Question:

At least I attended *one* ‘Clave Georgie Boy!  I believe you are 0 for 0, aren’t you. I believe it’s 0 for 1.

0 for 2. He chickened out on the ‘99 Spring NC conclave, too.

Response:

At least I attended *one* ‘Clave Georgie Boy!  I believe you are 0 for 0, aren’t you.

I believe it’s 0 for 1. I have to say that I was very disappointed that George was in the Ennis area during the Western Clave and didn’t even stop by the campground. I’m sure that everyone would have been interested to meet him, myself included. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Now wait justa doggone minute. I never said any such thing. And *you’re* the one who wanted the hug, pal.

I just want it stated for the record that I left before there was any hugging that I was aware of.  I mean, there was huggin’ in my cabin, but I had a girl in there with me. Regards, Jeff

Response:

_____  Time to bypass North Carolina

        thank god for small favors.

Response:

_____  Time to bypass North Carolina    thank god for small favors.

Hey! We want him to bypass the entire Northeast Kingdom, too! What does it take to get that to happen?

Response:

Right.. it’s a dirty job, etcetera.. Guests are ok, especially when they force you to consume all those sleemans Herman Another NC clave? Or are you autoclaving? Herman herman, just a buncha guys showed up. what’s a man to do ‘cept welcome them and drink thar beer <g walt

– Cheers, Herman Herman Nijland Daytime webmaster Lifetime flyfisher

Response:

_____  Time to bypass North Carolina       thank god for small favors. Hey! We want him to bypass the entire Northeast Kingdom, too! What does it take to get that to happen?

Thus far, invitations seem to have worked pretty well.        :)

Response:

Ken did you get chance to fish  Slickrock from the topside last week.? Some summer adventure hiking group now comes all the way down from Joyce Kilmer end to pickup at river so the trail must be well marked.  Reviewing Jimmy Jacobs book on Appalachia streams prior to my mountain trip next week and he says you should be able to catch big browns just below the falls you hiked into. last year. In spring I plan to kayak and fish snowbird from the entrance to the dirt road down to the small dam on Robinsville road. This is all stocked water but  within private land I don<t think it get fished much. Some concern on dropping anchor and facing upstream while you cast from kayak. but I will go into stream behind me.

You mean that it is not supposed to be done this way?  Hell, standing on shore I would probably be better off if I faced the road instead of the water. INdian Joe Wilmington N.C. Anyone fishing from kayak please send suggestions

– A question debated and left unanswered is better than a question answered without debate.

Response:

Ken did you get chance to fish  Slickrock from the topside last week.? Some summer adventure hiking group now comes all the way down from Joyce Kilmer end to pickup at river so the trail must be well marked.  Reviewing Jimmy Jacobs book on Appalachia streams prior to my mountain trip next week and he says you should be able to catch big browns just below the falls you hiked into. last year.  In spring I plan to kayak and fish snowbird from the entrance to the dirt road down to the small dam on Robinsville road. This is all stocked water but  within private land I don<t think it get fished much. Some concern on dropping anchor and facing upstream while you cast from kayak. but I will practice before trip. Perhaps I could just take a big backcast and let fly go into stream behind me.  INdian Joe Wilmington N.C.  Anyone fishing from kayak please send suggestions

Response:

IJ –  I’m sure forty will post his report…but, waldo and i fished wilson creek with him and asadi on friday, and he said he spent all of his time on snowbird. as to your kayak adventure…two suggestions:         1.      Employ a video crew…it’s sure to be a feature event equalling chaplin and the keystone kops.         2.      increase your life insurance coverage. yer pal…jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ken did you get chance to fish  Slickrock from the topside last week.? Some summer adventure hiking group now comes all the way down from Joyce Kilmer end to pickup at river so the trail must be well marked.  Reviewing Jimmy Jacobs book on Appalachia streams prior to my mountain trip next week and he says you should be able to catch big browns just below the falls you hiked into. last year.  In spring I plan to kayak and fish snowbird from the entrance to the dirt road down to the small dam on Robinsville road. This is all stocked water but  within private land I don<t think it get fished much. Some concern on dropping anchor and facing upstream while you cast from kayak. but I will practice before trip. Perhaps I could just take a big backcast and let fly go into stream behind me.  INdian Joe Wilmington N.C.  Anyone fishing from kayak please send suggestions

Response:

Some concern on dropping anchor and facing upstream while you cast from kayak.

Make sure the anchor line is attached at the bow and not in the middle of the boat. I put an eyelet on the bow of mine and a jam cleat by the cockpit to secure the line. — Charlie…

Response:

Tim, by posting your three messages earlier tonight, you reminded me as to why I keep coming back to this place we call ROFF…. welcome, good show, and thanks for sharing…. –Walt obroff: happenings in the high country…. gorgeous drop-dead fall weather. asadi is setup and domesticated at grandfather camp in his neat new camper trailer with his wonderful wife and daughter. zimbo arrived this am and fished. he did pretty durn good on the watauga before he headed back home. i was especially shocked and taken aback to hear him proclaim the maine pirate a "sissy-boy." <g ken arrived this afternoon with tales of a big fish that choco caught on snowbird. jeff is arriving here tomorrow evening and we all plan an all dayer trip on friday. should be fun. where’s op? where’s wayno? where’s my beer?

Response:

obroff: happenings in the high country…. For all the guys who come here asking what roff means, I must shamefacedly admit I don’t know what obroff means.  I mean, I know what it *means*, but I can’t figure out what ob actually stands for.  And I never will either, because all the replies will be along the lines of "Only Boone", "Our Beer", "Old Butts", "Opie’s Boner", etc. and I won’t know which one is for real.  sigh….

The "OB" is shorthand for "obligatory" on-topic content. (ie: after scribbling a boatload of off-topic text the author includes some bit o’ on-topic tripe to avoid prosecution by the Usenet Police ;^) eg: obroff: A sparsely tied Silverside is a damned deadly fly. hth? /daytripper

Response:

The "OB" is shorthand for "obligatory" hth? The German style of abbreviation – very clever, that threw me.  Well, I don’t know what to say – that answer came flying in before any other wisecrack!

Yeah, well, it was a long day at the office, my dog lost his radio collar somewhere in the yard and it’s too damned dark to look for it, and my second phone line decided to do the "Going…Going…Gesphincto!" routine tonite. So I’m off my feed… You guys are OK after all…

Don’t be too hasty ;^) obroff: fly fishing is fun

There ya go! /daytripper (damned phone company’s going catch an earload in the morning…)

Response:

obroff: happenings in the high country….

For all the guys who come here asking what roff means, I must shamefacedly admit I don’t know what obroff means.  I mean, I know what it *means*, but I can’t figure out what ob actually stands for.  And I never will either, because all the replies will be along the lines of "Only Boone", "Our Beer", "Old Butts", "Opie’s Boner", etc. and I won’t know which one is for real.  sigh…. Regards, Jeff

Response:

The "OB" is shorthand for "obligatory" hth?

The German style of abbreviation – very clever, that threw me.  Well, I don’t know what to say – that answer came flying in before any other wisecrack!  You guys are OK after all… obroff: fly fishing is fun Regards, Jeff

Response:

obroff: fly fishing is fun

And as often as not it’s extraordinarily frustrating. I suppose that’s what makes it fun — when you get it right, against all odds. That’s what I live for: Those moments when the fishing is very difficult but when you come up with the right answer. Those moments are rare but worth savoring. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Another NC clave? Or are you autoclaving? Herman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tim, by posting your three messages earlier tonight, you reminded me as to why I keep coming back to this place we call ROFF…. welcome, good show, and thanks for sharing…. –Walt obroff: happenings in the high country…. gorgeous drop-dead fall weather. asadi is setup and domesticated at grandfather camp in his neat new camper trailer with his wonderful wife and daughter. zimbo arrived this am and fished. he did pretty durn good on the watauga before he headed back home. i was especially shocked and taken aback to hear him proclaim the maine pirate a "sissy-boy." <g ken arrived this afternoon with tales of a big fish that choco caught on snowbird. jeff is arriving here tomorrow evening and we all plan an all dayer trip on friday. should be fun. where’s op? where’s wayno? where’s my beer?

– Cheers, Herman Herman Nijland Daytime webmaster Lifetime flyfisher

Response:

Another NC clave? Or are you autoclaving? Herman

_____  Time to bypass North Carolina and make those monkey’s travel to Mountain Home Arkansas like everyone else has to travel to North Carolina.  Mountain Home has some great camping sites and the city is beautiful.  The waters are stuffed with big trout or a lot of them. — George G. Bastard Bamboo Fly Rods http://www.gink.com/ http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

Tim, by posting your three messages earlier tonight, you reminded me as to why I keep coming back to this place we call ROFF…. welcome, good show, and thanks for sharing…. –Walt

Thanks Walt. Thanks to others too for the positive feedback. Tim

Response:

zimbo arrived this am and fished. he did pretty durn good on the watauga before he headed back home. i was especially shocked and taken aback to hear him proclaim the maine pirate a "sissy-boy." <g

Now wait justa doggone minute. I never said any such thing. And *you’re* the one who wanted the hug, pal. –Steve

Response:

Another NC clave? Or are you autoclaving? Herman

herman, just a buncha guys showed up. what’s a man to do ‘cept welcome them and drink thar beer <g walt

Response:

zimbo arrived this am and fished. he did pretty durn good on the watauga before he headed back home. i was especially shocked and taken aback to hear him proclaim the maine pirate a "sissy-boy." <g Now wait justa doggone minute. I never said any such thing. And *you’re* the one who wanted the hug, pal. –Steve

man-oh-man…. can’t even get a little flame war goin’ round here <g –walt

Response:

At least I attended *one* ‘Clave Georgie Boy!  I believe you are 0 for 0, aren’t you.  Many of the other NC "monkey’s" have attended far reaching ‘Claves, and I believe you are still 0 for 0.  Well I guess it’s hard to attend a gathering of genuine friendship in your case, what with all the effusive lying and all! — Op – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Another NC clave? Or are you autoclaving? Herman _____  Time to bypass North Carolina and make those monkey’s travel to Mountain Home Arkansas like everyone else has to travel to North Carolina.  Mountain Home has some great camping sites and the city is beautiful.  The waters are stuffed with big trout or a lot of them. — George G. Bastard Bamboo Fly Rods http://www.gink.com/ http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

Question:

All, I found this experience to be fascinating. While fishing the Manistee river in western Michigan, Dad & I casually donned our gear and schlepped the few hundred feet from the car to a stairs leading down to the river. Upon landing we began sizing up the water and realized that we were probably in the wrong place, as the water was very featureless and deepened quickly from the banks that we found ourselves on.  Well, as we were feeling a bit lazy, we decided to give it a try anyway.  Walking upstream a few yards, I happened upon a little gravel bed that jutted into the river allowing me a few extra feet to wade so I walked out and started pondering what to fish.  Tried a few things, deep, shallow, etc with no luck.  Felt kinda like fishing a lake as there were no feature to speak of except (of course) the little gravel bed I was standing on (who was it that once said…"you can always tell the inexperienced fisherman because he is wading where he should be fishing and fishing where he should be wading?)  After about an hour of flailing about I happened to gaze down into the water and was shocked to see at least 5, yes five very large brown trout  feeding right next to my feet.  AHA! finally a challenge.  So I carefully proceded to fish every last fly in my box in every conceivable presentation style past these fish only to watch them move out of the way as my fly du seconde floated by.  After a while, I simply gave up and watched them feed, and began learning…. Russell

Response:

Russell,    You were probably dislodging insects with your feet and the fish were taking advantage of it.  This is not an uncommon occurrence in heavily fished waters where the fish get used to the fisherman. Ernie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I found this experience to be fascinating. <snip I happened to gaze down into the water and was shocked to see at least 5, yes five very large brown trout  feeding right next to my feet <snip Russell

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Russell,    You were probably dislodging insects with your feet and the fish were taking advantage of it.  This is not an uncommon occurrence in heavily fished waters where the fish get used to the fisherman. Ernie I found this experience to be fascinating. <snip I happened to gaze down into the water and was shocked to see at least 5, yes five very large brown trout  feeding right next to my feet <snip Russell

Ernie, You are probably right, however they seemed to also be feeding in front of me in the typical dodge and slide pattern.  It was awesome to watch. Russell

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – _______  We are now concentrating on making (we hope) one of the most complete fly tying programs in the world given enough time.  I think this project will take at least three years. I am going to ask each and every one of you to submit four flies and the way you tie them.  We hope as traditional as possible. … Mr. George Gehrke President We here at the ET2 Flyfishing Emporium and Shaolin Monk Reeducation Center respectfully request that everyone everywhere send to us one dozen flies to be entered into the KCUSFC (Ken Could Use Some Flies Contest). Please submit your dozen from one or more of the following patterns and sizes, (the more times you enter the better your chance of winning). Yellow Humpy    14, 16, 18 Royal Wulff     12, 14, 16 Parachute Adams 14, 16, 18 The winner will be announced in this forum, and will receive INSTANT IMMORTALITY, WORLD WIDE ACCLAIM, and A SIX PACK OF ST. LOUIS BUDWEISER ! All entries will be judged by a panel of drunken ROFFians and the vast majority of the flies will be fed to ravenous rhododendrons.

Even so, it’s a much better deal than that offered by VI#1…

Response:

Gotta be in big mouth cans.                     Frank Reid The winner will be announced in this forum, and will receive INSTANT IMMORTALITY, WORLD WIDE ACCLAIM, and A SIX PACK OF ST. LOUIS BUDWEISER !

I had planned on providing longnecks but will accomodate career military contestants without prejudice. Send those flies, Francis, and take your chances. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Gotta be in big mouth cans.                     Frank Reid – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The winner will be announced in this forum, and will receive INSTANT IMMORTALITY, WORLD WIDE ACCLAIM, and A SIX PACK OF ST. LOUIS BUDWEISER !

Response:

Gotta be in big mouth cans.                     Frank Reid The winner will be announced in this forum, and will receive INSTANT IMMORTALITY, WORLD WIDE ACCLAIM, and A SIX PACK OF ST. LOUIS BUDWEISER !

— Mr.G http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html

Response:

_______  We are now concentrating on making (we hope) one of the most complete fly tying programs in the world given enough time.  I think this project will take at least three years. I am going to ask each and every one of you to submit four flies and the way you tie them.  We hope as traditional as possible.  A complete tying instructions column would be appreciated, a picture of yourselves at the vise or astream, and a little history or bio would be nice.   Send the flies or very good photographs via e-mail.  Focus is important and a common light blue, tan, or black background that would best set off your flies will serve you and us well when ever possible. Please tie one dry, one wet fly, one nymph and one streamer if possible.   The site will be set up in those four sections as DRY WET NYMPHS STREAMERS as soon as we get enough delineation. I look forward to hearing from all as your support is much appreciated. We are and the world are also interested in seeing your fly tying signature.  This is why sometimes we will list two or three ties of the same fly such as the Adams. I will do each and every one a good job regarding the page/s about you and your flies. Thank you all in advance.  I look forward hearing from you. Mr. George Gehrke President http://www.gink.com/fly/fly_of_world.html —

Response:

_______  We are now concentrating on making (we hope) one of the most complete fly tying programs in the world given enough time.  I think this project will take at least three years. I am going to ask each and every one of you to submit four flies and the way you tie them.  We hope as traditional as possible. … Mr. George Gehrke President

We here at the ET2 Flyfishing Emporium and Shaolin Monk Reeducation Center respectfully request that everyone everywhere send to us one dozen flies to be entered into the KCUSFC (Ken Could Use Some Flies Contest). Please submit your dozen from one or more of the following patterns and sizes, (the more times you enter the better your chance of winning). Yellow Humpy    14, 16, 18 Royal Wulff     12, 14, 16 Parachute Adams 14, 16, 18 The winner will be announced in this forum, and will receive INSTANT IMMORTALITY, WORLD WIDE ACCLAIM, and A SIX PACK OF ST. LOUIS BUDWEISER ! All entries will be judged by a panel of drunken ROFFians and the vast majority of the flies will be fed to ravenous rhododendrons. — Mr. Ken Fortenberry Sommelier

Response:

Question:

<SNIPPED.  They are always very good and very quick reponses.  Do you sit at your computer all day just waiting for ROFF posts?:) Tim

No, but I do log in about twice daily usually, and at times when most posters elsewhere have long since gone to bed, so it may appear that my responses are pretty quick.  I sometimes spend quite a while doing other work on the computer, and log in even more often though. TL MC

Response:

[snip] So give em a brake or just keep on driving that jeep util you find a suitable wall..

Metaphorically speaking, of course… /daytripper ("I Brake For Newbies")

Response:

Lighten up, have a cool one and relax a bit.  It is not about gear or ego’s fellas. Mike

Thanks Mom…..errrr Mike….I almost forgot what it was "all about"….now as soon as I get done doin’ the dishes, startin another load of clothes and takin out the garbage.. if I have your permission, I’ll suck down that cold one before I kick another cat down the driveway….. Jeez….I’m sure glad we have our Jiminy Cricket around today!! Larry #:)#

Response:

Tim Look Tim, if you don’t ask your learning curve will be slower, so ask. However Grumpy some of us are, if the truth be known most here really like to share what we think we know. And newbies are the future of our sport so you are valued. As to diplomacy, or what some might prefer to think of as courtesy, well that itself is a matter of debate. I for one have a bad attitude toward what I consider pussy footing around, and a fairly sharp tongue. However, I think I can assure you though that even the most ragged and long standing feuds here wash away in the field and when it comes down to support for wise use of our country’s natural resources. If its any comfort there is also a long standing tradition for cussidness among the flyfishing fraternity. I offer Sparse Grey Hackle’s story "the Lotus Eaters" in his book "Fishless Days, Angling Nights" as exhibit 1, wherein he describes the Fly Fishers Club of Brooklyn, ensconced on the Beaverkill after their move from the the Brodhead’s in the last century. As exhibit 2 and 3  I offer the personality of our patron saint, Theodore Gordon himself, and Hewitt, fairly opinionated buggers I think you will agree. Having survived your initial dunking you’ve earned the right to ask anything you please and you will mostly get reasonable responses. Presumptuous, but I remain your humble servant, Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have to agree with you mike. I am very much a "rookie" at this FF game and admittedly don’t post much because I don’t feel I know enough about this wonderful sport to be of help to anybody. I have asked some "newbie" questions and pretty much have received very polite and helpful replies (other than my initial post about an experience I had at a club that had fish feeders installed along the stream, which caused quite a backlash, well deserved though in retrospect). However, I have noticed a decided souring of tempers as of late. I lurk, mainly because I can and have gained many useful tidbits just from reading the posts, but also because I don’t want to be a bother to the regulars by asking a ton of "newbie" questions. After reading some of the recent posts I probably will be even more hesitant in the future. Tim

Response:

The current heat wave must be getting to people.  Of the two posts I read by newbies looking for advice, one guy got his head bit off by somebody on their soapbox about quality vs. price and the other question deteriorated into a thread taking personal jabs at each other and contradicting the previous post. This is not a way to encourage new people to stick around. Lighten up, have a cool one and relax a bit.  It is not about gear or ego’s fellas. Mike

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -The current heat wave must be getting to people.  Of the two posts I read by newbies looking for advice, one guy got his head bit off by somebody on their soapbox about quality vs. price and the other question deteriorated into a thread taking personal jabs at each other and contradicting the previous post. This is not a way to encourage new people to stick around. Lighten up, have a cool one and relax a bit.  It is not about gear or ego’s fellas. Mike

I have to agree with you mike. I am very much a "rookie" at this FF game and admittedly don’t post much because I don’t feel I know enough about this wonderful sport to be of help to anybody. I have asked some "newbie" questions and pretty much have received very polite and helpful replies (other than my initial post about an experience I had at a club that had fish feeders installed along the stream, which caused quite a backlash, well deserved though in retrospect). However, I have noticed a decided souring of tempers as of late. I lurk, mainly because I can and have gained many useful tidbits just from reading the posts, but also because I don’t want to be a bother to the regulars by asking a ton of "newbie" questions. After reading some of the recent posts I probably will be even more hesitant in the future. Tim

Response:

<SNIPPED However, I have noticed a decided souring of tempers as of late. I lurk, mainly because I can and have gained many useful tidbits just from reading the posts, but also because I don’t want to be a bother to the regulars by asking a ton of "newbie" questions. After reading some of the recent posts I probably will be even more hesitant in the future. Tim

Hi Tim, that is extremely unfortunate and was not my intention with my post. I just got a bit ratty at somebody insulting a lot of people for no good reason.  As you  know by now, and indeed mentioned in your post,  just about all questions are answered promptly and politely otherwise, by quite a few people. It would be a shame if we frightened people off, but by the same token, some things are unfortunately worded, and beg all sorts of cutting replies, which are then inevitably forthcoming. Glad to see you hung around anyway. TL MC

Response:

Oh yeah? Well fuck you! My rod is bigger than your rod and costs more, too. Tongue firmly in cheek… WESH – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The current heat wave must be getting to people.  Of the two posts I read by newbies looking for advice, one guy got his head bit off by somebody on their soapbox about quality vs. price and the other question deteriorated into a thread taking personal jabs at each other and contradicting the previous post. This is not a way to encourage new people to stick around. Lighten up, have a cool one and relax a bit.  It is not about gear or ego’s fellas. Mike

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I have asked some "newbie" questions and pretty much have received very polite and helpful replies (other than my initial post about an experience I had at a club that had fish feeders installed along the stream, which caused quite a backlash, well deserved though in retrospect). However, I have noticed a decided souring of tempers as of late. I lurk, mainly because I can and have gained many useful tidbits just from reading the posts, but also because I don’t want to be a bother to the regulars by asking a ton of "newbie" questions. After reading some of the recent posts I probably will be even more hesitant in the future. Tim

Tim, I am a newbie to this NG so if the old timers are getting cranky you can ask me stuff.  I am not bothered by "newbie" questions and enjoy passing on what I know about fishin. Just don’t listen to anyone after I said my peace! Just jokin’.  There is a ton of resources here to use, don’t feel timid in asking questions.  If you still have questions that need to be answered and don’t want the backlash, feel free to email me.  I am available most of the time and will send you a reply just as soon as I can. Warren

Response:

No…not the heat…. (In the memory Sam Kinisson) "It’s not the heat, it’s the stupid fucking questions posted by stupid fucking newbies. What’s the best fucking floatant ? Who gives a flying fuck, how many kinds of fucking floatant are there ? Are these fucking idiots too fucking stupid just to go to the store and ask ‘em what the best fucking floatant is ? What’s next, what finger should I fucking use to put it on my fucking fly ? The heat ? The heat never wanted to make me drive my jeep into A FUCKING WALL". http://www.rodney.com/gallery/kinn.htm Your pal, — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

Response:

<equivocating post snipped Um……come on Tim, why don’t you just tell us how you really feel?

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi Tim, that is extremely unfortunate and was not my intention with my post. I just got a bit ratty at somebody insulting a lot of people for no good reason.  As you  know by now, and indeed mentioned in your post,  just about all questions are answered promptly and politely otherwise, by quite a few people. It would be a shame if we frightened people off, but by the same token, some things are unfortunately worded, and beg all sorts of cutting replies, which are then inevitably forthcoming. Glad to see you hung around anyway. TL MC

Hi Mike: yea, I figure I’ll hang around…most of the posts by regulars are pretty comical, even if I don’t know what the hell they’re talking about with all the "inside jokes" around here. BTW, I do appreciate all of your helpful responses to my questions in the past.  They are always very good and very quick reponses.  Do you sit at your computer all day just waiting for ROFF posts?:) Tim

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Tim Look Tim, if you don’t ask your learning curve will be slower, so ask. However Grumpy some of us are, if the truth be known most here really like to share what we think we know. And newbies are the future of our sport so you are valued. As to diplomacy, or what some might prefer to think of as courtesy, well that itself is a matter of debate. I for one have a bad attitude toward what I consider pussy footing around, and a fairly sharp tongue. However, I think I can assure you though that even the most ragged and long standing feuds here wash away in the field and when it comes down to support for wise use of our country’s natural resources. If its any comfort there is also a long standing tradition for cussidness among the flyfishing fraternity. I offer Sparse Grey Hackle’s story "the Lotus Eaters" in his book "Fishless Days, Angling Nights" as exhibit 1, wherein he describes the Fly Fishers Club of Brooklyn, ensconced on the Beaverkill after their move from the the Brodhead’s in the last century. As exhibit 2 and 3  I offer the personality of our patron saint, Theodore Gordon himself, and Hewitt, fairly opinionated buggers I think you will agree. Having survived your initial dunking you’ve earned the right to ask anything you please and you will mostly get reasonable responses. Presumptuous, but I remain your humble servant, Dave

Thanks Dave, I already feel better about this NG! Now could you please tell me: What is the best floatant?  <Just Kidding Tim

Response:

It ain’t the heat — natural cussedness. Of course, heat and violent weather do tend to put the trout down, yielding more frustration. Watch it, or I’ll discorse on "Global Warming" again…. r.m.bies

Response:

<equivocating post snipped Um……come on Tim, why don’t you just tell us how you really feel?

How can you possibly complain about such a linguistically sophisticated post ? TL MC

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Tim, I am a newbie to this NG so if the old timers are getting cranky you can ask me stuff.  I am not bothered by "newbie" questions and enjoy passing on what I know about fishin. Just don’t listen to anyone after I said my peace! Just jokin’.  There is a ton of resources here to use, don’t feel timid in asking questions.  If you still have questions that need to be answered and don’t want the backlash, feel free to email me.  I am available most of the time and will send you a reply just as soon as I can. Warren

Thanks for the generous offer Warren! Tim

Response:

Oh, I suppose you have never had a stupid question.  I guess you were born knowing exactly what is the best floatant.  You know some people don’t have a flyfishing shop right next door and asking here is a great way for people to learn.  So give em a brake or just keep on driving that jeep util you find a suitable wall..

Response:

Question:

And Sandy, while occasionally getting snippy with one or another poster on roff, doesn’t hold a grudge forever and ever and go on and on.  Something to be learned there, I am sure.

Well, he can dish it out too, Rick.  The reason I really want to track him down in Montana is that I was his principal victim in one of the all-time great ROFF scams.  Do you remember (say, 1996 or so, on April Fools day) when Sandy posted an extended "quote" from the Missoula newspaper, reporting that the Big Hole had disappeared into the Rhone Puolanec (spelling ?) mine?  Perhaps it was because I had fished in that vicinity, but I fell for it completely.  By the end of the day, half the population of Pennsylvania had heard the "news". After I fish with him and buy him a few brews, I intend to wring his scrawny neck Mark Faulkner, holding a grudge forever and ever.

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 Chained flies are far less prone to tangling than dropper flies, plus they are easier to cast. Try fishing a large grasshopper as a strike indicator (bobber) that catches fish, followed by one, two or three nymphs. Why use a pink foam indicator when you can use a grasshopper?

  I use this method, but three _dries_ daisy chained  has me wondering Drag must be a problem or is the water type such that drag is not an issue. Seems to me three dries on loops would be a nightmare to cast. One large and two small might be workable . Got to try it when I am full of patience. Harry

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take a quick look at http://www.montana-riverboats.com/bhsf.html

An X- rated picture, that’s for sure. Mark faulkner

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God bless the Parachute Adams!  Usually my first (and only) choice. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was down at Silver Creek, south of Ketchum Idaho last week. For those who don’t know, it’s a semi-famous spring creek, loaded with birds, big fish and well-equipped, competative-agressive flyfishermen. It is a beautiful stream. Moreover I was lucky to get there just in time for its legendary Brown Drake hatch…which only lasts for 5-10 days. (now over).   The big drakes hatch at night, starting just at dark, limited to those parts of the stream with enough silt to support their silt-loving nymphs. PUNCHLINE:   As dark approached, I shared the stream with wall-to-wall fishermen. It reminded my of openning day in New Jersey. I almost left. But once the hatch started, I forgot all complaints. Billions of mayflies as big as your thumb brought thousands of fish to the surface. The birds went nuts. I fished three dry flies simultaneously, and outfished everyone in sight. I caught a fish every third cast for nearly two hours.   I had a huge drake on, followed by a stimulator, followed by a #12 parachute adams. The drake made it easy to find my fly in the diminishing light. But nearly all the fish I caught took the #12 adams…despite the presense of billions of #4 mayflies. A few took the stimulator. Only one fish all   night took the big drake pattern. Everyone else around me fished big drake patterns, and despite the profusion of bugs….most of them worked hard for 2-3 fish. I must have caught close to 30. That’s fishin…

– I am who I am.  I am who I’ve learned to be.  I am Nothing.

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God bless the Parachute Adams!  Usually my first (and only) choice.

I have to agree with that…the Adams seems to work pretty much everywhere. I caught a nice fat 18" rainbow on X creek just the other day using a #18 adams. -Greg – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was down at Silver Creek, south of Ketchum Idaho last week. For those who don’t know, it’s a semi-famous spring creek, loaded with birds, big fish and well-equipped, competative-agressive flyfishermen. It is a beautiful stream. Moreover I was lucky to get there just in time for its legendary Brown Drake hatch…which only lasts for 5-10 days. (now over).   The big drakes hatch at night, starting just at dark, limited to those parts of the stream with enough silt to support their silt-loving nymphs. PUNCHLINE:   As dark approached, I shared the stream with wall-to-wall fishermen. It reminded my of openning day in New Jersey. I almost left. But once the hatch started, I forgot all complaints. Billions of mayflies as big as your thumb brought thousands of fish to the surface. The birds went nuts. I fished three dry flies simultaneously, and outfished everyone in sight. I caught a fish every third cast for nearly two hours.   I had a huge drake on, followed by a stimulator, followed by a #12 parachute adams. The drake made it easy to find my fly in the diminishing light. But nearly all the fish I caught took the #12 adams…despite the presense of billions of #4 mayflies. A few took the stimulator. Only one fish all night took the big drake pattern. Everyone else around me fished big drake patterns, and despite the profusion of bugs….most of them worked hard for 2-3 fish. I must have caught close to 30. That’s fishin… — I am who I am.  I am who I’ve learned to be.  I am Nothing.

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— I am who I am.  I am who I’ve learned to be.  I am Nothing.

        atta boy, richard; an early entry into the quarter-finals of the john asadi amazing post of the year award. wayno

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – God bless the Parachute Adams!  Usually my first (and only) choice. I was down at Silver Creek, south of Ketchum Idaho last week. For those who don’t know, it’s a semi-famous spring creek, loaded with birds, big fish and well-equipped, competative-agressive flyfishermen. It is a beautiful stream. Moreover I was lucky to get there just in time for its legendary Brown Drake hatch…which only lasts for 5-10 days. (now over).   The big drakes hatch at night, starting just at dark, limited to those parts of the stream with enough silt to support their silt-loving nymphs. PUNCHLINE:   As dark approached, I shared the stream with wall-to-wall fishermen. It reminded my of openning day in New Jersey. I almost left. But once the hatch started, I forgot all complaints. Billions of mayflies as big as your thumb brought thousands of fish to the surface. The birds went nuts. I fished three dry flies simultaneously,

and outfished everyone in sight.

I caught a fish every third cast for nearly two hours.   I had a huge drake on, followed by a stimulator, followed by a #12 parachute adams. The drake made it easy to find my fly in the diminishing light. But nearly all the fish I caught took the #12 adams…despite the presense of billions of #4 mayflies.

Hatch. A few took the stimulator. Only one fish all night took the big drake pattern. Everyone else around me fished big drake patterns, and despite the profusion of bugs….most of them worked hard for 2-3 fish. I must have caught close to 30. That’s fishin… — I am who I am.  I am who I’ve learned to be.  I am Nothing but a trot line fly fisherman.

______  I’m pleased you had a happy evening kind sir.  I wish I knew why they took the Adams instead.  Curious. — Mr. G. "Gink Keeps It Up" http://www.gink.com

Question:

Hi my name is Sean and I’m looking for a fly tying instructor with 1/2 hours drive of Exeter, New Hampshire. I’ve been fly fishing for several years and just got my first kit and would like to take some tying lessons. Thanks for any help, Sean

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Hi my name is Sean and I’m looking for a fly tying instructor with 1/2 hours drive of Exeter, New Hampshire. I’ve been fly fishing for several years and just got my first kit and would like to take some tying lessons. Thanks for any help, Sean

I believe the shop in Kittery, the Kittery trading post offer lesson. If you can drive a little farther, American Angling in Salem NH and the Hunters in New Boston also offers classes. Wayne

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Question:

After 40 years of fishing I finally had the time to slow down and start to learn the fine art of feather chucking.  Great way to angle,well worth the time spent. The problem I am having is I have spent 40yrs fishing and guiding  for Kings,Coho,Steelhead and White Sturgeon.I am thinking maybe I should buy a spay rod for these large fish? Does anyone have a recommendation on length of rod and  what type and size of reel.  I have purchased two cheap 6wt rods and spent last summer trying to learn the basics. I spend approx 70 to 80 days a year on rivers,doing Sturgeon research and have most of the day to practice. Also I was wondering if true "fly fishermen" would considering being guided by a "newbie". I have spent my lifetime flying,hiking and jet boating into the lakes and rivers of Central British Columbia. I have been very fortunate and have guided for people that have caught world class fish i.e. 85lb Kings 500lb Sturgeon. Thanks for your time,please advise. "Sturge On"  Gord

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After 40 years of fishing I finally had the time to slow down and start to learn the fine art of feather chucking.  Great way to angle,well worth the time spent.

(snipped) Gord – can’t offer any advice on the spey rod.  I would say, however, that anyone with the experience that you have would be a great guide, regardless of tackle and species.  there was a thread here recently on fly fishing for sturgeon, which didn’t shed much light on the subject, as I recall.  Anyhow, I hope you get some competent advice. Mark Faulkner

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and have guided for people that have caught world class fish i.e. 85lb Kings 500lb Sturgeon. Thanks for your time,please advise. "Sturge On" Gord

What the hell kind of fly would you tie for a 500lb. sturgeon, a poodle, or maybe a schnauzer? Poodle would be fun. Big Al…the poodles pal

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What the hell kind of fly would you tie for a 500lb. sturgeon, a poodle, or maybe a schnauzer? Poodle would be fun. You’d need to xink up that poodle good to get it down, they’re normally high floaters and better for big gar. — Charlie…

Charlie, what about a "bunny"?

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Charlie, what about a "bunny"? that would be a hare’s ear "version", i reckon, al? everything has its place. wayno

I think it is, wayno, I’m going to "demo" one this weekend, weather permitting.

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What the hell kind of fly would you tie for a 500lb. sturgeon, a poodle, or maybe a schnauzer? Poodle would be fun.

You’d need to xink up that poodle good to get it down, they’re normally high floaters and better for big gar. — Charlie…

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Charlie, what about a "bunny"?

        that would be a hare’s ear "version", i reckon, al?         everything has its place. wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Question:

Are there any likely hatches in south and central Vt on the last weekend in April?

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With this being a mild year w/ relatively low water look for olives (#18-20), Paraleps, aka Blue Quills (#16-18), or Hendricksons and Red Quills (#12-14). Southern streams will see the hatches first. Good Luck

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Are there any likely hatches in south and central Vt on the last weekend in April?

Joe, A reader provided you with some good info in the previous message.  To add to that, the Quill Gordon hatch can be very prolific and is one those of us up here in the north will tend to get excited about as there is not much of Quill Gordon hatch up north.  Quill Gordons will follow the little black caddis, early stones, then bwo’s and blue quills and then Quills!  You will generally need water around 52 to see Quill Gordons.  Hendrickson (female) and the Red Quill(male) usually are not seen until May when water temps are reaching 55-58.  However as the previous reader mentioned water is low up here and the run-off is over.  Mild sunny days are lifting the water temps everyday.   The bwo’s and blue quills will come off in the high 40’s.   If I have not confused you come up with some parachute adams sizes 12-18 to cover the quills, bwo’s and blue quills and a Hendrickson pattern ( we almost always use a parachute and trailing shuck except during a spinner fall.  Beadheaded nymphs are the call. Email me if you have any questions. James Ehlers Uncle Jammer’s Guide Service 1997 Guide of the Year Vermont Fly Fishing, Hunting, River and Woodland Outings http://pobox.com/~uncle

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Question:

Any FF opportunties in Tennessee or shall I leave my fly rod at home? I’m going to be in Nashville on business. -steve

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Stop by Cumberland Transit Flyfishing on West End Just west of Vanderbilt U. Jim, Chris, Eric or I will try and help. We’ve had lots of rain however and the tailwaters, which are closest are running very high. Jack

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Any FF opportunties in Tennessee or shall I leave my fly rod at home? I’m going to be in Nashville on business. -steve

The Caney Fork is about 45 minutes away, but the generation schedules have been tough lately.  Both the Duck and the Elk Rivers are 1.5-2 hours away, and they generate less frequently than the Caney Fork. The CF and the Elk are good trout waters; you’ll occasionally see Browns in the range of 2-6 pounds.  There are also some trout streams west of Nashville that are not tailwaters, but I can’t give you much info on them.  I haven’t fished any of them yet. Jerry Cobb Nashville, TN

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Question:

The fish are way easy to catch, and there’s a helluva lot more in the game than in the river.  I delude myself into thinking I’m honing my skills for my next visit to the McCloud.

Ditto.  I had more hookups while playing the game for 3 minutes than I’ve had on my previous 3-4 days on the McCloud.  Well, for $50, you don’t want to be skunked! Frank Holminski’s (sp?) response was that this game reflects the seasonal hatches and conditions you’ll encounter on this great river.  So, the buy the game and you shouldn’t have any zero-fish days — although I heard nothing about a money-back guarantee! I must admit, at the San Mateo show last weekend, whenever someone got a hookup, and you’d hear the ol’ reel scream through the PC speakers, that attracted more bystanders, as well as getting your adrenaline going!   For us Mac users, Frank says a Mac version may be developed later if they can get funding…my God, is not even flyfishing exempt from "vaporware"? Bill Uyeki

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Yeah, got sucked into it myself.  In fact, my buddy bought me a copy.  I don’t find it a problem to run it outside of windows.  Alt+M to lose the music.  Can’t wait for new fishing holes, and maybe some different tunes. Chatted the whole thing up with Frank H. while I was there.  Cool game. The fish are way easy to catch, and there’s a helluva lot more in the game than in the river.  I delude myself into thinking I’m honing my skills for my next visit to the McCloud.

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Many people think the Fly Fishing the McCloud River Game is CD ROM when they see it demonstrated. It is not but to get the great scans and animation that truly give the feel for dead driting an Adams or nymphing with a PT,  the game’s program uses approx 550 K of conventional memory while running.  This requires a memory mgt solution such as memmaker. The program is only 2.7 meg.  The game was the show stopper at the San Mateo ISO this past week, just ask Lefty DH

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Does anyone have any experience or comments about  this product?

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p because you need a config.sys with virtually nothing else configured for the program to run.  Once going, is challenging and fun.  Without sound, is hard to judge when fish are running.  Good luck.

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