Question:

The village idiot has shown uncharacteristic wisdom and good sense in avoiding me, as evidenced by actually being in Ennis during the first Western ‘Clave and not daring to show his face. Outrageous fantasies like you describe above, should he decide to believe them, would not work out well in reality. Hey Tough Guy, you’re sure a BAD ass! You want to take on a guy with what, twenty years on you? I’m sure that you strutted around with this macho, hard guy attitude at the local bars in Gardiner.

My experience has always been that those who go around bragging about how tough they are, aren’t.      - Ken

Response:

…  I honestly believe it would be water under the bridge if you’d just act like a regular person, show up, meet some people and hang out.  OK, maybe a couple that you have really pissed will need some sort of apology first, … The village idiot has shown uncharacteristic wisdom and good sense in avoiding me, as evidenced by actually being in Ennis during the first Western ‘Clave and not daring to show his face. Outrageous fantasies like you describe above, should he decide to believe them, would not work out well in reality.

You are such a sssstud.  I wanna be just like you when I’m an old geezer with a chip on my shoulder.      - Ken

Response:

I would not hesitate to call this to the attention of the appropriate authorities.

Your finest hour, I’d imagine. — Charlie…

Response:

Really Ken?  I would say that most anyone of good character and wisdom would avoid *you* too, but there are some folk here that seem to like or at least tolerate you, and I believe they are of decent character and wise beyond belief–so go figure this one. I will be at the Penn’s ‘Clave, and will at least attempt to fish with George/you, should y’all show.  Is this an unwise move on my part?  The occasion will certainly give you an opportunity to give George and me the verbal thrashing that we so richly deserve, as I know, "in reality", you are not suggesting that you might become physical with another ROFFian.

Hi Op,  You appear to have a great mellon on your shoulders.  If you ever show up in Montana, drop me an email and I would be happy to show you some of my *new* home waters. Thanks for trying to keep Ken honest. Paul — remove all x’s for reply email. To worry is folly so let us be jolly.

Response:

…  I honestly believe it would be water under the bridge if you’d just act like a regular person, show up, meet some people and hang out.  OK, maybe a couple that you have really pissed will need some sort of apology first, …

The village idiot has shown uncharacteristic wisdom and good sense in avoiding me, as evidenced by actually being in Ennis during the first Western ‘Clave and not daring to show his face. Outrageous fantasies like you describe above, should he decide to believe them, would not work out well in reality. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

okay

–waldo, ticket concessionaire….. have coat rack, will travel.

Response:

okay –waldo, ticket concessionaire….. have coat rack, will travel.

I predict bad weather. — Charlie…

Response:

okay –waldo, ticket concessionaire….. have coat rack, will travel. I predict bad weather.

Exactly.

Response:

The village idiot has shown uncharacteristic wisdom and good sense in avoiding me, as evidenced by actually being in Ennis during the first Western ‘Clave and not daring to show his face. Outrageous fantasies like you describe above, should he decide to believe them, would not work out well in reality. — Ken Fortenberry

Really Ken?  I would say that most anyone of good character and wisdom would avoid *you* too, but there are some folk here that seem to like or at least tolerate you, and I believe they are of decent character and wise beyond belief–so go figure this one. I will be at the Penn’s ‘Clave, and will at least attempt to fish with George/you, should y’all show.  Is this an unwise move on my part?  The occasion will certainly give you an opportunity to give George and me the verbal thrashing that we so richly deserve, as I know, "in reality", you are not suggesting that you might become physical with another ROFFian. Op  –reluctant pacifist–

Response:

Op writes: I will be at the Penn’s ‘Clave, and will at least attempt to fish with George/you, should y’all show.

Uh, Op, George won’t be at the Penns Clave.  Three things will keep him from showing up:  1.  A yellow stripe down his back.  2.  He doesn’t have a pilot’s license. 3. A yellow stripe down his back. But, I hope to fish with ya.  <g Dave

Response:

… I will be at the Penn’s ‘Clave, and will at least attempt to fish with George/you, should y’all show.  Is this an unwise move on my part? …

George won’t show and I’m pretty picky about who I fish with. I would decline to fish with any "sportsman" who’s nigh on a poacher and who boasts of destructive and illegal joy rides in our National Forests. An unwise move would be carrying an illegal concealed weapon. I would not hesitate to call this to the attention of the appropriate authorities. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

HI op,  send me an e-mail. I need your return e-mail address. Tried to send you something, but it just bounces. TL MC

Response:

The village idiot has shown uncharacteristic wisdom and good sense in avoiding me, as evidenced by actually being in Ennis during the first Western ‘Clave and not daring to show his face. Outrageous fantasies like you describe above, should he decide to believe them, would not work out well in reality.

Hey Tough Guy, you’re sure a BAD ass! You want to take on a guy with what, twenty years on you? I’m sure that you strutted around with this macho, hard guy attitude at the local bars in Gardiner. Willi

Response:

What a nice thing to say Willi. Enjoying your posts. George

     yes, george, most of us share that feeling.  and do you know why absolutely no one will respond to your posts in a similar fashion?  because when you had the opportunity to describe your experience with the same sort of improving fisherman, you used it as the means to drop names, describe your own excellence, and falsely attribute an hyperegotistical statement to your adoring sheep:  "…even an icon like you, george (or words to that effect)…"      until you accept the fact that the difference between you and folks like willi is not measured by absolute talent or experience, but how you relate to your fellow man, you will never be accepted among gentlemen in the fashion you so deeply desire. awh

Response:

Got back from a great trip to The Juan, again admirably hosted by Bruce. Some good fishing, decent weather and great companionship.

[ Nice compliments from a true fisher-gentlemen snipped...] I also had a great time at the Juan. It’s one thing to read books and watch videos. As a novice, you can learn a great deal by experimenting on your own. It’s the *real* thing to watch guys like Willi, Charlie, Bruce, Warren, et al, work a piece of water. If your within eyesight or earshot of them, you can’t help but improve, fishing and otherwise. It has been often said that "Those that can, do. Those that can’t, teach." These fellows prove that, for the friends of the gifted, doing and teaching are the same thing. Danl

Response:

     yes, george, most of us share that feeling.  and do you know why absolutely no one will respond to your posts in a similar fashion?  because when you had the opportunity to describe your experience with the same sort of improving fisherman, you used it as the means to drop names, describe your own excellence, and falsely attribute an hyperegotistical statement to your adoring sheep:  "…even an icon like you, george (or words to that effect)…"      until you accept the fact that the difference between you and folks like willi is not measured by absolute talent or experience, but how you relate to your fellow man, you will never be accepted among gentlemen in the fashion you so deeply desire. awh

I’m sure that is the way it seems to you Wayne, but rest assured you should not take me as seriously as you do.  I’m just the guy across the river that keeps stumbling on his untied tennis shoes.  Nothing more, nothing less. geg

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     yes, george, most of us share that feeling.  and do you know why absolutely no one will respond to your posts in a similar fashion?  because when you had the opportunity to describe your experience with the same sort of improving fisherman, you used it as the means to drop names, describe your own excellence, and falsely attribute an hyperegotistical statement to your adoring sheep:  "…even an icon like you, george (or words to that effect)…"     until you accept the fact that the difference between you and folks like willi is not measured by absolute talent or experience, but how you relate to your fellow man, you will never be accepted among gentlemen in the fashion you so deeply desire. awh I’m sure that is the way it seems to you Wayne, but rest assured you should not take me as seriously as you do.  I’m just the guy across the river that keeps stumbling on his untied tennis shoes.  Nothing more, nothing less. geg

…well, why doesn’t that "guy" post here more often.  sounds like someone i could appreciate and identify with…  why don’t you come to penns in may and stumble about with the rest of us? jeff

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     yes, george, most of us share that feeling.  and do you know why absolutely no one will respond to your posts in a similar fashion?  because when you had the opportunity to describe your experience with the same sort of improving fisherman, you used it as the means to drop names, describe your own excellence, and falsely attribute an hyperegotistical statement to your adoring sheep:  "…even an icon like you, george (or words to that effect)…"     until you accept the fact that the difference between you and folks like willi is not measured by absolute talent or experience, but how you relate to your fellow man, you will never be accepted among gentlemen in the fashion you so deeply desire. awh I’m sure that is the way it seems to you Wayne, but rest assured you should not take me as seriously as you do.  I’m just the guy across the river that keeps stumbling on his untied tennis shoes.  Nothing more, nothing less. geg …well, why doesn’t that "guy" post here more often.  sounds like someone i could appreciate and identify with…  why don’t you come to penns in may and stumble about with the rest of us? jeff

okay

Response:

…..I’m just the guy across the river that keeps stumbling on his untied

tennis shoes….. Yes, well, that’s because you always have at least one foot in your mouth. The mouth is, of course, firmly attached to your head, and we all know where that lives.  No one could possibly walk thus contorted, even with velcro closures. Then again, you’re an idiot. Wolfgang

Response:

… why don’t you come to penns in may … okay

Yeah, that would be … interesting. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

I’m just the guy across the river that keeps stumbling on his untied tennis shoes.  Nothing more, nothing less. geg

You misspelled "gag" BTW. –Steve

Response:

I’m sure that is the way it seems to you Wayne, but rest assured you should not take me as seriously as you do.  I’m just the guy across the river that keeps stumbling on his untied tennis shoes.  Nothing more, nothing less. …well, why doesn’t that "guy" post here more often.  sounds like someone i could appreciate and identify with…  why don’t you come to penns in may and stumble about with the rest of us? okay

You know what the funny thing is George?  As much as you appear to be a buffoon, as much as you irritate people, as much as you are downright despised by a few, I honestly believe it would be water under the bridge if you’d just act like a regular person, show up, meet some people and hang out.  OK, maybe a couple that you have really pissed will need some sort of apology first, but on the whole this is an incredible group of gentlemen that will accept people for what they are and be genuinely nice to anyone that is at least sincere, and approachable, and who possesses an ego no larger than, say, the state in which they are fishing.  Considering how much people seem to dislike you, don’t you find it remarkable how many invitations you get to claves?  People here are interested in camaraderie and sharing, not self-aggrandizement.  I think you’d be surprised what could change. I do not hate you.  You’ve insulted me personally, in counterattack to be fair, but nothing that I ever took seriously.  The times you have really offended me were times when you were not speaking directly to me, when you tried to make yourself more important than the things we hold dear, such as a clave, or a friendship, or the memory of a person.

Response:

It has been often said that "Those that can, do. Those that can’t, teach." These fellows prove that, for the friends of the gifted, doing and teaching are the same thing.

Yeah man.

Response:

Got back from a great trip to The Juan, again admirably hosted by Bruce. Some good fishing, decent weather and great companionship. However, the thing that gave me the most pleasure was to see the growth in fly fishing skills of a couple of the participants. I’ve been fishing with most of these guys for about a year and a half. I was very impressed by the progress made by a couple of the guys. They started with little idea where to cast the fly, an inability to put the fly where they wanted, no clue as to what fly to choose and forget about presentation. (No offense meant by this) They have progressed to the point that they were able to catch fussy fish on a large river in difficult, murky water conditions. They were able to choose appropriate flies (one of them even gave me a couple flies that were effective for me the next day on several very tough fish), find appropriate spots and use appropriate techniques that resulted in some nice fish. Great to see! Willi

Response:

What a nice thing to say Willi. Enjoying your posts. George – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Got back from a great trip to The Juan, again admirably hosted by Bruce. Some good fishing, decent weather and great companionship. However, the thing that gave me the most pleasure was to see the growth in fly fishing skills of a couple of the participants. I’ve been fishing with most of these guys for about a year and a half. I was very impressed by the progress made by a couple of the guys. They started with little idea where to cast the fly, an inability to put the fly where they wanted, no clue as to what fly to choose and forget about presentation. (No offense meant by this) They have progressed to the point that they were able to catch fussy fish on a large river in difficult, murky water conditions. They were able to choose appropriate flies (one of them even gave me a couple flies that were effective for me the next day on several very tough fish), find appropriate spots and use appropriate techniques that resulted in some nice fish. Great to see! Willi

Response:

Question:

I need to organise a flyfishing competition for fathers day and I need a couple of ideas on how to go about it. We’re doing this in a shopping mall parking lot so we’re just concentrating on casting (distance or accuracy). Does any body have any suggestions that will allow novices as well as experts to have a good time? Ari

Response:

I need to organise a flyfishing competition for fathers day and I need a couple of ideas on how to go about it. We’re doing this in a shopping mall parking lot so we’re just concentrating on casting (distance or accuracy). Does any body have any suggestions that will allow novices as well as experts to have a good time? Ari

        1.  paint a strip of the parking lot various shades of blue and green in an "s" curve about 90′ long.         2.  drag a few rocks from nearby rural areas into the parking lot and place them randomly within your painted area.         3.  cut out "fish" profiles from 1/4 inch plywood, paint them silver with a big red stripe down the middle and place them near the rocks.         4.  have large signs painted with the word "mountains" on them, and direct several beautiful, nubile women to hold them above their heads from time to time, placing the women on either side of the painted area.         5.  purchase a roff clave t-shirt for each of the women, ban or burn their bras, and hose them down every 5 or 10 minutes with tepid water.  the shirts can be purchased from little wayno’s outfitters (we never close) for the paltry sum of $50 each, including shipping.         6.  serve "carolina see-throughs" (vodka, tonic, no lime) to each contestant upon demand.         if you will follow those simple instructions, you won’t have to worry about silly impediments like rules or prizes.         as forty would say, "you’re welcome". for the firm wayno

Response:

Thanks Man, Sounds cool for a sunny day but we’re in the middle of bloody winter over here and all the nubile girls round here know how rude it is to point. Oh and if we could attend any of your competitions over there that would be just great. Cheers Ari – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I need to organise a flyfishing competition for fathers day and I need a couple of ideas on how to go about it. We’re doing this in a shopping mall parking lot so we’re just concentrating on casting (distance or accuracy). Does any body have any suggestions that will allow novices as well as experts to have a good time? Ari    1.  paint a strip of the parking lot various shades of blue and green in an "s" curve about 90′ long.    2.  drag a few rocks from nearby rural areas into the parking lot and place them randomly within your painted area.    3.  cut out "fish" profiles from 1/4 inch plywood, paint them silver with a big red stripe down the middle and place them near the rocks.    4.  have large signs painted with the word "mountains" on them, and direct several beautiful, nubile women to hold them above their heads from time to time, placing the women on either side of the painted area.    5.  purchase a roff clave t-shirt for each of the women, ban or burn their bras, and hose them down every 5 or 10 minutes with tepid water.  the shirts can be purchased from little wayno’s outfitters (we never close) for the paltry sum of $50 each, including shipping.    6.  serve "carolina see-throughs" (vodka, tonic, no lime) to each contestant upon demand.    if you will follow those simple instructions, you won’t have to worry about silly impediments like rules or prizes.    as forty would say, "you’re welcome". for the firm wayno

Response:

 Saw one where they put a Hulahoop on a ten foot pole and you have to cast through it, i.e. your whole loop.  The pole is 15 foot in front of the caster.  Prizes for those who make it through the most time in succession.                 Frank Reid

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Ari, some of the following have worked well in the past: whip some rings on a broomstick, and have a distance competition with this. ( Use cheap line ! ) Obtain a plastic blow up animal such as is used on the beach, or a rocking horse, or similar. Contestants must cast to dinner plates placed at suitable distances while a couple of guys "rock the boat". Ten, twenty, thirty feet, etc. Tie a twenty foot  length of limp string to a garden cane, and a leader to this. Accuracy is the goal here. Cast only with the butt of a two piece rod.  And then only with the tip. Distance cast "from the hand", no rod or reel allowed. Casting with two rods simultaneously to two separate targets. A knot tying competition. Blindfold casting.  The rod is placed in the blindfolded persons hand, he is "turned around fast a few times", and has to try and hit the target from memory. " The golden shot", same as the blindfold, but one person gives directions to the caster, using only the words "left", "right", "cast". Get a washing up bowl or similar, attach this to a piece of string, this is pulled along by two volunteers, and the caster must hit the moving target. Roll casting a hosepipe. ( Be careful you have plenty of space here, if it hits anybody it hurts ! ). Roll casting a rope. There are lots of others, but these have always worked well and provided a lot of amusement, and some surprises. TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

Hi Ari, some of the following have worked well in the past: whip some rings on a broomstick, and have a distance competition with this. ( Use cheap line ! ) Obtain a plastic blow up animal such as is used on the beach, or a rocking horse, or similar. Contestants must cast to dinner plates placed at suitable distances while a couple of guys "rock the boat". Ten, twenty, thirty feet, etc. Tie a twenty foot  length of limp string to a garden cane, and a leader to this. Accuracy is the goal here. Cast only with the butt of a two piece rod.  And then only with the tip. Distance cast "from the hand", no rod or reel allowed. Casting with two rods simultaneously to two separate targets. A knot tying competition. Blindfold casting.  The rod is placed in the blindfolded persons hand, he is "turned around fast a few times", and has to try and hit the target from memory. " The golden shot", same as the blindfold, but one person gives directions to the caster, using only the words "left", "right", "cast". Get a washing up bowl or similar, attach this to a piece of string, this is pulled along by two volunteers, and the caster must hit the moving target. Roll casting a hosepipe. ( Be careful you have plenty of space here, if it hits anybody it hurts ! ). Roll casting a rope. There are lots of others, but these have always worked well and provided a lot of amusement, and some surprises. TL MC — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

Question:

I will be going to Alaska this summer and would like to fly fish for anything.  I am an avid hiker and will be hiking in Denali National Park, the Wrangell-st.elias National Park as well as the entire Kenai Peninsula and Prince William sound region.  Rivers that I can hike to and fish would be ideal.  Is there anyone who has been to that region that might have any information about what there is to fish for and where I could access the best spots on rivers. Tight lines, Brent

Response:

I will be going to Alaska this summer and would like to fly fish for anything.  I am an avid hiker and will be hiking in Denali National Park, the Wrangell-st.elias National Park as well as the entire Kenai Peninsula and Prince William sound region.  Rivers that I can hike to and fish would be ideal.  Is there anyone who has been to that region that might have any information about what there is to fish for and where I could access the best spots on rivers. Tight lines, Brent

You are hiking the entire Kenai and Prince Williams Sound. Are you sure you have a map that shows a scale? Anyway, I would be more worried about my boots then the fishing.  Walt in Juneau, AK.

Response:

I apologize for the confusion.  These are general areas that I am considering.  I only plan on going to Denali for a week and then one other specific place for a week.  I would love some input as to which areas would give me the best opportunities for good hiking and GREAT fishing in July.  I would want to fish for trout or salmon.  (I’m not picky). Any response would be helpful. Thanks, Brent – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I will be going to Alaska this summer and would like to fly fish for anything.  I am an avid hiker and will be hiking in Denali National Park, the Wrangell-st.elias National Park as well as the entire Kenai Peninsula and Prince William sound region.  Rivers that I can hike to and fish would be ideal.  Is there anyone who has been to that region that might have any information about what there is to fish for and where I could access the best spots on rivers. Tight lines, Brent You are hiking the entire Kenai and Prince Williams Sound. Are you sure you have a map that shows a scale? Anyway, I would be more worried about my boots then the fishing.  Walt in Juneau, AK.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I will be going to Alaska this summer and would like to fly fish for anything.  I am an avid hiker and will be hiking in Denali National Park, the Wrangell-st.elias National Park as well as the entire Kenai Peninsula and Prince William sound region.  Rivers that I can hike to and fish would be ideal.  Is there anyone who has been to that region that might have any information about what there is to fish for and where I could access the best spots on rivers. Tight lines, Brent You are hiking the entire Kenai and Prince Williams Sound. Are you sure you have a map that shows a scale? Anyway, I would be more worried about my boots then the fishing.  Walt in Juneau, AK. Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit <!doctype html public "-//w3c//dtd html 4.0 transitional//en" <html &nbsp; <blockquote TYPE=CITEI will be going to Alaska this summer and would like to fly fish for <branything.&nbsp; I am an avid hiker and will be hiking in Denali National <brPark, the Wrangell-st.elias National Park as well as the entire Kenai <brPeninsula and Prince William sound region.&nbsp; Rivers that I can hike to <brand fish would be ideal.&nbsp; Is there anyone who has been to that region <brthat might have any information about what there is to fish for and <brwhere I could access the best spots on rivers. <pTight lines, <pBrent</blockquote You are hiking the <ientire Kenai and Prince Williams Sound.</i Are you sure you have a map that shows a scale? Anyway, I would be more worried about my boots then the fishing.&nbsp; Walt in Juneau, AK.</html At Denali call Glacier Expeditions toll Free 1-877-880-9045 they kn

Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

Hi I am going to the flyfishing retailer show in Salt Lake City in mid September and want to go fishing for a couple of days. Can anyone recommend a good spot, and also a decent place to stay, not too expensive ($30 or so) Tight lines!

Response:

The Provo River can fish well at times!!  The Green, but it is a bit of a drive. Good Luck, Forrest Forrest FlyFishingREVIEW.com Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Try the Provo river supposed to be second only to the Green in Utah

Response:

Two weeks ago the Provo was running to high to fish very well.  I think the Green would be best.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Try the Provo river supposed to be second only to the Green in Utah

Response:

Get out a map. When I went to school in Provo an elephants age ago, we filled our freezer with Browns from the Spanish Fork, at the south end of Utah Valley, and in the creek off the highway that runs down into Helper and the Utah coal country. There is an "American Fork" toward the north end of the Valley, that used to be pretty good too. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Two weeks ago the Provo was running to high to fish very well.  I think the Green would be best. Try the Provo river supposed to be second only to the Green in Utah

Response:

I’ve fished the Provo River twice, in the lower tailwater section. Lots of fish, mostly nymph fishing.  Good size fish. Beautiful scenery.   The Sept. 99 issue of Fly Fisherman has a comprehensive article on the Provo.   Steve Kling

Response:

I live in Salt Lake City, Utah and have flyfished for years if you want info email me directly Mike Holtum

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve fished the Provo River twice, in the lower tailwater section. Lots of fish, mostly nymph fishing.  Good size fish. Beautiful scenery. The Sept. 99 issue of Fly Fisherman has a comprehensive article on the Provo. Steve Kling

Response:

Question:

Beleive it or not, we have discussed it. If your looking for answers to your walleye questions why not join The Walleye List, the Internet

Question:

Why thank you kindly gents.

(another sonnet snipped) Mike:  you’re most welcome. Your literary skills are most welcome here, and always appreciated.   Mark Faulkner

Response:

A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him. — Ernie Harrison

Response:

A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him. — Ernie Harrison

my apologies but I drink Grant’s. I’ll hoist one for Mike tonight. Not hard to persuade me eh? Ralph H "I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams." – Hamlet

Response:

A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him.

He is so good in fact that I was thinking that he’s like an ‘online poetry synthesis machine’. ….I was wondering if he could not charge people to make poetry out of whatever they like. …he could have an interactive web site. "RhymeTime" …and since people could log in and get instant prose it could be. "Real-Time RhymeTime" You go Mike. — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him. He is so good in fact that I was thinking that he’s like an ‘online poetry synthesis machine’. ….I was wondering if he could not charge people to make poetry out of whatever they like. …he could have an interactive web site. "RhymeTime" …and since people could log in and get instant prose it could be. "Real-Time RhymeTime" You go Mike. — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

I agree Timbo…..in fact, as I offer my salud later today, I’ll know that we are very lucky to have Mike here at ROFF and be blessed with his style and wit. –Wataugan "is it 4pm yet?" Walt

Response:

Why thank you kindly gents. Glad you find the rhymes pleasing, or even perhaps a bit teasing, I hope they amuse, and are not too abstruse, and keep you constantly wheezing ! I raise my glass here too, it couldnt be done without you, for a rhyme or two, you give me the cue, and sometimes even a few ! So here is my return toast, to the stalwart ROFFIAN host, cheers ! Good health, long life and wealth, to you all,  but the drinkers the most ! Tight lines ! Mike Connor

Response:

(timbo’s post snipped) I agree Timbo…..in fact, as I offer my salud later today, I’ll know that we are very lucky to have Mike here at ROFF and be blessed with his style and wit. –Wataugan "is it 4pm yet?" Walt

        as a matter of fact, i think he’s so *damn* good that i intend to toast him at least five or six times before 10 pm.  by 8:15 he will be runnin line for line with robert frost.  and saturday night, he’ll be neck and neck with w. shakespeare hissownself! wayno, always willing to recognize talent – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

I agree Timbo…..in fact, as I offer my salud later today, I’ll know that we are very lucky to have Mike here at ROFF and be blessed with his style and wit.

(ahem) 5pm! It’s time to reboot, Scrolling away, ROFF’s always a hoot! Tho’ when I click onto Connor, It’s always an honor, That everything else said is moot. Tony Ritter www.gonefishing-gs.com

Response:

A couple of generations advance over the old ‘bot eh? Ralph H

Very good Ralph. –Wataugan "love a good touche" Walt

Response:

A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him. He is so good in fact that I was thinking that he’s like an ‘online poetry synthesis machine’.

 A couple of generations advance over the old ‘bot eh? Ralph H "I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams." – Hamlet

Response:

_______ Can’t begin to tell you how much more I like that fly fishing handle of "T-Bone" much better?! There is no other name that explains you better.  Salt of the earth.  Western Bone Bred, and bad ass on the stream.

Question:

    Don’t listen to Moe. Take your wife/girlfriend with you and try all the rods you can over a period of 3 wks and keep asking "wada you think about this one". At the end of this time she will (1)suggest you buy it if you like it. (2) Buy the one you seemed to like the most for you. or (3) Inform you she doesn’t give a damn, just buy one and leave her alone.

Funny. That’s the tactic my wife uses on me for shoes. — something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

You know what Thomas’ last name is don’t you?…..Winston!!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –         close your eyes and begin saying "thomas & thomas" over and over and over again.  the only new rod you’ll ever need.         a. wayne harrison, totally subjective t&t freak.

Response:

So why do you like them so much? Mark Faulkner A upgrade in rod would do the most good probally but have you checked out the loop reels. They are amazing!  Check out there site at http://www.looptackle.se/

Response:

 Or I’ll just go down, buy it park it in the drive and tell her it followed me home, can I keep it, huh can I ?                                                           John Popp                                                         in Sanford Fl.

John – tried that once – doesn’t work. Mark Faulkner

Response:

Gents (and ladies ..:-) ) I have been fly fishing for the past two years and now I feel it is time to upgrade my equipment. Don’t ask me why, I just feel I can benefit from  "better" equipment. I currently own a  Pfleuger starter set which my wife bought me a couple of Christmas’ ago. I guess my big question is, where would me money be better spent, a new rod or reel. My gut tells me the rod is the place to build a solid foundation around and look at a new reel down the rod. I fish for trout in the streams and rivers of Washington State and occasionally back home in Calgary Alberta., but again for trout. Stew

Hi Stew, The rod upgrade will make the most difference in your fishing.  I’d suggest looking at rods in the $250 price range such as the Orvis Silver Label.  I especially like the Silver Label TL’s, but rod choice is very personal.  You need to cast as many rods in this price range as you can get your hands on to see what suits you best (half the fun of buying a new rod). Most major manufacturers have rods in this price range and that is where you get the most performance for the money.  The top of the line rods usually offer additional performance but at a much greater price.   If you were already at the mid-price level, I’d probably be recommending the reel upgrade instead.  The rod upgrade pays off everytime you cast it.  The reel upgrade pays off when you hook a fish that you have to (get to) play off the reel.                        Hope this helps,                             Dan Dan Gracia Orvis

Response:

Another suggestion is to look at a previously owned rod.  This way you could take a big jump.  I agree with upgrading the rod first, and I too like Orvis Silver Labels.  I own one along with several other rods.   Consider talking with

Response:

I am waiting for my rod to be repaired (4th time) and fishing with my backup.  Your reel seldom breaks, so if you can only get one, get another rod so you can have a spare.  -Better yet, get another combo.

Response:

I have only broken one rod in fifty years of flyfishing.  I have seven rods, four fiberglass two graphite and one bamboo.  I made most of them from blanks because I wanted to see the difference in various manufacturers.  You should have a backup rod in case something happens to one.  A friend of mine took two rods on a horse pack trip in plastic cases.  The packer packed them together on the side of the pack and the horse broke them both, so watch your rods closely or you may not get to fish when you get there. — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-Mail Selling my Fly Fishing Books Go to: http://users.ccnet.com/~emh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am waiting for my rod to be repaired (4th time) and fishing with my backup.  Your reel seldom breaks, so if you can only get one, get another rod so you can have a spare.  -Better yet, get another combo.

Response:

Okay y’all are giving me some good ideas here now ….so what is there to making a rod from a blank? Does it really ssave like when I make my own golf clubs? Where does a person buy blanks and the associated stuff from? Stew – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have only broken one rod in fifty years of flyfishing.  I have seven rods, four fiberglass two graphite and one bamboo.  I made most of them from blanks because I wanted to see the difference in various manufacturers.  You should have a backup rod in case something happens to one.  A friend of mine took two rods on a horse pack trip in plastic cases.  The packer packed them together on the side of the pack and the horse broke them both, so watch your rods closely or you may not get to fish when you get there. — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-Mail Selling my Fly Fishing Books Go to: http://users.ccnet.com/~emh I am waiting for my rod to be repaired (4th time) and fishing with my backup.  Your reel seldom breaks, so if you can only get one, get another rod so you can have a spare.  -Better yet, get another combo.

– #  D. Stew McLeod … working at The Boeing Company .. in Renton, WA. #"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; # an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." #    - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gents (and ladies ..:-) ) I have been fly fishing for the past two years and now I feel it is time to upgrade my equipment. Don’t ask me why, I just feel I can benefit from  "better" equipment. I currently own a  Pfleuger starter set which my wife bought me a couple of Christmas’ ago. I guess my big question is, where would me money be better spent, a new rod or reel. My gut tells me the rod is the place to build a solid foundation around and look at a new reel down the rod. I fish for trout in the streams and rivers of Washington State and occasionally back home in Calgary Alberta., but again for trout. Stew — #  D. Stew McLeod … working at The Boeing Company .. in Renton, WA. #"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; # an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." #    - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

Hi Stew, There are lots of great fly rods around $200. Most anglers are fishing 9′ #5 line rods for trout. Sage DS, Scott Alpha & Voyager, Loomis GL2 & 3, T&T Emerger are all great values.  These are the entry level rods from the top fly rod manufacturers. Your reel should be OK till it fails to work for you. Good fly lines are $30 to $50, so there is no excuse for not having the best. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

 Or I’ll just go down, buy it park it in the drive and tell her it followed me home, can I keep it, huh can I ?                                                           John Popp                                                         in Sanford Fl. John – tried that once – doesn’t work. Mark Faulkner

Mark Let her choose the colour and you can get anything you want, (budgets and bank cooperation assuming.) Peter

Response:

I don’t know about that Peter, he would look a little silly in a pink 4-wheel vehicle. — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-Mail Selling my Fly Fishing Books Go to: http://users.ccnet.com/~emh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  Or I’ll just go down, buy it park it in the drive and tell her it followed me home, can I keep it, huh can I ?                                                           John Popp                                                         in Sanford Fl. John – tried that once – doesn’t work. Mark Faulkner Mark Let her choose the colour and you can get anything you want, (budgets and bank cooperation assuming.) Peter

Response:

Gents (and ladies ..:-) ) I have been fly fishing for the past two years and now I feel it is time to upgrade my equipment. Don’t ask me why, I just feel I can benefit from  "better" equipment. I currently own a  Pfleuger starter set which my wife bought me a couple of Christmas’ ago. I guess my big question is, where would me money be better spent, a new rod or reel. My gut tells me the rod is the place to build a solid foundation around and look at a new reel down the rod. I fish for trout in the streams and rivers of Washington State and occasionally back home in Calgary Alberta., but again for trout. Stew

 New reel!…at least with a light reel you’ll NOW be able to feel just what your rod is doing….how it’s action is…  Until you get a grip on the casting qualities of this rod (which the heavy Pfleuger is Masking!), you won’t know what you really will desire in an expensive rod….especially for a trout rod…..Steelhead, Stripers, Salmon…now the Reel plays a major part of the game…but still….the lighter is usually the better. $.02, steve d.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gents (and ladies ..:-) ) I have been fly fishing for the past two years and now I feel it is time to upgrade my equipment. Don’t ask me why, I just feel I can benefit from  "better" equipment. I currently own a  Pfleuger starter set which my wife bought me a couple of Christmas’ ago. I guess my big question is, where would me money be better spent, a new rod or reel. My gut tells me the rod is the place to build a solid foundation around and look at a new reel down the rod. I fish for trout in the streams and rivers of Washington State and occasionally back home in Calgary Alberta., but again for trout. Stew — #  D. Stew McLeod … working at The Boeing Company .. in Renton, WA. #"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; # an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." #    - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

    Don’t listen to Moe. Take your wife/girlfriend with you and try all the rods you can over a period of 3 wks and keep asking "wada you think about this one". At the end of this time she will (1)suggest you buy it if you like it. (2) Buy the one you seemed to like the most for you. or (3) Inform you she doesn’t give a damn, just buy one and leave her alone.                                                            John Popp                                                         in Sanford Fl.

Response:

haha i have 2 loops, i love them!     — Nicholas J. Slodki

:A upgrade in rod would do the most good probally but have you checked ut the loop reels. They are amazing!  Check out there site at :http://www.looptackle.se/

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – [deleted] I guess my big question is, where would me money be better spent, a new rod or reel. [deleted] I’d spend the money on a few "kitchen passes" myself (i.e. roses for the little lady, dinner perhaps). New rod won’t do you any good while your cleaning out the refrigerator. Your pal, — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "Guilt replaced the creel…"

   Come now Tim, what wife wouldn’t want her hubby to replace his rod with one that has a bit more action ? Also your idea, if accepted on a large scale could cause serious world wide consequences: for instance I’m looking at getting rid of an old dodge slant 6 van (given up on it breaking down and junking it) and replaceing it with a dodge ram 1500 short bed quad cab v8 with tow package and all the goodys, that being the case candy stocks should take a huge rise and at least a couple hundred acres of flower fields will be denuded. Now that new vehicles are out and every one wants a new one, imagine the devistation. Nope I’ll just say something nice and while shes in shock STRIKE. (been married a long time). Or I’ll just go down, buy it park it in the drive and tell her it followed me home, can I keep it, huh can I ?                                                           John Popp                                                         in Sanford Fl.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gents (and ladies ..:-) ) I have been fly fishing for the past two years and now I feel it is time to upgrade my equipment. Don’t ask me why, I just feel I can benefit from  "better" equipment. I currently own a  Pfleuger starter set which my wife bought me a couple of Christmas’ ago. I guess my big question is, where would me money be better spent, a new rod or reel. My gut tells me the rod is the place to build a solid foundation around and look at a new reel down the rod. I fish for trout in the streams and rivers of Washington State and occasionally back home in Calgary Alberta., but again for trout. Stew — #  D. Stew McLeod … working at The Boeing Company .. in Renton, WA. #"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; # an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." #    - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

        close your eyes and begin saying "thomas & thomas" over and over and over again.  the only new rod you’ll ever need.         a. wayne harrison, totally subjective t&t freak. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

D. Stewart McLeod wrote… I have been fly fishing for the past two years and now I feel it is time to upgrade my equipment.

I don’t have any recommendations, but did want to say that as soon as I saw the "What To Upgrade" subject line, I couldn’t help but think of PC hardware and software upgrades. "When was the last release of Pfleuger, Pfleuger 71 or 94? I do know that Pfleuger 71 had to be upgraded with a Service Pack (a machined aluminum foot, sold separately, not available in the OEM releases of Pfleuger) so it could work with a Sage-96, or for that matter, any earlier release of Sage or Orvis. Speaking of Sage-96, why is it so much more expensive than say Sage-90?  At least it doesn’t take up more rod-tube space." Someone with far greater writing talents than me could have fun with this.  "If Microsoft Sold Fishing Gear" Thomas Gilg

Response:

I’d also suggest upgrading a rod before a reel.  the manfacturere already mentioned are all good.  You might also look at the Thomas & Thomas emerger series.  These rods are priced approximately the same as the Discovery series from Sage and the entry level Loomis’. Tim also makes a good point.  "Kitchen passes" are always good to have. Have fun selecting a rod. Chris Brown – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gents (and ladies ..:-) ) I have been fly fishing for the past two years and now I feel it is time to upgrade my equipment. Don’t ask me why, I just feel I can benefit from  "better" equipment. I currently own a  Pfleuger starter set which my wife bought me a couple of Christmas’ ago. I guess my big question is, where would me money be better spent, a new rod or reel. My gut tells me the rod is the place to build a solid foundation around and look at a new reel down the rod. I fish for trout in the streams and rivers of Washington State and occasionally back home in Calgary Alberta., but again for trout. Stew — #  D. Stew McLeod … working at The Boeing Company .. in Renton, WA. #"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; # an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." #    - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

Response:

A upgrade in rod would do the most good probally but have you checked out the loop reels. They are amazing!  Check out there site at http://www.looptackle.se/

Response:

This is a no-brainer in my book, Stew – go for the rod, and have fun casting a bunch of different rods in making the selection. Mark Faulkner – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gents (and ladies ..:-) ) I have been fly fishing for the past two years and now I feel it is time to upgrade my equipment. Don’t ask me why, I just feel I can benefit from  "better" equipment. I currently own a  Pfleuger starter set which my wife bought me a couple of Christmas’ ago. I guess my big question is, where would me money be better spent, a new rod or reel. My gut tells me the rod is the place to build a solid foundation around and look at a new reel down the rod. I fish for trout in the streams and rivers of Washington State and occasionally back home in Calgary Alberta., but again for trout. Stew — #  D. Stew McLeod … working at The Boeing Company .. in Renton, WA. #"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; # an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." #    - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

Response:

Gents (and ladies ..:-) ) I have been fly fishing for the past two years and now I feel it is time to upgrade my equipment. Don’t ask me why, I just feel I can benefit from  "better" equipment. I currently own a  Pfleuger starter set which my wife bought me a couple of Christmas’ ago. I guess my big question is, where would me money be better spent, a new rod or reel. My gut tells me the rod is the place to build a solid foundation around and look at a new reel down the rod. I fish for trout in the streams and rivers of Washington State and occasionally back home in Calgary Alberta., but again for trout. Stew — #  D. Stew McLeod … working at The Boeing Company .. in Renton, WA. #"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; # an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." #    - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965)

Response:

Steweart writes:

<<Gents (and ladies ..:-) ) I have been fly fishing for the past two years and now I feel it is time to upgrade my equipment. Don’t ask me why, I just feel I can benefit from  "better" equipment. I currently own a  Pfleuger starter set which my wife bought me a couple of Christmas’ ago. I guess my big question is, where would me money be better spent, a new rod or reel. My gut tells me the rod is the place to build a solid foundation around and look at a new reel down the rod. I fish for trout in the streams and rivers of Washington State and occasionally back home in Calgary Alberta., but again for trout. Stew Stew, I would focus the money on the rod.  Unless you are into a lot of big trout, the reel simply holds your line for you.   While there is no denying a silky smooth reel is something to drool over, it isn’t necessary for most of us unless you are after steelhead, salmon, bonefish, BIG trout etc. Check out the St. Croix rods or the Reddington line for some nice upgrades.   You may also want to check out some of the rod/reel combo’s from Sage, Orvis and Loomis.  I know you can get a Sage Discovery with a reel, line and metal tube for around $265 or so.  I bought one years ago and still use it a lot. Mike

Response:

[deleted] I guess my big question is, where would me money be better spent, a new rod or reel.

[deleted] I’d spend the money on a few "kitchen passes" myself (i.e. roses for the little lady, dinner perhaps). New rod won’t do you any good while your cleaning out the refrigerator. Your pal, — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "Guilt replaced the creel…"

Response:

I’d say replace the rod.  Check out Orvis, Diamondback, Loomis or St. Croix. They make excellent rods ranging from $95-$500. — Nicholas J. Slodki

:Gents (and ladies ..:-) ) : :I have been fly fishing for the past two years and now I feel it is time :to upgrade my equipment. Don’t ask me why, I just feel I can benefit :from  "better" equipment. I currently own a  Pfleuger starter set which :my wife bought me a couple of Christmas’ ago. : :I guess my big question is, where would me money be better spent, a new :rod or reel. My gut tells me the rod is the place to build a solid :foundation around and look at a new reel down the rod. I fish for trout :in the streams and rivers of Washington State and occasionally back home :in Calgary Alberta., but again for trout. : :Stew : : :– :#  D. Stew McLeod … working at The Boeing Company .. in Renton, WA. :#"A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; :# an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty." :#    - Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965) : : :

Response:

Question:

My wife bought me a fly fishing rod and some gear for christmas. I have never fly fished before but have always wanted to. Where can I go in the San Diego area to get some lessions in fly fishing? Also, are there any good places to fly fish (for trout) in San Diego? Thanx in advance Mike — MGS

Response:

Call Jeff Solis at the San Diego Fly Shop 619-283-3445. Tell him Fritz told you.

Response:

Question:

I went to their web site today…http://www.flyfishamerica.com. <<

Don:  That’s not the Federation.  You found a new fly fishing magazine that has both electronic and print versions.  They have the complete content of the print version (including all seven regional editions) on their website, so you need Acrobat to be able to capture and read it all.  Free print copies are available through fly shops, but you’ll only get your local region’s section.                                                 Brian

Response:

Could someone please re-post the Web page URL and/or 800 number for the Federation of Fly Fishers.  I seem to have lost the paper I wrote it on. Thanks in advance. Puck Wullenweber Ithaca, NY FFF  http://www.ool.com/fff/Federation of Fly Fishers

PO Box 1595 Bozeman MT 59771 406-585-7592

Response:

I went to their web site today…http://www.flyfishamerica.com. Unfortunately, it is another one of those sites where you have to get their damn special software to view, so I can’t tell you what is there. — Don Jordan POB 2357 Chiefland, FL 32644 http://ripserv.com/indyjones

HI! Don! Click on Adobe Acrobat for a free downloading when you visit the site next time. Hans!

Response:

Could someone please re-post the Web page URL and/or 800 number for the Federation of Fly Fishers.  I seem to have lost the paper I wrote it on. Thanks in advance. Puck Wullenweber Ithaca, NY

Response:

I went to their web site today…http://www.flyfishamerica.com.   Unfortunately, it is another one of those sites where you have to get their damn special software to view, so I can’t tell you what is there. — Don Jordan POB 2357 Chiefland, FL 32644 http://ripserv.com/indyjones

Response:

Could someone please re-post the Web page URL and/or 800 number for the Federation of Fly Fishers.  I seem to have lost the paper I wrote it on. Thanks in advance. Puck Wullenweber Ithaca, NY

FFF  http://www.ool.com/fff/

Response:

Could someone please re-post the Web page URL and/or 800 number for the Federation of Fly Fishers.  I seem to have lost the paper I wrote it on. Thanks in advance. Puck Wullenweber Ithaca, NY FFF  http://www.ool.com/fff/

Hi Puck You can find acces to the FFF at http://www.flyfishing.com/fff/index.html  or call them at 406-585-7592. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

Response:

Question:

Hello, I am new to this newsgroup and fly fishing.  Please provide me with any information on fly fishing in south central Pennsylvania.  Any help at all would be greatly appreciated. Tight Lines, Wendel

Response:

Head for the Yellow Breeches near Carlisle, PA.  It’s beautiful and it’s convenient…in fact too convenient on weekends wwhen way too many folks show up.  My suggestion, take a day off from work and check it out.  Also, be sure and swing by Yellow Breeches Outfitters. Some really nice helpful folks who can tell you where to fish, etc.  Cold Spring Anglers also helpful. Good luck, and have fun! Kevin

Response:

Don’t neglect the top-notch smallmouth fishing in the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers.  I drive past the potomac (which I love) several times a year to tangle with those porkchops. Dave

Response:

There are several streams in the area, some are stocked andd several have fly fishing only sections. A great reference is Penn. Trout Streams by Meck, available at most fly shops.E-mail me for more info.

Response: