Question:

Get Delorme’s ‘Topo 4′ or any of the other topographical software packages. They contain a majority of the roads and trails that exist in the U.S. and armed with a GPS receiver and a laptop computer you could more than likely cross the entire country with a minimum of pavement. Someone with savy map and compass skills could pre-select the route and go it on paper, although the lap top and GPS allow you to deviate when you want, or when necessary, as the real time conditions and choices come upon you. Bob Walker

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a dream. It is a nice dream. In this dream there is an interstate network of 4×4 trails . Imagine being able to drive from Charlotte NC to Charleston WV and have it take 2 weeks to get there. Imagine finding trails everywhere you go. Some among you say "That would be too expensive. " or " Who’s house are you going to bulldoze for your hobby?"

Response:

I have a dream. It is a nice dream. In this dream there is an interstate network of 4×4 trails . Imagine being able to drive from Charlotte NC to Charleston WV and have it take 2 weeks to get there. Imagine finding trails everywhere you go. Some among you say "That would be too expensive. " or " Who’s house are you going to bulldoze for your hobby?" My answer is: It would be very cheap. And no one’s house would have to torn down. We have this network of high voltage power transmission lines. It criss-crosses the entire nation. There are almost no houses built under these power lines. Most people don’t want to live near them.   Here is how we pay for it. Tax breaks for power companies. Every power company has at least one bulldozer.  Those same companies have the right-of-way for the land under their lines. The places that have no roads would be bulldozed one time and then left to deteriorate.  Just so the power companies would not have to face any liablility (and also so they can maybe make a buck or 2 in the process) there could be permits issued by the CO for a small fee. Anyone who leaves trash would have their permits revoked and given the proper fine for littering. Think of the backwater places that will get money from the four wheel drives going by. Think of the fun that could be had. Sure there are places that no truck will be able to cross. There could be access trails to and from those areas to the main road. Wouldn’t it be grand? Everyone get together and bug your representative about this. Let’s get that interstate trail system. Nature lovers UNITE!

Response:

I have a dream. It is a nice dream. In this dream there is an interstate network of 4×4 trails . Imagine being able to drive from Charlotte NC to Charleston WV and have it take 2 weeks to get there. I

Of course that cheap beer you’ve been drinking is bad for you.  If you’d wake up you’d discover that there are already many miles of off roading, some interstate, in the eastern US.  Try Tellico in eastern TN, over the mountains to NC.  In southern KY a network, some requiring very minor on road excursions, can take you into TN.   In the west, all you need to do is look.  Try the UT/CO border for some very good examples.   The idea of Government allowing unlimited access in this age of terrorism won’t fly.  Be happy with what we’ve got. Dick Burg

Response:

Most power lines are on private property, built using right-of-ways. Though the power company can enter the land to maintain their lines, etc., the land is still private, and subject to the owner’s restrictions. You’d have to negoiate with every land owner (and there would be many) to make this work. Good try, though! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have a dream. It is a nice dream. In this dream there is an interstate network of 4×4 trails . Imagine being able to drive from Charlotte NC to Charleston WV and have it take 2 weeks to get there. Imagine finding trails everywhere you go. Some among you say "That would be too expensive. " or " Who’s house are you going to bulldoze for your hobby?" My answer is: It would be very cheap. And no one’s house would have to torn down. We have this network of high voltage power transmission lines. It criss-crosses the entire nation. There are almost no houses built under these power lines. Most people don’t want to live near them.   Here is how we pay for it. Tax breaks for power companies. Every power company has at least one bulldozer.  Those same companies have the right-of-way for the land under their lines. The places that have no roads would be bulldozed one time and then left to deteriorate.  Just so the power companies would not have to face any liablility (and also so they can maybe make a buck or 2 in the process) there could be permits issued by the CO for a small fee. Anyone who leaves trash would have their permits revoked and given the proper fine for littering. Think of the backwater places that will get money from the four wheel drives going by. Think of the fun that could be had. Sure there are places that no truck will be able to cross. There could be access trails to and from those areas to the main road. Wouldn’t it be grand? Everyone get together and bug your representative about this. Let’s get that interstate trail system. Nature lovers UNITE!

Peter D. Hipson NEHOG (New England Hummer Owners Group) checked monthly.

Response:

Of course that cheap beer you’ve been drinking is bad for you.  If you’d wake up you’d discover that there are already many miles of off roading, some interstate, in the eastern US.  Try Tellico in eastern TN, over the mountains to NC.  In southern KY a network, some requiring very minor on road excursions, can take you into TN.  

All well and good, but those places are far from me. The closest half-decent trail is 50 miles from here.  I have spent many a day looking for someplace around here to go off road. I have been reduced to construction sites and mudholes in parking lots.  Sure, there are atv trails galore, but atv’s require no skill to operate. Any kid can get on one and go anywhere. What is the fun in that? Every non-paved road in this area has either a gate or "NO TRESSPASSING" sign on it.  There are literally thousands of 4 wheel drive SUV’s in the greater Charlotte area.  The only place to go is Uwharrie (50 miles away)  which is lame unless it has been raining for days.  No one can make use of their 4×4 here.  Do you realise that Lake Norman has 800 miles of shoreline and 0 4×4 trails that access it? There used to be a few, on power line rights-of-way, but the snobs that live along the lake forced Duke Power to gate, post and trench every one of them. (Can’t have those poor folk fishing around their million dollar shacks, now can we?) This is a problem that needs addressing. At least in this area. I am looking for the cheapest, least difficult method of correcting this problem. It is surprising that some farmer hasn’t made a 4×4 park yet. With all this drought I would think that would be a good way to make money. I would pay $50 for a season pass, and so would thousands of others. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -In the west, all you need to do is look.  Try the UT/CO border for some very good examples.   The idea of Government allowing unlimited access in this age of terrorism won’t fly.  Be happy with what we’ve got. Dick Burg

Response:

deja.com says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a dream. It is a nice dream. In this dream there is an interstate network of 4×4 trails . Imagine being able to drive from Charlotte NC to Charleston WV and have it take 2 weeks to get there. Imagine finding trails everywhere you go. Some among you say "That would be too expensive. " or " Who’s house are you going to bulldoze for your hobby?" My answer is: It would be very cheap. And no one’s house would have to torn down. We have this network of high voltage power transmission lines. It criss-crosses the entire nation. There are almost no houses built under these power lines. Most people don’t want to live near them.   Here is how we pay for it. Tax breaks for power companies. Every power company has at least one bulldozer.  Those same companies have the right-of-way for the land under their lines. The places that have no roads would be bulldozed one time and then left to deteriorate.  Just so the power companies would not have to face any liablility (and also so they can maybe make a buck or 2 in the process) there could be permits issued by the CO for a small fee. Anyone who leaves trash would have their permits revoked and given the proper fine for littering. Think of the backwater places that will get money from the four wheel drives going by. Think of the fun that could be had. Sure there are places that no truck will be able to cross. There could be access trails to and from those areas to the main road. Wouldn’t it be grand? Everyone get together and bug your representative about this. Let’s get that interstate trail system. Nature lovers UNITE!

In the west a lot of the power lines are thoruhg Government land and they need trails and access anyway to maintian them.  A worthy idea and it will get you most of your western states.  Since the Eastern states don’t have as much (if any?) government land… That’s another problem.

Response:

Question:

Hi all, I’m new to flyfishing and trying to learn as much as possible. This newsgroup is a great source…thanks to all who contribute. I was hoping that some of the group experts could take a look at a web page that I’ve set up with about 9 pictures of what I’m sure are very common dry flies (one nymph is included). A flyfishing guide purchased them for me some time back and now I’m interested in knowing more about them.  Also, if anyone knows of any color reference books or web pages that I can use to identify flies (many books are B&W <sigh…it would be most appreciated…thanks in advance everyone! The web address is http://members.aol.com/kraftshoot/flys.jpg

Response:

Hi all, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m new to flyfishing and trying to learn as much as possible. This newsgroup is a great source…thanks to all who contribute. I was hoping that some of the group experts could take a look at a web page that I’ve set up with about 9 pictures of what I’m sure are very common dry flies (one nymph is included). A flyfishing guide purchased them for me some time back and now I’m interested in knowing more about them.  Also, if anyone knows of any color reference books or web pages that I can use to identify flies (many books are B&W <sigh…it would be most appreciated…thanks in advance everyone! The web address is http://members.aol.com/kraftshoot/flys.jpg

The photos are a bit dark, and it is extremely difficult to analyse fly patterns just from photos anyway, but here goes. Flies one and two are "Compara duns" these are flies with split tails, a dubbed body, no hackle as such, and elk or deer hair "wings" tied in a specific fashion. Namely spread in a half circle over the upper part of the hook and tilted slightly forward.These are remarkably successful flies, and the tying materials and style are more important as recognition points than any specific patterns or colours. The flies shown are imitations of olives. Fly three is a spinner imitation with what looks like antron wings. Again an olive. I would prefer smoke blue antron as wings on such a fly, but the "transparent" antron works as well. Flies four and five are parachute style dry-flies, with what looks like calf tail post wings, standard cock hackle wound horizontally around the post, and again seem to be olives. Fly six is a more or less standard hackled dry fly with a relatively short hackle, and this is tied over about a third of the body, probably designed for rough water fishing. Once again an olive. Flies seven and eight  are once again Compara duns, and again olives. Fly nine is an emerger pattern, tied with a trailing shuck of hackle fibre The  bead head nymph, which could be used to imitate almost anything, but this again looks like it was tied to represent an olive nymph. Trying to learn the names of all these flies is a waste of time. As long as you know what you use it for, that is really all that matters. Whether it has a name, or is just a reasonable imitation is quite immaterial.  All of the flies shown look like good fish catchers, and could in fact be used in various sizes to imitate a whole host of naturals. But the range shown here are practically all olive imitations. For lists of various patterns etc try : http://www.virtualflyshop.com/ for info on Olives etc try : http://www.fishing-in-wales.co.uk/wildlife/insects/upwing/bwolive.htm You might also like to look at : http://www.virtualflybox.com/ http://freespace.virgin.net/fly.fishing/index.htm   for colour photos of many flies http://www.sea-ex.com/recreational1/fly1.htm In the meantime there are thousands of sites on the web with info on patterns and tying and fly-fishing generally. The best thing to do is use a good search engine, such as http://www.google.com   and start searching for some of them. You will soon find plenty which you can use. The sites above also have links to many others, which you can try. TL MC — "In order to know what is possible one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

You were asking for someone to identify the flies – I don’t know if you were asking for specific names or not.  Mike gave you the *styles*, which I think is a good idea.  I saw a book recently that looks really good – it helps sort out these kinds of flies by style, and helps you organize them in your head.  There are color pictures of all, and it’s not real long or expensive (under $20 US). "Essential Trout Flies" by Dave Hughes.  He identifies the major styles (Comparadun, parachute, traditional Catskill, spent spinner, thorax, etc.) and tells under which conditions each would be best, and how to fish them, and how to tie them.  Check it out http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0811727483/qid=963285608/sr=1-… -4362007-9744861 Good luck Regards, Jeff

Response:

Question:

Where on St. John? I was there this August and didn’t see any flats, but then I didn’t get around the whole island. Depending on the size of the fish you’ll need a 7-9 wt rod and a good reel with a disc drag. Shrimp imitation flies like Crazy Charlies work well. Make sure you can cast in the wind. Hi, can anyone point me in the right direction.  I am an avid brown trout fisherman.  I was in St John yesterday and I came across a most amazing piece of bonefishing water.  The kind of place we all dream of.  Bone fishing galore and I stuck down here without my rod.  Can anyone fill me in on what is the deal with bonefishing?  Where do I start to look for more info?  I’m SOOOOO CURIOUS!!!  I want to catch me a bone!

– Charlie…

Response:

Hi, can anyone point me in the right direction.  I am an avid brown trout fisherman.  I was in St John yesterday and I came across a most amazing piece of bonefishing water.  The kind of place we all dream of.  Bone fishing galore and I stuck down here without my rod.  Can anyone fill me in on what is the deal with bonefishing?  Where do I start to look for more info?  I’m SOOOOO CURIOUS!!!  I want to catch me a bone!

Hi All, I heard there were bonefish flats off of Mosquito Island, Peter’s Island and Anegada Island. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

My "go to" outfit for the flats: an 8wt sage fitted with 9wt shooting head – intermediate. Loads quick, casts well in a wind, can get 90 ft in calm. Reel: Abel 3, but probabably would do better with an Abel 2. So long as you can put 150 yds of backing on it. You’ll need it. Leader: 9 ft, with a 4′ tippet of fluorocarbon 10lb test. Now, the fly: Never have had great luck with Charlies. Ultra Shrimp in size 4 to 1/0 puts a nice piece of meat in their sight. What’s the deal about a bonefish? Once yo hook one, you’ll wonder why you ever asked such a question. Good luck! FlyFisherRay

Response:

I, too, am an avid brown and rainbow trout fisherman, and for help with bone fishing, e-mail me. I know a guide. I’ll find his e-mail address.

Response:

Hi, can anyone point me in the right direction.  I am an avid brown trout fisherman.  I was in St John yesterday and I came across a most amazing piece of bonefishing water.  The kind of place we all dream of.  Bone fishing galore and I stuck down here without my rod.  Can anyone fill me in on what is the deal with bonefishing?  Where do I start to look for more info?  I’m SOOOOO CURIOUS!!!  I want to catch me a bone!

Response:

Question:

I can beat that one – I caught a fly that I lost two weeks prior on the Salmon River in upstate NY right in the eye!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I once caught a dead raccoon on a nymph…someone had set a steel-jawed trap which got the raccoon by the creek and it had drowned. Strange catches I’ve had, A Swallow who took my dry fly off the surface of the water. This was very interesting, Them little birds put up a pretty good fight. And yes it was catch and release for this critter. On another outing, I caught a Mud Hen, simular to a duck, but with a pointed beak. Caught this critter on the foot on a streamer. Guess we got snagged up together while he was swimming under water. Thought I had hooked into a record fish before the bird came jumping out of the water with my streamer tangled in its feet. Took me right down to the backing and then some before breaking the #5 tippet.

Response:

I once caught a dead raccoon on a nymph…someone had set a steel-jawed trap which got the raccoon by the creek and it had drowned. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Strange catches I’ve had, A Swallow who took my dry fly off the surface of the water. This was very interesting, Them little birds put up a pretty good fight. And yes it was catch and release for this critter. On another outing, I caught a Mud Hen, simular to a duck, but with a pointed beak. Caught this critter on the foot on a streamer. Guess we got snagged up together while he was swimming under water. Thought I had hooked into a record fish before the bird came jumping out of the water with my streamer tangled in its feet. Took me right down to the backing and then some before breaking the #5 tippet.

Response:

I caught a bat on a dry fly after he picked it up off the water.

I, too, hooked a bat on a dry fly – on my back cast. It crash landed under a huge overhanging Sycamore next to a cutbank, and was immediately grabbed by a huge brown trout. This was on the East Branch of the Delaware below Shinhopple. I was about 12 years old at the time. I’m 53 now, and still trying to come up with a recipe for a "batfly" I can actually cast. Regards, Dennis Loveland, CO

Response:

My strangest catch happened when I technically wasn’t even fishing. Years ago, my friend Walt and I and our wives were camping at a high sierra lake and he and I were fishing from a boat. We quit fishing when it got dark and headed back toward camp, and in the total darkness were following the snowbanks visible on shore as reference points. Being this dark, I was being cautious (and cold) and had the motor at a real low speed. As we were slowly moving along, we suddenly heard a thump as something  landed in the boat and began thrashing around. We turned on the flashlight only to find a 10" rainbow had attempted to commit suicide by jumping into the boat. We were both stunned and began laughing and asked each other if we could believe what we just saw happen. Of course, our wives didn’t believe a word of it and accused us of working overtime on a good "fishing tale". To this day Walt and I crack up whenever we talk about it. FS – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My strangest catch is actually my wife’s. We were bait-fishing for bluegill in Wisconsin twelve years ago (before I learned fly fishing).  She was using a little 3 foot  kid’s rod with a Zebco 202 Jr. reel. She hooked a little bait stealer bluegill about 2 inches long.  as she brought it over the side of the row boat, I saw something out of the corner of my eye flying over the side of the boat, in pursuit of the little bluegill.  It was long and thin with a very large mouth filled with teeth. It landed in between us…right on top of my open tackle box (there is a lesson in that)  and thrashed around. Thinking it a snake, I almost jumped out of the boat!  But it turned out to be a 25 1/2 inch Northern Pike!  Since we caught it "on the fly"  I guess you could call it "fly" fishing. Tight lines…… Ken Wells Saturday when I went fishing, I managed to wrap my leader around a dragon fly while it was going by. I was so astounded I just stood there and watched the dragon fly go around in circles. Finally the dragon fly landed in the stream, and when it did a bass tried to jump on it, but I guess that helped untangle the dragon fly and both bass and dragon fly went on their way. I did catch a lot of nice small mouth bass and panfish too. I know this sounds like a fish story, but it is true.

Response:

I had a similar experience yesterday.  I was casting a wooly bugger to a decent largemouth I had spotted hiding under a tallish bridge.  On my second or third sidearm cast, a swallow went zipping by just in time to have my tippet about 4 inches up from my fly land across its back.  He took my fly 6-7 feet off course before slipping out from under my leader. Come to think of it, that may have been the best fight I had all day. : Saturday when I went fishing, I managed to wrap my leader around a : dragon fly while it was going by. I was so astounded I just stood there : and watched the dragon fly go around in circles. Finally the dragon : fly landed in the stream, and when it did a bass tried to jump on it, : but I guess that helped untangle the dragon fly and both bass and dragon : fly went on their way. : I did catch a lot of nice small mouth bass and panfish too. : I know this sounds like a fish story, but it is true. —                        http://members.tripod.com/~trunculo/index

Response:

Strange catches I’ve had, A Swallow who took my dry fly off the surface of the water. This was very interesting, Them little birds put up a pretty good fight. And yes it was catch and release for this critter. On another outing, I caught a Mud Hen, simular to a duck, but with a pointed beak. Caught this critter on the foot on a streamer. Guess we got snagged up together while he was swimming under water. Thought I had hooked into a record fish before the bird came jumping out of the water with my streamer tangled in its feet. Took me right down to the backing and then some before breaking the #5 tippet.

Response:

Saturday when I went fishing, I managed to wrap my leader around a dragon fly while it was going by. I was so astounded I just stood there and watched the dragon fly go around in circles. Finally the dragon fly landed in the stream, and when it did a bass tried to jump on it, but I guess that helped untangle the dragon fly and both bass and dragon fly went on their way. I did catch a lot of nice small mouth bass and panfish too. I know this sounds like a fish story, but it is true.

John I was fishing off of Bronte pier, chuck clios on a spinning rig.  I was tossing out as far as I could, which produced a big belly of mono in the air.  A seagull flew into the belly and got himself all wrapped up.  I actually had to play him like a fish and land him where a few spectators and I, could cut him loose. I’ve also had seagulls pick up surface plugs, then drop them when I yanked real hard.  Once I also beaned a seagull unintentionally with a red devil, when I was a kid. The seagull problem has drpped off now that I flyfish only, but I’m still waiting for a swallow or bat to pick off my Henryville on the backcast. Peter

Response:

Strange catches I’ve had, A Swallow who took my dry fly off the surface of the water. This was very interesting, Them little birds put up a pretty good fight. And yes it was catch and release for this critter. On another outing, I caught a Mud Hen, simular to a duck, but with a pointed beak. Caught this critter on the foot on a streamer. Guess we got snagged up together while he was swimming under water. Thought I had hooked into a record fish before the bird came jumping out of the water with my streamer tangled in its feet. Took me right down to the backing and then some before breaking the #5 tippet.

I have caught a cormorant (large black sea bird) on a herring cutplug, and a seagull the same way. I have also caught a river otter on a Squamish Poacher pattern on an eight weight. You want to see a good fight! unbelievable! The tough part was trying to get the hook(barbless) out of his nose without getting bit. I couldn’t do it. Fortunately the hook was only caught in a bit of skin on top of his nose and eventually pulled out. He had a sore nose but I don’t think he was any worse for it. I think he’ll have a closer look at any big shrimp in the Thompson river before biting though. I also caught a bat on a Tom Thumb, but thats a different story.

Response:

Saturday when I went fishing, I managed to wrap my leader around a dragon fly while it was going by. I was so astounded I just stood there          <<snip I was fishing off of Bronte pier, chuck clios on a spinning rig.  I was tossing out as far as I could, which produced a big belly of mono in the air.  A seagull flew into the belly and got himself all wrapped up.

       <<snip The seagull problem has drpped off now that I flyfish only, but I’m still waiting for a swallow or bat to pick off my Henryville on the backcast. Peter

I believe I hve related this tale to ROFF before, but two years ago while on the Northwest Branch of the Potomac, I had a bat take a White Wulff on the backcast.  I unknowingly set the hook as I started the rod forward. thinking that I had snagged some vegetation, at first, I was surprised…no alarmed to see this bat suddenly take off out of the water trailing my line.  This certainly got my heart rate up.  Not wanting to drown the poor beast, I made my way to shore and slowly pulled the bat in. It was of course all in a panic, and finally got the line tangled in some low brush, and fell to the ground.  It was a little thing, not much bigger than a golf ball with wings.  Now, I didn’t want the creature to spend have to live with a yard of mono trailing behind, but I didn’t want to get bit either (visions of rabies or some other horrid infection flashed through my mind).  Another fisherman on the scene covered the bat with his net, I clipped and untangled the line, he gently shook the animal out of the net, and we sprinted about 10 yards away.  In a minute or two the bat flew away, and I called it a day. Paul Price, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow Dept. Microbiology and Immunology School of Medicine University of Maryland at Baltimore

Response:

My strangest catch is actually my wife’s. We were bait-fishing for bluegill in Wisconsin twelve years ago (before I learned fly fishing).  She was using a little 3 foot  kid’s rod with a Zebco 202 Jr. reel. She hooked a little bait stealer bluegill about 2 inches long.  as she brought it over the side of the row boat, I saw something out of the corner of my eye flying over the side of the boat, in pursuit of the little bluegill.  It was long and thin with a very large mouth filled with teeth. It landed in between us…right on top of my open tackle box (there is a lesson in that)  and thrashed around. Thinking it a snake, I almost jumped out of the boat!  But it turned out to be a 25 1/2 inch Northern Pike!  Since we caught it "on the fly"  I guess you could call it "fly" fishing. Tight lines…… Ken Wells – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Saturday when I went fishing, I managed to wrap my leader around a dragon fly while it was going by. I was so astounded I just stood there and watched the dragon fly go around in circles. Finally the dragon fly landed in the stream, and when it did a bass tried to jump on it, but I guess that helped untangle the dragon fly and both bass and dragon fly went on their way. I did catch a lot of nice small mouth bass and panfish too. I know this sounds like a fish story, but it is true.

Response:

Saturday when I went fishing, I managed to wrap my leader around a dragon fly while it was going by. I was so astounded I just stood there and watched the dragon fly go around in circles. Finally the dragon fly landed in the stream, and when it did a bass tried to jump on it, but I guess that helped untangle the dragon fly and both bass and dragon fly went on their way. I did catch a lot of nice small mouth bass and panfish too. I know this sounds like a fish story, but it is true.

Never lassoed a dragonfly, but did catch a bat while fishing at night for bass. he didn’t care much for the net when I landed him. dewayne

Response:

I caught a bat on a dry fly after he picked it up off the water.  Wasn’t as nice or brave as the other folks who have posted here.  I cut the thing loose with about 4 feet of line still attached.  I’m pretty sure it drown.  I also nailed a bat with my rod on my forward cast.  THWACK! Scared the heck out of me.  He ended up in the water about 20 feet away. I don’t think he made it either. Brian

Response:

Is this bait fishing ?!!!

 I don’t know – it could be proxy fishing. You were flyfishing when you cast, and you pulled out a fish hooked up on you’re fly. What happened in between casting and landing was entirely up to the fish. To the charge of bait fishing…..Not guilty:-) Regards, — Bill

Response:

writes       Mr. Endicott was clearly flyfishing, and shall be absolved of guilt.        The <bluegill, on the other hand, is in real trouble.

I believe the bluegill was guilty of soliciting! — Bill

Response:

Now, I didn’t want the creature to spend have to live with a yard of mono trailing behind, but I didn’t want to get bit either (visions of rabies or some other horrid infection flashed through my mind).   Paul Price, Ph.D. Postdoctoral Fellow Dept. Microbiology and Immunology School of Medicine University of Maryland at Baltimore

A little knowledge can be a dangerous thing! A lot of knowledge can be terrifying! — Bill

Response:

Never lassoed a dragonfly, but did catch a bat while fishing at night for bass. he didn’t care much for the net when I landed him.

I was talking to some fisher friend in Mid Wales, and one related a tale about fishing for salmon using a bunch of worms.  The tippet was joined to the cast by a large loop to loop and the whole set up was dunked up and down in a deep pool.  On the change of direction from up to down, the loops opened up and a salmon got "lassoed" in one of the loops. You may ask was *that* bait fishing! — Bill

Response:

The seagull problem has drpped off now that I flyfish only, but I’m still waiting for a swallow or bat to pick off my Henryville on the backcast.

 Do you think the seagulls have learned that you spell trouble?…:-) I’ve had bats dive after a small Mepp spinner while evening fishing, but thankfully never hooked one. — Bill

Response:

William Endicott writes:

That story brings about a question: While fishing the local Park pond I hooked a 2 inch Bluegill by mistake. That Bluegill was immediately swallowed by a 6 pound Bass. This has happened previously with the Bass spitting the Bluegill out on the first jump.  However, on this occasion the fly disconnected from the Bluegill and hooked the Bass !!!  I then proceeded to catch the Bass on my 7′ 3wt bluegill rod. Is this bait fishing ?!!! Answer:         Mr. Endicott was clearly flyfishing, and shall be absolved of guilt.           The <bluegill, on the other hand, is in real trouble.

Response:

Sounds like a fish story to me. —                                     Jeff Olsen If you don"t know your rights,                                            you have none. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – William Endicott writes: That story brings about a question: While fishing the local Park pond I hooked a 2 inch Bluegill by mistake. That Bluegill was immediately swallowed by a 6 pound Bass. This has happened previously with the Bass spitting the Bluegill out on the first jump.  However, on this occasion the fly disconnected from the Bluegill and hooked the Bass !!!  I then proceeded to catch the Bass on my 7′ 3wt bluegill rod. Is this bait fishing ?!!! Answer:    Mr. Endicott was clearly flyfishing, and shall be absolved of guilt.      The <bluegill, on the other hand, is in real trouble.

Response:

I have had gar and catfish chase small sunfish I caught.  Haven’t been lucky enough to have a bass chase it. Runt d:P – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That story brings about a question: While fishing the local Park pond I hooked a 2 inch Bluegill by mistake. That Bluegill was immediately swallowed by a 6 pound Bass. This has happened previously with the Bass spitting the Bluegill out on the first jump.  However, on this occasion the fly disconnected from the Bluegill and hooked the Bass !!!  I then proceeded to catch the Bass on my 7′ 3wt bluegill rod. Is this bait fishing ?!!! Bill — William Endicott Saturday when I went fishing, I managed to wrap my leader around a dragon fly while it was going by. I was so astounded I just stood there and watched the dragon fly go around in circles. Finally the dragon fly landed in the stream, and when it did a bass tried to jump on it, but I guess that helped untangle the dragon fly and both bass and dragon fly went on their way. I did catch a lot of nice small mouth bass and panfish too. I know this sounds like a fish story, but it is true.

Response:

That story brings about a question: While fishing the local Park pond I hooked a 2 inch Bluegill by mistake. That Bluegill was immediately swallowed by a 6 pound Bass. This has happened previously with the Bass spitting the Bluegill out on the first jump.  However, on this occasion the fly disconnected from the Bluegill and hooked the Bass !!!  I then proceeded to catch the Bass on my 7′ 3wt bluegill rod. Is this bait fishing ?!!! Bill — William Endicott – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Saturday when I went fishing, I managed to wrap my leader around a dragon fly while it was going by. I was so astounded I just stood there and watched the dragon fly go around in circles. Finally the dragon fly landed in the stream, and when it did a bass tried to jump on it, but I guess that helped untangle the dragon fly and both bass and dragon fly went on their way. I did catch a lot of nice small mouth bass and panfish too. I know this sounds like a fish story, but it is true.

Response:

That story brings about a question: While fishing the local Park pond I hooked a 2 inch Bluegill by mistake. That Bluegill was immediately swallowed by a 6 pound Bass. This has happened previously with the Bass spitting the Bluegill out on the first jump.  However, on this occasion the fly disconnected from the Bluegill and hooked the Bass !!!  I then proceeded to catch the Bass on my 7′ 3wt bluegill rod. Is this bait fishing ?!!! Bill

Bill:   Of course it’s bait fishing, and you are hereby and herewith summarily dismissed from FFF, TU and all other alphabetized organizations.  By the way, that 2 inch bluegill is right up there with my normal catches.                      Mark Faulkner

Response:

<<That story brings about a question: While fishing the local Park pond I hooked a 2 inch Bluegill by mistake. That Bluegill was immediately swallowed by a 6 pound Bass. This has happened previously with the Bass spitting the Bluegill out on the first jump.  However, on this occasion the fly disconnected from the Bluegill and hooked the Bass !!!  I then proceeded to catch the Bass on my 7′ 3wt bluegill rod. Is this bait fishing ?!!! Bill — William Endicott I had a similar experience on my favorite trout river in British Columbia a few years back.  A thunder storm was rapidly rolling in.  Just before all heck broke loose, the fish started rising like crazy.  I was casting a million miles an hour trying to catch that last fish before I ran for cover.  A little 3 inch trout took the fly and as I was reeling it in, a huge rainbow came out of the water and dove down on it.  He missed the fish but continued to chase it.  I was so mesmerized by the whole event, I didn’t even think to stop reeling and let him take the little fish.  Finally, the big fish turned away about 5 feet from me.   Mike

Response:

That story brings about a question: While fishing the local Park pond I hooked a 2 inch Bluegill by mistake. That Bluegill was immediately swallowed by a 6 pound Bass. This has happened previously with the Bass spitting the Bluegill out on the first jump.  However, on this occasion the fly disconnected from the Bluegill and hooked the Bass !!!  I then proceeded to catch the Bass on my 7′ 3wt bluegill rod. Is this bait fishing ?!!! Bill

Yup.  You’re busted.  Turn in all your FF’ing gear.   Send it to me and I’ll send you a trotline and a good doughball recipe. Bob Scott

Response:

I know this sounds like a fish story, but it is true.

You know the difference between a Fairy Tale and a Fish Story?  Well, the Fairy Tale begins, "Once upon a time", and the Fish Story begins, (holding hands at least two feet apart) "Now this is no shit"! Yippee Tie One On! AuSable1

Response:

Question:

Dear Friends, I will be in western Quebec near La Verendrey (sp?) Park north of Maniwaki in mid July.  I would love to read your suggestions for flies for smallmouth, brook trout, pike.  Any information will be well received. Thanks so much. Sandford

Response:

I will be in western Quebec near La Verendrey (sp?) Park north of Maniwaki in mid July.  I would love to read your suggestions for flies for smallmouth, brook trout, pike.  Any information will be well received.

Most fishing up there seems to be done from boats with bait or hard lures rather than with flies or afoot. Bass and brookies are seldom selective. For bass, all you need is 3 types: — dry fly or popper, — darkish streamer e.g. Muddler Minnow, — bright streamer e.g. Mickey Finn. In smaller sizes, brookies also take MM and MF avidly.  Brookies seem unselective about dry flies, but it would be prudent to carry a variety of sizes, say 10 to 20, including good floaters and high-visibility flies for rough water (preferred by brookies.) — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

Question:

Gee Mike, I think we are discussing a philosophical question, not a legal one. As I live in Nashville and have never visited your fare state, I am unfamiliar with your local laws. What is flyfishing to you? Do YOU think that fishing with split shot is fly fishing? What about using running line to "cast" heavy nymphys using a fly rod and the chuck and duck method?       Sincerely, Trey

Response:

Gee Mike, I think we are discussing a philosophical question, not a legal one. As I live in Nashville and have never visited your fare state, I am unfamiliar with your local laws. What is flyfishing to you? Do YOU think that fishing with split shot is fly fishing? What about using running line to "cast" heavy nymphys using a fly rod and the chuck and duck method?       Sincerely, Trey

Unfortunately, Trey, all legal restrictions arise from philosophical discussions.  I’d bet this question involves current debate regarding who can fish where. Charley

Response:

C Unfortunately, Trey, all legal restrictions arise from philosophical C discussions.  I’d bet this question involves current debate regarding C who can fish where. C C Charley My point is, WHAT DO _YOU_ THINK? As far as I know, none of the people who wrote the law restricting the use of weight on the leader are posting here. I think the philospohical question is an interesting one, but I am more interested in lively discussion than quoting chapter and verse. For me, if you cast it on a fly rod using a fly line its fly fishing. Now, as a redneck, this may be more utilitarian and less rule bound than my northern brother and sister flyfishers. I would benefit and appreciate discussion about what we THINK not what we are told. So, whattaya think?      Trey

Response:

The point is to get the fly to where the fish are, and to enjoy the experience of using the fly.

Response:

C Unfortunately, Trey, all legal restrictions arise from philosophical C discussions.  I’d bet this question involves current debate regarding My point is, WHAT DO _YOU_ THINK? As far as I know, none of the people who wrote the law restricting the use of weight on the leader are posting here.

I suggest "philosophy" came after the fact.  In most states and provinces the earliest reason for banning weighted flies or leaders was to reduce poaching by deliberate snagging.  The rule is old in some places with salmon rivers, but has been gradually introduced in other places, notably the Great Lakes states, to wean anglers off snagging (commonly said 20 years ago to be the only possible way of landing salmon and steelhead.) When this process began about 15 years ago, fly anglers were an insignificant minority.  I.e. regulators seeking to eliminate snagging on the NY Salmon River (formerly legal) were not concerned about the fly fisherman with a twist-on half-way down his leader:  they wanted to stop the people heaving trebles pre-mounted with two ounces of lead, then available in many tackle stores. Nowadays fly fishing is increasingly common and popular — so interpreting the "no weight" rule has become important in a way no one foresaw when it first appeared in the regulations.  Only recently has "philosophy" come up. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

You’d better be careful….your post was logical, concise and made sense. That’s more than I can say about a lot of stuff I read on the ‘net. J.P. Ward Twin Willow Farm

Response:

I think this does boil down to a question of application of regulations needed for certain areas.  Here in TN, we don’t have the difficulties associated with overfishing via flyfishing in our trout streams (at least for the most part) i.e. flyfishing isn’t as popular here as it is in other parts of the country.  We have put and take streams where the wildlife resource folks expect the trout to be harvested, tailwaters that support natural reproduction but are supplemented with stocked trout, as well as wild trout streams that don’t get stocked but can be managed using slot limits, c&r, etc.  In areas that get a lot of flyfishers on the water, DNR folks most likely find it necessary to restrict the _type_ of flyfishing done in certain streams.  I suspect this is a way to appease not only the flyfishers, but bait and lure fishers as well.  On the Hiwassee, there is a quality section that while not flyfishing only, does restrict fishing to single-hook, artificial lures/flies only.  I imagine if this section’s fishing began to decline because of the number of _flyfishers_, then they would consider limiting the _type_ of flyfishing accomplished in that quality zone.   I realize this may be a vast oversimplification, but it has been my experience in some of the streams I’ve fished out-of-state, particularly those that are popular destinations with flyfishers. Jerry Cobb Nashville, TN OR

Response:

[snip] On the Hiwassee, there is a quality section that while not flyfishing only, does restrict fishing to single-hook, artificial lures/flies only.  I imagine if this section’s fishing began to decline because of the number of _flyfishers_, then they would consider limiting the _type_ of flyfishing accomplished in that quality zone.  

[snip] Jerry, In Georgia droppers and trailers are banned on single hook artificial streams.  I believe North Carolina is the same way.  How does TN define the single hook rule?  Is it per fly or per rod? Thanks, John Johnson Atlanta, GA

Response:

streams.  I believe North Carolina is the same way.  How does TN define the single hook rule?  Is it per fly or per rod? John Johnson Atlanta, GA

It varies.  In the Cherokee Wildlife Management areas, a dropper is considered legal.  I’m not sure about the Hiwassee quality zone, though I’ve been told it’s one hook per rod.  I have seen anglers fishing dropper flies through that area, but that’s no indication of the regulations, however 8-( Jerry Cobb Nashville, TN OR

Response:

Hi, In Nova Scotia it is illegal to take salmon (which are designated flyfishing only) on weighted flies, so I guess our DNR agrees with you that weighted flies are not "pure". On the other hand, get this, the rules here state "the weight can not be attached to the fly, nor extra weight added to the fly" BUT, in a discussion with a DNR rep over this very issue at a Guide’s meeting we were informed that weighted fly lines were perfectly legal, since the weight hadn’t been "added". Weird, what ? Still, I have seen lots of unweighted flies being cast upstream, ripped back and left low in an attempt to "catch"(read "jig") trout in one of our more popular ff only streams. So there you go, it’s a Bill – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi: I talked with a fly shop owner last week who was against the use of weighted flies, like a large nymph, or extreme sink tips on waters designated for fly fishing only.  He questioned, and I tend to agree, that this is not conceptually different from spin fishing with heavy jigs, weights, etc.  I’m curious how others on this group would respond to a spin fisher who points to these type of fly tackle as being equivalent to spin tackle, and that to reserve waters for fly fishing only tends to ignore the similarities in tackle. Don

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – C I talked with a fly shop owner last week who was against the use of C weighted flies, like a large nymph, or extreme sink tips on waters C designated for fly fishing only.  He questioned, and I tend to agree, Hm, I do spin fish on occasions and I don’t need room for a backcast when I do. Nore do I need to worry too much about the weight of my lure or "mending" my casts. I also don’t need to worry about my cricket coming off when I cast. I find it easier to spin cast to a specific location and can cast much farther and faster than when I fly fish. I think these and other differences clearly distinguish between fly and spin fishing. For me, fly fishing refers to how I cast my line, not to what I choose to cast. Many folks look down their nose at streamers because they are not insects. Again for me, its how, not what, I cast.      Trey Monroe

It does not matter what a person (ie – the fly shop owner) "thinks" about fly fishing.  Weighted flies, nymphs, streamers, wets, and dries are all part of the broad scheme of fly fishing.  However, there is a legal definition for fly fishing, depending upon where you are. In a CT FFO Area (Fly Fishing Only), DO NOT get caught by a warden with split shot on your line to get your trusty old streamer to the bottom.   Weight MUST be incorporated into the tying of the fly or into the construction of the line, PERIOD!  As for gear, using a fly on spinning gear IS NOT considered fly fishing, legally.  You must use a fly rod and reel to be classified as fly fishing and avoid a fine.  We have seen many folks spin fishing in an FFO area and watched (& cheered) as they paid for their indiscretion (and inability to read the signs). – Mike

Response:

Guide Service (Bill Curry)) writes: So there you go, it’s a

Amen.  

Response:

Hi: I talked with a fly shop owner last week who was against the use of weighted flies, like a large nymph, or extreme sink tips on waters designated for fly fishing only.  He questioned, and I tend to agree, that this is not conceptually different from spin fishing with heavy jigs, weights, etc.  I’m curious how others on this group would respond to a spin fisher who points to these type of fly tackle as being equivalent to spin tackle, and that to reserve waters for fly fishing only tends to ignore the similarities in tackle.

I strongly disagree! the shop owner must be a dry fly only fisherman. Too bad since stomach contents prove that fish feed mostly on nymphs all year long. The poor shop owner is missing out on lots of fly fishing fun limiting himself to hatch only days with his fly rod. bad for him but O so good for me! By the by, the first flies ever used were wet flies way back in the 1400’s and before. Hows that for "tradition"?

Response:

Hi: I talked with a fly shop owner last week who was against the use of weighted flies, like a large nymph, or extreme sink tips on waters designated for fly fishing only.  He questioned, and I tend to agree, that this is not conceptually different from spin fishing with heavy jigs, weights, etc.  I’m curious how others on this group would respond to a spin fisher who points to these type of fly tackle as being equivalent to spin tackle, and that to reserve waters for fly fishing only tends to ignore the similarities in tackle.

I would simply invite said spin fisher out into the parking lot, and invite him to get out his best gear. I would pick up a rod with a sink tip line and leader, sans fly. Then, we’d have us a little contest and see who can cast the longest distance… with no lure… Now, if he can throw 60 feet of line without a lure, and can pick up the line and cast it again without reeling it all in, I _might_ be willing to concede that there isn’t any difference between spinning and flycasting… but it ain’t gonna happen, folks! For a REAL test, let’s try the same thing without rods! Joe Ellis         o/~ The Synthetic Filker o/~ |    TesserAct Studios  //~~~LL~~~~LL~ Update your address book today!|  New Dimensions In Filk!

Response:

Any lines drawn between the admittedly "pure" art of the direct imitation of the accepted three major groups of may-, caddis-, and stoneflies and all other "fly" forms should be made on an individual basis, or not at all. Weighted or unweighted, the subsurface imitation exists only to entice the intended quarry, and if that brings pleasure to the angler, then so be it.  There can be no harm in the peaceful pursuit of, and the subsequent glorification and immortalization of a truly beautiful creature when taken by the fairest of all sporting methods, the fly rod.

Response:

Hi: I talked with a fly shop owner last week who was against the use of weighted flies, like a large nymph, or extreme sink tips on waters designated for fly fishing only.  He questioned, and I tend to agree, that this is not conceptually different from spin fishing with heavy jigs, weights, etc.  I’m curious how others on this group would respond to a spin fisher who points to these type of fly tackle as being equivalent to spin tackle, and that to reserve waters for fly fishing only tends to ignore the similarities in tackle. Don

More Horse Hockey.  Why not liven it up a bit and consider things like Dahlberg Divers, no weight, but shaped to dive, or the infamous "Wiggle Bug"?  Maybe we should regulate flylines to a maximum castable length of 50 feet, outlaw shooting heads and require a full backcast to qualify as "flyfishing".  Speycasters and 50ft+ rollcasters must not be real flyfisher persons.  Or extend the debate to the "strike indicaters aren’t flyfishing" school of thought or using more than one fly isn’t flyfishing (never mind that there is a long documented use of a dryfly as an "indicater" for a subsurface fly or the traditional us of 5 or mor fly "casts" in the British Isles). Mike in PDX "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                           Tom McGuane

Response:

Hi: I talked with a fly shop owner last week who was against the use of weighted flies, like a large nymph, or extreme sink tips on waters designated for fly fishing only.  He questioned, and I tend to agree, that this is not conceptually different from spin fishing with heavy jigs, weights, etc.  I’m curious how others on this group would respond to a spin fisher who points to these type of fly tackle as being equivalent to spin tackle, and that to reserve waters for fly fishing only tends to ignore the similarities in tackle. Don

Horse Hockey.  A bit of non-specific fuzzy thinking.  "Tackle"="The equipment used in a sport or occupation, esp. fishing, gear."  Since both use a long stick sort of thing to propel a faux edible thing some distance into the aquatic environment I suppose you could make the argument that fly and spin "tackle" are the same without even considering the terminal part of same…..Don’t think Dame Julianna Berners fished dry, wet or "damp" for the most part.  Suppose this discussion which tends to be of interest to those older than dirt on the North Umpqua and newbies will continue until the weightless hook is perfected.  The debate (or mindless dithering if you prefer) has been ongoing in and out of print for at least the past 25 years.     Mike in PDX "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                           Tom McGuane

Response:

Hi: I talked with a fly shop owner last week who was against the use of weighted flies, like a large nymph, or extreme sink tips on waters designated for fly fishing only.  He questioned, and I tend to agree, that this is not conceptually different from spin fishing with heavy jigs, weights, etc.  I’m curious how others on this group would respond to a spin fisher who points to these type of fly tackle as being equivalent to spin tackle, and that to reserve waters for fly fishing only tends to ignore the similarities in tackle. Don

I think that the responses have been interesting, but my question is directed towards the regulation of certain waters for fly fishing only versus other types of tackle that might be used.  I have no quarrel against fishing a dry fly on a wet fly swing, nor the use of any of the type of flies now used. (Well maybe against the use of lead vs non-lead wire/putty.)  Nor do I have anything against spin fishing or a simple stick with a bunch of worms on a hook.  I have fished waters with both types of equipment and have fished along with spin fishers. Don

Response:

“ I talked with a fly shop owner last week who was against the use of weighted flies, like a large nymph, or extreme sink tips on waters` designated for fly fishing only.  He questioned, and I tend to agree,

` that this is not conceptually different from spin fishing with heavy ` jigs, weights, etc.  I’m curious how others on this group would ` respond to a spin fisher who points to these type of fly tackle as ` being equivalent to spin tackle, and that to reserve waters for fly ` fishing only tends to ignore the similarities in tackle. ` ` Don      If you are going to have "fly fishing only," then I suppose you have to define fly fishing. Personally, I could care less. I often fish lightweight spinners with my fly rod. I make them myself. Most of the time, streamers work better than (metal) spinners. But what the hell. I also make fly rod jigs….little wire–headed streamers that I cast with a slow motion double haul. They (fly rod jigs) are often useful, although split shot on the leader, combined with a neutrally buouant fly, is usually more productive.     Is it true that people who fret and worry about definitions tend to be category people, –people who have a hard time dealing with gray area?

Response:

C I talked with a fly shop owner last week who was against the use of C weighted flies, like a large nymph, or extreme sink tips on waters C designated for fly fishing only.  He questioned, and I tend to agree, Hm, I do spin fish on occasions and I don’t need room for a backcast when I do. Nore do I need to worry too much about the weight of my lure or "mending" my casts. I also don’t need to worry about my cricket coming off when I cast. I find it easier to spin cast to a specific location and can cast much farther and faster than when I fly fish. I think these and other differences clearly distinguish between fly and spin fishing. For me, fly fishing refers to how I cast my line, not to what I choose to cast. Many folks look down their nose at streamers because they are not insects. Again for me, its how, not what, I cast.      Trey Monroe

Response:

Hi: I talked with a fly shop owner last week who was against the use of weighted flies, like a large nymph, or extreme sink tips on waters designated for fly fishing only.  He questioned, and I tend to agree, that this is not conceptually different from spin fishing with heavy jigs, weights, etc.  I’m curious how others on this group would respond to a spin fisher who points to these type of fly tackle as being equivalent to spin tackle, and that to reserve waters for fly fishing only tends to ignore the similarities in tackle. Don

In California, we have lots of  water that is designated "artificials only, single barbless hook".  This means that using a spinning rod with a lure ( spinner, spoon, plug or jig ) that has a single hook(s) with the barb pinched flat is OK. We have very few fisheries that are Fly Fishing Only. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

Response:

Hi: I talked with a fly shop owner last week who was against the use of weighted flies, like a large nymph, or extreme sink tips on waters designated for fly fishing only.  He questioned, and I tend to agree, that this is not conceptually different from spin fishing with heavy jigs, weights, etc.  I’m curious how others on this group would respond to a spin fisher who points to these type of fly tackle as being equivalent to spin tackle, and that to reserve waters for fly fishing only tends to ignore the similarities in tackle. Don

Response:

Hi: I talked with a fly shop owner last week who was against the use of weighted flies, like a large nymph, or extreme sink tips on waters designated for fly fishing only.  He questioned, and I tend to agree, that this is not conceptually different from spin fishing with heavy jigs, weights, etc.  I’m curious how others on this group would respond to a spin fisher who points to these type of fly tackle as being equivalent to spin tackle, and that to reserve waters for fly fishing only tends to ignore the similarities in tackle. Don

I totally disagree, I suppose you can only fish dries upstream also.  I fished rivers for years as a spinning fisherman, and only took up flyfishing a few years back, but fishing with heavy jigs isn’t like fly fishing.  There are many things in life that conceptually might be similar, but in reality are totally different. Vince

Response:

Question:

Does anyone know what is available in hip waders for preschoolers and where they can be purchased? Thanks,Paul and his little buddy Zack.

Response:

Does anyone know what is available in hip waders for preschoolers and

where they can be purchased? Thanks,Paul and his little buddy Zack.

Oh, sorry, I misunderstood the subject.  I though you were talking about waders that would be hip to kids.  You know, they would probably be 8 sizes too big and hang down below the underwear? David B.

Response:

Does anyone know what is available in hip waders for preschoolers and

where they can be purchased? Thanks,Paul and his little buddy Zack.

Hi Zack and his big bud Paul-    Call Ron Pylki in Eugene Oregon at (503) 773-2181 or (503) 779-8008. He used to specialize in this kind of application through his company NeoSports. I haven’t heard from NeoSports in a while and am afraid they might no longer be in business. Even if they’re defunct, Ron should still have all the dies and stuff and be able to whip up a pair for cheap.    -Ralph —

Response:

Question:

Hi Ralph, Please tell me, how do you bracket an Olympus Stylus? I take one on fishing trips (35mm f3.5), but use print film. I normally use slide film for all my land based stuff with my Nikon. I never considered using slide film with the Stylus! Mark Rupp

Response:

Hi Ralph, Please tell me, how do you bracket an Olympus Stylus? I take one on fishing trips (35mm f3.5), but use print film. I normally use slide film for all my land based stuff with my Nikon. I never considered using slide film with the Stylus! Mark Rupp

Bracketing is usually not necessary with print film. Print film has much more latitude (forgiveness for exposure error) than slide film (2-3 stops or more vs. at most 1.5 with slide film). The "point and shoot" non-’disposable’ cameras usually have a function that allows you to compensate for backlighting that will "fool" the automatic exposure system. — Richard W. (Dick) Lander; sportsman, photographer, Macintosh devotee, proponent of personal liberty. *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  *  * *  *

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for a camera to take with me out on the river.  I fish mainly for Salmon and Steelhead, and much prefer taking a photo rather than killing a fish.  My question is, what kind of camera should I buy?  I want good quality, but reliability is important in that environment.  Should I look at waterproof / resistant cameras? Thanks! Matrix Hi Matrix I use a Minolta Dual 35. I has two lenses built in, is water resistant to 18′, and is bright yellow to help avoid lossing the camera. It also has a built in auto flash and is auto focus. What I like to do is take picture of fish while they are under the water and this camera works well for this. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Like Mr. Beatty I also use the minolta dual 35. Excellent camera,has all the features I need.I also bought a lithium battery for it and it lasted two years of constant use(mainly for fish pictures). I bring it on all my trips,that accounts for at least 100 days of fishing a year.                             /                               /  )                  \|//        /   (            (0-0)      /                .–(_)–.  /          )  /                                              =====/    (   )          (         (   )      ) /             o*–*           (      (_/                  _ )           _)

Response:

Gledhill) writes: I am looking for a camera to take with me out on the river.  I fish mainly for Salmon and Steelhead, and much prefer taking a photo rather than killing a fish.  My question is, what kind of camera should I buy?  I want good quality, but reliability is important in that environment.  Should I look at waterproof / resistant cameras? Thanks! Matrix

I like the Pentax IQ-90-WR. Great camera. Just remember – water resistant not water proof! Also, if anyone finds a lens cap for the IQ, please let me know. Only weakness that I’ve found with it. No big deal, but… Trout Unlimited also has a one-time-use water proof camara that they sell. Some of the money goes to TU for their trout programs. Don Burns

Response:

Hi Joseph. It depends on what you want to shoot specifically. I know that the underwater shots are popular in the states, and such a camera will provide protection against an accidental dunking however an SLR will give you more options in the long run.   You’ve got some great looking country out there and SLR will get you scenics or landscape type shots. By carrying two or three lenses you’ll be giving yourself immense variation. Taking pictures of fish is possible with almost any camera, however you will find I have no doubt that you’ll want to take pictures of other anglers fishing nice looking locations as well as taking pictures of sunrises and sunsets. You will also be able to take close up shots of flies in fishes mouths and even pictures of natural flies. In short you might find the photography bug as gripping as the fishing.   I’m a freelance broadcaster/writer/photgrapher with contributions of photographs to around 40 publications. I’ve used a dozen or more cameras over the past 15 years. I’ve come to the conclusion the you/I should buy the best I can afford, you’ll have more options that way. Whats more, todays auto focus SLRs are almost foolproof in that the camera does all the work for you. I’m currently using a Canon EOS 10. I’ts auto focus, has a built in TTL flash ( through the lens ) which is good enough for taking fish pictures. Buy a simpler camera to start with by all means. However you will in time begin to realise the you have limited options.                  Tight lines and happy snapping. Dave Tait. I am looking for a camera to take with me out on the river.  I fish mainly for Salmon and Steelhead, and much prefer taking a photo rather than killing a fish.  My question is, what kind of camera should I buy?  I want good quality, but reliability is important in that environment.  Should I look at waterproof / resistant cameras? Thanks! Matrix

– dave tait

Response:

I am looking for a camera to take with me out on the river.  I fish mainly for Salmon and Steelhead, and much prefer taking a photo rather than killing a fish.  My question is, what kind of camera should I buy?  I want good quality, but reliability is important in that environment.  Should I look at waterproof / resistant cameras? Thanks! Matrix

Hello, I have a Minolta sport camera(the yellow one) and  it takes great pictures.  They are about $280 but well worth it.  If they happen to have problems, Minolta will stand next to their product. Happy Fishin’, Paul

Response:

I have a Dual and while it is a functional/durable camera, IMHO it is not the best picture taking tool for this situation. While I do not recall the exact statistics, the Dual has relatively few focus stops in the autofocus system (maybe as few as 12 or less) versus other (more recent) AF P&S cameras which can have 200-600 stops. What this means is that you can get an inordinate amount of just out-of-focus photos because there are fewer stops on which the focus will be dead-on. Should your subject be between these fixed stops the photo will be somewhat blurry, especially if you make enlargements where the problem will be more evident. A friend of mine owns a very large camera store in NYC and he recommends the Pentax 90WR to everyone, sportsman as well as nonsportman. In his opinion, the combination of the cameras funtionality, water-resistance and zoom range make it a great choice for a wide range of people. One not; the Minolta Dual is *water-tight* to a depth of 18 feet or so while the Pentax is weather resistant (thus the WR) and may be water-tight to a couple off feet or so. A bit of experience: two years ago I spent a week in Alaska chasing RBT and salmon. Before I left I couldn’t find my Dual and was forced to bring my big SLR. For five days I fished with a Minolta 9xi semi-pro body and a very large 70-210 f2.8 dangling around my neck. Actually, the lens fit very nicely down the front of my waders when not in use. While this may sound like alot of trouble, I wound up shooting a roll of 36 exposures a day each day. The results were excellent with not a single badly focused shot in the lot. I could not have even hoped for anything close to this with the Dual. The Dual has its place, IN MY OPINION, if you are serious about the quality of the photos I would suggest you look elsewhere. (Please, no flames from those who love their Duals.) Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I use a Minolta Dual 35. I has two lenses built in, is water resistant to 18′, and is bright yellow to help avoid lossing the camera. It also has a built in auto flash and is auto focus. What I like to do is take picture of fish while they are under the water and this camera works well for this. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response:

I am looking for a camera to take with me out on the river.  I fish mainly for Salmon and Steelhead, and much prefer taking a photo rather than killing a fish.  My question is, what kind of camera should I buy?  I want good quality, but reliability is important in that environment.  Should I look at waterproof / resistant cameras? Thanks! Matrix

Response:

Get those self contained one time disposable camera/film deals from Kodak. No hassle, no worry if you lose it. The fish will nevefr lok as good to anyone else as it did to you anyway.

Response:

My question is, what kind of camera should I

buy?  I want good quality, but reliability is important in that environment.  Should I look at waterproof / resistant cameras? Thanks!<< Nikonos.                         Mike in PDX                "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                                            Tom McGuane

Response:

I am looking for a camera to take with me out on the river.  I fish mainly for Salmon and Steelhead, and much prefer taking a photo rather than killing a fish.  My question is, what kind of camera should I buy?  I want good quality, but reliability is important in that environment.  Should I look at waterproof / resistant cameras?

I use a Pentax zoom 90-WR. It’s been submerged any number of times and has banged on a lot of rocks but it still works well. But you face some real technical problems taking pictures of fish. First, if the fish is in the water it won’t show up well in the photo unless you have a polarizing filter. And for me it turned out to be a real hassle to net the fish, remove the fly (all while holding on to my rod), and still take any sort of decent picture while keeping the fish alive.  I’ve come to the conclusion that the folks at home are going to have to rely on my word about the fish I catch! I still take my camera if I think there’s going to be something interesting to record. Lots of times, that means other things than fish. Bob

Response:

I am looking for a camera to take with me out on the river.  I fish mainly for Salmon and Steelhead, and much prefer taking a photo rather than killing a fish.  My question is, what kind of camera should I buy?  I want good quality, but reliability is important in that environment.  Should I look at waterproof / resistant cameras? Thanks! Matrix

Hi, You might want to look at the Pentax Zoom90WR. It is a water-resistant zoom-lens, point and shoot with many features. It is probably the most popular compact camera with fly fishers and kyakers. I believe the current price is in the $200-$250 range. Best regards,   Alan.   Alan Barnard   Kiene’s Fly Shop   Sacramento, California   WWW Fly Tyer   http://www.ns.net/~barnard

Response:

I am looking for a camera to take with me out on the river.  I fish mainly for Salmon and Steelhead, and much prefer taking a photo rather than killing a fish.  My question is, what kind of camera should I buy?  I want good quality, but reliability is important in that environment.  Should I look at waterproof / resistant cameras? Thanks! Matrix

Hi Matrix I use a Minolta Dual 35. I has two lenses built in, is water resistant to 18′, and is bright yellow to help avoid lossing the camera. It also has a built in auto flash and is auto focus. What I like to do is take picture of fish while they are under the water and this camera works well for this. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response:

My question is, what kind of camera should I buy?  I want good quality,

but reliability is important in that environment.  Should I look at waterproof / resistant cameras? Thanks!<< Hi Mike   What is the intended use for your photos? I shoot lots of stuff for magazines, advertisements, book and article illustrations, and slide presentations. It’s commercial stuff that will be scrutinized. Depending on the intention of the day I’ll bring a specific range of camera.  If I’m shooting strictly underwater stuff I’ll lug a Nikonos RS or a Nikon f4 in a housing. Both of these are big heavy expensive cameras but nothing can take their place. The smaller Nikonos 5 is the worst of both the underwater and above water photo worlds (heavy, minimal selection of <slow lenses, funky meter, non SLR, etc) . . . don’t be tempted!    If I’m shooting terrestrial stuff and the importance for photos is greater than the need to fish (in other words I’m at work) I’ll carry the F-4 with its compliment of lenses and a tripod.    In a typical fishing situation I’ll bring a Nikon 8008 with a 105mm macro on the body and a 24mm stuffed in the vest.    When packing light I’ll stuff an Olympus Stylus in a vest pocket. It’s a small convenient camera that can take pretty good shots if you bracket a lot (piss poor meter) and brace the thing well (the #1 enemy of small light cameras is vibration). I’ve had many small 35mm cameras and even though the Olympus is FAR from perfect, its water resistant, durable, small, and there when I wouldn’t have another camera. In the land of the blind, it’s the one eyed king.    For film I shoot slides and experiment alot but always come back to Kodachrome 64 or Velvia 50. I can’t help you on print film sorry.    -Ralph —

Response:

You might want to look at the Pentax Zoom90WR. It is a water-resistant zoom-lens, point and shoot with many features.

I have one and I love it.  It’s not as small as some other brands, but it has a host of very nice features and it takes great pictures. –Stephen Wong

Response:

Question:

Hi there! Im a beginner and im wondering what line size rod to buy. I am from oregon and will do most of my fishing for trout- although I would like to eventually go for steelhead and salmon. I really dont want to have to buy a separate rod. Is a 7 too small for larger fish would an 8 scare off most trout? If I were only fishing for trout a 6 would be ideal. Can I buy say an 8 rod and fish with 6 line? or would the loss of controll be too much ? Any response would be much appreciated!

Response:

Buying a rod and using undersized line defeats the loading ability of the rod. I mean loading, the tip section of the rod actually bends and creates the loop (very important) that the rod causes in the line. Confusing? Yes. I would not buy a 8 and use a 6 line nor buy a 6 and use a 8 line. That overloads the tip. I would prefer a 5 or 6 for trout. Haven’t had experience with large steelhead but would imagine you could land one but would really wear it out! Sadly, there really isn’t just one rod that does it all. You might look for a good used rod at a local dealer or flyfishing club. I’d pay more for the one I use most. Say spring for a good Orvis Green Mountain or Rocky Mountain (2 piece rods around $200) and look for a cheaper rod if I were going to fish steel head only 1 or 2 times a year.

Response:

Question:

We are new to flyfishing in Colorado and are looking for a few suggestions as to what rivers or lakes are good and have public access.  Suggestions on patterns and sizes would also be helpful.   We are also looking into a trip to the Madison river in Montana later this summer and were wondering what other rivers we might try in Montana and Wyoming.  Again patterns and sizes would be helpful. We’ve just started reading this news group–sorry if these are redundant questions. Thanks in advance for the help, Greg Clemson Jennifer Marshall

Response:

We are also looking into a trip to the Madison river in Montana later this summer and were wondering what other rivers we might try in Montana and Wyoming.

Don’t pass up the Green River in Utah, below the Flaming Gorge Dam!

Response: