Question:

I feel so….used…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hey, I think Don might have had an ulterior motive for the question about emu feathers – he’s got them for sale on that www.canflyfish.com.au website! They’re not as nice as ostritch.     and not remotely as rare as mu feathers, which are located only in semi-baja california, and are extracted at great risk to the collector. yfitons wayno Any fly tyers out there tried Emu Feathers? Yep. Wolfgang anybody else?

Response:

They’re not as nice as ostritch.

Sure, a simple question simply answered, and right away somebody has to go technical!      :) Wolfgang who knows that’s it’s really a matter of how much ya got to cover.

Response:

Hey, I think Don might have had an ulterior motive for the question about emu feathers – he’s got them for sale on that www.canflyfish.com.au website!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – They’re not as nice as ostritch.     and not remotely as rare as mu feathers, which are located only in semi-baja california, and are extracted at great risk to the collector. yfitons wayno Any fly tyers out there tried Emu Feathers? Yep. Wolfgang anybody else?

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Any fly tyers out there tried Emu Feathers? — Don Cantrell Cantrell Fly Fishing http://www.canflyfish.com.au Hand crafted flies, and selected fly tying materials

Response:

Any fly tyers out there tried Emu Feathers?

Yep. Wolfgang anybody else?

Response:

They’re not as nice as ostritch.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any fly tyers out there tried Emu Feathers? Yep. Wolfgang anybody else?

Response:

They’re not as nice as ostritch.

    and not remotely as rare as mu feathers, which are located only in semi-baja california, and are extracted at great risk to the collector. yfitons wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any fly tyers out there tried Emu Feathers? Yep. Wolfgang anybody else?

Response:

Question:

I just had an incredible bit of luck run into me. Yesterday one of my coworkers came into my office and said that he noticed from my office decorations that I enjoyed fly fishing. He had run across one of those fly fishing coffee table books for $1.00 in the local bargain bin and bought it for me. As I thanked him, one bit of conversation led to another and he mentioned he had an old fly rod in his garage collecting dust and asked if I’d like it. It turns out that this guy used to camp and hunt in Keene, NH about 15-20 years ago. One day while he was there, his hunting partner asked if he would mind helping the landowner pack a few things into a moving truck. Long story short, they ended up at Lee Wulff’s place in Surry. He said that Mr. Wulff was spending more time reminiscing about each thing he packed than actually packing the U-Haul for his move to New York on the Beaverkill. At the end of the day, Mr. Wulff gave my coworker his Cortland Model 502-A, 2-piece 7′6" 7WT rod, of which I am now the proud owner. Judging from the wear on the tip-top, this rod was used frequently. Although the rod itself may not be of much value (and of this I’m not sure – I can’t find any info on it), the fact that Mr. Wulff once fished with it makes it something I will cherish. When told of his death, Charles Kurault said, "Lee Wulff was to fly fishing what Einstein was to physics." As someone recently said here, life is good. — TL, Tim

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just had an incredible bit of luck run into me. Yesterday one of my coworkers came into my office and said that he noticed from my office decorations that I enjoyed fly fishing. He had run across one of those fly fishing coffee table books for $1.00 in the local bargain bin and bought it for me. As I thanked him, one bit of conversation led to another and he mentioned he had an old fly rod in his garage collecting dust and asked if I’d like it. It turns out that this guy used to camp and hunt in Keene, NH about 15-20 years ago. One day while he was there, his hunting partner asked if he would mind helping the landowner pack a few things into a moving truck. Long story short, they ended up at Lee Wulff’s place in Surry. He said that Mr. Wulff was spending more time reminiscing about each thing he packed than actually packing the U-Haul for his move to New York on the Beaverkill. At the end of the day, Mr. Wulff gave my coworker his Cortland Model 502-A, 2-piece 7′6" 7WT rod, of which I am now the proud owner. Judging from the wear on the tip-top, this rod was used frequently. Although the rod itself may not be of much value (and of this I’m not sure – I can’t find any info on it), the fact that Mr. Wulff once fished with it makes it something I will cherish. When told of his death, Charles Kurault said, "Lee Wulff was to fly fishing what Einstein was to physics." As someone recently said here, life is good. — TL, Tim

That is awesome Tim. Congrats Russell -Couldn’t happen to a nicer guy.

Response:

Awesome.  Write down the "provenance" with as many dates and names as you can get.  If you decide to just keep the rod and later sell it, this will definately increase its value. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply.

Response:

Awesome.  Write down the "provenance" with as many dates and names as you can get.  If you decide to just keep the rod and later sell it, this will definately increase its value.

Already working on it. I’ve written to Joan Wulff to see if she can verify the circumstance. Also, my coworker was keeping a diary during the time this happened, so he thinks he can give me some more exact timeframe. Even though it’s designated as a 7WT, the rod feels like it would handle a WF5F line pretty well, which is usually what I use. Has anyone out there fished with this kind of mismatch before? Any tips? — TL, Tim (excited like a kid in a candy store)

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Already working on it. I’ve written to Joan Wulff to see if she can verify the circumstance.

OTOH, she might want her rod back.  :-) Joe F.

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All I have to say is: we should have gone fishing yesterday.  You were destined to catch that once in a lifetime wild 30 inch Swift River brookie.

Response:

Awesome.  Write down the "provenance" with as many dates and names as you can get.  If you decide to just keep the rod and later sell it, this will definately increase its value.

Absolutely.  In fact, you might even wish to contact Joan Wulff and see about a letter.  While it may seem unimportant now, when and if it becomes important, it will be more difficult, if not impossible, to gather the needed information.  Also, make sure that your documentation/research is clearly spelled out and your family knows about it (or at least where to find your documentation).  Trust me on this – I speak from personal experience. You might also wish to check with the Catskill FFing Center: Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum 1031 Old Route 17, Livingston Manor, New York 12758 http://www.cffcm.org/cmc.html  or the Anglers’ Club of New York: The Anglers’ Club of New York 101 Broad St. New York, NY 10004 Voice: (212) 425-7333 Fax: (212) 809-9089 IIRC, they were involved in auction of Wulff items a couple of years ago, and might be able to give you a rough idea of value for insurance, etc.   Congrats on the "find." TC, R

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Awesome.  Write down the "provenance" with as many dates and names as you can get.  If you decide to just keep the rod and later sell it, this will definately increase its value. Absolutely.  In fact, you might even wish to contact Joan Wulff and see about a letter.  While it may seem unimportant now, when and if it becomes important, it will be more difficult, if not impossible, to gather the needed information.  Also, make sure that your documentation/research is clearly spelled out and your family knows about it (or at least where to find your documentation).  Trust me on this – I speak from personal experience. You might also wish to check with the Catskill FFing Center: Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum 1031 Old Route 17, Livingston Manor, New York 12758 http://www.cffcm.org/cmc.html  or the Anglers’ Club of New York: The Anglers’ Club of New York 101 Broad St. New York, NY 10004 Voice: (212) 425-7333 Fax: (212) 809-9089 IIRC, they were involved in auction of Wulff items a couple of years ago, and might be able to give you a rough idea of value for insurance, etc.

Thanks for the info — I’ve written both and will let you know the results. — TL, Tim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Congrats on the "find." TC, R

Response:

All I have to say is: we should have gone fishing yesterday.  You were destined to catch that once in a lifetime wild 30 inch Swift River

brookie. No kidding! And I probably wouldn’t have even minded the heat. <g — TL, Tim

Response:

"Stan Gula" All I have to say is: we should have gone fishing yesterday.  You were destined to catch that once in a lifetime wild 30 inch Swift River brookie. No kidding! And I probably wouldn’t have even minded the heat. <g

While you wimps were enjoying your cold drinks, I actually fished. Caught 30" of brookie more or less equally divided into five fish. Comgrats on the rod, Tim…gonna bring it next week? BTW, this good fortune also enhanced your Kreh number, (Lee must have known Lefty, right?), not to mention what it did to your Wullf number. <G George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

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"Stan Gula" All I have to say is: we should have gone fishing yesterday.  You were destined to catch that once in a lifetime wild 30 inch Swift River brookie. No kidding! And I probably wouldn’t have even minded the heat. <g While you wimps were enjoying your cold drinks, I actually fished. Caught 30" of brookie more or less equally divided into five fish.

This takes counting to a whole new level. Comgrats on the rod, Tim…gonna bring it next week?

Yes. If you’re really nice to me I’ll let you hold it . . . just for a moment. BTW, this good fortune also enhanced your Kreh number, (Lee must have known Lefty, right?), not to mention what it did to your Wullf number. <G

Hey, anything that increases either of those is good. I’m almost at "1" now! — TL, Tim

Response:

Awesome.  Write down the "provenance" with as many dates and names as you can get.  If you decide to just keep the rod and later sell it, this will definately increase its value.

it’s a unique piece of luck and to be treasured. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

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Question:

OH NO  don’t ask the boner to whup it out. —  Don Thompson Another of the Thompson Boys

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You might ask one our regulars to show you his "maps". TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

I here the Brown Trout are good there. Especially in the river when the treatment plants overflow. It must suck living in Ohio!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi –    I worked in Utah for about 8 months last year, and got interested/started in fly fishing – then I got transferred to Cincinnati…  So now that I’m in Ohio – any suggestions as to where I should go to fly fish?  Not a lot of mountain strams around here…    Thanks!      Brian

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Look I’m really sorry, but the law is the law….no trailer trash allowed. You can however visit for no more than a two weeks period…. john

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<Seemingly excellent advice snipped look for a book, ’smallmouth strategies for the fly rod’ by will ryan……a good place to start. get a gazetteer with county maps….get a kayak…

You might ask one our regulars to show you his "maps". TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de

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Mouse imitations. —  Don Thompson

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I love bass too, John.  But I’m new to fly fishing.  What type of flies do you use for smallmouth?     Brian

Response:

yes, and popper and muddlers but, my all time favorite is wooly buggers. tied in various colors, white , yellow purple etc.  Now you would use a cone head wooly.  Soon, a bead head….during the spring feed and spawn  a wooly with no weight.  then a bead head, going to a cone head in the hot summer. Tie them with an upturned barb so you can fish over the bottom and over brush. I like them with a little flashabou in them and my favorite is a brown and dark red and dirty rusty red and  dark green color to imitate crayfish. Or any mixture of those colors… Any place you can get in the water on the Miami is good, any of the ohio tributaries…Brush Creek…little Miami…Scioto, Hocking , Ceasars creek…. basically, if it flows all year and doesn’t freeze solid in the winter it has smallmouth… look for a book, ’smallmouth strategies for the fly rod’ by will ryan……a good place to start. get a gazetteer with county maps….get a kayak… john

Response:

Lake Ere steelhead. Smallmouth bass in all state waters..walleye, saugeye….white bass runs….we even have a couple of trout streams,,,,but I don’t bother with them very much unless I am jonesin’ real bad.  smallmouth rules in Ohio. john……Dayton

Response:

I love bass too, John.  But I’m new to fly fishing.  What type of flies do you use for smallmouth?     Brian – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Lake Ere steelhead. Smallmouth bass in all state waters..walleye, saugeye….white bass runs….we even have a couple of trout streams,,,,but I don’t bother with them very much unless I am jonesin’ real bad.  smallmouth rules in Ohio. john……Dayton

Response:

Thank’s, Harry – a much more useful suggestion

than Idaho or Michigan (are those suburbs of Cincinnati or something?)…  

I *think* Idaho is a small town in KY (either that or a woman’s name and profession) but Michiscum (also known as "Meatchicken") is up north somewhere.  <g

Response:

Hi –    I worked in Utah for about 8 months last year, and got interested/started in fly fishing – then I got transferred to Cincinnati…  So now that I’m in Ohio – any suggestions as to where I should go to fly fish?  Not a lot of mountain strams around here…    Thanks!      Brian

Response:

Hi –    I worked in Utah for about 8 months last year, and got interested/started in fly fishing – then I got transferred to Cincinnati…  So now that I’m in Ohio – any suggestions as to where I should go to fly fish?  Not a lot of mountain strams around here…    Thanks!      Brian

If you want mountain streams go to Montana, but stop short of Idaho, please. Seriously, I’ve read that there are pretty decent runs of "landlocked rainbow trout", aka "faux steelhead", in Ohio, in the streams that feed Lake Erie. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Hi –    I worked in Utah for about 8 months last year, and got interested/started in fly fishing – then I got transferred to Cincinnati…  So now that I’m in Ohio – any suggestions as to where I should go to fly fish?  Not a lot of mountain strams around here…    Thanks!      Brian

Try Michigan…

Response:

Brian writes: So now that I’m in Ohio – any suggestions as to where I should go to fly fish?

Take a look at – http://www.flyshop.com/Centers/Midwest/7-98Mad/index.html

Response:

Thank’s, Harry – a much more useful suggestion than Idaho or Michigan (are those suburbs of Cincinnati or something?)…    Brian – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Brian writes: So now that I’m in Ohio – any suggestions as to where I should go to fly fish? Take a look at – http://www.flyshop.com/Centers/Midwest/7-98Mad/index.html

Response:

Question:

Orvis has a "sink tip system’ that includes 5 foot sink-tip sections that will convert a floating line to a sink-tip one. Has anyone tried this? Does it work ok or would I be better off buying an actual sink-tip line?

I have one of these.  I use it on a six weight.  Casts like hell -hinging, etc…  It will get a streamer or nymph down a little, though.  Effective to about six or eight feet.  In general, I would not suggest it.  You can do as well with a longer leader and a couple of split shot with a floating line. J

Response:

Orvis has a "sink tip system’ that includes 5 foot sink-tip sections that will convert a floating line to a sink-tip one. Has anyone tried this? Does it work ok or would I be better off buying an actual sink-tip line?

Frank, I have one of these and they work ok in a pinch if you hit one or two deep sections and then go back to more moderate depths but if you are going to be fishing deep for extended periods of time my advice would be to buy a sink tip.  I do carry the Orvis sink tip for emergency use but they are a pain to cast and don’t get you down as well as a real sink tip fly line would in my experience. Good Fishing, C. Segina

Response:

Orvis has a "sink tip system’ that includes 5 foot sink-tip sections that will convert a floating line to a sink-tip one. Has anyone tried this? Does it work ok or would I be better off buying an actual sink-tip line?

I haven’t seen Orvis’ up close but Cortland’s tend to be too heavy for my 4 wt.  I have a beat up old full sinking 9 wt line and the thin running portion of it is perfect for making mini sink tips.  The only drawback is that this requires a loop to loop connection.  I prefer nail-knotting a piece of thick leader material and then tying a perfection loop at the end since it lands on the water more softly than a fly-line looped end. Mu

Response:

Frank, Splurge and go for the full line in a medium density.  Use it on a longer rod with a short (3 to 4 ft) leader.  The rod length is for mending and good control.  Don’t believe those who say any old rod and a long leader.  You need to mend and the fly needs to sink.  The longer the distance between the fly and the weight of the tip section, the higher the fly will ride.  You can use leader length to fine tune your drift depth. I made those mini sink tips from lead core years ago.  They’ll sink your fly, but you won’t like the casting unless you’re using 8 wt line+.  They cast like slinky weights on running line — chuck and duck. Mike If you buy a sink tip that has too much tip for your needs, you can just cut it down and reattach your leader butt.  

Response:

Frank: I’ve used the Orvis lead head sections – I don’t think they offer them any more – that must be similar (though shorter) than the 5 ft sink -tip head that you are looking at. These things came in 12 inch and 24 inch sections, and could be looped in at the end of the regular fly line, and the leader looped on the other end.  I think they are quite useful in certain circumstances.  I keep them in my vest, and if I need to go deeper in a spot they work very well – but they are not a substitute for a true sink tip line, say for lake fishing. Mark Faulkner – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Orvis has a "sink tip system’ that includes 5 foot sink-tip sections that will convert a floating line to a sink-tip one. Has anyone tried this? Does it work ok or would I be better off buying an actual sink-tip line? Frank

Response:

Orvis has a "sink tip system’ that includes 5 foot sink-tip sections that will convert a floating line to a sink-tip one. Has anyone tried this? Does it work ok or would I be better off buying an actual sink-tip line? Frank

Response:

I have tried these and they will sink your line well but, having a sudden transition to denser line,they are far more difficult to cast than a true sink tip line (but also cheaper). If you have the money for a line and spool, go for the full line. The most effective place for your weight lies in the fly though. Go with a longer leader and a weighted fly for the best effect. Orvis has a "sink tip system’ that includes 5 foot sink-tip sections that will convert a floating line to a sink-tip one. Has anyone tried this? Does it work ok or would I be better off buying an actual sink-tip line? Frank

– Remove "nospam" from address if emailing direct.

Response:

Question:

        I got tired of catching the regular fish we had around here so I asked a friend what we could do about getting in some different species. He said that he had been to Arkansas and up there they planted trout. I called the Fish and Game people and they were more than happy to send me some baby rainbows. Now, here’s the problem….         I keep planting them and they keep dying. I asked my buddy about it and he thinks we’re planting them too deep. My thought is…maybe our soil ain’t right. ps. Would fish meal be a good fertilizer? Why aren’t you fishing? Da’ Capt

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YOU GOT IT RIGHT!  They are definitely planted too deep.  Also, maybe browns would work better? Ed BTW – forget it!

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All hatchery trout should be planted, preferably in dirt. — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-Mail Selling my Fly Fishing Books Go to: http://users.ccnet.com/~emh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – YOU GOT IT RIGHT!  They are definitely planted too deep.  Also, maybe browns would work better? Ed BTW – forget it!

Response:

Are you planting the heads UP or DOWN ???? Bill – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –         I got tired of catching the regular fish we had around here so I asked a friend what we could do about getting in some different species. He said that he had been to Arkansas and up there they planted trout. I called the Fish and Game people and they were more than happy to send me some baby rainbows. Now, here’s the problem….         I keep planting them and they keep dying. I asked my buddy about it and he thinks we’re planting them too deep. My thought is…maybe our soil ain’t right. ps. Would fish meal be a good fertilizer? Why aren’t you fishing? Da’ Capt

Response:

Question:

Does anyone have information on fly fishing for silver salmon in  Alaska? I plan to raft (class 3 water) in the fall of 97. Self  guided trip. I am looking for good river in Bristol Bay region.  I prefer a river with no lodges present.

Response:

I have fished silvers on three trips to Yakutat (SW AK, on the coast) but somewhat differently than your planned trip. Drive to the river, never more than 30 min. from a hot shower and a cold drink. 8 wt. outfit, hooks size 4-6, streamers with the "egg sucking leech" in black being favored, 10-15# tippet. Fish in your possesion still belong to the bears. This is not a F&G regulation but common sense. Have a great trip! Len Hunter No. CA

Response:

I have fished silvers on three trips to Yakutat (SW AK, on the coast) but somewhat differently than your planned trip. Drive to the river, never more than 30 min. from a hot shower and a cold drink. 8 wt. outfit, hooks size 4-6, streamers with the "egg sucking leech" in black being favored, 10-15# tippet. Fish in your possesion still belong to the bears. This is not a F&G regulation but common sense. Have a great trip! Len Hunter No. CA

  I’m a little disturbed at the suggestion that it may be OK to give fish to a bear. This creates a problem very quickly with bears and the bear  will end up dead. I have run into bears in the bush that have learned that they can get a free fish by approaching fishermen and invariably the bear will be dead within a year, as they will be killed by someone that knows better than to feed a bear.  Do not ever give a fish or any food to a bear!    If you do come to AK and do a raft trip do not keep salmon until your pick-up day, unless you have some bear proof containers. I’m convinced that more bears get killed each year by folks that don’t know what they’re doing than are killed legitimately by hunters and people in defense of life and property.    If you’re not familiar with brown bear behavior I do not believe that you should be camping on a salmon stream in the Bristol Bay area without a guide. It ain’t California.                                                           Jim

Response:

snipped to fit:    If you do come to AK and do a raft trip do not keep salmon until your pick-up day, unless you have some bear proof containers. I’m convinced that more bears get killed each year by folks that don’t know what they’re doing than are killed legitimately by hunters and people in defense of life and property.    If you’re not familiar with brown bear behavior I do not believe that you should be camping on a salmon stream in the Bristol Bay area without a guide. It ain’t California.                                                           Jim

If you need to shoot a charging bear and shoot it, it will cost you a fine of $15,000.00 dollars.  We are sure this will decrease dramatically the problem of charging bears and anyone’s life is certainly worth $15,000, the think-tank boys have concurred. Makes sense to me. Mr. G.

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Question:

 ANY ONE FLY FISHING THERE LATLEY I’LL BE 6/8/96 TO 6/14/96  ANY SPECIAL TRICKS. OR FLY’S, DRY OR WET. BY THE WAY IT’S  IN NORTHERN PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST. –

Response:

 ANY ONE FLY FISHING THERE LATLEY I’LL BE 6/8/96 TO 6/14/96  ANY SPECIAL TRICKS. OR FLY’S, DRY OR WET. BY THE WAY IT’S  IN NORTHERN PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST.

Response:

ANY ONE FLY FISHING THERE LATLEY I’LL BE 6/8/96 TO 6/14/96 ANY SPECIAL TRICKS. OR FLY’S, DRY OR WET. BY THE WAY IT’S IN NORTHERN PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST.

Charlie Smith, the local tier and fly fisherman at Buck’s Lake, uses a Deer Hair Fly ( Humpy ) and the Rio Grand King dry fly in the streams.  He uses an Olive Wooly Worm in the lakes.  I would also have some #14/16 Adams Paraduns for the lakes. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

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Question:

I have always been interested in taking up fly fishing, but just haven’t done anything with my interest. I would like to take the plunge this summer. I am planning a camping a camoing trip in August in the Mammoth Lakes are(California) and would like to try fly fishing. I would appreciate advice on how to get started. Can you rent equipment, or should I buy? Are there classes or videos on the basics?              I appreciate any help I can get.                                                   Steve Schenkel

Response:

I have always been interested in taking up fly fishing, but just haven’t done anything with my interest. I would like to take the plunge this summer. I am planning a camping a camoing trip in August in the Mammoth Lakes are(California) and would like to try fly fishing. I would appreciate advice on how to get started. Can you rent equipment, or should I buy? Are there classes or videos on the basics?

Hi Steve, There are several things you can do to get started. First and probably most important locate a Pro Fly Shop in your area if possible. There you can get information, instruction, videos (buy or rent), and rent equipment. One word of advise: save yourself a lot of frustration and invest in a casting lesson or two. I’d rather see you spend a little money learning skills rather than jumping right in and buying a rod/reel etc.that you have no idea how to use. I also believe the best rod in the world does a poor job in the hands of someone who does not know how to use it. Another way to learn and get started if a shop is not available is a local fly fishing club. You can contact the Federation of Fly Fishers at 1-800-618-0808 and ask for the information on an affiliate club close to you. There you may be able to get instruction and help you need. While talking with the FFF at the 800 number you might purchase a couple of their instructional booklet regarding fly fishing – Introduction to Fly Fishing and a book on beginning fly casting (I forget the name). They cost about $2.00 each and are a good way to get inexpensive information. Stay in touch with the group. As you learn and progress I’m sure you will have more questions. Good Luck Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (new 96 catalog)

Response:

I have always been interested in taking up fly fishing, but just haven’t done anything with my interest. I would like to take the plunge this summer.

Dear Folks; Fish with someone who knows how.  Learn how to be successful and catch some fish.  You need to learn what you are going to need to learn. Sound confusing?, its not.  Find-out what type of water you have available.  Your "mentor" should be able to fill you in.  What you DON’T want to do is be a generalist.  You cannot buy those fly kits with the "basic" flys for, say, all eastern streams: probably will be marginally successful.  The general, basic, elementary classics of flyfishing will come to you as you become more acquianted with the sport.  If there is no waters near you where you need to cast far, then don’t waste your time learning to double-haul cast.  See, its stuff like this that gives you a false impression as to what you need and what you will be doing. You do need to know how to cast and learn what you need and what it is called.  That general info. is good.   But don’t be watching flyfishing for Bass, then Pike, then Tarpon, then Western trout, then Eastern trout and think you need to do what the people you saw were doing.  It will not apply.  Conform your equipment and style to the kinds of water you will be fishing initially, and you will be on you way to successful and enjoyable fishing. Sincerely, Jason Beary

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I have always been interested in taking up fly fishing, but just haven’t done anything with my interest. I would like to take the plunge this summer. I am planning a camping a camoing trip in August in the Mammoth Lakes are(California) and would like to try fly fishing. I would appreciate advice on how to get started. Can you rent equipment, or should I buy? Are there classes or videos on the basics?

Hi Norma, Classes are the way to go if you want to learn quickly.  Specifically I’d recommend classes that teach casting, knots, where trout live (reading the water), what they eat (entomology – bugs), all about tackle (entirely too easy to spend lots of bucks on great stuff and not get what you need), conservation, and etiquette.  In addition to this they should feature on-stream fishing as line control problems and "dead drift" tactics really need to be taught one on one in the water not in the classroom.   Just like the classes we offer (surprise!!).  E-mail me if you would like a schedule of classes. If  classes are out of the budget, the next best thing is to take a casting lesson and then hire a guide for the next day.  You can get the basics in a couple of hours and then get out on the stream and do some fishing with a guide who knows where the fish are and what it takes to catch them.  Be sure to tell the guide you want to learn about reading water and how to get a dead drift.  Usually the guide will have equipment available for you to rent or use.  This will get you a feel for it without making any big purchases ahead of time.  After you’ve had the casting lesson, even with those minimum skills, you will be able to cast different rods to see which one feels best.  Don’t buy a rod without casting it. After being in the water fishing, you will get a feel for what all this gear does and what is important (use *polarized* glasses for fishing, regular sunglasses are worthless for spotting fish or watching your fly). If you’re going to be in Mammoth Lakes stop at the Trout Fly (619) 934-2517.  They can arrange a guided trip on Hot Creek, the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin, or other small streams in the area.  If you get a chance stay at the Arcularius Ranch on the Upper Owens a little north of Mammoth Lakes.  Definitely get a guide for the Arcularius Ranch.  It has lots of big fish in a small stream but they are very difficult to catch.  A stealthy approach is half of it, but If you don’t get a dead drift, it doesn’t matter what fly you’re using, you won’t catch fish. A couple of videos that will help are " Essence of Fly Casting" (not vol. 2) by Mel Krieger and The Skills of Fly Fishing by Gary Borger.  Mel

Question:

Does anyone know of any fishing news groups?  I am especially interested in Flyfishing. Thanks. Randy

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Does anyone know of any fishing news groups?  I am especially interested in Flyfishing. Thanks. Randy

I don’t but email: for any fishing info you’d like. Leo UCD – Engineering                                   (303) 556-2356 "I’m only responsible for what’s not working right now." DoD# 0874

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Does anyone know of any fishing news groups?  I am especially interested in Flyfishing.

try rec.outdoors.fishing.fly Tim —

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Question:

I have the opportunity to buy a used 2-man fiberglass drift boat, equiped w/oars, anchor, trailer, etc., but I’m really not sure what’s the going price? Any ideas?  Please let me know what to what out for in buying a used fiberglass drift.

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Please let me know what to what out for in buying a used fiberglass drift.

Leaks? — -Wayne Trzyna

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i looked at boat that could handle two persons only (not sure of the size) and the guy was asking $1400.  Because of the small size and ability to carry such a light load, many people don’t want them.  Bottom line is that the guy took $800 for it. Having had a few drift boat, don’t get sucked into the price and compromise on the size.  A two man boat offers limited carry capacity.  You will always have more gear then you anticipate plus at least two other friends who want to fish.   I just built a 17′ flyfishing model that can carry 3 fisherman and one oarsman confortability, first one I ever owned that really is close to what I need.   — Gene Dobrzynski, Eagle River, Alaska

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