Question:

Ya know….For all the loathing you receive from this group, there is nobody here that discredits you more than you discredit yourself. Over, and over, and over again, you prove just how huge a fraud you really are. It’s simply stunning…Boggles the mind, really. /daytripper (You even make Clinton look honest…)

Response:

Did you copyright it?  If so, I’d have the legal team of Bert, Ernie, and Oscar look into it…

I looked back on this, and it occurred to me that some might have thought I was making light of Charlie’s notice of G’s hanky-panky regarding his report.  In case there is any doubt, I meant to satire George’s "copyright" signature nonsense in _his_ posts contrasted with his willingness to completely ignore the intended purposes and even the copyrights on the work, including books, of others.  The fact that he has misrepresented, or plagiarized outright, others’ writings should come as no surprise. TC, R – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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"I purchased a Gehrke bamboo rod in October of 1999 and wrote a long and thoughtful review of the rod. It was a decent rod despite a few cosmetic flaws (wrap gaps, spotty varnish, dirtiness beneath the varnish primarily at the nodes, use of epoxy instead of varnish on the wraps). Regardless, the rod was arguably worth the $383 despite its imperfections.

Or about the price of a used Granger in decent condition? While it would be a used rod, it would likely be free of the sort of imperfections you encountered. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyoming

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Reminds me of Arnold J. Rimmer. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — http://www.gink.com/cgi-bin/guestbook/igb.cgi

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)) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Reminds me of Arnold J. Rimmer. — http://www.gink.com/cgi-bin/guestbook/igb.cgi

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Did you copyright it?  If so, I’d have the legal team of Bert, Ernie, and Oscar look into it…

Well, it seems he got a few people to go to his site, maybe it was in danger of fading away unless somebody looked (does a web site exist if nobody visits?). <g — Charlie…

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No Dave it is AM(Almost M).Gink ain’t got what it takes to produce true FM.  For Flyfishers only: A bottle of Gink to make ‘em stink,A bottle of wine to make ‘em shine. — Don Thompson Another Thompson Scion

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Zimbo writes: I find it very curious that several of the entries in the guestbook seem to have been written over a year ago but magically appeared within a one-day span several days ago. I also find it interesting that despite there being a 25 character minimum size limit for a comment, many of the entries are fewer than 25 characters. It would seem unethical to transcribe dated testimonials to make them appear to be guestbook entries. It’s FM, Zim. Dave

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George, Are we boasting or doing a little self promotion? Isn’t it amazing how 18 people from around the country all post testamonials within 40 minutes of each other. Paul

I find it amazing that Charlie Wilson just got back from the Western Clave…. what a trout bum! I don’t find it amazing at all that the crazed p.t. barnum lunatic of flyfishing did this…. kinda follows his pattern…. lies, lies, and more lies…. –walt

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I find it amazing that Charlie Wilson just got back from the Western Clave…. what a trout bum!

    I found it amazing that the product report I posted to roff appeared on a commercial site…..

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I find it amazing that Charlie Wilson just got back from the Western Clave…. what a trout bum!     I found it amazing that the product report I posted to roff appeared on a commercial site…..

there is that little, perchance illegal, indescretion. –walt

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I find it amazing that Charlie Wilson just got back from the Western Clave…. what a trout bum!    I found it amazing that the product report I posted to roff appeared on a commercial site…..

Did you copyright it?  If so, I’d have the legal team of Bert, Ernie, and Oscar look into it… TC, R – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Did you copyright it?  If so, I’d have the legal team of Bert, Ernie, and Oscar look into it…

Response:

Zimbo writes: I find it very curious that several of the entries in the guestbook seem to have been written over a year ago but magically appeared within a one-day span several days ago. I also find it interesting that despite there being a 25 character minimum size limit for a comment, many of the entries are fewer than 25 characters. It would seem unethical to transcribe dated testimonials to make them appear to be guestbook entries.

It’s FM, Zim. Dave

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Did you copyright it?  If so, I’d have the legal team of Bert, Ernie, and Oscar look into it…

Well, as a last resort, you could duelly reprot him to his ISP…. TC, R

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– http://www.gink.com/cgi-bin/guestbook/igb.cgi

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George, Are we boasting or doing a little self promotion? Isn’t it amazing how 18 people from around the country all post testamonials within 40 minutes of each other. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — http://www.gink.com/cgi-bin/guestbook/igb.cgi

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http://www.gink.com/cgi-bin/guestbook/igb.cgi

I find it very curious that several of the entries in the guestbook seem to have been written over a year ago but magically appeared within a one-day span several days ago. I also find it interesting that despite there being a 25 character minimum size limit for a comment, many of the entries are fewer than 25 characters. It would seem unethical to transcribe dated testimonials to make them appear to be guestbook entries. Since I’m quite certain my guestbook entry dated "Apr 5, 2001 – 04:18:42" will be promptly removed from Mr. Gehrke’s site, I have copied it in its entirety and included it here: "I purchased a Gehrke bamboo rod in October of 1999 and wrote a long and thoughtful review of the rod. It was a decent rod despite a few cosmetic flaws (wrap gaps, spotty varnish, dirtiness beneath the varnish primarily at the nodes, use of epoxy instead of varnish on the wraps). Regardless, the rod was arguably worth the $383 despite its imperfections. However, after receiving my rod several of my friends received rods in much poorer condition than mine. In fact, Mr. Gehrke actually had the brazen gall to send the same defective rod to several different individuals. When they returned the rod, he would become angry and make disparaging personal remarks about them on a the fly fishing newsgroup. He would then simply send the same rod to another unsuspecting individual. Mr. Gehrke’s dishonesty and misrepresentation combined with the $100 increased price for the model of rod I purchased make the product one I definitely do NOT recommend. Let the buyer beware." –Steve Zimmerman

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Question:

Agree that the Sage discovery rules on the $200 price point. St Croix the way to go on the $100 level. Great rods, great company. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Mark, Just pick a winner?  The only way I know to proceed from here is for you to cast all these rods? The next catagory is the $200+ range with the Sage DS2 being at the front of I’ve decided on a 6 weight fly rod to start and I’m wondering what you all feel about the below choices I’m espcially interested in the Bass Pro White River, the Cabela’s Fish Eagle, and the Reddington Red.fly:  Those are my "high three" based on what I know so far. Bass Pro  Hobbs Creek $69.95 Bass Pro White River Classic $99.95 Cabela’s Sweetwater $85.00 Cabela’s Fish Eagle $99.99 St. Croix Pro Graphite $85.00 Reddington Red.fly $75.00 Coutland CL $99.95 — "The number of job openings for Philosopher-Kings is  limited in the late 20th Century." – Dr. Megabyte Tuba Playing Technocrat in Winchester, VA    KD4HRI

Response:

Hi Mark, Just pick a winner?  The only way I know to proceed from here is for you to cast all these rods? The next catagory is the $200+ range with the Sage DS2 being at the front of – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve decided on a 6 weight fly rod to start and I’m wondering what you all feel about the below choices I’m espcially interested in the Bass Pro White River, the Cabela’s Fish Eagle, and the Reddington Red.fly:  Those are my "high three" based on what I know so far. Bass Pro  Hobbs Creek $69.95 Bass Pro White River Classic $99.95 Cabela’s Sweetwater $85.00 Cabela’s Fish Eagle $99.99 St. Croix Pro Graphite $85.00 Reddington Red.fly $75.00 Coutland CL $99.95 — "The number of job openings for Philosopher-Kings is  limited in the late 20th Century." – Dr. Megabyte Tuba Playing Technocrat in Winchester, VA    KD4HRI

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Asadi, Just a quick story to share about flyrods, channel cats and kids.  My daughter was with me at a pond and she was catching pan fish and bass using a soft Orvis (Flea) 6′6" 4 wt rod.  Out of nowhere, a thirty-inch cat fish rose and took the fly, he was hooked in the corner of his mouth in the grissle. Her and her brother ‘fought’ this fish starting around 6 pm.  She was 12 and he was 14.  It gets dark in the summer around 9:30pm.  They took turns as they tired.   I went and got the pickup so we would have lights.  Fortunately, the pond wasn’t so big that when he ran, the fish run out of pond before the kids ran out of backing.  Eventually, they tired the fish enough that Dad could wade out and place the net under him.  It was 10:30pm. A few pictures and the fish was released.  That is what memories are made of. Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just bought my first graphite the other day.  A Cortland CL, 5/6 weight, 8′6"……. <<snipped Personally, fishing a lot out of a kayak, and considering the usual circumstances I run into..occassional carp and channel cat..if I could afford a rod for every occasion I believe a 7/8 would be my choice for

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The Reddington Red Start took best overall rod a few years ago.  I haven’t heard much about them since Orvis bought them.  Priced at a $100 they were considered a very good buy. Ernie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m curious if others have any opinions on the Reddingtons and their comparative quality.  I have a 5/6 wt Red.Start and a 9wt Red.Fly.  The fly shop owner talked me into a Red.Fly even though he could have easily talked me into a Red.Start at the time (and probably knew it). I’m too much of a novice at this to offer an opinion on comparitive quality especially since the only thing I’ve ever known is Reddington.  But I will say I’ve never had a problem with their warranty.  I snapped the tip on the Red.Start walking out to a pond one time and the fly shop let me swap it out with them the very next day (though I’ve since learned some fly shops want you to deal with Reddington directly). But certainly interested in any unbiased opinions on the relative quality of Reddington.  I was definitely going to buy my son a cheaper Cabela rod and reel though (until I’m sure he’s going to enjoy it). Thank you, Shawn

Response:

I’m curious if others have any opinions on the Reddingtons and their comparative quality.  I have a 5/6 wt Red.Start and a 9wt Red.Fly.  The fly shop owner talked me into a Red.Fly even though he could have easily talked me into a Red.Start at the time (and probably knew it). I’m too much of a novice at this to offer an opinion on comparitive quality especially since the only thing I’ve ever known is Reddington.  But I will say I’ve never had a problem with their warranty.  I snapped the tip on the Red.Start walking out to a pond one time and the fly shop let me swap it out with them the very next day (though I’ve since learned some fly shops want you to deal with Reddington directly). But certainly interested in any unbiased opinions on the relative quality of Reddington.  I was definitely going to buy my son a cheaper Cabela rod and reel though (until I’m sure he’s going to enjoy it). Thank you, Shawn

Response:

Mark E. Sunderlin Winchester, VA

Mark, Haul yourself down to the Fly Fishing show in College Park Maryland this weekend.  Try the rods, pick the one which works best for you. Catch the seminar on Saturday at 10:00. Harry Murray’s talk on smallmouth fishing. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

I just bought my first graphite the other day.  A Cortland CL, 5/6 weight, 8′6"……. I’ve used primarily glass rods, and do primarily smallmouth fishing as that is the dominate fish in my area. The rather sensitive, delicate nature of graphite is taking some getting used to, at times I think I would have done well with a 7/8 weight as far as smallmouth goes but I was trying to get a rod I could also use for trout. Personally, fishing a lot out of a kayak, and considering the usual circumstances I run into..occassional carp and channel cat..if I could afford a rod for every occasion I believe a 7/8 would be my choice for With glass I found my 7/8/9 wieghts to be too much for how I prefer to fish, smallmouth in the riverwise, but these graphites are a whole different story. FWIW I found a book "Smallmouth Strategies for the Fly Rod" by Ryan to be – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’ve decided on a 6 weight fly rod to start and I’m wondering what you all feel about the below choices I’m espcially interested in the Bass Pro White River, the Cabela’s Fish Eagle, and the Reddington Red.fly:  Those are my "high three" based on what I know so far. Bass Pro  Hobbs Creek $69.95 Bass Pro White River Classic $99.95 Cabela’s Sweetwater $85.00 Cabela’s Fish Eagle $99.99 St. Croix Pro Graphite $85.00 Reddington Red.fly $75.00 Coutland CL $99.95 — "The number of job openings for Philosopher-Kings is limited in the late 20th Century." – Dr. Megabyte Tuba Playing Technocrat in Winchester, VA    KD4HRI

Response:

Bass Pro  Hobbs Creek                      $69.95 Bass Pro White River Classic               $99.95 Cabela’s Sweetwater                        $85.00 Cabela’s Fish Eagle                        $99.99 St. Croix Pro Graphite                     $85.00 Reddington Red.fly                 $75.00 Coutland CL                                $99.95

The Sweetwater owned by a friend of mine seemed rather stiff.  The St. Croix at least has a decent warranty and is limber enough for lobbing clousers or split shot.  I would recommend it.  Have no experience with the other rods you mentioned. Mu

Response:

I’ve decided on a 6 weight fly rod to start and I’m wondering what you all feel about the below choices I’m espcially interested in the Bass Pro White River, the Cabela’s Fish Eagle, and the Reddington Red.fly:  Those are my "high three" based on what I know so far. Bass Pro  Hobbs Creek                   $69.95 Bass Pro White River Classic            $99.95 Cabela’s Sweetwater                     $85.00 Cabela’s Fish Eagle                     $99.99 St. Croix Pro Graphite                  $85.00 Reddington Red.fly                      $75.00 Coutland CL                             $99.95 — "The number of job openings for Philosopher-Kings is  limited in the late 20th Century." – Dr. Megabyte Tuba Playing Technocrat in Winchester, VA    KD4HRI

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Question:

Hi,     I’m going to be on vacation next week, I would like to hear any opinions on good spots to trout fish in Michigan. I don’t have a boat, so I need to know spots that I can wade or shore fish. Thanks, Jerry

Response:

Where in Michigan will you be?  There are plenty of streams and lakes to wet your line in. Maurice Paquette – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi,    I’m going to be on vacation next week, I would like to hear any opinions on good spots to trout fish in Michigan. I don’t have a boat, so I need to know spots that I can wade or shore fish. Thanks, Jerry

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ubject: Michigan Flyfishing Spots for Vacation? Hi,    I’m going to be on vacation next week, I would like to hear any opinions on good spots to trout fish in Michigan. I don’t have a boat, so I need to know spots that I can wade or shore fish. Thanks, Jerry

Jerry, If you are on the upper end of the Lower Peninsula, try the Au Sable. I fished it for a couple of summers around 20 years ago in the Stephen’s Bridge area. There was a *great* Trico hatch in mid/late July in the early AM. (We’re talking 16"+ fish on size 24/28 Trico spinners) Later on in the day there was a Slate Wing Olive, (#18), and fish could be caught on terrestrials. Evenings brought the SWO spinner fall, as well as unidentified spinners and some caddis. While I was out there, I was told the Manistee and the Rifle rivers were also good in the summer, but I never fished them.  If the canoe traffic on the main Au Sable is too heavy, (mainly a weekend thing), try the North Branch. Good luck, George Adams

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I live in Lincoln Park, just south of Detroit.  I know I’ll need to do some driving. Jerry

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I just got back from the Manistee River, and you don’t need a boat. Check www.troutbums.com for more info. By the way , I’m just learning fly fishing (don’t care for other kinds) and I caught and released 2 brooks and a brown. If I can do it anyone can. Good luck and enjoy. Monty.

Response:

Try the Au Sable and Manistee as suggested, but also try the Boardman.  It gets very little pressure and has lots of (mostly smaller) fish.  The Boardman is also reported to hold large browns, but night fishing appears to be the key for those. Steve Kling

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Thanks, I think I’ll try the Grayling area first.That will put me near to both the Au Sable and Manistee. Jerry

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Question:

Hi Folks, after all the e-mails enquiring as to my reasons for ceasing to subscribe

Gentlemen and Ladies, I am moved by the loss of the best among us. I have filed Mike’s post in a place where I’ll be able to find it next time I feel like launching a salvo. Hope we can all do the same. sniff…..

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I have simply made a personal decision not to subscribe.

Good to see your byline again, Mike, even if for the last time.  best wishes….. Mark Faulkner

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Mike Connor wrote [final farewell snipped] Huge loss for ROFF.  I’ll miss your wit Mike.

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Mike Connor Honi soit qui mal y pense.

George Visit: http://www.gink.com

Response:

Hi Folks, after all the e-mails enquiring as to my reasons for ceasing to subscribe to the news groups generally and ROFF specifically, and although I was of the opinion that I had made my reasons quite clear, here they are once again. The subject is now closed for me. I will not answer any further e-mails on this subject, it would serve no useful purpose. E-mails to the various websites or bulletin boards to which I contribute are also a waste of time, as I will not discuss the matter further. I would be most obliged if you would consider this, especially in the chat rooms where I am on line, nobody is interested in the matter, and it just wastes time and annoys people. I will also not join in discussions denigrating ROFF, or any of its contributors under any circumstances whatsoever. If you have a problem with somebody on ROFF then talk to them or take it to e-mail with the people concerned, I have no interest in the matter. I have no personal axe to grind as far as ROFF is concerned, I still think ROFF is basically  great actually, I have simply made a personal decision not to subscribe. The reasons are listed in order of importance, just in case anybody wants to know exactly, as it appears quite a few do. 1.  I cannot afford to pay for the downloading of large amounts of spam. This is purely  a financial criteria, and is by far the most important one. Without attempting to define spam, I mean anything which may generally be described as crap, be it multiple senseless posts, or direct commercial misuse of usenet. This simply costs me a lot of money which I do not have in amounts sufficient to waste on this nonsense. Before anybody else sends me tips for saving money on usenet, do me and yourself a favour, forget it. Most of the ideas are not practicable, and as I pay metered rates for on line time, sometimes not even possible. 2. I see no point in allowing myself to be insulted or provoked by people whose main interest in life seems to be annoying or upsetting  as many people as they can in the shortest possible time. Especially when it is just nasty and not even remotely amusing. This runs contrary to the spirit of the newsgroup, and continuing to pay out good money for this sort of thing would mean I would have to have a screw loose, this is fortunately not the case. 3. I am my own man, I do what I do, say what I say, and think what I think, I do not like it much when people attribute my words or actions to reasons they have dreamed up themselves, and attempt to prove their invariably faulty conclusions in print on a public forum. I am nobodies sycophant. I also resent it deeply when people make stupid or annoying or simply false statements based on posts I or others have made, where it is perfectly obvious that they have either not read the posts properly or are lacking the wherewithal to understand them. 4.  The informational and amusement content of the newsgroups seems to be deteriorating in direct proportion to the amount of ill mannered and ignorant persons subscribing to them. I would tend to avoid such people in private life, ( the "bar" analogy ), and see no reason why I should not follow this eminently sensible policy elsewhere also. 5.  There are too many people who want to control all sorts of things, up to and including what other people may or may not post. Usenet is in my opinion one of the last bastions of true free speech, to those who can not accept this, or attempt continually to misuse it, I can only say you are not ready for freedom of speech.  Freedom of speech allows you to say what you like when you like to whoever you like, like many great things it should be exercised with manners and self-control if it is not to degenerate into a senseless insulting free for all, even more so on a relatively  anoymous medium like usenet.  If some of the things said on here in the past were indeed said in a bar, then the people responsible would certainly be looking for a new set of teeth at the very least, and a good thing too. Unfortunately as I am unable to come into even remote striking distance of the aforementioned dental accoutrements, I find it better to remove myself from the sphere of influence, whether a bar or usenet is immaterial. 6.  I was indeed extremely angry at the amount of direct e-mail spam I received as a result of the ill considered efforts of one ROFF contributor in distributing my e-mail address to commercial spammers. I am prepared to accept that this was a mistake, the person concerned apologised profusely and sincerely,and I am no longer angry at him.  This was not my main reason for leaving the group, just an extra annoyance. 7. I was ever more dismayed at the number of trolls obviously designed to get a rise out of somebody or provoke a useless argument, which turned nasty fairly quickly, I see no point in this, and I imagine it is just some perverse form of entertainment, in which only perverts would indulge, especially in view of the anonymous nature of the whole thing. Purposely pissing off someone you dont even know for enjoyment strikes me as being perverse in the  extreme, and I prefer to keep my distance in such cases. 8. The comment from many  posters that anybody who posts in public forums should expect to be insulted and must develop a thick skin is in my opinion a symptom of their own perversity and lack of manners. I expect to be treated at least with good manners. When this is not the case I have several options usually. In this particular case, retiring from the field is probably the most sensible. 9.  I was of the opinion that groups such as ROFF provided a service and source of information on the subject at hand, and everything even remotely related to it. I attempted to subcribe in this spirit, as I assume most others also do.  This attempt met  with far more negative criticism and insulting responses than I would have hoped it might, and this was extremely disappointing. This also contributed to my decision to leave. I hope this clears up any wierd ideas, misconceptions, or even downright lies as to why I no longer subscribe, and that the subject is now definitely closed. I welcome personal and private e-mail on any and every subject under the sun, and I am happy to help anybody at all if it lies within my power, however as I already said on at least one other occasion, enquiries which start with the words "How do I start fly-fishing" or similar all embracing questions are beyond my power to answer in a couple of e-mails, and anybody who thinks he can become a good flyfisherman by studying a potted set of answers from one person, or even a group of people, or watching videos etc, ought to take up tennis, or bowling or something similar. The only way to become a good flyfisherman is to go and do it, read as much as you can, talk to as many flyfishers as you can, and try out what they say, advice on specific problems will always be available. One of the greatest attractions of flyfishing is the fact that however much you learn, and however good you become, there is always something new to learn, the possibilities and facets are infinite.  Flyfishing is not just a hobby like embroidering cushion covers, or weaving carpets, as a way of killing time, it is a philosophy, a religion, a way of life. It is hard work all the way, but absolutely fascinating, entrancing and enslaving. Thanks again for all your e-mails, I am surprised ( and of course pleased ! ) that my leaving a forum like this could generate such a furore which lasts such a long time. I obviously made a positive and pleasant impact on at least some of you, as indeed many of you did on myself. It is very pleasant to get such support and encouragement mostly from people I have never met , and probably never will, I met some lovely people on the groups, I enjoyed myself, and I learned an awful lot, but I will not return to any of the newsgroups, if only to prove some of the ignorant and insulting people  wrong who e-mailed me telling me what a pompous over educated ( If only they knew !!! )ass I am, and that I would doubtless return at some point. I would not like to give such people the satisfaction of being right, even if I got usenet access for free ! Tight lines ! Mike Connor Honi soit qui mal y pense.

Response:

Question:

Why thank you kindly gents.

(another sonnet snipped) Mike:  you’re most welcome. Your literary skills are most welcome here, and always appreciated.   Mark Faulkner

Response:

A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him. — Ernie Harrison

Response:

A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him. — Ernie Harrison

my apologies but I drink Grant’s. I’ll hoist one for Mike tonight. Not hard to persuade me eh? Ralph H "I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams." – Hamlet

Response:

A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him.

He is so good in fact that I was thinking that he’s like an ‘online poetry synthesis machine’. ….I was wondering if he could not charge people to make poetry out of whatever they like. …he could have an interactive web site. "RhymeTime" …and since people could log in and get instant prose it could be. "Real-Time RhymeTime" You go Mike. — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him. He is so good in fact that I was thinking that he’s like an ‘online poetry synthesis machine’. ….I was wondering if he could not charge people to make poetry out of whatever they like. …he could have an interactive web site. "RhymeTime" …and since people could log in and get instant prose it could be. "Real-Time RhymeTime" You go Mike. — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

I agree Timbo…..in fact, as I offer my salud later today, I’ll know that we are very lucky to have Mike here at ROFF and be blessed with his style and wit. –Wataugan "is it 4pm yet?" Walt

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Why thank you kindly gents. Glad you find the rhymes pleasing, or even perhaps a bit teasing, I hope they amuse, and are not too abstruse, and keep you constantly wheezing ! I raise my glass here too, it couldnt be done without you, for a rhyme or two, you give me the cue, and sometimes even a few ! So here is my return toast, to the stalwart ROFFIAN host, cheers ! Good health, long life and wealth, to you all,  but the drinkers the most ! Tight lines ! Mike Connor

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(timbo’s post snipped) I agree Timbo…..in fact, as I offer my salud later today, I’ll know that we are very lucky to have Mike here at ROFF and be blessed with his style and wit. –Wataugan "is it 4pm yet?" Walt

        as a matter of fact, i think he’s so *damn* good that i intend to toast him at least five or six times before 10 pm.  by 8:15 he will be runnin line for line with robert frost.  and saturday night, he’ll be neck and neck with w. shakespeare hissownself! wayno, always willing to recognize talent – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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I agree Timbo…..in fact, as I offer my salud later today, I’ll know that we are very lucky to have Mike here at ROFF and be blessed with his style and wit.

(ahem) 5pm! It’s time to reboot, Scrolling away, ROFF’s always a hoot! Tho’ when I click onto Connor, It’s always an honor, That everything else said is moot. Tony Ritter www.gonefishing-gs.com

Response:

A couple of generations advance over the old ‘bot eh? Ralph H

Very good Ralph. –Wataugan "love a good touche" Walt

Response:

A talent like Mike’s should not go unpunished, I suggest we all raise our glasses of Old Grouse in a toast to him. He is so good in fact that I was thinking that he’s like an ‘online poetry synthesis machine’.

 A couple of generations advance over the old ‘bot eh? Ralph H "I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams." – Hamlet

Response:

_______ Can’t begin to tell you how much more I like that fly fishing handle of "T-Bone" much better?! There is no other name that explains you better.  Salt of the earth.  Western Bone Bred, and bad ass on the stream.

Question:

Now that summer is more than half over, thoughts about a mid winter break are stirring. What are the best places in bahamas for bonefishing holiday in terms of price, ease to get to, accomodations, and, of course, fishing opportunties. How far in advance must one book. what are the best travel people to use. I(s there a better choice from the North east US? Your thoughts are appreciated.

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Now that summer is more than half over, thoughts about a mid winter break are stirring. What are the best places in bahamas for bonefishing holiday in terms of price, ease to get to, accomodations, and, of course, fishing opportunties. How far in advance must one book. what are the best travel people to use. I(s there a better choice from the North east US? Your thoughts are appreciated.

November is a good time for a fall trip to the Bahamas, the FL Keys or Central America. There are many excellent destinations to choose from. Call Frontier Travel at 1-800-245-1950 and they can send you some good info on many lodges. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

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Question:

I am going to the Glacier Park area the 1st week of August. I will be on the west side near Polebridge for 3 days, and then move to a spot near East Glacier.  I wonder if anyone who has fished these areas can give me a hint as to what to expect, where to fish, what to use, etc. I will be wading, but will bring my float tube as well. Many thanks, Mark

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I am going to the Glacier Park area the 1st week of August. I will be on the west side near Polebridge for 3 days, and then move to a spot near East Glacier.  I wonder if anyone who has fished these areas can give me a hint as to what to expect, where to fish, what to use, etc. I will be wading, but will bring my float tube as well.

Hi Mark Good fishing in the North Fork of the Flathead.  Also if you are going to be in the East Glacier area you should go fish the lakes on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation near Browning.  They are awesome. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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check with people at http://www.cyberport.net/ecs/wwater/gnwwater.html or http://www.cyberport.net/ecs/troutski/troutski.html These people will know — Electronic Cottage Services http://www.cyberport.net/ecs/lakeco/business/ecs/ecshome.html PO Box 81 Polson, MT 59860 406-887-2899

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Question:

we’ll be in the cleveland area (20 miles to the east) in mid-august. could anyone tell me about good flyfishing in this area at that time; especially are there any steelhead or salmon runs in progress, or any good surface fishing for small-mouth bass on tap? also my wife and i enjoy small creeks with wild trout. thanks for any input.                                             steve and adrienne,

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Question:

What to charge for private tying lessons? I have two questions for any fly tying instructors who care to reply. I have been teaching fly tying at a local shop for the past 3 years and I recently was asked to do some private one-on-one lessons. question #1: My friends tell me I do not charge enough for my instruction. What do you charge a beginner for 1.5 hours of instruction. question #2: what would you charge if your student was selling flies to a mail-order company. If you prefer not to reply to the newsgroup, thanks todd seigfried

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What to charge for private tying lessons?

[snip] If you prefer not to reply to the newsgroup,

I would appreciate it if any responders would post the answer here!   Would like to know the answer also.

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question #1: My friends tell me I do not charge enough for my instruction. What do you charge a beginner for 1.5 hours of instruction.

I’m an instructor here in the Chicago area, and the students pay 75.00 for a two-day (total of six hours) seminar.  That’s 12.50 per hour (payed to the fly-shop) but it’s in groups of from four to seven people.  For private lessons I would charge 25.00 per hour. Jack

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Hi Todd, My wife and I make our living as commercial fly tiers in the winter and guides in the summer.  Our price for teaching fly tying PERIOD… is $25.00 per hour, no matter the size of the class or the number of students.  It could be one person or twelve (our maximum). If I had a student who was selling flies to some one else, you ask, "What would I do?" I would try to hire him! Take care!  Good Tying & Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT I have two questions for any fly tying instructors who care to reply. I have been teaching fly tying at a local shop for the past 3 years and I recently was asked to do some private one-on-one lessons.

Please check the message above!  Take Care! Al Beatty

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I think that if you were on a limited budget, like you were in graduate school, you could have everyone chip in a dime per fly to cover the cost of the materials.          Jeff Schaeffer

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Question:

Can anyone suggest a repellent for wasps and bees. On Monday I was stung twice while training. I will be competing in IMC and apparently the wasps can be a problem when cycling through the fruit orchards. I don’t want to go through the discomfort again and wouldn’t want my worst enemy to go through it either. I did a swim /bike workout yesterday. After putting on my wetsuit I was stung in the right heel. there was no significant swelling which is a plus in my favor. then an hour later on the bike I was stung on the back of my neck. I don’t know what it was but it must have been a wasp or bee. If there is a repellent I will put it on my body and also my bike. I found that the wasps seemed to be attracted to the gatorade that had splashed on the bike frame and bottle. they were landing on both and ’sniffing’ around. Any suggestions would ‘bee’ appreciated!! TriFiend

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The only thing I’ve found that actually works for wasps is lavender (the plant). The fishing clubs usually plant it along the river banks near where I live to keep the little bastards away. I don’t know whether there is a commerical product that does the same. Usually a  bit rubbed into the skin works ok, with the disadvantage that you smell like Joan Collins’ knickers for a while. Most bug repellants only seem to be directed toward mosquitos and midges and you sweat them off anyway. I had quite a lot of success with some tablets I got from a camping/climbing shop that made your sweat unattractive to them. Only problem was after a while I started turning yellow  (ha ha). I now find mosquitos and wasps the ideal motivation for impromptu fartlek sessions, in fact I did a 10K PB after being chased by a Horse fly last month…. really helps with the 5K kick ! tim

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Can anyone suggest a repellent for wasps and bees. On Monday I was stung twice while training. I will be competing in IMC and apparently the wasps can be a problem when cycling through the fruit orchards. I don’t want to go through the discomfort again and wouldn’t want my worst enemy to go through it either. I did a swim /bike workout yesterday. After putting on my wetsuit I was stung in the right heel. there was no significant swelling which is a plus in my favor. then an hour later on the bike I was stung on the back of my neck. I don’t know what it was but it must have been a wasp or bee. If there is a repellent I will put it on my body and also my bike. I found that the wasps seemed to be attracted to the gatorade that had splashed on the bike frame and bottle. they were landing on both and ’sniffing’ around. Any suggestions would ‘bee’ appreciated!! TriFiend

As far as I know, there is no repellent for wasps or bees.  Chances are better of getting stung by a wasp then a bee.  A bee dies after it stings something, so will only sting when bothered, just riding by on a bike will not make it sting you.  As far as wasps, they are natures best terrorists. The best prevention from them is to wear light colored clothing.  They seem to attack dark colored moving objects more that light colored. The reason you see them around the gatorade is because they love sugar. If you want to keep them away from your bike, just use water in the bottles.                                                 Brian

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