Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – rw wrote… Basically, we dump ‘em in some pond in Georgia. Or stack them several deep, cram them into one tomb, cremate them and mix their ashes….. And is the resulting goop any good as berley?  Or wouldn’t it just be better to set the body out in the creek as crab bait, then when it’s full, pull ‘em off and set it out again? ‘certified crab bait’? Oh Lordy, stop it will you! Tony Deacon

…and just WHERE is it you thought GINK came from???

Response:

No – that  for foot and mouth Or stack them several deep, cram them into one tomb, cremate them and mix their ashes…..

– Charles Reaves

Response:

Is that allowed – I though chumming with mammalian products was a no-no Basically, we dump ‘em in some pond in Georgia.

– Charles Reaves

Response:

rw wrote… Basically, we dump ‘em in some pond in Georgia.

Or stack them several deep, cram them into one tomb, cremate them and mix their ashes….. — Warren change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

Response:

rw wrote… Basically, we dump ‘em in some pond in Georgia. Or stack them several deep, cram them into one tomb, cremate them and mix their ashes…..

And is the resulting goop any good as berley?  Or wouldn’t it just be better to set the body out in the creek as crab bait, then when it’s full, pull ‘em off and set it out again? — NightStalker Email addy is nightstalker87 at hot(you know).com

Response:

rw wrote… Basically, we dump ‘em in some pond in Georgia. Or stack them several deep, cram them into one tomb, cremate them and mix their ashes….. And is the resulting goop any good as berley?  Or wouldn’t it just be better to set the body out in the creek as crab bait, then when it’s full, pull ‘em off and set it out again?

‘certified crab bait’? Oh Lordy, stop it will you! Tony Deacon

Response:

‘certified crab bait’? Oh Lordy, stop it will you!

I love reading stuff like this.  Shows me that we haven’t lost touch with the larger sphere of angling activities.  I’ve run into some people who love to fly fish but they just don’t seem to be interested in fishing in general. Mu

Response:

rw wrote… Basically, we dump ‘em in some pond in Georgia. Or stack them several deep, cram them into one tomb, cremate them and mix their ashes…..

You’re not insulting our good friends in Narlens, are you? Tim

Response:

Sorry if I am not eager to enlist the help of the Tuscon Funeral Group for help with my fly fishing gear……

‘Certified After Care Providers’ Is that really what you Americans call undertakers? Absolutely priceless! ROFLMFAO Tony Deacon

Response:

Sorry if I am not eager to enlist the help of the Tuscon Funeral Group for help with my fly fishing gear…… ‘Certified After Care Providers’ Is that really what you Americans call undertakers? Absolutely priceless! ROFLMFAO Tony Deacon

Basically, we dump ‘em in some pond in Georgia. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

 You may have seen racks that hold fly rods before, but have you ever seen  one that holds reels and stores spare spools as well? We doubt it.  Here it  is– a unique Rack that will hold six (up to 9 ft) fly rods and six reels.  This wooden rack is hand crafted and framed in cedar.  Rod sections rest  comfortably and safely on felt.  Reels hang in the center and in the base  there’s a drawer for spare spools.  Obviously, it was designed by a fly  fisherman for fly fishermen.  Visit our site and see a rod and reel rack made by a fisherman for fishermen  www.t-f-g.com

Response:

Tim Gerds wrote…  Visit our site and see a rod and reel rack made by a fisherman for fishermen  www.t-f-g.com

Sorry if I am not eager to enlist the help of the Tuscon Funeral Group for help with my fly fishing gear…… — Warren (who loves spammers who are too stupid to even spam correctly) change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

Response:

Question:

Hello!  Has anyone hiked in Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada? I’ll be heading up there in June and I’m looking to spend a couple nights in the backcountry and flyfish.  I’d like to hike in, camp and fish, hike to a second location, and camp for the second night/fish.  Any route suggestions? TIA!

Response:

Haven’t been to that particular park, but anywhere in N.Ontario is bad for bugs at that time of year. Be prepared for blackflies and mosquitoes, i.e. bring bug jackets and bug dope (DEET).

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello!  Has anyone hiked in Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada? I’ll be heading up there in June and I’m looking to spend a couple nights in the backcountry and flyfish.  I’d like to hike in, camp and fish, hike to a second location, and camp for the second night/fish.  Any route suggestions? TIA!

Response:

Hello!  Has anyone hiked in Lake Superior Provincial Park, Ontario, Canada? I’ll be heading up there in June and I’m looking to spend a couple nights in the backcountry and flyfish.  I’d like to hike in, camp and fish, hike to a second location, and camp for the second night/fish.  Any route suggestions? TIA!

Don’t know about fly fishing, but the Gargantua Harbour / Warp Bay area is excellent to hike and explore for several days. Orphan Lake Trail will get you down to the coast where there are several sites to pitch a tent. Peter

Response:

Question:

I find that after about six dozen fish that they chew about half the head off the fly. I would like it to be durable enough to last for a full morning’s fishing.

That’s easy, go up to Dodge City and fish with Wayne Knight – the fly will last a year or more<g. — Charlie…

Response:

Willi wonders: Does any one here fish these patterns? I have tied a handful up, primarily the green(summer season) and orange(later evening) colors to see if they had special attractive characteristics for the stated periods of use. I can’t say that I fished them with top confidence, as I share your suspicion of general color theories. Anyway, they caught some fish, but didn’t knock my socks off.                               Tom Littleton

The waters he fished them on are pretty large turbulent waters. I don’t know what the exact area is like where he tested them but it is a large river. There areas of my local waters where I was going to try them are the deeper runs and the pocket water stretches. I’ll try to fish them with SOME confidence. Last fall I was in central/western Wyoming and had a couple days to fish. I stopped in a shop for some information. Since it was fall, the shop owner hadn’t had much business and seemed glad to have someone to talk to. We talked about quite a few things and he gave me some information that, I felt he wouldn’t normally give. It being fall in the Rockies, hatches were limited to sporadic caddis and BWO’s in about a size 20. The olives, he said, brought up the good fish. I asked him what he used and he showed me a large stimulator type fly that was very bright and flashy. The fly was tied on a number 14 stimulator hook which translated into a fly about the size of a normal size 10. I looked at him with some skepticism but bought a couple and went out. The section of river he sent me to carried alot of water even during the low flows typical in the Fall. The area was a series of deep strong runs, filled with large boulders.  I caught a few fish in the morning, then about 11 o’clock the Olives started popping up. I saw occasional rises and switched to a typical Olive imitation tied in a size eighteen. I caught a couple of smaller Browns on the current edges and continued to see an occasional surface feeding trout. The fish that were rising seemed to be smaller fish. I switched over to the fly that the shop owner recommended and I caught a number of sizable fish that came up off the bottom is the heavy current. My guess is that the better trout were feeding on the active and emerging nymphs but weren’t willing to come to the surface through the strong current for such a small fly. The larger attractor pattern, made the trip worthwhile. This isn’t a perfect example of his approach but it is the type of situation where a fly having certain exaggerated visual cues might work well. Willi

Response:

Willi wonders: Does any one here fish these patterns?

I have tied a handful up, primarily the green(summer season) and orange(later evening) colors to see if they had special attractive characteristics for the stated periods of use. I can’t say that I fished them with top confidence, as I share your suspicion of general color theories. Anyway, they caught some fish, but didn’t knock my socks off.                               Tom Littleton

Response:

with a series of flies designed by Gary LaFontaine that he calls his Double Wing series.

I have not experimented with the Double Wing series, but I have been using the Airheadfor several years now with great success, but unlike Gary, do not find it very durable. When I use it on the bedding bluegills I find that after about six dozen fish that they chew about half the head off the fly. I would like it to be durable enough to last for a full morning’s fishing. Big Dale

Response:

Willi, Did you every get the email I sent to you (aka "Rusty Hook")?  Anyway, if you didn’t, here it is again: I’ll probably head up to the Yellowstone area for my vacation, preferably during the clave, but it won’t be due to poor fishing conditions around here. I’ll just be ready for something different by August.

Come on by Stanley this summer, Willi, and we’ll fish for wild cutthroats in places so beautiful they’ll make you eyes bleed. I’ll warn you, though. You’ll have to exert yourself to get there. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Each year I come up with a few things that I’m interested in checking out streamside. This year, I’m looking to get a feel for streamer fishing, fishing a "cast" of wets and I’m thinking about experimenting with a series of flies designed by Gary LaFontaine that he calls his Double Wing series. Although I’m not much of a believer of a "right" fly or the importance of color overall, this series of flies is based on studies done by him using underwater divers to record the reactions of trout to certain colors and aspects of flies. The Double Wing series was a result of this study in terms of the "ideal" attractor pattern. He recommends certain color combinations for different light situations. Although Brooks, if I remember right, did some underwater observations, as far as I know, LaFontaine was the only person to study, from an underwater prospective and in a systematic manner, the reactions of trout to a number of variables of a fly’s construction. Does any one here fish these patterns? Any comments? Willi

Response:

Question:

One of the most valuable "how to" books on fly fishing I have had the pleasure of reading is "The Cast" by Ed Jaworski. He has recently published a new book, "Troubleshooting the Cast", a paper back book which addresses 32 common casting problems. The book is well written, and the diagrams are easy to follow and uncluttered. I got my copy in the mail this last week and have been using some of his techniques to work out some kinks on a pond here in Kansas, especially I problem I have casting weighted flies. I highly recomend those of you who might have a little casting kink check it out. Your friendly gear whore and singlemaltmeister. Wayne

Response:

How much was it and where can I get it on-line? — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – One of the most valuable "how to" books on fly fishing I have had the pleasure of reading is "The Cast" by Ed Jaworski. He has recently published a new book, "Troubleshooting the Cast", a paper back book which addresses 32 common casting problems. The book is well written, and the diagrams are easy to follow and uncluttered. I got my copy in the mail this last week and have been using some of his techniques to work out some kinks on a pond here in Kansas, especially I problem I have casting weighted flies. I highly recomend those of you who might have a little casting kink check it out. Your friendly gear whore and singlemaltmeister. Wayne

Before you buy.

Response:

The back cover lists the price $12.95 and I bought mine at amazon.com Wayne

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How much was it and where can I get it on-line? — Vern My ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html One of the most valuable "how to" books on fly fishing I have had the pleasure of reading is "The Cast" by Ed Jaworski. He has recently published a new book, "Troubleshooting the Cast", a paper back book which addresses 32 common casting problems. The book is well written, and the diagrams are easy to follow and uncluttered. I got my copy in the mail this last week and have been using some of his techniques to work out some kinks on a pond here in Kansas, especially I problem I have casting weighted flies. I highly recomend those of you who might have a little casting kink check it out. Your friendly gear whore and singlemaltmeister. Wayne Before you buy.

Response:

The back cover lists the price $12.95 and I bought mine at amazon.com

I just ordered one from there. My wife hates ‘one click’ ordering<g. — Charlie…

Response:

One of the most valuable "how to" books on fly fishing I have had the pleasure of reading is "The Cast" by Ed Jaworski.

Hey Walt, is this available at EZFlyfish? Joe F.

Response:

One of the most valuable "how to" books on fly fishing I have had the pleasure of reading is "The Cast" by Ed Jaworski. Hey Walt, is this available at EZFlyfish? Joe F.

Hi Joe, It will be indirectly available later today if my damn isp will properly function. I’ve started a "collection" of recommended books available through brbg/ez in association with amazon. Here’s the link to main page: http://users.boone.net/wgw/brbg-3.html Here’s the link to where this title will be located (if I can make a successful upload): http://users.boone.net/wgw/brbg-gen-ff.html Walt

Response:

Question:

I learned a long time ago that the one and only, guaranteed, always correct response to anything that anyone says about fly fishing is "Well, I thought it was "lots of little brookies," when asked, "how’s the fishing on this stream?"

The correct response to QUESTIONS is, "Not much, …..you?"

Response:

The correct response to QUESTIONS is, "Not much, …..you?"

or.."a little slow." but it’s been my experience that once the words, "lots of little brookies" have been uttered, they stop asking questions. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyo Before you buy.

Response:

The correct response to QUESTIONS is, "Not much, …..you?" or.."a little slow." but it’s been my experience that once the words, "lots of little brookies" have been uttered, they stop asking questions.

Wouldn’t work here.  In northern WI and the Upper Peninsula of MI "lots of little brookies" is exactly what Bubba is stalking.  You can keep ‘em at seven inches.

Response:

1. "It’s not worth getting up early for stream fishing. The fish bite better after the water warms." Directly related to the number of drinks around the fire the night before

"Dawn is a time of the greatest biological drift." Not sure about biological drift, but catching fish or not, there is no finer time astream.

2. "Cover lots of water types in order to determine the fishes’ feeding pattern" I do this when I’m nervous or upset.

"Find an area that will hold fish and fish it thoroughly from top to bottom, changing flies and sizes until you find what the fish want." And this when totally relaxed and focused.

3. If during a hatch you’re not getting any interest in your fly: "drop down a size." "put on a large attractor pattern like a Coachman." "swim a streamer through the feeding fish" "change positions in order to get a better presentation." All true and I tend to do them in this very order.

4. "Fishermen try to get too close to the fish, I don’t like to get any closer than 30 feet." Rising brown, spring creek, midges or other small dries.

"I always try and get closer than 30 feet from a feeding fish. 15 or 20 feet is better. Casts over 30 feet are too hard to control." Free stoner stream, wide pool, anxious rainbows, cutts or brookies and a good caddis hatch.

5. "C&R is immoral" Ok

"C&R is THE answer" Sure

"C&K is the destroyer of our fisheries" Don’t be silly

6. "The San Juan isn’t crowded." No doubt there are long sections that see zero anglers. Of course they hold no trout either.

"All special reg waters are crowded." It can seem that way, but if you happen to hit it right….

"Special regs waters are less crowded." See above

7. "The upstream dry is the only way to fish." Some days I practice this and really enjoy it.

"Anything you can cast with a fly rod goes." I’ve cast hoppers and worms and even powerbait with the fly rod.  It ain’t the norm, but I’ve done it.

8. "Stocking is the cause of the problems of our rivers." Fix some – break some – it’s human nature.

"Stocking is our salvation." For many many a lake and plenty of moving water this is true.  Look at New Zealand.  A wonderful result of historic stocking.

9. "Use a short heavy leader for nymphing." For Pyramid lake Lahontans there is no other leader.

"A leader with a very long tippet is the best for nymphing." Closer to the truth for tiny nymphs and sluggish trout.

"The newer commercial leaders makes tying your own obsolete." Unless of course you enjoy tyinig up your leaders.

"Hand tied leaders perform best." Oh yea?  Tell Vinnie.  He was kind enough to give me a new line a few seasons back for my birthday.  He hand tied the leader and it promptly broke on a submarine of a fish out of East Delaney back in 95.  I’ll never forget that fish. Niether will he.

JE * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

Response:

This got me to thinking of other seemly conflicting pieces of advice and information that are given. Below are some that come quickly to mind. Quotes are paraphrases based on my limited memory. [Quotes snipped]

..great stuff Will/Susan, here’s another one..from a former workmate/internet- friend Fred Templin..raised in PA (browntrout country): *when they’re not rising, pull out a grasshopper…  when they refuse that, pull out the dynamite…. steve d.

Response:

I was kneeling at streamside yesterday scanning an area while trying to peer through the surface chop to find some feeding fish, when I looked upstream and noticed another angler shotgunning some pocket water with rapid fire casts. I was struck by the difference in our angling styles. The advice, "You can’t catch a fish with your fly in the air," came to mind. Then I thought of the advice,"You need to spend more time being observant. Look before you fish." This got me to thinking of other seemly conflicting pieces of advice and information that are given. Below are some that come quickly to mind. Quotes are paraphrases based on my limited memory. 1. "It’s not worth getting up early for stream fishing. The fish bite better after the water warms." "Dawn is a time of the greatest biological drift." 2. "Cover lots of water types in order to determine the fishes’ feeding pattern" "Find an area that will hold fish and fish it thoroughly from top to bottom, changing flies and sizes until you find what the fish want." 3. If during a hatch you’re not getting any interest in your fly: "drop down a size." "put on a large attractor pattern like a Coachman." "swim a streamer through the feeding fish" "change positions in order to get a better presentation." 4. "Fishermen try to get too close to the fish, I don’t like to get any closer than 30 feet." "I always try and get closer than 30 feet from a feeding fish. 15 or 20 feet is better. Casts over 30 feet are too hard to control." 5. "C&R is immoral" "C&R is THE answer" "C&K is the destroyer of our fisheries" 6. "The San Juan isn’t crowded." "All special reg waters are crowded." "Special regs waters are less crowded." 7. "The upstream dry is the only way to fish." "Anything you can cast with a fly rod goes." 8. "Stocking is the cause of the problems of our rivers." "Stocking is our salvation." 9. "Use a short heavy leader for nymphing." "A leader with a very long tippet is the best for nymphing." "The newer commercial leaders makes tying your own obsolete." "Hand tied leaders perform best." Willi

Response:

This got me to thinking of other seemly conflicting pieces of advice and information that are given. Below are some that come quickly to mind. Quotes are paraphrases based on my limited memory.

[Quotes snipped] Got a kick outta that.  It should probably serve as a reminder to all of us that flyfishing is definitely not an exact science. What works at one time in one location won’t work at all somewhere/sometime else.  All your quotes are simultaneously both true and false. That’s what makes flyfishing interesting.  If it were any other way, would we all be so psychotic about catching a simple fish?      - Ken — ET1 – Evil Twin #1 "Guilt replaced the fun" – ROFF-Tim "Ethical conduct is purely a personal thing, and the only  arbiter of personal ethics is your own conscience."  - Mike Connor

Response:

1. … 2. … 3. … 4. … 5. … 6. … 7. … 8. … 9. …

Geez Willi, what are you trying to do, waste a whole winters worth of Saturday arguments in one Tuesday afternoon ? — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

William Loehman/Susan Schwarz wrote [a collection of conflicting ideas]. It’s when one of these paradoxes issues forth from the same mouth that things get confusing. By the way, I never heard "6.  The San Juan is’nt crowded" Before my time, I guess. —                                                       -dnc-

Response:

ET1 wrote Got a kick outta that.  It should probably serve as a reminder to all of us that flyfishing is definitely not an exact science. What works at one time in one location won’t work at all somewhere/sometime else.  All your quotes are simultaneously both true and false. That’s what makes flyfishing interesting.  If it were any other way, would we all be so psychotic about catching a simple fish?      - Ken

The almost religious attachment of certain fishers, especially guides, to particular ways of doing things always brings a wry grin when I get contrary information from the next expert I hire.  Just yesterday I read an article about how to get a drag free drift by actually allowing the downstream pointing loop to form as it flows in the current.  (There’s a little more to it than that, but the technique does run contrary to the conventional wisdom).  ("Extending Your Drag-free Drifts" by Curt Trout in Fly Fisherman).

Response:

It’s when one of these paradoxes issues forth from the same mouth that things get confusing. By the way, I never heard "6.  The San Juan is’nt crowded"

In a recent book I read, a guide that worked the Juan actually made the statement, "The myth about the San Juan being too crowded is just a myth." I was glad to read that most of the other guides interviewed in the book felt that over crowding was a real problem on the most popular waters and most were in favor of some restrictions.  One shop actually, on their own, cut down on the number of trips they make on an over used river in their area even though there is a very high demand. Willi

Response:

Willi wrote [a collection of conflicting ideas]. By the way, I never heard "6.  The San Juan is’nt crowded" Before my time, I guess.

Probably uttered by visitors from the South Platte. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyo Before you buy.

Response:

[snipped] Uh oh! William discovered our secret! It’s all over now but the backpedalling…

Response:

While completely nekkid, William Loehman/Susan Schwarz 1. "It’s not worth getting up early for stream fishing. The fish bite better after the water warms." "Dawn is a time of the greatest biological drift."

I imagine it depends on the water temperature at dawn. If its 60, then the fish will probably be happy. And don’t forget that the big browns, LM bass, and some catfishes are nocturnal anyway. "I always try and get closer than 30 feet from a feeding fish. 15 or 20 feet is better. Casts over 30 feet are too hard to control."

If your casting skills are like mine, get within dapping distance. 5. "C&R is immoral"

Let your conscience and your DOW regs be your guide. 6. "The San Juan isn’t crowded."

The South Platte is mobbed. The Gunnison at Almont isn’t. These are all like the famous police oral board question: Can you (shoot a fleeing felon/arrest a drunk)? The correct answer being "It depends upon the circumstances…" "They conferred, as against the Government, the right to be let alone — the most comprehensive of rights…" -Justice Louis Brandeis

Response:

……thinking of other seemly conflicting pieces of advice….

I learned a long time ago that the one and only, guaranteed, always correct response to anything that anyone says about fly fishing is "Well,

Response:

I learned a long time ago that the one and only, guaranteed, always correct response to anything that anyone says about fly fishing is "Well,

I thought it was "lots of little brookies," when asked, "how’s the fishing on this stream?" — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyo Before you buy.

Response:

Question:

I am curious if Boeing Jets like those of 747s can do a landing or take-off using auto-pilot? How about military jets?  Are they able to do auto landing and take-offs? Thank you.

Response:

    I am curious if Boeing Jets like those of 747s can do a landing or     take-off using auto-pilot? Landings, yes.  The aircraft and pilots have to be specially certified, though. The takeoff may be a capability of the aircraft, but I don’t know if it is commonly used.     How about military jets?  Are they able to do auto landing and     take-offs? Landings, yes.  I know of no automatic takeoff capability. — John Weiss Seattle, WA

Response:

    I am curious if Boeing Jets like those of 747s can do a landing or     take-off using auto-pilot? Landings, yes.  The aircraft and pilots have to be specially certified,

though. I’ve been (as a passenger) on a couple of auto landings in 757s. Fog was so thick I only saw the runway inches from touchdown. Pilots are required to do a number of those every so often (don’t remember how many in how many months). If you don’t see a youth in the right front seat and the aircraft goes bumpy on approach (power, then brakes, then more power…) odds are they are doing a practice auto landing. Pilot has to take the plane between the two outer side beacons and more or less on the center beacon at something like 7 miles, and then engage the contraption. The takeoff may be a capability of the aircraft, but I don’t know if it is commonly used.     How about military jets?  Are they able to do auto landing and     take-offs? Landings, yes.  I know of no automatic takeoff capability.

Auto take-offs make no sense… you are on the runway. You see it’s lights at least up to VR speed, after that normal instruments flight. What’s the point? IIRC, first USN bird capable of auto traps was the F-4G back in ‘Nam time. Auto throttles came before. — Jos

Question:

-Does anyone have any info on a new disease appearing in Irish frmed salmon called Nervous Mortality Syndrome? Has it spread to any wild stock? Wild Fish First Socety C Mckee

Response:

Actually, its a hangover.

Response:

. sfeed.internetmci.com!news.mathworks.com!arclight.uoregon.edu!newsfeed.dire c

Question:

<Snipped However; for sake of good order, our company tests fly lines from all around the world.  

George, Have you tested the new airflo delta taper lines ? If so I would realy like to hear your opinion on these lines. Cheers Bruce….

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it.

In talking to Lee Wulff at a sport show some years ago he advised cutting back the front taper on the line if you planed on using it for big (bass) flies. You might cut a foot at a time and then try it out. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

Response:

: _______BILL TELLS YOU STRAIGHT ARROW.  However; for sake of good order, : our company : tests fly lines from all around the world.  When inventing fly line : dressings, the : finishings, the casting abilities, multiple factors are studied all the : way to : putting them under microscopes too distance castings before and after : dressing them Sorry? I was under the impression the subject was TTs, oh well,  I suspect we’ll get to it eventually. BTW I would suggest, most, if not all dressing manufactureres do these tests. George Goes on: : I have known Lee and Joan Wulff personally for many years.  We have : always been very : strong and close aquaintences and friends.  Joan was here just this year : fly fishing : for steelhead.  All of this doesn’t mean much to you I know, so far. Damn right, except perhaps that you may have a slight bias.. George Goes on and on: : But I can : report to you the following facts. : : The Wulff Triangle Taper Fly Lines are produced under special design and : manufacturing : specifications just for the Lee Wulff Company by S.Anglers.  Scientific : Anglers cannot : sell the Lee Wulff Fly Lines to their customers and neither can they use : any of its : design advantages in any fly lines they manufacture. : All this sounds like a standard design/manufacturing procedure and licensing agreement to me. : It is my experience that the Lee Wulff Triangle Fly Lines are the finest : flying, farthest casting, most controllable fly lines made in the : world.  No one, and I mean, NO ONE makes : a finer designed fly line fo ease of casting, and honesty of delivery. : : In fact, my tests indicate that the Triangle Taper is really a : wonderfully over-designed Overdesigned? Wouldn’t have thought that possible except from a managerial viewpoint …"Hey, MichelAngelo, when are you going to make an end of it?" : fly line that engineering-wise, has a castability that exceeds the : strength of the finish : Scientific Anglers is able to come up with.  In short, the design is : years ahead of its : time.  Permit me to explain Jay.  I’ll try and make it short. …and its been "years ahead of its time" for the past five years. : : BECAUSE the Triangle casts so wonderfully, it is very easy to get : maximum line velocity and : fly line stretch built up . . . to the point, that if you don’t keep : this particular fly line  or ANY other Line : dressed and cared for with PZ Fly Line Dressing,   or any other decent fly line Dressing : you will overstretch "the stretchability" of : the Scientific Anglers coating and cause it to separate or crack right : where your fly line : normally exits the fly rod tip.  If you can restrain yourself and keep : your line speed within : limits and your fly line dressed and clean properly, you shouldn’t have : any problem.  I would add – with ANY decent line : : I’m telling you Jay.  When you want to reach out and touch someone (a : trout across a river) this baby will get you to the other side with one : false cast!   or you could wade/walk closer to minimise drag … just a suggestion. : : In conclusion; You couldn’t do any better.  It is the only fly line I : fish with.  It brings the ultimate joy into the lives of those who are : thrilled with the casting aspects of fly fishing. :   It does?  Sounds positively orgasmic, are you sure these things are   allowed  to be used in public? : Take care of this fly line and it will Never let you down.                        ^or ANY other decent line : : never.   until it wears out – like every line does eventually, – don’t they,   George? : : Sincerely, : : George Gehrke : Mr. Gink I have no argument with S.A or TTs, I just dislike spam. steve Melbourne, Australia. PS: Apologies to those offended by the use of the "O" word above.

Response:

Yes I would agree with all who say it is a superb line.  My only complaint is they don’t last long efore cracking sets in.  Maybe One good season if I am lucky.  Anyone else find the same thing?

I’ve gotten great wear out of these lines by 1) cleaning them with a MILD soap and water and 2) redressing with Russ Peak’s line dressing.  I’ve not tried Gehrke’s.  Bill

Response:

The British Airflow line using a polymer coating may be superior

in this respect only but falls short in a lot of other categories – or so sayeth the group.<< Airflo had a tremendous problem with line memory (coiling) some years back, but seem to have now overcome that problem. I tried a couple last year and was so pleased by them that now 6 of my 24 lines are AirFlo. Many others I know (over a dozen serious fly flingers) that have heard of how AirFlo worked hard to successfully overcome this problem have now started using them and all comments have been very positive.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Yes I would agree with all who say it is a superb line.  My only complaint is they don’t last long efore cracking sets in.  Maybe One good season if I am lucky.  Anyone else find the same thing? gp Jay Kidwell : Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks : like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR : ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about : it. — gp

George G. posted that the performance of the line exceeds the state of the art for line coatings – high line speed leads to wear. Incidentally I’ve complained of wear with conventional tapers herein as I only get about 2 seasons from a quality line. Most responded that my experience is about average. High modulus rods gave us high line speeds that gave us more friction and accelerated line wear. The British Airflow line using a polymer coating may be superior in this respect only but falls short in a lot of other categories – or so sayeth the group. I guess we need a break through in line coating technology. Ralph H

Response:

Yes I would agree with all who say it is a superb line.  My only complaint is they don’t last long efore cracking sets in.  Maybe One good season if I am lucky.  Anyone else find the same thing? gp Jay Kidwell

: Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks : like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR : ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about : it. — gp

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it.

Yup!  I have a 2/3, 4/5 and 6/7.  They are great on the rods I use them for.  The rods are fast action rods so these lines load the rods nicely, cast like a dream, and roll cast fantastic.  I don’t use them exclusively, but like I said, they are great for the rods they are on. -Burton

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it.

I regularly fish with a TT5/6 on a 5wt. rod, casting #6 & #4 Dahlbergs and a TT8 Bonefish line on a 8wt., casting Dahlbergs up to #2/0 for Australian Bass. They make casting big air-resistant flies long distances easier because their long continuous tapers of up to 38′ allow you to false cast with alot more line in the air. The running line is also thinner than most WF lines and shoots better too. John Knight Sydney Fly Rodders Club    

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it. Jay, I’ve tried all manner of lines for Salmon/Steelhead and the TT is absolutely my favorite.  Smooth, powerful, perfect.  Bill

_______BILL TELLS YOU STRAIGHT ARROW.  However; for sake of good order, our company tests fly lines from all around the world.  When inventing fly line dressings, the finishings, the casting abilities, multiple factors are studied all the way to putting them under microscopes too distance castings before and after dressing them with GEHRKE’S PZ FLY LINE CLEANER &/or Dressing.  Rest assured, we have probably cast and tested almost every fly line being manufactured today at one time or another. I have known Lee and Joan Wulff personally for many years.  We have always been very strong and close aquaintences and friends.  Joan was here just this year fly fishing for steelhead.  All of this doesn’t mean much to you I know, so far. But I can report to you the following facts. The Wulff Triangle Taper Fly Lines are produced under special design and manufacturing specifications just for the Lee Wulff Company by S.Anglers.  Scientific Anglers cannot sell the Lee Wulff Fly Lines to their customers and neither can they use any of its design advantages in any fly lines they manufacture. It is my experience that the Lee Wulff Triangle Fly Lines are the finest flying, farthest casting, most controllable fly lines made in the world.  No one, and I mean, NO ONE makes a finer designed fly line fo ease of casting, and honesty of delivery. In fact, my tests indicate that the Triangle Taper is really a wonderfully over-designed fly line that engineering-wise, has a castability that exceeds the strength of the finish Scientific Anglers is able to come up with.  In short, the design is years ahead of its time.  Permit me to explain Jay.  I’ll try and make it short. BECAUSE the Triangle casts so wonderfully, it is very easy to get maximum line velocity and fly line stretch built up . . . to the point, that if you don’t keep this particular fly line dressed and cared for with PZ Fly Line Dressing, you will overstretch "the stretchability" of the Scientific Anglers coating and cause it to separate or crack right where your fly line normally exits the fly rod tip.  If you can restrain yourself and keep your line speed within limits and your fly line dressed and clean properly, you shouldn’t have any problem. I’m telling you Jay.  When you want to reach out and touch someone (a trout across a river) this baby will get you to the other side with one false cast! In conclusion; You couldn’t do any better.  It is the only fly line I fish with.  It brings the ultimate joy into the lives of those who are thrilled with the casting aspects of fly fishing. Take care of this fly line and it will Never let you down. never. Sincerely, George Gehrke Mr. Gink

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it.

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it.

I have used the Triangle Taper lines for years and they are the best casting lines I have ever encountered. Charlie…

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it.

Hi Jay, Great fly lines and unlike a lot of weight forward lines these are easier to roll cast because the first 40′(I think) is built like a double taper and after that it’s a weight forward. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 materials catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it.

Jay, I’ve tried all manner of lines for Salmon/Steelhead and the TT is absolutely my favorite.  Smooth, powerful, perfect.  Bill

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it. Hi Jay, Great fly lines and unlike a lot of weight forward lines these are easier to roll cast because the first 40′(I think) is built like a double taper and after that it’s a weight forward. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 materials catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

I believe the 1st 40 feet taper (ie get continuously thicker from the tip) in the standard models. Some models have 60 feet of taper.

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it.

I have used the TT lines for trout – the 5/6.  They are great lines and I enjoy casting them very much.  Yes, roll casting is easy.  The casting distance doesn’t really matter with this line.  I fish a spring creeek regularly and need to make a lot a tip casts – the leader may be twice the length than that of the fly line.  The line turn the leader over with no problem.  Also, beautiful loops at longer distances.  You may also want to look in Rio’s new lines.  I was talking with Jim Vincent and his new line sounds intriguing.  Say it has a #4 weight front taper and a #6 mid section(for a five weight).  It might make sense for casting larger flies while trying to tempt the bass. The name escapes me now and I am not the store, but if you read FR&R or FF, there is an ad in one of them.  TT has done me nothing but justice, and there bass line may have a heavier taper for larger flies. Clark H. Shafer LOst River Outfitters Ketchum, Idaho

Response:

Has anyone out there tried the Lee Wulff TriangleTaper lines.  It looks like it would make a good bass line.  In Cabela’s it is PERFECT FOR ROLL-CASTING LINES UP TO 60 FEET.  Interested to hear from someone about it. I have used the Triangle Taper lines for years and they are the best casting lines I have ever encountered. Charlie…

Ditto! A

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  I was out in the Gulf over the week end and caught a 2.5 to 3"  red grouper on an 8/0 Hook.  The hook was bigger then the fish.  The bait was a 6" frozen sardin.  The hook was just wedged in its mouth and it couldn’t get off. —     _______   o  |  Gone fish’n in KoKoMo |_/ ——   o |  Carl Traenkner, Lead Software Engineer   I never thought I would see the day when fishermen would brag about their small fish, but at least I have something to brag about here! ;^) I have caught more 4" crappie than all of your dinky fish put together, so there. 4" crappie KING. Mark

Oh yeah!!  *I* was learning to fly fish and was casting onto a pond the size of most people’s driveways, when this Bluegill took the wiggly-green- legged floating fly I had selected to practice with (easy to see).  The hook was about a #8 (big for a fly), and the Bluegill was *exactly* 2 inches long… Brian — Brian Dixon, Machine Vision Engineer, Hewlett Packard (Corvallis, Oregon)

Response:

  I was out in the Gulf over the week end and caught a 2.5 to 3"   red grouper on an 8/0 Hook.  The hook was bigger then the fish.   The bait was a 6" frozen sardin.   The hook was just wedged in its mouth and it couldn’t get off. —      _______   o  |  Gone fish’n in KoKoMo |_/ ——   o |  Carl Traenkner, Lead Software Engineer  

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  I was out in the Gulf over the week end and caught a 2.5 to 3"  red grouper on an 8/0 Hook.  The hook was bigger then the fish.  The bait was a 6" frozen sardin.  The hook was just wedged in its mouth and it couldn’t get off. —     _______   o  |  Gone fish’n in KoKoMo |_/ ——   o |  Carl Traenkner, Lead Software Engineer  

I never thought I would see the day when fishermen would brag about their small fish, but at least I have something to brag about here! ;^) I have caught more 4" crappie than all of your dinky fish put together, so there. 4" crappie KING. Mark

Response:

:  I was out in the Gulf over the week end and caught a 2.5 to 3" :  red grouper on an 8/0 Hook.  The hook was bigger then the fish. : :  The bait was a 6" frozen sardin. :   :  The hook was just wedged in its mouth and it couldn’t get off. :   :   : : — :     _______   o  |  Gone fish’n in KoKoMo : |_/ ——   o |  Carl Traenkner, Lead Software Engineer   : : I never thought I would see the day when fishermen would brag about : their small fish, but at least I have something to brag about here! ;^) : I have caught more 4" crappie than all of your dinky fish put together, : so there. : 4" crappie KING. : Mark I got a small trout (1" ) on a pheasant tail nymph last thursday. It was a hell of a fight. Thought I never would get it up! He/she was in fine condition so I released it after. Actually I didn’t know I had a fish on until I had made two or three dry casts. But I got a lot of big trouts and growlings (I think its the name in english) — – Peter Aberg         –     _____.              - – S-302 33 HALMSTAD   –              /          - + Tel:46-35-187617    +          O  /           +               – http://www.hh.se:7777/       Flyfish          -  ____        __                   /  _`     / __                 L __ ,_    __   _ __     /  __/ _/  __/ /     _ ____\ __ ____\ _

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – :  I was out in the Gulf over the week end and caught a 2.5 to 3" :  red grouper on an 8/0 Hook.  The hook was bigger then the fish. : :  The bait was a 6" frozen sardin. :   :  The hook was just wedged in its mouth and it couldn’t get off. :   :   : : — :     _______   o  |  Gone fish’n in KoKoMo : |_/ ——   o |  Carl Traenkner, Lead Software Engineer   : : I never thought I would see the day when fishermen would brag about : their small fish, but at least I have something to brag about here! ;^) : I have caught more 4" crappie than all of your dinky fish put together, : so there. : 4" crappie KING. : Mark I got a small trout (1" ) on a pheasant tail nymph last thursday. It was a hell of a fight. Thought I never would get it up! He/she was in fine condition so I released it after. Actually I didn’t know I had a fish on until I had made two or three dry casts. But I got a lot of big trouts and growlings (I think its the name in english) —

Well here’s mine. :^) I caught a 4" perch on a 9" swim whiz while trolling for muskies last Sat. He wasn’t foul hooked either he was hooked in the upper lip by a single hook from the middle treble. BTW Thanks to all the folks who took time to respond to my question about fronts. I will remember the good advice. Frank – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – - Peter Aberg         –     _____.              - – S-302 33 HALMSTAD   –              /          - + Tel:46-35-187617    +          O  /           +           – http://www.hh.se:7777/       Flyfish          - ____        __                   /  _`     / __                 L __ ,_    __   _ __     /  __/ _/  __/ /   _ ____\ __ ____\ _

Response:

I was fishing in a lake near my home in Lebanon, NH and I was pulling out 1-1/2 rock bass and perch for hours, I’d use a salmon egg hook with a worm on it, and these TINY little fish would attack them, and I’d just pull them out of the water, it was pretty fun because the big bass weren’t biting, but has anypne else heard of tiny fish biting like that? I think I caught several of them 2-3 time each… Scott Goodwin — |      /|~~~ |EAT. SLEEP. FISH.   "PLAY BALL!" (my 2 favorite words)

Response:

I was fishing in a lake near my home in Lebanon, NH and I was pulling out 1-1/2 rock bass and perch for hours, I’d use a salmon egg hook with a worm on it, and these TINY little fish would attack them, and I’d just pull them out of the water, it was pretty fun because the big bass weren’t biting, but has anypne else heard of tiny fish biting like that? I think I caught several of them 2-3 time each…

I’ve never seen a (yellow) perch smaller than 6", but I have caught those little rock bass.  They are especially aggressive from dusk to darkness. I have a bag of #22 hooks in my tacklebox, along with some 1 lb line.  I have caught redbreast sunfish less than an in with this setup. Just this past Sunday I caught 5 3" striped bass from a small estuary of the Long Island sound.  They were so cute, I wanted to take them home and put them in an aquarium, but they were about 33" short of the 36" minimum! Scott Goodwin — |      /|~~~ |EAT. SLEEP. FISH.   "PLAY BALL!" (my 2 favorite words)

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was fishing in a lake near my home in Lebanon, NH and I was pulling out 1-1/2 rock bass and perch for hours, I’d use a salmon egg hook with a worm on it, and these TINY little fish would attack them, and I’d just pull them out of the water, it was pretty fun because the big bass weren’t biting, but has anypne else heard of tiny fish biting like that? I think I caught several of them 2-3 time each… I’ve never seen a (yellow) perch smaller than 6", but I have caught those little rock bass.  They are especially aggressive from dusk to darkness. I have a bag of #22 hooks in my tacklebox, along with some 1 lb line.  I have caught redbreast sunfish less than an in with this setup. Just this past Sunday I caught 5 3" striped bass from a small estuary of the Long Island sound.  They were so cute, I wanted to take them home and put them in an aquarium, but they were about 33" short of the 36" minimum!

I’ve got a place on the Winnipeg River in Manitoba, and my dock sits in a small bay used by little feeders while they’re growing up. I use the smallest hook I have, stick a bit of worm on it, and it gets hit within 30 seconds every time. Usually yellow perch 3 or 4 inches long, the odd 6 inch walleye, the odd bass.  Of course the only time we do this is when I’m teaching my two year old son how to fish. He just beams every time he gets one! Plus they hit so light, the hook only gets them in the lip, so we’ve never (to my knowledge) done serious damage to one. Later, when asked how big his fish was, he stands up on his tip-toes and raises his hand high above his head – he’s gonna be a heckuva fisherman.

Response:

Question:

Apparently they do not plan to sell the blanks….. SAGE isn’t selling their newer IV blanks either I wonder if the no-blanks-available strategy will work for the manufactures? Completed SAGE IV rods are running $500.00+   My response: the SAGE III blanks are good enough.

Right, why can’t the fly rod manufacturers see that they will price themselves out of existance.  When a new generation of PC’s reach the market (i.e. 486), the previous generation is reduced in price.  But when a new generation of graphite comes out, the older type graphites do not seem to have much of a price reduction. The manufacturers feel that a whole new higher price level is justified by the new generation material.  Only fiberglass seems to have comw down in price. Mark Miller – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thomas Gilg

Response:

Right, why can’t the fly rod manufacturers see that they will price themselves out of existance.  When a new generation of PC’s reach the market (i.e. 486), the previous generation is reduced in price.  But when a new generation of graphite comes out, the older type graphites do not seem to have much of a price reduction.

That is because a large portion of the price of a computer is engineering costs.  These costs can be amortized over the number of machines sold. After enough machines have been sold to cover the costs of engineering, the price can be reduced. Much of the cost of a flyrod is in manufacturing costs which are fixed per unit regardless of how many rods are built.  Building a good graphite rod is labor intensive. — -Wayne Trzyna

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Right, why can’t the fly rod manufacturers see that they will price themselves out of existance.  When a new generation of PC’s reach the market (i.e. 486), the previous generation is reduced in price.  But when a new generation of graphite comes out, the older type graphites do not seem to have much of a price reduction. That is because a large portion of the price of a computer is engineering costs.  These costs can be amortized over the number of machines sold. After enough machines have been sold to cover the costs of engineering, the price can be reduced. Much of the cost of a flyrod is in manufacturing costs which are fixed per unit regardless of how many rods are built.  Building a good graphite rod is labor intensive. — -Wayne Trzyna

True, but I don’t think that building a rod using a different version of graphite would be any more labor intensive. Mark Miller

Response:

Right, why can’t the fly rod manufacturers see that they will price themselves out of existance.  When a new generation of PC’s reach the market (i.e. 486), the previous generation is reduced in price.  But when a new generation of graphite comes out, the older type graphites do not seem to have much of a price reduction.

Did you ever visit California? This is the state where when new car’s price sky-rocketing, the cost for used cars follow up too. Eric.

Response:

Thomas Gilg writes: I wonder if the no-blanks-available strategy will work for the manufactures? Completed SAGE IV rods are running $500.00+   My response: the SAGE III blanks are good enough.

That’s going to be my response too !   BTW its official now the new generation  Loomis rods will not be sold a blanks.  They’re beautiful rods, light and shoot line like cannons.

Response:

Members of my local flyfishing club have had extensive problems with IMX rods breaking when dealing with Tarpon.

I don’t trust IMX or the regular Sage III  for rods above 9wt.  My ten and twelve weight rods are both the Sage three piece special designed rods for salt water a lot heaver in the butt.   Regarding rod failures, a guide I know on the Green says the outfitter he works for gets free sage & loomis rods and that they’ve had tremendous breakage.  Very thin cross sections and lots of hard use banging around in drift boats.  When the surface coating of a graphite rod gets dinged, a stress concentration forms at the already damaged point.  I’ve had good luck putting a little resin on the ding to fill the scratch.  The only rod I’ve broken to date is my favorite 5 wt Winston that I tried to use as a wading staff.  Winston shipped me a replacement but section blank and it’s still my favorite rod.

Response:

Mark Miller writes: Right, why can’t the fly rod manufacturers see that they will price themselves out of existance.  When a new generation of PC’s reach the market (i.e. 486), the previous generation is reduced in price.  

As much as I’d like to agree with you, I can’t.  Neither Sage and Loomis can keep up with the demand.  The message from the market place is that there are plenty of people ready to pay, so I can’t blame them for using the blanks available for finished rods with a much higher margin.

Response:

Mark Miller writes: True, but I don’t think that building a rod using a different version of graphite would be any more labor intensive.

A lot of engineering when into the latest generation of Loomis rods.

Response:

Members of my local flyfishing club have had extensive problems with IMX rods breaking when dealing with Tarpon.

        This problem is almost always the fault of the angler and not the rod.  When you have a Tarpon close to the boat and you’re really pulling on him, people tend to pull too far back on the rod.  The angle of the rod (angle between butt and tip — 180 degrees at rest) should not be less than 90 degrees.  If you pull back farther than that you’re no longer fighting the fish you’re fighting the rod.  This puts an awful strain on the rod (and the angler).  With the rod doubled over, if the fish should make any quick movements, which tarpon definitely can do, goodbye rod.  You get the most power out of your rod at an angle of about 90 degrees — you’ll land fish quicker (no hour long boatside battles) and your rod will last a lot longer. I don’t trust IMX or the regular Sage III  for rods above 9wt.  My ten and twelve weight rods are both the Sage three piece special designed rods for salt water a lot heaver in the butt.  

        I’ve seen a 150# tarpon caught on 11wt. Sage II.  I myself caught a 100# tarpon on a 10wt Sage III. Regarding rod failures, a guide I know on the Green says the outfitter he works for gets free sage & loomis rods and that they’ve had tremendous breakage.  Very thin cross sections and lots of hard use banging around in drift boats.  When the surface coating of a graphite rod gets dinged, a stress concentration forms at the already damaged point.  I’ve had good luck putting a little resin on the ding to fill the scratch.  The only rod I’ve broken to date is my favorite 5 wt Winston that I tried to use as a wading staff.  Winston shipped me a replacement but section blank and it’s still my favorite rod.

        The surface coating of a rod is purely for casmetic reasons. I don’t think it adds much strength too the rod.  On the other hand if you scratch the graphite underneath then I would worry. — |          307 SW 16th Ave #349 G-ville, Fl 32601             | |                Voice: (904)377-3807                         | |                  Fax: (904)375-0357                         |

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Just saw the latest in Loomis rods.  A friend of built a prototype 8 wt from their new next generation graphite. I’m building an 8 wt IMX and the difference was remarkable the next generation graphite was about the same size and weight as my Winston 5 wt.  Apparently they do not plan to sell the blanks, so I probable won’t be buying one in the near future.   The wall thickness is so thin I’d be worried about the design for anything above 8 wt.  I already switch to Sage’s special design for heaver salt water rods (10 & 12 wt.’s).  I use IMX for 6 and 8 wt rods.  I love to cast the IMX 6 wt but seldom fish it, for trout I like my 3, 5 & 7 wt. Winston’s.   The seven is a dream for bass bugs.

Response:

Apparently they do not plan to sell the blanks…..

SAGE isn’t selling their newer IV blanks either I wonder if the no-blanks-available strategy will work for the manufactures? Completed SAGE IV rods are running $500.00+   My response: the SAGE III blanks are good enough. Thomas Gilg

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The wall thickness is so thin I’d be worried about the design for anything above 8 wt.  I already switch to Sage’s special design for heaver salt water rods (10 & 12 wt.’s).  I use IMX for 6 and 8 wt rods.  I love to cast the IMX 6 wt but seldom fish it, for trout I like my 3, 5 & 7 wt. Winston’s.   The seven is a dream for bass bugs.

Members of my local flyfishing club have had extensive problems with IMX rods breaking when dealing with Tarpon. So much so that the consensus is to fish IM6 rods in this situation. I have not heard of any problems with Sage rods. An interesting side point is that a member broke a rod (Lamiglass IM700) when the clouser minnow he was casting collided with the rod. Lucky thing, these rods have replacement guarantees or there would be a ton of crying. I have broken several graphite rods for no apparent reason while casting or fishing. It appears to be caused by graphite flaws and the brittleness of the material.

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| SAGE isn’t selling their newer IV blanks either | | I wonder if the no-blanks-available strategy will work for the manufactures? | Completed SAGE IV rods are running $500.00+   My response: the SAGE III blanks | are good enough. | | Thomas Gilg | Well they probably are.  But that’s the funny thing about flyfishing equipment.  My $50.00 Cortland rods are "good enough." As far as the strategy goes I can tell you that few shops have any selection of Sage IV ’s at all.  The three or four Sage dealers I’ve talked to here in the east and a few in out west say they can’t get ‘em from Sage and when they do get a few they sell right out.   I believe it.  I know I’m crazy but I bought one anyway about a month ago — I bought the three piece 590 travel rod.   I fished it for a week on the Snake in Jackson Hole and on the Henry’s Fork.  Now I’m not a great caster (I can’t throw a whole line) but I have to say this rod is incredible.  The best I can do is to say it feels like its alive.  A very distinctive feel and I’m getting ten extra feet or more out of it.  Other rods I own include a Winston a Sage III and two Cortland’s.  If it was only distance I was after I might have been better off investing in a casting clinic but I really like the rod. Jim Caldwell Norfolk, VA

Response:

SAGE isn’t selling their newer IV blanks either

I am told by the Sage representative in Norway that there will be available blanks of RPL IV next year. By the way, the company has not produced enough IV rods this year to cover the demand. –Terje Tveras, Univ. of Bergen, Norway

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