Question:

I was thinking of giving the pond a go at Wansford. Have you ever fished in the fly fishing part of the Canal? I am not sure if it is stil fly fishing only. I used to fish the normal bait part and there used to be some great Grayling in there. This was about 10 years ago mind you. A friend from work fishes Wykeham Lake at Scarborough quite a lot so I am going to give it a go also. I have done a bit of course fishing there also. Also maybe the lake at Pickering which I think is quite ‘easy’ for beginners.

I fished the pond at Wansford once last Oct.  It was a windy day and I managed 6 fish.  The pond is quite an unusual shape,  much like the letter U,  though it is fed at one end with water running in from the canal nearby. The trout station themselves in the  manner of stream trout at the feeding end,  though the flow is not so apparent in the rest of the pond,  as the depth deepens.   I looked at the canal near the post office,  and it was gin clear.  I enquired in the post office about the prospects of trouting, though I was told that there were no trout in this bit.  I asked him if he was sure that there were no trout,  and he told me that the whole  section had been electrofished recently,  and there were only 4 trout found.  I did drive up towards Driffield,  and see  "Flyfishing Only"  signs a couple of miles away from Wansford,  so I imagine that there might be some good prospects further towards Driffield.  When the spring comes,  I might conduct some further research in this area. The lake at Pickering is extremely easy for beginners indeed.  One day I went fishing with my Pa.  As we  set off from the house,  I foolishly told my Ma not to bother with food for the evening, as my Pa and I  would provide the food!  On arriving at the river  (Derwent near Hackness  (Scarborough)) my father and I were totally dismayed to see it in spate.  My Pops sarcastically suggested that I would be eating my words for my supper that night.   Mmm,  we thought,  "what can we do?"  We  would look rather silly if we came home with no fish, and after a little thought,  concluded  that Pickering is not too far away… . We certainly brought home a lot of fish  upto 7lbs.  Whilst we were getting our catch weighed in,  we asked the guy how many fish are stocked in his lake,  as there were very obviously a lot of fish in there.  We were told that in the summer in peak season,  upto 2000 fish a day are put in!!!! I think that you have made an excellent choice in your recent taking up of flyfishing;  I introduced some of my friends to flyfishing,  and they all took it up with relish,  even those who’d never fished before.  I would be delighted to offer you a day’s fishing on my usual water near Ripon sometime in the summer. I would love to join you at some time. Dinner or tea on me of course..

Cheers,  I’ll fix a day in May sometime.   The river is quite small (just over 1cubic metre per second mean annual flow),  though it is quite diverse over the 6 miles continuous double bank.  I like the river a lot,  and the trout are all wild.  What size rod did you get? All you’ll need is thigh waders, rod & reel. I can supply the appropriate flies if you want.  One thing though,  if you wear glasses/spectacles/contact lenses,  be sure to bring them,  as keen sightedness is essential! If you would like to read more about the rivers I fish,  and see photos of the river,  plus fish and read some text,  check out my website (completely non-commercial,  pure hobby stuff only)  for a log of my days out last season.   http://www.snapper.karoo.net/index.htm Keep in touch,  and I’ll get a day’s fishing arranged. Regards, Mike.

Response:

There is a lake near Wansford that I have fished  and caught some rainbows, likewise there are many flooded gravel pits near Brandesburton that you can fish.  The Beck at Wansford is also a first class chalkstream,  however a formal club called "Sunhill" or something like that fishes it,  so it’s usually members & guests only there .

I was thinking of giving the pond a go at Wansford. Have you ever fished in the fly fishing part of the Canal? I am not sure if it is stil fly fishing only. I used to fish the normal bait part and there used to be some great Grayling in there. This was about 10 years ago mind you. A friend from work fishes Wykeham Lake at Scarborough quite a lot so I am going to give it a go also. I have done a bit of course fishing there also. Also maybe the lake at Pickering which I think is quite ‘easy’ for beginners. I think that you have made an excellent choice in your recent taking up of flyfishing;  I introduced some of my friends to flyfishing,  and they all took it up with relish,  even those who’d never fished before.  I would be delighted to offer you a day’s fishing on my usual water near Ripon sometime in the summer.

I would love to join you at some time. Dinner or tea on me of course.. Anyway,  if you need any advice  about flyfishing,  don’t hesitate to ask me. Regards, Mike.

Appreciate it – thanks, Steve

Response:

Plus, I’d bet, based on the description, he has the "755" (or the larger 756?), which, IIRC, comes with 3 spools, no? Either way, you’ve got fine enough gear to learn on and enjoy, at what, around 100 UK/150US?  Trust me, you’re got decent gear at a reasonable value for price.  Hey, who needs their name on a Winston…

I fished my first 12 years of flyfishing with a battered rimfly reel,  a cheapo 8.5 foot #5,  and a flyline that was old before I even got it.  I chuckle when I look at the rod now,  as all the rings are seriously grooved, and the tip hayfork is nearly worn through!  However,  that being said,  it worked "ok" at the time,  I caught my fish and had my fun with it.

Response:

If you want a day on the Driffield Beck, drop me a mail.  I may be able to ease your waiting list problems as well, I am still a member of several clubs with fishing in the area, and where I am not a member my brother is. I can not promise of course, but you never know. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Do you have the shakespeare traveller/aerial?  8 ft  #5/6? (I had   one until it became my 3rd broken rod ) Where abouts are you in the UK?  I live there (East Yorkshire)  too and do a lot of flyfishing.  Let me know if there is any other flyfishing info that you require,  and I’ll do my best to assist. Micheal, a small world indead – I live in E Yorks too – Hutton Cranswick… Steve Ah,  really smart,  I live about 20 miles away  (N. Ferriby),  and frequently drive through HC.  Have you taken a look at the Driffield Beck system of chalkstreams?  They are truly fantastic.  I once fished on DB at the club there,  but I was only ten  and fished with my father as he was a guest for the day.  I am on the waiting list,  but it will be a long time before I get to fish there. There is a lake near Wansford that I have fished  and caught some rainbows, likewise there are many flooded gravel pits near Brandesburton that you can fish.  The Beck at Wansford is also a first class chalkstream,  however a formal club called "Sunhill" or something like that fishes it,  so it’s usually members & guests only there . I actually do the vast bulk of my flyfishing in the streams up near Ripon, or down near Ashbourne,  and these are very nice waters.  I am a memeber of 2 clubs that allow me fishing on about 15 miles of 4 rivers (Dove, Mannifold, Ure & Laver) Now and then I will go up to Scotland to fish the wonderful waters there,  but Yorkshire & Derbyshire has a lot to offer nonetheless. I think that you have made an excellent choice in your recent taking up of flyfishing;  I introduced some of my friends to flyfishing,  and they all took it up with relish,  even those who’d never fished before.  I would be delighted to offer you a day’s fishing on my usual water near Ripon sometime in the summer. Anyway,  if you need any advice  about flyfishing,  don’t hesitate to ask me. Regards, Mike.

Response:

Do you have the shakespeare traveller/aerial?  8 ft  #5/6? (I had   one until it became my 3rd broken rod ) Where abouts are you in the UK?  I live there (East Yorkshire)  too and do a lot of flyfishing.  Let me know if there is any other flyfishing info that you require,  and I’ll do my best to assist.

Micheal, a small world indead – I live in E Yorks too – Hutton Cranswick… Steve

Response:

Do you have the shakespeare traveller/aerial?  8 ft  #5/6? (I had   one until it became my 3rd broken rod ) Where abouts are you in the UK?  I live there (East Yorkshire)  too and do a lot of flyfishing.  Let me know if there is any other flyfishing info that you require,  and I’ll do my best to assist. Micheal, a small world indead – I live in E Yorks too – Hutton Cranswick… Steve

Ah,  really smart,  I live about 20 miles away  (N. Ferriby),  and frequently drive through HC.  Have you taken a look at the Driffield Beck system of chalkstreams?  They are truly fantastic.  I once fished on DB  at the club there,  but I was only ten  and fished with my father as he was a guest for the day.  I am on the waiting list,  but it will be a long time before I get to fish there. There is a lake near Wansford that I have fished  and caught some rainbows, likewise there are many flooded gravel pits near Brandesburton that you can fish.  The Beck at Wansford is also a first class chalkstream,  however a formal club called "Sunhill" or something like that fishes it,  so it’s usually members & guests only there . I actually do the vast bulk of my flyfishing in the streams up near Ripon, or down near Ashbourne,  and these are very nice waters.  I am a memeber of 2 clubs that allow me fishing on about 15 miles of 4 rivers (Dove, Mannifold, Ure & Laver) Now and then I will go up to Scotland to fish the wonderful waters there,  but Yorkshire & Derbyshire has a lot to offer nonetheless. I think that you have made an excellent choice in your recent taking up of flyfishing;  I introduced some of my friends to flyfishing,  and they all took it up with relish,  even those who’d never fished before.  I would be delighted to offer you a day’s fishing on my usual water near Ripon sometime in the summer. Anyway,  if you need any advice  about flyfishing,  don’t hesitate to ask me. Regards, Mike.

Response:

.  Hey, who needs their name on a Winston… Winston?   If it wasn

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Terry, I would have to disagree with you that an "Average" flyfisherman/woman couldn’t benefit with a cane rod. I have taken beginning fly fishers and taught them how to cast on my 5 wt. G-Loomis and after an hour of fishing had them cast my 4 wt. bamboo (made by Peter McVey of Corbit Lake, BC). In almost all cases the new caster was able to cast easier and could find the "Sweet Spot" where the rod will almost cast by itself (Something I have never felt in any of the graphite rods I have cast).  Will these people purchase a bamboo rod later in their fishing lives? I don’t know. I do know that my wife will probably end up with one sooner or later (Of course she ends up using mine all the time anyway!). Don’t get me wrong, I love my 7′ 3wt Lamiglass graphite II rod. I also love my RPLXi 9′ 8wt Sage and my G-Loomis Premiere 9′ 5wt rods. But none of them have that "Sweet Spot" that just puts the line out there with so little effort and such precision as bamboo does. Until you have felt that you will continue to use these wonderfully overpriced graphite rods. Gary Johnson For the average angler I would have to say that Sage is more or less right. Most of your average flyfisherman are not particularly good casters and a cane rod would be wasted on them. Fly presentation and cosmetics are what makes cane fun. Cane cannot compete with composites for pure performance for the I have been away from ROFF for too long!  Things like work, kids, and the business kept getting in the way.  I have missed out on too much at ROFF though! For the cane rodbuilders in the group, thought you might be interested in an article I wrote about a recent Sage video.. take a look at the article and the video and let me know what you think! http://flyfishing.about.com/library/weekly/aa072000a.htm I would love to know Mr. Gherke’s comments too! Ian Scott http://flyfishing.about.com/

_____  Well said Gary. — George G. Bastard Bamboo Fly Rods http://www.gink.com/ http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

The no-questions-asked return policy *must* account for a good chunk of that.  And of course, advertising costs.  See www.dorber.com for their ideas on the matter (they will not accept a return if you abused the rod (car door), but will accept tradeins for prorated value (based on condition).  I believe Bruce H bought one of these rods. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sage is just an example. I don’t want to stir up an old discussion about price/quality comparisons (NO I DON’T!), but for me 490 USD is still a ridiculous price for a rod. YMMV, of course. Herman Especially for a mass produced rod. The high end graphite rod prices are way out of line for what you get. Willi

– Regards, Jeff Before you buy.

Response:

Most definately a learner will benefit from a slower action rod that they can ‘feel’ more easily, but there are more economical ways of achieving that than using bamboo, surely? steve

Response:

Bamboo is an outdated, anchronistic material. If you like the look and feel, fine, but for pure performance it just doesn’t have it.

I absolutely agree. In fact, bamboo rods remind me of Apple notebooks. Underpowered but extremely cache. –Steve

Response:

Most definately a learner will benefit from a slower action rod that they can ‘feel’ more easily, but there are more economical ways of achieving that than using bamboo, surely?

There sure are. Find an old (like 15 years) Walton Powell graphite rod. Bamboo is an outdated, anchronistic material. If you like the look and feel, fine, but for pure performance it just doesn’t have it. Personally, I prefer faster rods for 90% of my fishing, even when I’m throwing weight. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Terry, I would have to disagree with you that an "Average" flyfisherman/woman couldn’t benefit with a cane rod. I have taken beginning fly fishers and taught them how to cast on my 5 wt. G-Loomis and after an hour of fishing had them cast my 4 wt. bamboo (made by Peter McVey of Corbit Lake, BC). In almost all cases the new caster was able to cast easier and could find the "Sweet Spot" where the rod will almost cast by itself (Something I have never felt in any of the graphite rods I have cast).  Will these people purchase a bamboo rod later in their fishing lives? I don’t know. I do know that my wife will probably end up with one sooner or later (Of course she ends up using mine all the time anyway!). Don’t get me wrong, I love my 7′ 3wt Lamiglass graphite II rod. I also love my RPLXi 9′ 8wt Sage and my G-Loomis Premiere 9′ 5wt rods. But none of them have that "Sweet Spot" that just puts the line out there with so little effort and such precision as bamboo does. Until you have felt that you will continue to use these wonderfully overpriced graphite rods. Gary Johnson

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For the average angler I would have to say that Sage is more or less right. Most of your average flyfisherman are not particularly good casters and a cane rod would be wasted on them. Fly presentation and cosmetics are what makes cane fun. Cane cannot compete with composites for pure performance for the I have been away from ROFF for too long!  Things like work, kids, and the business kept getting in the way.  I have missed out on too much at ROFF though! For the cane rodbuilders in the group, thought you might be interested in an article I wrote about a recent Sage video.. take a look at the article and the video and let me know what you think! http://flyfishing.about.com/library/weekly/aa072000a.htm I would love to know Mr. Gherke’s comments too! Ian Scott http://flyfishing.about.com/

Response:

Sage is just an example. I don’t want to stir up an old discussion about price/quality comparisons (NO I DON’T!), but for me 490 USD is still a ridiculous price for a rod. YMMV, of course. Herman

Especially for a mass produced rod. The high end graphite rod prices are way out of line for what you get. Willi

Response:

I will be hitting the Grand again, but I also want to head off in search of some bass too.  I know a few small hidden places not far from where I used to live near Grand Valley.. might give those a shot. We really should see if we can find a day we are both available, soon!

fer sure.  In fact, Grand Valley is where my son and I will be exploring tomorrow. I’ll probably post the usual trip report. Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

I picked up a tube of your wax actually, a few weeks ago.  I like it, George.  My son, who is 12 years old, just got into fly tying in a HUGE way, and wants to trade me his little disk of wax for my Gehrke’s tube.  I can’t believe you have a 12 year old fan! <grin I read your stint with interest and I do have a few constructive comments to offer, but at this time I decline for the reason above. I’ll let you know when the links go back up..

Email me your son’s mailing address please, Ian. — Mr.Gink "the saga continues"   http://www.gink.com/

Response:

I watched the video. It was interesting to see the process of building a rod. I do think they are a bit disingenious slamming bamboo rods. Until this year I would have probably said, oh yeah, see what I mean about bamboo. I recently got an old shakespeare bamboo off ebay that astonished me by casting a good 70 feet of line in the backyard, missing a guide and all the others are rusty as hell (I just couldn’t resist casting it before rendering it down to re-wrap). My sage 5wt doesn’t perform that well for me, nor does the 7wt. Maybe I was meant to have a bamboo all along. I do agree that bamboo rods are about tradition, they are a thing of beauty, each has it’s own feel, speed and special grace that a production graphite rod, just doesn’t capture. But for the masses graphite is still a good buy. Flyfish

Response:

______  Well Ion, the name is Gehrke, please and I see you are aware of our art work but you fail to list us as a manufacturer of fine Bamboo Fly Rods? I read your stint with interest and I do have a few constructive comments to offer, but at this time I decline for the reason above.  

The link is there now, George.  If you have a better page to link to, please let me know.   Thanks.  Would love to see your comments, either here or at the message board on the site! Ian

Response:

For the average angler I would have to say that Sage is more or less right. Most of your average flyfisherman are not particularly good casters and a cane rod would be wasted on them. Fly presentation and cosmetics are what makes cane fun. Cane cannot compete with composites for pure performance for the   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have been away from ROFF for too long!  Things like work, kids, and the business kept getting in the way.  I have missed out on too much at ROFF though! For the cane rodbuilders in the group, thought you might be interested in an article I wrote about a recent Sage video.. take a look at the article and the video and let me know what you think! http://flyfishing.about.com/library/weekly/aa072000a.htm I would love to know Mr. Gherke’s comments too! Ian Scott http://flyfishing.about.com/

Response:

For the average angler Sage is waaay out of their league… pricewise. For the average angler a decent rod that just does what it’s supposed to do is more than enough. Ok, at least for me it is.. Herman For the average angler I would have to say that Sage is more or less right. Most of your average flyfisherman are not particularly good casters and a cane rod would be wasted on them. Fly presentation and cosmetics are what makes cane fun. Cane cannot compete with composites for pure performance for the

– Cheers, Herman Herman Nijland Daytime webmaster Lifetime flyfisher

Response:

For the average angler Sage is waaay out of their league… pricewise. …

For the average angler across the pond Sage is ridiculously expensive, but here in North America they’re right in line with the other high end rods. The John Norris of Penrith catalogue lists a Sage 690XP at 441 pounds sterling or about $660 US on a good day, the same rod sells here in the states for $490 US. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Sage is just an example. I don’t want to stir up an old discussion about price/quality comparisons (NO I DON’T!), but for me 490 USD is still a ridiculous price for a rod. YMMV, of course. Herman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For the average angler Sage is waaay out of their league… pricewise. … For the average angler across the pond Sage is ridiculously expensive, but here in North America they’re right in line with the other high end rods. The John Norris of Penrith catalogue lists a Sage 690XP at 441 pounds sterling or about $660 US on a good day, the same rod sells here in the states for $490 US. — Ken Fortenberry

– Cheers, Herman Herman Nijland Daytime webmaster Lifetime flyfisher

Response:

Terry,    I don’t understand why a cane rod is wasted on the "average fly fisherman" more than any other fine rod would be.  Today there are more expensive rods being "wasted" on mediocre casters because they have money and want the very best.  Expensive rods don’t make good casters, only practice can do that. Ernie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For the average angler I would have to say that Sage is more or less right. Most of your average flyfisherman are not particularly good casters and a cane rod would be wasted on them. Fly presentation and cosmetics are what makes cane fun. Cane cannot compete with composites for pure performance for the I have been away from ROFF for too long!  Things like work, kids, and the business kept getting in the way.  I have missed out on too much at ROFF though! For the cane rodbuilders in the group, thought you might be interested in an article I wrote about a recent Sage video.. take a look at the article and the video and let me know what you think! http://flyfishing.about.com/library/weekly/aa072000a.htm I would love to know Mr. Gherke’s comments too! Ian Scott http://flyfishing.about.com/

Response:

I think that Sage is basically right, for pure performance in the hands of the average flyfisherman composites cannot be beat. Cane is about presentation and tradition and would be wasted on many of the foul mouthed cowboys on this list that flyfish because it is trendy Making cane rods affordable for all flyfishermen is a sterling idea but the thought of one particular guy (his reply to the not sorry posting) with an almost hand made cane rod  giving it some verbal because he cannot lay out the whole line is amusing. Terry     – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have been away from ROFF for too long!  Things like work, kids, and the business kept getting in the way.  I have missed out on too much at ROFF though! For the cane rodbuilders in the group, thought you might be interested in an article I wrote about a recent Sage video.. take a look at the article and the video and let me know what you think! http://flyfishing.about.com/library/weekly/aa072000a.htm I would love to know Mr. Gherke’s comments too! Ian Scott http://flyfishing.about.com/

Response:

______  Well Ion, the name is Gehrke, please and I see you are aware of our art work but you fail to list us as a manufacturer of fine Bamboo Fly Rods?

Well, hot spit!  I was sure I had Gehrke in my spell checker!! Sorry about the typo, Mr. G.  :) I have you listed at the bottom of the article in question, under ‘Related Links’.  I used to have you listed when you had all that information on the Bastard Rod Company, but then the links seemed to go dead and I couldn’t figure out where you put the pages.  Goes to show you about these rod makers and wax producers when they design their websites and re-design them..   I picked up a tube of your wax actually, a few weeks ago.  I like it, George.  My son, who is 12 years old, just got into fly tying in a HUGE way, and wants to trade me his little disk of wax for my Gehrke’s tube.  I can’t believe you have a 12 year old fan! <grin I read your stint with interest and I do have a few constructive comments to offer, but at this time I decline for the reason above.  

I’ll let you know when the links go back up..

Response:

Wondered where you ran off to.

Been using your mini browns and Larry Medina’s turkey tail nymphs on the Grand.  I should take my camera more often.  The problem is, I never catch anything when I have the camera worth photographing.  When I don’t have it, I have lots of tales to tell, but no evidence! I tried this video URL and the thing will download but not run.  First it had me download a MS viewer then RealPlayer beta 8 and the damn thing still just sits.  I’m running IE 5.5 with all mod cons and the Sage Video page is full of broken GIFs – great site – NOT!

Hm.  Not sure what to say to help you out on that. Anyway, I’ll read the article without the video and post my appropriately rude comments.

I will look forward to them   Have you been out much yourself on the Grand lately?  Or anyplace else for that matter?  I am on Vacation for 3 weeks, and thinking about some spots to take my sons fishing with me.  The eldest (12 year old) is right into flyfishing.. the other two are still a little more comfortable with worms and such right now.

Response:

Typical – after a couple of reboots and playing with the video settings, I finally have a working video. This was fascinating for me as though I’ve seen snippets of graphite rod making, I’ve never seen the whole enchilada. I can’t figure out why Gerry is going on about cane rods.  It’s not like they’re some major competion for him (or does the resurgence have him worried?)  Of course cane is heavier but some of the tapers being used now along with good lines, can produce amazing performance.   Ted Knott let me cast a brand new 9 wt. 3 pce. 8′ 6" cane he had designed. Though heavier, it had tremedous power and I’d have no qualms about spending a day on the water with it.   Gerry’s barking up the wrong tree. Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Been using your mini browns and Larry Medina’s turkey tail nymphs on the Grand.  I should take my camera more often.  The problem is, I never catch anything when I have the camera worth photographing.  When I don’t have it, I have lots of tales to tell, but no evidence!

The Grand has been running off colour a lot of late – best conditions for the mini. – Always the way.  Leave the camera in the truck and Mr. Monster Brown obliges. Hm.  Not sure what to say to help you out on that. Anyway, I’ll read the article without the video and post my appropriately rude comments.

Got it working. I will look forward to them   Have you been out much yourself on the Grand lately?  Or anyplace else for that matter?  I am on Vacation for 3 weeks, and thinking about some spots to take my sons fishing with me.  The eldest (12 year old) is right into flyfishing.. the other two are still a little more comfortable with worms and such right now.

I’m starting a one week vacation right now but much of it will be taken up by my MA thesis.  Last week, we tried the Glen Morris area (look back a week for the Scott, Greg and Peter Show post) but nothing but tiddlers.  My son and his friend just got back from the Grand, Cedar Run – one brown for him and 5 for Adam.  Good luck with the kids, I’m just introducing my 21 year old daughter to the game.  She was a real hot angler before puberty (worms mostly) but you know what happens when they hit their teens – boys, clothes, music, makeup, etc. etc.  Bronte Creek in Lowville Park is a great place to take a budding fly fisher, – willing baby steelies and lots of easy water and plenty of room.  Duffins Creek at the east end is about the same.  Have fun and let me know if you can get out for a serious day on the Grand. Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Good luck with the kids, I’m just introducing my 21 year old daughter to the game.  She was a real hot angler before puberty (worms mostly) but you know what happens when they hit their teens – boys, clothes, music, makeup, etc. etc.  Bronte Creek in Lowville Park is a great place to take a budding fly fisher, – willing baby steelies and lots of easy water and plenty of room.  Duffins Creek at the east end is about the same.  Have fun and let me know if you can get out for a serious day on the Grand.

21 is too young for me.  Now that my divorce is just about through, I have to keep my eyes out for a fly fishin’ woman, a little older though probably.  And, yes looks DO count! With respect to the Duffins, that is exactly where my eldest had his introduction to flyfishing, this spring!  It was awesome – he caught two little browns on his first day out with a fly!  I was really proud of him, especially after he said he didn’t care much for worm fishing anymore .  I wrote an article about that trip, if you’re interested. Alex was pretty impressed! http://flyfishing.about.com/library/weekly/aa052800a.htm We spent some time on Oshawa Creek first, just to let Alex get the hang of it.  Actually, I had him do a bit of casting before we even got down to the stream, but he picked it up really quick!  Kids are probably easier to teach in some ways than adults. I will be hitting the Grand again, but I also want to head off in search of some bass too.  I know a few small hidden places not far from where I used to live near Grand Valley.. might give those a shot. We really should see if we can find a day we are both available, soon! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

I have been away from ROFF for too long!  Things like work, kids, and the business kept getting in the way.  I have missed out on too much at ROFF though! For the cane rodbuilders in the group, thought you might be interested in an article I wrote about a recent Sage video.. take a look at the article and the video and let me know what you think! http://flyfishing.about.com/library/weekly/aa072000a.htm I would love to know Mr. Gherke’s comments too! Ian Scott http://flyfishing.about.com/

Wondered where you ran off to. I tried this video URL and the thing will download but not run.  First it had me download a MS viewer then RealPlayer beta 8 and the damn thing still just sits.  I’m running IE 5.5 with all mod cons and the Sage Video page is full of broken GIFs – great site – NOT! Anyway, I’ll read the article without the video and post my appropriately rude comments. Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

I have been away from ROFF for too long!  Things like work, kids, and the business kept getting in the way.  I have missed out on too much at ROFF though! For the cane rodbuilders in the group, thought you might be interested in an article I wrote about a recent Sage video.. take a look at the article and the video and let me know what you think! http://flyfishing.about.com/library/weekly/aa072000a.htm I would love to know Mr. Gherke’s comments too! Ian Scott http://flyfishing.about.com/

______  Well Ion, the name is Gehrke, please and I see you are aware of our art work but you fail to list us as a manufacturer of fine Bamboo Fly Rods? I read your stint with interest and I do have a few constructive comments to offer, but at this time I decline for the reason above.   Take care friend, — Mr.Gink "the saga continues"   http://www.gink.com/

Response:

I have been away from ROFF for too long!  Things like work, kids, and the business kept getting in the way.  I have missed out on too much at ROFF though! For the cane rodbuilders in the group, thought you might be interested in an article I wrote about a recent Sage video.. take a look at the article and the video and let me know what you think! http://flyfishing.about.com/library/weekly/aa072000a.htm I would love to know Mr. Gherke’s comments too! Ian Scott http://flyfishing.about.com/

Response:

Question:

I need some help finding information on spin fishing in Wyoming (Yellowstone area).  All the books and sites that I visit are for fly fishing.  If anyone has some information on this subject I would appreciate it.

Response:

Don’t be intimidated.  Tiny 1/8 to 1/16 ounce spoons in brass, silver, and copper will take all trout in all rivers (and all but the biggest lakes) in Wyoming.   Check the regulations, however.  Sometimes, when it says "…single hook artificial only…" you think it means fly fishing only.  If tiey mean fly only, they will say so. Try to use bait anywhere, and you will probably be shot, burried, and your car pushed into a canyon. Fishing in the park isn’t much good, and the crowds are horrible.  Try the Shoshone River just west of Cody, or the Green, north of Pinedale.  Few tourists fish either place. good luck oz

Response:

I lived in West Yellowstone( west enterance to Yellowstone. There are several rivers west of the park that are great for spin fishing. Also there is a lake naned Quake lake that has BIG trout. Henry’s lake is also great.  There are lots of beaver ponds. the choises are there.

Response:

View Wyoming’s new lure for trout at http://www.fishcatchwy.qpg.com

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello! Just one warning from disappointed customer! I had an accident in last august and i broke my Orvis rod. Of course my rod has so called no questions asked quarantee for 25 years since i’m the original owner. So i left my rod in local dealer which send it to local importer – This all happened in during august last year and now it is the beginning of the fishing season and the rod is still in repair!! Nice work Orvis – it is the last of your rods that i’m going to buy! I would be even willing to pay for a decent repair time but this is ridiculous. May this Orvis 25year quarantee means that i have to now wait for 23 years to get my rod repaired… Disappointed customer -Timo ps. IMHO No questions asked quarantees are not good for fly fishing – i’m afraid that smaller rod makers will suffer eventually since the amount of broken rods will increase when the rods gets older…

Same with me Timo, I had similar problem with Orvis in the Netherlands. Their unconditional waranty works great in USA, but outside you will have to wait about a full year to get your repair done or your rod replaced. I changed to Sage and my local dealer replaces every broken (if ever) Sage immediately and gets his from Sage within a few weeks. Ger.

Response:

I disagree, Dave. Having broken my PM-10 9′0" 8 wgt rod two years ago, I did some inquiries and found significant turnaround time between going thru the dealer and mailing it back directly to Orvis. My shipping costs were bearable given the fact that it was the height of saltwater season, and it took only 3 weeks to get it back.  Time is money, and when it comes to my fishing time, it’s worth $1000 an hour…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any Orvis dealer will take care of it for you.  Or you could ship directly to Orvis in Manchester, VT, but you’d pay the shipping charge.  Let your closest Orvis dealer do it.   Dave LaCourse

Response:

<<I disagree, Dave. Having broken my PM-10 9′0" 8 wgt rod two years ago, I did some inquiries and found significant turnaround time between going thru the dealer and mailing it back directly to Orvis. My shipping costs were bearable given the fact that it was the height of saltwater season, and it took only 3 weeks to get it back. First time I broke a rod (tip in a door – dumb), it took 4 weeks — through the dealer.  Second time (butt – fell on it — dumb) it took two weeks.  We’re about even.   Dave L.

Response:

When I needed my PM-10 9-wt replaced (I bought the rod for $145, on "clearance"), I walked into the Orvis Manchester, VT store, and the clerk walked into the back room and came out with a new rod.  I’d have to say it took about 30-40 seconds. Bob Scott Orvis fan

Response:

well that’s still better than a Reddington which is worth nothing – – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -What do you expect them to do after you paid eight times what the rod cost to build? — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail I had great success with the Orvis guarantee.  I bought a trident in early 1997 that was a 1996 model discounted by about $100.00.  I broke the rod in the Summer of 1997 and returned it to my Orvis dealer here in Houston to get it repaired under the guarantee. The manager of the Houston store, Dave Haywood,  loaned me a replacement rod, a brand new Trident, and took my broken rod and sent it to Orvis in VT.  I didn’t even pay shipping charges.  Three weeks later Orvis sent me a brand new trident,  worth over $100.00 more than I had invested in the original rod.  I returned the loaner and have yet to spend a penny or to be inconvenienced much because of the broken rod.  When I think I could have been out a $400.00 rod I become ever more appreciative of the manner in which the whole affair was handled. I am not some crony of the store manager.  I met him when I bought the rod.  He had no reason to treat me any different than anyone else so I have to assume this is standard policy, at least here in the Houston area. It sounds like the troubles experienced with the guarantee are a function of the dealer.  I would bet a direct contact with the Orvis customer service people would get you the action you deserve. Tom

Ralph H note spurious hyperbole, insults and ‘personal attacks’ made by the author are meant to honour "the Soul of Cicero" and are not intended as personal slights. Please don’t take offense as none is intended. remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply.

Response:

Yes, I suppose the Reddington won’t be worth much either since Orvis bought them. — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail GO TO http://users.ccnet.com/~emh FOR TRAVEL TIE BOX PLANS

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – well that’s still better than a Reddington which is worth nothing – What do you expect them to do after you paid eight times what the rod cost to build? — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail I had great success with the Orvis guarantee.  I bought a trident in early 1997 that was a 1996 model discounted by about $100.00.  I broke the rod in the Summer of 1997 and returned it to my Orvis dealer here in Houston to get it repaired under the guarantee. The manager of the Houston store, Dave Haywood,  loaned me a replacement rod, a brand new Trident, and took my broken rod and sent it to Orvis in VT. I didn’t even pay shipping charges.  Three weeks later Orvis sent me a brand new trident,  worth over $100.00 more than I had invested in the original rod.  I returned the loaner and have yet to spend a penny or to be inconvenienced much because of the broken rod.  When I think I could have been out a $400.00 rod I become ever more appreciative of the manner in which the whole affair was handled. I am not some crony of the store manager.  I met him when I bought the rod.  He had no reason to treat me any different than anyone else so I have to assume this is standard policy, at least here in the Houston area. It sounds like the troubles experienced with the guarantee are a function of the dealer.  I would bet a direct contact with the Orvis customer service people would get you the action you deserve. Tom Ralph H note spurious hyperbole, insults and ‘personal attacks’ made by the author are meant to honour "the Soul of Cicero" and are not intended as personal slights. Please don’t take offense as none is intended. remove "(take_this_out)" for email reply.

Response:

Finally, someone who understands the truth behind these "Guarantees". – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -What do you expect them to do after you paid eight times what the rod cost to build? — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail I had great success with the Orvis guarantee.  I bought a trident in early 1997 that was a 1996 model discounted by about $100.00.  I broke the rod in the Summer of 1997 and returned it to my Orvis dealer here in Houston to get it repaired under the guarantee. The manager of the Houston store, Dave Haywood,  loaned me a replacement rod, a brand new Trident, and took my broken rod and sent it to Orvis in VT.  I didn’t even pay shipping charges.  Three weeks later Orvis sent me a brand new trident,  worth over $100.00 more than I had invested in the original rod.  I returned the loaner and have yet to spend a penny or to be inconvenienced much because of the broken rod.  When I think I could have been out a $400.00 rod I become ever more appreciative of the manner in which the whole affair was handled. I am not some crony of the store manager.  I met him when I bought the rod.  He had no reason to treat me any different than anyone else so I have to assume this is standard policy, at least here in the Houston area. It sounds like the troubles experienced with the guarantee are a function of the dealer.  I would bet a direct contact with the Orvis customer service people would get you the action you deserve. Tom

Response:

What do you expect them to do after you paid eight times what the rod cost to build? — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had great success with the Orvis guarantee.  I bought a trident in early 1997 that was a 1996 model discounted by about $100.00.  I broke the rod in the Summer of 1997 and returned it to my Orvis dealer here in Houston to get it repaired under the guarantee. The manager of the Houston store, Dave Haywood,  loaned me a replacement rod, a brand new Trident, and took my broken rod and sent it to Orvis in VT.  I didn’t even pay shipping charges.  Three weeks later Orvis sent me a brand new trident,  worth over $100.00 more than I had invested in the original rod.  I returned the loaner and have yet to spend a penny or to be inconvenienced much because of the broken rod.  When I think I could have been out a $400.00 rod I become ever more appreciative of the manner in which the whole affair was handled. I am not some crony of the store manager.  I met him when I bought the rod.  He had no reason to treat me any different than anyone else so I have to assume this is standard policy, at least here in the Houston area. It sounds like the troubles experienced with the guarantee are a function of the dealer.  I would bet a direct contact with the Orvis customer service people would get you the action you deserve. Tom

Response:

  I had an accident in last august and i broke my Orvis rod.   Of course my rod has so called no questions asked quarantee   for 25 years since i’m the original owner. So i left my rod in   local dealer which send it to local importer – This all happened   in during august last year and now it is the beginning of the   fishing season and the rod is still in repair!! Nice work Orvis –   it is the last of your rods that i’m going to buy! I would be even   willing to pay for a decent repair time but this is ridiculous.

I’ve had no problem with them at all – nor has anyone I’ve ever talked to.  They are prompt and courteous.  Even so, I’d never leave a rod and not do anything about it for months.  I always keep close tabs on my repairs, and have never had problems with _any_ company’s guarantee.  Things occasionally get lost or misplaced. What you didn’t tell us is what you have actually done to rectify the situation.  A simple call to Orvis would handle this without problem – something you should have done about 6 months ago.  It would be a hell of a lot more productive than taking time to rant on this newsgroup. Also, if you feel so strongly that these guarantees are bad for flyfishing, then 1) why did you not buy a rod from someone who doesn’t offer one and 2) why did you send your rod in for warrantee work?  If you actually feel this way, both of those actions are more than a little hypocritical. -tgades — Tony Gades. Seattle, WA.  USA http://weber.u.washington.edu/~tgades http://weber.u.washington.edu/~tgades/Fishing/fish_page.html NOTICE: DO NOT ADD MY NAME TO _ANY_ MAILING LISTS.  

Response:

Dave, thanks for the info. I was hoping I could do this. I still have the card that was attached to the registration card (which was already sent in) and it talks about shipping to their Vermont site. My problem was just trying to figure out how to get a box that it would fit in. Thanks again. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bob Bently writes: <<With regards to the Orvis guarantee, can I take a rod to any Orvis dealer and have him ship it back for repair/replacement, or do I have to take it to the dealer I bought it from? Any Orvis dealer will take care of it for you.  Or you could ship directly to Orvis in Manchester, VT, but you’d pay the shipping charge.  Let your closest Orvis dealer do it. Dave LaCourse

Response:

Bob Bently writes:

<<With regards to the Orvis guarantee, can I take a rod to any Orvis dealer and have him ship it back for repair/replacement, or do I have to take it to the dealer I bought it from? Any Orvis dealer will take care of it for you.  Or you could ship directly to Orvis in Manchester, VT, but you’d pay the shipping charge.  Let your closest Orvis dealer do it.   Dave LaCourse

Response:

I had great success with the Orvis guarantee.  I bought a trident in early 1997 that was a 1996 model discounted by about $100.00.  I broke the rod in the Summer of 1997 and returned it to my Orvis dealer here in Houston to get it repaired under the guarantee. The manager of the Houston store, Dave Haywood,  loaned me a replacement rod, a brand new Trident, and took my broken rod and sent it to Orvis in VT.  I didn’t even pay shipping charges.  Three weeks later Orvis sent me a brand new trident,  worth over $100.00 more than I had invested in the original rod.  I returned the loaner and have yet to spend a penny or to be inconvenienced much because of the broken rod.  When I think I could have been out a $400.00 rod I become ever more appreciative of the manner in which the whole affair was handled. I am not some crony of the store manager.  I met him when I bought the rod.  He had no reason to treat me any different than anyone else so I have to assume this is standard policy, at least here in the Houston area. It sounds like the troubles experienced with the guarantee are a function of the dealer.  I would bet a direct contact with the Orvis customer service people would get you the action you deserve. Tom

Response:

With regards to the Orvis guarantee, can I take a rod to any Orvis dealer and have him ship it back for repair/replacement, or do I have to take it to the dealer I bought it from? I ask, because I broke my new Silver Label 8wt of the weekend. There is a dealer nearby, but I bought it from another dealer which is 3.5 hours away? Thanks for any info. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had great success with the Orvis guarantee.  I bought a trident in early 1997 that was a 1996 model discounted by about $100.00.  I broke the rod in the Summer of 1997 and returned it to my Orvis dealer here in Houston to get it repaired under the guarantee. The manager of the Houston store, Dave Haywood,  loaned me a replacement rod, a brand new Trident, and took my broken rod and sent it to Orvis in VT.  I didn’t even pay shipping charges.  Three weeks later Orvis sent me a brand new trident,  worth over $100.00 more than I had invested in the original rod.  I returned the loaner and have yet to spend a penny or to be inconvenienced much because of the broken rod.  When I think I could have been out a $400.00 rod I become ever more appreciative of the manner in which the whole affair was handled. I am not some crony of the store manager.  I met him when I bought the rod.  He had no reason to treat me any different than anyone else so I have to assume this is standard policy, at least here in the Houston area. It sounds like the troubles experienced with the guarantee are a function of the dealer.  I would bet a direct contact with the Orvis customer service people would get you the action you deserve. Tom

Response:

Timo Harjunen writes:

<<I had an accident in last august and i broke my Orvis rod. Of course my rod has so called no questions asked quarantee for 25 years since i’m the original owner. So i left my rod in local dealer which send it to local importer – This all happened in during august last year and now it is the beginning of the fishing season and the rod is still in repair!! Nice work Orvis – it is the last of your rods that i’m going to buy! I would be even willing to pay for a decent repair time but this is ridiculous. It may be your local dealer that is the trouble, Timo.  I accidently broke two Orvis rods (at different times over the years) and they were "in the shop" four weeks (the longest period).  You should write to Orvis in Manchester, Vermont, USA, and ask them about it.   Do not expect your dealer to work for you on this.   I suspect you are in Finland — good Finnish names — so the mail may also be the culprit in all of this. Dave LaCourse

Response:

Hello! Just one warning from disappointed customer! I had an accident in last august and i broke my Orvis rod. Of course my rod has so called no questions asked quarantee for 25 years since i’m the original owner. So i left my rod in local dealer which send it to local importer – This all happened in during august last year and now it is the beginning of the fishing season and the rod is still in repair!! Nice work Orvis – it is the last of your rods that i’m going to buy! I would be even willing to pay for a decent repair time but this is ridiculous. May this Orvis 25year quarantee means that i have to now wait for 23 years to get my rod repaired… Disappointed customer -Timo ps. IMHO No questions asked quarantees are not good for fly fishing – i’m afraid that smaller rod makers will suffer eventually since the amount of broken rods will increase when the rods gets older…

Response:

Question:

Please, The nickname is the only REQUIRED field (Which can be anything you want).  The rest of the fields are for Identification only and only if you WANT to put them in there. I hate spammers as much as the next guy and report every instance of unsolicited e-mail I receive. Hope this clears this up David. Rob Perry Michigan Ultralight Assoc. Webmaster – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There is a great chat room already setup just for ultralight aviators at http://mula.perrydice.com/chat.htm . Rob Perry Michigan Ultralight Assoc. Webmaster Why do you want real names and e-mail addresses? Why not just a nick? Do I smell spam? Regards, DAO

Response:

Message boards are great but, I think a chat room for UL flyers would be a great help, and fun. What do you think? There is a chat room for "Hunting and Fishing" why not UL’s? George

Response:

There is a great chat room already setup just for ultralight aviators at http://mula.perrydice.com/chat.htm . Rob Perry Michigan Ultralight Assoc. Webmaster

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Message boards are great but, I think a chat room for UL flyers would be a great help, and fun. What do you think? There is a chat room for "Hunting and Fishing" why not UL’s? George

Response:

Try this link. It’s Java type chat but there is also access using an IRC chat program. Seems like Wednesday and Thursday evenings are popular. Last time I was there I counted about 10 ultralighters chatting. http://www.mgge-inc.com/fly-ul/ — Brad Blackburn (replace "spur" with "net" to reply) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Message boards are great but, I think a chat room for UL flyers would be a great help, and fun. What do you think? There is a chat room for "Hunting and Fishing" why not UL’s? George

Response:

Only good if your browser is java equipped

Response:

Right!  Sorry, I shoulda mentioned that. Rob Perry Michigan Ultralight Assoc. Webmaster     Only good if your browser is java equipped

Response:

Thanks, I don’t have Java. Maybe I need to upgrade. George

Response:

there is http://ul-flyer.com/ewchat.html walt

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Message boards are great but, I think a chat room for UL flyers would be a great help, and fun. What do you think? There is a chat room for "Hunting and Fishing" why not UL’s? George

Response:

There is a great chat room already setup just for ultralight aviators at http://mula.perrydice.com/chat.htm . Rob Perry Michigan Ultralight Assoc. Webmaster

Why do you want real names and e-mail addresses? Why not just a nick? Do I smell spam? Regards, DAO

Response:

Question:

Can someone give a beginner where he can try flyfishing on the Mad River. I’ve heard good things about it but have not fished it.

Response:

Best access near the hatchery in Blue Lake. Expect crowds, so fish during the week if possible. Try Black wooly buggers, or dark streamers. Comets might also work. Large fish 7 wt. + rod recommended. For FF fish 3-4 days after rains, as river frequently muddy. If in this area, consider VAn-Duzen river also when open.

Response:

GBloomf405 Anywhere a bridge crosses is public access to the Mad.  Between West Liberty, Ohio (where the best of the fishing starts) and Urbana (where the river becomes too warm to support trout) there are probably 40+ bridges. As long as you are in the stream bed you are ok.  Outside the bed its trespassing.  That’s why the bridges are the surest access.  The Mad does not have a natural population of trout.  It is stocked twice a year by the ODNR.  Most flyfisherman catch and release.  There is very intense fishing on this river by bait and lure throwers.   Chromids, prince nymphs, streamers, crawfish and caddis are reliable. There is not one good place to go.  Buy a State Gazetteer and pick some spots.  I have never found a stretch to deep to wade.  It is sandy bottomed and the current is provided by natural springs.  That’s what makes the something more that you would like to know.  The Orvis dealer in COlumbus, Mad River Outfitters can be of help and he guides the river out of an AuSable boat.. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can someone give a beginner where he can try flyfishing on the Mad River. I’ve heard good things about it but have not fished it.

Response:

Really Recommend calling Mad River Outfitters, in Columbus Ohio of Bethel Road.. Brian, Owner there has written up a book on Flyfishing the Mad, with Access Maps, entymology and the history of the River.  It is a wonderful read, and thouroughly a help.. This is a very tough River to catch fish on, atleast it was for me… Kevin C. Paulson

Response:

Question:

Where can I buy some fly fish?

Response:

Where can I buy some fly fish?

You can buy some really "fly" fish at the Homeboy ShoppingClub.  They gots the flyest and the most freshest fish they is Homey! — Gordon Churchill Flyfish NC http://www.planet-nc.com/flyfishnc/ Striped Bass on the Roanoke River, Hybrids on Jordan Lake, Largemouths on surface.  Pickup and dropoff in Research Triangle Park

Response:

: Where can I buy some fly fish? I tell you what… you come over and paint my ceiling, Mike, and I’ll give you some fly fish. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

Response:

Where can I buy some fly fish?

On the waterfront at Oistins, Barbados.  Delicious fried. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

Question:

I am looking for a telephone number (or adress) of a company called Float Tube Unlimited. Thanks in advance                      Thomas — Sender:  Thomas Urbig          Harvard University          Institute for Molecular and Cellular Biology          16 Divinity Ave.          Cambridge, MA 02138          Tel: (USA) 617 495 3716;   Fax:  (USA)  617 496 8726

Response:

Quoting Thomas from a message in rec.outdoors.fishing.fly    <I am looking for a telephone number (or adress) of a company called    <Float Tube Unlimited. Jim Carlisle

Response:

I tried to get a catalog off thier 1-800 #, 3 freak’n times.   NO LUCK. Whats with that company??? I went with Cabela’s. John

Response:

Question:

Could someone point me towards a Flyfishing Mailing List?  I nosed around this group looking for directions to a FAQ, thinking that would mention it, but haven’t managed to locate it either. Thanks in advance! Jack Gilbert

Response:

use no subject "subscribe Flyfish" (your real name, no quotes) that’s all there is to it. Enjoy!! Frank Church

Response:

Question:

I am new at this art, So I recived a gift of a 8′ # 7 rod with reel. Set up with a flouting line. I have a small pond near home that is stocked with browns and brook trout.  Is this setup to heavy and if not what type of fly should I get (buy) or should I get a lighter tackle. I need some advise. oh! I also took a class on casting a year ago so I think I now how to hold the rod and get a cast off.

Response:

I am new at this art, So I recived a gift of a 8′ # 7 rod with reel. Set up with a flouting line. I have a small pond near home that is stocked with browns and brook trout.  Is this setup to heavy and if not what type of fly should I get (buy) or should I get a lighter tackle.

This is only an opinion of course, but I think a 7wt is heavy for trout. an 8′/7w might be great for bass – I’d even use it for schoolie striper fishing (if it was another foot longer). I have to believe an 8′ 7wt must feel a bit on the "clubby" side… If you haven’t used this rod/reel yet, perhaps you might be able to exchange it for a more "troutie" rod? I’d go for a 9′/5wt as an all-rounder trout/panfish rod myself… /dave (who caught and released 29 rainbow clones on a single Gray Ghost this         afternoon. The shredded remains were retired with full honors…;^) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <           "Read this and nobody gets hurt"           < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am new at this art, So I recived a gift of a 8′ # 7 rod with reel. Set up with a flouting line. I have a small pond near home that is stocked with browns and brook trout.  Is this setup to heavy and if not what type of fly should I get (buy) or should I get a lighter tackle. This is only an opinion of course, but I think a 7wt is heavy for trout. an 8′/7w might be great for bass – I’d even use it for schoolie striper fishing (if it was another foot longer). I have to believe an 8′ 7wt must feel a bit on the "clubby" side… If you haven’t used this rod/reel yet, perhaps you might be able to exchange it for a more "troutie" rod? I’d go for a 9′/5wt as an all-rounder trout/panfish rod myself… /dave (who caught and released 29 rainbow clones on a single Gray Ghost this         afternoon. The shredded remains were retired with full honors…;^)

My first fly rod was a 7 wt also.  I used it for a season or so until I was sure I wanted to persue the sport (duh?).  Then I saved up and got a nice 5 wt.  The 7 wt is now my spare, and I haven’t used it since, although like Dave says, it would make a good bass rod, but I’d rather fish for trout.   A sunny day,      a box of midges,         and a wandering stream…   Man, this MUST be heaven!   <    Steve Kulpa    <<

Response:

I am new at this art, So I recived a gift of a 8′ # 7 rod with reel. Set up with a flouting line. I have a small pond near home that is stocked with browns and brook trout.  Is this setup to heavy and if not what type of fly should I get (buy) or should I get a lighter tackle. I need some advise. oh! I also took a class on casting a year ago so I think I now how to hold the rod and get a cast off.

Go out right now and build an addition on to your house to store all your fishing equipment that you will eventually buy. I can’t afford to purchase all the rods that I would like to have.. But I have a great time with ones I have.. I fished with an 8wt for 15 years till I broke it just this past spring. I caught everything on that rod. from Trout on up to chinook salmon. I actually wore out a pfluger reel. So I guess what i’m saying is that the 7wt you have is fine for fishing on just about any waters in the US. Of course who wouldn’t want a nice little 9′ 5wt for going after trout, or maybe a 9′ 1wt for eastern brook trout or farm pond bluegill.. I’ve only purchased three rods in my lifetime. My first 8wt.. my new 7wt.. and then a powerhouse of a rod a 9.5′ 10wt. I got a tuna on the 10wt just last september. But I sincerly believe that the 8wt could have handled it with a large enough spool capacity. Anyway, thats my story.. and I’m sticking to it.. keg

Response:

Dave, There are lots of differences in fly rods. It’s hard to say that a 8′ 7 weight rod is definitely too big for your conditions.  Athough, I would venture to say that most fly fishers would tend to tell you that. Give it try.  If your horseing fish out of your pond as if your holding a broom stick, you might consider something smaller.  Contrary to poplular believe, you don’t have to spend a small fortune on a fly rod that will give you many hours of enjoyment. Dave Burks, Loveland, CO.

Response: