Question:

Hi, Sherry         I used to have one of those for a pet. I don’t remember off the top of my head what kind it is, but it is definitely both harmless and beneficial. They all have forked tongues; that’s what they ’smell’ with.         Most poisonous snakes in the US have a triangular head, with fat ‘cheeks.’ That’s where the venom glands are. The exception is the coral snake. There are only four poisonous breeds in the US: rattlesnake, copperhead, cottonmouth, and coral. The first three are adders and have the signature triangular heads and fat bodies. The coral snake is actually a kind of cobra, going by the venom family, and does not have the fat cheeks and thick body. Fortunately, they have short, fixed fangs that have difficulty penetrating human skin far enough to get enough poison into our system to do us much harm. Plus, they don’t inject venom like the adders. The fangs are grooved on the backside, and the venom trickles down the grooves. Copperheads also have short fangs. I’ve been told by someone who probably knows that no one has ever died from a copperhead bite, but I don’t know that for a fact.         Most wild snakes if cornered will put up a heck of a threat display to scare you away. Bull snakes will strike wildly at you, but without hitting you, and make a ferocious, loud hissing sound, but it’s mostly bluff. However, they will bite if they have to. Puff adders, properly called hog-nose snakes, will spread their necks like a cobra and make threatening gestures and false strikes. If you slap it, it will roll over, let its tongue hang out, and play dead. Cheers, Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have question for you. Since the recent snaketalk, I had a little encounter this after noon with a different-looking snake. I was getting ready to leave, and about to open the glass door there was a snake, like trying to crawl up the glass. He was dark, dark brown almost black  with a bright yellow belly. He was very skinny but long, at least 2.5-3 feet. He definitely had a forked tongue cause he was sticking it out at me. So I decided I didn’t need to go anywhere after all. So I waited. And waited. And waited. And finally went out the back door. Does that description sound familiar at all to you? I hate to keep asking. Also, is it true you can tell by the shape of their heads whether they’re poisonous or not? DH is at work. I hate to call him ’cause I know what he’d say, "It’s more scared of you than you are of it, blah blah blah.” I think that’s debatable. Sherry

– Some people think they’re worth a lot of money just because they have it.

Response:

  Unless you have a friend that puts one on your rear view mirror. Only a garder snake but it still scared me half to death.   Bob – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have heard of snakes crawling into a car that was left with the door standing open, but it would be very rare. Modern cars are pretty well sealed so that the A/C works well. There aren’t any holes for them to crawl in through.

Response:

  Thanks for the laugh. I like that one.   Bob – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A baby grass snake asked it’s mother, are we poisonous? It’s mother replied, no dear why do you ask? Oh good ‘cos I just bit my lip. — Adrian Isn’t it wonderful how cats can win friends and influence people without ever reading a book.

Response:

Hi, Bob         I grew up in North Texas and I’ve often heard cottonmouths called water moccasins, but they’re actually different species. Water moccasins get quite large, but they don’t have the triangular head and heavy body. Cottonmouths have a brilliant white mouth, and they hold it open with fangs outthrust when they’re about to attack.         Once while bowfishing I was wading through shallow water wearing thin canvas deck shoes. Just as I was stepping over a clump of grass, there was a flash of white right by my foot that caught my attention in a nanosecond. There was a large cottonmouth coiled to strike with mouth only a few inches from that scantily-clad foot. I stood there balanced on one foot while I drew the arrow and shot the snake through the mouth. The hard part was not hitting my foot as I was swaying from side to side trying to stay upright. It would have been useless trying to withdraw my foot as human reflexes are way too slow to avoid a snake strike. Cheers, Dave  Hey David,     Here in Texas we also have the water moccasin. Is that also considered a cottonmouth?

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Response:

The only thing I remember as far as color, if it’s red on black, poisonous.  If yellow meets black then you’re ok.

For Coral snakes, the phrase to remember is red on yellow will kill a fellow – so if the red stripes are next to yellow stripes, stay away.  If the red is next to black stripes, you are okay.  My theory was that I wasn’t going to hang around long enough to figure out what color was next to what color and the snake could just have the space.  But PLEASE don’t pick up red on yellow and think it is safe.  Altogether for posterity: Red on Yellow will kill a fellow. Cheers, Bridget – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – However, I haven’t proven that to myself yet. Snake is snake is snake to be avoided at all costs.  My daughter is slightly confused why I let her walk across our pinestraw ridden front yard alone in the winter but if it’s summer she catches immortal hell. I’ve snuck up on a more than a few copperheads that way. Grace I have question for you. Since the recent snaketalk, I had a little encounter this after noon with a different-looking snake. I was getting ready to leave, and about to open the glass door there was a snake, like trying to crawl up the glass. He was dark, dark brown almost black  with a bright yellow belly. He was very skinny but long, at least 2.5-3 feet. He definitely had a forked tongue cause he was sticking it out at me. So I decided I didn’t need to go anywhere after all. So I waited. And waited. And waited. And finally went out the back door. Does that description sound familiar at all to you? I hate to keep asking. Also, is it true you can tell by the shape of their heads whether they’re poisonous or not? DH is at work. I hate to call him ’cause I know what he’d say, "It’s more scared of you than you are of it, blah blah blah.” I think that’s debatable. Sherry

Response:

A baby grass snake asked it’s mother, are we poisonous? It’s mother replied, no dear why do you ask? Oh good ‘cos I just bit my lip. — Adrian Isn’t it wonderful how cats can win friends and influence people without ever reading a book.

Response:

Well, I’ve read of people encountering cobras in "guest house" bedrooms in India, in the days of the British Raj, so its probably theoretically possible – but why would they want to, unless your car is infested with rodents? Because they’re looking for me. Or Pam.

Snakes seem to think that I’m going to give them goodies or something. They don’t pay attention to all those lovely crunchy squirrels out in the back yard.  Forget about all those munchy turtles and frogs in the pond back there.  No, they have to see if they can find a way to come in the front door and visit me.  They must think I’m lonely.  To be honest, I’m surprised that I haven’t had any visit me here, they did all the time back in Idaho and Washington State. Pam S.  afraid that she just invited the little monsters in and wondering if a snow shovel will work well enough to whack them with.

Response:

 Hey David,     Here in Texas we also have the water moccasin. Is that also considered a cottonmouth? There is a creek here that I like to go fishing in. One day this water moccasin spent a good 30 minutes trying to get out of the water at me. But since the bank was so high and water level low he finally gave up. Scared the crap out of me since a snake (as well as heights) are the only things that really scare me. And I’m a pilot, I love to fly. Go figure. Bob – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Sherry         I used to have one of those for a pet. I don’t remember off the top of my head what kind it is, but it is definitely both harmless and beneficial. They all have forked tongues; that’s what they ’smell’ with.         Most poisonous snakes in the US have a triangular head, with fat ‘cheeks.’ That’s where the venom glands are. The exception is the coral snake. There are only four poisonous breeds in the US: rattlesnake, copperhead, cottonmouth, and coral. The first three are adders and have the signature triangular heads and fat bodies. The coral snake is actually a kind of cobra, going by the venom family, and does not have the fat cheeks and thick body. Fortunately, they have short, fixed fangs that have difficulty penetrating human skin far enough to get enough poison into our system to do us much harm. Plus, they don’t inject venom like the adders. The fangs are grooved on the backside, and the venom trickles down the grooves. Copperheads also have short fangs. I’ve been told by someone who probably knows that no one has ever died from a copperhead bite, but I don’t know that for a fact.         Most wild snakes if cornered will put up a heck of a threat display to scare you away. Bull snakes will strike wildly at you, but without hitting you, and make a ferocious, loud hissing sound, but it’s mostly bluff. However, they will bite if they have to. Puff adders, properly called hog-nose snakes, will spread their necks like a cobra and make threatening gestures and false strikes. If you slap it, it will roll over, let its tongue hang out, and play dead. Cheers, Dave

Response:

—–BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE—– Hash: SHA1 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sounds like a plain old garden/garter snake to me. (Incidentally ALL snakes have forked tongues, I think.)  Are you SURE about the size?  I had never seen a snake until I encountered a garter snake at my aunt’s lake place in Minnesota (I was about then at the time).  I knew it was a garter snake, and couldn’t hurt me, but I ran away, anyhow. However, it couldn’t POSSIBLY have been as big as I remember it – they just don’t grow that long! I have question for you. Since the recent snaketalk, I had a little encounter this after noon with a different-looking snake. I was getting ready to leave, and about to open the glass door there was a snake, like trying to crawl up the glass. He was dark, dark brown almost black  with a bright yellow belly. He was very skinny but long, at least 2.5-3 feet. He definitely had a forked tongue cause he was sticking it out at me. So I decided I didn’t need to go anywhere after all. So I waited. And waited. And waited. And finally went out the back door. Does that description sound familiar at all to you? I hate to keep asking. Also, is it true you can tell by the shape of their heads whether they’re poisonous or not? DH is at work. I hate to call him ’cause I know what he’d say, "It’s more scared of you than you are of it, blah blah blah.” I think that’s debatable. Sherry

The distinctive feature of garter snakes is that they have stripes running lengthwise on the body, as opposed to around the body.  They are the only type of snake that I am aware of with lengthwise stripes. One of the garter snake’s defenses is that it can exude a stinky liquid if scared.  I found this out the hard way when I was on a camping trip as a teenager, and one of the other boys found a garter snake and started passing the snake around.  The substance had a strong musky smell, so it might be something that the snake would normally use to mark its territory. —–BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE—– Version: PGP 7.0.4 iQA/AwUBPPmrATMYPge5L34aEQJbygCg4SzKyTT7WW1eSqgZSrof/PI+QjkAoITD jEckAMjoUieiBugeocJhtB/b =PDBC —–END PGP SIGNATURE—– — PGP key available from http://pgp.mit.edu "There must be, not a balance of power, but a community of power; not organized rivalries, but an organized common peace." Woodrow Wilson

Response:

Sounds like a plain old garden/garter snake to me. (Incidentally ALL snakes have forked tongues, I think.)  Are you SURE about the size?  I had never seen a snake until I encountered a garter snake at my aunt’s lake place in Minnesota (I was about then at the time).  I knew it was a garter snake, and couldn’t hurt me, but I ran away, anyhow. However, it couldn’t POSSIBLY have been as big as I remember it – they just don’t grow that long! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have question for you. Since the recent snaketalk, I had a little encounter this after noon with a different-looking snake. I was getting ready to leave, and about to open the glass door there was a snake, like trying to crawl up the glass. He was dark, dark brown almost black  with a bright yellow belly. He was very skinny but long, at least 2.5-3 feet. He definitely had a forked tongue cause he was sticking it out at me. So I decided I didn’t need to go anywhere after all. So I waited. And waited. And waited. And finally went out the back door. Does that description sound familiar at all to you? I hate to keep asking. Also, is it true you can tell by the shape of their heads whether they’re poisonous or not? DH is at work. I hate to call him ’cause I know what he’d say, "It’s more scared of you than you are of it, blah blah blah.” I think that’s debatable. Sherry

Response:

somewhere just waiting to cross my path. I’ve even thought up a new phobia. Can they get under the car, and get up in through the bottom, and end up inside the car?

Well, I’ve read of people encountering cobras in "guest house" bedrooms in India, in the days of the British Raj, so its probably theoretically possible – but why would they want to, unless your car is infested with rodents?  Believe it or not, snakes don’t go out of their way to annoy/frighten humans – either they’re looking for something to eat (usually live rodents) or water (if it’s a dry season and they can’t find it outdoors).  Even most poisonous snakes won’t attack unless they feel threatened, and even then, they’d rather just slither off, unless their retreat is blocked.

Response:

I’m trying, I really am. Sherry

You really have my sympathy Sherry. By living next to a fairly nice sized pond, we’ve always been victims of those surprise showings. (I guess it’s a pond, kinda odd when I hear Dave Y talk about his 5 foot pond. It’s not a lake, nor is it a pond like he and Victor have…) The last time, the very last time I have ever crawled into my parents swimming pool and spend a half day drifting about luxuriously soaking up sunshine was a couple days before my sister popped up from underneath the water just in time to see a snake slide into the opposite side of the pool.  A few days later, Dad pulled a dead one out of the filter after it got sucked through somehow. Or maybe it slide in through the hole on the coverplate. Who knows.  Suffice to say, it ended my snoozing days poolside *grin* I’m a walking paranoid basketcase outside during the summer. Moreso with a child than I ever have in the past. If the temps are right, I am much more relaxed with her playing outside without any hovering. Grace

Response:

Sounds like a plain old garden/garter snake to me. (Incidentally ALL snakes have forked tongues, I think.)  Are you SURE about the size?  I had never seen a snake until I encountered a garter snake at my aunt’s lake place in Minnesota (I was about then at the time).  I knew it was a garter snake, and couldn’t hurt me, but I ran away, anyhow. However, it couldn’t POSSIBLY have been as big as I remember it – they just don’t grow that long!

No, it wasn’t a garter snake. Garter snakes around here aren’t much bigger than a pencil. This was was definitely that long. But skinny, like a garter snake. I need a snake-ID website. Except I don’t want to look at the pictures. Sherry

Response:

somewhere just waiting to cross my path. I’ve even thought up a new phobia. Can they get under the car, and get up in through the bottom, and end up inside the car? Well, I’ve read of people encountering cobras in "guest house" bedrooms in India, in the days of the British Raj, so its probably theoretically possible – but why would they want to, unless your car is infested with rodents?

Because they’re looking for me. Or Pam. Sherry

Response:

We live next to my parents, my parents have a two acre pond I’ve mentioned in the past. We’ve seen our share of copperheads and thankfully the only cottonmouths we’ve noticed have been right there at water’s edge. She doesn’t visit the pond much. *sheepish grin* Shoes? What are shoes Dave? We’re southern girls and this is the good old summertime. But I’ll keep that in mind, when she’s outside playing all day during the weekends, I’m going to make sure she has shoes from now on. Grace

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi, Grace Snakes are deaf, but they have keen senses in their belly scales that can pick up even slight vibrations. If you and your daughter wear hard-soled shoes in the summer, you are less likely to sneak up on them.

Response:

Sherry, you mentioned seeing a snake you’ve never seen before.  Around here, in Louisiana, this time of year we see three times as many snakes as we normally do. Don’t be surprised if you see another. It’s always been my guess it’s a nestmate. Some days during the first few weeks of summer we can find three or four smallish snakes in one day when mowing the lawn. Only lasts for a little while though and then it’s back to the occassional view from a distance. Grace

I’m trying, I really am. We built this house  in 1982, and moved away years later. It was empty for many years before we moved back in 1999. When we firstt moved back, the snakes were awful. They were everywhere–our outbuilding rafters were dangling with skins. I think, being empty, the snakes took over but now that there’s activity around the house, we see fewer and fewer every year. I know they really don’t want to be around people. I don’t want them killed at all. I just SO hate being startled by them. Another critter that seems in big supply is terrapins, but they’re kinda cute. Sherry

Response:

No. Can they get under the car, and get up in through the bottom, and end up inside the car? Sherry — Wanted: Man to assemble nuclear fissionable isotopes, molecular reactivity counters, and three-phase cyclotronic uranium photosynthesizers. No experience necessary.

I take it that’s a no? Does this mean I don’t have to stuff my pants legs down into my socks so the baby bullsnakes can’t crawl up my pants leg while I’m driving down the road? Sherry

Response:

I have heard of snakes crawling into a car that was left with the door standing open, but it would be very rare. Modern cars are pretty well sealed so that the A/C works well. There aren’t any holes for them to crawl in through. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No. Can they get under the car, and get up in through the bottom, and end up inside the car? Sherry — Wanted: Man to assemble nuclear fissionable isotopes, molecular reactivity counters, and three-phase cyclotronic uranium photosynthesizers. No experience necessary. I take it that’s a no? Does this mean I don’t have to stuff my pants legs down into my socks so the baby bullsnakes can’t crawl up my pants leg while I’m driving down the road? Sherry

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Response:

Hi, Grace         You’re thinking of the old poem that starts, "Black on yellow, kill a fellow." That’s the coral snake. "Red on black, friend of Jack," refers to other similarly marked snakes called milk snakes or banded king snakes. They’re harmless.         Snakes are deaf, but they have keen senses in their belly scales that can pick up even slight vibrations. If you and your daughter wear hard-soled shoes in the summer, you are less likely to sneak up on them. They’ll feel you approaching and flee or hide.         The only venomous snake you have to wary of is the cottonmouth. They are both territorial and aggressive. They don’t bluff; when they strike they mean business, and if you invade their territory, they will attack without provocation. Plus, the way they hunt is to climb trees and wait on overhanging branches for prey to pass beneath. A large number of cottonmouth bites to humans is on the face or head. Cheers, Dave I think it’s true that the heads are shaped differently. At least around here, the cottonmouths/copperheads have pointed triangle shaped heads and the king snake/rat snakes have a rounded head. The only thing I remember as far as color, if it’s red on black, poisonous.  If yellow meets black then you’re ok.  However, I haven’t proven that to myself yet. Snake is snake is snake to be avoided at all costs.  My daughter is slightly confused why I let her walk across our pinestraw ridden front yard alone in the winter but if it’s summer she catches immortal hell. I’ve snuck up on a more than a few copperheads that way. Grace

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Response:

 Copperheads also have short fangs. I’ve been told by someone who probably knows that no one has ever died from a copperhead bite, but I don’t know that for a fact.

For what it’s worth Dave, the local paper just had a write up about snake venoms.  We have a very very short supply of copperhead antivenom and a very very large supply of copperheads.  Doesn’t take much logic to figure out it’s not something we need a great deal of Sherry, you mentioned seeing a snake you’ve never seen before.  Around here, in Louisiana, this time of year we see three times as many snakes as we normally do. Don’t be surprised if you see another. It’s always been my guess it’s a nestmate. Some days during the first few weeks of summer we can find three or four smallish snakes in one day when mowing the lawn. Only lasts for a little while though and then it’s back to the occassional view from a distance. Grace

Response:

No. Can they get under the car, and get up in through the bottom, and end up inside the car? Sherry

– Wanted: Man to assemble nuclear fissionable isotopes, molecular reactivity counters, and three-phase cyclotronic uranium photosynthesizers. No experience necessary.

Response:

I think it’s true that the heads are shaped differently. At least around here, the cottonmouths/copperheads have pointed triangle shaped heads and the king snake/rat snakes have a rounded head. The only thing I remember as far as color, if it’s red on black, poisonous.  If yellow meets black then you’re ok.  However, I haven’t proven that to myself yet. Snake is snake is snake to be avoided at all costs.  My daughter is slightly confused why I let her walk across our pinestraw ridden front yard alone in the winter but if it’s summer she catches immortal hell. I’ve snuck up on a more than a few copperheads that way. Grace

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have question for you. Since the recent snaketalk, I had a little encounter this after noon with a different-looking snake. I was getting ready to leave, and about to open the glass door there was a snake, like trying to crawl up the glass. He was dark, dark brown almost black  with a bright yellow belly. He was very skinny but long, at least 2.5-3 feet. He definitely had a forked tongue cause he was sticking it out at me. So I decided I didn’t need to go anywhere after all. So I waited. And waited. And waited. And finally went out the back door. Does that description sound familiar at all to you? I hate to keep asking. Also, is it true you can tell by the shape of their heads whether they’re poisonous or not? DH is at work. I hate to call him ’cause I know what he’d say, "It’s more scared of you than you are of it, blah blah blah.” I think that’s debatable. Sherry

Response:

I think it’s true that the heads are shaped differently. At least around here, the cottonmouths/copperheads have pointed triangle shaped heads and the king snake/rat snakes have a rounded head.

Thanks, Grace. That was what I’ve heard, but I couldn’t remember which was which. Apologies to everyone for the off-topic stuff but this is starting to freak me out just a little.. I was fine as long as I thought they were all bullsnakes but this one I don’t know. And I’m sure it’s not some orphan, single, unmarried snake. I know it has friends and relatives out there somewhere just waiting to cross my path. I’ve even thought up a new phobia. Can they get under the car, and get up in through the bottom, and end up inside the car? Sherry Sherry

Response:

Not sure, but they can weasel in to your house. Mom walked through the kitchen one morning, and there she lay. A huge mama of a copperhead… right in front of our refrigerator.  Not sure how we determined they got through the dryer vent… Or if I’m remembering wrong. Grace

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think it’s true that the heads are shaped differently. At least around here, the cottonmouths/copperheads have pointed triangle shaped heads and the king snake/rat snakes have a rounded head. Thanks, Grace. That was what I’ve heard, but I couldn’t remember which was which. Apologies to everyone for the off-topic stuff but this is starting to freak me out just a little.. I was fine as long as I thought they were all bullsnakes but this one I don’t know. And I’m sure it’s not some orphan, single, unmarried snake. I know it has friends and relatives out there somewhere just waiting to cross my path. I’ve even thought up a new phobia. Can they get under the car, and get up in through the bottom, and end up inside the car? Sherry Sherry

Response:

I have question for you. Since the recent snaketalk, I had a little encounter this after noon with a different-looking snake. I was getting ready to leave, and about to open the glass door there was a snake, like trying to crawl up the glass. He was dark, dark brown almost black  with a bright yellow belly. He was very skinny but long, at least 2.5-3 feet. He definitely had a forked tongue cause he was sticking it out at me. So I decided I didn’t need to go anywhere after all. So I waited. And waited. And waited. And finally went out the back door. Does that description sound familiar at all to you? I hate to keep asking. Also, is it true you can tell by the shape of their heads whether they’re poisonous or not? DH is at work. I hate to call him ’cause I know what he’d say, "It’s more scared of you than you are of it, blah blah blah.” I think that’s debatable. Sherry

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Question:

I just knew it!  If I expanded on Zimmerman’s type of humor I would raise a lot of bottom dwellers.

Boy, how sad to try and push that one over. Good Mo-o-orning!  VietNam!

Sadly, you’re much more Bruno Kirby than Robin Williams.

Response:

Sadly, you’re much more Bruno Kirby than Robin Williams.

Jeff, old pal, I’m just George.

  george.vcf

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Response:

I am a pathetic ass.  But I’m a hell of a fly fisherman!

George, hell just called and said to come back. ginksux

Response:

I have a friend who once fished with you, he said you were a good fisherman. That friend is the best fisherman I know, matter of fact one of the people you speak of knowing mentioned his skills in one of his books, but to talk to him about fishing, not once will he tell how good he is. Good fishermen don’t have to brag about how good they are and in the overall scheme of things, it is just not that important George. Wayne

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a pathetic ass.  But I’m a hell of a fly fisherman!

Response:

Wayne, you’re so correct and I agree 100%.  I didn’t realize I ever gave that impression or did that.  I’ve made a note of your constructive suggestion. Thanks, George – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a friend who once fished with you, he said you were a good fisherman. That friend is the best fisherman I know, matter of fact one of the people you speak of knowing mentioned his skills in one of his books, but to talk to him about fishing, not once will he tell how good he is. Good fishermen don’t have to brag about how good they are and in the overall scheme of things, it is just not that important George. Wayne I am a pathetic ass.  But I’m a hell of a fly fisherman!

  george.vcf

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I am a pathetic ass.  But I’m a hell of a fly fisherman! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yup, You got us… However,  I suspect that if I wrote that "Gherke is a Pathetic Ass" not a single soul would rise to your defense How does that feel.. I just knew it!  If I expanded on Zimmerman’s type of humor I would raise a lot of bottom dwellers.  Besides, look how good his name looks strung out almost 20 times in the longest thread Steve has seen regarding himself in a long time. It takes a master to kick start this group out of its duldrums. mend . . . *sigh* . . . staring at drift . . . twitch! Good Mo-o-orning!  VietNam! Mr.G. "george, who is stir frying dog meat . . ." :  )

  george.vcf

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Response:

yah, you’re right.  *sigh* – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – George Gehrke : "george, who is stir frying dog meat . . ." Don’t eat it, George.  Cannibalism is illegal.

  george.vcf

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Response:

George Gehrke : "george, who is stir frying dog meat . . ."

Don’t eat it, George.  Cannibalism is illegal.

Response:

Yup, You got us… However,  I suspect that if I wrote that "Gherke is a Pathetic Ass" not a single soul would rise to your defense How does that feel..

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just knew it!  If I expanded on Zimmerman’s type of humor I would raise a lot of bottom dwellers.  Besides, look how good his name looks strung out almost 20 times in the longest thread Steve has seen regarding himself in a long time. It takes a master to kick start this group out of its duldrums. mend . . . *sigh* . . . staring at drift . . . twitch! Good Mo-o-orning!  VietNam! Mr.G. "george, who is stir frying dog meat . . ." :  )

Response:

I just knew it!  If I expanded on Zimmerman’s type of humor I would raise a lot of bottom dwellers.  Besides, look how good his name looks strung out almost 20 times in the longest thread Steve has seen regarding himself in a long time. It takes a master to kick start this group out of its duldrums. mend . . . *sigh* . . . staring at drift . . . twitch! Good Mo-o-orning!  VietNam! Mr.G. "george, who is stir frying dog meat . . ." :  )

  george.vcf

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Response:

Question:

Wait till you hear them harmonize on Bee Gees tunes!!

For the finale they re-enact the ‘party’ scene from ‘Apocalypse Now’. At the last clave some kid’s pony wandered in before Wayno could get the Ox away from LaPlac and in place. What a mess, I think there is still litigation in process on that… — Charlie…

Response:

… At the last clave some kid’s pony wandered in before Wayno could get the Ox away from LaPlac and in place. What a mess, I think there is still litigation in process on that…

Yeah, last time I ever put my name on a week long ROFF rental. I’m being sued by the goat owner, the pony owner, the landlord, both neighbors and some poor guy that was driving by the Nangahalla while Louie was makin’ it with a gawdamn tree. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

 Besides, if it was really that easy to find, then I suppose I didn’t help out the troll too much anyway – the damage was already done.

My guess is that, if it was a troll, the object was to get someone other than the troller to post the web site thus making it seem more legit. FWIW. — Charlie…

Response:

Louie was makin’ it with a gawdamn tree.

That was a good story.  :-) — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html Before you buy.

Response:

If Bo is coming to the clave, sign me up.  I’d fish with her any time.  Is there a wading list?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – what a coincidence.  the same threesome is scheduled for a reunion performance last night of the carolina clave.  that damn brando, what a bundle of laughs! wayno

Response:

!!PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE TROLL!!

Turns out it was not a troll after all – just a newbie looking for a pointer for a gift search. In the future maybe we should decide which is worse: a) allow a company to slip in a reference to their product b) turn off someone to a good source of information (i.e. this newsgroup) Regards, Jeff

Response:

!!PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE TROLL!! Turns out it was not a troll after all – just a newbie looking for a pointer for a gift search.

No offense to the newbie, but their web search engine of choice must really suck. — Charlie…

Response:

!!PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE TROLL!! Turns out it was not a troll after all – just a newbie looking for a pointer for a gift search. No offense to the newbie, but their web search engine of choice must really suck. — Charlie…

Maybe it was also someone new to the Internet and computers.  I know that my wife would have no idea what to do if buying me a gift over the Internet.  She would also have no idea how to search for anything. But, she does know that I’m always on ROFF.  She would probably be able to post a message here. — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html Before you buy.

Response:

Just a guess… but knowing Tom, and also knowing that he doesn’t state things lightly without a reason, I would hazard the guess that was the course of events…. Hence, his assertion of "the troll."

Maybe so.  NOT knowing Tom, I asked why he said so, and all I got in return was "Don’t you know what a troll is?"  So, I didn’t have much to go on.  Besides, if it was really that easy to find, then I suppose I didn’t help out the troll too much anyway – the damage was already done. Regards, Jeff

Response:

oll. Saw that one on The Twilight Zone about forty years ago.  William Shatner, Marlon Brando, and Bo Derek, I believe.

        what a coincidence.  the same threesome is scheduled for a reunion performance last night of the carolina clave.  that damn brando, what a bundle of laughs! wayno

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – oll. Saw that one on The Twilight Zone about forty years ago.  William Shatner, Marlon Brando, and Bo Derek, I believe.         what a coincidence.  the same threesome is scheduled for a reunion performance last night of the carolina clave.  that damn brando, what a bundle of laughs! wayno

Wait till you hear them harmonize on Bee Gees tunes!!

Response:

Maybe they only want us to believe its a troll.That way when we’re busy arguing about it they slip the real troll in and subliminally we’re thinking about that flybox,which we’re supposed to be ignoring because it’s a troll,but if it’s a troll how come I already know more about that flybox then I did before,and now here I am responding to the troll and somebody this very minute is fast mailing an ad for flyboxes to me and they tell me the only way I can get the stream to stop is if I go on a website and ask if anybody’s ever heard of richardson flyboxes.One catch:it can’t sound like a troll. Regards,Shawn

Response:

Maybe they only want us to believe its a troll.That way when we’re busy arguing about it they slip the real troll in and subliminally we’re thinking about that flybox,which we’re supposed to be ignoring because it’s a troll,but if it’s a troll how come I already know more about that flybox then I did before,and now here I am responding to the troll and somebody this very minute is fast mailing an ad for flyboxes to me and they tell me the only way I can get the stream to stop is if I go on a website and ask if anybody’s ever heard of richardson flyboxes.One catch:it can’t sound like a troll.

Saw that one on The Twilight Zone about forty years ago.  William Shatner, Marlon Brando, and Bo Derek, I believe.

Response:

BTW, What does this mean:  "email me off list." Opie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks Tom, However, I like choosing for myself which threads to respond to. According to AOL:  A troll is someone looking to pick a virtual fight! Are you a troll yourself. "Do you know what this means." Opie in NC This is a TROLL.  Do you know what this means?  If not, email me off list. Tom — Tom Brown Wake Forest, NC !!PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE TROLL!! ??? why, who is this? Regards, Jeff

Response:

This is a TROLL.  Do you know what this means?  If not, email me off list. Tom — Tom Brown Wake Forest, NC – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – !!PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE TROLL!! ??? why, who is this? Regards, Jeff

Response:

Has anyone ever heard of this item or where I could find one? CLIP<<<<<<<<<<<<,

Look ——- I know what a troll is —— it’s a person  that drags a bait behind them hoping to catch a fish and then enjoy the act of fishing. I also know that I’ve fly fished for all kinds of fish, even blue gills, and had a hell of a lot of fun doing it, even if 90 % of them just boil the water and I don’t catch them. —- BUT — will someone please answer the question? What the hell is a Lloyd  " Little Bear " .

Response:

will someone please answer the question? What the hell is a

Go to www.google.com and search. You’ll find their site pretty easily, I think. — Charlie…

Response:

This is a TROLL.  Do you know what this means?  If not, email me off list. Tom !!PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE TROLL!! ??? why, who is this?

Yes, I know what a troll is.  My question seems pretty clear to me.  WHY do you say that and WHO is this alleged troll?  How do you KNOW it’s a troll? Regards, Jeff

Response:

—- BUT — will someone please answer the question? What the hell is a

Well, I was waiting to hear why I shouldn’t answer the question, but so far I haven’t heard a good reason, so… A Richardson fly box hangs on your chest and opens to a shelf.  It was popularized by Joe Humphreys, I believe (I know he uses one anyway).  I looked at them but they were too expensive.  www.chestflybox.com Regards, Jeff

Response:

—- BUT — will someone please answer the question? What the hell is a Well, I was waiting to hear why I shouldn’t answer the question, but so far I haven’t heard a good reason, so… A Richardson fly box hangs on your chest and opens to a shelf.  It was popularized by Joe Humphreys, I believe (I know he uses one anyway).  I looked at them but they were too expensive.  www.chestflybox.com Regards, Jeff

Jeff, I think you swallowed the trolls proffered bait nicely. Knowing Tom, he read the original post and was intrigued. He did a search and found the product. During his search, the ever clandestine Tom noticing that the search result was easy, he questioned the original message’s integrity. He probably traced the poster’s address back to the company and wallah, he caught a red herring. Just a guess… but knowing Tom, and also knowing that he doesn’t state things lightly without a reason, I would hazard the guess that was the course of events…. Hence, his assertion of "the troll." Walt

Response:

Thanks Tom, However, I like choosing for myself which threads to respond to. According to AOL:  A troll is someone looking to pick a virtual fight! Are you a troll yourself. "Do you know what this means." Opie in NC

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is a TROLL.  Do you know what this means?  If not, email me off list. Tom — Tom Brown Wake Forest, NC !!PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE TROLL!! ??? why, who is this? Regards, Jeff

Response:

!!PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE TROLL!! — Tom Brown Wake Forest, NC Has anyone ever heard of this item or where I could find one?  I have been doing internet searches and am coming up with nothing.  Thanks for your help!!

"For every complex problem, there is a solution that is simple, neat and wrong."   H.L. Mencken

Response:

!!PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE TROLL!!

??? why, who is this? Regards, Jeff

Response:

Since this space is used for trolling, I guess I can use it to ask an off-topic question? JeffC1474, what state are you in? Opie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – !!PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE TROLL!! ??? why, who is this? Regards, Jeff

Response:

Has anyone ever heard of this item or where I could find one?  I have been doing internet searches and am coming up with nothing.  Thanks for your help!!

Response:

Question:

So, I’ve been lurking around for a while and am still new to this newsgroup stuff, but i can’t help asking for help. Im just starting to FF for Steelhead and would apprec. any advice on the best places to FF for steelhead within a day trip from Portland, (any othr hint on tackle or tech. would also be much appreciated!) I’ve been fishing this area all my life about the last 20 FF mostly for trout and drift FF for steelies and salmon (only once have i caught any Chinook but what a thrill!) So I’m not a beginner but would like to maximize my chances for a hook up without running afoul of the rest of the regular fisherfolk. P.S. I’ve had problems with my postings going out multiple times so I’ll try to watch it. please advise if problem persists Russ Weitz "Reality is an escape for people who don’t fish" "Reality is an escape for people who don’t fish" – Unknown

Response:

So, I’ve been lurking around for a while and am still new to this newsgroup stuff, but i can’t help asking for help. Im just starting to FF for Steelhead and would apprec. any advice on the best places to FF for steelhead within a day trip from Portland, (any othr hint on tackle or tech. would also be much appreciated!) I’ve been fishing this area all my life about the last 20 FF mostly for trout and drift FF for steelies and salmon (only once have i caught any Chinook but what a thrill!) So I’m not a beginner but would like to maximize my chances for a hook up without running afoul of the rest of the regular fisherfolk.

The Sandy/Salmon river to the east is only maybe 45 minutes away depending on what part of Portland you are coming from. The Trask and Wilson rivers to the west are probably about the same also depending on which side you live on. Add 30 minutes time if you are coming from Beaverton/Hillsboro going east or Gresham going west. Good Luck, I hear the rivers are finally starting to drop after a very wet November/December.      - Ken

Response:

You might also want to check out the links under United States then Oregon at http://www.davisbrown.com/ffgeo.htm  There are plenty of places with fishing reports and fly shop assistance. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So, I’ve been lurking around for a while and am still new to this newsgroup stuff, but i can’t help asking for help. Im just starting to FF for Steelhead and would apprec. any advice on the best places to FF for steelhead within a day trip from Portland, (any othr hint on tackle or tech. would also be much appreciated!) I’ve been fishing this area all my life about the last 20 FF mostly for trout and drift FF for steelies and salmon (only once have i caught any Chinook but what a thrill!) So I’m not a beginner but would like to maximize my chances for a hook up without running afoul of the rest of the regular fisherfolk. P.S. I’ve had problems with my postings going out multiple times so I’ll try to watch it. please advise if problem persists Russ Weitz "Reality is an escape for people who don’t fish" "Reality is an escape for people who don’t fish" – Unknown

Response:

Question:

I will be going to Glacier National Park in early July.  Any recommendations on locations inside the park to fish would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Response:

I will be going to Glacier National Park in early July.  Any recommendations on locations inside the park to fish would be greatly appreciated.

Lucky person.  Glacier National Park has some great places to fish. However, bear (sorry for the pun) in mind that most flyfishing opportunity is stillwater.  You also must look out for Grizz.  July is not a bad time for bears…just give em their space.  My favorite lake to fish is Upper Medicine Lake on the East Side.  Its a nasty hike but there are beautiful 18 West Slope Cutthroat in the lake. They often come to the shoreline in the afternoon.  However, a friend of mine told me that brook trout have invaded recently so we can imagine that the cutt population will be screwed up by the char. Yours, -John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks.

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Question:

I’m going to be attending a conference in Skamania on March 11th, 12th and 13th. The conference goes from 0800 to 1630 and my time after that is free. Is there any place I can go for some evening fly fishing. This is my first time in this area. Thanks,                Rick

Response:

I’m going to be attending a conference in Skamania on March 11th, 12th and 13th. The conference goes from 0800 to 1630 and my time after that is free. Is there any place I can go for some evening fly fishing. This is my first time in this area. Thanks,                Rick

Rick: Check out late steelhead on the Washougal just west up the Columbia. Check you regs. March is a difficult time.  Late for winter steelheading and early for springers.  Had a great trip early April while at a similar confrence several years ago.  Springer fishing started in the darl at 4 AM at Drano Lake east of Stevenson.  Was back for the opening session by nine. Good luck. Bart

Response:

: Check out late steelhead on the Washougal just west up the Columbia. : Check you regs. I remember a day about 15 years ago when the steelhead were actually stacked up side to side across the Washougal.  For hundreds of yards… very impressive.  One could literally walk across the stream on the fish backs. Does it still get that way?  (I think this day was in late summer.) — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m going to be attending a conference in Skamania on March 11th, 12th and 13th. The conference goes from 0800 to 1630 and my time after that is free. Is there any place I can go for some evening fly fishing. This is my first time in this area. Thanks,                Rick Rick: Check out late steelhead on the Washougal just west up the Columbia. Check you regs. March is a difficult time.  Late for winter steelheading and early for springers.  Had a great trip early April while at a similar confrence several years ago.  Springer fishing started in the darl at 4 AM at Drano Lake east of Stevenson.  Was back for the opening session by nine. Good luck. Bart

The Wind river is RIGHT THERE.  This will be maybe a little early for the summer run fish, but there are native trout as well. The Washougal will have a mix of dark steelhead and maybe a few native springer steelhead, but the runs have been off lately.  The White Salmon has some fish, but may be closed – I don’t know.   I would do the Washougal, and go middle to high on the river.  Note that the river closes at Salmon Falls.  Go to Washougal, and turn north at Wild Willies.  The road will take you along the river, and there is reasonable access.

Response:

: The Wind river is RIGHT THERE.  This will be maybe a little early for : the summer run fish, but there are native trout as well. Hey folks, there is a nifty natural hot springs on the (L) Wind.  Don’t ask ‘cuz I’m not telling.  Just look around. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

Response:

Question:

A news item in Seattle this week — Whirling Disease has come to Washington waters.  The Grand Ronde River in the southeast corner of the state has been found to contain infected fish.

Response:

A news item in Seattle this week — Whirling Disease has come to Washington waters.  The Grand Ronde River in the southeast corner of the state has been found to contain infected fish.

Hi This is certainly bad news.  Unfortunately this disease will probably take a lot longer to get rid of than it took to get it; if ever. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

Response:

A news item in Seattle this week — Whirling Disease has come to Washington waters.  The Grand Ronde River in the southeast corner of the state has been found to contain infected fish.

Does anyone know of any studies on the effects of WD on steelhead.  I fear the worst, but I would be interested in any facts anyone may have? Lyman Lyman G. Hughes Dallas, TX Ennis, MT

Response:

I was very interested in this message, given any potential of this awful discease coming to Canada.

Several years ago–when the news about whirling disease first hit the Montana newstands, I remember feeling angry, and somewhat depressed… "here we go again," I thought: hominid over-popuation-polution run amok. suggested that the low rainbow numbers in Montana’s Madison river were more due to poor fish & game regulations than whirling disease. medicago was particularly critical of Dick Vincent, who is a local fish and game hero, for pioneering our "manage for wild trout" policy. medicago ventured the real reason for such low rainbow numbers was over-fishing and redd trompling during the spawing months in March and April. He also predicted that other river systems–that experience less intense fishing pressure than the Madison–would exhibit more resilient rainbow populations. I thought he was a fool.    The jury is still out. But perhaps I (we) were the fools after all. Whirling disease has been found in many drainages in Montana now, and as far as I know, only the Madison has suffered such a catastrphic population loss. Perhaps the combination of over-fishing AND whirling disease is just too much for the rainbows to handle. Perhaps we all need to fish a little bit less. I’m not taking sides here, just raising a few questions….. —

Response:

A news item in Seattle this week — Whirling Disease has come to Washington waters.  The Grand Ronde River in the southeast corner of the state has been found to contain infected fish.

I was very interested in this message, given any potential of this awful discease coming to Canada. Should anyone be aware of any accounts of this that can be substantiated (or along the border)I would like to know. Hopefully there will be no messages! Tight Lines Don Stokes Outdoor Columnist in Kingston Ont. area of CANADA

Response:

A news item in Seattle this week — Whirling Disease has come to Washington waters.  The Grand Ronde River in the southeast corner of the state has been found to contain infected fish. This news really makes me sad.  Beautiful country and absolutely

wonderful river – my favorite in eastern Washington.  George is probably just as ticked, seeing as how this section of the G.R. is just a hop, skip and a jump from Asotin. Brett

Response:

I was very interested in this message, given any potential of this awful discease coming to Canada. Several years ago–when the news about whirling disease first hit the Montana newstands, I remember feeling angry, and somewhat depressed… "here we go again," I thought: hominid over-popuation-polution run amok.

Text Deleted…    The jury is still out. But perhaps I (we) were the fools after all. Whirling disease has been found in many drainages in Montana now, and as far as I know, only the Madison has suffered such a catastrphic population loss. Perhaps the combination of over-fishing AND whirling disease is just too much for the rainbows to handle. Perhaps we all need to fish a little bit less. I’m not taking sides here, just raising a few questions….. —

In California we have had WD for decades. The Truckee River was where it was first noticed, over 40 years ago. If you go to that river you will see a lot of trout – rainbows and browns. One of my favorite places to fish in the Sierra mtns. has had WD for 18 years. It’s got a lot of trout. WD is a serious disease, and I hope the people involved continue to work towards a cure, but WD is not the end of fishing for trout. It’s not the doomsday disease some people make it out to be. Perhaps there are less trout than there would be without WD, but I still have fun and catch fish in WD positive waters. Darryl Hayashida

Response:

A news item in Seattle this week — Whirling Disease has come to Washington waters.  The Grand Ronde River in Does anyone know of any studies on the effects of WD on steelhead.  I fear the worst, but I would be interested in any facts anyone may

Hmmm, I was just wondering the same thing.  The Grand Ronde has always had such a neat looking strain of steelhead, it would be sad to see them wiped out. -Burton

Response:

Question:

About a month ago I asked for info about fishing in N. Georgia.  The response was very good and I thank everyone.   Well, we just got back from the trip to Ga., and I have to tell ya, if I didn’t see it with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe it.  I discovered the Chatooga River, infamous for being the river where "Deliverence" was filmed.  What an absolutely beautiful piece of water!  I thought I was back in New England.  Fast, cold (61), free stone, clear trout water. There was a hatch of very small caddis, but didn’t see too many rises.  In NE I use a cased caddis fly called the Strawman; just spun deer hair trimmed short.  Gink it up so it floats.  Ga trout like it too.  Only had two days on the Chatooga, but managed a couple of nice browns (10-14 in) down-stream from the Rt 76 bridge.  Caught a few small rainbows downstream and upstream from the Rt 28 bridge.  Great river.  I also tried the Chatahootchi ( The Hootch) below Buford Dam.  Super cold – like 53; no hatches.  But lotsa fog!  Dragged a nymph or two, and lobbed a few streamers, but got zilch.  The rocks on this river are the slimiest, most slippery I’ve ever encountered!  I checked out the Hootch above the lake (iat next trip.  Also, I’d like to try the Chatooga just below the NC border.  Anyone know how to get there? The roads in Georgia are also terrific, and gas was $1.07 a gallon (it’s $1.50 here in Mass)!  Georgia’s not NH or Maine, but it’s great!   Good drifts, Dave LaCourse

Response:

[snip] The rocks on this river are the slimiest, most slippery I’ve ever encountered!

You don’t even want to ask what that slick stuff is! Also, I’d like to try the Chatooga just below the NC border.  Anyone know how to get there?

Go east from the river on Hwy 28 .  Hwy 107 will enter from the left. Take 107 north until you pass the state park on the right.  Start looking for the sign on the left for Burrells Ford road.  It’s a couple of miles down this road to the river.  When you get to the river the NC state line is about 4-4 1/2 miles upstream.  This part of the river is mainly brown trout water and is not stocked.  A good trail goes upstream on the east (South Carolina) side of the river. You can fish on the South Carolina side of the river with a Georgia license, just don’t go up any feeder streams.  As an alternate go west from the river on hwy 28.  Take the first gravel road to the right. That will bring you in to the opposite side of Burrells Ford. The roads in Georgia are also terrific, and gas was $1.07 a gallon (it’s $1.50 here in Mass)!  Georgia’s not NH or Maine, but it’s great!  

We don’t tax gas heavy but did you check the price of beer and cigs? Got to make those sinners pay! See ya, John Johnson Atlanta, GA

Response:

Question:

Hi everybody Unfortunately I broke the tip of my (about 12 to 15 year old) Shakespeare fly fishing rod (a President carbon rod, 9 foot). Does anybody know the adress of Shakespeare so I can ask them for a replacement tip? Any hints are welcome!!! Chris

Response:

Hi everybody Unfortunately I broke the tip of my (about 12 to 15 year old) Shakespeare fly fishing rod (a President carbon rod, 9 foot). Does anybody know the adress of Shakespeare so I can ask them for a replacement tip? Any hints are welcome!!! Chris

Chris, Here is the u.k. address of Shakespeare Shakespeare Company Ltd P.O. Box 1 Broad Ground Road Lakeside Reddich Worcs  B98 8NQ England Hope this helps — john buchanan

Response:

Question:

I’m hoping someone out there can help me convert a Medalist 1494 over to work for a left-handed person. I was lead to believe it possible. The reel didn’t come with any instructions. Do I just flip over the plastic ring that the drag rubs against? The two sides have a different # of click grooves on each side but this does seem to be the only way to reverse the drag. Do I also move the line guides? If anyone was a telephone # for Pflueger/Shakespeare please post. Thanks Don B.

Response:

I’m hoping someone out there can help me convert a Medalist 1494 over to work for a left-handed person. I was lead to believe it possible. The reel didn’t come with any instructions. Do I just flip over the plastic ring that the drag rubs against? The two sides have a different # of click grooves on each side but this does seem to be the only way to reverse the drag. Do I also move the line guides? If anyone was a telephone # for Pflueger/Shakespeare please post. Thanks Don B.

Yup, just flip that litle plastic ring over and you’re in business. You can also reverse the line guide, but to me it’s a pain in the butt so I usually don’t bother (there’s always ONE little screw that won’t budge )

Response:

Yes, just take out the two small screws (don’t lose them!), and turn over the disc.  There is a spring loaded gizzy that will pop out when you remove the disc.  So, lift it slowly.  Turn the disc over, postion over the screw holes, and tighten.  Changing the line guard is difficult, but I believe it is necessary.  The guard is there for a purpose, to protect the main body of the reel, and it really doesn’t take too long.  Good luck.  Dave Kumlien, Montana Troutfitters Orvis Shop, Bozeman, MT

Response:

I had tried and failed to convert my reel so I did the only reasonable thing, I went to the local fly shop and and asked for help.  I’ve been fly fishing for only one year, but I have found that the fellows who run fly shops are extremely helpful.  Of course, you will want to return the favor, especially if it was free, and buy a few flies — even if you don’t need any! Bob Jones

Response:

(Spin4trout) says: I’m hoping someone out there can help me convert a Medalist 1494 over to work for a left-handed person. I was lead to believe it possible. The reel didn’t come with any instructions.

Has there been a change in the way Mealists are fabricated?  I thought that the always came for left-handed people.  I have always changed to right hand operation.  That is, I hold the rod in my right hand for casting, line in my left hand, and when it comes to actually winding it in, doing so with my left hand.  I do not switch hands between casting and winding. Way back when, Neal Taylor mentioned that, by happenstance, the first two reel makers were left handed and that is why actual left-handed reels are called right-handed. Further edification will be appreciated.

Response:

(BillyFish) writes: Has there been a change in the way Mealists are fabricated?  I thought that the always came for left-handed people.  I have always changed to right hand operation.  That is, I hold the rod in my right hand for casting, line in my left hand, and when it comes to actually winding it in, doing so with my left hand.  I do not switch hands between casting and winding.

Right hand wind means you turn the handle with your right hand.  Left hand retrieve means you retrieve with your left hand.  The traditional way for a right hander to fish was to cast with the right hand, then switch the rod to the left hand and retrieve with the right hand also.  Now most right handers retrieve with their left hand probably because they either spincast first.  It doesn’t really matter, just different strokes for different folks.                                                              Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (BillyFish) writes: Has there been a change in the way Mealists are fabricated?  I thought that the always came for left-handed people.  I have always changed to right hand operation.  That is, I hold the rod in my right hand for casting, line in my left hand, and when it comes to actually winding it in, doing so with my left hand.  I do not switch hands between casting and winding. Right hand wind means you turn the handle with your right hand.  Left hand retrieve means you retrieve with your left hand.  The traditional way for a right hander to fish was to cast with the right hand, then switch the rod to the left hand and retrieve with the right hand also.  Now most right handers retrieve with their left hand probably because they either spincast first.  It doesn’t really matter, just different strokes for different folks.                                                             Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools

Thanks for the help from everyone. I should have said I had a USED reel that needed to be un-converted. Like Dan said above I got started with spinning and I don’t switch hands. Just lucky to be left-handed and glad you righties flip-flop hands. I now have the reel back to "normal". I still wonder why they made the two sides with different hole patterns?   Oh, well. Life’s full of questions. Is there left-handed whirling disease? Or do all the fish swin circles in the same direction? <G PLEASE no responses to that one. Don B.

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(Spin4trout) writes: I now have the reel back to "normal". I still wonder why they made the two sides with different hole patterns?  

Hey Don, The hole patterns are different because Pflueger never originally expected the reel to be converted to left hand retrieve.  Left hand retrieve works ok on the converted reel, but the click sounds funny. The Japanese are manufacturing the Pflueger now and it’s one of the few things they don’t do well.  Still works, but the old US models work better, albeit without an exposed rim.                                                    Dan

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