Question:

This past few days I have been fishing the Sage SLT 5 weight 8′6. At 3 ounces it is a dream to cast and it turns over a dry fly so nicely. It performs consistently on long and short casts. but I think it’s the simple comfort it provides (smoothness, forgiveness, lightness) that impressed me. I also nymphed with it, but found it not as good as the Scott for lifting 3 AB shot, 2 #8 nymphs and a waterlogger strike indicator. The last rod I purchased was 4 years ago, a Scott SES. This is the first rod I have tried where I can really feel something worthy of calling a technological advance. I think it just made the Xmas list. — Gary M

Response:

Yes a very good rod with plenty or reserve power, smoothness and light weight in hand. Beats every other 5 weight i’ve ever cast.

Response:

Interesting comments. At our fishing clubs "Tackle Night" the Sage rep was there–so I had the opportunity to cast both the SLT and the XP. I found the SLT to be not to my liking at all. I use a Scott STS 905-4; aqnd again IMO, the SLT couldn’t hold a candle to the Scott., THe XP, however, was an absolute *dream* to cast. Since the Freshwater Scott STS series has been (stupidly IMO) discontinued–if I break the one I have I se an XP 905-4 in my future.   Dave M

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This past few days I have been fishing the Sage SLT 5 weight 8′6. At 3 ounces it is a dream to cast and it turns over a dry fly so nicely. It performs consistently on long and short casts. but I think it’s the simple comfort it provides (smoothness, forgiveness, lightness) that impressed me. I also nymphed with it, but found it not as good as the Scott for lifting 3 AB shot, 2 #8 nymphs and a waterlogger strike indicator. The last rod I purchased was 4 years ago, a Scott SES. This is the first rod I have tried where I can really feel something worthy of calling a technological advance. I think it just made the Xmas list. — Gary M

Response:

Question:

Hi All: Well, the wife didn’t quite understand the Visa bill at first, but all has turned out well. (I tried to head it off at the pass as several of you suggested, but she’s too quick for me.) My sister is getting married in NH in June, so we’re headed up to Conway. Apparently forgot to stop off at the Kittery Trading Post last year, so I will have to make amends this time. Will also be dropping in on Ogunquit for a couple of days.  Need some advice and information on what is available from a fly fishing perspective preferably fresh water…? Any advice, information, directions, suggestions-clean ones, children read these posts-popular flies, etc. would be most welcomed. Regards, BobA The Allens of Allentown, PA (For e-mail, drop the first A)

Response:

The Ogunquit River has sea run browns in it, as does the lower Mousam in Kennebunk.  For directions and advice on flies, I recommend Eldrige Bros. Fly Shop on Rt. 1. Eric

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All: Well, the wife didn’t quite understand the Visa bill at first, but all has turned out well. (I tried to head it off at the pass as several of you suggested, but she’s too quick for me.) My sister is getting married in NH in June, so we’re headed up to Conway. Apparently forgot to stop off at the Kittery Trading Post last year, so I will have to make amends this time. Will also be dropping in on Ogunquit for a couple of days.  Need some advice and information on what is available from a fly fishing perspective preferably fresh water…? Any advice, information, directions, suggestions-clean ones, children read these posts-popular flies, etc. would be most welcomed. Regards, BobA The Allens of Allentown, PA (For e-mail, drop the first A)

Response:

Hi Eric: Thank you for that information, I will stop in at the Eldrige Bros Fly Shop for sure. BobA

Response:

Question:

<Good report snipped What, no whitefish to report about Jeff? Darin

Response:

Jeff C writes:

(snip for brev) – Jeff Miller’s week: up at 5:30 to fish before breakfast.  Sometimes pack a lunch to fish straight through.  At dinner, eat everything he ordered plus half of Dene’s order,

You mean to tell me that scurrilous lawyer from the great North State was also eating Dene’s food?  Helll, when he sat opposite me I had to build a defensive wall consisting of wine bottles, water glasses, etc. to keep my food from ending up in his plate.  Somewhere there is a picture of Jeffy, ala the picture of Dorian Gray, growing fatter and fatter and fatter, while our beloved yet scurrilous friend remains lean and mean. As far as Benee goes —- well, if I didn’t have to take a leak so badly, we’d *still* be in the 2nd current catching big brookies and salmon.  I enjoyed meeting her, Jeff, and hope the both of you can come back. Dave LaCourse, Bottom Dweller

Response:

Helll, when [Jeffy] sat opposite me I had to build a defensive wall consisting of wine bottles, water glasses, etc. to keep my food from ending up in his plate.

That’s good …hope the both of you can come back.

Yes, that would be good. Regards, Jeff

Response:

What, no whitefish to report about Jeff?

I forgot!  No whitefish!  One nice thing about the fishing there is that when you hook something it’s either a salmon or brook trout (although there were rumours of some browns being in the water, which was made more confusing because apparently some salmon had red spots.)  And you know immediately which one it is by the direction the fish streaks – north or south Regards, Jeff

Response:

Jeff C writes: What, no whitefish to report about Jeff? I forgot!  No whitefish!  One nice thing about the fishing there is that when you hook something it’s either a salmon or brook trout (although there were rumours of some browns being in the water, which was made more confusing because apparently some salmon had red spots.)  And you know immediately which one it is by the direction the fish streaks – north or south Regards, Jeff

There are both chubs (large shiner-like fish) and suckers in the Rapid.  The chubs will hit a streamer and the suckers regularly take a nymph.  In fact, on Monday I took a slucker out of 1st current.  Peter was at the tail of the current and couldn’t see it — he thought it was a big brookie.  There are also yellow perch and supposedly small mouth bass.  I’ve caught a yellow perch, but never a bass. Dave LaCourse

Response:

There are also yellow perch and supposedly small mouth bass.

I remember now I saw a sign on the riverside that said smallmouth had been illegally "stocked" in the river.  It encouraged fishermen to keep any smallmouth that were caught, since they are "very aggressive" (in taking over trout habitat.)  I have to admit I would have been shocked to catch a perch Regards, Jeff

Response:

- Benee and I really enjoyed our trip to Lakewood.  Ever since I dropped in on this group and mentioned to Benee the sort of names I’ve been called, she really had no interest in reading or posting.  She’s not a big internet surfer in any case.  But slowly I was able to convince her she’d enjoy a clave like the one in Maine.  I think one of the things that intrigued her was some of the handles of ROFF posters: Indian Joe, Pamlico Jim, Daytripper, Fishworship, Flyfish, Big Dale, Bruiser, Wayno, and now I guess Zimbo??, etc.  She says she will invent her own handle and post a trip report herself, and she also has pics to contribute. – First I’d like to say that one of my primary goals was to see Benee catch her first trout on a fly.  Now, as many of you know, teaching fly fishing to your significant other ranks right up there with showing them how to golf. According to Peter Charles, it is second to hanging wallpaper together.  So I’m very thankful to Dave LaCourse who not only provided a pleasant guiding experience to Benee, but actually helped her catch her first fish.  There was one tag team effort between Dave and Benee on a brookie of about 17", and after that Benee caught a salmon on her own that appeared somewhere around 14-16". Mission accomplished!! – My dream fish for the trip was an 18" native brook trout.  I never caught that fish, but I was pleasantly surprised by the salmon, which went ballistic when hooked, as Zimbo said. – I cannot claim the biggest fish, the most fish, the largest fish on a little hook, or any other meaningful accomplishment, but I do claim the toughest river crossing – *below* lower dam.  I made it, but not recommended. – I wasn’t able to stay long enough for the raffle, but look forward to whatever I might have gotten.  Also sorry I missed the bonfire.  On the way out Wednesday morning, I ran into Dave Tatosian, Paul Goodwin, and Dave (Bottom ? flyfish).  Glad I was able to at least say hi to Dave again but sorry we again didn’t get a chance to fish. – Dave LaCourse drives an Audi.  When Dave asked Benee what she did, Benee said she was an audiologist.  Dave asked Benee if she could look at his car. – One thing that’s fun about fishing with a newbie is a fresh look at some of the lingo we take for granted.  When you or I might say "Had a few splashy refusals", Benee would say "I think I had a nibble.  Didn’t pan out though." – From the sound of things, the better fishing seems to have been in the second half of the week.  Oh well!  That’s the kind of thing that keeps you coming back. – The accomodations were exactly my style.  On Sunday I only had half a day to fish, so I took a lunch with me to the river.  There wasn’t anything unique or special in the lunch bag, yet the lunch out on the river, under absolutely beautiful skies and perfect temperature, *was* special and it tasted damn good.  Hard to say why, but you know what I mean. – Jeff Miller’s week: up at 5:30 to fish before breakfast.  Sometimes pack a lunch to fish straight through.  At dinner, eat everything he ordered plus half of Dene’s order, and start drinking wine.  After dinner, sit in a rocking chair and start drinking heavier stuff.  At some point while listening to the "party", drift off to sleep.  Repeat. – It turns out Indian Joe and Dene stayed at the same bed and breakfast that Benee and I did in Portland Thursday night.  The contrast between the brochure and the actual accomodations was a joke!  Luckily we had good company to share the laugh with. – Well, Dave did a great job with the organization, thank you. Regards, Jeff

Response:

Question:

I’m going to be in Oregon in mid-August and would like to get in a day or two of fishing.  Does anyone have a suggestion for guides and locations?   I would love to try summer steelhead and trout if possible. Thanks, Steve

Response:

I’m going to be in Oregon in mid-August and would like to get in a day or two of fishing.  Does anyone have a suggestion for guides and locations? I would love to try summer steelhead and trout if possible.

Any of the lakes around Mt. Bachelor such as Hosmer Lake, Elk Lake, Todd Lake and many others should be good for trout.  Great float tubing.  You also have the opportunity to fish the Deschutes River, a great spot, especially with a guide if you’re a first timer there..  For more info you might try Sunriver Fly Shop (541)593-8814 or Sunriver Guides and Outfitters (541)593-8247 both located in Sunriver, Oregon. Greg

Response:

I’m going to be in Oregon in mid-August and would like to get in a day or two of fishing.  Does anyone have a suggestion for guides and locations?   I would love to try summer steelhead and trout if possible. Thanks, Steve

I stayed at Crystalwood Lodge in the Klamath basin about 4 years ago and had a great time.Their guides usually take you to the local rivers such as the Williamson or the Wood. I had a good success and I’m nowhere near an expert, but it is not a budget trip:). If "Marlin" is still guideing try to get him, Lloyd Heilbrunn

Response:

Steve — If you want to fish for steelhead on the Deschutes in mid-August you will have be in north-central Oregon, about 90 miles from Bend and about 250 miles from Klamath Falls.  You will probably need a guide who fishes the mouth of the Descutes, although some fish will probably be as far south as Maupin by mid-August. Rob

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m going to be in Oregon in mid-August and would like to get in a day or two of fishing.  Does anyone have a suggestion for guides and locations? I would love to try summer steelhead and trout if possible. Thanks, Steve

Response:

Question:

I now wade the same water *without* the scarey vibrations.

I get the vibrations even with my Folstaf.  That tells me I better not walk into that water. Mu

Response:

Hello: Who is the manufacturer of Folstaff wading staffs? Bob

Response:

Hello: Who is the manufacturer of Folstaff wading staffs?

Fly-Tyer

Question:

Hi, I am interested in trying my hand a fly fishing this Spring, and I have been given a Horrocks Ibbotson Model 1104 bakelite fly reel and a Langley fly rod that is about 8′ long and came in an aluminum tube.  Everything is in real nice shape, and the reel has the original box.  This set looks to be from the 30’s or 40’s(?) and I am wondering as to whether it would be better to try and learn on this vintage equipment, or sell it/trade it and try and get a more modern outfit.  Any suggestions appreciated, especially if any one can tell me what weight line I should equip it with or have any other hints.  Please email Thank you, Jim K Media, PA  

Response:

Jim, Horrocks-Ibbotson rods were very cheap, production rods.  Even ones in good shape aren’t worth much today.  Go ahead and fish it ot your heart’s delight. Pete C

Response:

Question:

Hi Jess, I  couldnt agree more, I grew up in England a long time after the depression, but I can appreciate your sentiments entirely. I enjoyed your article as well ! Keep up the good work ! Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

With the prices of new, state-of-the-art graphites approaching $600, I would say that we are entering a period of reverse bamboo snobbery! For $600 you can get a hell of deal on a used, 7 1/2-8 ft bamboo of good lineage.  You just have to pay attention to the used tackle lists. –Rich

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello, The fishing news groups are quite new to me.  As I browse and read the messages, I find that some feelings exist against flyfishing and flyfishers, and more particularly against the users of bamboo as being somehow snobbish or elite.  I don’t want to offend anybody, but would it be okay if I say something about this?  If you don’t want to read it, please just skip it now. I’m an old guy who grew up poor, without complaint then or now, during the depression.  I had a paper route, did odd jobs, shoveled snow, mowed lawns. In 1940, when I was 14, my first fly rod cost me $1.67 at a Coast to Coast hardware store, and with it I bought some cheap gut leaders.  Nothing snobbish about that or the way we fished.  After Navy duty in WWII, I first tied flies with supplies bought by mail from old George Leonard Herter.   Nothing snobbish about George Leonard.  Not no way, not no how.  In 1947, with blank sections bought from old George, I made up a bamboo rod, to save a buck and have some fun.   For me, yet, at 71, to go out with a bamboo rod makes me feel a bit like the kid with a stick, off to try to catch a fish.  I don’t even mind (please forgive) if somebody calls a bamboo rod a "fishpole."  "Let’s get our poles and go fishing."  "When?"  "Now!"  Nothing snobbish about that. Bamboo.  It’s fun to say.  Like "greenheart," another word that’s fun to say.  Unlike, to me,  "fibreglas"  or "graphite."  Further, it’s fun to fiddle with bamboo, with thread,  guides, tiptops.  Fun, even, to scrape off old varnish.  Yes, and to put it all together and wave it around and get the feel of that stick.   It is, after all, just a bunch of sticks glued together into one stick, isn’t it? Certainly, much science and technology goes into the making of a fibreglas or graphite rod.  Largely it’s a mystery to me, maybe to most of us.  On the other hand, I can somewhat understand the making of a bamboo rod, and I admire and respect the handwork, the craftsmanship that goes into its initial construction.  Not many people do much with their hands any more. Maybe it’s just a feeling for tradition.   Probably because of that feeling, I admire the warmth of wood, of bamboo. Admire it, maybe even, to……caress it.  I haven’t yet caressed a fibreglas or graphite rod.   Well, I have a pretty good Browning graphite (60 bucks) and a (wow) 80+ dollar IMG with a beautiful reel seat, made in Taiwan, and I’ve almost caressed it, but…..not like bamboo.  I recognize that a kid or teenager today, first used to graphite, may well have the same affection for his or her "new pole."   Moreover I realize that a fibreglas or graphite rod delivers more "power.’ It will not rot or come unglued or take a set.  You can’t slam the car door or close the trunk lid on it, but it will stand some abuse.  You have to give more care to bamboo.   But that was for me a good learning process.  You can’t treat bamboo like the horse that was "rode hard and put away wet."  You must wipe it off, dry it, keep it dry.  You don’t stand it in a corner or against the wall or bang it around.  You nurse it, gentle it, dare I say, respect it?  But that’s a good lesson to apply not only to a flyrod (or to any kind of fishing equipment), but to bicyles, clothes, cars, even…..to people. With this background, it never dawned on me that flyfishing or bamboo had anything snobbish about it, or that it was for any kind of elite.  If I had felt that, I would have known that I didn’t belong.  So it does bother me somewhat that in recent years flyfishing has given the impression to some that it has gone "high class" or Hollywood-ish, and that is has probably in fact drawn some snobs, or that some feel snobbish about their place in it. At the same time, I don’t begrudge those who can pay for expensive lessons, hire guides, buy thousands of dollars worth of equipment.  A couple years ago, at a shop in Livingston, the owner’s son told me that they had just sold a $1,600 Ovis rod over the phone, to mail out.  I can only blink at such goings on. Not to go off into rapture or anything like it, but to me one of the beautiful things about flycasting lies in the curve that a flyline makes when you throw it.  Have you seen Winslow Homer’s painting of the guy in the canoe, moving his flyline through the air?  Nature, if this is correct, has no straight lines, and the graceful flow of a flyline seems somehow alive.  Actually, I’d say the same thing about any kind of line flowing from any kind of rod or reel, for it’s not restricted to fly casting, and I do enjoy all kinds of fishing.   Like water that’s too high and gone off color, some things still rile me. But then too, as you grow older, you generally grow more respectful of the way others go about things.  So it seems to me that the world has room for the kid with a stick, for the guy in between who just wants to get off somewhere and fish a bit, and for snobs as well.  Who knows but what any of us might be a snob, if we just had the money. I hope with this bit that I haven’t touched anybody off.  If so, please ignore it.  It’ll pass quickly.  And you could have just skipped it.   Jess Thompson

Hi Jess, You have not missed anything. In fact you got to fish when it was still wild in America. Today much of the wild feeling is gone. Streams are crowded and stocked with hatchery fish. You were lucky to have been born when you were.  You really appreciate what you have and the good memories. I have memories of my youth that are good also ever though I was born in 1945. I have a bunch of old fish buddies that are now 70 to 80 years old. They have told me lots of great tales of the fishing when you and they were young. I feel that the youth of today are missing out on the simple fun that once was. Even though you remember the depression, you were born at the best time in America for a good life. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – = Hello, The fishing news groups are quite new to me.  As I browse and read the messages, I find that some feelings exist against flyfishing and flyfishers, and more particularly against the users of bamboo as being somehow snobbish or elite.  I don’t want to offend anybody, but would i= t be okay if I say something about this?  If you don’t want to read it, plea= se just skip it now. = I’m an old guy who grew up poor, without complaint then or now, during = the depression.  I had a paper route, did odd jobs, shoveled snow, mowed la= wns.  In 1940, when I was 14, my first fly rod cost me $1.67 at a Coast to C= oast hardware store, and with it I bought some cheap gut leaders.  Nothing snobbish about that or the way we fished.  After Navy duty in WWII, I f= irst tied flies with supplies bought by mail from old George Leonard Herter.= Nothing snobbish about George Leonard.  Not no way, not no how.  In 194= 7, with blank sections bought from old George, I made up a bamboo rod, to = save a buck and have some fun. = For me, yet, at 71, to go out with a bamboo rod makes me feel a bit lik= e the kid with a stick, off to try to catch a fish.  I don’t even mind (please forgive) if somebody calls a bamboo rod a "fishpole."  "Let’s g= et our poles and go fishing."  "When?"  "Now!"  Nothing snobbish about tha= t. = Bamboo.  It’s fun to say.  Like "greenheart," another word that’s fun t= o say.  Unlike, to me,  "fibreglas"  or "graphite."  Further, it’s fun to= fiddle with bamboo, with thread,  guides, tiptops.  Fun, even, to scrap= e off old varnish.  Yes, and to put it all together and wave it around an= d get the feel of that stick.   It is, after all, just a bunch of sticks glued together into one stick, isn’t it? = Certainly, much science and technology goes into the making of a fibreg= las or graphite rod.  Largely it’s a mystery to me, maybe to most of us.  O= n the other hand, I can somewhat understand the making of a bamboo rod, a= nd I admire and respect the handwork, the craftsmanship that goes into its initial construction.  Not many people do much with their hands any mor= e. Maybe it’s just a feeling for tradition. = Probably because of that feeling, I admire the warmth of wood, of bambo= o. Admire it, maybe even, to……caress it.  I haven’t yet caressed a fibreglas or graphite rod.   Well, I have a pretty good Browning graphi= te (60 bucks) and a (wow) 80+ dollar IMG with a beautiful reel seat, made = in Taiwan, and I’ve almost caressed it, but…..not like bamboo.  I recogn= ize that a kid or teenager today, first used to graphite, may well have the= same affection for his or her "new pole." = Moreover I realize that a fibreglas or graphite rod delivers more "powe= r.’ It will not rot or come unglued or take a set.  You can’t slam the car = door or close the trunk lid on it, but it will stand some abuse.  You have t= o give more care to bamboo. = But that was for me a good learning process.  You can’t treat bamboo li= ke the horse that was "rode hard and put away wet."  You must wipe it off,= dry it, keep it dry.  You don’t stand it in a corner or against the wall or= bang it around.  You nurse

(remainder of good stuff snipped) Jesse:  I really enjoyed your little essay.  Thoughtful and correct (and I obviously agree with it! Mark Faulkner

Response:

You might want to rethink that statement and read up on the genetic research on telemeres that has been reported in the last week.  You may have enough time left to PAY OFF a bamboo rod!!!  ;^) George – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Jessie, Every thing old will become new again except of course you and I Jessie. — Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail Ernie Harrison

Response:

Jesse One of my personal disappoints is that I came to flyfishing late, about nine years ago, when bamboo rod prices had already begun heading for the stratosphere.  In the early sixties, a good friend of mine had a bamboo spinning rod that his dad had handed down to him.  We would ride our bikes down to the canal to dunk worms for sunfish or throw spoons for pike.  He could always out cast me, especially considering the broomstick I was using. I had a paper route and I saved my coin to buy a Shakespeare Wonderod and a Mitchell 300 after my old rod broke.  I just knew that I would be able to outcast him once I got it.  Well, you guessed it, he could still throw a red devil 20′ further than I could.  We switched rods, and the bamboo still out cast the newfangled fibreglass. Having never owned a bamboo rod, I still lust for them.  Whenever I go into an old fishing shop, I always look around for an old bamboo that may be hiding in a corner.  Haven’t seen one yet, but I’m still hoping.  Funny enough, I still have the Wonderod and the Mitchell.  I hope to have a few grandkids in the next few years and I’ll be needing a good worm dunking rod. That was a very nice post, and considering some of the uninformed vitriol that is tossed around here, it’s a very pleasant change. Peter

Response:

Hello, The fishing news groups are quite new to me.  As I browse and read the messages, I find that some feelings exist against flyfishing and flyfishers, and more particularly again

Jesse, Wowwww waht can I say. All that I wanted to say about Bamboo but was to ignorent to do so. I have been fishing with Bamboo for the better part of 35 years now, and I would not change my rods for anything. I do not own glass, graphite or any other type of rods, just Bamboo and like you said, I caress them and yes I do respect them. They have serve me well over the years.  Please post more of your insight in fly fishing, I really enjoyed your post. Michel Lajoie http:www.titan.qc.ca/moucheux

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, The fishing news groups are quite new to me.  As I browse and read the messages, I find that some feelings exist against flyfishing and flyfishers, and more particularly against the users of bamboo as being somehow snobbish or elite.  I don’t want to offend anybody, but would it be okay if I say something about this?  If you don’t want to read it, please just skip it now. I’m an old guy who grew up poor, without complaint then or now, during the depression.  I had a paper route, did odd jobs, shoveled snow, mowed lawns.  In 1940, when I was 14, my first fly rod cost me $1.67 at a Coast to Coast hardware store, and with it I bought some cheap gut leaders.  Nothing snobbish about that or the way we fished.  After Navy duty in WWII, I first tied flies with supplies bought by mail from old George Leonard Herter. Nothing snobbish about George Leonard.  Not no way, not no how.  In 1947, with blank sections bought from old George, I made up a bamboo rod, to save a buck and have some fun. For me, yet, at 71, to go out with a bamboo rod makes me feel a bit like the kid with a stick, off to try to catch a fish.  I don’t even mind (please forgive) if somebody calls a bamboo rod a "fishpole."  "Let’s get our poles and go fishing."  "When?"  "Now!"  Nothing snobbish about that. Bamboo.  It’s fun to say.  Like "greenheart," another word that’s fun to say.  Unlike, to me,  "fibreglas"  or "graphite."  Further, it’s fun to fiddle with bamboo, with thread,  guides, tiptops.  Fun, even, to scrape off old varnish.  Yes, and to put it all together and wave it around and get the feel of that stick.   It is, after all, just a bunch of sticks glued together into one stick, isn’t it? Certainly, much science and technology goes into the making of a fibreglas or graphite rod.  Largely it’s a mystery to me, maybe to most of us.  On the other hand, I can somewhat understand the making of a bamboo rod, and I admire and respect the handwork, the craftsmanship that goes into its initial construction.  Not many people do much with their hands any more. Maybe it’s just a feeling for tradition. Probably because of that feeling, I admire the warmth of wood, of bamboo. Admire it, maybe even, to……caress it.  I haven’t yet caressed a fibreglas or graphite rod.   Well, I have a pretty good Browning graphite (60 bucks) and a (wow) 80+ dollar IMG with a beautiful reel seat, made in Taiwan, and I’ve almost caressed it, but…..not like bamboo.  I recognize that a kid or teenager today, first used to graphite, may well have the same affection for his or her "new pole." Moreover I realize that a fibreglas or graphite rod delivers more "power.’ It will not rot or come unglued or take a set.  You can’t slam the car door or close the trunk lid on it, but it will stand some abuse.  You have to give more care to bamboo. But that was for me a good learning process.  You can’t treat bamboo like the horse that was "rode hard and put away wet."  You must wipe it off, dry it, keep it dry.  You don’t stand it in a corner or against the wall or bang it around.  You nurse it, gentle it, dare I say, respect it?  But that’s a good lesson to apply not only to a flyrod (or to any kind of fishing equipment), but to bicyles, clothes, cars, even…..to people. With this background, it never dawned on me that flyfishing or bamboo had anything snobbish about it, or that it was for any kind of elite.  If I had felt that, I would have known that I didn’t belong.  So it does bother me somewhat that in recent years flyfishing has given the impression to some that it has gone "high class" or Hollywood-ish, and that is has probably in fact drawn some snobs, or that some feel snobbish about their place in it. At the same time, I don’t begrudge those who can pay for expensive lessons, hire guides, buy thousands of dollars worth of equipment.  A couple years ago, at a shop in Livingston, the owner’s son told me that they had just sold a $1,600 Ovis rod over the phone, to mail out.  I can only blink at such goings on. Not to go off into rapture or anything like it, but to me one of the beautiful things about flycasting lies in the curve that a flyline makes when you throw it.  Have you seen Winslow Homer’s painting of the guy in the canoe, moving his flyline through the air?  Nature, if this is correct, has no straight lines, and the graceful flow of a flyline seems somehow alive.  Actually, I’d say the same thing about any kind of line flowing from any kind of rod or reel, for it’s not restricted to fly casting, and I do enjoy all kinds of fishing. Like water that’s too high and gone off color, some things still rile me. But then too, as you grow older, you generally grow more respectful of the way others go about things.  So it seems to me that the world has room for the kid with a stick, for the guy in between who just wants to get off somewhere and fish a bit, and for snobs as well.  Who knows but what any of us might be a snob, if we just had the money. I hope with this bit that I haven’t touched anybody off.  If so, please ignore it.  It’ll pass quickly.  And you could have just skipped it. Jess Thompson

Hi Jess, I really like what you wrote above. One friends of mine, an old carpenter, he has made cane or bamboo rods from bar stock and ..well whatever you would call it. One of his biggest dissapointments getting older is not being able to make them anymore let alone casting. I do like those rods and have some of my own. My first memory actually was from an American friend of my fathers when I was 6 years old. He had a cane rod, brownish with lovely action. He is in one of my very short stories I once wrote about the grayling, lady of the stream, in my home river. Also one of my cherished memories are from Finland and Lapland there I for some nights during one summer had my 7 footer. Had anyone seen me grinning like I did, rollcasting and catching white fish, one after another, they would have thought me somewhat funny I think….<*)(((<( Cheers and thanks again for your nice piece. Harry Salmgren http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/6392/ http://www.savsjo.se/Forening/Hemsida/Sfkhugget/ ps tried your email also, but didn

Question:

    HELP!     New to this intriguing sport and would like info on hot spots     and tips for the Northern section of Illinois.                     Main interest is panfish but any info appreicated!             Thanks for your help,                     Kalvin

Response:

Can you be a little more specific (Northern is pretty darn big). Any of the local ponds or forest preserves can provide panfishing. Really I mean any as the Bluegill isn’t the IL state fish for nuttin’! email me with approximate location and I will try to help. Do also check out http://www.flyflield.com They are located in the western burbs of Chicago and the store and web site are hot spots for all interested parties. Todd

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Oops!! I left out the "/" Here is the correct address for Fly & Field: http://www.flyfield.com/ Sorry, Todd

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    Thanks for the feedback!     What I’m looking for is hot spots between Kankakee River and Rockford. Panfish is plentiful near me but I’m having a hard time catching them on my fly rod.I need to know what type of line or weight of line and tippet to use and where to use them. I have many forest perserve ponds near my home but have been unsuccessful in catching anything.  I have read many books and have gone to many shows but no real info on panfish…everyone is interested in trout. Any help would be great…Thanks                       Kalvin.

Response:

    Thanks for the feedback!     What I’m looking for is hot spots between Kankakee River and Rockford. Panfish is plentiful near me but I’m having a hard time catching them on my fly rod.I need to know what type of line or weight of line and tippet to use and where to use them. I have many forest perserve ponds near my home but have been unsuccessful in catching anything.  I have read many books and have gone to many shows but no real info on panfish…everyone is interested in trout. Any help would be great…Thanks                     Kalvin.

I love to fish for panfish in ponds.   I employ several tactics, both surface and subsurface, depending on conditions… Here are a few real simple ones… 1) long tippet – small nymph try a nice hunk of 5x (4 feet or so) and cast it to fish water.  Wait varying amounts of time before utilizing a hand-twist retrieve.   A lot of times the thing gets nailed while it is sinking…try a copper ribbed cates turkey nymph size 16-18. 2) Da Wooley Tie some #10 wooley buggers and use art foam for the body and rubber legs. Weight the body.  Cast to fishy water and retrieve in short jerks allowing line to just pile up at your feet. Hope this helps somehow… your pal, TimW

Response:

Can you be a little more specific (Northern is pretty darn big). Any of the local ponds or forest preserves can provide panfishing. Really I

Check out latest issue of American Angler Magazene for an article on Kankakee river, 30 mi south of Chicago. Chuck Welby

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Looking for places to fish/boat in the chicagoland area? check out http://www.ripco.com/~jwn/, there are many depth maps posted for local lakes as well as a link to the illinois fishing page (which has weekly reports of what’s biting where) have fun

: :     Thanks for the feedback! : :     What I’m looking for is hot spots between Kankakee River and : Rockford. Panfish is plentiful near me but I’m having a hard time : catching them on my fly rod.I need to know what type of line or weight : of line and tippet to use and where to use them. I have many forest : perserve ponds near my home but have been unsuccessful in catching : anything.  I have read many books and have gone to many shows but no : real info on panfish…everyone is interested in trout. Any help would : be great…Thanks : :                     Kalvin. <snip — John Nelson Home Page:  http://www.ripco.com/~jwn/

Response:

: Can you be a little more specific (Northern is pretty darn big). Any of : the local ponds or forest preserves can provide panfishing. Really I : Check out latest issue of American Angler Magazene for an article on : Kankakee river, 30 mi south of Chicago. : Chuck Welby Looking for places to fish/boat in the chicagoland area? check out http://www.ripco.com/~jwn/, there are many depth maps posted for local lakes as well as a link to the illinois fishing page (which has weekly reports of what’s biting where) have fun — John Nelson Home Page:  http://www.ripco.com/~jwn/

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m goin to Watertown NY over labor day. If anybody could put me on to a Musky guide in the area I’d be thrilled. I’m an old Atlantic salmon/trout flyfishing guide myself and certainly would be willing to share my expertise (?? ) with anyone out there in exchange for a trip. Also, my brother has a boat in S. Florida and would be willing to reciprocate in a similar manner. Cal "dreamin of skee" Harris

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I’m goin to Watertown NY over labor day. If anybody could put me on to a Musky guide in the area I’d be thrilled. I’m an old Atlantic salmon/trout flyfishing guide myself and certainly would be willing to share my expertise (?? ) with anyone out there in exchange for a trip. Also, my brother has a boat in S. Florida and would be willing to reciprocate in a similar manner. Cal "dreamin of skee" Harris

Call Bill & Jack’s Marina in Fishers Landing at 315-686-3592. Bill has been there for many many years and knows the river and guides. He isn’t a guide himself but I’m sure he could recommend a good one. Jack Paul Hereford, Pa 18056

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Question:

I’m looking for a high quality 9-weight rod I can use for saltwater (blues and stripers) and freshwater (bass)? Any recommendations other than Orvis and Sage?

I use a custom built rod using a GLoomis IMX 9.5′/9wt 2pc blank (model FR1149, if I remember correctly). This is a cannon of a rod and is able to punch soggy 2/0 flies into the typical New England ocean winds with aplomb, and fight the big guys to the beach. I’ve landed some good-size bluefish (14~15 lbs) against an outgoing tide at the mouth of the Merrimack with this rod. It casts more like a 10wt than a 9 so I’ve overloaded it by one line size, and I’ve used a Teeny T500 (the ultimate depth charge) on it with no surprises. If you have the forearm for it, I highly recommend a similar rod for grownup blues and stripers… /dave <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.    Alpha Server Engineering  < <           "Read this and nobody gets hurt"           < <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

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Try Scott, they make a beautiful rod to cast

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Ken Lindsay Fly Fishing Online http://www.flyfishing-online.com

Ken: Your Web page is dysfunctional; it apparently needs a little virtual therapy, or perhaps some head cement. I have a little GL3– a 78" for 3, but prefer my Loomis IMX rods for the bigger rivers, longer casts and heavier winds.

Response:

I’m looking for a high quality 9-weight rod I can use for saltwater (blues and stripers) and freshwater (bass)? Any recommendations other than Orvis and Sage? Thanks. David

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Winston… it’s the only rod.  See other’s comments in "What do you think of Winston Rods" subject messages Karl the Bass

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Try the Loomis GLX series. They are really powerful. Another rod   to try would be the Redingtons. THe price is considerably lower   than the big boys and they have super actions. Good Luck, Ken Lindsay Fly Fishing Online http://www.flyfishing-online.com

Response:

I’m looking for a high quality 9-weight rod I can use for saltwater (blues and stripers) and freshwater (bass)? Any recommendations other than Orvis and Sage? Thanks. David

You should take a good look at Powell Rods. They are very high quality and a goof bargan for the quality.

Response:

I’m looking for a high quality 9-weight rod I can use for saltwater (blues and stripers) and freshwater (bass)? Any recommendations other than Orvis and Sage?

Loomis makes some great rods.  Both the GLX (high end) and GL3 ( mid range) are good values fo rthe money.  The GL3 is the fastest rod I know of in the 200-250 price range.                  /                 /                   John Woodling                /                    Sacramento, CA                   <     <

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I’m looking for a high quality 9-weight rod I can use for saltwater (blues and stripers) and freshwater (bass)? Any recommendations other than Orvis and Sage? Thanks. David

I like the J.K. Fisher GT40 9/10, very powerful. My friend’s Scott Heli Ply seems real nice too. Fin Nor is selling rods under their name built on GT40 blanks too. Neither of these rods are cheap, but they’re both fine sticks.                                                         john cloyd

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I’m looking for a high quality 9-weight rod I can use for saltwater (blues and stripers) and freshwater (bass)? Any recommendations other than Orvis and Sage? Thanks. David

One of the best  rods for the money is a ST Croix Legend. They are made in Wis. and have a lifetime warrantee.  The list price for a  9′ 8/9 wt is $210.  IM-6 type  42,000,000 modulus.

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