Question:

BTY I just read an article about the state of Wisconsin purchasing a 32,000 acre tract of land. Nice purchase by the people of Wisconsin.

I missed that one Willi.  What tract, where?

Response:

don’t have much info. This is from Nature Conservancy magazine:  "The State with support from Nature’s Conservancy purchased 32,00 acres, including significant natural areas properties adjacent to Nature Conservancy preserves, using funds from the Stewardship Fund. The the program for the next 10 years." Willi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – BTY I just read an article about the state of Wisconsin purchasing a 32,000 acre tract of land. Nice purchase by the people of Wisconsin. I missed that one Willi.  What tract, where?

Response:

Constantly freezing guides and line are not very fun. When the water is extremely cold the fish don’t feed often, won’t move to take a fly and generally fight like an old boot. I have to have cabin fever pretty bad to fish during that kind of weather. In the West (Southwest too) we have spells of nice weather, most years, all through the winter. A couple days of nice weather will generally get a few fish moving during the warmest part of the day. Willi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Willi, I live out in the Southwest and I have fished in the snow.  I mostly froze my butt off and didn’t catch anything.  You were a lucky dude to get in a few casts and have some fun. I remember fishing one creek in the mountains where I think the water was below freezing or right near freezing.  My fly line and leader was a long icicle. Eric It’s fairly warm but the skies are overcast and snow is falling.  I had about an hour or so free late this afternoon and I went to an area where I’ve been seeing some surface midging trout. Although I’m not too fond of the snow, the fish did seem to like the overcast skies. In areas where I had been finding single feeding fish, there were small pods of fish. Sometimes during overcast days even in the Winter, a very tiny BWO comes off. But none were to be found and the fish were feeding on the midges that they normally do this time of year. I approached the first pod of fish. Even with the low clear water, the overcast skies allowed me to get much closer to the fish than our more normal sunny skies do. At this distance, a good cast was easy as was following the tiny fly with my aging eyesight. The first cast resulted in a Rainbow whose fight put down the rest of that pod of fish. I waded downstream and approached the next pod of fish. Same result, one cast one Rainbow and the rest put down. I again went downstream and found another pod. First cast, no take. Second cast a Brown. I quit with that one. Good day, four casts and three fish! Cloud cover sure helps. Willi

Response:

Willi, I live out in the Southwest and I have fished in the snow.  I mostly froze my butt off and didn’t catch anything.  You were a lucky dude to get in a few casts and have some fun. I remember fishing one creek in the mountains where I think the water was below freezing or right near freezing.  My fly line and leader was a long icicle. Eric – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s fairly warm but the skies are overcast and snow is falling.  I had about an hour or so free late this afternoon and I went to an area where I’ve been seeing some surface midging trout. Although I’m not too fond of the snow, the fish did seem to like the overcast skies. In areas where I had been finding single feeding fish, there were small pods of fish. Sometimes during overcast days even in the Winter, a very tiny BWO comes off. But none were to be found and the fish were feeding on the midges that they normally do this time of year. I approached the first pod of fish. Even with the low clear water, the overcast skies allowed me to get much closer to the fish than our more normal sunny skies do. At this distance, a good cast was easy as was following the tiny fly with my aging eyesight. The first cast resulted in a Rainbow whose fight put down the rest of that pod of fish. I waded downstream and approached the next pod of fish. Same result, one cast one Rainbow and the rest put down. I again went downstream and found another pod. First cast, no take. Second cast a Brown. I quit with that one. Good day, four casts and three fish! Cloud cover sure helps. Willi

Response:

It’s fairly warm but the skies are overcast and snow is falling.  I had about an hour or so free late this afternoon and I went to an area where I’ve been seeing some surface midging trout. Although I’m not too fond of the snow, the fish did seem to like the overcast skies. In areas where I had been finding single feeding fish, there were small pods of fish. Sometimes during overcast days even in the Winter, a very tiny BWO comes off. But none were to be found and the fish were feeding on the midges that they normally do this time of year. I approached the first pod of fish. Even with the low clear water, the overcast skies allowed me to get much closer to the fish than our more normal sunny skies do. At this distance, a good cast was easy as was following the tiny fly with my aging eyesight. The first cast resulted in a Rainbow whose fight put down the rest of that pod of fish. I waded downstream and approached the next pod of fish. Same result, one cast one Rainbow and the rest put down. I again went downstream and found another pod. First cast, no take. Second cast a Brown. I quit with that one. Good day, four casts and three fish! Cloud cover sure helps. Willi

Response:

It’s fairly warm but the skies are overcast and snow is falling. (another nifty description of just one more day in paradise)

        you do appreciate it, don’t you, willi?  living where and how you live?  i thought so. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Willi

Response:

I do appreciate what I have. Fishing is and has been a big part of my life and has always been a consideration when deciding where to live and how to support myself. I’m self employed with a small business and the benefits of self employment are a mixed bag. I can get away from the business for frequent one to four hour outings but a "real" vacation is very difficult. It’s been several years since I’ve taken off more than four days. This lack of extended time off, I work at least a few hours seven days a week, has made me look closely at nearby waters. An hours drive one way is two hours less fishing. These local waters are generally ignored by other anglers. It seems that for most people, farther is better and famous or well known even more so.  In everywhere I’ve lived except Chicago (where I grew up) I was able to find such places. For the last 12 years I’ve lived on the edge of a metropolitan area of about 250,000 people with lots of fishermen. I fish a major river that runs through town and is passed by thousands of anglers on their way to work each day. Yet this eight mile stretch from the foothills until the river becomes too warm to support trout has MUCH less fishing pressure than any other area with public access on the 50 miles further upstream. Until the last four or five years, another angler more than a 100 yards from any point where a road crosses the river was an extremely rare occurrence. There are still a few stretches that get literally no pressure and even the most "crowded" ones may have one angler per 1/2 mile of river during prime time. IMHO, this area also has higher quality fish. It hasn’t been stocked in a VERY long time, the fish average about 4" larger than in the upstream sections, and there are a few VERY large fish around. However, the fishing is difficult. The density of the trout population is relatively low. The river is much more fertile (for a number of reasons both good and bad) so the fish can be choosy in when and how they feed. This is one of the things that keeps anglers away. My guess is that many people fish the area once or twice and write the area off as fishless. There are places similar to this area all over the country. They are worth checking out and getting to know them. In areas where lake fishing is popular, it may be a stream or river. Where streams are popular, it might be a pond or lake. Many of them are only productive certain times of the year and their secrets can be difficult to learn. Another bonus in these areas is the wide variety of wildlife these areas attract. Since they generally run through developed areas and the wildlife gets concentrated into these riparian areas. Check out your local waters well. Well known places aren’t always better. BTY I just read an article about the state of Wisconsin purchasing a 32,000 acre tract of land. Nice purchase by the people of Wisconsin. Willi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s fairly warm but the skies are overcast and snow is falling. (another nifty description of just one more day in paradise)         you do appreciate it, don’t you, willi?  living where and how you live?  i thought so. wayno Willi

Response:

Question:

Our general river opener is June 1st so you need to plan. I suggest the Yakima, year round water, good range of hatches, suggest you call Patricks Fly Shop (Seattle) or Morning Hatch Flyshop in Tacoma for conditions and advise. Float it for app. $350 for two all day from Elllensburg down Canyon. Lots of bank access also and drive down canyon in spring is great. Fair access for wading in upper canyon between E-burg and Cle Elum. The Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie is also open all year, smaller river, lots of small trout. Overall best bet is to take I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass, get off about four miles West of Cle Elum if you want to eat in Roslyn, or off at Cle Elum onto State Route 10, you can access the river right away if you take right to "North Cle Elum" just as you come into town. If you pay close attention to the lay of the land you will spot the access points east of town off route 10.  Follow RT 10 on down the upper canyon. The road winds lots so be careful. Access points are to the right of highway. Thru the village of Thorp and back onto I-90 to Ellensburg. Get off onto State 97 to follow river down. First access is at Thrall (just some Potato Packing sheds) to right on Ringer Road to a State F&G boat put in and parking lot. Further down river access is generally obvious off the road down to the Rosa dam. You can definitely get to the river on foot at Ringer, Umtanum, and above Red’s Riverview campground. Watch for Desert Big Horn Sheep on slopes in Canyon. Canyon Road will take you into Selah and back end of Yakima. Can take I-82 back to I-90 and home.  I don’t want to be a weenie but I do emphasize you drive carefully on 10 and 97. The country is big and scenic and it tends to pull your eyes off the road. Lots of trucks, log and ag, ripping down road. Don’t count on all hazards to be marked or the access roads to be civilized. Ellensburg has lots of motels, expensive off I-90 exits, but cheap sportsman digs are up road in town. Its a small college town (Central Washington State). Ellensburg veal and lamb are very good, even by Nebraska standards. Some great bars in old section of town. Flys: BWOs, Cahill wets, little brown stones, small nymphs, western March Brown,  ask Patricks Out on the coast the Steelhead will close down April 30th for a month. If you planned it right you could try the Bogachiel, Sol Duc etc.. With two days I wouldn’t recommend it. Lots to see out there but be prepped for weather. If you wanted to be casual about the fish, but see a great sample of the NW, and drive your ass off try this: Go over the pass and down to Yakima like I said above, go south thru the Yakima Indian Res. to Goldendale and then down the Columbia Gorge to Vancouver/Portland and back up I-5 to Tacoma/Seattle. Overnight at Goldendale. (Double ditto on what I said on the roads for the stretch between Goldendale and the Columbia River.  You would see more of the working NW than most ever see, and the pix would be spectacular, guaranteed. Now, Im in Scottsbluff in mid April. Any recommends for NW Nebraska in mid April? Dave Snedeker – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My (flyfishing) wife and I are going to be in Tacoma, WA May 26 – 30. We will be bringing our travel rods (4 weight) with us.  We’ll have two days for fishing.  Any suggestions for rivers/streams for trout withing a two hour drive of Tacoma would be appreciated.  I’m not looking for anyone’s honey hole, just a general location where access is not too rigorous All suggestions will be appreciated (also any clues as to what flies I should tie for the trip would be a big help). Thanks. Jim Impara

Response:

My (flyfishing) wife and I are going to be in Tacoma, WA May 26 – 30. We will be bringing our travel rods (4 weight) with us.  We’ll have two days for fishing.  Any suggestions for rivers/streams for trout withing a two hour drive of Tacoma would be appreciated.  I’m not looking for anyone’s honey hole, just a general location where access is not too rigorous All suggestions will be appreciated (also any clues as to what flies I should tie for the trip would be a big help). Thanks. Jim Impara

Response:

Question:

Hello. I’m Art Daudelin, a writer on assignment for "Physicians Financial News." I’m doing a piece on Fly Fishing and would like to speak with someone who can give me an overview and philosophy of the sport, as well as some tips, travel spots, etc. An M.D. would make a great subject for an interview, as the magazine is targeted to physicians, but any good insight would be welcome. E-mail me if you are interested… thanks in advance, art daudelin

Response:

If I didn’t fish whenever possible, I’d strangle every911 callin, terminally unemployable slob who gets on teh medic…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello. I’m Art Daudelin, a writer on assignment for "Physicians Financial News." I’m doing a piece on Fly Fishing and would like to speak with someone who can give me an overview and philosophy of the sport, as well as some tips, travel spots, etc. An M.D. would make a great subject for an interview, as the magazine is targeted to physicians, but any good insight would be welcome. E-mail me if you are interested… thanks in advance, art daudelin

Response:

Question:

I,m interested in purchasing a kickboat for fly fishing the rivers of western Montana. What are features you can’t live without and what are the features that aren’t used or needed at all.

I got a bucks bronco.  Reasons why: a. Stainless steel frame b. adjustable foot pegs (especially important if you are going to run moving water or are taller or shorter than the mythical "average") Things I don’t like: a. LOTS of places for your line to snag, especially when casting across your body (which you will do if you use it on a lake in the wind and don’t anchor) New developments: a. They just came out with a 10 foot pontoon. I wasn’t overly impressed with the "all metal back deck" available on some of the boats on the market.  Other than that There aren’t many "features" that vary between boats.  Most are rocker designs, have a seat, oarlocks, and a stripping apron.

Response:

I,m interested in purchasing a kickboat for fly fishing the rivers of western Montana.   (Bitteroot, Blackfoot, Clark Fork).  There is some sizable water here and I’m looking for advice from someone experienced with the small craft.  I’m looking for a pontoon style, but curious to know what is best…8′, 9′, or bigger.  What are features you can’t live without and what are the features that aren’t used or needed at all. Thanks, Tom

Response:

I,m interested in purchasing a kickboat for fly fishing the rivers of western Montana. What are features you can’t live without and what are the features that aren’t used or needed at all.

I’ve used the Bucks Bronco and like the newer models a lot.  I own a JW Outfitters Voyager and it is one tough boat that can handle Class III water with ease.

Response:

I,m interested in purchasing a kickboat for fly fishing the rivers of western Montana. (Bitteroot, Blackfoot, Clark Fork).  There is some sizable water here and I’m looking for advice from someone experienced with the small craft.  I’m looking for a pontoon style, but curious to know what is best…8′, 9′, or bigger.  What are features you can’t live without and what are the features that aren’t used or needed at all. Thanks, Tom

Tom: I also have a Buck’s Bronco and also bought it partly because of the stainless frame.  My *only* minor complaint is the ratchet mechanism for the anchor.  Either mine doesn’t operate correctly or I’ve never figured out how to use it right.  It really doesn’t drop the anchor very easily. Other than that, I love the thing.  I’ve used it on streams here in Utah as well as Idaho & Wyoming and it’s great.  It has 8′ pontoons and I’ve had it on the Green, the Snake, and the South Fork, all pretty good-sized streams. I always wear a life vest, partly because I’m still not that experienced a boatman.  My dream is to take it on a camping float in Alaska. Good storage capacity, easy to inflate & deflate, sturdy and well-built.  If I deflate it about 3/4 of the way, it will slide fully-assembled right in the back of my SUV so carrying it is a breeze.  It really doesn’t even take long at all to figure out the rowing/kicking/maneuvering. I would say that you will occasionally find yourself pointed a different direction from where you want to cast (I do, anyway), but that can be part of the fun. Bob Bob

Response:

Look into the Outcast PAC line. The 8′ and 10′ are great. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I,m interested in purchasing a kickboat for fly fishing the rivers of western Montana.   (Bitteroot, Blackfoot, Clark Fork).  There is some sizable water here and I’m looking for advice from someone experienced with the small craft.  I’m looking for a pontoon style, but curious to know what is best…8′, 9′, or bigger.  What are features you can’t live without and what are the features that aren’t used or needed at all. Thanks, Tom

Response:

I,m interested in purchasing a kickboat for fly fishing the rivers of western Montana.   (Bitteroot, Blackfoot, Clark Fork).  There is some sizable water here and I’m looking for advice from someone experienced with the small craft.  I’m looking for a pontoon style, but curious to know what is best…8′, 9′, or bigger.  What are features you can’t live without and what are the features that aren’t used or needed at all. Thanks, Tom

Tom:  I’ve used the Buck’s Bag Bronco and Southfork models on the Clark Fork and Bitteroot, and they have been great, although other brands no doubt will to the job.  They have 7ft pontoons, I think (haven’t measured).  Have taken them through some pretty rough water as well. Never felt the need for an anchor or a stripping apron, although the rear deck is perfect for a cooler.  Have fun – you will love it. Mark Faulkner

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I,m interested in purchasing a kickboat for fly fishing the rivers of western Montana. What are features you can’t live without and what are the features that aren’t used or needed at all. I got a bucks bronco.  Reasons why: a. Stainless steel frame b. adjustable foot pegs (especially important if you are going to run moving water or are taller or shorter than the mythical "average") Things I don’t like: a. LOTS of places for your line to snag, especially when casting across your body (which you will do if you use it on a lake in the wind and don’t anchor) New developments: a. They just came out with a 10 foot pontoon. I wasn’t overly impressed with the "all metal back deck" available on some of the boats on the market.  Other than that There aren’t many "features" that vary between boats.  Most are rocker designs, have a seat, oarlocks, and a stripping apron.

I have a Yukon 2, by Leigh outdoor, and I work there as a part time job.  All of Leighs pontoon boats are made out of aluminum. (no rust) They tend to not be as heavy and are very strong.  We had a guy who came in who wanted one to run white water, he said he liked to fish on the side.  He ran it on the portion of the Snake below Jackson, and loved it.  I guess he ran that stretch 4 times in one day with it.  When he came back in he said that he tried to tip it over on "lunchcounter" or whichever one where the river narrows and is forced between two rock outcroppings. (its really big)  I guess he tried to go through side ways and front ways but to no avail so on the last try he through all of his weight backward and practically stood up on the foot pegs to get it to go over.  He claims he never had so much fun in his life.  It is a very sturdy boat.  Leigh makes a 10 footer for long trips as well.  It is the "gallatin".  The Yukon’s and Green river models are good for up to 3 day trips if you pack right. and are just fine for the 3 or 4 hour trip as well.  They pack down into a space of about 2 1/2 feet by 3 1/2 feet.  You can easily transport 2 in the trunk of a small car.  The unique thing is that the pontoons have a heavy inner tube in them.  (like a truck tube)  and are very durable.  All models have adjustable foot pegs that allows both big and small to be comfortable.  All the paint is powder coated on.   Not to bash other manufacturers but we have had so many calls about a certain manufacturers frames rusting out that our product designer at one time was thinking of making a frame that would fit on the competitors pontoons, but has since decided against doing so.  You don’t want a frame that has the potential to rust on you. Leigh frames carry a lifetime warrenty and are the only Coast Guard Certified pontoon boat that I know of.  They have many models to choose from and all the extra’s you can imagine.  Just find one that suited most to your needs.  If there is ever a problem you can call them and they will go to great lengths to see that you are pleased. When there is a problem and you have an upcomming trip, if they can’t fix it in time they will send you a loaner boat to get you through, until they can get your boat fixed up. Of course I’m not prejudice, I just work there.   They have a site but not all of their boats are listed, but you can call them and they will send you a catalog or tell you where the nearest supplier is or you can E-mail me and I’ll make sure you get a catalog. or http://www.b-mktg.com/leighhp/leighhp.htm or Leigh Outdoor Products 62 S. 950 W.  Brigham City UT 84302 1-435-734-0750 I hope you find the best boat for you. Shaun

Response:

Question:

I recently inherited a split cane fly rod and would like to identify its source and possible age.  It is a 3 piece, 10′6", with spare top section, has screw type ferrules, cork grip, and wrappings approx. every inch along its length. I always thought it was a salmon rod but the last time I was allowed to use it was about 1950 in England, so my memory is a bit hazy.

It would be unlikely (though not impossible) that it’s primary function was as a salmon rod. Even today salmon in Britain are normally fished for with two-handed rods, from 12 to 15 or more feet long. You may fish for summer fish with a shorter rod but you’ll then be said to be fishing with a trout rod. It might well be one of two things: a sea-trout rod (in other words trout that migrate to sea like steelhead) and are fished for on rivers – that is if the action is quite tight and fast, or, I think more likely,  a boat rod,  for fishing for trout from a boat drifiting along on a lake with the prevailing wind. In this fashion, casts are quite short, and very soft rods were used – very often around this length. I still have one my father inherited in the 1920s from a major Irish fisherman, but I must say that I find it unfishable. I fish with split cane on the English chalkstreams, but anything of ten foot I would find very hard going

Response:

I recently inherited a split cane fly rod and would like to identify its source and possible age.  It is a 3 piece, 10′6", with spare top section, has screw type ferrules, cork grip, and wrappings approx. every inch along its length. I always thought it was a salmon rod but the last time I was allowed to use it was about 1950 in England, so my memory is a bit hazy. The only identifying mark is on the brass butt piece and that has partially worn off.  It has the inscription  " CA??ER and CO.  London  ". I’m not expecting it to be of any value, other than sentimental, but I would like to know its age and origins. Also I intend to fish with it so could somebody give me some idea of the possible line weight used with these rods.   Thanks  Ed — Ed Fenton Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Response:

Ed, I think this rod was made by (or for ?) Carter & Co., London that appears to have been a tackle store (??) that existed from 1853 till 1969. The company changed it’s name from Alfred Carter to Carter & Co. in 1901, so your rod is definitely post 1901. This is all I could find out from my books. regards Inge Solberg Houston, TX – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I recently inherited a split cane fly rod and would like to identify its source and possible age. It is a 3 piece, 10′6", with spare top section, has screw type ferrules, cork grip, and wrappings approx. every inch along its length. I always thought it was a salmon rod but the last time I was allowed to use it was about 1950 in England, so my memory is a bit hazy. The only identifying mark is on the brass butt piece and that has partially worn off.  It has the inscription  " CA??ER and CO.  London  ". I’m not expecting it to be of any value, other than sentimental, but I would like to know its age and origins. Also I intend to fish with it so could somebody give me some idea of the possible line weight used with these rods.   Thanks  Ed — Ed Fenton Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently inherited a split cane fly rod and would like to identify its source and possible age.  It is a 3 piece, 10′6", with spare top section, has screw type ferrules, cork grip, and wrappings approx. every inch along its length. I always thought it was a salmon rod but the last time I was allowed to use it was about 1950 in England, so my memory is a bit hazy. The only identifying mark is on the brass butt piece and that has partially worn off.  It has the inscription  " CA??ER and CO.  London  ". I’m not expecting it to be of any value, other than sentimental, but I would like to know its age and origins. Also I intend to fish with it so could somebody give me some idea of the possible line weight used with these rods. Thanks  Ed — Ed Fenton Burlington, Ontario, Canada

Heck, I’m no expert (for sure) but I may be able to point you in the right direction.  It does sound like a salmon rod, probably taking about an 8 to 10 weight line.  The wraps every inch or so were called "intermediate wraps" and were originally used when glues weren’t very good.  However, UK-built rods seem to value tradition and rods with intermediate wraps were available in the 1970’s (I believe from Clifford Constable — or was it J.Sharpe?).  In my web wanderings I found a site that frequently auctions cane rods in the UK (I think it is www.auctions-on-line.com, if that doesn’t work e-mail me and I’ll find it) with descriptions, etc.  Sorry I can’t help with the name of the actual maker — I only know of companies that were on the scene in the 1970’s or later (i.e., Hardy, Constable, Farlow, Sharpe, Partridge, etc.). BTW–If you do find out exactly what it is, please post a follow-up. George (Irish descent, not living in Ireland)

Response:

Question:

To the best of my knowledge, the weights I provided in my earlier post are generally applicably to various types of fly lines including floating, sinking, DT, etc. To check this out, I tried the "weigh the first 30 feet" method on a sinking "Rocket Taper" line that I knew to be a #7, and it weighed-out correctly at just slightly over the nominal given for a #7 line. Also, even though the weight of the first 30 feet of this line is essentially the same as its #7 floating counterpart, the sinking line is much thinner than the floating, thereby increasing its density. The more I think about this, the more sense it makes. Since the weight of the line is matched to the rod (so that the latter loads properly) you’d want to have the same rod loading behavior regardless of the type of line, it’s taper, and whether floating or sinking. So, since the rod doesn’t care about the thickness of the line, the first 30 feet of all #7 lines (for example) should have about the same weight. Bill Howe Boulder, CO

Response:

Going through some old fishing stuff last weekend, I came upon a reel I used a few years ago, before I "got serious" about fly fishing. I have completely forgotten what weight line I have on this reel, although I am confident it’s a floating DT. I’ve been advised that the only way to infer the weight of this line is to cast it on various rods until I find a rod weight on which it "feels right." I’m willing to give this a try, but first wanted to ask the newsgroup if there are any other techniques (measuring, weighing, etc.) that can give me a close approximation? Also, to avoid a repeat of this problem, how do folks who have multiple lines lying around "mark" them so this crutial information isn’t lost? Thanks. Bill Howe Boulder, CO

Response:

Going through some old fishing stuff last weekend, I came upon a reel I used a few years ago, before I "got serious" about fly fishing. I have completely forgotten what weight line I have on this reel, although I am confident it’s a floating DT. I’ve been advised that the only way to infer the weight of this line is to cast it on various rods until I find a rod weight on which it "feels right." I’m willing to give this a try, but first wanted to ask the newsgroup if there are any other techniques (measuring, weighing, etc.) that can give me a close approximation? Also, to avoid a repeat of this problem, how do folks who have multiple lines lying around "mark" them so this crutial information isn’t lost? Thanks. Bill Howe Boulder, CO

Hi bill, We use a micrometer to measure the belly of the line. We can tell what weight they are from the diameter using factory charts. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Going through some old fishing stuff last weekend, I came upon a reel I used a few years ago, before I "got serious" about fly fishing. I have completely forgotten what weight line I have on this reel, although I am confident it’s a floating DT. I’ve been advised that the only way to infer the weight of this line is to cast it on various rods until I find a rod weight on which it "feels right." I’m willing to give this a try, but first wanted to ask the newsgroup if there are any other techniques (measuring, weighing, etc.) that can give me a close approximation? Also, to avoid a repeat of this problem, how do folks who have multiple lines lying around "mark" them so this crutial information isn’t lost? Thanks. Bill Howe Boulder, CO

Fly lines are rated by the weight of their first thirty feet.  You can weigh this amount of line if you have a powder scale or other suitable scale and compare the known weight of the line against a standard.    If you don’t have a chart and can’t find one at the local fly shop, send me a note. I have a chart around somewhere. — Tim Ackerman "everyone lives downstream"

Response:

Also, to avoid a repeat of this problem, how do folks who have multiple lines lying around "mark" them so this crutial information isn’t lost? Thanks.

Mark your reels with a piece of white tape such as used for price tags. You can either type or mark with indelible pen the type and weight of line on the reel. Do this for all reels. Who knows which reel is going to lay around next long enough to be forgotten. Regards, Steve

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Thanks to all who responded. I dug out an old powder scale and have successfully identified the weight of my mystery line by weighing the first 30 feet. The process of doing this is a little awkward, but it worked well. I tested this approach on a line that I knew to be a #8, and the first 30 feet weighed out at 211 grains … almost right on the nominal 210 grains in published data. For others in the newsgroup that may want to try this technique, here’s a table of weights per first 30 feet for different lines (BTW, there are 7,000 grains per pound). I got the weight values below from the excellent and graphically-intensive book "The Curtis Creek Manifesto" acquired from Timberline Sporting Goods in Casper, Wyoming. AFTMA Weight #   Grains/1st 30 feet 4           120 5           140 6           160 7           185 8           210 9           240 10          280 The technique I used to weigh my lines was to strip and measure 30 feet of fly line off my reel, bundle it (as one would a rope), and then set the bundle on the scale with the rest of the flyline resting gently on the benchtop. In one case, I left the leader attached as well, also allowing this to rest on the benchtop. The leader and remaining line will affect the weight measurement, but I found this affect to be only a few grains … not enough to make the line weight catagorization ambiguous. Bill Howe Boulder, CO

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks to all who responded. I dug out an old powder scale and have successfully identified the weight of my mystery line by weighing the first 30 feet. The process of doing this is a little awkward, but it worked well. I tested this approach on a line that I knew to be a #8, and the first 30 feet weighed out at 211 grains … almost right on the nominal 210 grains in published data. For others in the newsgroup that may want to try this technique, here’s a table of weights per first 30 feet for different lines (BTW, there are 7,000 grains per pound). I got the weight values below from the excellent and graphically-intensive book "The Curtis Creek Manifesto" acquired from Timberline Sporting Goods in Casper, Wyoming. AFTMA Weight #   Grains/1st 30 feet 4           120 5           140 6           160 7           185 8           210 9           240 10          280 The technique I used to weigh my lines was to strip and measure 30 feet of fly line off my reel, bundle it (as one would a rope), and then set the bundle on the scale with the rest of the flyline resting gently on the benchtop. In one case, I left the leader attached as well, also allowing this to rest on the benchtop. The leader and remaining line will affect the weight measurement, but I found this affect to be only a few grains … not enough to make the line weight catagorization ambiguous. Bill Howe Boulder, CO

I assume this to be for a floating line. Did you come across ratings for weighted lines? (ie. sink tip, full weighted, etc.) B.

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AFTMA Weight #   Grains/1st 30 feet 4           120 5           140 6           160 7           185 8           210 9           240 10          280 Boulder, CO I assume this to be for a floating line. Did you come across ratings for

weighted lines? (ie. sink tip, full weighted, etc.) B.

No, it’s for ALL lines, floating, sink-tip, or sinking. To make a line sink, the weight is unchanged ( since changing it would change the casting characteristics…), but the _DENSITY_ is increased. In other words, a sinking section of line will be smaller in diameter than a floating line of a given weight, but will weigh the same. By further decreasing the cross-section of the line, you can make it sink even faster. (Now do we all understand why we pay so much for these things? <<grin ) — Delete "NOSPAM" in address above before replying!(fraggin’ morons…) Joe Ellis     o/~ The Synthetic Filker o/~ |  TesserAct Studios ()XDarwin(;        Now on the Web at      | Cincinnati, OH 45240 / /~LL~~LL~  http://shell.idt.net/~ellis69 |New Dimensions In Filk! Unsolicited commercial E-mail will be proofread at $25 hr/2 hr min.

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Question:

NOTICE!  NOTICE!  NOTICE! This is just a heads-up that the Mid-Willamette Fly Fishing Club of Corvallis, Oregon, USA, is holding its monthly member meeting on Tuesday, February 4th, 1997.  The meeting will be at CH2M Hill’s facility, at King’s and Walnut, in Corvallis.  We meet at 7:30pm, with a social dinner opportunity at Pizza Hut, across the street, starting at 6:00pm. You don’t need to be a member to attend.  This month’s program will see Keith Burkhart, of The Vally Flyshop, in Salem, OR, demonstrating rod building. Hope to see you there, Charley

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Gee, too bad I didn’t see this yesterday.  I’ve been playing catchup. -Burton – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – NOTICE!  NOTICE!  NOTICE! This is just a heads-up that the Mid-Willamette Fly Fishing Club of Corvallis, Oregon, USA, is holding its monthly member meeting on Tuesday, February 4th, 1997.  The meeting will be at CH2M Hill’s facility, at King’s and Walnut, in Corvallis.  We meet at 7:30pm, with a social dinner opportunity at Pizza Hut, across the street, starting at 6:00pm. You don’t need to be a member to attend.  This month’s program will see Keith Burkhart, of The Vally Flyshop, in Salem, OR, demonstrating rod building. Hope to see you there, Charley

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Question:

Question # 2 – What is a

Question:

Anyone been fishing yet this year in the Catskills?  I will be coming home from college in early May and would like some info on conditions, ect…  I particularly like fishing the smaller streams.  Any info is greatly appreciated.  Thanks ERIC

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Anyone been fishing yet this year in the Catskills?  I will be coming home from college in early May and would like some info on conditions, ect…  I particularly like fishing the smaller streams.  Any info is greatly appreciated.  Thanks ERIC

Eric, Spent the weekend up at the Beaverkill. The Great Flood scoured the river severely, creating deep holes where there were none before, and dumping big boulders where you can be sure to trip and fall. Some say most of the fish were swept out of the Willowemoc and Beaverkill into the main Delaware. But others say the fish&game people located 38 out of 39 big browns fitted with radio antennas in much the same places they were before the flood. Others are equally concerned about the insect population. The riverbed was churned up pretty badly. Half of Roscoe campsite, just below Junction Pool, was inundated with muddy waters that left a foot of river sand. I checked a few rocks at Junction Pool and found nymphs under almost every rock at the edges of the riffles. Between the flood and the droughts of the past few years, it would be a pleasant surprise if we saw great hatches this season. So far, I’ve seen a few early stoneflies,   small caddis and some tiny Olives. Nothing to get excited or depressed about. Great Flood, was done in by a spin fisherman on the Willowemoc. It won the opening day honors on April 1st. And the state trucks were spottted stocking up and down the Beaverkill on Monday, April 22nd. As for the weekend fishing, Mary Dette described it as slow in her daily reports, which she said was to be expected in April. I met a lot of fishermen on the river, which is still running high, and very few of them had caught a single fish. I don’t want to be caught telling fish stories, but I caught a half dozen trout Friday evening on a #12 Hendrickson (yup!) and another dozen late Monday afternoon on a variety od #16 nymphs. None of them really count. They were all in an innocent looking eddy, where they were dumped by fish&game folk, or where they sought cover from the heavy water. All were the size of stocked fish, and included a couple of rainbows. One guide told me all of them were holdovers, and that rainbows, because of whirling disease, weren’t being stocked. (I listen but I don’t always believe.) Naturally, I won’t say where I caught all these trout. Anyhow, they aren’t there any longer. Every trout I caught was unceremoniously dumped into the fast riffles in the main river. It may be a little tougher in the fast lane, but they’ll have a better of escaping the two-legged, meat-loving predators. Hell, I want to enjoy those trout all season! The highlight of the weekend was the fly tying by Ted Patlen at the Catskill Fly Fishing Center & Museum. I think he tied one of everything, and had a solution to most of my fly-tying problems. He ties flies that catch fish, as well as those that catch anglers. Ted works at Ramsey Outdoors in Paramus, NJ.

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Question:

There is only one place in Guatemala, Iztapa. Pangas go for $300 per day with lunch and drinks, 31′ Bertrams around $800. There are hotels at around $15/ person, but they’re pretty scuzzy. You’re much better off with the best places at around $75 per night, double. You can get there by renting a car, a hired van or a bus, but you’ll waste a whole day by taking the bus. If you want more details call me at 516 668 2019. I can set up everything for you.   Gene Kelly

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I just got back from Guatemala and caught one sail on the fly rod. We caught eight on standard tackle the first day but we had my wifes cousins with us and I didn’t try the light tackle. The second and third days were slower and we had trouble with too many dolphin around. I arrange trips throughout Central America and can help you out. Give me a call at 516 668 2019 and I’ll give you all the details about the cheap way to go as well as the moderate way to go.                                 Gene Kelly

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Looking for any info on opportunities in Guat, particularly Pacific side. Would appreciate any advice, contaacts, starting points etc.

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: Looking for any info on opportunities in Guat, particularly Pacific side. : Would appreciate any advice, contaacts, starting points etc. Ken Johnson at Guatemala Unlimited has all the info and can make the arrangements. Guatemala Unlimited http://members.aol.com/guatemala1/html/guatunl.htm good luck, james

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