Question:

early June is prime but many lakes offer good fishing into the 1st half of July. Mid to late June into the 1st week of July is prime time for travelling sedges. The merrit area about 1 hour south west of Kamloops is also good and there is a very nice looking golf course just east of the town with a large modern resort. Salmon Lake, Glimpse, Peterhope, Plateau, the Lakes of the Douglas Lake Ranch and also Roche Lake and it’s many nearby lakes are all close by. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Prime time out of Kamloops for fly fishing is May/June as it is not very high elevation. July can be too late for the good fishing. For golf and fishing, I would pick a week in early June. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com What time of year? Can’t advise much on golf as I don’t. The Kamloops area is a good bet. My ex boss retired up there a few years back to engage his interest in both pursuits. It’s best known for it’s still water fishery with dozens of lakes within an hour or two’s drive. There is some fine stream fishing as well. Wanting to put together a fishing/golfing trip to BC. Any suggestions on an area we might find good prospects for both activities?

Response:

Great! Thanks much.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve golfed a lot in Kamloops and they have some real good courses. Dunes, Rivershore and one up on the plateau on the south side of #1 going east.  Forget the name but it’s a nice one as well.  Good fishing just south of Kamloops in the Logan lake area.  About 1 hour gets you to lots of fishing lakes. Wanting to put together a fishing/golfing trip to BC. Any suggestions on an area we might find good prospects for both activities?

Response:

Prime time out of Kamloops for fly fishing is May/June as it is not very high elevation. July can be too late for the good fishing. For golf and fishing, I would pick a week in early June. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What time of year? Can’t advise much on golf as I don’t. The Kamloops area is a good bet. My ex boss retired up there a few years back to engage his interest in both pursuits. It’s best known for it’s still water fishery with dozens of lakes within an hour or two’s drive. There is some fine stream fishing as well. Wanting to put together a fishing/golfing trip to BC. Any suggestions on an area we might find good prospects for both activities?

Response:

Thanks for the additional information. k

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Prime time out of Kamloops for fly fishing is May/June as it is not very high elevation. July can be too late for the good fishing. For golf and fishing, I would pick a week in early June. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com What time of year? Can’t advise much on golf as I don’t. The Kamloops area is a good bet. My ex boss retired up there a few years back to engage his interest in both pursuits. It’s best known for it’s still water fishery with dozens of lakes within an hour or two’s drive. There is some fine stream fishing as well. Wanting to put together a fishing/golfing trip to BC. Any suggestions on an area we might find good prospects for both activities?

Response:

I’ve golfed a lot in Kamloops and they have some real good courses. Dunes, Rivershore and one up on the plateau on the south side of #1 going east.  Forget the name but it’s a nice one as well.  Good fishing just south of Kamloops in the Logan lake area.  About 1 hour gets you to lots of fishing lakes. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wanting to put together a fishing/golfing trip to BC. Any suggestions on an area we might find good prospects for both activities?

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Wanting to put together a fishing/golfing trip to BC. Any suggestions on an area we might find good prospects for both activities?

Response:

What time of year? Can’t advise much on golf as I don’t. The Kamloops area is a good bet. My ex boss retired up there a few years back to engage his interest in both pursuits. It’s best known for it’s still water fishery with dozens of lakes within an hour or two’s drive. There is some fine stream fishing as well. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Wanting to put together a fishing/golfing trip to BC. Any suggestions on an area we might find good prospects for both activities?

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We’re thinking June or July.  Will check out Kamloops. Thanks. karen

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What time of year? Can’t advise much on golf as I don’t. The Kamloops area is a good bet. My ex boss retired up there a few years back to engage his interest in both pursuits. It’s best known for it’s still water fishery with dozens of lakes within an hour or two’s drive. There is some fine stream fishing as well. Wanting to put together a fishing/golfing trip to BC. Any suggestions on an area we might find good prospects for both activities?

Response:

Question:

I have updated my site designed around collecting, fishing, and repair of bamboo and fiberglass fly rods. I have new articles, stories, photos, and information. The forum is a good source of information about the above topics, and there is a board to get a free appraisal as well as a board to list classic tackle that you have for sale or you wish to buy, which is also free. You can visit the site at  http://www.clarksrods.com Hope you enjoy the site. Regards Clark

Response:

Nice site. Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have updated my site designed around collecting, fishing, and repair of bamboo and fiberglass fly rods. I have new articles, stories, photos, and information. The forum is a good source of information about the above topics, and there is a board to get a free appraisal as well as a board to list classic tackle that you have for sale or you wish to buy, which is also free. You can visit the site at  http://www.clarksrods.com Hope you enjoy the site. Regards Clark

Response:

Now *that* is a nice site! Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have updated my site, added many new graphics, information, stories, improved the forum, and added some rods to the list that are for sale or trade. If you are interested in collecting, fishing, or repairing classic fly rods, you might be interested in visiting the site. The url is http://www.clarksrods.com  Hope you enjoy the site, and if you have any suggestions for improvement, please email me.

Response:

I have updated my site, added many new graphics, information, stories, improved the forum, and added some rods to the list that are for sale or trade. If you are interested in collecting, fishing, or repairing classic fly rods, you might be interested in visiting the site. The url is http://www.clarksrods.com  Hope you enjoy the site, and if you have any suggestions for improvement, please email me.

Response:

Question:

Added note, from an email:       Hall of the Mountain King:      Howard Snyder       White Winds:                    Joe Wilcox If you have problems, I first read Snyder in

the 70s from a library loan and now I own both just because of this group, try Chessler in CO. Panel 7 issue. Every one should go out this weekend.  NO posting. You guys are all too tired to be here.  You

guys are snapping at each other too much. I love it, Eugene!  You are absolutely right!

I’m reading this on Friday the 11th and did go out last weekend and had a

lovely time hiking on a beautiful trail with absolutely no other hikers

on it.  Eat your hearts out, guys! I’m outta here. Marcy should be the only one posting here over the weekend. hey there fellow hikers.. I just moved to LA

from oregon and it was a total shock.. My Nature life completely disappeared or so i thought.. for the first couple of months here i couldn’t find any trails to hike and was about to leave due to mountain separation anxiety…i went into a 7- Eleven to get a coke and saw the coolest free Magazine ever.. its called StreetZebra.. All about sports and they even have a section dedicated solely to my love.. HIKING.. they also said there was a web site so i checked it out and sure enough they gave trail suggestions and locations…. it changed my whole outlook on living in this over populated city..if you are in the same situation i strongly suggest checking it out.. www.streetzebra.com Before you buy.

Response:

Every one should go out this weekend.  NO posting. You guys are all too tired to be here.  You guys are snapping at each other too much. I love it, Eugene!  You are absolutely right!  I’m reading this on Friday the 11th and did go out last weekend and had a lovely time hiking on a beautiful trail with absolutely no other hikers on it.  Eat your hearts out, guys!

It needs to be repeated. I think I posted that on Aug. 4.  It’s now Aug. 18. Some people take this group, too seriously. Like it’s rec.scouting.usa or something. I’m outta here.

I’m outta here.

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hey there fellow hikers.. I just moved to LA from oregon and it was a total shock.. My Nature life completely disappeared or so i thought.. for the first couple of months here i couldn’t find

Months?! any trails to hike and was about to leave due to mountain separation anxiety…i went into a 7- Eleven to get a coke and saw the coolest free Magazine ever…

There’s tons of outdoor activities around Portland. The only thing lacking is easy to moderate granite and maybe a slight excess of mold.  And a lack of powder. Study maps people! 8^)

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My Nature life completely disappeared or so i thought.. for the first couple of months here i couldn’t find Months?!

‘Twas in another lifetime, one of toil and blood When blackness was a virtue and the road was full of mud I came in from the wilderness, a creature void of form. And if I pass this way again, you can rest assured I’ll always do my best for her, on that I give my word In a world of steel-eyed death, and men who are fighting to be warm. Not a word was spoke between us, there was little risk involved Everything up to that point had been left unresolved. Try imagining a place where it’s always safe and warm. I was burned out from exhaustion, buried in the hail, Poisoned in the bushes an’ blown out on the trail, Hunted like a crocodile, ravaged in the corn. Suddenly I turned around and she was standin’ there With silver bracelets on her wrists and flowers in her hair. She walked up to me so gracefully and took my crown of thorns. Now there’s a wall between us, somethin’ there’s been lost I took too much for granted, got my signals crossed. Just to think that it all began on a long-forgotten morn. Well, the deputy walks on hard nails and the preacher rides a mount But nothing really matters much, it’s doom alone that counts And the one-eyed undertaker, he blows a futile horn. I’ve heard newborn babies wailin’ like a mournin’ dove And old men with broken teeth stranded without love. Do I understand your question, man, is it hopeless and forlorn? In a little hilltop village, they gambled for my clothes I bargained for salvation an’ they gave me a lethal dose. I offered up my innocence and got repaid with scorn. Well, I’m livin’ in a foreign country but I’m bound to cross the line Beauty walks a razor’s edge, someday I’ll make it mine. If I could only turn back the clock to when God and her were born. "Come in," she said, "I’ll give you shelter from the storm."

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If I could only turn back the clock to when God and her were born. "Come in," she said, "I’ll give you shelter from the storm."

Yeah, but I like standing in storms.

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Study maps people! 8^)

   The best trips I have ever had were ones planned using maps, books and a desire to explore on my own. They haven’t come from someone telling me about a certain area.    If I would’ve had someone hold my hand, it would have taken all the fun out of it.    The summit of the highest peak in WY took us two tries with each being a week long vacation. I didn’t feel that the first failure to summit was a waste of a vacation and when we finally did make it, it was that much more rewarding.    Sometimes I wish there were no maps, books or trails.    Ed Huesers    http://www.grandshelters.com

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  The best trips I have ever had were ones planned using maps, books and a desire to explore on my own. They haven’t come from someone telling me about a certain area.

I am hoping that my trip to the Alps in December will be my next "best" trip.  Unless I get called to the Ross ice sheet again as an alternate. I had a great trip once, coming back from Lake Tahoe I looked across the Center Valley and saw snowy Coastal Range Peaks.  Not bold great peaks, but interesting unrated mountains.  The trip was some months after that first sight, but it was the sight that set the trip in motion.   If I would’ve had someone hold my hand, it would have taken all the fun out of it.

Find the book         Mountains w/o Hand Rails         by Joe Sax (UCB’s law school) There’s a lot of novices who unfortunately for themselves fool themselves into thinking they have fun.  They would argue that fun is a diversity of experience: this is a gross generalization and only somewhat true.  I had a couple of guys who were roommates like this. My friend and editor Martha who used to post in this group thinks she is like this, but I really think Martha is at heart an outdoor person (only I’m not in Portland to take her out every weekend on trips). I thought of a 3rd friend (F) who is a poser.  These guys kind of think its some sort of status thing, and it’s not unless you rake in bucks for doing a trip (which as a guide is a nice thing).  The only business is repeat business.   The summit of the highest peak in WY took us two tries with each being a week long vacation. I didn’t feel that the first failure to summit was a waste of a vacation and when we finally did make it, it was that much more rewarding.

Yeah, I took two different trips to get up the v-notch, 3 trips to get up Charlotte dome, etc.  Gross, for instance, is very insistent upon summit success.  I’ve bailed on hard technical climbs, so I have less an investment threshold for bailing (failing).  I can come back or skip. I don’t tally lists.  I’m more interested in coming back alive.   Sometimes I wish there were no maps, books or trails.

Well, I’ve had training as a cartographer and a photogrammetrist. The issue isn’t maps or books.  And I think about wandering around alone on the Ross Ice sheet (I got to the state where I was allowed to travel alone (had to carry a radio), a reasonable state of trust). Ilana when she was with the group is now preparing to sail around the world in a small boat.  You can gain some of that in a small boat. Just head out into open ocean and jump into the water.  If that doesn’t scare you, you don’t know enough yet.  Another good one is looking at swells which tower over your boat.  Combine that with climbing and that’s how Chouinard’s days are spent. It’s your own attitude.  It’s what’s inside your head, and your collection of good buddies whom you trust on ski trips or flying the bush, or whatever.  When I think about some of my favorite trips and my best buddies and partners, I know I’m part of having a good time.

Response:

Added note, from an email:    Hall of the Mountain King:      Howard Snyder    White Winds:                    Joe Wilcox If you have problems, I first read Snyder in the 70s from a library loan and now I own both just because of this group, try Chessler in CO. Panel 7 issue. Every one should go out this weekend.  NO posting. You guys are all too tired to be here.  You guys are snapping at each other too much.

I love it, Eugene!  You are absolutely right!  I’m reading this on Friday the 11th and did go out last weekend and had a lovely time hiking on a beautiful trail with absolutely no other hikers on it.  Eat your hearts out, guys! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’m outta here. Marcy should be the only one posting here over the weekend.

Response:

Has anyone written an account of hiking the Pacific Crest trail?  

The High Adventure of Eric Ryback (quite controversial). water under the bridge. Consider The Thousand Mile Summer (1958, too) by Colin Fletcher and it’s NOT the Muir trail.  I’m not as nearly enthralled with Man Who Walked through Time.  Others like it.

Response:

Added note, from an email:         Hall of the Mountain King:      Howard Snyder         White Winds:                    Joe Wilcox If you have problems, I first read Snyder in the 70s from a library loan and now I own both just because of this group, try Chessler in CO. Panel 7 issue. Every one should go out this weekend.  NO posting. You guys are all too tired to be here.  You guys are snapping at each other too much. I’m outta here. Marcy should be the only one posting here over the weekend.

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The High Adventure of Eric Ryback (quite controversial). water under the bridge.

What’s the controversy? It’s certainly ignored, I’ve noticed in subsequent books/articles. Like the trip never happened.

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I’m curious to hear what others thought about Bill Bryson’s book, "A Walk in the Woods."

It was entertaining.  I wouldn’t look too deeply into it to try to use it as an ethical, moral, or how-to hiking guide.  When you read "The Bronx Zoo" or "Ball Four" you really don’t expect to read about baseball fundamentals or how baseball teams should comport themselves. started off on the trail without much experience and then didn’t even complete (or come close to) what he set out to do.  

So completion is the criteria for compelling prose?  Don’t read anything from Shackleton. Sometimes the best way to illustrate the right way to do things is to embellish the wrong way to do them. Steve Silberberg Visit the Air Sickness Bag Museum http://www.airsicknessbags.com/ FACT:  Buff Babes Dig Cut Dudes!

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The most offensive part of the book was Bryson’s friend Katz

The book pretty much WAS Katz, or rather the interaction between Katz and the author. I laughed out loud a number of times (though I frequently had suspicions of gross fictionalization). Book wasn’t much about the AT, or backpacking, or the outdoors at all. But I thought Katz was a hoot.

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I could never finish "The Living," even though I really like Dillard’s books. It just seemed so depressing when the characters kept dying off — but I guess that was, to a point, the reality of life in the pioneer days… Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

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I’m curious to hear what others thought about Bill Bryson’s book, "A Walk in the Woods."

Has anyone written an account of hiking the Pacific Crest trail?   Not a guidebook, but something akin to "walk in the woods". Phil

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There are so many good books… Edward Abbey comes to mind, especially "Desert Solitaire". Nelson’s "The Island" is good, too. There are always classics, too, like "Wild Animals I Have Known" and "A Sand County Almanac". Annie Dillard’s "A Pilgrim at Tinker Creek" is an incredible book, but not exactly light reading. There is a series of books out with collections of essays/extracts from books with common themes. I have read one called "Wild" that is good, and would like to read the others, too. Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

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I am a newbie, but the best books I have read about outdoors,wildlife were by Helen Hoover–I got them thru the local library–Gift of the Deer was one–she had several-they took place in the northwoods of MN–awesome books      theo God is good–for sure!!!!!!

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"Endurance" the story of Shackleton’s "adventure" in the antarctic; just about any book by Farley Mowat. "A Walk in the Woods", Bryson’s story of "thru-hiking" the AT. Several mountaineering books, including "The White Spider", "Annapurna", "Touching the Void".

I’m curious to hear what others thought about Bill Bryson’s book, "A Walk in the Woods."  Personally, I found it very disappointing that he was given a publisher’s advance to write the book, went out and bought a lot of expensive equipment, started off on the trail without much experience and then didn’t even complete (or come close to) what he set out to do.  (And his book was still a best-seller).  The most offensive part of the book was Bryson’s friend Katz, who decided he didn’t want to carry so much weight and dumped out half the contents of his backpack along the AT.  Perhaps this was just part of Bryson’s style of humor, but since most of the people buying his book probably have not ever been in the backcountry, it certainly doesn’t set a good example! As for books set in the Pacific NW, "The Living", by Annie Dillard is a fictional account of the early settlers in NW Washington state (around Bellingham and the Nooksak River).  For me, it was a little tough to get through at times, but she really captures the feel of the landscape and the hardships the pioneers endured. Anita Vasavada

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Do you have any recommendations for good books about the outdoors?  Western settings preferred.  Pacific northwest settings best.

Oh, there. Well, you might want to look at Dee Molnaar’s (sp) books. Find The Mountaineers web site.  They publish a whole bunch. Contact Elliot Bay Books.  Fred Beckey has a few books, mostly guidebooks, but not all, which are useful.  I have not seen Fred in years. Books like Challenge of the North Cascades (DM), Prater has a snowshoeing book. Depends what you want to read: climbing, history, The Dharma Bums ends in the North Cascades.  Scan the REI book rack. I’m not really into fiction anymore.  Usually. Considering Alaska, I really liked -148F, that’s the title  Minus 148. By Art Davidson.  I read it one day in a sign huge push and it was as good as Endurance in many ways.  The crux is about dinner time (when they guys were pinned down in a snow cave for a week). Art’s 3rd book, In the Wake of the Exxon Valdez is also good. ‘And the oil companies rotated in their executives, and they had names like "Bubba" and "Skitter."’ Panel 28 topic. Oh, another two Denali books are In the Hall of the Mountain King and White Winds.  Give serious thought as to which to read first: chronological publication date, coin flip, or author alphabetic order. Same trip.

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"Endurance" the story of Shackleton’s "adventure" in the antarctic; just about any book by Farley Mowat.

Farley Mowat … hmmmn … just remember to treat it as fiction or altered non-fiction.

Response:

"Endurance" the story of Shackleton’s "adventure" in the antarctic;

There’s also, "To the Pole in the Footsteps of Shackleton" or something like that.  It’s definitely not western US though. Steve Silberberg Visit the Air Sickness Bag Museum http://www.airsicknessbags.com/ FACT:  Buff Babes Dig Cut Dudes!

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"Endurance" the story of Shackleton’s "adventure" in the antarctic;

I can’t resist gushing over this book.  Everyone should read it.  Events stranger than any fiction are in this story.  Exceptional writing. Phil

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I’m a northwest native stranded out here in the prairie and chained to a desk working on my PhD.  Hence, I have no wilderness to go to and I relish good books about the outdoors.  Recently, I’ve enjoyed books by Richard Nelson, and Byron Ricks’ account of a trip down the inside passage. Do you have any recommendations for good books about the outdoors?  Western settings preferred.  Pacific northwest settings best.  Fiction and non-fiction recommendations welcome.

        Offhand can’t think about any/many with Western/PacNW settings, except perhaps for anything by John Gierach who writes about fly-fishing mostly in Colorado/Montana, etc. But as for other stuff "The Arctic Grail" by Pierre Berton is a wonderful book about the exploration of the Arctic. Kind of reminded me of "The White Nile" and "The Blue Nile" by Alan Moorhead from the 50’s or early 60’s which are drop-dead wonderful.         Also, ever hear of a guy named Redmond O’Hanlon? Writes (or at least used to write) the London Times’ column on nature. First book

Question:

Dear All,     I will be at a conference in Port Douglas, N. of Cairns, Australia, in late May.  Any advice about FF in the area (contacts, guides etc) Thanks, Gordon

Response:

Dear All,     I will be at a conference in Port Douglas, N. of Cairns, Australia, in late May.  Any advice about FF in the area (contacts, guides etc)

Yesterday I talked with an Australian guide at the San Mateo Expo. He was really enthusiastic about the flyfishing at Cape York, which in in that general area. He seemed like a good guy. His outfit is Australia-America Fishing Connections and his name is — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Dear All,     I will be at a conference in Port Douglas, N. of Cairns, Australia, in late May.  Any advice about FF in the area (contacts, guides etc) Thanks, Gordon

Peter Haynes is one of the best up there (Cairns based). Ph 07 40332398 He is an estuary and river FF specialist who does very well on the glamour species plus some of his own specialities. The guy rw mentions is a booking agent of sorts but I don’t know how many australian outfits he has arrangements with – might be worth an e- mail. You can also hire your own dingies at Port Douglas and do it all yourself – some terrific little creeks up there – mind the crocs though. Cheers JK Before you buy.

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Question:

I’m looking for a description of the fishing itself.  I only ask this because you said I don’t need pay $ for a guide on my first day. Additionally, I’ve never fished the Madison River.  

Might not be so bad.  The guy is providing a boat and you will get to cover a lot of water.  You can come back on your own later and fish the spots that appeal to you (unless of course access is limited). Mu

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Ah, the B-52s. I miss them no matter where I am. Great rock and roll dance music!

I was talking about the shot B-52 not the music.  I’m a blue grass man.  I had no idea that there was a band called the B-52. Vern

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Ah, the B-52s. I miss them no matter where I am. Great rock and roll dance music! I was talking about the shot B-52 not the music.  I’m a blue grass man.  I had no idea that there was a band called the B-52.

I knew you weren’t referring to the band, Vern ;^)

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 In fact, you can have seperate quarters away from the likes of Fortenberry, Waldo, Tripper, Wayno, and Jeffy Miller.  These types will corrupt you.

        you eat one little… wayno

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I did not know they had been shot ! TL MC "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Yeah, and they all copied their name from the famous USAF droopy-winged B-52, many motored sumbitch that could carry enough bombs to drop from here to there.  We fondly called it the BUF, ie: Big Ugly F*cker.  I’ve been retired now for *30* years and that big sucker is still flying in the AF inventory.  It’s gonna outlast me fer sure. Frank Church Elkhart, IN USAF RETIRED – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ah, the B-52s. I miss them no matter where I am. Great rock and roll dance music! I was talking about the shot B-52 not the music.  I’m a blue grass man.  I had no idea that there was a band called the B-52. Vern

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Yeah, and they all copied their name from the famous USAF droopy-winged B-52, many motored sumbitch that could carry enough bombs to drop from here to there.  We fondly called it the BUF, ie: Big Ugly F*cker.  I’ve been retired now for *30* years and that big sucker is still flying in the AF inventory.  It’s gonna outlast me fer sure.

I grew up in Wichita watching those bad boys fly around at Boeing and McConnell (my dad worked on them at Boeing). Awesome plane. — Charlie…

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Frank Church writes: Yeah, and they all copied their name from the famous USAF droopy-winged B-52, many motored sumbitch that could carry enough bombs to drop from here to there.  We fondly called it the BUF, ie: Big Ugly F*cker.  I’ve been retired now for *30* years and that big sucker is still flying in the AF inventory.  It’s gonna outlast me fer sure.

Frank, I used to live within shouting distance of Westover AFB.  I can remember the B-47s taking off and landing.  But then came those bigger BUFs, the B-52 Speaking of droopy wings — the U-2 wasn’t exactly a stubby winged aircraft. One scared the hell out of me in Japan, landing without power, gliding about 100 feet off the ground, as I walked to work.  All I saw was a giant shadow whisking over me.  It was going into Atsugi Naval Air Station on the other side of the rice paddies. OBROFF:  There is probably still room for the Maine Clave next September. Great fishing, great food, great friends.  Consider it.  Fourteen attending so far. Dave L.

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I grew up in Wichita watching those bad boys fly around at Boeing and McConnell (my dad worked on them at Boeing). Awesome plane.

B-52’s flew in and out of Hanscom Field in the town I grew up in, to get outfitted with the latest black boxes that the Charles Stark Draper and Mitre Labs folks cooked up over there. Flight path to the only runway that’d take those big mf’s went right over our house, but that wasn’t close enough for me and my friends, so we’d ride our bikes out to the perimeter fence at the end of the safety zone and watch them big bastids swoop in and out. Awesome. It’s a miracle I can still hear anything… /daytripper

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of the safety zone and watch them big bastids swoop in and out. Awesome.

I saw one take off back in the 70s that must have been using water injectors and the whole deal; I don’t know what his angle of climb was but I was looking for the CONELRAD station on my dial<g. — Charlie…

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Awesome.

"…fryin’ chickens in the barnyard!" General "Buck" Turgidson

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<Snipped tribute to B-52’s & U-2’s.

Dave Years ago I used to work in the Oklahoma Panhandle which is pretty sparsely populated.  Unknown to me was the fact that there was a flyway for low altitude bombing runs that ran from Clayton, NM to somewhere in western OK.  I was driving down some dirt road trying to find a farmhouse when about 10 B-52’s flew over about 1,000 feet or less off the ground and at full bore.  These guys came one right after the other and just after you lost your  hearing , you could still feel to car and ground vibrate.  The F-111’s that came after them sounded like learjets.  This was when I started carrying toilet paper in my car.  You never know. DP

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I did not know they had been shot !

The planes? They were shot _at_, but they got out unscathed. Opt out == cop-out. What’s so hard to understand?

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 I was driving down some dirt road trying to find a farmhouse when about 10 B-52’s flew over about 1,000 feet or less off the ground and at full bore.  

The early B52’s had the tail gunner actually in the tail. When they modified the plane for low altitude operations they had to move the position to the flight deck after they almost killed one or two in test flights. — Charlie…

Response:

Yesterday I was searching the Internet for a guide in Ennis, Montana for the western conclave.  I thought it would be fun to pay for a day with a guide to familiarize me with the area before doing it alone.  I couldn’t find any in the Ennis area.  Yea, a few in Montana just not in the Ennis area. While in the middle of searching and getting discouraged the man in the brown truck knocked on my door. Remember the fly rod that had the tip snapped off in the car door?  Some suggested I contact the company and see if they would replace it.  I followed your suggestion and sent it off.  The UPS man brought it back yesterday.  Well, I thought he brought it back.  However, when I opened the box it was a completely different rod.  It was a nice and new rod without the river slime on the cork handle.  Cool! The UPS man asked me what it was and I told him the story.  I also told him that I’m going to Montana in July for a fly-fishing conclave.  I also told him that I was searching the Internet for a guide for a guide but couldn’t find one. He replied, "I don’t know what part of Montana your going.  But, if it’s near Ennis, my father in-law is a guide." I almost started laughing.  "Ennis!  That’s where were going," I said. He then informed me that his father in-law is currently in Las Vegas on vacation. What are the odds? To make a long story a little shorter, I talked to his father in-law.  His name is Bob Cleverley.  He’s currently retired but used to be a HS football coach.  He’s been a guide on the Madison River for over 15 years.  I think he said 17 years but not certain.  He has owned a fly shop in the past. However, running the shop, his guide service, and teaching at the local HS was to much for him so he got rid of the fly shop.  Now he’s retired.  How nice for him. Now back to the guide service, it’s a flat fee of $275 which includes transportation, a full day of fly-fishing, over 20 miles floating on the Madison in a 17 foot fiberglass drift-boat, food for the day, and all the local information a local lifetime fly-fisherman can provide.  The price is a flat fee per boat regardless of how many go.  However, only two fly-fisherman per boat.  He has three boats.  He also has other friends that provide guide service. I was hoping another ROFFian could split the price with me.  What I was thinking $150 each.  That would pay for the $275 fee and a $25 tip.  If the fishing is good I could tip him even more. I believe the western conclave is scheduled for July 21-31 in spite George’s desire for it to be around the 4th of July.  I will be taking 9 days off work.  Although, I’m driving and allowing 2 days up and 2 days back.  I have 2 options for my days off, the July18-26 or the July 25- Aug. 2.  That translates into my conclave days either July 21-24 or July 27-31.  I have to make that decision on the day my fly-fishing partner can take the guide service. Here it is, either a guide service on July 21 or July 27.  If you are interested on sharing a trip with me post it or send me an e-mail. Additionally, let me know what day is best for you.  I will schedule the trip.  I don’t have to put a deposit down at this point.  However, after the first of July if I need to cancel there is a $100 cancellation fee. Again, Bob Cleverley has three boats and can get more if needed.  The more ROFFians the better. Vern

Response:

Vern writes:

(lil snip) Since I’ve never been to a conclave before I don’t really know what goes on other than breakfast preparation in one’s BVDs, midnight fishing trips while hanging onto a wooden love, sleeping-in while others post to ROFF on their notebooks, lots of drinking and a lot more drinking, rowdy conversations, and really good fishing.  Can you please provide a standard description of a ROFF conclave so I know what to expect?  Warren’s not going to be the guide all ten day is he?

Vern, not to worry.  At an conclave, you can do just about as you please.  The organizers will have scouted out places to fish and will direct you to such places and perhaps even guide you seperately. There will probably be folks at the Western Clave who have fished those waters and they will help Warren in fishing assignments and guiding.  The main thing of any clave is to have fun fishing with buddies/friends, regardless how you met them.  The internet claves I have attended so far have been filled with juvenile antics, much joking, swearing, hard-assing, by a bunch of educated serious men on their way to go fly fishing. Stories about one’s bvds and night fishing etc. are bound to occur.  There will be more stories from the Western Clave and the Spring Fling for that matter. No one is forcing you to drink or smoke or stay up late. In fact, you can have seperate quarters away from the likes of Fortenberry, Waldo, Tripper, Wayno, and Jeffy Miller.  These types will corrupt you.  You could  hang around with Charlie Choc – go to bed early, wake up late, go fishing.  <g As I understand it, you would like to get to Ennis a day or so early and "scout" the place out, possibly even hire a guide for a day.  Arriving early and checking things out is ok, but I am sure Warren and the rest of the western roffians would be more than willing to help. Main thought here, Vern, is:  don’t worry about it.  You will be with friends. They may hard-ass ya, and joke with ya, but they love ya and will make sure you have a great time. I hope to fish with you.  I will have my grand-sons (15 and 16) with me. Dave L.

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Since I’ve never been to a conclave before I don’t really know what goes on other than breakfast preparation in one’s BVDs, midnight fishing trips while hanging onto a wooden love, sleeping-in while others post to ROFF on their notebooks, lots of drinking and a lot more drinking, rowdy conversations, and really good fishing.  Can you please provide a standard description of a ROFF conclave so I know what to expect?

Given your opening paragraph, that’d be redundant. You nailed it! Warren’s not going to be the guide all ten day is he?

There should be at least a few people that have fished that area to allow the group to break up into smaller units. Nobody’s gonna want to fish the Madison for the entire duration – there are many other rivers to fish within 2 or 3 hours of Ennis. I should mention that I gave up alcohol and cigars around 3 to 4 years ago. I miss them at times, but I made a commitment and I can’t afford to break it.  If I do, I don’t think I could stop again.  I think I miss the cigars more than I do the B-52s, especially at the stream.

Ah, the B-52s. I miss them no matter where I am. Great rock and roll dance music! So, whatever description you provide, there’s no need to tempt me with explanations of liquid refreshment.

Normally I’d torture you by noting that you’re surely doomed to a week of depravity, moral turpitude, and Xtreme Liver Abuse. However, I’ll go easy on you and note that Le Duc Du Chocolate has escaped unscathed – repeatedly – with his facilities intact and his morals unmolested. Despite repeated attempts to torpedo same. I’m looking for a description of the fishing itself.  I only ask this because you said I don’t need pay $ for a guide on my first day. Additionally, I’ve never fished the Madison River.  I don’t know what to expect.  If others that have fished the Madison would be kind enough to describe what kind of river it is, I would be much appreciated.

The upper reaches – assuming the river below the Hebgen Lake hasn’t changed much – is a short set of small braids winding through the pucker brush. Short rod fishing works best there. These collect into a modest flow for about a mile if memory serves, then there’s a broad stretch (lake-ish) a few miles long – not really fishable on foot iirc – until you get below Rock Creek. Then you have about 10 miles of fishable water down to Kirby Ranch. From there down to Varney (about 25 miles I think) and beyond the river becomes broader and more boisterous – depending on how much water is coming down through a whole host of creeks – and the best (or at least easiest) fishing is from a drift boat. I’ve done the stretch from Kirby Ranch to the Varney bridge a few times in my life and caught some prodigiously large trout and white fish. There were lots of places to stop the boat and get out and wade gravel bars and cast to wonderful holes. The biggest trout I’ve ever hooked and lost was in the middle of that stretch. There was good fishing on foot along a lot of the river the last time I was out there – but that was before people started building goddamned houses along the banks and posting it, and of course the whirling disease has probably changed what’s in the river – so I’ll have to let others bring me up to date. But again, that’s just one river – and there are a handful of famous streams within 3 hours or so of Ennis. If this post doesn’t make much sense, it’s because I’m falling asleep after a long day.  It’s now 12:30 in Las Vegas.  So, please forgive any errors.

Wimp! It’s now 5:54 in Massachusetts and I’ve been up all night getting a newsletter published. Forget sleepin’ – it’d only make me feel even worse – so it’s direct-injected caffeine for me today! /daytripper (I’m getting too old for this shit!)

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speaking of the western clave, where the hell is Warren?

He’s doing fine. I got an email from him a few days ago. Everything is on track for the Western Clave. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

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You don’t need to pay hard-earned money for guide, Vern, Warren’s the guide. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Since I’ve never been to a conclave before I don’t really know what goes on other than breakfast preparation in one’s BVDs, midnight fishing trips while hanging onto a wooden love, sleeping-in while others post to ROFF on their notebooks, lots of drinking and a lot more drinking, rowdy conversations, and really good fishing.  Can you please provide a standard description of a ROFF conclave so I know what to expect?  Warren’s not going to be the guide all ten day is he? I should mention that I gave up alcohol and cigars around 3 to 4 years ago. I miss them at times, but I made a commitment and I can’t afford to break it.  If I do, I don’t think I could stop again.  I think I miss the cigars more than I do the B-52s, especially at the stream.  So, whatever description you provide, there’s no need to tempt me with explanations of liquid refreshment. I’m looking for a description of the fishing itself.  I only ask this because you said I don’t need pay $ for a guide on my first day. Additionally, I’ve never fished the Madison River.  I don’t know what to expect.  If others that have fished the Madison would be kind enough to describe what kind of river it is, I would be much appreciated. If this post doesn’t make much sense, it’s because I’m falling asleep after a long day.  It’s now 12:30 in Las Vegas.  So, please forgive any errors. Vern – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You don’t need to pay hard-earned money for guide, Vern, Warren’s the guide. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

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Probably sick of George dominating the news group. Big Dale

Response:

Probably sick of George dominating the news group. Big Dale

Big D, Have you been getting any ‘gills this winter? There’s a nice lake up here that has bass and gills in it. It also has yours and my name on it one afternoon in May. Stay loose big guy, Walt — Ezflyfish.com:  http://www.ezflyfish.com For Book & Print Auctions: http://www.amazon.com/seller/mariebooks Blue Ridge Book Gallery: http://www.bibliofind.com/cgi-bin/texis.exe/s/search/dhome.html?id=33… P.O. Box 5112, Banner Elk, NC 28604

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speaking of the western clave, where the hell is Warren? — Levi Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut. –Ernest Hemingway

According to Dave L. he’s been busy with hunting and his work. Darin

Response:

speaking of the western clave, where the hell is Warren? — Levi Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut. –Ernest Hemingway

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Darin Minor writes: speaking of the western clave, where the hell is Warren? — Levi Always do sober what you said you’d do drunk. That will teach you to keep your mouth shut. –Ernest Hemingway According to Dave L. he’s been busy with hunting and his work. Darin

Yeah, but that was about two weeks ago that I heard from him.   Dave L.

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Question:

Anyone got a recommendation for a nice pourvoire no more than 6 hours from Montreal? I’d like to flyfish for trout in May. Some place nice…the wife is coming too. Thanks!

Response:

<<Anyone got a recommendation for a nice pourvoire no more than 6 hours from Montreal? Pourvoire?  Housekeeping cabins?   Dave LaCourse

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Howdy from Quebec: I can recommend "Pourvoirie Real Masse" in St-Zenon. It is located 2 hours from Montreal. It is a great place for easy fishing an a happy wife. All the lakes are stocked. The food is fantastic. If you are interested I can give you more information. Could be a little late for reservation for may 1999… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Anyone got a recommendation for a nice pourvoire no more than 6 hours from Montreal? I’d like to flyfish for trout in May. Some place nice…the wife is coming too. Thanks!

Response:

dave –  i think "pourvoire" is one of them fancy words frequently used by Jim Roberts (a/k/a pamlico jim)  after an evening at the Villa Roma Bar, (jim begins talkin some kind of foreign language after a couple hours), ‘cept he pronounces it "pervoir"…as in…"damn, ya’ll, i think that there fella’s a pervoir"…you don’t want to put jim in any pervoir cabin, i assure you…  (seems there ought to be a pourvoire closer than 6 hours from montreal though) …course, it might be that the word really means "i see you pour forth" or "i watch you urinate", in which case the guy using it is a "pervoir"…but it might be that somebody simply misspelled the thing and meant "Pourboire", which is a tip for a good drink, which is just fine with me, and jim i suppose. (sorry to intrude, but the whiskey got me goin and i just couldn’t help myself…) jeff

Response:

Howdy from Quebec: I can recommend "Pourvoirie Real Masse" in St-Zenon. It is located 2 hours from Montreal. It is a great place for easy fishing an a happy wife. All the lakes are stocked. The food is fantastic. If you are interested I can give you more information. Could be a little late for reservation for may 1999… Anyone got a recommendation for a nice pourvoire no more than 6 hours from Montreal? I’d like to flyfish for trout in May. Some place nice…the wife is coming too. Thanks!

For those who dont know what "pourvoirie" means… "Outfitter"  Michel

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well hell…if he’d said "pourvoirie", we’d all have understood…but he said "pourvoire"…aarrgg…don’t you just hate it when that happens… jeff

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Got a web site I could look at? Also, I don’t like boats much. Can I use my waders here? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Howdy from Quebec: I can recommend "Pourvoirie Real Masse" in St-Zenon. It is located 2 hours from Montreal. It is a great place for easy fishing an a happy wife. All the lakes are stocked. The food is fantastic. If you are interested I can give you more information. Could be a little late for reservation for may 1999… Anyone got a recommendation for a nice pourvoire no more than 6 hours from Montreal? I’d like to flyfish for trout in May. Some place nice…the wife is coming too. Thanks!

Response:

With Real Masse you will be fishing in lakes. Fishing is from 8 am to 5 pm.  Traveling from lodge to lake is by golf cart…. they clean and pack  your fish… followed by a "gastronomic meal"…. This is the place where fishermen take there non fishing wife… not the wild canadian outback. If this is not what you are looking I can give you the phone number of "Sentier Chasse et Peche" (Or I could mail you a copy). "Sentier chasse et peche" is a hunting and fishing magazine here in Quebec. Finally I can also suggest to contact Orvis fly fishing shop in Montreal. They can provide information. They also organize fishing trips.   Boutique Salmo Nature (Orvis) 110 McGill Montreal 514-871-8447 Regards – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Got a web site I could look at? Also, I don’t like boats much. Can I use my waders here? Howdy from Quebec: I can recommend "Pourvoirie Real Masse" in St-Zenon. It is located 2 hours from Montreal. It is a great place for easy fishing an a happy wife. All the lakes are stocked. The food is fantastic. If you are interested I can give you more information. Could be a little late for reservation for may 1999… Anyone got a recommendation for a nice pourvoire no more than 6 hours from Montreal? I’d like to flyfish for trout in May. Some place nice…the wife is coming too. Thanks!

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Question:

There is a new WWW site for Flyfishing. Try it and send comments. http://stenar.arnes.si/guest/ljzavodrib6/ Bojan IVANCIC Ljubljana, SLOVENIA

Response:

IVANCIC) writes: There is a new WWW site for Flyfishing. Try it and send comments. http://stenar.arnes.si/guest/ljzavodrib6/ Bojan IVANCIC Ljubljana, SLOVENIA

Bojan, The web site looks real  nice. But you need some pictures of those big fat rainbows in the Krka River. You know, all the one’s I left behind. <G I demand a rematch! <G A quick note to everyone else, Slovenia is a great ff country and is full of some really nice people too. A very scenic place. The information in Gary Soucie’s book, "Traveling with Fly Rod and Reel" is mostly out of date as far as where to stay etc. Lots of the better hotels are now owned or operated by western companies and the rates are up by a huge factor. Still some good local bargain places if you look. Many of the streams are caulkstreams and the fish grow big and fat. Take a strong 6 wt or better rod and leave your 6X tippet material behind, if any of you ever get to go. Cost of fishing can be seem to be high for Americans but the fishing is very very good. Don Burns PS – The local beer goes down easily too.

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A wealth of talent will be seen at this show! Lefty Kreh, Flip Pallot, Ernie Schweibert, Gary LaFontaine,  Chico Fernandez, Jack Dennis, Nick Curcione, Poul Jorgensen, Bob Popovics, Bob Clouser, Page Rogers, Mike Lawson, Joe Messinger, Lou Tabory, Ed Jaworowski & A.K. Best! All seminars are free! Two huge casting ponds, one of which is surrounded by manufacturers, and you can demo their equipment. 3 theaters include 2 for seminars, one for tying seminars. Nearly 200 lodges, guides, artists, shops, clubs, manufacturers, conservations groups, boat manufacturers and a host of other fly fishing related businesses. Admission is $10.00. For more details call 908 892-1400. This show is located at The Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey. February 21,22,23,1997  Call for directions/hotel info, as New Jersey is tricky!

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Question:

Anybody know of a reputable flyfishing guide in the Marco Island, Naples Florida area? I’m going there second week of July and would like to book a trip or two. Thanks!!!

Response:

Anybody know of a reputable flyfishing guide in the Marco Island, Naples Florida area? I’m going there second week of July and would like to book a trip or two. Thanks!!!

Jim, Here’s a few that I’m aware of in the Naples area: Capt. Robert S. Collins Jr. 941-262-1970 Richard D’Onofrio 941-389-0114 Capt. Joe Wierback 941-643-4112 (home) 941-793-3370 (Fly Shop) Capt. Glenn Puopolo 941-594-1828 Capt. Jim Nickerson 941-353-5448 The word in the area is that all of the above are very good and USCG licensed. They all cover the areas of the Everglades, 10,000 Islands, Marco Island for Snook, Tarpon, Redfish, and Trout. Enjoy your trip Ken

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Question:

I will be staying on the beach at Ambergris Cay in mid October.  I plan on doing some guided fishing (tarpon, bonefish, etc…), but what about just flingin’ flies from the beach (fairly secluded)?  Are there snappers, etc available to throw small clousers to, or some other type of "saltwater panfish" to occupy an early morning of walking the beach?  Any suggestions on flies to bring and species available would be most appreciated. Paul DiConza Albany, NY

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: I will be staying on the beach at Ambergris Cay in mid October.  I plan on : doing some guided fishing (tarpon, bonefish, etc…), but what about just : flingin’ flies from the beach (fairly secluded)?  Are there snappers, etc : available to throw small clousers to, or some other type of "saltwater : panfish" to occupy an early morning of walking the beach?  Any suggestions : on flies to bring and species available would be most appreciated. Great question.  Please answer in the group.  Thanks. — Rick (who would like to do this himself, very soon.) T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Assistant professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    |  These University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    |  opinions Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. |  are mine.

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I will be staying on the beach at Ambergris Cay in mid October.  I plan on doing some guided fishing (tarpon, bonefish, etc…), but what about just flingin’ flies from the beach (fairly secluded)?  Are there snappers, etc available to throw small clousers to, or some other type of "saltwater panfish" to occupy an early morning of walking the beach?  Any suggestions on flies to bring and species available would be most appreciated. Paul DiConza Albany, NY

I was down in Belize a month ago and had a great time.  On the first morning I was preparing my rods and had a school of bonefish pass within fifty feet of the beach and had one on with the second cast.  There are plenty of "SW panfish" everywhere but you will have to use smaller flies.  I had my best luck with size 8 and 10 crazy charlies in Olive, olive brown,pink puffs (pink head white wings), tan and some orange.  You might have a hard time finding size 10 SW hooks and the only source I found was Partridge.  We ended up using 6 wt. rods most of the time stepping up to 8 wt. for permit and both with 15-18′ leaders.  Found that 3 feet of flourocarbon tippet of the end of a 15′ leader worked great.  We had many fish over 5Lbs. with the biggest landed fish of the week at 7lbs.  Saw plenty of bonefish over ten and a few golden bones.  Planning on going down again the end of March 97. EYES ON CHARLIES MINI, X-SMALL AND SMALL Good fishing,                      Marcos Vergara                      Fly & Field, Inc.

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Anywhere there is surf and coral you can catch small snappers, grouper and other stuff.  A wire leader is advisable.  The groupers will go to holes and have to be pulle out/

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Question:

Does anybody have any float tube puncture experiences to relate? Whilst toodling along on a lake the other day I started to think about what would happen if my tube suddenly sprung a leak.  A life preserver is an obvious answer, but over fleece jacket and fly vest? What happens when your chest waders fill with water? How difficult is it to exit the deflated tube and then remove clothing? etc. etc. etc….. Failing any practical advice as a result of this posting, I think its time to find a pool somewhere and experiment with various scenarios. Any suggestions? B.

Response:

Does anybody have any float tube puncture experiences to relate? Whilst toodling along on a lake the other day I started to think about what would happen if my tube suddenly sprung a leak.  A life preserver is an obvious answer, but over fleece jacket and fly vest? What happens when your chest waders fill with water? How difficult is it to exit the deflated tube and then remove clothing? etc. etc. etc…..

Float fishing without a life jacket is very ill advised (I started to say stupid, but decided to be nice instead).  With all the stuff you carry fly fishing you could go right to the bottom very easily.  Anybody carry extra spools, split shot, etc?  I don’t think waders are that much of a problem, since the water in them will be neutral boyancy, though I’ve not tried that. Try a better quality life jacket under your vest.  If you’re wearing a jacket anyway, it should not be that much of a problem.  Another solution is inflatable life jackets that have a CO2 cartridge in them. You can even buy fly vests with these built in.  And, I saw an integrated fly jacket/life jacket combination in a fly shop the other day which would be a good solution. One thing I wonder about is hyperthermia, though.  If you take a dip in a cold water pond in early spring or late fall, how long before you pass out?  I sure wouldn’t want to try it.  I would think waders would really help here, though, since they are somewhat like the wet suits divers wear. — | Dartmouth College                                  Home:  603-448-5677 | | 6211 Sudikoff Laboratory, Rm 108                                       | | Hanover, NH  03755                                                     |

Response:

Does anybody have any float tube puncture experiences to relate? Whilst toodling along on a lake the other day I started to think about what would happen if my tube suddenly sprung a leak.  A life preserver is an obvious answer, but over fleece jacket and fly vest? What happens when your chest waders fill with water? How difficult is it to exit the deflated tube and then remove clothing? etc. etc. etc….. Failing any practical advice as a result of this posting, I think its time to find a pool somewhere and experiment with various scenarios. Any suggestions? B.

While it has never happened to me, my thoughts on the subject is the backrest is an inflated bladder on my float tube, so if I suffered a puncture, kick like crazy for the shore, and when the tube is too deflated to support me anymore, free my feet from the tube, hug the backrest, and keep kicking. In my younger days I surfed in the Pacific Ocean, and I wore a neoprene wet suit. The wet suit was fairly thin (for ease of movement), I would estimate about the same thickness of a 2 or 3 mm wader. The wet suit was amazingly buoyant. Enough so that I would float at chin level with no effort. I think a neoprene chest wader would help a lot with floatation also. I have also seen a set of suspenders that inflates with a CO2 cartridge. Maybe if I couldn’t swim I would consider buying it. Darryl

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<stuff deleted One thing I wonder about is hyperthermia, though.  If you take a dip

                                ^^ I rarely get hyperthermia unless I’m fishing too far down Hot Creek. HypOthermia, now that’s a problem in cold water. (Sorry, I couldn’t resist!) Sean Brennan

Response:

Well, it happened to me tonight.  As I loaded my float tube, I noticed it was a bit low.  I stopped by the gas station on the way out, and filled the tube.  However, I did continue to wonder why it was low, so I did keep an eye on the tube level for a while.  Well my tube didn’t seem to be loosing air, so naturally my attention turned to the crappie and bass that were hitting tonite.  Long about dusk, I suddenly noticed the tube was getting low and -then- noticed the sound of a leak.  I wasn’t far off the bank, rarely am when fishing this local gravel pit, so I paddled over to the bank and got out.  No reason to panic, the loss of air was audible but fairly slow.  As I laid the tube in the back of mmy truck, I could still hear the leak. Altogether I had been out fishing at least 4 hours, I know because I was listening to the Broncos getting beat by the Jets, and the post game show. Sure glad the fish were biting, because the Broncs weren’t.  I suppose the radio headphones were the reason I couldn’t hear the leak. I have no clue why or how I got the puncture, probably was due to the tube being about 10 years old.  I think I’ll get a new one.  My tube is one that has a separate tube for a back rest, so in case of a rapid deflation, I might be able to stay afloat.   All things considered, I wouldn’t even consider wearing a life jacket not in the past and not in the future.  In some states, a life jacket is req’d, but I don’t think it is in CO.  This experience confirmed my belief that any small puncture will deflate very slowly, since the air pressure in a float tube is so low.  I would take a good swift slice with a knife to achieve a rapid failure, and that is not likely (at least in places where I fish . Tight Lines, Kevin

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