mine out of the ground. — Lloyd Fortney http://www.phy.duke.edu/~fortney/ has links to my garden, flower, flyfishing, and travel JPEG images as well as teaching, research, and stuff like that

Response:

Please teach a newbie gardener the basics of dividing irises.  The specific Iris I have in mind is Siberian, I think, tall with lance-shaped leaves and small blooms.  The plant itself is doing wonderfully (20 blossoms and counting), but I’ve noticed that it’s taken on a circular growing pattern, with a blank space of soil at the center.  I understand that this is a sign that the plant needs to be divided and/or moved. How do I cut the rhiozomes to divide the plant? When is the best time of year to perform the operation? Do irises need to be moved to fresh soil occasionally? Thanks in advance, Doctor Fang

Response:

Please teach a newbie gardener the basics of dividing irises. The specific Iris I have in mind is Siberian, I think, tall with lance-shaped leaves and small blooms.  The plant itself is doing wonderfully (20 blossoms and counting), but I’ve noticed that it’s taken on a circular growing pattern, with a blank space of soil at the center.  I understand that this is a sign that the plant needs to be divided and/or moved.

Sounds like a siberian, if the leaves are half an inch or so in width. Divided, yes perhaps.  It may be a good idea, but isn’t absolutely necessry if it’s blooming well and you’re satisfied with the appearance.  20 blooms isn’t a lot for a clump. How do I cut the rhiozomes to divide the plant?

Cut the foliage back to about 6" on the part you are about to cut away, so you can see what you are doing.  Take a sharp pointed spade and make a vertical cut through the ring.  Drive the spade down as deeply as you can.  You want to get as much root as possible.  Siberians are very deep rooted.  Move along the ring to include as many crowns as you want, or perhaps about 6" and make another cut.  If necessary cut also along the outside edge to free the section up and then remove it.  Take as much soil with the division as possible, to minimize root disturbance. Some people advocate doing this to a long established clump every year, removing 1/4 to 1/3 of the clump.  Each year you take the oldest remaining section.  When a section is removed it’s replaced with fresh enriched top soil.  This goes a long way to eliminating the ring effect and leaves a large established clump mostly intact to look good and still bloom well the next year. When is the best time of year to perform the operation?

Siberians are tough.  When it’s finished blooming you can divide it.  The foliage should be cut back (as above).  Keep the new division very well watered for at least several weeks to help them re-establish.  If you don’t want or haven’t room for the divisions send them to me! Do irises need to be moved to fresh soil occasionally?

No, but they grow more vigorously in soil that hasn’t grown iris before or in many years.  Iris give off a substance which acts as a growth inhibitor. Dennis Mathiasen Central NY Zone 4b

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m just into my second year of fly-fishing and confess I am addicted. Wanted some opinion about what order to make changes when looking for fish, i.e. do you use a fly fishing various depths, and then move to another spot and begin the process again. Or do you stay in the same spot and change fly. Or move and change colour of fly… I know there isn’t a real answer to this, and confidence will come with time, but any tips would be appreciated. I tend to fish small stillwaters rather than reservoirs. Many thanks in advance Simon

Are float tubes allowed in your part of the world? You might try a tube and "troll" a nymph or streamer along the shoreline. If fish are surface feeding – tie on the proper dry fly. If no tubes allowed and you can see fish or can see feeding rings on the surface  then stay and change flies until you work out what they’re feeding on. If you’re just blind fishing and have no idea if fish are present, you’ve got to figure out where the fish are. This means having some info. on time of day, water temp, wind conditions and a few other factors will determine where to cast and what to cast. On a windy day the food wil be blown to the downwind side of the lake. Early and late in the day – fish will be working the shoreline and in the middle of the day out in deeper water, in general. Hope this helps a little. Don B. PS – You’ll find much more help if you post to: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly Wishful collector of Gillums and Dickersons – owner of Montague, H-I and Heddons.

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I agree with the other reply you recieved with the exception that on windy days I go to the windward side of the lake and present dry flies. I believe that alot of bugs are blown into the water and the trout are waiting on them. It is also much easier fishing if you are behind the trees on the calm water.                              Leif da Lucky                              Anchorage, Ak. PS Where in the UK are you. My Mom was born & raised in London.

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I’m just into my second year of fly-fishing and confess I am addicted. Wanted some opinion about what order to make changes when looking for fish, i.e. do you use a fly fishing various depths, and then move to another spot and begin the process again. Or do you stay in the same spot and change fly. Or move and change colour of fly… I know there isn’t a real answer to this, and confidence will come with time, but any tips would be appreciated. I tend to fish small stillwaters rather than reservoirs. Many thanks in advance Simon

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Has anyone had any experience with the Scientific Angelers fly fishing package that you see in the stores?

They are nice little outfits. I honestly don’t know how they can afford to sell the things so cheaply.  St. Croix makes the rod and it is similar to their Imperial XL series.  Good value for the money.  I think they are trying to get someone up to usable quality who might otherwise end up with the $75 KMart special.  Note:  New ones are the 9′ 6wts which features a redesigned rod, last years was an 8′ 6" 6 wt.  Since everyone knows us West Coast folk won’t fish anything that starts w/ 8′, you can tell my bias. . .  :-) –Jim in Northern CA

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Has anyone had any experience with the Scientific Angelers fly fishing package that you see in the stores? I have a friend who may be interested in buying one to see if he likes fly fishing. Richard Warren Raleigh, NC

i’ve tried the 8wt.. The reel is good.. but the rod is not.. in my opinion they could have chosen from a hundred other better rods for less money.. if you get a chance.. take the rod out of the package and put it together and take a couple false casts on it.. it’s a real power house near the butt section but the tip section is slow.. keg

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Has anyone had any experience with the Scientific Angelers fly fishing package that you see in the stores? I have a friend who may be interested in buying one to see if he likes fly fishing. Richard Warren Raleigh, NC

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