Question:

Planning  a family trip with 2 kids (aged 5 & 7) and my wife during early December. We plan to start  off from Adelaide and fly back from Melbourne. Planning to hire a car and stay in the local B&Bs. Looking for suggestions, ideas or itinerary and advices.

Response:

Planning  a family trip with 2 kids (aged 5 & 7) and my wife during early December. We plan to start  off from Adelaide and fly back from Melbourne. Planning to hire a car and stay in the local B&Bs. Looking for suggestions, ideas or itinerary and advices.

Don’t miss the Great Ocean Road. http://www.greatoceanroad.org/ My kids love the Adventure Playground in Warrnambool. Daniel — Daniel Bowen, Melbourne, Australia Visiting Australia FAQ http://www.custard.net.au/australia/

Response:

Planning  a family trip with 2 kids (aged 5 & 7) and my wife during early December. We plan to start  off from Adelaide and fly back from Melbourne. Planning to hire a car and stay in the local B&Bs. Looking for suggestions, ideas or itinerary and advices.

That’s plenty of time.  As Daniel mentioned, don’t miss the Great Ocean Road.  You should also perhaps start by taking a run through the Flinders Ranges, perhaps as far up as Wilpena Pound.  A lot of people bag on Port Augusta but I quite like the place and there are some things that would be of interest to the kiddies – the Wadlata centre is pretty good (although the souvis are pretty pricey and poor value) and the Arid Lands Botanic Centre (hope I have that name right) is worth a squint if you’re into that sort of thing.  Spencer Gulf has some great sailing and fishing (check what’s in season, I’ve not been in December, yet).  The French Hot Bread place on Commercial St. is the best in the country. From there, I would head back down and across, taking the G.O.R.; then go up into the goldfields (Ballarat, Bendigo) which have theme areas and rebuilt "old time" streets, etc. which the kids should enjoy. Finally, keep a few days for each city.  I’m not normally a city person, but Adelaide does have some charms which take some time to grow on you (once you get used to all the churches).  Take a tram to Glenelg and spend some time on the beach (hopefully all that construction is finished by now) and be sure to take in the central market just off King William Square (at the other end of the tram).  With any luck (does anyone know?  I’m about a year out of date) the Don Bradman display will still be on in one of the buildings (library?) on North Tce. As for Melbourne, I haven’t spent enough time there yet to be knowledgeable about what’s the best use of time/best interest to kids but there will be lots.  It’s quite a charming city.  I’ll leave that to the natives. HTH

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Hi if you go to see the litle penguins at Phillip Island try to get a night at AMAZING THINGS for the kids it is not spectacular but like i said it is good for the kids. Walter from Belgium — Swagmanneke( walter caremans) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Planning  a family trip with 2 kids (aged 5 & 7) and my wife during early December. We plan to start  off from Adelaide and fly back from Melbourne. Planning to hire a car and stay in the local B&Bs. Looking for suggestions, ideas or itinerary and advices.

Response:

in message As for Melbourne, I haven’t spent enough time there yet to be knowledgeable about what’s the best use of time/best interest to kids but there will be lots.  It’s quite a charming city.  I’ll leave that to the natives.

Depends what they like. Off the top of my head… – tram rides (especially if you don’t have trams in your part of the world) – museum and Scienceworks http://www.museum.vic.gov.au/ – Puffing Billy steam train http://www.puffingbilly.com.au/ – penguins at Phillip Island http://www.penguins.org.au/ – Healesville sanctuary (native animals) and Melbourne Zoo http://www.zoo.org.au/ and plenty of parks and gardens to explore. Try browsing around http://melbourne.citysearch.com.au/ Daniel — Daniel Bowen, Melbourne, Australia Visiting Australia FAQ http://www.custard.net.au/australia/

Response:

Take your time on the Great Ocean Road.  It is a great view but you need time to enjoy it,  Don’t miss the twelve Apostles.   If you have time, check out Phillips Island and the penguin parade.  Phillips Island is on the opposite side of Melbourne from Adelaide. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Planning  a family trip with 2 kids (aged 5 & 7) and my wife during early December. We plan to start  off from Adelaide and fly back from Melbourne. Planning to hire a car and stay in the local B&Bs. Looking for suggestions, ideas or itinerary and advices. That’s plenty of time.  As Daniel mentioned, don’t miss the Great Ocean Road.  You should also perhaps start by taking a run through the Flinders Ranges, perhaps as far up as Wilpena Pound.  A lot of people bag on Port Augusta but I quite like the place and there are some things that would be of interest to the kiddies – the Wadlata centre is pretty good (although the souvis are pretty pricey and poor value) and the Arid Lands Botanic Centre (hope I have that name right) is worth a squint if you’re into that sort of thing.  Spencer Gulf has some great sailing and fishing (check what’s in season, I’ve not been in December, yet).  The French Hot Bread place on Commercial St. is the best in the country. From there, I would head back down and across, taking the G.O.R.; then go up into the goldfields (Ballarat, Bendigo) which have theme areas and rebuilt "old time" streets, etc. which the kids should enjoy. Finally, keep a few days for each city.  I’m not normally a city person, but Adelaide does have some charms which take some time to grow on you (once you get used to all the churches).  Take a tram to Glenelg and spend some time on the beach (hopefully all that construction is finished by now) and be sure to take in the central market just off King William Square (at the other end of the tram).  With any luck (does anyone know?  I’m about a year out of date) the Don Bradman display will still be on in one of the buildings (library?) on North Tce. As for Melbourne, I haven’t spent enough time there yet to be knowledgeable about what’s the best use of time/best interest to kids but there will be lots.  It’s quite a charming city.  I’ll leave that to the natives. HTH

Response:

Question:

Things seem to have changed from the good ‘ol ‘357′ fishing days …… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The only trouble I had was  with a fly fisherman who was alone in  a 3-4 person  spot and thought I was rude  moving into it.

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<snip Choc fishing maggots for carp in Japan. Excellent. Most Excellent. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

Maggots are great to fish on a flyrod. They are not easily cast off the hook, and are great fishcatchers. Good, reliable pattern for me. Herman

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Choc fishing maggots for carp in Japan. Excellent. Most Excellent.

And ethical. — Charlie…

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I ve been up at  Pulaski a couple  days  a week during Oct., generally at the Baseball field. The only trouble I had was  with a fly fisherman who was alone in  a 3-4 person  spot and thought I was rude  moving into it.

I fished the baseball field area many years ago (pre-ffing), and IIRC, it’s a madhouse of shoulder to shoulder spin fishermen.   Anybody who’d seriously attempt to fly fish there is crazier that I am.  :-) Joe F.

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……I think back on how insuffereable I must have been to my trolling and casting buddies when I went through my 20 years of catch and release flyfishing purist horseshit…..

Might be worthwhile to approach this from a slightly different angle. Ever stop to think that maybe you are simply insufferable……that it might not have anything to do with whatever dim glimmerings of a philosophy are bumping around in your skull at any given moment, or the way you fish? Something to think about anyway. Wolfgang

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 The "Unified Stream Theory"  has eluded the grasp of every philosopher  that has tried to fabricate it so far. — Don Thompson Another Thompson Scion

LOL !!!  MT

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Well…most flyfishermen I’ve met really do think that they are superior No, not the back cast  but the latter

Before I fly fished and in the first couple of years after I started, most fly fishermen that I encountered did fit that mold.  I’ve met plenty however who are not like that at all.  My favorite moment from the shad trip this past June happened while standing in the river with Bill Kiene. He was talking in that particular Kiene way – I don’t know if he is trying to be funny but for some reason you want to smile or even start laughing when he’s saying stuff.  He was admiring the colors of the sunset when he directed my attention to a bait fisherman on far bank.  I’ll paraphrase what he said but it went something along the lines of: that guy might be soaking stinkbait for catfish but I bet he loves the outdoors and this river as much as we do.  So we aren’t that different from him.  And that’s a good thing. Mu

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well…most flyfishermen I’ve met really do think that they are superior No, not the back cast  but the latter Before I fly fished and in the first couple of years after I started, most fly fishermen that I encountered did fit that mold.  I’ve met plenty however who are not like that at all.  My favorite moment from the shad trip this past June happened while standing in the river with Bill Kiene. He was talking in that particular Kiene way – I don’t know if he is trying to be funny but for some reason you want to smile or even start laughing when he’s saying stuff.  He was admiring the colors of the sunset when he directed my attention to a bait fisherman on far bank.  I’ll paraphrase what he said but it went something along the lines of: that guy might be soaking stinkbait for catfish but I bet he loves the outdoors and this river as much as we do.  So we aren’t that different from him.  And that’s a good thing.

I’ve heard nothing but good things about Bill Keine. I’d like to fish with him sometime. Willi

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I’ve heard nothing but good things about Bill Keine…..

Sorry.  Been busy.  Give me a couple of days. Wolfgang

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Their comment was they  prefer to stay away from fly fisherman. I’m assuming you mean as so to not be hooked on a wayward backcast ? An interesting perspective…… Well…most flyfishermen I’ve met really do think that they are superior because they flyfish. This is unbelievably sickening to the average blue collar fishermen.  I think back on how insuffereable I must have been to my trolling and casting buddies when I went through my 20 years of catch and release flyfishing purist horseshit. I owe them for sticking with me.

No, not the back cast  but the latter. I guess each type of fishing has   it s own ethos, maybe  somewhere out there  theyll be a unifying   principals of  fishing  that someone will discover that works for everything.  MT

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No, not the back cast  but the latter. I guess each type of fishing has it s own ethos, maybe  somewhere out there  theyll be a unifying principals of  fishing  that someone will discover that works for everything.

That’s the funny thing. There is a common core, in fishing probably more than in any other human endeavour. If you read the english fishing publication "The Waterlog" it becomes immediately apparent where deep love and lore of fishing exists and where one can find these elusive unifying principals. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Their comment was they  prefer to stay away from fly fisherman. I’m assuming you mean as so to not be hooked on a wayward backcast ? An interesting perspective…… Well…most flyfishermen I’ve met really do think that they are superior because they flyfish. This is unbelievably sickening to the average blue collar fishermen.  I think back on how insuffereable I must have been to my trolling and casting buddies when I went through my 20 years of catch and release flyfishing purist horseshit. I owe them for sticking with me. No, not the back cast  but the latter. I guess each type of fishing has it s own ethos, maybe  somewhere out there  theyll be a unifying principals of  fishing  that someone will discover that works for everything.

 The "Unified Stream Theory"  has eluded the grasp of every philosopher that has tried to fabricate it so far. — Don Thompson Another Thompson Scion

Response:

It’s like an addiction – you know it isn’t good for you, you know the neighbourhood isn’t the best, you know that nothing much good comes of it, but you go anyway.  At least once a year, I need my salmon fix. Those that know the Great Lakes tributary salmon hunt, find superlatives are non-existant and compliments stick south of the navel, yet it’s amazing how many of us like to get down and grubby. The Burnhamthorpe parking lot was a sight to be seen.  Not a spot anywhere, with the truly desperate parking on any semi-level ground not occupied by an immoveable object.  The new 2002 fishing car got broken-in as I scraped its belly on a half-buried concrete curb in an effort to secure the last stretch of unmuddied grass.  Truck habits are obviously hard to break.  Two weeks ago it would’ve been, "What curb?" My Scott SAS two-hander had only been out a couple of times and still didn’t have a fish to it’s credit – neither did the reel (in my possession.)  So despite this being highly unsuitable conditions for a two-hander, I took it anyway.  The long and the short of it – fair hooked three, landed one.   Though not Alaska combat conditions, one does fish cheek-by-jowl. There’s something to be said for shooting the shit with a half dozen or more anglers with earshot – sharing a laugh or helping out with another’s fish, spotting a salmon for someone, or giving ground when your offering has been rejected and letting someone else have a go. More than just fishing, given proximity to a couple of pleasant personalities, it turns into a little social event.  There is the odd dickhead but it isn’t much of a challenge in refusing to let the mood be spoiled. Probably take the bro-in-law and Scott out next Sunday morning for one last try. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

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Though not Alaska combat conditions, one does fish cheek-by-jowl. There’s something to be said for shooting the shit with a half dozen or more anglers with earshot – sharing a laugh or helping out with another’s fish, spotting a salmon for someone, or giving ground when your offering has been rejected and letting someone else have a go. More than just fishing, given proximity to a couple of pleasant personalities, it turns into a little social event.  There is the odd dickhead but it isn’t much of a challenge in refusing to let the mood be spoiled.

…this is so, well… YOU!  one of the reasons your presence at the roff gatherings is such a welcoming thing. well said… jeff (a sow’s ear)

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There’s something to be said for shooting the shit with a half dozen or more anglers with earshot – sharing a laugh or helping out with another’s fish, spotting a salmon for someone, or giving ground when your offering has been rejected and letting someone else have a go. More than just fishing, given proximity to a couple of pleasant personalities, it turns into a little social event.  There is the odd dickhead but it isn’t much of a challenge in refusing to let the mood be spoiled.

That’s a good description of the silver lining to the crowds on the Salmon River in Pulaski.   Yeah, it can be a bit testy at times, but now and then you find yourself, as much through luck as anything else, standing amongst a crowd of genuinely good-natured fellows out to have as much fun as you.   In some respects, there’s a parallel to ROFF in these situations.   A group of strangers shout, joke, fish, and generally have a good time in each other’s company; and the occasional dickhead doesn’t ruin the fun.   Solitude on a peaceful stream is still great, but there *is* something to be said for the group mayhem during these runs. Joe F. (ten more days ’til my turn.)

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That’s a good description of the silver lining to the crowds on the Salmon River in Pulaski.   Yeah, it can be a bit testy at times, but now and then you find yourself, as much through luck as anything else, standing amongst a crowd of genuinely good-natured fellows out to have as much fun as you.  

That sounds a lot like shad fishing on the American River in Sacramento. Now if only the shad would cooperate … — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

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 I ve been up at  Pulaski a couple  days  a week during Oct., generally at the Baseball field. I ve found the  other fisherman up there to be a great  bunch of folks, willing to  get out of your way when a  hooked salmon  goes plunging thru the spots they re fishing, helping with   landing and interesting to talk to. The only trouble I had was  with a fly fisherman who was alone in  a 3-4 person  spot and thought I was rude  moving into it. As I was only there to  help a friend get started  salmon fishing I soon left    once he   got the hang  it.  I mentioned this encounter to some of the regulars   on the other bank. Their comment was they  prefer to stay away from fly fisherman. An interesting perspective……  MT

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Their comment was they  prefer to stay away from fly fisherman.

I’m assuming you mean as so to not be hooked on a wayward backcast ? An interesting perspective……

Well…most flyfishermen I’ve met really do think that they are superior because they flyfish. This is unbelievably sickening to the average blue collar fishermen.  I think back on how insuffereable I must have been to my trolling and casting buddies when I went through my 20 years of catch and release flyfishing purist horseshit. I owe them for sticking with me. Choc fishing maggots for carp in Japan. Excellent. Most Excellent. — TBone Walker The Halfordian Golfer

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Question:

I’ll be going to Thompson Falls Montana within the nex t two weeks to pilot a logging helicopter.  We usually work from 5:30 am until about 3:00 PM, depending upon the winds.  This leaves me a lot of time to fly fish. Does anyone know a good place to fish for flies in and around Thompson Falls Montana? Mike

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 Does anyone know a good place to fish for flies in and around Thompson Falls Montana? Mike

just build up a good body sweat and stand in the woods just about anywhere, and you’ll catch plenty of flies.  don’t believe that old honey/vinegar story. <G jeff (lord of the flies)

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I’m heading out to SW Montana and Idaho in hopes of finding things in much better shape than the news has let on.  We’re planning on spending a few days in Yellowstone and then out to Henrys Fork.  I haven’t seen any fishing reports – anyone know how the fishing has been in that area?  Any information is appreciated. Thanks Scott

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fished the missouri today. big browns! it is open we think all is well. there were lots of fires this summer that got in the way. check out the little blackfoot. primo west throat cut throat territory. littleblackfootriverretreat.com

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Water temperatures are fine on our side of the divide (high 50’s) and the rivers are NOT closed (except maybe the Missouri, haven’t heard whether they reopened that one or not). We have had cool weather and decent rain. The governor did lift the restrictions but we are still at level IV, which means NO campfires, stoves, etc. except in developed designated campgrounds. With more rain that will get better. Fishing should be fantastic although everybody and his uncle will be out there now that we can fish again (after a month of NO FISH). Have fun. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana http://www.montana.com/dno/dno.htm 406-626-4022 I’m heading out to SW Montana and Idaho in hopes of finding things in much better shape than the news has let on.  We’re planning on spending a few days in Yellowstone and then out to Henrys Fork.  I haven’t seen any fishing reports – anyone know how the fishing has been in that area?  Any information is appreciated. Thanks Scott Montana opened a lot of closed land today. Some areas..Beaverhead County I believe are still closed. As for the rivers…everyone I have seen, except the Madison, are painfully low and as far as I know closed to fishing.  Even if they are open I would not fish them. We need more water, but more importantly we need cooler water temps. and that is happening…slowly.  The Madison was fishing just great last week.  Water temps. around 58-59 degrees…flow is near normal.  I heard the Beaverhead was looking good but very crowded…also heard the Henry’s Fork is fishing well.

Brian good to hear the water temps have dropped and the rivers ARE open.  A buddy of mne was doing some business out toward Superior so he checked out the river along the frontage road…he said it was boiling!  The cool weather and overcast skies sure help alot. Maybe this weekend I forget about selling trees and shrubs and head for the river!

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Water temperatures are fine on our side of the divide (high 50’s) and the rivers are NOT closed (except maybe the Missouri, haven’t heard whether they reopened that one or not). We have had cool weather and decent rain. The governor did lift the restrictions but we are still at level IV, which means NO campfires, stoves, etc. except in developed designated campgrounds. With more rain that will get better. Fishing should be fantastic although everybody and his uncle will be out there now that we can fish again (after a month of NO FISH). Have fun. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana http://www.montana.com/dno/dno.htm 406-626-4022

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m heading out to SW Montana and Idaho in hopes of finding things in much better shape than the news has let on.  We’re planning on spending a few days in Yellowstone and then out to Henrys Fork.  I haven’t seen any fishing reports – anyone know how the fishing has been in that area?  Any information is appreciated. Thanks Scott Montana opened a lot of closed land today. Some areas..Beaverhead County I believe are still closed. As for the rivers…everyone I have seen, except the Madison, are painfully low and as far as I know closed to fishing.  Even if they are open I would not fish them. We need more water, but more importantly we need cooler water temps. and that is happening…slowly.  The Madison was fishing just great last week.  Water temps. around 58-59 degrees…flow is near normal.  I heard the Beaverhead was looking good but very crowded…also heard the Henry’s Fork is fishing well.

Response:

I’m heading out to SW Montana and Idaho in hopes of finding things in much better shape than the news has let on.  We’re planning on spending a few days in Yellowstone and then out to Henrys Fork.  I haven’t seen any fishing reports – anyone know how the fishing has been in that area?  Any information is appreciated. Thanks Scott

Montana opened a lot of closed land today. Some areas..Beaverhead County I believe are still closed. As for the rivers…everyone I have seen, except the Madison, are painfully low and as far as I know closed to fishing.  Even if they are open I would not fish them. We need more water, but more importantly we need cooler water temps. and that is happening…slowly.  The Madison was fishing just great last week.  Water temps. around 58-59 degrees…flow is near normal.  I heard the Beaverhead was looking good but very crowded…also heard the Henry’s Fork is fishing well.

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I joined the local chapter of TU a couple of months ago when I started getting serious about flyfishing. I’ve only been to 2 meetings so far, but I’ve enjoyed both immensely, and have learned an awful lot from other members. If I had a FFF chapter near me I would probably join that too! From what I’ve seen and heard about other chapters, it all depends on the individual chapter you plan on joining as to whether they are a conservation type group or not. Although I’m in a TU chapter, quite honestly stream conservation is not the focus of the group, though it probably should be (and is supposed to be considering TU is first and foremost a conservation group). By all means join at least one of the two. There are a lot of perks to being in something like this. For example, I was planning on purchasing a seat in a 6 week fly-tying course at my local Orvis shop until I just found out my local TU chapter is running a 6-week tying class beginning the same exact night for free! And best of all, unlike the flyshop instructor who is itching to get out of there as soon as the 2-hour class is over, the TU class will basically be a bunch of guys hanging out shooting the breeze and learning until everyone gets tired and goes home (I hear they usually last 3.5-4 hours per night). Good luck!

Hi Mark!         The Fly Tying courses being held by the Delaware Valley Fly Fishing Clubs are like this. You drop by with some "stuff" and the instructor (Tom) leads into the fly of the night. Some of the others who show up just kibitz and some actually tie other flies. It’s a nice diversion and a great way to get other opinions and methods of tying. Also this was pretty much free although I’d join the club to support their efforts. Nice bunch!         Drop me a line if you’re interested! — Michael Era

Question:

Was last there five years ago and am thinking of going again in August and know they have a new system for permits with a new automated Provincial Parc permit phone # and all (which I have), but I’m not sure of my dates yet so I have a simple question: Is the system basically the same now as it was before, i.e., you call, reserve your permit, but then gotta pick it up and pay at one of the Ranger stations at the entry points?         Thanks in advance. Sure wish those folks designing these automated tele systems would think about how to provide a way to get some simple information in addition to providing rote services. tgb

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Is the system basically the

same now as it was before, i.e., you call, reserve your permit, but then gotta pick it up and pay at one of the Ranger stations at the entry points? I was sending my answer, when aol decided to close down, so I may be posting this twice. I just received my Remote Area Border Crossing Permit today. Since most or all of the remote customs areas have been closed, you either have to do it by mail or check in at a spot that may not be near your crossing. By mail. they want a photocopy of Birth Certificate and $30 per person or family. Mine took about 2 weeks to process. Dave http://members.tripod.com/~VideoDave

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In response to my question as to permits for Quetico camping DavesVideo I just received my Remote Area Border Crossing Permit today. Since most or all of the remote customs areas have been closed, you either have to do it by mail or check in at a spot that may not be near your crossing. By mail. they want a photocopy of Birth Certificate and $30 per person or family. Mine took about 2 weeks to process.

        Nah Dave, that’s a different thing. That’s for when you want to cross the Border at a … remote point of entry. But, for instance, if you are gonna go into the Parc from one of the northern entry points, and gonna come in from, say, Atikokan, and cross the border at Int’l Falls or Pigeon River, then you don’t need that, and that’s what I’m gonna do. That’s a permit to cross the border, needed at certain remote spots. What I’m interested in is the permit for camping. And my question again is whether the system for these is the same as it used to be: you call, reserve a permit for X date entry, then hafta pick same up at a Ranger station at the Parc when you go in, at which point you also pay. Answer anyone? tgb

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We’re doing the same thing this year – reserve permits and pick them up at a rangers station. For what it’s worth, we reserved our permits back in Feb which was before the new system was put into place. Was last there five years ago and am thinking of going again in August and know they have a new system for permits with a new automated Provincial Parc permit phone # and all (which I have), but I’m not sure of my dates yet so I have a simple question: Is the system basically the same now as it was before, i.e., you call, reserve your permit, but then gotta pick it up and pay at one of the Ranger stations at the entry points?    Thanks in advance. Sure wish those folks designing these automated tele systems would think about how to provide a way to get some simple information in addition to providing rote services. tgb

- Mark Chun Santa Barbara, CA

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In response to my post asking about current Quetico permit processes qrk We’re doing the same thing this year – reserve permits and pick them up at a rangers station. For what it’s worth, we reserved our permits back in Feb which was before the new system was put into place.

        Hey, thanks, and for what it’s worth I found out I’m already screwed. Called to get a permit (finally nailed down my possible dates of entry) and they seem to have zip available for Aug. 12, 13, 14, etc. at entry points not also requiring one of these new remote border crossing permits. Arrgg.         Anyone know of any nice lakes/areas up around SW Ontario not in Quetico where you can find some solitude, nice canoeing, and good smallmouth fly-fishing? Smallmouth just ain’t all that common once you get out of that neck of the woods. tgb

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Question:

This subject has probably been done here before, but I’ll post this anyway. I do about 90% of my fishing in the surf or on jetties for Bluefish, Striped Bass and Weakfish.  The balance is for warmwater species, and when I’m feeling particularly masochistic, I might try for some trout which usually only laugh at me. Anyway, the question is: When is a fly a fly?   Does it have to represent or suggest some stage of an insect’s life?  I’d guess most of you would call the things I throw "Streamers"  or for the English, "Lures", but they are called "Flies" by everyone I know who uses them, even though some of them can be (and have been) cast by ultralight or even light action spinning rods. Here’s some more things to chew on:  What about materials?  Do they have to be natural or will synthetic be acceptable? How about epoxy, a material I love to use because it stands up to big teeth. So far as I am concerned, as long as the offering is too light to be cast by conventional or spinning rods that can reasonably be expected to subdue the fish you’re looking for but must be cast by line weight instead of lure weight, then it’s a fly, even if it is 14" long… — Tight Lines and Fair Winds! Ed

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This subject has probably been done here before, but I’ll post this anyway. I do about 90% of my fishing in the surf or on jetties for Bluefish, Striped Bass and Weakfish.  The balance is for warmwater species, and when I’m feeling particularly masochistic, I might try for some trout which usually only laugh at me. Anyway, the question is: When is a fly a fly?   Does it have to represent or suggest some stage of an insect’s life?  I’d guess most of you would call the things I throw "Streamers"  or for the English, "Lures", but they are called "Flies" by everyone I know who uses them, even though some of them can be (and have been) cast by ultralight or even light action spinning rods. Here’s some more things to chew on:  What about materials?  Do they have to be natural or will synthetic be acceptable? How about epoxy, a material I love to use because it stands up to big teeth. So far as I am concerned, as long as the offering is too light to be cast by conventional or spinning rods that can reasonably be expected to subdue the fish you’re looking for but must be cast by line weight instead of lure weight, then it’s a fly, even if it is 14" long… — Tight Lines and Fair Winds! Ed

Ed, My understanding of the definition of a fly is a "lure" made from fur and feather, of couse synthetic materials are also allowed in conjunction with fur and feather. Darin

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Question:

Yep, I know, probably two words you don’t expect to see in the same sentence, but check this out: Last week, Walt Winter ended a piece of correspondence by wishing me tight lines and screaming reels.  I left the next day for three days on the Miramichi to fish for Atlantic Salmon.  Hooked and landed 4 the first day, biggest one was 15 lbs.  Next day, hooked 4 and landed 1. River was up and dirty from snowmelt the next day, so I didn’t fish.   That pretty much beats any whole salmon SEASON I’ve ever enjoyed, never mind a single weekend.  Talk about your tight lines and screaming reels: just about toasted my old Beaudex. I attribute this success 100% to Walt, so if you ever get email from him that ends with ‘tight lines and screaming reels’, drop everything and get the hell to the river.  Probably wouldn’t hurt to carry a paper copy of the email, either, as extra insurance. thanks walt brent

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yep, I know, probably two words you don’t expect to see in the same sentence, but check this out: Last week, Walt Winter ended a piece of correspondence by wishing me tight lines and screaming reels.  I left the next day for three days on the Miramichi to fish for Atlantic Salmon.  Hooked and landed 4 the first day, biggest one was 15 lbs.  Next day, hooked 4 and landed 1. River was up and dirty from snowmelt the next day, so I didn’t fish. That pretty much beats any whole salmon SEASON I’ve ever enjoyed, never mind a single weekend.  Talk about your tight lines and screaming reels: just about toasted my old Beaudex. I attribute this success 100% to Walt, so if you ever get email from him that ends with ‘tight lines and screaming reels’, drop everything and get the hell to the river.  Probably wouldn’t hurt to carry a paper copy of the email, either, as extra insurance. thanks walt brent

anytime my friend. dang wayno, these distilled mountain phenacite brews work! waldo the soothsayer? —                 waldo’s palmistry and flyshop      P.O. Box 5112  Banner Elk, NC 28604     ezflyfish.com for your flyfishing gear:           http://www.ezflyfish.com

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waldo the soothsayer?

Careful there, Walt.  Next think you know you’ll start playing with snakes, and…well, just remember what happened to Cassandra… — Bob Jarvis Mail address hacked to foil spammers!

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waldo the soothsayer? Careful there, Walt.  Next think you know you’ll start playing with snakes, and…well, just remember what happened to Cassandra… — Bob Jarvis Mail address hacked to foil spammers!

        bob, in watauga county, nc, playing with snakes is a prerequisite to graduation from high school.   don’t you fret about ol waldo and them timber rattlers. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Question:

I recently bought a fly outfit and was wondering if there was a good visual tutorial on the net, or anywhere else. Thx HR

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  I recently bought a fly outfit and was wondering if there was a good   visual tutorial on the net, or anywhere else.   Thx   HR

A visual tutorial for what?  Casting?  Fishing?  Fly tying?   Why didn’t you ask the joker from whom you bought your rod? Go back to the store where you bought the fly outfit and ask them for casting lessons and inquire about fishing classes (if you’ve not fished before).  If they don’t offer these things then return the outfit immediately and go somewhere else that does! I say this in all seriousness.  You are going to want lots more equipment and need lots more advice before long and you’d do well to get acquainted with a nice shop that can provide all these things. Be warned that fly tying is also looming on the horizon for you. cheers,         -tgades — Tony Gades. Seattle, WA.  USA http://weber.u.washington.edu/~tgades http://weber.u.washington.edu/~tgades/Fishing/fish_page.html email: replace the "this_address_is_wrong" with "tgades"

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Question:

Harrison River in British Columbia has lots of big (to 25lbs.), strong (I’ve broken at least one reel) salmon.  Chums are not great to eat, but for us catch & release people they can be fun.  Small pink marabou flies fished deep can be great.  Downstream from the bridge is a favorite spot. Help!  I’d really like more information on this fishery.  Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks!  :-) P.S. Please E-MAIL me your response (I am usually out fishing, so I don’t have time to MONITOR this bulletin board…but email gets to me no problem).  Thanks K Lawson

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I’ve fished the Harrison for a number of years. You want chums try flour red or orange glo-bug yarn with a tinsel body. Dead drift with a type 4 sink tip. For a change of pace try cutts part on the east shore. More my style. I find the big dogs  (and if you’ve been fishing in BC as long as me you’d call them dogs) kind of boring after getting over the initial novelty of big fish on the fly. But lots of people enjoy these hard pulling fish and if that’s you’re cup of tea – you know where they are. Should continue into Nov. Try the chehalis just up the Morris Valley road by the Sasquatch Inn for mondo dogs and lots of coho. Good cutts in Dec and steelhead show in late Dec- Jan. Gets very crwoded tho’ Best of luck!

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Question:

I’m just starting the sport of fly fishing and would like to know where I can fish in Arizona. I would appreciate information on productive fly fishing locations and places to stay also in the area.                        Thank you for your time,                                     Adam

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I’m just starting the sport of fly fishing and would like to know where I can fish in Arizona. I would appreciate information on productive fly fishing locations and places to stay also in the area.                       Thank you for your time,                                    Adam

Hello Adam, Welcome to flyfishing!  I think you will find many enjoyable opportunities to flyfish in the state of Arizona.  I upkeep a web page which is devoted to fly fishing in the state, which is not so surprisingly called Fly Fishing in Arizona.  On the page are several lists of fishing locations and resources, along with current fishing reports.  The location is listed below. I hope this information is of use to you.  Please feel free to e-mail me with any additional questions. John Shannon Fly Fishing in Arizona http://www.indirect.com/user/jshannon

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 I’m just starting the sport of fly fishing and would like to know where I  can fish in Arizona. I would appreciate information on productive fly  fishing locations and places to stay also in the area.

Try  http://www.indirect.com/user/jshannon

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Adam, Try http://www.indirect.com/user/jshannon/, it is the AZ Flyfishing WWW home page.  I don’t know your location but the page has locations all over AZ.  I would recommend the lower Salt River (below Saguaro Lake) and Lee’s Ferry (if you can get there. Regards, Steve.

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(Filthyfly) writes: I’m just starting the sport of fly fishing and would like to know where I can fish in Arizona. I would appreciate information on productive fly fishing locations and places to stay also in the area.                       Thank you for your time,                                    Adam

Adam, Please check out www.kinghill.com/adventur/ambass.html and see the packages for fly fishing at Lee’s Ferry and the Grand Canyon.  The Grand Canyon package is one of a kind…. Tom

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