Question:

Folding Kayaks are very stable and are used for fishing. Look at www.folbot.com and www.klepperusa.com. Artie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello everyone: I have been doing some research on recreational kayaks for the main purposes of lake paddling and FISHING. Some of them are: a. Old Town: Loon 111 and Loon 100 b. Perception: Swifty, Sierra, and Acadia c. Wilderness Systems: Pungo, Bandit, and Critter d. Necky: Sky e. Heritage Kayaks: Featherlite For those who fish from a recreational kayak: 1. Is there any particular brand/model that you will strongly suggest? 2. How have you rigged it for fishing? 3. Any website with information and pictures on rigging a kayak for fishing? Thanks a lot for your help. Javier Woodbridge, VA

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello everyone: I have been doing some research on recreational kayaks for the main purposes of lake paddling and FISHING. Some of them are: a. Old Town: Loon 111 and Loon 100 b. Perception: Swifty, Sierra, and Acadia c. Wilderness Systems: Pungo, Bandit, and Critter d. Necky: Sky e. Heritage Kayaks: Featherlite For those who fish from a recreational kayak: 1. Is there any particular brand/model that you will strongly suggest? 2. How have you rigged it for fishing? 3. Any website with information and pictures on rigging a kayak for fishing? Thanks a lot for your help. Javier Woodbridge, VA

The outdoors editor for the Houston Chronicle was a kayak fisherman…. From my kayak experience – get as wide a boat as possible. Wide equals stable and that is a good thing for moving and fishing (but a bit slower for kayaking). Obviously large cockpit opening is good too! paul — PAUL OMAN Offered By: Progressive Epoxy Polymers, Inc. Frog Pond Hollow 48 Wildwood Drive – Pittsfield, NH 03263 603-435-7199   FAX 603-435-7182 HOURS: 10-5  Mon-Thur Eastern Time VISA or MasterCard Accepted http://www.epoxyproducts.com VIEW OFFICES: http://www.picturetrail.com/p.oman/289271 PRODUCTS/PRICES: http://www.epoxyproducts4u.com FAQ: http://www.epoxyproducts.com/25points4u.html BOATING: http://www.epoxyproducts.com/marine.html

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Also consider the Perception Keowee. My Keowee II is about 31" wide which makes it about the widest recreational kayak and it is very stable. Lynn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have been doing some research on recreational kayaks for the main purposes of lake paddling and FISHING. Some of them are: a. Old Town: Loon 111 and Loon 100 b. Perception: Swifty, Sierra, and Acadia c. Wilderness Systems: Pungo, Bandit, and Critter d. Necky: Sky e. Heritage Kayaks: Featherlite For those who fish from a recreational kayak: 1. Is there any particular brand/model that you will strongly suggest? 2. How have you rigged it for fishing? 3. Any website with information and pictures on rigging a kayak for fishing? Thanks a lot for your help. Javier Woodbridge, VA The outdoors editor for the Houston Chronicle was a kayak fisherman…. From my kayak experience – get as wide a boat as possible. Wide equals stable and that is a good thing for moving and fishing (but a bit slower for kayaking). Obviously large cockpit opening is good too! paul

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I don’t fish from a kayak, but have friends who do and they recommend a kayak that was produced only briefly by Perception.  It was the Axxess Backcountry – which was a modification to the Axxess which was perfectly modified in various ways for fishing.   The design was by Jim Snyder – maybe he could steer you to someone who could lay you up one in glass.  (The Perception model was in plastic.)  Jim’s website is for his paddles, but you can access his email from there and maybe he could help you out. http://www.jimisnyder.com – Mothra

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also might check out the  kiwi "Lobo", very similar to the swifty. head over to www.paddling.net and post your question there also, i know quite a few folks there fish from their yaks. good luck, paddle on….

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1. Is there any particular brand/model that you will strongly suggest?

I like the Wilderness Systems Ride SOT model for fly fishing. It works great for slow moving rivers and inshore lakes and saltwater. 2. How have you rigged it for fishing?

I added a couple of Scotty fly rod holders and rigged a couple of eyelets and a jam cleat so I can use a float tube anchor attached to the bow. — Charlie…

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**** Post for FREE via your newsreader at post.usenet.com **** I fish out of a Wilderness Systems Pungo.  I live on a large but narrow impoundment (Herrington Lake).  The Pungo tracks extremely well for a 12′ kayak, yet turns easily with a lean.  The heavy motorboat traffic in the summer does not cause me any problems.  The large cockpit has room for a lot of gear, including space behind the seat.  I would highly recommend this boat.  Mine has no special rigging for fishing other than a set of paddle clips/rod holder for use while paddling to a fishing spot.  I generally use a fly rod and even troll with it just leaning out over the bow with the reel sitting in the cup holder. You might find the following web site of interest (no affiliation): http://www.kayakfishing.com/ Conrad Shiba Danville, KY  *** Usenet.com – The #1 Usenet Newsgroup Service on The Planet! ***                       http://www.usenet.com

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Hello everyone: I have been doing some research on recreational kayaks for the main purposes of lake paddling and FISHING. Some of them are: a. Old Town: Loon 111 and Loon 100 b. Perception: Swifty, Sierra, and Acadia c. Wilderness Systems: Pungo, Bandit, and Critter d. Necky: Sky e. Heritage Kayaks: Featherlite For those who fish from a recreational kayak: 1. Is there any particular brand/model that you will strongly suggest? 2. How have you rigged it for fishing? 3. Any website with information and pictures on rigging a kayak for fishing? Thanks a lot for your help. Javier Woodbridge, VA

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 I fish from a Perception America. Added deck lines, two each flush mount and deck mount rod-holders. Used to have a depth finder installed but I removed it for another kayak. There are some pictures at http://casualkayaker.tripod.com. I have found very few sites for recreational kayaks so far. Phil Rowe message – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello everyone: I have been doing some research on recreational kayaks for the main purposes of lake paddling and FISHING. Some of them are: a. Old Town: Loon 111 and Loon 100 b. Perception: Swifty, Sierra, and Acadia c. Wilderness Systems: Pungo, Bandit, and Critter d. Necky: Sky e. Heritage Kayaks: Featherlite For those who fish from a recreational kayak: 1. Is there any particular brand/model that you will strongly suggest? 2. How have you rigged it for fishing? 3. Any website with information and pictures on rigging a kayak for fishing? Thanks a lot for your help. Javier Woodbridge, VA

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Question:

But Tiger had to shoot 2 under (or so it seemed) for 4 holes on Friday to get paid for the week.  Guess who got it done.  The same guy who can’t find a fairway, can’t hit a wedge the right distance, can’t sink an 8 footer, and still gets it around the course under par for the week.  He’s not a winner this week but Tiger is the most determined SOB the sport has seen since Ben Hogan. Your logic is astounding.  Are you a democrat, by any chance? Greg

What has THAT got to do with anything? I’m about as Republican as you can get, and I’ll echo Joseph: Tiger is the most determined SOB the sport has seen since Ben Hogan. Most Republicans are smart enough to realize that Joseph’s point was this: that, despite the fact that Tiger had nowhere near his "A game" this week, he really gritted it out. When it was crunch time late in Friday’s round and he was in danger of missing the cut, he found a way to get the job done. Say, you’re not a Perotista, are you, Greg?  :-) Ray Pezzi

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it? I’d like to have seen Tiger on the last green – unfortuantely for him, Phil was 13 strokes better The point was that when Tiger has a chance to win, he usually converts. Winners find a way to win. Losers find a way to lose.

Yse, but first you have to have a chance to win.  My point is that Phil outplayed Tiger and yet somehow Phil is a loser.  Yes, Tiger has had big wins in the past, but this weekend he wasn’t even close to Phil.  Is Tiger a loser for the way he played this weekend or does he get special dispensation due to past victories?  People will say that Lowery played great golf and that Katayama played great golf but that a guy who was better than either of them played crappy golf, is a loser, etc.  Why is it superior to finish at -10 than at -14? They were not good enough to get that close to Toms so therefore they aren’t chokers – they are fine golfers. Let me get this straight – Phil Mickelson is a much better golfer than anybody else and whenever he loses it is because he chokes.  He could have kicked Tiger’s butt in the Masters but he choked.  Tiger is not capable of  outplaying Mickelson, its just that Mickelson cannot summon up his superior talent because he doesn’t have the killer instinct.  Is this what we are supposed to believe? Tiger missed a short put on the back nine in the Masters.  Question:  was that a choke?  Toms missed two short put on Sunday – were they chokes?  Nobody is willing to say it at the time it is made.  Once the tournament is over it is obvious – no, they weren’t chokes because the guy who missed the put won the tournament.  Had he lost, they might then have said that it was a choke.  Lovely standard – let’s wait for the final score and then we will look back at each mishap and refer to it as a choke if it happened to the loser and an obstacle from which the winner battled back heroically.  Phil has 19 victories but everybody harps about the lack of a major.  How does he keep from choking in those tournaments?  I know, they aren’t majors and so they don’t count.  Even if he beats many of the same golfers (including Tiger) he still sucks.  Let’s face it – if Phil had shot a 59 and Toms shot a 60 people would still call Phil a choker because he didn’t win. Maybe he and Monty will get in a playoff in a major then someone will have to win and no matter what happens the loser will be called a choker. (don’t laugh – the Oakland Raiders and the Minnesota Vikings went to a Super Bowl with both of them having the reputation of not being able to win the big one).

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In that case, given Woods’ current level of play, I believe that Woods would have missed the putt. If Woods was playing up to his best level, he may have made the putt. However, we’ll never know, will we? You are probably asking whether it is Tiger or Phil who has more of a killer instinct. If that’s the case, then why don’t you simply find the right words? There is no need to be sarcastic towards me. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No, my question was what would’ve happened had Tiger been there in Phil’s place.  The fact that Tiger wasn’t there is obvious and irrelevant. If I ask you if you think you could make a 2-foot putt to win The Masters, it makes no sense to answer, "But I’d never have a 2-foot putt to win The Masters." Look up "hypothetical."

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Tiger would have hit the ball closer to the hole from the fairway. That’s the difference between the guy who’s won every major and the guy who hasn’t won one yet but still doesn’t want to be hitting 4 from the other side of the water.  The fact that Phil didn’t hit his approach 6 feet from the hole is the best evidence yet that his mindset has started to change.  Unfortunately he needed the old Phil for that one last full swing today.   -joseph – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it? Neither – goes long, but makes the 4 footer coming back.

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But Tiger had to shoot 2 under (or so it seemed) for 4 holes on Friday to get paid for the week.  Guess who got it done.  The same guy who can’t find a fairway, can’t hit a wedge the right distance, can’t sink an 8 footer, and still gets it around the course under par for the week.  He’s not a winner this week but Tiger is the most determined SOB the sport has seen since Ben Hogan.

Your logic is astounding.  Are you a democrat, by any chance? Greg

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Tiger would have put his second shot to within 3 feet. He then would have missed the bird as is his current norm. Before being dumped by women twice in succession he woulda had a better shot.

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I tell ya, it’s in the eyes.  It’s in the mind.  When Tiger is in position to win, and he needs that 30 footer to win, you can see it in his eyes.  You wouldn’t bet against him.  He *knows* its going in.  Call it focus.  Call it determination.  Call it "brining it up a level".  It’s when its all on the line – he *has* no doubts.  *If* he fails, he’s pissed – at himself, at the golf gods.  It would never enter his mind that he might end up in 2nd place. Not that hang-dog defeated "not again" look. Tiger hasn’t had that look in his eyes this year.  The fact that he’s one of the best golfers to ever live has allowed him to win a few, even a major – without that in-the-zone focus for 4 days.  Maybe it’s burn out from last year, or the media hype, or distraction from his million dollar other interests, or fly fishing with Mark.  Or maybe its his plan to just play bad enough to undo the hype for a while… who knows.  But *that* Tiger, the one who stares it down, hasn’t been on the course much. Phil on the other hand, always has that "please God" look when he’s up against it.  I know that look.  I live that look on the course (of course without the raw talent that Phil *does* have). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it? I’d like to have seen Tiger on the last green – unfortuantely for him, Phil was 13 strokes better The point was that when Tiger has a chance to win, he usually converts. Winners find a way to win. Losers find a way to lose.

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it? Tiger would’ve made the put on 16 so he would never have gotten in the situation, but saying he didn’t… nothing but the bottom of the cup.

He sure the hell wouldn’t have left that 7-iron 45 feet short on 16 !! And if he had, he wouldn’t have listened to some drunken idiots telling him it was slow coming up the slope….. Annika, was that you ???

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The point was that when Tiger has a chance to win, he usually converts.

Three 3-putts on the first day of a PGA tourney and you find it hard to have any chance to be around on the weekend.  From what I saw of him on Thursday, you could have putted better than Tiger. Also remember that Tiger is quite tough on one-to-one battles when he gets in position.  Remember those USGA titles and last year’s PGA. Winners find a way to win. Losers find a way to lose.

Looks like Phil beat a long list of guys and lost to one.  To me the bottom line is that Duval (and I expect Phil) thought that 16 under would win.  Phil left two strokes out on the course he got the other days – perhaps the course harden up a little. Cheers, Mike

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I agree that visually, Tiger seems to have  more "killer instinct" compared to Phil (and I’d bet money that this is true). However, it’s hard to believe that Phil really thinks in the manner you describe below (but I understand what you are saying based on his facial expressions). I doubt that Phil would not have gotten as far as he has w/o a very strong desire to win. That said, what do I or anyone of us here know. Only Mickelson knows. No matter what we think about this subject, the best arbiter will be the test of time. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I tell ya, it’s in the eyes.  It’s in the mind.  When Tiger is in position to win, and he needs that 30 footer to win, you can see it in his eyes. You wouldn’t bet against him.  He *knows* its going in.  Call it focus.  Call it determination.  Call it "brining it up a level".  It’s when its all on the line – he *has* no doubts.  *If* he fails, he’s pissed – at himself, at the golf gods.  It would never enter his mind that he might end up in 2nd place. Not that hang-dog defeated "not again" look. Tiger hasn’t had that look in his eyes this year.  The fact that he’s one of the best golfers to ever live has allowed him to win a few, even a major – without that in-the-zone focus for 4 days.  Maybe it’s burn out from last year, or the media hype, or distraction from his million dollar other interests, or fly fishing with Mark.  Or maybe its his plan to just play bad enough to undo the hype for a while… who knows.  But *that* Tiger, the one who stares it down, hasn’t been on the course much. Phil on the other hand, always has that "please God" look when he’s up against it.  I know that look.  I live that look on the course (of course without the raw talent that Phil *does* have).

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By your definition, Tiger is a loser? I disagree. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Winners find a way to win. Losers find a way to lose.

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But Tiger had to shoot 2 under (or so it seemed) for 4 holes on Friday to get paid for the week.  Guess who got it done.  The same guy who can’t find a fairway, can’t hit a wedge the right distance, can’t sink an 8 footer, and still gets it around the course under par for the week.  He’s not a winner this week but Tiger is the most determined SOB the sport has seen since Ben Hogan.   -joseph – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it? But Tiger WASN’T in his place.

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it?

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it?

But Tiger WASN’T in his place.

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it?

Tiger would’ve made the put on 16 so he would never have gotten in the situation, but saying he didn’t… nothing but the bottom of the cup.

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it?

I’d like to have seen Tiger on the last green – unfortuantely for him, Phil was 13 strokes better

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it?

Or put a putting machine in either of their places and let it make the putt once.  Don’t change anything and see if it goes in again. Joseph

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it? But Tiger WASN’T in his place.

No shit.

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it? I’d like to have seen Tiger on the last green – unfortuantely for him, Phil was 13 strokes better

The point was that when Tiger has a chance to win, he usually converts. Winners find a way to win. Losers find a way to lose.

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it?

Neither – goes long, but makes the 4 footer coming back.

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: Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. : Does he come up short or does he make it? He comes up short, probably, from there. The difference is that Tiger would have snuggled that approach closer. cb

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The way Tiger has played lately…….he misses too, but gets an angry look on his face like it was his caddies fault that he missed it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. : Does he come up short or does he make it? He comes up short, probably, from there. The difference is that Tiger would have snuggled that approach closer. cb

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it? I’d like to have seen Tiger on the last green – unfortuantely for him, Phil was 13 strokes better The point was that when Tiger has a chance to win, he usually converts. Winners find a way to win. Losers find a way to lose.

Winners find a way to be playing at the last hole when they CAN win.  Losers watch on TV.

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But Tiger WASN’T in his place. No sh**. "Annika", you’ve answered your own question.

No, my question was what would’ve happened had Tiger been there in Phil’s place.  The fact that Tiger wasn’t there is obvious and irrelevant. If I ask you if you think you could make a 2-foot putt to win The Masters, it makes no sense to answer, "But I’d never have a 2-foot putt to win The Masters." Look up "hypothetical."

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"Annika", you’ve answered your own question. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – But Tiger WASN’T in his place. No sh**.

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Question:

I have a Leki "Wanderfraund" (my German spelling is bad) which I saw in a shop window in Germany and bought from Leki in the US.  It telescopes.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (apologies if this shows up twice) … I use Folstaff wading staffs for flyfishing in streams, they are collapsible and very sturdy, yet lightweight.  Folstaffs fit into a holster you slip onto pack belts. I could use a good folding staff for hiking on established trails (and some bushwhacking).   And could certainly go with the Folstaff, but I’m wondering however if there are other makes/models of collapsible models to research first ? thanks in advance, Sue Colorado Before you buy.

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(apologies if this shows up twice) … I use Folstaff wading staffs for flyfishing in streams, they are collapsible and very sturdy, yet lightweight.  Folstaffs fit into a holster you slip onto pack belts. I could use a good folding staff for hiking on established trails (and some bushwhacking).   And could certainly go with the Folstaff, but I’m wondering however if there are other makes/models of collapsible models to research first ? thanks in advance, Sue Colorado Before you buy.

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Question:

Ps is everyone here from America.

rec.outdorrs.fishing.fly gets, like nearly all international newsgroups, mostly postings from Americans. There are people from other countries reading this group and writing articles but they are a minority. You might consider subscribing to the European Flyfishers mailing list. If you are interested, just mail me, I’ll give you information, about how to subscribe. regard Wolfgang  

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[snip] Ps is everyone here from America. Clea.

No, there are also quite a few Canadians, but I know it’s hard to tell the difference as a lot of us wear Dallas Cowboys or Miami Dolphins jackets, plus we own half of Florida, and we can all speak fluent American. Peter

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Peter Charles wrote [snip] Ps is everyone here from America. No, there are also quite a few Canadians, but I know it’s hard to tell the difference as a lot of us wear Dallas Cowboys or Miami Dolphins jackets, plus we own half of Florida, and we can all speak fluent American.

Rumor has it that to do so, you have to practice for years to keep from automatically ending every sentence with "eh".  8-) Is this true?–                                                       -dnc-

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Peter Charles wrote [snip] Ps is everyone here from America. No, there are also quite a few Canadians, but I know it’s hard to tell the difference as a lot of us wear Dallas Cowboys or Miami Dolphins jackets, plus we own half of Florida, and we can all speak fluent American. Rumor has it that to do so, you have to practice for years to keep from automatically ending every sentence with "eh".  8-) Is this true?–                                                      -dnc-

Very true.  Most of us can handle ‘eh’ in moderation.  But for the poor addicted abusers, well they can always turn to EhEh for help. Peter

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Just for interest, I

Question:

Jim: In addition to the excellent suggestions made by Bob, I would suggest you also look at Cortland and Reddington.  Both make rod/reel/line combos, probably falling somewhere in between the low and medium price range.  Cortland’s usually includes a video that may be helpful.  Also, the Sage Discovery series has a combo that is worth a look that isn’t exhorbitantly priced.  All of those manufacturers will have dealers somewhere that should allow you to try the rods before buying, to see what feels best for you.  On the mail order side, Cabela’s has a number of combos available. Of course, a good fly shop will be able to work with you and put together a package that works too. Once you’ve got all that stuff, you’ll need some flies.  They seem to run between $1 and $2 apiece for decent flies where I live.  Hopefully you’ve already got some waders and wading shoes/boots. URL’s Cortland  <http://www.lightlink.com/cortland Cabela’s  <http://www.cabelas.com While looking at the combo packages, don’t think that because they are less expensive than the top of the line they are junk.  On the contrary. You may eventually want to move up in quality, but a good package from a good manufacturer should serve you in good stead for quite some time (until you just gotta have that high end Winston, Loomis, T & T etc. <grin) Good luck and happy shopping. Ron.

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Jim, It’s likely you may want to get more than one rod/reel combo to "cover the bases".  I don’t know exactly what you’re after, but I’d suggest a 5-weight and a 9-weight.  The 5 is incredibly versatile for trout and other freshwater fish, while the 9 will give you a great saltwater rod for bluefish, stripers, bonefish and permit, as well as offering you the opportunity to pull in some big steelhead.  You can get the whole nine yards from Orvis for around $400 for each rod/reel combo–and that includes the line and cases.  Of course, you’ll also want to invest in a good pair of waders, a vest, flies, etc…my advice would be to talk to a guide in the area where you will be doing most of your fishing. Enjoy. E

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Jim, It’s likely you may want to get more than one rod/reel combo to "cover the bases".  I don’t know exactly what you’re after, but I’d suggest a 5-weight and a 9-weight…

Jim, This is the beginning of the end. Once you’ve got the five weight and the nine weight, and a reel and line to go with each, and the jacket and the bags, and the flies and the boxes, you’ll be in too deep to get out. Like the rest of us. Andrew                     The History of Fly Fishing             http://www.elisis.com/Fly.fishing.history/

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Jim, It’s likely you may want to get more than one rod/reel combo to "cover the bases".  I don’t know exactly what you’re after, but I’d suggest a 5-weight and a 9-weight… Jim, This is the beginning of the end. Once you’ve got the five weight and the nine weight, and a reel and line to go with each, and the jacket and the bags, and the flies and the boxes, you’ll be in too deep to get out. Like the rest of us. Andrew                    The History of Fly Fishing            http://www.elisis.com/Fly.fishing.history/

        Dear new found friends- I really wanted to thank all of you for your generosity of time and advise- I’ve quite frankly been amazed at the number of you in the NG that were willing to spend the amount of time you have to help a total neophyte.  Of course I realized after receiving some response that I was too ignorant to have given you all any pertinent info about what the heck I might be trying to catch-Dah!!         So let me fill you in about who you were trying to help         I’m a 55 yr old about to retire dentist- and before any of you start to wonder about why I shoul give a darn about how much this stuff costs- I must add that I’m also in possesion of the first dollar I ever made- enough said.  I’m in Ohio and plan to fish local waters for smallmouth and panfish.  I also wish to fish for trout around the Petoskey, MI area and to accompany my 82 yr old uncle ( who is still an avid trout guy) out west.         The real reason for the post was that I had heard(my ignorance) stories about $2000 outfits.  So I went to the local sportschain store to see for myself what a flyrod actually looked and felt like. They had complete outfits that really looked to me to be kind of junky and the personnel had NOT a clue about flyfishing- even I figured that out.         So although I pretty much knew I didn’t want the junk I also wasn’t real keen on walking into a REAL shop and being talked into $2000 worth of stuff without any knowledge of the alternatives.  You guys have been so kind as to give me inumerable sorces of quqlity gear at reasonable getting started prices and for that I am very grateful!!         So thanks again for the input and you should be proud of your knowledge and the "art" that you share so willingly with others.                 With kindest personal regards,                                 Jim PS.  And Dr. Andrew- Sorry but I fear that I got in "too deep" several weeks ago in Michigan.  I stood on the banks of a small stream for quite a while watching entranced as one of your compatriots plied his magic with fly rod on the stream- it was very close to a spirtual experience that I believe I want to share beside all of you.

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   Could you please, if you have the time and inclination, list some tackle and gear combinations in perhaps three general price combinations- Low,Med, Top of the line.  I’d be interested in specific brand recommendations so that I can research these.

The gear market is quite a varied lot right now, so I’ll just give you some average rod/reel/line combo prices, okay? Bargain Basement End:   (Shakespeare, etc. ) $50 Low End:  (Orvis Clearwater, Bean Angler, etc.)  $150 Middle Ground:  $300 High End:  $600+ Ridiculous End: (custom bamboo, etc.)  $1500+ Depending upon your financial situation with your pending retirement, I’d recommend you jump in on the Low to Middle Ground.  I’m not sure what you’re fishing for, but for a standard trout rig, I’d recommend that you buy a decent rod, a top-end flyline, and a reel….in that order of importance.  (IMHO).  For fish under 6 lbs, with a reasonably stout tippet/leader, a click-pawl style reel will serve you nicely. For larger fish or lighter tippets, consider upgrading to a disc-drag style reel.  The more popular manufacturers/retailers in the industry today are Sage, Loomis, Orvis, LL Bean for rods.   I’d highly recommend trying a few rod/reel combinations from a local flyshop to see what type of action/length, etc. that you prefer.  The shop owners will also be able to point you to the other "necessities" which you’ll need.      Also, could you point me toward URL’s that have online catalog pricing or that I can order printed catalogs.

Here’s a couple that will start you on your research. www.llbean.com      (L.L. Bean….ask for a FFing Spec. Catalog) www.orvis.com     (Orvis….same as above) There are others online too , but both of these retailers have a range of products to illustrate the price ranges mentioned above. Good Luck! Bob Skehan

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   I’d be interested in some kind folks giving me some input as to the general start up costs involved in starting out on this adventure.  My it is very difficult- not to mention TIME consuming-to reply to- so I wouldn’t be suprised if I don’t catch anything from this post- we all have our time consrtaints- but let me thank you in advance if you are kind enough to reply.    Again, thank you for you kind consideration,            Regards, Jim

I think you’re making a good choice to get involved if flyfishing.  If nothing else, your retirement won’t be boring.   I don’t have any sage advice to pass on, but; I do have a short story. I read all of the books and learned to flyfish basically by myself.  I had been actively flyfishing (mostly once or twice a month) for about ten years.  We were visiting Reno NV. for a few months and I was really injoying the fishing in the Truckee River there.  I’d come home in the evening and tell my wife all of the great stuff I’d done and what a wonderful day I’d had.  After a while, she wanted to join in the fun.  She asked me if she minded if she learned to fish and came fishing wiht me.  I told her I would love it she joined me but, I was unsure of my ablilty to teach her to fish (I was also a little worried about the friction me teaching her to fish would cause). Being a very smart woman, she understood my position.  She got on the phone and called the fly shop in Reno (I don’t recall thier name but I think it’s the only one in town).  She explained her situation to them, and asked for help.  What they offered was simple, two days with and veteran guide and the use of thier equipment.  The first half of the first day was inside she learned the knots and terminology she needed.  After lunch, she learned to cast.  The next day, they fished. I don’t remember what she paid for this but it seems if was just a regular guide fee for two days.  After fishing, she was hooked and bought an outfit they recommended to her (actually a bargain clearout model they happened to have). After those two days of concentrated instruction, she could fish as well as I after all of my years of reading and trial and error.   It worked out perfectly for me.  I got a good fishing partner I enjoy being with and didn’t screw up a good marriagre trying to teach how to fish.  Not only that, her  being good has pushed me to learn more and take advice from everyone I see.  Since then (thats been about 12 years ago)  we have taken guided trips together and gone to classes that have interested us.  And of course, we have fished together and had some great times. So, I guess the morale of my story.  Hire someone that knows the sport to learn the basics.  Take thier advice on equipment.  If you fish in a new area hire a guide for a day and pick his brain as much as you can.  And above all, don’t get big headed and think you know more than the next guy you meet on the water.  His advice may be the one thing you need to have a good day.   Well hope my rambling didn’t go on too long, and good luck. Steve Russell

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        I’d be interested in some kind folks giving me some input as to the general start up costs involved in starting out on this adventure.  My background is some infrequent spinner baiting for bass and, of course, I’ve drowned a few worms in my time.  But I’m about to retire and want to enjoy some of the finer things in life- fly fishing has always appealed to my sense of imagination as the ultimate art form regarding a combination of sport mingled with a satisfying environmental experience- so I’d like to at least try my hand at it.         I have a general understanding from years of hard experience, that in many cases using inferior equiptment may NOT give me the degree of satisfaction that is possible when you have the finest- but there is a degree of practicality involved in jumping into anything new , so what I would really be interested in is this-         Could you please, if you have the time and inclination, list some tackle and gear combinations in perhaps three general price combinations- Low,Med, Top of the line.  I’d be interested in specific brand recommendations so that I can research these.         Also, could you point me toward URL’s that have online catalog pricing or that I can order printed catalogs.         I am quite aware that this is such an open ended question that it is very difficult- not to mention TIME consuming-to reply to- so I wouldn’t be suprised if I don’t catch anything from this post- we all have our time consrtaints- but let me thank you in advance if you are kind enough to reply.         Again, thank you for you kind consideration,                 Regards, Jim

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Question:

Just getting back into flyfishing after a 15 year hiatus (sorry, puberty, girls, and college distracted me) and am having some major problems with fly placement.  I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice? 1) I am fairly proficient at casting a light fly (dries, nymphs, wets), but when attempting to cast a heavier fly such as a weighted stone fly imitation, or a muddler I cannot get complete extension of the line on my back or forward cast. Instead the fly and leader sort of flop around on the end of the line with no real sense of direction. I use a fairly short 4 piece Orvis backpacking rod probably 6 1/2 -7 feet in length.  Could that be part of the problem? 2) I often develop small knots in my leader 2-4 inches behind the fly when casting.  What am I doing wrong?  Should I be concerned about them? 3)  Lose a lot of flies due to poor knots during the cast.  I tie them correctly, but think I am choosing the wrong knots for the job.  Any recommendations for what knots to use when attaching a fly?  Thankfully I am a good tyer so this doesn’t become that expensive. 4) Is there a fly fishing FAQ that I can refer to about line weights, types, and uses or rod types.   I own a very nice rod, but it was given to me by my grandfather so I do not know anything about it. How do I find out about its action, weight, what type of line to use with it, etc? Thanks in advance Tom Rhindress Williamstown, MA

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Just getting back into flyfishing after a 15 year hiatus (sorry,

puberty, girls, and college distracted me) and am having some major problems with fly placement.   I was wondering if anyone could give me

some advice? 1) I am fairly proficient at casting a light fly (dries, nymphs, wets), but when attempting to cast a heavier fly such as a weighted stone fly imitation, or a muddler I cannot get complete extension of the line on my back or forward cast. Instead the fly and leader sort of flop around on the end of the line

with no real sense of direction. I use a fairly short 4 piece Orvis backpacking rod probably 6 1/2 -7

feet in length.  Could that be part of the problem? 2) I often develop small knots in my leader 2-4 inches behind the fly when casting.  What am I doing wrong?  Should I be concerned about them? 3)  Lose a lot of flies due to poor knots during the cast.  I tie them correctly, but think I am choosing the wrong knots for the job. Anyrecommendations for what knots to use when attaching a fly? Thankfully I am a good tyer so this doesn’t become that expensive. 4) Is there a fly fishing FAQ that I can refer to about line weights,

types, and uses or rod types.   I own a very nice rod, but it was given to me by my grandfather so I do

not know anything about it. How do I find out about its action, weight, what type of line to use

with it, etc? Tom, likely both your back cast and your forward cast lack power because of two things…. one is you use entirely too much wrist…. tie a hanky around your wrist and the rod butt to remind you to use more forearm and less wrist… second you are  making all your power stroke too evenly applied over the cast….  most all of the power should be applied at the very end of the stroke with a very staccato speed up and stop… do not turn the line over until the very end…. A 3rd idea is to apply a short sharp haul with the line hand exactly at the time of the power application…..  then a 4th cheating trick is to give the line a short tug exactly as the fly lands…. good luck… Alan E. Hoover Anglers’ Rest Powhatan, Va        *the trout teach many, lessons*

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just getting back into flyfishing after a 15 year hiatus (sorry, puberty, girls, and college distracted me) and am having some major problems with fly placement.  I was wondering if anyone could give me some advice? 1) I am fairly proficient at casting a light fly (dries, nymphs, wets), but when attempting to cast a heavier fly such as a weighted stone fly imitation, or a muddler I cannot get complete extension of the line on my back or forward cast. Instead the fly and leader sort of flop around on the end of the line with no real sense of direction. I use a fairly short 4 piece Orvis backpacking rod probably 6 1/2 -7 feet in length.  Could that be part of the problem?

Definitely:  any fly over a gramme or two completely upsets classical fly dynamics.  Casting style needs to be different and a long rod helps. 2) I often develop small knots in my leader 2-4 inches behind the fly when casting.  What am I doing wrong?  Should I be concerned about them?

Wind knots should be avoided because they weaken the tippet and will lose you fish.  Poor casting technique is the commonest cause.  Try making your forward and backcast strokes a few degrees apart in the vertical plane (see instructional books by Lefty Kreh or Lee Wulff.) 3)  Lose a lot of flies due to poor knots during the cast.  I tie them correctly, but think I am choosing the wrong knots for the job.  Any recommendations for what knots to use when attaching a fly?  Thankfully I am a good tyer so this doesn’t become that expensive.

Can’t beat the classic turle knot (double turle for salmon.) 4) Is there a fly fishing FAQ that I can refer to about line weights, types, and uses or rod types.  

No, but plenty in the library. I own a very nice rod, but it was given to me by my grandfather so I do not know anything about it.

If this is a cane rod, several URLs for either rod maintenance or used cane rod sales may be helpful.  Or you can post here any markings, brand name etc.  Try http://www.gorp.com/bamboo.html or http://www.cybercom.net/~bconner/rod.html — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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Question:

What would the best ff be within easy reach of Vancouver in April?  Have to make a business trip to Asia and thought it might be worth doing a stopover — if it’s not too early in the season.  Steelhead?  Sea-run cutthroats?  Thanks for any info. George

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: What would the best ff be within easy reach of Vancouver in April?  Have : to make a business trip to Asia and thought it might be worth doing a : stopover — if it’s not too early in the season.  Steelhead?  Sea-run : cutthroats?  Thanks for any info. If you’re early enough in April, there might still be some late-winter steelhead available in the Capilano (from downtown Van, take Georgia through Stanley Park and across the Lions Gate Bridge and you’re there; the Cap forms the boundary between North Van and West Van). That’s probably the closest; other options at that time of year include the Squamish and the Vedder, both of which are an hour or two away. Hopefully, the guys who live in Vancouver year-round can give more details; in the time I lived there, I was always a student, meaning that April started with final exams and ended with heading out of town to my summer jobs 3798 Woodland Drive     voice: (250) 368-9315 Trail, BC               data:  (250) 368-9341

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Vedder River steelies would probably be your best bet, if the river’s in shape.

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Suggest you look into fishing the Harrison River for Sea Run cutt’s. this can be a great time when the chum salmon fry move downstream and cutt’s cut through the dense schooles of fry. Kelly Davidson of Babcok Fly and tackle in Coquitlam BC. is A-1 one on knwoledge on this fishery; he guides as well. Squamish River has large steelhead and beautifull scenery. Arpil is prime time but runs have been low. Vedder amy be alrightfor FF at that time but it isn’t the best for FF steelhead.

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Question:

Anybody know of a reputable flyfishing guide in the Marco Island, Naples Florida area? I’m going there second week of July and would like to book a trip or two. Thanks!!!

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Anybody know of a reputable flyfishing guide in the Marco Island, Naples Florida area? I’m going there second week of July and would like to book a trip or two. Thanks!!!

Jim, Here’s a few that I’m aware of in the Naples area: Capt. Robert S. Collins Jr. 941-262-1970 Richard D’Onofrio 941-389-0114 Capt. Joe Wierback 941-643-4112 (home) 941-793-3370 (Fly Shop) Capt. Glenn Puopolo 941-594-1828 Capt. Jim Nickerson 941-353-5448 The word in the area is that all of the above are very good and USCG licensed. They all cover the areas of the Everglades, 10,000 Islands, Marco Island for Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, and Trout. Enjoy your trip Ken

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : : Science in most situations I use a canoe for fishing, I don’t go : beyond 6 ft. rods (exept for fly fishing), but the lenght is not the : question.  Untill now I used Fenwick Legacy or Walleye Class for : vertical jigging. They are too flexible for a precise hooking. What I : need is a sensitive and stiff pro-rated rod. I wonder if someone has : expierience with good quality rod designed for vertical jigging? :  St. Croix has a series of rods it calls "Legend" that includes a selection  in the 6 – 7 foot range that I think are very good for jigging: they are  light, sensitive, yet quite stiff.  They are also rugged.  Some of the local  guides use the 7′ 4-8 lb test model, rated as "light" by St. Croix, for  steelhead and lake trout.  greg pavlov

Also St. Croix has a line of fine fiberglass rods, I forget the exact model but their the lightest fiberglass I have ever held, and I believe glass rods are a better set up for fast moving baits….. more forgiving than graphite!!!!! Jerry

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: : Also St. Croix has a line of fine fiberglass rods, I forget the exact : model but their the lightest fiberglass I have ever held, and I : believe glass rods are a better set up for fast moving baits….. more : forgiving than graphite!!!!! I just went to one of those Bass Techniques classes that has seminars by several of the pros. Highly recommended by the way and I think I might go again next year. Anyways I was fortunate enough to have David Fritts as a speaker on crankbaits. For those of you who don’t know (there might be one) David is kind of the king of crankbaits on the tour. He was adamant about using fiberglass rods for crankbaiting. He said a slow fiberglass rod gives the fish a chance to swallow the bait before there is much tension resulting in a much better hookup. Soooo guess what I am doing Monday morning… Lets see 1-800-basspro… FWIW. Good fishing, — All About Computers      | (810) 456-3894 (work) 2887 Pontiac Ct.         | (810) 373-6865 (home) Auburn Hills, Michigan   | Fish, fish, and more fish… 48326

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Question:

Try this Bill A.

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This newsgrp is too big and diverse for me.  Is there a fly-fishing or fly-tying only newsgroup that one can subscribe to?  I’m in Oregon, and I can’t believe there aren’t enough folks out there to have a newsgroup!

Yes, there is a flyfishing group.  It’s called rec.outdoors.fishing.fly. However, it has even more traffic then rec.outdoors.fishing.  I recently put in a Call For Discussion for rec.outdoors.fishing.fly.tying to try and separate some of the tying discussion out of the main group.  There hasn’t been much discussion at all.  The Call For Votes should be coming up soon.  r.o.f.f. is a good group.  There are a lot of regulars that have been reading the group and a few accomplished flyfishers including Ralph and Lisa Cutter that contribute regularly.  The Cutters run the top rated flyfishing school in the country (US). — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

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This newsgrp is too big and diverse for me.  Is there a fly-fishing or fly-tying only newsgroup that one can subscribe to?  I’m in Oregon, and I can’t believe there aren’t enough folks out there to have a newsgroup!

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