Question:

Can any one recommend information regarding a destination for flyrodding for pike in Canada.  I am looking for a location, not necessarily a lodge.  (A lodge may be a reasonable choice since I do not care to cook.)  However a boat rental might be necessary.  I would need airport service since I would be flying in from the SE USA.  Please respond directly via e-mail. Thank you. "If I have been able to see over the horizon, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants," Sir Isaac Newton

Response:

A possible source of information is at the only exclusively fly fishing store and guide service that I know of in Manitoba. They advertise for trout trips etc but they may be able to put you in contact with someone else who can help. Hope this helps. http://www.northernangler.mb.ca/index.html

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Question:

I’ve been quite interested in this discussion of wealth. It seems to me that our society equates financial wealth with well-being. And, of course, the two are not the same. IMO, despite what your W-2 or 401(k) statements say, if you (1) spend less than you earn, (2) live in a place you enjoy, (3) are surrounded by people who love you, (4) and have time to fish with regularity then I say that you, sir, are a wealthy man indeed. Gack if you want to, you hardened bastards, but I believe it’s the truth. –Steve

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No gacking here, partner.  Well said.  There are even wealthy and happy folks without #4.  Go figure. JR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – IMO, despite what your W-2 or 401(k) statements say, if you (1) spend less than you earn, (2) live in a place you enjoy, (3) are surrounded by people who love you, (4) and have time to fish with regularity then I say that you, sir, are a wealthy man indeed. Gack if you want to, you hardened bastards, but I believe it’s the truth.

Response:

Steve Zimmerman: IMO, despite what your W-2 or 401(k) statements say, if you (1) spend less than you earn, (2) live in a place you enjoy, (3) are surrounded by people who love you, (4) and have time to fish with regularity then I say that you, sir, are a wealthy man indeed. Gack if you want to, you hardened bastards, but I believe it’s the truth. –Steve

Well said, Steve.   I doubt you’ll get many "gacks" — none from me, anyway.  I look at my two daughters and their children and I know I am the wealthiest man on earth.  Of course, fishing where and when I want to doesn’t hurt either. <g Dave LaCourse

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Gack if you want to, you hardened bastards, but I believe it’s the truth.

Steve, Sounds like you found Utopia! And I thought it couldn’t be done. Even hardened bastards gotta soften up on this one! Cheers, Rick

Response:

I’ve been quite interested in this discussion of wealth. It seems to me that our society equates financial wealth with well-being. And, of course, the two are not the same. IMO, despite what your W-2 or 401(k) statements say, if you (1) spend less than you earn, (2) live in a place you enjoy, (3) are surrounded by people who love you, (4) and have time to fish with regularity then I say that you, sir, are a wealthy man indeed. Gack if you want to, you hardened bastards, but I believe it’s the truth.

Although you stated that financial wealth and well-being are not the same, you seemed to combine the two in your definition and came up with some ingredients for being happy. However, I agree with your sentiment and it’s part of what I was referring to when I said I considered myself wealthy. In the financial area, I think #1 is a place where many people seem to have trouble. I have friends whose monthly debt payments ie. cars, homes, credit cards etc. are greater than what I earn. Although they make, to me, alot of money, they are living from paycheck to paycheck. Although the idea of feeling financially wealthy is personal and subjective, it seems to me that Americans have gotten some weirdly distorted ideas about what it means to be wealthy if someone in the richest nation in world, who earns in the top 1% of its citizens, doesn’t see himself as wealthy. Willi

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Not just living from paycheck to pay check, but never getting out of their hole, or even digging themselves deeper. As Mr. McCawber put it: Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen nineteen six, result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery JR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – less than you earn, (2) live in a place you enjoy, (3) are surrounded by people who love you, (4) and have time to fish with regularity then I say that you, sir, are a wealthy man indeed. In the financial area, I think #1 is a place where many people seem to have trouble. I have friends whose monthly debt payments ie. cars, homes, credit cards etc. are greater than what I earn. Although they make, to me, alot of money, they are living from paycheck to paycheck.

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Nah, they just THINK they’re happy.. No gacking here, partner.  Well said.  There are even wealthy and happy folks without #4.  Go figure. JR IMO, despite what your W-2 or 401(k) statements say, if you (1) spend less than you earn, (2) live in a place you enjoy, (3) are surrounded by people who love you, (4) and have time to fish with regularity then I say that you, sir, are a wealthy man indeed. Gack if you want to, you hardened bastards, but I believe it’s the truth.

– -Mark  –  Particle Salad/ Noom Room Studio  http://home.earthlink.net/~psalad  mp3 songs:  http://www.mp3.com/particlesalad

Response:

I’ve been quite interested in this discussion of wealth.

I couldn’t agree with you more.  I’m facing a job loss at the end of the year, potentially forcing me (although I do look forward to it) to be a stay at home dad to my six month old son.  I have the most loving wife and other family around me.  And I have my realatively new found love (1 1/2 years now) of time with my fly rods.  You know, I really cannot expect any more from life at this time.  It is a wonderful realization.  In spite of any ominous things job-wise, I couldn’t ask for a better life. Looking forward to teaching Sparky the ways of fly fishing! Bruce Thomsen

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#5 having a really cool car. Only joking… Well half joking. Wealth is coming home and having your daughter (4) come running yelling "Daddy’s home" and give you a big hug. Having my son(8) blind side me as I walk past the den with my daughter in my arms, although well intentioned, I could do without. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve been quite interested in this discussion of wealth. It seems to me that our society equates financial wealth with well-being. And, of course, the two are not the same. IMO, despite what your W-2 or 401(k) statements say, if you (1) spend less than you earn, (2) live in a place you enjoy, (3) are surrounded by people who love you, (4) and have time to fish with regularity then I say that you, sir, are a wealthy man indeed. Gack if you want to, you hardened bastards, but I believe it’s the truth. –Steve

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In my mid twenties, I was frustrated with life.  I was being laid off from my therapy job in the hospital and decided to take control of my own life by becoming wealty.   To make a long story short, I got scammed, lost my ass for 3 years and ended up far worse off then I was.  But I learned one thing that made it all worth it. Money is not freedom….. Time is.  Having time to spend with my wife and kids, fly fish 50+ times a year, go hunting with my buddies and working on my mini-farm are priceless. I think I learned the most important lesson in life and it all it "cost" me was a bad credit record for 10 years, haha.  Seriously, I am so thankful that I figured the real priorities out while my kids are still young.  I spent 4 years as a stay at home dad and now am just returning to school for my Masters degree.  Life is good. Mike

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Question:

Hi I just planned a 5 day, 4 nite trip to Cancun.  I don’t have a lot of time there and I have heard about all the great things to do, but I’d like to hear from others about the top 3 or 4 excursions to take. E mail Thankx

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Hi I just planned a 5 day, 4 nite trip to Cancun.  I don’t have a lot of time there and I have heard about all the great things to do, but I’d like to hear from others about the top 3 or 4 excursions to take. E mail Thankx

Hello, I have been there quite a few times and really enjoy it. There is something for everyone. I would try to spend a day on Cozumel and/or Isla Mujeres, small island just off shore. Take an all day air conditioned bus tour south to the ruins at Tulum. There are lots of water sports, boating, snorkeling, scuba, fishing and yes, lots of shopping. We specialize in fly fishing trips all over the world and this is on of our favorite places. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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Hi I just planned a 5 day, 4 nite trip to Cancun.  I don’t have a lot of time there and I have heard about all the great things to do, but I’d like to hear from others about the top 3 or 4 excursions to take. E mail Thankx

Isla Mujeres and/or Cozumel are nice excursions.  Tulum and Xel Ha are usually packaged together as a single tour and are also interesting. Xel Ha is a place where you can snorkel in a big natural aquarium (a giant pool carved out of the rock by a river) with mixed fresh and salt water and lots of beautiful fish.  It would probably be a bit lame to experienced divers, but if you haven’t seen tropical fish close up before it’s an easy way to do it..  I would hesitate to go inland to the big ruins a Chichen Iza (spelling?).  This time of year can be murderously hot.  When I was in Cancun in May, the people who went inland to that trip felt like they would barely make it out alive – they were burnt through their shirts, probably just from the heat of the sun.  Stick to the coastal areas. I haven’t done it myself, but I know two friends who recently took an excursion where you travel through underground rivers.  They both enjoyed it tremendously.  I would put this at the top of the list. Sorry I don’t have more details. Christine

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Any favorite places to eat either in Cancun or Isla Mujeres? I’d appreciate any info.           Sue

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Question:

An all too typical novice question: Present tackle is mainly spinning gear. light rod/reel, 6lb line, used for panfish, trout in samll lakes, bass, etc. Would like to add fly tackle to fish for the same species. Will use the fly tackle here in midwest (SW Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana- lake & small streams) and in Montana, as my son will be in school there(Missoula)and I expect to get there a few times annually. Any recommendations for type, make, budget? What are the better beginner setups? Have looked at Orvis, L.L. Bean catalogs, etc. What do I really need to get started?

Response:

Any recommendations for type, make, budget? What are the better beginner setups? Have looked at Orvis, L.L. Bean catalogs, etc. What do I really need to get started?

Hi Barry I recommend you contact your local fly shop and work with them. Cortland has some nice starter fly rods or you might consider a St.Croix or Reddington. Also ask your local fly shop if they rent rods. Most fly shops do rent equipment and also sell that equipment at the end of the season for a reasonable price. Also if you’ve never fly fished before do yourself a big favor and invest in a casting lesson or two. One hour spent with a casting instructor will save you years of trying to learn by yourself. If your local shop does not have an instructor (not very likely) you can contact the Federation of Fly Fishers and get the name of a Certified instructor near you or the name of the affiliate club near you. If you join the club you can learn from a friend. — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products On line catalog – tips & tricks at: http://www.btsflyfishing.com

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -An all too typical novice question: Present tackle is mainly spinning gear. light rod/reel, 6lb line, used for panfish, trout in samll lakes, bass, etc. Would like to add fly tackle to fish for the same species. Will use the fly tackle here in midwest (SW Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana- lake & small streams) and in Montana, as my son will be in school there(Missoula)and I expect to get there a few times annually. Any recommendations for type, make, budget? What are the better beginner setups? Have looked at Orvis, L.L. Bean catalogs, etc. What do I really need to get started?

I’m sure there are some who will disagree, but check the beginner packages in Cabela’s catalog. They also have higher end stuff. When I started 3 years ago, I purchased a 9′ – 6wt. Pfleuger rod and reel combo for about $120.00. It’s a low-budget set-up but quality enough to let you learn to cast and make a halfway smooth transition to a better rod when your ready. If you go buy a $50.00 rod, it will be harder. I’d recommend spending no more than $200.00 for rod, reel, backing, and line if you’re a beginner. A 30 year flyfisher gave me that advice. I still use that rod, it’s great. Have fun. For what it’s worth, TC

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Question:

Big river, or small creek, with just enough fish to be challenging and *no* other people around is quality.  The rest is fluff.

Interesting concept.  I would partially agree with you in that the number of fish doesnt’ control the quality of the experience.  Where I would disagree with you is when you use a small number of fish present as a positive measure of quality.  You want to be challenged, avoid the easy pocket water where you know you can pick up twenty a day.  Control your behavior (no not you personaly, you as in all of us), protect the environment (insert your definition here), and the rest will take care of itself. phil

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snip

 If we hook and play a number that causes the memory to blur, the appreciation to faden then WE HAVE EXCEEDED THE ETHICAL LIMIT. My opinion" snip

I agree with the premiss that the excitement of fishing is the reuslt of not knowing whether you will catch fish on a given stretch of river on a given day.  It is those days when I struggle to catch fish that make my succesful days exciting and rewarding.  Those struggling days provide a definition of successful ones.  A good example of this was last spring when I was still working very hard to catch any fish on a dry fly.  I would fish all day and catch one or two small trout.  One day I hit a Hendrickson hatch that was unbelievable.  I stood in the rain on six foot wide stream throwing without a fisherman in sight and caught more 13-15" trout (that is a nice fish here in Minnesota) than I could count.  I know because at first I was counting.  I rememeber getting to 25.  At some point after twenty five I just stopped fishing.  It wasn’t dark yet and the fish were still biting but I stopped.  I was bored.  It was too easy. I fished that stream around 50 times last year.  I never had another day like that.  Still, the memory of that day and a possible repeat is what got me out of bed at 3:00am to drive 80 miles to that same stream.  I don’t think I would fish that stream if I caught fish like that every time.  I also don’t think I would fish that stream if it were packed with fishermen (I saw a total of two fishermen all year).  I think I would go somewhere more challenging and rationalize it by saying it had bigger fish or more exciting fish to fight or less people. Mike H

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How much is enough? What is reasonable gratification? I feel strongly that each of these splendid wild creatures deserves to be individually remembered and appreciated. If we hook and play a number that causes the memory to blur, the                                                     ^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ appreciation to fade then WE HAVE EXCEEDED THE ETHICAL LIMIT. My opinion" I concur in this!  As I have said before, this is how I make my decision to stop fishing. -Burton — L. Burton Hawley 2330 NW Hummingbird Corvallis, ORSorry boys, BUT I WANT TO CATCH SO MANY FISH THAT I CAN’T REMEMBER ANY

OF THE "NORMAL" FISH, JUST ALL OF THE GIANTS. (I release most anyway!)

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I believe there is one thing Tim and Myself may be able to agree on and I hope so can most other readers of this group. Quality; angling should be about quality. I came across this in "Wild Steelhead and Salmon" V3 No 2 Winter 1997 from Bob linsenman’s 10 ways to Seduce Michigan Steelhead "Under the right conditions it is more than possible , it is probable, that a reasonably skilled fly angler will hook up in excess of 10 times over the course of a day. And that same skilled angler will bring to hand a high percentage of hooked fish. How much is enough? What is reasonable gratification? I feel strongly that each of these splendid wild creatures deserve s to be individually remembered and appreciated. If we hook and play a number that causes the memory to blur, the appreciation to faden then WE HAVE EXCEEDED THE ETHICAL LIMIT. My opinion" All emphasis is mine

You’re going to get mad at me…in advance 8^)… My serious contention with C&R is just that.  It reduces the quality of the experience 10 fold.  What happiness is there in catching a fish in an area with a fish behind every stick ? or an angler around every bend ?   Big river, or small creek, with just enough fish to be challenging and *no* other people around is quality.  The rest is fluff. — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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How much is enough? What is reasonable gratification? I feel strongly that each of these splendid wild creatures deserve s to be individually remembered and appreciated. If we hook and play a number that causes the memory to blur, the appreciation to faden then WE HAVE EXCEEDED THE ETHICAL LIMIT. My opinion" All emphasis is mine Ralph H

I agree. One steelhead is a great day.  Ten or twenty days of fishing between hookups makes that one fish even more rewarding. Even trout get boring if you don’t have the occasional day where nothing works, to help bring some mystery and questioning back to it. Mark Vinsel — http://www.lanminds.com/local/vinnie/gallery.html

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How much is enough? What is reasonable gratification? I feel strongly that each of these splendid wild creatures deserves to be individually remembered and appreciated. If we hook and play a number that causes the memory to blur, the                                                          ^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ appreciation to fade then WE HAVE EXCEEDED THE ETHICAL LIMIT. My opinion"

I concur in this!  As I have said before, this is how I make my decision to stop fishing. -Burton — L. Burton Hawley       2330 NW Hummingbird Corvallis, OR

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   Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly    Organization: Internet Direct SNIP    I came across this in "Wild Steelhead and Salmon" V3 No 2 Winter 1997    from Bob linsenman’s 10 ways to Seduce Michigan Steelhead    "Under the right conditions it is more than possible , it is     probable, that a d reasonably skilled fly angler will hook up in     excess of 10 times over the course of a day. And that same skilled     angler will bring to hand a high percentage of hooked fish.    How much is enough? What is reasonable gratification? I feel    strongly that each of these splendid wild creatures deserve s to be    individually remembered and appreciated. SNIP    Ralph H Not to disagree with you in any way (I too worship steelhead), but it struck me as odd to see an article about Michigan Steelhead in a magazine called "Wild Steelhead and Atlantic Salmon".  They should start a magazine called "Introduced and Hatchery Steelhead and Atlantic Salmon" for this topic.  Though, I should say that I’ve never really understood the scope of this magazine anyway. cheers,         -tgades

Response:

I believe there is one thing Tim and Myself may be able to agree on and I hope so can most other readers of this group. Quality; angling should be about quality. I came across this in "Wild Steelhead and Salmon" V3 No 2 Winter 1997 from Bob linsenman’s 10 ways to Seduce Michigan Steelhead "Under the right conditions it is more than possible , it is probable, that a reasonably skilled fly angler will hook up in excess of 10 times over the course of a day. And that same skilled angler will bring to hand a high percentage of hooked fish. How much is enough? What is reasonable gratification? I feel strongly that each of these splendid wild creatures deserve s to be individually remembered and appreciated. If we hook and play a number that causes the memory to blur, the appreciation to faden then WE HAVE EXCEEDED THE ETHICAL LIMIT. My opinion" All emphasis is mine Ralph H

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Question:

My fisrt fly rod was (and still is) a St. Croix Imperial 4-piece 8/9 weight.  I think that this rod is one of best kept secrets in the fly fishing community.  It casts very well and I have used it for steelhead, medium saltwater, and bass.  I have have a couple of very experienced fishermen spontaneously comment "nice rod" after casting it (one of them was a guide who next showed me how to cast the entire line  without double hauling).         I recommend the 4-piece because it is easier to transport and comes with an aluminum tube.  I have since "upgraded" to a very fast rod although I have not yet decided that my more expensive rod is more pleasant to fish with.

Response:

My fisrt fly rod was (and still is) a St. Croix Imperial 4-piece 8/9 weight.  I think that this rod is one of best kept secrets in the fly fishing community.  It casts very well and I have used it for steelhead, medium saltwater, and bass.  I have have a couple of very experienced fishermen spontaneously comment "nice rod" after casting it (one of them was a guide who next showed me how to cast the entire line  without double hauling).         I recommend the 4-piece because it is easier to transport and comes with an aluminum tube.  I have since "upgraded" to a very fast rod although I have not yet decided that my more expensive rod is more pleasant to fish with.

Right on Bert, St Croix makes a helluva rod for the money. I purchased last year the Imperial 4 pc 5/6 rod for my official travel rod. Spent all that money on top o’ the line rods only to discover I could have spent a fraction and had just as much fun! BTW, I have a Sage 4 piece, 6 wt RPL rod for sale if anyone is interested. $250, you pay the shipping. Excellent condition, aluminum tube. (too fast for me) — Frank Church Elkhart, IN

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Anyone have any feedback regarding this rod in 9"0", 6/7 wt?

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I think the Imperial rods are a great deal. The rod you are asking about is medium action and very smooth casting. —                    "One Fish is Worth a Thousand Lies"                             http://Flyfish.Com

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The first rod I ever bought.  I think St Croix has been making rods as long as anyone,many for sold under other brands like Orvis.  I will still us it on windy days over my Scott or Loomis.

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Yeah, I had one.   It broke in half on me landing a medium sized trout, and my fathers broke the same weekend.  Sunland sports in La Cananda, CA (point of purchase) sent them back and St. Croix replaced them.  Haven’t used them since.  Bought a Sage and am very happy.

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Question:

Advice to the new fisherman, don’t ‘glerk’ off the fish…(trim)

Sound advice, Tim.  But for a minute there I thought you were going to resurrect the rather steamy trout tickling thread that sort of grew on everyone a while back.  Good word, glerk.  Sounds vaguely like what you’d get by crossing a goof with a jerk.  And we certainly have an abundance of both casting their wits into this particular cyberpond. John

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Go to Wal Mart and buy a fly pole, reel, line and flys. Then go to your local river and do it. The rest comes with practice and experience. That’s how most of us do it.

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: Try to think like an animal that has a pea size brain and is : scared to death. : …this is a wild animal who is always frightened. : Fish live in a perpetual state of being "always frightened" and : "scared to death"! Yet, they have "a pea size brain". : What absolute trash! Where do you get this anthropomorphic : hogwash? Come on, Jim.  Tim said you would be a better fly angler if you learned to empathize with the animal.  Have you ever seen a wild trout?  They behave exactly as if they were always threatened (except for the occassional frenzy when hoppers blow into the water, perhaps).   They prefer to feed close to cover, they are VERY sensative to movement from above, they spook easilly if you make much noise. I agree completely with Tim: think of fish as frightened wild animals and you’ll understand them better and catch more…even if they aren’t frightened in a human way. I’d also add: think of them as very, very lazy.  They don’t like to feed on tiny things in fast water: it’s too tiring.  They don’t like swimming up through six feet of water when food is available in three feet.  They like the cushy pillow of current behind a rock on the bottom.  etc. etc. PS-Their brains really ARE pea sized. — Laboratory for Applied Logic    Dept. of Computer Science University of Idaho             www: http://www.cs.uidaho.edu/~foster —–BEGIN PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK—– Version: 2.6.2 mQCNAzDtvLEAAAEEAKAC21G2Be0K0DMgjLpxrwLmsYfCz8rWcfgyABjr3Ryfk1dO nV7fFFpUF3xohR7die+/B2V9oqRQzTLeSF2ECKlsTY/yUyw2kn+P2ju1umh4Fwzd cVTvc+H69q1+Ft3kmw/PE0Pan+g0PUGGJ43stw3q4OgBHdixbRd/f9giJFDxAAUR tCZKYW1lcyBBLiBGb3N0ZXIgPGZvc3RlckBjcy51aWRhaG8uZWR1PokAlQMFEDD8 ReEXf3/YIiRQ8QEBFrAD/2AFuRWcD/3MENC3qJMC/Or1qxknjkK7Uv+TDf2LHPOY GHBbG9PyWuXQ8of0Dd+JYwf/tzlO9Yk1s1zTdikfriak21FW0bCokxDIhA3myppZ IZDWVA9CyvDYHuP5Ii1NkBvocab813JzDLZA+0iVN5sebGb9zSXR4Za47hlriHeP =RDHK —–END PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK—–

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Try to think like an animal that has a pea size brain and is scared to death. …this is a wild animal who is always frightened.

 Obviously you’ve never encountered native browns, ordinarily very wary…during a heavy sulphur, hendrickson, x_drake or salmonfly hatch. …I feel sorry for you…You’ve been missing some of nature’s unique events. tight_lines,             Steve D.

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: writes:

: I know A little but not much,Any tips on casting or anything would help : me. I don’t know where you live, but if you’re near a university or community college, be sure to check out their catalogues and any possible community enrichment programs.  Here at UI we have fly tying classes in the PhysEd Curriculum.  At nearby Washington State University they have flyfishing classes in PhysEd, taught by no less than Dave Engerbretson.  I learned to cast from Dave at a community enrichment summer program here (and from a friend with whom I fish).   — Laboratory for Applied Logic    Dept. of Computer Science University of Idaho             www: http://www.cs.uidaho.edu/~foster —–BEGIN PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK—– Version: 2.6.2 mQCNAzDtvLEAAAEEAKAC21G2Be0K0DMgjLpxrwLmsYfCz8rWcfgyABjr3Ryfk1dO nV7fFFpUF3xohR7die+/B2V9oqRQzTLeSF2ECKlsTY/yUyw2kn+P2ju1umh4Fwzd cVTvc+H69q1+Ft3kmw/PE0Pan+g0PUGGJ43stw3q4OgBHdixbRd/f9giJFDxAAUR tCZKYW1lcyBBLiBGb3N0ZXIgPGZvc3RlckBjcy51aWRhaG8uZWR1PokAlQMFEDD8 ReEXf3/YIiRQ8QEBFrAD/2AFuRWcD/3MENC3qJMC/Or1qxknjkK7Uv+TDf2LHPOY GHBbG9PyWuXQ8of0Dd+JYwf/tzlO9Yk1s1zTdikfriak21FW0bCokxDIhA3myppZ IZDWVA9CyvDYHuP5Ii1NkBvocab813JzDLZA+0iVN5sebGb9zSXR4Za47hlriHeP =RDHK —–END PGP PUBLIC KEY BLOCK—–

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snippage Catch some bugs.

Yes.  If you can’t find the bugs, this should be a clue. It amazes me how few people get this part.

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Fish live in a perpetual state of being "always frightened" and "scared to death"! Yet, they have "a pea size brain". What absolute trash! Where do you get this anthropomorphic hogwash? No wait, let me guess….

Gosh Jim, You’re right, I’m wrong.  I do *not* know what a fish thinks when it heads for the big mossy on sight of an osprey a flyline or your masculane visage. I did, wrongly, associate fear with this behavior.  Let’s call this running and hiding ‘glerk’ just so there is no anthropromorphism, ok ?  I mean, it would be wrong to say ’spook the fish’, too…right ? Advice to the new fisherman, don’t ‘glerk’ off the fish, they’re tough to catch with their snoot under a rock. Thanks Jim, for pointing this out. Tim Walker

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It’s hard to say but I suggest that you go to the library or a bookstore and get a few books. That has been very helpful for me

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Go to a local shop and see if they offer a casting clinic.  Will save you years of trial and error and lots of wasted time untying knots.  Would recommend the Essence of Flycasting (Vol. I) by mel Krieger for a concise intro to flycasting.  If CA is an option, e-mail me and I will send you a schedule of classes.

Hi Dan, I certainly agree with your suggestion. I advise people (like you) to get training from a person who knows – a flyshop person, a club member, or a school instructor. Good Tying & Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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Go to a local shop and see if they offer a casting clinic.  Will save you years of trial and error and lots of wasted time untying knots.  [SNIP]

With all due respect, This casting business is highly overrated.  Casting should be the *last* thing taught in flyfishing, not the first. (IMHO).   Take out two rod lengths of line…no more, and work on stealth and line control.  If you can’t cast a rod length or two after a couple of minutes, take up carving gnomes in wood. Learn some simple knots…hell use overhand knots, the fish won’t care. Tie ‘em on man and go fishin’ ! This is not rocket science. Fish bait for a few seasons and lures and stuff.  Learn to read the water. Catch some bugs.   Try to think like an animal that has a pea size brain and is scared to death.  Try to put food in front of its face just like you imagine it would look if it were real.   Don’t be a dork wading like an elephant in a white shirt…this is a wild animal who is always frightened.  Respect that…and you will catch fish. TimW "Graduated Line Method of Flyfishing Learning"

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I know A little but not much,Any tips on casting or anything would help me.                                           Thanks                                                                   Brent

Sorry Brent But that question is just too broad to try and answer in a message. I just started out last year and this is what I can suggest 1) Scientific Anglers, LL Bean, Lefty Kreh all have videos to help you get started, as well as there are many books out there to get you started. 2)Go out to a local flyfishing shop and see if they offer course, believe me it is much easier if you start out right, then starting with the wrong techniqwue and trying to correct it later. 3) Grab a cheap-o rod and start practising… Tyson

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I know A little but not much,Any tips on casting or anything would help me.                                            Thanks                                                                          Brent

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Question:

writes: Can anyone give me some good advice on flyfishing in CentralNorth Jersey.  I’m new to the area and have fished on the south branch of the Raritan (Califon), but it’s incredibly crowded.  Would appreciate any pointers E-mail me back! Thanks Paul Amatangelo

Paul, Along with the Musconetcong River, you may want to try the Pequest, Paulinskill, and Big Flatbrook in New Jersey.  However, you may want to drive the extra distance and fish such rivers as the Bushkill and Lackawaxen in Pennsylvania, as well as the Beaverkill, Esopus, and the East & West branches of the Delaware River in New York. All these rivers are within two hours driving time from northern New Jersey.     Good Luck!

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I am 15 years old and live in Princeton NJ. I just started Fly Fishing a year ago and have tried many a spots in this area. Right in Princeton is the Stoney Brook which is stocked with trout and other fish and is known to produce bass and perch. The Assunpink River (not lake) has alot of perch and Shad and has produced a few trout and bass for me. The Pequest and Flatbrook rivers are also very good for trout. But for bass fly I would recomend a spot that I found two years ago when I was a spin fisher. It is in the Delaware Raritan canal. IT is right by the main entrance to the Bulls Island Campground on the Delaware River. Its on the New Jersey side in case your confused. Thats all I can THink of but if you would like advice on other spots feel free to write. Matt

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Saturday, May6 I went to the North branch of the Raritan at Rte 206 and 287. Very little crowd.  I didn’t catch any trout but another fellow had 3 on a stringer.

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Can anyone give me some good advice on flyfishing in CentralNorth Jersey.  I’m new to the area and have fished on the south branch of the Raritan (Califon), but it’s incredibly crowded.  Would appreciate any pointers E-mail me back! Thanks Paul Amatangelo

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Try the Musky west of the route 24 bridge just pass the fly stretch. This area has produced some 8 lb fish. I know, from first hand experience I didnt catch it, put a witnessed the fight and landing of the monster. The person who caught it was a rookie, only his third time out. Some people have all the luck. Good Luck.

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Question:

Hi, I hit the "D" key instead of the "S" key by mistake so lost the e-mail address and name of the guy I was talking with about flyfishing Puget Sound. I was just wondering how things went for you.  Did you try the area near Shilshole?  Catch anything?  What type and how big?  See any Salmon or Steelhead?  What flys did you use?  Try any shiney streamers? Another spot was across the sound near the Straights of Juan De Fuca, off some of the jettys and sand bars out there.  Makes a nice weekend trip when the salmon are running.  Nothing like double-hauling a 9wt line on a two-handed rod in a stiff breeze casting a 6" streamer.  I can taste the salt on my face just thinking about it.

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" Nothing like double-hauling a 9wt line on a two-handed rod" says

Exactly how does one double haul with a two handed rod?  Have the ghilly do the hauling?                                 Mike in PDX                "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                                            Tom McGuane

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Question:

I’ll be trying the Big Sur River just south of Monterey Calif. on Wednesday.   I figure I’ll use dark flies and quarter the stream.  It’s not a deep river so I’m going to use a floating line and let the weight of the fly do the work of getting down to the fish. So, what do you think?  Am I on the right track?

Hello Bob, We are all curious as to how you did.  If you caught one then you confirm the truism that sometimes a first time beginner can walk up to a river and catch a steelhead. Back to reality, our winter run steelhead are a very difficult quarry. They usually move quickly through the short lower sections where fishing is allowed.  Even if you can find them, you can pass a fly right in front of their nose time after time without provoking a response, although sometimes they will bite. And in many years like this one, the water isn’t clear enough for flies for months. They are a lot easier to catch on roe, but as a fly fisher I don’t find that very satisfying. I recommend you try the fall run on the Klamath and its tributaries, in late September or October.  They bite flies much more readily and often hold in riffles where fly fishers have an advantage. Good luck, Mark Vinsel

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Yes, that will work, but just remember, like with big trout, you must put the fly in front of their nose.  It might take something like a heavily weighted stonefly nymph to do the trick.  The rod wt. is OK, I have landed steelhead on my Orvis Western Spring Creek 4 wt.  If i am targeting steelhead though, I usually take a 6 or 7.  A fly I’ve had luck with on small strams that are ahallow and clear where you and the fish can see each other, is a Black Diamond (first tyed in Black Diamond, Washington).  If you’re interested and can’t find the pattern, give a yell – be glad to provide it. Burton Hawley, Corvallis, OR

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Although I’m an experienced flyfisher, I really don’t know anything about flyfishing for steelhead.  What are the best tactics and flies to use for steelhead?  What is the best equipment and setup?  I have 7wt equipment.  Is this sufficient? I’ll be trying the Big Sur River just south of Monterey Calif. on Wednesday.   I figure I’ll use dark flies and quarter the stream.  It’s not a deep river so I’m going to use a floating line and let the weight of the fly do the work of getting down to the fish. So, what do you think?  Am I on the right track? Thanks Bob Moss Landing, Ca.

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Lots of good books on the topic, especially Advanced Steelhead Flyfishing that seems to focus on your area.  Flies are typically bright streamers and wild marabou patterns, though some folks prefer to fish darker flies that actually look like something alive.  Salmon egg patterns are used alot. Typical tactic is to flip it out 45 degrees to current and drift, pulling line in to cover water completely before moving a few steps.  Floating line is common(specail steelhead line is flaoting and designed for winter usage), sometimes with longer leaders with heavy flys to sink. Monofilament shock obsorbers are common as well.  So much has been written, I couldn’t do it justice.  Like most new water, its probably good to get a guide. Tom      

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Although I’m an experienced flyfisher, I really don’t know anything about flyfishing for steelhead.  What are the best tactics and flies to use for steelhead?  What is the best equipment and setup?  I have 7wt equipment.  Is this sufficient? I’ll be trying the Big Sur River just south of Monterey Calif. on Wednesday.   I figure I’ll use dark flies and quarter the stream.  It’s not a deep river so I’m going to use a floating line and let the weight of the fly do the work of getting down to the fish. So, what do you think?  Am I on the right track? Thanks Bob Moss Landing, Ca.

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Yes you are.  I would suggest you get a copy of both Dry Line Steelhead by Bill McMillan and Greased Line Fishing for Salmon (and Steelhead) by Jock Scott.  They’re the bibles.

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