Question:

You’re going to Key West right?  More likely to see lots of guys in

butt-flossing suits. Hairy butts in a butt-flosser?  Eeewww! I’ll have nightmares tonight.  Thanks. Many people think its safer to fly to Key West from Miami along the chain of islands as opposed to directly across the Florida Bay (via Victor 225 or B9 if you have an ADF or GPS).

That was my reasoning.  Coming from my direction, it’s either that or over the swamp then ocean. Besides, another pilot told me that flying US1 is probably the most beautiful flying that can be had in the States.  I’m not so sure.  As you can see on the sectional there are very few airports, public or private, in the keys.  If you lose an engine you probably aren’t going to be able to make a successful landing on US 1

Oh?  Why not?  Flying along the west coast will be shorter but I was gonna head to Miami for just that reason. At least a car is likely to spot me going down, right? Finally be sure and watch out of R-2916.  The government launches a 14,000 ft high tethered balloon there with radar to catch drug smugglers or whatever.  You sure don’t want to wander off course and fly into it.

Yeah, I’ve pointed that out to a few co-workers.  a 14,000 foot tether. That’s amazing. Thanks for your comments.  Anything else you wanna share would be appreciated. — Jim Fisher North Alabama Cherokee 180

Response:

Anyone wanna tackle this? I’m planning to go to Key West in a couple of days.  VFR.  Jimmy Buffet Parrothead convention.

Didn’t know there were Buffet conventions.  Now that I do, I can’t imagine missing the next one.  Does Jimmy bring the Albatross?  There used to be one of those based on a lake near where I live.  The owner would do type ratings for the local Continental pilots.  It was just awesome watching that thing coming in low, landing (watering???), then taxiing around on the lake for a takeoff.  It’s gone now, think the owner took it to Lake Powell. I’ll be flying from PDK (Atlanta) to EYW (Key West) departing Friday morning and coming back Sunday. My decision, right now, is to go. Just for the sake of discussion (and if anyone would like to take the time), what’s the weather/trip look like to you experienced fellers?  What sources of info do you base your assessment on?

I decided long ago to use DUATS for information only but to talk to a real live briefer before I go anywhere.    The FSS briefers are *required* to intepret the information they are giving you, whereas the computer of course can’t do that. Pull a DUATs report, try to figure out where the little jerkwater places that they use as weather reporting points are, then try to understand which of the NOTAMS they list apply to your flight (WHY in God’s name do they tell me about Iranian airspace restrictions when I’m flying from Houston to Austin?  For those of you in the UK, that route of flight does not go close to Iran, or Iraq, or Oklahoma, or any other foreign country). My favorite weather source, believe it or not, is this one: http://www.uswx.com/.   I expect that there are others that do something similar, but this lets me look at fronts, and movement, etc.  So I’ll keep an eye on this, and talk to the FSS guys sometime before I head for the airport to see if I missed something and to get their intepretation. So far, it’s worked for me. Or, a trite answer:  If you are worried, don’t go.  If you go anyway, be mindful of accident chains and watch for one forming. Good luck!  I’m looking at your route weather now, and it looks crappy in Pensacola and South Florida.  http://www.uswx.com/us/wx/FL/

Response:

There’s another ballon just like that near Cross City, FL that you will pass going to the Keys from Atlanta. Before you buy.

Response:

SNIP Oh?  Why not?  Flying along the west coast will be shorter but I was gonna head to Miami for just that reason.

US 1 is a two lane road with lots of traffic and no berm.  Its also crisscrossed with lots and lots of electric and telephone lines, trees, etc. I wouldn’t say its impossible but, overall, in my opinion its a pretty poor choice for a landing strip. Your friends who commented that its a beautiful flight (from Miami to Key West) are correct, it is. If you decide to go the west coast route stop at Everglades City (X01), the best kept airport secret in south Florida.  Its the entrance to the "unspoiled" part of the Everglades and offers a couple of good restaurants and a beautiful flight over the "10,000 islands" south of Naples.    If you go the Miami route stop at Marathon (MTH) which actually has a much longer runway then Key West, a friendly FBO, lots of restaurants, and generally a far more laid-back experience then Key West (plus you won’t find many hairy butts wearing flossed bathing suits there). Have a great time! Regards, Tom

Response:

Trouble is, if the weather is too bad to fly, most of the women won’t be on the beach.  On the other hand you can always fish in the rain.  Enjoy the trip. Brian E. High wing sissy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Being stuck in Key West won’t be so bad if you are smart enough to remember your fishing gear . You know, that’s a terribly obvious statement but one I haven’t really considered. There are worse things than being stranded on a beach filled with women wearing them butt-flossing suits. Thanks, — Jim Fisher North Alabama Cherokee 180

Response:

WHY in God’s name do they tell me about Iranian airspace restrictions when I’m flying from Houston to Austin?  

Seems to me there’s a question about non-associated FDC NOTAMS, and you have to appropriately answer the question about declining to see them. If you don’t answer the question the right way, then you get the Iranian and Afghani airspace restrictions as well as the ones about not transporting Ferdinand Marcos’s body.  At least that’s the way the Contel/GTE/whoeverytheyarenow DUATS (duats.com) system works. Larry

Response:

You’re going to Key West right?  More likely to see lots of guys in butt-flossing suits. Hairy butts in a butt-flosser?  Eeewww! I’ll have nightmares tonight.  Thanks.

Uck!!! Gee Jim, thanks a lot for bring up that eventuality.  I am going to go thrown up now.

Response:

Being stuck in Key West won’t be so bad if you are smart enough to remember your fishing gear .

You know, that’s a terribly obvious statement but one I haven’t really considered. There are worse things than being stranded on a beach filled with women wearing them butt-flossing suits. Thanks, — Jim Fisher North Alabama Cherokee 180

Response:

There are worse things than being stranded on a beach filled with women wearing them butt-flossing suits.

You’re going to Key West right?  More likely to see lots of guys in butt-flossing suits. You should have flown down last weekend for Fantasy Fest.  Its held in Key West every year the weekend before Halloween.  Its a combination Mardi Gras, Halloween sort of thing.  Two years ago, when my wife and I flew down for Fantasy Fest, the airport was crammed chock full with airplanes.  The guy in the golf cart from the FBO said my wife and I were one of the few couples to arrive with clothes on that afternoon.  Apparently its a fun thing to fly naked. On a serious note, if your flight segment includes Naples to Key West be sure and file a DVFR flight plan.  Its mandatory.   VFR flights from Miami along the keys do not require DVFR flight plans even though the route of flight crosses the ADIZ.  Check out your AF/D for more information. Many people think its safer to fly to Key West from Miami along the chain of islands as opposed to directly across the Florida Bay (via Victor 225 or B9 if you have an ADF or GPS).  I’m not so sure.  As you can see on the sectional there are very few airports, public or private, in the keys.  If you lose an engine you probably aren’t going to be able to make a successful landing on US 1 (the only road in the keys) and with no fields or open spaces its the water, the mangrove swamps, or shopping centers to land in. Finally be sure and watch out of R-2916.  The government launches a 14,000 ft high tethered balloon there with radar to catch drug smugglers or whatever.  You sure don’t want to wander off course and fly into it. Have Fun!   I wish I was joining you! Regards, Tom

Response:

I don’t know nuttin ’bout no Parrotheads! Have flying lessons on Friday. But sounds like a great trip!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Regardless of the weather, you are absolutely going to need a designated pilot. Well, I was planning to designate *myself* as designated pilot.  Perhaps you are speaking of a designated IFR pilot in, perhaps, a designated Saratoga? You offering? — Jim Fisher North Alabama Cherokee 180 Anyone wanna tackle this? I’m planning to go to Key West in a couple of days.  VFR.  Jimmy Buffet Parrothead convention. I’ll be flying from PDK (Atlanta) to EYW (Key West) departing Friday morning and coming back Sunday. My decision, right now, is to go. Just for the sake of discussion (and if anyone would like to take the time), what’s the weather/trip look like to you experienced fellers?  What sources of info do you base your assessment on? Up ’till now, all my x/c hops have been relatively short 300nm trips and weather during those times has been very predictable and easy to understand. This time, though, I’m looking at a wandering jet stream and a big, nasty, slooooow moving front that bisects the USA.  Then we have some sorta cloud cover in the Gulf that’s moving towards the Florida panhandle. Oh, and yeah, yeah, I’m studying for the instrument exam so don’t go there! Jim Fisher North Alabama Cherokee 180

Response:

Being stuck in Key West won’t be so bad if you are smart enough to remember your fishing gear . Mike MU-2

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Anyone wanna tackle this? I’m planning to go to Key West in a couple of days.  VFR.  Jimmy Buffet Parrothead convention. I’ll be flying from PDK (Atlanta) to EYW (Key West) departing Friday morning and coming back Sunday. My decision, right now, is to go. Just for the sake of discussion (and if anyone would like to take the time), what’s the weather/trip look like to you experienced fellers?  What sources of info do you base your assessment on? Up ’till now, all my x/c hops have been relatively short 300nm trips and weather during those times has been very predictable and easy to understand. This time, though, I’m looking at a wandering jet stream and a big, nasty, slooooow moving front that bisects the USA.  Then we have some sorta cloud cover in the Gulf that’s moving towards the Florida panhandle. Oh, and yeah, yeah, I’m studying for the instrument exam so don’t go there! Jim Fisher North Alabama Cherokee 180

Response:

Regardless of the weather, you are absolutely going to need a designated pilot.

Well, I was planning to designate *myself* as designated pilot.  Perhaps you are speaking of a designated IFR pilot in, perhaps, a designated Saratoga? You offering? — Jim Fisher North Alabama Cherokee 180 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone wanna tackle this? I’m planning to go to Key West in a couple of days.  VFR.  Jimmy Buffet Parrothead convention. I’ll be flying from PDK (Atlanta) to EYW (Key West) departing Friday morning and coming back Sunday. My decision, right now, is to go. Just for the sake of discussion (and if anyone would like to take the time), what’s the weather/trip look like to you experienced fellers?  What sources of info do you base your assessment on? Up ’till now, all my x/c hops have been relatively short 300nm trips and weather during those times has been very predictable and easy to understand. This time, though, I’m looking at a wandering jet stream and a big, nasty, slooooow moving front that bisects the USA.  Then we have some sorta cloud cover in the Gulf that’s moving towards the Florida panhandle. Oh, and yeah, yeah, I’m studying for the instrument exam so don’t go there! Jim Fisher North Alabama Cherokee 180

Response:

Anyone wanna tackle this? I’m planning to go to Key West in a couple of days.  VFR.  Jimmy Buffet Parrothead convention. I’ll be flying from PDK (Atlanta) to EYW (Key West) departing Friday morning and coming back Sunday. My decision, right now, is to go. Just for the sake of discussion (and if anyone would like to take the time), what’s the weather/trip look like to you experienced fellers?  What sources of info do you base your assessment on? Up ’till now, all my x/c hops have been relatively short 300nm trips and weather during those times has been very predictable and easy to understand. This time, though, I’m looking at a wandering jet stream and a big, nasty, slooooow moving front that bisects the USA.  Then we have some sorta cloud cover in the Gulf that’s moving towards the Florida panhandle. Oh, and yeah, yeah, I’m studying for the instrument exam so don’t go there! Jim Fisher North Alabama Cherokee 180

Response:

Regardless of the weather, you are absolutely going to need a designated pilot.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone wanna tackle this? I’m planning to go to Key West in a couple of days.  VFR.  Jimmy Buffet Parrothead convention. I’ll be flying from PDK (Atlanta) to EYW (Key West) departing Friday morning and coming back Sunday. My decision, right now, is to go. Just for the sake of discussion (and if anyone would like to take the time), what’s the weather/trip look like to you experienced fellers?  What sources of info do you base your assessment on? Up ’till now, all my x/c hops have been relatively short 300nm trips and weather during those times has been very predictable and easy to understand. This time, though, I’m looking at a wandering jet stream and a big, nasty, slooooow moving front that bisects the USA.  Then we have some sorta cloud cover in the Gulf that’s moving towards the Florida panhandle. Oh, and yeah, yeah, I’m studying for the instrument exam so don’t go there! Jim Fisher North Alabama Cherokee 180

Response:

Or, if the return date is not essential, then I figure spending a few extra days at the destination won’t be so bad.

That would suck being trapped in Key West… One thing to consider is that central/south FL have very distinct wet and dry seasons.   The dry season is beginning about now and will reach it’s peak during January.  It hardly ever rains during that time, but if a "cold" front makes it that far south it can get VERY windy. tim PP-ASEL

Response:

Jim, The question I always ask myself when confronted with conditions like this is "how critical is it that I get back on the day I plan to return."   If I don’t have any latitude and absolutely need to be home then I’ll scrub the flight or resign myself to possibly having to return home commercially and return later to pick up the plane. Or, if the return date is not essential, then I figure spending a few extra days at the destination won’t be so bad. It’s not unusual for me to make a final decision on the morning of the outbound flight based upon that day’s weather and the future forcast. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Anyone wanna tackle this? I’m planning to go to Key West in a couple of days.  VFR.  Jimmy Buffet Parrothead convention. I’ll be flying from PDK (Atlanta) to EYW (Key West) departing Friday morning and coming back Sunday. My decision, right now, is to go. Just for the sake of discussion (and if anyone would like to take the time), what’s the weather/trip look like to you experienced fellers?  What sources of info do you base your assessment on? Up ’till now, all my x/c hops have been relatively short 300nm trips and weather during those times has been very predictable and easy to understand. This time, though, I’m looking at a wandering jet stream and a big, nasty, slooooow moving front that bisects the USA.  Then we have some sorta cloud cover in the Gulf that’s moving towards the Florida panhandle. Oh, and yeah, yeah, I’m studying for the instrument exam so don’t go there! Jim Fisher North Alabama Cherokee 180

Response:

Question:

Hi Mike, I would take a larger #7, 8 or 9 weight outfit with a floating line. It is better during the summer and particularly in the Fall (Oct) when the wind lays down, but if it is warm, who knows, it could be great?. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop http://www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m going to be in the Brownsville, TX area next month and would like to take an extra day while I’m there for a little fishing. Is it worth it at this time of the year? Can anyone recommend a guide? I’m thinking along the lines of redfish, or whatever in the nearby bays. Thanks. — Mike Terrian terrian at ibm dot net

Response:

I’m going to be in the Brownsville, TX area next month and would like to take an extra day while I’m there for a little fishing. Is it worth it at this time of the year? Can anyone recommend a guide? I’m thinking along the lines of redfish, or whatever in the nearby bays. Thanks. — Mike Terrian terrian at ibm dot net

Response:

Mike, Don’t go! If you do go, leave the area immediately!  You might see the flag of a once independent Texas which would be offensive to all with eyesight and will create an off-topic thread from which we will never recover .

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m going to be in the Brownsville, TX area next month and would like to take an extra day while I’m there for a little fishing. Is it worth it at this time of the year? Can anyone recommend a guide? I’m thinking along the lines of redfish, or whatever in the nearby bays. Thanks. — Mike Terrian terrian at ibm dot net

Response:

Mike, I recommend Eric Glass, Gib Little or any one that Larry Haines at The Shop in Port Isabel recommends.  This time of year can be hot for Reds and Specs.  I friend of mine has been taking Snook in the Arroyo.  Unfortunately we just had a chemical spill in the Port of Brownsville and that may damage or disrupt some of our snook fishery.  Eric # is 956.761.2878.  Gib’s 761.7682.  Larry is at 943.1785.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m going to be in the Brownsville, TX area next month and would like to take an extra day while I’m there for a little fishing. Is it worth it at this time of the year? Can anyone recommend a guide? I’m thinking along the lines of redfish, or whatever in the nearby bays. Thanks. — Mike Terrian terrian at ibm dot net

Response:

Unfortunately we just had a chemical spill in the Port of Brownsville and that may damage or disrupt some of our snook fishery.

It’s so comforting to know that due to Gov. George Bush the oil and gas industry in Texas is permitted to comply with environmental regulations in a purely "voluntary" manner. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Yeah, well it wasn’t oil nor gas. The truck driver broke the law and was hauled of by the Texas Department of Public Safety.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Unfortunately we just had a chemical spill in the Port of Brownsville and that may damage or disrupt some of our snook fishery. It’s so comforting to know that due to Gov. George Bush the oil and gas industry in Texas is permitted to comply with environmental regulations in a purely "voluntary" manner. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Question:

Wow! I had an 8′ dingy while I lived in Long Beach.  The Gator Boat looks like it would be just as easy to maneuver and horse in and out of a vehicle.  I’d throw my dingy in the back of my truck after work and hit Alamitos Bay.  Had some great times catching those Sand Bass.  Why did I ever move? Enjoy Bill

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Everyone! I’ve started buikding my first boat!!! I am got sick of casting from the sidelines when I see fish in hard to reach areas! So, I’ve gotten the plans for a "Gatorboat" and Yesterday I got the lumber. I’ve got the bottom section cut out and I am going to try to learn how to "rip" wood with my "Trip-Tramp". I am taking progress photo’s and I’ll post the sordid story on the site when I finish. Cheers! Oh. the URL for where I got the boat plans from is: http://www.gatorboats.com/ — Michael Era

Question:

I’m looking to find a good fly fishing spot along the Delaware River Gap on the NJ/PA borders.  Has anyone fished this area and know of some good spots??  Suggestions on the Poconos Mtn. region will be greatly appreciated as well.  Thanks.

Response:

By all means fish the fly-only portion of the Big Flatbrook in NJ. Actually a small river, and first class by any standard. Ive lived and fished in the West for the last 30 years but grew up in NJ.  Revisited Big flatbrook with my daughter last father’s day. Suggestions: Pick up the river near layton NJ. talk to the locals at the country store and note directions carefully becuz one of the bridges is (was?) out and the little roads are confusing. Walk in at least 1/4 mile downstream to get away from . . . .  You have to work at it. Lots of good fly men fish this river so forget the easy stuff. However, they are brookies and will take most anything IF you can get it to them. the fish are tight in the rootballs and assorted tangles, in the most oxiginated water. so be aggressive and lose some flys.  They are going to be heat stressed by August so get em back in quickly and gently.  I love this river and its a testiment to NJs stewardship Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m looking to find a good fly fishing spot along the Delaware River Gap on the NJ/PA borders.  Has anyone fished this area and know of some good spots??  Suggestions on the Poconos Mtn. region will be greatly appreciated as well.  Thanks.

Response:

Try Jacoby’s Creek in Portland.

Response:

Question:

I’m interested in fishing from a kayak and have seen ads from a California company that makes a molded plastic catamaran-style kayak they claim is "designed for fishermen."  Anyone have any experience with Mendocino Kayaks? Obviously I’d like something that paddles easily, is relatively stable, light-weight and car-toppable.  I’d welcome comments and suggestions.

Response:

I currently own an Ocean Kayak malibu II, I love it. Its a two seater so maybe a single for you? The "sit on top" kayaks are real stable to fish from , which is my main reason for my purchacing one. I dont know your type of fishing, mine is fly fishing salt water flats and channels.Maybe this will help. Good luck mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m interested in fishing from a kayak and have seen ads from a California company that makes a molded plastic catamaran-style kayak they claim is "designed for fishermen."  Anyone have any experience with Mendocino Kayaks? Obviously I’d like something that paddles easily, is relatively stable, light-weight and car-toppable.  I’d welcome comments and suggestions.

Response:

Question:

Hi there.. I’m looking in to getting back into fly fishing (I used to do it a bit with my father a long time ago..).  Essentially, I have forgotten all that I was taught.. and I was wondering if anybody had suggestions on how I could best get back into the sport.. or what would be the best strategy for learning about the state of the sport nowadays? Thank you for whatever help you can give me.

     Assuming you live in Central Ontario, Bud Hoffman runs a good fly fishing school on the Beaver River, near Kimberley, Ont.  His number is/was 519 986-2351. Bud is a pretty level-headed guy, and easy to talk to and learn from.  The Izaak Walton Fly fishing Club can be reached at 905 855-5420.  It might help if you post what part of Ontario you fish. Good luck JIM WARD Twin Willow Farm "Home of good horses, fine whiskey and great wild trout"

Response:

Hi I suggest you contact the Federation of Fly Fishers at 406-585-7592 and find out the location of an affiliate club near you. Then join and learn from a new friend. At this time of year many club sponsor fly fishing classes in preparation for the season so you timing is right on. If there is no club near you, ask the FFF about their educational booklet "Introduction to Fly Fishing" It cost $2.00 plus S&H and gives a lot of good info. Other FFF educational booklet that would help are on casting, entomology, and beginning fly tying. Al Hi there.. I’m looking in to getting back into fly fishing (I used to do it a bit with my father a long time ago..).  Essentially, I have forgotten all that I was taught.. and I was wondering if anybody had suggestions on how I could best get back into the sport.. or what would be the best strategy for learning about the state of the sport nowadays? Thank you for whatever help you can give me.

Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products http://www.btsflyfishing.com

Response:

Hi there.. I’m looking in to getting back into fly fishing (I used to do it a bit with my father a long time ago..).  Essentially, I have forgotten all that I was taught.. and I was wondering if anybody had suggestions on how I could best get back into the sport.. or what would be the best strategy for learning about the state of the sport nowadays? Thank you for whatever help you can give me.

Response:

Hi there.. I’m looking in to getting back into fly fishing (I used to do it a bit with my father a long time ago..).  Essentially, I have forgotten all that I was taught.. and I was wondering if anybody had suggestions on how I could best get back into the sport.. or what would be the best strategy for learning about the state of the sport nowadays? Thank you for whatever help you can give me.

Hi One of the best ways is to learn from a friend and I think you will find a few of those on this group and the fly tying group as well. Also you might consider joining a local club. I suggest you contact the Federation of Fly Fishers at 406-585-7592 and get the contact person in a local club. Then you can join and learn from a friend. If you have a specific question please post to this group or check my tips and tricks section at my web site. I think the address is in my signature. Good luck and welcome to the best legal drug available; flyfishing. Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products http://www.btsflyfishing.com

Response:

Question:

I recently began tying dry fly wings with antron yarn. Antron is a very easy material to work with. It provides a good silhouette and rigid post for parachute patterns. Divided and down wings are easy to tie with little bulk making the tying of smaller flies simpler with better proportion as well. Comparaduns are a breeze. Antron wings look aesthetically pleasing and appear to be somewhat translucent and light reflective at the same time. In short, antron seems too good to be true. Being that it’s -30  C outside as I write this, it is unlikely I will be able to test these flies for a few months yet. In the meantime, I’d like to tie flyboxes full of antron dries, but before I go whole hog on antron, I need to know if they fish as good as they look. Thanks Guy

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently began tying dry fly wings with antron yarn. Antron is a very easy material to work with. It provides a good silhouette and rigid post for parachute patterns. Divided and down wings are easy to tie with little bulk making the tying of smaller flies simpler with better proportion as well. Comparaduns are a breeze. Antron wings look aesthetically pleasing and appear to be somewhat translucent and light reflective at the same time. In short, antron seems too good to be true. Being that it’s -30  C outside as I write this, it is unlikely I will be able to test these flies for a few months yet. In the meantime, I’d like to tie flyboxes full of antron dries, but before I go whole hog on antron, I need to know if they fish as good as they look. Thanks Guy

Guy, I tried a similar tactic a couple of years ago using Orvis poly-wing material (usually used for spinner wings) which isn’t too different from antron.  Being a rather impatient and lazy tier I found this material easy and fast to use for tying upright wings. As a wing post for parachute patterns I found it worked well and fished as effectively as any other parachute patterns. I had the most hope for Comparaduns tied with this material because I fish them a lot, again partly because of the ease and speed of tying. However, these were not very effective at all.  During the summer of ‘95 I tried Comparaduns tied with this material alongside the standards and for some yet undetermined reason they just were not as effective.  This was not a very scientific experiment because of limited trips and I didn’t have any friends try them; so take my findings for whatever they are worth.  They were tried for the Hendrickson, Sulfur and various BWO hatches. I would encourage you to tie enough antron Comparaduns for an experiment and please let me know how they fish. Good luck, Steve

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently began tying dry fly wings with antron yarn. Antron is a very to tie flyboxes full of antron dries, but before I go whole hog on antron, I need to know if they fish as good as they look. I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies are a real killer.  The antron seems to trap air bubbles and looks traslucent to the fish (more life like I suppose).  I catch some big fish on them. -Burton

DEAR BURTON: Would you send me a small sample of this new material to look at? Gehrke’s Gink Snake River – Hell’s Canyon Asotin, WA 99402 Would appreciate it. George — MZ

Response:

I recently began tying dry fly wings with antron yarn. Antron is a very to tie flyboxes full of antron dries, but before I go whole hog on antron, I need to know if they fish as good as they look.

I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies are a real killer.  The antron seems to trap air bubbles and looks traslucent to the fish (more life like I suppose).  I catch some big fish on them. -Burton

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies are a real killer.  The antron seems to trap air bubbles and looks traslucent to the fish (more life like I suppose).  I catch some big fish on them. -Burton DEAR BURTON: Would you send me a small sample of this new material to look at? Gehrke’s Gink Snake River – Hell’s Canyon Asotin, WA 99402 Would appreciate it. George

George: you can probably find a sample under your feet – it’s a pretty common synthetic carpet fibre that’s been used for flytying for at least 5 years or more. You’ll also find it sold as "sparkle yarn", etc… I’m actually surprised you never heard of this stuff (and that you didn’t invent it! ;^) Cheers! /dave

Response:

Went through an antron phase a couple of years ago. Overall the dries that I tied fished OK its hard to say whether or not they made a real difference. I think that the smaller flies that I tied worked well with antron wings. These were small gnats size 22 and 24. Antron wings are killer on wet flies though.

Response:

I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies are a real killer.  The antron seems to trap air bubbles and looks traslucent to the fish (more life like I suppose).  I catch some big fish on them.

Burton, Try a rib of pearlescent krystal flash on some of them, especially the darker olives.  I swing these at last light.  They seem to almost glow. I really love fishing soft hackles. Ross Wilson

Response:

Went through an antron phase a couple of years ago. Overall the dries that I tied fished OK its hard to say whether or not they made a real difference. I think that the smaller flies that I tied worked well with antron wings. These were small gnats size 22 and 24. Antron wings are killer on wet flies though.

Dear Sir; I concurr.  I really think antron used for wings, caddis stuff, emergent mayflies, midges and trailing shucks is great.  For shucks, instead of the more coarse Z-lon for the small flies, I use regular fine antron yarn and then use a heated metal wire to cause there to be consistent convolutions in the peeling "shuck". JB

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I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies Burton, Try a rib of pearlescent krystal flash on some of them, especially the darker olives.  I swing these at last light.  They seem to almost glow. I really love fishing soft hackles. Ross Wilson

Ross, So do I!  I find myself doing it more and more these days, since it allows me to cast which I find relaxing.  As opposed to my chuck-and-duck nymphing with heavy weighted flies. Thanks for the tip, I’ll tie up a few and try them. -Burton

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Being that it’s -30  C outside as I write this, it is unlikely I will be able to test these flies for a few months yet. In the meantime, I’d like to tie flyboxes full of antron dries, but before I go whole hog on antron, I need to know if they fish as good as they look.

See, that’s just the kind of Sunday fly-fishing mentality that’s getting the sport a bad name! Andrew (-: – I’ve been tying wings with antron for several years now, and the fish seem to think it’s OK.

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George, -Sure, glad to do it!  What color would you prefer?  I find it most useful= =20 for wet fly caddis imitations and to wit think I have lt. brown,=20 blue-grey, yellow, grey and lt. olive (maybe even dark olive). -Burton =3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D=3D – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies are a real killer.  The antron seems to trap air bubbles and looks traslucent to the fish (more life like I suppose).  I catch some big fi= sh on them. =20 DEAR BURTON: =20 Would you send me a small sample of this new material to look at? =20 Gehrke’s Gink Snake River – Hell’s Canyon Asotin, WA 99402 =20 Would appreciate it. =20 George –=20 MZ=90 =20 =20

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I chop up sections of this and mix it with other dubbing materials for wet flies. I used one like this at the end of the season and it was destroyed by several large fish. Needless to say my vise has been crankin these out ! — "The true Angler is content to fish alone" Brian Di Carlo – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently began tying dry fly wings with antron yarn. Antron is a very to tie flyboxes full of antron dries, but before I go whole hog on antron, I need to know if they fish as good as they look. I use antron on wet flies with partridge or hen soft hackle.  The flies are a real killer.  The antron seems to trap air bubbles and looks traslucent to the fish (more life like I suppose).  I catch some big fish on them. -Burton

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Question:

Have seen ad and sent for brochure on Diamondback rods, anyone have any experience with this company? I am interested in buying a blank from them. Would appreciate any life experiences with this company. Thanks, DLowe

They are nice rods.  I have fished them, at the request of my fishing partner who sells them.  They cast very similar to a Scott, have a nice finish, etc.  Life experiences you may not find, as they haven’t been around that long (like maybe 5 or 6 years?) Tight lines, -Burton

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Excellent company run by first class people who build a fine product. You won’t be disappointed in my opinion. Tom Dougherty – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Have seen ad and sent for brochure on Diamondback rods, anyone have any experience with this company? A few years ago, I bought a prototype 8 1/2′ 3/4 wgt. (prototype meaning no graphics on the rod and it wasn’t listed in their brochure) that I ran across on sale, and I think it’s wonderful.  It has a slow action, rather like my Winston 3 wgt., but it’s a bit heavier than an all-graphite rod would be (I think it’s one of their ‘lamiglass’ hybrids).  It casts both 3 & 4 wgt. lines equally well; I choose which based on wind conditions and fish spookiness.  HPH

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after reading all reply’s i am happy to know that i am not the only one who has broken there diamondback rods.i have two backwater series rods and both have broken at the ferrule,the last one breaking on the first cast of the first day in the florida keys.great trip!!they did repair them very fast but not even a letter of explanation.i think my next rod is an rplx.                                                           larry morris

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I love fly fishing in general it is so fun!!!! I love you too

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I love fly fishing in general it is so fun!!!! I love you too

that was beautiful man. you still aren’t getting my beer, though… TimW

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I love fly fishing in general it is so fun!!!! I love you tooGeez Jerry –

Isn’t 10:32 in the morning a tad early to be drinking?

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I love fly fishing in general it is so fun!!!! I love you too

..T-Bone..Send the Doc a homebrew!!….;)

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I love fly fishing in general it is so fun!!!! I love you too ..T-Bone..Send the Doc a homebrew!!….;)

Nah, he’d just use it to splash back more prozak. TimW

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I love fly fishing in general it is so fun!!!! I love you too ..T-Bone..Send the Doc a homebrew!!….;)

Actually it sounds like he has had one too many already! -Burton

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6/7 wt, 8-1/2 ft four-piece rods for years.  Very stiff action and will punch a line into the wind like no other rod I’ve ever used. Great for alpine lake fishing, which is why this is my backpacking rod of choice. Also great for going deep in big streams. Forget delicate presentations, however.  I also broke mine, and Diamondback fixed it very nicely. I think Diamondback used to private label a line of rods for L.L.Bean. Good luck!

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Have seen ad and sent for brochure on Diamondback rods, anyone have any experience with this company? I am interested in buying a blank from them. Would appreciate any life experiences with this company. Thanks, DLowe 21757.

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Have seen ad and sent for brochure on Diamondback rods, anyone have any

experience with this company? I am interested in buying a blank from them. Would appreciate any life experiences with this company.<< I like the action of the rods, I have two a 9wt and a 5 wt. The five weight broke at the ferrules while casting the first time out and it took too long (IMO) to get it back but they did fix it. I will not buy another one, that is my experience. Wayne Knight Marietta GA                                              

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Have seen ad and sent for brochure on Diamondback rods, anyone have any experience with this company? I am interested in buying a blank from them. Would appreciate any life experiences with this company. Thanks, DLowe 21757.

      I visited the factory up in Vermont a few years ago, and at the time their set-up looked efficient and clean; they stocked a nice line of rods, blanks and rod-building supplies. I’ve not been there recently.   Louise Scharrenberg

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Have seen ad and sent for brochure on Diamondback rods, anyone have any experience with this company?

A few years ago, I bought a prototype 8 1/2′ 3/4 wgt. (prototype meaning no graphics on the rod and it wasn’t listed in their brochure) that I ran across on sale, and I think it’s wonderful.  It has a slow action, rather like my Winston 3 wgt., but it’s a bit heavier than an all-graphite rod would be (I think it’s one of their ‘lamiglass’ hybrids).  It casts both 3 & 4 wgt. lines equally well; I choose which based on wind conditions and fish spookiness.  HPH

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Have seen ad and sent for brochure on Diamondback rods, anyone have any experience with this company? A few years ago, I bought a prototype 8 1/2′ 3/4 wgt. (prototype meaning no graphics on the rod and it wasn’t listed in their brochure) that I ran across on sale, and I think it’s wonderful.  It has a slow action, rather like my Winston 3 wgt., but it’s a bit heavier than an all-graphite rod would be (I think it’s one of their ‘lamiglass’ hybrids).  It casts both 3 & 4 wgt. lines equally well; I choose which based on wind conditions and fish spookiness.  HPH

I built a rod on a Diamondback 3 pc. Backwater blank last year and have fished it, oh probably 100 times more or less. The first two times out I broke the ferrule between the mid and tip section. Diamondback was real good about replacing it, and the rod designer, George, seemed genuinely interested in what the hell I was doing with their rods to do this :- I was using a 450 head (10 weight blank). The third ferrule was the charm and I’ve since had no problems at all, though I notice they’ve gone to the (IMO) much more reliable tip over butt ferrule in this year’s Saltwater rods (yay!). In terms of performance it casts very well with the rated line (#10) no need to overload it for wind or large flies. It’s less stiff than my Cabelas HML and a little more stiff than my Fisher GT40 if that helps. I can cast it all day without fatigue. Their stock rods seem very well built, I like their clown nose fighting butts, and the saltwater blank is especially nice to look at. I’d get another one, esp. with the new ferrule.                                                                 jc

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Question:

: While considering the many options for 4 pc (or 3 pc) travel rods, I : have generated more questions than answers and would like to survey : those in the group who would share first hand experiences.  The : questions are basically these when considering an all around trout rod : for small to medium western rivers: : : 1  Is there a great advantage to internal ferrrule designs and which : manufacturers offer these designs? : : 2  Which  brand delivers, in your opinion, the best value. : : 3  For budget reasons, I am looking seriously at 5 wts. in the Loomis : GL3, Diamondback, Sage DS Series, and St. Croix. Any good or bad : experiences with these rods? : : 4  What are the preferences among the higher end rods? : : Thanks. : :       IMHO the Loomis GL3, 9 ft., 5 wt., 4 pc. travel rod is the : best value in those you mention. It is without peer as a casting : machine – the reason you use a fly rod in the first and only place. It : is extremely well built, has a life time warranty for defects – and in : my experience – a very liberal interperation of what defect is. The : Sage is a close second in choice – the other two are not worth : considering along side the Loomis and Sage. :       I am a custom rod builder and all of my rods are G. Loomis : IMX, and mostly 4 pc. now. For the high price end you will not go : wrong with a Loomis GL3 or the GL4 coming out to replace the IMX. : Also, if you are looking at high end, check out the Thomas & Thomas : Heritage series designed by Gary Borger. These are very nice casting : tools. I think this, and every other thread like it demonstrates one thing: everybody seems to have a favourite rod that they say is the "best" but there is no consensus overall. It is absolutely pointless to ask which rod is best because everybody will say that the rod they spent the most amount of money on is the best. Basically, I have come to the conclusion that all rods are exactly the same – Like designer jeans, it depends on what label you prefer. I have had a chance to fish with a "cheap" fenwick fiberglas import, a top of the line Sage rod and a T&T which I now own and I have to admit that I was able to cast effectively with all three. I have a friend who has been fishing most of his life (probably more than 20 years) and who swears by a Wal-mart special he bought for $35.00. He outfishes everyone he knows (except his wife ) and has caught everything from pike and atlantic salmon to rainbows in the tiniest streams with overhanging trees,shrubs and other detritus. I feel as if I have been sucked, like many others, into the myth that more expensive is better. All it does is put my income into the pockets of Orvis, Loomis, Sage and T&T executives. It is not the rod that makes the fisherman, it’s the enjoyment of being outdoors in a pristine river doing an activity that we love. Just my two pennies’ worth… Ken

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1  Is there a great advantage to internal ferrrule designs and which manufacturers offer these designs? 2  Which  brand delivers, in your opinion, the best value.

St. Croix 3  For budget reasons, I am looking seriously at 5 wts. in the Loomis GL3, Diamondback, Sage DS Series, and St. Croix. Any good or bad experiences with these rods? 4  What are the preferences among the higher end rods?

Sage, I prefer the look.  Aside from that, Loomis is probably every bit as good if not better than the Sage.  Finally, if I could only have one rod, I’d buy the best of a lesser name vs the cheapest of a top name.   Thanks.

john

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While considering the many options for 4 pc (or 3 pc) travel rods, I have generated more questions than answers and would like to survey those in the group who would share first hand experiences.  The questions are basically these when considering an all around trout rod for small to medium western rivers: 1  Is there a great advantage to internal ferrrule designs and which manufacturers offer these designs? 2  Which  brand delivers, in your opinion, the best value. 3  For budget reasons, I am looking seriously at 5 wts. in the Loomis GL3, Diamondback, Sage DS Series, and St. Croix. Any good or bad experiences with these rods? 4  What are the preferences among the higher end rods? Thanks.

We are selling more multi-piece (3 or 4 piece) rods every year. Nine foot, three piece rods are very hot. Lots of old timers will be shocked at how well they perform. Twenty years ago we all had several 2 piece rods and then one 4 piece we used only for back-packing. Today, my staff and I are using only multi-piece rods. I would cast the rods that you are interested in and find one you like. You might consider the brands with unconditional life-time warranties. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

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I’m a firm believer in travel rods, having owned Sage 3 pce 586 LL, a Sage 3 pce SP 490, a Fisher 6 pce 7-8 wt and a Diawa 5 pce 4-5 wt. Currently, the SP and the Diawa get all the use.  The Diawa and Fisher are spiggot types whereas the Sages use  the ferrule approach.  To be honest, I can’t tell a damned bit of difference when casting, however the ferrule design is reported to be longer lasting as the spiggot fit tends to wear.  That’s what they say, but I’ve seen some old spiggot rods that fit together just fine.  Frankly, ignore the joining method and buy the rod that suits you.  Winston and Hardy uses spiggots for their travel rods and they don’t produce junk for sure. Spend a bit extra if you can and take a look at the Sage LL series. Even though my SP has a greater useable fishing range, the LL has to be the sweetest to cast and fish.  The GL3s are good too.  Try the GL3 9′ 4 wt. as well.  None of what you have mentioned are bad, I.ve casted them all but I have to go back to the LLs.  Its personal preference on my part, but try one.  Try the 3 pce 586.  Sure an SP, GLX, PM10 or T&T Horizon may cast further, but when is the last time you ever casted a fly more than 50′ to catch a ‘bow.  Buy a used one if you have to. Peter – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While considering the many options for 4 pc (or 3 pc) travel rods, I have generated more questions than answers and would like to survey those in the group who would share first hand experiences.  The questions are basically these when considering an all around trout rod for small to medium western rivers: 1  Is there a great advantage to internal ferrrule designs and which manufacturers offer these designs? 2  Which  brand delivers, in your opinion, the best value. 3  For budget reasons, I am looking seriously at 5 wts. in the Loomis GL3, Diamondback, Sage DS Series, and St. Croix. Any good or bad experiences with these rods? 4  What are the preferences among the higher end rods? Thanks.

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Dear J., I do not personally own a travel rod, but I was recently in the market for a lightweight flyrod and the St. Croix came highly recommended to me.  I know of some flyfishing crazies around this area who own the St. Croix "Pack Rat" and just love them. Kevin J. Engel

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While considering the many options for 4 pc (or 3 pc) travel rods, I have generated more questions than answers and would like to survey those in the group who would share first hand experiences.  The questions are basically these when considering an all around trout rod for small to medium western rivers: 1  Is there a great advantage to internal ferrrule designs and which manufacturers offer these designs? 2  Which  brand delivers, in your opinion, the best value. 3  For budget reasons, I am looking seriously at 5 wts. in the Loomis GL3, Diamondback, Sage DS Series, and St. Croix. Any good or bad experiences with these rods? 4  What are the preferences among the higher end rods? Thanks.

Response:

While considering the many options for 4 pc (or 3 pc) travel rods, I have generated more questions than answers and would like to survey those in the group who would share first hand experiences.  The questions are basically these when considering an all around trout rod for small to medium western rivers: 2  Which  brand delivers, in your opinion, the best value.

IMHO Sage delivers the best value. I have got a 5 wt 3 pc 9 ft Sage-SP and this rod is perfectly alright for nearly all purposes. If you like smaller streams – take this rod. If you prefer bigger streams – take this rod. It covers all kind of streams because of its soft presentation combined with a lot of power and backbone. Additionally, Sage has a perfect warranty: Once I broke my rod they repaired it free of charge within four weeks and inbetween they lent me the same rod to fish with. Good service. Nothing to complain about. 4  What are the preferences among the higher end rods?

See above. Hope this helped. Good fishing and tight lines. Jan — Jan Geert Meents Georgenstrasse 120                              Fax: +89/278174-57 80798 Muenchen                                Phone: +89/278174-56

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – While considering the many options for 4 pc (or 3 pc) travel rods, I have generated more questions than answers and would like to survey those in the group who would share first hand experiences.  The questions are basically these when considering an all around trout rod for small to medium western rivers: 1  Is there a great advantage to internal ferrrule designs and which manufacturers offer these designs? 2  Which  brand delivers, in your opinion, the best value. 3  For budget reasons, I am looking seriously at 5 wts. in the Loomis GL3, Diamondback, Sage DS Series, and St. Croix. Any good or bad experiences with these rods? 4  What are the preferences among the higher end rods? Thanks.

        IMHO the Loomis GL3, 9 ft., 5 wt., 4 pc. travel rod is the best value in those you mention. It is without peer as a casting machine – the reason you use a fly rod in the first and only place. It is extremely well built, has a life time warranty for defects – and in my experience – a very liberal interperation of what defect is. The Sage is a close second in choice – the other two are not worth considering along side the Loomis and Sage.         I am a custom rod builder and all of my rods are G. Loomis IMX, and mostly 4 pc. now. For the high price end you will not go wrong with a Loomis GL3 or the GL4 coming out to replace the IMX. Also, if you are looking at high end, check out the Thomas & Thomas Heritage series designed by Gary Borger. These are very nice casting tools.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : While considering the many options for 4 pc (or 3 pc) travel rods, I : have generated more questions than answers and would like to survey : those in the group who would share first hand experiences.  The : questions are basically these when considering an all around trout rod : for small to medium western rivers: : : 1  Is there a great advantage to internal ferrrule designs and which : manufacturers offer these designs? : : 2  Which  brand delivers, in your opinion, the best value. : : 3  For budget reasons, I am looking seriously at 5 wts. in the Loomis : GL3, Diamondback, Sage DS Series, and St. Croix. Any good or bad : experiences with these rods? : : 4  What are the preferences among the higher end rods? : : Thanks. : :       Hi Bruce,                  I am a Loomis manso my first choice would deffinatleybe

the Loomis GL3.  As for the high end rods I would reccomend the Loomis GLX.  The GLX is a much faster rod than the GL3.  I do not know too much about the Sage rods because I have never owned one nor have I casted one.  I hope this helps.      Fish or die,                 Adam Birkes

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Question:

writes: I landed a 3 pound carp (now I surely will go on the list ’sh_t list) on an 8x tippet today at lunch.

   Not hardly, at least for me.  I fished (bait) for carp as a kid, and know them to be wary and strong.  Carp are vegetarians, not scavengers; they don’t like polluted water, but can survive in conditions that would kill other fish; they are exotics and often a nuisance, but they did not ask to be brought here.  My hat is off to anyone who can bring one to a fly.  What pattern did you use?  Broccoli comparadun? Roger (ffer and goldfish keeper)

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Call Cabella’s (800-237-4444).  They are a huge mail order company in the Midwest and they have some very good deals that they will guarantee 100%. Let me know what you do and good luck. Jeff

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: I just won $100 in the instant lottery and I was able to talk my lovely : spouse into letting me buy a new fly rod (the money being a windfall and all)! Reddington Redspot, 5-6 wt, $100.  I’ve got a few rods, but I’ve used this new one more than any other this year.  It’s a fast rod, and that suits me fine.  Your style might be different.  Whether or not it works for you, I am really impressed by the value of the redspot. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate 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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I just won $100 in the instant lottery and I was able to talk my lovely spouse into letting me buy a new fly rod (the money being a windfall and all)!<Snip..

I bought a Martin flyrod recently, and I think it is an american brand, so you should be able to find it somewhere. It is a 8′6", 5-6 wt, handles well and casts like a dream. The price was about 110 USD (in Holland), which is definitely value for money. They also have a 9 foot travelrod (4-piece) in the same weightclass. Good luck and tight lines, Herman —  Herman Nijland        |   Daytime   system manager                        |   Lifetime  flyfisher STOAS  APH             | Vlijmenseweg 50a       |   Tel.  : +31 (0)73-6214745 5223 GW Den Bosch      |   Fax   : +31 (0)73-6220235 Netherlands            |   E-mail: Check out our WWW site! URL:  http://www.stoas.nl Or my own page at:            http://www.stoas.nl/user/hny

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direct or I may miss it. Back in the March ‘96 issue of FlyRod &Reel magazine, there was an article on "affordable rods".  They gave a very good review to a "HT" (HiTech) manufactured rod in a couple of variations.  I ordered a 7′6" Executive Premier in a 5 wt. with the cork handle (comes in EVA also) from a mail order dealer up in the Milwaukee area for less than $40.  Picked up a little Shakespear reel at the local sports super store (SportMart) for around $15, some Scientific Anglers Concept WF5F line for $13 and shazam! A complete setup for less than $70 including tax and shipping. I’ve used it 4 times now and it ain’t bad.  In fact, it’s downright a pleasure to fish with.  I know that in confessing this transgression against the very precept of spending small (maybe not so small) fortunes for a FF outfit that I am setting myself up to be banished from this list for the rest of my life. It works quite well also, I landed a 3 pound carp (now I surely will go on the list ’sh_t list) on an 8x tippet today at lunch.   I’m not saying that it will replace my Orvis bamboo but then it’s many hundreds less in cost too.  Any questions, please address direct (my wife occassionally reads the list and I don’t want her knowing that gear can cost this little). Hope this helps…Jerry

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just won $100 in the instant lottery and I was able to talk my lovely spouse into letting me buy a new fly rod (the money being a windfall and all)! Now herw is my quandry.  I have been using a cheep, heavy, stiff 7 wt rod for about 3 yrs now. I fish mosty bass and bluegill (no elephant gun comments please ;-p).  I would like to buy a 5wt rod and I need to keep the price as close to my lucky $100 as possible.  As I said, I am used to a heavy, stiff clunker of a rod, so weight is of little consideration. I suppose as I get older I will regret that opinion. I have heard good and bad about St. Croix. I also know that there are used rods out there for bargin prices. Any advice would be helpfull as I don’t want to blow this decision and end up with a $100 dud.

     You might look in the LL Bean Flyfishing Catalog.  They have a good beginner’s outfit they use in their school, with reel, backing, the works, for $99.00.  I did not buy it, because they said the action was a bit faster than is good for a true beginner learning on their own.  However, since you already have experience, that should not be any problem.  They sell them in a range of rod weights, so you should be able to get what you are looking for.  I DID buy their  next level of rod, and I have been having a ball!  The casting action is good for my skill level, and I did not go into deep debt for my new-found passion.  Hope this helps you.                                 Dan Johnson

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I just won $100 in the instant lottery and I was able to talk my lovely spouse into letting me buy a new fly rod (the money being a windfall and all)! Now herw is my quandry.  I have been using a cheep, heavy, stiff 7 wt rod for about 3 yrs now. I fish mosty bass and bluegill (no elephant gun comments please ;-p).  I would like to buy a 5wt rod and I need to keep the price as close to my lucky $100 as possible.  As I said, I am used to a heavy, stiff clunker of a rod, so weight is of little consideration. I suppose as I get older I will regret that opinion. I have heard good and bad about St. Croix. I also know that there are used rods out there for bargin prices. Any advice would be helpfull as I don’t want to blow this decision and end up with a $100 dud. P.S. if you are in the Columbus area and are trying to sell your wonderfull, whippy, high-end, casts like a dream, bought it for $300 and now I just don’t get out like I would like to, rod — I would be delighted to give it a new home. Email me. — | P. Erik Jaros                 | "I was a fine idea at the time. | |                               |          Elvis Costello         |

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