Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Okay, I realize this may be a tall order, but I’m looking for any helpful info on fishing (mostly stream) the upper peninsula of Michigan. Will be staying just outside Kenton the first week of September, and I’m thinking my already sub-par knowledge of Arkansas tailwater ff will only carry me so far in this strange new land. Since the UP seems to be teeming with fishable water, I was mostly hoping someone could help me narrow things down a bit. A Google search of the group revealed multiple references to the area, but little in the way of straightforward advice. If it helps, I’ll be limited to wading with a 5wt. outfit, and probably won’t get much further than 1-1.5 hours from Kenton during the trip. I will have access by boat to one particular small lake. Other than that, I’m pretty much at a loss for where to go/what to use. (I don’t even know the name of the lake.) Heaps o’ thanks in advance. As you can probably guess, I’m excited as all get out. JD

Kenton sits right on the east branch of the Ontonagon river.  Lots of good trout water.  Sparrow rapids, about two miles downstream from town is a popular spot to put in and fish.  There’s also a campground there. Get a good map (the DeLorme atlases are about as good as you can get and are available in most sporting goods stores and bookstores) and explore.  The Paint, the Net, Cook’s Run, Trout Creek, the Jumbo, the Sturgeon, and the other branches of the Ontonagon are all within an easy drive, as are many other small streams. Wolfgang

Response:

Justin, I am sure your "sub-par" knowledge of AR tailwaters is considerably more than my "extremely limited" knowledge of that area. I plan to visit the North Fork in a month or so and then again in the fall or winter. Any info you can share would be greatly appreciated. I too am limited to wading and light to medium weight flyfishing equipment. Thanks in advance, guy

already sub-par knowledge of Arkansas tailwater ff will only carry me so

far

Response:

Kenton sits right on the east branch of the Ontonagon river.  Lots of good trout water.  Sparrow rapids, about two miles downstream from town is a popular spot to put in and fish.  There’s also a campground there. Get a good map (the DeLorme atlases are about as good as you can get and are available in most sporting goods stores and bookstores) and explore.  The Paint, the Net, Cook’s Run, Trout Creek, the Jumbo, the Sturgeon, and the other branches of the Ontonagon are all within an easy drive, as are many other small streams. Wolfgang

I fwd’d your reply to my trip buddy this morning and received a 4-word response: "Wolfgang is our friend." Thanks so much for the help. Along with the DeLorme and a copy of Michigan Trout Streams, a printout of your advice should provide ample direction throughout the week. Thanks again… JD officially foaming at the mouth

Response:

Justin, I am sure your "sub-par" knowledge of AR tailwaters is considerably more than my "extremely limited" knowledge of that area. I plan to visit the North Fork in a month or so and then again in the fall or winter. Any info you can share would be greatly appreciated. I too am limited to wading and light to medium weight flyfishing equipment. Thanks in advance, guy

Dang. I knew I shoulda left that part out. Aside from an ample supply of light tippet, woolly buggers and sow bugs, the best piece of equipment you can take is a cell phone with the Bull Shoals/Norfork powerhouse number, 870.431.5311. The North Fork is right under Norfork Dam, so any amount of generation means you’re outta luck. I spent four days there this spring. Reading. If you’re that close, you should consider the short trip (4 miles and onward) to the White as well (under Bull Shoals dam). Much better help than mine, along with decent maps, access points and reports can be found here: http://www.ozarkangler.com/river/ There are numerous other places on the web to find info. Just stay attuned to water levels at all times. When it starts to rise, get out. Immediately. On the upside, North Fork goes down quickly when generation stops, and is a only few miles long, so you can hear the powerhouse siren nearly all the way down to the White. Oh, and the fishing rocks. You can also track generation (it can give you some idea about current schedules, but don’t set your watch by it) here: http://www.swpa.gov/generation.htm Finally, talk to the locals. They’re good people. They’re usually taking up all the really good spots, but they’re good people… JD

Response:

Thanks Justin! Greatly appereciate the information. I will follow up on your sources as well as keep an eye on the generation schedules. I was there this spring and did a fair share of reading myself. I asked one of the locals "how high was the water compared to a regular fishable flow?" He said "The dam would have to break for the water to go any higher". I smiled and kept on reading. guy

My pleasure, man. Best of luck. JD

Response:

…Thanks…

You’re welcome. Wolfgang

Response:

Thanks Justin! Greatly appereciate the information. I will follow up on your sources as well as keep an eye on the generation schedules. I was there this spring and did a fair share of reading myself. I asked one of the locals "how high was the water compared to a regular fishable flow?" He said "The dam would have to break for the water to go any higher". I smiled and kept on reading. guy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Justin, I am sure your "sub-par" knowledge of AR tailwaters is considerably more than my "extremely limited" knowledge of that area. I plan to visit the North Fork in a month or so and then again in the fall or winter. Any info you can share would be greatly appreciated. I too am limited to wading and light to medium weight flyfishing equipment. Thanks in advance, guy Dang. I knew I shoulda left that part out. Aside from an ample supply of light tippet, woolly buggers and sow bugs, the best piece of equipment you can take is a cell phone with the Bull Shoals/Norfork powerhouse number, 870.431.5311. The North Fork is right under Norfork Dam, so any amount of generation means you’re outta luck. I spent four days there this spring. Reading. If you’re that close, you should consider the short trip (4 miles and onward) to the White as well (under Bull Shoals dam). Much better help than mine, along with decent maps, access points and reports can be found here: http://www.ozarkangler.com/river/ There are numerous other places on the web to find info. Just stay attuned to water levels at all times. When it starts to rise, get out. Immediately. On the upside, North Fork goes down quickly when generation stops, and is a only few miles long, so you can hear the powerhouse siren nearly all the way down to the White. Oh, and the fishing rocks. You can also track generation (it can give you some idea about current schedules, but don’t set your watch by it) here: http://www.swpa.gov/generation.htm Finally, talk to the locals. They’re good people. They’re usually taking up all the really good spots, but they’re good people… JD

Response:

Okay, I realize this may be a tall order, but I’m looking for any helpful info on fishing (mostly stream) the upper peninsula of Michigan. Will be staying just outside Kenton the first week of September, and I’m thinking my already sub-par knowledge of Arkansas tailwater ff will only carry me so far in this strange new land. Since the UP seems to be teeming with fishable water, I was mostly hoping someone could help me narrow things down a bit. A Google search of the group revealed multiple references to the area, but little in the way of straightforward advice. If it helps, I’ll be limited to wading with a 5wt. outfit, and probably won’t get much further than 1-1.5 hours from Kenton during the trip. I will have access by boat to one particular small lake. Other than that, I’m pretty much at a loss for where to go/what to use. (I don’t even know the name of the lake.) Heaps o’ thanks in advance. As you can probably guess, I’m excited as all get out. JD

Response:

Question:

J Axelrad;  Sign me up for the raffle with a Strens fisherman’s clipper with zinger and a North Dakota water proof box.  I’m coming in Wed afternoon. Let me know if the timing is off.  Then again, I could always donate 1,000 used flies that never caught anything and never will 8}.

Response:

Lou Teletski wrote… J Axelrad;  Sign me up for the raffle with a Strens fisherman’s clipper with zinger and a North Dakota water proof box.  I’m coming in Wed afternoon. Let me know if the timing is off.  Then again, I could always donate 1,000 used flies that never caught anything and never will 8}.

You had better send it to me rather than bring it just in case.  Wed.  might be after the Raffle.  Don’t know for sure.  But why take a chance. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Response:

You had better send it to me rather than bring it just in case.  Wed. might be after the Raffle.  Don’t know for sure.  But why take a chance. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Joe, I will send you a package of swap flies as well if you want to include them in your raffle. I need your snail mail addy. Frank Church Swap nazi

Response:

Joel, I’ll be there early but leaving Wednesday morning.  No problem if not being there makes a difference on paricippating in the drawing.  My 12 hooks with chicken feathers tied on (God bless Tyson’s Chicken) will still be there to participate.  Better not un-zip the baggy until outdoors and downwind from anyone of the few who may have taken a shower that week. Wayne to fish is human….to release Divine!!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You had better send it to me rather than bring it just in case.  Wed.  might be after the Raffle.  Don’t know for sure.  But why take a chance. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Response:

Raffle rules again… All those giving a prize will get one even if you don’t attend the clave. All those attending bring your prize with you but let me know what it is beforehand if you would. All those not attending and those who think they will depart before the raffle or arrive after the raffle send your prize to me.    Joel Axelrad    Uniform Graining Corp.    2120 W, Lake Street    Chicago, IL 60612     And lastly, I don’t know which nite, for sure, the raffle will be held.  The Clavemeister has not spoken!   Tom, we wait your decision.  Tues.? Wed.?  Let us know. Watch this space for the answer. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Response:

And lastly, I don’t know which nite, for sure, the raffle will be held. The Clavemeister has not spoken!   Tom, we wait your decision.  Tues.? Wed.?  Let us know.

Since Tuesday is the only night I have a snowball’s chance of being there, that gets my vote. Joe F.

Response:

Joe writes: Since Tuesday is the only night I have a snowball’s chance of being there, that gets my vote.

Don’t forget the torches! Dave

Response:

Joe F. wrote… Since Tuesday is the only night I have a snowball’s chance of being there, that gets my vote.

If you promise to do an encore of your act I’ll vote with you. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Response:

And lastly, I don’t know which nite, for sure, the raffle will be held. The Clavemeister has not spoken!   Tom, we wait your decision. Tues.? Wed.?  Let us know. Since Tuesday is the only night I have a snowball’s chance of being there, that gets my vote. Joe F.

Sounds good to me too Scott

Response:

If you promise to do an encore of your act I’ll vote with you. Joel Axelrad

Well shit, I better find some glue & put the boxes back together. <g Joe F.

Response:

Don’t forget the torches!

We got us a volunteer again Stan!   Better start practicing.  <g Joe F.

Response:

Joe F. If you promise to do an encore of your act I’ll vote with you. Joel Axelrad Well shit, I better find some glue & put the boxes back together. <g Joe F.

I’ll bring matches and lighter fluid.  <g For the torches, the torches, not those little box thingies……d;0(

Response:

Joe F. writes: Don’t forget the torches! We got us a volunteer again Stan!   Better start practicing.  <g

Yeah, Stan.  Practice, practice, practice.  No fishing from now until then – just practice with those torches.  You don’t mind if I face Stan instead of you, Joe. Dave practicing running and ducking and trying to remember where his asbestos bvds are

Response:

Oh almighty rafflemiester put me down for a fly-tying book as i don’t tie yet i don’t need one maybe some flyline as someday i may tie so maybe i should keep it boy do i hate these aarp moments.Whatever day is picked will be fine with me. Handyman   Mike

Response:

I’m with Joe.  Tuesday night! — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Since Tuesday is the only night I have a snowball’s chance of being there, that gets my vote. Joe F.

Response:

I’m with Joe.  Tuesday night!

Well, if you’re with me, you’ll be at a dinner with me and swmbo. Aaaaargh.   As it turns out, she had screwed up the dates she told me for that one.   Now I have committments on Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday.   It’s looking pretty f*cking unlikely I’ll get there at all now.   Giant bummer. Joe F.

Response:

Joe fleischman wrote… Well, if you’re with me, you’ll be at a dinner with me and swmbo. Aaaaargh.   As it turns out, she had screwed up the dates she told me for that one.   Now I have committments on Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday.   It’s looking pretty f*cking unlikely I’ll get there at all now.   Giant bummer. Joe F.

You gotta come.  You gotta juggle.  You gotta fish.  You gatta be with friends. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Response:

Joel writes: You gotta come.  You gotta juggle.  You gotta fish.  You gatta be with friends.

You gotta try and hit me with the flaming torch.   Be there, Joe, be there. Dave

Response:

I’m with Joe.  Tuesday night! Well, if you’re with me, you’ll be at a dinner with me and swmbo.

millheim inn? <g Aaaaargh.   As it turns out, she had screwed up the dates she told me for that one.   Now I have committments on Sunday, Tuesday & Thursday.   It’s looking pretty f*cking unlikely I’ll get there at all now.   Giant bummer. Joe F.

bummer indeed….. i was hopin we could wet a line together this year….. 2003? –wally

Response:

You gotta come.  You gotta juggle.  You gotta fish.  You gatta be with friends. You gotta try and hit me with the flaming torch.   Be there, Joe, be there. Dave

If it’ll help you, Dave, I can toss a few cigars at you…  Just trying to help.

Response:

Stan writes: If it’ll help you, Dave, I can toss a few cigars at you…  Just trying to help. If it’ll help you, Dave, I can toss a few cigars at you…  Just trying to help.

Wouldn’t be the same, Stan.

Response:

If’n ya’ll want, I can wait till more people get there before I start the fire for the stew.  That oughta be ’nuff entertainment for the most jaded.            Frank

Response:

bummer indeed….. i was hopin we could wet a line together this year….. 2003?

Friday’s still alive as a longshot.   SWMBO gets degree at ceremony Thurs. a.m.   Perhaps a celebratory lunch, a leisurely afternoon basking in the glow of academic success, them off to Coburn?   I dunno; I might get away with it.  :-) Joe F.

Response:

aw hell…i heard they will deliver diplomas by mail now …if you were a real manly man, you’d try that approach and do your celebrating at the historic millheim hotel.  of course, i must admit i tried similar antics more than 20 years ago with my first spouse, and it got me a whole lotta new freedoms…freedom from my bank account, furniture, car, and marriage.  but then, i didn’t have your magical talents… <g we’ll miss you this year… hope you can find your way down to carolina again now that you have some proper footgear… jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – bummer indeed….. i was hopin we could wet a line together this year….. 2003? Friday’s still alive as a longshot.   SWMBO gets degree at ceremony Thurs. a.m.   Perhaps a celebratory lunch, a leisurely afternoon basking in the glow of academic success, them off to Coburn?   I dunno; I might get away with it.  :-) Joe F.

Response:

Joe, Suggest we do a combined blowout Sunday for both the wives in collective celebration.  You keep waders in the van to bug out right after ceremonies Thursday and get back late Saturday night.  If we make a big enough deal out of Sunday, think we can make it fly(fish)?? Wayne to fish is human….to release Divine! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Friday’s still alive as a longshot.   SWMBO gets degree at ceremony Thurs. a.m.   Perhaps a celebratory lunch, a leisurely afternoon basking in the glow of academic success, them off to Coburn?   I dunno; I might get away with it.  :-) Joe F.

Response:

Question:

I think that I’ve got it narrowed down to a couple of different models: Wilderness Systems The Ride Perception Swing I plan on using it in the bays around Long Island, NY I do not plan on too much use in the surf, but it may happen. I’m looking for a good Kayak…I am trying to keep down the length to under 14 feet or so. I notice that The Ride has a factory installed Rudder as an option. Would this be a good idea for my kind of use? Is the Swing more versatile than the Ride? How about stability??? Help a newbie out please!! -Tim Before you buy.

Response:

I think that I’ve got it narrowed down to a couple of different models: Wilderness Systems The Ride Perception Swing

I have 2 Ride’s that I use in flat water rivers and inshore in saltwater (I live in Atlanta). I don’t have rudders and haven’t had problems with tracking, but I use mine primarily to fly fish from and not for any kind of touring. — Charlie…

Response:

I grew up on Peconic and Shinnecock bays and wish I could paddle there during these interminable hot days down south. If I were you I would go for the Freedom by WS over the Ride. Both have a rudder option but the Freedom without rudder is as stable as any sot I have ever been in. It seems to sit lower in the water which means it gets less side push from winds, it is faster than Ride and the cost is comparable (Ride w rudder, Freedom w/o) The rudder is not to steer but to keep you on a more or less straight line when winds push against you. I doubt you will need a rudder on the Freedom, learn to control the boat by edging and adjusting your paddle stroke. I would invest the extra money in getting the optional back rest, it will be worth it to you in comfort. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think that I’ve got it narrowed down to a couple of different models: Wilderness Systems The Ride Perception Swing I plan on using it in the bays around Long Island, NY I do not plan on too much use in the surf, but it may happen. I’m looking for a good Kayak…I am trying to keep down the length to under 14 feet or so. I notice that The Ride has a factory installed Rudder as an option. Would this be a good idea for my kind of use? Is the Swing more versatile than the Ride? How about stability??? Help a newbie out please!! -Tim Before you buy.

Response:

I was looking at the Freedom as well, but I elimintaed it due to it’s size….I thought it to be  too long.  I’ll take a closer look.  Anyone with any other thoughts??? Thanks, Tim I – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I grew up on Peconic and Shinnecock bays and wish I could paddle there during these interminable hot days down south. If I were you I would go for the Freedom by WS over the Ride. Both have a rudder option but the Freedom without rudder is as stable as any sot I have ever been in. It seems to sit lower in the water which means it gets less side push from winds, it is faster than Ride and the cost is comparable (Ride w rudder, Freedom w/o) The rudder is not to steer but to keep you on a more or less straight line when winds push against you. I doubt you will need a rudder on the Freedom, learn to control the boat by edging and adjusting your paddle stroke. I would invest the extra money in getting the optional back rest, it will be worth it to you in comfort. I think that I’ve got it narrowed down to a couple of different models: Wilderness Systems The Ride Perception Swing I plan on using it in the bays around Long Island, NY I do not plan on too much use in the surf, but it may happen. I’m looking for a good Kayak…I am trying to keep down the length to under 14 feet or so. I notice that The Ride has a factory installed Rudder as an option. Would this be a good idea for my kind of use? Is the Swing more versatile than the Ride? How about stability??? Help a newbie out please!! -Tim Before you buy.

Before you buy.

Response:

Hi Tim, I’m relatively new to sea kayaking and I recently bought a used Scupper Pro (sot) that’s 14′9". I got it because it was in my price range and offered good sized hatches for gear and I found it easy to paddle. (One week this summer I paddled around Shelter Island, Peconic Bay and such.) I’m curious why you didn’t want something longer than 14 feet. In my limited experience, length of the kayak on the water hasn’t been an issue – what do I not know? I am thinking of investigating the rudder option for the Scupper – tracking in wind on the big bays around here (southern New Jersey) would be easier! Karenne

Response:

Question:

I will be tying all weekend at the Midwest Fly Fishing Expo in Southfield, MI., March 11 and 12. I will be set up where the video equipment has always been.  I will be tying 5-6 each day using my macro-video system.  I have added a wonderful PA system so that all will be able to hear as well as see what I am doing.  I will be showing all of the Rivergod bugs as well as concentrating on tips, special techniques and durability.  Bring your questions.  All of the Rivergod dry flies will be available at The Fly Factory booth.  Hope to see you there.

WEB CAM! WEB CAM! SCREAMIN’ STREAMIN’ VIDEO!!!

Response:

(AuSable1) writes: All of the Rivergod dry flies will be available at The Fly Factory booth. Hope to see you there.

Just out of curiosity, which flies at the *factory* are yours? or is this something new? Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

Response:

I will be tying all weekend at the Midwest Fly Fishing Expo in Southfield, MI., March 11 and 12. I will be set up where the video equipment has always been.  I will be tying 5-6 each day using my macro-video system.  I have added a wonderful PA system so that all will be able to hear as well as see what I am doing.  I will be showing all of the Rivergod bugs as well as concentrating on tips, special techniques and durability.  Bring your questions.  All of the Rivergod dry flies will be available at The Fly Factory booth.  Hope to see you there. Yippee Tie One On! Dennis Potter, Fly Crafter

Response:

I will be tying all weekend at the Midwest Fly Fishing Expo in Southfield, MI., March 11 and 12. I will be set up where the video equipment has always been.  I will be tying 5-6 each day using my macro-video system.  I have added a wonderful PA system so that all will be able to hear as well as see what I am doing.  I will be showing all of the Rivergod bugs as well as concentrating on tips, special techniques and durability.  Bring your questions.  All of the Rivergod dry flies will be available at The Fly Factory booth.  Hope to see you there. Yippee Tie One On! Dennis Potter, Fly Crafter

_______  Sounds interesting enough to make me consider flying there and attending.  Thanks for the information Dennis. Mr. G. — http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

Question:

Looking for info on fly fishing around Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. I will be there in August of ‘99 for a week and would like to fly fish the area with out a 2 hour drive. Could use any and all help. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. JWTrout

Response:

Looking for info on fly fishing around Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. I will be there in August of ‘99 for a week and would like to fly fish the area with out a 2 hour drive. Could use any and all help. Thanks in advance for any suggestions. JWTrout

John: I don’t have my information here in front of me, but one place you might want to try is the Blackfoot River above Blackfoot Reservoir.  If you do a little checking, you’ll find that the Nature Conservancy and the State of Idaho have purchased a large piece of land surrounding the river and are in the process of restoring the cutthroat fishery there.  Based on pictures I’ve seen, it looks like classic meadow fishing and supposedly there is starting to be some very good fishing. There is also a rod-fee fishery on the Blackfoot Indian Reservation in the something-or-other Springs close to the Snake River near the town of Blackfoot. There is an Idaho Flyfishing book that I’ll look up when I get home.  It has quite a few suggestions for SE Idaho fishing. Bob

Response:

Looking for info on fly fishing around Lava Hot Springs, Idaho. I will be there in August of ‘99 for a week and would like to fly fish the area with out a 2 hour drive. Could use any and all help. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Check out this website         www.2.state.id.us/fishgame/askfish.htm It might help you out Big Al

Response:

Looking for info on fly fishing around Lava Hot Springs, Idaho.

No fishing there. Nope. None.  Don’t bother to bring waders. For some reason Idaho Fish and Game close the river in town to fishing.  Afraid people would hook a swimmer or something. As for fishing ousid of Lava Hotsprings.  Just drive around until you find a stream.   An Idaho Topo Atlas by Delorme is worth the $15 investment even if you are only going to use it that week. Carl

Response:

bring your float tube and try out Daniels, Twenty-Four Mile, and Chesterfield Reservoirs.

Response:

Question:

[deleted] Don’t get too hung up on graphite specs.

Good call Dan !. *Much* better to buy based on more *useful* information such as: MVR (Maximum Vibration Technology) <g — TimW – Halfordian Golfer Guilt replaced the creel…

Response:

writes: Good call Dan !. *Much* better to buy based on more *useful* information such as: MVR (Maximum Vibration Technology) <g

Hi Tim, The point I was trying to make was that yes, there is a lot of different technology out there (including Orvis’ Maximum Vibration Reduction), but the whole point of the tech is to make a rod that works well and feels good to the individual.    It doesn’t matter what the technology is behind it if it doesn’t feel good (or make a difference) to the person buying it.  Got to keep that horse in front of the cart.<g                              Good Fishing,                                     Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools Mt. Shasta Fly Fishing Schools http://www.thegrid.net/flyfish

Response:

I’ve heard the designation IM6 used when describing rods. It seems as though this is some "grade" of graphite. Can someone enlighten me as to what it means? Thanks, Scott Wilkinson

Hi Scott, There are four generations of graphite compositions that rod makers use today. The original or first generation called graphite #1 is ~30 million modulus The second generation called graphite #2 or IM6 is ~40 million modulus The third generation called graphite #3 is ~ 50 million modulus The fourth generation called graphite #4 is ~ 64 million modulus The later generations are usually lighter and more efficient, but I am really more concerned about how they cast. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

Snip, snip….Don’t get too hung up on graphite specs.  Try out the rod and

see how it worksfor your needs.  Just because a rod says it is IM6 does not necessarily mean it is a better rod than one made out of the older graphite, or a worse rod than a rod made out of a newer graphite formula.  It allows the rod designer more design options than the old graphite and not as many options as the newestgraphite.  The result depends a lot on the skill of the rod designer and how he utilises those capabilities. Hope this helps,

I didn’t raise the question, but that’s about as good an answer as anybody could ask for. Cleared things up for me, anyway. Thanks. From the minute we’re born we all start dying;some of us just take longer than others. Me? I’ve been dragging my feet, but it doesn’t seem to help much.

Response:

I’ve heard the designation IM6 used when describing rods. It seems as though this is some "grade" of graphite. Can someone enlighten me as to what it means?

It stands for "Intermediate Modulus 600" and is a graphite specification that is used to make fly rods.  It is typically known as second generation graphite and was pretty much the standard for many rod companies prior to the higher modulus graphites (third and fourth generation) currently used.  Lots of good fly rods were/are made from this material although it is no longer the standard of the industry. I believe  Winston still makes all of their rods out of this material and they make some very nice (and expensive) fly rods from it. Don’t get too hung up on graphite specs.  Try out the rod and see how it works for your needs.  Just because a rod says it is IM6 does not necessarily mean it is a better rod than one made out of the older graphite, or a worse rod than a rod made out of a newer graphite formula.  It allows the rod designer more design options than the old graphite and not as many options as the newest graphite.  The result depends a lot on the skill of the rod designer and how he utilises those capabilities.                     Hope this helps,                           Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools Mt. Shasta Fly Fishing Schools http://www.thegrid.net/flyfish

Response:

I’ve heard the designation IM6 used when describing rods. It seems as though this is some "grade" of graphite. Can someone enlighten me as to what it means? Thanks, Scott Wilkinson

Response:

there was an excellent posting on all the types of graphite a couple of months back. I suggest you search Dejanews if you want the straight goods as I am sure I have muddled it up in my memory a tad; graphite as a raw material is available from a number of manufacturers. The original graphite had a modulus of 33 million or so ( 33 million what?) About 10 years ago "2nd generation" graphite appeared with a modulus of 42 million: IM6 and Sage’s graphite II were part of this crowd. 3rd generation followed (ie Graphite III), modulus of maybe 50 million etc etc. So IM6 refers to a 2nd generation graphite fibre from a particular manufacturer. It’s been used a long while, it’s proven, rod designers know it’s qualities and a lot of people like rods made from it. 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.

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Question:

: I think you sighted Eugene Miya. He has not been seen here recently. Nope. Twern’t a wolverine. (Go Buckeyes)

What a jab. I could care less about organized sports. Dave – cruel, but fair – Mann

Gad, where’s you get that monker? Better to be fair and not cruel.

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Was he carrying a chainsaw?

        Oh, I’m a lumber jack, and I’m okay….

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Was he carrying a chainsaw?        Oh, I’m a lumber jack, and I’m okay….

But do you dress up in women’s just like dear old Papa?

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Was he carrying a chainsaw?        Oh, I’m a lumber jack, and I’m okay…. But do you dress up in women’s just like dear old Papa?

Naw, the old man was pretty butch. Most of the women I know associate with wear pants, too.

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I don’t see any reason why a woodchuck wouldn’t go up to 3000 feet–it’s not really that high. But, could your critter have been a mink? I don’t really know anything about the subtle differences between these weasly critters, but you didn’t mention mink as a possibility so I thought I’d throw it out there. Rob

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Dave – I have run into Pine Martins on 3 separate occasions in the Daks. (I used to own some Ferrets as well) 2 in trees and one on the ground. I even had a tug a war over a bag of oyster crackers one afternoon.  I was sitting on the edge of a lean to and she poked her head out from under the L/T and grabbed a bag of crackers that was in my hand (I was sitting, leaning down with my wrists on my knees). Your description sounds almost Identical to all 3 (One of the ones in the tree was at about 3800′. I stopped at a trail junction in February 96 for a break and heard a slight noise and turned my head and it was about 15 feet away standing on a spruce bough.  Scared the bejeepers outta me for a second.we both looked at each other and it climbed back across the branch   to the trunk and disappeared in the spruce thicket. Good luck Rick Story 46R#4217

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Dave, Did this critter have dark ears?  Cute bugger, dark ears, shortish face, black nose, blondish yellow body long black tail.  I can see it in my mind but can’t remember what it is. Jeff Wilson "And now these three remain; faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love." …… Seek harmony and balance in the mountains. Find harmony and balance within…..

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: I think you sighted Eugene Miya. He has not been seen here recently. Nope. Twern’t a wolverine. (Go Buckeyes) And it wasn’t Norman the Hedgehog and I wasn’t feeling paranoid. Dave – cruel, but fair – Mann

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: Woodchuck, Marten or Fisher? : The track was definitely in the weasle family. One clear : center pad with 5 distinct toes. The track was about 1 : inch across which puts it squarely in between the sizes : for the marten and fisher in my track book.

: I am going to venture to say….none of the above.  Based on your description I : would say it  was a mink. : Let me know what you think and we could go around on it for fun if need be. OK, I really goofed. I went back and checked my (tiny) track book and I was way off on the track sizes. The book puts the fisher track way up around 6.5 cm. The tracks I saw were no where near that big. So that rules out the fisher. Also, the book notes that woodchucks have only 4 toes on the front and the tracks we saw had 5 toes on all 4 feet. So that rules out the woodchuck for sure (shaking his head to clear the cobwebs), as if I don’t know what a woodchuck looks like. James, One thing that surprised me was how blonde this little guy was and how big of a contrast there was between the color of the body and the almost black tail. Are minks colored like this? Also, I noted that the rear quarters had lots of fluffy fur trailing off of the back edge of the legs. I have a mental picture of minks that is much sleeker. The pic in my book is inadequate on both acounts. Judging from tracks alone, I would guess either mink or marten and yes, being by the brook would favor the mink. But what about the coloration?

: leaves off.  The ones I’ve seen have been medium- to : dark-brown (no, they weren’t in the wild, they live : at the trailside museum at the Blue Hills, which is : part of their historic range).  As far as size, I I’m pretty partial to the Bobcat over there, myself. Dave Mann           | "It is impossible, or not easy, to do                     |  noble acts without the proper equipment."

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Woodchuck, Marten or Fisher? This weekend we scared a poor critter half to death. I want it to be a Fisher but I’m not sure. It was about the size of a house cat only lower. Perhaps 10" tall. It was a dark honey blonde in color and it had a dark brown tail — almost black. The tail looked to be about 8" long and bushy. I didn’t get a good look at the head and neck but it appeared that the neck was shorter and thicker than the drawings of Martens and Fishers that I’ve seen. But then again, the coloration was nothing like any woodchuck I’ve ever seen. For that matter, the body and tail didn’t look like a woodchuck. And it moved faaaast, a lot faster than any woodchuck I’ve chased out of my wife’s garden. We came across this little guy by still mostly frozen over stream in the northern Presis in NH at an altitude of 3000 feet — a bit high for woodchucks I would think but who knows.

Also a bit high for a river otter, I would think, but I’m not sure.  Did you consider that?  They are native to New England, not real common any more, but… They look very weasel-like, long and slinky and without lots of real definite widenings or narrowings where the head or neck or shoulders begin or the tail leaves off.  The ones I’ve seen have been medium- to dark-brown (no, they weren’t in the wild, they live at the trailside museum at the Blue Hills, which is part of their historic range).  As far as size, I think of them as x inches long rather than tall… from about 18" snout to tail to maybe 30" for the big ones.  They can move very fast, swim like seals, and are pretty smart IIRC. Anyway, it’s a very cool sighting.  Thanks for posting about it. — ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::         "They write books that contradict the rocks…"

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I think you sighted Eugene Miya. He has not been seen here recently.

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Was he carrying a chainsaw? — Jeff Wilson "And now these three remain; faith, hope and love.  But the greatest of these is love." …… Seek harmony and balance in the mountains. Find harmony and balance within…..

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Woodchuck, Marten or Fisher? This weekend we scared a poor critter half to death. I want it to be a Fisher but I’m not sure. It was about the size of a house cat only lower. Perhaps 10" tall. It was a dark honey blonde in color and it had a dark brown tail — almost black. The tail looked to be about 8" long and bushy. I didn’t get a good look at the head and neck but it appeared that the neck was shorter and thicker than the drawings of Martens and Fishers that I’ve seen. But then again, the coloration was nothing like any woodchuck I’ve ever seen. For that matter, the body and tail didn’t look like a woodchuck. And it moved faaaast, a lot faster than any woodchuck I’ve chased out of my wife’s garden. We came across this little guy by still mostly frozen over stream in the northern Presis in NH at an altitude of 3000 feet — a bit high for woodchucks I would think but who knows. The track was definitely in the weasle family. One clear center pad with 5 distinct toes. The track was about 1 inch across which puts it squarely in between the sizes for the marten and fisher in my track book. This would suggest to me that it was a small fisher and not a monster marten. But again, who knows. The track was clear with no sign of any winter pad. My track book shows a padded winter track for the marten but despite the fact taht there was lots of snow on the ground, this is the end of April and I don’t know when the marten looses his winter pad, so I can’t really rule it out. The guide book I have notes that the marten usually stays up in a tree and his track is rarely seen. On the other hand, the fisher is commonly found around streams. This suggests to me that it was a fisher, just like the size does. So, I’ve convinced myself that it was NOT a marten and thus it was either a smallish fisher or a very ambitious (altitude-wise) woodchuck. What I don’t know anything about is the coloration of either the fisher or the marten. Anyone? Also, do woodchucks go up that high? Anyone? Really, it didn’t look anything like a woodchuck.

Dave, I am going to venture to say….none of the above.  Based on your description I would say it  was a mink. Let me know what you think and we could go around on it for fun if need be. James Ehlers Uncle Jammer’s Guide Service 1997 Guide of the Year Vermont Fly Fishing, Hunting, River and Woodland Outings http://pobox.com/~uncle

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Woodchuck, Marten or Fisher? This weekend we scared a poor critter half to death. I want it to be a Fisher but I’m not sure. It was about the size of a house cat only lower. Perhaps 10" tall. It was a dark honey blonde in color and it had a dark brown tail — almost black. The tail looked to be about 8" long and bushy. I didn’t get a good look at the head and neck but it appeared that the neck was shorter and thicker than the drawings of Martens and Fishers that I’ve seen. But then again, the coloration was nothing like any woodchuck I’ve ever seen. For that matter, the body and tail didn’t look like a woodchuck. And it moved faaaast, a lot faster than any woodchuck I’ve chased out of my wife’s garden. We came across this little guy by still mostly frozen over stream in the northern Presis in NH at an altitude of 3000 feet — a bit high for woodchucks I would think but who knows. The track was definitely in the weasle family. One clear center pad with 5 distinct toes. The track was about 1 inch across which puts it squarely in between the sizes for the marten and fisher in my track book. This would suggest to me that it was a small fisher and not a monster marten. But again, who knows. The track was clear with no sign of any winter pad. My track book shows a padded winter track for the marten but despite the fact taht there was lots of snow on the ground, this is the end of April and I don’t know when the marten looses his winter pad, so I can’t really rule it out. The guide book I have notes that the marten usually stays up in a tree and his track is rarely seen. On the other hand, the fisher is commonly found around streams. This suggests to me that it was a fisher, just like the size does. So, I’ve convinced myself that it was NOT a marten and thus it was either a smallish fisher or a very ambitious (altitude-wise) woodchuck. What I don’t know anything about is the coloration of either the fisher or the marten. Anyone? Also, do woodchucks go up that high? Anyone? Really, it didn’t look anything like a woodchuck. Dave Mann           | "It is impossible, or not easy, to do                     |  noble acts without the proper equipment."

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Question:

I use a wheelchair and though I would be transferring from my chair into the boat. Any advice or recommendations of where to look would be greatly appreciated. I am a complete novice as far as boats are concerned and all information on things that I should consider will be gratefully received.

There is a printed magazine called "Sports n’ Spokes printed by PVA Publications (paralized vets) that covers outdoors and athletic activities for the wheelchair world.  I haven’t seen a copy in a couple years (used to be very good.) Can reach PVA pubs at 602-224-0500 They probably have some past issues with boating articles, plus they have a questions area. Gary Polson RBBI http://www.virtualpet.com/rbbi

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I would like some advice on what might be an appropriate style/make/model of small boat for use when either trolling or fly fishing on lakes. In the past I have used a converted 10 foot Portaboat with the center bench removed and a padded seat suspended between the front and back benches. A seat clamped onto a middle bench perched me too high and was not sufficiently stable for my comfort, which is why a three bench aluminum rowboat is probably not what I am seeking. I use a wheelchair and though I would be transferring from my chair into the boat, it must be something that allows be ready access from sitting on a dock to sliding into the boat. Climbing is not an option. My ideal boat would allow a small outboard motor and an electric trolling motor and have seating that allowed two people to sit comfortably and fish while at anchor. It should be light enough that one person could retrieve it and load it onto a trailer without any heavy lifting. I want something that is stable. Speed is not a consideration – just something to poodle about a calm lake. Any advice or recommendations of where to look would be greatly appreciated. I am a complete novice as far as boats are concerned and all information on things that I should consider will be gratefully received. Thanks, —

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would like some advice on what might be an appropriate style/make/model of small boat for use when either trolling or fly fishing on lakes. In the past I have used a converted 10 foot Portaboat with the center bench removed and a padded seat suspended between the front and back benches. A seat clamped onto a middle bench perched me too high and was not sufficiently stable for my comfort, which is why a three bench aluminum rowboat is probably not what I am seeking. I use a wheelchair and though I would be transferring from my chair into the boat, it must be something that allows be ready access from sitting on a dock to sliding into the boat. Climbing is not an option. My ideal boat would allow a small outboard motor and an electric trolling motor and have seating that allowed two people to sit comfortably and fish while at anchor. It should be light enough that one person could retrieve it and load it onto a trailer without any heavy lifting. I want something that is stable. Speed is not a consideration – just something to poodle about a calm lake. Any advice or recommendations of where to look would be greatly appreciated. I am a complete novice as far as boats are concerned and all information on things that I should consider will be gratefully received. Thanks, —

You do not list where you want to fish and what tpe of lake you are fishing so this may or may not be appropriate. I would look at a tri hull you should be able to pick up a used tri hull posibly arround 18-20 feet which if very stable for a couple thousand I would think.My father in law had one for years and it was nice boat. Another option would be a pontoon boat but I am not sure how easy that would be to trailor and how rough of water it would take. If you are fishing a larg lake like lake Erie I suggest you charter of go with a friend because a boat that can handle sudden storms typically has a lot of overhead like dockage and insurance etc. I think dockage arround here runs from about $700-1800 dollars another option which I recomend is use transient dockage. If you have a decent size boat you can put it in lake Erie at a Marina like Genva Stae park for about $22 per day so if you reserved a slip for Saturday you could come up fish Saturday and leave your boat in the wtaer after fishing and come back and go boating in the afternoon and evening and then then next morning you are already in he water so you can go out again and then at the end of the day take your boat home. If you sleep on the baot your showers etc are included in the price. If you come for 10 weekedns the cost is arround $220 and that is a beteer part of the summer.A caomparable dock is $1080 for a season so this is an alternative. Yo obviously would not be retricted to weekends only but you see the savings is there. I hope this helps Captain Bryce Seymour http://www.ncweb.com:80/biz/hooker/

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Question:

Anyone know what kind of fishing there is in the Ann Arbor, MI area? Are there any decent spots (trout, smallmouth, walleye, pike, muskie) withing a short driving distance? Thanks in advance for any info. — Paul

Paul: You might check out MacGregor’s Orvis Shop on Main Street in Ann Arbor.  They are fine folks who are willing to show you locations on the Huron (some of which are just north of the U of Mich campus) to fish for smallmouth. I’m sorry I don’t have their phone number handy… In addition, the Michigan DNR plants trout the last weekend of March on the Huron twenty minutes from Ann Arbor in Proud Lake Recreation area.  From that time until the trout opener it’s fly’s only C&R.  For details call the Proud Lake DNR at 810.685.2433… Jim

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Anyone know what kind of fishing there is in the Ann Arbor, MI area? Are there any decent spots (trout, smallmouth, walleye, pike, muskie) withing a short driving distance? Thanks in advance for any info. — Paul

Hi Paul- The Huron River runs through Ann Arbor and it is a decent smallmouth river. The closest real trout streams are 3 hours away (The Au Sable, Manistee to the north, The Rogue, Muskegon, White, Pere Marquette, etc are West to North west of Ann Arbor). There are a number of lakes near Ann Arbor with fish in them, but I am not a lake fisherman so I can’t advise you on walleye, pike, and muskie. Good Luck!

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Anyone know what kind of fishing there is in the Ann Arbor, MI area? Are there any decent spots (trout, smallmouth, walleye, pike, muskie) withing a short driving distance? Thanks in advance for any info. — Paul

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Question:

I’m seeking information about the new Paradigm from Thomas & Thomas.   I’m considering buying an 8-1/2 or 9 foot for a 5 weight and would be interested in a critique of its overall performance from someone who has spent some time with one. Thanks, Jim —     ***Upscale Leather*** Finely crafted products in fish leather. Visit our site at: http://www.tiac.net/users/batesbiz/upscale.html

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m seeking information about the new Paradigm from Thomas & Thomas. I’m considering buying an 8-1/2 or 9 foot for a 5 weight and would be interested in a critique of its overall performance from someone who has spent some time with one. Thanks, Jim —     ***Upscale Leather*** Finely crafted products in fish leather. Visit our site at: http://www.tiac.net/users/batesbiz/upscale.html

Jim:  I have had to opportunity to cast all the paradigms.  They are smooth casting rods similar in feel to Winstons with the exception of having a bit more backbone.  As for performance: do not expect them to be screaming speed rods.  They will cast 60 feet of line all day and be quite forgiving of poor loop control.  At the end of the day you won’t be tired from pushing line.  They also present a fly well with a delicate tip action that helps turn the fly over easily. Cosmetics: the rods are beautifully finished and a delight to see in bright sun.  The colors are radiant.  Good looks and an easy rod to cast usually makes for a good combo. As with any rod, cast it and put it to the test for your style of fishing.  If it feels good, looks good, do it!  You probably will never regret it!

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