Question:

In little to know wind, you’ll be ok unless you’ve got a big bimini or hardtop to act as a sail.  I had a 28lb electric on the stern of a 20′ CC of 4000#s that was adequate in very light wind.  The light thrust was slow in starting or stopping, but worked fine once the mass got moving.  It was a high sided boat, so wind was a big problem if more than 10 knots.  Bow mounts are a lot easier to control and track better, so that would be preferrable to a stern mount.  I would have preferred a Bow mount of about 50 lbs, but did not want to incurr the cost of extra batteries and a new motor.  I already had the 28# motor from an earlier boat. BillS – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone used an engine mounted trolling motor on a boat of at least 19′? I have a 19′ cc fishing boat that usually has three people aboard and I wonder if one 55lb thrust motor is anywhere enough to move the boat or should I double up with the motors. I’m looking at the Navigator dual 110 (2 motors). Any info will be appreciated. Thanks,,,Ted

Response:

Has anyone used an engine mounted trolling motor on a boat of at least 19′? I have a 19′ cc fishing boat that usually has three people aboard and I wonder if one 55lb thrust motor is anywhere enough to move the boat or should I double up with the motors. I’m looking at the Navigator dual 110 (2 motors). Any info will be appreciated. Thanks,,,Ted

Response:

I’m interested in this subject too, although I have a lowly 14′ bowrider.  I would very much like to have a trolling motor, since 90% of what we do is fishing, but to put one on the bow would impair the little space available, and there is no room on the stern. We normally boat on small lakes with little to no current. — "Stay calm.  Be brave.  Wait for the signs." regards, Frank Johansen Aurora, Ontario

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone used an engine mounted trolling motor on a boat of at least 19′? I have a 19′ cc fishing boat that usually has three people aboard and I wonder if one 55lb thrust motor is anywhere enough to move the boat or should I double up with the motors. I’m looking at the Navigator dual 110 (2 motors). Any info will be appreciated. Thanks,,,Ted

Response:

There are some who equate 12-15# of thrust to one horsepower, although the two units of measure aren’t really the same and that number can sure be argued with. If a 3 hp outboard is enough to do what you want in the trolling department, it might work. They are quiet and inobtrusive. Look at a Minn Kota.  http://www.minnkotamotors.com/ This unit sure wouldn’t get you home on that boat in the event your main engine goes out unless you have ideal water/current/wind conditions and a LOT of batteries.

Response:

Question:

Ernie has a major league hard-on for The Evil Ginkster… Well, thanks a freakin’ lot for putting that image in my head. Kevin

I don’t believe my dislike of George is any worse than others on ROFF.  Since I put him in my kill file the only posts I see are the ones repeated in another person’s posts.  I can live with that. Ernie

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Tripper I ment Ernie Schwiebert, not Harrison. Did Schwiebert die or something? Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No no no! Nothing so trivial. Ernie has a major league hard-on for The Evil Ginkster…

Response:

Ernie has a major league hard-on for The Evil Ginkster…

Well, thanks a freakin’ lot for putting that image in my head. Kevin

Response:

Is that a pool that the looser comes back in 24 hours? I believe him!  Yes I do, I really think he means it this time!  I trust him to keep his word.   However, I also believe in the tooth fairy, honest and truthful politicians, and the future of the Yugo automobile (I have one, in pristine condition, just waiting for the upsurge in the collectable market)…

Oh, he’s gone, but of course he’ll be back. New ISPs are probably getting harder to find, though.. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyo Before you buy.

Response:

Why? is he dead? (Serious question) Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m pretty sure I know why Ernie is contributing anything. Dave Oops, typo!  Of course this should read, I’m pretty sure I know why Ernie isn’t contributing anything. Dave Before you buy.

Response:

No no no! Nothing so trivial. Ernie has a major league hard-on for The Evil Ginkster… /daytripper (…and he’s packing a Louisville Slugger.) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Why? is he dead? (Serious question) Dave I’m pretty sure I know why Ernie is contributing anything. Dave Oops, typo!  Of course this should read, I’m pretty sure I know why Ernie isn’t contributing anything. Dave Before you buy.

Response:

"Look George, if Doug Swisher, Ernie Schwiebert, David Whitlock, Lefty Kreh, aren’t contributing their valuable time to ROFF, why should you

I’d trade in anything those guys had to say for one good posting from Mike Connor. Tight Lines,Shawn

Response:

I’m pretty sure I know why Ernie is contributing anything. Dave

Oops, typo!  Of course this should read, I’m pretty sure I know why Ernie isn’t contributing anything. Dave Before you buy.

Response:

Is that a pool that the looser comes back in 24 hours?

I believe him!  Yes I do, I really think he means it this time!  I trust him to keep his word.   However, I also believe in the tooth fairy, honest and truthful politicians, and the future of the Yugo automobile (I have one, in pristine condition, just waiting for the upsurge in the collectable market)… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

Response:

bullshit, i have a 100 bucks that sez you’ll post here again…. c’mon georgie, is it a bet? He did say he’d be back from time to time for the free advertising. — Charlie…

yeah, but he won’t remember saying it. ww

Response:

"Look George, if Doug Swisher, Ernie Schwiebert, David Whitlock, Lefty Kreh, aren’t contributing their valuable time to ROFF, why should you?  They certainly must have good reasons for not doing so.  Have you ever asked yourself the question, why?"

I’m pretty sure I know why Ernie is contributing anything. Dave Before you buy.

Response:

Is that a pool that the looser comes back in 24 hours? ND#1

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I will cease to write for ROFF anymore, any free articles directly because it has been pointed out to me, "Look George, if Doug Swisher, Ernie Schwiebert, David Whitlock, Lefty Kreh, aren’t contributing their valuable time to ROFF, why should you? <snip Adios, Try to stay away a little longer this time Ginko! Ernie Forever wouldn’t be long enough. /daytripper (We ought to start a pool…)

Response:

What was I thinking. I forgot to add that he’ll have a new ISP when he is posting again.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If TSOTS can make it through the night without poosting he’ll be back on Tuesday the 14th. _____  Anyone who wishes to reply to me on this policy must E-mail their comments and opinions because I won’t be reading ROFF anymore and IF any, very little.  Again, I will only be posting notices in the future in ROFF for those who want only the finest information possible regarding American Outdoors/Indoors and Fly Fishing. Secondly, anyone wishing to post articles to me for preservation on our Fly Fishing section may do so.  This way they won’t be posted just once and then lost and out of mind in dejanews.com. — Mr.G. http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html        bamboo flyrods & blanks    More Bamboo For Less Money Than     ANY OTHER FLY ROD IN THE WORLD

Response:

bullshit, i have a 100 bucks that sez you’ll post here again…. c’mon georgie, is it a bet?

He did say he’d be back from time to time for the free advertising. — Charlie…

Response:

I will cease to write for ROFF anymore, any free articles directly because it has been pointed out to me, "Look George, if Doug Swisher, Ernie Schwiebert, David Whitlock, Lefty Kreh, aren’t contributing their valuable time to ROFF, why should you? <snip Adios, Try to stay away a little longer this time Ginko! Ernie

Forever wouldn’t be long enough. /daytripper (We ought to start a pool…)

Response:

If TSOTS can make it through the night without poosting he’ll be back on Tuesday the 14th. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – _____  Anyone who wishes to reply to me on this policy must E-mail their comments and opinions because I won’t be reading ROFF anymore and IF any, very little.  Again, I will only be posting notices in the future in ROFF for those who want only the finest information possible regarding American Outdoors/Indoors and Fly Fishing. Secondly, anyone wishing to post articles to me for preservation on our Fly Fishing section may do so.  This way they won’t be posted just once and then lost and out of mind in dejanews.com. — Mr.G. http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html        bamboo flyrods & blanks    More Bamboo For Less Money Than     ANY OTHER FLY ROD IN THE WORLD

Response:

Try to stay away a little longer this time Ginko! Ernie

  I will cease to write for ROFF anymore, any free articles directly   because it has been pointed out to me, "Look George, if Doug Swisher,   Ernie Schwiebert, David Whitlock, Lefty Kreh, aren’t contributing their   valuable time to ROFF, why should you? <snip   Adios,

Response:

______ It seems I have, after reviewing the hundreds of fly fishing articles donated by yours truly over the years, is enough to nearly write a well defined book on the subject. I will cease to write for ROFF anymore, any free articles directly because it has been pointed out to me, "Look George, if Doug Swisher, Ernie Schwiebert, David Whitlock, Lefty Kreh, aren’t contributing their valuable time to ROFF, why should you?  They certainly must have good reasons for not doing so.  Have you ever asked yourself the question, why?" Well, I’ve thought about that and it makes sense to me.  Why am I trying so hard to bring fly fishing to a darwinian gang of thugs who really have little interest in the group as a primary fly fishing discussion forum? Why indeed, am I here when all the others refuse to be involved with ROFF?  It seems, ROFF does not sit well with these professionals.   I will write my articles and I will probably make an effort to collect them all from dejanews from over the years, if possible.  What I think I should do is start a pure fly fishing "Book of Gink On Fly Fishing" Web page and list all the articles there. When I write a piece, I will simply just come here and post where everyone interested can key on the ‘Blue Thingie’ that will take them to the World of Gink. I like this idea a lot better than having to listen to all the diatribes from the local drunk to the babbling yuppies in white shirts and ugly ties. Outside that, this new plan goes into motion immediately.   The second nice thing we will be able to do again is renew my visits to http://www.gink.com/chat which IS MONITORED and where the smart asses aren’t tolerated when they demean others or swear or arrive just to troll and cause others to become nauseous of them.  Frankly, like it or not, the Fly Fisherman’s Chat Site around the ole camp fire is much more fun and friendlier and MUCH MORE INTERESTING than anything happening in ROFF.  Roff doesn’t even come close for user friendly compared to Gink’s Fire Side Chat Site.  Pure truth. Those who wish to be civil and visit are welcome starting for me sometime between 6 to 8 PM but going on into the night, time permitting.  Those of you who wish to have your own INSTANT ANSWERING Visiting Room can go there and be in total privacy.  Don’t forget, this chat site http://www.gink.com/chat allows any number of individuals to talk privately and instantly to each other is "Whisper Mode". Anyhow, for sake of good order, the only time I care anymore to visit Roff in the future is to notify fly fishermen of new articles and updates. Incidentally Wayne Harrison, you will see that should you care to visit me/us and some of your old friends at http://www.gink.com/chat  how much more caring and civil we are there compared to what you’ve been living with in ROFF.  The good ole boys, if the truth be known, are not in ROFF anymore.   After this post, I personally wish to invite all you new people a personal invitation to attend and join us at the Home Camp Fires Burning.  http://www.gink.com/chat  Just sign in and use your real name.  Ask any question about fly fishing or fishing in general and there will be someone here to help you. Welcome, one an all to a really top drawer, well moderated free speech without cussing chat room you will ever hope to find. See you around 7 PM this evening everyone. Adios, : ) — Mr.G. http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html        bamboo flyrods & blanks    More Bamboo For Less Money Than     ANY OTHER FLY ROD IN THE WORLD

Response:

_____  Anyone who wishes to reply to me on this policy must E-mail their comments and opinions because I won’t be reading ROFF anymore and IF any, very little.  Again, I will only be posting notices in the future in ROFF for those who want only the finest information possible regarding American Outdoors/Indoors and Fly Fishing.   Secondly, anyone wishing to post articles to me for preservation on our Fly Fishing section may do so.  This way they won’t be posted just once and then lost and out of mind in dejanews.com. — Mr.G. http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html        bamboo flyrods & blanks    More Bamboo For Less Money Than     ANY OTHER FLY ROD IN THE WORLD

Response:

I will cease to write for ROFF anymore, any free articles directly because it has been pointed out to me, "Look George, if Doug Swisher, Ernie Schwiebert, David Whitlock, Lefty Kreh, aren’t contributing their valuable time to ROFF, why should you?

there’s just one flaw with that argument george…. those guys can write. but hell, don’t let me dissuade ya…. They certainly must have good reasons for not doing so.  Have you ever asked yourself the question, why?"

no, don’t give a rats ass. Well, I’ve thought about that and it makes sense to me.  Why am I trying so hard to bring fly fishing to a darwinian gang of thugs who really have little interest in the group as a primary fly fishing discussion forum?

yeah, why are you? Why indeed, am I here when all the others refuse to be involved with ROFF?  It seems, ROFF does not sit well with these professionals.

bwahahahahahahahahahahaha I will write my articles and I will probably make an effort to collect them all from dejanews from over the years, if possible.  What I think I should do is start a pure fly fishing "Book of Gink On Fly Fishing" Web page and list all the articles there. When I write a piece, I will simply just come here and post where everyone interested can key on the ‘Blue Thingie’ that will take them to the World of Gink.

make it a green thingy george…. green with envy. I like this idea a lot better than having to listen to all the diatribes from the local drunk to the babbling yuppies in white shirts and ugly ties.

we also like it better… see ya georgie-pooh… for the umpteenth time. Outside that, this new plan goes into motion immediately.

bullshit, i have a 100 bucks that sez you’ll post here again…. c’mon georgie, is it a bet? Adios,

see ya here soon…. your pal, waldo

Response:

Question:

Okay, so I am sure you are all pretty well starting to panic that I have up and left without so much as a good bye.  Well, you are wrong (I would have at least given an F you and the single finger salute).  Life has been busy and I have not had time to spend countless hours reading spam, garbage, and hate posts. As a matter of fact I tried coming back once before , but the time wasn’t right because I didn’t want to come back in the middle of a war. Anyways,  I will have the info everybody is seeking monday.  Sunday I am going fishing on the Madison and have planned a stop in Ennis to haggle with the innkeepers and inspect the premises.  Trying to do this shit over the phone really wasn’t working and I could only give rough estimates and was basically being blown off.  If you are camping there are several sites that are on a first come first serve basis for something like $5 a day.  Most fishing access also allow camping I have found.  There is one right on the edge of Ennis on the other side of the river where I have seen motorhomes, tents, ect.  This is where I am planning on setting up the base camp.  I will be arriving early to claim spots since they are first come first serve.   As far as hotels.  Monday will be the big announcement as to where.  If some kind of up front monetary fee is required then it will be each individual attendees responsible to make the arrangements.  I have fished this area a lot and it does get busy during the summer and people do make reservations a year in advance, but I have never found Ennis to be packed full with every motel, hotel, ect full.  I recommend that reservations be made though as I would like to keep everyone staying in rooms in one place for convenience sake. I have spent most of my time researching different fishing locations and what not. Don’t ask for names in advance because I am not giving them out until you show up at the clave.  Some are obvious like the Madison, but others do not get as much plublicity and are great fishing and I would like to keep them that way.  Pisses me off when I see more and more of my haunts starting to be advertised in ads here, in magazines and the fly shops and the crowds start growing.  I will not contribute to this disease! Don’t worry about bears.  If your number is up there is nothing you can do about it.  Bear spray (as with firearms) are more a comfort for the carrier than for effectiveness.  The reason I say bear spray as well is because the bear isn’t going to stop when you say "Time out!  The wind is coming from the wrong direction and will be ineffective unless you allow me to move over here."  Heard of some people doing more harm to themselves than what they did to the bear and all over a false charge to boot. Most of the places we will be fishing aren’t notorious bear hang outs.   I really do apologize for being out of touch for so long.  Hunting season kept me pretty busy and then life decided to get more complicated and I haven’t even had time to fish.  I sort of drifted off a little too far it seems.  But all is well and you will be seeing me around here more often (for better or worse). Now if I can only find a good worth while argument to get involved in. . . . . Time to start searching. Warren Warren Remember, men will come and men will go, but the streams and mountains go on forever. -Bob Carmichael

Response:

Due to the peculiarities of Usenet, I haven’t seen Warren’s original

Got it. Thanks. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Vern, I have added your name.   Warren Remember, men will come and men will go, but the streams and mountains go on forever. -Bob Carmichael

Response:

So George, now that you will be over here during that time will you or will you not be with the group?  I don’t know whether to you put your name down or not. Your other thread said you would be in the area but would not be mixing with the "bottom dwellers." Warren Remember, men will come and men will go, but the streams and mountains go on forever. -Bob Carmichael

Response:

Thanks for all of your hard work warren.  I’m still hoping to make it, it’s a long ways off for me yet though. I would be in the "camping" category. I’d be driving up from NM and probably bringing someone with me, maybe my significant other, or maybe someone who is a fly fisher. Thanks again Warren. bruiser aka bruce

Response:

Due to the peculiarities of Usenet, I haven’t seen Warren’s original This sort of thing could be a problem in the future. Usenet in unreliable. It would be best to email people on the list directly (but also send a copy to ROFF). — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

I want one of those hats and shirts.  That is if you can get a shirt in my size, boys size 14.  Just tell me how much and I’ll send you a check.  Unless you demand a money order. Vern?  (The Big Little Man)

with stilts?  If not, I will bring you my motorized drift tube with trolling motor to get  you around the Henry’s Fork. No joke.  I will even provide the big marine battery and I bet you think I’m kidding!? If not, you will be welcome to command the front deck of my drift boat with a grand view of every prime trout you care to molest.  (If you find me) You will enjoy this trip Vern.   Mr.G. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would like to be put on the list.  I’ve already told work that I’m taking time off.  I’m tying flies.  I’ve talked a co-worker in coming up as well.  Well, I think he’s coming.  Please put my name on the list.  I will be there. Vernon D. Ursenbach If your name is not on the list or you want it taken off the list please let me know. Tim Walker Jeffrey Miller Stephen Barnard (RW) Ken Fortenberry Mike S. Medintz Mark Anderson Wayne Harrison William Loehman Mark Faulkner Bruce aka Bruiser                                     mr.g. will be over here Charlie Choc John Iding David Snedeker Dave LaCourse Peter Charles Daytripper Big Dale Indian Joe Tom Brown Jon Cook Darin Minor Ed Miller Before you buy.

– http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

Warren I will handle the hats and shirts thing if you want. Dave

It’s a deal!  I suggest money in advance BTW, glad to see you are still around.  This is kind of like coming back home after a long time and getting back together with old friends and stuff. Warren Remember, men will come and men will go, but the streams and mountains go on forever. -Bob Carmichael

Response:

I want one of those hats and shirts.  That is if you can get a shirt in my size, boys size 14.  Just tell me how much and I’ll send you a check.  Unless you demand a money order. Vern Warren I will handle the hats and shirts thing if you want. Dave

Before you buy.

Response:

I would like to be put on the list.  I’ve already told work that I’m taking time off.  I’m tying flies.  I’ve talked a co-worker in coming up as well.  Well, I think he’s coming.  Please put my name on the list.  I will be there. Vernon D. Ursenbach – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If your name is not on the list or you want it taken off the list please let me know. Tim Walker Jeffrey Miller Stephen Barnard (RW) Ken Fortenberry Mike S. Medintz Mark Anderson Wayne Harrison William Loehman Mark Faulkner Bruce aka Bruiser Charlie Choc John Iding David Snedeker Dave LaCourse Peter Charles Daytripper Big Dale Indian Joe Tom Brown Jon Cook Darin Minor Ed Miller

Before you buy.

Response:

Warren I will handle the hats and shirts thing if you want. Dave

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -One more thing.  Just so I get my numbers straight, how many people who are still interested in attending will be wanting rooms?  How many are willing/want to share?  I have the numbers from a few months ago, but need updated numbers. I was thinking that hats and tshirts for claves have all been done.  How about sweat shirts for the western clave?  Any volunteers to head this up? Here is the list of people I have who are interested in attending.  If your name is not on the list or you want it taken off the list please let me know. Tim Walker Jeffrey Miller Stephen Barnard (RW) Ken Fortenberry Mike S. Medintz Mark Anderson Wayne Harrison William Loehman Mark Faulkner Bruce aka Bruiser Charlie Choc John Iding David Snedeker Dave LaCourse Peter Charles Daytripper Big Dale Indian Joe Tom Brown Jon Cook Darin Minor Ed Miller Some people have indicated they are bringing guests/family members.  I am not responsible for any ethics that might be crossed or morals that  will be violated, for the record.  In no way am I responsible for anything other than fun and fishing and the other details for which I have voluntarily sacrificed myself. As far as meals go I was thinking that those will be taken care of by the individual.  We can make a nightly gathering at a local restaurant or cafe for those who want to show.  Other than that you are on your own.  After dinner perhaps drinking and debauchery by the fire at the campsites. I was also thinking that on one day, maybe the last day or the day before the last day we could have a BBQ after a morning fishing adventure followed by a fishing finale.  Maybe have some fresh caught BBQ’d fish, ribs, hamburgers ect. Maybe someone would be willing to organize a pot or something.  Gambling pot, not smoking substance or horticulture related pot.  Something like first fish of the day, biggest fish, smallest fish, stinky award for whoever gets skunked. Anyone want to volunteer for putting together a raffle or items for the raffle? Can’t have a clave without a raffle!  Don’t make me send my henchmen out to collect! Can anyone think of anything else?  Individuals or a group are welcome to volunteer for any of these ventures. That’s all for now. Warren Remember, men will come and men will go, but the streams and mountains go on forever. -Bob Carmichael

Response:

Almost forgot.  For those of you who want to rent cars here is a list of places. Rentals: Avis 1-800-831-2847 or (406) 388-6414 (at Bozeman airport)         Free unlimited mileage rates available, weekend and weekly rentals, wide variety of fine GM cars, 4×4’s and mini vans, special local rates offered. Budget Rent A Car 1-800-527-0700 or (406) 388-4091 or www.drivebudget.com (at Bozeman airport)         Prearranged customer pick-up and drop-off available, 4×4 Explorers, 4×4 Suburbans, pick ups, mini vans, 15 passenger vans and cars of all sizes, unlimited mileage rates available. Enterprise Rent-A-Car 1-800-325-8007 or (406) 586-8010         Low everyday rates, plus weekend & holiday discounts, corporate and government rates, economoy to luxury cars, wagons, 4×4’s, ski-equipped vehicles, minivans, trucks and more, free pick-up from your home, office or repair shop. Hertz 1-800-654-3131 or (406) 388-6939 or hertz.com  (at airport)         4×4’s and minivans available National Car Rental 1-800-car-rent or (406) 388-6694 or national.car.com Warren Remember, men will come and men will go, but the streams and mountains go on forever. -Bob Carmichael

Response:

One more thing.  Just so I get my numbers straight, how many people who are still interested in attending will be wanting rooms?  How many are willing/want to share?  I have the numbers from a few months ago, but need updated numbers. I was thinking that hats and tshirts for claves have all been done.  How about sweat shirts for the western clave?  Any volunteers to head this up? Here is the list of people I have who are interested in attending.  If your name is not on the list or you want it taken off the list please let me know. Tim Walker Jeffrey Miller   Stephen Barnard (RW) Ken Fortenberry   Mike S. Medintz   Mark Anderson   Wayne Harrison William Loehman Mark Faulkner   Bruce aka Bruiser Charlie Choc John Iding   David Snedeker   Dave LaCourse   Peter Charles   Daytripper Big Dale   Indian Joe   Tom Brown Jon Cook   Darin Minor Ed Miller Some people have indicated they are bringing guests/family members.  I am not responsible for any ethics that might be crossed or morals that  will be violated, for the record.  In no way am I responsible for anything other than fun and fishing and the other details for which I have voluntarily sacrificed myself. As far as meals go I was thinking that those will be taken care of by the individual.  We can make a nightly gathering at a local restaurant or cafe for those who want to show.  Other than that you are on your own.  After dinner perhaps drinking and debauchery by the fire at the campsites. I was also thinking that on one day, maybe the last day or the day before the last day we could have a BBQ after a morning fishing adventure followed by a fishing finale.  Maybe have some fresh caught BBQ’d fish, ribs, hamburgers ect. Maybe someone would be willing to organize a pot or something.  Gambling pot, not smoking substance or horticulture related pot.  Something like first fish of the day, biggest fish, smallest fish, stinky award for whoever gets skunked. Anyone want to volunteer for putting together a raffle or items for the raffle? Can’t have a clave without a raffle!  Don’t make me send my henchmen out to collect! Can anyone think of anything else?  Individuals or a group are welcome to volunteer for any of these ventures. That’s all for now. Warren Remember, men will come and men will go, but the streams and mountains go on forever. -Bob Carmichael

Response:

Question:

Mark, Stay loose and keep trying.That’s why they call it fishing and not catching. You were going to C & R anyways. Correct pressure it’s just a matter of experience. You have to take into consideration if the fish is going upstream, down strean, how much string you have out, fish size.Just hang in there,have fun.     Capt. Dan **** Posted from RemarQ – http://www.remarq.com – Discussions Start Here ™ ****

Response:

Not to rain on your parade, but… <heavy downpour snipped

Most of your points are well taken.   However, to make the story as interesting, yet as brief as possible, considerable details and irrelevent narrative were omitted from a long day of fishing.   Had I included everything, I have no doubt you would be impressed with our ambassadorship for fly fishing, our sportsmanship, and the number of fish hooked and played by nearby anglers whist we stood by courteously and patiently when it was our turn to do so.   You would also have been exceptionally bored.   It’s a big river; and we neither monopolized any good holes, caught all the fish, nor substantially interfered with anyone’s enjoyment of the day.   It was a fine day fishing for all; this story was but a snapshot of a moment. Lighten up, eh? If you were right, however, you’d have been right. Joe

Response:

0] : Everybody see the theme happening here?  "Put a little pressure on ‘em?"  My : story: snipped: account of fishing for goldens : Still haven’t caught my first golden.. : -Mark : — Goldens aren’t hard to catch in wilderness streams provided they don’t see you first. They are ultra spooky. The whole secret is stealth. A six incher will scarf up a #10 Royal Wulff or just about anything else in your flybox, and there will be no question of being hooked up–he’ll be on. Just keep low, behind a bush or a rock–you don’t need a fancy cast, just get the fly on the water drifting reasonably. Actually I’ll suggest 14’s and 16’s are a more appropriate for the size of the typical golden, and are taken just as enthusiastically as 10’s. Mike — Michael McGuire                     Hewlett Packard Laboratories  (remove x’s from email if not      Palo Alto, CA 94303-0971   a spammer) Phone: (650)-857-5491              

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My buddy and I were fishing the Salmon River (NY) last fall during the annual salmon run.   We were there maybe a bit late for the peak of the run, and a lot of the fish in the river had been there a while and were a bit worn out.   Not that it wasn’t fun anyway, but once in a while, we’d hook into a really fresh fish with tons of energy.   These guys would take off like a freight train, jumping and taking you well into your backing going straight upstream.   Using an 8 or 10 pound tippet on these big fish necessarily made for a long difficult fight, but we had learned from experience when we could safely "put a little pressure ‘em" and when to let ‘em run.   The spinning rod guys, of course, had a lot less trouble dragging them out with 30# mono and so were somewhat impatient, but generally courteous, when we took our time bringing one in. On the last day of our trip, I worked a faster stretch, and my buddy was working a flat stretch upstream about 50 yards.   We were both hooking up fairly often, but he was really nailing them.   Every other time I looked up there it seemed, his rod was bent over while the spinning guys stood by with their lines out of the water.   I didn’t realize how frustrated some of the other fishermen were with this arrangement until I hooked the big one. Fishing an egg pattern, I saw my line hesitate and set the hook. Instantly, the big salmon sprinted upstream, jumping three times on the way. "Fish coming up!" I yelled upstream, and a half dozen or so other fishermen obliged me by pausing their casting.   The fish was so fast and strong, I quickly decided to walk upstream after him.   He was already 100 yards away and my drag was still singing.   That’s when I saw him.   Not the fish, the guy with the net.   This fish wasn’t even close to tired, but some nut case, tired of standing aroung waiting for another fly fisherman to land a fish, charged into the river and tried to scoop him out.   As tight as my tippet was stretched, even the slightest bump with that net would have cost me the fish instantly. To my relief, he only succeeded in scaring the hell out of it and it sped across to the other side of the river.   As I’m running up the shore to stop this guy, he practically sprints across the river (no small feat) in pursuit of my fish.   He’s still too far away to stop him when the fish reaches the shallows on the far bank.   The fish still has tons of strength left when "net man" get there.   He takes one stab at the fish with the net and the fish sprints upstream again.   My line wraps around net man’s legs and that was all she wrote.   I was still too far away to even curse at the guy.   I just walked back downstream and reeled in the slack.

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Everybody see the theme happening here?  "Put a little pressure on ‘em?"  My story: We were fishing in the 20 lakes basin of California.  I am new to California fishing and newer to fly fishing, I grew up in Michigan.  My buddy Paul and I had no trouble landing a couple delicious brookies the day before in the backcountry, and stocked rainbows from Saddlebag lake to days prior (my buddy Paul makes an excellent trout breakfast scramble).  But we’re really looking for the gold.. Golden Trout.  We try at several lakes and streams with no luck for goldens (just a brookie or two).. as we head further back into the backcountry, we come upon a stream that looks promising.  The bank is about 10 feet above the stream.. and we approach low as the sun is high, though not high enough for us to cast a shadow.. and we see them.  Goldens.. moving slowly left to right, slowing to inspect possible food sources (not rising) then continuing.  Since we’re backpacking, I’m using a fenwick fly/spin rod that doesn’t excel at either but packs well..  and I tie on my nymphs one by one, throwing them from the bank (I am NOT a good flyfisher.. my casts still have the grace of a collapsing bridge), staying low.. and we watch them ignore our offerings.  Paul (with only spinning gear) tosses out spinners and lures 40 feet downstream with no luck either.  After an hour or two of fruitless fishing up and down the section of stream, we quit fishing to have some burbon and nutrition.. and we watch the Goldens pass by like we’re in some kind of twisted dentist’s office.  Paul tells me about a pool he found downstream that might have a good evening bite.. so after a few hours of short hikes and exploring, I go back to camp, grab my gear and head to the pool.  Paul is already there, watching the evening rise.. wishing HE had brought his fly gear.  But Paul has proven why I like to pack with him.. he gives me first shot at the shittish rising Goldens with my fly gear.  I tie on a caddis, approach low, cast upstream.. and the fly stops dead, ripple, SET HOOK and golden on!    He jumps (yep, looks like a Golden, we estimate he’s at about 14-16"), heads upstream, yanking off my line.. all the while I’m having 2nd thoughts about my set.. the timing wasn’t great, didn’t feel real solid.  I decide, in order to make sure the hook is in, I’ll "put a lttle pressure on…" to further set the hook. Yep, game over, fishy all gone, we’re done for the evening (even though we didn’t know it at the time). Still haven’t caught my first golden.. -Mark — Particle Salad/ Noom Room Studio http://home.earthlink.net/~psalad

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I was guiding a client last year on the Ocanuluftee river in the smokies.The water was high and murky and I tied on one of my prince variations for him on a 5X tippet. After fishing the first eddy I put him on he asked me if this was a joke.By the third eddy he fished he changed his tune.He hooked up about three feet off the bank and said I think I’m hung up! I told him to set the hook harder! He said but I’m hung up! I said It’s a big fish buddy put it to him! He jerked the rod sharply and the fish exploded! I screamed get downstream of him before he makes his run! It was too late! The fish lipped the pool and headed into class five water.He held the rod high as the reel sang it’s song.After about 120 yards the fish parted the leader.He said I didn’t know there were fish like that up this high.I replied’ I didn’t either. Moral to the story"Never under estimate the brown trout and use 2X tippet when the water’s murky!                                                                                 Tim

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In my youth, I was a bait fisherman, just like my dad.   We were fishing the Chesapeake Bay near the Md/Va line and doing pretty well against some sea trout in about 70 ft of water.   As usual, just as the sun starts going down and the wind picks up, the fishing starts getting really good, but it’s time to go in.   Just before I reel in for the last time, I feel a bump and haul back on my rod.    I got it, but what?   Instantly it takes off south, aided by a 2 knot current.   I’m using a medium stiff spinning rod and 18-lb line, but he’s just peeling it off at high speed.   This is the fish of a lifetime.   After what seemed like a minute, but was probably only15 seconds, the line goes slack.   I’m deflated.   On reeling in, I find lots of nicks in what’s left.   Probably a big bluefish, maybe a shark, I’ll never know.   Man was that a fish. Joe

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I often remember the big fish that I’ve lost, especially from a mistake I made.  Any interest in exchanging the tales?  Herewith a modest contribution.

(Section deleted) Finally hooked a carp. I can remember fishing for Bluegill in my favorite section of Big Bear

Lake with my 3wt when I hooked into a monster.  It took about 20 minutes to get this thing close to me.  The largest Bluegill I’ve ever seen.  It was absolutely HUGE!! I wanted to keep it as I knew nobody would believe me when I told them how big. I had no net with me, after all who needs to net Bluegill.  I couldn’t get my hand around him and being a Bluegill couldn’t put my thumb in is mouth. No way to grab him !!!  Finally my 6x tippet gave way.  I dropped my rod and tried to grab with both hands, but he just slowly swam away. The following week I heard someone had caught a 4lb  9oz record the very next day. I guess you just can’t win them all. Bill

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Good thread, Michael. Fishing on the Beaverhead two years ago, floating below Dillon with the pontoon boat.  Slow day in September, having to pound them up and not much sucess at that either.   Dropped a two nymph rig into a drop-off that must have been 15 feet deep, and just let it sink – fooling around, mostly.  WHAM.  Rod bends straight down (like I was jigging for 10 pound crappies or something).  Five seconds later leader pops at, of all places, the nail knot attachment to the fly line.  Lost the entire leader.  First and only time that has ever happened to me, but now I carry an extra leader. Then there was the time…… (man, I got a load of these kind of stories) Mark Faulkner

Oh Mark, you brought back bad memories.  I had been fishing the Bow River in Alberta for three days and my luck had been so-so.  it was getting dark and I worked my way up to this flat, just upstream of a spot called Policeman’s.  I could see regular rises and there was one large regular one at the tail of an almost imperceptible seam.  I drift a #14 Henryville down, the rainbow took it and headed into the current with me hanging on for dear life.  I put a bit of pressure on and ping!!!, the leader parts in the middle.  Standing there looking at half my leader, I remember stepping on it earlier when releasing a small fish.  Must have nicked it with a stud.  Damn.  Would have been the best fish I had in a while. Peter Email address hacked. Remove -delete-this- to email a reply.

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These first few aren’t huge but memorable nonetheless… I guess there’s one every season or so for me,  a brown that took a hares ear spider on one side of the river, and immediately bolted for a single snag/branch hanging into the water clear across stream and promptly wrapped the leader around it, I barely had set the hook. Same river, two years or so earlier, a rainbow picked up a damsel nymph hit the main main current, crossed the current to a backwater on the other bank 20 yards downstream leapt and hung the line up in a bush. Then there are the bruisers … usually in backwaters … I did my first and only float trip last year … what a revelation.  This damned river Goulburn is much maligned as being difficult to fish and so it is, if you are looking for a swag of fish taken in runs, glides etc. Naturally things are differnt during a hatch, then selectivbity is a problem. On that trip I was broken in a backwater on the strike to a parachute dun, guide reckons "Biig"  …hard to tell I guess, but the sight of that dun disappearing is something I won’t forget, damn fish charged it and managed to break the fly-knot on 6 lb tippet when I lifted into him. Man there is some serious recovery time needed after things like that. The best thing about that trip though was I found where the fish were, very few mid-stream, mostly backwaters and hard against the bank near overhang branches and the like.  It gave me confidence in the water I knew there where fish and roughly where … so now I fish it with a heap of confidence, knowing that patience will pay off. Two weeks after the float, I returned foot, I watched backwaters relly looked and sure enough, 2lb plus fish accessible form the bank admittedly in tricky circumstances.  I spotted a much larger brown cruising a particular back water 6 times , always he’d be coming toward me or I’d be caugth in the open and couldn’t move … on the seven occasion the wind blew and riffled the water as he swam away .. the size 14 heavy wire fiery-brown nymph was taken, I lifted and all hell broke loose in the shallow water.  I couldn’t afford to let him run at all because of logs, and you guessed it … the hook straightened.  I cursed a little and *laughed* a hell of a lot while untangling leaderr and line from around my ears and hat, checked my watch –  one cast in 3 hours and worth every last second of it. That float trip has changed the way I fish ~that~ river forever. Geez …then there a the lake fish …. Steve

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I agree, this is a great thread. Last Memorial Day, I joined my Father-In-Law on the Potholes Res. in Central Washington.  He enjoys fishing for walleye so was rigged up and trolling for them.  I personally don’t care for spiny rays so had my rod rigged with my favorite Wolly Bugger pattern. After 30 minutes the fish finder turns black with fish and I start pounding nice 14 inch rainbows.  My next hit, the reel starts screaming and I was totally unpreparred for this size of fish (even though the lake is known to have 10 pound plus rainbows in it.)   After about 20 seconds the hook pulls out.  I reel in and check my fly and leader and cast it back out.  Two minutes later, I am into another monster fish that has the reel on meltdown again. This time I was ready for it  and proceeded to adjust the drag while my Father-in-Law cranked up the downriggers and was getting to turn the boat around to give chase.   In that short period of time, the fish was within 10 feet of spooling me with the drag cranked all the way down when the fly popped loose again.  It never did slow down. Mike Wilson Fishing!! What else is there?

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I often remember the big fish that I’ve lost, especially from a mistake I made.  Any interest in exchanging the tales?

    This is a little long…    Jackson and I had spent most of the morning trying to gain access from ranchers to the river.  We knew from maps that the state had designated it "Gold Medal Water" but we were determined to get on it somewhere other than the few public acess points.     At the time Jackson was tractor salesman for Case power equipment so it seemd he was the right one to go knocking on strangers doors.  After all, they all owned tractors.  The hard part was guessing who were the Case guys and who were the John Deers!!  A fella can be kinda partial to his heavy machinery, right up there with the pickup.     And so it went – "No", after "No" after nobody home,  when finally we hit paydirt.     "Be sure to close the gate!"     Always obey this request.  We were in.  A short drive and we came upon the water – wide and slow, winding through hay fields.  We began to walk down current and came to a hard dog leg in the stream.  A nice backeddy curled against the current.  As we looked the risers became evident.  Jackson patted me on the back – a little harder than I liked, but that was OK, our mission was accomplished.     There was such an abundance of available food for these fish – terresterials and aquatics alike, that we really didn’t know what to use.  One thing was certain – it was going to be dry.     I went with a #14 irresistable and proceeded to put down every fish I cast to.  Well, not put down exactly, they would simply move five feet ahead of where I could reach after a couple of presentations.  Jackson was having the same kind of success.     I had started fishing down stream of the bend, but soon found myself standing right in it with the trout now rising behind me.  That’s when Mike (Jackson) called me.     "Jonnie boy – check this dude!"     I climbed out of the stream and walked over to him.  From where he was standing I saw nothing at first.  Then she breeched.  Such a rainbow I’d never been this close to.  The rise was stupid big.  Just a big old bug sucking spotted maw followed by the back of a buffalo and the vertical tail of a whale.     This fish was working less than two feet from shore faceing straight into the current.  The assortment of insects seemed to delight him judging by the way he steadily fed.  I tried to watch what he was eating but it was futile.  There was just too much. I actually watched this pig eat a yellow jacket.     Mike offered up the trout to me; he was going to watch.  I eased into the current no more than 20 feet down stream and waited.  I let this trout rise four or five times before even stripping out line.  I wanted a solid bead on his lie, and I wanted him happy.     My first cast was short.  I waited for one more rise and made a second.  It was perfect.  The irresistable floated happily right over his lie.  Dammitt. Again I waited for him to show.  Then I tried to time it – kind of like a surfer counting waves.     It was time.  The cast was true and it was clear – even before it happened – that this was the cast.  Mike knew it too and even called out – just before he struck – "That’s it".     He was right.     That trout took so confidently that I had to laugh.  I did.  Then I really started laughing as the fish made an immediate downstream run.  Downstream? This I was not ready for.  Don’t ask me why.  The fish swam right passed me.  I could have hit him with the rod. I stripped my wet ass off to keep the line tight and then right back out again and suddenly on the reel.  The old Medalist chugged and groaned and I suddenly realised this fish was well on it’s way to spooling me.  I clammered out of the stream and up onto the high bank.     Mr. fish was an easy 60 yards into the backing when I had this great idea. Instead of continuing the chase on foot I’d:     "Put a little pressure on him"     Famous last words.  The hook had simply pulled free.  I fell back into the tall golden grass and held my forehead.  Jackson was quick to produce a flask of good scotch.  Dam that was a good belt of whisky.   JE JE

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Wish this was mine, but it’s a good story anyway… My brother in law live in LA, and he’s a fishing nut! I took him to the quality waters here in New Mexico with a guide ’cause the water was flowing at almost 5000 cfm. We’re in Texas hole, and close to the top of the hole. He casts to the rapids, and gets a strike, a big one! He asks the guide what to do, and the guide say’s let him run. He ran about a hundred yards and tied up the line in a tree. I never heard a fly reel scream like that in my life! Sure wish it would have been me….

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Michael Goldstein wrote [great thread snipped] Long before I started fly fishing, when I was 12, I fished for bonito from a "bait barge" in Long Beach harbor.  I was fishing a live anchovy in the usual manner with no weight…just the free swimming bait fish.  (I’ve been told by my marine fishing buddies that this type of fishing is called ‘fly fishing’ … go figure). Anyway, on one particular day I was fishing with my $10 trout rod/reel spinning combo I had bought at Thrifty Drug store…You know, the cheap little spinning jobs where the line is always getting caught underneath the spool and wrapped around the axle.  (You probably have to be at least 35 years old to know the cheap little reel I’m talkin about).  Anyway, on this one particular day here I was with my bait in the water and the line caught up and wrapped under the spool in the usual fashion.  In this situation there’s nothing to do but remove the spool and unwind the tangle.  So, while I had the spool off and I’m unwrapping the line, a bonito hits…don’t know how big, but those of you who’ve caught ‘em know how they run when they hit that anchovy. So here I am, with the spool off and the fish pulling away like crazy and my trying to get control and put the spool back on … and the damn fish pulled the whole rig out of my hands and over the rail…rod, reel … everything gone. I was not a happy camper that day! —                                                       -dnc-

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I often remember the big fish that I’ve lost, especially from a mistake I made.  Any interest in exchanging the tales?  Herewith a modest contribution. (Section deleted) Finally hooked a carp. I can remember fishing for Bluegill in my favorite section of Big Bear Lake with my 3wt when I hooked into a monster.  It took about 20 minutes to get this thing close to me.  The largest Bluegill I’ve ever seen.  It was absolutely HUGE!! I wanted to keep it as I knew nobody would believe me when I told them how big. I had no net with me, after all who needs to net Bluegill.  I couldn’t get my hand around him and being a Bluegill couldn’t put my thumb in is mouth. No way to grab him !!!  Finally my 6x tippet gave way.  I dropped my rod and tried to grab with both hands, but he just slowly swam away. The following week I heard someone had caught a 4lb  9oz record the very next day. I guess you just can’t win them all. Bill

While liveing in San Mateo Fl. one of my neibors was going to St. Augustine with his boat to fish and asked me to go along. My only rod at the time was a bamboo 7wt 7′ and I thought a mudler minnow with a straight leader of 20lb test would work fine in salt. We were up under the bridge of lions when I thought I was bottom hung. I started to be able gently to crank in line with just a bit of trouble when this shadow started to show and my buddy asked what the hell I had. As it came up I saw the eye of the most god awful tarpon I had ever even heard of. At that point he decided this was a bit more than a minor nuisance. There was this terrific splash of water and he was gone, my fly rod was broken just above the grip and all I could do was sit there shaking, looking at the busted rod. That was a 14′ boat and that fish was at least half the boat size. That is the truth although I can understand any disbeliefe.                                                         John Popp                                                       in Sanford Fl.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – These first few aren’t huge but memorable nonetheless… I guess there’s one every season or so for me,  a brown that took a hares ear spider on one side of the river, and immediately bolted for a single snag/branch hanging into the water clear across stream and promptly wrapped the leader around it, I barely had set the hook. Same river, two years or so earlier, a rainbow picked up a damsel nymph hit the main main current, crossed the current to a backwater on the other bank 20 yards downstream leapt and hung the line up in a bush. Then there are the bruisers … usually in backwaters … I did my first and only float trip last year … what a revelation.  This damned river Goulburn is much maligned as being difficult to fish and so it is, if you are looking for a swag of fish taken in runs, glides etc. Naturally things are differnt during a hatch, then selectivbity is a problem. On that trip I was broken in a backwater on the strike to a parachute dun, guide reckons "Biig"  …hard to tell I guess, but the sight of that dun disappearing is something I won’t forget, damn fish charged it and managed to break the fly-knot on 6 lb tippet when I lifted into him. Man there is some serious recovery time needed after things like that. The best thing about that trip though was I found where the fish were, very few mid-stream, mostly backwaters and hard against the bank near overhang branches and the like.  It gave me confidence in the water I knew there where fish and roughly where … so now I fish it with a heap of confidence, knowing that patience will pay off. Two weeks after the float, I returned foot, I watched backwaters relly looked and sure enough, 2lb plus fish accessible form the bank admittedly in tricky circumstances.  I spotted a much larger brown cruising a particular back water 6 times , always he’d be coming toward me or I’d be caugth in the open and couldn’t move … on the seven occasion the wind blew and riffled the water as he swam away .. the size 14 heavy wire fiery-brown nymph was taken, I lifted and all hell broke loose in the shallow water.  I couldn’t afford to let him run at all because of logs, and you guessed it … the hook straightened.  I cursed a little and *laughed* a hell of a lot while untangling leaderr and line from around my ears and hat, checked my watch –  one cast in 3 hours and worth every last second of it. That float trip has changed the way I fish ~that~ river forever. Geez …then there a the lake fish …. Steve

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I often remember the big fish that I’ve lost, especially from a mistake I made.  Any interest in exchanging the tales?  Herewith a modest contribution. I often fish a pond near my house in Princeton, NJ which contains sunnys, smallmouth, and HUGE carp, i.e. 10+ lbs.  Generally, I’ll try to catch the smallmouth, switching to the carp if I see them cruising.  But in a year of hit-and-miss trying, I’ve never gotten a carp on.  They are extremely spooky, and even if you get a nymph on their nose while they’re tailing (generally what I’m trying to do), it’s very hard to read a take. It’s late Fall, and the pond is already cold enough that the smallmouth aren’t hitting.  Rather than go home skunked, I switch to a smaller streamer that is more likely to catch a sunny (though it still might attract a bass). On the first cast of the new streamer, it stops after a short retrieve. Now, if you’ve ever fished for smallmouth you know that one of the problems with catching them is hooking them.  Their jaws are so powerful that even if you try to set the hook hard, once, they may have the fly locked in their jaws, and will spit it out after a few seconds.  So, hoping the fish might be a smallmouth, I lock the line against the rod and hit it a second time. The theory here is that, with six pound tippet, it won’t matter if I lock up against a sunny, or even a smallmouth (which on this pond rarely get bigger than 2 pounds).  But I want to make sure the hook is set. As I’m pulling on the line, I see a grey torpedo explode from the bottom of the pond near my fly.  The acceleration is so rapid that a bow wave builds up in front of it across the entire width of the pond (maybe 150 feet).  My jaw drops as I react to the awesome power display, and try to track the streak with my rod tip.  It takes me a second to realize I should release my lock on the line, but as I do, the 6 lb tippet parts. Finally hooked a carp.

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Michael Goldstein: <<I often remember the big fish that I’ve lost, especially from a mistake I made.  Any interest in exchanging the tales? (good story snipped) I was fishing a river in Maine, early in the season which means I was lobbing big streamers with a 6 weight.  I had a reel on that did not have the best drag system, and hitched into a *very* big fish.  He zoomed across the pool and was headed down-stream to the next pool when I palmed my reel — palmed it too much, that is. The tippet broke and a couple of guys near me gasped in disappointment. About 30 minutes later a local fisherman started fishing and I thought his set up strange:  He had a sinking line, very short leader, and was tying on a #10 White Wulff.  He cast into the current and when the fly was down stream he retreaved it *very* slowly.  On his second cast, He was into a big fish.  I left the water, put my rod down and watched him land a 28 inch Togue (laketrout that gets into a river).  The togue had my white Zonker in his jaw, right next to the White Wulff!  He killed the togue, tied it to his Maine basket, packed up and left.  He had his supper.   Dave LaCourse

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I often fish a pond near my house in Princeton, NJ which contains sunnys, smallmouth, and HUGE carp, i.e. 10+ lbs.  Generally, I’ll try to catch the smallmouth, switching to the carp if I see them cruising.  But in a year of hit-and-miss trying, I’ve never gotten a carp on.  They are extremely spooky, …

I’ve never caught a carp on a nymph or a streamer, only on mulberry flies. When the mulberries get ripe and drop into the water you toss a hunk of purple yarn under the tree. Some folks scatter bread crumbs on a spot for a week or two then use a "bread crumb" fly to catch carp. I don’t, I feel guilty enough about the mulberries. — Ken Fortenberry

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I often remember the big fish that I’ve lost, especially from a mistake I made.  Any interest in exchanging the tales?

We were camped at Rainbow Lake, about 10,000 ft above sea level on the Doubletop Mt. Trail in the Wind River Range. Finis Mitchell’s book claimed that Rainbow Lake was an excellent fishery. Being a flatlander I was not very good at unlocking the secrets of a high alpine lake. I tried my whole bag of lake methods and being limited to fishing from the shore, (no float tube or boat), I got discouraged and inattentive. I had a muddler minnow that I tossed purposefully but retrieved casually. On one of the strips of the retrieve, while I was planning where to make the next "perfect" cast, something hit that muddler so hard it took muddler tippet and all. I just wasn’t paying attention. — Ken Fortenberry

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I often fish a pond near my house in Princeton, NJ which contains sunnys, smallmouth, and HUGE carp, i.e. 10+ lbs.  Generally, I’ll try to catch the smallmouth, switching to the carp if I see them cruising.  But in a year of hit-and-miss trying, I’ve never gotten a carp on.  They are extremely spooky, …

Folklore says that carp can feel the vibrations you impart to the line   (movement, heartbeat and breathing). If you want to catch them, get a y shaped stick and shove the straight end into the ground. Prop up the fishing rod with the y shaped part of the stick. If you are using a fly, watch for line movement unrelated to the current flow. The subtle line movement (especially in calmer waters) around the shore will indicate a carp or sucker is on the line. When you see the movement, pick up the rod and set the hook. Failure to do so will possibly mean that your fly rod will be yanked into the water by the carp/sucker. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’ve never caught a carp on a nymph or a streamer, only on mulberry flies. When the mulberries get ripe and drop into the water you toss a hunk of purple yarn under the tree. Some folks scatter bread crumbs on a spot for a week or two then use a "bread crumb" fly to catch carp. I don’t, I feel guilty enough about the mulberries. — Ken Fortenberry

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I often remember the big fish that I’ve lost, especially from a mistake I made.  Any interest in exchanging the tales?  Herewith a modest contribution.

I’ve got two 12 years or so ago I was fishing the Androscoggin River somewhere near Errol, NH during the famed alder fly hatch. As dark was coming on I was fishing a nice pool and I noticed a fish sipping flies in a back eddy behind a rock, I dropped a fly on him and got a beautiful head and tail rise, to my amazement the fish was quite large, I missed him and he never came back up. The next day I got position in the same pool fairly early and just at dark there he was. I dropped my fly on him and he took it, I setup and my reel began to scream as he headed out into the main current. About 10 yards out he popped the leader. I thought well ok and then the fish leapt out of the water 4 times, each time furthur out in the river, apparantly trying to spit the hook. I esitmate the fish was between 25-30", at that time possibly the biggest trout I had ever hooked. A few years ago fishing for browns in a Maine river  at dark I cast on a sipper. I set the hook and my rod bent right to the water, the reel began to scream as the fish ran downriver. I pulled the anchor in the boat to drift with the fish as my partner manned the oars. This was the biggest fish I have ever hooked (I think) the fish stripped me to the backing, turned up stream and came off as the line went slack ( I was stripping in like a madman but not fast enough). I never saw him, just felt the power and dream of a rematch! dave

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Good thread, Michael. Fishing on the Beaverhead two years ago, floating below Dillon with the pontoon boat.  Slow day in September, having to pound them up and not much sucess at that either.   Dropped a two nymph rig into a drop-off that must have been 15 feet deep, and just let it sink – fooling around, mostly.  WHAM.  Rod bends straight down (like I was jigging for 10 pound crappies or something).  Five seconds later leader pops at, of all places, the nail knot attachment to the fly line.  Lost the entire leader.  First and only time that has ever happened to me, but now I carry an extra leader. Then there was the time…… (man, I got a load of these kind of stories) Mark Faulkner

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Then there was the time…… (man, I got a load of these kind of stories)

Yeah, me too.  The most painful fish I ever lost…. Last year I went with a friend to fish the classic chalk streams of England. One day we’re fishing the Lodden.  The water was off color that day, and nothing was rising.  So I start, like any self respecting American fisherman, working a nymph, not realizing it’s not allowed on this river. (The guide is a young chap who’s filling in for the guy who booked the trip, and he doesn’t know either.)  Anyway, so I’m fishing to a bunch of fish that have never seen an artificial nymph, and iIt’s a perfect river for this kind of fishing, as the fish have concentrated in some deep holes. In one hole, having taken a bunch of fish — easily 10 in the 2  lbs. class in less than an hour, all stockers — I see a huge shape flash on, then refuse, my bead-head hare’s ear. After a dozen casts, and no further luck, I tie on a "large olive bead head damsel nymph, tied Matuka style". In other words, a wooly bugger. Sacrilege in these parts, even where nymphing is OK. I just happened to have one in my vest, and the guide is helping my friend, so he can’t object. I feel deliciously wicked. I’m fishing on a short line on the dead drift. On the second cast the line hesitates, and I lift the rod. The resistance is so firm, I’m sure it’s bottom. But then the line starts to vibrate. It’s a bloody great fish! The line noses down, then my reel screams as the fish takes off across the pool. Then down again, there’s nothing I can do but let it run. Then upstream 20 yards, with me chasing it along the bank.  I get a good look at it, it’s a huge brown trout, at least 30"! Then across to the far bank into the reeds. I put some side pressure on him and the line goes limp! Broken off at the fly. When we were fishing drys, the guide had put on 7x tippet, and I hadn’t realized. With 2.5 pound breaking strength, I’ve been too forceful. To make it even worse, guide points out that this was undoubtedly a wild fish, since the stocked trout are rarely more than 2 pounds, or 20 inches. I feel ill, mentally replaying the fatal sideways pressure, wishing I had shortened the tippet to a 6 lbs. breaking strenght 4x.  In the stained water, nymphing, it would have been fine.   It takes me about an hour before I have the heart to fish again!

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Question:

I just moved to San Francisco and am looking for good streams for fly fishing.  Can someone tell me what’s the closest stream(s) to San Francisco city that offers good flyfishing? Thanks in advance Y CHEN —

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I just moved to San Francisco and am looking for good streams for fly fishing.  Can someone tell me what’s the closest stream(s) to San Francisco city that offers good flyfishing? Thanks in advance Y CHEN

  The Madison HM

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Most of the good trout streams are 150 miles away. — Ernie Harrison Want something to do? Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just moved to San Francisco and am looking for good streams for fly fishing.  Can someone tell me what’s the closest stream(s) to San Francisco city that offers good flyfishing? Thanks in advance Y CHEN —

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Most streams are closed this time of year. If you want to fish now, though, you can try Putah Creek below Lake Berryessa. Because of its proximity to the Bay Area, it can get crowded – especially on weekends. For good northern California fishing reports, check www.fishfirst.com – updated every two weeks. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Most of the good trout streams are 150 miles away. — Ernie Harrison Want something to do? Go to:  http://users.ccnet.com/~emh I just moved to San Francisco and am looking for good streams for fly fishing.  Can someone tell me what’s the closest stream(s) to San Francisco city that offers good flyfishing? Thanks in advance Y CHEN —

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The best and closest I’ve found so far are Putah Creek and The Lower Yuba both of which are open this time of year.  I went to the Lower Yuba for the first time this past spring and it was a lot of fun. (Watch out for Rattle Snakes and Poison Oak though.  In fact, you should watch out for Poison Oak just about everywhere you fish in Northern CA.)  Good luck. Brian

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Question:

My wife has indicated she may purchase a pair of these waders for me as a Christmas gift. Orvis dealer up here has them on sale for nearly 50% off. Reading bulletin board at a flyfishing site, seems most ppl prefer Simms model. Anybody out there have an opinion on this? Does anybody have a pair of the Orvis NoSweats that could speak of the merits and detractions of this set of waders? Evidently Orvis is bringing out a new set of models which why they are clearing them, is it worth waiting for and perhaps paying alot more money for? Thanks for your opinions.

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I bought a pair of no-sweats last year.  They were very lightweight and comfortable.  They were also baggy and a funny color.  The first time I walked thru a blackberry bush they were full of tiny holes I couldn’t patch. I returned them to the flyshop which allowed me to "trade up" to the Simms waders.  They are twice as heavy and ten times tougher.  So far (knock on wood), no leaks.  I beat the heck out of the waders and they are holding up well.  Despite the Gore Tex claims, they you do sweat and you get damp – just a matter of how much dampness you can put up with. The feet are neoprene and after all day my feet are invariably damp – this part of the waders definitely doesn’t breathe. For someone like me who hikes a lot and beats the brush I need tough waders.  If you don’t venture near blackberry bushes or wild roses, or slide across logs – go with the Orvis.  The price won’t matter when you’re chest deep in a cold spring creek (that happended to me in Pennsylvania last year – got wet and froze to death in the Orvis product). Hope this helps.

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I’ve got a pair of Orvis breathable waders and I have nothing but good things to say about them.  I fished in them all summer, including brush wacking, log climbing and boulder jumping/sliding.  No holes, no leaks, minimum sweat.  Good poduct. Chris Brown – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My wife has indicated she may purchase a pair of these waders for me as a Christmas gift. Orvis dealer up here has them on sale for nearly 50% off. Reading bulletin board at a flyfishing site, seems most ppl prefer Simms model. Anybody out there have an opinion on this? Does anybody have a pair of the Orvis NoSweats that could speak of the merits and detractions of this set of waders? Evidently Orvis is bringing out a new set of models which why they are clearing them, is it worth waiting for and perhaps paying alot more money for? Thanks for your opinions.

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My wife has indicated she may purchase a pair of these waders for me as a Christmas gift. Orvis dealer up here has them on sale for nearly 50% off. Reading bulletin board at a flyfishing site, seems most ppl prefer Simms model. Anybody out there have an opinion on this? Does anybody have a pair of the Orvis NoSweats that could speak of the merits and detractions of this set of waders? Evidently Orvis is bringing out a new set of models which why they are clearing them, is it worth waiting for and perhaps paying alot more money for? Thanks for your opinions.

Remember that Orvis guarantees their waders on a depreciation-type arrangement for 4 years…If you get a hole in the first year, full replacement, 2nd year, Orvis pays 75%, and so on… My pair leaked after a year and I got fed-exed a new pair no questions asked… Does Simms similarly back their product? — Chris Schmelzer, MS-2 Medical College of Wisconsin Milwaukee, WI 53208

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I absolutely love mine! Ira Clair

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ColinMckeown: <<Does anybody have a pair of the Orvis NoSweats that could speak of the merits and detractions of this set of waders? Two years ago, on a trip to Labrador, I discovered Orvis’ breathables; the guides wore them.  On my trip this year, the same guides were wearing the same waders.   Last year I returned a set of neoprenes to Orvis saying I bought the wrong waders — I should have bought the "no-sweats.  No sweat. Orvis made the exchange and I have been extremely happy with them ever since.  I ride a mountain bike about 2 miles one-way to my favorite fishing hole and wear the waders all day.  They really are "no sweat".  I recently fell and put a tear in them.  They patched easily and when I returned to Boston, brought them back to Orvis and was given a new pair, *no questions asked*.  I doubt most other manufacturers would have a policy like that!   Dave LaCourse

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<Does anybody have a pair of the Orvis NoSweats that could speak of the merits and detractions of this set of waders?

I really like my Orvis no-sweat waders.  I prefer the newer green color to my teal colored ones, but I have no reason to buy another pair.  Any waders will make you sweat some in warm weather.  I like the lightweight style (over neoprene) because it is comfortable in warmer weather or you can layer it for cold weather.  Simms makes a great product too.  Just more expensive.

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My wife has indicated she may purchase a pair of these waders for me as a Christmas gift. Orvis dealer up here has them on sale for nearly 50% off. Reading bulletin board at a flyfishing site, seems most ppl prefer Simms model. Anybody out there have an opinion on this? Does anybody have a pair of the Orvis NoSweats that could speak of the merits and detractions of this set of waders? Evidently Orvis is bringing out a new set of models which why they are clearing them, is it worth waiting for and perhaps paying alot more money for? Thanks for your opinions.

Hi All, There is a big ‘breathable’ war on and you will be the winners. Prices will be coming down a lot this next season. Simms is the ‘top banana’, but Patagonia is going to try to give them some real competition this next season. Orvis has some good values with their 4 year sliding warranty system. Lots of other companies are in the middle of the pack, but the competition is very powerful. Breathable waders are the biggest thing to hit fishing sense graphite. In a few years there won’t be any other choices, just like graphite rods. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY www.kiene.com

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I’ve had my Orvis NoSweat waders for over 3 years. they have been to 10 different states, up and down steep banks, even the Salmon river in December steelheading.  I am always dry sweat wise but in the last year they developed tiny, tiny  leaks that eventually got worse. I think it was the stitch holes in the knee pads.  I would fish all day and have a wet spot on my knee about the size of a grapefruit that eventually grew.  I took them back to Orvis after nearly 4 years and they gave me a new pair on the spot.  I love them, and would highly reccommend them.  One caveat though.  I burned a hole in mine with a spitting ember from a campfire.  It was instant.  I patched the hole on the inside with a piece of duct tape, and it held for several years.  Cant say enough about them.  they are no sweat indeed. Jerry Schrader Schrader Photo speciallzing in weddings for over 30 years. http://www.weddingphoto-ma.com

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How are they in the cold months of the year? Do you just layer? or what?

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Have not had them long enough to find out.  Ask me in February after the steelhead have come in. Chris Brown – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How are they in the cold months of the year? Do you just layer? or what?

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You can just wear your long underwear underneath them, there,s plenty of room in mine.  Very comfortable in cold weather.  Don’t walk through snow with your felts wet however, it makes big balls of ice on your feet.   Jerry Schrader Schrader Photo speciallzing in weddings for over 30 years. http://www.weddingphoto-ma.com

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Question:

I think the St. Croix recommendation is a good too.  I also like the Sage DS II series which will come in about $250.  The reel isn’t as good as the ones mentioned but for a price of about $250 its a great way to start. My favorite lines are the Wulff Diamond Taper and the Cortland Lazer 444 for dry lines.  For sinking lines, I really like the Scientific Angler Uniform Sink lines.  All are about $45 to $50.

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  If it were me I’d look at the cabela’s, orvis, ll bean catalogs (they’ll send them free) for a 7wt. beginners outfit. They come complete and balanced. Orvis will set you up AND install the line & backing. The others will send you the components. A 7wt may give you an edge just in case a large mouth comes along.                                                        John Popp                                                     in Sanford Fl.

Follow the above advice, forget spending $400 on a setup when your only learning. (I assume your just starting because of the question about line size.)Why would you shell out $400 dollars for the possibility that you might hate the rod once you find out what your doing. Maybe you’ll like a slow action rod or a fast taper stick for distance fishing. Right now your not sure what you need or want. best thing is to throw a $100 bucks on a setup as mentioned above, and once you get used to the rod and can appreciate different types of actions, you can make an informed decision. Then you can spend the rest of the money on a better rod/reel setup. you may also find that you may want a different line weight etc, after you get some experience under your belt. you may also find that you may not even want a better rod, and that the cheapo does everything you want. Then you can blow the money on something more useful.  Hell, you may even hate flyfishing once you start doing it.

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I’m looking for the best combination of rod, reel, and line for fishing panfish, trout, and smallmouth in a lake setting.  What brands would you recommend? I’m looking to spend around $400.  Should I be looking at a 5 or 6 line(or other)?  Friends have recommended the St. Croix Legend Ultra series of rods, and reel recommendation have gone from Scientific Anglers to Lamson to Orvis.  I need the complete setup-rod, reel, line-Any help appreciated.

Hi Jeff, I’d suggest you take a look at the Orvis Silver Label TL 906 outfit for $360. However, I’d recommend upgrading the Battenkill reel to the disc version (adds $10 to the outfit price).  IMO the Battenkill 5/6 Disc is a much better reel for only a few bucks more.  The TL 906 is a 9ft. 6wt. rod made on a compound taper out of the highest modulus graphite Orvis uses.  It is a light, fast action rod (9.5 on the Orvis flex index).   It works best with a 6wt. line which is great for trout, smallbouth, and panfish in lakes,but if you want to put a 7wt. line on it and go fish for largemouth bass with deer hair poppers, it’ll do that fine too. One respondent suggested you don’t spend the $ for an outfit if your starting out for fear you may not like the rod once you gain some skill.  The best choice if you don’t already fly fish, is to get a casting lesson and then try some of the various recommended rods out to see which one suits you best.  With just one casting lesson you should be able to cast well enough to feel the difference between rods.   Your tastes may change over the years, but you won’t get stuck with a stinker.  If the TL 906 is too stiff for your tastes try out the Silver Label 906 which is a mid flex rod (Orvis index 6.0).                                         Good Luck,                                               Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools Mt. Shasta Fly Fishing Schools http://www.thegrid.net/flyfish

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I’m looking for the best combination of rod, reel, and line for fishing panfish, trout, and smallmouth in a lake setting.  What brands would you recommend? I’m looking to spend around $400.  Should I be looking at a 5 or 6 line(or other)?  Friends have recommended the St. Croix Legend Ultra series of rods, and reel recommendation have gone from Scientific Anglers to Lamson to Orvis.  I need the complete setup-rod, reel, line-Any help appreciated.

I got the St. Croix Legend Ultra #4 travel rod, and I absolutely love it! It’s a pretty fast rod, so if you’re brand new to flyfishing, you want to consider slower action rod for easier casting.. But don’t take my word for it. Go to a decent shop and cast different rods yourself. It’s the only way to go! As for the reel, it’s basically just a place to store your line. Get a cheap one!

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I’m looking for the best combination of rod, reel, and line for fishing panfish, trout, and smallmouth in a lake setting.  What brands would you recommend? I’m looking to spend around $400.  Should I be looking at a 5 or 6 line(or other)?  Friends have recommended the St. Croix Legend Ultra series of rods, and reel recommendation have gone from Scientific Anglers to Lamson to Orvis.  I need the complete setup-rod, reel, line-Any help appreciated.

Jeff,     Don’t think of costs just for the rod, reel, line combo.  Reddington has some really nice selections for a lot less than $400.  In fact for under $200 you can get a complete set up, and then spend the other 200 on getting the flies, waders and such  In fact I purchased a Reddington Red Start last year for around $110 and a Cortland reel for $30, Scientific angler line for $45.  The rod has an unconditional lifetime guarantee, which I had to use already once.  If nothing else the Reddington’s should not be overlooked. –Randy

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Hi, I agree with the St. Croix reccommendation- I’d go for the Ultra Legend, and then buy a good SA – a system 2 if you can afford it, or an sa1 if you have to scrimp. I don’t agree about a Lamson, etc. reel on an Imperial – you’ll enjoy the rod more than the better reel (althought the St. Croix travel rods ARE nice). I just can’t see the big deal in some of these so – called big name reels. The SA system2 I’ve got has lasted years and is used almost daily in season and in the salt in the off-season in Florida. Just MHO. Bill — Bill Curry Tight Lines Guide Service Lockeport, Nova Scotia, Canada Phone or Fax :  902-656-3329 http://www.tightlines.ns.ca

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I’m looking for the best combination of rod, reel, and line for fishing panfish, trout, and smallmouth in a lake setting.  What brands would you recommend? I’m looking to spend around $400.  Should I be looking at a 5 or 6 line(or other)?  Friends have recommended the St. Croix Legend Ultra series of rods, and reel recommendation have gone from Scientific Anglers to Lamson to Orvis.  I need the complete setup-rod, reel, line-Any help appreciated. Thanks Jeff

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Friends have recommended the St. Croix Legend Ultra series of rods, and reel recommendation have gone from Scientific Anglers to Lamson to Orvis.  I need the complete setup-rod, reel, line-Any help appreciated.

I threw the Legend Ultra last week for the first time.  I was very surprised by its beefy feel, fast action and light weight.  I’m probably going to buy one (or two) for house rods here….. For price and performance,I gave it an A+. I have a Lamson2….. straightforward, reliable, light and effective.  The only negative thing I’d have to say about the reel is the expense of extra/replacement spools <steep. And for line, I’ve fallen in love with the Cortland 444 RLX. I does have memory, so cold stream fishing might give you some twists and turns… but if you keep it wet, it seldom (if ever) snarls/knots too badly. Oh… take these recommendations from a saltwater FFisher who recently tried fresh water for the first time. Cheers. -thor-

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I’m looking for the best combination of rod, reel, and line for fishing panfish, trout, and smallmouth in a lake setting.  What brands would you recommend? I’m looking to spend around $400.  Should I be looking at a 5 or 6 line(or other)?  Friends have recommended the St. Croix Legend Ultra series of rods, and reel recommendation have gone from Scientific Anglers to Lamson to Orvis.  I need the complete setup-rod, reel, line-Any help appreciated. Thanks Jeff

Jeff, if you get the SC Legend Ultra and put an Orvis Battenkill Disc reel on it, you’ll have $350 invested in a fine outfit. Now add another $40-50 for a good line you are at your target price. On the other hand, you could get the St Croix Imperial 5/6 for $135 (I own the 4 piece travel model) and go up to the Lamson LP-2 reel. Add in the cost of the line and you’re still close to your target price. BTW, this is a *great* rod for the money. Now, my advice is to get the Legend Ultra and the Orvis Battenkill Disc Drag reel. You should have a really good rod, the reel is not quite so important so long as you stay away from the K-Mart specials. More important than the reel is get a *good* quality line. I have used Scientific Anglers for years and have no complaints. There are those who will disagree with my opinions, but advice is free, and you get what you pay for. ) Frank Church Elkhart, IN

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Question:

I am trying to make my own float tube this winter. If anyone has any plans or knows where to get plans to make one any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe

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I am trying to make my own float tube this winter. If anyone has any plans or knows where to get plans to make one any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe

Got a little free time on your hands this winter Joe?

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I am trying to make my own float tube this winter. If anyone has any plans or knows where to get plans to make one any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe

Make your own float tube? Hell, I’m making my own spring creek this winter! Really though, it’s not so much the plans I’d wonder about as the materials. It has often been the case, when I got a notion to make something, that I discovered it would be cheaper to buy it after I factored in the costs of material. Unfortunately, one guy doesn’t get the economies of scale a large mfg. does. This is not to say I don’t understand the appeal of do-it-yourself. That’s why I tie flies. I don’t tie enough of any particular pattern at one time to produce flies for $.10/per. Then I go buy more materials to learn a new pattern. I’m probably still losing money on the deal, but I’m gaining something else. I just wonder where the line is and if perhaps making your own float tube doesn’t cross that line. Roger

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am trying to make my own float tube this winter. If anyone has any plans or knows where to get plans to make one any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Joe Make your own float tube? Hell, I’m making my own spring creek this winter! Really though, it’s not so much the plans I’d wonder about as the materials. It has often been the case, when I got a notion to make something, that I discovered it would be cheaper to buy it after I factored in the costs of material. Unfortunately, one guy doesn’t get the economies of scale a large mfg. does. This is not to say I don’t understand the appeal of do-it-yourself. That’s why I tie flies. I don’t tie enough of any particular pattern at one time to produce flies for $.10/per. Then I go buy more materials to learn a new pattern. I’m probably still losing money on the deal, but I’m gaining something else. I just wonder where the line is and if perhaps making your own float tube doesn’t cross that line. Roger

YOU are talking about a very dangerous thing to do.  Something that can kill you.  If the stitching isn’t correct, the material wrong, etc. Whatever you do, please, please wear a life vest when trying it out. There is more engineering involved than meets the eye.  Understand this. Mr. G. — MZ

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This is not to say I don’t understand the appeal of do-it-yourself. That’s why I tie flies. I don’t tie enough of any particular pattern at one time to produce flies for $.10/per. Then I go buy more materials to learn a new pattern. I’m probably still losing money on the deal, but I’m gaining something else. I just wonder where the line is and if perhaps making your own float tube doesn’t cross that line. Roger

Roger,         Of course it crosses the line!  Didn’t you know we’re ALL over the line. Tight Line Crossings, Charley

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This is not to say I don’t understand the appeal of do-it-yourself. That’s why I tie flies. I don’t tie enough of any particular pattern at one time to produce flies for $.10/per. Then I go buy more materials to learn a new pattern. I’m probably still losing money on the deal, but I’m gaining something else. I just wonder where the line is and if perhaps making your own float tube doesn’t cross that line. Roger Roger,         Of course it crosses the line!  Didn’t you know we’re ALL over the line. Tight Line Crossings, Charley

DEAR CHARLIE:  The real profit is in the high quality improvements you obtain by tying your own flies.  Better success equates into lower overhead in the time it takes to get into your next fish. etc. — George Gehrke/President Gehrke’s World’s Best Fly Fishing Products Asotin, WA 99402 509-243-4100  FAX 4644

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Question:

I ve in northern MA. I would like to try fly fishing for shad. I would drive to Holyoke or Enfield Ct and fish the dams there, which, I understand, are both hot spots. But, does anyone have any thoughts or current info about the Merrimack or North Rivers or anywhere else? joe hardman

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Hey Joe, Where ya been hidin’?   Under a snow drift? <G I hear the shad have moved up the Merrimack and should be up to the Essex dam in downtown Lawrence any time now.  I talked to a guy at my TU meeting tonight who got a lot of shad last weekend at the Rocks Village Bridge in Haverhill.   There will probably be some schoolies mixed in with them.  I hope to get down there and try it within the week.   Tight Lines, Gerry Crow

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I ve in northern MA. I would like to try fly fishing for shad. I would drive to Holyoke or Enfield Ct and fish the dams there, which, I understand, are both hot spots. But, does anyone have any thoughts or current info about the Merrimack or North Rivers or anywhere else? joe hardman

Ran into a guy at the Seabrook estuary yesterday who told me he did real well on shad this week at Rock Village in Haverhill. Incoming tide, sinking line, small flies. have fun,                 jc

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Fly Fishing in Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay ? What type of equipment (rod/line) ? What type of flies work there and what can you catch? Where along the Santa Cruz/ Monterey area do you go? I have a 7 weight 8 1/2 ft bass fly rod with a 8 weight ST fly line. Can I use this in the Santa Cruz / Monterey area ? I have a few Whistlers red/white 3.0 can I use these flies? thanks, Bob Dea

Bob, your 7 weight is perfect for the inshore rockcod. The Blue and Olive Rockcod run arout 2 pounds (bigger when your lucky). You need a fast sinking line such as leadcore, but you can use a High D, High speed shooting head. I suggest you use about twenty feet of leadcore in a shooting head fashion. I use Amnestia running line, but anything is fine. Your leader is not important, but use 10-15 lb. leader material for added strength. I use about six feet of leader. Occaisionally you can take fish on the surface, so a floating line is nice to have along. I use flies like Blondes and Lefty’s Deceivers. The fly is not all that important, but don’t make the size too big (long). Your Whistlers will probably work just fine. Your hook size is pretty big, but it’ll work. I like 1/0 hooks for rockcod, but like bass they can handle big hooks.I fish with a two fly setup. I like to put a red or orange colored fly on the terminal end, the other fly is line-looped about 18 inches up from the end. That fly is usually a blue/white or green white Blonde. You might start off fishing the reaf off of the lighthouse at Santa Cruz. Also, you can try Soquel reaf and the nearby kelp forest. You can catch White Sea Bass during the Summer months if your persistent. Let me know if you need other info. John

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : Fly Fishing in Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay ? : What type of equipment (rod/line) ? : What type of flies work there and what can you catch? : Where along the Santa Cruz/ Monterey area do you go? : I have a 7 weight 8 1/2 ft bass fly rod with a 8 weight ST fly line. : Can I use this in the Santa Cruz / Monterey area ? : I have a few Whistlers red/white 3.0 can I use these flies? : thanks, : Bob Dea Bob, I assume you’re talking about Salt Water Fly Fishing.  If so, I can’t help you, but I will be watching this space for more information on the subject. I live in Moss Landing and have Surf Fished here.  There are perch, shark, stripers, and salmon in this area along with rock fish near the jettys.  I have seen fly fishers on our beaches, but have not tried it myself.  I would like to as I am a fly fisher, I just don’t know how!

Have you tried flyfishing in Elkhorn Slough?  I wrote an article about it awhile back in response to a discussion about flyfishing in the SF Bay.   A back issue of California Flyfisher has an article about fishing for bat rays (they recommended putting squid juice on your flies) in SF bay and the shallows in the back of Elkhorn slough would seem to be ideal for flyfishing for bat rays, leopard shark, and guitarfish. Santa Cruz county also has several streams which get runs of steelhead and opening day is just around the corner. — John Fereira Pleasanton, CA

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: Fly Fishing in Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay ? : What type of equipment (rod/line) ? : What type of flies work there and what can you catch? : Where along the Santa Cruz/ Monterey area do you go? : I have a 7 weight 8 1/2 ft bass fly rod with a 8 weight ST fly line. : Can I use this in the Santa Cruz / Monterey area ? : I have a few Whistlers red/white 3.0 can I use these flies? : thanks, : Bob Dea Bob, I assume you’re talking about Salt Water Fly Fishing.  If so, I can’t help you, but I will be watching this space for more information on the subject. I live in Moss Landing and have Surf Fished here.  There are perch, shark, stripers, and salmon in this area along with rock fish near the jettys.  I have seen fly fishers on our beaches, but have not tried it myself.  I would like to as I am a fly fisher, I just don’t know how! Where are you?  can you shed any light on the Santa Cruz County freshwater fly fishing?  If you aren’t familar with Monterey County Fly Fishing, I can help!  Just let me know if you’re interested and I’ll describe some locations. Good Luck and remember… CATCH & RELEASE (in fresh water, at least)  :) —           Bob                   "Computers will reduce the amount of           Moss Landing, Ca.       paper consumed."

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Fly Fishing in Santa Cruz / Monterey Bay ? What type of equipment (rod/line) ? What type of flies work there and what can you catch? Where along the Santa Cruz/ Monterey area do you go? I have a 7 weight 8 1/2 ft bass fly rod with a 8 weight ST fly line. Can I use this in the Santa Cruz / Monterey area ? I have a few Whistlers red/white 3.0 can I use these flies? thanks, Bob Dea

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