Question:

I am a beginner at fly fishing (Boy, what fun??). Among the many questions that I have is about a creel. How is it used, do you just put a freshly caught fish in the creel, or what?

Response:

A creel is simply a basket to hold freshly caught fish, instead of putting them on a stringer. I’ll assume you’re talking about wicker creels (the weaved wooden kind.)  If you’re going to use a creel, it’s a good idea to put a layer of damp moss in it, to keep the fish cool and to keep it from drying out. I’ve read before that people even stick a layer of moss between each fish, to keep them fresh. you can either wear the creel with the help of a shoulder strap, or leave it on the bank until you need it (the latter would be easier on your shoulder, but it would mean slogging back to the bank when you wanted to keep a fish. I don’t think there’s too many guys still carrying a creel as an every-day piece of tackle, as many fly fishers have adopted the habit of catch & release fishing, only keeping fish every once in a while to eat. Again, to answer your question tho, the creel is just a basket to keep your fish in, instead of using a stringer. I’ve read that fish kept in a creel are usually better eating (better flavor) than those kept on a stringer. Creel is also a bit more convenient to carry than a stringer when you’re packing the fish out, as the creel is worn much like a ladie’s purse (or duffel bag, if you really need a macho example) instead of carrying it out in your hand. Hope this info is some help to you. PS…you don’t sound very enthused about taking up flyfishing, is there anything you’re confused about or need help with?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a beginner at fly fishing (Boy, what fun??). Among the many questions that I have is about a creel. How is it used, do you just put a freshly caught fish in the creel, or what?

Response:

A creel is simply a basket to hold freshly caught fish,

        a very wise man once said that "guilt replaced the creel"… wayno

Response:

        a very wise man once said that "guilt replaced the creel"… wayno

No, I’m pretty sure that it was Tbone… Kevin

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          a very wise man once said that "guilt replaced the creel"… wayno No, I’m pretty sure that it was Tbone…

Yes, it was TBone.  The wise man was the one who said "guilt debased the meal" <g — Warren Findley Remove (nospamZZ) to respond via email http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt/

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   a very wise man once said that "guilt replaced the creel"…

I thought it was a "quilt" that replaced the creel? Don’t tell me I was reading that wrong, it makes even *less* sense your way. <g — Charlie…

Response:

I am a beginner at fly fishing (Boy, what fun??). Among the many questions that I have is about a creel. How is it used, do you just put a freshly caught fish in the creel, or what?

Reed: Having come up with the "Old Men" who were still of a mind set that it was OK, even expected to "keep" the fish you caught I have a lot of experience with the wicker creel. Commonly it was lined with cedar fronds that were first wet in the river in which you were fishing thus keeping your catch cool. A fresh set of fronds was added as the creel recieved "layers" of fish. The fish was ALWAYS gutted and gilled first. The old guys commonly cut open their first fish (yep even if undersized) to examine stomach contents. Over the years my wickers were replaced with canvas. Then the canvas was left behind as fish became scarcer and privacy on the river became almost non-existant. Now the only fish I keep from the river are usually too badly injured to release with good survival chances. There is the infrequent meal when Fish are abundant. These then fit in my pouch nicely. My wickers now serve as traveling tackle boxes while spin fishing. For that they work freaking great! Especially while wading. The shoulder strap when used, goes (if wearing the creel on the right side) over the right shoulder, and then the body strap circles the torso and holds the shoulder strap in proper position. In general though creels went out of style and use just about the time when I finally figured out how to make one.  Figures! Mostly they are just a romantic and nostalgic accessory that sees little use these days. Buy some other piece of equipment instead. Something like a nice streamer wallet (also somewhat out of style but very classy), a couple of good braided butt leaders, or perhaps a nice tippet caddy. I would buy a nice streamside light for those times (everytime I am out) when you fish in the dusky dusk. These would see more use and provide more enjoyment. You could even buy some tying materials and REALLY get the bug. Tight Lines M. Wm.

Response:

I am a beginner at fly fishing (Boy, what fun??). Among the many questions that I have is about a creel. How is it used, do you just put a freshly caught fish in the creel, or what?

He must know all there is to know about creels…

Response:

        a very wise man once said that "guilt replaced the creel"… wayno No, I’m pretty sure that it was Tbone…

LMAO!

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          a very wise man once said that "guilt replaced the creel"… wayno No, I’m pretty sure that it was Tbone… Yes, it was TBone.  The wise man was the one who said "guilt debased the meal" <g

First, I’m articulate, and now THIS!  I’m starting to worry about you Warren.     Wolfgang who is beginning to feel embarrassed by the actions of the thiasus

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Thanks for the replies. I have been fishing for bluegills and other panfish. I do beleive in catch and release, but there are times that I want to keep a few for supper.

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First, I’m articulate, and now THIS!  I’m starting to worry about you Warren.    

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I thought it was a "quilt" that replaced the creel? Don’t tell me I was reading that wrong, it makes even *less* sense your way. <g

Quilts can be bulky, and a wet quilt can weigh a ton. OTOH, a forked stick can do a pretty good job. Seriously, creels are nice to have. I feel naked without one. The wicker jobs are classic, but the canvas ones are more practical and less prone to damage. If you’re keeping a fish, kill it and field dress it ASAP, and put in in the creel. As it says, keep well soaked while in use. this will keep your catch cool and fresh. Now the sermon: Don’t keep a fish unless the stream can handle some harvest, and you intend to actually eat the fish, rather than letting it slowly rot in the fridge. Even when I don’t intend to keep anything, I’ll often use it as a streamside beer cooler. The looks you get on C&R water with a dripping, laden Polar Creel can be priceless. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyoming

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Question:

Turn the Sage (with apologies to Bob Seager *and* Metallica): Here I am, On the road again, There I am, Totin’ the Sage, Here I go, Fishing afar again, There I go, Off to Maine. –Steve

Response:

See ya there buddy….leaving tomorrow night…will be arriving with DT and SF…I know you check the web on the road ( I think )… ND#1  ( good song )

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Turn the Sage (with apologies to Bob Seager *and* Metallica): Here I am, On the road again, There I am, Totin’ the Sage, Here I go, Fishing afar again, There I go, Off to Maine. –Steve

Response:

Sage doesn’t make a bamboo… I was thinking more along the lines… On the road again I just can’t wait to get on the road again. The life I love is fly fish’n with my friends, And I can’t wait to get on the road again T-14 hours and counting. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Turn the Sage (with apologies to Bob Seager *and* Metallica): Here I am, On the road again, There I am, Totin’ the Sage, Here I go, Fishing afar again, There I go, Off to Maine. –Steve

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There I go, Off to Maine. –Steve

        me, too, zimbo…that is, if i can even *find* raleigh, nc, at this time of the morning.         i plan to plant the regimental flag of the 55th north carolina, army of northern virginia, further north than it has ever been.         wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Ditto…….T 1 1/2 hours ND#1

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sage doesn’t make a bamboo… I was thinking more along the lines… On the road again I just can’t wait to get on the road again. The life I love is fly fish’n with my friends, And I can’t wait to get on the road again T-14 hours and counting. Paul Turn the Sage (with apologies to Bob Seager *and* Metallica): Here I am, On the road again, There I am, Totin’ the Sage, Here I go, Fishing afar again, There I go, Off to Maine. –Steve

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…         i plan to plant the regimental flag of the 55th north carolina, army of northern virginia, further north than it has ever been.

How quaint. Reminds me of another regimental flag of the treasonous states captured by a Minnesota regiment of the Army of the Potomac and recently found in the vaults of the Minnesota Historical Society. Some bunch of history minded Johnnie Rebs from Ole Virginny wanted Minnesota to return their flag. Gov. Jesse Ventura, bless his pointy little head, told ‘em to forget about it, "we took it fair and square" was his official response. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Some bunch of history minded Johnnie Rebs from Ole Virginny wanted Minnesota to return their flag. Gov. Jesse Ventura, bless his pointy little head, told ‘em to forget about it, "we took it fair and square" was his official response.

That’s why I really like Jesse. No mealy-mouthed pussy footing around the issues. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

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the issues.

I bet he didn’t even have to take a poll before that response either. Damn I miss Barry Goldwater. Big Dale

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. Damn I miss Barry Goldwater.

No shit. He was a true conservative, the kind that made me a R in my younger days. He had crazy ideas like the government staying out of people’s bedrooms, fiscal responsibility, stuff like that. And he was a pretty comitted environmentalist. Oh, no, wait. That’s not the Republican platform. Goldwater must’ve been just another damn liberal! — "Number 3: Put education first."  – from Geo. W.’s campaign website, list of his top ten concerns

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. Damn I miss Barry Goldwater. No shit. He was a true conservative, the kind that made me a R in my younger days. He had crazy ideas like the government staying out of people’s bedrooms, fiscal responsibility, stuff like that. And he was a pretty comitted environmentalist. Oh, no, wait. That’s not the Republican platform. Goldwater must’ve been just another damn liberal!

Don’t forget, towards the end the conservatives talked about kicking him out for his stance on abortion. — Charlie…

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bedrooms, fiscal responsibility, stuff like that. And he was a pretty comitted environmentalist. Oh, no, wait. That’s not the Republican platform. Goldwater must’ve been just another damn liberal!

I prefer to think that he was a liberterian before the tern was invented. He made points with me when he said that he thought Buchanen was a good democrat. Big Dale

Response:

Yeah, though a libertarian won’t do anything to protect the environment (actually, won’t do anything to stop any private citizen from doing anything bad to any other private citizen short of the classic nine common-law felonies). P.S. Free bicentennial brownie button to anyone who can name those nine felonies. Here’s a hint (prepare for nostalgia, you law docs): mr and mrs lamb. Even more extra credit for anyone who remembers the two apple-stealing cases. — "If you want to live like a Republican, vote Democratic" — Harry S. Truman

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Question:

Being somewhat of a vest freak, (along with several alternatives, the best of which is a chest halter with a couple of packs on it), at the last count, which was about five minutes ago, I owned 31 separate purpose built vests, jackets, halters, creels, and related equipment.

31 vests, etc., indeed. Take a look at: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/sp_ROFF_people/page1/connor/con… Mike looks like a desperate deserter from the Vietnam War. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

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Whiner. I wear a Columbia Sportswear vest I bought at the outlet center for under $20. It has zip-off fleece sleeves, so when it’s cool I can wear a fairly tight fleece vest under the fishing vest, then zip on /zip off/add/remove layers all I want. My .02. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Guys.  Thanks for the (fewer than I’d hoped) opinions on vests. Somehow, I thought the thread would have generated a lot more discussion.

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I wear an Orvis Battenkill Pro Guide Vest.   It was one of the few vests available in my size, XXXL  (I’m 6′4+ and 300Lbs+)  It is also big enough that I can layer clothing under it, and light enough that it doesn’t bother me wearing it all day long.  There’s plenty of space for everything I carry with me including some bulkier items such as a rain poncho, bottled water, a spare reel and spare spools. Of course the fact that I have no other vests, nor have I ever worn another,  I can’t comment on how it compares to any others…..  but it has worked thus far for this (large) newbie. Joshua – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   Guys.  Thanks for the (fewer than I’d hoped) opinions on vests. Somehow, I thought the thread would have generated a lot more discussion. Generally, everyone here has strong opinions on damn near everything.  I’m surprised everyone was so quiet about vest opinions.  I guess I should have said I was going to wear the vest in a burned wilderness area and wanted to look good when pilots checked me out with their binoculars:) Bob Skinner    Buffalo, WY —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Being somewhat of a vest freak, (along with several alternatives, the best of which is a chest halter with a couple of packs on it), at the last count, which was about five minutes ago, I owned 31 separate purpose built vests, jackets, halters, creels, and related equipment. Most of it is really excellent for one specific purpose, and just about useless for all others, or is at the best a severe compromise, for a whole variety of reasons. On reflection, the inevitable result is that no matter what I put on, it has some disadvantage owing to the  weather, water depth, ease of access, tackle carrying capacity, weight, lack of pockets, surfeit of pockets, etc, etc, or simply personal comfort, at the venue where I eventually arrive, after hours of agonising what to wear, and extremely difficult decisions about what I absolutely have to take along. This unfortunate situation is considerably exacerbated when I visit a new venue, and do not know what I might need, mainly because there are not many pockets big enough to accommodate a kitchen sink. My best overall fishing clothing is a GoreTex SAS camouflage jacket, but this is not suitable for use in very warm weather, when "full", ( the relatively little known "Connor

Question:

make any difference what I write about.  They will always be there.  The idea is to learn how to nymph fish with words so as to avoid them.  I suppose I will have to nymph fish with just a bare hook from now on? LOL! Actually, WINTER is like fly fishing.  It is a contemplative man’s sport.  It is a good season and the time to get those flies tied and to clean out all the beat up flies and give them to our children.  (Or to those who don’t tie but still like to fly fish).   While the eastern sea board of this country enjoy the blanket of snow that has been so long overdue so that they can have a fresh water supply later into the year then of the recent past, I can visualize Walt Winter, Tom Brown, Wayne Harrison, Jeff Miller, and other gentlemen of the realm, sipping a libation and tying those diminutive little creations that fool very big fish. Fly-Maker’s Wax could/should be mentioned here because since Mike Overton’s untimely death, this is the improved product that originally was Wonder Wax.  What is amazing about having a nice wax on the fly tying bench is that these tubes last for over ten or more years for the majority of fly tiers.  For the commercial tier, they don’t last as long.  Maybe a year or a little more. What I want to talk about is fly tying wax at the vise site.  With the choice we use, there are some interesting features regarding the old and new formulas that cannot be found in any other waxes in the world.   When dubbing, the idea is to understand that "The Smaller the Fly, The Greater the Need" when it comes to using wax or not.  This is because greater control is required to lay the small amount of dubbing on a size #22 hook in such a manner as to form the body shape that is defined, not guessed at.   With the tube of wax right at hand, I have two basic choices on how to apply the wax and/or dubbing.  The first way is to simply stroke a little wax down the dubbing section of the thread to be used.  The second way is to take the shooting finger of your hand and simply rubbing it across the wax and then take a little dubbing and apply it to the thread, spinning in only one direction.   After one uses the latter method, a secret few know is if one has a little cloth on their lap, it is a simple matter to use just PRESSURE and the wax comes off the finger tips.  This wax grabs or releases depending upon the amount of pressure applied.  It is the only wax in the industry that will do this. I like perfectly formed flies.  They should almost look like the real thing.  The personality of fly tying materials are as varied as one could hope for.  Some of it needs to be forced into behaving correctly. A good Fly-Tying Wax will do that. A good wax will also help preserve the threads used that bind a fly for well over a hundred years.  The wax must have as near a neutral bouyance as possible.  In the water, it should not try to float the fly nor sink it.  That feature should be left up to other means. What about scents used in some brands of waxes is a personal choice, I suppose.  We don’t do that as our product has its own distinctive wax oder.  It comes from the base bee’s wax that is found in only one part of the United States and is a guarded secret.  To be perfectly frank, we suspect trout have no objection to ours on a sensory level.  Nothing ventured, nothing gained I suppose. If you wish to know more about fly tying waxes, visit the url below. Mr. G. — http://www.gink.com/gg_flymakers.html http://www.gink.com/

Response:

Gerkhe Gentlemen don’t spam the news groups to turn a buck.

Response:

Gerkhe Gentlemen don’t spam the news groups to turn a buck.

______  If and when we do, I’ll let you know.  I’d appreciate it if you would stick to fly fishing Plado.   Thank you, Mr. G. — http://www.gink.com/gg_flymakers.html

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Truly clueless.  Does not even realize what spam is.

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Question:

Hi, I’m a short time lurker. Was wondering if anybody could recommend a resort/guide service in Colorado offering private water and/or accommodations. Thanks in advance. John Sorell

Response:

Go to www.elktrout.com

Response:

Elktrout is a very fine, fly fishing only-catch and release only,  resort with great strecthes of private property on two rivers and quite a few fantastic ponds.  The guides work hard and you fish right up to dark. Bows and cut throats are prevalent in the ponds with some very large browns lurking in the rivers.  Fish seem to bight all the time.  Quarters and food are first rate. Scenery is beautiful but lots and lots of cow shit to avoid.  All together a wonderful private retreat. Tom Bogdan

Response:

Thanks to all for the replies….John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Elktrout is a very fine, fly fishing only-catch and release only,  resort with great strecthes of private property on two rivers and quite a few fantastic ponds.  The guides work hard and you fish right up to dark. Bows and cut throats are prevalent in the ponds with some very large browns lurking in the rivers.  Fish seem to bight all the time.  Quarters and food are first rate. Scenery is beautiful but lots and lots of cow shit to avoid.  All together a wonderful private retreat. Tom Bogdan

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Question:

Friday, December 12, 1997     8:34:01 PM I make a small stream fly fishing magazine on the internet.  Dedicated to the small stream enthusiast, the site contains articles freshly penned by John Shewey, (Ron Cordes and Gary LaFontain soon).  Equipment and techniques, all of the areas that I think you may want to review.  I hope that you enjoy the site as much as the fly anglers who have already visited. Thank you very much, adam Small Stream Fly Fishing http://www.smallstreams.com

Response:

… Small Stream Fly Fishing http://www.smallstreams.com

This site is really quite nice. I’d like to see more photos and text describing the surrounding wildlife: trees, birds, etc. Your photos are very good; it’s nice seeing pictures of the fish not all dominated by the fisher!                            - jqt –

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Question:

Vacationing on Trinity lake this year in early july, first time in the area and hoping for suggestions                   thanx, Josh Sauter

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Vacationing on Trinity lake this year in early july, first time in the area and hoping for suggestions                  thanx, Josh Sauter

……they have the best fly shop and guide servise in that area. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

Response:

22:27:09 -0700 writes:

: :Vacationing on Trinity lake this year in early july, :first time in the area and hoping for suggestions :                  thanx, Josh Sauter Trinity Lake is difficult to flyfish, because of its size and depth. However Lewiston Lake nearby and the Trinity River (fly fishing only section available) are excellent choices. Also Coffee Creek near Trinity Lake sometimes has good fishing. Check with the Fly Shop in Redding CA. They have an 800 no. There is also a Trinity something flyshop which is quite good. I jsut can’t think of the full name. George Berns Trout Live in Beautiful Places

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Question:

Will be in Colorado Springs area the 2nd week of May. Some of the literature on the subject seems to suggest that the run-off will be in full swing at that time, and that it will be much more severe than I had assumed it to be. Is this gonna be a "wash-out"?

Response:

Will be in Colorado Springs area the 2nd week of May. Some of the literature on the subject seems to suggest that the run-off will be in full swing at that time, and that it will be much more severe than I had assumed it to be. Is this gonna be a "wash-out"?

If the runoff is high…GO FISHING ! 1) Put some rocks in your pockets (to keep from being swept away). 2) Put on a big ugly bug with eyeballs and rubber legs. 3) Keep the BB sized shot close at hand. Use a lot. 4) Fish the banks. 5) Rid yourself of the mental block that all flyfishing is done in    clear waters. 6) Enjoy the river in its swollen glory.   7) Avoid tailwaters as the crowds and attitudes eventually will ruin it for you. TW

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If the runoff is high…GO FISHING ! 1) Put some rocks in your pockets (to keep from being swept away). 2) Put on a big ugly bug with eyeballs and rubber legs. 3) Keep the BB sized shot close at hand. Use a lot. 4) Fish the banks. 5) Rid yourself of the mental block that all flyfishing is done in   clear waters. 6) Enjoy the river in its swollen glory.   7) Avoid tailwaters as the crowds and attitudes eventually will ruin it for you. TW

Excellant advise T-bone!!  I like someone who can find a reason to fish no matter what.  As my grandfather used to say: "… which would you rather do… or go fishing?" Jack Wheeler

Response:

o  What are the major rivers/other opportunities

You’ll be nearest the upper Colorado River in the Kremmling/Hot Springs area. o  How far are they from Winter Park

Roughly 30 or 45 minutes. o  What are the likely conditions

Runoff varies from year to year.  If the rest of the Winter’s mild, late June should be OK.  Check river conditions at: http://www.infosphere.com/rof/yp/RFAnglers/rfa.htm That’s Glenwood Springs, but it should give you some idea (there are other river flow sources on the Web). o  Who’s the leading outfitter/guide service

Sorry, I’m not familiar with outfitters in that area. o  What’s worth traveling to for an overnight

Again, check out the website above… M

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Question:

Hi I live in the Flathead valley in the town of Whitefish Montana and fly fish most of the rivers and lakes. If you need help with this area let me know.                                  Larry

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I’ve never been west but plan on seeing Glacier National Park my first time out.  What streams/rivers/lakes in the area would you recommend? BFisher

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Question:

Apparently they do not plan to sell the blanks….. SAGE isn’t selling their newer IV blanks either I wonder if the no-blanks-available strategy will work for the manufactures? Completed SAGE IV rods are running $500.00+   My response: the SAGE III blanks are good enough.

Right, why can’t the fly rod manufacturers see that they will price themselves out of existance.  When a new generation of PC’s reach the market (i.e. 486), the previous generation is reduced in price.  But when a new generation of graphite comes out, the older type graphites do not seem to have much of a price reduction. The manufacturers feel that a whole new higher price level is justified by the new generation material.  Only fiberglass seems to have comw down in price. Mark Miller – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thomas Gilg

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Right, why can’t the fly rod manufacturers see that they will price themselves out of existance.  When a new generation of PC’s reach the market (i.e. 486), the previous generation is reduced in price.  But when a new generation of graphite comes out, the older type graphites do not seem to have much of a price reduction.

That is because a large portion of the price of a computer is engineering costs.  These costs can be amortized over the number of machines sold. After enough machines have been sold to cover the costs of engineering, the price can be reduced. Much of the cost of a flyrod is in manufacturing costs which are fixed per unit regardless of how many rods are built.  Building a good graphite rod is labor intensive. — -Wayne Trzyna

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Right, why can’t the fly rod manufacturers see that they will price themselves out of existance.  When a new generation of PC’s reach the market (i.e. 486), the previous generation is reduced in price.  But when a new generation of graphite comes out, the older type graphites do not seem to have much of a price reduction. That is because a large portion of the price of a computer is engineering costs.  These costs can be amortized over the number of machines sold. After enough machines have been sold to cover the costs of engineering, the price can be reduced. Much of the cost of a flyrod is in manufacturing costs which are fixed per unit regardless of how many rods are built.  Building a good graphite rod is labor intensive. — -Wayne Trzyna

True, but I don’t think that building a rod using a different version of graphite would be any more labor intensive. Mark Miller

Response:

Right, why can’t the fly rod manufacturers see that they will price themselves out of existance.  When a new generation of PC’s reach the market (i.e. 486), the previous generation is reduced in price.  But when a new generation of graphite comes out, the older type graphites do not seem to have much of a price reduction.

Did you ever visit California? This is the state where when new car’s price sky-rocketing, the cost for used cars follow up too. Eric.

Response:

Thomas Gilg writes: I wonder if the no-blanks-available strategy will work for the manufactures? Completed SAGE IV rods are running $500.00+   My response: the SAGE III blanks are good enough.

That’s going to be my response too !   BTW its official now the new generation  Loomis rods will not be sold a blanks.  They’re beautiful rods, light and shoot line like cannons.

Response:

Members of my local flyfishing club have had extensive problems with IMX rods breaking when dealing with Tarpon.

I don’t trust IMX or the regular Sage III  for rods above 9wt.  My ten and twelve weight rods are both the Sage three piece special designed rods for salt water a lot heaver in the butt.   Regarding rod failures, a guide I know on the Green says the outfitter he works for gets free sage & loomis rods and that they’ve had tremendous breakage.  Very thin cross sections and lots of hard use banging around in drift boats.  When the surface coating of a graphite rod gets dinged, a stress concentration forms at the already damaged point.  I’ve had good luck putting a little resin on the ding to fill the scratch.  The only rod I’ve broken to date is my favorite 5 wt Winston that I tried to use as a wading staff.  Winston shipped me a replacement but section blank and it’s still my favorite rod.

Response:

Mark Miller writes: Right, why can’t the fly rod manufacturers see that they will price themselves out of existance.  When a new generation of PC’s reach the market (i.e. 486), the previous generation is reduced in price.  

As much as I’d like to agree with you, I can’t.  Neither Sage and Loomis can keep up with the demand.  The message from the market place is that there are plenty of people ready to pay, so I can’t blame them for using the blanks available for finished rods with a much higher margin.

Response:

Mark Miller writes: True, but I don’t think that building a rod using a different version of graphite would be any more labor intensive.

A lot of engineering when into the latest generation of Loomis rods.

Response:

Members of my local flyfishing club have had extensive problems with IMX rods breaking when dealing with Tarpon.

        This problem is almost always the fault of the angler and not the rod.  When you have a Tarpon close to the boat and you’re really pulling on him, people tend to pull too far back on the rod.  The angle of the rod (angle between butt and tip — 180 degrees at rest) should not be less than 90 degrees.  If you pull back farther than that you’re no longer fighting the fish you’re fighting the rod.  This puts an awful strain on the rod (and the angler).  With the rod doubled over, if the fish should make any quick movements, which tarpon definitely can do, goodbye rod.  You get the most power out of your rod at an angle of about 90 degrees — you’ll land fish quicker (no hour long boatside battles) and your rod will last a lot longer. I don’t trust IMX or the regular Sage III  for rods above 9wt.  My ten and twelve weight rods are both the Sage three piece special designed rods for salt water a lot heaver in the butt.  

        I’ve seen a 150# tarpon caught on 11wt. Sage II.  I myself caught a 100# tarpon on a 10wt Sage III. Regarding rod failures, a guide I know on the Green says the outfitter he works for gets free sage & loomis rods and that they’ve had tremendous breakage.  Very thin cross sections and lots of hard use banging around in drift boats.  When the surface coating of a graphite rod gets dinged, a stress concentration forms at the already damaged point.  I’ve had good luck putting a little resin on the ding to fill the scratch.  The only rod I’ve broken to date is my favorite 5 wt Winston that I tried to use as a wading staff.  Winston shipped me a replacement but section blank and it’s still my favorite rod.

        The surface coating of a rod is purely for casmetic reasons. I don’t think it adds much strength too the rod.  On the other hand if you scratch the graphite underneath then I would worry. — |          307 SW 16th Ave #349 G-ville, Fl 32601             | |                Voice: (904)377-3807                         | |                  Fax: (904)375-0357                         |

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Just saw the latest in Loomis rods.  A friend of built a prototype 8 wt from their new next generation graphite. I’m building an 8 wt IMX and the difference was remarkable the next generation graphite was about the same size and weight as my Winston 5 wt.  Apparently they do not plan to sell the blanks, so I probable won’t be buying one in the near future.   The wall thickness is so thin I’d be worried about the design for anything above 8 wt.  I already switch to Sage’s special design for heaver salt water rods (10 & 12 wt.’s).  I use IMX for 6 and 8 wt rods.  I love to cast the IMX 6 wt but seldom fish it, for trout I like my 3, 5 & 7 wt. Winston’s.   The seven is a dream for bass bugs.

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Apparently they do not plan to sell the blanks…..

SAGE isn’t selling their newer IV blanks either I wonder if the no-blanks-available strategy will work for the manufactures? Completed SAGE IV rods are running $500.00+   My response: the SAGE III blanks are good enough. Thomas Gilg

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The wall thickness is so thin I’d be worried about the design for anything above 8 wt.  I already switch to Sage’s special design for heaver salt water rods (10 & 12 wt.’s).  I use IMX for 6 and 8 wt rods.  I love to cast the IMX 6 wt but seldom fish it, for trout I like my 3, 5 & 7 wt. Winston’s.   The seven is a dream for bass bugs.

Members of my local flyfishing club have had extensive problems with IMX rods breaking when dealing with Tarpon. So much so that the consensus is to fish IM6 rods in this situation. I have not heard of any problems with Sage rods. An interesting side point is that a member broke a rod (Lamiglass IM700) when the clouser minnow he was casting collided with the rod. Lucky thing, these rods have replacement guarantees or there would be a ton of crying. I have broken several graphite rods for no apparent reason while casting or fishing. It appears to be caused by graphite flaws and the brittleness of the material.

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| SAGE isn’t selling their newer IV blanks either | | I wonder if the no-blanks-available strategy will work for the manufactures? | Completed SAGE IV rods are running $500.00+   My response: the SAGE III blanks | are good enough. | | Thomas Gilg | Well they probably are.  But that’s the funny thing about flyfishing equipment.  My $50.00 Cortland rods are "good enough." As far as the strategy goes I can tell you that few shops have any selection of Sage IV ’s at all.  The three or four Sage dealers I’ve talked to here in the east and a few in out west say they can’t get ‘em from Sage and when they do get a few they sell right out.   I believe it.  I know I’m crazy but I bought one anyway about a month ago — I bought the three piece 590 travel rod.   I fished it for a week on the Snake in Jackson Hole and on the Henry’s Fork.  Now I’m not a great caster (I can’t throw a whole line) but I have to say this rod is incredible.  The best I can do is to say it feels like its alive.  A very distinctive feel and I’m getting ten extra feet or more out of it.  Other rods I own include a Winston a Sage III and two Cortland’s.  If it was only distance I was after I might have been better off investing in a casting clinic but I really like the rod. Jim Caldwell Norfolk, VA

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SAGE isn’t selling their newer IV blanks either

I am told by the Sage representative in Norway that there will be available blanks of RPL IV next year. By the way, the company has not produced enough IV rods this year to cover the demand. –Terje Tveras, Univ. of Bergen, Norway

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