Question:

I posted in too much haste, I was just too excited about his possibilities. I am afraid I was too insulting.  I did not mean to imply that he wasn’t already famous. I will use it no matter what he calls it although I would have to think about it if it was "Missed-Bass Knot".  I have too many reminders of that now. AL

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yeah, Al, but who’s going to want to tie a lure on with a knot called "Missed-a-Bass knot?"  :-))  Shawn, you gotta use your real name on this if you want to become famous. Warren1 Here’s your chance to become famous!  Heck, just reading your note I can see some possiblities. AL "Missed-a-Bass" wrote I came up with my own version of the Pitzen, just ’cause I’m a putz [PUTZIE] and couldn’t remember what snip So what is my modified Pitzen called? It holds up wonderfully…I couldn’t have thought this up myself…where’s Rodney when you need him! Shawn [SHAWNNY] snip

Response:

It’s all good AL. I can take it…been there, done that. — Early to Bed, Early to Rise… Fish all Day, Make up Lies. Shawn

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I posted in too much haste, I was just too excited about his possibilities. I am afraid I was too insulting.  I did not mean to imply that he wasn’t already famous. I will use it no matter what he calls it although I would have to think about it if it was "Missed-Bass Knot".  I have too many reminders of that now. AL Yeah, Al, but who’s going to want to tie a lure on with a knot called "Missed-a-Bass knot?"  :-))  Shawn, you gotta use your real name on this if you want to become famous. Warren1 Here’s your chance to become famous!  Heck, just reading your note I can see some possiblities. AL "Missed-a-Bass" wrote I came up with my own version of the Pitzen, just ’cause I’m a putz [PUTZIE] and couldn’t remember what snip So what is my modified Pitzen called? It holds up wonderfully…I couldn’t have thought this up myself…where’s Rodney when you need him! Shawn [SHAWNNY] snip

Response:

You’ve got a point there ol’ W1 but maybe I should take this opportunity to explain my screen name. I’m always taking the brunt of fishing jokes/tales, yet those that mock me ask advice. Hence "Missed-A-Bass" (say it fast 3 times.. sounds like Mr. Bass don’t ya think?) I think that’s called an Al-go-rhythm.    LMAO! — Early to Bed, Early to Rise… Fish all Day, Make up Lies. Shawn

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yeah, Al, but who’s going to want to tie a lure on with a knot called "Missed-a-Bass knot?"  :-))  Shawn, you gotta use your real name on this if you want to become famous. Warren1 Here’s your chance to become famous!  Heck, just reading your note I can see some possiblities. AL "Missed-a-Bass" wrote I came up with my own version of the Pitzen, just ’cause I’m a putz [PUTZIE] and couldn’t remember what snip So what is my modified Pitzen called? It holds up wonderfully…I couldn’t have thought this up myself…where’s Rodney when you need him! Shawn [SHAWNNY] snip

Response:

Here’s your chance to become famous!  Heck, just reading your note I can see some possiblities. AL "Missed-a-Bass" wrote I came up with my own version of the Pitzen, just ’cause I’m a putz

[PUTZIE] and couldn’t remember what snip So what is my modified Pitzen called? It holds up wonderfully…I couldn’t have thought this up myself…where’s Rodney when you need him! Shawn [SHAWNNY]

snip

Response:

Yeah, Al, but who’s going to want to tie a lure on with a knot called "Missed-a-Bass knot?"  :-))  Shawn, you gotta use your real name on this if you want to become famous. Warren1

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here’s your chance to become famous!  Heck, just reading your note I can see some possiblities. AL "Missed-a-Bass" wrote I came up with my own version of the Pitzen, just ’cause I’m a putz [PUTZIE] and couldn’t remember what snip So what is my modified Pitzen called? It holds up wonderfully…I couldn’t have thought this up myself…where’s Rodney when you need him! Shawn [SHAWNNY] snip

Response:

If you want to do more "research’ [Bob, you will find your description given there by one of the posters] on this go to:  http://www.sport-fish-info.com/wwwboard/messages/9012.html One thing you will find they are as confused as we can become on this board. I suspect it is as CA Bill states it is currently called San Diego Knot when it is doubled but it is still in my opinion a variance of a Pitzen Knot which no one on that board seems to have a hint of either.  I am sorry I can’t find my notes on the history of this knot but Pitzen was a long ago German fisher that the credit I saw was given to him for devising this knot. The variations of this knot are used by Tuna fishers on the West Coast, for one, and they are well convinced that this is basically a good, reliable, and strong knot, no matter the variance in tying it. If I ever find my ‘brain’ for the history of  the Pitzen Knot I will post, but don’t hold your breath. I also use a  loop knot as a companion to the Pitzen Knot because I remove or do not use split rings for attaching line to lure.  I use the Buffer Loop Knot for quick and easy tie of a Loop or for confidence I use the Rapala Loop, however,  I have made mistakes tying the Rapala Loop and the lure came loose.  Hence, the trade off in getting too complicated in knot tying techniques. AL

Al, after thinking about it a few minutes and looking at the link Shawn provided [a link to Pitzen Knot, AL] I realized you are right.  Might dub

it the double Pitzen knot, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – until Tony claims the right to name it himself. snip

Response:

Al, after thinking about it a few minutes and looking at the link Shawn provided, I realized you are right.  Might dub it the double Pitzen knot, until Tony claims the right to name it himself. Have never had one break off, unless I forgot to retie between trips and the line had deteriorated.  Because of the doubled line and its cinching power, it slips less than any other knot I have used on spinnerbaits. —    Go Fishing.  And may your fish be as big as your tales.    Columbia, SC  Lake Murray

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bob, I understood your description.  I like the feature that the doubled eye line is incorporated into the knot and the standing line.  Might be easier to understand for those familiar with tying the Pitzen Knot which is what I use. Jamie,   The Pitzen Knot strength is allegedly close to a 100% line strength. AL .snip I have tried to explain his knot, but it apparently is not clear, and I have the graphic skills of a snail. I think I’ll try out the Pitzen next, and check out the Uni for loop knots.

Response:

the Pitzen Knot I will post, but don’t hold your breath.

OK, Overcame my tunnel vision,  Jamie probably saw this!  It is at the bottom of the sites description that he posted. "The Pitzen knot, Invented by Edgar Pitzenbauer of Germany is easy to tie with a little practice, and results in a knot the [sic] retains 95-100% of the tippet’s rated strength as opposed to 65% for a Clinch knot.  The Pitzen knot is also smaller by about 40%" AL

Response:

Ya know it’s a funny thing….while driving today I was thinking of the Pitzen knot. Back 2-3 years ago when I was learning to tie fishing knots I came up with my own version of the Pitzen, just ’cause I’m a putz and couldn’t remember what the heck I was doing. The only difference is I would run the tag through the hook eye one more time, just before threading it through the original loop, then snug it up. Once I learned the Palomar I forgot everything else. So what is my modified Pitzen called? It holds up wonderfully…I couldn’t have thought this up myself…where’s Rodney when you need him! — Early to Bed, Early to Rise… Fish all Day, Make up Lies. Shawn

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Al, after thinking about it a few minutes and looking at the link Shawn provided, I realized you are right.  Might dub it the double Pitzen knot, until Tony claims the right to name it himself. Have never had one break off, unless I forgot to retie between trips and the line had deteriorated.  Because of the doubled line and its cinching power, it slips less than any other knot I have used on spinnerbaits. —    Go Fishing.  And may your fish be as big as your tales.    Columbia, SC  Lake Murray Bob, I understood your description.  I like the feature that the doubled eye line is incorporated into the knot and the standing line.  Might be easier to understand for those familiar with tying the Pitzen Knot which is what I use. Jamie,   The Pitzen Knot strength is allegedly close to a 100% line strength. AL .snip I have tried to explain his knot, but it apparently is not clear, and I have the graphic skills of a snail. I think I’ll try out the Pitzen next, and check out the Uni for loop knots.

Response:

The San Diego knot is similar, but you run the line through the loop by the eye first, before the one at the top. Bill

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – And for those of you who would like to see the Pitzen knot, try this… www.agron.missouri.edu/flyfishing/pitzen.html — Early to Bed, Early to Rise… Fish all Day, Make up Lies. Shawn Bob, I understood your description.  I like the feature that the doubled eye line is incorporated into the knot and the standing line.  Might be easier to understand for those familiar with tying the Pitzen Knot which is what I use. Jamie,   The Pitzen Knot strength is allegedly close to a 100% line strength. AL .snip I have tried to explain his knot, but it apparently is not clear, and I have the graphic skills of a snail. I think I’ll try out the Pitzen next, and check out the Uni for loop knots.

Response:

Bob, I understood your description.  I like the feature that the doubled eye line is incorporated into the knot and the standing line.  Might be easier to understand for those familiar with tying the Pitzen Knot which is what I use. Jamie,   The Pitzen Knot strength is allegedly close to a 100% line strength. AL

.snip I have tried to explain his knot, but it apparently is not clear, and I have the graphic skills of a snail. I think I’ll try out the Pitzen next, and check out the Uni for loop

knots.

Response:

And for those of you who would like to see the Pitzen knot, try this… www.agron.missouri.edu/flyfishing/pitzen.html — Early to Bed, Early to Rise… Fish all Day, Make up Lies. Shawn

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bob, I understood your description.  I like the feature that the doubled eye line is incorporated into the knot and the standing line.  Might be easier to understand for those familiar with tying the Pitzen Knot which is what I use. Jamie,   The Pitzen Knot strength is allegedly close to a 100% line strength. AL .snip I have tried to explain his knot, but it apparently is not clear, and I have the graphic skills of a snail. I think I’ll try out the Pitzen next, and check out the Uni for loop knots.

Response:

I was just reading the knot thread from mid-March, and I’ve got some more questions. I wanted to know if there’s a resource that has some real statistics on breaking strength of different knots (and also considerations as to their appropriateness with different # test monos). Also, I conducted a little experiment with knot comparisons: I had two key-ring sized split-rings, and I tied two different knots on each side (8# test). I yanked them apart until something gave. I only compared the Trilene, Palomar, Improved Clinch, and Rapala (loop). My informal (and unrecorded) findings of order of strength, highest to lowest. *Trilene *Palomar (usually was beaten by the Trilene) *Improved Clinch (pretty low breaking strength) *Rapala (very low breaking strengh, ughh.. it’s what I’ve been using on jerkbaits, topwaters, etc.) I think I’ll try out the Pitzen next, and check out the Uni for loop knots.  ALSO, I regularly hit the search engines, and ask the group, about once every two months: Does anyone have a picture of how to tie the Jimmy Houston Knot (supposed to be very close to 100% knot strength)? (Hint: the picture in "Caught Me a Big ‘Un…" is incomplete, so please don’t tell me to look there, unless you can tell me the missing step). Thanks a bunch, Jamie

Response:

Jamie, the short answer is all line manufacturers have a machine to test their lines with different knots.  From this, you would assume that they recommend knots that work best with their line. Just haven’t seen a line manufacturer mention Tony Bean’s knot, which is the strongest knot I have used. Help me here, TNBass, after you get back from the TN Classic.  Tony is a Tennessee small-mouth guide and is reputed to have won many tournaments.  Do you know how to contact him?  I have tried to explain his knot, but it apparently is not clear, and I have the graphic skills of a snail. —    Go Fishing.  And may your fish be as big as your tales.    Columbia, SC  Lake Murray

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was just reading the knot thread from mid-March, and I’ve got some more questions. I wanted to know if there’s a resource that has some real statistics on breaking strength of different knots (and also considerations as to their appropriateness with different # test monos). Also, I conducted a little experiment with knot comparisons: I had two key-ring sized split-rings, and I tied two different knots on each side (8# test). I yanked them apart until something gave. I only compared the Trilene, Palomar, Improved Clinch, and Rapala (loop). My informal (and unrecorded) findings of order of strength, highest to lowest. *Trilene *Palomar (usually was beaten by the Trilene) *Improved Clinch (pretty low breaking strength) *Rapala (very low breaking strengh, ughh.. it’s what I’ve been using on jerkbaits, topwaters, etc.) I think I’ll try out the Pitzen next, and check out the Uni for loop knots.  ALSO, I regularly hit the search engines, and ask the group, about once every two months: Does anyone have a picture of how to tie the Jimmy Houston Knot (supposed to be very close to 100% knot strength)? (Hint: the picture in "Caught Me a Big ‘Un…" is incomplete, so please don’t tell me to look there, unless you can tell me the missing step). Thanks a bunch, Jamie

Response:

Question:

snipped great stuff:  A wonderful fight on the 4 wt ‘boo, but I was wishing I had the 6 wt to give me a little bit of umpf to fight the fish (I don’t hold to the lighter rod, better fighting ability theory but the bigger rod manhandle the fish theory).  I eventually turned his head after making him fight his way upstream and landed him in the slack water.  After a couple of quick pictures in the net and the alongside the rod, I released him.  A splash from his tail was his final act of defiance before his departure.

You and Sacajaweah are in love, no?  You and "bird woman?"  ("Sacagawea") Sacajawea means "boat pusher or launcher" Sacajawea also in my mind’s eye (because I am an insatiable romantic) still means "Bird Woman" to me.  She, of all women in America, is to me the greatest of all in our history.  So . . . in a phrase, you went fishing with Bird Woman and she made you smile, a bit? Great post Warren.  I mean it. — Mr.G. http://www.gink.com "the saga continues"

Response:

 A wonderful fight on the 4 wt

Yes indeed.  My love of this rod is no secret and I have been eager for the changing of the seasons to get her back in the line up. — Warren Findley "The vice or virtue of any form of angling lies not in the method but in the man." Author Hugh Falkus

Response:

:The fishing should be prime right now, just before Run Off, so you best get :those licks in ASAP.  Spring is here, big man.  I’ve been hitting the Snake almost :daily and it is stunning just how eager the fish are right now. Willi and I were talking about this earlier today.  Over the last couple of weeks I have noticed quite a change in the behavior of our resident piscatorial neighbors.  They are very eager to eat after a long, cold winter.  I was telling Willi, that fall and right after winter are just about the only times I can ever get fish on big flies consistently.  Every trip out merely confirms this belief until Spring is finally settled in and Summer approaches. :I know the Arkansas River in Salida, Colorad is prime now as run off starts in :April but I think it will be early all over the North West, don’t you? :Have to run.  Got cork handles to bore out and fit. :And a #32 fly to tie. : ; ) Yes, I think runoff will be a tad bit early.  The Yellowstone was already showing signs of early runoff.  If I hadn’t lived there and fished it regularly, I doubt I would have noticed the slight change. After experiencing it for a couple of years you start to know the water and know the stages of runoff just by the color and what to expect by the weather.  If this recent bit of cold lasts, it may just delay things a bit though.  I have almost quit watching the weather reports because they are wrong more often than not, but I think I am going to start keeping better track during this time of year and hope they are right. The good news is that I am not sure runoff will be all that long. With another bad year for snowpack, I doubt things will be as bad as a "normal" year.  The other bit of good news is that the weather has been operating in terms of "pockets".  It was windy, cold and sunny today in Bozeman, but cloudy, warmer and calm in Livingston.  Ennis has been getting some nice weather according to the news, but West Yellowstone has been repeatedly colder, cloudier, and has more snow. If everything works out like I hope it will, I will be able to fish through most of runoff season yet again due to this pocket effect. I’m hoping at least. Get to that #32.  You are supposed to send me one <g — Warren Findley "The vice or virtue of any form of angling lies not in the method but in the man." Author Hugh Falkus

Response:

Went fishing today in a long side channel of the Yellowstone that is easily accessible and very wadable.  I couldn’t see any activity from the bank as I rigged up, but decided to use the bamboo in case I came across any rising fish.  The water was a touch off color, but not bad enough to really affect visibility.  I rigged up two nymphs and made my way to the river and to the spot I always start at. After my first couple of casts I began to notice a few fish feeding off the surface.  I couldn’t see what they were rising to, but started looking around and saw mostly midges with very few baetis mixed in.  I decided to clip off the nymphs and fish dries and was rewarded with a chubby little rainbow of about 10" right off the bat.  I caught a couple more and decided to work my way downstream a little further.  I didn’t see any more rising fish so I switched over to a nymph and a big rubber leg brownstone for the deep pools. I worked my way through the deep pools and picked up a couple of fish. The sun began to shine as a big empty patch in the clouds came into position.  I never did see any more rising fish as it stayed sunny for the remainder of my stay, but I had good luck with the olive CDC GRHE and brownstone.  The fish in the faster sections were just hammering the brownstone. There is a section that I really like to fish that has several ridges of rock in the channel.  I don’t know what kind of rock it is, but it looks like maybe some kind of shale.  It is really flaky and the layers stand up almost vertically.  I like to call them the "spines" for lack of a better term.  Anyway, I caught several of fish throughout this area as well as losing several flies to the rocks. My biggest fish of the day, an 18" rainbow that was FAT, took the brownstone.  I thought I was caught up along the bottom because I set the hook when the indicator paused and just felt solid weight like I was hung up on a rock.  After several jerks, all of the sudden it was zzzzzzzz as line starting peeling off.  A wonderful fight on the 4 wt ‘boo, but I was wishing I had the 6 wt to give me a little bit of umpf to fight the fish (I don’t hold to the lighter rod, better fighting ability theory but the bigger rod manhandle the fish theory).  I eventually turned his head after making him fight his way upstream and landed him in the slack water.  After a couple of quick pictures in the net and the alongside the rod, I released him.  A splash from his tail was his final act of defiance before his departure. I caught a few more fish and found a pod of whitefish that proved to be fun.  I also hooked a really nice brown deep in the "spines" that I got to the surface.  When he felt the cold air he violently thrashed on the surface and put on a nice acrobatic display before breaking me off.  I lost several more flies along the bottom and eventually called it quits after having had my fill of fish for the day.  All in all, it was another very pleasant day by myself on a fine river.   I can only hope that the wind in Bozeman dies down tonight so I can hit the Gallatin tomorrow. — Warren Findley "The vice or virtue of any form of angling lies not in the method but in the man." Author Hugh Falkus

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Question:

        George and I have butted heads on a couple of issues in the past, but he was gracious enough to give up some of his time to let me interview him about his ‘Bastard’ project.  Whatever anyone thinks, he sure is passionate about this and believes in his rods. The article is at http://flyfishing.about.com/ Ian Scott

Response:

Enjoyed the article.  As a recent Bastard owner, I can attest to the quality of the rod, although I was not getting 75 ft casts.  That, however, is a minor quibble.  It is a solid value. Mark Faulkner – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –         George and I have butted heads on a couple of issues in the past, but he was gracious enough to give up some of his time to let me interview him about his ‘Bastard’ project.  Whatever anyone thinks, he sure is passionate about this and believes in his rods. The article is at http://flyfishing.about.com/ Ian Scott

Response:

Enjoyed the article.  As a recent Bastard owner, I can attest to the quality of the rod, although I was not getting 75 ft casts.  That, however, is a minor quibble.  It is a solid value.

Mark, what weight/type line(s) are you using on your new rod?

Response:

Enjoyed the article.  As a recent Bastard owner, I can attest to the quality of the rod, although I was not getting 75 ft casts.  That, however, is a minor quibble.  It is a solid value. Mark, what weight/type line(s) are you using on your new rod?

        tripper:  i thought i would have to "light line" my 7.5/4wt, but it seemed spot on with a double taper 4. wayno

Response:

Enjoyed the article.  As a recent Bastard owner, I can attest to the quality of the rod, although I was not getting 75 ft casts.  That, however, is a minor quibble.  It is a solid value. Mark, what weight/type line(s) are you using on your new rod?    tripper:  i thought i would have to "light line" my 7.5/4wt, but it seemed spot on with a double taper 4. wayno

Excellent –  and thanks very much for the tip, Wayno! You might have just saved me the cost of springing for a new DT3F, as I already have a fairly fresh DT4F that I can wind onto a vintage Hardy Sunbeam – ought to balance the rod reasonably well. My apologies, btw, for hijacking this thread… /daytripper

Response:

Excellent –  and thanks very much for the tip, Wayno! You might have just saved me the cost of springing for a new DT3F, as I already have a fairly fresh DT4F that I can wind onto a vintage Hardy Sunbeam – ought to balance the rod reasonably well. My apologies, btw, for hijacking this thread… /daytripper

trip…. as i mentioned to mark via e-mail, i’ve fished 3,4, & 5 wt lines on the 7.5 aught. the 3 wt is light but does fish ok. the 4 wt is real good and the 5 wt line really loads the rod well. all were wf’s. walt — Ezflyfish.com http://www.ezflyfish.com BRBG http://www.abebooks.com/home/BLUEBOOKS P.O. Box 5112  Banner Elk, NC 28604 (828)963-5001

Response:

Excellent –  and thanks very much for the tip, Wayno! You might have just saved me the cost of springing for a new DT3F, as I already have a fairly fresh DT4F that I can wind onto a vintage Hardy Sunbeam – ought to balance the rod reasonably well. trip…. as i mentioned to mark via e-mail, i’ve fished 3,4, & 5 wt lines on the 7.5 aught. the 3 wt is light but does fish ok. the 4 wt is real good and the 5 wt line really loads the rod well. all were wf’s.

Thanks, Walt! I prefer double tapers, and judging from your experience it sounds like a DT4 ought to work just fine. btw: There’s a real story going on behind the scenes that I’ll share with y’all when I return from Maine. The happy ending is a lock. /daytripper (psyched!)

Response:

Question:

i am going fishing in june lake from september 1-6, and i was wondering if anyone could give me recommended spots or suggestions for fly- fishing and spinner baits.         thanks, david dimond

Response:

I am assuming that your referring to June Lake Loop, in California. June lake itself has been good to me and my family for trolling and bait soaking along the south east shore. Silver Lake offers protection from foul weather as you can hide behind the island and is my favorite in the loop. If you fish Silver lake you MUST fish Rush Creek which runs between Silver and Grant lake. If you have the time and appreciate your surroundings, I would head north on 395 and float tube Virginia Lakes (top of the summit above Mono Lake). For lunkers you should head south to Lake Crowley and again this lake is best float tubed, though you can fish from shore (alligator point). I prefer float tubing lakes which should justify my preferences. Best lure is Panther Martin "pm4,pm6 I think?" black with red dots, gold flash. Streamers would be olive matuka (with red throat), olive, black and purple wooly buggers. Terrestrial’s (hopper,cricket, ant) should be considered this time of year (rush creek), look around you. Caddis, adams and mosquito on the dry flies and if all else fails use the zug bug. Best of luck to you. There are just too many places to fish and enjoy life in that general area of the eastern sierra’s.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i am going fishing in june lake from september 1-6, and i was wondering if anyone could give me recommended spots or suggestions for fly- fishing and spinner baits.  thanks, david dimond

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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!!

Response:

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, any of you guys out there have a design and instructions for a home made trout smoker.

A large home smoker is built most easily out of the carcase of a big appliance (e.g. refrigerator) which the smoke reaches underground through a tube (e.g. metal downspout) from a fire location 10 to 20 ft. distant.  This cools the smoke to the 100 deg. Fahr. desirable for traditional smoking.  You then have the trouble of keeping the fire going for long periods, 24 hours or more. For smaller capacities, electric smokers are sold in N.America (about $80.)  These hold fish sides up to about 16 inches max. For smallest capacities and immediate consumption, Europeans commonly use alcohol-burning smokers, as sold by Trowell, ABU etc.  These are portable thus good for streamside use, but seldom more than 12 inches long. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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I like to use a bong or your standard, hippie-grade water pipe. The only drawback is that you first have to grind up the fish in order to fit it in the bowl. If you have a problem getting it lit, use a little nitro. You should be able to get some from a drag racer.

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If you have a problem getting it lit, use a little nitro. You should be able to get some from a drag racer.

Or go to a hobby shop. They use it for model airplane fuels. Bryce

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Dude… NO LIE, Man….toughest part about smokin trout is keepin it lit!

Response:

I hope someone does as I’m running out of freezer space.

Running out of freezer space, eh?  That’s nice ya lo-life.  What did you pay for your fishing license and what has the stocking program cost us taxpayers and other fisherman in comparison, and what has it done to "your own" fishery?  I guess there might be a *slight* chance that keeping so many trout makes sense (like if the bait-fishermen were going to get them all anyways, or if the summer heat will kill these put-and-take fish that don’t belong there anyways . Let me guess, your from "PA"??? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thanks            A.P.

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I read an article once about using a cardboard box to make a makeshift smoker.  You took the bottom out and stuck sticks through the side to make a rack for the fish.  You had to be careful the whole thing didn’t go up in smoke.– Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-Mail GO TO http://www.ccnet.com/~emh FOR FLY FISHING BOOK AUCTION – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I like to use a bong or your standard, hippie-grade water pipe. The only drawback is that you first have to grind up the fish in order to fit it in the bowl. If you have a problem getting it lit, use a little nitro. You should be able to get some from a drag racer.

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yeah, we built the pit-style smoker in the Boy Scout’s handbook one summer on a 4 week long camping trip…..got all the alder twigs for the fish, made a "hinged" door on our box, lined the pit with alder leaves, cut, split and fire dried alder and apple for making our own chips, the whole bit. I’m sure with a few modifications, it would have done a better job of smoking vs. cooking the fish…..but it did work pretty well.  one old feller suggested we dig an "outlet hole" at an angle down towards our pit so some of th esmoke could vent off- he said just slide a cover over it as th efire cooled down….awwh, what did he know any way….=8^) the earlier comment by the gentleman using the large appliance and his statement about the fire being farther away and the smoke being "piped over" to attain a lower heat is right on the button…don’t know if it was mentioned, but it IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL THE FREON IS REMOVED FROM THE FRIDGE FIRST…..it can have fatal side effects.

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–snip– to attain a lower heat is right on the button…don’t know if it was mentioned, but it IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL THE FREON IS REMOVED FROM THE FRIDGE FIRST…..it can have fatal side effects.

Actually, another important thing to remember, and it may not be important at smoking temperatures, is that the corrosion resistant coating they use on the metal shelves in fridges breaks down at elevated temperatures.  I believe it can lace the food with dangerous chemicals. FYI dunc — Please delete the "_remove" | "Virtue is more to be feared than from the username to reply. |  vice, because its excesses are not                             |  subject to the regulation of Thank you                   |  conscience." — Adam Smith

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–snip– to attain a lower heat is right on the button…don’t know if it was mentioned, but it IS IMPERATIVE THAT ALL THE FREON IS REMOVED FROM THE FRIDGE FIRST…..it can have fatal side effects. Actually, another important thing to remember, and it may not be important at smoking temperatures, is that the corrosion resistant coating they use on the metal shelves in fridges breaks down at elevated temperatures.  I believe it can lace the food with dangerous chemicals. FYI

My grandmother had THREE old ‘fridges next to her machine shed that she used as smokers for 25-30 years.  I don’t think she did anything but toss an electric element and some chips into a pan on the bottom rack; she certainly didn’t drain out the freon, or even remove the motors.  Of course she died of cancer at 90, so it might have caught up with her eventually.  The fish was pretty good though… -drl — Derek R. Larson           Indiana University       Department of History   "Eastward I go by force, but Westward I go free!"  -H. D. Thoreau

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I hope someone does as I’m running out of freezer space. Running out of freezer space, eh?  That’s nice ya lo-life.  What did you pay for your fishing license and what has the stocking program cost us taxpayers and other fisherman in comparison, and what has it done to "your own" fishery?  I guess there might be a *slight* chance that keeping so many trout makes sense (like if the bait-fishermen were going to get them all anyways, or if the summer heat will kill these put-and-take fish that don’t belong there anyways . Let me guess, your from "PA"???

Oh, yeah. There is no chance that he could have put beef or chicken in his freezer. None whatsoever! Bryce

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Hi, any of you guys out there have a design and instructions for a home made trout smoker. I hope someone does as I’m running out of freezer space. Thanks             A.P.

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Question:

We come to the fisher world show in Denver SEPTEMBER 18,19,20 th We are 2 FRENCH Fisher It’s possible to go fly-fishing (SUNDAY , September 21 th) in the ar

Question:

My wife picked up a bamboo rod as a gift for me from an antique store in Asheville last weekend.  The rod is a 7 foot split bamboo.  The label inside the wooden box says Grampus and identifies the name of the maker as Kiraku Co. of Japan.  It appears to be in unused condition and the guy who sold it said that the woman he bought it from said it had been used exactly once.  One of the male ferrules on one of the tips is loose.  Should this be glued on with epoxy?  Is there some other way this should be secured?  Also, I’m thinking the rod would probably look nice with a Pfleuger Medalist reel.  Any tips on determining line weight?

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My wife picked up a bamboo rod as a gift for me from an antique store in Asheville last weekend.  The rod is a 7 foot split bamboo.  The label inside the wooden box says Grampus and identifies the name of the maker as Kiraku Co. of Japan.  It appears to be in unused condition and the guy who sold it said that the woman he bought it from said it had been used exactly once.  One of the male ferrules on one of the tips is loose.  Should this be glued on with epoxy?  Is there some other way this should be secured?  Also, I’m thinking the rod would probably look nice with a Pfleuger Medalist reel.  Any tips on determining line weight?

I’d try casting the rod a few times before buying a reel for it. Those Japanese rods aren’t the best old rods around. It might "look nice with a Pfleuger Medalist reel" over the mantle. Dave — Visit Dave Teffeteller’s Fly Fishing Guides Home Page http://www.olfart.com

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DT My wife picked up a bamboo rod as a gift for me from an antique store DT in Asheville last weekend.  The rod is a 7 foot split bamboo.  The DT label inside the wooden box says Grampus and identifies the name of DT the maker as Kiraku Co. of Japan.  It appears to be in unused condition DT and the guy who sold it said that the woman he bought it from said it DT had been used exactly once.  One of the male ferrules on one of the tips DT is loose.  Should this be glued on with epoxy?  Is there some other way DT this should be secured?  Also, I’m thinking the rod would probably look DT nice with a Pfleuger Medalist reel.  Any tips on determining line DT weight? This happens on alot of old cane rods. First, you need to see if there is a pin that disects the ferrule and the cane. If there is you might see if you can remove it first. If not, try gently heating the ferrule over a flame while attempting to gently (or not so gently) pull it off. The heat both expands the metal and helps melt any heat senistive glue underneath. Heat only the tip area of the metal ferrule and back off the heat if you see the cane smoking. Be careful how you grasp the ferrule with pliers or vise so as not to distort or scratch the ferrule. Use soft cloth or whatever but don’t set yourself on fire. Once off, you can determine the extent of the underlying problem. Cracked, broken, just worn, or whatever, you will have to find a way to perfectly fit the ferrule on again. It will need to be very tight in the cool mode to withstand the pressures exerted during casting. If necessary, you may have to very carefully move the ferrule to a slightly different location by carefully carving around the rod with a very sharp knife, then carefully scraping the cane down to inside ferrule shape and length. This takes time but it best done by holding the knife 90 degrees to the rod and "shaving" very gradually. Remember you will be heating and expanding the ferrule to put it back on, just like you did when it came off. Don’t even think about epoxy… Ferrule cement is what you want. Most good fly shops will have it, but if you can’t find it there go to an archery shop as it is also used in arrow making. It looks like a stick of hot glue. It is used by heating and melting small amounts into the ferrule, quickly heatng the ferrule, and quickly shoving your ferrule onto your perfectly fit rod carving. If the taper of the rod, and the amount of cane removed causes an unsightly connection, you must fill and sometimes scrape cane until you acheive the desired result. Re-wrapping above the ferrule can cover some(but not many) mistakes in your fitting. Alternative methods: Buy an older reel and line at a garage sale and make a great wall hanger. If its really bad, use the bottom half of the rod and reel, and an old wicker creel on a wood lamp base and backboard to make a great flyfishing lamp. Line weight with cane rods is hard to determine except by casting. I’ll take a wild guess that your cane rod will probably take a heavier line to load up as they are a little on the stiff side. Guides may also be on the small side as the older fly lines were significantly smaller in diameter. You might start with a 6 and try a few from there. Fish with the 6 for a few hours and you’ll probably be worn out enough for one of the alternate methods mentioned above. Good luck. … nfx v2.6 [C0000]                                                        

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Question:

Any recommendations on lightweight float tubes? I have a conventional one but am looking for one to backpack into the MT backcountry lakes that I am  fortunate to live near. I’ve rigged this one on a aluminum frame but anything 3 miles it gets a bit heavy. Caddis makes an ultralight – basic tube w/ no pockets or back. Is this worth the weight savings. Or should I get the Caddis U-Boat? Any thoughts on quality or cost? Thanks.

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Any recommendations on lightweight float tubes?

Even my big ol’ Caddis is backpackable, at least for short distances. Aside from that, spend a little more than you can afford, you’ll be glad you did. Anglerboy

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(John Kelley) writes: Caddis makes an ultralight – basic tube w/ no pockets or back. Is this worth the weight savings. Or should I get the Caddis U-Boat?

My first tube was a caddis ultralight.  It had no backrest and thus only one inflatable compartment.  Two compartments is minimum required by law to use on many lakes in both CA and OR. Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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Question:

Where , praytell, is the Museum, as I would love to take a daytrip to it.  Thanks

The American Museum of Fly Fishing P.O. Box 42 Manchester, Vermont 05254 USA Easy to find in the center of town, on the main road (Route 7?), at the corner of Seminary Avenue.  Phone (802) 362-3300 for more info.  There is currently an exhibition of paintings by T.A. Daly in the gallery;  the exhibition alone should make the trip worthwhile. Woods Hole, MA   USA

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   The American Museum of Flyfishing, in Vermont, publishes "The American Flyfisher", a magazine devoted to the history of the sport.   Where , praytell, is the Museum, as I would love to take a daytrip to it.  Thanks The museum is right near the equinox hotel, on historic Rt something-or-other in Manchester (I think).  Its on the road leading to Orvis Scott

Yeah it’s on route 7 in Manchester…as you head away from town it’s on the right just before you get to the Equinox. Paul DiConza NY Capital District Angler

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       The American Museum of Flyfishing, in Vermont, publishes "The American Flyfisher", a magazine devoted to the history of the sport.   Where , praytell, is the Museum, as I would love to take a daytrip to it.  Thanks

The museum is right near the equinox hotel, on historic Rt something-or-other in Manchester (I think).  Its on the road leading to Orvis Scott

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 Perhaps a good book would put me in the right direction. Izaac Walton, The Complete Angler. (any edition)

        The first edition didn’t contain John Cotton’s appendix on fishing with flies. That first happened in the second edition.

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 Perhaps a good book would put me in the right direction.

Izaac Walton, The Complete Angler. (any edition)

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   The American Museum of Flyfishing, in Vermont, publishes "The American Flyfisher", a magazine devoted to the history of the sport.  

Where , praytell, is the Museum, as I would love to take a daytrip to it.  Thanks

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Does anyone know when  and where the art of fly fishing began? If you could tell me I would appreciate it very much. A brief history would be great. Perhaps a good book would put me in the right direction. Thanks

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Does anyone know when  and where the art of fly fishing began? If you

There are several histories by Trench, Hills, etc. that usually cite a Roman Empire report by someone called Aelian about people fishing in Macedonia with red hackle flies.  The sort of fly fishing we know dates from at least the 17th century (2nd edition of Izaak Walton’s book, with additions on fly fishing by Charles Cotton) and an older English manuscript gives a dozen fly patterns from an earlier century. Fly fishing appears to have been the first widely used method of fishing with an artificial lure, as distinct from live bait.  Both bait and fly fishing depended much on the invention of suitable metal fish hooks.  Some N.American Indians used bone or other non-metal hooks, with feathers or hair attached. —  |          Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Rd., Carlsbad         |  |        Springs, Ont., Canada K0A 1K0; tel: (613) 822-0734       |  |  "What I’ve always liked about science is its independence from |  |  authority"–Ontario Science Centre (name on file) 10 July 1981 |

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on the history of ff: The earliest record of ff in English is a The Treatise of Fishing with an Angle, attributed to Dame Juliana Berners (though by now she has been almost proven not to have written it).  It was appended to The Book of Saint Albans, 1496.  In 1557 (I think), Samuel Williams wrote a book in dialogue form, which gave Izaak Walton the idea and much material for his Complete Angler (1653) (there was no concept of plagiarism in those times).         In the 1500’s, there were also books published in Spain (Tradico de Pesca, I believe), and in France, and these were efforts independent from those in the British Isles.           Since then, there have been more books published on fishing in general and flyfishing in particular than on any other sport, at least 4000.         The American Museum of Flyfishing, in Vermont, publishes "The American Flyfisher", a magazine devoted to the history of the sport.  You get 4 issues of it a year when you become a member of the Museum.                                                   Kin

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