Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -What would the investment in equipment be to make high quality: 1. Bamboo Rods 2. Hooks (including a chemical sharpener) I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take?  I think I will call my new rods…..wait for it…..BITCH yep, that’s it…<g I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

Did you actually _read_ the quote in your signature? <G R …does "Padishar Creel" mean "shit stirrer" in elf<G? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

I have some pics (somewhere) from a hookmaker in Redditch England  and they use a number of very simple machines just dedicated to one task such as forming the eye and one for putting on the bend etc. Cane rods are difficult because cane is a very difficult material  to work with and a 4ft strip of cane takes ‘x’ amount of time to machine. There is a feed and speed relationship that cannot be bridged, everything takes time. You can develop machines making it possible to employ an operator for $10 per hour and break the craft down into managable steps (as did Henry Ford)  It does not matter how you cut it, cane can never be cheap. If George had any production experience he would not have mouthed off so much before ever building a rod. He really listened to the wrong people. But if he can knock out the blanks at a timely rate and find a market for them which I am sure there is then he can scrape by. Terry – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -What would the investment in equipment be to make high quality: 1. Bamboo Rods 2. Hooks (including a chemical sharpener) I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take?  I think I will call my new rods…..wait for it…..BITCH yep, that’s it…<g I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

Response:

I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot Did you actually _read_ the quote in your signature? <G …does "Padishar Creel" mean "shit stirrer" in elf<G?

—— Richard, your so right!  I thought stiring stuff about about fly fishing might be able to compete with all the political pot stiring.  I see I may have been right… —- Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What would the investment in equipment be to make high quality:  1. Bamboo Rods  2. Hooks (including a chemical sharpener) I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take?  I think I will call my new rods…..wait for it…..BITCH yep, that’s it…<g I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

I know I said I’d lurk a while without chiming in much, but I can’t resist —- I WANNA BUY A BITCH!!! <BFG

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have some pics (somewhere) from a hookmaker in Redditch England  and they use a number of very simple machines just dedicated to one task such as forming the eye and one for putting on the bend etc. Cane rods are difficult because cane is a very difficult material  to work with and a 4ft strip of cane takes ‘x’ amount of time to machine. There is a feed and speed relationship that cannot be bridged, everything takes time. You can develop machines making it possible to employ an operator for $10 per hour and break the craft down into managable steps (as did Henry Ford)  It does not matter how you cut it, cane can never be cheap. If George had any production experience he would not have mouthed off so much before ever building a rod. He really listened to the wrong people. But if he can knock out the blanks at a timely rate and find a market for them which I am sure there is then he can scrape by. Terry What would the investment in equipment be to make high quality: 1. Bamboo Rods 2. Hooks (including a chemical sharpener) I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take?  I think I will call my new rods…..wait for it…..BITCH yep, that’s it…<g I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

Scrape by?  I have a standing order for 1000 blanks.  Scrape by?  Surely you jest Ackland? — George G. Bastard Bamboo Fly Rods http://www.gink.com/ http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What would the investment in equipment be to make high quality:  1. Bamboo Rods  2. Hooks (including a chemical sharpener) I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take?  I think I will call my new rods…..wait for it…..BITCH yep, that’s it…<g I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot I know I said I’d lurk a while without chiming in much, but I can’t resist —- I WANNA BUY A BITCH!!! <BFG

See?  There are so many spin off’s to my genius.  You’re all welcome.   — George G. Bastard Bamboo Fly Rods http://www.gink.com/ http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot Did you actually _read_ the quote in your signature? <G …does "Padishar Creel" mean "shit stirrer" in elf<G? —— Richard, your so right!  I thought stiring stuff about about fly fishing might be able to compete with all the political pot stiring.  I see I may have been right…

Oh, what the hell… You mean you want to hear about the Duke of Erl’s plan to corner the hook market? And awa-a-a-y we go……<G. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text —– Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

Response:

What would the investment in equipment be to make high quality: 1. Bamboo Rods 2. Hooks (including a chemical sharpener) I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take?  I think I will call my new rods…..wait for it…..BITCH yep, that’s it…<g I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?…

You want quality – and quantity? Well, there’s a bankrupt faker living in a single-wide on the Snake River that is bound to respond to your question. However, you should understand that he knows nothing about either. Set mode = ignore for your own sanity.

Response:

Scrape by would be the right term to use. Mr. Sage can wrap a $4 piece of Carbon fiber around a mandrel in 5 minutes and get more than you can get for your blanks. Sad but true, Terry   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have some pics (somewhere) from a hookmaker in Redditch England  and they use a number of very simple machines just dedicated to one task such as forming the eye and one for putting on the bend etc. Cane rods are difficult because cane is a very difficult material  to work with and a 4ft strip of cane takes ‘x’ amount of time to machine. There is a feed and speed relationship that cannot be bridged, everything takes time. You can develop machines making it possible to employ an operator for $10 per hour and break the craft down into managable steps (as did Henry Ford)  It does not matter how you cut it, cane can never be cheap. If George had any production experience he would not have mouthed off so much before ever building a rod. He really listened to the wrong people. But if he can knock out the blanks at a timely rate and find a market for them which I am sure there is then he can scrape by. Terry What would the investment in equipment be to make high quality: 1. Bamboo Rods 2. Hooks (including a chemical sharpener) I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take?  I think I will call my new rods…..wait for it…..BITCH yep, that’s it…<g I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot Scrape by?  I have a standing order for 1000 blanks.  Scrape by?  Surely you jest Ackland? — George G. Bastard Bamboo Fly Rods http://www.gink.com/ http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take?

Let me put it to you this way… Let’s say you were able to sell 200 bamboo rods per year with a profit (after advertising, components, amortized equipment costs, salaries, etc) of $150 per rod. You’d make a whopping $30,000/year. You could do worse, of course, but there are *lots* of ways to make that much money with fewer startup costs and less risk. So let’s say that rather than trying to start a production line, you make them one-by-one instead. Quality over quantity. So, you buy a Morgan Hand Mill ($2500) and various other tools of the trade (another $1000–I know you could do it for less but if you were making professional quality rods you’d need professional quality tools). Then, you could–once you got a reputation–sell your rods for somewhere between $900 and $1500. Let’s say $1200, with a profit of $1000 per rod. So, let’s say it takes you 40 hours per rod. Assuming a 2000 hour year and unlimited demand, you could sell 50 rods and make an even more whopping $50,000/year. But the key here is unlimited demand. I’d be shocked if there are more than a couple of full-time custom builders making more than $30K/year. You can live off of $30K/year, of course. But you could make more money with less risk by taking a two-month computer training course. Plus you could get paid to read ROFF So why don’t you do this: build ten rods for the fun and experience of it. Since they won’t be perfect rods, give them away. You’ll have a great time, learn some of the tricks of the trade, and a few other folks will get to fish with the fruits of your labors. After you make ten rods, chances are that some of the pleasure will wear off and the reality that making rod-building a profession would be hard, tedious work will begin to set in. Sounds somehow familiar –Steve

Response:

Why do I think that there are some folks who already get paid to read ROFF even without having taken a computer training course?  Or is that just cynical?  ;-) JR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Some very interesting stuff about bamboo start-up costs snipped. You can live off of $30K/year, of course. But you could make more money with less risk by taking a two-month computer training course. Plus you could get paid to read ROFF

Response:

Why do I think that there are some folks who already get paid to read ROFF even without having taken a computer training course?  Or is that just cynical?

Ah, good point. You clearly understand the concept of (mis)using OPM <g. –Steve

Response:

What would the investment in equipment be to make high quality:  1. Bamboo Rods  2. Hooks (including a chemical sharpener) I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take?  I think I will call my new rods…..wait for it…..BITCH yep, that’s it…<g I assume that hooks are made completely by machine.  Ummmm, I wonder how much a machine like that costs?… — Padishar Creel "What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult to each other."  – George Eliot

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take? Let me put it to you this way… Let’s say you were able to sell 200 bamboo rods per year with a profit (after advertising, components, amortized equipment costs, salaries, etc) of $150 per rod. You’d make a whopping $30,000/year. You could do worse, of course, but there are *lots* of ways to make that much money with fewer startup costs and less risk. So let’s say that rather than trying to start a production line, you make them one-by-one instead. Quality over quantity.  

______  This is the hole in your thesis Steve.  "Quality over Quantity" It is now possible and it is now being done here to have both because a machine can do more accurately what a human can do with a plane, and do it a hundred times better. And cheaper.  This equates into being a Bastard, I guess. George G. Bastard Bamboo Fly Rods http://www.gink.com/ http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take? Let me put it to you this way… Let’s say you were able to sell 200 bamboo rods per year with a profit (after advertising, components, amortized equipment costs, salaries, etc) of $150 per rod. You’d make a whopping $30,000/year. You could do worse, of course, but there are *lots* of ways to make that much money with fewer startup costs and less risk. So let’s say that rather than trying to start a production line, you make them one-by-one instead. Quality over quantity. ______  This is the hole in your thesis Steve.  "Quality over Quantity" It is now possible and it is now being done here to have both because a machine can do more accurately what a human can do with a plane, and do it a hundred times better. And cheaper.  This equates into being a Bastard, I guess. George G. Bastard Bamboo Fly Rods http://www.gink.com/ http://www.gink.com/chat

_______  By the way Steve, what are you paying for one Clum of Bamboo now and where are you buying it from? — George G. Bastard Bamboo Fly Rods http://www.gink.com/ http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

ND#1

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen some equipment on the web and things like that, but if one wanted to go into production to make Bamboo rods of high quality and low cost, what do you think it would take? Let me put it to you this way… Let’s say you were able to sell 200 bamboo rods per year with a profit (after advertising, components, amortized equipment costs, salaries, etc) of $150 per rod. You’d make a whopping $30,000/year. You could do worse, of course, but there are *lots* of ways to make that much money with fewer startup costs and less risk. So let’s say that rather than trying to start a production line, you make them one-by-one instead. Quality over quantity. So, you buy a Morgan Hand Mill ($2500) and various other tools of the trade (another $1000–I know you could do it for less but if you were making professional quality rods you’d need professional quality tools). Then, you could–once you got a reputation–sell your rods for somewhere between $900 and $1500. Let’s say $1200, with a profit of $1000 per rod. So, let’s say it takes you 40 hours per rod. Assuming a 2000 hour year and unlimited demand, you could sell 50 rods and make an even more whopping $50,000/year. But the key here is unlimited demand. I’d be shocked if there are more than a couple of full-time custom builders making more than $30K/year. You can live off of $30K/year, of course. But you could make more money with less risk by taking a two-month computer training course. Plus you could get paid to read ROFF So why don’t you do this: build ten rods for the fun and experience of it. Since they won’t be perfect rods, give them away. You’ll have a great time, learn some of the tricks of the trade, and a few other folks will get to fish with the fruits of your labors. After you make ten rods, chances are that some of the pleasure will wear off and the reality that making rod-building a profession would be hard, tedious work will begin to set in. Sounds somehow familiar –Steve

Response:

Question:

I just got an old willow creel from a friend. The willow look pretty dry and there is no varnish to protect it. Since i want to use it when i’m fly fishing should i put something on it , if so what should i use; Varnish, linseed oil…….or is there any special product i should know of? Thanks for your help! Before you buy.

Response:

I just got an old willow creel from a friend. The willow look pretty dry and there is no varnish to protect it. Since i want to use it when i’m fly fishing should i put something on it , if so what should i use; Varnish, linseed oil…….or is there any special product i should know of?

Yo Robert.   I’m heading down to the fly shop today.   You get the latest FFA yet? Joe F.

Response:

Willow creels require no maintenance apart from a wash now and again. Line the creel with damp grass before placing fish in it. You may also soak the creel in the stream before placing fish in it.  The evaporation which then ensues helps keep the fish cool.  The grass also prevents too much slime from soaking into the creel itself and producing the most horrendous stink. TL MC — "If you have tried everything you know, and nothing works, then perhaps it is time to accept that you don

Question:

207-882-5504 This is the number from the Messing About in Boats resource page. Call Platt in the morning Maine time. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – P. Shannon, I just received Monfort’s Geodesic catalog and was hoping you’d answer  Could you please tell me where you got the catalog… telephone # and or address. Thanks Ron

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P. Shannon, I just received Monfort’s Geodesic catalog and was hoping you’d answer  Could you please tell me where you got the catalog… telephone # and or address.

Thanks Ron

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Monfort’s Geodesic catalog and was hoping you’d answer  Could you please tell me where you got the catalog… telephone # and or address.

Take a look at the website: www.geodesicairoliteboats.com Bill Graham "If you can’t find time to do it right, when are you going to find time to do it again?"

Response:

Check out www.hobiecat.com  Look at the float cats.  Lightweight, 21~33 lbs, Packable come with backpack straps, compact.  They will fit in the trunk (boot) of a car.
They are also priced very right.  You can UPS ship them anywhere, so you don’t need to carry them as luggage, and you wont need to purchase a roof rack.    -**** Posted from remarQ, Discussions Start Here(tm) ****- http://www.remarq.com/ – Host to the the World’s Discussions & Usenet

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check this out….. www.folbot.com/aleut.htm extremely stable  light, ample room, carry and set up ANYWHERE (air line luggage) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The smallest canoe that I am familiar with is the Old Town Pack.  It is a one man and yes there is a set in it.  I think it’s in the 30 to 40 pound range.  This may work good for you.  There is one other boat I would like to recommend.  I work with a professional fly fisherman.  He taught for years and years.  This man will highly recommend buying a Wilderness Systems Pungo kayak and so will I.  This is an excellent fly fishing / knock around boat and is extremely stable.  He takes his everywhere including the ocean and will fish out of it there too.  I know there are other options but I can’t think of any at this moment.  If you want to call and ask any questions about the Pungo and fly fishing out of it, call (770) 992-3200 between 10am and 7pm eastern standard time Monday thru Friday and ask for Ben.  He’ll answer all of your questions. Courtney Rapid Adventures I am continuing to look for a single canoe that can be carried into ponds away from the beaten path. 30 lb range.  Do NOT want to kneel on the floor. Suggestions please!! Paul Koulouris Shelburne, Vermont "The true joy of pursuing trout is that they live in such beautiful places"

Response:

If you’re willing to build it yourself you should investigate Platt Monfort’s geodesic aerolite designs.  I have a 14 foot canoe that weighs 20 pounds even.  I sit on the floor and paddle it like a kayak.  It’s huge and stable and would hold lots of fish.  There’s also a 12 foot version, and a 12 food wide version especially designed for fly fishing.  It took me about 60 hours of work to build mine. Michael Bateman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am continuing to look for a single canoe that can be carried into ponds away from the beaten path. 30 lb range.  Do NOT want to kneel on the floor. Suggestions please!!

Response:

Michael, I just received Monfort’s Geodesic catalog and was hoping you’d answer a few questions about building one of his designs.  I was looking at building the smallest canoe (7′5" Sweet Pea) for my 10 yr old.  I figured something light enough for him to handle and load would be the perfect way to let him enjoy ownership of his own boat and get him out on the water for a little solo splashing about. Did you buy either any of the kits (partial materials or plywood parts) or did you procure the materials yourself? And do you think the instruction is complete enough for a woodworking novice to complete a boat without getting into too much trouble? If all goes well I’m threatening to build a SnowShoe 14 for my own flyfishing use. Thanks for your time, -P. Shannon – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you’re willing to build it yourself you should investigate Platt Monfort’s geodesic aerolite designs.  I have a 14 foot canoe that weighs 20 pounds even.  I sit on the floor and paddle it like a kayak.  It’s huge and stable and would hold lots of fish.  There’s also a 12 foot version, and a 12 food wide version especially designed for fly fishing.  It took me about 60 hours of work to build mine. Michael Bateman I am continuing to look for a single canoe that can be carried into ponds away from the beaten path. 30 lb range.  Do NOT want to kneel on the floor. Suggestions please!!

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    Two boats that come to mind are the Mohawk Solo-13 (or Solo-14 slightly larger) and the Old Town Pack, about 11 1/2 feet.  All are in the mid 30 pound range.  The Solos paddle beautifully but I’m not sure about standing in them while casting.  The Pack is wider, hence a bit more stable.    BTW, get the OT in royalex, not crosslink. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am continuing to look for a single canoe that can be carried into ponds away from the beaten path. 30 lb range.  Do NOT want to kneel on the floor. Suggestions please!! Paul Koulouris Shelburne, Vermont "The true joy of pursuing trout is that they live in such beautiful places"

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I am continuing to look for a single canoe that can be carried into ponds away from the beaten path. 30 lb range.  Do NOT want to kneel on the floor.   Suggestions please!! Paul Koulouris Shelburne, Vermont "The true joy of pursuing trout is that they live in such beautiful places"

Response:

The smallest canoe that I am familiar with is the Old Town Pack.  It is a one man and yes there is a set in it.  I think it’s in the 30 to 40 pound range.  This may work good for you.  There is one other boat I would like to recommend.  I work with a professional fly fisherman.  He taught for years and years.  This man will highly recommend buying a Wilderness Systems Pungo kayak and so will I.  This is an excellent fly fishing / knock around boat and is extremely stable.  He takes his everywhere including the ocean and will fish out of it there too.  I know there are other options but I can’t think of any at this moment.  If you want to call and ask any questions about the Pungo and fly fishing out of it, call (770) 992-3200 between 10am and 7pm eastern standard time Monday thru Friday and ask for Ben.  He’ll answer all of your questions. Courtney Rapid Adventures – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am continuing to look for a single canoe that can be carried into ponds away from the beaten path. 30 lb range.  Do NOT want to kneel on the floor. Suggestions please!! Paul Koulouris Shelburne, Vermont "The true joy of pursuing trout is that they live in such beautiful places"

Response:

Paul, I saw a Lincoln kevlar 12′6" today at Blue Mtn. outfitters. Gorgeous but not inexpensive. I am sure the boat will be in the weight class you are seeking. They are in Marysville, Pa. Ron Paint Island Canoe & Kayak http://www.riversport.com/paintisland/

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I believe Old Town has on for abour 500.00, that does what you want. Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am continuing to look for a single canoe that can be carried into ponds away from the beaten path. 30 lb range.

Response:

Paul, I use a Mad River Winooskie for solo paddling with my fly rod. It is Kevlar and very lightweight. But it’s also quite wide. It’s designed for two people who want to do more in a canoe than just paddle so it is a very stable craft. I found that casting from a sitting position is a breeze and when I stand up the fish scurry off in a hurry. I hope you find something soon as Spring is almost here. Rich

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Question:

<<  I wasn’t so much scared, though, as hurt. After all I had done for him the damned squirrel never even looked back.  Anyone out there have similar stories they’d like to share?   I think former President Jimmy Carter had something like that happen while fishing too far from Secret Service agents from providing details. William Buchman

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"No good deed goes unpunished."

Response:

Cute story Joe but that’s not being attacked by a squirrel.  Come on down to the Clave and I’ll show you the scars from REALLY being attacked by a squirrel.  Story too long to post here. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone out there have similar stories they’d like to share?

Response:

Wayno, swear ta gawd, I never touched ya. Big Al – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Cute story Joe but that’s not being attacked by a squirrel.  Come on down to the Clave and I’ll show you the scars from REALLY being attacked by a squirrel.  Story too long to post here. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine. Anyone out there have similar stories they’d like to share?

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No Al, not Wayno, that’s the OTHER Wayne! Wayne To fish is human…to release divine. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wayno, swear ta gawd, I never touched ya. Big Al Cute story Joe but that’s not being attacked by a squirrel.  Come on down to the Clave and I’ll show you the scars from REALLY being attacked by a squirrel.  Story too long to post here. Wayne To fish is human…to release divine. Anyone out there have similar stories they’d like to share?

Response:

Cute story Joe but that’s not being attacked by a squirrel.  Come on down to the Clave and I’ll show you the scars from REALLY being attacked by a squirrel.  Story too long to post here. Wayne

is jimmy c. gonna join us? tell him to bring plenty of peanuts and billy beer. –wataugan walt

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Cute story Joe but that’s not being attacked by a squirrel.  Come on down to the Clave and I’ll show you the scars from REALLY being attacked by a squirrel.  Story too long to post here. Wayne is jimmy c. gonna join us? tell him to bring plenty of peanuts and billy beer. –wataugan walt

That was a rabbit that went after old Jimmy. — Charlie…

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doggone this grouse….let me go find my sm, memory is slippin…. –Wataugan Waldo – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Cute story Joe but that’s not being attacked by a squirrel.  Come on down to the Clave and I’ll show you the scars from REALLY being attacked by a squirrel.  Story too long to post here. Wayne is jimmy c. gonna join us? tell him to bring plenty of peanuts and billy beer. –wataugan walt That was a rabbit that went after old Jimmy. — Charlie…

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 Winter is a lousy time for fishing here in New England. there’s something about that slight two-foot film of ice that inhibits the trout and salmon  rising to your exquisitely presented dry fly; perhaps that slight tap on the head as they slam into the solid wall of ice.  If it’s bad for fishing, though, it’s a great time for contemplating fishing trips of the past. One of my all time favorite days on the water ended without a single fish.  It was one of those perfect fall days when the air is dry and crystal clear, not the best weather for catching but perfect for fishing, if you know what I mean. I was supposed to be at work, but the day was too nice and the feeling of freedom I got from playing hooky from work just added to the enjoyment of the day.  About three miles from the dock I saw something swimming in the water. Stopping to check it out, I found a gray squirrel. He was almost a mile from land and the water was cold. the poor thing swam up to my boat and I could hear it’s claws scraping on the aluminum side as the near-frozen animal tried desperately to get out of the water.  Now I enjoy eating a fish now and then but otherwise consider myself a kindly soul so up picked up my landing net and hoisted the half-frozen rodent out of the water. When I laid it on the seat of my boat it was so cold it just layed there.  Being somewhat foolhardy as well as kindly, I took off my coat, an old Vietnam-era Army jacket, built a nest and placed the cold-cold squirrel inside.  I continued on to my favorite fishing hole and proceeded to cast for smallmouth bass. The sun was getting warmer and the squirrel in my coat would, once in a while let out a little sneeze but was otherwise silent.  After two or three hours of casting, I had totally forgotten about my guest, now comfortably asleep in my coat. I put my rod down and turned to start the motor.  As the motor roared to life, I hard a scrambling sound in back of me and turned to see a gray streak come flying from the front seat, onto the middles seat, onto the small of my back and up my back to the top of my head where it dove off into the water and swam the short 10 feet to shore.  Now I know I was at least 10 miles from the dock but when I returned a couple of the guys there swore they heard me scream.  I wasn’t so much scared, though, as hurt. After all I had done for him the damned squirrel never even looked back.  Anyone out there have similar stories they’d like to share?

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Joe Mitko writes:

(good story mostly snipped) As the motor roared to life, I hard a scrambling sound in back of me and turned to see a gray streak come flying from the front seat, onto the middles seat, onto the small of my back and up my back to the top of my head where it dove off into the water and swam the short 10 feet to shore.

Joe:  great story, but you missed out on some great tying material. Mark Faulkner

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4K Download

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This page works great on my UNIX based ASCII news reader, it’s beautiful…

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Anybody know of decent kitchenette/condo accomodations close to the quality water on the San Juan River in New Mexico?  Looking for a place with a kitchen and a separate bedroom. John F

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Anybody know of decent kitchenette/condo accomodations close to the quality water on the San Juan River in New Mexico?  Looking for a place with a kitchen and a separate bedroom. John F

Hi John You might try Abe’s Motel & Fly Shop at Navaho Dam. I’ve never been there but they are sure nice to talk with on the phone. — Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products On line catalog – tips & tricks at: http://www.btsflyfishing.com

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        Does anybody know a good place to stay near the quality water on the San Juan, where they have units with two rooms?  Like a kitchenette with a bedroom and a sofabed in the main room?  The only place I’ve stayed there, is Abe’s, and I don’t recall they had any rooms like that.         Also, is the fishing usually good there in late September/early October?

The Best Western in Farmington!  I’m getting soft, but the hot tub and pool!! Not to much of a drive to the river. Doug — Doug & Tammy Stephens Paris, Idaho

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        Does anybody know a good place to stay near the quality water on the San Juan, where they have units with two rooms?  Like a kitchenette with a bedroom and a sofabed in the main room?  The only place I’ve stayed there, is Abe’s, and I don’t recall they had any rooms like that.         Also, is the fishing usually good there in late September/early October?

each passing year with the competition.  Best to take a camper.  Stay as independent as you can be here.  We pull a camper, can sleep four, cook ourselves, wax away near the river.  Several other places are available but buyer beware.  Your money can go fast here. — George Gehrke/President Gehrke’s World’s Best Fly Fishing Products Snake River – Hell’s Canyon Asotin, WA 99402 / 509-243-4100  FAX 4644

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        Does anybody know a good place to stay near the quality water on the San Juan, where they have units with two rooms?  Like a kitchenette with a bedroom and a sofabed in the main room?  The only place I’ve stayed there, is Abe’s, and I don’t recall they had any rooms like that.         Also, is the fishing usually good there in late September/early October?

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trying to access group

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I was born in wyoming and was taught to fish usin g bait casting methods.  My family bought me a fly tying outfit.  last night i tried to tie several flies using a BANTAM 1 fly tying kit from target.  I tried to follow autors directions to attach "wing" portion.  pictures were in black/white. hard to follow.  advice?

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I was born in wyoming and was taught to fish usin g bait casting methods.  My family bought me a fly tying outfit.  last night i tried to tie several flies using a BANTAM 1 fly tying kit from target.  I tried to follow autors directions to attach "wing" portion.  pictures were in black/white. hard to follow.  advice?

Go to your public library and check out several books on fly tying, read them and then keep trying until you get it right.  BTW the fish can’t care less if the fly is properly tied.  They are looking for food.   Anymore questions try the rec.outdoors.fishing.fly.tying newsgroup

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Try the Pennyslvania Fly Fishing Site under the Tidbits Button. http://www.easetech.com/pafish/ Dave Kile

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Try the Pennyslvania Fly Fishing Site under the Tidbits Button. http://www.easetech.com/pafish/ Dave Kile

Thanks for the info!! Fax:    +1.201.894.4650                                   CIS: 70410,3541

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Are there any fly hatch charts for the NY/NJ/PA area somewhere on the net? Thanks! — Fax:    +1.201.894.4650                                   CIS: 70410,3541

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I operate a Cortland Pro Shop and Stock over 300 DIFFERENT Cortland Fly Lines. I also build custom rods and have lots of other neat stuff.  If I can help out anyone with anything let me know. George E. Hoskin/Hoskin Enterprises RFD 1, Box 841 West Bath, Maine 04530 1-207-443-6064 1-800-244-7744

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writes: Can anyone give me some good advice on flyfishing in CentralNorth Jersey.  I’m new to the area and have fished on the south branch of the Raritan (Califon), but it’s incredibly crowded.  Would appreciate any pointers E-mail me back! Thanks Paul Amatangelo

Paul, Along with the Musconetcong River, you may want to try the Pequest, Paulinskill, and Big Flatbrook in New Jersey.  However, you may want to drive the extra distance and fish such rivers as the Bushkill and Lackawaxen in Pennsylvania, as well as the Beaverkill, Esopus, and the East & West branches of the Delaware River in New York. All these rivers are within two hours driving time from northern New Jersey.     Good Luck!

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I am 15 years old and live in Princeton NJ. I just started Fly Fishing a year ago and have tried many a spots in this area. Right in Princeton is the Stoney Brook which is stocked with trout and other fish and is known to produce bass and perch. The Assunpink River (not lake) has alot of perch and Shad and has produced a few trout and bass for me. The Pequest and Flatbrook rivers are also very good for trout. But for bass fly I would recomend a spot that I found two years ago when I was a spin fisher. It is in the Delaware Raritan canal. IT is right by the main entrance to the Bulls Island Campground on the Delaware River. Its on the New Jersey side in case your confused. Thats all I can THink of but if you would like advice on other spots feel free to write. Matt

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Saturday, May6 I went to the North branch of the Raritan at Rte 206 and 287. Very little crowd.  I didn’t catch any trout but another fellow had 3 on a stringer.

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Can anyone give me some good advice on flyfishing in CentralNorth Jersey.  I’m new to the area and have fished on the south branch of the Raritan (Califon), but it’s incredibly crowded.  Would appreciate any pointers E-mail me back! Thanks Paul Amatangelo

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Try the Musky west of the route 24 bridge just pass the fly stretch. This area has produced some 8 lb fish. I know, from first hand experience I didnt catch it, put a witnessed the fight and landing of the monster. The person who caught it was a rookie, only his third time out. Some people have all the luck. Good Luck.

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