Question:

Paint

snip – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Remember, PVC pipe left in the sun gets brittle, it might help keep them from cracking. http://hometown.aol.com/hlaviation/

Response:

what about  filling the tubes with foam?  a quick option might be a macroflex type squirt foam that people use for insulation, or what about pool noodles?  ever taken a couple and tied them to make a floating chair? fun stuff.  anyhow, could find some pool noodles and stuff them in the pvc pipes.  whatever… sounds like a fun project. doftya – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hell, I liked the original poster’s original idea – PVC pipe. I’ve seen this done, I know folks locally who made floating duck blinds like that. They used fairly large diameter pipe, and capped the ends with glued-on caps. Easy, strong, effective. Mr. Has A Horrible Headache How about 5 gal. plastic buckets? Any new home under construction that is in the drywall phase will have lots of drywall compound buckets and the lids. Just make sure you ask before you take them! Barrells tend to make the raft ride too high (I built one as a kid). Difficult to climb aboard without a long boarding ladder. For stabililty you need four so that makes a pretty large raft, maybe more than you had in mind.

Response:

Hello.  I am told sometimes making rafts is discussed here.  If not, perhaps some of you can direct me to another newsgroup.  My husband and I want to make a light weight raft for our pond without spending a fortune.  We were thinking of PVC pipe for the bottom as pontoons of sorts.  Any ideas?                 Many Thanks, Becky

Response:

My husband and I want to make a light weight raft for our pond without spending a fortune.  We were thinking of PVC pipe for the bottom as pontoons of sorts.  Any ideas?                Many Thanks, Becky

 Milk jugs and pallets.  Nothing beats free.  Really as for a raft for the pond, only your imagination is the limit since no ones life is really at stake on it. Have fun and play around. http://hometown.aol.com/hlaviation/

Response:

Unless you can find PVC on the side of the road you will probably find it pretty expensive. You probably need 12" and the caps (expensive too). Another option would be poly drums. Styrofoam blocks are cheaper but there is some ecological concern if they are not encapsulated. If they crumble up the lake will have the pieces floating around for a while. I have seen rafts made with concrete forming (cardboard) tubes but they won’t last very long unless you saturate them with epoxy resin or something.

Response:

Empty beer kegs provide excellent flotation. The best procedure, of course, is to buy them full and empty them during the summer-long "design phase." The raft won’t get built right away, but who’s to care?

Response:

Empty beer kegs provide excellent flotation.

The best procedure, of course, is to buy them full and empty them during the summer-long "design phase."<< — Gould I thought you had to take the empties back. OT Archie Bunker quote: "You can never buy beer – you only rent it."

Response:

We used to make them out of metal 55 gallon barrels. I imagine plastic would be even better nowadays. Cheap, maybe free depending on where you find them. Hello.  I am told sometimes making rafts is discussed here.  If not, perhaps some of you can direct me to another newsgroup.  My husband and I want to make a light weight raft for our pond without spending a fortune.  We were thinking of PVC pipe for the bottom as pontoons of sorts.  Any ideas?                 Many Thanks, Becky

– Keith In the ongoing battle between objects made of fiberglass going tens of miles per hour and the shore going zero miles per hour, the shore has yet to lose.

Response:

You might want to try the newsgroup call " rec.boats.building".  There was a thread there some months back where someone posted a similar question and received a lot of responses to help him calculate the size of pipe needed based on weight and bouyancy needs. BillS – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello.  I am told sometimes making rafts is discussed here.  If not, perhaps some of you can direct me to another newsgroup.  My husband and I want to make a light weight raft for our pond without spending a fortune.  We were thinking of PVC pipe for the bottom as pontoons of sorts.  Any ideas?                 Many Thanks, Becky

Response:

Barrells tend to make the raft ride too high (I built one as a kid). Difficult to climb aboard without a long boarding ladder. For stabililty you need four so that makes a pretty large raft, maybe more than you had in mind. To reduce the freeboard, you could let water into the drums to ballast it down. I wouldn’t recomend steel drums, even if your are in a freshwater pond. I learned from experience that drums, once they leak and fill, are amost impossible to get out of even a shallow pond. You can’t drain the water out until you get them on dry land. Have you ever tried to roll a 300 lb drum in mud?? So if you go the drum route, I recommend you get the plastic ones and also get new gaskets for the bungs. The old ones will usually not seal properly. There are some smaller drums in plastic. I think 20 gal., they would be perfect. Around here, some of the marinas float their docks on tires filled with foam. I think they stack about 3 tires and fill them with pour-in-place foam. Then they build the dock on top of a series of these tire floats. They have a funny bounce when you walk on them, especially if they are only two tire floats wide. Those who use the styrofoam floats are required to incapsolate them to prevent the crabs from tearing the foam apart and floating around for eternity. One method was to wrap them in several layers of garbage bags before putting them under the raft or dock. Seems to last for a few years. I strongly recommend that you turn this project over to a couple 12 year old boys with access to a lot of scrap lumber, nails, a hammer and a saw. "And then a future boat builder is born." It would be a shame to take this rare opportunity away from those who deserve that ‘life experience’ and have some adult delute it with technical stuff. — My experience and opinion, FWIW. Steve S/V Good Intentions

Response:

Hello.  I am told sometimes making rafts is discussed here.  If not, perhaps some of you can direct me to another newsgroup.  My husband and I want to make a light weight raft for our pond without spending a fortune.  We were thinking of PVC pipe for the bottom as pontoons of sorts.  Any ideas?                Many Thanks, Becky

Check around to the pool cleaning companies in your area.  They all get many chemicals for swimming pools in these neat, resealable, poly containers that usually just get thrown out.  Start collecting them cheap or free.  You might also check around for a company specializing in 55 gallon drums.  They have many usable discards you might find just right for your float.  We used to weld them together and make pontoon boats out of them….two lines of 55 gal oil drums welded together into pontoons with the front end one bent up into a "bow" so it would pass through the water smoothly….(c; Larry

Response:

How about 5 gal. plastic buckets? Any new home under construction that is in the drywall phase will have lots of drywall compound buckets and the lids. Just make sure you ask before you take them! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Barrells tend to make the raft ride too high (I built one as a kid). Difficult to climb aboard without a long boarding ladder. For stabililty you need four so that makes a pretty large raft, maybe more than you had in mind.

Response:

The lid seals are seldom reuseable. From my experience, the gasket pulls out upon intial removal of the lid. However you can purchase new lids for a couple bucks a the home improvement store. Good suggestion. Steve s/v Good Intentions

Response:

How about 5 gal. plastic buckets?  Any new home under construction that is in

the drywall phase will have lots of drywall compound buckets and the lids.<< — Kelly Wouldn’t you need to seal the lids on with adhesive?

Response:

How about 5 gal. plastic buckets?  Any new home under construction that is in the drywall phase will have lots of drywall compound buckets and the lids.<< — Kelly Wouldn’t you need to seal the lids on with adhesive?

Silly-cone caulk would work. db

Response:

The problem with the plastic buckets is that they will be toast if left in the sun for any time.  After a few months in the sun, you can break the edges of your typical "pickle bucket" with your fingers.  Most marine supply store sell rectangular sealed poly boxes with UV stabilized plastic.  They are made to serve as floats for docks and such.  Those would work, and they even have grooves and eye-holes for attaching together or securing to the wooden dock. BillS – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How about 5 gal. plastic buckets? Any new home under construction that is in the drywall phase will have lots of drywall compound buckets and the lids. Just make sure you ask before you take them! Barrells tend to make the raft ride too high (I built one as a kid). Difficult to climb aboard without a long boarding ladder. For stabililty you need four so that makes a pretty large raft, maybe more than you had in mind.

Response:

Not the plastic buckets I have around here (contractor plaster pails). These things are like an ex-wife, they never go away. I’ve had a couple sitting outside in the weather and sun for over 6 years to water my dog (pails, not ex-wives).  I just gave one a big kick yesterday because it was in my way (pail, not ex-wife). I have other sitting around with drain holes and filled with scrap lead. Even the handles allow me to lift them (albeit, not very high or far). I’d say there pretty tough and enduring. It’s the lids that never seem to last if  you can get them with the pails. (now if the ex-wife came with a lid, maybe I could shut her up also.) — My experience and opinion, FWIW. Steve S/V Good Intentions

Response:

Hell, I liked the original poster’s original idea – PVC pipe. I’ve seen this done, I know folks locally who made floating duck blinds like that. They used fairly large diameter pipe, and capped the ends with glued-on caps. Easy, strong, effective. Mr. Has A Horrible Headache

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How about 5 gal. plastic buckets? Any new home under construction that is in the drywall phase will have lots of drywall compound buckets and the lids. Just make sure you ask before you take them! Barrells tend to make the raft ride too high (I built one as a kid). Difficult to climb aboard without a long boarding ladder. For stabililty you need four so that makes a pretty large raft, maybe more than you had in mind.

Response:

Not the plastic buckets I have around here (contractor plaster pails). These things are like an ex-wife, they never go away.

Ppppfffftttt… Damn…grumble grumble keyboard grumble… http://hometown.aol.com/hlaviation/

Response:

There was discussion on building pontoon boats for one-man fishing floats out of 12" PVC pipe on rec.outdoors.fishing.fly maybe a year ago.  One of the regulars on that group regularly fishes the Baltic one one of these craft.  He STRONGLY recommends filling the pontoons with stryrofoam.  

  That sounds like a real good idea.  It’ll also strengthen them.  Remember, PVC pipe left in the sun gets brittle, it might help keep them from cracking. http://hometown.aol.com/hlaviation/

Response:

Well, what wonderful imaginative ideas!  We are so very grateful for the great response.  Many thanks.   Becky & Roy

Response:

We used to pay $5 for the used poly drums from the barrel supplier.  They have some that are watertight, but can not store certain items in.  So they sell them cheap. Bill

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello.  I am told sometimes making rafts is discussed here.  If not, perhaps some of you can direct me to another newsgroup.  My husband and I want to make a light weight raft for our pond without spending a fortune.  We were thinking of PVC pipe for the bottom as pontoons of sorts.  Any ideas?                Many Thanks, Becky Check around to the pool cleaning companies in your area.  They all get many chemicals for swimming pools in these neat, resealable, poly containers that usually just get thrown out.  Start collecting them cheap or free.  You might also check around for a company specializing in 55 gallon drums.  They have many usable discards you might find just right for your float.  We used to weld them together and make pontoon boats out of them….two lines of 55 gal oil drums welded together into pontoons with the front end one bent up into a "bow" so it would pass through the water smoothly….(c; Larry

Response:

Agreed, foam-filled would be desirable on a boat.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There was discussion on building pontoon boats for one-man fishing floats out of 12" PVC pipe on rec.outdoors.fishing.fly maybe a year ago.  One of the regulars on that group regularly fishes the Baltic one one of these craft.  He STRONGLY recommends filling the pontoons with stryrofoam.  If the pontoons get holed or otherwise leaky you need something in them to keep them from filling with water and sinking. john message Hell, I liked the original poster’s original idea – PVC pipe. I’ve seen this done, I know folks locally who made floating duck blinds like that. They used fairly large diameter pipe, and capped the ends with glued-on caps. Easy, strong, effective. Mr. Has A Horrible Headache How about 5 gal. plastic buckets? Any new home under construction that is in the drywall phase will have lots of drywall compound buckets and the lids. Just make sure you ask before you take them! Barrells tend to make the raft ride too high (I built one as a kid). Difficult to climb aboard without a long boarding ladder. For stabililty you need four so that makes a pretty large raft, maybe more than you had in mind.

Response:

There was discussion on building pontoon boats for one-man fishing floats out of 12" PVC pipe on rec.outdoors.fishing.fly maybe a year ago.  One of the regulars on that group regularly fishes the Baltic one one of these craft.  He STRONGLY recommends filling the pontoons with stryrofoam.  If the pontoons get holed or otherwise leaky you need something in them to keep them from filling with water and sinking. john – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hell, I liked the original poster’s original idea – PVC pipe. I’ve seen this done, I know folks locally who made floating duck blinds like that. They used fairly large diameter pipe, and capped the ends with glued-on caps. Easy, strong, effective. Mr. Has A Horrible Headache How about 5 gal. plastic buckets? Any new home under construction that is in the drywall phase will have lots of drywall compound buckets and the lids. Just make sure you ask before you take them! Barrells tend to make the raft ride too high (I built one as a kid). Difficult to climb aboard without a long boarding ladder. For stabililty you need four so that makes a pretty large raft, maybe more than you had in mind.

Response:

Question:

Eastern Canada’s fly/spin casting championships, $$$$ in prizes. Limited entry. 3rd. Annual Fly Tying  ’MAIL-IN’  Competition, great prizes. NO ENTRY FEE Atlantic Outdoor Sports and RV Show http://www.flyschool.net/rv.htm

Response:

Oh well, if it

Question:

The reason people fish varies from person to person and also seems to change over time. I know it has for me. When I was younger, I used to fish with an intensity that shut out everything around me in my quest to get just one more fish. Very goal oriented. Over time, I’ve become much more relaxed, especially on my home waters. I spend much of my time walking and observing, seeking a small piece of harmony with the nature world to replace the separation that is forced upon us by our overly busy modern lives. The splash of a trout chasing a caddis. The rich aroma of pine. The warmth of the sun on cool morning. The greenness of a forest in early Spring. The pungent taste of a wild raspberry.   Simple pleasures for a simple man. Willi "the crybaby" Loehman

Response:

You get no points for catching me in a spelling error ( as noted here somewhere english is a third language for engineers ).   It’s getting bad so I may have to use Word for email.  I don’t understand the Tiger reference. I was in North Carolina once driving from Ft Rucker to DC in 1967.  Nothing wrong with it but time and fate have conspired to keep from ever going back. Still time and who knows. BJC – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – people ( if you want to include polititions as people ).    hope i don’t appear to be a spelling cop, but shouldn’t that be "politishuns"?    incidentally, bjc, was that you in the tiger mascot suit at this year’s unc-clemson game?    wayno

Response:

people ( if you want to include polititions as people ).

    hope i don’t appear to be a spelling cop, but shouldn’t that be "politishuns"?     incidentally, bjc, was that you in the tiger mascot suit at this year’s unc-clemson game?     wayno

Response:

just love a guy who fishes.  My extensive fan club and appearances in leading fashion magazines is testament to that.\ Seriously. The bitches dig it.

Where the F*** is Forty when you need him? Put down the chainsaw and listen to me. It’s time for us to join in the fight.

Response:

Good post,  Good to see roff getting back to ideas and less about events and people ( if you want to include polititions as people ). The older I get the more I remember the line " God does not subtract from your alotted time on earth those hours spent fishing"  ( Idon’t know the source).  Any way I am trying to make up for lost time now.  I cant on one hand the sermons I have heard that did me more good than a Sunday morning on a good stream. BJC

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Willi "the crybaby" Loehman

Response:

Thanks for the post Willi. I think that the fact FF provides me with so many alternative ways to spend time while still FFing is part of the draw. Sometimes I have to remember to continue fishing before my time in the woods is gone for the day. Danl

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -The reason people fish varies from person to person and also seems to change over time. I know it has for me. When I was younger, I used to fish with an intensity that shut out everything around me in my quest to get just one more fish. Very goal oriented. Over time, I’ve become much more relaxed, especially on my home waters. I spend much of my time walking and observing, seeking a small piece of harmony with the nature world to replace the separation that is forced upon us by our overly busy modern lives. The splash of a trout chasing a caddis. The rich aroma of pine. The warmth of the sun on cool morning. The greenness of a forest in early Spring. The pungent taste of a wild raspberry. Simple pleasures for a simple man. Willi "the crybaby" Loehman

Response:

Seriously. The bitches dig it. -Muskie Sick’em #2. I expect he means actual female dogs. What’s the PC thing to call them these days? Neuticle challenged canines?

Charlie, I’m surprised at you. The phrase "neuticle challenged" is a typical oppressive male patriarchical concept, implying that the absence of testicles (or Neuticles, as the case may be) presents a "challenge." All members of ROFF who don’t possess either testicles or neuticles demand an apology. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Charlie, I’m surprised at you. The phrase "neuticle challenged" is a typical oppressive male patriarchical concept, implying that the absence of testicles (or Neuticles, as the case may be) presents a "challenge."

Crap, now I’m going to have to get that taken off all the street and place names around here. — Charlie…

Response:

Seriously. The bitches dig it. Sick’em #2.

What do you want me to do, cough on him ? — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Seriously. The bitches dig it. -Muskie Sick’em #2.

I expect he means actual female dogs. What’s the PC thing to call them these days? Neuticle challenged canines? — Charlie…

Response:

it’s called growing old.  :) Simple pleasures for a simple man. Willi "the crybaby" Loehman I knew I had arrived at that age, one day when fishing the Boyne.

        lovely, ol man; you write even better than you tie streamers and nits.         thanks wayno

Response:

There are lots of good things about *growing* old, but only a few about *being* old (and I can’t remember what any of those are<g).

Well, just consider the alternative. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

There are lots of good things about *growing* old, but only a few about *being* old (and I can’t remember what any of those are<g). Well, just consider the alternative.

*That’s* the one! — Charlie…

Response:

\ Willi, well, I agree with your general ideas here.  Good post. However, doesnt anyone fish anymore for the groupies?  I know that is my main drive.  Chicks just love a guy who fishes.  My extensive fan club and appearances in leading fashion magazines is testament to that.\

Seriously. The bitches dig it. -Muskie

Response:

Seriously. The bitches dig it. -Muskie

Sick’em #2.      - Ken — "The Constitution only gives people the right to pursue happiness.  You have to catch it yourself."      -Ben Franklin

Response:

Nice story Peter,    The Sierra’s are prone to sudden storms like the one you described, that’s why I carry a light weight poncho in my vest.  Sometime the fishing gets better during the storm, but I quit if the lightening starts. ROFF’s Old Fart "Peter Charles" wrote – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I knew I had arrived at that age, one day when fishing the Boyne. Overhead the scudding clouds and patchwork sun were telling me that rain and thunder were on the way, but I kept working upstream along the forest floor, seeking little brookies to fall prey to my caddis. The sun was still dappling the streambanks when the first drops began to fall. In less than a minute, a downpour splattered throught the sodden branches and thunder reverberated throughout the forest.  The softened light turned the forest into hues of green beyond count.  The mist that arose from the warm forest floor evoked an older time of spirits and magic.  I stood under some bushes, letting the water cascade off my head and shoulders, gazing out at a  little rainbow arcing over the stream, that the peeking sun had painted on the misty rainfall.  When the thunder shower cleared, I longed for another one. In a little while, Nature obliged me once more. Peter

Response:

it’s called growing old.  :)

There are a FEW good things about it. Willi

Response:

it’s called growing old.  :) There are a FEW good things about it.

There are lots of good things about *growing* old, but only a few about *being* old (and I can’t remember what any of those are<g). — Charlie…

Response:

Are you saying we old farts no longer have sense enough to come in out of the rain? JR

That sorta sums it up – either that, or we’ve learned to take our pleasures where we find them. Peter

Response:

it’s called growing old.  :) Simple pleasures for a simple man. Willi "the crybaby" Loehman

I knew I had arrived at that age, one day when fishing the Boyne. Overhead the scudding clouds and patchwork sun were telling me that rain and thunder were on the way, but I kept working upstream along the forest floor, seeking little brookies to fall prey to my caddis. The sun was still dappling the streambanks when the first drops began to fall. In less than a minute, a downpour splattered throught the sodden branches and thunder reverberated throughout the forest.  The softened light turned the forest into hues of green beyond count.  The mist that arose from the warm forest floor evoked an older time of spirits and magic.  I stood under some bushes, letting the water cascade off my head and shoulders, gazing out at a  little rainbow arcing over the stream, that the peeking sun had painted on the misty rainfall.  When the thunder shower cleared, I longed for another one. In a little while, Nature obliged me once more. Peter

Response:

Are you saying we old farts no longer have sense enough to come in out of the rain? JR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – it’s called growing old.  :) I knew I had arrived at that age, one day when fishing the Boyne. ..very nice vignette clipped…. When the thunder shower cleared, I longed for another one. In a little while, Nature obliged me once more. Peter

Response:

The reason people fish varies from person to person and also seems to change over time.

[snip] Well said, Willi; but go easy on those wild berries or you might end up with ‘internal rhythms’<g. — Charlie…

Response:

(me, too) However, sometimes (every day i fish) when i’ve promised to be home at a certain time and i’m pushing it, i say to myself "just one more fish and i’ll go." Then, if i catch that fish right away, i KEEP FISHING.  

<some stuff snipped <gYeah, me too. It amazing the deals I make with myself to keep from having to stop fishing.   "OK 5 more casts, and if there are no strikes, then I’m out of here.  What, that was a lousy cast! Tnat doesn’t count….I’m sure I would have had a strike if there was no drag on that drift….Shee-it! I didn’t see that neat little run on the far side of the stream…It’s just this side of that big rock where I absolutely, positively said I’d quit…but there’s a deep pool just on the other side of that rock…and there’s always fish there… And on and on… Thanks for the impressions Willi. Quick trip report: Went wild mushroom hunting yesterday. Got some chanterelles, matsutakes, boletes, lobster mushrooms, corals. Ate some. Survived.

Response:

(me, too) However, sometimes (every day i fish) when i’ve promised to be home at a certain time and i’m pushing it, i say to myself "just one more fish and i’ll go." Then, if i catch that fish right away, i KEEP FISHING.  Invevitably that’s the last fish anyway.  My favorite days are when i catch that last fish, release it, and then put my fly on the keeper and hike back to my truck without another cast.  Better to keep the promises, including the ones you make to yourself. And now back to presidential politics.  Yahoo. bruce h Before you buy.

Response:

Willi, well, I agree with your general ideas here.  Good post. However, doesnt anyone fish anymore for the groupies?  I know that is my main drive.  Chicks just love a guy who fishes.  My extensive fan club and appearances in leading fashion magazines is testament to that. Now then, where is my medication…. ewdin – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The reason people fish varies from person to person and also seems to change over time. I know it has for me. When I was younger, I used to fish with an intensity that shut out everything around me in my quest to get just one more fish. Very goal oriented. Over time, I’ve become much more relaxed, especially on my home waters. I spend much of my time walking and observing, seeking a small piece of harmony with the nature world to replace the separation that is forced upon us by our overly busy modern lives. The splash of a trout chasing a caddis. The rich aroma of pine. The warmth of the sun on cool morning. The greenness of a forest in early Spring. The pungent taste of a wild raspberry. Simple pleasures for a simple man. Willi "the crybaby" Loehman

Response:

Question:

Hello: Thought I might try some  [Whitlock] Red Fox Squirrel-Hair Nymphs,  which was suggested. Can’t seem to find any listed among my 2000 cat. collection. Anybody know of any mail order cat’s that offer them? Thanks, Bob

Response:

Cabela’s Joel Axelrad

Response:

Hello: Thought I might try some  [Whitlock] Red Fox Squirrel-Hair Nymphs,  which was suggested. Can’t seem to find any listed among my 2000 cat. collection. Anybody know of any mail order cat’s that offer them? Thanks, Bob

Also try: KBE FLYFISHING COMPANY www.flyfishingflies.com Joel Axelrad

Response:

Question:

Well, a couple of weeks ago when I got my first fly rod, I wasn’t sure whether the reel was left or right handed, and it took me quite a while to figure out how to put all of the tackle together.  With the help of some newsgroup posters and lurkers I managed to put it all together. (I was a hunter 30 years ago, but have never been a fisherman until this summer).  On Sunday I went to Childrens lake in Boiling Springs, PA (just a few miles from my home) and practiced casting for a while.  Took my 9-year-old son along, and spent most of my time untangling his tackle for him, but I did get some good casting practice in.  Monday morning I hit the Yellow Breeches alone, tried various flies, and after an hour or so – Success !!  Caught my first brook trout, a nice 10-incher.  Fished the rest of the day without further success, but I was really happy about that first hit.  I’m definitely hooked !

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, a couple of weeks ago when I got my first fly rod, I wasn’t sure whether the reel was left or right handed, and it took me quite a while to figure out how to put all of the tackle together.  With the help of some newsgroup posters and lurkers I managed to put it all together. (I was a hunter 30 years ago, but have never been a fisherman until this summer).  On Sunday I went to Childrens lake in Boiling Springs, PA (just a few miles from my home) and practiced casting for a while.  Took my 9-year-old son along, and spent most of my time untangling his tackle for him, but I did get some good casting practice in.  Monday morning I hit the Yellow Breeches alone, tried various flies, and after an hour or so – Success !!  Caught my first brook trout, a nice 10-incher.  Fished the rest of the day without further success, but I was really happy about that first hit.  I’m definitely hooked ! </PRE</HTML

That’s a great story Brian.   Glad to have you in the fly fishing fraternity. What fly did you end up catching the brookie on? Was it wet or dry. Dream of the possibilities. Joel Axelrad

Response:

Brian, congratulations on the catch.. now, get that second mortgage all worked up so you can get a bunch of gear and go nutty over minor itty bitty gizmos for the ol’ vest.  Congrats, edwin

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, a couple of weeks ago when I got my first fly rod, I wasn’t sure whether the reel was left or right handed, and it took me quite a while to figure out how to put all of the tackle together.  With the help of some newsgroup posters and lurkers I managed to put it all together. (I was a hunter 30 years ago, but have never been a fisherman until this summer). On Sunday I went to Childrens lake in Boiling Springs, PA (just a few miles from my home) and practiced casting for a while.  Took my 9-year-old son along, and spent most of my time untangling his tackle for him, but I did get some good casting practice in.  Monday morning I hit the Yellow Breeches alone, tried various flies, and after an hour or so – Success !!  Caught my first brook trout, a nice 10-incher.  Fished the rest of the day without further success, but I was really happy about that first hit.  I’m definitely hooked !

Response:

   Monday morning I hit the Yellow Breeches alone, tried various flies, and after an hour or so – Success !!  Caught my first brook trout, a nice 10-incher.  Fished the rest of the day without further success, but I was really happy about that first hit.  I’m definitely hooked !

   That’s not bad at all. When I took up flyfishing, it was 600 round trip miles to good trout water, and I drove it five times before achieving your level of success.

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Congratulations Brian!  Your post brought back fond memories for me. When I was attending grad school at U. of Maryland in the early eighties, I’d sometimes bag a day of classes and drive up to PA and fish the Breeches.  Be sure to spend some time on Falling Spring Branch too. A lovely stream (at least it used to be). JR

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I know Falling Spring well.  I went to high school in Chambersburg and spent a lot of time in the area as my best friend lived on Falling Spring Road. Haven’t been back there in many years, though.  I’ll have to check it out one day in the fall.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Congratulations Brian!  Your post brought back fond memories for me. When I was attending grad school at U. of Maryland in the early eighties, I’d sometimes bag a day of classes and drive up to PA and fish the Breeches.  Be sure to spend some time on Falling Spring Branch too. A lovely stream (at least it used to be). JR

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Wish I could remember for sure which fly it was, but I think it was a tan caddis, probably a  14. I’ve already accumulated two big boxes full of flies !

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, a couple of weeks ago when I got my first fly rod, I wasn’t sure whether the reel was left or right handed, and it took me quite a while to figure out how to put all of the tackle together.  With the help of some newsgroup posters and lurkers I managed to put it all together. (I was a hunter 30 years ago, but have never been a fisherman until this summer). On Sunday I went to Childrens lake in Boiling Springs, PA (just a few miles from my home) and practiced casting for a while.  Took my 9-year-old son along, and spent most of my time untangling his tackle for him, but I did get some good casting practice in.  Monday morning I hit the Yellow Breeches alone, tried various flies, and after an hour or so – Success !!  Caught my first brook trout, a nice 10-incher.  Fished the rest of the day without further success, but I was really happy about that first hit.  I’m definitely hooked ! </PRE</HTML That’s a great story Brian. Glad to have you in the fly fishing fraternity. What fly did you end up catching the brookie on? Was it wet or dry. Dream of the possibilities. Joel Axelrad

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Monday morning I hit the Yellow Breeches alone, tried various flies, and after an hour or so – Success !!  Caught my first brook trout, a nice 10-incher.  Fished the rest of the day without further success, but I was really happy about that first hit.  I’m definitely hooked !

That’s great.  Don’t get discouraged – contrary to appearances and what you may have heard, I found that can be a tough stream.  You will find easier (and toughher!) water.  Good luck! Regards, Jeff

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Question:

dhdriftboats.com.    I built a 16" dory for the Grand Canyon

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Anybody know where i can find a good Mckenzie drift boat plan,  i’ve search the web without much success. Thank you so much for your help! Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

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Anybody know where i can find a good Mckenzie drift boat plan,  i’ve search the web without much success. Thank you so much for your help!

Try searching here: http://www.boat-links.com/search-LL.html Steve

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Try this web site for on line plans and instructions. http://www.montana-riverboats.com/boats/ Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

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You need to try the fly fishing magazines and resources on the web.  Ray’s River Dories in Portland, OR, at least sells kits. Contact is Ray Heater at 503-244-3608 or e-mail at Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

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Question:

Hi gang,   I’m fishing this area while on vacation next week. I’d be glad to hear any advice from people who know the area. I’m looking to catch trout, not planning to keep any, and hope to get some photos of some nice ones. Jerry

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Check out the thread "Michigan Flyfishing Spots For Vacation" George Adams

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Try http://www.troutbums.com/.

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Question:

Experience the challenge of fly fishing for wild trout in some of the most picturesque and tranquil lakes and rivers in Australia with one of Victoria’s most qualified trout guides and fly fishing instructors. Learn to fly fish or be guided at a variety of locations including North East Victoria, Tasmania or on one of the Trout School’s twelve private fly fisheries in Victoria’s Central Highlands (only one hour from Melbourne). Fly fishing tuition is available for all levels of accomplishment, from beginners right through to experienced fly fishers looking to fine tune their skills. For more information on our 1997 season Trout School fly Fishing Clinics check out the link below. http://www.fishnet.com.au/troutschool.html                   The Trout School               RMB E418 Old Melbourne Rd                  Millbrook VIC 3352            Phone: 1800 655 764 (Freecall)                  Fax: (03) 5334 0414

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Question:

If you leave them outside in a worm box, watch out for ants, they will go for the dead ones and really take over the whole box. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Why your yard ? Wait till the rain falls and the temp. is about 54-56 deg. Go out in a neighborhood that doesn’t have curbs and pick them up off the street NEAR the edge of the grass. Put them in the fridge (about 45-50 deg.) in a container of damp (use rain water)buss bedding (wal-mart) and they will keep for weeks.(pick out the dead ones once in a while)..Enjoy                                                                       SuqRivGui                                                       Allen

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got a old crank telephone and some wire and a couple of long rods???…use your imagination and wear rubber boots and gloves.be sure to go when it is wet .  they can jump about 2-3′ so cath them in a bucket as they fall.  no mess. It also help to read any storey about Mark Twain to them exactually 34 minutes before cranking the phone..  

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I have heard of a few things to gather earthworms. {snip} Oh, there is one more way.  Lay in the yard and make a sound like an apple.

EXCELLENT!!!! Seriously, I can’t stop laughing!!! Remember: a bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Once you have gone fishing, put the extra worms in a flower bed, or in your garden.  They will help the soil, and soon, you will have a reliable source of wigglies.  Don’t poison them with insecticides of fertilizer, though. Steve, the DsrtTravlr

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try a 5 gallon bucket of soapy water on damp ground that you know contains crawlers 10–15 minutes should have all you need.

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conesus lake (finger lakes region) $500/week see http://members.aol.com/cobbshill/cottage.html for details http://members.aol.com/cobbshill

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At dusk just put the sprinkler on in the front yard,  let it run for an hour or two, until the ground is soaked.  After dark turn it off, get your flashlight and pail and go pick them up.  Because of the water in the ground they will be lying right on top.  It works like a charm in my yard although it is kinda of a muddy procedure.  Good luck.. Lorry…….I fish, therefore I am

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I am really intersted in trying to catch my own nite crawlers in my yard.  I’ve heard of sticking a pitch fork in the ground and wiggling it, watering the lawn, and a lot of other things, but from your personell experiences, what is the best way to get them?  Oh yeah, what is a GRUNT WORM?  Are they in Michigan or what?  And one more thing, besides this one, what is another good fishing newsgroup?  Thanks so much, talk to you later!

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I am really intersted in trying to catch my own nite crawlers in my yard.  I’ve heard of sticking a pitch fork in the ground and wiggling it, watering the lawn, and a lot of other things, but from your personell experiences, what is the best way to get them?  Oh yeah, what is a GRUNT WORM?  Are they in Michigan or what?  And one more thing, besides this one, what is another good fishing newsgroup?  Thanks so much, talk to you later!

Hi Matt, If you have them in your yard it won’t be hard. Some people use electricity to get them out, but it can be a little dangerous. We went out at night with a can or bag and a little flashlight in our mouth on our hands and knees. You would see the night crawlers shin and then just grab them. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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I am really intersted in trying to catch my own nite crawlers in my yard.  I’ve heard of sticking a pitch fork in the ground and wiggling it, watering the lawn, and a lot of other things, but from your personell experiences, what is the best way to get them?  Oh yeah, what is a GRUNT WORM?  Are they in Michigan or what?  And one more thing, besides this one, what is another good fishing newsgroup?  Thanks so much, talk to you later!

I always liked catching night crawlers in Upstate Ny.  The night dew would usually bring them out.  You can find them just about everywhere, especially in gardens and flower beds. Alos, you need to wear sneakers and walk very lightly.  When you grab one, do not pull too hard or it will break off.  I first just stop it from going back in, and then pull gently straight up or at the angle of the hole.  Usually can get about 12 dozen in about 2 hours.   You can keep them easily enough, too.  We would buy the worm bedding, or mix some dirt with moist dead leaves.  Keep them in a large container in the basement where it is always cool and damp.  They’ll keep all summer, and will even reproduce. Good hunting, Joe

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I have heard of a few things to gather earthworms. One is electricity.  It is hazardous. Alternating current worm getters were sold, and then recalled when people ended up laying in the grass and writhing along with the worms.  I have heard that the current from a battery charger will work.  With any electricity, you have to be very careful.   Grunting for worms is when you take two thin pieces of wood about 2-3 feet long.  Originally, they used two barrel staves.  One was held with one hand pushing it down into the ground.  The other stave was raked across the one in the ground with a violin bow motion making a "grunting" noise. The frequency of the sounds would cause the worms to become uncomfortable, and they would come to the surface.   I have also heard that spraying a light bleach solution on grass makes them come out.  Don’t know what it does to the yard. I think that the time of day has a lot to do with gathering worms, with the evening and very early morning hours being the best.  I have had good success after a rain, too.   Oh, there is one more way.  Lay in the yard and make a sound like an apple. Once you have gone fishing, put the extra worms in a flower bed, or in your garden.  They will help the soil, and soon, you will have a reliable source of wigglies.  Don’t poison them with insecticides of fertilizer, though. Steve, the DsrtTravlr

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I am really intersted in trying to catch my own nite crawlers in my yard. —  Thanks so much, talk to you later!

Find and get a product called "Worm-Up"  Believe me this stuff really works, is harmless both to the worms and your yard and you’ll get all the "Dew Worms" (which is what your "nite crawler" is usually called in Ontario!!!) that you’ll ever need!! Just follow the package instructions and you can pick ‘em up right  off the top of the ground, in broad daylight!!!!  Even in places where you’d never expect to find ‘em, like an asphalt driveway, maybe? I don’t have any commercial interest in this product, but I got a sample package at the "Canadian Sportsman Show" many years ago and when I found it really worked I went and bought some more! "Le Baron’s" always carries it in Canada, anyway. Phil

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Why your yard ? Wait till the rain falls and the temp. is about 54-56 deg. Go out in a neighborhood that doesn’t have curbs and pick them up off the street NEAR the edge of the grass. Put them in the fridge (about 45-50 deg.) in a container of damp (use rain water)buss bedding (wal-mart) and they will keep for weeks.(pick out the dead ones once in a while)..Enjoy                                                                       SuqRivGui                                                       Allen

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Question:

Smallies are excellent fly-rod fare; they will add a whole new dimension to the trout angler’s experience. Fish them with large nymphs (out east we rely heavily on the hellgrammite, which is an early stage of the Dobson fly), crayfish imitations, or minnow imitations.  Woolly buggers are a good starting point.  Don’t go down to too fine a tippet; they aren’t as discriminating (usually) as trout. They’ll hit surface lures; they basically behave like a cross between a trout (for current relationships) and a bass (striking and fighting characteristics.) Reply to report on your success! DM

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Smallies are excellent fly-rod fare; they will add a whole new dimension to the trout angler’s experience. Fish them with large nymphs (out east we rely heavily on the hellgrammite, which is an early stage of the Dobson fly), crayfish imitations, or minnow imitations.  Woolly buggers are a good starting point.  Don’t go down to too fine a tippet; they aren’t as discriminating (usually) as trout. They’ll hit surface lures; they basically behave like a cross between a trout (for current relationships) and a bass (striking and fighting characteristics.) Reply to report on your success! DM

Two points:         1.  Fish deep for the big ones.  Right along the bottom with weighted flys.  Dead drift accomplishes this best.  Even streamers need to be down on the bottom, I’ve found.         2.  Check with the locals about colors.  Surpising to me was that black works best in some rivers and not at all on others. Compare the Shenadoah with the Potomac, for instance. I’ve quit fishing for trout (even tho I always found it an exciting sport) except during the winter when the smallmouth bass go silent. No matter how big the trout or what species, I’ve never had a trout fight as hard or jump as high as a smallmouth of equivalent size.  It’s a real blast. Get the book "Flyfishing for Smallmouth Bass" by Harry Murray of Edinburg, VA for all the neat tricks.   Have fun.   Jim

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Respecting Harry’s book and school and school of thought:  Excellent work and useful, but some variations I have found successful: 1.  HM mainly works the ‘Doah branches.  Even the largest, the South Fork, is fairly small water compared to the Potomac, James, New, Susquehanna, etc.  Often, small or large water is irrelevant since habitat is "micro", that is, unaffected by the size of the river.  At times, however, the total size issue is critical.  The Shenandoah has a very great density of smaller fish; this leads to different patterns.  Also, in a system dominated by large numbers of smaller fish, the effectiveness of nymph and crawdad patterns changes.  Larger fish will key on larger prey, and hellgrammites just don’t get that big.    Also, bigger water has heavier flow, negating some bottom-relating techniques Harry uses with great success unless you are willing to use heavier gear. 2.  In a boat, Harry’s lighter tackle/lighter tippet (than I prefer) techniques are less practical.  I rarely go below 1x or 6lb or so tippet, often staying up around 12 lb, especially in fluorocarbons.  I have noticed no reduction in fish size or numbers, and I am able to deliver larger flies and weighted flies with ease. 3.   A drifted, rather than a stripped, delivery is less practical for our purposes on the Potomac.  In bigger water, in a boat, with a larger fly, I usually wind up encouraging my clients to fish far and fast, though this may offend the purist.  When we wade fish away from the boat, a more thorough and deliberate approach is possible, but on a nine-mile float we have some water to cover. 4.  The Susquehanna and New rivers, which are very large both in flow rate and depth variation, often require an even more pronounced departure from the standard techniques as espoused by Harry.  My best fish on both rivers came on large flies (4"+) perhaps more suitable for the salt.  Fewer hits, of course, but serious quality fish and the possibility of an appearance by the next species up the food chain (genus Esox) is possible. 5.   We’re also talking about a heavier line here.  7 weight is standard, and up to a 9 is my first choice.  That way there is no compromise on distance and power.   I have great respect for Harry’s way, and it is always the starting point, but be aware that there are some further techniques to try. Dave

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