Question:

If it inhaled it deep and you had to fight him a long time, make it dinner. 2 weeks ago, had a trout inhale the Mepps deep, and was bleeding.  Cleaned and Bar-B-Qued, he was tasty.  If is not bleeding and looks like it will survive, just cut the line as close to the hook as possible. Bill

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello.  I went fishing this past week and had a problem 2 times…the dang fish inhaled the hook. What is the best thing to do in this circumstance?  I feel it is akin to shooting and wounding a deer but not killing it.  I tried unsucesfully both times to remove the hook, and ended up cutting the line and releasing the fish. Any suggestions? Thanks. AC

Response:

FWIW, I use barbless hooks only, which makes hook removal simple. Also, you won’t lose fish if you keep you line tight during the battle. In the event that a fish has swallowed the hook deeply, I don’t even bother trying to remove it. I just snip the line as close as possible to the hook itself. The fish can survive with a hook in it. I once caught a small trout that swallowed my hook. I kept it figuring it would die if I released it. When I cleaned it, I found a treble hook stuck in it’s throat. Even with that hook in there, it was still eating. Also, I feel it’s important to not have a fish out of the water for longer than say 30 or 40 seconds. I also "handle" fish after I wet my hands with water so as no to remove the slime coat. Obviously, these are just my opinions. Good fishing to you! Bry — "My worst day at work is still better than my best day steelhead fishing"

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello.  I went fishing this past week and had a problem 2 times…the dang fish inhaled the hook. What is the best thing to do in this circumstance?  I feel it is akin to shooting and wounding a deer but not killing it.  I tried unsucesfully both times to remove the hook, and ended up cutting the line and releasing the fish. Any suggestions? Thanks. AC

Response:

: Hello.  I went fishing this past week and had a problem 2 times…the dang : fish inhaled the hook. : What is the best thing to do in this circumstance?  I feel it is akin to : shooting and wounding a deer but not killing it.  I tried unsucesfully both : times to remove the hook, and ended up cutting the line and releasing the : fish. : Any suggestions? I have been catching some small catfish and panfish lately and I have been using a technique that has helped with swallowed hooks.  I started using short shanked hooks and bending the barbs down.  I use forceps to carefully go in though the gills and a little twist easily gets the hook loose.  Then the hook can be removed though the mouth with the forceps. Forceps are cheaper at "Headshops" than at tackle stores.

Response:

Most hooks are made of low grade metal and actually rust quite quickly.  Depending on how far down the hook is, often very little damage or harm ensues. Several years ago, I caught a little brookie.  When I removed my hook from the fish’s mouth, I discovered that there was another hook in the fish’s throat.  It was obviously too low for the previous angler to safely remove it, so I guess he cut his line as close as possible to the hook.  The interesting thing was that most of the shaft of the hook had actually rusted away.  There was just a small length remaining above the curve of the hook.   It obviously did not interfere with the fish’s ability to eat or survive.  It put up a fiesty fight, typical of brook trout! Ian Scott http://flyfishing.about.com/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello.  I went fishing this past week and had a problem 2 times…the dang fish inhaled the hook. What is the best thing to do in this circumstance?  I feel it is akin to shooting and wounding a deer but not killing it.  I tried unsucesfully both times to remove the hook, and ended up cutting the line and releasing the fish. Any suggestions? Thanks. AC

Response:

If the hook was bronze, the acids in the fish will disolve the hook. You did the right thing V.B.

: Hello.  I went fishing this past week and had a problem 2 times…the dang : fish inhaled the hook. : What is the best thing to do in this circumstance?  I feel it is akin to : shooting and wounding a deer but not killing it.  I tried unsucesfully both : times to remove the hook, and ended up cutting the line and releasing the : fish. : Any suggestions? : Thanks. : AC —

Response:

Hello.  I went fishing this past week and had a problem 2 times…the dang fish inhaled the hook. What is the best thing to do in this circumstance?  I feel it is akin to shooting and wounding a deer but not killing it.  I tried unsucesfully both times to remove the hook, and ended up cutting the line and releasing the fish. Any suggestions? Thanks. AC

Response:

+AD4- and ended up cutting the line and releasing the +AD4-fish. +AD4- I think you just answered the question yourself. Sometimes you have to cut your losses and pay the price. You only do dammage by trying to retreive a swallowed hook. If the hooks are swallowed but visible as a rule, you could try flattening the barb, but some would argue this to be detrimental. Others won’t. I have no opinion as I have never tried barbless fishing myself. Just a suggestion. Dan in the bush……

Response:

I used to catch wraases with hook and line that were sold live for saltwater aquariums. About 50% of the fish would swallow the hook so deep you couldn’t even see it. I just cut the line and put them in the live well. At the end of the day, usually all the hooks were laying in the bottom of the well. Capt. Jeff Kona, Hawaii http://home1.gte.net/jfrogers

+ADw-7t6ds0+ACQ-l86+ACQ-1+AEA-fir.prod.itd.earthlink.net+AD4-… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -+AD4- and ended up cutting the line and releasing the +AD4-fish. +AD4- I think you just answered the question yourself. Sometimes you have to cut your losses and pay the price. You only do dammage by trying to retreive a swallowed hook. If the hooks are swallowed but visible as a rule, you could try flattening the barb, but some would argue this to be detrimental. Others won’t. I have no opinion as I have never tried barbless fishing myself. Just a suggestion. Dan in the bush……

Response:

My suggestion is to gaff it, bring it onboard and have the deckhands fillet it. If it’s gut-hooked, and it fought, that would seem to really screw up the innards. I know when I catch an albie that swallowed the bait, blood gushes out of the mouth. Hard to believe that the fish would survive. Just keep reasonable limits, and respect the resource. It’s a sport, not a subsistance. RD Hello.  I went fishing this past week and had a problem 2 times…the dang fish inhaled the hook. What is the best thing to do in this circumstance?  I feel it is akin to shooting and wounding a deer but not killing it.  I tried unsucesfully both times to remove the hook, and ended up cutting the line and releasing the fish. Any suggestions? Thanks. AC

– Caltees – Home of Guy Harvey, Al Agnew, Habitat and Military Printed Tees http://www.caltees.com

Response:

One way that helps in releasing fish is to use a barbless hook.  As long as you keep the line tight the fish will hardly ever come off!   Tight Lines Lorne — If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage of fishing poles. -Doug Larson

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello.  I went fishing this past week and had a problem 2 times…the dang fish inhaled the hook. What is the best thing to do in this circumstance?  I feel it is akin to shooting and wounding a deer but not killing it.  I tried unsucesfully both times to remove the hook, and ended up cutting the line and releasing the fish. Any suggestions? Thanks. AC

Response:

Hello.  I went fishing this past week and had a problem 2 times…the dang fish inhaled the hook.

This happens to me quite often during the fishing season.  There is no way to avoid this, if you fish, you have to accept the fact that occasionally, fish WILL swallow th hook. What is the best thing to do in this circumstance?  I feel it is akin to shooting and wounding a deer but not killing it.  I tried unsucesfully both times to remove the hook, and ended up cutting the line and releasing the fish. Any suggestions?

Yes, what you did is exactly the correct thing.  You should try to quickly remove the hook, if unsuccessful, then either cut the line or in the case of large lures, use a sidecutter pliers or a small bolt cutter and cut the hook.  I have caught many apparently healthy fish with a leader or a section of line hanging out of their mouth.  Just today, while out with my editor from http://www.lake-link.com I caught a small northern pike with a section of line going down into his gullet.  There was nothing wrong with the fish and he was released again. One thing’s for certain, the survival rate for fish that are kept and filleted is zero, so release, there is always a chance that they will make it.

Response:

Question:

my week-long sabbatical in the blue ridge ends today, but i leave with more experience in the streams i love and having developed a better friendship with Walt Winter of ezflyfish.com..

Appreciate the reports, Jeff.  I think Tom Brown was up that way this weekend as well.  Fond memories of the Great North State……. Mark Faulkner

Response:

Appreciate the reports, Jeff.  I think Tom Brown was up that way this weekend as well.  Fond memories of the Great North State……. Mark Faulkner

I wanted to go this weekend, but couldn’t get a dog sitter.  Probably just as well, there would have been more witnesses.  NEXT weekend – now that’s a different story.  I’m heading over on Friday and, if I make it back home, I’ll post an unambiguous, unfettered, true report of the ensuing activities (depending on circumstances and to the extent that my attorney allows). Tom — Tom Brown The Signal Group Wake Forest, NC HEATHEN, n. A benighted creature who has the folly to worship something that he can see and feel.                – Ambrose Bierce: The Devil’s Dictionary

Response:

        my week-long sabbatical in the blue ridge ends today, but i leave with more experience in the streams i love and having developed a better friendship with Walt Winter of ezflyfish.com…walt martyred himself to fishing with me during these last 3 days, braving the wrath of his lovely spouse Marie and delaying the demands of his business until the late evening hours.           The first 3 days, i fished my usual spots.           one stream i consider "my" stream because of its closeness to my cabin, because i fish it every time i’m in the area hoping to get to know its entire length eventually, and because it always yields me a fish or two or several. it holds only wild browns and is overlooked by many of the fishing population (spinning and fly) because of its location and lower elevation (1400 feet). still, it has all of the characteristics of streams i love to hike and fish…wildlife (turkey, deer, grouse, snakes)can be seen on occasions, wildflowers blooming from spring through late fall, and a nice combination of deep pools, pocket water, and riffles with some small waterfalls and large boulders or rock formations.  there is a small trail for about 4 miles running beside the stream, which allows access to various points and gives an ability to avoid other fishermen/women or to share a nice day with a group of friends by staggering entries. the browns in the stream are as beautiful, "spooky", and feisty as any i’ve caught in any of the wild trout waters of the state.  On this trip, i deceived several nice brownies with a dave’s hopper, parachute adams, hare’s ear, and prince nymph.  the largest was 10 1/2 inches…above average for me in this stream…with the others in the 6 – 9 inch range, which is the size of fish generally caught in non-hatchery waters. on one trip, i caught an 8 inch brown out of the tail of a deep pool, and a big brown of at least 15-18 inches chased after it as i was bringing it in, so there are larger fish waiting to be taken with skillful and patient persistence…that big brown provides an enduring optimism and goal for future pursuits on "my" stream… jeff

Response:

Question:

I am going to be in Fargo or Bismark on business in May.   Does anyone know of fly fishing opportunities in North Dakota? JK

Response:

See the Tony Dean web site http://www.tonydean.com.  He has a "brochure" covering information on fly fishing for trout in some of the small reserviors in that state which you could ask for by e-mail or phone. If you don’t have any luck repost here and I will scan in the copy my dad has and e-mail it to you. Mikeh

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I am going to be in Fargo or Bismark on business in May.   Does anyone know of fly fishing opportunities in North Dakota? JK

Response:

Question:

Peter, I was reading a recent post of yours and I thought you could be of help.  I am planning a trip to Vietnam and I would like to visit sometime between Nov-February, depending on how I can best schedule my frequent flyer.  I am a male, age 32 and I’ll be traveling alone.  I am in very good physical condition (run, swim everday).  I have traveled worked and traveled in Asia, but I have never been to Vietnam.  I wonder if you could review some interaries I downloaded from Sobek travel and give me your impresssions–are both of these itineraries great, or do they include stops that you might avoid?  I probably need to pick some highlights from each, so what would you choose? If we put a cultural excursion on one end of the scale and adventure on the other, I want something closer to the adventure.  While I like to see temples, pagodas, etc., I don’t need to go out of my way to find them.  I would rather make a very hard hike than spend a day touring churches.  This isn’t to say that I want to avoid the cultural part of the trip.  I must see some of the war museums, for example. I will probably have only two weeks in Vietnam.  I certainly can’t see everything I would like.  I want  good taste of the cities and the French colonial architecture, the war museums (and a feeling for the war legacy in general), and nightlife.  I am also attacted to the floating villages I’ve heard about, and especially the kayaking described in the Sobek interary that takes you through sea caves only accessible by kayak. Is it worthwhile to tour both Saigon and Hanoi in this short time frame?  I’ve heard that Hanoi has more engaging architecture.  If you had to pick only one city to visit which would it be?  Is a side trip to Ankor Wat worth giving up a few days in Vietnam?  Is it difficult to find a canoe or kayak without a tour group? I apologize for what is a message with too little focus, but I hope you have some impressions that you can share.  Below I have listed two separate itineraries–any insights would be greatly appreciated. Intinerary #1: ITINERARY                                      Day 1 — Leave your home town and fly to Hanoi, Vietnam (your                                      air itinerary will be coordinated by a member of the Mountain                                      Travel – Sobek Air Desk).                                      Day 2 — En route.                                      Day 3 — Arrive in Hanoi in the afternoon. You will be met at the                                      airport and transferred to your hotel for a rest after your long                                      journey. The remainder of the day is free to rest, relax, or                                      explore on your own. Hanoi is a picturesque city of more than a                                      million people. Its tree shaded streets are filled with lovely                                      examples of French colonial architecture. Our hotel is situated                                      on one of the narrow bustling streets of the ancient commercial                                      quarter. Welcome dinner and orientation.                                      Day 4 — Today we will have a full day tour of Hanoi. We will                                      visit the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the Temple of Literature,                                      and Fine Arts Museum, where we see displays of tools and                                      costumes of the ethnic minorities of Vietnam, plus some                                      classical and modern art. We’ll wander the downtown area,                                      visiting the colorful Hanoi market and the market district,                                      where each street hosts vendors of a particular trade: metal                                      workers, funerary wreaths, and electronics. Dinner on your own.                                      After dinner we’ll attend a Vietnamese folk performance of the                                      water puppets.                                      Day 5 — Travel to Bai Chai by van. Lunch in one of the many                                      restaurants along the beach. In the afternoon we take a ferry to                                      Hon Gai, a busy fishing port set in a beautiful natural harbor. We                                      spend the night in a hotel overlooking the expanse of Ha Long                                      Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy dinner at one of                                      the local seafood restaurants.                                      Day 6 — In the morning we board our support vessel, a                                      traditional wooden boat, and after a seafood lunch head for the                                      eastern edge of Ha Long Bay. We arrive at a beautiful beach                                      where we have lunch and set up camp. In the afternoon the                                      guides will teach paddling techniques and rescue procedures.                                      Day 7 — We spend the day exploring an island group known as                                      the Medusa. Conditions permitting, we skirt the exposed side of                                      the group with its sea caves and arches.                                      Day 8 — In the morning we follow a string of islands, taking our                                      time to stop at shell beaches, small sea caves, and hidden coves.                                      After lunch we navigate a maze of limestone islets rising                                      vertically from the depths of the sea. By late afternoon we arrive                                      at a beach where we set up our camp.                                      Day 9 — We choose a previously unexplored route through                                      several island groups, and arrive at a beach with a tiny temple                                      nestled among stone pillars. After setting up camp near the                                      temple, we join local fishermen at moonrise as they make                                      offerings to the deities of the sea. If conditions are favorable, we                                      undertake a moonlight paddle.                                      Day 10 — An opening in one of the sheer rock walls of an island                                      near our campsite leads us to an intricate labyrinth of tunnels                                      and hidden lagoons. Then we follow the serpentine coastline to                                      the exposed side of this island. The afternoon is free for relaxing,                                      swimming, fishing, or exploration in small groups. Return to                                      camp in the evening.                                      Day 11 — En route to Cat Ba Island we paddle through rock                                      gardens and along coral beaches. Upon our arrival, we have time                                      to experience the bustling fishing port of Cat Ba, where we can                                      take a woven bamboo boat to tour the harbor. In the evening we                                      compete with local fishermen in their favorite pastime —                                      karaoke! We spend the night in a hotel.                                      Day 12 — We travel first by kayak and then aboard our support                                      vessel to Tuan Chau Island. This charming place with its French                                      colonial architecture is of particular historical significance                                      because it was the favorite retreat of Ho Chi Minh. We spend the                                      night in one of its old French villas. (The accommodation is                                      basic but evokes nostalgia for a bygone era.)                                      Day 13 — After a morning paddle we visit some legendary                                      grottos, such as "Hang Dau Go" and "Hang Bo Nau." We return                                      to Bai Chai where we celebrate our successful navigation of Ha                                      Long Bay in a local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.                                      Day 14 — Return to Hanoi by van. Farewell banquet in the                                      evening at the traditional Indochine restaurant. Overnight in                                      Hanoi. Itinerary #2 ITINERARY                                      Day 1 — Leave your home town and fly to Ho Chi Minh City                                      (Saigon), Vietnam, via Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong (your                                      air itinerary will be coordinated by a member of the Mountain                                      Travel – Sobek Air Desk).                                      Day 2 — En route.                                      Day 3 — HO CHI MINH CITY. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. You                                      will be met by a member of the Mountain Travel – Sobek staff                                      outside the customs and immigration area at the airport. This                                      representative will answer questions, brief you on the immediate                                      arrangements, and escort you to your hotel. We will meet this                                      evening for a welcome dinner and briefing. Overnight at the                                      hotel.

… read more »

Response:

Peter, I was reading a recent post of yours and I thought you could be of help.  I am planning a trip to Vietnam and I would like to visit sometime between Nov-February, depending on how I can best schedule my frequent flyer.  I am a male, age 32 and I’ll be traveling alone.  I am in very good physical condition (run, swim everday).  I have traveled worked and traveled in Asia, but I have never been to Vietnam.  I wonder if you could review some interaries I downloaded from Sobek travel and give me your impresssions–are both of these itineraries great, or do they include stops that you might avoid?  I probably need to pick some highlights from each, so what would you choose? If we put a cultural excursion on one end of the scale and adventure on the other, I want something closer to the adventure.  While I like to see temples, pagodas, etc., I don’t need to go out of my way to find them.  I would rather make a very hard hike than spend a day touring churches.  This isn’t to say that I want to avoid the cultural part of the trip.  I must see some of the war museums, for example. I will probably have only two weeks in Vietnam.  I certainly can’t see everything I would like.  I want  good taste of the cities and the French colonial architecture, the war museums (and a feeling for the war legacy in general), and nightlife.  I am also attacted to the floating villages I’ve heard about, and especially the kayaking described in the Sobek interary that takes you through sea caves only accessible by kayak. Is it worthwhile to tour both Saigon and Hanoi in this short time frame?  I’ve heard that Hanoi has more engaging architecture.  If you had to pick only one city to visit which would it be?  Is a side trip to Ankor Wat worth giving up a few days in Vietnam?  Is it difficult to find a canoe or kayak without a tour group? I apologize for what is a message with too little focus, but I hope you have some impressions that you can share.  Below I have listed two separate itineraries–any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Doug Intinerary #1: ITINERARY                                      Day 1 — Leave your home town and fly to Hanoi, Vietnam (your                                      air itinerary will be coordinated by a member of the Mountain                                      Travel – Sobek Air Desk).                                      Day 2 — En route.                                      Day 3 — Arrive in Hanoi in the afternoon. You will be met at the                                      airport and transferred to your hotel for a rest after your long                                      journey. The remainder of the day is free to rest, relax, or                                      explore on your own. Hanoi is a picturesque city of more than a                                      million people. Its tree shaded streets are filled with lovely                                      examples of French colonial architecture. Our hotel is situated                                      on one of the narrow bustling streets of the ancient commercial                                      quarter. Welcome dinner and orientation.                                      Day 4 — Today we will have a full day tour of Hanoi. We will                                      visit the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the Temple of Literature,                                      and Fine Arts Museum, where we see displays of tools and                                      costumes of the ethnic minorities of Vietnam, plus some                                      classical and modern art. We’ll wander the downtown area,                                      visiting the colorful Hanoi market and the market district,                                      where each street hosts vendors of a particular trade: metal                                      workers, funerary wreaths, and electronics. Dinner on your own.                                      After dinner we’ll attend a Vietnamese folk performance of the                                      water puppets.                                      Day 5 — Travel to Bai Chai by van. Lunch in one of the many                                      restaurants along the beach. In the afternoon we take a ferry to                                      Hon Gai, a busy fishing port set in a beautiful natural harbor. We                                      spend the night in a hotel overlooking the expanse of Ha Long                                      Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy dinner at one of                                      the local seafood restaurants.                                      Day 6 — In the morning we board our support vessel, a                                      traditional wooden boat, and after a seafood lunch head for the                                      eastern edge of Ha Long Bay. We arrive at a beautiful beach                                      where we have lunch and set up camp. In the afternoon the                                      guides will teach paddling techniques and rescue procedures.                                      Day 7 — We spend the day exploring an island group known as                                      the Medusa. Conditions permitting, we skirt the exposed side of                                      the group with its sea caves and arches.                                      Day 8 — In the morning we follow a string of islands, taking our                                      time to stop at shell beaches, small sea caves, and hidden coves.                                      After lunch we navigate a maze of limestone islets rising                                      vertically from the depths of the sea. By late afternoon we arrive                                      at a beach where we set up our camp.                                      Day 9 — We choose a previously unexplored route through                                      several island groups, and arrive at a beach with a tiny temple                                      nestled among stone pillars. After setting up camp near the                                      temple, we join local fishermen at moonrise as they make                                      offerings to the deities of the sea. If conditions are favorable, we                                      undertake a moonlight paddle.                                      Day 10 — An opening in one of the sheer rock walls of an island                                      near our campsite leads us to an intricate labyrinth of tunnels                                      and hidden lagoons. Then we follow the serpentine coastline to                                      the exposed side of this island. The afternoon is free for relaxing,                                      swimming, fishing, or exploration in small groups. Return to                                      camp in the evening.                                      Day 11 — En route to Cat Ba Island we paddle through rock                                      gardens and along coral beaches. Upon our arrival, we have time                                      to experience the bustling fishing port of Cat Ba, where we can                                      take a woven bamboo boat to tour the harbor. In the evening we                                      compete with local fishermen in their favorite pastime —                                      karaoke! We spend the night in a hotel.                                      Day 12 — We travel first by kayak and then aboard our support                                      vessel to Tuan Chau Island. This charming place with its French                                      colonial architecture is of particular historical significance                                      because it was the favorite retreat of Ho Chi Minh. We spend the                                      night in one of its old French villas. (The accommodation is                                      basic but evokes nostalgia for a bygone era.)                                      Day 13 — After a morning paddle we visit some legendary                                      grottos, such as "Hang Dau Go" and "Hang Bo Nau." We return                                      to Bai Chai where we celebrate our successful navigation of Ha                                      Long Bay in a local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.                                      Day 14 — Return to Hanoi by van. Farewell banquet in the                                      evening at the traditional Indochine restaurant. Overnight in                                      Hanoi. Itinerary #2 ITINERARY                                      Day 1 — Leave your home town and fly to Ho Chi Minh City                                      (Saigon), Vietnam, via Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong (your                                      air itinerary will be coordinated by a member of the Mountain                                      Travel – Sobek Air Desk).                                      Day 2 — En route.                                      Day 3 — HO CHI MINH CITY. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. You                                      will be met by a member of the Mountain Travel – Sobek staff                                      outside the customs and immigration area at the airport. This                                      representative will answer questions, brief you on the immediate                                      arrangements, and escort you to your hotel. We will meet this                                      evening for a welcome dinner and briefing. Overnight at the

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Question:

[deleted] I say stick with the SLR and be extra careful. Something I do not know yet is what the ‘practical’ shock-limit is on these SLR’s.  I mean, jostling them about…sticking them here and there…is that OK ? — TimW Halfordian Golfer

Tim, I would recommend putting a skylight filter on your lens. If you bump the front of your lens or scratch it, you have ruined a cheap filter and not an expensive lens. I’ve prevented expensive damage to two or three lenses this way. Just put it on and leave it. Your exposure won’t be noticably affected. Jim

Response:

Hi Moe,

I only bring my camera when I’m hiking and fishing into a pretty, isolated area so it just goes into my daypack with everything else.  The pack stays on the bank when I go into the water.  It works out fine, and I haven’t lost the pack yet.  I don’t wear a vest, though, so I’m not sure how that would work. Dave

Response:

Actually may soften the image and shadows in a pleasing way. Try it out!

Q: Do photographers still use Vaseline for the same effect? A: Not when they’re using a condom.  The petroleum weakens them, and they break. Be careful out there. Dave

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly   Is this insolvable ?  Is the only answer a compromise towards a   ruggedized waterproof camera ? NO and YES. I bought a Pentax IQ zoom waterproof camera (~$250-270) for this purpose after I fell into a stream in New Zealand with my friend’s camera (ruining it and leaving me without a small camera).  I rarely carry my SLR/lenses because of weight and fear that I will ruin a zillion dollars with one false step.  This particular waterproof camera is pretty good – it is not a simple point and shoot.  I wear it around my neck all the time when fishing, and I take more pictures now. cheers,       -tgades I’ve got the same camera – a great piece of work. To bad there’s no built-in lens cap for it, but it’s 99.9999% on the way to being the perfect camera for fishing. Nice macro feature for close-ups. Pentax has a new model (IQ 110?) for more money – with a very wide angle lens for panorama shots, but this one gives up on the water- resistance feature, I think. I also carry my camera in a plastic zip-lock baggie (my wallet’s got a baggie too) just to be sure it’ll survive my next unplanned wetdown. If I’m with someone else, they learn how to shoot a picture with it in about 10 seconds.

I tried the inexpensive point and shoot.  My photos were fine, but my ex-girlfriend couldn’t take a picture of me, with my fish, without cutting my head off.  I’ve easily got 20 pictures of me with fish that aren’t up to quality for the album. At least she had other attributes… I seem to recall Outer Banks used to sell a camera bag, made for several different makes.  Essentially a ziplock attached to a lens filter. Anyone ever use one?  Probably not good for underwater shots, but I bet it’d hold up through one of my early morning baths. — Mark N. Cahill For E-mail remove the _Remove_This from the reply to address.   On a side note, my grandfather aways told me you couldn’t catch fish until you got water in you waders.  I’ve ammended that to you can’t catch trophy fish until you’ve ruined the camera.  His maxim still holds true though.

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(But, being prone to being prone…

Priceless ! — TimW Halfordian Golfer

Response:

[deleted] I say stick with the SLR and be extra careful.

Something I do not know yet is what the ‘practical’ shock-limit is on these SLR’s.  I mean, jostling them about…sticking them here and there…is that OK ?   — TimW Halfordian Golfer

Response:

DENNIS VICK responds: Well I hate to mention this in a family area, but condoms work just

great for protecting your SLR from the environment(non-ribbed type!) and you can still use the buttons, etc. And if you use the colored ones, It creates Great visual filter effects, Right?  Now, if they only made polorized ones for under water shots..;)

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[deleted] I say stick with the SLR and be extra careful. Something I do not know yet is what the ‘practical’ shock-limit is on these SLR’s.  I mean, jostling them about…sticking them here and there…is that OK ? — TimW Halfordian Golfer

The better models in almost all camera makers lines are very shock resistant. Nikon F series, Pentax K series, Olympus OM, Cannon F series. If you keep your gear in a well padded and designed bag it will take a drop from body height without any problem. Zoom lenses can be the exception I have had them break when I rolled a bag of gear down a stairs. They can’t handle a blow head on. If you are really rough or travel a log get a hard case. I have run over my hard case with my truck without damage…….woops. If you do dunk a high quality slr equipment in a river get it to a camera repair person as soon as possible. If you dunk it good in saltwater look for a new camera. In using your camera. Remove from well padded case put strap over neck then make your pictures, change your film etc. Never set your gear on the trunk of your car. If you need a clean surface set your gear on the driver’s side hood. If you are hiking around rocks and need quick access to your camera keep it around your neck with the lens facing your body. This is photojournalist style. If you have been working in a dusty area use canned air to remove dust. I don’t care where you put your lens cap but make a habbit of putting it in the same place every time. All the Best, Michael Smith

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi. but that is not why I post… How do you deal with an expensive electronic ridden camera as a component of your flyfishing equipment ?.  As I was preparing for ….etc…. — TimW Halfordian Golfer      Tim – I carry a small 35mm auto-everything camera with me, and I protect it by putting it in a sturdy ziplock bag. Just before you close the last little corner of the ziplock, wrap your lips around it tightly and suck out the air in the bag; then quickly close the seal. This sort of molds to bag to the camera – you can even take a decent shot with the bag still on the camera in desperate circumstances. It has worked for me for many, many years.     In rereading this I see I have left myself wide open to your brand of humor, Tim. Try to restrain yourself, I am a respectable old lady of 66 [but still fishing!].      

Thank goodness you realize it as the harmless humor that it is …life is too short not to laugh…laugh loud and laugh often… Thanks very much for the tip and I will not take advantage of the obvious cheap shot that you left me and my devils workshop…   — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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MS How do you deal with an expensive electronic ridden camera as a MS component of your flyfishing equipment ?.  As I was preparing for MS the day on the river on Saturday, my vest could carry water or MS the camera, but not both, and I did not want another bag. MS Is this insolvable ?  Is the only answer a compromise towards a MS ruggedized waterproof camera ?  Perhaps the fishing stuff stays MS home and only the photography equipment makes the truck ride MS next time. Well I hate to mention this in a family area, but condoms work just great for protecting your SLR from the environment(non-ribbed type!) and you can still use the buttons, etc.

You either have a really small camera or a really big asdfj NO CARRIER                                                 John Fereira

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DD Actually may soften the DD image and shadows in a pleasing way. Try it out! DD DD Q: Do photographers still use Vaseline for the same effect? DD DD A: Not when they’re using a condom.  The petroleum weakens them, and they DD break. Be careful out there. Oh man, I knew I forgot something important in the original post, and now I remember it… Be certain to buy the UNLUBRICATED version of the condom for use with your cameras! Now for the photography question. YES, wedding photographers still do this on occasion, but usually on a screw on filter instead of the actual lense, at least after their first try. I have also made many different special effects in the past by fooling with things on the filter. You can create a split-image rangefinder of sorts by a solid black stripe right down the middle of your filter for instance. Doesn’t show on the final image at all. Filters may be purchased with scored perpendicular lines on the called "starfire" filters which create incredble star highlights from candles, sunlight reflections off the water, etc. Dennis Vick … nfx v2.6 [C0000]                                                        

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[deleted] I say stick with the SLR and be extra careful. Something I do not know yet is what the ‘practical’ shock-limit is on these SLR’s.  I mean, jostling them about…sticking them here and there…is that OK ?

It probably depends on the model.  My Canon has been on every backpacking trip I’ve been on in the past couple years and accompanies me on most fishing trips.  So far, I haven’t managed to even put a scratch on it.  If it is raining, I can take it out, take a picture, whipe the rain off, and put it back in the case with no harm done.  One of these times, I’m sure I’ll take a nasty tumble and kill it, but so far so good.   Later,      - Ken — Ken Janik Oregon State University Dept of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – MS How do you deal with an expensive electronic ridden camera as a MS component of your flyfishing equipment ?.  As I was preparing for MS the day on the river on Saturday, my vest could carry water or MS the camera, but not both, and I did not want another bag. MS Is this insolvable ?  Is the only answer a compromise towards a MS ruggedized waterproof camera ?  Perhaps the fishing stuff stays MS home and only the photography equipment makes the truck ride MS next time. Well I hate to mention this in a family area, but condoms work just great for protecting your SLR from the environment(non-ribbed type!) and you can still use the buttons, etc. Good Lord, I hate to see the reponse from this one…but I AM SERIOUS. BTW, be sure to buy a good name brand. Leaks in these things can be pretty devastating. I swear, I am serious, Try it…….really! These things will blow up to 6′ diameter. No problem with a little camera. Stretch the material over the lense part so its close to clear. Why am I explaining this to you anyway, didn’t your parents tell you anything! Teachers, clergy, planned parenthood? Oh heck, just have fun. It works!

Interesting… You shoot through the stretched latex ???? I can really see explaining the condoms to my wife as I head out the door for a weeks fishing in Idaho… "Really honey, they are, uh, for my, uh, camera…!!!" This is a family area ?   Scary, as you can be in alt.things.even.your.mama.never.told.you in about 3 mouse clicks… — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Moe, I have a Nikon FG and a Nikon F70, both of which cause me to cring a little when I bring them close to the water. I enjoy the artistic element of using an SLR too much to justify getting a waterproof auto camera. I have thus run into your problem. So far I have handled it by only taking the camera out of the car for dedicated photo shoots. I try to avoid wading with the camera if possible. When I’m done I get the rod out again and enjoy the fishing.  Last year my sis’ accompanied me on a trip and I got her to take some photos of me from the bank while I was wading. I say stick with the SLR and be extra careful. Paul

I’ll second the sticking with the SLR.  I have a Canon Elan.  I went to G.I. Joe’s and got a small (6"x7"x2") canvas bag.  It’s not waterproof, but it keeps the rain out.  It’ll hold the body and one lens, detached of course.  I wrap them both in ziplock freezer bags and throw those little water absorption pads that come with most electronic equipment in with them (you know, the ones that advise not eating them).  Most electonic stores will give them away from the packaging of their floor models. I attach it to my vest or backpack with a carbeaner(SP?), but if the wading looks too risky I’ll leave it on the bank of the river.  Yes, I tend to fish in VERY isolated areas, do not try this in more crowded areas. My $0.02,      - Ken — Ken Janik Oregon State University Dept of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Response:

Hi. but that is not why I post… How do you deal with an expensive electronic ridden camera as a component of your flyfishing equipment ?.  As I was preparing for ….etc…. — TimW Halfordian Golfer

     Tim – I carry a small 35mm auto-everything camera with me, and I protect it by putting it in a sturdy ziplock bag. Just before you close the last little corner of the ziplock, wrap your lips around it tightly and suck out the air in the bag; then quickly close the seal. This sort of molds to bag to the camera – you can even take a decent shot with the bag still on the camera in desperate circumstances. It has worked for me for many, many years.     In rereading this I see I have left myself wide open to your brand of humor, Tim. Try to restrain yourself, I am a respectable old lady of 66 [but still fishing!].       Louise Scharrenberg

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BD Well I hate to mention this in a family area, but condoms work just great BD protecting your SLR from the environment(non-ribbed type!) and you can sti BD use the buttons, etc. BD BD You either have a really small camera or a really big No big thing Roger.  Without getting too detailed, I have actually seen these things blown up to 5′ diameters and paper macheyed(sp?) in the old "phyche shops" of the 60’s. Pretty scary under black lights with flourescent posters and incense burning… Dennis Vick … nfx v2.6 [C0000]                                                        

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MS Interesting… MS MS You shoot through the stretched latex ???? Yep! You stretch it over the lense until it becomes pretty clear. Don’t have the technical reason for you, but cameras tend to ignore things that are very close to the lense. I have shot right thorough chain link fences for instance with no noticeable affect provided I was close enough. Actually may soften the image and shadows in a pleasing way. Try it out! MS I can really see explaining the condoms to my wife as I head out the MS door for a weeks fishing in Idaho… MS MS "Really honey, they are, uh, for my, uh, camera…!!!" Reminds of a story where the hunter bitches out his wife for not packing his socks after a three week hunting trip.. "But I did pack your socks honey!" "Where the he** did you pack them then?" "In the case with your rifle!" Dennis Vick … nfx v2.6 [C0000]                                                        

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Hi. I recently acquired my first 35mmSLR, and I really, really enjoy learning about and using it.  It is my sincere hope that I can capture some of the joys of flyfishing on film as it satisfies me.  I also want to try and document some of what I feel is very wrong in our sport, particularly overcrowding on the river and wounded or sickly fish that should be killed… but that is not why I post… How do you deal with an expensive electronic ridden camera as a component of your flyfishing equipment ?.  As I was preparing for the day on the river on Saturday, my vest could carry water or the camera, but not both, and I did not want another bag. As it turns out, I had the opportunity to get some great shots of my dear friend flyfishing, but as it also turned out, I did a little uninentional snorkelling on saturday AM too…I would have gotten the camera wet, at the very least. Is this insolvable ?  Is the only answer a compromise towards a ruggedized waterproof camera ?  Perhaps the fishing stuff stays home and only the photography equipment makes the truck ride next time. Tia, — TimW Halfordian Golfer

Response:

   Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly    Is this insolvable ?  Is the only answer a compromise towards a    ruggedized waterproof camera ?   NO and YES. I bought a Pentax IQ zoom waterproof camera (~$250-270) for this purpose after I fell into a stream in New Zealand with my friend’s camera (ruining it and leaving me without a small camera).  I rarely carry my SLR/lenses because of weight and fear that I will ruin a zillion dollars with one false step.  This particular waterproof camera is pretty good – it is not a simple point and shoot.  I wear it around my neck all the time when fishing, and I take more pictures now. cheers,         -tgades http://weber.u.washington.edu/~tgades/Fishing/fish_page.html

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi. I recently acquired my first 35mmSLR, and I really, really enjoy learning about and using it……. How do you deal with an expensive electronic ridden camera as a component of your flyfishing equipment ?.  As I was preparing for the day on the river on Saturday, my vest could carry water or the camera, but not both, and I did not want another bag. As it turns out, I had the opportunity to get some great shots of my dear friend flyfishing, but as it also turned out, I did a little uninentional snorkelling on saturday AM too…I would have gotten the camera wet, at the very least. Is this insolvable ?  Is the only answer a compromise towards a ruggedized waterproof camera ?  Perhaps the fishing stuff stays home and only the photography equipment makes the truck ride next time.

Over the last twenty-five years I’ve had different cameras, SLR’s, range finders and one fixed lens. Sailing the ocean, mountaineering in unforgiving places, and stream side require different kind of cammera, NOT. Your camera, like your fly rod, is just a tool with limitations. What I discovered is, to take really wonderful shots use a SLR and buy every lens and gadget you find to help you at your task. Forget about fishing you won’t have time. You’ll be checking your light meter, checking back lighting, comparing gray scale zones, experimenting with how far you can push the ASA. And coming full circle when you move to a new location. Man that sounds like a lot of work and it really is. You could empty out you fishing vest and fill it full of camera stuff. Bingo, you are an official professional photographer or at least look like one. But for my money I went for the range finder type. One lens and one filter and that’s it. No fuss, good pic’s, with limitations. I just wanted to record what I saw, where I’d been, and what I’d experience. Just didn’t want to build a monument around it. I recommend these three range finder cameras, Reolli 35S (older german made w/big lens), Nikon Action Touch (really water proof to 12 feet), and an old Cannon Cannonete which is my current clicker. If my camera fell into bad grace I would not feel to badly because I mostly find used cameras that others have traded in to buy SLR’s. There’s a good steady supply, you just have to look for the deals. They do make waterproof bags that will keep your cameras dry, mostly used by white water rafters. But I hate cumbersome bags and am willing to take the chance on dousing the camera. Maybe if your fascination of fishing pictures really develops you could start taking pictures underwater of trout behavior and taking the fly. Yes, like flyfishing, it’s just another disease. When you get the darkroom going I could use some flytying gear, hint, hint, hint, since you will be up to your elbows in developer and fixer. — Doug Knight                           metalfab<atefaxinc.com Junk e-mail, solicitation, sales, products and services gladly accepted at $500.00 per mailing and billed directly to your ISP.

Response:

MS How do you deal with an expensive electronic ridden camera as a MS component of your flyfishing equipment ?.  As I was preparing for MS the day on the river on Saturday, my vest could carry water or MS the camera, but not both, and I did not want another bag. MS Is this insolvable ?  Is the only answer a compromise towards a MS ruggedized waterproof camera ?  Perhaps the fishing stuff stays MS home and only the photography equipment makes the truck ride MS next time. Well I hate to mention this in a family area, but condoms work just great for protecting your SLR from the environment(non-ribbed type!) and you can still use the buttons, etc. Good Lord, I hate to see the reponse from this one…but I AM SERIOUS. BTW, be sure to buy a good name brand. Leaks in these things can be pretty devastating. I swear, I am serious, Try it…….really! These things will blow up to 6′ diameter. No problem with a little camera. Stretch the material over the lense part so its close to clear. Why am I explaining this to you anyway, didn’t your parents tell you anything! Teachers, clergy, planned parenthood? Oh heck, just have fun. It works! Dennis Vick … nfx v2.6 [C0000]                                                        

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly   Is this insolvable ?  Is the only answer a compromise towards a   ruggedized waterproof camera ?   NO and YES. I bought a Pentax IQ zoom waterproof camera (~$250-270) for this purpose after I fell into a stream in New Zealand with my friend’s camera (ruining it and leaving me without a small camera).  I rarely carry my SLR/lenses because of weight and fear that I will ruin a zillion dollars with one false step.  This particular waterproof camera is pretty good – it is not a simple point and shoot.  I wear it around my neck all the time when fishing, and I take more pictures now. cheers,    -tgades

I’ve got the same camera – a great piece of work. To bad there’s no built-in lens cap for it, but it’s 99.9999% on the way to being the perfect camera for fishing. Nice macro feature for close-ups. Pentax has a new model (IQ 110?) for more money – with a very wide angle lens for panorama shots, but this one gives up on the water- resistance feature, I think. I also carry my camera in a plastic zip-lock baggie (my wallet’s got a baggie too) just to be sure it’ll survive my next unplanned wetdown. If I’m with someone else, they learn how to shoot a picture with it in about 10 seconds. Don B. Wishful collector of Gillums and Dickersons – owner of Montague, H-I and Heddons.

Response:

I, too, rarely carry my SLR when fishing. And I often regret it when I get back prints from my point and shoot that are incorrectly exposed. (But, being prone to being prone, it’s the only way to go for me). Does anyone have any ideas for an inexpensive (<$150) auto-focus that allows for manual exposure setting? John Nesselrode Shawnee, KS

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there a couple of nice "photo backpacks" on the market. the one i got has a space for water or snacks or whatever. although it is not 100% waterproof – it will keep my expensive gear dry during brief recreational swims. i have decided that the inconvenience of the extra weight on my back is outweighed by the potential for great photos. p.s.   olympus makes a very small camera (will fit in almost any vest pocket) that is weatherproof. i believe they cost around $200.   greg

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Hi Moe, I have a Nikon FG and a Nikon F70, both of which cause me to cring a little when I bring them close to the water. I enjoy the artistic element of using an SLR too much to justify getting a waterproof auto camera. I have thus run into your problem. So far I have handled it by only taking the camera out of the car for dedicated photo shoots. I try to avoid wading with the camera if possible. When I’m done I get the rod out again and enjoy the fishing.  Last year my sis’ accompanied me on a trip and I got her to take some photos of me from the bank while I was wading. I say stick with the SLR and be extra careful. Paul – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi. How do you deal with an expensive electronic ridden camera as a component of your flyfishing equipment ?.  As I was preparing for the day on the river on Saturday, my vest could carry water or the camera, but not both, and I did not want another bag. Is this insolvable ?  Is the only answer a compromise towards a ruggedized waterproof camera ?  Perhaps the fishing stuff stays home and only the photography equipment makes the truck ride next time. Tia, — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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Question:

I’ve never been to the Outer Banks but would like to fish the area if there are some flats for boat or wading for redfish … would like to hear from anyone who has info on fishing the area … hear that Ocrakoke is thanks, Bob Vorel

Response:

Bob: Dave Motes here Excellent wade fishing in the sounds behind the Outer banks–all over. Virtually any place you can get to the sound (Manteo causeway south; Currituck is brackish and holds stripers and LMB’s, and trout and flounder when rainfall is lower). You can wade almost anywhere–all the sounds are shallow, though with moving tides and waves in cool water, be careful.  Most places have hard sand bottom.  I also was approached by a large in-shore shark once, probably a bull, at Pea Island.  He left me alone though almost killed my indirectly by pulmonary explosion. My favorite spots:   Manteo Causeway area Bodie Island light  (right turn before the light, in the circle park at the gate; walk down the path then bear right; fish the gut from the dock out west and into the sound there); the top of Pea Island (park at the foot of the Bonner Bridge, cross the road, don’t get run over, bear left, walk out the break; farther the better, all the way to the point if you’re energetic.) anywhere south of there will work; when the water’s clear look for the creases and holes.  Around Hatteras there’s a lifesaving station and a long slough there called (I think )7-mile slough–usually holds fish. I’m talking specs here–flounder also mixed in, blues and stripers, especially around Oregon Inlet–more reds to the south though every year’s different.  I haven’t fished Ocracoke but I’ve heard that there are more and more puppy drum around, and if conditions are right you can even find them in the shallows tailing and rooting a la FLA.  Use any fly you want as long as it’s a clouser in green–UltraHair works–or a bendback deceiver if the grass gets pesky. Happy to go more.  Let me know when you’re planning to go–maybe we can hook up. Zander Brody guides out of Hatteras.  Happy to drive you around and show you spots and put you on fish, surf, sound, or boat. Dave

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Question:

The leatherman and similar tools, and fatly featured swiss knives are bulky and heavy in the pocket.  I use a thin swiss knife or small pocket knife and a pair of the smallest size Channellock brand slip-joint pliers. The channellocks have the slip joint and can just barely stretch to grip a spark plug, yet are small enough to pinch down barbs as small as size 18. They are handier for automotive purposes than needlenose because of the range of grip and the mechanical advantage of their design, though this is not a concern if you carry a good tool kit in your vehicle. At the tip they bite good enough to clip leader material. They are usually adequate for removing hooks for fly fishing where the hooks tend not to be deep in the mouths. Beware of the lookalike brands as they tend to break when you need to really clamp down. One thing I have discovered is that you can open cans or bottles with any sharp pocket knife with a good carbon steel blade. Mark Vinsel http://www.lanminds.com/local/vinnie/gallery.html

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(DPortw8840) writes: I can think of any number of situations where I certainly would take any of them over nothing! I can think of any number of situations where I would take a stick over nothing. To me the biggest advantage of the S.A.K. is I always have one in my pocket.

The two aren’t mutually exclusive.  I have carried a pocket knife daily for more than 40 years.  I recently switched to a SAK after having carried a single-blade lock-blade Gerber/Buck (depending on what I bought when I lost my old one) for nearly 20 years.  I appreciate the utility of the SAK, but that doesn’t mean it’s always the best tool for the job. When I was in the military I always wore a belt knife of some sort, either a big Buck folder, a rigging knife, a large blade (6") sheath knife or a boot knife, but I always had my current favorite pocket knife tucked away somewhere.  I’ve carried as many as three at a time, depending on the situation and need. When the situation requires it I carry a Leatherman, too.  Either on my belt or in the tank bag of my motorcycle.  But I usually take it off when I wear a suit.  It tends to scuff the lining of the jacket.

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: 1) All stainless steel construction… but matte finished! Nothing shiny : or reflective. : But not a very rust resistant stainless steel.  Mine rusted and pitted : after one exposure to saltwater. Saltwater is so corrosive that it will affect even stainless steel. ALWAYS wash your gear with lots of fresh water after being around the salt. : 3) On the Gerber tool, the extra stuff is _inside_ the handles, as : opposed to outside on the Leatherman. Why was this important? Well, : think about which handles are more comfortable to squeeze hard… :  _     _              _   _ :  _|   |_        or   |_   _|  as viewed from the end of the tool. :    (L)                 (G) That is the only complaint about the leatherman. But the "cutting" affect from the handles is not noticable until I use a lot of force on the pliers. And that force is more than the tool was designed for! Remember that the pliers are needle-nose. How much force do you use on those? : The Gerber tools are MUCH easier on the hands… kinda important if : you’re cutting wire… or big hooks. : In addition, this means that the Gerber tool’s blades _can’t_ close back : on the handle while in use… a nifty finger-saving feature that the : Leatherman _doesn’t_ have! Not true. If you find the tools folding back on you, then you need to close the handles on the Leatherman. The only tool on that knife that is to use with the handles open is the pliers. By closing the tool, you are using a sort of "blade lock". : I’ve used mine to cut wire and hooks, fix battery terminal cables, : dispatch northern pike and clean them (though it’s NOT a particularly : GOOD fillet knife… just all I had available! The blade isn’t flexible : enough.) Tighten various screws around the house, and even cut a 1" limb : off of a tree… I was too lazy to go back and get the saw! <G Leatherman can do all that, and is a more compact tool to boot! Jon Porter

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(DPortw8840) writes: I can think of any number of situations where I certainly would take any of them over nothing!

I can think of any number of situations where I would take a stick over nothing. To me the biggest advantage of the S.A.K. is I always have one in my pocket.             Jim

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife. The place I used to work sold Leatherman, Swiss Army, Gerber, and the Leatherman copy (Avoid these! They’re TRASH!) Leatherman DOES make 3 or 4 models… but don’t neglect the Gerber version of the tool, either. Here’s why I bought my Gerber… 1) All stainless steel construction… but matte finished! Nothing shiny or reflective. 2) ONE HAND opening of pliers. Pull it out, snap your wrist, and the pliers are ready to use. Just the thing for handling pike! 3) On the Gerber tool, the extra stuff is _inside_ the handles, as opposed to outside on the Leatherman. Why was this important? Well, think about which handles are more comfortable to squeeze hard…   _     _              _   _   _|   |_        or   |_   _|  as viewed from the end of the tool.     (L)                 (G) The Gerber tools are MUCH easier on the hands… kinda important if you’re cutting wire… or big hooks. In addition, this means that the Gerber tool’s blades _can’t_ close back on the handle while in use… a nifty finger-saving feature that the Leatherman _doesn’t_ have! I’ve used mine to cut wire and hooks, fix battery terminal cables, dispatch northern pike and clean them (though it’s NOT a particularly GOOD fillet knife… just all I had available! The blade isn’t flexible enough.) Tighten various screws around the house, and even cut a 1" limb off of a tree… I was too lazy to go back and get the saw! <G Comes with a velcro-closing cordura belt case, too… Very nice.

Hi Joe, Based on your comments regarding the Gerber tool, I’m going to give one a try.  I’ve used the Leatherman for a couple of years and you are tight.   When you use the pliers on any tough material the Leatherman handles are rough on the hands — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 catalog)

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I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife.

Having used the Leatherman, the Swiss Army Knives, and the Gerber Multi-Plier, my preference is for the Gerber Multi-Plier, and particularly the new needle nosed version.  I like the way that I can bring it into play with one hand over fumbling around with the Leatherman, and I like the way that the sharper edges of the handle are inside on the Gerber, as opposed to digging into your hand on the Leatherman.  The one thing that I don’t like about the Gerber is the way that the sides of the handles come together.  Your learn rapidly to keep your fingers out of there! All of the three are good tools for what they were designed, and I can think of any number of situations where I certainly would take any of them over nothing!

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: I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is : more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your : belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be : used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife. For my vote as a practical SURVIVAL tool, I chose the Leatherman.  The Swiss Army knife is very useful in all of it’s models and configurations. But I find the Leatherman to be compact, very sturdy, and with the combination of tools that I need for my outdoor activities. I have used it for trips into the wilderness for up to a week at a time. It is also a very useful tool for me at work. I carry it almost full time while I go about my daily business. Jon Porter

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I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife. 1) All stainless steel construction… but matte finished! Nothing shiny or reflective.

But not a very rust resistant stainless steel.  Mine rusted and pitted after one exposure to saltwater. 2) ONE HAND opening of pliers. Pull it out, snap your wrist, and the pliers are ready to use. Just the thing for handling pike!

Until you get a little dirt/grit in the mechanism.   3) On the Gerber tool, the extra stuff is _inside_ the handles, as opposed to outside on the Leatherman. Why was this important? Well, think about which handles are more comfortable to squeeze hard…  _     _              _   _  _|   |_        or   |_   _|  as viewed from the end of the tool.    (L)                 (G) The Gerber tools are MUCH easier on the hands… kinda important if you’re cutting wire… or big hooks.

They’re easier on your hands, until the can opener breaks and slips into the hand holding the can.  That’s what happened with mine.   In addition, this means that the Gerber tool’s blades _can’t_ close back on the handle while in use… a nifty finger-saving feature that the Leatherman _doesn’t_ have! I’ve used mine to cut wire and hooks, fix battery terminal cables, dispatch northern pike and clean them (though it’s NOT a particularly GOOD fillet knife… just all I had available! The blade isn’t flexible enough.) Tighten various screws around the house, and even cut a 1" limb off of a tree… I was too lazy to go back and get the saw! <G Comes with a velcro-closing cordura belt case, too… Very nice.

Leatherman comes with a snap closing "leather" belt case. Gerber was, however, quick to replace the one I returned to them.

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I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife.

The place I used to work sold Leatherman, Swiss Army, Gerber, and the Leatherman copy (Avoid these! They’re TRASH!) Leatherman DOES make 3 or 4 models… but don’t neglect the Gerber version of the tool, either. Here’s why I bought my Gerber… 1) All stainless steel construction… but matte finished! Nothing shiny or reflective. 2) ONE HAND opening of pliers. Pull it out, snap your wrist, and the pliers are ready to use. Just the thing for handling pike! 3) On the Gerber tool, the extra stuff is _inside_ the handles, as opposed to outside on the Leatherman. Why was this important? Well, think about which handles are more comfortable to squeeze hard…   _     _              _   _   _|   |_        or   |_   _|  as viewed from the end of the tool.     (L)                 (G) The Gerber tools are MUCH easier on the hands… kinda important if you’re cutting wire… or big hooks. In addition, this means that the Gerber tool’s blades _can’t_ close back on the handle while in use… a nifty finger-saving feature that the Leatherman _doesn’t_ have! I’ve used mine to cut wire and hooks, fix battery terminal cables, dispatch northern pike and clean them (though it’s NOT a particularly GOOD fillet knife… just all I had available! The blade isn’t flexible enough.) Tighten various screws around the house, and even cut a 1" limb off of a tree… I was too lazy to go back and get the saw! <G Comes with a velcro-closing cordura belt case, too… Very nice. — Joe Ellis         o/~ The Synthetic Filker o/~ |    TesserAct Studios  ()X  Darwin (;        Now on the Web at      |   Fairfield, OH 45018  //~~~LL~~~~LL~  http://shell.idt.net/~ellis69 |  New Dimensions In Filk!

Response:

I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife.

Hi J&J, I like my Leatherman much better than my Swiss Army Knife for the things I use a combo tool for.  I particularly like the plier feature of the L which my SAK does not have. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 catalog)

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says… I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife.

I used to have a Leatherman, but he started getting just a wee bit too toppish.   Left him in a bar one night. David

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I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife.

Agree, as long as you don’t get one of those cheap knock-offs.  Real pieces of garbage, extremely stiff pliers that don’t close, knives as sharp as a dorsal fin, etc. Get the real thing, or a quality competitor.

Response:

I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife. Agree, as long as you don’t get one of those cheap knock-offs.  Real pieces of garbage, extremely stiff pliers that don’t close, knives as sharp as a dorsal fin, etc. Get the real thing, or a quality competitor.

I found a pair of the $15 fishing pliers with wire cutter on a beach about 4 years ago and they work fantastic. Offshore Anglers & Cabelas have them. They don’t have as many gadgets as a Letherman, but I haven’t noticed it to be a problem so far.                                                         jc

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I’ll start this by stating my preference for the Leatherman. It is more substantial in it’s manufacture and is easily carried on your belt. The tool selection is more than practical and are more apt to be used than those provided in the Swiss Army Knife.

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Question:

   Can anyone reccommend where to go in Rockland COunty NY?  I recently went up to Roscoe for the Memorial Day weekend and would like to not go so far from home (2-2.5 hrs).  I live in northern NJ, but do not have a license here, only NY– resulting from my first trip this year. Thanks for any advise. Brian Charles — Brian Charles

You didn’t mention a preference of venue or species to target, but have you tried Rockland Lake? It has a variety of species to target including Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, crappie, perch and an overabundance of bluegill. There may even be a pickerel or two around. If you wade, be very careful. I got stuck in mud up to my chest obver there near some lilly pads. Fortunately, another angler was able to pull me out. As for rivers/streams, you might try the Hudson for stripers and bluefish. You’ll need saltwater flyfishing gear for this venture though. I hear the Ramapo is making a comeback if trout are your target, but I don’t have any personal esperience there. You may want to call some local flyshops and get their opinion. One to try is the Matterhorn Country Sport Shop in Spring Valley, NY. Their phone number is 914.354.5986. Good Luck,     Jose

Response:

   Can anyone reccommend where to go in Rockland COunty NY?  I recently went up to Roscoe for the Memorial Day weekend and would like to not go so far from home (2-2.5 hrs).  I live in northern NJ, but do not have a license here, only NY– resulting from my first trip this year. Thanks for any advise. Brian Charles — Brian Charles

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Question:

If you have got this far, then I guess my subject line did the trick… Anyways, a brief story.  I had my vehicle broken into a little while ago.  After this I went to my insurance agent to get a contents package for my house (I share with others).  In doing so my great concerns were my library and my flytying cabinet!! So the point of this post hopefully is now evident.  Can you imagine going to you insurance agent and telling them that you just had $10,000 worth of feathers and fishing gear stolen, burned etc!!! Exactly, I’d believe you, but how many agents are FFers?? The solution I worked out with my agent was to make alist of everything and photograph it.  This is in my file at their office should anything happen.  In my case its covered under the general contents, however depending on your company it may have to be added as a rider.. Something to look into.. ATB Ian

Response:

Ian I am a fly fishing nut and an insurance agent.  you sure are right about how much we collect over the years.  I would recommend not only taking pictures, but video tape if you can.  Keep the tape/pictures off site (in case of a fire/theft).  What ins. company would believe I have 6 jungle cock necks worth over $100 each (especillay if i smuggled them in from canada!).  I also recommend keeping a "receipt file" where most purchase receipts are keep in a manilla folder by year.  Then keep then in in a steel file cabinet.  save your master card receipts too. The most happy people with insurance claims are the ones who took a few minutes to document proof of ownership before any claim occurred.  Also, I would recommend buying "replacement cost coverage" for your policy.  It is usally just 10% more of the premium and is well worth it.  I say take my wife but don’t dare take my flyfishing equipment!  Any way, document as

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Question:

I am planning to fish Pyrmid Lake in Nevada during mid April. I would appreciate any info regarding current conditions and fly patterns/sizes. Thanks in advance. Chuck Welby

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I am planning to fish Pyrmid Lake in Nevada during mid April. I would appreciate any info regarding current conditions and fly patterns/sizes. Thanks in advance. Chuck Welby

I was there last weekend.  I missed both day’s early morning fishing and understand that is was good before the sun hit the water.  The weather was very clear and sunny, temps from mid thirties in early morning to fifties. Most people are fishing near the nets in Sutcliff and other accesses in the middle west side. Visibility was low in the southern end but better around the nets – 3 feet or so.  It should be clearing unless it is windy. Most use wooly buggers or streamer flies, retrieved with fast strips on a sinking line. Have some bright and some dark ones. Those in the know bring ladders modified with a cross piece at the feet to limit the settling, or milk crates to stand on. Have a float of some kind tethered to it so you can get it if it tips over.  Float tubes are OK but BEWARE OF THE WIND.  It can come up fast and you could end up the next day frozen on the desolate opposite shore. For a scenic treat and hot springs get up to the Needles area at the northwest shore.  Warning – me be yahoos at the geyser but if so go way to the right to the smaller hot spring. Please be gentle if you happen to hook Lucy the Lahontan Leviathan.  If you hook bottom and she starts shaking her head, be patient. Mark Vinsel Visit my gallery: http://www.lanminds.com/local/vinnie/gallery.HTML (a pyramid lake painting on display)

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