Question:

Congratulations, Darin. You will have a lot of fun with your new fishing buddy! Tim Lysyk – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

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Congratulations Life as you knew is over. Fortunately the best is yet to come. BJ Conner

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Congratulations from the Left Coast! Merry Christmas and I know you’ll all have a Happy New Year! John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

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A hearty Congrats to you and the Missus! — "Of what service would militia be to you, when most probably you will not have a single musket in the State; for as arms are to be provided by Congress, they may or may not furnish them?" -Patrick Henry,  5 June 1788

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Thank you all. May you all have a wonderfull Christmas. Mines already been perfect. Darin still the proud new father

And I must remind you to bring a big box of cigars to the next Clave.  :-) Joe F.

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Now, remember to be a nice Dad and make her birthdays special.  Two of my sons, and my wife have birthdays within 2 weeks of Christmas, and every year at least one of them reminds me that they feel like they are being overlooked because of the holidays. Congrats, and good health to you and your family, Darin! –Stan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That’s exactly what we were thinkin’. She was due Jan. 2, but due to a few circumstances she was induced 2 weeks early. Darin

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Congratulations, and best wishes to you all. Does he have a name yet?  ("Lefty" is nice <g) JR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

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Way to go Darin Dave

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Thank you all. May you all have a wonderfull Christmas. Mines already been perfect. Darin still the proud new father

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Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

Congrats Darin!  What a fine way to ring in the holiday season.  Best of luck and health to you and your family. Cheers. Natty

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Hey hey ! Congratulations, old man. And just in time for that nice tax deduction too. — Ken Fortenberry

That’s exactly what we were thinkin’. She was due Jan. 2, but due to a few circumstances she was induced 2 weeks early. Darin

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Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

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Congratulations. I guess if you have to give up fishing for a few years the SJ clave was a good way to end. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

Response:

"Darin Minor" wrote Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son?

    Congratulations, and I hope mother and son are doing fine. Send "Uncle Charlie" your shipping address by e-mail, I think I may have what the boy needs.

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Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them.

Congratulations.   ‘Tis a fine thing. Joe F

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Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

Hey hey ! Congratulations, old man. And just in time for that nice tax deduction too. — Ken Fortenberry

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Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

Congratulations, and best to all. Happy Holidays, R

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Congratulations to you and your wife Darin, you’ll make an awesome dad. bruce h — bare your soul let your spirit burn out along the road to no return – r.e. keen

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Congrats!! I have a couple of fly rods that have been "accidentally modified" if you’d like a short rod! <g Congratulate the happy mother for us too.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

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Darin Minor writes: Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

Congrats, Darin.  My best to the mom.  Actually a 1 weight, 2 if he’s big, would be better. Dave LaCourse, ROFian Grandpa

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Congrats Darin!!! Willi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

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Congratulations to you and your wife, Darin! –Walt Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

– Ezflyfish.com: http://www.ezflyfish.com Blue Ridge Book Gallery: http://users.boone.net/wgw/brbg.html

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Congratulations Darin. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

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Congratulations!  Outstanding. Bruce Thomsen

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Congratulations from all over the pond! Herman Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

–         Cheers, Herman         Herman Nijland         Daytime webmaster         Lifetime flyfisher

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Question:

 I find a 6 weight rod is a supurb compromise in that it is not worth a damn for either. You go Big Dale. Best gawdang advise posted here in months. A 6wt, imo, is the  ultimate all-around weight rod for flyfishing. From nc small-stream trout, to cedar key redfish, a 6wt is the best all- around weight rod any flyfisher can have in his arsenal.

Bullshit, a six weight is the most useless weight to own for any fly fisherman who owns more than one rod. Get a 4/5 and then a 7. Too damn big for MOST trout and pan fishing and too damn small for MOST sw and fw application. There’s a reason I only own one six weight <g — Wayne Knight Expert in creating tailing loops and windknots Otherwise Fishless in Kansas Before you buy.

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if the drag on your reel is of sufficient quality, and if your tippet is sufficiently strong, and if you have sufficient experience, then landing a 100lb tarpon on a 3wt should be no different than doing the same thing on a 9wt, *assuming you can deliver the fly to the fish*.  

You could probably kill a tarpon with a 3wt, but I doubt you could lift it to the boat with a 3wt. Bigger fly rods have purpose other than delivering bigger files. FWIW — Charlie…

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Bigger fly rods have purpose other than delivering bigger files. FWIW

Sounds like you may already own that ultimate rod RW was talking about. Does it deliver Chinese food and pizza as well? <g –Steve

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  I find a 6 weight rod is a supurb compromise in that it is not worth a damn for either. You go Big Dale. Best gawdang advise posted here in months. A 6wt, imo, is the  ultimate all-around weight rod for flyfishing. From nc small-stream trout, to cedar key redfish, a 6wt is the best all- around weight rod any flyfisher can have in his arsenal. Bullshit, a six weight is the most useless weight to own for any fly fisherman who owns more than one rod. Get a 4/5 and then a 7. Too damn big for MOST trout and pan fishing and too damn small for MOST sw and fw application. There’s a reason I only own one six weight <g — Wayne Knight Expert in creating tailing loops and windknots Otherwise Fishless in Kansas

ehh? please allow me shuffle my feet and to clarify…. *if* I only had one rod available to me, *and* i wanted to fish many different situations, a 9′ 6wt would be my choice, lines down. that is the advise i received when i first started flyfishing down in FL and it, imo, was very good advise. it allowed me to fish in many different waters with very little monetary outlay. now that i own many different rods for different fishing situations, the 6wt is rarely used any more. however, it will be dusted-off very soon for chasin’ chromers. walt fellow expert in creating tailing loops and windknots otherwise up-to-my-knees-in-trout in God’s Country <g

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8<…. if the drag on your reel is of sufficient quality, and if your tippet is sufficiently strong, and if you have sufficient experience, then landing a 100lb tarpon on a 3wt should be no different than doing the same thing on a 9wt, *assuming you can deliver the fly to the fish*.  let me repeat that:  *assuming you can deliver the fly to the fish*.  of course, in the real world, that is a rare assumption. wayno

wayno, with all due respect, fighting a 100 pound tarpon "properly" would destroy a 3wt rod. i say "properly" in the context of releasing the fish unharmed in a timely manner so that the fish could live to return to his environment, "unchanged", or more aptly stated, "wild." the length of time it would take to land a 100 pound tarpon on a 3wt, imo, would kill the fish either by exhaustion or by shark attack. that said, if you had said "hook" vs "landed" i could have agreed with you….it would be possible to deliver a thinly-dressed streamer using a 3wt to a cruising tarpon. why anyone would choose to do so is dahlwhinnian…. to clarify, hitch a ride with zimbo tomorrow am and i’ll put you on a mountain-version "tarpon" with your 3wt. <g –kamloopy wataugan waldo — Ezflyfish.com: http://www.ezflyfish.com Blue Ridge Book Gallery: http://users.boone.net/wgw/brbg.html

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Bullshit, a six weight is the most useless weight to own for any fly fisherman who owns more than one rod. Get a 4/5 and then a 7. Too damn big for MOST trout and pan fishing and too damn small for MOST sw and fw application. There’s a reason I only own one six weight <g — Wayne Knight

and I have four (counting the mix & match East Branch) and it’s my most frequently used weight.  - diffferent folks, different strokes. (8′, 8′ 6", 9′ 6", & 10′6") Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

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I’m looking to building a fly rod this winter just for yucks.  I’ve done several casting rods in the past, but this would be a first. Can anybody recommend a good blank to use – expense isn’t really a factor, so any recommendation would be appreciated. Thanks.

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I’m looking to building a fly rod this winter just for yucks. … Can anybody recommend a good blank to use …

You’ll have to tell us more about yucks. — Ken Fortenberry

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I’m looking to building a fly rod this winter just for yucks. … Can anybody recommend a good blank to use … You’ll have to tell us more about yucks.

He is my evil twin.      :)

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I’m looking to building a fly rod this winter just for yucks. … Can anybody recommend a good blank to use … You’ll have to tell us more about yucks. He is my evil twin.      :)

Ah, so you want to build a rod capable of tossing a bottle of scotch 60 feet and landing a 185 lb twin. Definitely a 12wt. — Ken Fortenberry

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He is my evil twin.

Oh shit, not another one of those!   <g For a cheap intro to rod building, I’d still stay away from anything too crummy.   After all, when you’re done, you do want to be proud of it and fish with it.   My first few rods were built on higher end St. Croix blanks. Well below $100 each.   I also just started on one that’s a discontinued Loomis blank (IM6) I bought off Ebay for about 40 bucks.   There are also some dealers out there who have a supply of discontinued blanks.   D&E Rods (www.danderods.com) is one.   I have a nice 3 wt. Loomis IMX blank from them awaiting my attention (don’t remember that price, but it was cheap enough that I bought a blank I don’t need.) Either way you go, I recommend a decent blank.   The hardware cost and time invested are too much to put it into a practice stick.   Even if you screw it up cosmetically, it will still fish well (I have one or two that fit that category.) Joe F.

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The range and type of fly-rod blanks is very extensive. You will need to give us more information about what you wish to fish for, and under what circumstances, before we could be of any real assistance. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m looking to building a fly rod this winter just for yucks.  I’ve done several casting rods in the past, but this would be a first. Can anybody recommend a good blank to use – expense isn’t really a factor, so any recommendation would be appreciated. Thanks.

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If anyone out there disagrees with me then I’ve got an only-once-used 6wt 3-piece Diamondback rod and matching Hardy reel I’ll sell at a very fair price –Steve

See below.  I’ve already got a 3 pce Diamondback 6 wt. with a Hardy reel but who knows, I might need a spare some day. $10.00 ?  <g Peter

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Good for you. There are whores, and there are whores.  The main thing is to make sure you live happy, and if possible die in the same condition. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de Yes, I’m a whore. My first fly rod, a Martin 6wt with matching martin 6 wt

<SNIP

Response:

You go Big Dale. Best gawdang advise posted here in months. A 6wt, imo, is the ultimate all-around weight rod for flyfishing. From nc small-stream trout, to cedar key redfish, a 6wt is the best all-around weight rod any flyfisher can have in his arsenal. Huh??? What happened to the *real* Walt Winter?? Not only would the real Waldo never recommend owning only one rod, but the real Waldo wouldn’t get caught dead on an NC stream *or* cedar key with a 6-weight rod.

        i don’t know what the hell this has to do with anything, or whether it makes any difference to anyone who might read this sort of thing (what *are* we doing discussing fly rods on roff, anyway?), but in my damn near fifty years of fishing with a fly rod, i have never owned a 6 weight rod.  in fact, i have never cast a heavier line than a 5 for trout, even when we girded our loins for the fabled big water and high winds of montana.  i think the issue is almost completely controlled by the question of what the size and weight of the fly might be.  if the drag on your reel is of sufficient quality, and if your tippet is sufficiently strong, and if you have sufficient experience, then landing a 100lb tarpon on a 3wt should be no different than doing the same thing on a 9wt, *assuming you can deliver the fly to the fish*.  let me repeat that:  *assuming you can deliver the fly to the fish*.  of course, in the real world, that is a rare assumption. wayno

Response:

You go Big Dale. Best gawdang advise posted here in months. A 6wt, imo, is the ultimate all-around weight rod for flyfishing. From nc small-stream trout, to cedar key redfish, a 6wt is the best all-around weight rod any flyfisher can have in his arsenal.

Huh??? What happened to the *real* Walt Winter?? Not only would the real Waldo never recommend owning only one rod, but the real Waldo wouldn’t get caught dead on an NC stream *or* cedar key with a 6-weight rod. I say buy two rods. A 7′6" 3wt for trout and (if you must) a 9′ 7wt for bass. If cost is an issue then buy two inexpensive rods. If anyone out there disagrees with me then I’ve got an only-once-used 6wt 3-piece Diamondback rod and matching Hardy reel I’ll sell at a very fair price –Steve

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You go Big Dale. Best gawdang advise posted here in months. A 6wt, imo, is the ultimate all-around weight rod for flyfishing. From nc small-stream trout, to cedar key redfish, a 6wt is the best all-around weight rod any flyfisher can have in his arsenal. Huh??? What happened to the *real* Walt Winter?? Not only would the real Waldo never recommend owning only one rod, but the real Waldo wouldn’t get caught dead on an NC stream *or* cedar key with a 6-weight rod. I say buy two rods. A 7′6" 3wt for trout and (if you must) a 9′ 7wt for bass. If cost is an issue then buy two inexpensive rods. If anyone out there disagrees with me then I’ve got an only-once-used 6wt 3-piece Diamondback rod and matching Hardy reel I’ll sell at a very fair price –Steve

Yes, I’m a whore. My first fly rod, a Martin 6wt with matching martin 6 wt reel, was last used catching a steelie here in NC. It was first used catching bass on watermelon pond and it has also been used catching more species than any other rod in my inventory. Reminiscing, it has caught largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, suwanee bass, sunshine bass, peacock bass, many varieties of panfish, specs, redfish, black drum, snook, trout, stripers, weakfish, bonefish, gar, pickerel, barracuda, shad, tarpon, cobia (damn near lost it on that bad boy), mackeral, crevalles, ladyfish, and of course, that gorgeous chromer last winter in the company of that fine southern gentleman, Tom Brown. The butt of this rod  is still used daily as I use it as a reel "holder" when I manually load reels for sale. This rod is as much a part of me as my soul, as a matter of fact, blasphemously, one could say it is part and parcel of my soul. but i digress. my affliction spread like the plague. i acquired numerous rods and reels to fit certain needs, some psychological. although i suck at it, i even took up tying flies. i still was far from being satiated….. so, i opened a "flyshop". i now have more gawdang gear than any sane person should be allowed to possess. hundreds of reels and of rods, seemingly, enough line, leader & tippet to circumvent the earth. yet, be still, the fire burns hotter. my fervant desire now, as all invoices are paid, is to retire with all of this cool stuff. mine, all mine <g i, waldo, am a whore. ww — Ezflyfish.com: http://www.ezflyfish.com Blue Ridge Book Gallery: http://users.boone.net/wgw/brbg.html

Response:

 I find a 6 weight rod is a supurb compromise in that it is not worth a damn for either.

You go Big Dale. Best gawdang advise posted here in months. A 6wt, imo, is the ultimate all-around weight rod for flyfishing. From nc small-stream trout, to cedar key redfish, a 6wt is the best all-around weight rod any flyfisher can have in his arsenal. –walt Ezflyfish.com: http://www.ezflyfish.com Blue Ridge Book Gallery: http://users.boone.net/wgw/brbg.html

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[snip] All good advice and I’ll add just one little bit more.  You can get away with a 7 or 8 wt. for small fish if you can find a short, slow action version and build it with a standard trout handle.  I lucked into an old 8′ 6" Orvis Green Mountain with a slow – moderate action and a small handle (no fighting butt.)  I’d have no difficulty using it for anything.  I’ve caught smallies under a pound that put a decent bend in it yet it’ll toss a 2/0 streamer about 80′.  I’ve tried a Fenwick HMGF 8′6" 7 wt. that also impressed me as a good all-round rod. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

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Ken wrote snip:Like I said, it’s a tough call, maybe some of the other warmwater guys in the group can recommend one and only one blank for both bluegill & bass but I’m afraid you have me stumped.

I think Ken is correct. I love my little 3 weight rods for bluegill and I take my fair share of bass on them, but they are all small bass. I don’t think I have landed a bass of over 3 pounds on one of them. There is no way in hell I can use a 3 weight to cast the flies that work best for large bass with a rod that small. I most often use  a 7 to 10 weight rod when I am fishing for sizable bass.  I find a 6 weight rod is a supurb compromise in that it is not worth a damn for either. Big Dale

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RE choose a rod blank for "pan fish to bass?" Sandy’s treatise on blank choosing with an angle: A 6-weight rod is generally considered the most versatile trout rod. With a 6-weight you can cast anything from an itty-bitty mayfly on a 7x tippet to a #2 woolly bugger on 0x tippet. But if you want to cast pike flies, bass worms or extra-bushy bass poppers, you will probably want a 7 or 8 weight rod. I like 9′ rods. But some people think they have more control over shorter (8′) rods. Once you have the size down, you still have to zero in on cost and action. Some guys (actually) like soft, slow action rods, like many built by Orvis, Winston or Powell. Slow action rods are easier to cast, more graceful to use. But they don’t handle heavy flies, wind or distance casting very well. Orvis, Winston and Powell make some moderately fast rods too. The fastest, most powerful casting canons I know of are made by Sage and Loomis. Someone told me Scott makes a powerful rod, but I never tried one. Cost? The most expensive rods are the best. But how much better are they? Not a whole lot, I don’t think. I have some fly rods that cost almost $600 bucks. They’re damn good rods. But I have a few (Sage, Loomis and Cabelas) that (for finished rods) cost $180 to $220. And they’re damned good rods too. Who makes Cabelas blanks anyway? It’s Loomis isn’t it? There are some really cheap graphite fly rods showing up now, like those made by Eagle Claw. Has anybody tried those? If you like soft, slow action rods, I can’t see any reason to buy an expensive one. What you get–with more money–is casting power. — /* Sandy Pittendrigh   –O0  * http://cns.montana.edu/~sandy/  */

Response:

That’s a tough prescription to fill, Tom. I like a 3wt for bluegill and a 7wt for bass. Logically then a 5wt would be your blank of choice but I don’t think you’d be happy with it in either situation. Not that it wouldn’t work, I used an old 8′ Garcia Conolon 7/8wt for years as my one and only flyrod for bass & bluegill in the days before I knew any better and I caught a lot of fish and had great time with it. The other consideration besides rod weight is action. I like a slow action for most situations, my canoe bluegill rod is a 9′ Winston 3wt, but for tossin’ big, wind eatin’ bass bugs a faster action works better for me, something along the lines of the discontinued Sage RPL series. Like I said, it’s a tough call, maybe some of the other warmwater guys in the group can recommend one and only one blank for both bluegill & bass but I’m afraid you have me stumped. — Ken Fortenberry

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Yucks,  slang, corruption of middle English, German Jux. =For fun TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You’ll have to tell us more about yucks. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

The range and type of fly-rod blanks is very extensive. You will need to give us more information about what you wish to fish for, and under what circumstances, before we could be of any real assistance.

Response:

In which case, I at least, am unable to help much. I have never fished for such species. Someone else will doubtless be able to help you with regard to weight length etc. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The range and type of fly-rod blanks is very extensive. You will need to give us more information about what you wish to fish for, and under what circumstances, before we could be of any real assistance.

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Question:

Is it possible for you or I to create a newsgroup? If so can you tell me how. Chris

Response:

Is it possible for you or I to create a newsgroup? If so can you tell me how.

It is possible, but highly unlikely, that as few as 100 people could create a Usenet newsgroup. Posting such a query to a Usenet flyfishing group isn’t the best way to get a how-to. Go to the news.admin.* hierarchy. — Ken Fortenberry

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Question:

central PA. Third week of July. Need guide and/or boat rental info,

http://www.billsguideservice.com/ RichZ

Question:

Good advice Jon; take it. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think you misspelt "opinion". In any case, some things are better kept to oneself. JonCook.

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Frank, We’re just about 10 miles from the Rappahannock near Fredericksburg.  I live on the PO River.  Bluegills so big behind my house your pontoon boat would go for a sleigh ride!  Bring a 7 wt.!  Looks like we might have to postpone the Brookie trip Dianna and I had planned for tomorrow.  She bought me a strange here.  I bought her a fishing outfit and she bought me yard work tools.   hmmmmm…… I can’t quite put my finger on it but soething seems amiss. Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – lotsa snippage here of a great time had by Wayne…… Wayne, congrats on winning MC’s rod, I’m sure you’ll put it to good use. Of course you realize now that Dianna is outfitted and had a taste of ff’ing, your outfit is not complete…send me your snail mail addy and I’ll send you a matched set of a knife and fork to help you eat all that crow and humble pie  :-) …. before long Dianna will be outfishing you (just ask Rich Warren aka Debbies fishin’ pardner)  Still and all you’re a lucky man to have a wife interested in your favorite sport.  Whereabouts do you live in VA?  I get down to the eastern part fairly often (Roanoke/Lynchburg area) and haunt the Maury and James River for smallies. Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF RETIRED

Response:

I’ll just hazard a guess here….she has your number!  :-) Frank Church – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Frank, We’re just about 10 miles from the Rappahannock near Fredericksburg.  I live on the PO River.  Bluegills so big behind my house your pontoon boat would go for a sleigh ride!  Bring a 7 wt.!  Looks like we might have to postpone the Brookie trip Dianna and I had planned for tomorrow.  She bought me a strange here.  I bought her a fishing outfit and she bought me yard work tools.   hmmmmm…… I can’t quite put my finger on it but soething seems amiss. Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine! lotsa snippage here of a great time had by Wayne…… Wayne, congrats on winning MC’s rod, I’m sure you’ll put it to good use. Of course you realize now that Dianna is outfitted and had a taste of ff’ing, your outfit is not complete…send me your snail mail addy and I’ll send you a matched set of a knife and fork to help you eat all that crow and humble pie  :-) …. before long Dianna will be outfishing you (just ask Rich Warren aka Debbies fishin’ pardner)  Still and all you’re a lucky man to have a wife interested in your favorite sport.  Whereabouts do you live in VA?  I get down to the eastern part fairly often (Roanoke/Lynchburg area) and haunt the Maury and James River for smallies. Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF RETIRED

Response:

What a trip!  The past 6 days go to, surviving at, and returning from…….THE CLAVE!!!!.

Thanks for your report Wayne. I look forward to other reports. It’s lonely this side of the Pond:-) — Bill http://www.graigroad.demon.co.uk

Response:

Well, The Famous Grouse is almost gone ( I left my MaCallan at Clave Central).  Thanks for listening and sharing. — Wayne (who came away …..Changed!) To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

um…wayne, you didn’t think those polyleaders would be free, did ya?  i am in possession of your autographed bottle of mac… the benefit of being the last guy to leave. jeff

Response:

Fair trade Jeff!  I was just hopeing it went to a good home!  I’ll share my Mac with you anytime. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

strange here.  I bought her a fishing outfit and she bought me yard work tools.   hmmmmm…… I can’t quite put my finger on it but soething seems amiss.

Wayne:I feel your pain…I don’t think we were supposed to understand women, but I don’t know about those farm implements. I thought chainsaws were only useful for horror flicks about some fellow Texans. Thanks for the boots. I will need about 10 days to tie some good flies for the trade. I need to tie more now that there are two fly fishing persons in your family. Since stripers are available at your lake I will include some or Richard Hart’s Ghost Minnows which have been very useful on Lake Whitney. Please send me your snail mail address sometime in the next 10 days or so. It sure was good to meet you and your lovely wife Diana at the clave. I thought she got the best prize of all in the raffle in the Spam Shirt. We need to have more raffle prizes like that next year. Big Dale

Response:

What a trip!  The past 6 days go to, surviving at, and returning from…….THE CLAVE!!!!.  For all those of you who asked, a Clave is fishing camp for reprobates and some nice ladies.  Dianna and I arrived Friday after a pleasant  7 hour trip down from Virginia.  Dinner Friday night with Mark (Guyznflys), Debbie, Richard, Walt and his lovely wife Marie.  I was forced to sample the local brewery’s version of India pale Ale.  You’re right Walt, the horse has kidney trouble!  After plying Walt with a GREAT DEAL of alcohol I was finally able to twist his arm and get him to show my wife some fly rods.  You see, Dianna had shown a little interest in taking up the sport a couple of weeks ago.  I decided to buy her a set-up if she wanted to try it out.  Walt pulled out a nice selection of beginner/newbie rods for Dianna to look over.  Rather than forcing her to take the "best weight for a beginner" I elected to let her choose whatever felt good in her hands.  She tried quite a few and finally made a selection. Hardy Classic 7′ 3 wt. with a (color coordinated) Hardy Golden JHL Ultralight reel filled with a peach colored (color coordinated) WF3F 444 Rocket Taper flyline by Cortland.  What can I say, the woman has excellent taste in fly fishing equipment. Saturday we hung out at Clave Central and I cruised the Watauga out the back door.  Browns all over the place!  Saturday night Debbie gave Dianna casting lessons while Tom Brown created culinary masterpieces in rib roasting. Sunday I fished with Indian Joe on a middle stretch of Wilson’s Creek then up Little Wilson’s Creek.  Sunshine made ‘em spooky but we still caught fish.  The best part was meeting and fishing with IJ.  We worked the stream in grand style and I have never had a finer fishing companion.  When I slipped on a rock and a heavy log came crashing down on my leg as my face smashed into the gravel, I was glad to have someone along who doesn’t panic in and emergency.  Dazed and bleeding, struggling out from under the log, I heard a reassuring voice behind me; "Is your rod OK?"  It didn’t take but a few minutes back to fishing with IJ to forget all about the fall and get back to the enjoyment of the streams!  Monday was spent acquiring a fishing license and Choate wading shoes for Dianna and taking her down to the Watauga in the delayed harvest section to practice.  She did wonderfully and although she didn’t hook a fish she had several rises and a couple of strikes on her flys.  When she actually saw a nice Brown rise slowly, look her fly over, then smash it, she really got excited!  By Monday afternoon a newbie was born and a flyfisherwoman at that! Tuesday morning Dianna went shopping while IJ and I headed to Elk River.  I deeply regret leaving my oversize biscuit in it’s box on the table at Pappy’s!  I could use that biscuit about now!  The Elk started slow but finished strong with IJ and I catching a number of nice native (stocked 80 yrs. ago) Browns and Rainbows.  In the mid-afternoon IJ dropped me off at "the church" on the Watauga so Dianna could pick me up after shopping. During the 45 minutes I waited I made a few casts.  One Brown each 12", 15", and 18"!!  The really neat part was the spin fisherman standing about 100′ away watching me.  He hadn’t caught a thing and didn’t the whole time I was there!  Then on to "The Great Chili Cookout" courtesy of Indian Joe and the Clave Central crew.  A great meal and a great time.  Then the great raffle. I had carefully positioned myself for the drawing and read the flow with all the consummate raffle skills at my command.  Dianna won the fly tying vise and the great TEAM SPAM shirt!  She will not let me trade the vice off ( I don’t tie).  She says she will learn!   Then came the "BIG ONE"!!  Mike Conner’s contribution.  A beautiful 9′ 3 piece 4 wt. rod by MC himself!  I do have one complaint though.  IJ won the reel and line I need to go with it!!  And I thought he was a great guy!  Darn!  Now I hafta buy another reel and line!!  Woe is me.  Just one darn thing after another!!!!  OH!  BTW.  I met JEFFC.  I didn’t kill him or even threaten to kill him.  He is still and asshole but I did win the knotted leaders he brought to the raffle.  I usually use AirFlo Polyleaders but I am going to give these leaders a try. After using them I will drop jeffc a note to tell him how they performed. He will still be an asshole then but I will know how the leaders worked. For all the ROFF guys I met; you’re one helluva bunch of great guys!! Special THANKS to Mike Conner!!!!  (oh Mike, can you send me an autographed sticker to put on the rod?)  I am damn proud to own this rod.  I do not have another 4 wt.  It will make a great nymphing rod to Brookies and for smallmouth on the Rappahannock on those still June days.  Think of it!  A 3 pound smallmouth on a 5X tippet on Mike’s 4 wt. rod on a perfect June day! I’m drooling all over the keyboard.  That is one BEAUTIFUL rod Mike! Thanks to Waldo, Jeff, and all the gang who planned and made this thing possible.  Indian Joe is a friend and fishing buddy who made my days on the streams the stuff dreams are made of.  Friday morning the newest fly fisherperson in the family and I will head to the mountains for a day of Brookie fishing.  They have been waiting for us since before the last ice age.  Their time has come! Well, The Famous Grouse is almost gone ( I left my MaCallan at Clave Central).  Thanks for listening and sharing. — Wayne (who came away …..Changed!) To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

Response:

He will still be an asshole then but I will know how the leaders worked.

You missed the whole point of the Clave experience, Wayne. I’m embarrassed to think that you won Mike’s rod. –Steve

Response:

Facts is Facts Steve. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

You missed the whole point of the Clave experience, Wayne. I’m – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – embarrassed to think that you won Mike’s rod. –Steve

Response:

lotsa snippage here of a great time had by Wayne…… Wayne, congrats on winning MC’s rod, I’m sure you’ll put it to good use.  Of course you realize now that Dianna is outfitted and had a taste of ff’ing, your outfit is not complete…send me your snail mail addy and I’ll send you a matched set of a knife and fork to help you eat all that crow and humble pie  :-) …. before long Dianna will be outfishing you (just ask Rich Warren aka Debbies fishin’ pardner)  Still and all you’re a lucky man to have a wife interested in your favorite sport.  Whereabouts do you live in VA?  I get down to the eastern part fairly often (Roanoke/Lynchburg area) and haunt the Maury and James River for smallies. Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF RETIRED

Response:

Facts is Facts Steve.

Fair enough, Wayne. I was hoping that you’d put the past behind and let bygones be such–or at least let go of the angst–especially since you and Jeff are both guys who I consider friends and good people. I can’t even remember exactly what caused the escalation–but, OK, I’ll stop trying to Rodney King the whole thing Anyway, it was a pleasure meeting you and your wife and–your opinion of a friend of mine notwithstanding–I’ll recant my previous statement and say if it couldn’t be me who won the rod then I’m happy it was you. Next time I’m in the DC area, I’ll let you know. Especially since I never did get a chance to see that 6′ 6-piece gem–and everyone should catch a 4-pound smallmouth on a fly at least once a year. –Steve

Response:

Some of us like raspberry and some of us like vanilla; it’s what makes the world go round Steve!  I was hopeing you would get a look at that little pack rod.  It is extremely unusual and I know you would appreciate the workmanship in bamboo since you craft a beautiful rod in that medium.  You get up here often enough to catch the trout and smallmouth in good seasons. Since Dave Lacourse and Wolfgang let me try their lines on the pack rod and we determined it casts prety well with a 5 wt. I just might sneak that little rascal out and let you catch Brookies in the same stream President Hoover loved to fly fish in. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Facts is Facts Steve. Fair enough, Wayne. I was hoping that you’d put the past behind and let bygones be such–or at least let go of the angst–especially since you and Jeff are both guys who I consider friends and good people. I can’t even remember exactly what caused the escalation–but, OK, I’ll stop trying to Rodney King the whole thing Anyway, it was a pleasure meeting you and your wife and–your opinion of a friend of mine notwithstanding–I’ll recant my previous statement and say if it couldn’t be me who won the rod then I’m happy it was you. Next time I’m in the DC area, I’ll let you know. Especially since I never did get a chance to see that 6′ 6-piece gem–and everyone should catch a 4-pound smallmouth on a fly at least once a year. –Steve

Response:

Question:

Also try http://www.floridaflyfishing.com Jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any local info on fishing with Fly in Florida ? Out of towner (Actually out of country – London England) is trying to plan some Saltwater Fly fishing from Skiffs in Florida – any info or help appreciated. I need to identify region, accomodation & a guide with a boat .. Everything in fact !

Response:

This is a good start. I’ve fished with this guide several times on West Coast of Florida. He knows his stuff. rgill http://www.gianttarpon.com/fishingguide.htm Any local info on fishing with Fly in Florida ? Out of towner (Actually out of country – London England) is trying to plan some Saltwater Fly fishing from Skiffs in Florida – any info or help appreciated. I need to identify region, accomodation & a guide with a boat .. Everything in fact !

– How very simple life would be if only there were two of me A restless me to drift and roam a quiet me to stay at home.                    from "The Double Life" by Don Blanding

Response:

I am not a fly-fisherman, but I do have a site that includes a list of over 100 South Florida guides on the internet, including many who specialize in flyfishing trips. The guides list is at http://inshore.com/f-guides.html. On a more personal note; I have fished with Capt. Chris Asaro several times and while he allows me to use spinning tackle, he really does prefer fly. He has his own site at http://www.sightfish.net/ . Jim Sawyer www.inshore.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any local info on fishing with Fly in Florida ? Out of towner (Actually out of country – London England) is trying to plan some Saltwater Fly fishing from Skiffs in Florida – any info or help appreciated. I need to identify region, accomodation & a guide with a boat .. Everything in fact !

Response:

Any local info on fishing with Fly in Florida ? Out of towner (Actually out of country – London England) is trying to plan some Saltwater Fly fishing from Skiffs in Florida – any info or help appreciated. I need to identify region, accomodation & a guide with a boat .. Everything in fact !

Response:

Question:

My wife and I recently went on a 1 week trip to a river in the southern interior of B.C. Since I had recently returned from a week long fishing retreat in William’s Lake (got skunked), camping and quality time were the priorities. Now I should say that I’ve only recently taken up fly fishing (after a few not too subtle hints to unglue my butt from the sofa), and I’ve begun to develop a deep passion for the serenity it brings me, the beauty it takes me to and the opportunity it provides for moments of heart stopping, finger tingling excitement. In B.C., (with native species including Gerrard and Kamloops Trout) the majority of fly anglers seem to focus on still water fly fishing the many productive trophy lakes of the region. Therefore, it was that my own introduction to the Art was in the anatomy of lake fishing had done some reading on the strategy and tactics of stream fishing, with its drag free drift and line mending, it’s variety of pools, riffles and runs, but why pursue them when the"real anglers" stalked 10lb monsters in lakes as easily reached as any river?. So it was with little or no expectations that I brought along my 9′ 6-7wt, my waders and some flies. Just prior to our arriving I discovered to my dismay that I had left my somewhat meager selection of "river flys" at home but fortunately I was able to stop at a local fly shop where I picked up four Tom Thumbs and four nymphs (Pheasant Tail). When we reached the large provincial campsite the weather was hot and dry and the river clear and warm. After a quick dip to wash off the road my wife retired to the campsite and left me at the swimming hole with my rod and eight flies (with the 80+ weather the waders were banished to storage for the duration of our trip). It was mid evening as I made my first cast onto the smooth waters of the pool, using a Tom Thumb and nymph dropper. I’m not sure who was more startled, the fish at finding his evening meal biting back or me at having a fish take my first cast onto a river. After a short fight the river offered up a beautiful 12 in Rainbow which I kept for next mornings breakfast. A few more casts and a few missed strikes had it getting dark and I reluctantly returned to camp. Over the course of three days, and fishing only 2hrs per day I was fortunate enough to catch 20 trout all between 8-12in, and all but 4 on the Tom Thumbs. To say this was a revelation would be an understatement. Now I’m not saying I’ve given up my pursuit of the lunkers lurking in the lakes, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed trying to read the water and how I anticipated discovering what lay beyond that next bend. I realize now I had let a desire for catching only the largest of fish influence my fishing, that large fish were the only true goal of any angler. I won’t argue the relative merits of catching a 6 pound Kamloops or 12in river Rainbow, but I will say; that serenity, that beauty, that excitement. I found them on that river as well. Any suggestions on fly rod and reel combos $200-$300 Cnd that would be appropriate for river/stream would be appreciated

Response:

I thought it was Left…across and down…drift….right…up and accross drift…lift left….mend right…forward cast left…mend left and THEN lift right…drift…up left.  No wonder I keep getting them tangled!

Excuse me, but is this fishing or knitting? Bill

Response:

Hi, just a word to the wise. Fishing two flies on the same line is illegal in BC. I’m not chastising, just making you aware.  If you’d like to see some BC flyfishing pics,  take a look at my amateur site. http://www3.bc.sympatico.ca/freeman                         Don – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  My wife and I recently went on a 1 week trip to a river in the southern interior of B.C. Since I had recently returned from a week long fishing retreat in William’s Lake (got skunked), camping and quality time were the priorities. Now I should say that I’ve only recently taken up fly fishing (after a few not too subtle hints to unglue my butt from the sofa), and I’ve begun to develop a deep passion for the serenity it brings me, the beauty it takes me to and the opportunity it provides for moments of heart stopping, finger tingling excitement. In B.C., (with native species including Gerrard and Kamloops Trout) the majority of fly anglers seem to focus on still water fly fishing the many productive trophy lakes of the region. Therefore, it was that my own introduction to the Art was in the anatomy of lake fishing had done some reading on the strategy and tactics of stream fishing, with its drag free drift and line mending, it’s variety of pools, riffles and runs, but why pursue them when the"real anglers" stalked 10lb monsters in lakes as easily reached as any river?. So it was with little or no expectations that I brought along my 9′ 6-7wt, my waders and some flies. Just prior to our arriving I discovered to my dismay that I had left my somewhat meager selection of "river flys" at home but fortunately I was able to stop at a local fly shop where I picked up four Tom Thumbs and four nymphs (Pheasant Tail). When we reached the large provincial campsite the weather was hot and dry and the river clear and warm. After a quick dip to wash off the road my wife retired to the campsite and left me at the swimming hole with my rod and eight flies (with the 80+ weather the waders were banished to storage for the duration of our trip). It was mid evening as I made my first cast onto the smooth waters of the pool, using a Tom Thumb and nymph dropper. I’m not sure who was more startled, the fish at finding his evening meal biting back or me at having a fish take my first cast onto a river. After a short fight the river offered up a beautiful 12 in Rainbow which I kept for next mornings breakfast. A few more casts and a few missed strikes had it getting dark and I reluctantly returned to camp. Over the course of three days, and fishing only 2hrs per day I was fortunate enough to catch 20 trout all between 8-12in, and all but 4 on the Tom Thumbs. To say this was a revelation would be an understatement. Now I’m not saying I’ve given up my pursuit of the lunkers lurking in the lakes, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed trying to read the water and how I anticipated discovering what lay beyond that next bend. I realize now I had let a desire for catching only the largest of fish influence my fishing, that large fish were the only true goal of any angler. I won’t argue the relative merits of catching a 6 pound Kamloops or 12in river Rainbow, but I will say; that serenity, that beauty, that excitement. I found them on that river as well. Any suggestions on fly rod and reel combos $200-$300 Cnd that would be appropriate for river/stream would be appreciated

Response:

Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi, just a word to the wise. Fishing two flies on the same line is illegal in BC.

        oh, come on…you gotta be kidding!  what’s next:  30 days active time for using a strike detector?  20 lashes for possession of gink?  banishment to montana if caught wearing felt bottom wading shoes?         oh, well, the bureaucrats have gotta eat, just like everybody else, i reckon.         a. wayne harrison

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi, just a word to the wise. Fishing two flies on the same line is illegal in BC.    oh, come on…you gotta be kidding!  what’s next:  30 days active time for using a strike detector?  20 lashes for possession of gink?  banishment to montana if caught wearing felt bottom wading shoes?    oh, well, the bureaucrats have gotta eat, just like everybody else, i reckon.    a. wayne harrison

I can only imagine the penalty for using bait! <g Dennis Haftel

Response:

Nevertheless, he is correct.

20:00:13 -0700, "Don(River Rat)" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi, just a word to the wise. Fishing two flies on the same line is illegal in BC. oh, come on…you gotta be kidding!  what’s next:  30 days active time for using a strike detector?  20 lashes for possession of gink?  banishment to montana if caught wearing felt bottom wading shoes? oh, well, the bureaucrats have gotta eat, just like everybody else, i reckon. a. wayne harrison I can only imagine the penalty for using bait! <g Dennis Haftel

Response:

See for yourself.  The BC Fishing Regulations are online at http://monday.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Nevertheless, he is correct. : : Hi, just a word to the wise. Fishing two flies on the same line is : illegal in BC. : : oh, come on…you gotta be kidding!  what’s next:  30 days My guess is (someone tell me I’m wrong or right) is that using two flies is *only* illegal in flyfishing-only water. Is that right? If so, then it’s entirely reasonable. They wanted restrictive regs based on equipment (unfairly discriminatory, IMO), and they got it. If not, then it’s probably in line with regs for other types of fishing; i.e., they probably don’t allow two bait hooks, or two lures either. So, that seems OK as well. Down here, you can use two rods *except* on trout waters. Then it’s only one rod per person. JonCook.

Response:

: Nevertheless, he is correct. : : Hi, just a word to the wise. Fishing two flies on the same line is : illegal in BC. : : oh, come on…you gotta be kidding!  what’s next:  30 days My guess is (someone tell me I’m wrong or right) is that using two flies is *only* illegal in flyfishing-only water. Is that right?

No it is not right. The exact reg is that no one can use tackle that could possibly catch more than one fish at the same time. Some years back there was an exception for flyfishing that allowed the use of two flies on one leader. However it was revoked due "confusion". Many people did not understand exactly what flyfishing was and used 2 flies. 2 hunks of yarn on 2 trebles along with weights, gang trolls, trolling planars etc etc. . 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.

Response:

[deleted] Down here, you can use two rods

[deleted] It’s not that hard either once you get the timing down… Left…across and down…drift….right…up and accross drift…lift left….mend right…forward cast left…lift right…mend left… What’s really tough is when you hook one… — TimW – Halfordian Golfer Guilt replaced the creel…

Response:

I thought it was Left…across and down…drift….right…up and accross drift…lift left….mend right…forward cast left…mend left and THEN lift right…drift…up left.  No wonder I keep getting them tangled! Joe – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – [deleted] Down here, you can use two rods [deleted] It’s not that hard either once you get the timing down… Left…across and down…drift….right…up and accross drift…lift left….mend right…forward cast left…lift right…mend left… What’s really tough is when you hook one… — TimW – Halfordian Golfer Guilt replaced the creel…

Response:

Question:

After checking out some books at the library, I went out to Wal-mart and spent about $65.  I bought an 8′ rod, a Martin reel, and Cortland line, backing, and a few leaders.  I also picked up an assortment of flies. After setting up the rod and doing some false casts,  I felt like the rod was very, very fast.  Can I do anything with my line and leader to neutralize the fast action, or this a result of a $20 rod?  Currently I have a WF6F and 7.5 4X on the rod? I am fishing rivers and streams in central KY preferrably for trout or smallmouth. Any help and advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Brian

Response:

It’s the design of the rod.  I guess you could try WF7F but that could limit your casting distance.  But if it’s really bothering you take the rod back, Wally World is usually pretty good on returns.  Try picking up a rod from a store that has knowledgeable flyfisherman.  You might be able to find a quality used rod from a local fly shop, otherwise try G.I. Joe’s (I set my dad up entirely for $130) or maybe even Bi-Mart. Also, you might want to try 9′ leaders instead of 7.5, I’ve found them a little more effective.

Response:

No, you can’t neutralize it, just go with the flow.  Use this outfit for casting larger and heavier flies and pick yourself a medium to soft action rod the next go-round.  Go to a fly shop and try out different weights, lengths and actions and then use that to plan your next purchase.  The action you have is build into your rod and you can not dampen the action.  You could use a heavier line to flex you rod more but then you are defeating the purpose. Gunner – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -After checking out some books at the library, I went out to Wal-mart and spent about $65.  I bought an 8′ rod, a Martin reel, and Cortland line, backing, and a few leaders.  I also picked up an assortment of flies. After setting up the rod and doing some false casts,  I felt like the rod was very, very fast.  Can I do anything with my line and leader to neutralize the fast action, or this a result of a $20 rod?  Currently I have a WF6F and 7.5 4X on the rod? I am fishing rivers and streams in central KY preferrably for trout or smallmouth. Any help and advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Brian

Response:

…

Olemiss, Learn to cast this 8′ stick. Learn to catch fish with it. Try not to get caught up in the need to buy more stuff. There will be plenty of time for that later, believe me. Mitch

Response:

After setting up the rod and doing some false casts,  I felt like the rod was very, very fast.  Can I do anything with my line and leader to neutralize the fast action, or this a result of a $20 rod?  Currently I have a WF6F and 7.5 4X on the rod?

How far were you trying to cast?  In my experience, the Wal-mart/K-mart type rods aren’t usually very fast.  If you’re a newbie, you probably aren’t casting very far (*I* didn’t anyway!).  As you work more line out, the rod shouldn’t seem so fast.   The other problem could be that the rod really wants a heavier line than it’s rated.  That can be a problem sometimes.  My nephew had a Cortland 3/4 weight that really wanted a 5 weight line.  You never know unless you try it out. I used a K-mart rod for years, and caught a bunch of fish on it.  You may just need to work on your timing.   Have fun!! Lee — Lee Hiers, AA4GA Cornelia, Georgia http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/4473

Response:

Question:

I doubt if you’d be safe from commercial sex site solicitations even at rec.fly-fishing.

   - uh…you said `Fly’ –

Response:

I doubt if you’d be safe from commercial sex site solicitations even at rec.fly-fishing.

Hey, I’d not object to a jpg of christine in some hip waders… TimW

Response:

Question:

Previous posts on breathable waders have mentioned their durability and some problems that have developed. I wondered if there was more personal experience out there on this topic. How durable have the different breathable wader brands been in your experience (Simms microfibers, Hodgmann wadelite, LL Bean Gore-Tex, Orvis Gore-Tex and any others you know of)?

Response:

Previous posts on breathable waders have mentioned their durability and some problems that have developed. I wondered if there was more personal experience out there on this topic. How durable have the different breathable wader brands been in your experience (Simms microfibers, Hodgmann wadelite, LL Bean Gore-Tex, Orvis Gore-Tex and any others you know of)?

Hi Jonathan, I guided 83 trips and several personal trips as well in my Simms and they worked very well. I developed one pin hole leak after charging through some wild roses but the leak was very easy to repair. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response: