Question:

Outstanding fishing around Glover’s Reef (Manta Resort only one there) – during the day schools of small bones hang around in the lagoons and assorted toothed guys on the open water- the coolest thing we did there was night fishing in the lagoon- nice tarpon come in about midnight and you spot fish them with a flashlight – their eyes glow big time – they’ll hit casting plugs(mirror lures and rattle traps) and flat tear up big  popper flies – hell of a thing about 2am to have a drink in one hand be hooked up with a 4-6 ft tarpon on a 10-12wt in the other Gary

For a real challenge, try that with an 8 weight… /daytripper (Not sure if waving goodbye is all that fun, though

Response:

Outstanding fishing around Glover’s Reef (Manta Resort only one there) – during the day schools of small bones hang around in the lagoons and assorted toothed guys on the open water- the coolest thing we did there was night fishing in the lagoon- nice tarpon come in about midnight and you spot fish them with a flashlight – their eyes glow big time – they’ll hit casting plugs(mirror lures and rattle traps) and flat tear up big  popper flies – hell of a thing about 2am to have a drink in one hand be hooked up with a 4-6 ft tarpon on a 10-12wt in the other Gary – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Except for fishermen, and in particular, light tackle anglers and fly fishermen as well as divers, Belize, once known as British Honduras is the forgotten part of Central America. It is located just south of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, to the east of Guatemala and is the only English speaking country in the region.. It’s chief claim to fame is that it has the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, and second in the world only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. This, along with the fact that over ninety percent of its islands are uninhabitable makes it a light tackle anglers idea of heaven. From the super clear waters along the reef, through its myriad clusters of mangrove islands into its jungle rivers, it has something for everybody. Want variety? You can expect to catch two dozen different species of fish in a weeks time, from bonefish, permit and tarpon to wahoo, sailfish, grouper and snapper. Want to specialize? Get out your ten weight fly rod and try for the elusive permit, or stalk massive schools of bonefish. How about tarpon? Where do you prefer to pursue them? In slow moving jungle rivers with the howler monkeys screaming at you or on wide open flats with your guide slowly bringing you within casting range? Belize has it all. Winter is just around the corner, and if you feel the need to spend some time catching fish without thinking about how many layers of clothing you need, Belize is just the place for you. Check it out at www.tropicalfishing.com/Belize.htm or give Capt Gene Kelly at Tropical Fishing Adventures a call at 800 280 5565.

Response:

While I don’t doubt your point, I can only say that about the ones I’ve seen… /daytripper (And Belize was the worst by far…)

I wish I could say Belize was the worst I have seen. But then I didn’t spend much time on the mainland there, where conditions are much worse than where I was. — Charlie…

Response:

But don’t venture far from the "civilization" of the resort lest you stumble on the predominant gut-wrenching poverty… You can say that about a *lot* of resorts around the world.

While I don’t doubt your point, I can only say that about the ones I’ve seen… /daytripper (And Belize was the worst by far…)

Response:

The last day when I left,  I gave them all the cash I could and still get home. It was one of the most emotional thing that has happened to me in my lifetime.

…now why am I not surprised that you would do that Bill? I always knew you wuz one of the good guys. Good on ya. Frank Church

Response:

But don’t venture far from the "civilization" of the resort lest you stumble on the predominant gut-wrenching poverty… You can say that about a *lot* of resorts around the world. — Charlie…

Hmm . . . this was certainly true in Thailand.  Went there 6 times from 94-98. ( northern part of the country) (always stayed at the rear of the hotel where I stayed most. . . wanted it quieter)  Behind the hotel was a small field and a series of "small" wood buildings.  Some of the employees "lived" in these.   Would see them starting fires in the morning to cook breakfast and at night for dinner.  There was one shower for all the families, outside, with a cloth curtain. . . no hot water . . . and one outhouse.   These are the folks that did all aspects of the hotel functions. The owners live in suites at the top of the hotel. . . think they took a whole floor . . . or even two.  (quite a few fancy houses around the hotel from the other side of the economy,  with people catering to all resident needs) But with many of the hotel employees, and "most" other people I worked with in Thailand, they were selfless.  (I wasn’t at one of the higher end hotels) I got invited to a number of family events and functions of the less fortunate in terms of money.  I was overwhelmed by the generosity of them to share whatever they had to share.  Interesting reflection, at least to me, saving "face" is important over in that area of the world.  Even if I wanted to say something to an employee, I have to be careful about the presentation, and who was present.  (maybe we, in other parts of the world, can learn a bit from that concept) Neat thing to get into if you get a chance to work, and share experiences, with the people in the country you visit. (Naturally, not something that can generally happen with a whirlwind trip. . . nor something to consider . . . in some countries. . . but you can certainly develop friendships.) Most profound thing I’ve seen in my small part in world travel is absolute affluency and poverty right next to each other.  (Hmm. . . seem to have that part between me and my rich neighbors also . . . wonder if I can borrow a Sage rod or a cup of sugar or something?  . . . something to check out . . . and I think those are cute doggies . . . big teeth . . probably just smiling alot ) Thanks for helping me reflect on the international part. . . and my ramblings. BestWishes, DaveMohnsen Denver ( have a soft part in my heart for most of the Thailand folks. . .but there are always a few in the other category . . . but YMMV)

Response:

Hi DT, You are very correct. I have fished from the tip of the MX Yucatan all the way to the end of Belize in about 20 trips and that is a very sad fact. Actually, the fishing guides are some of the most affluent people in the Caribbean. The smart ones buy property and build rentals that their wife runs while they guide tourists. Most of them actually just drink and smoke a lot more. I was on a small cay for a week out of Dangriga, Belize fishing at the Blue Horizon Lodge it’s first season. On the back side of the cay in the mangroves was a little shack and a little skinny family of  four and their skinny dog. They had an old boat that they were using to haul sacks of sand, coral and shells to backfill the new fishing camp for ~25 cents a sack. While we fished, they loaded sacks, stacked them on their old boat to almost sinking and brought them back to the camp where they poured them around the new cottages on stilts to bring up the new cleared land above sea level a bit. You can imagine the heat, humidity and bugs they endured, let along the idea of that hard of work. They were all very skinny and made me feel very sad. The last day when I left,  I gave them all the cash I could and still get home. It was one of the most emotional thing that has happened to me in my lifetime. This kind of life is common in many 3rd world countries. Be glad you and yours are here in America. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – But don’t venture far from the "civilization" of the resort lest you stumble on the predominant gut-wrenching poverty…

Response:

But don’t venture far from the "civilization" of the resort lest you stumble on the predominant gut-wrenching poverty…

You can say that about a *lot* of resorts around the world. — Charlie…

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Except for fishermen, and in particular, light tackle anglers and fly fishermen as well as divers, Belize, once known as British Honduras is the forgotten part of Central America. It is located just south of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, to the east of Guatemala and is the only English speaking country in the region.. It’s chief claim to fame is that it has the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, and second in the world only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. This, along with the fact that over ninety percent of its islands are uninhabitable makes it a light tackle anglers idea of heaven. From the super clear waters along the reef, through its myriad clusters of mangrove islands into its jungle rivers, it has something for everybody. Want variety? You can expect to catch two dozen different species of fish in a weeks time, from bonefish, permit and tarpon to wahoo, sailfish, grouper and snapper. Want to specialize? Get out your ten weight fly rod and try for the elusive permit, or stalk massive schools of bonefish. How about tarpon? Where do you prefer to pursue them? In slow moving jungle rivers with the howler monkeys screaming at you or on wide open flats with your guide slowly bringing you within casting range? Belize has it all. Winter is just around the corner, and if you feel the need to spend some time catching fish without thinking about how many layers of clothing you need, Belize is just the place for you. Check it out at www.tropicalfishing.com/Belize.htm or give Capt Gene Kelly at Tropical Fishing Adventures a call at 800 280 5565.

But don’t venture far from the "civilization" of the resort lest you stumble on the predominant gut-wrenching poverty…

Response:

Except for fishermen, and in particular, light tackle anglers and fly fishermen as well as divers, Belize, once known as British Honduras is the forgotten part of Central America. It is located just south of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, to the east of Guatemala and is the only English speaking country in the region.. It’s chief claim to fame is that it has the longest barrier reef in the western hemisphere, and second in the world only to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. This, along with the fact that over ninety percent of its islands are uninhabitable makes it a light tackle anglers idea of heaven. From the super clear waters along the reef, through its myriad clusters of mangrove islands into its jungle rivers, it has something for everybody. Want variety? You can expect to catch two dozen different species of fish in a weeks time, from bonefish, permit and tarpon to wahoo, sailfish, grouper and snapper. Want to specialize? Get out your ten weight fly rod and try for the elusive permit, or stalk massive schools of bonefish. How about tarpon? Where do you prefer to pursue them? In slow moving jungle rivers with the howler monkeys screaming at you or on wide open flats with your guide slowly bringing you within casting range? Belize has it all. Winter is just around the corner, and if you feel the need to spend some time catching fish without thinking about how many layers of clothing you need, Belize is just the place for you. Check it out at www.tropicalfishing.com/Belize.htm or give Capt Gene Kelly at Tropical Fishing Adventures a call at 800 280 5565.

Response:

Question:

My wife and I are looking to fly fish on the white river.  can someone recomend a guide and a lodge that has cabins on the river? — Stay connected, Carl D. Sgro

Response:

My wife and I are looking to fly fish on the white river.  can someone recomend a guide and a lodge that has cabins on the river?

Try this one:  http://www.gastons.com Never been there myself, but it’s probably the best known place on the White. — http://rwpatton.home.netcom.com/

Response:

Last Feb we stayed at Rim Shoals campground. They had some nice cabins, small but clean and nice place to sleep.  I generally day trip it over there and dont spend the night much . . it’s about a 3 hour drive. Bob Patton: Where are you from ? -wayne – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife and I are looking to fly fish on the white river.  can someone recomend a guide and a lodge that has cabins on the river? Try this one:  http://www.gastons.com Never been there myself, but it’s probably the best known place on the White. — http://rwpatton.home.netcom.com/

Response:

Wayne: Me and a new buddy are heading up to the Norfork or White this Saturday for a daytrip.  Want to meet up with us Saturday morning? Memphis Jim (Inventor of the Impromptu Ozark Clave)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Last Feb we stayed at Rim Shoals campground. They had some nice cabins, small but clean and nice place to sleep.  I generally day trip it over there and dont spend the night much . . it’s about a 3 hour drive. Bob Patton: Where are you from ? -wayne My wife and I are looking to fly fish on the white river.  can someone recomend a guide and a lodge that has cabins on the river? Try this one:  http://www.gastons.com Never been there myself, but it’s probably the best known place on the White. — http://rwpatton.home.netcom.com/

Response:

My wife and I are looking to fly fish on the white river.  can someone recomend a guide and a lodge that has cabins on the river?

Norfork River Resort in Salesville, AR. Very nice, new cabins. Actually on the Norfork River, a tributary of the White, approximately 1 mile from the confluence. http://www.arkansas.com/attractions/attr_detail/r/Ozarks/id/90359/lr/…

Response:

Man I would love to but my daughter’s last fall soccer game is this saturday. I dont think it would be cool for me (also the head coach) to skip the game. Then right after it’s over I have to go to mother-in-laws birthday dinner . . . . so saturday’s booked . . . . Maybe we can hook up another time . . . -wayne – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wayne: Me and a new buddy are heading up to the Norfork or White this Saturday for a daytrip.  Want to meet up with us Saturday morning? Memphis Jim (Inventor of the Impromptu Ozark Clave) Last Feb we stayed at Rim Shoals campground. They had some nice cabins, small but clean and nice place to sleep.  I generally day trip it over there and dont spend the night much . . it’s about a 3 hour drive. Bob Patton: Where are you from ? -wayne My wife and I are looking to fly fish on the white river.  can someone recomend a guide and a lodge that has cabins on the river? Try this one:  http://www.gastons.com Never been there myself, but it’s probably the best known place on the White. — http://rwpatton.home.netcom.com/

Response:

Excuses excuses. How can you become a flyfishing hermit when you are attentive to the needs of your loved ones? Memphis Jim

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Man I would love to but my daughter’s last fall soccer game is this saturday. I dont think it would be cool for me (also the head coach) to skip the game. Then right after it’s over I have to go to mother-in-laws birthday dinner . . . . so saturday’s booked . . . . Maybe we can hook up another time . . . -wayne Wayne: Me and a new buddy are heading up to the Norfork or White this Saturday for a daytrip.  Want to meet up with us Saturday morning? Memphis Jim (Inventor of the Impromptu Ozark Clave) Last Feb we stayed at Rim Shoals campground. They had some nice cabins, small but clean and nice place to sleep.  I generally day trip it over there and dont spend the night much . . it’s about a 3 hour drive. Bob Patton: Where are you from ? -wayne My wife and I are looking to fly fish on the white river.  can someone recomend a guide and a lodge that has cabins on the river? Try this one:  http://www.gastons.com Never been there myself, but it’s probably the best known place on the White. — http://rwpatton.home.netcom.com/

Response:

I understand . . . LOL  . . . It looks like the first Sat I will be able to get away is going to be the 23rd.  . . . . wayne – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Excuses excuses. How can you become a flyfishing hermit when you are attentive to the needs of your loved ones? Memphis Jim Man I would love to but my daughter’s last fall soccer game is this saturday. I dont think it would be cool for me (also the head coach) to skip the game. Then right after it’s over I have to go to mother-in-laws birthday dinner . . . . so saturday’s booked . . . . Maybe we can hook up another time . . . -wayne Wayne: Me and a new buddy are heading up to the Norfork or White this Saturday  for a daytrip.  Want to meet up with us Saturday morning? Memphis Jim (Inventor of the Impromptu Ozark Clave) Last Feb we stayed at Rim Shoals campground. They had some nice  cabins, small but clean and nice place to sleep.  I generally day trip it over there and dont spend the night much . . it’s about a 3 hour drive. Bob Patton: Where are you from ? -wayne My wife and I are looking to fly fish on the white river.  can  someone recomend a guide and a lodge that has cabins on the river? Try this one:  http://www.gastons.com Never been there myself, but it’s probably the best known place on  the White. — http://rwpatton.home.netcom.com/

Response:

Check out http://www.mtnhome.net/brf/ Dale Fulton owns a fine fly shop in Mountain Home, AR, has access to guides, and has cabins on the river.  Also see http://www.mtnhome.net/fultons/ I have no direct relationship with Dale, other than I’ve shopped there, stayed in his lodge, and generally endorse him as a fine guy. Best, John. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife and I are looking to fly fish on the white river.  can someone recomend a guide and a lodge that has cabins on the river? — Stay connected, Carl D. Sgro

Response:

Question:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

Question:

Winter is almost upon us.  In addition to tying next year’s supply of lures, it is a time to dream and plan. If you could and price did not matter, where in the U.S. would you go fly fishing (not including Alaska)? Where in North America (excluding the lower 48)? Where in South America? What would be your number one destination? Dave L.

Response:

<< Winter is almost upon us.  In addition to tying next year’s supply of lures, it is a time to dream and plan. If you could and price did not matter, where in the U.S. would you go fly fishing (not including Alaska)? I would have to say more time on my home waters in North Central Washington State would be ideal for next year.  (I know its a boring answer but it is where I love to fish and I never get enough time there.) << Where in North America (excluding the lower 48)? A little river in British Columbia that I spent hours on as a teenager.  I fish it 2-6 times a year but it is never enough.  Wild rainbows, no other fisherman in sight and incredible scenary. << Where in South America? Don’t know much about South America but I would love to give fishing a try in and around Cozumel or Roatan, Honduras.  I visited both this summer and didn’t get a chance to fish. Mike

Response:

<<Where the ROFFians gather. You politician, you. dave

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – only if my son was fishing with me. , when my arms didn’t ache, and my legs were wading staffs, I never considered the condition of my heart, and there was always a good fish waiting in the next run. wayno Wayno.I’m know some places in S.A. where the rum is cheap and the beer is definitely  factor in to your heart consideration……the fish bite river…..    Reading your response made think about fishing just a little

        well, hell, john, let’s go find that next pool.  maybe the ladies will welcome our canoe. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

What would be your number one destination?

Ambergris Caye, Belize, CA. — Charlie…

Response:

After Codemarine’s post of his Monster Bluegill and the picture of it I would have to say my number one destination would be Steve’s Pond. Big Dale  

Response:

Or the couch in my office. Steve Zimmerman

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After Codemarine’s post of his Monster Bluegill and the picture of it I would have to say my number one destination would be Steve’s Pond. Big Dale

Response:

If you could and price did not matter, where in the U.S. would you go fly fishing (not including Alaska)?

I don’t know why not, especially given many of the great reports here; but I don’t really long for far-off places.  There’s good fishing right in my backyard (sorry, Dorothy).    Instead, I long for more and better times on the streams I know, from the local Gunpowder Falls to Maine’s great rivers such as the Penobscot, Kennebec, and a few others. There are a few rivers which are but a fable to me, that I’d like to fish sometime.   The rivers of Idaho, Montana, Colorado, and Wyoming have a lure, but I’d also like to fish the Miramichi for salmon and an English chalk stream at least once, just for the history. Where in North America (excluding the lower 48)?

I’d like to visit Newfoundland. Where in South America?

Don’t know enough to pick. What would be your number one destination?

As long as I’m on a good stream with a fly rod in my hand, it’s location on the earth is important only as tourism.   I’d love to visit Australia, though. Joe F.

Response:

If you could and price did not matter, where in the U.S. would you go fly fishing (not including Alaska)? Where in North America (excluding the lower 48)?

 With time travel ;The Upper Dean, 20 years ago. Today, most of Montana Where in South America? no desire What would be your number one destination?

The Sunlite Basin Area,Wyoming Harry E. Mason www.Troutflies.com

Response:

1) The North Umpqua River 2) The Kispiox River 3) Only been to Costa Rica and Panama 4) Pinoi River Good Question!!! Winter is almost upon us.  In addition to tying next year’s supply of lures, it is a time to dream and plan. If you could and price did not matter, where in the U.S. would you go fly fishing (not including Alaska)? Where in North America (excluding the lower 48)? Where in South America? What would be your number one destination? Dave L.

Before you buy.

Response:

Winter is almost upon us.  In addition to tying next year’s supply of lures, it is a time to dream and plan. If you could and price did not matter, where in the U.S. would you go fly fishing (not including Alaska)? Where in North America (excluding the lower 48)? Where in South America? What would be your number one destination? Dave L.

   If I could I’d go to El Pescador in Belize for tarpon.   –tony

Response:

Cape Lookout, NC from October to Thanksgiving!!!!!!  :-) — Flyfish NC                                                   Capt Gordon Churchill http://www.flyfish-nc.com                                                                  

Response:

2ivf0fk.dialup.mindspring.com, Cape Lookout, NC from October to Thanksgiving!!!!!!  :-)

Gordon: That brings up a question.  Has the hurricane made any difference in your "normal" fishing pattern there?  Water temps, species, timing on migratory fish, anything like that? BTW, what would you be catching from October to Thanksgiving? Bob Before you buy.

Response:

Charlie – you will therefore understand my regret that I have been to Belize twice on business for 2 weeks each time and did not flyfish because I was still a worm drowner.  Now I just think what I missed, not once but twice! I even had a boat of my own whilst there and stayed on St Georges and San Pedro. Dohh!!

I do understand. Great country. I hope you at least fished off the reef and got in a little snorkeling. — Charlie…

Response:

Charlie – you will therefore understand my regret that I have been to Belize twice on business for 2 weeks each time and did not flyfish because I was still a worm drowner.  Now I just think what I missed, not once but twice! I even had a boat of my own whilst there and stayed on St Georges and San Pedro. Dohh!! David – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What would be your number one destination? Ambergris Caye, Belize, CA. — Charlie…

Response:

1.  US: Wherever any of you US ROFF chaps really recommended. 2.  N America: Labrador (fuelled by your posts!) (and I can fish the Miramichi anytime without a guide anyway!) 3.  S America:  Belize, partly for opportunities lost (see post elsewhere in thread) 4.  Anywhere:  The Falkland Islands because they are the reason I got into flyfishing in the first place (and then at the last minute before a 4 month trip there I did not go!) and because a good friend of mine has just returned from 6 months there and keeps regaling me with tales of rivers full of sea trout that have never been fished before.  Actually I got engaged to my wife just before the trip that was cancelled so it gave me a wife and fly fishing in one go! David reflecting on what might have been and what may yet be! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Winter is almost upon us.  In addition to tying next year’s supply of lures, it is a time to dream and plan. If you could and price did not matter, where in the U.S. would you go fly fishing (not including Alaska)? Where in North America (excluding the lower 48)? Where in South America? What would be your number one destination? Dave L.

Response:

If you could and price did not matter, where in the U.S. would you go fly fishing

The McCloud, the Upper Sac., Hat Creek, about 15-20 years ago. Where in North America (excluding the lower 48)?

Baja California, both the Pacific side and the Sea of Cortez.  Or British Columbia 40 years ago. Where in South America?

Someplace soft and green, where the women perfume their breasts. What would be your number one destination?

Somewhere, anywhere, 15 minutes from home. Anglerboy. — Trout fear me, Women want me.

Response:

Where in South America? Someplace soft and green, where the women perfume their breasts.

        well, ol boy, if you *ever* need a fishin partner, just give ol wayno a call.  3362751231.  thankyaverymuch. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Anglerboy. — Trout fear me, Women want me.

Response:

Bob Peters: <<That brings up a question.  Has the hurricane made any difference in your "normal" fishing pattern there?  Water temps, species, timing on migratory fish, anything like that? According to tonight’s evening news, Floyd’s floods in NC have washed all sorts of bad things into Pamlico Sound.  There is great worry about the entire area becoming a "dead zone". Dave L.

Response:

Winter is almost upon us.  In addition to tying next year’s supply of lures, it is a time to dream and plan. If you could and price did not matter, where in the U.S. would you go fly fishing (not including Alaska)?

        four mile creek, colorado; but only if my son was fishing with me. Where in North America (excluding the lower 48)? Where in South America? What would be your number one destination?

        hazel creek, with the clock turned back to 1980, when my arms didn’t ache, and my legs were wading staffs, i never considered the condition of my heart, and there was always a good fish waiting in the next run.         wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Dave L.

Response:

Winter is almost upon us.  In addition to tying next year’s supply of lures, it is a time to dream and plan. If you could and price did not matter, where in the U.S. would you go fly fishing (not including Alaska)?

Yellowstone, but please excuse me if I don’t name the stream. Where in North America (excluding the lower 48)?

Labrador, if I could paddle my canoe into the backcountry and fish without a guide. Where in South America?

Not a clue. What would be your number one destination?

Where the ROFFians gather. — Ken Fortenberry Illini 3 – Tar Heels 1

Response:

only if my son was fishing with me. , when my arms didn’t ache, and my legs were wading staffs, I never considered the condition of my heart, and there was always a good fish waiting in the next run. wayno

Wayno.I’m know some places in S.A. where the rum is cheap and the beer is definitely  factor in to your heart consideration……the fish bite river…..     Reading your response made think about fishing just a little

Response:

Where in North America (excluding the lower 48)?

The Stellako River, in BC.  beautiful river, a long F’ing way from anywhere.  Or the Blackwater. Where in South America?

I hope that someday I have the experience to answer this question. What would be your number one destination?

Well, you disqualified Alaska, but that’s my favorite.  Sleep with the bears at night, catch enormous fish during the day.  Live the way folks used to.  See www.aa.net/andrewbr/~alaska99/ to see what I mean. Dave L.

– Andrew Brunette

Response:

Lower 48 Rivers flowing out of the Blue Mountains in SE Washington State, and the rivers flowing out of the Willowas mountains in NE Oregon, plus the Imnaha. North America Kobuk river drainage East of Kotzebue South America Ive heard there are some great streams flowing out of the Andes in Tuccucom Province in Argentina. Number One Kobuk, just because I was offered a guiding slot there once by a friend and have always wondered what I passed up. Too old now. Have no idea if the fishing would be good or bad or whatever. Dave

Response:

I would simply ask for more time to fish.. Winter is almost upon us.  In addition to tying next year’s supply of lures, it is a time to dream and plan. If you could and price did not matter, where in the U.S. would you go fly fishing (not including Alaska)? Where in North America (excluding the lower 48)? Where in South America? What would be your number one destination? Dave L.

– Particle Salad/ Noom Room Studio http://home.earthlink.net/~psalad mp3 songs: http://www.mp3.com/particlesalad

Response:

Question:

You won’t be mindin’ if we keep an eye on where the hole card comes from.  ;-)

hell no, i was going to get Honest Wayno’s Guide Service to do the dealing.  If you can’t trust an attorney, who can you trust? Personally, I was hoping one of Big John’s gals would handle the deal. About the fish, now I know why I’ve heard stories of you going through a crate of splitshot a season.  :)

don’t know ’bout ’shot…..you’d have to talk to Matt "egg-dredgin" McCray ’bout dat. Waldo, lost two wild brookies today….man I’m rusty.

Response:

This Clave thing presents a great opportunity for a human interest story for a FFing magazine. Here’s the concept. A bunch of crusty old flyfishers get together in NC. They have only two things in common: a love of flyfishing and an acquaintance through ROFF. These guys don’t know each other face-to-face, for the most part, but they are acquainted through years and years of give-and-take in a Usenet group. Imagine the group dynamics. Who can outfish whom? Who can tell the biggest lies? Who knows the perfect knot? Who has the best self-tied flies? Will they check their weapons at the door? It goes on and on. Yep, it could be a great story. If you know a good writer please clue him in. — something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This Clave thing presents a great opportunity for a human interest story for a FFing magazine. (snip) Yep, it could be a great story. If you know a good writer please clue him in.         more than one of those will be present as participants.  you will not be disappointed with the communiques from the front, nor with reviews filed upon a chance for retrospection. wayno —

wayno, can i be the gun checker? btw, was that you are chub that got the sam in the ass saturday? makes you feel like that monkey, donchano. i can’t even view it now, it hurts. i’m off….damn tax thing tomorrow. waldo

Response:

This Clave thing presents a great opportunity for a human interest story for a FFing magazine. (snip) Yep, it could be a great story. If you know a good writer please clue him in.

        more than one of those will be present as participants.  you will not be disappointed with the communiques from the front, nor with reviews filed upon a chance for retrospection. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text — something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Mr. G. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This Clave thing presents a great opportunity for a human interest story for a FFing magazine. (snip) Yep, it could be a great story. If you know a good writer please clue him in.         more than one of those will be present as participants.  you will not be disappointed with the communiques from the front, nor with reviews filed upon a chance for retrospection. wayno — wayno, can i be the gun checker? btw, was that you are chub that got the sam in the ass saturday? makes you feel like that monkey, donchano. i can’t even view it now, it hurts. i’m off….damn tax thing tomorrow. waldo

– Visit: http://www.gink.com        http://www.xink.com        http://www.rodbuilding.com        http://www.rodbuilder.com All Writings & Rights Reserved

Question:

Hit the same stream today, Monday, with my son on his 11th birthday. Arrived around noon, air temp pushing 70 degrees and a cloudless day. We run into one other fisherman getting dressed by the parking.  We agree he’ll head downstream and we’ll go up.  Into the woods, and we run into two other fishermen (another man and his son, NJ schools are on spring break), and we walk upstream a quarter mile and we’re alone again. My son swelters during the walk in, wearing his non-breathable chest waders and arrives on stream in a bit of a grump.  He hates overheating.  Realize I should have carried the waders in and let him change streamside.  I’m comfortable in my waist-high Gore-Tex. A few practice casts with a #16 pheasant tail and he’s convinced there are no fish here.  No luck in the first three pockets.  Then we arrive at the first decent pool, and two fish are rising steadily to dark stone flies. Off comes the PT and on goes the black caddis.  My son and I take turns casting.  He starts, has trouble getting the line out, and hands me the rod. I catch a 6" rainbow on the second offering.  He takes the rod back, gets off a decent cast, and lands a twin.  I land the third fish on the same pool a few moments later.  That concludes the action on the pool.  We move on. My son decides he’s enjoying sitting in the river in his waders, and throwing rocks, more than fishing and releases me (more or less) to fish.  A couple of large pools, and no action.  The surface is very quiet, and I can only assume I lined the fish. Then, 100 yards along, a compact, deep pool (at least 4 feet).  Having trouble seeing the black caddis fly, but after my second cast I see the flash of a fish’s belly taking something, and set the hook.  After a caroming fight across the entire pool, it turns out to be a fat 12" male rainbow in rich spawning colors. Another pocket, and another 7" fish.  Then my son announces he wants to leave.  It IS his birthday after all.  I’m thinking that if I’m alone, this is a 20 fish afternoon, easy.  Nevertheless, with one rod between us, we’ve caught 5 fish in less than 40 minutes, all on the caddis-stonefly. We go home, spotting a garter snake along the way.  My son grabs it, and later tells his grandmother he caught "one fish and one snake." Michael

Response:

Just to say that the Garden State has a surprising amount to offer the wild trout fisherman who’s not obsessed with size of catch. On a stream to remain anonymous… This is a heavily wooded, small freestone stream.  Less than 90 minutes from Times Square, within two hours of 30 million people.  But on the stream all is peaceful.  No houses are visible in this stretch, just a mature hardwood forest.   NO ONE else is about, and the steep valley walls block out any possible traffic noise.  The water averages about a foot deep, cutting through some steep hills.  A series of small flats and little cascading plunge pools.  An occasional deeper pool or run.  Average width is no more than 15 feet. Arrived mid-day on Friday after moderate rain Thursday.  Surprised to find the water still running muddy with run-off.  Fishing for the first hour or so was pretty much a bust.  Water continued to run cloudy, but gradually changed from muddy to blue-green and fish started to hit. Was fishing a #14 bead-head pheasant tail for most of the afternoon, concentrating on the deeper pockets and deep pools/runs.  This was hit and run fishing, hitting a pocket with a few casts, then walking 20-30 yards to the next one. The deeper the pocket, the larger the fish, ranging from 6" to 12".  After 2 PM, most pockets rewarded me with a take.  Some with two or three, a big fish (9"+) at the deepest point, then smaller fish.  Wild rainbows in spawning splendor.  One brown.   By 4 o’clock I’d caught and released at least 20 fish. As I approached what I’d decided would be the last hole, I noticed a fish rise a couple of times.  Pulled off the pheasant tail, and put on a black elk hair caddis.  It took the first offering.  Turned out to be a fat 9"+ rainbow!  Lept twice before diving into a deep pocket, where I had to drag him out before releasing him.  First fish of the season on a dry! Michael

Response:

Question:

Hi there I am a 34yo m Aussie Flyfisher looking to find a few E-Mail mates to chat about flyfishing in there part of the world (wherever that may be) I am also an avid collector of Antique Fly Fishing Books so if anyone would like to See Ya Later Glynn Wulff

Howdy Glynn, There are two gents (I being one) that can help you out with some books here at ROFF. Ernie Harrison, who is a frequent poster here, is selling his collection off book by book. You will need to contact him for his list. I am a used, rare, and antiquarian dealer. My specialty categories are Sporting and Natural History. You can view my offerings at www.mercury.net/~wgwinter There will be some major remodelling (if i can get off my duff) going on there shortly to update the listings. Tight lines, Walt

Response:

says… Oh, by the way Walt; please box up and send us all of your World War One and Two unit histories for the Museum.  We also could use a set of Pershing’s memoirs with his signature. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine.

Hell Wayne, why don’t we throw in the Korean & Vietnam units’ whilst were at it? Jeez, are you looking for "toughies" or what? btw, message received…. Walt

Response:

Hi there I am a 34yo m Aussie Flyfisher looking to find a few E-Mail mates to chat about flyfishing in there part of the world (wherever that may be) I am also an avid collector of Antique Fly Fishing Books so if anyone would like to See Ya Later Glynn Wulff

Response:

Hi there I am a 34yo m Aussie Flyfisher looking to find a few E-Mail mates to chat about flyfishing in there part of the world (wherever that may be) I am also an avid collector of Antique Fly Fishing Books so if anyone would like to See Ya Later Glynn Wulff

        well, glynn (hey, billy, did you ever spend any time down under about 1964?  that name is suspiciously welsh…), you sure have found the right place.  check our posts for walt winter.  and get ready to communicate. wayno, self-appointed chairman of the roff welcoming committee.

Response:

Oh, by the way Walt; please box up and send us all of your World War One and Two unit histories for the Museum.  We also could use a set of Pershing’s memoirs with his signature. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there I am a 34yo m Aussie Flyfisher looking to find a few E-Mail mates to chat about flyfishing in there part of the world (wherever that may be) I am also an avid collector of Antique Fly Fishing Books so if anyone would like to See Ya Later Glynn Wulff Howdy Glynn, There are two gents (I being one) that can help you out with some books here at ROFF. Ernie Harrison, who is a frequent poster here, is selling his collection off book by book. You will need to contact him for his list. I am a used, rare, and antiquarian dealer. My specialty categories are Sporting and Natural History. You can view my offerings at www.mercury.net/~wgwinter There will be some major remodelling (if i can get off my duff) going on there shortly to update the listings. Tight lines, Walt

Response:

Question:

Would like to get some feedbacks on this particular rod before making purchase.   How does it compares with the St Croix 9 foot 5/6 two piece rod?? -peter

Response:

Would like to get some feedbacks on this particular rod before making purchase.   How does it compares with the St Croix 9 foot 5/6 two piece rod?? -peter

Hi Peter I’ve cast both rods and they are fine. To me the travel rod seemed slightly faster but that could just be my immagination. They are both fine rods. Take care & … — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products On line catalog – tips & tricks at: http://www.btsflyfishing.com

Response:

Peter, I can’t give you a comparison as I don’t have both rods, however I do have the 5/6 St Croix travel rod. It compares favorably with my Sage 2 piece rods, which are the LL series. Mine is going into it’s 3rd season now, and I have no complaints whatever, in fact, I’m thinking of getting their 3/4 wt travel rod as well. Best buy on the market for my money.  Good luck. — Frank Church Elkhart, IN – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Would like to get some feedbacks on this particular rod before making purchase.   How does it compares with the St Croix 9 foot 5/6 two piece rod?? -peter

Response:

Would like to get some feedbacks on this particular rod before making purchase.   How does it compares with the St Croix 9 foot 5/6 two piece rod?? -peter

I’ve been using the St. Croix pack rod exclusively for 4 years now.  It is ideal anywhere, anytime.  Really has a lot of power for shooting into the wind also.

Response:

Question:

Does anyone have any place they recommend avoiding in the Bahamas for one reason or another… safety? crowds? pollution? Thanks! Patrick

Response:

Does anyone have any place they recommend avoiding in the Bahamas for one reason or another… safety? crowds? pollution?

Nassau, for the three reasons mentioned. — DAVe & Skoshi, ‘69 Stamas 26′ http://personal.mia.bellsouth.net/mia/d/r/drsi/

Response:

Does anyone have any place they recommend avoiding in the Bahamas for one reason or another… safety? crowds? pollution?

How ’bout that endless expanse of white sand gliding by just inches below your keel…  Y’know, The Bottom.  Definitely, avoid the bottom.

Response:

I will NEVER go back to Nassau! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone have any place they recommend avoiding in the Bahamas for one reason or another… safety? crowds? pollution? How ’bout that endless expanse of white sand gliding by just inches below your keel…  Y’know, The Bottom.  Definitely, avoid the bottom.

Response:

Does anyone have any place they recommend avoiding in the Bahamas for one reason or another… safety? crowds? pollution? Thanks! Patrick

Nassau for sure!

Response:

The northernmost Abacos seemed a tad dreary… of course it’s all relative; fishermen find Walker’s Cay a piscatorial paradise- scuba & beachcombing too. Norman’s Cay was a smuggling hotspot in the ’80s, but appears to be under control… now pilots fly there for fishing, scuba & gourmet food, not ‘business’.  Bimini & points south ditto. When cruising anywhere truly remote, tho, a bit of disgression is a good idea. Trimtab Does anyone have any place they recommend avoiding in the Bahamas for one reason or another… safety? crowds? pollution? Thanks! Patrick

Before you buy.

Response:

All the places I go

Response:

<snip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is a case of advice that is misguided, and when one generalizes with "Never", they are failing to consider that numerous "lake" type vessels have made quite successful voyages to and through the Bahamas, simply by selecting the weather conditions appropriate to their vessel.  Obviously when a norther is blowing against the Stream, or the winter trades are at their best, even well found cruising designs find it wiser to remain in port, but to simply recommend against this voyage under any conditions, is to be out of touch with the reality of what frequently occurs with great success.  Pick your weather, ang go!  With the shoal draft, and large accomodations, a house boat can be a wonderful cruising design for the Bahamas, with the obvious necessity to carry adequate fuel. Good Cruising, 73 — Sean Holland NP2AU S/V Spindrift

You know in all the posts on this subject, nobody has thought to ask our intrepid boater just how fast his houseboat can go.  If he can wring 20kts out of it wihtout straining, it’s only a 2.5 or 3 hour crossing … more than enough time if he waits for the weather.  He can strap a liferaaft to the stern, tank up with gas, turn on his GPS, get out his charts and be in the Bahamas in time for lunch if he starts out at 0830!  The posters talking about leaving at night in order to get to port at the destination in the daylight are talking about doing 5 or 6 kts, not 15 or 20. If he really wants to know, he should take the boat offshore a ways to see how it reacts in ocean swells in the kind of weather he wants to cross in.  If he has trouble, he can head back; if he isn’t intent on crossing, he’ll head back anyway.  You’ll never know until you try it. Colin S.

Response:

There are houseboats in the Virgin Islands and I’m sure they weren’t built there.

Sure there are; and they may have island hopped in good weather to get there.  Or they may have come as deck cargo on a freighter. I’m not trying to rain on your parade; but safety comes first, for both you and your crew. You worked hard all your life to enjoy your retirement.  Don’t become a U.S. Coast Guard statistic. Jim Md.

Response:

Previously in response to a request for info on taking a house boat to the Bahamas someone said: You’re pushing the envelope friend.  In no case should a houseboat be taken offshore.   If you want to go to the Bahamas, buy an airline ticket. There are houseboats in the Virgin Islands and I’m sure they weren’t built there.

This is a case of advice that is misguided, and when one generalizes with "Never", they are failing to consider that numerous "lake" type vessels have made quite successful voyages to and through the Bahamas, simply by selecting the weather conditions appropriate to their vessel.  Obviously when a norther is blowing against the Stream, or the winter trades are at their best, even well found cruising designs find it wiser to remain in port, but to simply recommend against this voyage under any conditions, is to be out of touch with the reality of what frequently occurs with great success.  Pick your weather, ang go!  With the shoal draft, and large accomodations, a house boat can be a wonderful cruising design for the Bahamas, with the obvious necessity to carry adequate fuel. Good Cruising, 73 — Sean Holland NP2AU S/V Spindrift

Response:

This is a case of advice that is misguided, and when one generalizes with "Never", they are failing to consider that numerous "lake" type vessels have made quite successful voyages to and through the Bahamas, simply by selecting the weather conditions appropriate to their vessel.  Obviously when a norther is blowing against the Stream, or the winter trades are at their best, even well found cruising designs find it wiser to remain in port, but to simply recommend against this voyage under any conditions, is to be out of touch with the reality of what frequently occurs with great success.  Pick your weather, ang go!  With the shoal draft, and large accomodations, a house boat can be a wonderful cruising design for the Bahamas, with the obvious necessity to carry adequate fuel.

I agree that is is silly, if not rude, to tell a prospective motor boater or sailer to "buy an airplane ticket," but I still think that taking a houseboat across the Gulf Stream is, well, not smart.  To cross the stream under the best conditions, one must leave Florida in the evening in order to cross the bar at Bimini or go into the canal at Grand Bahama in daylight (and don’t Bahamas’ customs rules require daylight entry?)  Not all water-borne hazard will be spotted at night, and for an inexperienced captain, large cargo ships can be a real hazard; a flat bottom houseboat is not the vessel for maneouvering in shipping lanes. Also, the weather can never be predicted with the kind of reliability that would allow one to cross the Gulf Stream in a houseboat, particularly in winter, the main crusing time; and again, the deep water passages between the westerly cays and Nassau require better.   That "lake type sailboats" often venture to the Bahamas succesfully is merely an argument by ancedote, and so a dangerous one.  There are many, many, many cruisers anchored (right now!) in Elizabeth Harbor, off Georgetown, who got there on sheer luck alone.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is a case of advice that is misguided, and when one generalizes with "Never", they are failing to consider that numerous "lake" type vessels have made quite successful voyages to and through the Bahamas, simply by selecting the weather conditions appropriate to their vessel.  Obviously when a norther is blowing against the Stream, or the winter trades are at their best, even well found cruising designs find it wiser to remain in port, but to simply recommend against this voyage under any conditions, is to be out of touch with the reality of what frequently occurs with great success.  Pick your weather, ang go!  With the shoal draft, and large accomodations, a house boat can be a wonderful cruising design for the Bahamas, with the obvious necessity to carry adequate fuel. I agree that is is silly, if not rude, to tell a prospective motor boater or sailer to "buy an airplane ticket," but I still think that taking a houseboat across the Gulf Stream is, well, not smart.  To cross the stream under the best conditions, one must leave Florida in the evening in order to cross the bar at Bimini or go into the canal at Grand Bahama in daylight (and don’t Bahamas’ customs rules require daylight entry?)  Not all water-borne hazard will be spotted at night, and for an inexperienced captain, large cargo ships can be a real hazard; a flat bottom houseboat is not the vessel for maneouvering in shipping lanes. Also, the weather can never be predicted with the kind of reliability that would allow one to cross the Gulf Stream in a houseboat, particularly in winter, the main crusing time; and again, the deep water passages between the westerly cays and Nassau require better. That "lake type sailboats" often venture to the Bahamas succesfully is merely an argument by ancedote, and so a dangerous one.  There are many, many, many cruisers anchored (right now!) in Elizabeth Harbor, off Georgetown, who got there on sheer luck alone.

Another opinion:  A few years ago those of us who made 5 knots or less felt we should cross at night, so that if we missed the Bahamas altogether we would have all day to find the island we were looking for.  With GPS that is no longer necessary.  Easiest crossing is 50 NM from Lake Worth to West End  on Grand Bahama Island.  Anchor in Lake Worth until you are sure of settled weather with wind from the west.  I have waited as long as 10 days for the right conditions.  There will be other boats waiting out weather.  Often a group of boats cross together.  It is a comfort to cross with other boats.  The entrance to the marina at West End is tricky.  I have gone in there at least ten times, and I still worry about it. From West End on around as far as Little Harbor there are short hops and numerous anchorages.  I don’t recommend the stretch from Little Harbor to Eleuthera in a houseboat. I haven’t hear of a restriction on entering the Bahamas at night.  Go in and either anchor or dock, raise the yellow "Q" flag and don’t get off the boat until Customs arrives.

Response:

Anchor in Lake Worth until you are sure of settled weather with wind from the west.  I have waited as long as 10 days for the right conditions. If the wind is out of the west, ahead of a cold front, wouldn’t you expect it to clock through NW then North as the front passes?  Not a good time to be in the stream. John L. Miller

Yes, sometimes the window is only about 4 hours from the time the wind picks up from the west (almost *always* in advance of a cold front) to the time it swings around to a 30 knot+ northerly gale.  Against the fast north- flowing Gulf Stream, the sea conditions become unbelievably bad with any breeze from the north. I’d ship the houseboat if I were you.  The Bahama banks would be a wonderful place for a boat like that, but getting it there across the Gulf Stream is quite a big risk. Dan

Response:

 This is a case of advice that is misguided, and when one generalizes with "Never", they are failing to consider that numerous "lake" type vessels have made quite successful voyages to and through the Bahamas, simply by selecting the weather conditions appropriate to their vessel.

I said never and I meant never.  Houseboats are not designed for offshore work under any circumstances.  Talking about ideal wind and sea conditions is nonsense.  We are not explorers, we are pleasure boaters;   and there is no reason to place any person aboard in danger with a vessel which can only operate in ideal wind and sea conditions. The insurance companies share this view, I believe. Ask what the premium increase will be for a houseboat taken offshore.   Jim Md.

Response:

Anchor in Lake Worth until you are sure of settled weather with wind from the west.  I have waited as long as 10 days for the right conditions.

If the wind is out of the west, ahead of a cold front, wouldn’t you expect it to clock through NW then North as the front passes?  Not a good time to be in the stream. John L. Miller

Response:

Anchor in Lake Worth until you are sure of settled weather with wind from the west.  I have waited as long as 10 days for the right conditions. If the wind is out of the west, ahead of a cold front, wouldn’t you expect it to clock through NW then North as the front passes?  Not a good time to be in the stream. John L. Miller

Absolutely true! An Irwin 45 named "Sandy Lanes" that took off ahead of me in the westerlies before a strong cold front, wound up being driven ashore on the west side of Gun Cay! I waited until after the front passed when light southerlies began to blow and had no problem. — J.A. Rogers Sailaway Cruising Club http://www.cqws.com/zone1/sailaway/

Response:

One of the respondents to Horace’ query stated: : You’re pushing the envelope friend.  In no case should a houseboat be : taken offshore.  I might try it if I was a Haitian boat person; but : fortunately, I’m not. : : If you want to go to the Bahamas, buy an airline ticket. Depends on the houseboat, doesn’t it?  For shoal water cruising, a smaller houseboat, with less draft, would be far more appropriate than many of the offshore keelboats currently pussyfooting around the banks. Even a craft as large as Horace’s houseboat would be vastly preferable to a similar sized keelboat, if one wanted to follow the barrier reef down Andros Is. On the other hand, a craft as well-powered as Horace’s houseboat shouldn’t have problems finding an appropriate window of time, in which to cross the Straits of Florida safely. He’ll probably have greater problems finding a mooring at port of entry (grin). If I did it, I’d want a smaller boat with less than 2′ of draft, even if it were substantially slower.  But hell, if you’ve got the boat, and the desire (and the money)… Go for it, Horace! It should be a real adventure! Good Cruising, —      Bob Martin

Response:

The boat is 60×14 with 22" of freeboard and a 42" draft. She has twin 228HP MercCruser outdrives and a fuel capacity of 175 Gals. Cruise speed at 1500RPM is about 8 knots with 21 knots at full speed. I plan to install Radar and GPS before the trip. Am I crazy or do you think this is possible ? What would you recommend ?

You’re pushing the envelope friend.  In no case should a houseboat be taken offshore.  I might try it if I was a Haitian boat person; but fortunately, I’m not. If you want to go to the Bahamas, buy an airline ticket. YOu should keep that nice houseboat in sheltered waters.  And there are plenty of sheltered waters that are perfect for you.  How about the ICW from New England to Fla?  How about the Erie Canal, the nicest fresh water cruise on the planet?  How about the Mighty Mississipp? Good Luck. Jim Md.

Response:

You’re pushing the envelope friend.  In no case should a houseboat be taken offshore.  I might try it if I was a Haitian boat person; but fortunately, I’m not. If you want to go to the Bahamas, buy an airline ticket.

There are houseboats in the Virgin Islands and I’m sure they weren’t built there. — J.A. Rogers Sailaway Cruising Club http://www.cqws.com/zone1/sailaway/

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ed: I’m in the process of rebuilding, from the hull up, a 60ft houseboat with the ultimate purpose of curising to the Bahamas from the closest point in Florida when I retire in six years. I’ve talked to a couple of people who say this is possible, if I pick the right time of year and watch the weather carefully. The boat is 60×14 with 22" of freeboard and a 42" draft. She has twin 228HP MercCruser outdrives and a fuel capacity of 175 Gals. Cruise speed at 1500RPM is about 8 knots with 21 knots at full speed. I plan to install Radar and GPS before the trip. Am I crazy or do you think this is possible ? What would you recommend ?

There was a rig which moored in Daytona Beach for a while.  On a small river barge type hull was a white frame building with a sign "Marine Research Laboratory" (It allowed anchoring in places where people might otherwise object.)  Around the perimeter of the barge were trailer hitch balls.  The owner supposedly took it to the Bahamas using a "tug" consisting of an open runabout with a large outboard.  He had a short tower frame on the tug with another trailer hitch ball and an A-frame with three female hitchs on the corners.  By repositioning the frame he could pull, push, or run along side.  He did spend some time waiting for just the right weather conditions. I think your houseboat is several cuts above this in surviveability, but yes, the word crazy does come to mind.  Crazy is fine as long as you don’t expect someone else to bail you out. Roger —

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You’re pushing the envelope friend.  In no case should a houseboat be taken offshore.  I might try it if I was a Haitian boat person; but fortunately, I’m not. If you want to go to the Bahamas, buy an airline ticket. There are houseboats in the Virgin Islands and I’m sure they weren’t built there.

I second that!  A houseboat on the Gulf Stream is courting suicide, and there ARE some deep water passages to be made within the archipelago. Don’t do it, especially as a novice. Go, but with a good keel and skeg beneath you.

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You’re pushing the envelope friend.  In no case should a houseboat be taken offshore.  I might try it if I was a Haitian boat person; but fortunately, I’m not. If you want to go to the Bahamas, buy an airline ticket. There are houseboats in the Virgin Islands and I’m sure they weren’t built there. — J.A. Rogers Sailaway Cruising Club http://www.cqws.com/zone1/sailaway/

There might be places that you could go through once you are there.  I think a lot of large freight (cars etc) go by local freighters.  That approach should get your boat there. I crossed the Gulf stream with a perfect forcast.  By the time I was 2 hours out, I was seeing the worst continuous conditions that I had ever seen in 30 years of sailing. We are all masters of our vessels despite what anyone says.  I would give this all little thought though. Hans Paabor Rocinante I Scarborough, Ontario With great power comes great responsiblity (Spiderman)

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I mentally swapped the critical specs of your houseboat and was thinking it draws 22” and has 42” of freeboard when I wrote advising you to Go For It! Considering you have almost no spare freeboard and are a bit deeper than I believed, I should qualify my answer: You probably should not go in winter, when the weather is quite changeable (and the forecasts are therefore less reliable). Keeping in mind that safe anchorages may sometimes be 30-40 miles (i.e.four-six hours) apart, if the wind springs up suddenly the resulting sea might be too much for your boat. The Banks can develop a very steep chop. I don’t know how well houseboats drive into head seas but I suspect, not too well. You should find out first-hand before going. Dead calm conditions are, I’m told,  common in late spring and summer (save for the odd hurricane, but that’s another story).  At any rate, take a liferaft or Whaler type dinghy and a handheld VHF. And, of course, insure the vessel. Byron

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If anyone is contemplating cruising in Bahamas, I may be able to help. While I have not been to each cay, I have cruised throughout the island nation, from Walker’s Cay on the north to Long Island in the southern region. This year I am going south thru southernmost Bahamas to Turks & Caicos, despite news of major drug running and politicians’ alleged

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Ed: I’m in the process of rebuilding, from the hull up, a 60ft houseboat with the ultimate purpose of curising to the Bahamas from the closest point in Florida when I retire in six years. I’ve talked to a couple of people who say this is possible, if I pick the right time of year and watch the weather carefully. The boat is 60×14 with 22" of freeboard and a 42" draft. She has twin 228HP MercCruser outdrives and a fuel capacity of 175 Gals. Cruise speed at 1500RPM is about 8 knots with 21 knots at full speed. I plan to install Radar and GPS before the trip. Am I crazy or do you think this is possible ? What would you recommend ? Thanks Ron Brown

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If anyone is contemplating cruising in Bahamas, I may be able to help. region. This year I am going south thru southernmost Bahamas to Turks & Caicos, despite news of major drug running and politicians’ alleged

In 16 years cruising in the Bahamas, drug running and politicians have been the least of my worries or problems.  They are simply not an issue for the average cruiser, and there are fewer drugs to encounter in the islands than on your average midtown street corner back in the states. Just returned from a fast passage from Ft. Lauderdale to Provo, (T&C), and the only problems encountered were related to the vessel, rather than politics or recreational pharmacy products. Good Sailing, 73,  Sean — Sean Holland NP2AU S/V Spindrift

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Go for it! Weather is key but the crossing from Miami to Gun Cay or Bimini should only take you a few hours (it’s 50nm or thereabouts). You will want to cross during a period of winds <12kts out of a southerly quadrant. You should experience chop no more than a foot or two over an easy swell. We spent a winter cruising the Bahamas in a 36′ sailboat. So long as you pick your weather carefully and hole up in one of the many protected anchorages during frontal passages, you should have no problem. Additionally, your shoal draft will open up many anchorages denied sailboats. So you should be able to avoid any unpleasantness. I would urge you to buy a short-wave receiver like the Grundig Yacht Boy 400 to get USCG weathercasts on NMN and to tune into the Bahamas marine net, as well as the big picture weather outlook from "Herb" on 12.359 at 2000 UCT. You may have to be very patient to get favorable conditions for operating in the NW Providence Channel; if it’s wintertime, you probably don’t want to operate in the northern half of the Bahamas (Abacos) as they get some very nasty weather indeed. Good luck! Byron Westerly ketch "Vela"

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Question:

Several flyfishing folks in the Northeast Texas area are interested in organizing a FF club and  have ‘kinda’ elected me to put it together.  If anyone has any experience in organizing or even being a member in a FF club I could use some (all) of your guidance.  We would like to have it somewhere between a beer bust in the back yard and formal reading of the minutes etc. Thanks for any help! Knack Whitehouse, TX

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Several flyfishing folks in the Northeast Texas area are interested in organizing a FF club and have ‘kinda’ elected me to put it together.  If anyone has any experience in organizing or even being a member in a FF club I could use some (all) of your guidance.  We would like to have it somewhere between a beer bust in the back yard and formal reading of the minutes etc. Thanks for any help! Knack Whitehouse, TX

Hi Knack Contact the Federation of Fly Fishers at 800-618-0808 and ask for their "Forming a Club" literature.  The information is straight forward and easy to follow. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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Southern council of FFF (includes TX) has a web site: http://www.sky.net/~flyfish/ There are several small/local clubs affiliated with FFF. I don’t know the economics of the affiliation, but there might be something for you there. John Nesselrode Shawnee, KS

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