Question:

I have 4 floating fly lines (DT5 and DT4 sizes) that have been on reels since they were last used in 1985.  They were never used very hard (maybe 2 to 3 weeks each year for about 5 years), and I would like to save them if I can.  I’m not sure of the manufacturer, but I know they were "premier" lines. My concerns are (1) they are dirty and will not float, and (2) they will have a permamnent "curly" set to the size of the spool.  Can they be salvaged (cleaned and straightened), and how?

Response:

I have 4 floating fly lines (DT5 and DT4 sizes) that have been on reels since they were last used in 1985.  They were never used very hard (maybe 2 to 3 weeks each year for about 5 years), and I would like to save them if I can.  I’m not sure of the manufacturer, but I know they were "premier" lines. My concerns are (1) they are dirty and will not float, and (2) they will have a permamnent "curly" set to the size of the spool.  Can they be salvaged (cleaned and straightened), and how?

I managed to save an old level sinking line that I found in my mum’s basement.  I had purchased the line in ‘70 and tried it a few times then wound it up in a skein and tossed it in a box.  When I found it, it was hopelessly kinked and dirty.  After repeated applications, this cheap line ended up looking new. I lated cut it up and used it for sinking heads. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

You could try washing them in plain soap and water, drying them, and coating them. 3M makes a nice line cleaning kit. You may be able to remove the curls by holding about 3-4 feet of  between your hands, pulling tightly, the taking the next 3-4 feet and repeating. Tim Lysyk – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My concerns are (1) they are dirty and will not float, and (2) they will have a permamnent "curly" set to the size of the spool.  Can they be salvaged (cleaned and straightened), and how?

Response:

there are a number of good line treatment products on the market that should help restore your line – Russ Peak’s Glide works well as does Gherke’s Pz. Apply a small amount to a clean soft cloth and run the line through the cloth several times under hand tension. Prior washing in mild soapy water and running through a moist cloth will remove a lot of dirt as well. recently I’ve found Scotch brand micro fibre cloths very effective for cleaning fly lines. RalphH – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have 4 floating fly lines (DT5 and DT4 sizes) that have been on reels since they were last used in 1985.  They were never used very hard (maybe 2 to 3 weeks each year for about 5 years), and I would like to save them if I can.  I’m not sure of the manufacturer, but I know they were "premier" lines. My concerns are (1) they are dirty and will not float, and (2) they will have a permamnent "curly" set to the size of the spool.  Can they be salvaged (cleaned and straightened), and how?

Response:

  Does a wf-3 work on the three forks rod, or does it do better with a 4wt?

I prefer a 3WF with my 3WT Three Forks rod. Some people (at least one, anyway) think that WF lines are a marketing scam, and that you’re a fool unless you buy a DT and cut it in half.

Response:

I prefer a 3WF with my 3WT Three Forks rod. Some people (at least one, anyway) think that WF lines are a marketing scam, and that you’re a fool unless you buy a DT and cut it in half.

Well, I ain’t no fool and I didn’t cut my DT in half.  I folded it over and can now cast two flies without using a dropper.  Hah!  Doesn’t load very well though.  Kinda gets stuck in the guides. Ya, know, sitting here, writing this, I think of those long nights around a campfire at a clave and trying to figure out who would jump up and try this after it was mentioned.  Okay, so that would mean you use a DT4 on a 8wt rod for it to load?  Who’s gonna be the first to make a fly rod with spinning rod guides so we can do this?  Why is Miami wearing those god-awful uniforms? Frank "Eggnog and Tequila" Reid Reverse email to reply

Response:

Well, I ain’t no fool and I didn’t cut my DT in half.  I folded it over and can now cast two flies without using a dropper.  Hah!  Doesn’t load very well though.  Kinda gets stuck in the guides. Ya, know, sitting here, writing this, I think of those long nights around a campfire at a clave and trying to figure out who would jump up and try this after it was mentioned.  

Sorry to hear that Frank. Okay, so that would mean you use a DT4 on a 8wt rod for it to load?  Who’s gonna be the first to make a fly rod with spinning rod guides so we can do this?  

One of Peter’s canons or a saltwater 10wt should be able to cope with a couple of 5wts.  or 3x 4’s on a 12 … or … Why is Miami wearing those god-awful uniforms?

Marketing.  Uniforms must change regularly for to maintain sales.   Occasionally (every other change of strip IME) someone gets it wrong, hence the god-awfulness. Frank "Eggnog and Tequila" Reid

Cripes, they must be if  they look bad after eggnog and tequila! Steve

Response:

  If you have any questions ask these guys they know what they are talking about. Zack  

Well, at least about ff. Russell

Response:

I live on a boat and my mom wrote a book of activities for kids to do while on the water. Needless to say, I do a lot of fishing.As for the my family’s domain name

And a fine one it is. Does your mom know you read ROFF? If I were 14, it would intimidate the heck out of me! — TL, Tim (Just between you and me, these guys aren’t NEAR as scary in person.)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s a web site for a boating activity book written for families who enjoy being on the water. Seems harmless to me. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com I dunno guys. . .  you were very gracious in your info.  But . . . Dave, what the helly are you talking about? The kid’s family has a  domain name… and? What’s so freaking sinister about that? Paranoia is alive and well, eh? — TL, Tim I live on a boat and my mom wrote a book of activities for kids to do while on the water. Needless to say, I do a lot of fishing.As for the my family’s domain name Alex

Alex, Sorry if I weirded you out with my prior post.  You just keep asking questions,  of anybody and everybody who will listen. That is how I tried to do it.  Still trying. . . many . . . many years beyond 14. BestWishes, DaveMohnsen Denver

Response:

I live on a boat and my mom wrote a book of activities for kids to  do while on the water. Needless to say, I do a lot of fishing.As for  the my family’s domain name And a fine one it is. Does your mom know you read ROFF? If I were 14, it would intimidate the heck out of me!

What is ROFF? I have been trying to figure it out. Is it some kind of accronym? I acctualy have done a little Fly fishing with a cheap wal-mart set, but the level line is really hard to cast, and its a little heavy for small stream work. Does a wf-3 work on the three forks rod, or does it do better with a 4wt? Thanks, Alex

Response:

Why is Miami wearing those god-awful uniforms? Frank "Eggnog and Tequila" Reid Cripes, they must be if  they look bad after eggnog and tequila! Steve

I’ve spewed better colors and I think I will again soon. Nighty nite – — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply

Response:

Why is Miami wearing those god-awful uniforms? Frank "Eggnog and Tequila" Reid Cripes, they must be if  they look bad after eggnog and tequila! Steve I’ve spewed better colors and I think I will again soon.

*splork* Nighty nite –

hooroo Frank, 2:30 PM here and not a bad day weather wise. Steve

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I prefer a 3WF with my 3WT Three Forks rod. Some people (at least one, anyway) think that WF lines are a marketing scam, and that you’re a fool unless you buy a DT and cut it in half. Well, I ain’t no fool and I didn’t cut my DT in half.  I folded it over and can now cast two flies without using a dropper.  Hah!  Doesn’t load very well though.  Kinda gets stuck in the guides. Ya, know, sitting here, writing this, I think of those long nights around a campfire at a clave and trying to figure out who would jump up and try this after it was mentioned.  Okay, so that would mean you use a DT4 on a 8wt rod for it to load?  Who’s gonna be the first to make a fly rod with spinning rod guides so we can do this?  Why is Miami wearing those god-awful uniforms? Frank "Eggnog and Tequila" Reid Reverse email to reply

<splork! Russell Thinking perhaps Frank had done a few too many Full Reids.

Response:

Hi, I am a 14 year old kid who has just bought a clearwater 3/4 reel, rio classic 3wt line, and am looking to get the much talked about Cabelas three forks 3wt. What i was wondering is: Is this a good outfit for a beginer who will be fishing mostly small sreams? Is the three forks rod a fast or slow action, and how much does it weigh? Any help would be much appreciated, Alex

Response:

Hi, I am a 14 year old kid who has just bought a clearwater 3/4 reel, rio classic 3wt line, and am looking to get the much talked about Cabelas three forks 3wt. What i was wondering is: Is this a good outfit for a beginer who will be fishing mostly small sreams? Is the three forks rod a fast or slow action, and how much does it weigh? Any help would be much appreciated, Alex

Hi Alex, from a collector and user of Three Forks rods, I highly recommend the 3 wt 3 piece..it’s a 7 footer and ought to be ideal for fishing small streams. I can’t tell you for sure what it weighs, but it is a light rod and one you can handle with no problem. I would class this rod in the medium action, maybe even a tad on the slow side of medium. In any event, how could you go wrong with a rod that costs 40 bucks?  If it turns out you are not happy with it, Cabela’s has a liberal return policy, so you really are risking nothing. All the guys here who have purchased and used the rod seem to be happy with it, including me. Good luck, and let us know how this works out for you. Frank Church Elkhart, IN

Response:

Cabela’s Three Forks Fly Combo Model Length Pieces Weight Qty Price 763 7′6" 3 3  $49.99 805 8′ 2 5  $49.99 865 8′6" 2 5  $49.99 866 8′6" 2 6  $49.99 907 9′ 2 7  $49.99 908 9′ 2 8  $49.99

Response:

Hi, I am a 14 year old kid who has just bought a clearwater 3/4 reel, rio classic 3wt line, and am looking to get the much talked about Cabelas three forks 3wt. What i was wondering is: Is this a good outfit for a beginer who will be fishing mostly small sreams? Is the three forks rod a fast or slow action, and how much does it weigh? Any help would be much appreciated,

Based on what their web site says, it’s probably a medium to medium/slow rod.  That might be just what you want.  Or you might find your casting style tends toward a faster rod.  If you don’t like it, return it and try a faster one.  I would usually recommend a 4 wt. as the lightest beginners should try.  Lighter than that it starts getting hard to control the line because it’s so light.  For small streams, you’ll be making a lot of short 10-25 foot casts.  Remember that a rod is rated at about 30 feet of line in the air.  I recommend you get a spare spool (inexpensive for Clearwaters) and get a 4 wt line as well if you can afford it.  Then try both lines on the rod.  In any case, even if you return the rod for a different action or size, you’ll still be in good shape.  You’ll probably own another rod someday anyway if you stick with the sport

Response:

What is ROFF? I have been trying to figure it out. Is it some kind of accronym? I acctualy have done a little Fly fishing with a cheap wal-mart set, but the level line is really hard to cast, and its a little heavy for small stream work. Does a wf-3 work on the three forks rod, or does it do better with a 4wt? Thanks, Alex

The WF-3 line will do just fine on the Three Forks rod Alex, assuming you get the Three Forks 3 wt rod. There is a whole line of Three Forks rods, from 3 wt up thru 8 wt. You could overline the rod with a WF-4, but given the kind of fishing you’ll be doing, I don’t see the necessity of that. ROFF is the initials of the usenet group, Rec.Outdoors.Fishing.Fly, now do it make sense? Frank Church

Response:

What is ROFF? I have been trying to figure it out. Is it some kind of accronym? I acctualy have done a little Fly fishing with a cheap wal-mart set, but the level line is really hard to cast, and its a little heavy for small stream work. Does a wf-3 work on the three forks rod, or does it do better with a 4wt? Thanks, Alex

The WF 3 should be fine on your 3wt rod.  Often, the older rods would be "over lined" with a heavier line to get the max benefit.  Most modern rods are matched to the line weight marked on them.  Keep it simple and keep the 3wt line. ROFF stands for Rec.Outdoors.Fishing.Fly, the newsgroup you are in.  You may also read about ROFFT, which is ROFF.tying or ABPF: alt.binaries.pictures.fishing. Welcome to the sport, your soul now belongs to the stream and your wallet to the tackle retailers. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply

Response:

Hi, I am a 14 year old kid who has just bought a clearwater 3/4 reel, rio classic 3wt line, and am looking to get the much talked about Cabelas three forks 3wt. What i was wondering is: Is this a good outfit for a beginer who will be fishing mostly small sreams? Is the three forks rod a fast or slow action, and how much does it weigh? Any help would be much appreciated, Alex

It is cool to see some other people around my age getting into the sport. I started when I was 13. I am now 16, and the same rod I bought then 7′6 3 wt Sage DS series I still am using, I have had numerous chances to buy another supposedly better rod, but there are way to many memories put into that rod. I am sure your first rod will be the same. Good luck in all your fishing. Stay with it at first and you will a fly fishing addict like the members of this post. If you have any questions ask these guys they know what they are talking about. Zack  

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s a web site for a boating activity book written for families who enjoy being on the water. Seems harmless to me. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com I dunno guys. . .  you were very gracious in your info.  But . . . Dave, what the helly are you talking about? The kid’s family has a  domain name… and? What’s so freaking sinister about that? Paranoia is alive and well, eh? — TL, Tim

I live on a boat and my mom wrote a book of activities for kids to do while on the water. Needless to say, I do a lot of fishing.As for the my family’s domain name Alex

Response:

Hi, I am a 14 year old kid who has just bought a clearwater 3/4 reel, rio classic 3wt line, and am looking to get the much talked about Cabelas three forks 3wt. What i was wondering is: Is this a good outfit for a beginer who will be fishing mostly small sreams? Is the three forks rod a fast or slow action, and how much does it weigh? Any help would be much appreciated, Alex

I bought the 7 1/2 foot three piece 3wt. a few months ago as a backup for a trip to North Carolina.  I haven’t actually fished with it yet, but I spent an hour or so test casting it side by side with a two piece St. Croix Legend Ultra in the same length and weight.  The Cabela’s rod definitely has a slower action, which is a considerable advantage when fishing a very short line.  The rod loads easier with twenty feet or less of line out.  With a moderate to long line….up to about fifty feet, I could detect no significant difference in performance.  For those who like to cast a really long line, and are able to, I suspect that the stiffer St. Croix will perform better, but that’s not what a short three weight is for anyway. The weight of this rod is not printed anywhere on the rod itself, and a glance at Cabela’s website didn’t turn up any information either.  But, aside from satisfying curiosity, the weight of a small rod like this one really isn’t much of an issue…..ALL short three weights are going to be VERY light. One serious shortcoming of this rod hasn’t been mentioned yet in this thread.  A number of people have mentioned that the reel seat has a tendency to come off.  As a matter of fact, the components for the reel seat are obviously cheap, and this is a serious drawback at least in terms of esthetics.  However, I believe that all those who have suffered this mishap were able to fix it pretty easily with a bit of epoxy. Good luck and let us know how it works for you. Wolfgang

Response:

Hi, I am a 14 year old kid who has just bought a clearwater 3/4 reel, rio classic 3wt line, and am looking to get the much talked about Cabelas three forks 3wt. What i was wondering is: Is this a good outfit for a beginer who will be fishing mostly small sreams? Is the three forks rod a fast or slow action, and how much does it weigh? Any help would be much appreciated, Alex

I dunno guys. . .  you were very gracious in your info.  But . . . Any 14 year old now days normally uses a spell checker better than us, and it is automatic, and they have better computers than most of us. . .when they were younger. Coincidence perhaps? Yeh . . .I guess so. But nice to know some of youse guys can be nice, DaveMohnsen Denver

Response:

Hi, I am a 14 year old kid who has just bought a clearwater 3/4 reel,

    (considerate, thoughtful advice to newbie snipped) Good luck and let us know how it works for you. Wolfgang

    now, see there:  you *can* be a nice man! yfitons wayno  (but it ain’t like i’m gonna hold my breath waiting for the next exemplar…)

Response:

I dunno guys. . .  you were very gracious in your info.  But . . .

Dave, what the helly are you talking about? The kid’s family has a domain name… and? What’s so freaking sinister about that? –Steve

Response:

I dunno guys. . .  you were very gracious in your info.  But . . . Dave, what the helly are you talking about? The kid’s family has a domain name… and? What’s so freaking sinister about that?

Paranoia is alive and well, eh? — TL, Tim

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I dunno guys. . .  you were very gracious in your info.  But . . . Dave, what the helly are you talking about? The kid’s family has a domain name… and? What’s so freaking sinister about that? Paranoia is alive and well, eh? — TL, Tim

Heh . . .heh.  I guess you’re right.  Uh . . .and why are you watching my posts anyway? . . .Geesh they are everywhere! Dave (cripes . . .can’t even post on the internet anymore without people reading my drivel. ’spect we’ll even see surveillance cameras soon . . .I’ll keep looking to warn ya all . . .they’re comin’ I tell ya . . .they’re comin’ . . .sshhsh . . .quiet . . did you hear somethin’? . . .I think they are even in the ‘puters!)

Response:

It’s a web site for a boating activity book written for families who enjoy being on the water. Seems harmless to me. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I dunno guys. . .  you were very gracious in your info.  But . . . Dave, what the helly are you talking about? The kid’s family has a domain name… and? What’s so freaking sinister about that? Paranoia is alive and well, eh? — TL, Tim

Response:

I’ve fished lake with a worm and stuff from shore but this flyfishing thing sounds cool and I wanted to know how to get started.  You see Christmas is coming soon and I’ve been good this year.  I need to tell Santa what I want so he can check it once and check it twice.  What do I need to get started and how do I get started?  I don’t want a lump of coal in my sock this years. JA

Response:

http://ezflyfish.com/outfits1.html

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve fished lake with a worm and stuff from shore but this flyfishing thing sounds cool and I wanted to know how to get started.  You see Christmas is coming soon and I’ve been good this year.  I need to tell Santa what I want so he can check it once and check it twice.  What do I need to get started and how do I get started?  I don’t want a lump of coal in my sock this years. JA

Response:

I’ve fished lake with a worm and stuff from shore but this flyfishing thing sounds cool and I wanted to know how to get started.

Josh, someone already posted the link to where you can get the gear (ezflyfish.com), but here are some links to info which you might find helpful. http://www.flyanglersonline.com/ http://www.anglinguk.net/beginners/fly.htm http://www.iflyshop.com/flyfishing-beginners.htm http://www.flyanglersonline.com/begin/101/ http://www.fishin.com/sale/woodsandwaters/articles/fly-fish-beginners.ht m http://home.mcn.net/~n2trout/mff/flyfishi.htm http://www.flyshop.com/skills/ — Warren www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

Response:

What might be the way to go, is to join you local fly fishing club, or hire the local fly fishing pro to take you fishing and see what gear is being used on your home waters.  What you buy will depend on what you are fishing for, how much money you want to invest, and personal tastes.   Padishar Creel — Hard not to suggest a rod or two for him…

Response:

A good way to get started with quality yet low priced gear (IMHO) is to check out the rod combo’s at Cabelas (www.cabelas.com). For +- $100 you can get into a rod that you can fish for a few years, see if you like the sport and then upgrade. I would start with a 9′ 5wt. Its a nice all-purpose rod. Well, as close to all-purpose as one can get. I personally think 3 rods in the minimum. I have a 7′ 3wt for small water, a  9′ 5wt for bigger water and a 9′ 8wt for steelheadin’. Just my $.02, Randy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve fished lake with a worm and stuff from shore but this flyfishing thing sounds cool and I wanted to know how to get started.  You see Christmas is coming soon and I’ve been good this year.  I need to tell Santa what I want so he can check it once and check it twice.  What do I need to get started and how do I get started?  I don’t want a lump of coal in my sock this years. JA

Response:

your local flyshop guy can help if you can tell him the kind/size fish you are going after and your budget…in my opinion, spend more on a rod and less on a reel…it is really your most important tool and makes a big difference…avoid the temptation to go too light…when I started fly fishing with some seriousness, I used a 6 weight Fenwick rod and a cheap reel.  It was a little heavy for the stream I was fishing, but it was an easy rod to learn to cast with.  My brother, Salvelinas Fontinalis, uses that rod now and is as happy about it as I was before he got his hands on it.  I’ve since bought more rods than you want to know and spend most of my streamside time with a Ted Knott bamboo rod, 4/5 weight, 7′, which has become a good friend.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A good way to get started with quality yet low priced gear (IMHO) is to check out the rod combo’s at Cabelas (www.cabelas.com). For +- $100 you can get into a rod that you can fish for a few years, see if you like the sport and then upgrade. I would start with a 9′ 5wt. Its a nice all-purpose rod. Well, as close to all-purpose as one can get. I personally think 3 rods in the minimum. I have a 7′ 3wt for small water, a  9′ 5wt for bigger water and a 9′ 8wt for steelheadin’. Just my $.02, Randy I’ve fished lake with a worm and stuff from shore but this flyfishing thing sounds cool and I wanted to know how to get started.  You see Christmas is coming soon and I’ve been good this year.  I need to tell Santa what I want so he can check it once and check it twice.  What do I need to get started and how do I get started?  I don’t want a lump of coal in my sock this years. JA

Response:

Question:

Hi there heading to cuba mid dec. Far west end Maria la Gorda. Any one out there have any info on this area, or other fly fishing destinations around thanks much bill

Response:

If Ken F. has his way, you can flyfish in Cuba in Florida soon.. Herman Hi there heading to cuba mid dec. Far west end Maria la Gorda. Any one out there have any info on this area, or other fly fishing destinations around thanks much bill

–         Cheers, Herman         Herman Nijland         Daytime webmaster         Lifetime flyfisher

Response:

If Ken F. has his way, you can flyfish in Cuba in Florida soon.. Herman

It’ll cost 10 times as much, though<g. — Charlie…

Response:

What.. Florida 10 times more expensive? Did they add ballottax? Herman If Ken F. has his way, you can flyfish in Cuba in Florida soon.. Herman It’ll cost 10 times as much, though<g. — Charlie…

–         Cheers, Herman         Herman Nijland         Daytime webmaster         Lifetime flyfisher

Response:

What.. Florida 10 times more expensive? Did they add ballottax?

If they haven’t already, they will<g. Somebody has to pay for all that overtime. — Charlie…

Response:

Question:

Thanks to all who replied. After reading some of the posts on this group I have come to one conclusion, you guys are nuts! But I like it!

Yes, we are, and proud to be. Maybe it’s because we don’t have Orvis guide to help us to wear a good sun protection… Have a look at the topic "Christmas Island", You will find nuts and knots… Whatever the shop will do it or you for the first time, learn to do it by yourself. Salut, Philippe * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

Response:

Thanks to all who replied. After reading some of the posts on this group I have come to one conclusion, you guys are nuts! But I like it! I think I will let the shop spool it for me this time, while I watch, and then attempt a spare spool myself. Thanks again! YD – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Should I attempt to fill the reel myself, or should I take it to shop where it was purchased and let them fill it for me? Since it came as a kit, you should have received the approximately appropriate amount of backing (no gaurantee however).  Your reel should indicate how much backing it can handle for a given (typically weight forward) fly line.  You spool of backing is probably 100 yards. At the shop, they can demonstrate all the knots for you.  Having a knowledgable shop where you feel comfortable and welcome will go a long way in helping out a newbie. Sooner or later you’ll have to learn to do it yourself.  At the shop they can apply tension as they wind the line by using a machine.  I do this myself by poking a pen through the backing spool and then holding the pen with my toes. I apply pressure against the spool with my feet and wind the line with the reel attached to the bottom piece of the fly rod so that the backing goes through the line guide (the biggest guide, closest to the reel is called the stripping guide or stripper, and larger rods usually have two of them, BTW).  You might find it easier to purchase a line winder if you decide you really love the sport and end up with many reels and lines.

Response:

Should I attempt to fill the reel myself, or should I take it to shop where it was purchased and let them fill it for me?

Since it came as a kit, you should have received the approximately appropriate amount of backing (no gaurantee however).  Your reel should indicate how much backing it can handle for a given (typically weight forward) fly line.  You spool of backing is probably 100 yards.   At the shop, they can demonstrate all the knots for you.  Having a knowledgable shop where you feel comfortable and welcome will go a long way in helping out a newbie. Sooner or later you’ll have to learn to do it yourself.  At the shop they can apply tension as they wind the line by using a machine.  I do this myself by poking a pen through the backing spool and then holding the pen with my toes. I apply pressure against the spool with my feet and wind the line with the reel attached to the bottom piece of the fly rod so that the backing goes through the line guide (the biggest guide, closest to the reel is called the stripping guide or stripper, and larger rods usually have two of them, BTW).  You might find it easier to purchase a line winder if you decide you really love the sport and end up with many reels and lines.

Response:

writes: Yeah! Take THAT, Dave! Hell, LaPlac has an Orvis guide put his hat on for him<g. — Charlie…

LOL.  I have an Orvis vest and Orvis waders, but no Orvis hat!  However, I do have him start my car — you can never tell with some of the crazies Dave L.      —–  Posted via NewsOne.Net: Free Usenet News via the Web  —–      —–  http://newsone.net/ —  Discussions on every subject. —–    NewsOne.Net prohibits users from posting spam.  If this or other posts

Response:

Hell, LaPlac has an Orvis guide put his hat on for him<g. — Charlie… LOL.  I have an Orvis vest and Orvis waders, but no Orvis hat!  However, I do have him start my car — you can never tell with some of the crazies Dave L.

Ya, can you imagine the damage an exploding junbo sized bottle of xink would do to the interior of that new A6? Peter

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m also new to fly fishing having used ultra-light tackle for quite a while.  I put my first fly outfit together and thoroughly enjoyed doing it. It was almost as much fun as purchasing it and learning to cast!!!! Yeah! Take THAT, Dave! I’m still ahead, 7 to 2.  You probably paid ol Joe to post that!  <g Dave L.

Know what, Dave? I’m buying a reel and an extra spool for Christmas Island, probably from Bill Kiene, and I expect to have him install the lines and backing. Still, I think it’s a good idea to know how to put on a new line when I have to. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Steve B. writes: Know what, Dave? I’m buying a reel and an extra spool for Christmas Island, probably from Bill Kiene, and I expect to have him install the lines and backing. Still, I think it’s a good idea to know how to put on a new line when I have to.

Just pulling your chain, friend.   Checked out your site for the Western Clave.  Nice. Dave L.

Response:

While I agree that it’s a good idea to have the dealer load your spools if possible, it pays to know how to do it yourself.  Someday you will ruin a fly line while out on a trip and you will need to do it yourself.  I would recommend getting an extra spool, and after watching somebody with experience, load up your extra spool (maybe with another kind of line, like a sinktip or a different taper).  That way you will have seen it done twice plus you’ll have a spare spool already loaded for that day when you’re out on a river and ruin your line. –Stan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Know what, Dave? I’m buying a reel and an extra spool for Christmas Island, probably from Bill Kiene, and I expect to have him install the lines and backing. Still, I think it’s a good idea to know how to put on a new line when I have to. —

Response:

Yeah! Take THAT, Dave!

Hell, LaPlac has an Orvis guide put his hat on for him<g. — Charlie…

Response:

I’m also new to fly fishing having used ultra-light tackle for quite a while.  I put my first fly outfit together and thoroughly enjoyed doing it. It was almost as much fun as purchasing it and learning to cast!!!!   Yeah! Take THAT, Dave!

I’m still ahead, 7 to 2.  You probably paid ol Joe to post that!  <g Dave L.      —–  Posted via NewsOne.Net: Free Usenet News via the Web  —–      —–  http://newsone.net/ —  Discussions on every subject. —–    NewsOne.Net prohibits users from posting spam.  If this or other posts

Response:

I’m also new to fly fishing having used ultra-light tackle for quite a while.  I put my first fly outfit together and thoroughly enjoyed doing it. It was almost as much fun as purchasing it and learning to cast!!!!  

Yeah! Take THAT, Dave! — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Bill Kiene writes: I would take it to the shop that sold it as it is their job to put it together for you. They can teach you some knots while they are installing properly for you. I would get some casting lessons now so you can practice at the park. By spring you will be ready for those fish.

Hey, rw:  another one for *my* side. Nanna nana na na!   Pfffffft.  d:0) Dave L.

Response:

I’m also new to fly fishing having used ultra-light tackle for quite a while.  I put my first fly outfit together and thoroughly enjoyed doing it. It was almost as much fun as purchasing it and learning to cast!!!!  I recommend a couple of books for you: "Fly-Fisherman’s Primer" by Fling & Puterbaugh; and, "Practical Fishing Knots" by Sosin & Kreh.  I found both of these quite helpful for the beginner.  Also, the following web site is very useful. http://www.myhost.com/flyfishing101/ Have fun, and good luck.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi gang, I am new to this group and to fly fishing. I have been spin fishing for trout and bass for the past 20 yrs. or so, and I have finally decided to give fly fishing a try! I recieved a 9′ #5/6 Redington rod and a #5/6 Redington reel as a Christmas gift. I also got the backing, line, leader, and tippet. Should I attempt to fill the reel myself, or should I take it to shop where it was purchased and let them fill it for me? Thanks.

Response:

I would take it to the shop that sold it as it is their job to put it together for you. They can teach you some knots while they are installing properly for you. I would get some casting lessons now so you can practice at the park. By spring you will be ready for those fish. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop http://www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi gang, I am new to this group and to fly fishing. I have been spin fishing for trout and bass for the past 20 yrs. or so, and I have finally decided to give fly fishing a try! I recieved a 9′ #5/6 Redington rod and a #5/6 Redington reel as a Christmas gift. I also got the backing, line, leader, and tippet. Should I attempt to fill the reel myself, or should I take it to shop where it was purchased and let them fill it for me? Thanks. Most shops have a motorized winder and if you bought the gear there, they’re more than happy to load the reel for you.  While they’re doing it, note the knots and methods they’re using.  The next one will be all yours.  :) Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at

http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Warning #1 — Every one of these knots has at least two or three alternatives, with their respective champions. Warning #2 — You need ANOTHER reel, at least as big as your first one, to put the backing on properly. WARNING #3 — Forget all of rw’s trash.  

This is flyfishing trash talk! Yo mama, Dave! OK, OK, he can save some hassle by having the dealer install the backing and flyline, but that’s just delaying the inevitable. One of the most fun things about flyfishing is learning to tie the knots. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Warning #1 — Every one of these knots has at least two or three alternatives, with their respective champions. Warning #2 — You need ANOTHER reel, at least as big as your first one, to put the backing on properly.

WARNING #3 — Forget all of rw’s trash.  Listen to what the majority are saying:  Take the reel, line and backing back to the dealer.  If you bought the reel there, he will probably put in all together for you.  He has the tools, machines and knowledge.  You do not — at least at this time. Watch what they do.  Ask questions.  The next time you buy a new line you can put it on yourself.  You can learn the knots as you go along, YD. There are only a couple that you need right off and that is a double surgeons knot (or blood knot) to tie on your tippet, and a uni-knot, clinch knot or improved clinch to tie on your fly. Dave L.        —–  Posted via NewsOne.Net: Free Usenet News via the Web  —–      —–  http://newsone.net/ —  Discussions on every subject. —–    NewsOne.Net prohibits users from posting spam.  If this or other posts

Response:

"Yankee Dick"write:snipI recieved a 9′ #5/6 Redington rod and a #5/6 Redington reel as a Christmas gift. I also got the backing, line, leader, and tippet. Should I attempt to fill the reel myself, or should I take it to shop where it was purchased and let them fill it for me?

First this old Texan will give you a pass on commenting about your name. This is a one time shot and don’t expect anyone else on this newsgroup to be as nice as it simple won’t happen. Yes take them back to the shop from which they were purchased and let them load the reel, but pay attention so that you won’t have to take your next fifty outfits back and depend on someone else to assemble the mess. Big Dale

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Warning #1 — Every one of these knots has at least two or three alternatives, with their respective champions. Warning #2 — You need ANOTHER reel, at least as big as your first one, to put the backing on properly. WARNING #3 — Forget all of rw’s trash. This is flyfishing trash talk! Yo mama, Dave! OK, OK, he can save some hassle by having the dealer install the backing and flyline, but that’s just delaying the inevitable. One of the most fun things about flyfishing is learning to tie the knots.

my attempts at tying a bimini can not be classified as fun <G rw, i invite you fishing anytime… you tie the knots, i fish… we’ll both have a blast <G chris

Response:

Hi gang, I am new to this group and to fly fishing. I have been spin fishing for trout and bass for the past 20 yrs. or so, and I have finally decided to give fly fishing a try! I recieved a 9′ #5/6 Redington rod and a #5/6 Redington reel as a Christmas gift. I also got the backing, line, leader, and tippet. Should I attempt to fill the reel myself, or should I take it to shop where it was purchased and let them fill it for me?

Take it to a shop.  Won’t cost you much more (unless you a about to buy an unsuitable line).  They will help you pick a line appropriate for the kind of fishing you plan to do. Also, the will show you a leader formula so you can tie your own, and put the backing and line on the reel for you, all for the cost of materials. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Hi gang, I am new to this group and to fly fishing. I have been spin fishing for trout and bass for the past 20 yrs. or so, and I have finally decided to give fly fishing a try! I recieved a 9′ #5/6 Redington rod and a #5/6 Redington reel as a Christmas gift. I also got the backing, line, leader, and tippet. Should I attempt to fill the reel myself, or should I take it to shop where it was purchased and let them fill it for me? Thanks.

Don’t take it to a dealer. Don’t listen to LaPlac. You’re FLYFISHING now, dude! That means you have to learn a bunch of obscure knots. Use an Arbor Knot to connect the backing to the reel. Use an Albright Knot to connect the backing to the flyline (with Pliobond if you expect to actually use the backing — fighting a fish, that is). Use a Nail Knot to connect the butt section to the flyline. Use a Bloodknot to connect the leader to the butt section, Use a Surgeon’s Knot to connect the tippet to the leader. Use a Uni Knot to connect the fly to the tippet. Warning #1 — Every one of these knots has at least two or three alternatives, with their respective champions. Warning #2 — You need ANOTHER reel, at least as big as your first one, to put the backing on properly. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Yankee Dick writes: I recieved a 9′ #5/6 Redington rod and a #5/6 Redington reel as a Christmas gift. I also got the backing, line, leader, and tippet. Should I attempt to fill the reel myself, or should I take it to shop where it was purchased and let them fill it for me? Thanks.

Well, first off, YD, if you stick around this newsgroup, you are gonna take a lot of flack and abuse about your name.  <G Welcome to ROFF.  By all means, YD, take the reel, backing, and line back to the dealer and have them put it on. They know the proper knots to connect the backing to the reel, the line to the backing.  For future ease of changing leaders, have them put in a loop to the end of the fly line so that you can make a loop to loop connection for your leader(s).  Some folks don’t like the loop to loop, but it is ideal for a newbie — no knots.   While your at the fly shop, have them teach you how to connect the tippet and how to tie on a fly.   If you have any problems, the folks on these pages are always willing to help. Good luck, YD, especially with your handle!  <g Louie

Response:

Hi gang, I am new to this group and to fly fishing. I have been spin fishing for trout and bass for the past 20 yrs. or so, and I have finally decided to give fly fishing a try! I recieved a 9′ #5/6 Redington rod and a #5/6 Redington reel as a Christmas gift. I also got the backing, line, leader, and tippet. Should I attempt to fill the reel myself, or should I take it to shop where it was purchased and let them fill it for me? Thanks.

Most shops have a motorized winder and if you bought the gear there, they’re more than happy to load the reel for you.  While they’re doing it, note the knots and methods they’re using.  The next one will be all yours.  :) Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

Hi gang, I am new to this group and to fly fishing. I have been spin fishing for trout and bass for the past 20 yrs. or so, and I have finally decided to give fly fishing a try! I recieved a 9′ #5/6 Redington rod and a #5/6 Redington reel as a Christmas gift. I also got the backing, line, leader, and tippet. Should I attempt to fill the reel myself, or should I take it to shop where it was purchased and let them fill it for me? Thanks.

Response:

Question:

My wife and I just got back from a week on the Frio River in Texas, we had a great time and caught lots of fish. The magic fly was a bead head olive flashback. My wife actually caught her first fish on a fly rod. She was so excited, and she is hooked on fly fishing now. Tonight she even let me buy a new 4wt Loomis rod. She gets the old one. Those Texas sunfish are a lot of fun. Thanks for the advice on what flies to take with us all who contributed. Jim Barker

Response:

Hi Jim, Your wife gets the old one, huh?  You have it easy.  When I walked in with a new T&T 4 wt. rod my wife was home unbeknownst to me.  Needless to say, when she asked how much I spent while looking at the nice new rod tube, I told her I had just gotten her a present.  A new 4 wt. T&T.  It got me off the hook, but I don’t get to use ‘her’ rod.  She really loves it!!! Pete

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife and I just got back from a week on the Frio River in Texas, we had a great time and caught lots of fish. The magic fly was a bead head olive flashback. My wife actually caught her first fish on a fly rod. She was so excited, and she is hooked on fly fishing now. Tonight she even let me buy a new 4wt Loomis rod. She gets the old one. Those Texas sunfish are a lot of fun. Thanks for the advice on what flies to take with us all who contributed. Jim Barker

Response:

I have an in, my wife is getting ready to spend 1300.00 on new golf clubs. My loomis was a small purchase in comparison. Jim

Hi Jim, Your wife gets the old one, huh?  You have it easy.  When I walked in with a new T&T 4 wt. rod my wife was home unbeknownst to me.  Needless to say, when she asked how much I spent while looking at the nice new rod tube, I told her I had just gotten her a present.  A new 4 wt. T&T.  It got me off the hook, but I don’t get to use ‘her’ rod.  She really loves it!!! Pete

Response:

Question:

Great report Steve! I envy you…three years ago I had to spend two weeks staight in Colorado for my new job and a guy in my training class wanted to take me fly fishing (this was before I ever had even held a fly rod).  Since I knew nothing about it, and my friend was not from around there either, I fugured we would spend a whole Saturday just trying to find a place to fish so I declined.  He talked a nice looking young Blonde woman in our class into going (seems she was an expert) and they had the time of their lives. Sometimes I could just kick my own ass!! Tim

Response:

(snip)

 so I declined.  He talked a nice looking young Blonde woman in our class into going (seems she was an expert) and they had the time of their lives. Sometimes I could just kick my own ass!! Tim

David

Response:

I was in Colorado Springs this last week on business, and finding out beforehand that my hotel would be just over an hour from some very nice trout waters, I brought along a couple of fly rods, chest waders, and boots. As it turned out, although I didn’t have much time to fish, the extra baggage was well worth it. I’m writing this post as I sit in the airplane on the flight home. After finishing up my work on Monday evening, I sped off to the nearest fly shop–Angler’s Covey (www.anglerscovey.com)–and bought a three-day license and a few flies. Angler’s Covey is a great little place and the folks were very helpful. They showed me maps of the area and told me that most of the fishing in the surrounding reservoirs and rivers is done with nymphs and streamers. Despite not having done any wet-fly fishing to speak of, I concluded that I’d give it a try, but I bought a few dries to use when I (inevitably) got tired of not catching anything. While I was looking around in the fly shop, I saw that they had Bucks Bag pontoon-style float tubes on sale. I’ve looked for these at home (Raleigh, NC area) and have found that they are either in short supply or are way over-priced. So, I closed my eyes, squeezed the trigger, and bought one. As I sit here, it dawns on me that sometime before this plane lands I’m going to have to figure out how I’m going to hide this latest impulse purchase from my wife. Anyway, by the time I had everything, it was too late to get to any trout waters before dark, so I set my sites on a community lake in the middle of town. I’m told that Quail Lake contains a wide variety of fish–bluegill, bass, catfish, pike, gar, and even trout–but I can only confirm that it contains bluegill. I caught a mighty two-incher on a size 18 mosquito in about an hour of fishing. From what I could tell as I looked across the pond at the handful of bait-fishermen along the opposite shore, I was the only one who caught anything. Under normal circumstances, I would have religiously killed and eaten such a prize fish, but not having so much as a toaster in my hotel room, I had to reluctantly release the fish to its most assured death. Despite my lack of success, I had a great time practicing my roll cast and deepening my relationship with my newest reel (the Bougle I bought from Walt Winter, www.ezflyfish.com). I’ll admit I got a few grins and chuckles from some of the other people at the lake ("what on earth is a fly fisherman doing in a place like this?") but most everyone left me alone. Everyone, that is, except for the old codger who approached me and said "just what the hell are you trying to catch?" To which I responded, "I have absolutely no idea. You tell me." Too bad he wasn’t there to see me haul in that two-inch beauty!! Tuesday night my work ended earlier, so I headed west from Colorado Springs, past Pike’s Peak and along Highway 24 to Eleven-Mile Canyon. Some may say that religion doesn’t play a role in a discussion of fly fishing, and that may well be true, but there are places on earth that reaffirm a man’s faith that a Supreme Being had a hand in the creation of the world. Eleven-Mile Canyon is such a place. It is a narrow canyon formed of ancient running waters, with a mixture of high-mountain meadows and granite rock formations that one must see to believe. Were it not for the beauty of the South Platte river that flows from the canyon, I might have completely forgotten that I had come to fish, and focused my attention instead on the unbelievable boulders and cliffs and mountain air that left me both literally and figuratively breathless. I saw few other people as I drove along the dirt road that follows the path of the river, and indeed it seemed as though I had the canyon all to myself. Rather than descending in altitude at a constant rate as it travels down the canyon, the river (not often more than ten feet wide or more than four feet deep) alternates between whitewater rapids and meandering stream. Regardless, at every turn the water appeared to me to be entirely fishable and I could hardly wait to pull over and make the first anxious casts. Following the advice I’d been given by a nice gentleman at the entrance to the canyon, I drove about five miles up the road and began to fish some of the pools in the faster water with a San Juan Worm and a Woolly Bugger. Earlier in the day I had felt a bit of a fool for bringing along my long-sleeved shirt, heavy hip waders and felt-soled boots, especially with the weather as warm as it has been in Raleigh as of late, but I was glad I had them with me. The water was deliciously cold and the air was crisp. (Indeed, at 8:00pm I observed that the air temperature was 55F.) I worked my way up the stream, flailing away with my strike indicator and nymph, without so much as a clue what I was doing, but having a blast the whole way. But after about an hour of climbing in and out of pools and over rocks without so much as a strike, I began to get a bit intimidated by the speed of the water and my lack of nymphing knowledge, so I decided to head back down the canyon. About two miles down, I came to a meadow I had passed earlier where the water slows and softens, and noticing I only had a few moments of daylight left, I was overcome by the need to make a few final casts. After spending the previous hour amid the loud gurgle of rapid water, I was startled at how quiet the canyon had become. I quickly tied on a dry fly and tried my luck again. My moving-water fly presentation leaves much to be desired–indeed it could be said without too much exaggeration that the length of my drag-free drift is often no longer than my arm–but at least I could see the fly and I could see fish rising to take flies in the twilight. Within a few minutes I had several near-misses and soon thereafter caught a very nice rainbow trout. After a respectable battle, I let the fish go, and upon inspecting my fly noticed that it was pretty beat-up. By the time I replaced the fly (I’m trying to be more deliberate in the way I tie the clinch knot these days), dusk had turned to dark and it was time to go. It would have been nice to catch more than one fish, but as I made the 75 minute treck back to the hotel, my spirits were soaring. I had caught a trout in Colorado on a dry fly amidst the back drop of some of the best scenery this world has to offer. Later that evening, I chatted with George Gerke and told him of my trip. He used to live in Colorado, and he gave me the phone number of an old friend of his who lives in Colorado Springs and told me to call him. Actually, he did more than that. He went so far as to call his friend and upon receiving no answer called his friend’s son. Say what you will about George Gerke, but he has his heart in the right place even if his foot sometimes finds itself where it doesn’t belong. George, if you’re reading this… even though I wasn’t able to make contact with Phil (he was out of town as you know), I sincerely appreciated your gesture and consider you a friend. It showed me a side of you that doesn’t always make its way into your newsgroup posts. Thank you. Wednesday evening I went back up to Eleven-Mile canyon and, arriving later than I had the previous night, went straight to the meandering-water section of the river and fished almost exclusively with dry flies. (I tried a San Juan Worm when I first got there–I would like to get good at nymphing–but as soon as fish started rising I switched over to dries.) I caught two frisky 10" brown trout– both of which after being hooked spent more time in the air than in the water–and I observed that the fish seemed to care much less about what fly I presented than how I presented it. I’m looking forward to the Fall Ball as it will hopefully give me the chance to watch a few of you and learn a few things. As it turned out, Wednesday was my last opportunity to fish and although I’m disappointed that I was only able to spend about five hours fishing during the week, I had an absolutely wonderful time. I caught fish, I soaked in the beauty of God’s creation, and my company paid for the whole trip. Sometimes life is good. Tailing Loops, Steve Zimmerman PS. I’m back home now. My new float tube is still in the trunk. I’m still trying to figure out how to explain it to Julie and how to hide it in my expense report.

Response:

Great story Steve……hmmm float tube eh…. could be those bass down in Cary are in fer a wee bit of trouble. –Walt – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was in Colorado Springs this last week on business, and finding out beforehand that my hotel would be just over an hour from some very nice trout waters, I brought along a couple of fly rods, chest waders, and boots. As it turned out, although I didn’t have much time to fish, the extra baggage was well worth it. I’m writing this post as I sit in the airplane on the flight home. After finishing up my work on Monday evening, I sped off to the nearest fly shop–Angler’s Covey (www.anglerscovey.com)–and bought a three-day license and a few flies. Angler’s Covey is a great little place and the folks were very helpful. They showed me maps of the area and told me that most of the fishing in the surrounding reservoirs and rivers is done with nymphs and streamers. Despite not having done any wet-fly fishing to speak of, I concluded that I’d give it a try, but I bought a few dries to use when I (inevitably) got tired of not catching anything. While I was looking around in the fly shop, I saw that they had Bucks Bag pontoon-style float tubes on sale. I’ve looked for these at home (Raleigh, NC area) and have found that they are either in short supply or are way over-priced. So, I closed my eyes, squeezed the trigger, and bought one. As I sit here, it dawns on me that sometime before this plane lands I’m going to have to figure out how I’m going to hide this latest impulse purchase from my wife. Anyway, by the time I had everything, it was too late to get to any trout waters before dark, so I set my sites on a community lake in the middle of town. I’m told that Quail Lake contains a wide variety of fish–bluegill, bass, catfish, pike, gar, and even trout–but I can only confirm that it contains bluegill. I caught a mighty two-incher on a size 18 mosquito in about an hour of fishing. From what I could tell as I looked across the pond at the handful of bait-fishermen along the opposite shore, I was the only one who caught anything. Under normal circumstances, I would have religiously killed and eaten such a prize fish, but not having so much as a toaster in my hotel room, I had to reluctantly release the fish to its most assured death. Despite my lack of success, I had a great time practicing my roll cast and deepening my relationship with my newest reel (the Bougle I bought from Walt Winter, www.ezflyfish.com). I’ll admit I got a few grins and chuckles from some of the other people at the lake ("what on earth is a fly fisherman doing in a place like this?") but most everyone left me alone. Everyone, that is, except for the old codger who approached me and said "just what the hell are you trying to catch?" To which I responded, "I have absolutely no idea. You tell me." Too bad he wasn’t there to see me haul in that two-inch beauty!! Tuesday night my work ended earlier, so I headed west from Colorado Springs, past Pike’s Peak and along Highway 24 to Eleven-Mile Canyon. Some may say that religion doesn’t play a role in a discussion of fly fishing, and that may well be true, but there are places on earth that reaffirm a man’s faith that a Supreme Being had a hand in the creation of the world. Eleven-Mile Canyon is such a place. It is a narrow canyon formed of ancient running waters, with a mixture of high-mountain meadows and granite rock formations that one must see to believe. Were it not for the beauty of the South Platte river that flows from the canyon, I might have completely forgotten that I had come to fish, and focused my attention instead on the unbelievable boulders and cliffs and mountain air that left me both literally and figuratively breathless. I saw few other people as I drove along the dirt road that follows the path of the river, and indeed it seemed as though I had the canyon all to myself. Rather than descending in altitude at a constant rate as it travels down the canyon, the river (not often more than ten feet wide or more than four feet deep) alternates between whitewater rapids and meandering stream. Regardless, at every turn the water appeared to me to be entirely fishable and I could hardly wait to pull over and make the first anxious casts. Following the advice I’d been given by a nice gentleman at the entrance to the canyon, I drove about five miles up the road and began to fish some of the pools in the faster water with a San Juan Worm and a Woolly Bugger. Earlier in the day I had felt a bit of a fool for bringing along my long-sleeved shirt, heavy hip waders and felt-soled boots, especially with the weather as warm as it has been in Raleigh as of late, but I was glad I had them with me. The water was deliciously cold and the air was crisp. (Indeed, at 8:00pm I observed that the air temperature was 55F.) I worked my way up the stream, flailing away with my strike indicator and nymph, without so much as a clue what I was doing, but having a blast the whole way. But after about an hour of climbing in and out of pools and over rocks without so much as a strike, I began to get a bit intimidated by the speed of the water and my lack of nymphing knowledge, so I decided to head back down the canyon. About two miles down, I came to a meadow I had passed earlier where the water slows and softens, and noticing I only had a few moments of daylight left, I was overcome by the need to make a few final casts. After spending the previous hour amid the loud gurgle of rapid water, I was startled at how quiet the canyon had become. I quickly tied on a dry fly and tried my luck again. My moving-water fly presentation leaves much to be desired–indeed it could be said without too much exaggeration that the length of my drag-free drift is often no longer than my arm–but at least I could see the fly and I could see fish rising to take flies in the twilight. Within a few minutes I had several near-misses and soon thereafter caught a very nice rainbow trout. After a respectable battle, I let the fish go, and upon inspecting my fly noticed that it was pretty beat-up. By the time I replaced the fly (I’m trying to be more deliberate in the way I tie the clinch knot these days), dusk had turned to dark and it was time to go. It would have been nice to catch more than one fish, but as I made the 75 minute treck back to the hotel, my spirits were soaring. I had caught a trout in Colorado on a dry fly amidst the back drop of some of the best scenery this world has to offer. Later that evening, I chatted with George Gerke and told him of my trip. He used to live in Colorado, and he gave me the phone number of an old friend of his who lives in Colorado Springs and told me to call him. Actually, he did more than that. He went so far as to call his friend and upon receiving no answer called his friend’s son. Say what you will about George Gerke, but he has his heart in the right place even if his foot sometimes finds itself where it doesn’t belong. George, if you’re reading this… even though I wasn’t able to make contact with Phil (he was out of town as you know), I sincerely appreciated your gesture and consider you a friend. It showed me a side of you that doesn’t always make its way into your newsgroup posts. Thank you. Wednesday evening I went back up to Eleven-Mile canyon and, arriving later than I had the previous night, went straight to the meandering-water section of the river and fished almost exclusively with dry flies. (I tried a San Juan Worm when I first got there–I would like to get good at nymphing–but as soon as fish started rising I switched over to dries.) I caught two frisky 10" brown trout– both of which after being hooked spent more time in the air than in the water–and I observed that the fish seemed to care much less about what fly I presented than how I presented it. I’m looking forward to the Fall Ball as it will hopefully give me the chance to watch a few of you and learn a few things. As it turned out, Wednesday was my last opportunity to fish and although I’m disappointed that I was only able to spend about five hours fishing during the week, I had an absolutely wonderful time. I caught fish, I soaked in the beauty of God’s creation, and my company paid for the whole trip. Sometimes life is good. Tailing Loops, Steve Zimmerman PS. I’m back home now. My new float tube is still in the trunk. I’m still trying to figure out how to explain it to Julie and how to hide it in my expense report.

– Ezflyfish.com http://www.ezflyfish.com BRBG http://www.abebooks.com/home/BLUEBOOKS P.O. Box 5112  Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828)963-5001

Response:

I was in Colorado Springs this last week on business, and finding out beforehand that my hotel would be just over an hour from some very nice trout waters, I brought along a couple of fly rods, chest waders, and boots. As it turned out, although I didn’t have much time to fish, the extra baggage was well worth it. I’m writing this post as I sit in the airplane on the flight home. After finishing up my work on Monday evening, I sped off to the nearest fly shop–Angler’s Covey (www.anglerscovey.com)–and bought a three-day license and a few flies. Angler’s Covey is a great little place and the folks were very helpful. They showed me maps of the area and told me that most of the fishing in the surrounding reservoirs and rivers is done with nymphs and streamers. Despite not having done any wet-fly fishing to speak of, I concluded that I’d give it a try, but I bought a few dries to use when I (inevitably) got tired of not catching anything. While I was looking around in the fly shop, I saw that they had Bucks Bag pontoon-style float tubes on sale. I’ve looked for these at home (Raleigh, NC area) and have found that they are either in short supply or are way over-priced. So, I closed my eyes, squeezed the trigger, and bought one. As I sit here, it dawns on me that sometime before this plane lands I’m going to have to figure out how I’m going to hide this latest impulse purchase from my wife.

_______  Tell her you bought her this neat new style pillow for the waterbed? Anyway, by the time I had everything, it was too late to get to any trout waters before dark, so I set my sites on a community lake in the middle of town. I’m told that Quail Lake contains a wide variety of fish–bluegill, bass, catfish, pike, gar, and even trout–but I can only confirm that it contains bluegill. I caught a mighty two-incher on a size 18 mosquito in about an hour of fishing. From what I could tell as I looked across the pond at the handful of bait-fishermen along the opposite shore, I was the only one who caught anything. Under normal circumstances, I would have religiously killed and eaten such a prize fish, but not having so much as a toaster in my hotel room, I had to reluctantly release the fish to its most assured death.

Ha!  Love it.  Perhaps you took a picture/release?  Is that C & PR? Despite my lack of success, I had a great time practicing my roll cast and deepening my relationship with my newest reel (the Bougle I bought from Walt Winter, www.ezflyfish.com). I’ll admit I got a few grins and chuckles from some of the other people at the lake ("what on earth is a fly fisherman doing in a place like this?")

_______  Didn’t they notice ‘that desperate look?’ but most everyone left me alone. Everyone, that is, except for the old codger who approached me and said "just what the hell are you trying to catch?" To which I responded, "I have absolutely no idea. You tell me." Too bad he wasn’t there to see me haul in that two-inch beauty!! Tuesday night my work ended earlier, so I headed west from Colorado Springs, past Pike’s Peak and along Highway 24 to Eleven-Mile Canyon. Some may say that religion doesn’t play a role in a discussion of fly fishing, and that may well be true, but there are places on earth that reaffirm a man’s faith that a Supreme Being had a hand in the creation of the world. Eleven-Mile Canyon is such a place. It is a narrow canyon formed of ancient running waters, with a mixture of high-mountain meadows and granite rock formations that one must see to believe. Were it not for the beauty of the South Platte river that flows from the canyon, I might have completely forgotten that I had come to fish, and focused my attention instead on the unbelievable boulders and cliffs and mountain air that left me both literally and figuratively breathless. I saw few other people as I drove along the dirt road that follows the path of the river, and indeed it seemed as though I had the canyon all to myself. Rather than descending in altitude at a constant rate as it travels down the canyon, the river (not often more than ten feet wide or more than four feet deep) alternates between whitewater rapids and meandering stream. Regardless, at every turn the water appeared to me to be entirely fishable and I could hardly wait to pull over and make the first anxious casts. Following the advice I’d been given by a nice gentleman at the entrance to the canyon, I drove about five miles up the road and began to fish some of the pools in the faster water with a San Juan Worm and a Woolly Bugger.

Earlier in the day I had felt a bit of a fool for bringing along my long-sleeved shirt, heavy hip waders and felt-soled boots, especially with the weather as warm as it has been in Raleigh as of late, but I was glad I had them with me. The water was deliciously cold and the air was crisp. (Indeed, at 8:00pm I observed that the air temperature was 55F.) I worked my way up the stream, flailing away with my strike indicator and nymph,

without so much as a clue what I was doing, but having a blast the whole way. But after about an hour of climbing in and out of pools and over rocks without so much as a strike, I began to get a bit intimidated by the speed of the water and my lack of nymphing knowledge, so I decided to head back down the canyon. About two miles down, I came to a meadow I had passed earlier where the water slows and softens, and noticing I only had a few moments of daylight left, I was overcome by the need to make a few final casts. After spending the previous hour amid the loud gurgle of rapid water, I was startled at how quiet the canyon had become. I quickly tied on a dry fly and tried my luck again. My moving-water fly presentation leaves much to be desired–indeed it could be said without too much exaggeration that the length of my drag-free drift is often no longer than my arm–but at least I could see the fly and I could see fish rising to take flies in the twilight. Within a few minutes I had several near-misses and soon thereafter caught a very nice rainbow trout. After a respectable battle, I let the fish go, and upon inspecting my fly noticed that it was pretty beat-up. By the time I replaced the fly (I’m trying to be more deliberate in the way I tie the clinch knot these days), dusk had turned to dark and it was time to go. It would have been nice to catch more than one fish, but as I made the 75 minute treck back to the hotel, my spirits were soaring. I had caught a trout in Colorado on a dry fly amidst the back drop of some of the best scenery this world has to offer.

______  You were in my back yard CodeGuy.  I know exactly where you were.  Every pool, every riffle.  I wish I was there for you. Later that evening, I chatted with George Gerke and told him of my trip. He used to live in Colorado, and he gave me the phone number of an old friend of his who lives in Colorado Springs and told me to call him. Actually, he did more than that. He went so far as to call his friend and upon receiving no answer called his friend’s son. Say what you will about George Gerke, but he has his heart in the right place even if his foot sometimes finds itself where it doesn’t belong. George, if you’re reading this… even though I wasn’t able to make contact with Phil (he was out of town as you know), I sincerely appreciated your gesture and consider you a friend. It showed me a side of you that doesn’t always make its way into your newsgroup posts. Thank you.

_______ Awe shucks CodeGuy, I lost my head.  I’m a sucker for the newborn but your enthusiasm is so dang contagious!!! Wednesday evening I went back up to Eleven-Mile canyon and, arriving later than I had the previous night, went straight to the meandering-water section of the river and fished almost exclusively with dry flies. (I tried a San Juan Worm when I first got there–I would like to get good at nymphing–but as soon as fish started rising I switched over to dries.) I caught two frisky 10" brown trout– both of which after being hooked spent more time in the air than in the water–and I observed that the fish seemed to care much less about what fly I presented than how I presented it. I’m looking forward to the Fall Ball as it will hopefully give me the chance to watch a few of you and learn a few things. As it turned out, Wednesday was my last opportunity to fish and although I’m disappointed that I was only able to spend about five hours fishing during the week, I had an absolutely wonderful time. I caught fish, I soaked in the beauty of God’s creation, and my company paid for the whole trip. Sometimes life is good. Tailing Loops, Steve Zimmerman PS. I’m back home now. My new float tube is still in the trunk. I’m still trying to figure out how to explain it to Julie and how to hide it in my expense report.

your bed.  Go to the front room and wait.  When you hear a blood curdling scream, she found it!  Calmly walk in and ask, "Did you call honey?" Seriously Steve, Great report.  You took me back home.  I would love to take you fishing like you’ve never seen it in your life.  Just drop by. I will show you all the things you’ve always wanted to know. When it comes to fly fishing I can guarantee it.  You have the main ingredient.  You have the passion.  Nothing else matters with me. Again, thanks for sharing.  I absolutely loved every word. — Mr. G.   http://www.gink.com/html  Fly Fisherman’s Chat Site   "Flyfisherman’s Camp Fires Burning" http://www.gink.com http://www.rodbuilding.com http://www.xink.com

Question:

But the government did many things for me just today. etc.

GOOD response.  We so often bite the hand that is suppplying our needs. Chuck Mealey Archer 2185B

Response:

In article xyz, (yet another NGrouper) writes: But the government did many things for me just today. GOOD response.  We so often bite the hand that is suppplying our needs.

Pitiful, just pitiful. Why is it so easy for some people to ignore that "the government did many things (TO) me just today"? It’s a healthy thing to take a regular and enthusiastic nip at "the hand that is supplying our ‘needs’". Where do you think the other hand is meanwhile? Jack

Response:

When was the last time the government took you out to a nice dinner, or did anything for you, for that matter!!  ;)  

The government hasn’t bought me a dinner since I got our of the marines in 1954.   But the government did many things for me just today.  It provided a wx report so I could decide to go fishing. It forced a nearby chemical company to stop polluting the stream so I could fish there in safety. It built roads from my house to that trout stream.  It installed traffic lights to keep people from  smacking into me as I drove along.  I passed a prison where the government keeps many people locked up so they can’t break into my home.   I didn’t fly today, but when I do, I get even more detailed wx information and can file an ifr flight plan and be provided the services of a number of government employees to assist me in conducting aa safe flight to my destination. Yes, I helped pay for all those things the government did for me, because there isn’t anyone but us citizens to pay for them.  I don’t always get my money’s worth from Uncle Sam, but I don’t always get it from private-enterprise business firms, either!   There ain’t no such thing as a free lunch. vince norris

Response:

the stc and tso on drano is needed but then a licensed a&p is also needed along with a 337 and a blessing from the fsdo. if you don’t know what all these mean you can’t afford a plane **** Posted from RemarQ – http://www.remarq.com – Discussions Start Here ™ ****

Response:

Instead of flushing the grand down the toilet, I take the $1000 and buy something neat for my plane and that way I NEVER have bad feelings about where the money went…. Garrett

Well, you’re on the right track.  But what you really need is a short course in Gormanomics (the patented Jim Gorman approach to rationalizing an airplane…or any other absurd expenditure.)  Here’s how it works. Say something goes wrong and your mechanic tells you it’s going to cost $1,000 to replace it.  Oh no!  You don’t have $1,000 or anywhere near it. What are you going to do? Well, you find out that you can have it repaired for $400.  Presto!  You thought you were out $1,000 (that you didn’t have).  Now you’re only out $400 (that you also didn’t have).  But that means you’ve saved $600 from the amount you originally thought you were screwed.  So now you’ve got an extra $600 to blow on something like a new headset or a handheld GPS. Now for the advanced course in Gormanomics:  If you can find that $600 headset on sale for $500, you’ll save an additional $100 which you can now use to take your spouse out for a nice dinner so you don’t feel guilty for blowing all that money on the plane.  Now you’ve got a repaired gizmo, a new headset and a happy spouse. Now, wasn’t that easy?

Response:

Well, you find out that you can have it repaired for $400.  Presto!  You thought you were out $1,000 (that you didn’t have).  Now you’re only out $400 (that you also didn’t have).  But that means you’ve saved $600 from the amount you originally thought you were screwed.  So now you’ve got an extra $600 to blow on something like a new headset or a handheld GPS. Now for the advanced course in Gormanomics:  If you can find that $600 headset on sale for $500, you’ll save an additional $100 which you can now use to take your spouse out for a nice dinner so you don’t feel guilty for blowing all that money on the plane.  Now you’ve got a repaired gizmo, a new headset and a happy spouse.

Uhm, Jim isn’t that how the government budget surplus works, too? Mike

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Instead of flushing the grand down the toilet, I take the $1000 and buy something neat for my plane and that way I NEVER have bad feelings about where the money went…. Garrett Well, you’re on the right track.  But what you really need is a short course in Gormanomics (the patented Jim Gorman approach to rationalizing an airplane…or any other absurd expenditure.)  Here’s how it works. Say something goes wrong and your mechanic tells you it’s going to cost $1,000 to replace it.  Oh no!  You don’t have $1,000 or anywhere near it. What are you going to do? Well, you find out that you can have it repaired for $400.  Presto! You thought you were out $1,000 (that you didn’t have).  Now you’re only out $400 (that you also didn’t have).  But that means you’ve saved $600 from the amount you originally thought you were screwed.  So now you’ve got an extra $600 to blow on something like a new headset or a handheld GPS. Now for the advanced course in Gormanomics:  If you can find that $600 headset on sale for $500, you’ll save an additional $100 which you can now use to take your spouse out for a nice dinner so you don’t feel guilty for blowing all that money on the plane.  Now you’ve got a repaired gizmo, a new headset and a happy spouse. Now, wasn’t that easy?

Your right, it’s very straightforward.  In fact, from what I understand, this is exactly how Congress does it when they say tax ‘cuts’ and budget ‘cuts’! –Mike Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

Can you afford an airplane? Do this test. Take a $1000 bill (you DO have a $1000 bill dont you?), and flush it down the toilet. If it hurts, you can’t afford an airplane, if it doesn’t hurt too bad, you can probably afford one.

What does strength (holding on against the suction) have to do with affording an airplane?

Response:

Can you afford an airplane? Do this test. Take a $1000 bill (you DO have a $1000 bill dont you?), and flush it down the toilet. If it hurts, you can’t afford an airplane, if it doesn’t hurt too bad, you can probably afford one.

I think Drano puts out a special formula product to unclog toilets that have had this test performed. The only bad part is it costs $999.95

Response:

Hmm.  I thought you supposed to burn the $1000’s.  I knew I was doing something wrong!!!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can you afford an airplane? Do this test. Take a $1000 bill (you DO have a $1000 bill dont you?), and flush it down the toilet. If it hurts, you can’t afford an airplane, if it doesn’t hurt too bad, you can probably afford one.

Response:

Is that the special STC’d and TSO’d Drano???? **** Posted from RemarQ – http://www.remarq.com – Discussions Start Here ™ ****

Response:

Instead of flushing the grand down the toilet, I take the $1000 and buy something neat for my plane and that way I NEVER have bad feelings about where the money went…. Garrett

Response:

My plumber … he has an airplane … think I know how he got it now … – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is that the special STC’d and TSO’d Drano???? **** Posted from RemarQ – http://www.remarq.com – Discussions Start Here ™ ****

Response:

Except that they forget about the part of making everybody happy.  When was the last time the government took you out to a nice dinner, or did anything for you, for that matter!!  ;)   If you can remember this, you are probably too old to pass the medical, so don’t bother to buy the airplane! Your right, it’s very straightforward.  In fact, from what I understand, this is exactly how Congress does it when they say tax ‘cuts’ and budget ‘cuts’! –Mike Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

Response:

IF GOD HAD WANTED MAN TO FLY HE WOULD HAVE GIVEN HIM MONEY!!!! says… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Can you afford an airplane? Do this test. Take a $1000 bill (you DO have a $1000 bill dont you?), and flush it down the toilet. If it hurts, you can’t afford an airplane, if it doesn’t hurt too bad, you can probably afford one.

Response:

Question:

Anyone know good spots in the Utica / Rome /Herkimer area?? Thanks Dave

Response:

Dave, West Canada Creek is pretty good, as is Fly Creek between Cooperstown and Index on Rte 28.  If you head a little farther down into the Oneonta – Morris area both Otego Creek (Rte 205 & Cty Rte 11) and Butternut Creek in Morris right next to the Fairgrounds are also pretty good for small steam fishing. Hope this helps C. Segina

Response:

Question:

     Seems like we’ve finally accomplished something?  :-)

and what would that "something" be?         -tgades — Tony Gades. Seattle, WA.  USA http://weber.u.washington.edu/~tgades http://weber.u.washington.edu/~tgades/Fishing/fish_page.html email: replace the "this_address_is_wrong" with "tgades"

Response:

 It seems to me that fly casting is using the weight of the line to carry the lure or (fly) to the fish. I’m attracted to this definition…..

At the age of 46, I’d be inclined to agree.  But here’s a story from my youth you may find amusing.  Back in ‘63, I was in Sequoia camping with a ‘Y’ group of youths my age.  We were there for fishing and hiking. ‘Fishing’ was the operative word, since no one had ‘caught’ anything.  At that time, FF wasn’t nearly the designer sport it is today.  I had only seen a couple people doing it and I was a fair distance away:  totally naive to the special gear required for the graceful casts. Taking my self quite seriously, I started whipping a spoon around using my 6′ ft, fiberglass, $12 Thrifty spinning rod and reel.  There I was, whippin that thing back and forth and every once in a while lettin the spoon drag through the pool.  On one of my "backcasts" I literally yanked a little 8 incher right out of the water, totally surprising both of us.  (This was the only trout caught by anyone on the trip!).  Subsequent flailing, for an hour or so produced no more fish.  Go figure.  I guess I put ‘em all down. (The most amazing part of this story is that I still have both of my eyes).  Now you can easily convince this 46 year old that aint flyfishin, but don’t try to convince that 12 year old kid.   Now we’re getting somewhere. Fly fishing is the use of a fly rod to propel anything so light it needs the weight of the line to get anywhere. The use of lightweight bobbers and multiple flies can still be called "fly fishing".

I guess this pretty well rules out spin casting a clear bubble attached above a 6′ leader having a dry fly attached.  Personally, this works for me because the result is to drift flies with a presentation that fools the fish in the same way your defined technique does.  (I don’t do this anymore, but it certainly wouldn’t chap my hide if I say someone plying ff only waters in this fashion, especially if it was a young’un)

Response:

   Seems like we’ve finally accomplished something?  :-)

(hee hee) What is flyfishing ? If you have to ask or try and define it, you’ll never understand it. — TimW Halfordian Golfer

Response:

        Seems like we’ve finally accomplished something?  :-) and what would that "something" be?

the first internet gigabyte waste of bandwith for "1997 Useless Threads" category…… — TimW Halfordian Golfer

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  It seems to me that fly casting is using the weight of the line to carry the lure or (fly) to the fish. I’m attracted to this definition…..  Now we’re getting somewhere. Fly fishing is the use of a fly rod to propel anything so light it needs the weight of the line to get anywhere. The use of lightweight bobbers and multiple flies can still be called "fly fishing". RALPH may or may not want an amemdment to exclude the use of lightweight spoons or wigglers. Note: that doesn’t mean we can’t fish with bass poppers….It just puts a tight limit on how we categorize them.   Seems like we’ve finally accomplished something?  :-)

Maybe it could be simpler, fly fishing is fishing with a fly line. — Charlie…

Response:

 It seems to me that fly casting is using the weight of the line to carry the lure or (fly) to the fish. I’m attracted to this definition…..

  Now we’re getting somewhere. Fly fishing is the use of a fly rod to propel anything so light it needs the weight of the line to get anywhere. The use of lightweight bobbers and multiple flies can still be called "fly fishing". RALPH may or may not want an amemdment to exclude the use of lightweight spoons or wigglers. Note: that doesn’t mean we can’t fish with bass poppers….It just puts a tight limit on how we categorize them.    Seems like we’ve finally accomplished something?  :-)

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m going to make one post about the definition of ff and then say no more.  It seems to me that fly casting is using the weight of the line to carry the lure or (fly) to the fish. As long as the lure is so light as to require a line to carry it to the fish it seems you are fly casting. As for what is fly fishing, you now have many different lures or (flies) that fit into the definition above. These lures or flies range from #32 up to 8" long or longer. I maintain you are fly fishing as long as you NEED the weight of the line to carry the fly to the fish. I don’t see how the use of boats or strike indicators, or anything else enters into the definition. Certainly, some types of fly fishing are more difficult than others. It doesn’t mean the others aren’t fly fishing. I think we should encourage all kinds of fly fishing. The young person we help now, with his poppers for largemouth, may someday be a #32 hook in-the-film emerger fisherman. That’s all brothers. Hope you all have a great summer of fly fishing. Jim

I’m attracted to this definition having posted something similar some time back. It concentrates on one major factor that makes flyfishing different; the cast. It also seems more consistent with the more ‘catholic’ outlook most flyfishers have these days (includes me) – adopt what works within rather broad confines. I do think though we have to exclude obvious ‘lures’ (spoons spinners etc) but don’t know what to do about "flys" that act like lures –  spoons flies tullis wigglers, plastic bills on bass poppers etc. So many of these things are constructed the same way we tie flies so though I’m tend to be not convinced they are flies I use them rather than condemn them. Ralph H replace "spamsucks" with direct for email reply.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m going to make one post about the definition of ff and then say no more.  It seems to me that fly casting is using the weight of the line to carry the lure or (fly) to the fish. As long as the lure is so light as to require a line to carry it to the fish it seems you are fly casting. As for what is fly fishing, you now have many different lures or (flies) that fit into the definition above. These lures or flies range from #32 up to 8" long or longer. I maintain you are fly fishing as long as you NEED the weight of the line to carry the fly to the fish. I don’t see how the use of boats or strike indicators, or anything else enters into the definition. Certainly, some types of fly fishing are more difficult than others. It doesn’t mean the others aren’t fly fishing. I think we should encourage all kinds of fly fishing. The young person we help now, with his poppers for largemouth, may someday be a #32 hook in-the-film emerger fisherman. That’s all brothers. Hope you all have a great summer of fly fishing. Jim

Hi Jim Good point. I agree it’s a lot more important to help a kid get started than to argue about what fly fishing is. You also have a good summer. Take care & … — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Catalog,Tips & Tricks, Fishing Reports, & NeverSink at: http://www.btsflyfishing.com

Response:

I’m going to make one post about the definition of ff and then say no more.  It seems to me that fly casting is using the weight of the line to carry the lure or (fly) to the fish. As long as the lure is so light as to require a line to carry it to the fish it seems you are fly casting. As for what is fly fishing, you now have many different lures or (flies) that fit into the definition above. These lures or flies range from #32 up to 8" long or longer. I maintain you are fly fishing as long as you NEED the weight of the line to carry the fly to the fish. I don’t see how the use of boats or strike indicators, or anything else enters into the definition. Certainly, some types of fly fishing are more difficult than others. It doesn’t mean the others aren’t fly fishing. I think we should encourage all kinds of fly fishing. The young person we help now, with his poppers for largemouth, may someday be a #32 hook in-the-film emerger fisherman. That’s all brothers. Hope you all have a great summer of fly fishing. Jim

Response:

Question:

I am fishing a small lake for brookies in Hawkes Bay in the next week. The only information that I have is that they are there, and in patches. No one seems to fish there much. Does anyone have any ideas that work in small lakes elsewhere in the world? Simon

Brookies attempt spawn in the fall.  Fish the shallows or if the lake has inlet stream at mouth.  Bright flies work well as well as black leaches. Don’t be afraid to try blood worm or chironomid larva imitations as the blood worm migrates from shallows to deeper water in the fall.  At Henry’s lake bright crystal buggers and sparce crystal bodied flies do great.  

Response:

My experience with brookies in lakes generally varies with lake location and time of year.   When fishing the Cypress Hills lakes in southeastern Alberta, I have the most luck fishing deep (right off the bottom) and slow using a black or very dark green nymph pattern.  I generally use a dragonfly pattern in a size 8 to 10 hook. I have often seen these insects in shallow water along the shore. From a belly boat, I can slowly troll my line from shallow to the deepest water. My luck increases if I regularly twitch the line with my fingers.  When I connect, the fish strike hard and put up an amazingly good fight.  Trout sizes generally range from 10 to sixteen inches in length. I generally have very poor luck trying to take the brookies off the surface of the lake with a dry fly. Hope this helps. — David J. Wormsbecker, Regina, Saskatchewan Ph/Fax: (306) 789-4024

Response:

Question:

Plainly [we live] in a world which rebuffs those who make demands upon it but one which lavishes benevolence upon those who ask for nothing.  It is this paradox which leads me to suspect that the esthetic derivatives of fishing are inversely proportional to the complexity and refinement of the angler’s methodology.   -Harold Blaisdell, The Philosophical Fisherman

Response:

I am a member of The Long Beach Casting Club in Long Beach,CA, chartered in 1926. We are a not-for-profit fly fishing club and members of the Western Casting Association and the American Casting Association. We are fortunate enough to have a clubhouse and casting pond facility at our disposal. We provide classes in beginning fly casting instruction, fly fishing techniques, rod building and fly tying. All classes are held on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 P.M. ALL CLASSES ARE FREE TO THE PUBLIC. Our monthly meetings are usually on the last Thursday of the month but can change according to the availabilty of the speaker. We have hosted speakers such as Lani Waller, Polly Rosborough and A.K. Best to name a few. Aside from the Monthly meetings and classes we are involved in target and distance casting with flys and plugs throughout the months May through February. We host club trips each month to destinations as close as Newport Bay and Bolsa Chica Beach, to places like the Babine River, the Green River and Yellowstone. We boast of a high number of FFF Certified Casting instructors, nationally recognized fly-tyers, past national casting champions and a solid core of knowledgable, friendly, giving anglers. Anyone interested in finding out more about The Long Beach Casting Club can contact me via E-mail. As a public service I will start posting current and upcoming events of the Long Beach Casting Club. Watch this space for "L.B.C.C. Events". Remember that ALL INSTRUCTION IS FREE. Guy Manning

Response:

Attributed to me: "Great fishing beats average sex"

Hell, LOUSY fishing beats average sex! Of course, there’s always the quote that goes:  "A man’s gotta believe in something, I believe I’ll go fishing."

Response:

I’m doing a presentation for one of our local (well-established) fly-fishing clubs next week. My topic is fly-fishing "humour". Any of you folk got some favourite quotes?…

How about the Far Side cartoon with two guys in a boat on the lake with atomic mushroom clouds on the horizon. Guys looking at clouds with the quote "I’ll tell you what this means Norm… no size restrictions and screw the limits" Barry Welliver

Response:

My current fav— "Give a man a fish and he’ll eat for a day.  Teach a man to fish and the damn fool will starve to  death before he comes in off the river!"  Author unknown Charley

Response:

 Any of you folk got some favourite quotes?

. "I got a fly rod for my wife.  Not a bad trade huh?" . Timothy Raup Eagles Nest 1-401-353-3359

Response:

My favorite quote by far comes from John Gerach’s book Dances With Trout: "If flyfishing is as good as sex, then I’m doing one of them wrong." For humor and entertaining reading about flyfishing, Gerach is very good.

Response:

One of my favorites came from a friend I taught to bass bug last summer. "Flyfishing has to be the most elegant and expensive way to get skunked." JL 8-Wt Editor

Response:

folk got some favourite quotes? All thoughts gratefully received. Might even be an occasion to persuade a few more of our folk to get on the net and chat.  

My father, an avid fly fisherman, says to my mother: "When one of us die, I’ll go fishing on Bornholm" Bornholm is a beautiful island with a lot of sea run salmon and trout. Another one, for which I don’t know the source goes something like this: "Those who say that fly fishing is better than sex, has no understanding of either" A very funny one. A danish tackle shop gets an order for a lot of vises for danes travelling to Saudi Arabia. A costumer stadning by says: "It must be for dry flies" Regards Martin Joergensen Copenhagen, Denmark

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a member of The Long Beach Casting Club in Long Beach,CA, chartered in 1926. We are a not-for-profit fly fishing club and members of the Western Casting Association and the American Casting Association. We are fortunate enough to have a clubhouse and casting pond facility at our disposal. We provide classes in beginning fly casting instruction, fly fishing techniques, rod building and fly tying. All classes are held on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 P.M. ALL CLASSES ARE FREE TO THE PUBLIC. Our monthly meetings are usually on the last Thursday of the month but can change according to the availabilty of the speaker. We have hosted speakers such as Lani Waller, Polly Rosborough and A.K. Best to name a few. Aside from the Monthly meetings and classes we are involved in target and distance casting with flys and plugs throughout the months May through February. We host club trips each month to destinations as close as Newport Bay and Bolsa Chica Beach, to places like the Babine River, the Green River and Yellowstone. We boast of a high number of FFF Certified Casting instructors, nationally recognized fly-tyers, past national casting champions and a solid core of knowledgable, friendly, giving anglers. Anyone interested in finding out more about The Long Beach Casting Club can contact me via E-mail. As a public service I will start posting current and upcoming events of the Long Beach Casting Club. Watch this space for "L.B.C.C. Events". Remember that ALL INSTRUCTION IS FREE. Guy Manning

Hi, pals of L.B.C.C         this is a good news, although I am in Taiwan here far away from         U.S.A and I never try fly-fishing, but I wish I can join …. csleou

Response:

I may be late on this thread, but there is the old chesnut:         "Flyfishing isn’t a matter of life or death, its much more important than that"

Response:

Hi, pals of L.B.C.C    this is a good news, although I am in Taiwan here far away from    U.S.A and I never try fly-fishing, but I wish I can join …. csleou

Of course, when making sarcastic comments about wasting bandwidth, you can only claim moral high ground if you make an effort to trim the article you’re quoting down, rather than forwarding a second copy of the ENTIRE article to the entire world. Also, if you don’t care about fly fishing, you really shouldn’t be posting here, as this is the FLY FISHING news group. Have a nice day. — Cray Computer Corporation    http://www.craycos.com/~ferguson/ferguson.html Colorado Springs, CO                                     Solely my opinions

Response:

<< <Of course, when making sarcastic comments about wasting bandwidth, you tirade deleted for brevity… Calm down, I think he meant it.

Well, if he did, then I apologize. It’s so easy to read the wrong thing out of an ASCII text message, especially across international boundaries. It was a friday, and I’ve seen oh so many of these "gee, I can’t come to timbuktu for your class, because I live in outer slobovia" messages, that I instantly conclude it’s sarcastic. Maybe I was wrong. — Cray Computer Corporation    http://www.craycos.com/~ferguson/ferguson.html Colorado Springs, CO                                     Solely my opinions

Response:

I’m doing a presentation for one of our local (well-established) fly-fishing clubs next week. My topic is fly-fishing "humour". Any of you folk got some favourite quotes?

Attributed to me: "Great fishing beats average sex" — John Lawitzke Systems Engineer TechSmith Corporation

Response:

I’m doing a presentation for one of our local (well-established) fly-fishing clubs next week. My topic is fly-fishing "humour". Any of you folk got some favourite quotes?

Attributed to me: "Great fishing beats average sex" How ’bout this one…."Fishing is like sex, even when it’s bad it’s great"

Response:

Tim Dudley: The cartoon book you’re referring to is by JOHN TROY! His work is great! With his permission his work will feature prominently in this thing I’m doing. Good to hear from you. And also that the chuckles are shared across the geography. Best. — David A. Calderisi

Response:

 Any of you folk got some favourite quotes?

"The way to a man’s heart is through his fly" — Gary L. Bertrand   Dept. of Chemistry University of Missouri-Rolla

Response:

I’m doing a presentation for one of our local (well-established) fly-fishing clubs next week. My topic is fly-fishing "humour". Any of you folk got some favourite quotes? no more wabbits." E. Fudd

I really like the quote at the beginning of "A River Runs Through It".  I don’t have the exact quote but it was something about all Gods diciples being flyfishermen and John was a dry flyfishermen. "My wife said if I went fishing one more time she’d leave me  Gawd, I’m gonna miss her" — John Fereira "Guru of Miscellany" Pleasanton, CA "Ask me about my vow of silence."

Response:

OK Ok I just thought of one this is a Jason original…..   ( In your best Forest Gump voice and the Pecos Box is a local fishing area) " Life is like the Pecos Box ya never know what you going to catch….." jason — Jason J. Amaro               | Fight Racism!!!!!!!

Response:

I’m doing a presentation for one of our local (well-established) fly-fishing clubs next week. My topic is fly-fishing "humour". Any of you folk got some favourite quotes?…

There’s a book of flyfishing cartoons by somebody who’s name escapes me, that has a great cartoon on the cover. It shows a lifeboat with five or six guys who look as if they’ve been in the boat for about a month – clothes are in rags, long hair, dirt, whiskers (no guide jokes here, please), in various states of starvation.  The boat is practically swamped, the waves are running about 12′ in gale force winds, and there’s a guy in the front fly fishing, with another guy hanging onto the fisherman by both legs, pleading with him:  "For God’s sake, man! Switch to wets!  They’ll never rise in seas like this!!" Tim

Response:

: I’m doing a presentation for one of our local (well-established) : fly-fishing clubs next week. My topic is fly-fishing "humour". Any of you : folk got some favourite quotes? All thoughts gratefully received. Might : even be an occasion to persuade a few more of our folk to get on the net : and chat.   Pretty much anything Tim Walker says! Rick — T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher Assistant professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    |  These University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    |  opinions Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. |  are mine.  

Response: