Question:

All, I have a stripping guide and a top guide where the inner ring is made of the mineral Agate. I had planned to use these with a split cane blank, but on closer inspection i found the top guide damaged. There’s a small piece missing in the Agate ring. My question is: Do any of you know if there’s a company that manufactures these kind of guides today? — Any help appreciated. / Roger Daytime engineer Lifetime flyfisherman If you feel like it, visit http://home.bip.net/angler/ for info on flyfishing in Sweden

Response:

All, I have a stripping guide and a top guide where the inner ring is made of the mineral Agate. My question is: Do any of you know if there’s a company that manufactures these kind of guides today?

If You master japanese, http://www.bluedun.net/RodBuilding-Guides.htm   ( http://babelfish.altavista.com/ for translation) http://www.snakeguides.com/ , maybe more comprehensible. Always a start! Stefan

Response:

I get all my rodbuilding stugff from www.AnglersWarehouse.com They definitely have what you want. Be prepared to pay a lot for agates! Pete Collin

Response:

My question is: Do any of you know if there’s a company that manufactures these kind of guides today?

     I know of several sources for the agate stripper guides, but I haven’t seen new agate tiptops around. After reading your post, I went down and looked through my own stash of rod parts, and every agate tiptop I have is cracked and unusable, so unless you’re working on a restoration, you might not want to use one. Agate strippers otoh can last a very long time if properly cared for; they are available at Angler’s Workshop, among other places. I recently spent an afternoon pawing through the parts bins at Rick’s Rods in Denver, and I think they’d have used or nos agate tiptops.

Response:

Question:

    Does anyone have any info/experience in SWFF in Greece?  I am a reasonably experienced So Florida FF, but am going to Greece in May on my honeymoon, (and will miss some of the Tarpon season).  I’ll be traveling throughout the Aegean Islands (Patmos, Simi, etc), and am looking for info on types of fish, flies, rod weights, line types, etc. Any direction will be greatly appreciated. Thanking the community in advance CHRIS

Response:

    Does anyone have any info/experience in SWFF in Greece?  I am a reasonably experienced So Florida FF, but am going to Greece in May on my honeymoon…

        On your honeymoon?         Chris, you’re either a brave man or a very lucky one!

Response:

   Does anyone have any info/experience in SWFF in Greece?  I am a reasonably experienced So Florida FF, but am going to Greece in May on my honeymoon, (and will miss some of the Tarpon season).  I’ll be traveling throughout the Aegean Islands (Patmos, Simi, etc), and am looking for info on types of fish, flies, rod weights, line types, etc. Any direction will be greatly appreciated. Thanking the community in advance CHRIS

Chris – Sorry, buddy, but Greece is a little beyond my FF experience.  But I sure would appreciate it if you would fill us in when you get back.       Gene

Response:

Does anyone have any information on flyfishing in Greece?  I’m interested in area North of Athens.  Haven’t been able to find much so far.

Response:

Does anyone have any information on flyfishing in Greece?  I’m interested in area North of Athens.  Haven’t been able to find much so far.

Back in october, about 150 miles north of athens, dave lacourse was doing some serious fishing in grease. it’s dangerous, dang near kilt jeff miller. so if you’re gonna fish in grease, be careful….. waldo — Ezflyfish.com:  http://www.ezflyfish.com http://auctions.yahoo.com/booth/ezflyfish_com Used, Rare, & Out-of-Print Books: http://users.boone.net/wgw/brbg.html

Response:

Does anyone have any information on fly fishing in Greece?  I’m interested in the area from Athens to the North.  Thanks for any help anyone can give.   I tried to post this a couple hours ago but it apparently didn’t work.

Response:

Let me guess, that would be Athens, Georgia.                         Frank Reid

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone have any information on flyfishing in Greece?  I’m interested in area North of Athens.  Haven’t been able to find much so far. Back in october, about 150 miles north of athens, dave lacourse was doing some serious fishing in grease. it’s dangerous, dang near kilt jeff miller. so if you’re gonna fish in grease, be careful….. waldo — Ezflyfish.com:  http://www.ezflyfish.com http://auctions.yahoo.com/booth/ezflyfish_com Used, Rare, & Out-of-Print Books: http://users.boone.net/wgw/brbg.html

Response:

Let me guess, that would be Athens, Georgia.

Correct, and the grease was the by-product of Louie’s alleged ‘cooking’.<g — Charlie…

Response:

Thanks guys, didn’t realize I would be opening the door for you to poke such fun!  Don’t slip too far.

Response:

Two weeks holiday in Crete what’s the fishing like.

Response:

Two weeks holiday in Crete what’s the fishing like.

Well, damn…I thought this was another Gink/Xink thread… TC, R

Response:

Question:

Some might even prefer celibate Waynos ? TL MC — "Humour is a great comfort in adversity" http://www.mikeconnor.de

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You prefer celibate winters, I assume? — Charlie…

Response:

they do exactly what you do.  hell, you’ve probably had more actual "experience" than many of the advisors posting here. wayno

I don’t know about that, Wayno.  If you ask my wife she’ll tell you most of my fly fishing experience so far is in spending WAY too much money on it:) Tim (I know the kids need to go to college honey…but can’t they work their way through??)

Response:

I usually just use the tippet end of the tapered leader until I change (or lose) several flies and notice the leader getting too short.

The only thing with that is you’re probably into a thicker leader diameter by that time, which might or might not matter.  Plus, if you tie on a tippet from the start, then you know exactly how much you’ve used up (how close to your knot you’ve gotten) If it is a good idea to add tippet from the start, would it be best to use the same tippet size as the leader (i.e. 5X tippet added to a 5X tapered leader) or would it be better to taper it even more by one "X" size?

Either way.  One thing you can do is buy a leader that’s a bit shorter and heavier than you want.  If you want a 9′ 5X, get a 7.5′ 3X or 4X, then tie on 18" of 5X material.  Don’t take the numbers *too* seriously – it’s possible that the 5X tippet from one manufacturer is as thick as the 4X leader tip from another manufacturer, but it should be close enough. Regards, Jeff

Response:

Geez, and I thought a tippet was one of those little tips that Jeff was giving.  Or maybe that was a snippet of a tippet? PatK – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – but can’t figure out what a tippit is? Thanks Adam Adam, A tippet is just that.  A tip to be added to the leader for attaching flys.  You may have purchased an outfit with a tapered leader.  You will find that as you attach flys and replace them, the leader shortens rapidly.  A tippet is tied to the tip of a leader to give a sacrificial attaching point for flys as well as allows you to take the diameter down to the final presentation size for the particular situation. Tippet material is available in various sizes and a length is cut and attached to the leader.  The tippet may be a few inches to several feet long. — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Before you buy.

Response:

Geez, and I thought a tippet was one of those little tips that Jeff was giving.  Or maybe that was a snippet of a tippet? PatK

Naw, couldn’t be Jeff.  I don’t think you find that in the glossary of terms in the back of "Fly Fishing for Dummies"! — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

Geez, and I thought a tippet was one of those little tips that Jeff was giving

    normally, that would be referred to as "a pantload". wayno

Response:

who the hell would have the gall, or more especially the *time*, to argue with a human faq?

Almost as difficult as trying to document your nubile adventures, eh Wayno? –Steve

Response:

Is it a good idea to attach a length of tippet to a brand new tapered leader before tying on the first fly?

Yes, it is. If you need a 9-foot 6x leader buy a 7.5 foot 4x tapered leader (or 3x, or whatever the leader snobs say), cut a little bit off (kind of nearly up to the taper) and tie on 6x tippet right away. Try to use the same brand of leader and tippet, and throw away your old tippet before you use it up.         This tippette brought to you by,         rw

Response:

Geez, and I thought a tippet was one of those little tips that Jeff was giving    normally, that would be referred to as "a pantload". wayno

Hey, you could keep griping about it, or you could set me straight if I post a pantload – that way the lurking newbies and I might learn something. Regards, Jeff

Response:

Adam, A tippet is just that.  A tip to be added to the leader for attaching flys.  You may have purchased an outfit with a tapered leader.  You will find that as you attach flys and replace them, the leader shortens rapidly.  A tippet is tied to the tip of a leader to give a sacrificial attaching point for flys as well as allows you to take the diameter down to the final presentation size for the particular situation. Tippet material is available in various sizes and a length is cut and attached to the leader.  The tippet may be a few inches to several feet long.

Is it a good idea to attach a length of tippet to a brand new tapered leader before tying on the first fly? I usually just use the tippet end of the tapered leader until I change (or lose) several flies and notice the leader getting too short. I’ve often wondered what most experienced fly fishermen do with a new leader (assuming they don’t tie their own and use store-bought tapered leaders). If it is a good idea to add tippet from the start, would it be best to use the same tippet size as the leader (i.e. 5X tippet added to a 5X tapered leader) or would it be better to taper it even more by one "X" size? Tim

Response:

It is a good idea to add tippet from the start. You may use lighter tippet if your fly size will allow that. Very light tippet on larger flies or weighted nymphs etc is prone to breaking very quickly, so don

Question:

So Ken, are you a shill for george or one of his multiple personalities?

Now THAT is an address that lacks integrity and honesty.  Put it in your ear G2.  You posted this WHILE in the chat room.  Well pal, I’m still there.  Come and get it! George Gehrke — http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

Sorry G, I was in your chat room one night a long time ago and found no reason to return. I certainly wasn’t there last night. As far as "come and get it". I don’t like spam. With regards to the Email – the last time I put an email on a news group my inbox got filled with garbage from those like yourself. Paul – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – So Ken, are you a shill for george or one of his multiple personalities? Now THAT is an address that lacks integrity and honesty.  Put it in your ear G2.  You posted this WHILE in the chat room.  Well pal, I’m still there.  Come and get it! George Gehrke — http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

So Ken, are you a shill for george or one of his multiple personalities?

That was beautifully written.   Thanks for sharing that. Have you read any of the books from Roderick Haig-Brown?  His words are so eloquent and thoughts so devine.  I recommend his books too all who are interested in reading about fly fishing.  But he goes further than that. You learn about his interests, his childhood, his hopes, and you might even learn a few things about life. Ken. _____  I have been an avid fly fisherman ever since I was 10 years old, beginning with an old South Bend my Grandfather, Theodore Kurczak had

[snip] – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – crack at those 10 pound plus brown trout and larger bows. Mr.G. — http://www.gink.com

Response:

Didn’t you know G2 Marsh that ROFF is Darwinian and Shakespearean and that all the parts are played by me?   So Ken, are you a shill for george or one of his multiple personalities?

____  Marsh, that you use a disguise to come to the Chat Site for Fly Fisherman makes you a sick puppy.  You were her tonight and when you could not get anyone’s ire up, you went away with your tail between your legs.  It seems you just cannot function on love and kindness pal. Please get a life other then with the Federal Government. But you’re still welcome in spite of yourself.  You couldn’t take the heat of kindness and you left the kitchen.  You just can’t handle niceness, huh? : ) Mr. G. — http://www.gink.com/chat

Response:

_____  I have been an avid fly fisherman ever since I was 10 years old, beginning with an old South Bend my Grandfather, Theodore Kurczak had purchased back during the great depression.  Those were the days of trying times when the entire family used to walked the railroad tracks out in the country picking up coal dumped or fallen off the steam engines of that era.  It was the days during 1934, the year I was born that my mother would walk three miles to the five points area of Toledo to buy me a quart of milk at black market prices.  The days of rationing stamps during world war two was full bloom when I was five, six, and then seven years old.  Trading gasoline stamps for food and the victory gardens where whole city parks were plowed under and for two or three dollars, a small garden plot could be planted by families to grow vegetables.  Food for our Armed Forces was in great demand and anything that helped feed America was considered.  It was the days of great integrity and honesty.  When away and not attending the garden every Saturday near DeVilbiss School, the hundreds of plots remained intact and not one tomato, not one radish, not one head of lettuce was ever stolen.  It was an era of unusual times. The fly rod was used to reach out in local creeks to catch bullheads and anything that would provide a share of much needed protein.  The war efforts greatest demand for preserved meats for our soldiers went into Spam Cans and on Spam the American Army marched across Europe and the Pacific Islands. Well, I was given this old South Bend Fly Rod and it was like new.  My parents sold out right after the war and bought a forty acre farm out in the country and with me went that fly rod.  Actually, fly rods are more useful in the country anyhow and this one was no exception.  Some of those stories of my youth have been hinted about in past articles such as "The Makings of a Fly Fisherman" ( see: http://www.gink.com/makeflyfisherman.htm ) It takes years to learn the progressive secrets in the world of trout. One needs to understand water if they are to understand trout.  More thought is given to flies and tying them and to all the trimmings that go with the pursuit rather then the thought necessary to understand rivers, and the timeless waters that bed there.  This moving entity is a witchcraft cauldron of churning possibilities.  If we can understand the rivers that contain this moving home year around may we possibly understand the magic’s that happen in a place we seldom see.  We stand in air and trout are below our feet mocking the higher intellect (it seems) under a window of imperfect vision as long as its moving.  In that, there is a certain danger that lurks for both.  One can drown in the water and the other drowns out of it. After spring run off, the modern day angler waits for the seasonal exodus of summer vacations when the rivers of no return get lower and lower and concentrations of trout are condensed into smaller and smaller runs and pools.  The lowest level on most rivers is just prior to Spring run off.  That month is around April just before those April showers that bring the flowers that bloom in May.  Around the 40th parallel, the colder latitudes are best fished with midges and very early types of small stone flies.  What is not realized is the really BIG FISH during all these more confined times do not come out except at night.  The big rainbows and browns and cutthroat and brook trout are actually nocturnal animals.  The are big because they have learned that they are prey to things much larger then they.  So they hide beneath under cut banks, log jams, deep under huge rocks and boulders and under deep rapids where the window above is broken and they cannot be seen.  As with humans, every day we live is a gift . . . and that is why each day is called ‘a present’. Spring comes with each days higher azimuths of the rising sun that softens the snows.  They start to bleed, unwillingly but give up the blood of life to the thirsty earth below.  The streams swell and as they do the soils run with the thaw.  The rivers turn darker and darker until the waters are a torrent of chaos and terror. Yet, the trout lives.  The trout adapt.  The trout move to the friction dragging shore lines where the current pulls on the banks, trying to draw them in, but no they hold fast. The river edges during the spring are a forest of trout who are not willing to be involved deep in the low visibility of the central rivers.  The torrents roll debris upon them including rolling stones that can kill or injure them.  If you can see the danger coming, you might have a chance.  If you can’t see, its suicide to stay there. The trout move to safety and that is to the edge of the river where the current is less and where the food is plenty. This is the time of streamers.  I fish more Zonkers and Muddlers during the spring run off then at any other time of the year.  One only needs hip waders and need not even get their feet wet for all that it matters.  A length of fly line out, cast maybe 10 degrees out into the edge of the main current and letting it swing back toward shore and them twitching and working it back, upstream to yourself can be deadly.  The fish don’t come often but when they do, they are hefty and much larger. Spring run off edge fly fishing (whew, what a mouthful) can be the most startling revelation to any fly fisherman who has never done it before. The worse the river looks, the better and more concentrated are the trout packed along the edge. So think about this coming spring run off.  Don’t miss this time of great opportunity as a fly fisherman.  It is the best time to get a crack at those 10 pound plus brown trout and larger bows. Mr.G.   — http://www.gink.com

Response:

That was beautifully written.   Thanks for sharing that. Have you read any of the books from Roderick Haig-Brown?  His words are so eloquent and thoughts so devine.  I recommend his books too all who are interested in reading about fly fishing.  But he goes further than that. You learn about his interests, his childhood, his hopes, and you might even learn a few things about life. Ken. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – _____  I have been an avid fly fisherman ever since I was 10 years old, beginning with an old South Bend my Grandfather, Theodore Kurczak had purchased back during the great depression.  Those were the days of trying times when the entire family used to walked the railroad tracks out in the country picking up coal dumped or fallen off the steam engines of that era.  It was the days during 1934, the year I was born that my mother would walk three miles to the five points area of Toledo to buy me a quart of milk at black market prices.  The days of rationing stamps during world war two was full bloom when I was five, six, and then seven years old.  Trading gasoline stamps for food and the victory gardens where whole city parks were plowed under and for two or three dollars, a small garden plot could be planted by families to grow vegetables.  Food for our Armed Forces was in great demand and anything that helped feed America was considered.  It was the days of great integrity and honesty.  When away and not attending the garden every Saturday near DeVilbiss School, the hundreds of plots remained intact and not one tomato, not one radish, not one head of lettuce was ever stolen.  It was an era of unusual times. The fly rod was used to reach out in local creeks to catch bullheads and anything that would provide a share of much needed protein.  The war efforts greatest demand for preserved meats for our soldiers went into Spam Cans and on Spam the American Army marched across Europe and the Pacific Islands. Well, I was given this old South Bend Fly Rod and it was like new.  My parents sold out right after the war and bought a forty acre farm out in the country and with me went that fly rod.  Actually, fly rods are more useful in the country anyhow and this one was no exception.  Some of those stories of my youth have been hinted about in past articles such as "The Makings of a Fly Fisherman" ( see: http://www.gink.com/makeflyfisherman.htm ) It takes years to learn the progressive secrets in the world of trout. One needs to understand water if they are to understand trout.  More thought is given to flies and tying them and to all the trimmings that go with the pursuit rather then the thought necessary to understand rivers, and the timeless waters that bed there.  This moving entity is a witchcraft cauldron of churning possibilities.  If we can understand the rivers that contain this moving home year around may we possibly understand the magic’s that happen in a place we seldom see.  We stand in air and trout are below our feet mocking the higher intellect (it seems) under a window of imperfect vision as long as its moving.  In that, there is a certain danger that lurks for both.  One can drown in the water and the other drowns out of it. After spring run off, the modern day angler waits for the seasonal exodus of summer vacations when the rivers of no return get lower and lower and concentrations of trout are condensed into smaller and smaller runs and pools.  The lowest level on most rivers is just prior to Spring run off.  That month is around April just before those April showers that bring the flowers that bloom in May.  Around the 40th parallel, the colder latitudes are best fished with midges and very early types of small stone flies.  What is not realized is the really BIG FISH during all these more confined times do not come out except at night.  The big rainbows and browns and cutthroat and brook trout are actually nocturnal animals.  The are big because they have learned that they are prey to things much larger then they.  So they hide beneath under cut banks, log jams, deep under huge rocks and boulders and under deep rapids where the window above is broken and they cannot be seen.  As with humans, every day we live is a gift . . . and that is why each day is called ‘a present’. Spring comes with each days higher azimuths of the rising sun that softens the snows.  They start to bleed, unwillingly but give up the blood of life to the thirsty earth below.  The streams swell and as they do the soils run with the thaw.  The rivers turn darker and darker until the waters are a torrent of chaos and terror. Yet, the trout lives.  The trout adapt.  The trout move to the friction dragging shore lines where the current pulls on the banks, trying to draw them in, but no they hold fast. The river edges during the spring are a forest of trout who are not willing to be involved deep in the low visibility of the central rivers.  The torrents roll debris upon them including rolling stones that can kill or injure them.  If you can see the danger coming, you might have a chance.  If you can’t see, its suicide to stay there. The trout move to safety and that is to the edge of the river where the current is less and where the food is plenty. This is the time of streamers.  I fish more Zonkers and Muddlers during the spring run off then at any other time of the year.  One only needs hip waders and need not even get their feet wet for all that it matters.  A length of fly line out, cast maybe 10 degrees out into the edge of the main current and letting it swing back toward shore and them twitching and working it back, upstream to yourself can be deadly.  The fish don’t come often but when they do, they are hefty and much larger. Spring run off edge fly fishing (whew, what a mouthful) can be the most startling revelation to any fly fisherman who has never done it before. The worse the river looks, the better and more concentrated are the trout packed along the edge. So think about this coming spring run off.  Don’t miss this time of great opportunity as a fly fisherman.  It is the best time to get a crack at those 10 pound plus brown trout and larger bows. Mr.G. — http://www.gink.com

Response:

Ken, If you really liked that go to George’s chat or his bulletin board. It is full of George’s prose. George, Since these messages disappear off of the mail servers maybe you should post them to your bulletin board and preserve them. Then when people like ken want to read them they know where to go. sf

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That was beautifully written.   Thanks for sharing that. Have you read any of the books from Roderick Haig-Brown?  His words are so eloquent and thoughts so devine.  I recommend his books too all who are interested in reading about fly fishing.  But he goes further than that. You learn about his interests, his childhood, his hopes, and you might even learn a few things about life. Ken. _____  I have been an avid fly fisherman ever since I was 10 years old, beginning with an old South Bend my Grandfather, Theodore Kurczak had purchased back during the great depression.  Those were the days of trying times when the entire family used to walked the railroad tracks out in the country picking up coal dumped or fallen off the steam engines of that era.  It was the days during 1934, the year I was born that my mother would walk three miles to the five points area of Toledo to buy me a quart of milk at black market prices.  The days of rationing stamps during world war two was full bloom when I was five, six, and then seven years old.  Trading gasoline stamps for food and the victory gardens where whole city parks were plowed under and for two or three dollars, a small garden plot could be planted by families to grow vegetables.  Food for our Armed Forces was in great demand and anything that helped feed America was considered.  It was the days of great integrity and honesty.  When away and not attending the garden every Saturday near DeVilbiss School, the hundreds of plots remained intact and not one tomato, not one radish, not one head of lettuce was ever stolen.  It was an era of unusual times. The fly rod was used to reach out in local creeks to catch bullheads and anything that would provide a share of much needed protein.  The war efforts greatest demand for preserved meats for our soldiers went into Spam Cans and on Spam the American Army marched across Europe and the Pacific Islands. Well, I was given this old South Bend Fly Rod and it was like new.  My parents sold out right after the war and bought a forty acre farm out in the country and with me went that fly rod.  Actually, fly rods are more useful in the country anyhow and this one was no exception.  Some of those stories of my youth have been hinted about in past articles such as "The Makings of a Fly Fisherman" ( see: http://www.gink.com/makeflyfisherman.htm ) It takes years to learn the progressive secrets in the world of trout. One needs to understand water if they are to understand trout.  More thought is given to flies and tying them and to all the trimmings that go with the pursuit rather then the thought necessary to understand rivers, and the timeless waters that bed there.  This moving entity is a witchcraft cauldron of churning possibilities.  If we can understand the rivers that contain this moving home year around may we possibly understand the magic’s that happen in a place we seldom see.  We stand in air and trout are below our feet mocking the higher intellect (it seems) under a window of imperfect vision as long as its moving.  In that, there is a certain danger that lurks for both.  One can drown in the water and the other drowns out of it. After spring run off, the modern day angler waits for the seasonal exodus of summer vacations when the rivers of no return get lower and lower and concentrations of trout are condensed into smaller and smaller runs and pools.  The lowest level on most rivers is just prior to Spring run off.  That month is around April just before those April showers that bring the flowers that bloom in May.  Around the 40th parallel, the colder latitudes are best fished with midges and very early types of small stone flies.  What is not realized is the really BIG FISH during all these more confined times do not come out except at night.  The big rainbows and browns and cutthroat and brook trout are actually nocturnal animals.  The are big because they have learned that they are prey to things much larger then they.  So they hide beneath under cut banks, log jams, deep under huge rocks and boulders and under deep rapids where the window above is broken and they cannot be seen.  As with humans, every day we live is a gift . . . and that is why each day is called ‘a present’. Spring comes with each days higher azimuths of the rising sun that softens the snows.  They start to bleed, unwillingly but give up the blood of life to the thirsty earth below.  The streams swell and as they do the soils run with the thaw.  The rivers turn darker and darker until the waters are a torrent of chaos and terror. Yet, the trout lives.  The trout adapt.  The trout move to the friction dragging shore lines where the current pulls on the banks, trying to draw them in, but no they hold fast. The river edges during the spring are a forest of trout who are not willing to be involved deep in the low visibility of the central rivers.  The torrents roll debris upon them including rolling stones that can kill or injure them.  If you can see the danger coming, you might have a chance.  If you can’t see, its suicide to stay there. The trout move to safety and that is to the edge of the river where the current is less and where the food is plenty. This is the time of streamers.  I fish more Zonkers and Muddlers during the spring run off then at any other time of the year.  One only needs hip waders and need not even get their feet wet for all that it matters.  A length of fly line out, cast maybe 10 degrees out into the edge of the main current and letting it swing back toward shore and them twitching and working it back, upstream to yourself can be deadly.  The fish don’t come often but when they do, they are hefty and much larger. Spring run off edge fly fishing (whew, what a mouthful) can be the most startling revelation to any fly fisherman who has never done it before. The worse the river looks, the better and more concentrated are the trout packed along the edge. So think about this coming spring run off.  Don’t miss this time of great opportunity as a fly fisherman.  It is the best time to get a crack at those 10 pound plus brown trout and larger bows. Mr.G. — http://www.gink.com

Response:

Question:

Does anyone know where I can find a pair of gloves which are tipless? Along with RA I also have Reynauds and the office in which I work is kept very cold at times.  I’d like to be able to keep my joints in my hand warm, but also be able to use the keyboard.  I see these type gloves on TV all the time, but can not find them in stores.  Any ideas? Thanks, Phyllis

Response:

Does anyone know where I can find a pair of gloves which are tipless? Along with RA I also have Reynauds and the office in which I work is kept very cold at times.  I’d like to be able to keep my joints in my hand warm, but also be able to use the keyboard.  I see these type gloves on TV all the time, but can not find them in stores.  Any ideas? Thanks, Phyllis

PHYLLIS–someone has already suggested bikers gloves. If these do not suit you try buying a pair of  English  shooting gloves. Fine sports shops should have them. They come with one cutoff forefinger and you can cut the others to size. They are kid leather and have a silk lining. You may have to have the cutting done by someone who can permanently stop the ends from fraying. You can also use this cutting method as I do when I fly fish with light wool waterproofed gloves. Whatever glove you find that you think serves the purpose can be cut this way      Lots of luck and God Bless–Al

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Hi Phillis try a bicycle shop many bicycle gloves are fingerless at the tips& padded in the palm these also make good gloves to wear while doing progerssive resistance exercise or while working on maunfacturing tasks or other hand intensive work regards ken merriman md – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone know where I can find a pair of gloves which are tipless? Along with RA I also have Reynauds and the office in which I work is kept very cold at times.  I’d like to be able to keep my joints in my hand warm, but also be able to use the keyboard.  I see these type gloves on TV all the time, but can not find them in stores.  Any ideas? Thanks, Phyllis

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Does anyone know where I can find a pair of gloves which are tipless?

REI, the sporting goods folks, sell various models of fingerless gloves.

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I bought a pair of Isotoner gloves, and cut the tips off.  Worked for me. SharonH

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone know where I can find a pair of gloves which are tipless?

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I bought a pair of Isotoner gloves, and cut the tips off.  Worked for me. SharonH Does anyone know where I can find a pair of gloves which are tipless?

Or try an outdoor goods store.  Backpackers, rock climbers, and skiers all wear those type of gloves.  I’ve got a wool pair with rubber grippy dots on the palms.  I think the maker was Fox River, which makes a lot of woolen goods. — Member, Knights of Xenu (1995).  Chaos Monger and Jill of All Trades. "There are some people who will argue whether the flames are blue or green, when the real question is that their arse is on fire."

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I met a clerk in the local grocery store yesterday whowas wearing a pair of spandex wrist supports that also supported her hands and had no fingers. When I asked her she told me she had got them in a crafters store, Mary Maxim to be exact.  She had only been wearing them that morning but did find that her hands were comfortably warm and that there was a modicum of support … not as much as her braces but enough she felt for her so far that day. Susan

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Question:

I am going to buy a new 20 ft pontoon.  The manufacturer sells it with either 25 or 40 hp motors.  I have already decided to opt for the 40 but don’t know which brand to get.  They sell Force, Mariner, or Honda.  I understand that the quality of the Honda is excellent but have no experience with that brand.  Any comments would be appreciated.  Also, any comments about "add-ons"–I’m going to use the  boat for cruising as well as fishing. Bill

Hi Bill, I am looking for a 30 to 40 HP myself. I think that I might get a Honda 4 cycle. They are more money, heavier, but are quieter and get better gas milage. My next choice would be a Yamaha 2 cycle. What do others think? Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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Go for the Honda.  Much better engine from reliability and maintenance point of view.  If the Honda is too much, then go with the Mariner.  Stay away from the Force.  It is a stripped down version made solely for the low end price market, which means it is also a low end motor. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am going to buy a new 20 ft pontoon.  The manufacturer sells it with either 25 or 40 hp motors.  I have already decided to opt for the 40 but don’t know which brand to get.  They sell Force, Mariner, or Honda.  I understand that the quality of the Honda is excellent but have no experience with that brand.  Any comments would be appreciated.  Also, any comments about "add-ons"–I’m going to use the  boat for cruising as well as fishing. Bill

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Get the Mariner. It is more dependable and has a better garintee. I baught a Mariner 3 years ago. I had a small problem with the coil and they gave me a brand new motor no questions asked.

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:I am going to buy a new 20 ft pontoon.  The manufacturer sells it with :either 25 or 40 hp motors.  I have already decided to opt for the 40 but :don’t know which brand to get.  They sell Force, Mariner, or Honda.  I :understand that the quality of the Honda is excellent but have no :experience with that brand.  Any comments would be appreciated.  Also, Hey Bill, I’m new to this group and your post caught my attention. I just got back from Florida where i rented a 20 foot pontoon with a 30 horse. It was pushing to get 15 to 18 mph ! I rented the same size boat last year with a 60 i believe and i was passing runabouts that were on plane !  If you ever need to  cover some real distance you might opt for bigger motor. If your just out scooting around small lake the smaller one will do but dont expect to get anywhere fast with that 25 Kevin

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I am going to buy a new 20 ft pontoon.  The manufacturer sells it with either 25 or 40 hp motors.  I have already decided to opt for the 40 but don’t know which brand to get.  They sell Force, Mariner, or Honda.  I understand that the quality of the Honda is excellent but have no experience with that brand.  Any comments would be appreciated.  Also, any comments about "add-ons"–I’m going to use the  boat for cruising as well as fishing. Bill

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Question:

Heading for the Salmon River next week. Any info on the fishing would be appreciated. Thanks Mike

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Mike writes: Heading for the Salmon River next week. Any info on the fishing would be appreciated. Thanks Mike

I can’t speak for all the Salmon Rivers of the world, but the one in New York is covered by a call to 315-298-2993 to either Dave Patrick or Malinda Barna who also keep as update under the FFBN AOL fishing conditions section.   They run the excellent Altmar Smokehouse fly shop right on the river.   Also Bill Fling keeps an excellent page updated at http://www.salmon-river.com Was there 2-4 May and had poor water (Very high) conditions, but with a few steelies produced on flies after a great deal of very hard work.   Am returning next week.  The fish are clearly in the water and nice fish too… But with 2000 cfs flowing were scattered badly and very difficult to get close to or find.   Corkers are highly recommended as is a good wading staff.  Small nymphs and small bright, Eztaz type flies on 5 pound long tippets … Water may be high but is exceedingly clear.  Tightlines, Alan E. Hoover Anglers’ Rest Powhatan, Va        *the trout teach many, lessons*

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Mike writes:

Water on the Salmon River has been high 1700 cfs or better. Fish have been difficult but some have been taken. Four fish were taken at DSR yesterday. I’d try big, egg imitations and others in bright colors. We do have a minor stonefly hatch on currently. Bill — Bill Fling                     Tel. (315) 298-3044 SALMON RIVER ANGLERS LODGE     FAX  (315) 298-2619 P.O. Box 353                   Rt. 13, Rome Road Pulaski, NY 13142-0353   ‘SALMON RIVER/LAKE ONTARIO SPORTFISHING REPORTS’             ‘http://www.salmon-river.com’

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Anyone have anything good or bad to say about the Orvis DXR anti-reverse reels??

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Question:

<snip If you guys would have me believing that, I could also walk on water.  Not so.

Hold on George, you are destroying perceptions I had here.  I thought that if I rubbed gink on the felt of my wading boots, I could walk on water 8^) Bruce….

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<snip If you guys would have me believing that, I could also walk on water.  Not so. Hold on George, you are destroying perceptions I had here.  I thought that if I rubbed gink on the felt of my wading boots, I could walk on water 8^) Bruce….

thinking clearly. I used to have two fishing hats.  The guys bought the one that said, ‘Gink Keeps It Up’ . . . while the gals bought the T-Shirts that said; "Xink Keeps it Down!" Take care Bruce. George

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I tying a bunch of dries right now and use Gink at the stream with good results. After the discussion about sprays and such I was wondering if it was a good idea to treat my flies with Gink now so they will be ready out of the box on the stream. How about treating the materials before tying?

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I tying a bunch of dries right now and use Gink at the stream with good results. After the discussion about sprays and such I was wondering if it was a good idea to treat my flies with Gink now so they will be ready out of the box on the stream. How about treating the materials before tying?

I prefer to treat my dries immediately after tying. Some writers have described using gink and simialr dressings as a ‘dubbing wax’ but I’m unaware of anyone  applying floatants to materials before tying the fly. Ralph H

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I tying a bunch of dries right now and use Gink at the stream with good results. After the discussion about sprays and such I was wondering if it was a good idea to treat my flies with Gink now so they will be ready out of the box on the stream. How about treating the materials before tying? I prefer to treat my dries immediately after tying. Some writers have described using gink and simialr dressings as a ‘dubbing wax’ but I’m unaware of anyone  applying floatants to materials before tying the fly. Ralph H

DEAR RALPH:  YOUR QUESTIONS are good ones.   First, Gink is not used as a dubbing wax and no, you don’t want to pre-treat your flies before you store them in your fly tying box.  Dress your flies astream. HOWEVER!  (Let us use a ‘Light Cahill’ Dry Fly as an example).  You pick one up astream and you note it and its color.  You might even take a picture of it.  Now its time to tie the fly . . . to match the hatch. If you pick a yellow that matches the fly with ‘a dry’ material, it will be lighter than when it gets wet.  As a test, you want to take a little GINK and see how much darker that dry yellow will become IF and WHEN it becomes WET.  You, more likely than not will choose a lighter shade of yellow that will darken to the correct shade AFTER you get to your fishing hole. Understand? This is one of the neater features of using GINK AT the Fly Tying Table.  Just use it as a test for each shade of fly you’re going to tie and use it without exception for every fly pattern you’ll tie in your fishing life.  It is THAT important. Hope this hint increases your ‘Matching the Hatch’ stategies. Sincerely, George Gehrke (Gink Keeps It Up!)

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I use Nufly coat on my newly tied flies, and it works great. I think it must be like scotch guard, which I intend to try also. You must apply it to newly tied or purchased flies which have not been Gink’d yet, or else it doesn’t work as good. I also buy Albolene at the drug store ( it is used as a make-up remover cream) for about 5 bucks a quart to refill my floatant bottles. Learned that from Art Lee’s book "Fly fishing for trout on rivers and streams". It works as good as any floatant. Best is probably Orvis "Superfloat", it dries the flies and treats them with one application.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I tying a bunch of dries right now and use Gink at the stream with good results. After the discussion about sprays and such I was wondering if it was a good idea to treat my flies with Gink now so they will be ready out of the box on the stream. How about treating the materials before tying? I prefer to treat my dries immediately after tying. Some writers have described using gink and simialr dressings as a ‘dubbing wax’ but I’m unaware of anyone  applying floatants to materials before tying the fly. Ralph H DEAR RALPH:  YOUR QUESTIONS are good ones.   First, Gink is not used as a dubbing wax and no, you don’t want to pre-treat your flies before you store them in your fly tying box.  Dress your flies astream. HOWEVER!  (Let us use a ‘Light Cahill’ Dry Fly as an example).  You pick one up astream and you note it and its color.  You might even take a picture of it.  Now its time to tie the fly . . . to match the hatch. If you pick a yellow that matches the fly with ‘a dry’ material, it will be lighter than when it gets wet.  As a test, you want to take a little GINK and see how much darker that dry yellow will become IF and WHEN it becomes WET.  You, more likely than not will choose a lighter shade of yellow that will darken to the correct shade AFTER you get to your fishing hole. Understand? This is one of the neater features of using GINK AT the Fly Tying Table.  Just use it as a test for each shade of fly you’re going to tie and use it without exception for every fly pattern you’ll tie in your fishing life.  It is THAT important. Hope this hint increases your ‘Matching the Hatch’ stategies. Sincerely, George Gehrke (Gink Keeps It Up!)

Understand! Ralph H

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George, Thanks for the match the hatch info.  This sounds like excellent advice, and I can’t wait to try it this spring. Vince

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First, Gink is not used as a dubbing wax and no, you don’t want to pre-treat your flies before you store them in your fly tying box.  Dress your flies astream.

Why not? What is the reasoning behind this? Thanks, Jack – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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First, Gink is not used as a dubbing wax and no, you don’t want to pre-treat your flies before you store them in your fly tying box.  Dress your flies astream. Why not? What is the reasoning behind this?

Perhaps because George would rather you bought his World Famous/Can’t Be Beat/Patent Pending Miracle Dubbing Wax instead? ;^)

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First, Gink is not used as a dubbing wax and no, you don’t want to pre-treat your flies before you store them in your fly tying box.  Dress your flies astream. Why not? What is the reasoning behind this? Perhaps because George would rather you bought his World Famous/Can’t Be Beat/Patent Pending Miracle Dubbing Wax instead? ;^)

Its hard being great and humble at the same time.  Yah, sure.  If you guys would have me believing that, I could also walk on water.  Not so. Seriously, GINK is not a dubbing wax.  It is not thick enough to grab dubbing and  help spin it around a fine thread.  And, since Fly-Maker’s Wax IS designed to do just that with the same, wonderful, put a smile on your face, finger sticking good, a little dab will do you . . . efficency, why not go for the whole Enchalata? Sincerely, George Gehrke Mr. Dubbs?

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Question:

I live just outside of Washington DC and I was wondering where y’all think the best winter fly fishing is in this area.  It doesn’t have to be in my backyard, with in a few hours drive is alright.  It doesn’t have to be great fishing either, just to dip my line in some water would be nice. An overall query—if you could get any fishing related item for the Christmas, what would it be?  Essentially, what is at the top of a fly fisherman’s wish list?  

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An overall query—if you could get any fishing related item for the Christmas, what would it be?  Essentially, what is at the top of a fly fisherman’s wish list?  

I wish Santa would bring me a girlfriend who loves to flyfish. He wouldn’t even have to wrap her for me, he can just drop her off naked. —                   Flyfishers do it with longer rods

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: I live just outside of Washington DC and I was wondering where y’all think : the best winter fly fishing is in this area.  It doesn’t have to be in my : backyard, with in a few hours drive is alright.  It doesn’t have to be : great fishing either, just to dip my line in some water would be nice. If you are in DC, then try my old favorites  The Gunpowder below Prettybow Dam in Baltimore County, and Hunting Creek, near Thurmont in Frederick County. For the past two years, I caught (I belive the same) 23" brown on a GR-Hare’s Ear during January at Hunting Creek. I just moved to Oregon, and I’m sure I’ll miss these places. : An overall query—if you could get any fishing related item for the : Christmas, what would it be?  Essentially, what is at the top of a fly : fisherman’s wish list?   Leaders, tippets, water-proof throwaway camera to take photos of the great C&R’s. Fingerless neoprene gloves for cold-weather angling. Merry Xmas – Cameron Thomas

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: I live just outside of Washington DC and I was wondering where y’all think : the best winter fly fishing is in this area.  It doesn’t have to be in my : backyard, with in a few hours drive is alright.  It doesn’t have to be : great fishing either, just to dip my line in some water would be nice. : An overall query—if you could get any fishing related item for the : Christmas, what would it be?  Essentially, what is at the top of a fly : fisherman’s wish list?           If you just have the need to wet you’re lines and catch some fish, you can head to Dikerson (sp?).  The warm-water chute (where the kayakers practice in the winter) provides some pretty decent fishing throughout the winter.  Lots of big feisty blue-gills & some decent smallmouth action can be had too.  Never had much luck with the smallmouths though — of course I’ve only been up there 2 or 3 times.   Check out the rec. department for winter fishing courses.         As for the gift — how about either:                         1)  A private lake somewhere in canada with 500                             coupons for free flights or,                         2)  A condo on a small island off Florida with                             the same.

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Question:

Why not try a Fisher rod for a new experience.  The Fisher action is, in my opinion, one of the best on the market.  If you want a good buy, call Mike Solgat at (702) 782-4734 for his prices on a custom rod made from a Fisher blank.

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Why not try a Fisher rod for a new experience.  

 …and (addendum to last entry)…have you tried a Scott? steve drossel

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 Sage has many more choices.  Fenwick’s Ironfeather sounds like it’s their entry into the quality_rod category…. Right now, if in the same situation I’d tryout the Ironfeather with either Sage’s SP or RPL side_by_side if possible AND I (opinion) would include a few Orvis PMs (like EACH company’s line of rods…some are great, some are NOT!) tight_lines steve drossel

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Hey…         Hello Snowdog here…well my choice would be Sage..if u can afford SP OR RPL….they are wonderful rods.  The SP is top of the line…for anyone.  It is a very difficult rod…less for giving than the RPL so. I am still a poor college student…but have had a chance to use the rods. I have a four piece Discovery 5wt. 9′.  It is real nice and a nice upgrade from what I had before…a cheap Cortland.  I love it.  Orvis…well I look ed at them and for the money…at least what I could afford…Sage won hands down.  I live in the Upper Snake River Valley…I go to Idaho State University and by and far the most used quality rods around here are Sage. Orvis yes I guess is okay…but I just like how Sage feels.  Also…as long as u take care of your rod…and spending anywhere up to six hundred dollars u would be stupid not too…Sage guarentees it for life…your life.  Orvis does have that 25 year guarentee, but I think u pay more for it than the rod. Take can I hope this helps. Peter

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GO with the sage. Current Fenwick rods are not as good as the past oldies. Sage was started by former Fenwick designers and come real close to the traditional Fenwick tapers. I think that you will find the Sage a far better rod and will suit your needs better. In addition, some current Fenwicks have had some major breaking problems (the riverrunner casting rods come to mind). In addition quality control has lapsed since the company was purchased by that overseas conglomerate. Sage has become the rod of choice and former fenwick owners should feel comfortable with the feel and tapers. I can attest that the Fenwick return policy is quite liberal, if you still insist on the Fenwick. Ditto for Sage. I personally would settle for the Sage. REGARDS from a longtime Fenwick fan. Hope this helps. DA

I second this recommendation. I own four Fenwicks–old and new–and two Sages. The Fenwicks, old or new, do not compare to the Sages. I also have a couple of Orvis rods, and a Loomis 4-piece. The best by far is the Sage 9-ft 5-weight. Orvis, of course, has the best return/repair policy–free replacement regardless of cause.

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        I am in the process of looking for a new rod (to be graciously supplied by my insurance company) to replace one lost in a move. I have used Fenwick fly rods for ages and have been rather leery of anything else. The guy at the local shop has been pushing me to buy a Sage but I’m not sure.         Help me out guys. I need some opinions on the subject. Do I stick with the Fenwick or go for a new Sage. tips up folks

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Lafleur) writes:

 I am in the process of looking for a new rod (to be graciously supplied by my insurance company) to replace one lost in a move. I have used Fenwick fly rods for ages and have been rather leery of anything else. The guy at the local shop has been pushing me to buy a Sage but I’m not sure.  Help me out guys. I need some opinions on the subject. Do I stick with the Fenwick or go for a new Sage Buy the rod that feels best. Most quality rods will catch fish. buying "brand names" fits in the same boat as having a BMW or Rolex, both great products if you need them for anything other than ego gratification. I have noticed a disturbing trend in fly fishing in the last few years. It seems that what you use is more important than the results you get, or the fun you have. Both brands will do the job. Labbe

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Lafleur) writes:

<Do I go for Fenwick or Sage Much depends on your own style of fishing. Owning both Sage and Fenwick rods myself, I grab my Fenwick 4-wt when small streams with delicate presentations are the order of the day. For large rivers where something with a bit more oomph is needed, I’ll take my Sage 5-wt. Forced to a cross-situation of a large water needing very delicate casts, I use a $25 Berkley Blazer 4/5. Cheap as it is, it’s got enough backbone to deliver 50-55 feet of line, but is slow enough to allow great delicacy and control. Not bad for the price, I’d say. JL 8-Wt Editor

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Sage rods are truly a pleasure to fish with

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Lafleur) writes: I am in the process of looking for a new rod (to be graciously supplied by my insurance company) to replace one lost in a move. I have used Fenwick fly rods for ages and have been rather leery of anything else. The guy at the local shop has been pushing me to buy a Sage but I’m not sure. Help me out guys. I need some opinions on the subject. Do I stick with the Fenwick or go for a new Sage

GO with the sage. Current Fenwick rods are not as good as the past oldies. Sage was started by former Fenwick designers and come real close to the traditional Fenwick tapers. I think that you will find the Sage a far better rod and will suit your needs better. In addition, some current Fenwicks have had some major breaking problems (the riverrunner casting rods come to mind). In addition quality control has lapsed since the company was purchased by that overseas conglomerate. Sage has become the rod of choice and former fenwick owners should feel comfortable with the feel and tapers. I can attest that the Fenwick return policy is quite liberal, if you still insist on the Fenwick. Ditto for Sage. I personally would settle for the Sage. REGARDS from a longtime Fenwick fan. Hope this helps. DA

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