Question:

Well we survived  . . .  barely. You see, it’s been raining, and it’s spring, and there’s been some snow melt.  That ends up with lots of high, dirty water.  We tried Friday, we tried Saturday, and tomorrow we’re going to the fishing show.  We know when we’re beat. Louie tried his nymphs, I tried my wets and Greg threw what ever he had but it made no difference – only the whistle trout were interested.   Louie did hook into one steelhead but since he had no idea what he was doing, he lost it.  The dumb ass – the only decent fish we were gonna see in those conditions and he lost it! On Friday, Louie puts on his new Patagonia waders, his new Patagonia, jacket, his new Patagonia whatever, . . . and one very shitty pair of boots.  At the end of the day, the boots had to go.  On Saturday, we went to Grindstone for new boots and Louie was outfitted with a new pair of Weinbrenners.  We’re suiting up and there’s Louie in his Patagonias (Orvis is officially fashion history) and there he is in his new boots, all set to fish with the tags still attached.  And I fish with this guy!!!!! Greg’s a little bemused by all of this and he’s beginning to wonder what he’s getting himself into.  I try to reassure him but the damage has been done.  Anyway we went, we came, we saw, we left defeated. Now we sit, drowning our sorrows in what ever is handy, ice wine, bordeaux, Macallans, Wild Turkey – hell, you make do with what you have. Cheers Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

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Louie did hook into one steelhead but since he had no idea what he was doing, he lost it.  The dumb ass – the only decent fish we were gonna see in those conditions and he lost it!

Well is he hooked? On Friday, Louie puts on his new Patagonia waders, his new Patagonia, jacket, his new Patagonia whatever

Speaking of Patagonia, I was fishing the surf a few weeks ago when suddenly all these people show up with fly gear.  I was packing up after having caught a croaker.  I never did too well in this spot and never saw anyone else fly fishing so it was a bit of a surprise to realize that I’m not the only fool who likes to hang around a polluted river mouth whipping tungsten-laden PVC through the air at the end of a graphite stick.  Turns out they work at Patagonia and often conduct *field research* after work. Mu

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On Friday, Louie puts on his new Patagonia waders, his new Patagonia, jacket, his new Patagonia whatever, . . . and one very shitty pair of boots.  At the end of the day, the boots had to go.  On Saturday, we went to Grindstone for new boots and Louie was outfitted with a new pair of Weinbrenners.  We’re suiting up and there’s Louie in his Patagonias (Orvis is officially fashion history) and there he is in his new boots, all set to fish with the tags still attached.  And I fish with this guy!!!!!

Peter, part of the art of flyfishing is *lookg* right. Any one who looks the part earns the comment -"There’s a real fly fisher" If no fish are caught then it’s the dumb fish’s fault! I’ll bet the accommodation was first class though. — Bill Grey http://www.billboy.co.uk

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Question:

I am a commercial  bush pilot living in Canada, I fly floats in the summer and wheel/skis in the winter.  I  do all of my fueling, cleaning, loading, basically im a one man show.   I love the float season, i love flying into little lakes, beaching on a island, dumping my passengers off and then swimming or fishing for a while if I have time before my next flight.   My problem is this;  I know that if I want to make any money I will probibaly have to move into the multi ifr stuff in the next couple of years before i get too old (im 26).  And the problem with that is I have done the ifr ground school twice (3-day cram fest in Vancouver for $200) and have not completed it either time.  I am bored shitless and cant concentrate!  I just cant get into it and I’m not sure why?  For you comm pilots out there flying ifr all the time; does it suck?  are you bored most of the time?  I go up to the cockpit on air canada A320 sometimes and visit the pilots and they dont seem to have much to do….or see. Any float drivers turned ifr drivers out there who can give me some encouragement?   Are there any fun ifr jobs where i dont have to dawn a shirt with those prissy gold bars?  Am I doomed to choose between a job I hate for the money or a job I love and poverty? Help, jon

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 …And the problem with that is I have done the ifr ground school twice (3-day cram fest in Vancouver for $200) and have not completed it either time.  I am bored shitless and cant concentrate!  I just cant get into it and I’m not sure why?

Skip the book stuff for now and try IFR flight training for a while-that’s where the challenge is. If it still bores you, go back to what you love. If you make good money doing something you hate, how well off are you, really? Dan N9387D at BFM

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John.  I have a private homebuilt floatplane and suffer with a similar malady. In my case it’s eliminating one rat from the urban rat race and going north to make a meagre living by flying.  I encountered the following, which while not right for me, might help you out.  About a year ago, the ontario government was looking for conservation officers to fly small aircraft in northern ontario enforcing hunting and fishing regs, and doing all those other things that conservation officers are supposed to do.  Might be worth checking out.  IIRC, they were flying Maules. Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a commercial  bush pilot living in Canada, I fly floats in the summer and wheel/skis in the winter.  I  do all of my fueling, cleaning, loading, basically im a one man show.   I love the float season, i love flying into little lakes, beaching on a island, dumping my passengers off and then swimming or fishing for a while if I have time before my next flight.   My problem is this;  I know that if I want to make any money I will probibaly have to move into the multi ifr stuff in the next couple of years before i get too old (im 26).  And the problem with that is I have done the ifr ground school twice (3-day cram fest in Vancouver for $200) and have not completed it either time.  I am bored shitless and cant concentrate!  I just cant get into it and I’m not sure why?  For you comm pilots out there flying ifr all the time; does it suck?  are you bored most of the time?  I go up to the cockpit on air canada A320 sometimes and visit the pilots and they dont seem to have much to do….or see. Any float drivers turned ifr drivers out there who can give me some encouragement?   Are there any fun ifr jobs where i dont have to dawn a shirt with those prissy gold bars?  Am I doomed to choose between a job I hate for the money or a job I love and poverty? Help, jon

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OK I’ll bite, even though floats are still on my "someday" list… I love it all.  I fly all-weather all-night air ambulance operations (IFR, of course), freight, and passengers.  That’s fun.  So is taking my Taylorcraft and hand-propping it, stopping at grass strips, and paying cash for gas (usually whatever cash made it through the laundry in my jeans pocket covers my fuel bill). I also really enjoy giving passengers a super-smooth ride in challenging weather (or at least trying).  I did a life flight the other day with a very ill little girl and her mother and really felt like I was helping them by making the flight as comfortable as possible, even though the destination was barely above minimums.   And, I think I fly each operation better from the experience in the other.  They taylorcraft makes me acutely aware of aircraft limitations (no lights, no radios) and the twins make me aware of the aircraft’s possibilities.  I like both! You’ll need to pursue your IR in order to get full satisfaction.  I know the Canadian system is different from ours but put your head down and get your exams done, then enjoy the flying! Jim Wolper ATP/PhD/CFII

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For you comm pilots out there flying ifr all the time; does it suck? are you bored most of the time?  I go up to the cockpit on air canada A320 sometimes and visit the pilots and they dont seem to have much to do….or see.

No, I’m not bored.  Terror tends to concentrate the mind.  :-)   Not much to see, except the instruments, but you have to watch them VERY closely.  Just because there isn’t much movement doesn’t mean nothing is happening.  Try some flying under the hood & see if you don’t enjoy it.   Admittedly, the ground school isn’t that exciting, but I do enjoy the flying.  If you don’t enjoy precision flying, it won’t be as much fun, but I enjoy the challenge.  A night ILS to minimums makes it seem better.

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Question:

I usually take two to three guided trips each year and have been doing this now for the past 8 years.  The great majority of the time the guides I’ve used have been good companions, wonderful teachers, more than willing to share their knowledge of the local fishing, and in general more than worth the money I’ve spent. I believe however that much of that experience has been what I brought to the table.  I never count fish, try hard to listen to suggestions and instruction, don’t try to be an expert when in fact my enthusiasm far outweighs any talent I have, treat the guide with respect, and tip well, even when I’ve been totally skunked.  As I diabetic I have dietary restrictions and I’ve had guides drive 40 miles out of their way to be sure I could get a lunch that met those needs.  On the other hand I do remember sharing one trip with a stranger who seemed to expect at least 6 fish over 24", gourmet streamside meals, and treated the guide as if he were some hired servant for the day.  Needless to say he was not treated well. Guides are people.  Some are real jerks and I’ve dumped one by 10:00 a.m. when I unfortunately ran into him.  But most are genuinely interested in seeing their clients have a great day and learn something new.  It has been my experience that nearly all respond in kind when you treat them with respect, humor, and honesty.  Also, I’ve learned the shop is VERY interested in the clients having a great time.  The flyfishing community is fairly small and most of the shop owners know each other.  I generally use my home shop for recommendations and the folks at my destination know I’ll be going home and reporting back on how I was treated.  One bad report can mean at lot of lost recommendations. I have one shop that I’ve been back to three times, Mountain Anglers in Breckenridge, CO.  The last time I was there I was treated like a long lost friend, shared drinks and dinners with several of the guides, and generally made to feel like "one of the gang".  Jackson Streit and his group rank at t he very top in my book and I wouldn’t hesitate to send anyone their way. But with the strong recommendation that you go prepared to do your part. Just my $.02… Don — Don Anderson

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I think this is generally true in every perfection.  I know that as a performer, the better the audience is the better the show they will get.  It’s unintentional but true.  I receive energy from the audience and I’m more concerned with minute nuances of my performance when the audience is appreciative.  I think guides are the same. — Vern Before you buy.

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That should be "profession" not "perfection."  Oops, I did it again. Vern I think this is generally true in every perfection.  I know that as a performer, the better the audience is the better the show they will get.  It’s unintentional but true.  I receive energy from the audience and I’m more concerned with minute nuances of my performance when the audience is appreciative.  I think guides are the same. — Vern Before you buy.

Before you buy.

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Question:

Luis, I didn’t want to give the impression that my second son, Jared, is incapable of mastering different skills.  I think he can.  However, they will not be the same skills as my first son, Jacob. (snip) There are many kinds of intelligence, and strengths… we all have and lack some.  They come into play in the form of different paths for each flyfisher.

You are correct.  In 1995 Howard Gardner, an educator, had a book published that described intelligence as stands of spaghetti or string.  "Multiple intelligences" as he put it, could be categorized into seven areas or strings: logical-mathematical, linguistic, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal.  Each individual intelligence stand or string is constantly touching and interacting with all the another stands.  It is hard to separate one from the other.  All children have all of these intelligences, however not in the same quantity. Every child has ONE area that they are strongest in.  That child would then be classified as that type of a LEARNER. The problem with the traditional I.Q. test, which the schools still use today, is that it measures intelligence as a glass of liquid.  The test determines how much liquid is in the glass.  That is all.  It makes no classification of strong areas and weak areas. The old I.Q. test is still used because, though educators can test a child to see which of the multiple intelligences they are strongest in, they can not determine how much of that intelligence they have.  Additionally, no child is equal to another in all areas or in the way that their intelligences interact with each other.  It’s kind of like a fingerprint. Every child is unique in the way they learn and think. Let me take a second to described the SEVEN intelligences: LOGICAL-MATHEMATICAL:          They have a sensitivity to and capacity to discern, logical or numerical patterns; ability to handle long chains of reasoning. LINGUISTIC:          They have a sensitivity to the sounds, rhythms, and meanings of words; sensitivity to the different functions of language. MUSICAL:          They have the abilities to produce and appreciate rhythm, pitch, and timbre; appreciation of the forms of musical expressiveness. SPATIAL:        They have the capacities to perceive the visual-spatial world accurately and to perform transformations on one’s initial perceptions. BODILY-KINESTHETIC:          They have the abilities to control one’s body movements and to handle objects skillfully. INTERPERSONAL:          They have the capacities to discern and respond appropriately to the moods, temperaments, motivations, and desires of other people. INTRAPERSONAL:          Access to one’s own feelings and the ability to discriminate among them and draw on them to guide behavior; knowledge of one’s own strengths, weaknesses, desires, and intelligences. Luis, the gentleman that you speak of, though it might not be his highest area, is high in interpersonal intelligence.  This is why he does well in restaurant relations.  He might also be high in bodily-kinesthetic and spatial intelligences.  Regarding his low ability of reading, could indicate that he is low in linguistic.  He probably is.  However, I would gather to say that the greater reason is due to educators giving up on him due to his struggle with the written word.  And maybe he gave up on himself.  I personally believe EVERYONE can read and write well if adequate attention and dedication is given to learning it. My oldest son, Jacob, is a linguistic learner, thus does well in a traditional school setting. My second son, Jared, is a spatial learner, however he’s also almost bind. What an irony.  This gives him a handicap in his learning due to the way his brain works vs. the lack of eye sight.  He learns best when he can see something, however, with his pop-bottle glasses, he only get a circle of clear vision directly in front of him.  A normal range of vision is about 45 degrees.  Jared’s range of clear vision is about 15-20 degrees with no peripheral vision to speak of.  You can see how this limits him in his learning as a spatial learner. Jared, however, is highly coordinated and has good control of his body movements. Jacob is not.  Jacob is a physical klutz. My original question was to narrow down what type of intelligence is most useful in fly fishing.  I would gather to say that a musical, interpersonal, or intrapersonal learners would not use their strongest areas in fly fishing.  However, a spatial, linguistic, logical-mathematical, or bodily-kinesthetic learners could possibly use their strongest areas in fly fishing.  But, which one is most important in constantly catching the most and largest fish?  Can a linguistic learner sit and read all book available to become an excellent fly fisherman?  Can a logical-mathematical learner evaluate the odds in different situations to become an excellent fly fisherman?  Can a bodily-kinesthetic learner practice casting until it’s perfect and become an excellent fly fisherman?  Or, can a spatial learner look at his environment and become an excellent fly fisherman?  All these areas might be important like string touching each other.  However, which one area is most important?  That’s what I was originally getting at without a long drown out explanation, which I just did.  Not to say that anyone is stupid.  I don’t think anyone really is. Vern

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Vern, I’ll echo what you have heard from the other posters. There are indeed mental and physical components to fly fishing, and there can be many approaches to the sport. A real strength in one component can compensate for a weakness in the other. Your boys may develop very different methods and tactics, but with your guidance and obvious enthusiasm both should fare quite well. You guys are lucky to have each other. George Adams

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I then read someone else’s post about an individual that can’t cast beyond 20 feet and only uses a limited selection of flies, but catches more and larger fish than anyone else in their party.  It caused me to think about what it takes to be a good fly fisherman.  Is it the ability to read the water, understand what the fish might be thinking, know the difference between the different species, know where and how to place the fly, know what’s hatching, etc.  Or, is it the ability to make a nice cast that drops the fly softly on the water, etc.  Both are important, but what is more important the intellectual or the physical?

  I wrote the post about the 20-ft. caster, and in his case, it is an intuitive genius, a sixth sense, if you will, regarding the ways of living things, be they trout or elk. When fishing, he is totally focused, although he might casually point out a mother duck and her brood hiding in an eddy, deep in the shadows of an overhang, that you and the next 30 guys would have never seen. This man has great trouble reading, in fact is near-illiterate, but he is an expert at observing and gleaning information from people. He can also charm anyone at will, it seems, at any time. He once had every waitress in a Colorado restaurant at our table, telling us their life and love stories not 20 minutes after arriving, and he flirted with every one of them, and not one gave any sign of being left out.  I think this magic translates or transmutates into fly fishing. There are many kinds of intelligence, and strengths… we all have and lack some. They come into play in the form of different paths for each flyfisher. I recommend reading about the different paths in Yoga, in a book by Mircea Eliade. The part on the many paths relates to this topic.                                          — Luis

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Is fly fishing an intellectual skill or a skill of physical capability? My two oldest boys are as different as night and day.  Jacob (my oldest boy at age 9) is an intellectual genius with a photographic memory.  His I.Q. is 142, although he’s a social and physical klutz.  Jared (my second son at age 7) is a highly physically coordinated and socially talented young man. However, his I.Q. is only 80 which makes him mentally challenged.  Their grades at school are indicators of these differences. I take both boys fishing.  Their attack at the sport are completely different which I believe is an indication of their age difference, as well. Jacob is 9 years old and Jared is 7 years old, so there is two years difference.  At their ages, two years is a huge difference.  I’m currently trying to teach Jacob how to fly fish.  He seams to have a problem with casting. I then read someone else’s post about an individual that can’t cast beyond 20 feet and only uses a limited selection of flies, but catches more and larger fish than anyone else in their party.  It caused me to think about what it takes to be a good fly fisherman.  Is it the ability to read the water, understand what the fish might be thinking, know the difference between the different species, know where and how to place the fly, know what’s hatching, etc.  Or, is it the ability to make a nice cast that drops the fly softly on the water, etc.  Both are important, but what is more important the intellectual or the physical? Your opinions are appreciated and could make an interesting discussion.  In addition, your comments can only help me in helping my boys enjoy the sport. In advance, thanks for your comments. Vern

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I have two boys, aged 30 and 27, who have been fly fishing since little tots. I never tried to direct their interest or overly instruct, I felt that if they stuck with it they would develop their own skills and interests. The youngest can lay out a dry 60 ft as pretty as you ever want to see, the oldest maybe 40, but he can out roll cast the younger by 15 ft. One prefers dries and wets and one prefers sight fishing and nymphs. I guess what I am saying is, give them the opportunity to experience the different facets, don’t force any one on them or over instruct and most of all let em have fun… Both of my boys are married now with two children each and long for the times when they were young with no cares but for the next strike. jim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is fly fishing an intellectual skill or a skill of physical capability? My two oldest boys are as different as night and day.  Jacob (my oldest boy at age 9) is an intellectual genius with a photographic memory.  His I.Q. is 142, although he’s a social and physical klutz.  Jared (my second son at age 7) is a highly physically coordinated and socially talented young man. However, his I.Q. is only 80 which makes him mentally challenged.  Their grades at school are indicators of these differences. I take both boys fishing.  Their attack at the sport are completely different which I believe is an indication of their age difference, as well. Jacob is 9 years old and Jared is 7 years old, so there is two years difference.  At their ages, two years is a huge difference.  I’m currently trying to teach Jacob how to fly fish.  He seams to have a problem with casting. I then read someone else’s post about an individual that can’t cast beyond 20 feet and only uses a limited selection of flies, but catches more and larger fish than anyone else in their party.  It caused me to think about what it takes to be a good fly fisherman.  Is it the ability to read the water, understand what the fish might be thinking, know the difference between the different species, know where and how to place the fly, know what’s hatching, etc.  Or, is it the ability to make a nice cast that drops the fly softly on the water, etc.  Both are important, but what is more important the intellectual or the physical? Your opinions are appreciated and could make an interesting discussion.  In addition, your comments can only help me in helping my boys enjoy the sport. In advance, thanks for your comments. Vern

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[snip] I then read someone else’s post about an individual that can’t cast beyond 20 feet and only uses a limited selection of flies, but catches more and larger fish than anyone else in their party.

[and again] Vern, don’t believe everything Louie LaPlac posts. First of all, I *know* on a good day with a trailing breeze that he can actually cast close to 30 feet! /daytripper ;^)

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Is fly fishing an intellectual skill or a skill of physical capability?

It is basically what you make of it. You can fly-fish with hardly  any knowledge at all, or you can devote incredible amounts of time attaining knowledge and skills to supplement it.  The main thing is to enjoy it, no matter how you go about it. TL MC

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Is fly fishing an intellectual skill or a skill of physical capability?

One of the best flyfishermen I’ve ever fished with doesn’t cast beyond 40 feet. Not that he doesn’t have the physical skill. He moves on the stream like an otter and always seems to position himself where he doesn’t need to make a long cast. On the other hand, the ability to see the fly and react to the strike sure seems to have faded in direct proportion to the increase in grey hair and waist size. Like most things, it depends. Teach your children both, to their individual abilities and have a good time doing it. You’re a lucky guy. — Ken Fortenberry

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Hi Vern, All of the tenets of fly fishing are as important as one makes them.  Some believe that the quantity or quality of fish caught is the measure of a fly fisherman.  Others treat the sport differently.  I have met guys who are full fledged streamside entomologists.  Others are stream side ichthyologists as they know every aspect of a particular fish’s behavior.  I know others who prefer to tie flies than to fish.  Personally, I love to cast, learn about the bugs, the fish and I am now tying my flies.  It seems that I am evolving as I learn more of the sport.  I can’t tell you what part of fly fishing will be important to me next year, but I guarantee I will be fly fishing. Expose Jacob and Jared to the fly fishing world, and let them gravitate toward their individual preferences.  It is much like music.  Many folks play the piano, but some gravitate to classical music while others gravitate to rock music. Pete

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Is fly fishing an intellectual skill or a skill of physical capability? My two oldest boys are as different as night and day.  Jacob (my oldest boy at age 9) is an intellectual genius with a photographic memory.  His I.Q. is 142, although he’s a social and physical klutz.  Jared (my second son at age 7) is a highly physically coordinated and socially talented young man. However, his I.Q. is only 80 which makes him mentally challenged.  Their grades at school are indicators of these differences. I take both boys fishing.  Their attack at the sport are completely different which I believe is an indication of their age difference, as well. Jacob is 9 years old and Jared is 7 years old, so there is two years difference.  At their ages, two years is a huge difference.  I’m currently trying to teach Jacob how to fly fish.  He seams to have a problem with casting. I then read someone else’s post about an individual that can’t cast beyond 20 feet and only uses a limited selection of flies, but catches more and larger fish than anyone else in their party.  It caused me to think about what it takes to be a good fly fisherman.  Is it the ability to read the water, understand what the fish might be thinking, know the difference between the different species, know where and how to place the fly, know what’s hatching, etc.  Or, is it the ability to make a nice cast that drops the fly softly on the water, etc.  Both are important, but what is more important the intellectual or the physical? Your opinions are appreciated and could make an interesting discussion. In addition, your comments can only help me in helping my boys enjoy the sport. In advance, thanks for your comments. Vern

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Question:

You are wonderfully located for fishing South Central PA.  In addition to the Yellow Breeches, there is the Latort, Big Spring, Falling Spring, Green Spring, and many other just a little farther.  Visit the Yellow Breeches Outfitter in Boiling Spring.  They are located right in town on the little pond off Rt 174. The folks are friendly and knowledgable. PS – The spring creeks can be tough!!

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Jim: What’s your question?  What other streams to fish?  Well, I used to live in College Park and would drive to the Cumberland Valley steams almost every week.  Start with the Yellow Breeches around Allenberry (although you may want to go during the week to avoid crowds), try the Letort and Falling Spring Branch, visit a couple of fly shops or sporting goods stores:  you’ll have lots choices, most easily accessed. Just go.  If you’re worried about wasting time wandering around, get a book like Charles Meck’s "Pennsylvania Trout Streams."  You can get it from Angler’s Art (800-848-1020).   Also, check out http://flystream.com/ for info on flyfishing MD and PA. Have fun, JR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I live in Frederick,Maryland and am interested in streams to fish for trout in pennsylvania especially the "Yellow Breeches" Thanks Jim

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I live in Frederick,Maryland and am interested in streams to fish for trout in pennsylvania especially the "Yellow Breeches" Thanks Jim

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I live in Frederick,Maryland and am interested in streams to fish for trout in pennsylvania especially the "Yellow Breeches" Thanks Jim

Here’s two sites recently sent to me, they might help out some in the beginning. Coming from the Ohio side though, that’s about all I can offer. http://www.paflyfish.easetech.com/ www.state.pa.us/Fish/pfbchom4.htm Steve

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Question:

Hi John, Steffen Rods are built by the Steffen brothers, their company is located in Northern Arizona near Lee’s Ferry.  They build extremely fine rods. You may have gotten that one for a steal, if it was cheap in a swap meet.  These rods should easily compare to Scott, Sage, Loomis, etc. in quality. The only difference, naturally is the action of the rod.  Steffen Bro’s do build their own blanks. These rods are not too well known, because the boys aren’t very dependable in shipping rods out to their retailers. Certain times of the year, fishing on Lee’s Ferry is more important than making an income.  A lot of retailers will not stock their rods for this reason. Although, sometimes I have to agree with their attitude about fishing before working. It must depend on how much cash you have in the bank. Good Luck Bill — William Endicott – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently acquired a rod at an estate sale.  The seller didn’t know the history of it.  It is graphite, marked Steffen Rod Co.  The blanck is unsanded gray, reminiscent of a Scott Power Ply.  Does anyone know anything about the Steffen Rod Co.?  Are they still in business?  Is this just a custom built Powerply or is it actualy a blank made for this company?  Any help you can give me would be appreciated.  BTW…it doesn’t cast half bad. John Woodling Sacramento, CA

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Does anyone know anything about the Steffen Rod Co.?  Are they still in business?  Is this just a custom built Powerply or is it actualy a blank made for this company? John Woodling Sacramento, CA

John; Steffen Rod Co. is based in Arizona, but I’m not sure of the town. Their rods are much more popular out there in the West than they are here in the East. However, they are gaining in popularity.  They "roll their own" at Steffen.  They are very competent rods.  They are certainly still in business, but you don’t hear much about them.  They forego national advertising to keep their overhead at a minimum.  They also don’t offer an unlimited warrantee, but will repair rods at a reasonable price.  Right now, they only offer 2 series of rods.  One is like yours and the other is sanded and with fancier hardware, but it’s the same rod, essentially.  We have a guy here in eastern PA who sells their stuff.  Very good casting rods for $250.  Compared to my Scott Alpha, they are significantly slower; not that it is a *bad* thing. Jason Beary

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I recently acquired a rod at an estate sale.  The seller didn’t know the history of it.  It is graphite, marked Steffen Rod Co.  The blanck is unsanded gray, reminiscent of a Scott Power Ply.  Does anyone know anything about the Steffen Rod Co.?  Are they still in business?  Is this just a custom built Powerply or is it actualy a blank made for this company?  Any help you can give me would be appreciated.  BTW…it doesn’t cast half bad. John Woodling Sacramento, CA

Dear John: Mark Steffen, of Steffen Brothers, lives in Flagstaff, Arizona. He sells his rods locally through Peace Surplus Sporting Stores, 779-4521. Mark is the current President of the our local fly fishing group…. Northern Arizona Flycasters, Inc. Besides making great rods, he is an all around good guy, hardcore fisherman and fly fishing activist. Give him a call if you have any questions. Dawson Henderson

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently acquired a rod at an estate sale.  The seller didn’t know the history of it.  It is graphite, marked Steffen Rod Co.  The blanck is unsanded gray, reminiscent of a Scott Power Ply.  Does anyone know anything about the Steffen Rod Co.?  Are they still in business?  Is this just a custom built Powerply or is it actualy a blank made for this company?  Any help you can give me would be appreciated.  BTW…it doesn’t cast half bad. John Woodling Sacramento, CA Dear John: Mark Steffen, of Steffen Brothers, lives in Flagstaff, Arizona. He sells his rods locally through Peace Surplus Sporting Stores, 779-4521. Mark is the current President of the our local fly fishing group…. Northern Arizona Flycasters, Inc. Besides making great rods, he is an all around good guy, hardcore fisherman and fly fishing activist. Give him a call if you have any questions. Dawson Henderson

I have fished Steffen steelhead (8wt) and 4-piece 6-wt rods for years. They are marvelous. I use the 4-piece in New Zealand just about every day for 4-6 week trips and find that it handles innumerable large fish, horrendous wind, and roll-casting very heavy nymphs on the Tongariro like no other rod.The Midge in Los Altos Calif carries the rods. If you have trouble with a Steffen, the maker repairs them very well. Try it, you’ll like it!!

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Hi ! Does anybody know, how to purchase one of these rods here in europe witout knowing a pal who travels the US frequently ?? TIA

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I recently acquired a rod at an estate sale.  The seller didn’t know the history of it.  It is graphite, marked Steffen Rod Co.  The blanck is unsanded gray, reminiscent of a Scott Power Ply.  Does anyone know anything about the Steffen Rod Co.?  Are they still in business?  Is this just a custom built Powerply or is it actualy a blank made for this company?  Any help you can give me would be appreciated.  BTW…it doesn’t cast half bad. John Woodling Sacramento, CA

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Question:

New Fly Fisherman in Central Maryland looking for someonne to go fishing with. Show me how to cast etc.

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There are several active fly fishing clubs in this area, and even more good fly shops. They are all great sources to meet new flyfishers who would be happy to help get you started. Good luck, and enjoy! — Tom Dougherty A.K.’s Fly Tying Tools http://www.aks-flytools.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – New Fly Fisherman in Central Maryland looking for someonne to go fishing with. Show me how to cast etc.

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Question:

I am new to the San Diego area and am looking for nearby fisheries.  Where can I find trout without driving for hours.  Any fly fishing streams? Thanks for the help.

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I am new to the San Diego area and am looking for nearby fisheries.  Where can I find trout without driving for hours.  Any fly fishing streams? Thanks for the help.

I do not know of any local fisheries, and NO local fly fishing streams.  Some people fly fish at cuyamaca and Murray, but I don’t know how well those lakes work.   Good luck Dave

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Try the surf for corvina.  I no they aren’t trout — but they are close and a challenge. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am new to the San Diego area and am looking for nearby fisheries.  Where can I find trout without driving for hours.  Any fly fishing streams? Thanks for the help. I do not know of any local fisheries, and NO local fly fishing streams.  Some people fly fish at cuyamaca and Murray, but I don’t know how well those lakes work.   Good luck Dave

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Contact San Diego Fly Fishers org c/o Strouds Tackle, Morena Blvd, San Diego CA for info on the group and its meetings (7 pm first Monday ea month).  Some SDFF members (not me) speak of  wild trout streams in the county that have 11"-12" trout.  SDFF also stocks county streams with hatchery trout each year. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Try the surf for corvina.  I no they aren’t trout — but they are close and a challenge. I am new to the San Diego area and am looking for nearby fisheries.  Where can I find trout without driving for hours.  Any fly fishing streams? Thanks for the help. I do not know of any local fisheries, and NO local fly fishing streams.  Some people fly fish at cuyamaca and Murray, but I don’t know how well those lakes work.   Good luck Dave

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Lake Poway has trout.. haven’t tried ‘em, but I guess I should — Bob Dobson RAD Solutions www.radsolutions.com

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Question:

[some deleted] But the attitude by these anglers was" I caught and released that fish on a real artificial fly (probably a chartreuse egg pattern with attractant sprayed on it ) with a  2 lb tippet. So I must be a better sportsmen then the guy in the lawn chair." This is nothing but alot of Crap in my book.

I sense and share your frustration Mike.  Hang tough and keep up the good work. TimW

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The driving force behind  this definition was to eliminate the use of premolded scented baits (berkely power eggs) that were LEGALLY artificial until January of this year.

That is definitely a point we have to keep in mind. The message that started this thread made all sorts of dire pronouncements that any artificial material would be prohibited in fishing. As several people pointed out, that pretty much eliminates steel hooks, synthetic yarn, nylon monofilament leaders and much of what we use to fish with. It’s also the exact opposite of what was really being proposed. Let’s leave off the alarmist garbage and deal with the real issues. The worm fisherman is no more or less holy than we of the exalted fly genre. Different people enjoy different types of fishing and different waters require different regulations. The real question is whether Power Eggs(tm) and the like constitute some sort of unfair advantage in certain waters or are conducive to higher mortality through deep hooking. That’s presumably why we pay big bucks to marine biologists to set these policies. — |     Liberty Communications — Spreading the Word     | |                Michael P. Thompson                   |

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snip The real question is whether Power Eggs(tm) and the like constitute some sort of unfair advantage in certain waters or are conducive to higher mortality through deep hooking. That’s presumably why we pay big bucks to marine biologists to set these policies.

snip I’m not sure I understand the concept of "unfair advantage" when it comes to fishing.  The first thing that came to mind was some fly fishermen being upset about bait working better (I know that’s not what you meant Michael). Ross Wilson

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Mike, I think there’s no doubt that a 3-inch Power Tube is an "artificial" under the new regulations. If it were less than 1.5 inches it would not be an artificial. After thinking more about your posts, however, I guess I’ve come around to your view that the new regs won’t cover a variety of possible situations, especially ones where there is scented material made part of a lure or fly over 1.5 inches long. Best wishes.  Jeff

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Let’s leave off the alarmist garbage and deal with the real issues. The worm fisherman is no more or less holy than we of the exalted fly genre. Different people enjoy different types of fishing and different waters require different regulations.

Except the worm fishermen doesn’t lobby, pressure, or persuade those that we pay the big bucks to exclude the flyfishermen from their preferred methods of enjoyment. respectfully, Mike Miller

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if it weren’t for the greedy flyfishing industry, this would not even be an issue..IMHO..protectionism… TimW

Greed……no doubt, but I suspect more than just the Fly – fishing industry regards, Mike

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Ok Jeff, so answer this question please, Can you or can you not fish with a 3" BERKLEY POWER TUBE? regards, Mike

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if it weren’t for the greedy flyfishing industry, this would not even be an issue..IMHO..protectionism… TimW Greed……no doubt, but I suspect more than just the Fly – fishing industry

Why would any other group *care* about a flyfishing only definition ? TimW

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – if it weren’t for the greedy flyfishing industry, this would not even be an issue..IMHO..protectionism… TimW Greed……no doubt, but I suspect more than just the Fly – fishing industry Why would any other group *care* about a flyfishing only definition ? TimW

The driving force behind  this definition was to eliminate the use of premolded scented baits (berkely power eggs) that were LEGALLY artificial until January of this year. Spinney Mountain Res. was the focus of much of the debate.  As you probably know Spinney is managed as "Gold Medal" Water with artificial  fly & lure only tackle restrictions and a one fish over 20" bag limit and the canyon  recently had Gold Medal regulations extended to the dam. My reference to purists, elitists, attitudes comes from experience fishing these waters and a witness to the debates over the issue at the commission meetings. On opening day 1995 at Spinney, there was a gentlemen fishing with power eggs. He had brought along the lawn chair and 4 young children. This guy caught about 6 trout that day on his chartreuse colored power eggs allowing each of the kids an opportunity to bring one in. He kept one and as far as I could tell no  harm came to the fish he released. But this guy came under heavy and constant critizism from the crowd (who were primarily fishless) because in their *holier than thou minds* he was a scondrel for using such a bait (although technically he was not breaking any laws.) Now, I will not dispute the fact that PASSIVELY fishing such a bait will probably kill alot of fish that by law have to be released. But at Spinney I have witnessed many a fine fish played to exhaustion, kept out of the water for extreme periods of time, (for the picture ceremony)  dropped on the rocks a couple of times, drug along the bank in the sand, and kicked back into the water because it was only 19 7/8" long. But the attitude by these anglers was" I caught and released that fish on a real artificial fly (probably a chartreuse egg pattern with attractant sprayed on it ) with a  2 lb tippet. So I must be a better sportsmen then the guy in the lawn chair." This is nothing but alot of Crap in my book. regards, Mike Miller

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I just heard that the state of Colorado has decided that flies should not use any artificial (synthetic) materials. If it uses such things as foam, it is a bait and not a fly. Any comments about this. The intent of the Colorado’s definition of what constitutes an *artificial* fly or lure was simply to eliminate scented baits, such as power baits & eggs.  Unfortunately the wording is very confusing and I think the C.D.O.W. doesn’t totallly understand what they have said. It will probably be un – enforceable except for the obvious infractions.

I was surprised (not pleasantly) to notice that Mike Miller was the only one of the many who commented on this who seemed to have actually read the regulation. Most others assumed that what Paul had "just heard" was the gospel truth, then proceeded to denigrate the DOW for being so asinine. It is pretty obvious that very few contemporary fishing flies could be tied without using artificial or synthetic materials. Even rayon thread would be prohibited by such a regulation. Besides, it would be virtually unenforceable and bad for public relations. To prohibit artificial material from an artificial lure such as a fly is counter to the whole idea behind bait regulations. They generally seek to limit the use of live bait and artificial substances which simulate live bait (such as power bait, etc.). It would not make sense for anyone to prohibit the use of artificial materials in an artificial lure. People would have to start carving their bass plugs out of wood again. My point is, on the face of it, this "report" of what Paul had "heard" is not credible and needs to be checked out before we go griping about what stupidity the DOW is currently engaged in. — |     Liberty Communications — Spreading the Word     | |                Michael P. Thompson                   |

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J Let’s not forget that what they are *trying* to do is to find a J definition that excludes powerbait and its related "scented lure" J products. A good point.  Trying is the operative word here and sloppy legislation does not a good bill make.  Having lived in Denver for two years, I applaud setting waters aside for bait (power bait, although synthetic, is still bait IMHO) and artificial approaches. Heck, I _enjoy_ bait fishing once or twice a year for stockies. As a lifelong redneck I have drown my share of worms and crickets and defend anyone’s right to do so. It is up to the folks at wildlife to make sure that catch and keep does not endanger wild fish. Well, there’s my opinion anyway. But thanks for your post!      Trey Monroe

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For example, I’ve fallen in love with the Stimulator this year… it has brought some very large fish to shore.  Why?  Is it a caddis imitation or a stone fly imitation?  I say neither… it’s probably that orange piece in the front of the fly that looks like a Salmon Egg to the fish.  A Stimulator doesn’t closely imitate anything in the water, but sure catches some large fish.

A salmon egg floating on the surface being eaten by what? The Stimulator has the classic profile of both fluttering caddis and stones. Further, how does your egg theory explain the success of the same fly with olive, peacock, and tan thorax regions?

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: A salmon egg floating on the surface being eaten by what? The Stimulator : has the classic profile of both fluttering caddis and stones. Further, : how does your egg theory explain the success of the same fly with olive, : peacock, and tan thorax regions? For me, they haven’t been nearly as effective as the orange color.  And I’m not certain the color triggers anything near a salmon egg… perhaps it looks like a big eye.  My point is that there are better imitations of the things you mention, but the Stimmy works well, often better. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

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if it weren’t for the greedy flyfishing industry, this would not even be an issue..IMHO..protectionism… TimW

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Someone who has the new regulations, please read them and tell me if a 1.6 inch artificial Power Worm is artificial under the new regulation. My reading suggests that they are to be considered "artificial"

This issue arose at Spinney Mountain on opening day 1996, several individuals were using 3" Berkley Power Tubes. They looked identical  to other tube jigs (i.e. gitizits). The State Parks law enforcement officer  explained to me that according to his instructions they were lega, stating they were over 1 1/2". Also a DOW officer checked these fishermen and did not issue a citation or stop them from being used.   However, I contacted the DOW on this issue and at least one official said "no way, they cannot be used and that all  power bait is illegal. " As I stated in a previous post, except for obvious infractions (power eggs)  this law will be un-enforcable. Even the DOW is confused. regards, Mike Miller

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I just heard that the state of Colorado has decided that flies should not use any artificial (synthetic) materials. If it uses such things as foam, it is a bait and not a fly. Any comments about this.

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I just heard that the state of Colorado has decided that flies should not use any artificial (synthetic) materials. If it uses such things as foam, it is a bait and not a fly. Any comments about this.

No Colorado didn’t. I think I’ve heard that F&W is discussing not allowing power bait and other non-natural baits to be fished in the artificals only waters.

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I just heard that the state of Colorado has decided that flies should not use any artificial (synthetic) materials. If it uses such things as foam, it is a bait and not a fly. Any comments about this.

Know any suppliers of barbless *bone* hooks?? — The views expressed are my own and does not represent those of my employer.

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: I just heard that the state of Colorado has decided that flies should not : use any artificial (synthetic) materials. If it uses such things as foam, : it is a bait and not a fly. Any comments about this. Interesting, and really raises some issues.  For example, I’ve fallen in love with the Stimulator this year… it has brought some very large fish to shore.  Why?  Is it a caddis imitation or a stone fly imitation?  I say neither… it’s probably that orange piece in the front of the fly that looks like a Salmon Egg to the fish.  A Stimulator doesn’t closely imitate anything in the water, but sure catches some large fish. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

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The intent of the Colorado’s definition of what constitutes an *artificial* fly or lure was simply to eliminate scented baits, such as  power baits & eggs.  Unfortunately the wording is very confusing and I think the C.D.O.W. doesn’t totallly understand what they have said. It will probably be un – enforceable except for the obvious infractions. It says something like anything less than 1 1/2 inches long cannot be made out of *plastic* or scented material. The question that has come up is what if it is over  1 1/2 inches long  (Berkley Power Tubes for example) or if  it is under 1 1/2inches does this exclude *foam* or even plastic tube jigs (unscented)? And can you add scent to a fly or lure less than 1 1/2 "? regards, Mike Miller – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I just heard that the state of Colorado has decided that flies should not use any artificial (synthetic) materials. If it uses such things as foam, it is a bait and not a fly. Any comments about this.

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(PaulS41846) writes: I just heard that the state of Colorado has decided that flies should not use any artificial (synthetic) materials. If it uses such things as foam, it is a bait and not a fly. Any comments about this.

Does that mean the hook has to be made from a thorn? Steel was synthetic the last time I looked. Don Burns

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(PaulS41846) writes: I just heard that the state of Colorado has decided that flies should not use any artificial (synthetic) materials. If it uses such things as foam, it is a bait and not a fly. Any comments about this.

Oh Yeah! Another reason to simply quit ffing and take up something else (billiards comes immediately to mind….) With all the problems facing the resource, and the sport in general, now the gov is picking at minutea (sp?). The saddest part is that an early and powerful proponent of synth materials for flies, John Betts, lives in Denver. If there is some percieved ecological threat with these materials why didn’t they look at those GD’d foam bobbers (strike indicators) that litter our streams too! Does that mean the hook has to be made from a thorn? Steel was synthetic the last time I looked.

Good Point <G!  Sounds like our politicians are doing their best to screw everything up as usual.  Like with the Rimm Report! </chaz (not Sue)

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P I just heard that the state of Colorado has decided that flies should not P use any artificial (synthetic) materials. If it uses such things as foam, P it is a bait and not a fly. Any comments about this. Hmm, if it isn’t or hasn’t been alive and uses only sight attraction, not smell to attract fish, and you can cast it with a fly rod, that’s close enough to a fly for me. Besides, if this passes, will enforcement be forced to looking through people’s fly boxes to make sure that there is no crystal flash? What about nylon thread, rayon floss, or heavens to gimbles, micro fibbets tailing! Sounds like missplaced emphasis IMHO.      Trey Monroe

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Power Bait on the frying pan river…? Lucky Lou’s…? Getcha thumped…that’s fer sure… In practice, there is a VERY fine line (no pun intended) between a Glo-Bug and a Lucky Lou.  Or a Pittendrigh foam after a little fish slime and power bait.  Or a san Juan worm and a red wriggler.  It’s all in our heads man, that one is somehow better then the other…isn’t it ?   What is the difference between a Kastmaster and a Zonker ? TimW (In case you think that I miss the point….) I have retrieved slimy GloBugs from the gills and gullets of bleeding trout as deeply as shore chucked pautzkees. I have had wooly worms and buggers kill fish.  I have sent small trout flying into the bushes on a #14 adams on an ‘overzealous strike’.  Fish die man no matter WHAT you hook ‘em on…

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Question:

You should try and find someone that sell ST. Croix rods There well made and not that expencive. I’ve had a sage and orvis rods and personally think    the ST. Croix to be just as good, also less money. and they have a good  gaurentee on there rods.

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I’m in the market for a new fly rod. I’m an experienced (3-years) fly fisherman fishing mainly on small to medium rivers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana for ‘bows, cutts and browns, and on lakes though I don’t have a float tube yet, just a canoe. I hear good things about Sage and Loomis. Any feedback or suggestions. I’m trying to stay below $250

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