Question:

B) It’s been said that large native Battenkill trout are non-existent. HOG-WASH! I submit evidence to the contrary, The photo at…

Actually, what I have heard, is that the ‘average’ size fish, (9"-11" Brookies, and 10"-14" Browns), were in short supply and the bulk of the population were large and small fish. I have never seen many kids fishing the river, and I seriously doubt that a 2 fish limit for them will have a serious impact. The problem will come with enforcement, and the fact that bait fishing is allowed. I think ‘artificials only’ should be the rule wherever fish must be released. Actually, my preference would have been to close the entire stream to *all* usage for one year,  assess the results next fall, and formulate new regulations at that time. George Adams

Response:

George’s thought of closing the river for a year is not a bad one but just look at how difficult it has been to get even this modest change enacted.   I say modest change because I firmly believe that with the allowance of an 18 inch trout per day a lot of 15+ inch fish will grow rather quickly in the eyes of the angler. We have a modest landlock salmon run out of a resivoir in cenrtal Mass where 2 fish per day over 18 inches are allowed and every year I see numerous sub 18 inch fish being taken out.  The problem – no enforecement. Won’t be any different on the B’kill. Lets hope that the high waters this fall result in a good spawn.  We’ll have to wait two yrs to find out though and see if we’re catching those 7 to 9 inch browns; which I used to be a master of but have not seen in recent years. Regarding hatch decline I’m not 100% convinced yet that that does not have something to do with the flood / drought cycle of recent yrs.  For what it is worth the trico’s were awesome this year and while I was not on hte river I heard that the Hendricksons were quite heavy.          

Response:

I would agree with this assessment, in principle. A moratorium may be what is needed. This, ultimately, is what helped the striper fishery recover. Then again, we don’t have a consensus on what is killing the Kill… ACP – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – B) It’s been said that large native Battenkill trout are non-existent. HOG-WASH! I submit evidence to the contrary, The photo at… Actually, what I have heard, is that the ‘average’ size fish, (9"-11" Brookies, and 10"-14" Browns), were in short supply and the bulk of the population were large and small fish. I have never seen many kids fishing the river, and I seriously doubt that a 2 fish limit for them will have a serious impact. The problem will come with enforcement, and the fact that bait fishing is allowed. I think ‘artificials only’ should be the rule wherever fish must be released. Actually, my preference would have been to close the entire stream to *all* usage for one year,  assess the results next fall, and formulate new regulations at that time. George Adams

Response:

I can attest to great Trico hatches on rivers near the BKill…scores of those little buggers. Personally, I can’t stand fishing those things, but the blue wing olive hatches made up for it! ACP – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – George’s thought of closing the river for a year is not a bad one but just look at how difficult it has been to get even this modest change enacted. I say modest change because I firmly believe that with the allowance of an 18 inch trout per day a lot of 15+ inch fish will grow rather quickly in the eyes of the angler. We have a modest landlock salmon run out of a resivoir in cenrtal Mass where 2 fish per day over 18 inches are allowed and every year I see numerous sub 18 inch fish being taken out.  The problem – no enforecement. Won’t be any different on the B’kill. Lets hope that the high waters this fall result in a good spawn.  We’ll have to wait two yrs to find out though and see if we’re catching those 7 to 9 inch browns; which I used to be a master of but have not seen in recent years. Regarding hatch decline I’m not 100% convinced yet that that does not have something to do with the flood / drought cycle of recent yrs.  For what it is worth the trico’s were awesome this year and while I was not on hte river I heard that the Hendricksons were quite heavy.

Response:

 Hi folks.  I am writing with regards to special regulations        that have been proposed for the Battenkill in Vermont.  As many        are aware the fishery has been suffering for the past several        years and unfortunately despite efforts by Vermont Fish and        Wildlife there has been no definitive causes identified for the        decline that has been seen.        In order to reduce the decline in the population of the brown        trout in the river the state has proposed a 6 yr. no kill        regulation that will eliminate or at least minimize the one        identifiable factor in the rivers decline; angler harvest.  At        the same time the state plans to do an extensive study on the        river to identify causes for the decline. (This work has        already begun with some habitat improvement completed this fall        and an evaluation of spawning areas planned for later in the        month).   A public meeting was held in August and the proposal        was by and large favorably received by the public.  Yesterday        the Fish and Wildlife Board voted on this proposal.  It was        accepted with two very important amendments that may corrupt        the purpose of the no kill proposal.  The first is to allow        children under the age of 15 to keep two trout of any size per        day. The second is to allow any angler to keep one trout per        day of 18 inches or larger.        An additional vote will be taken (probably in December) to        determine the final regulations that will be placed on the        river.  There are no public hearings scheduled to discuss these        two amendments but from what I understand this can be ?forced?        upon the board through petition.  I will be investigating how        to achieve this.        In the meantime I would ask that any anglers that are        interested in seeing the Battenkill fishery turned around        please write a POLITE letter to the following individuals that        are members of the F&W Board.        David Mallory        RD # 1, Box 103        Jericho, VT 05465       John Stannard       PO Box 73       Rte 30       Dorset VT 05251        For what it is worth I am not a C&R zealot but I do value the        opportunity of catching wild trout and the Battenkill can be        turned around.  Folks that fish the area around Manchester and        Arlington have numerous options when it comes to fishing and        there is no shortage of streams and ponds that offer anglers        the chance to take home a few fish for dinner.        The real question is whether we as sportsman are willing to        sacrifice a little bit now to pass along a better resource for        the next generations of anglers. We owe it to ourselves and our        children to work towards making the river a better stream than        it is at the moment.  Catch and release is a small price to        pay.        I hope you’ll support the river by writing to these gentlemen        in order to persuade them to reconsider the amendments that        have been put forward.        For what it is worth regarding kids on the river and the 18 inch fish regulation        problem becomes one of enforcement.  Dad’s fishin with the kids, they go off to        collect rocks and a fish takes.  Dad lands the fish and keeps it.  Is that legit?        Regarding 18 inch fish.  I don’t know about you but I can see a lot of guys          using their eyes as rulers and then fish from 14 inches on go into the creel.  I’ve        seen it down here in Mass where we have a salmon run in the fall.  A lot of "18        salmon" are taken home that are clearly shy of that.        Thanks very much.        Doug Lyons

Response:

Some obeservations: 1. The only 1 fish over 18 inches rule is interesting in light of evidence    that such fish are basically nonexistent in the B-Kill…indeed, trout    over TEN inches are apparently down by 89% in many stretched (Source:    Fly Fishing in Northern New England). Thus, my own take is that this    will do little to HARM the fishing. 2. I wonder if these, and more restrictions may increase crowds at other    nearby rivers, thus creating same problems as those affecting the    B-Kill. Perhaps such rules need to to be enforced at all nearby    rivers as a preventative? ACP – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi folks.  I am writing with regards to special regulations       that have been proposed for the Battenkill in Vermont.  As many       are aware the fishery has been suffering for the past several       years and unfortunately despite efforts by Vermont Fish and       Wildlife there has been no definitive causes identified for the       decline that has been seen.       In order to reduce the decline in the population of the brown       trout in the river the state has proposed a 6 yr. no kill       regulation that will eliminate or at least minimize the one       identifiable factor in the rivers decline; angler harvest.  At       the same time the state plans to do an extensive study on the       river to identify causes for the decline. (This work has       already begun with some habitat improvement completed this fall       and an evaluation of spawning areas planned for later in the       month).   A public meeting was held in August and the proposal       was by and large favorably received by the public.  Yesterday       the Fish and Wildlife Board voted on this proposal.  It was       accepted with two very important amendments that may corrupt       the purpose of the no kill proposal.  The first is to allow       children under the age of 15 to keep two trout of any size per       day. The second is to allow any angler to keep one trout per       day of 18 inches or larger.       An additional vote will be taken (probably in December) to       determine the final regulations that will be placed on the       river.  There are no public hearings scheduled to discuss these       two amendments but from what I understand this can be ?forced?       upon the board through petition.  I will be investigating how       to achieve this.       In the meantime I would ask that any anglers that are       interested in seeing the Battenkill fishery turned around       please write a POLITE letter to the following individuals that       are members of the F&W Board.       David Mallory       RD # 1, Box 103       Jericho, VT 05465      John Stannard      PO Box 73      Rte 30      Dorset VT 05251       For what it is worth I am not a C&R zealot but I do value the       opportunity of catching wild trout and the Battenkill can be       turned around.  Folks that fish the area around Manchester and       Arlington have numerous options when it comes to fishing and       there is no shortage of streams and ponds that offer anglers       the chance to take home a few fish for dinner.       The real question is whether we as sportsman are willing to       sacrifice a little bit now to pass along a better resource for       the next generations of anglers. We owe it to ourselves and our       children to work towards making the river a better stream than       it is at the moment.  Catch and release is a small price to       pay.       I hope you’ll support the river by writing to these gentlemen       in order to persuade them to reconsider the amendments that       have been put forward.       For what it is worth regarding kids on the river and the 18 inch fish regulation       problem becomes one of enforcement.  Dad’s fishin with the kids, they go off to       collect rocks and a fish takes.  Dad lands the fish and keeps it.  Is that legit?       Regarding 18 inch fish.  I don’t know about you but I can see a lot of guys       using their eyes as rulers and then fish from 14 inches on go into the creel.  I’ve       seen it down here in Mass where we have a salmon run in the fall.  A lot of "18       salmon" are taken home that are clearly shy of that.       Thanks very much.       Doug Lyons

Response:

Intersesting thoughts. There are still a few good ones swimming the river – a friend took 14 and 15 1/2 brown this past season.  A big concern I have is that a lot of eyeball measuring will be going on and the 15 inch trout will be stretched out by overly zealous anglers. Regarding fishing pressure on other streams one has to remember that many such rivers (the Wallumsac comes to mind)  are generously supported by stocking.  

Response:

Intersesting thoughts. There are still a few good ones swimming the river – a friend took 14 and 15 1/2 brown this past season.  A big concern I have is that a lot of eyeball measuring will be going on and the 15 inch trout will be stretched out by overly zealous anglers. Regarding fishing pressure on other streams one has to remember that many such rivers (the Wallumsac comes to mind)  are generously supported by stocking.  

My take on this whole topic… A) The recently passed regulation is in my opinion a giant step. While probably not the ultimate solution, it certainly is a beginning. Total C&R would be better…FF only would be better…river usage changes pertaining to canoes and tubes would be better…but it’s a good start! I certainly predict the sighting of more youths astream…still that’s ok…a two fish limit between dad and youngster is fine by me. Plus it propogates a continuence of the sport amongst the next generation. B) It’s been said that large native Battenkill trout are non-existent. HOG-WASH! I submit evidence to the contrary, The photo at…    <http://www.virtualflybox.com/photos/bkill_brn.shtml …refutes this opinion. I took this photo late last summer and in addition to this fish I have first hand accountings of trout of these proportions having been caught on these fabled waters. C) As to increased fishing pressure on local waters…that will only be caused by the locals…who are, I’m sure already there, due to the recent decline of the fishery on the Battenkill. D) Future regulatory thoughts have to consider things like the impact caused by non-fishing river usage, changes in the chemical runoffs, landowner riverside impacts, etc. I personally can attest to a huge change in the insect activity on this river. The Caddis hatches used to be legendary…now they are quite rare. The Battenkill has not seen a stockery of fish in over thirty years and has until recently been a prime fishery. Only in the last ten years has there been a major decline…so the reason for that must be determined and solved. But quickly! keep tyin’…byard * * * * * * * * *   V I R T U A L    F L Y B O X    * * * * * * * * *    Fly Tyers Worldwide * Hundreds of Patterns * Tying Instructions                     http://www.VirtualFlybox.com * * * *   F E A T U R I N G   *  9 8 0  *   P A T T E R N S   * * * *

Response:

Question:

A few years ago, Cabela’s had hip length stocking foot, in neoprene, and in lighter material.  You might try them. Kent in Oregon – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Red Ball and Hogman make about 90% of all the waders…..  so its a good chance they make those according to the Specs dan BAiley wants see if he has a waranty…. heck since you like the price try em… if you hate em tell the NG and dan bailey.. let everyone know I am looking for – hip length wader – must have stocking foot – must be lightweight/suitable for summer fishing. I see that Dan Bailey has a Flyweight Hipper for $32.50 which looks ok. Are these any good? durable? crap? Does anybody know whether there are other waders much better (e.g. Red Ball?)? I am extremely attracted to the price of the Bailey Flyweight Hipper. Any suggestions/feedback most appreciated. Thanks very much, Dean

Response:

I am looking for – hip length wader – must have stocking foot – must be lightweight/suitable for summer fishing.  I see that Dan Bailey has a Flyweight Hipper for $32.50 which looks ok.  Are these any good? durable? crap?  Does anybody know whether there are other waders much better (e.g. Red Ball?)? I am extremely attracted to the price of the Bailey Flyweight Hipper.

One thing to look at when comparing brands is the foot.  The type with the foot included as a single cut of material is more durable (and more expensive) than the type with the leg and foot cut as seperate pieces and then welded on. The first type has a single seam running down the front of the wader, around the foot and up the back (like a J split in half lengthwise).  The second type has a double seam (like a crossed "t") at the front of the ankle and again at the back of the ankle where the feet and legs are joined, and are prone to leak at those junctures.  They can make a lot more waders out of the same amount of material by cutting the foot and the leg as seperate pieces though, so they are cheaper. Orvis has a set of stocking foot supplex-nylon hippers (called the World’s Coolest) with the single seam for $54.  They are significantly more expensive than the Dan Bailey ones you inquired about, but the seams may be the reason. I’m not familiar with Dan Bailey’s version so I’m can’t say for sure.  Take a look at the seams of all those you’re considering, and check out the warranties that back them up.                                     Hope this helps,                                          Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for – hip length wader – must have stocking foot – must be lightweight/suitable for summer fishing.  I see that Dan Bailey has a Flyweight Hipper for $32.50 which looks ok.  Are these any good? durable? crap?  Does anybody know whether there are other waders much better (e.g. Red Ball?)? I am extremely attracted to the price of the Bailey Flyweight Hipper. One thing to look at when comparing brands is the foot.  The type with the foot included as a single cut of material is more durable (and more expensive) than the type with the leg and foot cut as seperate pieces and then welded on. The first type has a single seam running down the front of the wader, around the foot and up the back (like a J split in half lengthwise).  The second type has a double seam (like a crossed "t") at the front of the ankle and again at the back of the ankle where the feet and legs are joined, and are prone to leak at those junctures.  They can make a lot more waders out of the same amount of material by cutting the foot and the leg as seperate pieces though, so they are cheaper. Orvis has a set of stocking foot supplex-nylon hippers (called the World’s Coolest) with the single seam for $54.  They are significantly more expensive than the Dan Bailey ones you inquired about, but the seams may be the reason. I’m not familiar with Dan Bailey’s version so I’m can’t say for sure.  Take a look at the seams of all those you’re considering, and check out the warranties that back them up.                                     Hope this helps,                                          Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools

Howdy, Thanks all very much for responding. I thought what the heck and ended up purchasing the Flyweight Hippers. To respond to Dan, the foot on the waders is part of a single cut of material – with the single seam running down the front. The nylon isn’t that thick so I’ll have to be careful not to run into anything to sharp etc. Didn’t check the warranty or other products for that matter since I’m going embarking down to Southern Hemisphere for some ’summer’ fishing next week and just wanted to get something. You can be sure I’ll let you know if they turn out to be unsatisfactory. Cheers, Dean

Response:

Dean, It sounds like the hippers you chose have a foot construction similar to the Supplex Orvis hippers I own.  To prvent the boots from bunching around my feet, I taped them snug around my feet and ankles prior to putting my feet into neoprene booties and then wading shoes.  Don’t go anywhere without a roll of athletic tape. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Howdy, Thanks all very much for responding. I thought what the heck and ended up purchasing the Flyweight Hippers. To respond to Dan, the foot on the waders is part of a single cut of material – with the single seam running down the front. The nylon isn’t that thick so I’ll have to be careful not to run into anything to sharp etc. Didn’t check the warranty or other products for that matter since I’m going embarking down to Southern Hemisphere for some ’summer’ fishing next week and just wanted to get something. You can be sure I’ll let you know if they turn out to be unsatisfactory. Cheers, Dean

Response:

Look at the Hook & Hackle catalog on the net.  They have stocking foot hippers by Red Ball and Hodgman.  I used a pair of Red Ball for years, and just sent for a pair of Hodgman’s to see if they were as good. — Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail Ernie Harrison – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for – hip length wader – must have stocking foot – must be lightweight/suitable for summer fishing. Dean

Response:

        Dean, I bought a pair of neoprene stockingfoot hippers from LL Bean a couple of years back, and I’ve been happy with them. I’d used the old Red Ball Flyweights in years past and found them a bit lacking in the area of durability. True, the neoprene is a tad warmer, and a little more expensive, but I’m happy with them just the same. They have the advantage of being more comfortable in early season (cold water) than the flyweights, too.

Response:

I am looking for – hip length wader – must have stocking foot – must be lightweight/suitable for summer fishing. I see that Dan Bailey has a Flyweight Hipper for $32.50 which looks ok. Are these any good? durable? crap? Does anybody know whether there are other waders much better (e.g. Red Ball?)? I am extremely attracted to the price of the Bailey Flyweight Hipper. Any suggestions/feedback most appreciated. Thanks very much, Dean

Response:

Red Ball and Hogman make about 90% of all the waders…..  so its a good chance they make those according to the Specs dan BAiley wants see if he has a waranty…. heck since you like the price try em… if you hate em tell the NG and dan bailey.. let everyone know – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am looking for – hip length wader – must have stocking foot – must be lightweight/suitable for summer fishing. I see that Dan Bailey has a Flyweight Hipper for $32.50 which looks ok. Are these any good? durable? crap? Does anybody know whether there are other waders much better (e.g. Red Ball?)? I am extremely attracted to the price of the Bailey Flyweight Hipper. Any suggestions/feedback most appreciated. Thanks very much, Dean

Response:

Question:

Got a good fishin’ buddy (my brother-in-law) that is looking for a spare spool for an old F.W. Young & Sons Ltd. model #1535 fly reel.  Dunno where he got it, but we wondered if anybody out there can help us locate a spool for it.  We both suspect it was made in the U.K.  Thanks a lot for any info available!  -Bill-

Response:

FW Young & Sons Ltd. are made in Redditch England. Great reel by the way, still popular here in Norway. I have used the #1540 for Atlantic Salmon fishing for years, never failed. FF-shops here sell them. About $50 for a #1535 a spare spool. Probably cheaper in the US. O.N Norway – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Got a good fishin’ buddy (my brother-in-law) that is looking for a spare spool for an old F.W. Young & Sons Ltd. model #1535 fly reel.  Dunno where he got it, but we wondered if anybody out there can help us locate a spool for it.  We both suspect it was made in the U.K.  Thanks a lot for any info available!  -Bill-

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -My roomate and I want to go on a week long vacation sometime between 12/18 and 1/3   I want to be on a beach and outside of the US.  We’re flying out of NYC with a budget of approx $1100 each.  We may be able to use frequent flyer miles for the air.  Last year we went to Costa Rica and loved it, but want to try somewhere else. WE are flying out of New York and would like to stay within 5 hours of flight time. Everything either appears to be sold out or too expensive. Any recommendations? Thanks, Michelle

Michelle, I have been going to Belize for the last few years. Lots of eco/jungle stuff on the mainland, jungle rivers and Maya ruins. Life on the islands/cayes is very nice. Fishing, snorkeling, scuba, boating and sight seeing is great. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

Response:

The Dominican Republic.  It should fit nicely into your budget and that would be for an all-inclusive resort.  We went to Paradise Beach Club in Puerto Plata a few years ago for $900. each. There are flights now directly into Punta Cana and there are specials on three resorts there for under to just above your budget; again for all inclusive resorts – all meals, drinks, activities. This year we went to Punta Cana and loved the beach there.  Had a wonderful vacation.  If you want specifics, e me directly. Kathy Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -My roomate and I want to go on a week long vacation sometime between 12/18 and 1/3 I want to be on a beach and outside of the US.  We’re flying out of NYC with a budget of approx $1100 each.  We may be able to use frequent flyer miles for the air.  Last year we went to Costa Rica and loved it, but want to try somewhere else. WE are flying out of New York and would like to stay within 5 hours of flight time. Everything either appears to be sold out or too expensive. Any recommendations? Thanks, Michelle

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My roomate and I want to go on a week long vacation sometime between 12/18 and  1/3 I want to be on a beach and outside of the US.  We’re flying out of NYC with a  budget of approx $1100 each.  We may be able to use frequent flyer miles for  the air.  Last year we went to Costa Rica and loved it, but want to try  somewhere else. WE are flying out of New York and would like to stay within 5 hours of flight  time. Everything either appears to be sold out or too expensive. Any recommendations? Thanks, Michelle

Have you looked at Cancun, Mexico. A few years ago we stayed at the Club Las Velas.  It was all-inclusive, under $1000. had real good entertainment and a young party mood crowd if that is what you like. The food was pretty good and the rooms were not fancy but clean.  They are not directly on the ocean but on  the canal and have a boat that takes you to a beach club. (They do have their own beach on the canal with kayaks, sailboats, snorkling)  There are a lot of other things to see in the area also. and you can hop a bus for 30 cents right in front of the hotel and go anywhere you want on the strip – shopping, beach, restaurants, clubs, other hotels.  We also felt very safe there as it is geared to the tourist.  Check with your travel agents.  Marianne — Visit "The Grand Isle Connection" http://www.GrandIsle.together.com

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My roomate and I want to go on a week long vacation sometime between 12/18 and 1/3 I want to be on a beach and outside of the US.  We’re flying out of NYC with a budget of approx $1100 each.  We may be able to use frequent flyer miles for the air.  Last year we went to Costa Rica and loved it, but want to try somewhere else. WE are flying out of New York and would like to stay within 5 hours of flight time. Everything either appears to be sold out or too expensive. Any recommendations? Thanks, Michelle

If you look at our BVI pages, below, you’ll see our preferences If you check with the major bareboat outfits, you might find an all-inclusive trip within your budget. They usually have a by-the-cabin charter running with one of their professional captains for a very reasonable price. Trouble is that you’re going during the absolute peak of the Caribbean season, but if you can swing it, all your land-based vacations will fade into a hazy memory. On my 4th trip, I introduced Pat to the BVI starting with 5 days onshore. Knowing the area, we hit all the good spots and she opined that it was up amongst her best vacations ever (and she’s got some good experience.) She Seemed a little sad as we prepared to take posession of our home for the next 8 days, leaving the shore behind. Two days later, her mind was completely and utterly blown. The time onshore had not prepared her for the intensity of sensations she experienced; anchoring for the night in a perfect little cove on a nearly deserted island. Waking up and sailing a short distance to The Baths and playing amongst boulders that seemed like a giant child’s blocks carelessly heaped an the shore; snorkling through virtual clouds of fish while examining coral (that she soon found out was not the most brilliant in the BVI). Then eating lunch and sailing into North Sound and the Bitter End Yacht Club, an upscale resort where they MUST rake the beach at least twice daily — not a cigarette butt to be found — and having dinner in those sumptous surroundings… And then it got better. And better. (44 days, 13 hours until we return….) — Jere Lull Xan-a-Deux — ‘73 Tanzer 28 #4 — out of Tolchester, MD Xan’s Pics & Specs:      http://www.dca.net/~jerelull/X-Main.html British Virgin Islands:  http://www.dca.net/~jerelull/BVI.html

Response:

Question:

Hello fisherman: I have a fresh water fishing bulletin board for posting any fresh water info you would like… my web site is FISHING… stop in, post some info at: http://www.clearlight.com/~tyrone… info welcome from any where in the world…. fly fishing also… fresh or saltwater..

Response:

Hello fisherman: I have a fresh water fishing bulletin board for posting any fresh water info you would like… my web site is FISHING… stop in, post some info at: http://www.clearlight.com/~tyrone… info welcome from any where in the world…. fly fishing also… fresh or saltwater..

I DID CHECK IT OUT.  NOTHING THRILLING!

Response:

Fish Location, Log, and Map Analysis Program. Helps locate fish and suggests places and baits. Add maps to your fishing log/diary! Log contains:   Fish type,                 Where caught ( Map to use )                 Time and date                 Temp. air and water at depth caught                 Weather front information                 Sky conditions                 Bait and Presentation                 Caught by                 Weight, Length, Girth                 Water clarity                 Water current                 Barometric readings Reports can sort and analyze all the above.  Reports can group, up to three, categories of the above in any combination. See data for all fish caught grouped by the lunar cycle caught, what the weather front information was, and the barometric conditions at the time! Plus hundreds more, all to your specs. Using your history, Fish Traker can look at any map entered into Fish Traker and show you where to look by matching your past history conditions and the time you intend to go out! Analyze maps by your successes not someone’s guesses. Great for tournament fishing! All maps and reports print to any graphics printer. FREE demo available by going to GO TO in the main menu and select Search Software Libraries.   Use ‘fishlite’ for the search key and select Search.  Down load the latest version.  Windows ‘95 and NT users do not need the WIN32s supporting DLLs.   The production release contains the WIN32s DLLs needed to run if you do need them or just Search for WIN32s in the Search function and download that also.  Unzip or copy the data to a disk and install Fish Traker from diskette. $29.95 + $2 S/H   Check/MO/ MasterCard/Visa accepted GB Software MS 1 Box 125 Oxford Junction, IA 52323 (319) 486 2277

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Question:

Could someone please post me detials of what this organisation does and how I can get hold of them internationally – 1800 numbers are no good to a New Zealander. Best Wishes Simon Simon Lusk Fly Fishing New Zealand on the WWW http://www-aghort.massey.ac.nz/flyfish/intro Department of Consumer Technology Massey University Palmerston North New Zealand

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Hi Simon The FFF’s moto is Conserving, Restoring, & Educating through Fly Fishing. Our main focus is on education, especially youth, and conservation.  To get information sent to you contact then at the following Compuserve email address: Good luck Al Beatty (former FFF President) BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT

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Could someone please post me detials of what this organisation does and how I can get hold of them internationally – 1800 numbers are no good to a New Zealander. Best Wishes Simon Lusk Fly Fishing New Zealand on the WWW http://www-aghort.massey.ac.nz/flyfish/intro Department of Consumer Technology Massey University Palmerston North New Zealand

Simon, the FFF has a Web site at <http://www.wsa.com/ool/fff.html.  The site gives a lot of information as well as offering a link for E-mail. The direct tele# in Bozeman, MT is 406-585-7592. I hope this helps.   —Catch & Release— To catch a fish is human,     To release it is divine!

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Question:

Sorry, got always an error message from the server, thats why I tried to send it several times!                          Thomas

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: <snip  I had a 7′ 3 wgt. T&T Paralite that : was the most beautiful rod I ever owned…. But it was useless… You : couldn’t shoot a #14 humpy with it… I couldn’t disagree more.  The paralite (my favorite rod) has a different action than most are used to, but it is perfectly capable of handling any sized dry (for trout, that is) and quite a few wieghted nymphs.  I use it often, even in slightly windy conditions.  It won’t, however, deliver larger flies into a stiff breeze- but then again, that’s not really what it was designed for.  And you’re absolutely correct about the beauty of the rod… best regards, Hans — "The worst monotonous drone coming from a lectern or the most eye-splitting textbook written in turgid English is nothing in comparison to the psychological Sahara that starts right in your bedroom and spurns the horizon."         -Joseph Brodsky, from "In praise of Boredom"          delivered as a commencement address at Dartmouth College. Hans T.H. Beernink, Department of Biochemistry, University of Vermont

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am interested in purchasing a new rod for fishing very tight, small, brushy streams with obstructions on sides and overhead.  I already own 3 rods ranging from 8′-9′ but these are all too long and heavy. I would like to buy a rod between a 2 and 4 weight in a 6-1/2′ to 7-1/2′ length.  After having broken the tip twice on my Sage LL rod, a definite must for this rod is a lifetime warranty or 25 year warranty that Orvis offers. I have looked at the Reddington 4wt 7-1/2′ which has a lifetime warranty but I know 20 years from now Orvis will still be here and they may not.  After reviewing all of the Orvis rods in these sizes it appears that the HLS One Ounce which is a 4wt. 7′ one ounce rod would be best although I am not sure I will like the cork-and-ring reel seat. Has anyone had any experience with the HLS One Ounce?  Or should I consider the Orvis Superfine 2wt. 6′6" One Ounce, 3wt 7′6" Tippet, or the 4wt 7′6" Brook Trout?  Any other rod lines I should look at that have a 25 year or more warranty?  Will I create much more water disturbance by going from a 2-3 weight line to a 4 weight where I will be approaching fish that are very wary?  Is there much difference in throwing a 3wt compared to a 4wt line into the wind on under 20-30′ casts? Thanks for your help in making the best decision possible.

I wouldn’t be afraid of the cork-and-ring reel seat, I have one on my Patridge rod and I have never had problems with it, it’s simpl= y more lightweigth.  To the Orvis rods: Personally i wouldn’t consider the 2weight, the rod is to swippy and has no backbone to cast a weighted nymph or=  cast in windy conds. The 3weight made from HLS graphite is nearly as good as the SAGE LL rod. Anyway: you don’t really feel a diffe= rence between a #3 and a #4 rod, except that the 3weight cast a little bit worse with more wind resistant or heavier flies or in win= dy conditions. I use a short 5weight (!) for nearly all my fishing and I don’t have the feeling to spook trout by serving a 5weight = line more than with the 3weight. The difference is that with that rod it is possible to cast even a very heavy weighted stonefly nym= ph on a heavy leader with lots of split shot without trouble, in contrast to a 3weight. You don’t have to worry about water disturba= nce, if you do, learn to serve the fly better, as I am trying (it works! I learned to serve a fly with a 5weight with nearly as litt= le disturbance as with a #3, it was worth it). Only in very shallow (about 1ft) and very slow and clear water I change to the 3weigh= t, where you don’t need heavy weigthed flys or leaders and the flies are tiny. Anyway: I don’t know how you wade, but most of the flyfishers I spoke to and which were worried about spooking a trout with a #5 lin= e spook the trout before they start to fish (with their 2 or 3weight rod) by incareful wading (so there was no problem to spook the = trout with a heavier line, they spooked them already! Most of these guys make more waterhiking and trout-spooking than flyfishing in= stead standing at one pool and fishing it carefully.). I don’t say, that you do it that way, but cosider the disadvantages of a too = light rod. Something can be evened out by a different (more careful) presentation and approach to a fish! A last point to consider: You can fight a fish faster with a rod with more backbone, which means that you increase the survival rate=  of a released trout (Don’t go under a 3weight! With kindest regards: The Trout). Hope that helps                     tight lines                                Thomas

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I am going to offer a dissenting opinion to most of the feedback you will likely get on your question.  I would not hit a dead dog in the butt with anything lighter that a 4 wgt. for small, tight stream work.  I believe a 5 wgt to be even better.  I have seen very few light (less than 4 wgt….) rods that are capable of punching a fly through brush and under a  hemlock bough that is only 18" off the water.  I had a 7′ 3 wgt. T&T Paralite that was the most beautiful rod I ever owned…. But it was useless… You couldn’t shoot a #14 humpy with it… I fish an Orvis Small Stream Special (7′ 5wgt) for this work… But I have also used the Orvis Rocky Mtn. Flea (6 1/2′ #4) and it is OK.  I like the 5 wgt better.  Eithr of these would be a good choice in my view…    

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I am interested in purchasing a new rod for fishing very tight, small, brushy streams with obstructions on sides and overhead.  I already own 3 rods ranging from 8′-9′ but these are all too long and heavy. I would like to buy a rod between a 2 and 4 weight in a 6-1/2′ to 7-1/2′ length.  After having broken the tip twice on my Sage LL rod, a definite must for this rod is a lifetime warranty or 25 year warranty that Orvis offers. I have looked at the Reddington 4wt 7-1/2′ which has a lifetime warranty but I know 20 years from now Orvis will still be here and they may not.  After reviewing all of the Orvis rods in these sizes it appears that the HLS One Ounce which is a 4wt. 7′ one ounce rod would be best although I am not sure I will like the cork-and-ring reel seat. Has anyone had any experience with the HLS One Ounce?  Or should I consider the Orvis Superfine 2wt. 6′6" One Ounce, 3wt 7′6" Tippet, or the 4wt 7′6" Brook Trout?  Any other rod lines I should look at that have a 25 year or more warranty?  Will I create much more water disturbance by going from a 2-3 weight line to a 4 weight where I will be approaching fish that are very wary?  Is there much difference in throwing a 3wt compared to a 4wt line into the wind on under 20-30′ casts? Thanks for your help in making the best decision possible.

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Question:

Does any organization or book publish a national or regional list of fishing outfitters (looking for all types, fly, deep sea, etc.)? Thanks in advance for your help. Dennis Galotti

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You will find some outfitters in Outdoors Online, this is a web site located at http://www.wsa.com/ool/ool1home.html… hope this helps FishNews (World of Fishing at www.fishingworld.com)

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Question:

Hi – I’ll be going to visit folks in Sarasota area in late Feb.  Thought I’d take 3 days or so to go to the Keys for FF’g.  Any info would be appreciated, re:    guides?    gear?    fish?    patterns? I have a 9′ #8 rod , & a #8 line w/ sink tip.  Adequate? As I don’t have any set destination in mind, I’m open to any suggestions, heading out of Sarasota.  Thanks, Adam

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Hi – I’ll be going to visit folks in Sarasota area in late Feb.  Thought I’d take 3 days or so to go to the Keys for FF’g.  Any info would be appreciated, re:

Here is some old posts that I sent to another fellow planning a trip to the Keys in Feb. I probably need to work up a bonefish/keys FAQ… Have fun, and mail me if you have further questions…  Alan Barrow  km4ba         | If a little knowledge….. As if Santa wasn’t good enough to me, I found out that I have business in Ft. Lauderdale in January. It looks like a two hour drive down to the end of the Florida peninsula according to my atlas, and I plan on scamming a couple of extra days to cast for bonefish.

I would allow a little extra time, it can take longer depending on traffic. The only way in or out of the keys is US-1, and it is mostly 2 lane for miles. (You can take card sound road for a nice alternate route coming back. About the same time, and you see a different part of N Key Largo.) I am a steelheader from Seattle who knows NOTHING< about bonefish except that my 8wt rpl will work, and the flies under the heading "bonefish" are small shrimpy weighted flies.

You ought to be ok, use as much of a WF line as you have. Make sure you have as much backing as your reel will hold. Nevertheless, the thought of ‘wading the flats’ wearing shorts in January is too much to resist for someone from latitude 47.

And you can do it, you just have to be a bit trickier during winter time. The bonefish are still there, they just will not come onto the flats until the water warms up. I would plan on fishing mid-day if the night time temp is below 70. The flats will be too cold in the AM, but will warm up. I am groveling for information! (fishing dates: Jan 14th – 16th)

Here are some posts I have made earlier. Not all will be relevant, but most info should be useful. I grew up down there, and spend 2-3 weeks a year flats fishing in the upper Keys. My brother works in Key Largo and Key West about half of the time, and he gets me current fishing reports. Both he and I have flats boats, and are into flyfishing for bonefish and tarpon. Have fun! Call me if you have questions… 404/850-2644  Alan Barrow  km4ba         | If a little knowledge….. Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing Some friends and I, serious fly fisherman all, are thinking about going to the Florida Keys to do some bonefishing (and maybe tarpon, permit, etc.)  this winter.  Never having done this before, I have scads of questions: * Is end of December/beginning of January a good time?

Bones are there year round. They will not come up onto the flats if the water temp is too cold. Also wind is more likely, and impacts the number of "fishable" (sight fishing) days. However, the largest bonefish are usually caught in winter. I have hooked (not landed) very big bonefish during XMAS trips last year. Tarpon migrate, and are not in the Keys in large quantities until May/June. There are year round Tarpon spots in the Keys ( and Miami) but it is usually deep water. (Bridges/channels, etc) I consider June/July the best time all around for fishing in the Keys. I still fish year all seasons, because even "off season" the fishing is better than most places I know. But for fly fisherman, winter may be less desirable. Redfish are available year round, as are sharks and barracudas. Many fly types are sight fishing for big ‘Cudas during winter when it the flats are too cold for bonefish. * Where are the good spots in the keys?  Should we try Grand Bahama or  Belize instead?

My conclusion is that if you want numbers and lot’s of action, hit the bahamas, Christmas Island (near Hawaii), or costa rica. However, If you want big fish on a regular basis, Miami down to Marathon for bonefish is hard to beat. For Tarpon, Boca Grande pass in June is fantastic. Not the same as sight fishing the flats edges for tarpon in the Keys, but killer in a different fashion. Tarpon are all around florida mid year, so there are many good places for them. The keys are ideal due to: Big Bonefish, good tarpon, great Permit, OK redfish, great trout, great dolphin close in (the fish). The water is great for sight fishing in the Keys. Other parts of Fla are less "clear". The Bahamas are tough to beat in water clarity. * Know any good guides/outfitters?

I have not used a guide for 3 years, but recommend using one until you become proficient in finding fish yourself. Even then, guides will put you onto more fish. * Will I need my own equipment or can I rent?

I have not seen much rental equipment. If you have a guide, he will provide top notch equipment. I hope you have a good time! Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing I will be on Islamorada from February 10-17 of this year.  I plan to do some inshore fishing, and am wondering if this is a particularly "hot" time for specific fish. Can anyone give me some help? I’ll be

Entirely dependant on water temperature. (Wind may also be an issue) Some of the largest bonefish are caught in "winter" (dec-feb). You may also go all day without seeing a fish on a flat. A guide is a big win here. They may know when/where fish may make an appearence. We have found that "normal" behavior does not apply. (normal for bonefish is: fish move on flat with low incoming tide.) Problem is that with colder water temp, at may be midday before the water warms up enough. Thus traditional early morning/late evening "best times" may not apply. Barracuda are found (and fished for) on the flats in the winter. Any other time, these guys are almost impossible to catch. (Except when a big bonefish is about to nail your shrimp/lure) Also sharks on the flats can be fun. Tarpon are pretty much somewhere else, except for a few "bridge" types that hang around year round. Redfish and trout in the backcountry (Fla Bay, as opposed to the Atlantic) should also be a good option. (Not as exciting as bonefish, but still pretty good) I believe offshore is pretty good this time of year. (Sailfish, grouper, Kings, snapper, etc) out for a full day, and would like to spend about half the day fishing purely for sport (i.e. tarpon, bonefish, maybe permit) and half the day fishing for something I can cook up afterwards. Is this possible?

Bonefish or permit then hit backcountry for redfish or trout. I have limited out on big trout within 30 min skiff ride from Islamorada. (By the way, you will be "in" Islamorada, the city. You will be "on" upper or lower matacumbe. Just a "nit" :- ) Any suggestions would be appreciated. I’d like to call up and reserve a guide ahead of time.

We had good luck with Jamie Brodie, who booked out of Holiday Isle. I could get other names from Fla Sportsman if needed. Secondly, since I can’t afford a guide every day I’m there, but would like to do some fishing most of the days I’m there, I’m wondering if anyone can give me advice about wading/shore fishing. I’ll cast for

This is how we got started. Harry Harris park up in key largo (20 min N of Islamorada) is a good flat to wade for bonefish. Also flats off the bridges at shell and indian key ( Just S of Islamorada. ) are good. If you see brown bottom that you can get too from your hotel, etc. I would give it a try. Wear tennis shoes, or booties. (I use "aquasox" as well) Be aware of stingrays. (Some say to shuffle. I do if I cannot see the bottom very clearly. I have found if the bottom is hard enough to wade, the stingrays do not bury themselves. They are also very spooky, and will avoid you.) Also bridge fishing all along that area is good. You can also rent a boat. (not cheap, but cheaper than a guide.) Plan on using it mainly to get too flats. Do not try to take it on the flats, as you will get stuck unless it is very high tide. You will not have a pole anyway. Even with our flat’s boats, we wade alot. (during low tide) anything, I just don’t know what’s there to cast to, or what to cast to whatever is there (to state a simple point in a fairly unruly way).

On the flats you will see:         stingrays- do not try to catch them. Look for bonefish/jack         following them. try to cast on the back of any stingray you see.         Many times you will not see the fish following them. Best sign         that bonefish are on the flats. Stingrays are your friend.         Bonefish- swim most in straight lines. best case is to find them         tailing in low water. (why wading is good). You may see one or a         dozen. Very spooky. Cast in front of them, let them swim up on         your lure/bait.         Permit- The most spooky. look for "sickle" fin sticking out of         water.         Baracuda- usually loitering around. Moving very slowly, then         disappears faster than your eye can follow. If you see a fish,         and it does not move 5-10 feet in a few seconds, then it is probably         a barracuda. cast past it 10 feet in front of it. reel as fast         as you can. They strike instinctively.         Jack- Usually you do not see them, but catch them by accident.         can get pretty big, fights almost as good as a bonefish. (Just         missing the

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Question:

Does anyone know?

(if the fishing is good) D.P.  

I have not been to Bright Angel campground in about 10 years, and when I was there, did not fish, but… There were tremendous numbers of large trout to be seen!  Anyone with a rod down there did very well.  One co-worker said it was kind of a pain, you caught a trout on every cast, no matter what you did! Ron

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I have fished Bright Angel Creek, working my way up from the campground a mile or so. I caught a 14" brookie and a 17" rainbow in about a half hour. One was on a Gold-ribbed Hare’s Ear and the other was on a  weighted "Ted Fay" Yellow jacket pattern. Look for places where the current sweeps under the rocks.  Cast well upstream so the fly can sink and be swept down under. Few people flyfish – most use lures or Salmon egges.  You will out fish them I guarantee. Big fish can be seen jumping in the main river but every time I’ve been there the clarity was so limited I stayed in the clear creek. Good luck! May the wild fish live to spawn, and may the brood of their progeny break the tippets of our grandchildren!

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   Hey, go and take your gear. Different times of the year will bring different conditions. During Aug and Sept when the canyon gets it’s heaviest rain fall, it might not be too great but any other time you might get a wonderful surprise!    We fished from the put in at Lee’s Ferry for about five days downstream before the river got too murky, from storms, to do any good. The main river will produce two to ten pound trout which I have seen! We ate a few.    Very few of the rafters fish, or even carry the gear to fish. This is due to limited space, especially for something as long and fragile as a flyrod. Or fear of loss due to flipping.      I have not hear that bio-degradeable soaps had any effect on the fishery of anystream any kind of usage such as the Colorado. The fish are voracious and will hit just about anything you put   good luck! and great hike!!                 -t                                     =8^)

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Hey, go and take your gear. Different times of the year will bring different conditions. During Aug and Sept when the canyon gets it’s heaviest rain fall, it might not be too great but any other time you might get a wonderful surprise!

Thanks, for the tip, hopefully I’ll have some fish stories to tell when I return. D.P.

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You might as well enjoy the trip, because the AZ dept of Game and Fish is being pressured to remove all bag limits on trout in the Canyon, possibly starting next year.  There and elsewhere in the state, trout (except Apache and Gila) are being treated by the federal courts as the enemy of native species, even though most of the ecosystems in which trout have taken home — the Canyon is an obvious example — have been permanently transformed from what they were when squawfish and humpbacks ruled the waves.  For the next few years, the trout fishery at Lees Ferry will be unaffected by the squawfish regulations, and AzGF thinks it might even improve if the releases through Glen Canyon Dam are a couple degress warmer.  On the other hand, the Bureau of Reclamation is talking about blasting a 50,000 (yeah, 5 K) cfs release through Glen Canyon Dam in March or April 1995, just to see what it will do for beaches, etc in the Grand Canyon.  Whatever it does to those beaches, it will blast the hell out of the barely restored fishery at the Ferry. -bruce pencek

: Hey, go and take your gear. Different times of the year will : bring different conditions. During Aug and Sept when the canyon : gets it’s heaviest rain fall, it might not be too great but : any other time you might get a wonderful surprise! : Thanks, for the tip, hopefully I’ll have some fish stories to tell when I : return. — Political Science, Box 455029    ~  as eternal salvation — come by grace and University of Nevada, Las Vegas  ~   grace comes by art and art does not come Las Vegas, NV  89154-5029        ~   easy."                 — Norman Maclean

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Pencek) writes: On the other hand, the Bureau of Reclamation is talking about blasting a 50,000 (yeah, 5 K) cfs release through Glen Canyon Dam in March or April 1995, just to see what it will do for beaches, etc in the Grand Canyon.  Whatever it does to those beaches, it will blast the hell out of the barely restored fishery at the Ferry.

Ah, the glory of government, it certainly is dumbfounding how these thought processes come about, and we pay for them. D.P.

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Does anyone know? I’m planning a hiking/camping  tripfor a two night stay at the bottom of the Grand Canyon in October and was wondering if it would be worth while to carry the weight of the fly fishing gear.  I would be at Bright Angel Creek and the Colorado River.  Is the fishing there any good, or have all the fish been killed or spooked by all the rafters.  I’ve also heard that the high concentration of bio-degradable soap from all the campers has done a number on the fish, is this true? If the fishing is worthwhile what sort of line/leader/flies should I bring?   And advice would be appreciated. Thank You D.P.  

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