Question:

But,one can build the body into most of the bend, use hook shape to the advantage of simulation.

That’s true, especially for scuds, caddis pupae, etc.  Still, by far my most productive fly, a bead-head PT on a TMC 3761, has a pretty straight body that takes up no more than half the total hook length (eye to point). I agree with your earlier statement, "On many subsurface patterns, and even some  surface emerger types, the hook bend can serve to mimic the shape of the natural nymph, pupa or whatever", especially for those forms, like emerging pupae that have associated air bubbles.  The hook bend may correspond in the trout’s eye to the curved edge of the bubble or bubble mass.   Although it’s an uncommon fly, compare the picture of the daphnia fly Dave LaCourse found and posted on ROFT http://www.danica.com/flytier/hverhaar/daphnia.htm to photos of daphnia http://www.microscopy-uk.org.uk/mag/artjun99/wflea.html Without the hook bend, there’d be little resemblance.  Makes you wonder if all those tiny things on curved #24-28 hooks that we think are midge patterns aren’t really taken by the trout as daphnia (not that it really matters). JR

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Some manufacturers are now producing bright gold, green, red and blue salmon/steelhead hooks.  Why waste all that bare metal when you can dress it up?

One wonders if a little metallic paint added to make the hook look more like the tied bug would make a difference.  I might have to try that for fun just to see. Sandy

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Maybe that big curvy part looks like an ovipositor.  See my web site www.sluttyflies.com

Here’s the sex spam we were looking for.  Bugs waving their ovipositors around.  Hmmph. Sandy

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  One wonders if a little metallic paint added to make the hook look more like the tied bug would make a difference.  I might have to try that for fun just to see.

They are starting to make the colored hooks in trout sizes too.  I saw some at a fly shop on the Beaverhead River and Lou Teletski gave me a fly that used a red hook when we went fishing the other day.  I haven’t tried them yet, but I can see how they might benefit a fly tyer. — Warren Findley Remove (nospamZZ) to respond via email http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt/

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They are starting to make the colored hooks in trout sizes too.  I saw some at a fly shop on the Beaverhead River and Lou Teletski gave me a fly that used a red hook when we went fishing the other day.  I haven’t tried them yet, but I can see how they might benefit a fly tyer.

Did you see who the hook’s maker was? If someone here’s interested in trying it for themselves, you can buy metallic paint (normally used for jewelry) here: http://www.fancifulsinc.com/ Sandy

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You’d think (regardless of your species-specific sense of perception) that this big ol’ ugly THING just hanging there off the bottom of our handiwork is a lot more obvious than the many fine details we obsess over.  Why on earth would any trout swimming not key on THAT?

Depending on the angle the fish sees it from, yes it’s very obvious and I have no doubt whatever that the trout sees it.  But trout are also very used to seeing things on insects – broken legs and wings, a sliver of leaf or filament of weed, or even a pebble and twig case on a caddis.  The trout sees it and just assumes it’s a harmless piece of flotsam, extra fiber if you will.  Only if a trout has been hooked a number of times would he actually recognize it as a "bad" insect, IMO.

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Did you see who the hook’s maker was? If someone here’s interested in trying it for themselves, you can buy metallic paint (normally used for jewelry) here: http://www.fancifulsinc.com/

The hooks I saw were not labeled.  It looked like the shop had bought them bulk and packaged them in little zip lock bags on their own.  I will call out there tomorrow and find out where they bought them at.  I do recall they were expensive (like $10 for 25 hooks if I remember correctly) so your metallic paint idea might be a very good alternative. — Warren Findley Remove (nospamZZ) to respond via email http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt/

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"The trout just assumes it’s a harmless piece of flotsam, extra fiber if you will." "Assumes", to deduce.  The ability to come to a logical conclusion based on facts.   "Trout", to be a genius.  The ability to attend college courses without paying tuitions.  To Trout, as to flaunt wonderful phrases upon non-thinking ass holes who fly fish as a reflex action. "Seeing Trout" extablishes the ability to understand languages such as English. "Feeding Trout", The need to eat with the foreknowledge that to not do so will result in death.   "Dieting Trout", as in "Free Rising" selective trout who know the difference between choosing either a protein insect over one burden with excessive carbohydrates and undesirable fiber. Flyfisherman:  That which has a brain the size of a pea and who talks to the fishes as in Mafia Fisherman.   All’s Fair With Fur or Feather gg

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Warren Findley: One wonders if a little metallic paint added to make the hook look more like the tied bug would make a difference.  I might have to try that for fun just to see. They are starting to make the colored hooks in trout sizes too.  I saw some at a fly shop on the Beaverhead River and Lou Teletski gave me a fly that used a red hook when we went fishing the other day.  I haven’t tried them yet, but I can see how they might benefit a fly tyer. —

I’ve been using red nymph hooks for five or six years.  It’s the only color I’ve seen in the smaller sizes. As far as glitter is concerned, good old nail polish (Wet and Wild) with the silver or gold flecks in it works well.  Also, Orvis sells some head cement with silver flecks.   Dave

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I’ve been using red nymph hooks for five or six years.  It’s the only color I’ve seen in the smaller sizes. As far as glitter is concerned, good old nail polish (Wet and Wild) with the silver or gold flecks in it works well.  Also, Orvis sells some head cement with silver flecks. Dave

Do you think there’s an advantage in using colored hooks? The nail polish idea is a good one — you can get it in any crazy color these days, and Wet & Wild is pretty cheap, but the clerk at the store might look at you funny. Sandy

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Reading about colored hooks now is a revelation to me Jon and I suppose it makes sense to include the hook coloring of olive, for instance, to add to the tone of an olive caddis emerger, for instance.  It seems this is one of those rare instances where the present generation is going to drag me, screaming and kicking into the future.  I might be an old dog learning new tricks but it doesn’t mean I have to like it. Now if you please, would someone hold my hand down hard upon this table so it won’t lift that shot of Jack Daniels to my quivering lips? Mr. G. All’s Fair With Fur or Feather gg

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……. But trout are also very used to seeing things on insects – broken legs and wings, a sliver of leaf or filament of weed, or even a pebble and twig case on a caddis.  The trout sees it and just assumes it’s a harmless piece of flotsam, extra fiber if you will.  Only if a trout has been hooked a number of times would he actually recognize it as a "bad" insect, IMO.

Yes, that’s all plausible. JR

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Do you think there’s an advantage in using colored hooks? The nail polish idea is a good one — you can get it in any crazy color these days, and Wet & Wild is pretty cheap, but the clerk at the store might look at you funny.

I called up that fly shop in Dillon and they said the hooks are manufactured by Daiichi.  I checked the Daiichi website and they have red, black, nickel and gold hooks in a variety of styles.  Unfortunately they do not list their hooks that would be of use to fly fishermen so I emailed the company for more information.  Here is a link to their website if you care to take a look. http://www.daiichihooks.com/daiichi/index.html — Warren Findley Remove (nospamZZ) to respond via email http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt/

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I called up that fly shop in Dillon and they said the hooks are manufactured by Daiichi.  I checked the Daiichi website and they have red, black, nickel and gold hooks in a variety of styles.  Unfortunately they do not list their hooks that would be of use to fly fishermen so I emailed the company for more information.  Here is a link to their website if you care to take a look. http://www.daiichihooks.com/daiichi/index.html

   Another manufacturer of colored hooks is Gamakatsu (www.gamakatsu.com). I’ve seen them in the local fly shops but never tied with them, but I’ll vouch for the quality of their product. I was a serious ocean/big game fisherman in a past life; Gamakatsu and Owner were the only hooks I’d use.

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Warren?  Wouldn’t you t hink a gold hook would most likely be like adding gold tinsel to a fly?  I don’t know. George All’s Fair With Fur or Feather gg

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I think, but have no proof for it, that hook recognition develops in fish over time and that this is a major part of what we anglers call "selective behavior". I feel this is mostly a factor with flies at/near the surface, and more an issue in slower, richer streams that offer more time for the fish to observe their prey. On many subsurface patterns, and even some surface emerger types, the hook bend can serve to mimic the shape of the natural nymph,pupa or whatever.

I agree it’s mostly a factor in slower, richer streams.  I’d have thought, though, it was also more important with subsurface flies than with dries, first because the "profile" of the bend is reduced when viewed from below, and second because, as well described by Peter in the Fly Perceptions thread, it may be that the bare part of the hook is somewhat masked by the dimples and associated halos caused by the hackle and tail. JR

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When I first read the header to this post I ignored because I thought it was sex site SPAM!!!!!!!

Sorry.  Fine state of affairs when we *expect* to see sex spam, ain’t it? What you say may very well be true, but like I said in another post, it’s something that confirms my opinion that fish perceive our flies in a very different way from the way we do. That "big-ass curvy part" is very evident to me and seems even more prevalent in smaller flies. Maybe they ignore it because they tend to look for certain things that are "right" about a fly or for a certain trigger instead of things that are "wrong." Maybe those "educated" fish have learned to look for things that are "wrong" as well???

Well, my speculations were just musings.  To me, it remains a great mystery that fish will overlook something so conspicuous.  On the other hand, say a fish ignores a nymph presented once, twice, and takes it on the third cast.  It might well be that, just by chance, the fly was turned the third time in a way to present a top or bottom view (with the bare hook bend hidden), while the first two times, again by chance alone, the fly passed the fish turned in a way that presented the fly more in profile, with the bend more exposed. When fishing the traditional downstream swing for steelhead here in the PNW, one tactic is to throw upstream mends to slow down the swing, allowing the fish the longest possible view of the fly (a good tactic when swinging soft hackles for trout, too).  A disadvantage is that unless you use a riffle hitch or some such, the view the fish has tends to be a butt-on, reduced view.  It addition to the riffle hitch, a greased line presentation also serves to give the fish a full profile view of the fly.  The difference (from fishing for trout) is that you just want the steelhead to see the very most of whatever silhouette the fly happens to have, to maximize the sheer provocation value of the fly–you’re not trying to imitate any particular natural foodstuff.  Here the more bare hook you have visible, maybe the better.  Some manufacturers are now producing bright gold, green, red and blue salmon/steelhead hooks.  Why waste all that bare metal when you can dress it up? JR

Response:

I’ve often wondered about that "big-ass curvy part", but most of the time it doesn’t seem to bother the trout’s attraction to the lure.

Good thing, too, otherwise we’d all have to find another sport.  ;)  I guess that’s what amazes me:  that it *doesn’t* bother the fish while very minor differences in other parts of the fly will make a difference. JR

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Maybe that big curvy part looks like an ovipositor.  See my web site www.sluttyflies.com

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I believe that many streams (I know of three) where the fish are "opportunistic" — that is, if it looks like it could be food, they will strike it.  On the rivers I recently visited in Idaho, there was no hatch, yet they readily took a humpy or a Klinkhammer, the bigger the better.  The guide gave my grandson a #10 red humpy and I marveled at its effectiveness.   This is just the opposite of another river I fish – when there is no hatch, the fish will rise to a very small, well presented dry.  Nymphing the rivers in Idaho was very successful, but again you had to give them a big nymph.  My #18s and 20s were useless.  Those same 18s and 20s on another river will catch many fish.

"Bigger is better" is right. I seldom use dries smaller than #12 or nymphs smaller than #14 in those Idaho waters you fished. I think the deal is that they’re relatively sterile freestone rivers. The fish jump on whatever they see that looks edible. Large, good floating Chernobyl patterns with dropper nymphs are very effective. So are large orange stimulators. You can catch these fish with an indicator attached to a bare hook. I only use the standard nymph patterns — pheasant tails, hare’s ears, prince nymphs, and lately copper johns. Also, the fish are mostly cutthroats, which are notoriously gullible. It doesn’t make for particularly challenging fishing (aside from the ass-busting hiking to get to the good spots), but it’s fun. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

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John replies:  I’d have thought, though, it was also more important with subsurface flies than with dries, first because the "profile" of the bend is reduced when viewed from below,

But,one can build the body into most of the bend, use hook shape to the advantage of simulation. it may be that the bare part of the hook is somewhat masked by the dimples and associated halos caused by the hackle and tail.

I disagree. If you watch how a fresh, well hackled dry fly floats, the hook penetrates the surface,except for a tightly palmered hackle. Most dries settle right on top of the surface with the body, with some hackle tips in the water and the ones on the sides doing the work of holding the fly up. Anyhow, the hook will be seen, and quite distinctly from the body silhouette.                              Tom L

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John writes: just what do we imagine the fish make of that big long hook bend

I think, but have no proof for it, that hook recognition develops in fish over time and that this is a major part of what we anglers call "selective behavior". I feel this is mostly a factor with flies at/near the surface, and more an issue in slower, richer streams that offer more time for the fish to observe their prey. On many subsurface patterns, and even some surface emerger types, the hook bend can serve to mimic the shape of the natural nymph,pupa or whatever.                                Tom L

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John writes: just what do we imagine the fish make of that big long hook bend I think, but have no proof for it, that hook recognition develops in fish over time and that this is a major part of what we anglers call "selective behavior". I feel this is mostly a factor with flies at/near the surface, and more an issue in slower, richer streams that offer more time for the fish to observe their prey. On many subsurface patterns, and even some surface emerger types, the hook bend can serve to mimic the shape of the natural nymph,pupa or whatever.

When I first read the header to this post I ignored because I thought it was sex site SPAM!!!!!!! What you say may very well be true, but like I said in another post, it’s something that confirms my opinion that fish perceive our flies in a very different way from the way we do. That "big-ass curvy part" is very evident to me and seems even more prevalent in smaller flies. Maybe they ignore it because they tend to look for certain things that are "right" about a fly or for a certain trigger instead of things that are "wrong." Maybe those "educated" fish have learned to look for things that are "wrong" as well??? Willi

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Willi writes: John writes: just what do we imagine the fish make of that big long hook bend I think, but have no proof for it, that hook recognition develops in fish over time and that this is a major part of what we anglers call "selective behavior". I feel this is mostly a factor with flies at/near the surface, and more an issue in slower, richer streams that offer more time for the fish to observe their prey. On many subsurface patterns, and even some surface emerger types, the hook bend can serve to mimic the shape of the natural nymph,pupa or whatever. When I first read the header to this post I ignored because I thought it was sex site SPAM!!!!!!! What you say may very well be true, but like I said in another post, it’s something that confirms my opinion that fish perceive our flies in a very different way from the way we do. That "big-ass curvy part" is very evident to me and seems even more prevalent in smaller flies. Maybe they ignore it because they tend to look for certain things that are "right" about a fly or for a certain trigger instead of things that are "wrong." Maybe those "educated" fish have learned to look for things that are "wrong" as well??? Willi

I believe that many streams (I know of three) where the fish are "opportunistic" — that is, if it looks like it could be food, they will strike it.  On the rivers I recently visited in Idaho, there was no hatch, yet they readily took a humpy or a Klinkhammer, the bigger the better.  The guide gave my grandson a #10 red humpy and I marveled at its effectiveness.   This is just the opposite of another river I fish – when there is no hatch, the fish will rise to a very small, well presented dry.  Nymphing the rivers in Idaho was very successful, but again you had to give them a big nymph.  My #18s and 20s were useless.  Those same 18s and 20s on another river will catch many fish. I’ve often wondered about that "big-ass curvy part", but most of the time it doesn’t seem to bother the trout’s attraction to the lure. Dave

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The recent discussion about wings, fishes’ perception, etc., reminded me of something I’ve often wondered, even marveled about–one of those things that come unbidden to mind on the thousandth (or two thousandth) fishless cast of the day on a steelhead river. Those of us who agonize over the minutiae of wing size, or number of fibers in the tail, or shade of copper in the ribbing:  just what do we imagine the fish make of that big long hook bend that on some patterns constitutes 50% or more of the whole gestalt (if you’ll pardon the word) presented to the fish?  Think of some ties you’ve seen of English PTs or soft hackles on those short hooks with absolutely huge gaps; yet these are effective flies.  You’d think (regardless of your species-specific sense of perception) that this big ol’ ugly THING just hanging there off the bottom of our handiwork is a lot more obvious than the many fine details we obsess over.  Why on earth would any trout swimming not key on THAT? I’d imagine the influence of the hook bend is least when the fly is viewed from directly above (in which case for most flies, it’s invisible); almost as little when viewed from directly below; slightly greater when viewed at an oblique angle above, behind, or to side; and greatest when viewed at right angles from the side.   If this is right, could it be one reason (in addition to the commonly cited ones) a straight downstream presentation of a dry is successful when casting to selective fish on calm waters?  Could there be implications for presentation of nymphs in slower water?  A reason why LaFontaine’s sparkle pupa (with the bend shrouded) is so effective?  A reason to use nothing but the lightest wire hooks available? (A reason for me to get a life and think about more useful things?) JR

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Question:

Ya know….For all the loathing you receive from this group, there is nobody here that discredits you more than you discredit yourself. Over, and over, and over again, you prove just how huge a fraud you really are. It’s simply stunning…Boggles the mind, really. /daytripper (You even make Clinton look honest…)

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Did you copyright it?  If so, I’d have the legal team of Bert, Ernie, and Oscar look into it…

I looked back on this, and it occurred to me that some might have thought I was making light of Charlie’s notice of G’s hanky-panky regarding his report.  In case there is any doubt, I meant to satire George’s "copyright" signature nonsense in _his_ posts contrasted with his willingness to completely ignore the intended purposes and even the copyrights on the work, including books, of others.  The fact that he has misrepresented, or plagiarized outright, others’ writings should come as no surprise. TC, R – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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"I purchased a Gehrke bamboo rod in October of 1999 and wrote a long and thoughtful review of the rod. It was a decent rod despite a few cosmetic flaws (wrap gaps, spotty varnish, dirtiness beneath the varnish primarily at the nodes, use of epoxy instead of varnish on the wraps). Regardless, the rod was arguably worth the $383 despite its imperfections.

Or about the price of a used Granger in decent condition? While it would be a used rod, it would likely be free of the sort of imperfections you encountered. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyoming

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Reminds me of Arnold J. Rimmer. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — http://www.gink.com/cgi-bin/guestbook/igb.cgi

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)) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Reminds me of Arnold J. Rimmer. — http://www.gink.com/cgi-bin/guestbook/igb.cgi

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Did you copyright it?  If so, I’d have the legal team of Bert, Ernie, and Oscar look into it…

Well, it seems he got a few people to go to his site, maybe it was in danger of fading away unless somebody looked (does a web site exist if nobody visits?). <g — Charlie…

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No Dave it is AM(Almost M).Gink ain’t got what it takes to produce true FM.  For Flyfishers only: A bottle of Gink to make ‘em stink,A bottle of wine to make ‘em shine. — Don Thompson Another Thompson Scion

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Zimbo writes: I find it very curious that several of the entries in the guestbook seem to have been written over a year ago but magically appeared within a one-day span several days ago. I also find it interesting that despite there being a 25 character minimum size limit for a comment, many of the entries are fewer than 25 characters. It would seem unethical to transcribe dated testimonials to make them appear to be guestbook entries. It’s FM, Zim. Dave

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George, Are we boasting or doing a little self promotion? Isn’t it amazing how 18 people from around the country all post testamonials within 40 minutes of each other. Paul

I find it amazing that Charlie Wilson just got back from the Western Clave…. what a trout bum! I don’t find it amazing at all that the crazed p.t. barnum lunatic of flyfishing did this…. kinda follows his pattern…. lies, lies, and more lies…. –walt

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I find it amazing that Charlie Wilson just got back from the Western Clave…. what a trout bum!

    I found it amazing that the product report I posted to roff appeared on a commercial site…..

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I find it amazing that Charlie Wilson just got back from the Western Clave…. what a trout bum!     I found it amazing that the product report I posted to roff appeared on a commercial site…..

there is that little, perchance illegal, indescretion. –walt

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I find it amazing that Charlie Wilson just got back from the Western Clave…. what a trout bum!    I found it amazing that the product report I posted to roff appeared on a commercial site…..

Did you copyright it?  If so, I’d have the legal team of Bert, Ernie, and Oscar look into it… TC, R – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Did you copyright it?  If so, I’d have the legal team of Bert, Ernie, and Oscar look into it…

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Zimbo writes: I find it very curious that several of the entries in the guestbook seem to have been written over a year ago but magically appeared within a one-day span several days ago. I also find it interesting that despite there being a 25 character minimum size limit for a comment, many of the entries are fewer than 25 characters. It would seem unethical to transcribe dated testimonials to make them appear to be guestbook entries.

It’s FM, Zim. Dave

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Did you copyright it?  If so, I’d have the legal team of Bert, Ernie, and Oscar look into it…

Well, as a last resort, you could duelly reprot him to his ISP…. TC, R

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– http://www.gink.com/cgi-bin/guestbook/igb.cgi

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George, Are we boasting or doing a little self promotion? Isn’t it amazing how 18 people from around the country all post testamonials within 40 minutes of each other. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — http://www.gink.com/cgi-bin/guestbook/igb.cgi

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http://www.gink.com/cgi-bin/guestbook/igb.cgi

I find it very curious that several of the entries in the guestbook seem to have been written over a year ago but magically appeared within a one-day span several days ago. I also find it interesting that despite there being a 25 character minimum size limit for a comment, many of the entries are fewer than 25 characters. It would seem unethical to transcribe dated testimonials to make them appear to be guestbook entries. Since I’m quite certain my guestbook entry dated "Apr 5, 2001 – 04:18:42" will be promptly removed from Mr. Gehrke’s site, I have copied it in its entirety and included it here: "I purchased a Gehrke bamboo rod in October of 1999 and wrote a long and thoughtful review of the rod. It was a decent rod despite a few cosmetic flaws (wrap gaps, spotty varnish, dirtiness beneath the varnish primarily at the nodes, use of epoxy instead of varnish on the wraps). Regardless, the rod was arguably worth the $383 despite its imperfections. However, after receiving my rod several of my friends received rods in much poorer condition than mine. In fact, Mr. Gehrke actually had the brazen gall to send the same defective rod to several different individuals. When they returned the rod, he would become angry and make disparaging personal remarks about them on a the fly fishing newsgroup. He would then simply send the same rod to another unsuspecting individual. Mr. Gehrke’s dishonesty and misrepresentation combined with the $100 increased price for the model of rod I purchased make the product one I definitely do NOT recommend. Let the buyer beware." –Steve Zimmerman

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Question:

Hello all; Looking for recommendations for a good smallmouth streams in the King of Prussia, Pennsylvania area.  I will be in the Hatboro/Philadelphia area on business Thursday and plan on a little fly fishing Thursday night and Friday.  I will be wading.  Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Joe

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A decent smallie area is the Perkiomen watershed park at routes 73 and 29 just outside of Collegeville (its in Schwenksville to be technical). Another area is the Evansburg park area on Germantown Pike. I can give you better directions if either sound appealing. Ron

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello all; Looking for recommendations for a good smallmouth streams in the King of Prussia, Pennsylvania area.  I will be in the Hatboro/Philadelphia area on business Thursday and plan on a little fly fishing Thursday night and Friday.  I will be wading.  Thanks in advance for your suggestions. Joe

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Question:

Putting your children first does NOT mean you have to spend every second you your life with them. Your children as well as you will benefit if your mental health is good and your marriage is strong. Don’t feel guilty about taking care of those needs. Think of going away as part of a package of good family life that includes your needs and the children’s. You are just restoring your supplies of caring and patience for when they are needed. Please don’t fall into the trap of defining yourself only as "mommy the caregiver." you are also wife, friend, and person in your own right.

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Hi…I am a stay at home mom of three.  I am very active with my three small children.  Their ages are 6,2, and 1.  I enjoy every minute with them, and never leave them with a sitter.  My husband and I take them everywhere with us.  On the weekends is his only time to spend quality time with them, so we hate to get a baby-sitter.  My problem is this though…this year, we have opted to go on vacation without them.  My husbands family is going to keep them.  My 6 year old is excited because he loves getting to go to his cousins, but my other two are too young to understand when I say I’m going on vacation.  We will be gone for 6 days.  Although I am excited to spend time with my husband, I feel guilty leaving them behind.  My daughter is the 2 year old and she is always right beside me.  I feel like she will be devestated with me gone.  I want to go, but should I feel guilty about going?  Many people tell me, including my pediatrician that a stay at home mom needs a break and that it is healthy, but why do I still feel like I’m doing something selfish?  I always put my kids first and this decision I’ve made to go without them this year has made me feel terrible.  Does anyone have any good words of advice for me?  Sounds corny, but I could use some about now.  I’ve got three weeks until my trip, and I want to enjoy it as much as possible.  I’m afraid I’ll worry about the younsters the whole time. Michelle……mommy of 3

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Hey you deserve a vacation but I can see how you will miss your little brood. Read this idea for traveling parents.  Maybe you can do something like it to make it a little easier for you. In the article dad was traveling and mom helped her son make him little "gifts" one for each day that dad was away.  Dad would then call and talk about the gift.  The son was able to understand when the dad was coming back by which present he had opened.  Perhaps you could put together a few special treats and plan to call on the day that they are opened.  Or something like that.  Another idea would be to keep a journal or write a letter to your children while you are away.  This could be done while on the beach etc.  You’re going to be thinking of them anyway it always seems to help me when I write it down.  Then you can share them with them at a later date or keep them for yourself as a memory of your first vacation without them.  Keep remembering that they are probably going to have a blast so you try to do the same.  Hope all works out! Enjoy! -Jodi  mom of Kacie 7/24/98

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Hi…I am a stay at home mom of three.  I am very active with my three small children.  Their ages are 6,2, and 1. I want to go, but should I feel guilty about going?

Unless you plan on homeschooling them and then raising them and their families in your home, you might want to consider this the first step at letting them see the "outside world".  It may help foster their independence.

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Help! We’re going on a trip and don’t know what to do with our baby

Stoli! I agree with all the posters so far.  4 days is intolerable and 9 unthinkable. Most I’ve done is one night.

Response:

We contacted our local vet and the vet technician there does pet sitting. It was comforting to know that someone that worked at the vet hospital was also going to be checking on our cats every other day, if he noticed anything unusual, he would take them right to the vet. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Help! We’re going on a trip and don’t know what to do with our baby Stoli! She’s about a year old and has never been out of our home.  We’ve left her alone for 4-5 days with no problem before (big clean litter boxes, plenty of food and water, etc.) and wonder if we can do it for 9-10 without any problems.  Hate the thought of a kennel, and no one can come over to take care of her.  Any ideas? Is there a rule of thumb for this kind of thing?? Thanks. -Patrick

Response:

Help! We’re going on a trip and don’t know what to do with our baby Stoli! She’s about a year old and has never been out of our home.  We’ve left her alone for 4-5 days with no problem before (big clean litter boxes, plenty of food and water, etc.) and wonder if we can do it for 9-10 without any problems.  Hate the thought of a kennel, and no one can come over to take care of her.  Any ideas? Is there a rule of thumb for this kind of thing?? Thanks. -Patrick

   Hi,  When we go on holidays, we take the 2 cats to our vet, he has a kennel  and the cats are in a run and not in a cage.  They do not like it very much, but they are used to this twice a year.  We do make up to them when we get back! They are never any problems and  they are not mad at us, to happy to go outside again.  ob. — ****    Odette Brown ** I love Cats    ***** *** La Belle Province ** Quebec ** CANADA ***   http://www.igs.net/~rathey/odette1.htm

Response:

Help! We’re going on a trip and don’t know what to do with our baby Stoli! She’s about a year old and has never been out of our home.  We’ve left her alone for 4-5 days with no problem before (big clean litter boxes, plenty of food and water, etc.) and wonder if we can do it for 9-10 without any problems.  Hate the thought of a kennel, and no one can come over to take care of her.  Any ideas? Is there a rule of thumb for this kind of thing?? Thanks. -Patrick

My personal limit for leaving my cats alone is two nights.  Otherwise I would fret and never enjoy a minute of my trip.  Many have suggested a pet sitter, this is a great idea.  That way you will have the peace of mind knowing that your Stoli and your house are being looked after. Boarding can be stressful for a cat, it depends on the cats personality.  My Isis would probably be fine at a boarding facility, but I know my shy little Hero would just freak out!  So far, if I’ve had to be away from home for longer than two overnights, I’ve been able to coax (coerce?) friends into looking in on them.  This too could be an option for you and would likely be cheaper than a pet sitter.  You can generally get away with giving the friend a small gift from your vacation, or taking them for dinner or something Good luck with Stoli, and I hope you enjoy your vacation (wish I could go on a vacation….sigh) Claire — My email address is spam-blocked! To reply, just remove the "nospam."    |_/|                                                      (. .)                                                  /_/     =*= (     "Cats are really far out little       ____/ , ,    / ^ //       animals."                         /~____  =^= /   (|| ||)      – Marvin Gaye                     (#_#_#_)___)_)    "" ""

Response:

I, too, use a pet sitting service.  There is nothing better (except staying at home) for your cat.  They stay in a familiar environment and there is someone trustworthy to check on them every day.  Leaving them for 4-5 days on their own is not a good idea.  Too many things can happen to them when unattended.  You could come home to a disaster.

Response:

Help! We’re going on a trip and don’t know what to do with our baby Stoli! She’s about a year old and has never been out of our home.  We’ve left her alone for 4-5 days with no problem before (big clean litter boxes, plenty of food and water, etc.) and wonder if we can do it for 9-10 without any problems.  Hate the thought of a kennel, and no one can come over to take care of her.  Any ideas? Is there a rule of thumb for this kind of thing?? Thanks. -Patrick

 I just couldn’t do it. What happens if Stoli becomes ill? four days, let alone nine days delay in getting vet treatment could be the difference between life, serious illness or death. I use a boarding cattery near where I live. The couple that run it are retired and *adore* cats. They treat the boarding cats as if they were their own. Every day, they not only clean all the runs, but spend time with the cats making a fuss of them etc.. They take contact telephone numbers in case of emergency, have vet details in case of illness, feed the cats *exactly* what they are fed at home etc., etc.. Regards, Helen S

Response:

Help! We’re going on a trip and don’t know what to do with our baby Stoli!

Whenever we go out of town, we have a pet sitter come to our house. She comes in twice a day and feeds our cats, gives them fresh water, scoops the boxes, gives medicine to those that need it. We pay her for this service, but the cost is worth our peace of mind while we are gone. Try checking at pet food stores and with vets–they usually have bulletin boards with pet sitters who are in your area. Many are bonded and licensed, and good one will have references you can check. Many will also water plants, bring in the mail, turn on lights, etc. Good luck!

Response:

In the phone book, you should be able to find a pet sitter.  This is an awesome service that I use regularly when away.  A person comes in to look after your pets, water your plants, take in your mail, newspaper etc, and it’s wonderful.  Whatever service you choose, make sure you get references and credentials … Christin

Response:

I, too, use a pet sitting service.  It is GREAT!  Leaving a cat alone for 4-5 days is not a good idea.  Too many things can happen with no one to check on them.  What if they get sick?  Get into something they shouldn’t? What if they run out of food or knock over their water? Anyway, the pet sitter allows them to stay in their familiar environment with someone trustworthy to check on them.  It is well worth the money. They also take in mail, water plants, scoop litter, give medicine if necessary, feed and water.

Response:

Help! We’re going on a trip and don’t know what to do with our baby Stoli! She’s about a year old and has never been out of our home.  We’ve left her alone for 4-5 days with no problem before (big clean litter boxes, plenty of food and water, etc.) and wonder if we can do it for 9-10 without any problems.  Hate the thought of a kennel, and no one can come over to take care of her.  Any ideas? Is there a rule of thumb for this kind of thing?? Thanks. -Patrick

Response:

Help! We’re going on a trip and don’t know what to do with our baby

Stoli! I agree with all the posters so far.  4 days is intolerable and 9 unthinkable. Most I’ve done is one night.

Response:

We contacted our local vet and the vet technician there does pet sitting. It was comforting to know that someone that worked at the vet hospital was also going to be checking on our cats every other day, if he noticed anything unusual, he would take them right to the vet. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Help! We’re going on a trip and don’t know what to do with our baby Stoli! She’s about a year old and has never been out of our home.  We’ve left her alone for 4-5 days with no problem before (big clean litter boxes, plenty of food and water, etc.) and wonder if we can do it for 9-10 without any problems.  Hate the thought of a kennel, and no one can come over to take care of her.  Any ideas? Is there a rule of thumb for this kind of thing?? Thanks. -Patrick

Response:

Help! We’re going on a trip and don’t know what to do with our baby Stoli! She’s about a year old and has never been out of our home.  We’ve left her alone for 4-5 days with no problem before (big clean litter boxes, plenty of food and water, etc.) and wonder if we can do it for 9-10 without any problems.  Hate the thought of a kennel, and no one can come over to take care of her.  Any ideas? Is there a rule of thumb for this kind of thing?? Thanks. -Patrick

   Hi,  When we go on holidays, we take the 2 cats to our vet, he has a kennel  and the cats are in a run and not in a cage.  They do not like it very much, but they are used to this twice a year.  We do make up to them when we get back! They are never any problems and  they are not mad at us, to happy to go outside again.  ob. — ****    Odette Brown ** I love Cats    ***** *** La Belle Province ** Quebec ** CANADA ***   http://www.igs.net/~rathey/odette1.htm

Response:

Help! We’re going on a trip and don’t know what to do with our baby Stoli! She’s about a year old and has never been out of our home.  We’ve left her alone for 4-5 days with no problem before (big clean litter boxes, plenty of food and water, etc.) and wonder if we can do it for 9-10 without any problems.  Hate the thought of a kennel, and no one can come over to take care of her.  Any ideas? Is there a rule of thumb for this kind of thing?? Thanks. -Patrick

My personal limit for leaving my cats alone is two nights.  Otherwise I would fret and never enjoy a minute of my trip.  Many have suggested a pet sitter, this is a great idea.  That way you will have the peace of mind knowing that your Stoli and your house are being looked after. Boarding can be stressful for a cat, it depends on the cats personality.  My Isis would probably be fine at a boarding facility, but I know my shy little Hero would just freak out!  So far, if I’ve had to be away from home for longer than two overnights, I’ve been able to coax (coerce?) friends into looking in on them.  This too could be an option for you and would likely be cheaper than a pet sitter.  You can generally get away with giving the friend a small gift from your vacation, or taking them for dinner or something Good luck with Stoli, and I hope you enjoy your vacation (wish I could go on a vacation….sigh) Claire — My email address is spam-blocked! To reply, just remove the "nospam."    |_/|                                                      (. .)                                                  /_/     =*= (     "Cats are really far out little       ____/ , ,    / ^ //       animals."                         /~____  =^= /   (|| ||)      – Marvin Gaye                     (#_#_#_)___)_)    "" ""

Response:

I, too, use a pet sitting service.  There is nothing better (except staying at home) for your cat.  They stay in a familiar environment and there is someone trustworthy to check on them every day.  Leaving them for 4-5 days on their own is not a good idea.  Too many things can happen to them when unattended.  You could come home to a disaster.

Response:

Help! We’re going on a trip and don’t know what to do with our baby Stoli! She’s about a year old and has never been out of our home.  We’ve left her alone for 4-5 days with no problem before (big clean litter boxes, plenty of food and water, etc.) and wonder if we can do it for 9-10 without any problems.  Hate the thought of a kennel, and no one can come over to take care of her.  Any ideas? Is there a rule of thumb for this kind of thing?? Thanks. -Patrick

 I just couldn’t do it. What happens if Stoli becomes ill? four days, let alone nine days delay in getting vet treatment could be the difference between life, serious illness or death. I use a boarding cattery near where I live. The couple that run it are retired and *adore* cats. They treat the boarding cats as if they were their own. Every day, they not only clean all the runs, but spend time with the cats making a fuss of them etc.. They take contact telephone numbers in case of emergency, have vet details in case of illness, feed the cats *exactly* what they are fed at home etc., etc.. Regards, Helen S

Response:

Help! We’re going on a trip and don’t know what to do with our baby Stoli!

Whenever we go out of town, we have a pet sitter come to our house. She comes in twice a day and feeds our cats, gives them fresh water, scoops the boxes, gives medicine to those that need it. We pay her for this service, but the cost is worth our peace of mind while we are gone. Try checking at pet food stores and with vets–they usually have bulletin boards with pet sitters who are in your area. Many are bonded and licensed, and good one will have references you can check. Many will also water plants, bring in the mail, turn on lights, etc. Good luck!

Response:

In the phone book, you should be able to find a pet sitter.  This is an awesome service that I use regularly when away.  A person comes in to look after your pets, water your plants, take in your mail, newspaper etc, and it’s wonderful.  Whatever service you choose, make sure you get references and credentials … Christin

Response:

I, too, use a pet sitting service.  It is GREAT!  Leaving a cat alone for 4-5 days is not a good idea.  Too many things can happen with no one to check on them.  What if they get sick?  Get into something they shouldn’t? What if they run out of food or knock over their water? Anyway, the pet sitter allows them to stay in their familiar environment with someone trustworthy to check on them.  It is well worth the money. They also take in mail, water plants, scoop litter, give medicine if necessary, feed and water.

Response:

Help! We’re going on a trip and don’t know what to do with our baby Stoli! She’s about a year old and has never been out of our home.  We’ve left her alone for 4-5 days with no problem before (big clean litter boxes, plenty of food and water, etc.) and wonder if we can do it for 9-10 without any problems.  Hate the thought of a kennel, and no one can come over to take care of her.  Any ideas? Is there a rule of thumb for this kind of thing?? Thanks. -Patrick

Response:

We’re leaving for our vacation up north tomorrow.  I can’t wait!!  We’ll be spending most of our time out in the boat fishing.  And catching some rays.  I don’t want to spend all of my time in the bathroom. So hopefully my Lomotil will do the trick for me!  I got my doc to up the dose for me.  Thanks for the info Maryjo.  : )  I hope every one has a happy and healthy week like I’m hoping for!!  I can’t wait to get away!!!! Take Care, Sherry  ( who always says she the fishing pro in the family )  ; )

Response:

Sherry, Have fun!! and catch lots of fish.  ~~~~Pat Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Thanks I hope to.  I love it in northern Mn.  The lakes are great, just getting back to nature.  There’s nothing more beautiful than sitting in a boat watching an eagle fly over!!  I just have to go to work for a few hours and than wer’e off!  For a whole week….Nothing but sun and fun….I don’t have to worry about what my clients want…just sit in the boat fishing for hours…catching fish and catching some rays….I hope everyone has a happy and healthy week…Just like I am hoping for….  : ) Take Care, Sherry   ( I still say I’m the fishing pro in the family )   ; )

Response:

Sherry- Enjoy your trip! Tracy

Response:

Response:

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH! TELL ME!!!!!!! Rebecca Who wants to be invited to the wedding – I’m good for a gift (what can I say – I read too many romance novels)

Response:

There is no wedding but if you send a gift and we like it we may reconsider. — DAWN/Bonnie

Response:

Hummmm, the perfect gift for two IBDers – his and her bidets, silver plated toilet paper holder, crystal toilet plunger, monogrammed pill boxes, the possibilities are endless. Rebecca No wedding, no gift — – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There is no wedding but if you send a gift and we like it we may reconsider. — DAWN/Bonnie

Response:

Wow it is a small world.

Response:

— DAWN/Bonnie

Response:

ALRIGHT – WAIT A MINUTE! What’s going on here???!!! Rebecca <BG – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — DAWN/Bonnie

Response:

I went to New Orleans and met a great friend from this news group. And I had a wonderful time.

Response:

What a small world!  That is exactly what I did!  I had a wonderful time too.  We will have to compare pictures sometime. — DAWN/Bonnie

Response:

I am going on vacation too for 6 days. Wouldn’t it be funny if we went to the same place. Darren, Didn’t see your message until today.  Where did you go? — DAWN/Bonnie

Response:

  I’m off to Alaska in a couple of hours.  I’ll be gone until after July 4th.  You guys all have fun without me.  Even bogeyman.   Just in case there’s anyone I’ve neglected to alienate so far, I have to pack and won’t be checking back in before I leave, so I won’t see any bon voyage messages.

Well, hell, Rumple-chen, I’m posting one anyway. Haven’t been alienated yet! Say hi to wonderful, big, beautiful, friendly Alaska, where men are men, and women are actually considered people! If they would only dump their corrupt senators and governor! What a falling-off is there, from the late, much-lamented Senator Ernest Gruening, who was one of only two courageous, principled members of Congress to vote against the Tonkin Bay Resolution — the Big Lie that ended up killing so many GIs and Vietnamese. Read about him at, inter alia: http://lists.village.virginia.edu/lists_archive/sixties-l/1332.html — Polar

Response:

   I’m off to Alaska in a couple of hours.  I’ll be gone until after July 4th.  You guys all have fun without me.  Even bogeyman.    Just in case there’s anyone I’ve neglected to alienate so far, I have to pack and won’t be checking back in before I leave, so I won’t see any bon voyage messages.

Response:

Question:

What the hell is L2.99 and L 3.50? Speak American, damn it! TWL Big Al – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would like to take this opportunity to introduce our company, Lureflash International Limited.  We originally made our name with the introduction and development of synthetic fly tying materials into the very traditional world of fly tying; and are regarded by many as the re-inventors of fly tying and indeed fly fishing in the UK. This year we have introduced our new full-colour FLY REFERENCE GUIDE which is a fifty-page booklet comprising all fly pages featured within our trade catalogue and is an excellent reference guide.  Suggested retail price

Question:

I will be fishing this weekend – September 19th and it is my first time fly fishing the holy waters.  What is the best fly for this time of year.  Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks, Big Mac.

Response:

I will be fishing this weekend – September 19th and it is my first time fly fishing the holy waters.  What is the best fly for this time of year.  Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks, Big Mac.

Mac: Things can be a little slow this time of year, but you should find some small BWOs in the early morning and pot luck the rest of the day.  Check in at Gates Au Sable Lodge on M-72 east of Grayling or the Fly Factory at Ray’s canoe livery downtown.  Both places should be able to put you onto what’s working best. John B

Response:

Question:

The thread on polarized sun glasses made me think of a more basic question: Why are some people so much better than me at spotting fish? With my glasses on, my vision is measurably as good as anyone’s.  And the situation I describe below even applies to my youth when my vision was, by all tests, perfect. Still, I’ve been on the stream and had certain keen eyed fishing partners point out fish I did not detect.  Sometimes I cannot see them even after they are pointed out, but without fail, an experiment to disturb the fish always results in seeing it dart away.  Or, to more succinctly prove the point, caught!  Very frustrating. Are the eyes of my friends especially keen or are there techniques for seeing fish I just haven’t picked up.  Anybody out there got pointers for spotting fish, assuming one already knows where to look, is using polarized glasses and has 20/20 vision. —                                                       -dnc-

Response:

Why are some people so much better than me at spotting fish?

The only way I know of to improve your spotting is simply to spend as much time as possible on a stream, spotting fish.  It is a very subtle art, much like nymph fishing, and your score will improve with practice and experience. One tip, rather than look for a whole fish, look for parts, (i.e. a white edged fin, etc.) or movement.  It is very similar in that respect to spotting deer in the woods. Tight lines!! George

Response:

The thread on polarized sun glasses made me think of a more basic question: Why are some people so much better than me at spotting fish?

There is no doubt in my mind that various brains process signal in various ways.  That is why some people made better radar or sonar operators than others.  Someone once used my ham station.  While listening to noise on the speaker he mentioned that he heard someone (code transmission) coming in loud and clear.  I heard only noise.  With careful listening, I was able to tell that there were some slight changes to the character of the noise.  It was not enough to be of help to me.  I have no idea how much improvement can be obtained from training.  The differences may well be innate. By the way, the US Navy will no longer require radio operaters to be proficient at Morse code. Bill Buchman

Response:

Why are some people so much better than me at spotting fish? The only way I know of to improve your spotting is simply to spend as much time as possible on a stream, spotting fish.  It is a very subtle art, much like nymph fishing, and your score will improve with practice and experience. One tip, rather than look for a whole fish, look for parts, (i.e. a white edged fin, etc.) or movement.  It is very similar in that respect to spotting deer in the woods.

I agree with George that sitting and watching is the technique. It is the best fishing strategy anyway to sit and observe a pool or riffle for five or ten minutes before you approach or wade. Over a short period of time you can eventually see fish that you won’t see on first glance. Time lets you put together a few signals that individually are barely noticeable but can add up to a clear location of a feeding fish. Look in places where trout will be – places of slower flow where they relax but where they can see faster flow. Look for shadows that shift slightly across the stream. Normal shadows from current on the surface will only move straight downstream. It is a matter of observing not the details you are seeing but the repeating patterns of movement, then when some shadow or flash occurs that is not part of the repeating pattern, there is your fish. A tail or fin of a holding fish can sometimes be picked out among rocks or under logs but it is much easier to see a shadow shift slightly then back as a fish takes a nymph. In riffles and eddies, sit a bit and you’ll notice that small flat glassy sections of surface will be mixed with the rippled surface. These are like moving portholes into the depths, and if you watch them move downstream you can see the bottom clearly if just for a second. And if you’re steelhead fishing, look for blue logs. Mark Vinsel www.vinsel.com

Response:

I could not say it any better than Mark has just mentioned.  Steamside experience is the only way to succeed- look for the flashes or movement. Sage

        here’s an exception-that-proves-the-rule story:  couple years ago, my wife and i took a trip to bonaire (aruba, bonaire, curacao), and i was able to find a bonefish guide, who took us to vast white bottomed salt flats that were thick with small, schooling bones. invariably, my wife would see fish before i could; on a couple of occasions, she called em out before the guide.  he was amazed, as i was.  she had never been bonefishing before.  her eye just clicked with the image, i guess. I think that you just pointed out the rule whereas Mar pointed out the exception.  There a limit to just how much improvement you can get by practice.  There are many basketball players who are willing to work harder than Michael Jordan or violinist who will work harder than Itzhak Perleman (spelling?). (This is not to say that the do not work hard at their craft.)  Nevertheless, in spite of this effort, these people will just not ever be even close in performance.  The navy investigated this in the search for good sonar operators. Wayne’s wife just happens to be talented at seeing bonefish.  With practice, she may become much better.  You have to start with the talent. Bill Buchman

Response:

….Thirdly, I think some people are out more and know where they should be

looking.  Good Polarized glasses will help….Bill Kiene< Bill’s right, I think. Spotting fish is an acquired art (skill) that comes with time on the water, and distinct, concentrated effort. Dennis Smith Loveland, CO

Response:

I could not say it any better than Mark has just mentioned.  Steamside experience is the only way to succeed- look for the flashes or movement. Sage

        here’s an exception-that-proves-the-rule story:  couple years ago, my wife and i took a trip to bonaire (aruba, bonaire, curacao), and i was able to find a bonefish guide, who took us to vast white bottomed salt flats that were thick with small, schooling bones. invariably, my wife would see fish before i could; on a couple of occasions, she called em out before the guide.  he was amazed, as i was.  she had never been bonefishing before.  her eye just clicked with the image, i guess.         a. wayne harrison

Response:

I could not say it any better than Mark has just mentioned.  Steamside experience is the only way to succeed- look for the flashes or movement. Sage

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -The thread on polarized sun glasses made me think of a more basic question: Why are some people so much better than me at spotting fish? With my glasses on, my vision is measurably as good as anyone’s.  And the situation I describe below even applies to my youth when my vision was, by all tests, perfect. Still, I’ve been on the stream and had certain keen eyed fishing partners point out fish I did not detect.  Sometimes I cannot see them even after they are pointed out, but without fail, an experiment to disturb the fish always results in seeing it dart away.  Or, to more succinctly prove the point, caught!  Very frustrating. Are the eyes of my friends especially keen or are there techniques for seeing fish I just haven’t picked up.  Anybody out there got pointers for spotting fish, assuming one already knows where to look, is using polarized glasses and has 20/20 vision. —                                                      -dnc-

Hi DN, Many of us guys are color blind to some degree. This makes it harder to spot fish. Secondly, some people are outside and are use to focusing at longer distances. Thirdly, I think some people are out more and know where they should be looking.  Good Polarized glasses will help. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

Response:

Question:

Thinking of taking the family to Fla for a week in Feb.  I would appreciate any suggestions for a flyfisher (me) and two non-fishers (my wife and 6 yr. old daughter).  We’ve done the Keys and were thinking of the West coast, maybe Sanibel???

Response:

Strongly encourage you to investigate Gasparilla Island/Boca Grande.  I traveled there before becoming a fly fisherman and love the place because it is the antithesis of high-rise condo beach resorts.  To me it feels like most of FL must have been in the early part of this century.  If you want the fast lane go somewhere else.  For geographic perspective, Gasparilla is roughly two offshore islands north of Sanibel. Boca Grande claims to be the tarpon capital of the world.  Don’t know how much local boosterism that relies on, but judging by the number of fishing guides something’s going on under water.  As I said I haven’t fished there, but have since investigated because I plan to return.  I’ll try to answer any specific questions you may have. Jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thinking of taking the family to Fla for a week in Feb.  I would appreciate any suggestions for a flyfisher (me) and two non-fishers (my wife and 6 yr. old daughter).  We’ve done the Keys and were thinking of the West coast, maybe Sanibel???

Response:

Question:

Looking for any reports on the fishing buddy II to be used on a float tube.

Response:

Looking for any reports on the fishing buddy II to be used on a float tube.

you can tell where your feet are

Response:

I use one on my tube all the time. Works great for finding weed edgesdrop offs and other structures. Side finder is very good for marking fish and casting blind. I use mine for tracking  afish coming down a weededge to figure out which direcction he is going. Batteries last a long time and its great for both flyfishing and walleyes. Anything further try Email — *** Home of the Fishing Log ***

Response:

Question:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

Response: