Question:

i have been fly fishing for a few years but have never really used buzzers!! i live in scotland uk and i would like any help on how to fish and use buzzers

Response:

i have been fly fishing for a few years but have never really used buzzers!! i live in scotland uk and i would like any help on how to fish and use buzzers

Buzzers are usually called midges or chironomids on this side of the pond, so doing this google search will turn up more information than you can possible need: http://www.google.com/search?q=flyfishing+buzzers+OR+chironomids Kevin

Response:

Nick Reeves writes: i have been fly fishing for a few years but have never really used buzzers!! i live in scotland uk and i would like any help on how to fish and use buzzers

If I remember correctly, your "buzzers" are our chironomids.  See this site: http://www.fineflies.com/Articles/chrinomid_technique.htm Dave

Response:

i have been fly fishing for a few years but have never really used buzzers!! i live in scotland uk and i would like any help on how to fish and use buzzers

some of the best information on fishing buzzers (or chironomids) can be found in the writings of brian chan of british columbia.  i’m sure an internet search about chironomid lake fishing in the western us and british columbia will lead to many excellent suggestions if finding the lake fishing books is difficult in scotland. i’m not a lake fisherman myself, so i don’t have the titles of books on the top of my head, but checking with amazon would probably give you the titles. chris

Response:

i have been fly fishing for a few years but have never really used buzzers!! i live in scotland uk and i would like any help on how to fish and use buzzers

    not a chance, bub.  unethical. your friend in the old north state wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

i have been fly fishing for a few years but have never really used buzzers!! i live in scotland uk and i would like any help on how to fish and use buzzers

Here is the list of pages that I have book marked: www.guidebc.com/flypatterns.html – scroll down to Chironomid patterns http://www.coastnet.com/~rpike/nov00.htm http://www.flyfishusa.com/flies/midges.htm http://www.sci.ouc.bc.ca/fwsc/iwalker/intpanis/ http://www.fishbc.com/adventure/angling/protalk/rowley/sinking.phtml http://www.sportfishingbc.com/fishing/flyfishing_midges.htm http://www.science.mcmaster.ca/Biology/Harbour/SPECIES/CHIRONO/HOME.html http://www.flyfisherbc.com/chironomidpatterns.html http://www.flyshop.com/bench/features/06-01Midges/frames.html http://www.telusplanet.net/public/cnangler/html/fom9798.htm#fom3 http://www.oppub.com/bcfroa/03fish/03methods.html http://www.fishbc.com/adventure/angling/protalk/chan/confession.phtml http://www.fineflies.com/Articles/chrinomid_technique.htm http://www.bcadventure.com/adventure/angling/bugs/chironomid/chironomid. phtml http://www.fishbc.com/adventure/angling/flies/chironomid/larva.phtml http://www.virtualflybox.com/swaps/chir.html http://www.fishing-in-wales.com/wildlife/insects/diptera/buzzer1.htm http://members.attcanada.ca/~aelliott/chironomid.html Some of these links are articles that describe methods, habitat, etc and others contain fly patterns.  Some of these have both.  Hope they help. — Warren www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

Response:

For a simple start: Take a dry fly that floats well and you think will catch fish.  Tie a length of appropriate size tipet for the size of the midge to the bend of the dry fly hook with an improved cinch knot.  Tie the midge so it trails about 10 inches (26 cm if Scotland is metric) in back of the dry fly.  Fish the dry fly.  Consider the dry fly both a lure and a bobber ( pardon me -"Strike Indicator"). Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i have been fly fishing for a few years but have never really used buzzers!! i live in scotland uk and i would like any help on how to fish and use buzzers

Response:

Question:

Can anyone tell me anything about flyfishing in Chincoteague? Guides? Fish running in August? Places to fish? Rent boats? — Steven Locke Spam control: remove the 8 to e-mail

Response:

Can anyone tell me anything about flyfishing in Chincoteague? Guides? Fish running in August? Places to fish? Rent boats?

Best thing I can offer is a maybe.   I know that Kevin Johansen is well regarded as a guide on the lower Chesapeake, but I don’t know if he goes over to Chincoteague.   I don’t have his number handy, but if you don’t get any better leads, let me know & I’ll dig it up. Joe F.

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello All, <snip Hello Warren.  I’m a relative newcomer to ROFF myself, having first set foot here about three months ago.  Since then I have been badly beaten up only once, though every once in a while I still get an unexpected slap in the back of the head.  I consider this a small price to pay for the education and entertainment I get here. Welcome aboard.

Nonsense !!! You have been here forever, just like the meniscus ))) ( Slap, Slap ! ) Is it really only three months ?  You seem like one of the old crowd somehow, you fit in so well. TL MC

Response:

Is it really only three months ?

Um…not sure Mike.  I was just guessing….something I would never do in a more serious thread where, as you well know, I always come armed with TRUTH and LIGHT!

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Um…not sure Mike.  I was just guessing….something I would never do in a more serious thread where, as you well know, I always come armed with TRUTH and LIGHT!

Don’t you mean VERACITY and ILLUMINATION ? TL MC

Response:

Don’t you mean VERACITY and ILLUMINATION ?

As always Mike, I am not sure what I mean.  I eagerly await ROFFian consensus on just what it is I am trying to say.  Imagine; just three (?) months ago I thought I knew my own mind!    :)

Response:

This old Texan still thinks God made mountains for Texans to go to in August.

Thank God for mountains and Texans!!!! Everything is Peachy Keene (hehehe) got lots of family in Keene, Ft Worth, ect.  Lived there a tad myself. You coming up this way this August perchance? Warren

Response:

Warren asked: You coming up this way this August perchance?

Sorry Warren, but I leave Monday to drive to Gatlinburg for the FFF Conclave.The first day’s drive always kicks my ass…dosen’t matter whether it is Dallas to Denver or the 670 miles from Dallas to Nashville. I plan to visit Montana again next summer. Big Dale

Response:

Hello All,

<snip Hello Warren.  I’m a relative newcomer to ROFF myself, having first set foot here about three months ago.  Since then I have been badly beaten up only once, though every once in a while I still get an unexpected slap in the back of the head.  I consider this a small price to pay for the education and entertainment I get here. Welcome aboard.

Response:

ROTFLMAO Mark Faulkner – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good God! Massachusetts is the center of the roffian universe. SNIP … the elite circles of this group, most of whom live south, west, and east of massachussets.

Response:

…AND THE HOME…..OF THE……DAVE’S! /daytripper (PLAY BALL!! ;^) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Good God! Massachusetts is the center of the roffian universe.

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the last couple of months.  I finally decided to get off my duff and come out of the shadows and introduce myself.

Welcome to the group Warren,I hope you enjoy it as much as most of us do.I have visited the Livingston area several times and have enjoyed it very much. This old Texan still thinks God made mountains for Texans to go to in August. I try to get out that way every couple of years. Big Dale

Response:

I’m sorta a newbie also Warren, and I extend you a welcome as well. Look forward to reading your posts here, and the way things look in here, we both have alot of smart humor, exciting commentary, up to the minute play-by-play of current fly fishing topics, candid view points and some real good laughs ahead of us!….What more could ya want??!! Jeff Boks Fly Fishing~~~~~Just Do It

Response:

Good God! Massachusetts is the center of the roffian universe.

SNIP … the elite circles of this group, most of whom live south, west, and east of massachussets. wayno Warren

– Mike in PDX "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                          Tom McGuane

Response:

Welcome to the extended family that is ROFF, Warren! One thing, though: mind if we call you Wayne? It’ll be easier to remember your name that way ;^) Cheers! /daytripper

        now there’s a one liner that reaches right up to the level of le duc himself! wayno

Response:

[very pleasant intro snipped] Welcome to the extended family that is ROFF, Warren! As you’ve been lurking for a couple of months, you’re well aware that we put the "fun" in "disfunctional" – but there’s always room for another wacko member of the tribe. One thing, though: mind if we call you Wayne? It’ll be easier to remember your name that way ;^) Cheers! /daytripper

Response:

[snip] this group, most of whom live south, west, and east of massachussets. wayno "EAST" of Mass ???

    thought you’d never ask; how about wales, the brits, the netherlands, scandanavia; and, of course, mike connor in germany. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Hello All, My name is Warren Findley and I have been lurking this NG for the last couple of months.  I finally decided to get off my duff and come out of the shadows and introduce myself.  Actually, I have been holding back to responding to some the posts because I didn’t want to seem like some FNG (freaking new guy) coming in and trying to raise a ruckuss.

Welcome to Freak-R-Us. Mu Young Lee             Ann Arbor, MI  USA

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – [snip] this group, most of whom live south, west, and east of massachussets. wayno "EAST" of Mass ???     thought you’d never ask; how about wales, the brits, the netherlands, scandanavia; and, of course, mike connor in germany. wayno

Okay, I fell for that one…

Response:

No actually almost all live West of Seattle. Welcome aboard. Dave

Response:

 My wife has chewed my ass several times for "paying more attention to the computer" than her.

I think both our wives are related. Right now my wife is kicking me off the computer, mumbling something about moving in to days and I haven’t started packing yet. WOMEN! since my daughter was born 6 weeks ago it hasn’t been nearly enough.

Congratulations! We should all chip in and buy her a Playskool tying vise. I am looking forward to becoming a participating member of this NG and hopefully pick up some more good tips and info from you all

We’re looking forward to reading your post. What’s good about ROFF is that although it’s easy to put your foot in your mouth (mine is permanently coated in sugar for flavor) the people here forgive and forget very soon after. I gotta go now, the wife’s at it again! Welcome to the fly paper. Chris Fleitman Fisherman by nature-goofball by society.

Response:

Hello All, My name is Warren Findley (good intro snipped)

Welcome to ROFF Warren. Check out:  http://www.roff.org for comings and goings of claves, pics, etc. Congrats on your’n youngin’….what…should be fly casting in another 18 months? Walt — Ezflyfish.com                 Blue Ridge Book Gallery Quality Gear & Service        Used & Out-of-Print Books http://www.ezflyfish.com      http://www.abebooks.com/home/BLUEBOOKS P.O. Box 5112  Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828)963-5001

Response:

Hello All, My name is Warren Findley and I have been lurking this NG for the last couple of months.  I finally decided to get off my duff and come out of the shadows and introduce myself.

        good to have you, warren.  your tasteful and polite introduction bodes well for your inclusion in the elite circles of this group, most of whom live south, west, and east of massachussets. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Warren

Response:

[snip] this group, most of whom live south, west, and east of massachussets. wayno

"EAST" of Mass ???

Response:

Always glad to welcome freaking new guys, to talk on anything from booze to ginking dry flies Welcome Warren, and I hope you get your wish that reading some of this will help you catch more fish. Tight lines ! Mike Connor

Response:

Warren  Findley writes:

(snip of good stuff) <<I am looking forward to becoming a participating member of this NG and hopefully pick up some more good tips and info from you all. And I, for one, am looking forward to hearing from you.  Welcome aboard, Warren.  You live in some beautiful country, so I am sure your tales will be well read.   Dave LaCourse

Response:

Hello All, My name is Warren Findley and I have been lurking this NG for the last couple of months.  I finally decided to get off my duff and come out of the shadows and introduce myself.  Actually, I have been holding back to responding to some the posts because I didn’t want to seem like some FNG (freaking new guy) coming in and trying to raise a ruckuss. Over the last few months I have had a good look at what goes on around here and like what I see for the most part (except for the AR lunacy that sometimes runs rampant, ect).  The part I have enjoyed the most is how well you people interact, debate, and rag on one another.  It is truly interesting to keep up with.  My wife has chewed my ass several times for "paying more attention to the computer" than her.  Of course she uses that line when I go fishing too. I am currently living in Livingston, MT and try to fish as much as I can. However, since my daughter was born 6 weeks ago it hasn’t been nearly enough. I am still surving though.  I actually even got to go today (took the wife and baby so she couldn’t refuse).  I have been fly fishing since about the last ten years, but really started hard core the last two years.  I fish all year long and actually prefer winter because there aren’t as many people crowding the waters (not that I don’t enjoy company mind you, just like a little time to mull things over without any interuptions as I fish). I am also a novice fly tyer, hunter (yes, I eat what I kill) and enjoy working my in-laws horses as often as possible.  Actually broke my thumb in two places 3 months ago and had 4 pins put in, but I didn’t let it stop me from floating the Big Horn as the pictures and my wife will attest (she still gets mad at me for leaving for the weekend).  As you can guess, my wife has been jealous since the little one was born because she fishes too and hasn’t been able to go out since I don’t have the necessary equipment to keep the baby from starving. I am looking forward to becoming a participating member of this NG and hopefully pick up some more good tips and info from you all. Warren

Response:

Question:

        A friend of mine is looking for feathers/skins for some art she’s doing and I thought that someone on this list might have some that they would be willing to part with…                                 Thanks in advance                                 Kneil Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at:         http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/

Response:

        Your friend should check a good fly fishing store. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at:         http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/

Response:

Question:

Has anyone used Rain-X as floatant? How does it work? Shinji

Response:

I bet it would work great at first.  But if you’ll read the label, it has some really strong petroleum distillates.  I woud think it would damge fly line and leave a horrendous taste on flies. As for myself, a rueben sandwich with hot peppers and a budweiser pretty much makes me unsinkable. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone used Rain-X as floatant? How does it work? Shinji

Response:

it has some really strong petroleum distillates.  I woud think it would

damge flyline and leave a horrendous taste on flies. It’s been more than 50 years since my last chemistry class, but aren’t "distillates" volatile?  Wouldn’t they evaporate? vince norris

Response:

Rain-X ought to work.  It’s basically wax in some solvents (distillates) and when they evaporate, it leaves an easy to polish windshield. Not knowing what the distillates are, it is unclear what effect they might have on the fly head cement, artificial and natural colors, waxed thread, etc. "Some mornings I wonder if it was worth it to gnaw through the leather straps."  – E. Philips

Response:

Rain-X ought to work.  It’s basically wax in some solvents (distillates) and when they evaporate, it leaves an easy to polish windshield.

        my god, george gherke, are you suffering from laryngitits, or under arrest in a foreign land, or asleep, or have you simply expired?         a. wayne harrison

Response:

Rain-X ought to work.  It’s basically wax in some solvents (distillates) and when they evaporate, it leaves an easy to polish windshield.         my god, george gherke, are you suffering from laryngitits, or under arrest in a foreign land, or asleep, or have you simply expired?         a. wayne harrison

The problem with products containing distilates (in fact, just about anything with an organic solvent) is that the solvents will interact with the plasticizers in the fly line.  Most lines today are built with a plastic coating over a braided core.  If you get solvent onto the coating, a wide variety of things can happen, most of them bad.  Typical results can include (but are not limited to) cracking, softening, peeling, loss of the outer skin, etc.  Probably the worst one is the softening.  I have seen fly lines that were contaminated with gasoline or diesel.  These lines were as limp as overcooked spaghetti, and cast about as well.   Other things you need to be really careful about are- sunscreen, and insect repellant. Be very careful about what you put on your $50 fly line, it could ruin your day.  There are a variety of "resonably priced" line cleaners and dressings out there.  Personally I like Glide, with the caveat that I have to be able to let it dry for long enough before I buff it off(1-2 hrs)-If you do not let it dry, or do not remove excess, it is like glue.  Otherwise, I will use SA line cleaner and dressing in a pinch.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Rain-X ought to work.  It’s basically wax in some solvents (distillates) and when they evaporate, it leaves an easy to polish windshield.         my god, george gherke, are you suffering from laryngitits, or under arrest in a foreign land, or asleep, or have you simply expired?         a. wayne harrison The problem with products containing distilates (in fact, just about anything with an organic solvent) is that the solvents will interact with the plasticizers in the fly line.  Most lines today are built with a plastic coating over a braided core.

The Advantage to using rain x is it works best when dry. You pre treat all flies the night before. The next day you are ready and will not get any thing on the flyline but the water you are fishing in. Jim

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – <HTML &nbsp; <BR <BR <BR Rain-X ought to work.&nbsp; It’s basically wax in some solvents (distillates) and <BR when they evaporate, it leaves an easy to polish windshield. <BR <BR&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; my god, george gherke, are you suffering from laryngitits, or <BR under arrest in a foreign land, or asleep, or have you simply expired? <BR <BR&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; a. wayne harrison</BLOCKQUOTE _______ No Wayne honey, I’m not asleep.&nbsp; I just know you know better.What you say about solvents destroying fly lines is excellent and accurate. <Pgeorge gehrke <BRmr. gink <P_______ Now you force me to review the copy below that followed. <

        i knew you wouldn’t dissapoint me, george…         a. wayne harrison

Response:

The last distallate I tasted was in a little ’shne from the hills.  Didn’t like the taste….. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – it has some really strong petroleum distillates.  I woud think it would damge fly line and leave a horrendous taste on flies. It’s been more than 50 years since my last chemistry class, but aren’t "distillates" volatile?  Wouldn’t they evaporate? Home heating oil is a distillate. Try pouring some of that around your basement floor and see how fast it evaporates…

Response:

it has some really strong petroleum distillates.  I woud think it would damge fly line and leave a horrendous taste on flies. It’s been more than 50 years since my last chemistry class, but aren’t "distillates" volatile?  Wouldn’t they evaporate?

Home heating oil is a distillate. Try pouring some of that around your basement floor and see how fast it evaporates…

Response:

Question:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Is this bait fishing ?!!!

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

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

I believe the bluegill was guilty of soliciting! — Bill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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William Endicott writes:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Question:

Hello everyone,         I am going to Bishop this weekend and I was wondering if anyone could give me any tips as to good places to try and flies to use. I would greatly appreciate size/pattern/color details if you supply them. Thank you in advance.                         Jeff

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Hello everyone,         I am going to Bishop this weekend and I was wondering if anyone could give me any tips as to good places to try and flies to use. I would greatly appreciate size/pattern/color details if you supply them. Thank you in advance.                         Jeff         The lower Owens river below the Res. right near town.  I forget the name of the lake, but there is some great dry fly fishing in the C&R area.  Small Elk hair Caddis (#14, 16), tan, brown, green bodies all work well if the fish are looking up…. JE

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Make sure to check on the flows of the Owens River before you go — they may be quite high, especially out of Pleasant Valley Res.  Check with one of the sporting good stores in town (or you can call the L.A. department of water and power in Bishop at 619/872-1104) and they will tell you what the best bets are regarding stream flows. I would also suggest driving about 1/2 hour north to the Mammoth area and fish Hot Creek — use anything small (caddis, mayflies,etc.) with extra long 6X-7X leaders and use some stealth.  I have heard that the flows there are pretty consistent right now.  Good luck.

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Question:

are there any schools that teach fishing with conventional tackle instead of pure flyrod?

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are there any schools that teach fishing with conventional tackle instead of pure flyrod?

I don’t know of any. I think that is why the fly fishing industry is doing so well.  There are lots of videos, books and schools on the sport of fly fishing. Most of the conventional tackle is sold by self service mass merchandizers like Walmart and Kmart. It is hard to get any service, help or fishing info from those stores. I have watched the tackle business change for the last 31 years that I have been involved in it. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

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Question:

I have been to the shop in Dutch John many times as well as the one on the West side of the dam.  Both are full service shops with everything you need.  The dutch john one is closed though during the winter.  We were up there in November and it had been closed for the season, so be aware of that also.  I’m not sure when it reopens.

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Barry, There really isn’t a flyshop in Dutch John.  The closest thing to it is the combination gas station/general store/restaurant there in town.  It has very little in the way of fly fishing supplies.  You better count on bringing your own supplies and equipment.  However, if you are hiring a guide, the guides up there are usually pretty well equipped to meet your fly fishing needs.  I would check with them first before you go.

There is actually a very adequet fly shop at the Flaming Gorge Lodge complex about half way between Red Canyon Lodge and the river.

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HAS ANYBODY BEEN TO THIS LODGE???? HOW CLOSE IS IT TO THE GREEN RIVER??? ,AND FINALLY CAN YOU RECOMMEND A GOOD FLY SHOP IN DUTCH JOHN ,UTAH

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I was just in Dutch John and at the Flaming Gorge Lodge, just past the dam, which is as complete a fly shop as one could want to find at such a location. they got the flies and the advice (supplimented by the dozen or so people milling about).  nice place

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Barry,   I was at the Red Canyon Lodge last October.  It is a nice place with friendly people and a pretty good restaurant.  They have two types of places to stay while there.  One is the deluxe cabin – nice and comfy. The other is call the rustic cabin. I wouldn’t recommend the rustics unless it is summertime (they have only a wood stove for heating and they share a common bathhouse – it can get cold up there).  There is also a couple of lakes on the property that you can fish in. The lodge is about 10 to 15 minutes from the closest access on the Green, which happens to be below the dam.  The next closest location which is known as "little hole" is another 15 minutes beyond that. There really isn’t a flyshop in Dutch John.  The closest thing to it is the combination gas station/general store/restaurant there in town.  It has very little in the way of fly fishing supplies.  You better count on bringing your own supplies and equipment.  However, if you are hiring a guide, the guides up there are usually pretty well equipped to meet your fly fishing needs.  I would check with them first before you go. Anyway good luck and tight lines. Terry

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Question:

I’m planning a trip with several friends.  We want to fly into Albuquerque.  We’ve all been to the San Juan/Navajo Dam area several times, but want to go somewhere different.  We’re thinking about staying in going to Southern Colorado (Dolores, Durango, or somewhere near the Rio Grande River).  We are planning a 4-5 day trip and may consider a day of fishing at Navajo if the logistics work out.  We like low budget but comfortable motels.  Anyone have any ideas?  Fishing holes/destinations? Sleeping quarters? Thanks, Brian Sharp

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  I’m planning a trip with several friends.  We want to fly into   Albuquerque.  We’ve all been to the San Juan/Navajo Dam area several   times, but want to go somewhere different.  We’re thinking about staying   in going to Southern Colorado (Dolores, Durango, or somewhere near the Rio   Grande River).  We are planning a 4-5 day trip and may consider a day of   fishing at Navajo if the logistics work out.  We like low budget but   comfortable motels.  Anyone have any ideas?  Fishing holes/destinations?   Sleeping quarters? Also consider the Conejos River and it’s tributaries west of Antonito. Lots of different kinds of water, lots of public

access and lots of good camping spots and lodges. Denver, Colorado        ftp.rmii.com/pub2/gwgodden      

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Brain,  From personal experience I would like to suggest that you stay in Durango.  It makes a great central base to start from.  The Delores is about 1 1/2 hours due west and the San Juan is about 1 hour south.  The Rio Grande might be a problem because it is about 2 – 21/2 hours away due east.   If you looking for cheap lodgings pick up a copy of the  American Automobile Association’s (AAA) tour books for the states of New Mexico and Colorado.  They list just about every motel in the Durango area or the entire state for that matter.  They list prices too.  So you can shop around. If you are looking for a guide try:  Doug Buck at Duranglers in Durango, CO                                                   (303)-385-4081 He is familiar with just about all the waters that you mentioned. Good luck.  Let us know how you did.

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Call Tom Knopek at Duranglers in Durango if you’re looking for a guide. Several great places to fish.  Try the Delores below McPhee Dam north of Cortez Colorado.  Try the San Miguel near Telluride.  Last undammed river in Colo.  If you’ve got the time, Black Canyon of Gunnison river is once in a lifetime! Andy Gordon Phoenix, Arizona Andy Gordon, (602) 224-0999

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