Question:

JB said..   Speaking of which, I’d be interested in any observations you might   care to share on inverted spin recovery.  JB Long time since I’ve been spinning in anything other than a car Paul. Thank god for that (given what you "drive" nowdays…) Take out an "l" for email reply

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It took a lot of practice, and I seem to remember some pretty awful results, but I eventually got it down. In the end I decided not to use it in the display, as the only people who would appreciate it were other pilots (and most would simply be glad they weren’t in the aircraft with me). I could only do it in one direction too. Going the other way, the inverted fuel tank would run out of gas before I could make it past roughly 270

Question:

I’m going to be canoeing in the Allagash this summer (late July/August).  Any thoughts in this group on what the fishing up there is like?  I’ve heard it’s not very good.  Should I even bother?  What should/shouldn’t I take.   Obviously I need to minimize the gear I will be taking. John

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Hi John, I am  Maine Guide and have did the Allagash many times. There certain times of the year when you can catch all the brook trout you want, then there are times you wish you had stayed home. Usually June and the early part of July are the best. If you fly fish bring a Wordens Worry, if you don’t fly fish dig your worms and grubs along the bank. Then there are those excellent trout p[onds all along the way. Good luck!!!! Gene – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m going to be canoeing in the Allagash this summer (late July/August). Any thoughts in this group on what the fishing up there is like?  I’ve heard it’s not very good.  Should I even bother?  What should/shouldn’t I take. Obviously I need to minimize the gear I will be taking. John

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Question:

Anyone out there have any experience using the Richardson Chest Fly Box? I currently fish using a chest pack (I hate vests), but it’s too big, heavy and bulky and interferes with my od handling. The chest box system looks very light, simple and compact. I was hoping someone might share their experiences using one. Thanks. Dave McCarty "We are all alike in our promises. It is only in our deeds that we differ." – Moliere

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 :bulky and interferes with my od handling. The chest box system Interested to hear more about your "od handling"!! Peter Kay

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Anyone out there have any experience using the Richardson Chest Fly Box?

I have a small Richardson Fly Box, it has two drawers.  I use it mainly while fishing trout  ponds. I also have an F.O.W. box, four drawer model, that I use on streams. Of the two – the F.O.W. Box is much better made.  The fit and finish, if you will, far out shine that of the  Richardson.   The F.O.W. box is simply much better made.  I would recommend them over the Richardson. Another company that you might look at is the Downs Fly Box.  It is plastic, but has some interesting features, like being able to change drawers and is very affordable.  They have a WWW site too. A.G.W. Manchester, NH

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I was wondering about Flies On Water? Can anyone tell me how to reach them and get a catalog. I’ve seen the Downstream Chest Box site, but the plastic boxes just don’t appeal to me. I do like the idea, though, of having preloaded boxes and just switching them using a removeable hinge pin. Thanks.

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Anyone out there have any experience using the Richardson Chest Fly Box? I currently fish using a chest pack (I hate vests), but it’s too big, heavy and bulky and interferes with my od handling. The chest box system looks very light, simple and compact. I was hoping someone might share their experiences using one. Thanks. Dave McCarty "We are all alike in our promises. It is only in our deeds that we differ." – Moliere I have used a Richardson four tray box for years and like it very much. The flies are right in front of you…the trays fold out horizontal…less chance of dropping flies in the water…and no chance of dropping the fly box into the water (can be a real problem in cold weather). It is much quicker and more efficient than searching through your vest for the right fly box.  You can (and probably will!) carry more flies then you will ever need. I still seem to need something else (vest, fanny pack) to carry stuff like lunch, raingear, tippet material, etc. Sometimes it does seem like overkill and I am trying to cut down what I carry with me, but it is hard for me to do as I feel that whatever I leave behind I will need that day! Larry

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I was wondering about Flies On Water? Can anyone tell me how to reach them and get a catalog. I’ve seen the Downstream Chest Box site, but the plastic boxes just don’t appeal to me. I do like the idea, though, of having preloaded boxes and just switching them using a removeable hinge pin. Thanks.

        You can get info on the Richardson Boxes from Flyfisher’s Paradise in State College PA.  Contact them at (814) 234-4189 John W. Kramer                           Clearwater Outfitters                   WE ENDORSE CATCH AND RELEASE (717) 938-3423

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Question:

Okay, with this post, we’ve established absolutely nothing. Everyone is going to have their own opinions. But, if you will note the subject ‘-freshwater fish-’ then you will find that the original poster might have wondered about the best freshwater gamefish. Last time I checked, tarpon and mullet aren’t freshwater fish. Since that established nothing, why not establish nothing again? Which saltwater fish is king? Thanks, Bryce

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Okay, with this post, we’ve established absolutely nothing. Everyone is going to have their own opinions. But, if you will note the subject ‘-freshwater fish-’ then you will find that the original poster might have wondered about the best freshwater gamefish. Last time I checked, tarpon and mullet aren’t freshwater fish.

FYI….They live in both fresh and salt water….  Since that established nothing, why not establish nothing again? Which saltwater fish is king? Thanks, Bryce

WHALE SHARK on a 8 wgt. fished with a 1000 naught, 64 inch, 15# dumbell head/eye chartreuse/white clouser with a 150 lb shock tippet. Bimini twist optional. seriously… Permit me to vote *PERMIT*. (btw, I’ve never had the pleasure of catching one with a flyrod…but years ago I did land one on a light spinner outfit in the Florida Keys and that memory still burns bright in my gray matter, or what’s left of it.)

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In my meager opinion, pound for pound ( or ounce for ounce) bluegills are the most fun to catch.  Tying on a tiny midge, or a fair sized popper for a big fat "sunnie" is probably the most fun one can have on a hot summer’s day.  Next time you fish for these little guys, notice how vicious they can be!  It’s great!   If sunfish grew to be the size of muskies, I’d never wade or swim in a lake or pond again!  :) John W. Kramer                           Clearwater Outfitters                   WE ENDORSE CATCH AND RELEASE (717) 938-3423

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If sunfish grew to be the size of muskies, I’d never wade or swim in a lake or pond again!  :)

Hell, they try to be dangerous at the size they are now…    Have you ever accidently stood in a bluegill’s nest while swimming?  They will not hesitate to bite you.   And if you put one in your aquarium at home, they will quickly claim the whole damn tank as their territory, and do their best to kill the other fish, bigger or not. Tough little buggers, and one of God’s greatest gifts to the fly fisherman! Bob Scott

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   For King, Snook. Tarpon run a close second, bonefish third, nothing beats Ladyfish on trout tackle (fourth) and for sheer power, #5 vote goes to the Jack Crevalle.

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I’ve heard that Atlantic Salmon are great fighters, but at Oregon’s Hosmer Lake in mid-summer they give a couple of puny runs, then float gasping on their sides like logs.

Atlantic Salmon in a lake in Oregon?  How did they get there?  I’m not surprised they’re struggling! — Phil Jones Swansea, S Wales

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You shouldn’t limit your question so much. I’ve been a Salmon and Steelhead guide for about 6 years now, and have caught 60 plus pound King Salmon, and 20 plus pound Steelhead. I thought the Steelhead were the fightingest fish I ever put a hook to, until I hooked into a fresh Sockeye. The 9 pound Sockeye did more than any of the Steelhead I’ve ever batttled, so thats the species that gets my vote. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     In your experience, which fish do you feel fights better?    The Coho salmon, Steelhead(rainbow), brown trout, or atlantic   salmon?

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You shouldn’t limit your question so much. I’ve been a Salmon and Steelhead guide for about 6 years now, and have caught 60 plus pound King Salmon, and 20 plus pound Steelhead. I thought the Steelhead were the fightingest fish I ever put a hook to, until I hooked into a fresh Sockeye. The 9 pound Sockeye did more than any of the Steelhead I’ve ever batttled, so thats the species that gets my vote.     In your experience, which fish do you feel fights better?    The Coho salmon, Steelhead(rainbow), brown trout, or atlantic   salmon?

Gotta agree with you James, Of all the west coast salmonids the sockeye does the goofiest things when hooked. Tailwalks and high jumps are one thing but to watch a 10lb. sockeye go 3 or 4 feet in the air while wrapping line around itself like an out of control winch is something else indeed. Not much for long runs, but they seem almost epileptic in their behaviour when close to the boat or shore. Pound for pound the most powerful fish has to be the steelhead ( on the West coast ) Can’t comment on the Atlantics as we won’t be able to catch them here for a few more years (a couple more involuntary escapements from the local fish farms otta do it!) "Catch and release everything you legally have to, or don’t want to eat"

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I have fought some 3-5 LB shad that struggled and ripped line off more than a 20+ LB steelhead. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  Question for fellow flyfishers:    In your experience, which fish do you feel fights better?   The Coho salmon, Steelhead(rainbow), brown trout, or atlantic  salmon?  I always talk with fishermen who have varying opinions about the above fish.  Which is harder to entice with a fly? Thanks for any opinions.——Muskie

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You shouldn’t limit your question so much. I’ve been a Salmon and Steelhead guide for about 6 years now, and have caught 60 plus pound King Salmon, and 20 plus pound Steelhead. I thought the Steelhead were the fightingest fish I ever put a hook to, until I hooked into a fresh Sockeye. The 9 pound Sockeye did more than any of the Steelhead I’ve ever batttled, so thats the species that gets my vote.

Right.  Ive seen fresh sockeye so enthusiastic they jump 10 feet out of the river, land on the bank, then tail-flop themselves back in, before you can reel in the slack!  I saw one jump and hit the fisherman in his chest one time. — -Wayne Trzyna                           Fight spam! Join CAUCE (Coalition  http://www.cs.colostate.edu/~trzyna    See http://www.cauce.org/

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Carp.  Survive anywhere.  Dams, cows and polllution haven’t killed’em. Bar room brawlers on light tackle.  At least as spooky and hard to catch as other species mentioned….specially on a fly. — Mike in PDX "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                          Tom McGuane

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My $.02 worth: as a general rule, it seems to depend more on the water temperature and oxygen content than the variety of fish.   Example: I’ve heard that Atlantic Salmon are great fighters, but at Oregon’s Hosmer Lake in mid-summer they give a couple of puny runs, then float gasping on their sides like logs.    We have to stay by the fish until they get their ‘breath’ back to keep the always waiting eagles and osprey from snatching them from the surface.   It also seems that fish that are more naturally acclimated to warm water, like bluegill and bass, have more energy in the same conditions than transplants.     Pound for pound, after 30+ years of fly fishing, I think that bluegills and saltwater perch give the best fight.    If anyone ever creates a five pound bluegill that leaps while fighting, trout and steelhead hatcheries will be a thing of the past       I enjoy trying to catch different species and have also been fishing since jesus was a kid. I most emphatically agree with you. Here in Florida we have what we call stump knockers which are BIG bream and they ain’t for a 2wt. In point of fact, for speed, length of run, and power, the lowly mullet when up the rivers beats a trout hands down. Another fish which should be running now in this area and exhibits unseen power is the American shad (not to be confused with the gizard shad). It is my understanding that carp are great fighters also but I’m reserving my opinion on them till I hook one.                                                      John Popp                                                    in Sanford Fl.

I DONT GIVE A RATS  ASS ABOUT WHICH FISH IS KING,THEY’RE ALL FUN ON THE LONG ROD.AND ANOTHER THING,HOW IN THE HELL DID A MULLET GET THAT FAR UP THE ST. JOHN’S?AND I GUESS THE 64$ QUESTION IS HOW DID YOU GET IT TO HIT A FLY LINE!

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TARPON THATS ALL I’VE GOT TO SAY

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My $.02 worth: as a general rule, it seems to depend more on the water temperature and oxygen content than the variety of fish.   Example: I’ve heard that Atlantic Salmon are great fighters, but at Oregon’s Hosmer Lake in mid-summer they give a couple of puny runs, then float gasping on their sides like logs.    We have to stay by the fish until they get their ‘breath’ back to keep the always waiting eagles and osprey from snatching them from the surface.   It also seems that fish that are more naturally acclimated to warm water, like bluegill and bass, have more energy in the same conditions than transplants.     Pound for pound, after 30+ years of fly fishing, I think that bluegills and saltwater perch give the best fight.    If anyone ever creates a five pound bluegill that leaps while fighting, trout and steelhead hatcheries will be a thing of the past       I enjoy trying to catch different species and have also been fishing since jesus was a kid. I most emphatically agree with you. Here in Florida we have what we call stump knockers which are BIG bream and they ain’t for a 2wt. In point of fact, for speed, length of run, and power, the lowly mullet when up the rivers beats a trout hands down. Another fish which should be running now in this area and exhibits unseen power is the American shad (not to be confused with the gizard shad). It is my understanding that carp are great fighters also but I’m reserving my opinion on them till I hook one.                                                      John Popp                                                    in Sanford Fl. I DONT GIVE A RATS  ASS ABOUT WHICH FISH IS KING,THEY’RE ALL FUN ON THE LONG ROD.AND ANOTHER THING,HOW IN THE HELL DID A MULLET GET THAT FAR UP THE ST. JOHN’S?AND I GUESS THE 64$ QUESTION IS HOW DID YOU GET IT TO HIT A FLY LINE!

      Mullet are often in the St.John’s past Palatka and are legal to spear fish in salt run. Most of the St.Johns is tide water and is shrimped with cast nets, sting rays are caught as far south as sanford and the European ell comes upstream as far as Lake Monro as well as croaker. Now as to getting a mullet to bite on a fly line, it requires "chumming" with chicken feed as follows- Take a handfull of chicken feed and dampen it forming a semi cohesive ball, throw the ball into the water and they will come. The mullet often roil the water to a foam. After throwing the "chum" into the water fallow quickly with any slow sinking fly in the middle of the feeding and hang on. By the way The rodman spill way is part of the Oklawaha system and slows the millions of gallons spewed from silver springs to the St.Johns river. It is heavy with strippers, reds, catfish, bass, and various species both fresh and salt. While I lived in San Mateo, it was one of my favorite fishing spots. Many salt water species travel far up the St.Johns to spawn.

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 Pound for pound, after 30+ years of fly fishing, I think that bluegills and saltwater perch give the best fight. Right. One of the most enjoyable things to do is walk to a bream pond and pull out those thrashing blugills one after another for hours on end. Bryce

I vote along with you guys. Ounce for ounce, the mighty bluegill is one feisty fish. –Walt

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What ever is on the end of my line at the time…. I have had my mouth go completely dry, I was so excited the first fish I caught with a fly I had tied myself… It was a small bream.   Same feeling when a nice trout.   Same feeling when a "baby" four foot tarpon "takes high air", and same feeling when a brown finally decides my offering is worthy……   I get excited by em all… and that’s after 58 years….  I still dream about rank fish for greatness in battle I would list them as 0.  Bream – especially on a very light long rod… 1. Atlantic Salmon 2. Small mouth bass 3.  Steelhead trout 4.  Tarpon 5.  King Salmon and one of the toughest never give up, never lay over fish, I have ever caught is a char… I don’t necessarily like the way a brown fights because they don’t show themselves… Supposedly there is a strange fish in New Guinea that requires 1/8 cable to hold and a 55 horse power motor going in full in opposite direction to keep it out of the trees and a 130 pound/wire shock tippet and one still stripped the gears out of the motor pulling the boat against the prop!!!!!  least that’s the way I heard the story but have never caught one. I need to go fishing… hope this weather clears… Alan E. Hoover       to quote one of my favorite authors: "Fly fishing is such great fun, it really ought to be done in bed"  John Voelker, aka Robert Traver

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Supposedly there is a strange fish in New Guinea that requires 1/8 cable to hold and a 55 horse power motor going in full in opposite direction to keep it out of the trees and a 130 pound/wire shock tippet and one still stripped the gears out of the motor pulling the boat against the prop!!!!!  least that’s the way I heard the story but have never caught one.

I’ve never caugh one either, but the do exist. Papuan bass or New Guinea black bass are reputed to be awesome stump pullers. Your descriptions are probably not far from the truth. They are a fresh water lutjanid (snapper) and have been caught to around 50lb. Lefty Kreh has a video with some New Guinea bass action, and if you see it, Greg Norman (golfer) has fishing video that covers them too. John Knight Sydney Fly Rodders’  

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Walter G. Winter wrote I vote along with you guys. Ounce for ounce, the mighty bluegill is one feisty fish.

and don’t forget the penalty for mishandling these little buggers —                                                             -dnc- to reply, change ‘dnc’ to ‘dcollins’ in email address – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – –Walt

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  Question for fellow flyfishers:     In your experience, which fish do you feel fights better?    The Coho salmon, Steelhead(rainbow), brown trout, or atlantic   salmon?     I always talk with fishermen who have varying opinions about the above fish.  Which is harder to entice with a fly?  Thanks for any opinions.——Muskie

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    In your experience, which fish do you feel fights better?    The Coho salmon, Steelhead(rainbow), brown trout, or atlantic   salmon?  

James Henshall wrote more than a century ago it was the "black" bass i.e. smallmouth. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

My $.02 worth: as a general rule, it seems to depend more on the water temperature and oxygen content than the variety of fish.   Example: I’ve heard that Atlantic Salmon are great fighters, but at Oregon’s Hosmer Lake in mid-summer they give a couple of puny runs, then float gasping on their sides like logs.    We have to stay by the fish until they get their ‘breath’ back to keep the always waiting eagles and osprey from snatching them from the surface.   It also seems that fish that are more naturally acclimated to warm water, like bluegill and bass, have more energy in the same conditions than transplants.     Pound for pound, after 30+ years of fly fishing, I think that bluegills and saltwater perch give the best fight.    If anyone ever creates a five pound bluegill that leaps while fighting, trout and steelhead hatcheries will be a thing of the past

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In my experience the most thrilling fighter is the Steelhead.  They do a jumping, tail walking, head shaking fight that is unparalleled. — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail GO TO  http://www/ccnet.com/~emh FOR TRAVEL TIE BOX PLANS – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   Question for fellow flyfishers:     In your experience, which fish do you feel fights better?    The Coho salmon, Steelhead(rainbow), brown trout, or atlantic   salmon?     I always talk with fishermen who have varying opinions about the above fish.  Which is harder to entice with a fly?  Thanks for any opinions.——Muskie

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 Pound for pound, after 30+ years of fly fishing, I think that bluegills and saltwater perch give the best fight.

Right. One of the most enjoyable things to do is walk to a bream pond and pull out those thrashing blugills one after another for hours on end. Bryce

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IMHO it is the one on the end of my line at the time. J. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My $.02 worth: as a general rule, it seems to depend more on the water temperature and oxygen content than the variety of fish.   Example: I’ve heard that Atlantic Salmon are great fighters, but at Oregon’s Hosmer Lake in mid-summer they give a couple of puny runs, then float gasping on their sides like logs.    We have to stay by the fish until they get their ‘breath’ back to keep the always waiting eagles and osprey from snatching them from the surface.   It also seems that fish that are more naturally acclimated to warm water, like bluegill and bass, have more energy in the same conditions than transplants.     Pound for pound, after 30+ years of fly fishing, I think that bluegills and saltwater perch give the best fight.    If anyone ever creates a five pound bluegill that leaps while fighting, trout and steelhead hatcheries will be a thing of the past

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My $.02 worth: as a general rule, it seems to depend more on the water temperature and oxygen content than the variety of fish.   Example: I’ve heard that Atlantic Salmon are great fighters, but at Oregon’s Hosmer Lake in mid-summer they give a couple of puny runs, then float gasping on their sides like logs.    We have to stay by the fish until they get their ‘breath’ back to keep the always waiting eagles and osprey from snatching them from the surface.   It also seems that fish that are more naturally acclimated to warm water, like bluegill and bass, have more energy in the same conditions than transplants.     Pound for pound, after 30+ years of fly fishing, I think that bluegills and saltwater perch give the best fight.    If anyone ever creates a five pound bluegill that leaps while fighting, trout and steelhead hatcheries will be a thing of the past

      I enjoy trying to catch different species and have also been fishing since jesus was a kid. I most emphatically agree with you. Here in Florida we have what we call stump knockers which are BIG bream and they ain’t for a 2wt. In point of fact, for speed, length of run, and power, the lowly mullet when up the rivers beats a trout hands down. Another fish which should be running now in this area and exhibits unseen power is the American shad (not to be confused with the gizard shad). It is my understanding that carp are great fighters also but I’m reserving my opinion on them till I hook one.                                                      John Popp                                                    in Sanford Fl.

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Question:

Hi,Looking for a good lightweight outfit,to be used on a river in the U.K. The 3wt is a SAGE 389-3LL, 8ft9inch for a 3wt 3piece. I can’t recommend this rod highly enough as well as the 7ft9 for a 3wt line (you can cast beautifully only the leader as well as the whole line). If you need a shorter rod look at the Scott Power Ply, a 6ft10inch for a 3wt (very short but roll cast like a dream, Thomas Urbig

I agree with Thomas, but my small stream rods are the Sage LL 279, a 7"9" 2 wt, and a Powell SS  6′6" 2/3.  Both are sweetheart rods, that are great under cover.  Although I’m not sure you havve to spend as much as we did to get good performance with light gear.  I have used a St Croix 7′6" 3wt Legend (cost about $170USD) and I understand that the Cabela’s FT and PT series are also fine rods ($200 and $140USD respectively) jg

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi,Looking for a good lightweight outfit,to be used on a river in the U.K. The Derbyshire Wye is a lovely stretch,with overhanging trees,weirs and everything you can think of. But i feel when i`ve fished it the past i`ve been over gunned. This has been with a 4 weight 8 foot rod,to 1.5 pound tippets and almost always flies,tied on 18 through 22. Hear the Americans have knowledge of 1 and 2 weight outfits. Would love some feedback on this. Any info relevant to the lightweight approach and tying small flies(I know there is a group for this) would be most welcome. — All things great,come to those who wait. Not always the case,me thinks. K.A.White

Keith, a 3wt is my standard trout rod here in New England and late summer and fall I stick with a 1wt when stalking finicky trout and fishing very small streams. The 3wt handles almost anything you ask from a trout rod (small to medium streams), the 1wt restricts you to some degree. Although you can cast quite some distance and will be able to throw a small streamer it won’t look beautiful and isn’t really a domain of a 1wt. On the positive side you have a rod which protects even a 1 pound tippet and enables you to trick a 5 pound trout on a #28 midge/1 lbs tippet without troubles. As far as dry fly fishing goes you are OK with flies #12 and smaller, but midge fishing with a 1wt is the domain of this rod. Also nymphing shallow water (you can cast up to a 0.4 g tin shot without much trouble) is great. Drawback, the 1wt line has not enough mass to lift the split shot off the water when doing a roll cast. I build my own 1wt from an Orvis blank. The 3wt is a SAGE 389-3LL, 8ft9inch for a 3wt 3piece. I can’t recommend this rod highly enough as well as the 7ft9 for a 3wt line (you can cast beautifully only the leader as well as the whole line). If you need a shorter rod look at the Scott Power Ply, a 6ft10inch for a 3wt (very short but roll cast like a dream, the SAGE analogs (356, 366) are to stiff for my feelings (although I like very fast rods). Hope that helps, if not mail back. Thomas — Thomas Urbig

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi,Looking for a good lightweight outfit,to be used on a river in the U.K. The Derbyshire Wye is a lovely stretch,with overhanging trees,weirs and everything you can think of. But i feel when i`ve fished it the past i`ve been over gunned. This has been with a 4 weight 8 foot rod,to 1.5 pound tippets and almost always flies,tied on 18 through 22. Hear the Americans have knowledge of 1 and 2 weight outfits. Would love some feedback on this. Any info relevant to the lightweight approach and tying small flies(I know there is a group for this) would be most welcome. — All things great,come to those who wait. Not always the case,me thinks. K.A.White

This might not be the help you are looking for.  For myself, I just get by with a 4wt in a moderate wind.  That’s only on the days it isn’t really windy around here.  At any rate, Orvis sells 1wt and 2 wt rods and lines. Buy and try…  It’s the surest way to find out if it’s what you’re after, and if you don’t like it you have added to your rod collection.  Something for the grandkids.  "Yep, sonny, this is what I used to catch the big ones on when I was your age."

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Hi,Looking for a good lightweight outfit,to be used on a river in the U.K. The Derbyshire Wye is a lovely stretch,with overhanging trees,weirs and everything you can think of. But i feel when i`ve fished it the past i`ve been over gunned. This has been with a 4 weight 8 foot rod,to 1.5 pound tippets and almost always flies,tied on 18 through 22. Hear the Americans have knowledge of 1 and 2 weight outfits. Would love some feedback on this. Any info relevant to the lightweight approach and tying small flies(I know there is a group for this) would be most welcome. — All things great,come to those who wait. Not always the case,me thinks. K.A.White

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Question:

. and.erols.net!rill.news.pipex.net!pipex!warwick!newsfeed.ed.ac.uk!nerc-keyw o

Question:

I wrote this a few years ago… any comments would be appreciated;  I think you will enjoy it! THE REAL FLY FISHERMAN                          

Question:

Hi all: I am a newbee flyfisherperson and I want to go fishing.  I just don’t know a good spot to go this weekend.  I would like to get some input  on some decent fishing spots for a beginner to go to in the Vancouver area.  I only have waders, so I guess that stream fishing is what I am limited to for the time being. Thanks in advance Jon

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I Salmon runs have been hammered all along the Coast, but I’m sure there is still some action out there.

this is a big exaggeration! Coho fishing on the west coast of Vancouver ISle was great this year. Chinook fishing in many areas including the Charlottes and the Strait of Georgia (between Mainland and Van Isle) was also the best in years! Fear was that Fraser Sockeye were in trouble; they were not. Also closures on chinook were inplace to protect some stocks that have been mammered by the Alaskan commercial fishery but overall salmon runs were good and 97 is expected to be better!

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If fishing is your primary interest, you’ll want to be there in fall and early winter when salmon/steelhead/searun cutthroat are running. Things can be good up along the Sunshine coast and even at mouth and up Fraser River in August and September. It’s been about 9 years since I’ve worked this area but I hear there is still good bottomfishing, searun cutthroat fishing, and steelhead fishing. Salmon runs have been hammered all along the Coast, but I’m sure there is still some action out there.

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I am planning a trip to Vancouver and am curious if anyone knows the best time of yesr to go? JT

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I am planning a trip to Vancouver and am curious if anyone knows the best time of yesr to go? JT

Vancouver isn’t a high quality destination for flyfishing. However there is some sort of fishing available year round. Some possibilities; Aug-Sept Fraser river will have lots of Pinks and Sockeye available (we’re talking millions of fish)  as 97 is expected to be a high cycle year.. The river is likely to be muddy at this time and is very large; I recommend a guide. Mid Oct for coho on the Chilliwack, Chehalis and Harrison River; plan to fish weekends to avoid crowds. Use Vancouver as a jump off point to the interior of BC or Vancoucer Island; some oufits do helicopter trips to Alpine Lakes. Email me for more info Ralph H

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Question:

I’m new to the Newsgroup and there must be a story here. Who is Tim Walker?

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I have no idea who Tim Walker is, but I thought he was kinda funny. .02

: A pest. He dominated this newsgroup with rhetoric and opinions, all : designed to induce argument. He is one of only a few people on this : newsgroup that are not polite. He says he’s gone. Let’s hope. : John Nesselrode : Shawnee, KS — Burnaby, BC

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A pest. He dominated this newsgroup with rhetoric and opinions, all designed to induce argument. He is one of only a few people on this newsgroup that are not polite. He says he’s gone. Let’s hope. John Nesselrode Shawnee, KS

Just what are newsgroups supposed to be all about? It would seem that thought provoking dialogs should be they are all about. I for one could stand a fewer ads for alarm clocks and more of Tim’s opinions that make me stop and think a little. I admit that I came into this newsgroup in the middle of the Tim Walker era but what was "not polite" about his posts? Seemed to me that he was simply trying to sort some things out regarding our sport.  The fact that he generated such confrontational and heated responses would indicate he struck some raw nerves. He was only a pest if you let him get under your skin. If we don’t have people presenting us with difficult topics to think about then this newsgroup won’t be worth stopping at.

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I’m new to the Newsgroup and there must be a story here. Who is Tim Walker?

Well,I’ve been watching this group for a couple of years.First thing I saw was Tim Walker enjoying for creation of this group.Ever since I’ve been enjoying his postings -not that i agreed everything he claimed- because his capability of making us see things from another view.If you’re a C&R fanatic and don’t think flyfishing is basically about killing fish,you could’ve found him irritating and offending (wouldn’t have been the first one…),but now he’s been gone(i hope not for permanently) me for sure i feel this group has lost something vital, some sort of counterforce to all this commercial,forgetting-the-real-thing flyfishing that has been coming so popular these days.All right,I’ve never fished in U.S. and do not know very much about your conditions,but if it’s anything like here in Finland,i think our sport is going to be something else what it used to be.Even C&R can not make it what it used to be,and maybe we should forget all those beautiful imag es that the film "the river runs through it" painted for us.We have to accept us being a part of flyfishing industry, sponsored by hi-tech manufacturers. Sorry I didn’t answer your question precisely,but was merely sharing my feelings. As a famous finnish author (J.Aho) once wrote some 80 years ago: "first time the trout took my fly,I knew it was me hooked,not the fish." I wish I could have been fishing with him. And answerig your questions,i sure kill my fish.Last summer i killed two trouts (both about 16 inches) and some arctic graylings (about same size). And no sign of guilty.         no matter how you’re fishing,tight lines.                 -Pekka-

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A pest. He dominated this newsgroup with rhetoric and opinions, all designed to induce argument. He is one of only a few people on this newsgroup that are not polite. He says he’s gone. Let’s hope. John Nesselrode Shawnee, KS Just what are newsgroups supposed to be all about? It would seem that thought provoking dialogs should be they are all about. I for one could stand a fewer ads for alarm clocks and more of Tim’s opinions that make me stop and think a little.

Tim’s postings were often very poorly thought out.  He had a habit of ignoring points that showed where he had contradicted himself while while trumpeting irrelevant non sequiturs.  He had some good points, but you had to wade through a lot of chaff to get to the good stuff. I admit that I came into this newsgroup in the middle of the Tim Walker era but what was "not polite" about his posts? Seemed to me that he was simply trying to sort some things out regarding our sport.  The fact that he generated such confrontational and heated responses would indicate he struck some raw nerves. He was only a pest if you let him get under your skin.

Tim accused fisherfolk in general, and C&Rers in particular, of being cruel and disrespectful of fish.  This is a serious charge, and it is difficult to make it without being impolite.  Tim was not always up to the challenge. I sometimes found Tim tiresome because he often seemed to be more interested in heat than in light.  It is not enough to start an argument. If a discussion is to be satisfying, then there should be a considered, reasoned exchange.  Tim frequently sidestepped perceptive replies, apparently preferring to inflame when he should have ceded a point and thanked the other poster for their insight. If we don’t have people presenting us with difficult topics to think about then this newsgroup won’t be worth stopping at.

Tim is not a bad person, and he certainly did make a contribution, but sometimes he was also a pest.   — Keep your stick on the ice.

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Be thankful that he is gone. Yippi tie one on! AuSable1  

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I have tied 6 Elk Hair Caddis size 14 from one Hoffman saddle hackle. In fact, that is about average for the longer hackles. Of course, I usually palmer the hackle rather heavily.

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Rick Fletcher in a recent post said Newsgroups were created to promote honest discussion and argument; keep in mind networks were created mainly by academics and scientists and arguing is how we spend a good amount of our time.  If you don’t want to argue, fine, don’t join in.  But don’t complain because it happens.   Learn to use a kill file or a capable newsreader.  

One of the things that one likes to see is reasoned, open minded discussion.  Tim often did not provide this.  He often sidestepped relevant points.  Instead, he would counter by starting a new, unrelated, and irrelevant line of argument.  A string of non sequiturs is not an enlightening discussion.  Unfortunately, Tim did not flag his dopey posts, so we had to wade through a lot of nonsense to get to the interesting bits. In other words, I objected to many of Tim’s posts for the same reason that other people are incensed by ads; they waste my time by filling up bandwidth with undodgeable drivel.  Some of Tim’s stuff was good, but so much of it was nonsense.  It does not matter that Tim was here in the good old days when there were few people who had to suffer through his bad posts.  The fact is, regardless of Tim’s history or credentials, he posted a lot of time wasting nonsense.  That is pesty, no matter who does it. — Keep your stick on the ice.

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Tim Walker sends me email – and he fishes for trout sometimes.  That makes him OK with me. Oliver Inverness-shire;  Scotland "Lead me not into temptation – I can do it myself"

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What is HUAC, BTW? — Jim Powlesland                  | OFFICE:  403-220-7937 University Computing Services   | MESSAGE: 403-220-6201 University of Calgary           | FAX:     403-282-9199 Calgary, Alberta CANADA T2N 1N4 | URL: http://www.ucalgary.

ca/~powlesla/ HUAC=House Unamerican Activities Committee, a lovely little group set up during the McCarth era (not Gene) to investigate commie pinko radical and maybe even in the current time frame environmental types.  As a Canadian, you weren’t blessed with such a fine use of governmental resources.  The fact that Pavlov could even reference it (HUAC) means that he is either an historian or an old fart like me. Mike in PDX      "When the trout are lost, smash the state."                                                Tom McGuane

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OBroff: We have had massive flooding throughout Northern Idaho.  Can anyone comment on how we should expect this to affect the fishing come spring? — Rick

Don’t expect the sandbars to be where you left them last season! :^) Charley

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : A pest. He dominated this newsgroup with rhetoric and opinions, all : designed to induce argument. He is one of only a few people on this : newsgroup that are not polite. He says he’s gone. Let’s hope. (snip) Newsgroups have mellowed considerably over the past year and a half…a lot of current readers don’t seem to be comfortable with intellectual challenge.  Before the "discovery" of the net by the general public, that is what the newsgroups were all about, so don’t be offended because it continues.  This is not a polite and cordial backyard barbecue. (snip) — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Mr. Fletcher, I get the feeling that when you say: "Before the discovery of the net

by the ge neral public", you mean the general public is anyone without "edu" in their addr ess. Are you one of the dreaded elitist? Regards, Cedro Wooley Hear, hear!  Touche’, Mr. Wooley.  Stick around, please. Ed Hunsaker

–     It is obvious that the two of you (maybe others) do not know Mr. Fletcher or Mr.Walker.  I’m sure you don’t. I do. No, not personally. I have been reading there posts for years now.  In fact, I have even written directly to  them for info and advice.     You have missed Mr. Fletcher’s point.  Actually, there is really no possible way for you to get it. You see, Mr. Fletcher has been on this board for years.  In fact, I’m sure I’ve seen him on alt. fishing .fly when that was being read.  To help make his point, let me inform you of this.  As little as two years ago there were very few people on the net.  In fact, there was a list of the users of rec. flyfishing.  It was only a couple pages long.  It hasn’t been too difficult to notice the changes that have taken place on this board. Was it better two years ago? Probably yes. No, there weren’t as many people or potential resources on the net but , it was much more personal and in depth.  There weren’t any mundane discussions about wader odor, proper hat color,or the Orvis wonder wagon.  That’s not to say there weren’t heated discussions.  Tim started his share of them then, too.     You see, it’s like comparing the country to cities.  The more people you have in one area, the more assholes there are likely to be.  Well, there are more and more people using the net.  Fortunately,there are alot of great new people on it. Unfortunately, there are alot of new assholes as well. It just so happens that most of these people (both kinds) are coming from aol., prodigy, etc.. And, access to the internet     Here’s to the new communications bill!     Jason         By the way, yes, my adress ends in edu.  However, I am a nymph fisherman.                                               Hardly an elitist venture.

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: Newsgroups have mellowed considerably over the past year and a half…a : lot of current readers don’t seem to be comfortable with intellectual : challenge.  Before the "discovery" of the net by the general public, : that is what the newsgroups were all about, so don’t be offended because : it continues.  This is not a polite and cordial backyard barbecue. : I get the feeling that when you say: "Before the discovery of the net : by the general public", you mean the general public is anyone without   : "edu" in their address. Are you one of the dreaded elitist? One doesn’t need to be using an .edu machine in order to access the newsreader on that machine.  Perhaps I prefer the newsreader on my .edu account.  Some providers claim it is impossible, but there is this thing called telnet. How would you prefer I describe the growth in use of Usenet?  Prior to 2 years ago, the number of folks with access was limited…now it is less so.  I don’t mean to offend, but I’m at a loss for another way to mention the change. For example, I teach a class for tuition paying students one semester, then I offer it to the general public during summer.  Does this indicate elitism?  Or the opposite… I did engage in an ugly personal attack against one reader who called a friend a pest.  I think it is a big stretch from that action to elitist. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : A pest. He dominated this newsgroup with rhetoric and opinions, all : designed to induce argument. He is one of only a few people on this : newsgroup that are not polite. He says he’s gone. Let’s hope. (snip) Newsgroups have mellowed considerably over the past year and a half…a lot of current readers don’t seem to be comfortable with intellectual challenge.  Before the "discovery" of the net by the general public, that is what the newsgroups were all about, so don’t be offended because it continues.  This is not a polite and cordial backyard barbecue. (snip) — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Mr. Fletcher, I get the feeling that when you say: "Before the discovery of the net by the general public", you mean the general public is anyone without "edu" in their address. Are you one of the dreaded elitist? Regards, Cedro Wooley

Hear, hear!  Touche’, Mr. Wooley.  Stick around, please. Ed Hunsaker —

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Jim, you didn’t perchance work for HUAC back in the 50’s and 60’s, did you ???

I think Jim picked up his technique (and accuracy) by studying McCarthyism. M

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OBffing: I just purchased another Hoffmann #2 and I’ve yet to tie "12 flys from one feather".  Is this folklore? — Rick

Rick,     Was it a neck or a saddle? :^) Charley

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Rick Fletcher writes: OBroff: We have had massive flooding throughout Northern Idaho.  Can anyone comment on how we should expect this to affect the fishing come spring?

I’d love to comment on this, Rick, but since I’m a pesky AOL user I doubt you would see any merit in my insights :^) I’m probably going to be checking out of this newsgroup pretty soon, myself. Too many advertisements; too many elitists. In this sense, rec.outdoors.fishing.fly has become a true mirror of the sport of flyfishing and everything that is ruining it. Besides, it’s too damn nice outside to be sitting in here! Happy trails, Steve

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: A pest. He dominated this newsgroup with rhetoric and opinions, all : designed to induce argument. He is one of only a few people on this : newsgroup that are not polite. He says he’s gone. Let’s hope.

(snip) Newsgroups have mellowed considerably over the past year and a half…a lot of current readers don’t seem to be comfortable with intellectual challenge.  Before the "discovery" of the net by the general public, that is what the newsgroups were all about, so don’t be offended because it continues.  This is not a polite and cordial backyard barbecue.

(snip) — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

Mr. Fletcher, I get the feeling that when you say: "Before the discovery of the net by the general public", you mean the general public is anyone without "edu" in their address. Are you one of the dreaded elitist? Regards, Cedro Wooley <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

It is the nature of Man to conserve within himself traces of ancient hatreds and battles.                                          - BonFar

Question:

I am planning a 4 day FF trip to Juneau, Alaska at the end of August. I sure could use some info on the following: Fly patterns and sizes Techniques Favorite streams Line size (I will be fishing with a G. Loomis 9′ 6wt) I have a friend who lives in Alaska and fishes quite a bit, but, when I told him that I wanted to come and fly fish he said that he hasn’t seen anyone around Juneau fly fishing and that it was not the method of choice for that area.  I plan on fly-fishing. Am I being too optomistic? Thanks in advance.

Response:

One reason there is so little fly fishing in Juneau is that it is relatively hard to get to a stream. The airport is on a small island off the coast, and there is essentially only 1 road north and south a short distance.  Most people have boats that they use to troll for fish in the inland waterway. I fished there once, on Montana Creek. You want to be careful of bears, especially late in the summer when the spawning fish are in the rivers in numbers.  The scenery is beautiful; have a great time. In article – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am planning a 4 day FF trip to Juneau, Alaska at the end of August. I sure could use some info on the following: Fly patterns and sizes Techniques Favorite streams Line size (I will be fishing with a G. Loomis 9′ 6wt) I have a friend who lives in Alaska and fishes quite a bit, but, when I told him that I wanted to come and fly fish he said that he hasn’t seen anyone around Juneau fly fishing and that it was not the method of choice for that area.  I plan on fly-fishing. Am I being too optomistic? Thanks in advance.

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