Question:

Seriously, what about its environmental impact.  I just switched to tin splitshots and no longer wrap my flies with lead.  I do eat 25% of the fish I catch and like to hunt water fowl. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I guess I’m going to have to call that last fisherman I had this fall and ask him what brand of flouro he was using as there was a HUGE difference in visibility of the flouro vs mono. The flouro was extremely visible even through 18" to 24" of river water. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com Nearly all of the above reasons would have been true of the first generation of Fluorocarbon that came on the market. I suggest you try some of the newer stuff, it is much better and in many cases is superior on many levels to mono. The "selling point" of fluorocarbon (FC) is that’s it’s less visible underwater than because its index of refraction is closer to that of water than is the index of refraction of mono. I assume we’re all agreed on that. (It’s definitely not the price Some time ago I looked up the indices of refraction of "typical" FC and mono and compared them to that of fresh water. Sure enough, the FC was closer, but it wasn’t THAT MUCH closer — maybe halfway. I didn’t save the numbers and I don’t feel like looking them up at the moment. If it had been SPOT ON, I would have been impressed, but it wasn’t. The physics and neurophysics of what makes something more or less "visible" are complex. I was still skeptical about the claim. Then I took a length of FC and a length of mono (same diameters), put them into a glass of water, and looked at them. They looked about the same. After that, I was even more skeptical, and I remain so. We’ve heard anecdotal stories about how no one was catching fish, then someone switched to FC and started catching, and then everyone else switched and everyone started catching like crazy. I don’t put any credence at all on those stories. The same damn thing might happen for any number of other reasons.

Response:

  Just as a footnote, my experience was with dries, not nymphing. Flouro isn’t my choice for dries but I do like it for nymphing. Overall, It’s not my choice for leader material because I don’t like making major changes to my leader just to switch between a dry and a nymph. However, in a situation like we had at the San Juan where there wasn’t much dry action, I will use it. I also like it on the dropper on a dry/dropper rig. Willi

Response:

  Al Hammel mentioned fluorocarbon in a negative way. I agree. Don’t use   fluorocarbon for dry flies. It’s too stiff. I don’t use it for nymphing   either, because I think the putative benefits are nonexistant, or at   least are so miniscule that they don’t justify the expense and bother. I used some of the second generation stuff on the Juan this year and it’s very strong, tough stuff. I’m as cheap as they come and I’m willing to pay the price.

The LAST thing you need, Willi especially on the San Juan, is fluorocarbon. In fact, in your case I think it’s unethical.

Response:

I just recevied the three forks 3wt rod I ordered, and I went to try it out. It was much easier to cast than my 20 dollar wal*mart rod. It seems to have a pretty slow action, which is nice after casting the broomstick like shakespear. I was wondering, what size tippet to use for 14-18 size dry flies? Thanks, ALex

Way cool Alex, congrats on getting your KPOS…I know you will grow to love it, as I do…collect the whole set and be confident in the knowledge that you have saved the job of some little Korean cutie. Frank Sr. previous advice on tippet size noted

Response:

Al Hammel mentioned fluorocarbon in a negative way. I agree. Don’t use fluorocarbon for dry flies. It’s too stiff. It sinks, too.

The sinking doesn’t bother me much. In fact, it’s a positive, because I believe a tippet under the surface is less visible than one floating in the surface tension, especially in calm water and sunny conditions. I don’t think FC sinks readily enough to pull under the surface a well floating fly, although it may be a factor with waterlogged or otherwise marginal flies. My objection is just the stiffness, which complicates a drag-free drift.

Response:

I have used the Umpqua super fluoro and find it a lot softer than deceiver for higher knot strength. I like it and may, repeat, may change completely to it before the end of the season. (Consumer warning on above advice: yes I am commercially connected with Umpqua.) Clark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Al Hammel mentioned fluorocarbon in a negative way. I agree. Don’t use fluorocarbon for dry flies. It’s too stiff. It sinks, too.

Response:

Jon Cook writes: Al Hammel mentioned fluorocarbon in a negative way. I agree. Don’t use fluorocarbon for dry flies. It’s too stiff. It sinks, too.

Damn straight!  Makes it wonderful for nymphing.  <g   If you grease it to within ten inches of the fly, that portion will float, but the portion untreated will sink just below the surface, but not enough to sink the fly.  I don’t like its stiffness, however, for dries, but it is adequate when I am too lazy to switch. Dave

Response:

I have used the Umpqua super fluoro and find it a lot softer than deceiver for higher knot strength. I like it and may, repeat, may change completely to it before the end of the season. (Consumer warning on above advice: yes I am commercially connected with Umpqua.)

Has anyone here checked as to whether or not you can actually see the flouro leader/tippet material when it’s underwater? I’ve had a few instances this season where a fisherman shows up with the new fluoro and the fish just don’t seem to want to eat his bug. I change him over to the old stuff (I use Umpqua but I’m not commercially connected to them) and, bammo, lots more hits with the same fly and all. I’ve held a rolled up fluoro leader next to a rolled up regular leader under water. I can see the fluoro plain as day. Couldn’t hardly see the other stuff. I’m trying to recall what brands were the suspect material but for the life of me, I can’t recall. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

Response:

Brian Nelson writes: Has anyone here checked as to whether or not you can actually see the flouro leader/tippet material when it’s underwater?

Yes, you can see it.  Quite well, aamof.  But, my experience with Orvis FC and Orvis Superstrength is just the opposite of what you note.  Went from 5x Superstrength to 5x FC and caught fish immediately.  I like it for nymphing because it holds up better to abrasion from rocks.  YMMV, of course.  <g Dave

Response:

Just as a footnote, my experience was with dries, not nymphing. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Brian Nelson writes: Has anyone here checked as to whether or not you can actually see the flouro leader/tippet material when it’s underwater? Yes, you can see it.  Quite well, aamof.  But, my experience with Orvis FC and Orvis Superstrength is just the opposite of what you note.  Went from 5x Superstrength to 5x FC and caught fish immediately.  I like it for nymphing because it holds up better to abrasion from rocks.  YMMV, of course.  <g Dave

Response:

"Brian D. Nelson" Has anyone here checked as to whether or not you can actually see the flouro leader/tippet material when it’s underwater? I’ve had a few instances this season where a fisherman shows up with the new fluoro and the fish just don’t seem to want to eat his bug. I change him over to the old stuff (I use Umpqua but I’m not commercially connected to them) and, bammo, lots more hits with the same fly and all. I’ve held a rolled up fluoro leader next to a rolled up regular leader under water. I can see the fluoro plain as day. Couldn’t hardly see the other stuff. I’m trying to recall what brands were the suspect material but for the life of me, I can’t recall.

I haven’t had any real problems at all brian, but one thing I find interesting when fishing dries on fluoro is that it seems to have more trouble breaking the surface tension. When fishing on stillwaters I have all manner of problems getting it to sink at all. Of course, once it does break though it sinks faster than mono but getting it to break through can be a heck of a problem.. any thoughts. Clark

Response:

Just as a footnote, my experience was with dries, not nymphing. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

Could it be floating more as I mentioned above? I believe the "imprint" in the surface film is the biggest problem with it on smoother waters. Clark

Response:

Just as a footnote, my experience was with dries, not nymphing. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com Could it be floating more as I mentioned above? I believe the "imprint" in the surface film is the biggest problem with it on smoother waters.

Could be. All I know is it was very easily seen while under water whereas the mono basically disappeared and it did make a big difference (at least to me it did) in the number of fish that came up to eat the bug. I’ll have to do a little ’speriment the next time I have some available. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

Response:

The sinking doesn’t bother me much. In fact, it’s a positive, because I believe a tippet under the surface is less visible than one floating in the surface tension, especially in calm water and sunny conditions. I don’t think FC sinks readily enough to pull under the surface a well floating fly, although it may be a factor with waterlogged or otherwise marginal flies. My objection is just the stiffness, which complicates a drag-free drift.

I’ve used it a good bit and the sinking doesn’t seem to be a problem (I agree with RW’s comment about it), but FC does appear to break more easily at the knot. Maybe that’s a function of its stiffness, but I believe FC’s advantage in visibility is outweighed by its stiffness, relative fragility at the knot, and expense. Bob

Response:

Yes, you can see it.  Quite well, aamof.  But, my experience with Orvis FC and Orvis Superstrength is just the opposite of what you note.  Went from 5x Superstrength to 5x FC and caught fish immediately.  I like it for nymphing because it holds up better to abrasion from rocks.

Funny, last year I took along the Orvis FC to the Salmon R, & it seemed to suffer more abrasion than plain mono.   So much so, I almost abandoned fluorocarbon for fear that all the surface abrasion would negate the refractive advantages.   (Then again this was 2x stuff, so it was a lot more visible to begin with.) Joe F.

Response:

I just recevied the three forks 3wt rod I ordered, and I went to try it out. It was much easier to cast than my 20 dollar wal*mart rod. It seems to have a pretty slow action, which is nice after casting the broomstick like shakespear. I was wondering, what size tippet to use for 14-18 size dry flies?

After buying a new rod, that is exactly what I wonder too. Depends on how bushy the flies are and other conditions.  Experiment.  Use a tippet that will cast the fly where you want it, but not stiff enough to lay out straight.  Start with, say, 5x and see if it curls up nicely for you.

Response:

Al Hammel mentioned fluorocarbon in a negative way. I agree. Don’t use fluorocarbon for dry flies. It’s too stiff.

reasons not to use flourocarbon: 1) too stiff for many purposes (harder to make a drag free float) 2) more expensive 3) hardness makes good knots elusive: IE the line doesn’t break, but    knots often unravel 4) the stiffness of the line can cause hellatious tangles.    …accidentally bounce the leader off a branch and you often    reel back a monstrous spider web. 5) environmental pollution:    nylon absorbs water and breaks down with UV exposure.    nylon lasts a long time, but flourocarbon lasts (by comparison) forever.

Response:

"while_1" reasons not to use flourocarbon: 1) too stiff for many purposes (harder to make a drag free float) 2) more expensive 3) hardness makes good knots elusive: IE the line doesn’t break, but    knots often unravel 4) the stiffness of the line can cause hellatious tangles.    …accidentally bounce the leader off a branch and you often    reel back a monstrous spider web. 5) environmental pollution:    nylon absorbs water and breaks down with UV exposure.    nylon lasts a long time, but flourocarbon lasts (by comparison)

forever. Nearly all of the above reasons would have been true of the first generation of Fluorocarbon that came on the market. I suggest you try some of the newer stuff, it is much better and in many cases is superior on many levels to mono. 1) The new generation stuff is more supple than many equivalent monos. 2) Yep it is, but as you don’t have to refresh your stocks each season it can be more value for money for many. 3) This has been pretty much negated. 4) The stiffness has gone. 5) Mono isn’t exactly environmentally friendly either. The onus is on the angler to ensure adequate cleanup of excess pieces. In a reality sense the length of time flouro stays on snag isn’t all that different to mono. Clark Clark

Response:

Nearly all of the above reasons would have been true of the first generation of Fluorocarbon that came on the market. I suggest you try some of the newer stuff, it is much better and in many cases is superior on many levels to mono.

The "selling point" of fluorocarbon (FC) is that’s it’s less visible underwater than because its index of refraction is closer to that of water than is the index of refraction of mono. I assume we’re all agreed on that. (It’s definitely not the price Some time ago I looked up the indices of refraction of "typical" FC and mono and compared them to that of fresh water. Sure enough, the FC was closer, but it wasn’t THAT MUCH closer — maybe halfway. I didn’t save the numbers and I don’t feel like looking them up at the moment. If it had been SPOT ON, I would have been impressed, but it wasn’t. The physics and neurophysics of what makes something more or less "visible" are complex. I was still skeptical about the claim. Then I took a length of FC and a length of mono (same diameters), put them into a glass of water, and looked at them. They looked about the same. After that, I was even more skeptical, and I remain so. We’ve heard anecdotal stories about how no one was catching fish, then someone switched to FC and started catching, and then everyone else switched and everyone started catching like crazy. I don’t put any credence at all on those stories. The same damn thing might happen for any number of other reasons.

Response:

"rw" < – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The "selling point" of fluorocarbon (FC) is that’s it’s less visible underwater than because its index of refraction is closer to that of water than is the index of refraction of mono. I assume we’re all agreed on that. (It’s definitely not the price Some time ago I looked up the indices of refraction of "typical" FC and mono and compared them to that of fresh water. Sure enough, the FC was closer, but it wasn’t THAT MUCH closer — maybe halfway. I didn’t save the numbers and I don’t feel like looking them up at the moment. If it had been SPOT ON, I would have been impressed, but it wasn’t. The physics and neurophysics of what makes something more or less "visible" are complex. I was still skeptical about the claim. Then I took a length of FC and a length of mono (same diameters), put them into a glass of water, and looked at them. They looked about the same. After that, I was even more skeptical, and I remain so. We’ve heard anecdotal stories about how no one was catching fish, then someone switched to FC and started catching, and then everyone else switched and everyone started catching like crazy. I don’t put any credence at all on those stories. The same damn thing might happen for any number of other reasons.

I would agree to some degree with your conclusions. I don’t think the differences are THAT huge. But I think there are differences and times will arise where one will give you an advantage over the other. I don’t believe either material is perfect in  certain circumstances one will out perform the other. Having said that. My preliminary results using the new Super-Flouro is pretty encouraging. I’m not using it totally exclusively, but at the moment that’s only because I haven’t to been able to get it in all the sizes I want. I think I will but that doesn’t mean I wont find situations where I wont find a situation where I’ll want to use mono anymore either. Clark

Response:

I guess I’m going to have to call that last fisherman I had this fall and ask him what brand of flouro he was using as there was a HUGE difference in visibility of the flouro vs mono. The flouro was extremely visible even through 18" to 24" of river water. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Nearly all of the above reasons would have been true of the first generation of Fluorocarbon that came on the market. I suggest you try some of the newer stuff, it is much better and in many cases is superior on many levels to mono. The "selling point" of fluorocarbon (FC) is that’s it’s less visible underwater than because its index of refraction is closer to that of water than is the index of refraction of mono. I assume we’re all agreed on that. (It’s definitely not the price Some time ago I looked up the indices of refraction of "typical" FC and mono and compared them to that of fresh water. Sure enough, the FC was closer, but it wasn’t THAT MUCH closer — maybe halfway. I didn’t save the numbers and I don’t feel like looking them up at the moment. If it had been SPOT ON, I would have been impressed, but it wasn’t. The physics and neurophysics of what makes something more or less "visible" are complex. I was still skeptical about the claim. Then I took a length of FC and a length of mono (same diameters), put them into a glass of water, and looked at them. They looked about the same. After that, I was even more skeptical, and I remain so. We’ve heard anecdotal stories about how no one was catching fish, then someone switched to FC and started catching, and then everyone else switched and everyone started catching like crazy. I don’t put any credence at all on those stories. The same damn thing might happen for any number of other reasons.

Response:

  Al Hammel mentioned fluorocarbon in a negative way. I agree. Don’t use   fluorocarbon for dry flies. It’s too stiff. I don’t use it for nymphing   either, because I think the putative benefits are nonexistant, or at   least are so miniscule that they don’t justify the expense and bother. I used some of the second generation stuff on the Juan this year and it’s very strong, tough stuff. I’m as cheap as they come and I’m willing to pay the price. Willi

Response:

I just recevied the three forks 3wt rod I ordered, and I went to try it out. It was much easier to cast than my 20 dollar wal*mart rod. It seems to have a pretty slow action, which is nice after casting the broomstick like shakespear. I was wondering, what size tippet to use for 14-18 size dry flies? Thanks, ALex

Response:

4x to 5x works well.  I am leary of flourocarbon.  The stuff reminds me of the gas that breaks down the ozone in solid form.  Presentation is everything.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just recevied the three forks 3wt rod I ordered, and I went to try it out. It was much easier to cast than my 20 dollar wal*mart rod. It seems to have a pretty slow action, which is nice after casting the broomstick like shakespear. I was wondering, what size tippet to use for 14-18 size dry flies? Thanks, ALex

Response:

I just recevied the three forks 3wt rod I ordered, and I went to try it out. It was much easier to cast than my 20 dollar wal*mart rod. It seems to have a pretty slow action, which is nice after casting the broomstick like shakespear. I was wondering, what size tippet to use for 14-18 size dry flies?

5x normally. If the conditions are really difficult (very clear, smooth water, bright sunlight, picky fish) then 6x might be better. Al Hammel mentioned fluorocarbon in a negative way. I agree. Don’t use fluorocarbon for dry flies. It’s too stiff. I don’t use it for nymphing either, because I think the putative benefits are nonexistant, or at least are so miniscule that they don’t justify the expense and bother.

Response:

Question:

Monday we finally got enough of a break in the wind to allow us to get way out in the sound.  Found some pretty white sand shorelines and poled along them.  Lo and behold there were nice sized schools of redfish cruising along in 8 inches of crystal clear water with a light colored bottom.  Perfect.  We threw tan/white clousers and merkins at them (size 2).  Caught them up to 26 inches.  Each strike a picture perfect sight fishing shot.  Just like bonefishing in the Bahamas.  Here are links to a couple pictures: http://www.mindspring.com/~taftsville/redwade.jpg http://www.mindspring.com/~taftsville/redwade2.jpg

Response:

gordon – the area looks familiar <g… i was doing the same thing in the pamlico over on the swan quarter/englehard side on sunday…except i was using a light spinning rod. at this very moment i’m cooking a 23 incher i brought home – yum.  lost several bigguns, and caught 5 smaller ones.  puppy drum are becoming one of my favorite fish! fun to catch…delicious to eat. have you tried a crab pattern for them yet? jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Monday we finally got enough of a break in the wind to allow us to get way out in the sound.  Found some pretty white sand shorelines and poled along them.  Lo and behold there were nice sized schools of redfish cruising along in 8 inches of crystal clear water with a light colored bottom.  Perfect.  We threw tan/white clousers and merkins at them (size 2).  Caught them up to 26 inches.  Each strike a picture perfect sight fishing shot.  Just like bonefishing in the Bahamas.  Here are links to a couple pictures: http://www.mindspring.com/~taftsville/redwade.jpg http://www.mindspring.com/~taftsville/redwade2.jpg

Response:

We’re thinking of a trip in the next 2 or 3 weeks.  Much going on down there?  We would like to fish the Sound for whatever is hitting a fly. — Wayne To Fish is Human…To Release Divine! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Monday we finally got enough of a break in the wind to allow us to get way out in the sound.  Found some pretty white sand shorelines and poled along them.  Lo and behold there were nice sized schools of redfish cruising along in 8 inches of crystal clear water with a light colored bottom.  Perfect.  We threw tan/white clousers and merkins at them (size 2).  Caught them up to 26 inches.  Each strike a picture perfect sight fishing shot.  Just like bonefishing in the Bahamas.  Here are links to a couple pictures: http://www.mindspring.com/~taftsville/redwade.jpg http://www.mindspring.com/~taftsville/redwade2.jpg

Response:

Question:

Hello Anglers, Will be in Yosemite for a few days and was wondering about fishing the lakes off Hwy 120 going east thru Tioga pass. Is fishing not allowed? Is it OK with barbless/artificial only? Is it catch & release? Do they plant any of these lakes with stupid DFG trout? What species of fish are in these lakes? Etc., etc. Appreciate any and all info. CP Note: I realize the Pass is closed due to rockslide! I also realize I could find this info somewhere if I really looked. But I’m looking for some first-hand knowledge/experience info.

Response:

Tuolumne Meadows has a lake near it, and the fishing can be good with worms and the white wood worms.  Most of the lakes up near Tioga pass are sterile. Bill – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Anglers, Will be in Yosemite for a few days and was wondering about fishing the lakes off Hwy 120 going east thru Tioga pass. Is fishing not allowed? Is it OK with barbless/artificial only? Is it catch & release? Do they plant any of these lakes with stupid DFG trout? What species of fish are in these lakes? Etc., etc. Appreciate any and all info. CP Note: I realize the Pass is closed due to rockslide! I also realize I could find this info somewhere if I really looked. But I’m looking for some first-hand knowledge/experience info.

Response:

Just got back from a ten day trip with my 9 year old son. Stopped off at saddlebag lake, 2 miles in from the Yosemite gate at Tioga pass. We took he boat in ,its a long and skinny lake, and planned to camp for the night. My son caught his first trout, a 14 inch rainbow, using a lure. At night, we used a fly and bubble on 4 pound test. Caught more fish than we could handle. When the boat came back the next morning to take us out, we decided to spend another night .Had another good day, nobody else camped there. Saw a few other hikers in the day but had the lake to ourselves all night. Saw no bears and had a wonderful time. Great place. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello Anglers, Will be in Yosemite for a few days and was wondering about fishing the lakes off Hwy 120 going east thru Tioga pass. Is fishing not allowed? Is it OK with barbless/artificial only? Is it catch & release? Do they plant any of these lakes with stupid DFG trout? What species of fish are in these lakes? Etc., etc. Appreciate any and all info. CP Note: I realize the Pass is closed due to rockslide! I also realize I could find this info somewhere if I really looked. But I’m looking for some first-hand knowledge/experience info.

Response:

Question:

I am moving to SC in the near future and need information of freshwater fly fishing in the Myrtle Beach area….what fish are in this location and where can you go fishing.  I have seen many rivers listed on maps but I need to hear from people that have fished them….any help would be great….respond to

Response:

Michael, I’ve lived in Columbia for a couple of years and "down South" all of my life. You are moving to a warmwater flyfishing haven.  Largemouth bass in the lakes, Striped bass run up the rivers in the spring, bream populate almost any body of water large than a washtub, chain pickerel are is most ponds, and for a change of pace try fishing for gar in the river.  If you need a trout fix drive up to Wahalla (at the SC,NC,GA border) there is some pretty good brown and rainbow action.  I’ve had good luck with an elk hair caddis and hare’s ear nymph on a dropper.  Get yourself a map of the Chattooga "Wild and Scenic" river from the Forest Service and park  at Burrel’s Ford.  There are about 2 or 3 miles of river to fish before you get to Elliot Rock which is the NC border.  If you want to fish further than that you’ve got to have a NC license.  You can get the water level of the Chattooga from the USGS web site, if it’s over 4 feet its pretty hard to fish.  I wouldn’t waste the drive.   Or drive over to Columbia and fish the Saluda river below Lake Murray.  This tailrace is stocked every year and you can catch trout into the summer.  But the flow is subject to water release from the Power plant and if they are running more than 3 wheels it’s just about unfishable.   If you have specific questions drop me a line. Patrick

Response:

Question:

I am looking for a graden hoe that is shaped like a diamond and the diamond part sits on the ground and you just push and pull it along the ground to get rid of the weeds . I think its called a Japanese weeding hoe.

Response:

I am looking for a graden hoe that is shaped like a diamond and the diamond part sits on the ground and you just push and pull it along the ground to get rid of the weeds . I think its called a Japanese weeding hoe.

  There’s a similar (and I think better) product knows as a swoe whose head looks a bit like a flattened golf club.  It was originally marketed (25 years ago) by Wilkinson Sword in an elegant one piece stainless steel version that I still have, but I havn’t seen that form in over a decade. A few years back I bought a friend a heavier and less elegant version from one of the mail order catalogs.  It’s meant to slide back and forth under the soil like what you describe, but the one sided design is less likely to lop off the wrong plant. — Lloyd Fortney http://www.phy.duke.edu/~fortney/ has links to my garden, flower, flyfishing, and travel JPEG images as well as teaching, research, and stuff like that

Response:

Question:

I posted a request for patterns a few weeks ago and I thank all of you who posted replies to this news group or by direct email. I am now searching for a good beginners book on steelheading. A friend as past me his "Advanced Fly Fishing For Steelhead" by Deke Meyer. But I think I should read about some of the basic also any information would be appreciated. Norm

Response:

I posted a request for patterns a few weeks ago and I thank all of you who posted replies to this news group or by direct email. I am now searching for a good beginners book on steelheading. A friend as past me his "Advanced Fly Fishing For Steelhead" by Deke Meyer. But I think I should read about some of the basic also any information would be appreciated. Norm

The Deke Meyer book is a good one and the title is a bit misleading- it is advanced only in the sense it reviews most if not all the flyfishing methods employed primarily on the west coast – discussion of great lakes fishing is largely ignored. As Deke says in the intro the book was meant to follow Fly Road Steelhead by Bill Stinson that is a more general discussion of tackle and technique well salted with fishing yarns –  much of the tackle advice in that book is a bit dated. The other book is the original Steelhead Flyfishing by Trey Combs which I think is still available from Amato publications. Ralph H "…      the sabbath rang slowly      in the pebbles of the holy streams!" Dylan Thomas, "Fern Hill"

Response:

I am now searching for a good beginners book on steelheading. A friend has passed me his "Advanced Fly Fishing For Steelhead" by Deke Meyer. But I think I should read about some of the basic also any information would be appreciated.

This is actually a good book for beginning steelheading since it covers the most fundamental technique, the wet fly swing.  Probably the best source of information for someone wanting to learn to fish for steelhead is the Scientific Anglers video called Fly Fishing for Pacific Steelhead.  Another good book was written by Bill McMillan and published in 1986.  The title is something like Dry Line Steelhead but it may be out of print.  Another good source of information is contained in the chapter on summer steelheading in John Shewey’s book called Northwest Flyfishing: Trout and Beyond.

Response:

Question:

I think the biggest advantage of barbless hooks is its easier to get them out of your clothes, waders, and skin :<

drying patch, fly box and the other tunnels into the spiritual plane. TimW

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : : Umm… Bud?  Isn’t Sedona, like, in the desert? : I don’t want to condone the spam-like message to "SAVE SEDONA" but : thought : I’d comment about the surrounding area. Sedona is about 5000′ elevation : and : to the north sits Oak Creek Canyon. The creek can produce some nice fish : (17" rainbow caught last weekend) and 18" browns caught earlier this : year. I’m amazed by this.  I’ve only been there in summer(once) and winter(once) but each time there was *so much* activity in the stream by little humans that I didn’t believe it was a viable fishing spot for anything larger than 10 inches. Is it possible you caught planted stock?  Is it possible you are engaging in the oldest fishing pastime and stretching things a wee bit? : A 10 mile drive up the canyon will put you in the largest ponderosa pine : forest : in the U.S. at about 7000′ elevation (Yes it does snow in Arizona!!!). : Living only : 30 minutes away from the creek makes it a popular after work flyfishing : spot for : me. I wasn’t putting the area down, only trying to tone down the rhetoric which follows many tourist centers:  "We have everything, and it’s great!" I love the Sedona area for what it is… a wonderful desert area fairly close to respectable (if picked clean) mountains.  The area surely has much to offer, but my limited experience suggests it is not a destination fly fishing area.  I admit, I fished the lower parts of the creek, and there, the water seemed too warm to support large fish.  (Perhaps I should fact the fact I can only catch larger fish in water I know.)  I’m surprised to learn the humans haven’t scared the fish away. —

Rick, I’m not claiming Oak Creek is place to go catch large fish on a regular basis. In fact, 8 to 10 inch fish are the norm. On those rare occasions, some larger fish can be caught.  No way as far as planted stockers go (we affectionately call those things finless wonders here in AZ). I’ve been known to stretch the truth on some occasions. This weekend (at Oak Creek) I landed a brown that I thought went 15". Actual measurement was just over 14" (using the lettering on my flyrod). Even if I was off on the other fish a 17" brown and 16" rainbow aren’t bad for Oak Creek. As far as people pressure goes you’re right. I’ve had some tough days due to the number of tourists, hikers, swimmers, etc on the creek. So I fish it real early and stay away from the campgrounds (6am – 10am I didn’t see a soul on the creek this weekend). If you ever wander through Sedona again stop by the store at Don Hoel’s cabins. They have some pictures from the 1960’s to the late 1980’s showing browns in the 21-25 inch range. There may not be alot of those big hogs in Oak Creek now-a-days but I know where a few lay. Jeff Anderson http://www.woolybugger.com

Response:

: : Umm… Bud?  Isn’t Sedona, like, in the desert? : I don’t want to condone the spam-like message to "SAVE SEDONA" but : thought : I’d comment about the surrounding area. Sedona is about 5000′ elevation : and : to the north sits Oak Creek Canyon. The creek can produce some nice fish : (17" rainbow caught last weekend) and 18" browns caught earlier this : year. I’m amazed by this.  I’ve only been there in summer(once) and winter(once) but each time there was *so much* activity in the stream by little humans that I didn’t believe it was a viable fishing spot for anything larger than 10 inches. Is it possible you caught planted stock?  Is it possible you are engaging in the oldest fishing pastime and stretching things a wee bit? : A 10 mile drive up the canyon will put you in the largest ponderosa pine : forest : in the U.S. at about 7000′ elevation (Yes it does snow in Arizona!!!). : Living only : 30 minutes away from the creek makes it a popular after work flyfishing : spot for : me. I wasn’t putting the area down, only trying to tone down the rhetoric which follows many tourist centers:  "We have everything, and it’s great!" I love the Sedona area for what it is… a wonderful desert area fairly close to respectable (if picked clean) mountains.  The area surely has much to offer, but my limited experience suggests it is not a destination fly fishing area.  I admit, I fished the lower parts of the creek, and there, the water seemed too warm to support large fish.  (Perhaps I should fact the fact I can only catch larger fish in water I know.)  I’m surprised to learn the humans haven’t scared the fish away. — 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

Response:

: there, the water seemed too warm to support large fish.  (Perhaps I should : face the fact I can only catch larger fish in water I know.)  I’m : surprised to learn the humans haven’t scared the fish away. I forgot to mention the obvious: I stand corrected. — 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

Response:

: there, the water seemed too warm to support large fish.  (Perhaps I should : face the fact I can only catch larger fish in water I know.)  I’m : surprised to learn the humans haven’t scared the fish away. I forgot to mention the obvious: I stand corrected.

and those neoprenes show every bulge too… ohhh…COrected…! My mistake ! TimW

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : : Umm… Bud?  Isn’t Sedona, like, in the desert? : I don’t want to condone the spam-like message to "SAVE SEDONA" but : thought : I’d comment about the surrounding area. Sedona is about 5000′ elevation : and : to the north sits Oak Creek Canyon. The creek can produce some nice fish : (17" rainbow caught last weekend) and 18" browns caught earlier this : year. I’m amazed by this.  I’ve only been there in summer(once) and winter(once) but each time there was *so much* activity in the stream by little humans that I didn’t believe it was a viable fishing spot for anything larger than 10 inches. Is it possible you caught planted stock?  Is it possible you are engaging in the oldest fishing pastime and stretching things a wee bit?

Is it possible you were huffin’ some Sedona Red ? TimW

Response:

Umm… Bud?  Isn’t Sedona, like, in the desert?

I don’t want to condone the spam-like message to "SAVE SEDONA" but thought I’d comment about the surrounding area. Sedona is about 5000′ elevation and to the north sits Oak Creek Canyon. The creek can produce some nice fish (17" rainbow caught last weekend) and 18" browns caught earlier this year. A 10 mile drive up the canyon will put you in the largest ponderosa pine forest in the U.S. at about 7000′ elevation (Yes it does snow in Arizona!!!). Living only 30 minutes away from the creek makes it a popular after work flyfishing spot for me. That’s my 2cents worth. Jeff Anderson http://www.woolybugger.com

Response:

Umm… Bud?  Isn’t Sedona, like, in the desert?<

Yee who doesn’t know shouldn’t open his mouth.  Seeing is believing. dp

Response:

: !!! SAVE SEDONA !!! : HELP US SAVE SEDONA : If you support Fishing Opportunities, Umm… Bud?  Isn’t Sedona, like, in the desert? — 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

Rick, Visit Sedona someday and you will find a lovely little desert town with a very nice river running through it (to borrow a phrase).   Besides, anyone who lives in "Moscow" should not cast stones at other places.   Dave — Dave http://avery.med.virginia.edu/~dcb/home.html David C. Benjamin, Ph.D., Professor               Office (804) 924-2631 Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research   Lab    (804) 982-1679 MR4 Box 4012, University of Virginia Health       FAX    (804) 924-1221 Sciences Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908        Email

Response:

: !!! SAVE SEDONA !!! : HELP US SAVE SEDONA : If you support Fishing Opportunities, Umm… Bud?  Isn’t Sedona, like, in the desert?   — 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

Response:

!!! SAVE SEDONA !!! Thank you for taking the time to read my post … I REALLY NEED YOUR HELP! My name is Rama and I am the owner of the only REAL bikeshop (Mountain Bike Heaven) in Sedona AZ and I need your help! The local Forest Service folks are having their final meeting at 9AM tomorrow morning (9/4) to accept final public input on the new management plan =93Ideas for the Future=94. One of the proposals included in the =93Ideas for the Future=94 are more lands trades within our surrounding area.  Here=92s the way it works, the Forest Service gives a chunk of our local Forest to a developer and the developer hands them cash and a deed to some unknown piece of land.  Of course, the Forest Service always tells us these =93deals=94 are always for the =93best interests=94 of all concerned parties.   The problem is they (USFS) keep trading away all our local hiking, biking, equestrian and nature opportunities. WE DONT NEED ANY MORE DEVELOPMENT! Our local infrastructure is already at the boiling point trying to cope with too much growth: no sewers, no roads, no phones … HELP US SAVE THE FORESTS! HELP US SAVE SEDONA If you support Hiking Opportunities, If you support Biking Opportunities, If you support Camping Opportunities, If you support Climbing Opportunites, If you support Fishing Opportunities, If you support Equestrian Opportunities, If you support any Outdoor Opportunity, If you like Sedona, If you like Arizona If you like the Forest, If you like Nature … Write your own letter or copy and mail the passage below.  I will take your email to the meeting tomorrow and we will show the Forest Service that we don=92t want anymore land trades.  Thanks for your help. Dear Forest Service Folks, I am opposed to ALL land trades in and around the Sedona area.  Please register my opinion and take it into consideration as you construct your =93Ideas for the Future=94 …         Name …         Age …         State …         City …         Country … Thanks for your Support!   Thanks for your help! RAMA BTW … when you=92re in Sedona stop by my shop "Mountain Bike Heaven" in West Sedona and say Hi! If I have some time maybe we can go for a ride. Wait, I have regularly scheduled FREE group rides on Wed, Sat and Sun — I can always ride then … Have Fun! is at http://www.ibike.com/mountainbikeheaven/index.htm

Response:

Question:

Hi guys-    Am going to Borneo on a cave mapping trip in October through December. Anybody know anything about the fisheries there or who to contact? -Ralph —

Response:

Hi guys-   Am going to Borneo on a cave mapping trip in October through December. Anybody know anything about the fisheries there or who to contact? -Ralph —

        oh, god, what a great post.  thanks, cutter.  haven’t had a laugh like this in months.                 a. wayne harrison

Response:

        oh, god, what a great post.  thanks, cutter.  haven’t had a laugh like this in months!                 a. wayne harrison

        No. Really.         I’d hate to show up with a box of PMD’s when the centipede hatch was going bonkers.         Seriously though, if anyone has any leads regarding fish or fishing in Borneo I’d appreciate a word. -Me

Response:

        oh, god, what a great post.  thanks, cutter.  haven’t had a laugh like this in months!                 a. wayne harrison         No. Really.         I’d hate to show up with a box of PMD’s when the centipede hatch was going bonkers.         Seriously though, if anyone has any leads regarding fish or fishing in Borneo I’d appreciate a word.

I do not. RE: Fish in Caves… Once I was in a cave in Colorado that had running water in it (on an extended backpacking rip)…it was FULL of brookies…wierd little huge jawed brookies…that would hit anything. We ate a lot of them… We kept ‘em alive on a stringer…bonk one…cut off the head…insert weenie stick along spine and cook like a marshmallow.  DELICIOUS ! TimW

Response:

Try contacting  Hock-Heng Pro Fishing in Singapore , they are pretty knowledgable from what I remember . Unfortunately I do not have their contact information anymore , but remember the name . G

Response:

Question:

If you are on the north end of town, or maybe even if you are not, call the St. Vrain Angler in Longmont, 651-6061. — Ken Clark Ft. Lupton, CO

Response:

Hi Craig, There are several good shops in Denver including the Orvis shop in the downtown area close to the convestion center.  I’m not sure which street it’s on. Also consider contacting the Federation of Fly Fishers, they have an active club in your area called the High Plains Drifters.  You could learn more about them by calling the FFF Council President for that area. His name is Dan Turner, he’s a good guy, and he lives in Thornton.  His number is 1-303-457-4248. Good Luck Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Product Bozeman, MT (catalog avail)

Response:

I’m looking for some recommendations on good fly fishing ships in Denver.

<SNIP If you’re on the South side of town there’s Angler’s All, on S. Sante Fe, Royal Stevens on Hampden, and Complete Angler on Arapahoe (?). They’re all pretty good, and if you get into R Stevens tell Steve I said Hi!. </chaz

Response:

Hollenbaugh) writes: I’m looking for some recommendations on good fly fishing ships in Denver. I’m a beginner, and I’m looking for a reputable shop that has classes, trips, and most importantly people willing to help transform a novice spinning rod guy into a fly fisherman. TIA KRU Consulting Group                http://rainbow.rmii.com/~csh/kru

Craig,     Two shops come to mind:     The Colorado Angler on West Wadsworth at Nelson (I think).  They are nice people (just a touch of elitism, but only a touch).  The second is Joe Butler’s All Tackle west of the Westminister Mall.  Seems to be a nice place; lots of material.  (Some attitude, but it is tolerable.  It just depends)     There, of course, are others.  There is one on the south side, but I can’t remember the name which is probably the best of the lot. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name.  If I do, I’ll get back to you.

Response:

I’m looking for some recommendations on good fly fishing ships in Denver. I’m a beginner, and I’m looking for a reputable shop that has classes, trips, and most importantly people willing to help transform a novice spinning rod guy into a fly fisherman. TIA KRU Consulting Group            http://rainbow.rmii.com/~csh/kru

Response:

  I’m looking for some recommendations on good fly fishing ships in Denver.   I’m a beginner, and I’m looking for a reputable shop that has classes,   trips, and most importantly people willing to help transform a novice   spinning rod guy into a fly fisherman.   TIA   KRU Consulting Group          http://rainbow.rmii.com/~csh/kru Go see Len or Darryl at "The Troutfisher" on Parker Rd. IMO, they have the

best selection of equipment and fly-tying materials in the area. Denver, Colorado                ftp.rmii.com/pub2/gwgodden

Response:

Question:

Greetings, So… we’re back from a great MTB camping trip out to a place called Capp’s Crossing.  Its about 14 Miles south of Hiway 50 just past Placerville in the Sierra National Forest in California.   Nice small camp site next to a running stream.  The camp site was well maintained and there was lots to do (Rock Climbing, Hiking, Swimming, Fly Fishing, MTBing, Strategic Naping, etc.) The trails in the area are generally usage maintained logging and 4WD road.  Some of the road haven’t been maintained in years, are over grown and make for a wild, rather technical run which includes running over downed logs of various sizes, deep slit tracks, erosion berms, rock gardens and a couple of drop-offs. Riding these trails was a blast but it was the first time I had encountered deep, deep slit.  This stuff was fine as talc and about 3 inches deep.  Just running straight through it  kicked up clouds of dust that coated everthing.  Riding in this stuff was a challenge.  It offers substancial rolling resistance such that rolling  into it at speed would catch you off guard and almost throw you. Anyway,  riding through this stuff felt like my backend was loose.  It would feel like it was sliding around, sideways.  My rear WTB ‘raptors did great on the climbs but my guess is that the tread pattern is optimized for climbing (duh!) and not for holding laterally (therefore, you slide).  Cornering was tough too.  I think I started getting better traction on corners when I would lean the bike way over thereby engaging the outside edging knobs.  The big trick was to stay in front so you could breath.  Otherwise you were riding in a dust storm. So you would exit the slit bed and run smack into a rock garden. Sometimes uphill, sometimes down.  Boulders ranged in size from marbles to softball.  To add to the challenge, the garden was rutted where other 4WD have driven.  That made staying on the line you chose very hard – but fun.  You had to change techniques quickly and keep up the speed lest you lose momentum, stop and be cursed by you riding buddy behind you (who can’t see you through the dust). Now with this combo of terrain I tried to keep my front pressure up at around 40 and my rear at 35 or so. Correct my if I’m wrong but for the slit you want lower TP for more tire surface area and for the rocks you want a higher TP to prevent snake-bites.  Snake-bites aside, is it generally better to run a lower TP? 35 and 30? Lower?  Too low?  Also, anyone have a experience with realy soft slit?  Tips on bike handling? ( While you at it any tips on bike handling on fire road gravel – you know, sharp, crushed rock over hard pan.  I alway get the feeling my tires are breaking traction cause the rock just rolls.) Thanx,                 _Marc Marc E. Strohwig                                Opinion? Mine, mine, mine!! System Architect SEI SIG                                           Compuserve: 70613.502   FAX: (510) 645-3096

Response:

over downed logs of various sizes, deep slit tracks, erosion berms, … encountered deep, deep slit.  This stuff was fine as talc and about 3 … So you would exit the slit bed and run smack into a rock garden. … anyone have a experience with realy soft slit?  Tips on bike handling?

SILT. SILT. SILT. SILT. SILT. Slit: a long, narrow cut, tear or incision Silt: a sedimentary material composed of fine mineral particles (Sorry.  I don’t normally correct typos but when it is the subject of your message and you use it over and over again, it would be helpful if you spelled it right.  Same goes for the guy who wants "DISK BREAKS."  I think most of us would prefer to not break anything.) -Robin

Response: