Question:

speechless. I am going to take that statement with a huge pile of salt. I have never seen the time a trial lawyer was speechless.

Hm…..now that you mention it Dale, speechless and incoherent really AREN’T synonymous, are they?   Don’t let this get around, you do have a reputation to maintain.

And we aim to do all the maintenance required. Wayno:Looking forward to seeing you in about a week.

Ditto, in spades. Big Dale

You too Dale. Wolfgang

Response:

Much appreciated Vincent.Maybe I’ll try one on the Housatonic, Columbus day.I’ll definitely bring a few of those litle Olive thingamajigs as well. Regards,Flypaint(Shawn) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would have tried a Patriot but I’m not sure what it is. Regards,Flypaint (Shawn) Hook:      Mustad 94833, sizes 10 – 18 Thread:    Red Tails:       Brown hackle fibers Body:      Smolt blue Krystal Flash wound around shank, with                a "belt" of red thread, like a Royal Coachman Wings:    White impala or calf tail, divided Hackle:    Brown from Meck’s _Patterns, Hatches, Tactics, and Trout_, pp.  197-8. vince norris

Response:

…..Asadi stayed until Monday morning.  I wonder if he ever found the Home for Wayward Amish girls?…..

Um…….guys…….it’s a painful memory and I don’t like to dredge it up but I seen Asadi take a shower on the shore of Lake Wolfgang gotta go now…..gotta wash out my brain

Response:

Um…….guys…….it’s a painful memory and I don’t like to dredge it up but I seen Asadi take a shower on the shore of Lake Wolfgang gotta go now…..gotta wash out my brain

Aggggh!  Good lord, now ya gone and done it.  I’ll have nightmares for weeks. Natty

Response:

Natty was on a mission Sunday morning,and I hope he picked up a couple of nice fish before he left and thanks again for inviting me to the inn.

Only managed one small brown on a trico that DavePA gave me just before his departure.  Weirdest thing…the trico hatch was confined to a 20-30 yard stretch of the river.  Either side of that, nothing but the size 72 cream midges. Glad you could make it Shawn…had a great time.  Sorry about the buzzsaw. Things that stand out: a lot of talk about farm-women and personal flotation devices,amish co-eds,sounds that are like snoring(leaf blowers,lawn mowers,outboard engines

etc.),newborns,small fish on big flies,and Jack Daniels.Some much needed comic relief, thanks again fellas. Regards,Flypaint (Shawn)

Asadi stayed until Monday morning.  I wonder if he ever found the Home for Wayward Amish girls?  It really was a laugh. Natty

Response:

speechless.  

I am going to take that statement with a huge pile of salt. I have never seen the time a trial lawyer was speechless. Don’t let this get around, you do have a reputation to maintain. Wayno:Looking forward to seeing you in about a week. Big Dale

Response:

I would have tried a Patriot but I’m not sure what it is. Regards,Flypaint (Shawn)

Hook:      Mustad 94833, sizes 10 – 18 Thread:    Red Tails:       Brown hackle fibers Body:      Smolt blue Krystal Flash wound around shank, with                a "belt" of red thread, like a Royal Coachman Wings:    White impala or calf tail, divided Hackle:    Brown from Meck’s _Patterns, Hatches, Tactics, and Trout_, pp.  197-8. vince norris

Response:

Shawn,   It was great meeting you, glad you got a chance to fish after that tire debacle on Saturday.                                   Tom

Response:

@mb-mj.aol.com: Nice report Tom. I’m looking forward to next spring. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

As am I.  I would love to do one of these fall trips (especially Dave L’s), but Fall is my big teaching semester. Scott

Response:

Hey All,   I’m glad I was finally able to make it to a ROFF gathering ,even if it was only a mini one.I’m looking forward to the May, Penns gathering even if I can only make it for a three day weekend.Nice bunch of guys to hang out and fish with.Asadi wins the hospitality award hands down(and biggest rock bass).I picked up a lot of good tips watching these fellows fish and Tom might be interested to know that I dug around in my box until I found a small olive whatchamacall it and grabbed a nice brown just below the riffle at the end of tunnel road.I would have tried a Patriot but I’m not sure what it is.(is the pattern posted anywhere?)Natty was on a mission Sunday morning,and I hope he picked up a couple of nice fish before he left and thanks again for inviting me to the inn.Things that stand out: a lot of talk about farm-women and personal flotation devices,amish co-eds,sounds that are like snoring(leaf blowers,lawn mowers,outboard engines etc.),newborns,small fish on big flies,and Jack Daniels.Some much needed comic relief, thanks again fellas. Regards,Flypaint (Shawn)

Response:

. We ended the day with an enchilada dinner, courtesy of John B. Drank an assortment of wonderful beers, and some of Johns Budweiser as well.

        good god.  asadi drinks *budweiser*?  i am rendered speechless.           it’s somewhat akin to discovering that mahatma gandhi spent his spare time reading superman comics. wayno, crestfallen in the old north state

Response:

Nice report Tom. I’m looking forward to next spring. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Response:

wayno notes: good god.  asadi drinks *budweiser*?  i am rendered speechless.  

he doesn’t actually drink it, that I noticed. Just tries to foist it onto the unsuspecting. Also, it comes in handy after DavePA comes over and blows through the Bass Ale supply.                               Tom

Response:

Yeungling!  John, you’re in PA, gotta drink Yeungling.  My God man, have you no shame? — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – wayno notes: good god.  asadi drinks *budweiser*?  i am rendered speechless. he doesn’t actually drink it, that I noticed. Just tries to foist it onto the unsuspecting. Also, it comes in handy after DavePA comes over and blows through the Bass Ale supply.                               Tom

Response:

   Well folks, a small, but noble, crew showed up at Coburn, PA this weekend. First to arrive(on Thursday), were John Baker(asadi), Mike Pitch(natty b),Mike Shaw(handyman) and Shawn ?(flypaint). Fishing was said to be fair, but will allow them the details at some later date.    Friday brought the rest of the arrivals, DavePA and friend Jeff, Allan Epps, with spouse and dog. The latter crew, I had never met. They proved to be pleasant and seemed to like the locale. The fishing Friday was quite good. Water levels were lower than May’s by a good foot or two. It was a great opportunity to study the underwater layout of the place. Hatches consisted of: Blue Quills, Little Olives, a couple types of craneflies, some decent caddis of a couple types and a smattering of Slate Drakes. These were accompanied by a virtual snowstorm of pale midges, roughly in a size 52, were one to attempt a size match. At any rate, I found success by throwing a pair of very small wet flies to visible feeders. The fly to use for this proved to be a #18 olive wet fly. This pattern took 11 of my trout over the weekend, my best producer. By contrast, Mike Shaw was taking a equal number of opportunistic risers with a #12 Patriot, for whatever reason. Success seemed largely due to the fact that Mike is steadily improving his cast placement, and was sending the things right to the fish properly. Others reported varying success. We ended the day with an enchilada dinner, courtesy of John B. Drank an assortment of wonderful beers, and some of Johns Budweiser as well. Dave took pictures of the assembly which I hope he posts someplace. Well, he can leave out the facial closeup of me in which I looked like I was on the back end of a two week drunk.   Saturday, the fishing proved tougher, but most caught fish, generally on the small stuff. I did manage a couple of Browns on Dun Variants during a short burst of drakes. A chilly, breezy day, it was nonetheless beautiful in Penns Valley, with numerous bird sighting, mink running about. No bears seen. Dinner was at the Millheim, in the bar, over copious amounts of Yeungling Lager.   Sunday started out foggy, due to the Yeungling, no doubt. Actually, it was clear, and cold. Air temp of 36 at 7 am. After a quick talk with campground owners, and a fine breakfast with John, I joined Mike Shaw below Elk Creek to fish some pocket water with nymphs. Shawn checked in, having taken the largest fish of the weekend(a 17 incher) very early am with a Black Wooly bugger. Winds made for tough work nymphing, so we decided to depart and give the fish a break. The rest of the crew were either packing to go or fishing upstream. It was truly great to see you all, and will help whet the appetite until the May Clave.                                                         Tom

Response:

Question:

As a Corporate Pilot we regularly tip the line guys & gals who give us good service….  I don’t think I have ever had anyone turn down the cash….  On the other hand if service is mediocre or poor a tip is out of the question…. Mark Captain – Falcon 50EX / Falcon 900EX – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Oh, no. I never thought about that. I’ve been flying for several years and I never thought about tipping them. I do try to buy gas unless their tie down fee is high in which case I just grumble to myself and leave. I’ve had some line guys do nice things too like… 1) Run out in the rain to open the door before I get to the plane. 2) Run out and push the heavy Debonair back for me (usually also in the rain)… 3) Give me a ride into town. Usually it seems that the line guys who do nice stuff enjoy the planes and being around them. The guys who are only doing it for a job don’t bother. They are usually so friendly I might feel strange handing them a couple bucks. Kind of like tipping a friend, it might feel petty. But them again, perhaps I’ve been missing it…. So what’s the consensus on tipping line-guys/gals?  Is it different if they chock/chain and fuel you versus giving you a ride to the FBO, main terminal, renal place, etc.?  If you do, how much? —  Southwest Fisheries Science Center  P.O. Box 271  La Jolla, CA 92038  858-546-7072, 7003 (FAX)  "Marine Biologist?!…I didn’t   even know that WAS a job!"        - George Costanza  "Get off the cross, we need   the wood."        - Tori Amos Before you buy.

Response:

Urine my sights now pal!  ;)

Hey, I didn’t mean to piss you off! — Alex Transpose first two letters of return address to reply by email.

Response:

Urine my sights now pal!  ;) Hey, I didn’t mean to piss you off!

Sorry, it just leaked out of me.  But, that’s all water under the bridge.  Next time I’ll be a bit more a-comode-ating. —  Southwest Fisheries Science Center  P.O. Box 271  La Jolla, CA 92038  858-546-7072, 7003 (FAX)  "Marine Biologist?!…I didn’t   even know that WAS a job!"        - George Costanza  "Get off the cross, we need   the wood."        - Tori Amos

Response:

Can I offer chocolate chip cookies instead of cash?

Response:

While we never tip our line guys here in Iowa City (the one time I tried, they turned me down), we DO bring a dozen fresh donuts to the FBO every Sunday morning. And there is ALWAYS a cold one in our fridge in our hangar for them. — Jay Honeck Iowa City, IA Warrior N33431

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So what’s the consensus on tipping line-guys/gals?  Is it different if they chock/chain and fuel you versus giving you a ride to the FBO, main terminal, renal place, etc.?  If you do, how much? —  Southwest Fisheries Science Center  P.O. Box 271  La Jolla, CA 92038  858-546-7072, 7003 (FAX)  "Marine Biologist?!…I didn’t   even know that WAS a job!"        - George Costanza  "Get off the cross, we need   the wood."        - Tori Amos

Response:

So what’s the consensus on tipping line-guys/gals?  Is it different if they chock/chain and fuel you versus giving you a ride to the FBO, main terminal, renal place, etc.?  If you do, how much?            ^^^^^ Well, if they are taking you there for dialysis, I think a tip is definitely in order! <g

Urine my sights now pal!  ;) —  Southwest Fisheries Science Center  P.O. Box 271  La Jolla, CA 92038  858-546-7072, 7003 (FAX)  "Marine Biologist?!…I didn’t   even know that WAS a job!"        - George Costanza  "Get off the cross, we need   the wood."        - Tori Amos

Response:

: Having been a former lineboy, believe me they will get over it! If you : still feel awkward, offer to take them for an airplane ride. By the time I : was old enough to legaly solo, I had stick time in 14 different types of : aircraft including Beech 18’s, 450hp Stearman, Pitts, Baron, turbo & : retract’s, all the Cessnas and Pipers, etc. I’ve taken all the line guys at SPX flying in the C140 (even on cross countries). One of the line guys at SPX just happens to be my Cessna 140 partner as well! (I can’t really call him a lineboy – he is married and four years older than me <g) — Dylan Smith, Houston TX. Flying: http://www.alioth.net/flying Frontier Elite Universe: http://www.alioth.net "Maintain thine airspeed, lest the ground come up and smite thee"

Response:

I never thought of it like that. That’s a really good insight, thanks for the post. Next time I’m over there (in the USA) I’m going to make sure I have some dollar bills on me. You’ve made me feel really guilty for not tipping the guy at Gainesville now! They put a red carpet out for me, and gave me a lift to the FBO in a golf buggy. I suppose that’s just me being a tight Brit (tipping is much rarer here than it is in the US). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Carrying a stack of one dollar bills in my shirt pocket is just as important to me as having current approach plates, always ready to reward the guys who help me out.

Response:

1) Run out in the rain to open the door before I get to the plane. 2) Run out and push the heavy Debonair back for me (usually also in the rain)…

sounds like you need a high wing <gd&r — Thomas Borchert (EDDH)

Response:

So what’s the consensus on tipping line-guys/gals?  Is it different if they chock/chain and fuel you versus giving you a ride to the FBO, main terminal, renal place, etc.?  If you do, how much?

           ^^^^^ Well, if they are taking you there for dialysis, I think a tip is definitely in order! <g — Alex Transpose first two letters of return address to reply by email.

Response:

HAHA… I love it!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So what’s the consensus on tipping line-guys/gals?  Is it different if they chock/chain and fuel you versus giving you a ride to the FBO, main terminal, renal place, etc.?  If you do, how much?                ^^^^^ Well, if they are taking you there for dialysis, I think a tip is definitely in order! <g — Alex Transpose first two letters of return address to reply by email.

Response:

Oh, no. I never thought about that. I’ve been flying for several years and I never thought about tipping them.

Here we go again. You tip the waiters at any restraunt that doesn’t have a drive thru window, don’t you? Why wouldn’t you tip a line boy that services your aircraft that costs as much as a house? You fly out to the Bahamas and tip the crew of your chartered fishing boat handsomely, and they are just going to snort it up their nose that night. I have been on all sides of this spectrum from being the lineboy at a flight school/FBO to now being the owner/operator of a high performance aircraft (Ain’t America Great!?!?) I remember the few dozen times I was tipped (once by an aircraft thief!) when I was a lineboy. I made sure that the guys (and girl) who tipped me had their windshields washed, the ant’s nests around their tiedown spots were destroyed, if they were having a hard time starting their engine, I would get the GPU ready BEFORE they killed their battery… [snip] They are usually so friendly I might feel strange handing them a couple bucks. Kind of like tipping a friend, it might feel petty. But them again, perhaps I’ve been missing it….

[snip] Having been a former lineboy, believe me they will get over it! If you still feel awkward, offer to take them for an airplane ride. By the time I was old enough to legaly solo, I had stick time in 14 different types of aircraft including Beech 18’s, 450hp Stearman, Pitts, Baron, turbo & retract’s, all the Cessnas and Pipers, etc. Times to tip the lineboy: When he fuels the airplane and doesn’t chip the paint or spill fuel on your plane. When they give you a ride to the FBO office when you have been parked out in the boondocks. When they unload your bags from the plane while you are streching your legs after a long flight. When they run out to your plane in hurricane force wind and rain with an umbrella so _YOU_ and your passengers don’t get wet. When they tow your airplane from an area that is flooded up to the axials to a high and dry parking spot during/after a rain storm so _YOUR_ shoes don’t get soaked. Carrying a stack of one dollar bills in my shirt pocket is just as important to me as having current approach plates, always ready to reward the guys who help me out. Obligitory pilot joke: What is the difference between a pilot and a canoe?   Sometimes a canoe will tip. — dan<atlynxtel.com Spam Bait: Honk If You’ve Never Seen An Uzi Fired From A Car Window

Response:

So what’s the consensus on tipping line-guys/gals?  Is it different if they chock/chain and fuel you versus giving you a ride to the FBO, main terminal, renal place, etc.?  If you do, how much? —  Southwest Fisheries Science Center  P.O. Box 271  La Jolla, CA 92038  858-546-7072, 7003 (FAX)  "Marine Biologist?!…I didn’t   even know that WAS a job!"        - George Costanza  "Get off the cross, we need   the wood."        - Tori Amos

Response:

Oh, no. I never thought about that. I’ve been flying for several years and I never thought about tipping them. I do try to buy gas unless their tie down fee is high in which case I just grumble to myself and leave. I’ve had some line guys do nice things too like… 1) Run out in the rain to open the door before I get to the plane. 2) Run out and push the heavy Debonair back for me (usually also in the rain)… 3) Give me a ride into town. Usually it seems that the line guys who do nice stuff enjoy the planes and being around them. The guys who are only doing it for a job don’t bother. They are usually so friendly I might feel strange handing them a couple bucks. Kind of like tipping a friend, it might feel petty. But them again, perhaps I’ve been missing it…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So what’s the consensus on tipping line-guys/gals?  Is it different if they chock/chain and fuel you versus giving you a ride to the FBO, main terminal, renal place, etc.?  If you do, how much? —  Southwest Fisheries Science Center  P.O. Box 271  La Jolla, CA 92038  858-546-7072, 7003 (FAX)  "Marine Biologist?!…I didn’t   even know that WAS a job!"        - George Costanza  "Get off the cross, we need   the wood."        - Tori Amos

Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

One of the best ways to share the world with a child, is through books. Read about it, then go do it. Your child will do the same with his children.

Response:

My son and I just got finished reading "Blackberries in the Dark" by Mavis Jukes.  It’s about a young boys first experience fly fishing. I’ll skip the reviews. However, my eight year old loved it and wants to me to read it to him again tomorrow night. It’s 60 pages and was under $4.00. Paul

Response:

Paul I don’t ever consider introducing a young one to fly fishing, even if only in a book, as off topic.  How many of us grew up reading adventures into space with Heinlein or the like.  We grew up looking to the astronauts as heros.  Perhaps if some of those adventures had involved fly fishermen, I would have looked on my father as the true hero that he was just that little bit earlier.  Thank you for helping us find some thing that we can start that sharing process with our young ones.               Frank Reid

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My son and I just got finished reading "Blackberries in the Dark" by Mavis Jukes.  It’s about a young boys first experience fly fishing. I’ll skip the reviews. However, my eight year old loved it and wants to me to read it to him again tomorrow night. It’s 60 pages and was under $4.00. Paul

Response:

My son and I just got finished reading "Blackberries in the Dark" by Mavis Jukes.  It’s about a young boys first experience fly fishing. I’ll skip the reviews. However, my eight year old loved it and wants to me to read it to him again tomorrow night. It’s 60 pages and was under $4.00.

Thanks.   I’ll check it out. Joe F.

Response:

Paul I don’t ever consider introducing a young one to fly fishing, even if only in a book, as off topic.  How many of us grew up reading adventures into space with Heinlein or the like.  We grew up looking to the astronauts as heros.               Frank Reid

Heinlein, Asimov, and others!  "Oh Those Golden Ships"! So many dreams, all of great value even if unrealized. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

I ran across some sinking tips which you attach to the end of your fly line with a loop connection.  They had 3 different sink rates (3"/second, 6"/second, 9"/second) in 12 foot lengths.  I purchased the slower two sink rates.  When I got home and unpacked these sink tips I was surprised to find that they are not tapered.  With the addition of a hinge in the line and the fact that they are not tapered, won’t this make casting them difficult.  I am going to try them tomorrow but would like to hear if anyone has some advice on how to properly use these add on sink tips.  After a day of messing with them I would like to read some advice from someone who has used these things. Thanks in advance David

Response:

I make them myself by chopping up a fast sinking flyline and threading the sinking line into a short piece of braided mono line.  I use them for salmon fishing with a 9wt rod.  You need a rod with a bit of punch and cast with a more open loop than you would normally.  I put a coat of flexament on my braids and that stiffens the hinge somewhat.  I do use a WF line with my setup and the rod will load up with alot less line out.  Just make a couple of practise casts and you will find the sweet spot.  I mark my floating line with a sharpie pen.  Check the loop connections regularly, I did have one fail on me while fighting a big fish.  Sounded like a firecracker.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I ran across some sinking tips which you attach to the end of your fly line with a loop connection.  They had 3 different sink rates (3"/second, 6"/second, 9"/second) in 12 foot lengths.  I purchased the slower two sink rates. When I got home and unpacked these sink tips I was surprised to find that they are not tapered.  With the addition of a hinge in the line and the fact that they are not tapered, won’t this make casting them difficult.  I am going to try them tomorrow but would like to hear if anyone has some advice on how to properly use these add on sink tips.  After a day of messing with them I would like to read some advice from someone who has used these things. Thanks in advance David

Response:

You can get tapered sink tips (not exactly tips per se) from Airflo.  They are called Polyleaders and come in 5′ and 10′ length in all sink rates from floating to type 4(?) sinking and in two weight ranges ("trout" for line weights up to 5 and "salmon/bass" for 6-9 weights). In spite of some other people’s complaints about Airflo products I have found these to be very good (as well as a 4 wt Hi Sense long belly fly line I use).  I made some level sink tips from a discarded full sinking line and defineitely found the Polyleaders to be superior. You can get these from ezflyfish.com.  I haven’t found another place that sells these (except Feathercraft in St. Louis, but they don’t have as broad a selection as Mr. Winter does). Mu

Response:

says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I ran across some sinking tips which you attach to the end of your fly line with a loop connection.  They had 3 different sink rates (3"/second, 6"/second, 9"/second) in 12 foot lengths.  I purchased the slower two sink rates.  When I got home and unpacked these sink tips I was surprised to find that they are not tapered.  With the addition of a hinge in the line and the fact that they are not tapered, won’t this make casting them difficult.  I am going to try them tomorrow but would like to hear if anyone has some advice on how to properly use these add on sink tips.  After a day of messing with them I would like to read some advice from someone who has used these things. Thanks in advance David

I fished the Orvis Sink Tips with my WF line yesterday and they worked quite well. They DO load the rod MUCH more rapidly at shorter distances though! Forget about using these things with light patters though. I fought more tailing loops and windknots with an 18 BeadHead than I did fishing it! If found that heavier patterns work well. — Michael Era

Question:

I also catch butterfly peacocks in South Florida. The ultimate bait is, of course, small shiners. The best artificial I’ve used for them is a #5 Rapala floating fire tiger.  The colors seem to really get their attention.  It also works well for largemouth bass! Brady – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – we have peacock bass in south fla. i use a number 13 rapala black or silver back, or a 1/8 oz stanly tadum willow leaf glod and silver spinnerbait with a zoom split tail trailer slow rolled. i found any good topwater bait , pop-r or zarra puppy gets them to. Cajunbass8 "THE TRUTH HURTS"

Response:

If you would like to know what works in S. Florida, you might want to order a copy of Carlos Hidalgo’s "South Florida’s Peacock Bass ". He has suggestions for everything from live bait to flyfishing. It is locally available here in Ft. Lauderdale, but you might want to try my Freshwater Fishing Books page for a link to Amazon.com at http://inshore.com/bk-fresh.html . Jim Sawyer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a resident here in hawaii and I would like info on the best methods or lures to catch peacock bass. I haven’t been too successful in catching them and could use any suggestions on catching the butterfly strain of the peacock bass that are stocked here in hawaii. mahalo Lono

Response:

(1)  Do any of you guys/gals who fish for Peacock Bass have pictures of them you could post? (2)  Has anyone ever ascertained if Peacock Bass could cross-breed with LMB bass or spots?  Or smallmouth? Warren Funk

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you would like to know what works in S. Florida, you might want to order a copy of Carlos Hidalgo’s "South Florida’s Peacock Bass ". He has suggestions for everything from live bait to flyfishing. It is locally available here in Ft. Lauderdale, but you might want to try my Freshwater Fishing Books page for a link to Amazon.com at http://inshore.com/bk-fresh.html . Jim Sawyer I am a resident here in hawaii and I would like info on the best methods or lures to catch peacock bass. I haven’t been too successful in catching them and could use any suggestions on catching the butterfly strain of the peacock bass that are stocked here in hawaii. mahalo Lono

Response:

Hey Warren — I just checked out page 742 of McClane’s Standard Fishing Encyclopedia (includes a nice picture).  According to McClane, the Peacock is a member of the cichlid family. Our favorite black beauties are members of the sunfish family.  I dont’ think we have to worry about hybridization because the only situation where members of two completely different families can mate and reproduce is in a cheap Sci-Fi movie. Gotta tell you a quick story about hybridization and cichlids.  Years ago I was strolling the shoreline of Town Lake which winds through downtown Austin, Texas.  When I see a group of anglers on the bank, it’s pretty hard for me to pass by without stopping to see what they’re catching, — especially, as in this case, when they’re acting excited.  So I trotted over and asked what was happening.  One of the older guys said, "My wife just caught the damndest thing you ever saw — it’s a cross between a Bluegill and a Piranha!"  His wife chimed in, "It ain’t safe to swim here anymore — these things could bite your leg off." I have to admit I was pretty curious because it is not unknown for tropical fish hobbyists to turn unwanted pets loose, and Town Lake has produced some interesting catches, so I’ve heard.   So I asked to see the fish.   She proudly held up an 8-inch male Rio Grande Perch, which with its hump, does look a little like a Piranha.   I said, "Yes ma’am, that’s pretty interesting," and continued my walk. The Rio Grande Perch is, I think, the only member of the cichlid family native to North America.  Austin is about as far north as you’re likely to see one. Tight Lines, Bent Rods, Storm

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Warren, I have a picture of about a 3# peacock I caught last year.  Unfortunately, I’m holding it so you have to see me as well! I don’t know if it’s proper to post it here – I can scan it and post it, or e-mail it to you directly. Please let me know. Brady – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (1)  Do any of you guys/gals who fish for Peacock Bass have pictures of them you could post? (2)  Has anyone ever ascertained if Peacock Bass could cross-breed with LMB bass or spots?  Or smallmouth? Warren Funk If you would like to know what works in S. Florida, you might want to order a copy of Carlos Hidalgo’s "South Florida’s Peacock Bass ". He has suggestions for everything from live bait to flyfishing. It is locally available here in Ft. Lauderdale, but you might want to try my Freshwater Fishing Books page for a link to Amazon.com at http://inshore.com/bk-fresh.html . Jim Sawyer I am a resident here in hawaii and I would like info on the best methods or lures to catch peacock bass. I haven’t been too successful in catching them and could use any suggestions on catching the butterfly strain of the peacock bass that are stocked here in hawaii. mahalo Lono

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I am a resident here in hawaii and I would like info on the best methods or lures to catch peacock bass. I haven’t been too successful in catching them and could use any suggestions on catching the butterfly strain of the peacock bass that are stocked here in hawaii. mahalo Lono

Response:

we have peacock bass in south fla. i use a number 13 rapala black or silver back, or a 1/8 oz stanly tadum willow leaf glod and silver spinnerbait with a zoom split tail trailer slow rolled. i found any good topwater bait , pop-r or zarra puppy gets them to. Cajunbass8 "THE TRUTH HURTS"

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Question:

Billy If efficiency is your god, then stay with graphite.  If you’re a romantic . . .  I don’t have to finish the sentence. I have a Diawa 4/5 fly rod that is 5 1/2 times cheaper than my bamboo 4/5 and will out cast it.   Yet that has nothing to do why I like it or love the bamboo.  Others have said it better; you have to fish a good one to know. In a world that worships efficiency,  maybe it’s just our reaction against it.  Whatever it is, we aren’t about to question it.  We just fish. Peter

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 there’s certainly more to fly fishing than casting a whole line with a graphite rod… Regards Jeff

        the only way i and 90% of the rest of us will be able to cast an entire line is to buy one, and then throw it as far as we can, while it’s still in the cradle.  i say fish what makes you smile. wayno

Response:

Harrison) writes: i say fish what makes you smile.

Cripes, you’re getting mellow, what happened? Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

Response:

Harrison) writes: i say fish what makes you smile. Cripes, you’re getting mellow, what happened? Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

    advancing age and the discovery of balvenie. wayno, chilling – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Wayno: <<(Wayne Harrison) writes: i say fish what makes you smile. Cripes, you’re getting mellow, what happened? Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

    advancing age and the discovery of balvenie. wayno, chilling Speaking of chilling……. last night I found two bottles of Sleeman’s in the cooler.  Totally forgotten.  Serendipitous!  I picked my first two tomatoes and had a couple of tom and lettuce sandwiches for lunch, washed down with TWO Sleeman’s.  It ain’t gonna get any better than this……d;0) Dave L. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Speaking of chilling……. last night I found two bottles of Sleeman’s in the cooler.  Totally forgotten.  Serendipitous!  I picked my first two tomatoes and had a couple of tom and lettuce sandwiches for lunch, washed down with TWO Sleeman’s.  It ain’t gonna get any better than this……d;0) Dave L.

You are absolutely correct, Dave.  Sadly, my Sleeman’s is long, long gone, and my tomatoes are shriveling in the drought. Mark Faulkner

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Speaking of chilling……. last night I found two bottles of Sleeman’s in the cooler.  Totally forgotten.  Serendipitous!  I picked my first two tomatoes and had a couple of tom and lettuce sandwiches for lunch, washed down with TWO Sleeman’s.  It ain’t gonna get any better than this……d;0) Dave L.

dave, you are a cruel, cruel bastard. –waldo — Ezflyfish.com                 Blue Ridge Book Gallery Quality Gear & Service        Used & Out-of-Print Books http://www.ezflyfish.com      http://www.abebooks.com/home/BLUEBOOKS P.O. Box 5112  Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828)963-5001

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Until you add some dilled Walla Walla sweets and cucumber slices to the sandwich. Speaking of chilling……. last night I found two bottles of Sleeman’s in the cooler.  Totally forgotten.  Serendipitous!  I picked my first two tomatoes and had a couple of tom and lettuce sandwiches for lunch, washed down with TWO Sleeman’s.  It ain’t gonna get any better than this……d;0) Dave L.

– Mike in PDX "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                          Tom McGuane

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advancing age and the discovery of balvenie.

wait till I get some really good scotch in your blood stream vs just a good scotch, you’ll even start telling lawyer jokes. Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

Response:

Mike: <<Until you add some dilled Walla Walla sweets and cucumber slices to the sandwich. Speaking of chilling……. last night I found two bottles of Sleeman’s in the cooler.  Totally forgotten.  Serendipitous!  I picked my first two tomatoes and had a couple of tom and lettuce sandwiches for lunch, washed down with TWO Sleeman’s.  It ain’t gonna get any better than this……d;0)

Well, ya might have somethin there.  But I’ll take the pickles on the side and instead of cukes, and how about a thick slice of a hairy-assed Vidalia Onion.  Maybe a slice of *good* cheese? Dave LaCourse

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I’m reading all the posts about bamboo fly rods.   Why would a person want a fly rod made from bamboo, when you can have a grafite rod? Bamboo just dose’nt make sense. — Sharp Hooks, Pat Holdzit Fishing Products Inc. http://www.holdzit.com Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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is this a troll? — Nicholas J. Slodki http://trampled.net/Nikolai0/

:I’m reading all the posts about bamboo fly rods.   Why would a person :want a fly rod made from bamboo, when you can have a grafite rod? :Bamboo just dose’nt make sense. : :– :Sharp Hooks, at :Holdzit Fishing Products Inc. :http://www.holdzit.com : : :Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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Pat- You’d probably ask the same question about fiberglass. Obviously, you’ve never cast one! There’s nothing like the FEEL of casting a bamboo rod…it’s sort of a magical thing, actually allowing you to feel the "tug" of a line straightening out behind you and urging you to begin your forward cast. When nymphing with a bamboo rod, I’ve never had the urge to even consider using a strike indicator (read= bobber) as you can actually feel the nymph being picked up on a tight line while high-sticking a nymph through a riffle. There are some of us who began on bamboo, then out of need, migrated to fiberglass (lack of suppliers of decent bamboo rods at prices the "common man" could afford) and never even bothered with graphite, especially after trying the original graphite rods to hit the market….true buggy whips or telephone poles, nothing in between… along with the horror stories of graphite rods exploding when they got too cold and were tapped against the side of a boat or other hard object. I do own a couple of graphite rods now, but don’t consider them the primary pieces in my arsenal…my primaries are an old Granger bamboo and my Fenwick glass rods, but I do use the graphites also. You’d need to handle one streamside to undrstand is all I can say….maybe someday you’ll find an obliging fly fisherman on the water that’ll let you cast his bamboo or glass rod and then when you take your graphite back and make afew casts you’ll understand better. Larry #:)#

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I’m reading all the posts about bamboo fly rods.   Why would a person want a fly rod made from bamboo, when you can have a grafite rod? Bamboo just dose’nt make sense.

If you are a slam bam thank you ma’m fisherman, tossing and in love with the latest greatest high modulus plastic rod, you’re right cane is not for you. I love cane rods because, and imo only, 1. A good cane rod is a result of someones labor of love as a craftsman not the result of some plastic rolling off of a sheet. 2. A good cane rod forces you to slow down and enjoy the experience. 3. A good cane rod is much more forgiving than a graphite rod to casting mistakes. 4. I believe they fish better, protect tippets better, lay down flies more delicately, 5. There’s a bit of nostalgia involved which for an aging baby boomer is kind of neat. 6.They’re made with mother natures own resources, so they’re probably more eco-friendly tho I have no scientific proof, but these are opinions . 7. The weight crap is overrated. They aren’t that heavy and it is great to feel the line lay out, they almost tell you when to begin the next stroke. Let’s see if I can put another way, using a cane rod to me is akin to sex, a cane rod is like having a loving romantic relationship over time which is much more fulfilling, a graphite rod is like having a one night stand, yea it feels good for a short time but once you shoot your load, there’s nothing left. I own more than my share of graphite rods, I use them, like them.but would not be devastated if I lost them. Take my cane tho, and I’ll have to kill you. My opinion only, but you asked. Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

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It does when you have an old reel and silk line to go with it.  It is a real trip down memory lane. Ernie Harrison Like to make fly-fishing stuff?  See: http://users.ccnet.com/~emh/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m reading all the posts about bamboo fly rods.   Why would a person want a fly rod made from bamboo, when you can have a grafite rod? Bamboo just dose’nt make sense. — Sharp Hooks, Pat Holdzit Fishing Products Inc. http://www.holdzit.com Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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Bamboo just dose’nt make sense.

Sure it dose. Bamboo, fiberglas & graphite all have plusses & minuses. It comes down to casting style and personal preference. I happen to think that bamboo is more forgiving of my lousy casting stroke. — Ken Fortenberry

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Wayne Knight wrote … Let’s see if I can put another way, using a cane rod to me is akin to sex, a cane rod is like having a loving romantic relationship over time which is much more fulfilling, a graphite rod is like having a one night stand, yea it feels good for a short time but once you shoot your load, there’s nothing left.

Gee thanks.  Now I’ll feel cheap and tawdry next time I go fishing. Keith Brewster

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Tradition, old timey feel. nose thumbing at technology, beauty, yankee pride. Dave

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I do not have much cane experience.  I have an old Montague rod.  Maybe more espensive ones may end up with my mind changed. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m reading all the posts about bamboo fly rods.   Why would a person want a fly rod made from bamboo, when you can have a grafite rod? Bamboo just dose’nt make sense. If you are a slam bam thank you ma’m fisherman, tossing and in love with the latest greatest high modulus plastic rod, you’re right cane is not for you. I love cane rods because, and imo only, 1. A good cane rod is a result of someones labor of love as a craftsman not the result of some plastic rolling off of a sheet.

I don’t care about this.  How good is the tool? 2. A good cane rod forces you to slow down and enjoy the experience.

Given the kind of fishing I do, I need a fast rod. 3. A good cane rod is much more forgiving than a graphite rod to casting mistakes.

See 2 above. 4. I believe they fish better, protect tippets better, lay down flies more delicately,

Possibly. 5. There’s a bit of nostalgia involved which for an aging baby boomer is kind of neat. 6.They’re made with mother natures own resources, so they’re probably more eco-friendly tho I have no scientific proof, but these are opinions . 7. The weight crap is overrated. They aren’t that heavy and it is great to feel the line lay out, they almost tell you when to begin the next stroke.

I find the weight a serious problem.  After about half an hour of fishing, my arm is worn out.  It is not the weight of the rod, per se.  It is the moment of inertia. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Let’s see if I can put another way, using a cane rod to me is akin to sex, a cane rod is like having a loving romantic relationship over time which is much more fulfilling, a graphite rod is like having a one night stand, yea it feels good for a short time but once you shoot your load, there’s nothing left. I own more than my share of graphite rods, I use them, like them.but would not be devastated if I lost them. Take my cane tho, and I’ll have to kill you.

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(BillyFish) writes: I do not have much cane experience.  I have an old Montague rod.  Maybe more espensive ones may end up with my mind changed.

It does not have to be a more expensive one, there are lots of old cheap Heddons, South Bends, Wright & McGills, Union Hardware, etc which were good rods and don’t command premium prices. I have a project rod which used pieces of Leonard rods for a 5 wt which for a cane is a cannon. I paid $300 for the rod. It may not say Leonard, but it is a Leonard. Montagues, in most cases, are best used for tomato stakes or toothpicks Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

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wayne and others. SNIP SNIP Let’s see if I can put another way, using a cane rod to me is akin to sex, a cane rod is like having a loving romantic relationship over time which is much more fulfilling, a graphite rod is like having a one night stand, yea it feels good for a short time but once you shoot your load, there’s nothing left.

eww… i’m starting to feel a little yucky… have cast a cane rod a few times.. felt like they could cast a line around a 90 degree corner.. just wonderful. edwin

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I am a poor deprived person who has , I confess,  never even handled a cane rod much less fish with one.  To rectify this, in the light of all this debate, I  have been trying to cast with one of the wife’s bean sticks to see what the fuss was all about.  I got blank looks at the hardware store when I asked for a 4 wt – apparently they categorise them as tomato or bean and not by weight! so I came home and nicked one of hers.  Well, I have to say it did nothing for my style, such as it is, and the neighbours, already used to the sight of me flinging fly lines deep under the trees in the garden and trying to curve cast around the posts on the kids climbing frame, just took it all in their stride. George, you must wave a magic wand over a piece of bamboo to turn it into a rod, that’s all I can say. Yes I’ve read the G site (or should that be "spot"? )on how technological this bamboo thing is  - and now you guys have got me going.  I have got to see a real cane rod and have a cast with it just to compare it to my graphite and boron rods and see what all the fuss is about! Bendy bamboo to you all DBJ I don’t practice what I preach as I am not the sort of person I preach to! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bamboo just dose’nt make sense. Sure it dose. Bamboo, fiberglas & graphite all have plusses & minuses. It comes down to casting style and personal preference. I happen to think that bamboo is more forgiving of my lousy casting stroke. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Gee thanks.  Now I’ll feel cheap and tawdry next time I go fishing.

But will you respect it in the morning? Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wayne Knight wrote … Let’s see if I can put another way, using a cane rod to me is akin to sex, a cane rod is like having a loving romantic relationship over time which is much more fulfilling, a graphite rod is like having a one night stand, yea it feels good for a short time but once you shoot your load, there’s nothing left. Gee thanks.  Now I’ll feel cheap and tawdry next time I go fishing. Keith Brewster

Mark Faulkner, recalling those years gone by

Response:

Bamboo may not make sense, and I guess classic Jaguars, MG’s, and Porsches don’t either. But that doesn’t keep them from putting more grins on my face. There’s more to driving enjoyment than airconditioned, fuel-injected cars from the Pacific Rim, and there’s certainly more to fly fishing than casting a whole line with a graphite rod… Regards Jeff

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m reading all the posts about bamboo fly rods.   Why would a person want a fly rod made from bamboo, when you can have a grafite rod? Bamboo just dose’nt make sense. — Sharp Hooks, Pat Holdzit Fishing Products Inc. http://www.holdzit.com Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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Question:

I fished Lewis Creek last Sunday with a couple of friends. Water was very high and muddy, no fish caught or seen. Rumor on the stream was one 5lb steelie taken the day before below the ‘falls’. Appreciate any info on other Champlain activity- Bouquet, Ausable, Saranac? Thanks — John Preston         *                                                                                   <`}}}}=< Ponhook F&G                                             <`}}}}=< Charleston, NS      <`}}}}=< **Please help save the Margaree !  If you’re interested, visit this website:      <<<  http://chebucto.ns.ca/Environment/CPAWS/jcb.html  

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John, Nothing happening yet on this side of the lake….haven’t heard of much on the other side(NY) either.  Water temps on Lewis are still far too cold (mid-30’s). Perhaps end of next week though. Good luck. James Ehlers                                                               Uncle Jammer’s Guide Service Vermont Fly Fishing, Hunting, River and Woodland Outings

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Question:

Gary: Check out the collection <Batfishing in the Rainforest, in which you’ll find an odd and entertaining story about fishing for "tarpon" (probably not) either in Singapore, or across the Causeway in Johor State, Malaysia. You might have been watching carp, which roll on occasion.    The Malay name for them is Ikan Putih (Fish White).  They will take flies, and a big one will battle you untll you’re older. Ikan Puyu are a deep-bodied fish shaped somewhat like large bream, reaching a pound or two.  They school in large numbers, and regularly rise to hatches in the evening. The Ikan Haruwan is called a bowfin here–a primitive, extremely aggressive and toothy fish, with a flattened head and large scales.  At night they move into the shallows, especially in marshy areas, to hunt fish and frogs.  They’ll take poppers and streamers.  Use shock tippet. Note:  night fishing in the tropics can be unnerving, and I’ve encountered both cobras and reticulated pythons, neither of which are as frightening as the mosquitoes (nyamok) of the northern Malay peninsula.  (The southern mosquitos are quite timid by comparison, but they do carry dengue fever.) Go with a local, although it’s too true that many in that area are surprisingly ignorant of their own fauna. There’s half a chance–or half of half that–you saw mahseer, a spectacular gamefish that looks something like the fish you describe.  The British sahibs chased them in India, and I know they can be found in northern Malaysia and Borneo.  Mahseer can be caught on flies, I understand; the larger specimens–to 200 pounds–are piscavores.   See <Down the Crazy River. The more remote areas of South China sea have a variety of saltwater fish typical for the equatorial region, though  pollution and fishing pressure are both excessive.  Barracuda can still be found.  Note, however, that the water from Singapore north to Thailand–and beyond–all through the Straits of Mallacca, is the major drug smuggling route for the Golden Triangle.   Most of those folks have better things to do than fool with you.  Most, anyway:  just fish in a most convincing manner. Certainly an interesting area.  

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I was in Singapore last week, as my company may relocate me out there for two years. I had guessed that would put and end to my fly fishing. I visited some gardens and there were a few lakes that you could fish. Some locals were there fishing with bait. To my surprise, around early afternoon, the lake was alive with rises. Some large fish could be seen rolling after taking a surface insect. I had no idea what the fish were, but they looked carp-like, with a dark back, golden sides and white bellies. Though I could not see the insect that was hatching I am sure I could catch them with, say, a tiny midge pattern or buzzer. The more I thought about, with the exception of the lack of trout, this has to be a kind of nirvana for flyfishing: no seasons, no major temperature changes, consistent weather all year round. This hatch could very well be a daily occurance.  Has anyone any information on fishing there? Also, if anyone has info on fly fishing in the Asia/Pacific region (I’ll be travelling all over and, happily, New Zealand will be included in this) I would greatly appreciate it. In any case, I’ll be sure to write to the group with my my own findings. Thanks, Gary McMeekin

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Question:

I am going to visit my daughter in Lansdale, PA over March 8 for a few days. I have fished the Little LeHigh a couple of times but would like the names of other streams which are open this time of the year and fairly close to Lansdale since I have use of her car between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. while she is working. What patterns might be useful at this time of year.  Thanks in advance.   Jim

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I am going to visit my daughter in Lansdale, PA over March 8 for a few days. I have fished the Little LeHigh a couple of times but would like the names of other streams which are open this time of the year and fairly close to Lansdale since I have use of her car between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. while she is working. What patterns might be useful at this time of year.  Thanks in advance.   Jim

Jim, the trout season will not be open here at that time of year.  Your only bet for flyfishing at that time of year is to try some of the many special regulation areas that are open year-round.  These will be listed in your fishing regulation summary that you get when you buy your license.  I’d try to stick to the spring creeks that time of year, (Little Lehigh, Valley, and Monocacy), as the freestoners are not at their best yet.

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Question:

I would like to get a rod for my 20 year old son, who is interested in taking up fly fishing. I am interested in a 5 or 6 wt. 3 or 4 piece 9ft. travel rod, and I would like to pay something around $120 simply because I do not want to make the plunge into an upscale rod until I know he is really interested.          A while back, people on this group had good things to say about the St. Croix Imperial travel rod. I have looked at one in the store, and it seems to fill the bill. However, I am wondering if anyone has any other suggestions for a rod in this category.I would be grateful for any advice.                                                 Thanks,                                                 Dick Curley

Response:

Hi Dick, We have sold the St.Croix Imperial rods for several years now at or physical store location. We sell over one hundred rods per year and we have yet to have any compliants. St Croix is a respected manufacturer who produce rods for both Cortland and Scientific Angler.  In this price category there is no one close to them for value. Hope this helps. Ken Lindsay Fly Fishing Online http://www.flyfishing-online.com

Response:

Can’t help you with a travel rod, but I’ve got an almost new Powell 2 Pc. 5WT. (9′) I’m looking to sell, it is a high quality, moderate tapered factory finished rod. Lemme know if you have any interest. J.O’C.

Response:

I would like to get a rod for my 20 year old son, who is interested in taking up fly fishing. I am interested in a 5 or 6 wt. 3 or 4 piece 9ft. travel rod, and I would like to pay something around $120 simply because I do not want to make the plunge into an upscale rod until I know he is really interested.

  A while back, people on this group had good things to say about the St. Croix Imperial travel rod. I have looked at one in the store, and it seems to fill the bill. However, I am wondering if anyone has any other suggestions for a rod in this category.I would be grateful for any advice.

Having tested some St. Croix rods against other manufacturers, I can tell you that St Croix is an exceptional value. The problem I found with them is that they tend to magnify casting technique. If you’re a good caster to begin with, you’ll find yourself happily rewarded with a high-performance rod for a bargain price. If you’re a poor caster, you’ll think the St Croix is a piece of garbage, because it will magnify every mistake you make. That’s great if you’ve got someone to help you with your casting, but most neophytes who buy St Croix rods find themselves frustrated. They then buy an Orvis thunderstick and find casting is much easier, even though they still have the same bad habits. They then blame the St Croix rods, and not their own poor technique. I highly recommend the St Croix rods, especially the travel rods. JL 8-Wt Editor

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: I highly recommend the St Croix rods, especially the travel rods. I recently purchased the 8′ 4-5wt and think it casts exceptionally well for a "lower-tech graphite"  I think the 9′ 4-piece is a 6-7 wt.  For the price you can’ go wrong.

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