Question:

I’ve taken some time off to work finish my thesis (obviously not working on it right now) and I took a few minutes to watch the steelhead at Grindstone Creek.  This stretch of water is a fish sanctuary and it provides a superb view for migrating steelies.

Being able to find an area like this where you can easilly observe the fish’s behavior is very interesting and valuable, at least to me. Like you reported, it teaches you things about the fish that you wouldn’t have discovered. Willi

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I’ve taken some time off to work finish my thesis

heard that one before, fishing or thesis? fishing or… thesis? fishing … or … fishing?  fishing?  Fishing! BTW, the local fly shop recently decided to sell off all their fishng videos for $3 a piece so I picked up the SciAng Jim Teeny Steelhead video. There is one pool shown in that video where 20 fish are milling about all pointed in various directions.  The surface is flat and Teeny is pitching a nymph at the end of a 5ft sink tip with a long leader. Mu

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I’ve taken some time off to work finish my thesis heard that one before, fishing or thesis? fishing or… thesis? fishing … or … fishing?  fishing?  Fishing! BTW, the local fly shop recently decided to sell off all their fishng videos for $3 a piece so I picked up the SciAng Jim Teeny Steelhead video. There is one pool shown in that video where 20 fish are milling about all pointed in various directions……

Weird, wasn’t it?  When I saw it, I wondered just how many rocks he’d tossed in at that point. JR

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve taken some time off to work finish my thesis heard that one before, fishing or thesis? fishing or… thesis? fishing … or … fishing?  fishing?  Fishing! BTW, the local fly shop recently decided to sell off all their fishng videos for $3 a piece so I picked up the SciAng Jim Teeny Steelhead video. There is one pool shown in that video where 20 fish are milling about all pointed in various directions…… Weird, wasn’t it?  When I saw it, I wondered just how many rocks he’d tossed in at that point.

I have that video. The rock tossing works, BTW. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

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I have that video. The rock tossing works, BTW.

You fish molester. But seriously, I think if I tried that rock trick on any of the streams that I used to fish in michigan, the fish would have headed about 100 yards downstream. Mu

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I’ve taken some time off to work finish my thesis (obviously not working on it right now)

  Me either What’s your field? interesting obs. snipped.

Thats the beauty of putting up the stick for awhile, and having an optic.  As a more general comment on trouty lies, some of the angles fish lie at in front of,  behind and under structure are quite surprising.   In some of the little streams we find fish sitting at right angles to the current fairly regularly, we even have some pet rocks that seem to attract this sort of behaviour. There is a horse, that sits in behind a log in tailout.  The log is probably 45 degrees to the current and immediatley below is a 2-3 foot waterfall. The bank is a mere 3 feet away and a good deal of the current is forced between the log and the bank.  Depending on the the flow, the fish will be found more or less hard up to the log – but never straight up and down stream.   With the angle he lies at and the height above downstream water he can see any movement on the banks both up and down stream, has a bit of a funnel feeding him food and a relatively good oxygen supply. The force is strong with that one … Steve

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I’ve taken some time off to work finish my thesis (obviously not working on it right now)  Me either What’s your field?

MA, Cultural Anthropology – specialty – development NGOs interesting obs. snipped. Thats the beauty of putting up the stick for awhile, and having an optic.  

I should do more of this – I just get to the water too horny to spend the time. There is a horse, that sits in behind a log in tailout.  The log is probably 45 degrees to the current and immediatley below is a 2-3 foot waterfall. The bank is a mere 3 feet away and a good deal of the current is forced between the log and the bank.  Depending on the the flow, the fish will be found more or less hard up to the log – but never straight up and down stream.  

That’s why she’s a horse, eh?  My son fished to one like that in PA. the fish had put herself in an almost perfect spot.  He got in a lucky cast, the fish took and then broke him off in a twinkle. With the angle he lies at and the height above downstream water he can see any movement on the banks both up and down stream, has a bit of a funnel feeding him food and a relatively good oxygen supply. The force is strong with that one … Steve

Those are the ones that keep us coming back. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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MA, Cultural Anthropology – specialty – development NGOs

Cripes – a mouthful, that will look impressive on your business cards. NGO – Non-Government Org? Hope the writeup goes as well as it can … I’m almost there with mine, another month or 6 (shudder). I should do more of this – I just get to the water too horny to spend the time.

  Had that happen the other day, left home 2.5 hours late – primary destination was a mess – warm water algae low flows – poor fish. Arrived at secondary at least 3 hours later than usual – fished the first hour like a complete maniac i.e. badly … trouble with trees, leader stopper failing, companion was (seemingly) in my pocket – bad.  After about the 10th spooked fish I realised what the hell was going on slowed down, and started to enjoy myself … it began with a little stalking of fish for my companion.  We still did that usually 6 hour fish/walk, in three and a half hours – time enoguh left for some new water to be explored but that first section was ‘orrible. That’s why she’s a horse, eh?  My son fished to one like that in PA. the fish had put herself in an almost perfect spot.  He got in a lucky cast, the fish took and then broke him off in a twinkle.

  My nymph came unhitched from the horse almost immediately … Those are the ones that keep us coming back.

Oh yeah. Though now summer has set in fully I expect the lie will change as the water is getting uncomfortably warm. Steve (back to my Contusion)

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Steve (back to my Contusion)

you neglected to add, "Which one." – now that I’ve admitted to my feeble attempt to added to academic trivia – it’s your turn. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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Steve (back to my Contusion) you neglected to add, "Which one." – now that I’ve admitted to my feeble attempt to added to academic trivia – it’s your turn.

  If your academic research is half as good as your fishing research appears to be you’ll knock the socks off …anyway its the journey … the journey …that matters …  8^) Heading for PhD in Computer Science (or a complete NBD) – topic last I looked was Synthetic Images in particular mucking about with morphing. I know one thing … I took up flyfishing a year or two before starting the undergrad thing … it has definately kept me more or less sane over the intervening 9 years.  Fishing, thinking about it, recollections, and even the scribblings here from the more sentient beings that inhabit roff all help. Though I look forward to finishing, my mid-week forays into the forests of "Nophishe Valley" and "Watchemecrawlalong ck" will be severely curtailed by a return to full-time work … back to the evening rise and weekend fishing (which I haven’t done for probably 3-4 years!)  On the other hand I will have more shekels for trips and gear Steve

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Weird, wasn’t it?  When I saw it, I wondered just how many rocks he’d tossed in at that point. I have that video. The rock tossing works, BTW.

Yes it does.  Teeny gets a lot of flack from a lot of folks, but he’s a hell of a steelhead fisherman.  I rarely sight fish to steelhead in the rivers around here, but if I were unable to move a fish I could see and cast well to, I’d probably toss a rock or two myself. JR

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I’ve taken some time off to work finish my thesis (obviously not working on it right now) and I took a few minutes to watch the steelhead at Grindstone Creek.  This stretch of water is a fish sanctuary and it provides a superb view for migrating steelies. There is a small plunge pool downstream from a small rock face/chute of about 3′ high.  The water rushes through the chute into the pool, creating a white water plume about 20′ long and 5′ wide.  Unlike most days, the water was gin clear and afford an unobstructed view of the fish. Surprise No.1 – the holding fish were lying approximately 90 to 120 degrees off the current, under the plume.  Obviously, the plume creates eddies along the bottom and these fish had their heads pointed into the eddy current direction.  Most of the fish were angled slightly downstream.  One pair were snuggled up to the base of the rock wall, holding side-by-side, perpendicular to the rushing plume above their heads. Surprise No. 2 – well not really a surprise, just a confirmation – many of the fish were madly dashing about chasing each other at high speed.  Obviously not the slow metabolism, frozen fish syndrome we keep hearing about.  A fast presentation would have probably been effective on these fish. One other observation, some of the fish held just outside of the plume but none would venture very far from its cover.  Now this could be attributed to my presence but as I approached, I could see the fish clearly and the closest didn’t spook until I got very close.  I stood very still and within a minute or two, the fish ignored me and went back to their previous positions.  None of the fish were holding more than 3′ from the plume and even when they dash about, they rarely left its cover. These observations will certainly influence my next steelhead trip as I don’t think I’ll look at this type of water the same way again.  I had always been told that steelhead won’t hold in back eddies but these fish put the lie to that theory.  From now one, I’ll try to visualize the fish pointing in different directions depending on the current and not just the head-upstream we always assume. One effective nymphing presentation, anywhere eddies rotate from the rear of the plume to the front, would be to cast a nymph into the tailout and allow the nymph to be brought into the head of the plume by the eddie, plunge down the plume, then repeat.  I’ve caught carp here using this method when the regs permitted but never thought to use it for steelhead – that thing about steelies not holding pointing downstream.  Next time . . . No reason this wouldn’t be true for residents either. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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Question:

Good Morning to all,     I have been lerking in this room for about a month now. I really enjoy the information passed and the whit that is flung around the room. I decided to finally make myself known so that I may contribute (what little I do know)if the need arises.     I have been fishing for most of my life, but did not get into fly fishing until about 3 or 4 years ago. I tie, but not too well. Practice makes perfect though. Retired from the military and trying to make my way in the civilian sector. So far, so good. Maryland resident working with frank reid. He told me about this group. Thanks Frank!     Anyways, I look forward to reading more. Dan Mattice Sr.

If you REALLY want to see a bunch of fly fishing junkies, go on over to ROFF  (rec.outdoors.fishing.fly)   — A question is better debated and left unanswered than a question that is answered without debate. -Unknown

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Dan,    Just saw this and welcome to the group.  Flytying is a wonderful diversion for those who like to experience a wider range of fly fishing activity.  Now, get back to work.  ;-)           Frank

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Good Morning to all,      I have been lerking in this room for about a month now. I really enjoy the information passed and the whit that is flung around the room. I decided to finally make myself known so that I may contribute (what little I do know)if the need arises.      I have been fishing for most of my life, but did not get into fly fishing until about 3 or 4 years ago. I tie, but not too well. Practice makes perfect though. Retired from the military and trying to make my way in the civilian sector. So far, so good. Maryland resident working with frank reid. He told me about this group. Thanks Frank!      Anyways, I look forward to reading more. Dan Mattice Sr.

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Question:

But Tiger had to shoot 2 under (or so it seemed) for 4 holes on Friday to get paid for the week.  Guess who got it done.  The same guy who can’t find a fairway, can’t hit a wedge the right distance, can’t sink an 8 footer, and still gets it around the course under par for the week.  He’s not a winner this week but Tiger is the most determined SOB the sport has seen since Ben Hogan. Your logic is astounding.  Are you a democrat, by any chance? Greg

What has THAT got to do with anything? I’m about as Republican as you can get, and I’ll echo Joseph: Tiger is the most determined SOB the sport has seen since Ben Hogan. Most Republicans are smart enough to realize that Joseph’s point was this: that, despite the fact that Tiger had nowhere near his "A game" this week, he really gritted it out. When it was crunch time late in Friday’s round and he was in danger of missing the cut, he found a way to get the job done. Say, you’re not a Perotista, are you, Greg?  :-) Ray Pezzi

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it? I’d like to have seen Tiger on the last green – unfortuantely for him, Phil was 13 strokes better The point was that when Tiger has a chance to win, he usually converts. Winners find a way to win. Losers find a way to lose.

Yse, but first you have to have a chance to win.  My point is that Phil outplayed Tiger and yet somehow Phil is a loser.  Yes, Tiger has had big wins in the past, but this weekend he wasn’t even close to Phil.  Is Tiger a loser for the way he played this weekend or does he get special dispensation due to past victories?  People will say that Lowery played great golf and that Katayama played great golf but that a guy who was better than either of them played crappy golf, is a loser, etc.  Why is it superior to finish at -10 than at -14? They were not good enough to get that close to Toms so therefore they aren’t chokers – they are fine golfers. Let me get this straight – Phil Mickelson is a much better golfer than anybody else and whenever he loses it is because he chokes.  He could have kicked Tiger’s butt in the Masters but he choked.  Tiger is not capable of  outplaying Mickelson, its just that Mickelson cannot summon up his superior talent because he doesn’t have the killer instinct.  Is this what we are supposed to believe? Tiger missed a short put on the back nine in the Masters.  Question:  was that a choke?  Toms missed two short put on Sunday – were they chokes?  Nobody is willing to say it at the time it is made.  Once the tournament is over it is obvious – no, they weren’t chokes because the guy who missed the put won the tournament.  Had he lost, they might then have said that it was a choke.  Lovely standard – let’s wait for the final score and then we will look back at each mishap and refer to it as a choke if it happened to the loser and an obstacle from which the winner battled back heroically.  Phil has 19 victories but everybody harps about the lack of a major.  How does he keep from choking in those tournaments?  I know, they aren’t majors and so they don’t count.  Even if he beats many of the same golfers (including Tiger) he still sucks.  Let’s face it – if Phil had shot a 59 and Toms shot a 60 people would still call Phil a choker because he didn’t win. Maybe he and Monty will get in a playoff in a major then someone will have to win and no matter what happens the loser will be called a choker. (don’t laugh – the Oakland Raiders and the Minnesota Vikings went to a Super Bowl with both of them having the reputation of not being able to win the big one).

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In that case, given Woods’ current level of play, I believe that Woods would have missed the putt. If Woods was playing up to his best level, he may have made the putt. However, we’ll never know, will we? You are probably asking whether it is Tiger or Phil who has more of a killer instinct. If that’s the case, then why don’t you simply find the right words? There is no need to be sarcastic towards me. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No, my question was what would’ve happened had Tiger been there in Phil’s place.  The fact that Tiger wasn’t there is obvious and irrelevant. If I ask you if you think you could make a 2-foot putt to win The Masters, it makes no sense to answer, "But I’d never have a 2-foot putt to win The Masters." Look up "hypothetical."

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Tiger would have hit the ball closer to the hole from the fairway. That’s the difference between the guy who’s won every major and the guy who hasn’t won one yet but still doesn’t want to be hitting 4 from the other side of the water.  The fact that Phil didn’t hit his approach 6 feet from the hole is the best evidence yet that his mindset has started to change.  Unfortunately he needed the old Phil for that one last full swing today.   -joseph – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it? Neither – goes long, but makes the 4 footer coming back.

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But Tiger had to shoot 2 under (or so it seemed) for 4 holes on Friday to get paid for the week.  Guess who got it done.  The same guy who can’t find a fairway, can’t hit a wedge the right distance, can’t sink an 8 footer, and still gets it around the course under par for the week.  He’s not a winner this week but Tiger is the most determined SOB the sport has seen since Ben Hogan.

Your logic is astounding.  Are you a democrat, by any chance? Greg

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Tiger would have put his second shot to within 3 feet. He then would have missed the bird as is his current norm. Before being dumped by women twice in succession he woulda had a better shot.

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I tell ya, it’s in the eyes.  It’s in the mind.  When Tiger is in position to win, and he needs that 30 footer to win, you can see it in his eyes.  You wouldn’t bet against him.  He *knows* its going in.  Call it focus.  Call it determination.  Call it "brining it up a level".  It’s when its all on the line – he *has* no doubts.  *If* he fails, he’s pissed – at himself, at the golf gods.  It would never enter his mind that he might end up in 2nd place. Not that hang-dog defeated "not again" look. Tiger hasn’t had that look in his eyes this year.  The fact that he’s one of the best golfers to ever live has allowed him to win a few, even a major – without that in-the-zone focus for 4 days.  Maybe it’s burn out from last year, or the media hype, or distraction from his million dollar other interests, or fly fishing with Mark.  Or maybe its his plan to just play bad enough to undo the hype for a while… who knows.  But *that* Tiger, the one who stares it down, hasn’t been on the course much. Phil on the other hand, always has that "please God" look when he’s up against it.  I know that look.  I live that look on the course (of course without the raw talent that Phil *does* have). – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it? I’d like to have seen Tiger on the last green – unfortuantely for him, Phil was 13 strokes better The point was that when Tiger has a chance to win, he usually converts. Winners find a way to win. Losers find a way to lose.

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it? Tiger would’ve made the put on 16 so he would never have gotten in the situation, but saying he didn’t… nothing but the bottom of the cup.

He sure the hell wouldn’t have left that 7-iron 45 feet short on 16 !! And if he had, he wouldn’t have listened to some drunken idiots telling him it was slow coming up the slope….. Annika, was that you ???

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The point was that when Tiger has a chance to win, he usually converts.

Three 3-putts on the first day of a PGA tourney and you find it hard to have any chance to be around on the weekend.  From what I saw of him on Thursday, you could have putted better than Tiger. Also remember that Tiger is quite tough on one-to-one battles when he gets in position.  Remember those USGA titles and last year’s PGA. Winners find a way to win. Losers find a way to lose.

Looks like Phil beat a long list of guys and lost to one.  To me the bottom line is that Duval (and I expect Phil) thought that 16 under would win.  Phil left two strokes out on the course he got the other days – perhaps the course harden up a little. Cheers, Mike

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I agree that visually, Tiger seems to have  more "killer instinct" compared to Phil (and I’d bet money that this is true). However, it’s hard to believe that Phil really thinks in the manner you describe below (but I understand what you are saying based on his facial expressions). I doubt that Phil would not have gotten as far as he has w/o a very strong desire to win. That said, what do I or anyone of us here know. Only Mickelson knows. No matter what we think about this subject, the best arbiter will be the test of time. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I tell ya, it’s in the eyes.  It’s in the mind.  When Tiger is in position to win, and he needs that 30 footer to win, you can see it in his eyes. You wouldn’t bet against him.  He *knows* its going in.  Call it focus.  Call it determination.  Call it "brining it up a level".  It’s when its all on the line – he *has* no doubts.  *If* he fails, he’s pissed – at himself, at the golf gods.  It would never enter his mind that he might end up in 2nd place. Not that hang-dog defeated "not again" look. Tiger hasn’t had that look in his eyes this year.  The fact that he’s one of the best golfers to ever live has allowed him to win a few, even a major – without that in-the-zone focus for 4 days.  Maybe it’s burn out from last year, or the media hype, or distraction from his million dollar other interests, or fly fishing with Mark.  Or maybe its his plan to just play bad enough to undo the hype for a while… who knows.  But *that* Tiger, the one who stares it down, hasn’t been on the course much. Phil on the other hand, always has that "please God" look when he’s up against it.  I know that look.  I live that look on the course (of course without the raw talent that Phil *does* have).

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By your definition, Tiger is a loser? I disagree. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Winners find a way to win. Losers find a way to lose.

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But Tiger had to shoot 2 under (or so it seemed) for 4 holes on Friday to get paid for the week.  Guess who got it done.  The same guy who can’t find a fairway, can’t hit a wedge the right distance, can’t sink an 8 footer, and still gets it around the course under par for the week.  He’s not a winner this week but Tiger is the most determined SOB the sport has seen since Ben Hogan.   -joseph – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it? But Tiger WASN’T in his place.

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it?

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it?

But Tiger WASN’T in his place.

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it?

Tiger would’ve made the put on 16 so he would never have gotten in the situation, but saying he didn’t… nothing but the bottom of the cup.

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it?

I’d like to have seen Tiger on the last green – unfortuantely for him, Phil was 13 strokes better

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it?

Or put a putting machine in either of their places and let it make the putt once.  Don’t change anything and see if it goes in again. Joseph

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it? But Tiger WASN’T in his place.

No shit.

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it? I’d like to have seen Tiger on the last green – unfortuantely for him, Phil was 13 strokes better

The point was that when Tiger has a chance to win, he usually converts. Winners find a way to win. Losers find a way to lose.

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it?

Neither – goes long, but makes the 4 footer coming back.

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: Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. : Does he come up short or does he make it? He comes up short, probably, from there. The difference is that Tiger would have snuggled that approach closer. cb

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The way Tiger has played lately…….he misses too, but gets an angry look on his face like it was his caddies fault that he missed it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. : Does he come up short or does he make it? He comes up short, probably, from there. The difference is that Tiger would have snuggled that approach closer. cb

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Put Tiger on the last green in Phil’s place. Does he come up short or does he make it? I’d like to have seen Tiger on the last green – unfortuantely for him, Phil was 13 strokes better The point was that when Tiger has a chance to win, he usually converts. Winners find a way to win. Losers find a way to lose.

Winners find a way to be playing at the last hole when they CAN win.  Losers watch on TV.

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But Tiger WASN’T in his place. No sh**. "Annika", you’ve answered your own question.

No, my question was what would’ve happened had Tiger been there in Phil’s place.  The fact that Tiger wasn’t there is obvious and irrelevant. If I ask you if you think you could make a 2-foot putt to win The Masters, it makes no sense to answer, "But I’d never have a 2-foot putt to win The Masters." Look up "hypothetical."

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"Annika", you’ve answered your own question. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – But Tiger WASN’T in his place. No sh**.

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Question:

Frank;   I think you missed my e-mail as well. You must have a full batch of e-mails at home in a seperate folder. I’m in for an Orange/Gold/Brown Clouser Deep Minnow/Crawdad. Let us know how many we need to tie up–and a Postal address for you. Thanks for being the swapmeister.   Dave M

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Stan, don’t know what happened but I have yet to receive your post, and as well Bob Weinberger, Jamie Heim and Mike Connor.  Rest assured gentlemen, you are all on the list now.  Also, Chris Cook your name has been duly changed. Perhaps we can use roff and rofft as backup communication if the event this happens again.  Thank you all, an update to follow. Frank Church – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Frank: Did you miss my e-mail?  I sent you a message not 5 minutes after you posted the start of the swap…  Even put "FLYSWAP" in the subject like you asked? I signed up to do a dragonfly nymph, and my 14 year old son, Steve, signed up to do a Prince nymph. –Stan OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

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Add my name to the list of missed e-mails. Actually, I sent two. I would like to do an olive mountain midge. Tim Lysyk – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Stan, don’t know what happened but I have yet to receive your post, and as well Bob Weinberger, Jamie Heim and Mike Connor.  Rest assured gentlemen, you are all on the list now.  Also, Chris Cook your name has been duly changed. Perhaps we can use roff and rofft as backup communication if the event this happens again.  Thank you all, an update to follow. Frank Church Frank: Did you miss my e-mail?  I sent you a message not 5 minutes after you posted the start of the swap…  Even put "FLYSWAP" in the subject like you asked? I signed up to do a dragonfly nymph, and my 14 year old son, Steve, signed up to do a Prince nymph. –Stan OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

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Stan, don’t know what happened but I have yet to receive your post, and as well Bob Weinberger, Jamie Heim and Mike Connor.  Rest assured gentlemen, you are all on the list now.  Also, Chris Cook your name has been duly changed. Perhaps we can use roff and rofft as backup communication if the event this happens again.  Thank you all, an update to follow. Frank Church

and mine? Peter

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Me three, Since his news reader seems to be better than his Email I Replied to this post. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Me too, apparently you missed mine as well. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de Frank: Did you miss my e-mail?  I sent you a message not 5 minutes after you posted the start of the swap…  Even put "FLYSWAP" in the subject like you asked? I signed up to do a dragonfly nymph, and my 14 year old son, Steve, signed up to do a Prince nymph. –Stan OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

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Frank, TBD is a technical term that roughly translates into "I haven’t a F(*&ing Clue what I’m going to tie – but I’ll tie something and I’ll try not to be the last one to submit my entries" Paul (to be determined)

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That must be the famous Thorax Bodied Dunn.  I’m thinking of making it my first attempt at tying.  I’ll have to substitute a plastic Brillo pad for the Adelusian Grosebeak Hackle but it should work! — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine! Alright Paul, you’re in for a TBD fly.  What’s a TBD fly, or am I gonna be sorry for asking? Frank C.

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Orange/Gold/Brown Clouser Deep Minnow/Crawdad

And the fly is easier to tie than pronounce?

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Stan;   Yeah–not only easier to tie than pronounce–but works like a charm for both Browns–for you Adipose fin fanatics–and Smallmouths for those of you of the cool/warmwater persuasion.   Dave

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Stan, don’t know what happened but I have yet to receive your post, and as well Bob Weinberger, Jamie Heim and Mike Connor.  Rest assured gentlemen, you are all on the list now.  Also, Chris Cook your name has been duly changed. Perhaps we can use roff and rofft as backup communication if the event this happens again.  Thank you all, an update to follow. Frank Church Frank: Did you miss my e-mail?  I sent you a message not 5 minutes after you posted the start of the swap…  Even put "FLYSWAP" in the subject like you asked? I signed up to do a dragonfly nymph, and my 14 year old son, Steve, signed up to do a Prince nymph. –Stan OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

_____  How many does one tie of a pattern, by the way Frank? — (C) George Gehrke 2001 http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html     fine bamboo flyrods & blanks

Response:

OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

uh…..anybody got a pattern for a Miller dry?  Where can I get a white magic marker?? Will whiteout work? — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

….uh, Wayne ol buddy, have you considered having Dianna tie the flies?  I hear wimmin have a natural propensity for doing close-in highly detailed work. Frank (jest trying to help) Church – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – uh…..anybody got a pattern for a Miller dry?  Where can I get a white magic marker?? Will whiteout work? — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine! OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

Frank Church writes: OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Frank, put me down for a Bottom Dweller Caddis Worm.  <g Dave LaCourse Pirate and Bottom Dweller

Response:

Frank, Put me down for a TBD fly. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

Okey dokie Dave, you’re down for a BDCW! Frank

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Frank Church writes: OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly Frank, put me down for a Bottom Dweller Caddis Worm.  <g Dave LaCourse Pirate and Bottom Dweller

Response:

Alright Paul, you’re in for a TBD fly.  What’s a TBD fly, or am I gonna be sorry for asking? Frank C.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Frank, Put me down for a TBD fly. Paul OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

That must be the famous Thorax Bodied Dunn.  I’m thinking of making it my first attempt at tying.  I’ll have to substitute a plastic Brillo pad for the Adelusian Grosebeak Hackle but it should work! — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Alright Paul, you’re in for a TBD fly.  What’s a TBD fly, or am I gonna be sorry for asking? Frank C.

Response:

Frank: Did you miss my e-mail?  I sent you a message not 5 minutes after you posted the start of the swap…  Even put "FLYSWAP" in the subject like you asked? I signed up to do a dragonfly nymph, and my 14 year old son, Steve, signed up to do a Prince nymph. –Stan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

Frank, please could you change the name I am under (Richard Cook) to Chris Cook? That is my name but we had to register the e-mail address as Richard. Anyway, the pattern I will by tying for the fly swap will be a goldhead sawyers nymph. As long as this suits everyone I will get tying straight away! Happy new year to you all Regards Chris Cook

Response:

Frank, Like Stan, I also sent you an email right after you announced. I signed up to do a size 16 Biot & CDC Caddis.  Bob Weinberger

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

Frank,     Like the other two gents you seem to have missed my e-mail as well. I repiled shortly after your post went up. Anyhow, sign me up for a Mickey Finn (the greatest streamer of all time). I’ll include to more special flies for you to cover the Canadian postage. — Regards, Jamie  8^) http://clik.to/flyfish

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Frank, Like Stan, I also sent you an email right after you announced. I signed up to do a size 16 Biot & CDC Caddis.  Bob Weinberger OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

You tie as many as there are total swappers, minus one, unless you want one of your own flies sent back to you. Old Gray Swapmeister Stan, don’t know what happened but I have yet to receive your post, and as well Bob Weinberger, Jamie Heim and Mike Connor.  Rest assured gentlemen, you are all on the list now.  Also, Chris Cook your name has been duly changed. Perhaps we can use roff and rofft as backup communication if the event this happens again.  Thank you all, an update to follow. Frank Church

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Frank: Did you miss my e-mail?  I sent you a message not 5 minutes after you posted the start of the swap…  Even put "FLYSWAP" in the subject like you asked? I signed up to do a dragonfly nymph, and my 14 year old son, Steve, signed up to do a Prince nymph. –Stan OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly _____  How many does one tie of a pattern, by the way Frank? — (C) George Gehrke 2001 http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html    fine bamboo flyrods & blanks

Response:

My apologies Frank, and other swappers. I withdraw from the swap. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

Mike Connor writes: My apologies Frank, and other swappers. I withdraw from the swap.

I understand.  I’ve been thinking the same. Dave

Response:

Me too, apparently you missed mine as well. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Frank: Did you miss my e-mail?  I sent you a message not 5 minutes after you posted the start of the swap…  Even put "FLYSWAP" in the subject like you asked? I signed up to do a dragonfly nymph, and my 14 year old son, Steve, signed up to do a Prince nymph. –Stan OK would-be flyswappers, here’s the first update for the 2nd Annual Great Frank Church……. RabbitStrip Flasher Bob Beardall……. "Queen of the Water" dry fly

Response:

Question:

A friend/client, has fished in many parts of the world, without booking through outfitters. Is there any way this can be done in Alaska. He is prepared to hire a guide, at least for a while, possibly the whole trip, and we would appreciate any advice on an alternative to being based at a lodge. Private responses are welcome. Many thanks Del

Response:

A friend/client, has fished in many parts of the world, without booking through outfitters. Is there any way this can be done in Alaska. He is prepared to hire a guide, at least for a while, possibly the whole trip, and we would appreciate any advice on an alternative to being based at a lodge. Private responses are welcome. Many thanks Del

Sure, it’s easy.  Long as you’re not scared of bears and are comfortable with backwoods camping and rafting.  Lot’s of people arrange their own float trips, and there is a thriving business in Alaska around doing that.  You have to be an independent sort, but it is NOT hard.   Try contacting Alaska Bush Carriers in Anchorage, or Fresh Water Adventures in Dillingham.  ABC flies to the Talachulitna, Mulchatna, Chilikadrotna, Deshka, and Lake Creek.  FWA does the Togiak, Goodnews, Kanektok, and others.  Both can help you with rafts, or you can get rafts from Wild Alaska Rivers in Anchorage, and air frieght them to point of need. You can do the Tal for about $500/man, and the Goodnews for about $800/man, not counting airfare.  ABC can rent you a tent and camping gear package as well as the rafts.   Camp Bendeleben, out of Nome, is an interesting trek outside of rainbow trout country, and is on the edge of the known planet.  GREAT silver salmon and char fishing in late august.   I’ve used both of these outfits, and like them.  Using a different outfit to go to the Alagnak this summer, will see how they do.   I recommend that you get the book, ALaska Fly Fishing, by Tony Route, to get you grounded in what kind of tackle you need.  All the gear you need can be gotten in Anchorage if you have a couple of hours between flights.  Try Mountain View Sports, or McAfee’s Fly Shop. Feel free to write if this isn’t enough to get you going.   — Andrew Brunette

Response:

Have you considered Arctic char fishing in Canada’s High Arctic?  The Cdn $ (the loonie) is way down so prices are currently a bargin in US $. There are three options out of Pond Inlet on northern Baffin Island:  1. An Inuit guide/outfitter can drop you off at a fishing spot for a few days and pick you up later.  2. The guide can stay with you and you can try different fishing spots, and enjoy the specatular scenery, mountains, fiords, glaciers, caribou, whales, etc.  3. Or try the lodge in Kuluktoo Bay (most expensive). Up to 6 fishers can share a boat so a small group is most economical. Tununiq Travel and Adventure can put it together for you.  As a tour operator, they can access the lowest published airfares for you out of Montreal or Ottawa. Pond Inlet is well north of the Arctic Circle so you have lots of day light to work with in August.  The ice usually goes out in late July/early August, and after that you can travel by boat. The char are along the shores of the fiords and near the mouths of river until late August. Last year some lucky fishers were throwing back the 15 lbers and keeping the 19 lbers. For more information visit the web site:  www.tununiq.com General descriptions of Fishing adventures are on the Tununiq Adventures page, but check out the other pages for background information (e.g., the Wildlife and Climate pages via the Our Natural World page). Is you want some booking information send and email to Mike Ferguson – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A friend/client, has fished in many parts of the world, without booking through outfitters. Is there any way this can be done in Alaska. He is prepared to hire a guide, at least for a while, possibly the whole trip, and we would appreciate any advice on an alternative to being based at a lodge. Private responses are welcome. Many thanks Del Sure, it’s easy.  Long as you’re not scared of bears and are comfortable with backwoods camping and rafting.  Lot’s of people arrange their own float trips, and there is a thriving business in Alaska around doing that.  You have to be an independent sort, but it is NOT hard. Try contacting Alaska Bush Carriers in Anchorage, or Fresh Water Adventures in Dillingham.  ABC flies to the Talachulitna, Mulchatna, Chilikadrotna, Deshka, and Lake Creek.  FWA does the Togiak, Goodnews, Kanektok, and others.  Both can help you with rafts, or you can get rafts from Wild Alaska Rivers in Anchorage, and air frieght them to point of need. You can do the Tal for about $500/man, and the Goodnews for about $800/man, not counting airfare.  ABC can rent you a tent and camping gear package as well as the rafts. Camp Bendeleben, out of Nome, is an interesting trek outside of rainbow trout country, and is on the edge of the known planet.  GREAT silver salmon and char fishing in late august. I’ve used both of these outfits, and like them.  Using a different outfit to go to the Alagnak this summer, will see how they do. I recommend that you get the book, ALaska Fly Fishing, by Tony Route, to get you grounded in what kind of tackle you need.  All the gear you need can be gotten in Anchorage if you have a couple of hours between flights.  Try Mountain View Sports, or McAfee’s Fly Shop. Feel free to write if this isn’t enough to get you going. — Andrew Brunette

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Dear All, I am considering a move to albany new york.  Aside fromit being incredibly cold for a good part of the year, i know nothing about the outdoor possibilities there.  I do like to fish a lot, and did so quite regularly in north carolina mountains while in grad school. can someone tell me please, what the fly fishing is like up in the albany area ( ad I am considerein driving as much as 3-4 hours if need be from the area to fish, that is what i did in nc). any advice, or ideas on books to look at, would be helpful. many many many thanks to al, edwin aguilar Considering that Albany gives you tremendous access to Vermont, Lake Champlain, and the Catskills (about 2 hrs. south), you’ll probably not have enough time to get to it all!

"You not only want to be considered the best at what you do. You want to be the only one who does what you do." Jerry Garcia

Response:

can someone tell me please, what the fly fishing is like up in the albany area ( ad I am considerein driving as much as 3-4 hours if need be from the area to fish, that is what i did in nc).

Within that range you have your choice of: — Catskill Mts. (trout) — Adirondack Mts. (trout) — Finger Lakes (bass and some trout) — Lakes Ontario and Champlain (salmon, walleye, lake trout.) — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

I live about 1hr south of Albany and there are great fishing opportunities in literally every direction.  Some are literally right in your backyard like the upper end of Schoharie Creek, Schenevus Creek (about 40minutes South on I-88) and Charlotte Creek a little further down the road. There are also alot of "Blue Ribbon" streams within comfortable driving distance in the Adirondacks, Vermont and Catskills. Some good reference books I got alot of use from are "Good Fishing in the Catskills" and "Good Fishing in the Adirondacks"  not sure of the authors but if your interested just shoot me an e-mail and I’ll be glad to forward the Author and ISBN#’s. Good Fishing C. Segina

Response:

The auther of those books is Jim Capposela. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I live about 1hr south of Albany and there are great fishing opportunities in literally every direction.  Some are literally right in your backyard like the upper end of Schoharie Creek, Schenevus Creek (about 40minutes South on I-88) and Charlotte Creek a little further down the road. There are also alot of "Blue Ribbon" streams within comfortable driving distance in the Adirondacks, Vermont and Catskills. Some good reference books I got alot of use from are "Good Fishing in the Catskills" and "Good Fishing in the Adirondacks"  not sure of the authors but if your interested just shoot me an e-mail and I’ll be glad to forward the Author and ISBN#’s. Good Fishing C. Segina

Response:

Dear All, I am considering a move to albany new york.  Aside fromit being incredibly cold for a good part of the year, i know nothing about the outdoor possibilities there.  I do like to fish a lot, and did so quite regularly in north carolina mountains while in grad school. can someone tell me please, what the fly fishing is like up in the albany area ( ad I am considerein driving as much as 3-4 hours if need be from the area to fish, that is what i did in nc). any advice, or ideas on books to look at, would be helpful. many many many thanks to al, edwin aguilar

Response:

Question:

I have fished with many Orvis endorsed guides and guides who weren’t Orvis endorsed and I will take the Orvis guides any day. Not only did I have a better time and was treated better but I also was well fed.  I don’t know about anyone else but I don’t like slob guides and ones with attitudes.  One comes to mind with an attitude and that was Charlie Weaver at gates Ausable Lodge.  I don’t like a guide or anyone else telling me I suck at fly fishing or anything else for that matter. Iv’e been at this for to many years and have caught more trout than I can even hope to remember.  I have fished with Crystal Creek Guides ,Johnson’s Guides,Grey drake lodge and on and on.  Stick with the Orvis Guides and at least if something is not up to snuff you can call someone and voice your opinion with other guides you might as well spit in the wind. ilkie my guides to be well groomed and not smell like an old goat.

Response:

Good fly fishermen don’t need guides, aren’t too concerned about the food, and usually don’t smell so sweet. Ernie Harrison

Response:

Ernie, I have to take exception to your post. I too have fished with guides and without them, and if you are going to new water and have limited vacation time, the cost of a good guide is well worth the money. And when you are paying good money, you have a right to good, professional treatment. Having said that, the challenge of learning your ‘home water’  is a lifelong occupation best shared with a friend or loved one, not a guide. Ray FlyFisherRay

Response:

Good fly fishermen don’t need guides, aren’t too concerned about the food, and usually don’t smell so sweet. Ernie Harrison

Go out on the saltwater flats and pole your butt around all day and then say you don’t need a guide. It’s for sure you won’t smell too sweet<g. — Charlie…

Response:

Ernie, I have to take exception to your post. I too have fished with guides and without them, and if you are going to new water and have limited vacation time, the cost of a good guide is well worth the money. FlyFisherRay

I did not say a guide is not worth the money or should not be professional.  I personally enjoy the challenge of finding out what works on new waters by myself.  Floating down a river with a guide who tells me what and where to cast is not my idea of fun.  I do not have to catch a lot of big to enjoy myself.   Ernie Harrison  

Response:

Question:

After many years of using FF equipment, I thought that I understood the meaning of value but with prices today being what they are, I’m not sure anymore. I have fished with bamboo and glass and of course now the ubiquitous graphite! I have always held that each man has the duty to select and own the very best equipment he can afford, but somewhere along the line of reason, the meaning of the word value has lost it’s punch. I know that perhaps, one’s ability to feel good about their equipment is an important issue to some and there is of course the snob appeal of ownership that somehow owning the most expensive equipment somehow also creates a better fisherman. Sadly, this is of course not true and most of us who ply the water in search of our outdoor pleasure has found the the type of who I speak. Conversely I seem to run into many more fishermen who are satisfied to use off the shelf equipment as long as it does the job. Now I have not made these comments as a discourse on the merits of one type of person versus the other, but rather to put some meaning into how a person can select the very best in value from the present tremendous spectrum of available graphite rods. I know that there is a rating system for the graphite used in a rod, but the explaination of this tidbit seems to be lost in the hype of fit and finish and word paintings of the fish one can expect to catch. Of course fit and finish should be taken into consideration, but it also must have some limitation brought on by value! I guess the point I am leading to is how can you select a piece of equipment and be satisfied with the relationship between value and quality. I’m not looking for any My granddaddy use to say that the value of anything was more a product of what you thought something was worth than anything else. I suspect that this comes as close to being right as anything. Of course he was living in the late 1800s and we all know about the days when the value of a dollar was a good deal more than it is today. If you consider the value spread between a rod costing $79.00 vs one which cost $1,100.00, somewhere in between, there has to be a value where cost versus quality meet. At what point on the curve does cost outsrip value and value begin to take a beating? I’d be interested in hearing from anyone who would care to join in on this topic. I know that there are more fishermen out there using the under $100.00 rod and reel combinations than those who sport the $500.00 tickets! Your thoughts? —  

Question:

Greetings    Feeling like I just walked into the middle of a messy divorce in this news group I would like to request some practical info.  Having purchased a cheapo blank and the necessary accessories for building it I am now wondering how exactly to find the "spine".      Secondly, and less specific, is the art (other than the fancy wraps and naugahyde reel seat) of building a "TRUE" rod in the location of the spine or some other mystical skill I don’t know of.  To be honest building up a blank seems to be a very simple process that can save some cash.  This makes feel like I’m missing something.? Thanks in advance for your help dan

Response:

says… Greetings   Feeling like I just walked into the middle of a messy divorce in this news group I would like to request some practical info.  Having purchased a cheapo blank and the necessary accessories for building it I am now wondering how exactly to find the "spine".     Secondly, and less specific, is the art (other than the fancy wraps and naugahyde reel seat) of building a "TRUE" rod in the location of the spine or some other mystical skill I don’t know of.  To be honest building up a blank seems to be a very simple process that can save some cash.  This makes feel like I’m missing something.? Thanks in advance for your help dan

Building a rod is a bunch of little details all added together to make one good casting fly rod. Locating the spine is one of those details that will make your rod cast efficiently. Locate www site ‘fishdoc.com’ they have one of the best explainations on spine that I have seen, and lots of other good tips as well. Dennis Grant Atlantic Fly Fishing School Brookfield Nova Scotia

Response:

I simply roll the blank against a smooth hard surface like a table, and feel where resistance increases.  That marks the spine.  Finding the spine leads to another question:  should you align your rod so the spine is on the side of the rod with the guides, or the opposite side?  Do you want the stiffness to help with your forward cast, or with picking your line off the water?  Although I’ve always aligned my in the forward direction, I’ve heard others suggest the opposite. Steve Hubbard

Response:

Question:

Ten Tips for Beginning Fly Fishers* x xBy Clay Riness x x1.  Don’t take yourself too seriously…it’s supposed to be fun. You don’t have to have the mind of Einstein and the hand-eye coordination of Stefan Edberg to enjoy fly fishing–as much of the contemporary literature seems to suggest. True, catching wary trout can be difficult. But learning to have fun with a flyrod is not difficult at all. x x2.  Seek a mentor. All kinds of fly fishing instruction is available: books, videos, schools, clinics, ad infinitum. Each has its place, but nothing compares to what you learn standing at the side of a veteran angler. The friendship you develop is very special, too. x x3.  Quit thinking of fly fishing solely in terms of trout. All fish are fun on a flyrod! Bass,bluegills, crappies, northern pike, even carp- go forth and figure out how to hook them. x x4. Choose your tackle wisely. Forget about buying an "entry level" rod, reel and line. You’ll blame yourself for its lack of performance, and it won’t have any resale value. Check around; try different rods; ask your mentor’s advice. x x5. Join fishing-related organizations and clubs.  You’ll meet people who share your interests, and who are willing to share their expertise as well. Plus, you’ll be contributing to the protection of the resource. x x6. Learn to cast on grass, not water. use your yard, or a local park (or even a gymnasium, if one’s available). This way, you can concentrate strictly on developing and improving your casting, without having to worry about anything else. The flyrod can be a tool of great precision; you’ll catch a zillion more fish in the long run by knowing how to use that tool before you face your quarry. Besides, if you can’t get your fly to the fish, you can’t fish. x x7. Take up a little basic  fly tying. Losing flies is much easier when it’s a ratty old thing you tied for eight cents, instead of a two dollar bit of fluff with an intimidating name. Catching fish on your home-tied creation is a lot more fun, too. And if you keep at it, you’ll eventually be able to tie fancy bits of fluff with intimidating names. x x8. Get free catalogues. You can learn all incredible amount about fly fishing by studying the wishbooks that cater to it. You’ll also get an idea of what’s out there in the way of tackle. x x9. Keep a notebook of your experiences. Keeping a journal affords you the luxury of reliving your adventures in your own words. You will also be able to process this information over the seasons, and learn from it. x x10.  Go Fishing! x xClay Riness is the proprietor of Rocking Trout Spring Creek Fishing Service in Coon Valley, Wisconsin. x x x*Story from the FFF Story File x x

Response:

Ten Tips for Beginning Fly Fishers* x x6. Learn to cast on grass, not water. use your yard, or a local park (or even a gymnasium, if one’s available). This way, you can concentrate strictly on developing and improving your casting, without having to worry about anything else.

I agree to a point.  Picking up your line before the back cast is an important aspect and the feel of the line coming off the water is different than coming off of grass.   x x7. Take up a little basic  fly tying. Losing flies is much easier when it’s a ratty old thing you tied for eight cents, instead of a two dollar bit of fluff with an intimidating name. Catching fish on your home-tied creation is a lot more fun, too. And if you keep at it, you’ll eventually be able to tie fancy bits of fluff with intimidating names.

More importantly, I think fly tying makes you much more aware of the insects that you are trying to immitate and the various stages.  You’re not just fishing with a fancy bit of fluff with an intimidating name but a representation of a real insect. — John Fereira Pleasanton, CA

Response: