Question:

My e-mail address here is manipulated, but if you have no objections, I would e-mail you directly with my address. I would be most interested in seeing the pictures.

Sure, use the address in this post, Peter.

Response:

Thanks again for the info,   You obviously know a lot about antique rods. I will take your advice and show the rod to some "antique tackle dealers".  My best option is to make some pictures and send them over the internet as there are not many such dealers where I live (France, near the border to Geneva, Switzerland). If you are interested I’ll post the pictures to the alt.binaries… group as well (I’d like to hear what you think after seeing it) Tight lines, Peter.

Well, I know a little, not really a lot, and my knowledge is based more on the techniques and materials used in building rods, and a little fly-fishing history, than on any great experience in handling antique examples. I am unfortunately unable to see ABPF. I had it for a little while, on a public server, but it was extremely flaky, and now seems to have failed altogether. I would be interested in learning what the dealers you contact eventually say. Just to see if my guess is correct. My e-mail address here is manipulated, but if you have no objections, I would e-mail you directly with my address. I would be most interested in seeing the pictures. TL MC

Response:

Thanks again for the info,   You obviously know a lot about antique rods. I will take your advice and show the rod to some "antique tackle dealers".  My best option is to make some pictures and send them over the internet as there are not many such dealers where I live (France, near the border to Geneva, Switzerland). If you are interested I’ll post the pictures to the alt.binaries… group as well (I’d like to hear what you think after seeing it) Tight lines, Peter. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Thanks for the replies,   I suppose that "greenheart" is some kind of wood other than cane. In fact, it did not look like a splitcane rod at all; no visible joint glued parts, it rather looks like one solid piece of wood. Peter.  If it is completely round, this is usually a sign that it is either greenheart, lancewood, or similar.  These are tropical woods which were used a lot for rodmaking before the advent and general use of split-cane constructions.  Some rods made of these woods  had decorative wrappings, although these served no useful purpose. Non-visible joints are not necessarily a sign that it is not cane. Cane constructions are usually hexagonal in cross-section, there are also other forms extant, but these will also usually be obvious polygons of some nature. It is also possible that the rod is whole cane, but this is unlikely. Wrappings on cane were not simply decorative, but were also used as reinforcement, and in some case some makers were of the opinion that such wrappings could stiffen a rod. Such a rod might be very valuable indeed to a collector. It is more or less essential that you obtain opinions from a couple of good antique tackle dealers. TL MC

Response:

Thanks for the replies,   I suppose that "greenheart" is some kind of wood other than cane. In fact, it did not look like a splitcane rod at all; no visible joint glued parts, it rather looks like one solid piece of wood. Peter.

 If it is completely round, this is usually a sign that it is either greenheart, lancewood, or similar.  These are tropical woods which were used a lot for rodmaking before the advent and general use of split-cane constructions.  Some rods made of these woods  had decorative wrappings, although these served no useful purpose. Non-visible joints are not necessarily a sign that it is not cane. Cane constructions are usually hexagonal in cross-section, there are also other forms extant, but these will also usually be obvious polygons of some nature. It is also possible that the rod is whole cane, but this is unlikely. Wrappings on cane were not simply decorative, but were also used as reinforcement, and in some case some makers were of the opinion that such wrappings could stiffen a rod. Such a rod might be very valuable indeed to a collector. It is more or less essential that you obtain opinions from a couple of good antique tackle dealers. TL MC

Response:

Thanks for the replies,   I suppose that "greenheart" is some kind of wood other than cane. In fact, it did not look like a splitcane rod at all; no visible joint glued parts, it rather looks like one solid piece of wood. Peter. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi all,   I was at a friends house the other night and he showed me an old wooden rod that he received many years ago. The rod is marked "Geo Wilkins & Son LTD Redditch". It is a four piece rod including two top sections. It is a dark brown round wood and it has a number of colored wraps from top to bottom. It doesn’t look as if it has been used much (or at all) Does anybody out there know if this rod has any value either for fishing or for a collector? Cheers, Peter. I have seen one rod from this firm before. It was a cane two piece rod about 9 feet. It was sold for fifty pounds at auction, but this was quite some time ago now. Prices for some of these things have become rather silly nowadays. You don

Question:

Bob: <<I’ve been flyfishing a small gravel pond lake for bass and walleyes for a couple of years now. Everyday is different. Somedays, the largemouths are eager eaters, other days they won’t take anything. One technique I’ve been using with alot of success is to get into a rowboat and let the wind drift me across the lake…fly on a sinking line trolling at the wind’s speed. Surprisingly, alot of bass take the fly. Yesterday at sun’s zenith, I stopped my drift and anchored in a spot where I thought some fat perch or walleyes might be hanging out. I cast the fast sink line with a red and brown glass-bead streamer about seventy feet out and let it sink to the bottom. A few quick jigs, and the old lady of the lake, the one I had heard about, ate. She took line and bent the 6 wgt. GLoomis so the tip was touching the water. She was old and she was beautiful. Bob E. George? Dave LaCourse

Response:

Dave, No George anywhere near here. Just Bob, bobbing around Gravel Ponds Lake near Rochester, NY. Bob E.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Bob: <<I’ve been flyfishing a small gravel pond lake for bass and walleyes for a couple of years now. Everyday is different. Somedays, the largemouths are eager eaters, other days they won’t take anything. One technique I’ve been using with alot of success is to get into a rowboat and let the wind drift me across the lake…fly on a sinking line trolling at the wind’s speed. Surprisingly, alot of bass take the fly. Yesterday at sun’s zenith, I stopped my drift and anchored in a spot where I thought some fat perch or walleyes might be hanging out. I cast the fast sink line with a red and brown glass-bead streamer about seventy feet out and let it sink to the bottom. A few quick jigs, and the old lady of the lake, the one I had heard about, ate. She took line and bent the 6 wgt. GLoomis so the tip was touching the water. She was old and she was beautiful. Bob E. George? Dave LaCourse

Response:

Bob: <<No George anywhere near here. Just Bob, bobbing around Gravel Ponds Lake near Rochester, NY. Ahhhh, Rochester, NY.  Home of J.W. Dundee’s Honey Brown and other fine elixirs.  Not too far away from where Sleeman’s is brewed.   Dave L.

Response:

Dave, So many brews around here it makes the mind boggle. Bob E.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Bob: <<No George anywhere near here. Just Bob, bobbing around Gravel Ponds Lake near Rochester, NY. Ahhhh, Rochester, NY.  Home of J.W. Dundee’s Honey Brown and other fine elixirs.  Not too far away from where Sleeman’s is brewed. Dave L.

Response:

Speaking of Dundee’s Honey Brown: Though it’s a mere lager, it’s a damned tasty one, and I confess that I’ve developed quite a jag for that stuff. And frankly speaking (Peter: avert thine eyes) prefer it to both of the Sleeman’s brews that – while very pleasant indeed and very much appreciated – lack the punch of the Dundee’s… There. I said it. I’ve been holding that back for weeks, but now it’s out there. /daytripper (sipping a Honey Brown even as I type this ;^)

        confession, tripper, is good for the soul.         wayno

Response:

Ahhhh, Rochester, NY.  Home of J.W. Dundee’s Honey Brown and other fine elixirs.  Not too far away from where Sleeman’s is brewed.

Speaking of Dundee’s Honey Brown: Though it’s a mere lager, it’s a damned tasty one, and I confess that I’ve developed quite a jag for that stuff. And frankly speaking (Peter: avert thine eyes) prefer it to both of the Sleeman’s brews that – while very pleasant indeed and very much appreciated – lack the punch of the Dundee’s… There. I said it. I’ve been holding that back for weeks, but now it’s out there. /daytripper (sipping a Honey Brown even as I type this ;^)

Response:

You are fortunate indeed, Tripper, that Peter is on holiday.  But there are other Sleeman’s afficianados around here to whom you will have to answer on judgment day, which will come sooner than you might think. Mark Faulkner – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And frankly speaking (Peter: avert thine eyes) prefer it to both of the Sleeman’s brews that – while very pleasant indeed and very much appreciated – lack the punch of the Dundee’s… There. I said it. I’ve been holding that back for weeks, but now it’s out there. /daytripper (sipping a Honey Brown even as I type this ;^)

Response:

You are fortunate indeed, Tripper, that Peter is on holiday.  But there are other Sleeman’s afficianados around here to whom you will have to answer on judgment day, which will come sooner than you might think.

Yup, I reckon that I’ll have drawn the wrath of many sudsy souls hereabouts. Wouldn’t be the first time (and prolly won’t be the last ;^) As American politics points out repeatedly, the majority is often more wrong than right… Still…Dundee’s is an excellent substitute for the even hardier brews that I favor but that require a trip to the local pub to obtain. So I tip my second Honey Brown to you reprobates that drink beer from clear glass bottles. You know not what you do… /daytripper (hic!)

Response:

confession, tripper, is good for the soul. wayno

And beer is good for the kidneys ! But not if you hold it back for weeks ! I can not eat but little meat, my stomach is not good, but sure I think that I can drink, as much as any would, Let the back and the sides go bare me boys, let the hands and the feet grow cold, but give to the belly good ale enough, whether it be new or old ! TL MC

Response:

Mark Faulkner writes:

<<You are fortunate indeed, Tripper, that Peter is on holiday.  But there are other Sleeman’s afficianados around here to whom you will have to answer on judgment day, which will come sooner than you might think. Mark Faulkner Peter is on holiday and will spend the evening of the 6th with Jo and me.  I *know* he wouldn’t show up without any Sleeman’s, but whether or not I can make it to the fall ball with it is quite another thing.  Oh, yeah, I forgot.  I found *three* of the little devils in the fridge today.  Musta forgot about ‘em. There be only one left.  Come on August 6th……. You want I should bring some Dundee’s HBs to NC in October? Dave LaCourse

Response:

Well, you guys are making me homesick.  I was born in Rochester and grew up in Webster, Warsaw, Corning, Hornell and finally in Penn Yan, NY on Keuka Lake. For the past nineteen years I’ve been in the Navy, and recently my flies have been seeking fish in the warm tidal rivers, creeks and lakes of Hampton Roads, Virginia where we catch some real nice large mouth bass, Perch, Bluegills and such.  All great fun, but still not the same as our more Northern aquatic friends.  Anyhow, it’s good to hear the stories from back home, I’ll be back there in another year or so.  Take care all, and good fishing! Butch

Response:

Not so bad in my book, snagger.  Those bass can be outstanding on a fly rod, and the bluegills and perch are tasty indeed. Mark Faulkner – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, you guys are making me homesick.  I was born in Rochester and grew up in Webster, Warsaw, Corning, Hornell and finally in Penn Yan, NY on Keuka Lake. For the past nineteen years I’ve been in the Navy, and recently my flies have been seeking fish in the warm tidal rivers, creeks and lakes of Hampton Roads, Virginia where we catch some real nice large mouth bass, Perch, Bluegills and such.  All great fun, but still not the same as our more Northern aquatic friends.  Anyhow, it’s good to hear the stories from back home, I’ll be back there in another year or so.  Take care all, and good fishing! Butch

Response:

Butch writes:

<<Well, you guys are making me homesick.  I was born in Rochester and grew up in Webster, Warsaw, Corning, Hornell and finally in Penn Yan, NY on Keuka Lake. For the past nineteen years I’ve been in the Navy, and recently my flies have been seeking fish in the warm tidal rivers, creeks and lakes of Hampton Roads, Virginia where we catch some real nice large mouth bass, Perch, Bluegills and such.  All great fun, but still not the same as our more Northern aquatic friends.  Anyhow, it’s good to hear the stories from back home, I’ll be back there in another year or so.  Take care all, and good fishing! Welcome aboard, DeepSnag.  I retired from  Mother Nav in 1975.  There are other retirees in ROFF, and Tom Brown, a regular ROFF poster, has a son on USS Nicholas FFG47.  You’re with family.  ’Course, we got lots of no-account lawyers and folks with "edu" in their address, but as a whole, they’re pretty neat. They’re worth going fishing with, anyway.  Let’s hear more from you. Dave LaCourse, USN (Ret)

Response:

Well, you guys are making me homesick.  I was born in Rochester and grew up in Webster, Warsaw, Corning, Hornell and finally in Penn Yan, NY on Keuka Lake. For the past nineteen years I’ve been in the Navy, and recently my flies have been seeking fish in the warm tidal rivers, creeks and lakes of Hampton Roads, Virginia where we catch some real nice large mouth bass, Perch, Bluegills and such.  All great fun, but still not the same as our more Northern aquatic friends.  Anyhow, it’s good to hear the stories from back home, I’ll be back there in another year or so.  Take care all, and good fishing! Butch

Congratulations DeepSnag for sticking it out with the USN. I still remember the anticipation of counting down the years, months and days till retirement. Nothing like it. Best decision I ever made. Don’t know about you but my 20 yrs went by really fast. Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF RETIRED

Response:

Welcome aboard, DeepSnag.  I retired from  Mother Nav in 1975.  There are other retirees in ROFF, and Tom Brown, a regular ROFF poster, has a son on USS Nicholas FFG47.  You’re with family.  ’Course, we got lots of no-account lawyers and folks with "edu" in their address, but as a whole, they’re pretty neat. They’re worth going fishing with, anyway.  Let’s hear more from you. Dave LaCourse, USN (Ret)

I’ll have to put in a plug for my son here…Navy Chaplain serving aboard the USS Rainier out of Bremerton, WA. I’m proud of this guy and wish he was geographically closer. He has plans to stay…another 7 yrs to retirement. Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF RETIRED

Response:

I’ve been flyfishing a small gravel pond lake for bass and walleyes for a couple of years now. Everyday is different. Somedays, the largemouths are eager eaters, other days they won’t take anything. One technique I’ve been using with alot of success is to get into a rowboat and let the wind drift me across the lake…fly on a sinking line trolling at the wind’s speed. Surprisingly, alot of bass take the fly. Yesterday at sun’s zenith, I stopped my drift and anchored in a spot where I thought some fat perch or walleyes might be hanging out. I cast the fast sink line with a red and brown glass-bead streamer about seventy feet out and let it sink to the bottom. A few quick jigs, and the old lady of the lake, the one I had heard about, ate. She took line and bent the 6 wgt. GLoomis so the tip was touching the water. She was old and she was beautiful. Bob E.

Response:

Frank Church writes:

<<I’ll have to put in a plug for my son here…Navy Chaplain serving aboard the USS Rainier out of Bremerton, WA. I’m proud of this guy and wish he was geographically closer. He has plans to stay…another 7 yrs to retirement. Hey, congratulations, Frank.  I can imagine how  very proud you are of him.  The Rainier is an oiler (AOE), so I bet he is at sea a lot.  Does he also FF? Dave LaCourse

Response:

Frank Church writes: <<I’ll have to put in a plug for my son here…Navy Chaplain serving aboard the USS Rainier out of Bremerton, WA. I’m proud of this guy and wish he was geographically closer. He has plans to stay…another 7 yrs to retirement. Hey, congratulations, Frank.  I can imagine how  very proud you are of him.  The Rainier is an oiler (AOE), so I bet he is at sea a lot.  Does he also FF? Dave LaCourse

his third or 4th one. The assignment he liked best was being attached to the USMC as unit chaplain at Camp Lejuene..he got out there and humped on the marches and hikes with the grunts. On his way (with family) to Naples (?) for 3 yrs in Jan.  His job will be to travel all over Europe, sort of a military circuit rider. Man, am I jealous! Afraid he doesn’t FF…his avocation and vocation take up all his time and right now he has no interest in fishing of any kind. Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF RETIRED

Response:

[deleted] So I tip my second Honey Brown to you reprobates that drink beer from clear glass bottles. You know not what you do…

[deleted] Honey in beer ! Egads man…have you no taste ?!?!?! Honey belongs on peanut butter sandwiches, not in beer. Your pal, — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

Response:

[deleted] So I tip my second Honey Brown to you reprobates that drink beer from clear glass bottles. You know not what you do… Honey in beer ! Egads man…have you no taste ?!?!?! Honey belongs on peanut butter sandwiches, not in beer.

Ah, if you only had a clue, Tim… /daytripper (tonite, it’s Concord Pale Ale, fresh from the brewery. Yummy!)

Response:

Question:

Why thank you kindly gents.

(another sonnet snipped) Mike:  you’re most welcome. Your literary skills are most welcome here, and always appreciated.   Mark Faulkner

Response:

A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him. — Ernie Harrison

Response:

A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him. — Ernie Harrison

my apologies but I drink Grant’s. I’ll hoist one for Mike tonight. Not hard to persuade me eh? Ralph H "I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams." – Hamlet

Response:

A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him.

He is so good in fact that I was thinking that he’s like an ‘online poetry synthesis machine’. ….I was wondering if he could not charge people to make poetry out of whatever they like. …he could have an interactive web site. "RhymeTime" …and since people could log in and get instant prose it could be. "Real-Time RhymeTime" You go Mike. — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him. He is so good in fact that I was thinking that he’s like an ‘online poetry synthesis machine’. ….I was wondering if he could not charge people to make poetry out of whatever they like. …he could have an interactive web site. "RhymeTime" …and since people could log in and get instant prose it could be. "Real-Time RhymeTime" You go Mike. — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

I agree Timbo…..in fact, as I offer my salud later today, I’ll know that we are very lucky to have Mike here at ROFF and be blessed with his style and wit. –Wataugan "is it 4pm yet?" Walt

Response:

Why thank you kindly gents. Glad you find the rhymes pleasing, or even perhaps a bit teasing, I hope they amuse, and are not too abstruse, and keep you constantly wheezing ! I raise my glass here too, it couldnt be done without you, for a rhyme or two, you give me the cue, and sometimes even a few ! So here is my return toast, to the stalwart ROFFIAN host, cheers ! Good health, long life and wealth, to you all,  but the drinkers the most ! Tight lines ! Mike Connor

Response:

(timbo’s post snipped) I agree Timbo…..in fact, as I offer my salud later today, I’ll know that we are very lucky to have Mike here at ROFF and be blessed with his style and wit. –Wataugan "is it 4pm yet?" Walt

        as a matter of fact, i think he’s so *damn* good that i intend to toast him at least five or six times before 10 pm.  by 8:15 he will be runnin line for line with robert frost.  and saturday night, he’ll be neck and neck with w. shakespeare hissownself! wayno, always willing to recognize talent – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

I agree Timbo…..in fact, as I offer my salud later today, I’ll know that we are very lucky to have Mike here at ROFF and be blessed with his style and wit.

(ahem) 5pm! It’s time to reboot, Scrolling away, ROFF’s always a hoot! Tho’ when I click onto Connor, It’s always an honor, That everything else said is moot. Tony Ritter www.gonefishing-gs.com

Response:

A couple of generations advance over the old ‘bot eh? Ralph H

Very good Ralph. –Wataugan "love a good touche" Walt

Response:

A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him. He is so good in fact that I was thinking that he’s like an ‘online poetry synthesis machine’.

 A couple of generations advance over the old ‘bot eh? Ralph H "I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams." – Hamlet

Response:

_______ Can’t begin to tell you how much more I like that fly fishing handle of "T-Bone" much better?! There is no other name that explains you better.  Salt of the earth.  Western Bone Bred, and bad ass on the stream.

Question:

Several flyfishing folks in the Northeast Texas area are interested in organizing a FF club and  have ‘kinda’ elected me to put it together.  If anyone has any experience in organizing or even being a member in a FF club I could use some (all) of your guidance.  We would like to have it somewhere between a beer bust in the back yard and formal reading of the minutes etc. Thanks for any help! Knack Whitehouse, TX

Response:

Several flyfishing folks in the Northeast Texas area are interested in organizing a FF club and have ‘kinda’ elected me to put it together.  If anyone has any experience in organizing or even being a member in a FF club I could use some (all) of your guidance.  We would like to have it somewhere between a beer bust in the back yard and formal reading of the minutes etc. Thanks for any help! Knack Whitehouse, TX

Hi Knack Contact the Federation of Fly Fishers at 800-618-0808 and ask for their "Forming a Club" literature.  The information is straight forward and easy to follow. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response:

Southern council of FFF (includes TX) has a web site: http://www.sky.net/~flyfish/ There are several small/local clubs affiliated with FFF. I don’t know the economics of the affiliation, but there might be something for you there. John Nesselrode Shawnee, KS

Response:

Question:

keen english fly fisher visiting san francisco third week febuary enjoy both fresh and salt water need advice      please re — |                                          |

Response:

A countryman of yours runs a shop on Geary St. out around 10th Avenue, I think its called SF Flyfishers Exchange.  Very nice guy, and I’m sure he’d be of great assistance.  The Flyfishing stretch of Putah Creek is open, just below the Lake Berryessa Dam, about 1 hour north of SF.  Steelhead may be good in the north coast streams, Russian River, Smith, Gualala, Eel, but that will really depend on the weather.  Call shop when you get here, and check out the No Cal Report on this news group.–Crashjibe

Shop in question is SF Flyfishers Supply, located on Clement St. between 25th and 26th Ave. (1 Block north (?) of Geary St). Stephen Haggard/Doug Matteo owners (Haggard is the one from England) you can call them at (415) 668-3597

Response:

Question:

   Does anyone have any experience fly fishing for Coho salmon in streams feeding Lake Ontario? I’m looking for info on what flies to try…maybe what streams have been productive (From the Ganaraska eastward)

Fly pattern matters much less than being able (1) to locate a fish and then (2) present fly on the fish’s own level, usually at bottom.  While cruising in rivermouth lagoons they will aggressively hit any stramer: when resting on bottom, you will probably need lead to get deep enough. But locating fish remains #1 (take Polaroids and avoid disturbed water.) For flies, you need only a streamer made with genuine Polar Bear (e.g. Parma belle.), a big nymph e.g. Hexagenia, and an egg fly (or pompon.) — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

   Does anyone have any experience fly fishing for Coho salmon in streams feeding Lake Ontario? I’m looking for info on what flies to try…maybe what streams have been productive (From the Ganaraska eastward) Thanks in advance. ttyl

Response:

Question:

I took up fly fishing last summer, during a trip to Newfoundland, and now the family can’t imagine any other kind of fishing. I have a few questions. Lot’s of places we fish seem to have tons of mosquitos.  Why are there so few flies that look like mosquitos (or am I missing something). In Lappland this summer, I got something called a "musta polar tohtori" (black polar doctor), which looked a bit like a mosquito, but there don’t seem to be many.  Do fish not like mosquitoes?  My wife’s theory is to the effect that mosquitoes are so common that fish are bored with them, and would rather go for something more unusual and tasty. The second question:  We took our fly rods to Finnish Lappland this summer (around Kilpisjarvi), but had no luck in the lakes around there, nor around Yllas either.  We tried muddler minnows, dry flies, streamers, wet flies, and good good at casting, but didn’t pick up anything (though some of the lakes are stocked with char).  It was fun anyway, but I’m wondering if anybody has tips on fishing the Northern Finnish, Swedish and Norwegian lakes and streams. Finally, closer to home, I’m looking for good trout streams in Wisconsin or N. Illinois, within 3-4 hours of Chicago.  I’m not looking for anybody to give away their secret spots, but if there are some well know good spots I’d appreciate the advice.  I like to fish in places that are quiet and away from busy roads and noisy power boats (and far, far away from jet skis!). Thanks, Ray Pierrehumbert

Response:

Lot’s of places we fish seem to have tons of mosquitos.  Why are there so few flies that look like mosquitos (or am I missing something).

If trout get a shot at mosquitoes, I’m sure they’d eat them.  However, the life cycle of a mosquito pretty well takes place in water which trout cannot survive.  Mosquitoes hatch in stagnant water that is usually warmer than trout prefer and has little if any dissolved oxygen.   Not nearly enough dissolved oxygen for trout to survive.  "Mosquito wrigglers" use a tube that  penetrates the surface film to respirate. The are actually air breathing in this immature form.  That is why they used oil on the stagnant water to eliminate the malaria problems in the first half of the century.  The mosquito tubes couldn’t penetrate the oil film and they died from lack of oxygen. They hatch from stagnant water into that blood-sucking beast we all know, and they lay eggs back into the same stagnant water they came from. The attractions for them around the water are the warm blooded animals that frequent the area.  Since all animals need water, that’s a good supply of blood.  But they are not readily available for ingestion by trout. By the way, that "mosquito pattern" that most fly shops sell is a great mayfly imitation and works well in trout waters.                                                     Hope this helps,                                                              Dan

Response:

Question:

Can anyone help me? I ‘ve been invited to go to the Salmon River in Pulaski, NY the first week of Nov. to go Steelhead fishing.  The guys who invited me do not FF.  I just started FF last fall and have never FF for Steelhead or Salmon.  I have an 8.5′  7/8 wt rod, currently loaded with 7wt WF Floating line.  I also have some Orivis Sink-Tip leaders with loops I’ve used to fish streamers and such.  How should I prepare for this trip?  What line/leader/tippet should I be rigging up?  What kind of flies should I use? How should I use them?  Should I buy them when I get there and ask what there biting on?  Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Don

Response:

Check out the following URL and search on Pulaski or Steelhead, Salmon or NY and you will find all the information you need.  Hope this helps. Im leaving tomorrow for Pulaski (Salmon). http://www.adp.unc.edu/cgi-bin/wais-flyfish-q Good fish’n Bill A.

Response:

Can anyone help me?

 I’m far from an expert, but here’s some quick thoughts: Think cold –  and prepare Eliminate any thoughts you might hold about using dry flys Prepare for crowds – just a fact of life on the Salmon. Plan on short line nymph fishing – sort of – with lots of weight. Dont bother buying flys or leader set ups before you arrive. Read what you can before hand but plan on buying flys at a local store.  Whitakers (sp) is pretty complete and there’s another fly shop ‘downtown’ by the river.   The bad news is some local patterns are pretty specialized (as in things like "butterscotch sucker spawn").  The good news is the flys are cheap. As for leaders, read what you can before hand but throw yourself on the mercy of a local shop.  I’ve found them very helpful in setting people up with legal rigs.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone help me? I ‘ve been invited to go to the Salmon River in Pulaski, NY the first week of Nov. to go Steelhead fishing.  The guys who invited me do not FF.  I just started FF last fall and have never FF for Steelhead or Salmon.  I have an 8.5′  7/8 wt rod, currently loaded with 7wt WF Floating line.  I also have some Orivis Sink-Tip leaders with loops I’ve used to fish streamers and such.  How should I prepare for this trip?  What line/leader/tippet should I be rigging up?  What kind of flies should I use? How should I use them?  Should I buy them when I get there and ask what there biting on?  Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Don

I’ve never been fly fishing on the Salmon River, but I can tell you this: If you are going with buddies that aren’t fly fishing, you won’t be fishing anywhere near them, because the methods aren’t compatible.   I’ve caught thousands of steelhead from Michigan to Alaska and I’m leaving for Kodiak next week for a fishing vacation.  It is my opinion that steelhead take only two kinds of flies– bright flies and dark flies, so bring various sizes of both.   Since the water will probably be fairly cold when you get there, I would imagine most of the fish are on the bottom and won’t move very far for a fly.  You’ll have to dredge the bottom with sink tips rated 3,4, and 5 in 13 or 17 foot sections.  I’d fish light leaders, either 6,8, or 10# test. Then of course, you could just bring your gear rods and tie up a bunch of spawn… good luck. –Alaska man, on his friend’s account… —                         APP3L II R00LZ THE W00RLD, D00D!!!!!11

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Question:

I routinely got "compression leaks" in the feet of my waders.  I switched to boot foot waders.  I’m not sure what to do about these leaks due to the the neoprene getting compressed to the point that the inner and outer skin touch each other.  I also would be interested in how to deal with these besides throwing them out.  Also how do you prevent the feet from getting compressed? Bill A.

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Neoprene compression is a problem because you stand on them all the time, and when neoprene gets compressed flat, it usually leaks.  Most companies who still use neoprene soles make them 5 mils thick to compensate for this and make them last longer.  Many of these companies will replace the foot on your waders for around $60.  Orvis uses Hypalon foam on the feet which is s foam version of the same stuff Zodiac boats are made out of, doesn’t need the extra bulk, and doesn’t suffer from this compression problem.  In fact that is the biggest reason they can offer their 4 year warranty on their waders without eating a bunch of waders.  Many other companies have followed suit, and from personal experience I highly recommend waders with Hypalon soles.  Keep repairing yours as long as is practical, but next time get waders with Hypalon soles for more durability. Dan Gracia Schools Coordinator Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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Bill, Waders with serious compression leaks in the feet can only be salvaged by sending them back to the manufacturer to have the foot portion of the wader replaced.  If you choose not to go this route, consider recycling the old waders before you throw them out.  With a razor knife you can cut up portions of the old waders to make gravel guards, knee pads, a butt pad, mouse pads for all your family…  Your question regarding prevention of compression leaks prompted me to examine the feet of my own waders. I’m 230 lbs (lots of compression!) and found some areas showing compression on 3 year old waders.  Without knowing what brand of wader you have or how often you use them, I’m not sure how to answer your question regarding prevention of compression.  I do know that all neoprene materials are not equal and the better materials are more resistant to compression.   Best wishes, Clay

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:  Also how do you prevent the : feet from getting compressed? : Bill A. Bill,  Fill your pockets with helium before heading off to     your favorite pool.  That should reduce the compression on both your wader feet and your socks! :^) Charley

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Are you suggesting loosing a few pounds might help? Bill A.

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: Are you suggesting loosing a few pounds might help? : Bill A. Heaven’s, No, Bill.  Compensating, that’s the key.  Loosing weight has no glamour of tinkering.  Contriving to counter the weight is THE way to go! Charley

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: How about this.. instead of losing weight, or injecting helium, perhaps : why not cutt off your feet?  If you do this, then there will be no : compression on the soles… of course, this would lead to other problesm, : is guess. : edwin aguilar You could also just walk on your hands…..course, you may have to hold your breath while casting with your, er, ah, ….. foot, yeah, your foot! Charley

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  Contriving to counter the weight is THE way to go! Charley

I AGREE. How about this.. instead of losing weight, or injecting helium, perhaps why not cutt off your feet?  If you do this, then there will be no compression on the soles… of course, this would lead to other problesm, is guess. edwin aguilar

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Thanks, Robert Yee

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        Coat the effected area with Simms Seal. This is a brown or blue urethane water-based emulsion with dries so fast you can use the waders in a matter of minutes. It also adheres to the neoprene extremely well and stops leaks.

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Would appreciate suggestions on how to, and what material to use, in repairingneoprene waders that have developed a small leak in the toe, appears to be a Thanks, Robert Yee

A product called ‘Aquaseal’ was recommended to me at a local tackle shop (Mel Cotton’s in San Jose).  I used it to seal up a rather large hole in the sole of my neoprene waders.  It works really well — dries up as a thick, clear rubbery seal that appears perhaps tougher than the neoprene skin itself.  Works wonders!  (Takes probably 8-12 hours or so to dry). J Smith Sunnyvale, CA

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Question:

We are making small booklet that outlines the major fly fishing rivers and lakes in Colorado. This an easy to read guide that can take you from the airport to a beautiful Rocky Mountain fly fishing destination. Filled with maps, written directions, tips on flies, and even hints on other activities with this booklet you don’t even need a fishing buddy to help navigate.

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: We are making small booklet that outlines the major fly fishing rivers and lakes : in Colorado. This an easy to read guide that can take you from the airport to a : beautiful Rocky Mountain fly fishing destination. Filled with maps, written : directions, tips on flies, and even hints on other activities with this booklet : you don’t even need a fishing buddy to help navigate. Oh, great – just what I need.  More outsiders coming in to take over my favorite fishing spots Rick

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: We are making small booklet that outlines the major fly fishing rivers and lakes : in Colorado. This an easy to read guide that can take you from the airport to a : beautiful Rocky Mountain fly fishing destination. Filled with maps, written : directions, tips on flies, and even hints on other activities with this booklet : you don’t even need a fishing buddy to help navigate. So keep us posted. When it’s done, how do we get a copy? — |     Bob Lundy                   | |     IWFFC                       | |     Mississauga, ON, Canada     |

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We are making small booklet that outlines the major fly fishing rivers and lakes in Colorado. This an easy to read guide that can take you from the airport to a beautiful Rocky Mountain fly fishing destination. Filled with maps, written directions, tips on flies, and even hints on other activities with this booklet you don’t even need a fishing buddy to help navigate.

Thanks, Jeffrey M. Goodwin Ashley Laurent, Inc. email:       Compuserve           : 73473,3417       IBM VMID             : v1jmg at bcrvmpc2

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