Question:

I’m in RW’s boat. I use an improved clinch for everything. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Since so many folks started posting what terminal knot they use at the fly, I started keeping track. Some folks had multiple answers for different situation, so I just counted each one. Here’s the results so far. Feel free to post yours and I’ll keep the running tally. Clinch Knot: 4 (Charlie Choc, rw, Bob Weinberger, daytripper) Uni Knot: 3 (Lazarus Cooke, Mike Connor, Vaughan Hurry) Homer Rhode: 2 (Charlie Choc, riverman) Palomar: 1 (Danl) No-Slip Loop Knot: 1 (rw) Improved Clinch: 1 (rw) Turle: 1 (rw) The Improved Clinch is suprising; I’d have thought it was the most common. Possibly not so. Other folks? Lurkers? riverman

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The Improved Clinch is suprising; I’d have thought it was the most common. Possibly not so. Other folks? Lurkers?

I nearly always use the improved clinch, but once in a while I’ll use the uni-knot. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyoming

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I’m in RW’s boat. I use an improved clinch for everything. —

Just coming off the road, so late on this…improved clinch for me too, tippet to fly. Frank Church

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I try to tie an improved clinch, but must confess that all too often it turns out to be a "Granny". Big Dale

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Improved Clinch in mono, Uni Loop in braided wire, haywire twist in singlestrand. I’m puzzled by these failures of the improved clinch, I’ve never seen the problem. Chas

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I’m puzzled by these failures of the improved clinch, I’ve never seen the problem.

I think mine were probably due to improper tightening, but the regular clinch is working fine for me now. — Charlie…

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I’m puzzled by these failures of the improved clinch, I’ve never seen the problem. I think mine were probably due to improper tightening, but the regular clinch is working fine for me now.

I’m sure mine were due to improper tightening, and the regular clinch has always worked fine for me for anything smaller than the typical saltwater hook. I use Orvis SS leader material for fresh water. Maybe that’s a factor… /daytripper

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      Since so many folks started posting what terminal knot they use at the fly,   I started keeping track. Some folks had multiple answers for different   situation, so I just counted each one. Here’s the results so far. Feel free   to post yours and I’ll keep the running tally.        clinch from backing to line, line to leader; improved clinch   leader to tippet, tippet to fly. How do you use a clinch knot to join two lines together? Willi

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  Since so many folks started posting what terminal knot they use at the fly,  I started keeping track. Some folks had multiple answers for different  situation, so I just counted each one. Here’s the results so far. Feel free  to post yours and I’ll keep the running tally.        clinch from backing to line, line to leader; improved clinch   leader to tippet, tippet to fly. How do you use a clinch knot to join two lines together? Willi

        if i told you, i’d have to kill you.  :) yfitons wayno  (really, you’d have to see it to understand) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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Since so many folks started posting what terminal knot they use at the fly, I started keeping track. Some folks had multiple answers for different situation, so I just counted each one. Here’s the results so far. Feel free to post yours and I’ll keep the running tally. Clinch Knot: 4 (Charlie Choc, rw, Bob Weinberger, daytripper) Uni Knot: 3 (Lazarus Cooke, Mike Connor, Vaughan Hurry) Homer Rhode: 2 (Charlie Choc, riverman) Palomar: 1 (Danl) No-Slip Loop Knot: 1 (rw) Improved Clinch: 1 (rw) Turle: 1 (rw) The Improved Clinch is suprising; I’d have thought it was the most common. Possibly not so. Other folks? Lurkers? riverman

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Oops. The Turle was Lazarus. Sorry. rm

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Clinch Knot: 4 (Charlie Choc, rw, Bob Weinberger, daytripper) Uni Knot: 3 (Lazarus Cooke, Mike Connor, Vaughan Hurry) Homer Rhode: 2 (Charlie Choc, riverman) Palomar: 1 (Danl) No-Slip Loop Knot: 1 (rw) Improved Clinch: 1 (rw) Turle: 1 (rw) The Improved Clinch is suprising; I’d have thought it was the most common. Possibly not so. Other folks? Lurkers?

I use the Pitzen knot.  Favorite for the past three years.

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Feel free to post yours and I’ll keep the running tally.

Clinch Knot George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

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Since so many folks started posting what terminal knot they use at the fly, I started keeping track. Some folks had multiple answers for different situation, so I just counted each one. Here’s the results so far. Feel free to post yours and I’ll keep the running tally.

        clinch from backing to line, line to leader; improved clinch leader to tippet, tippet to fly.

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Mostly improved clinch sometime just a clinch.

    Mostly just a clinch, sometimes improved clinch.

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Since so many folks started posting what terminal knot they use at the fly, I started keeping track. Some folks had multiple answers for different situation, so I just counted each one. Here’s the results so far. Feel free to post yours and I’ll keep the running tally.    clinch from backing to line, line to leader; improved clinch leader to tippet, tippet to fly.

This explains a lot, wayno. /daytripper (y’all are just too clinched up!

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clinch from backing to line, line to leader; improved clinch leader to tippet, tippet to fly.

Tied by your fishing partner, no less. –Steve

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Since so many folks started posting what terminal knot they use at the fly, I started keeping track. Some folks had multiple answers for different situation, so I just counted each one. Here’s the results so far. Feel free to post yours and I’ll keep the running tally. Clinch Knot: 4 (Charlie Choc, rw, Bob Weinberger, daytripper) Uni Knot: 3 (Lazarus Cooke, Mike Connor, Vaughan Hurry) Homer Rhode: 2 (Charlie Choc, riverman) Palomar: 1 (Danl) No-Slip Loop Knot: 1 (rw) Improved Clinch: 1 (rw) Turle: 1 (rw) The Improved Clinch is suprising; I’d have thought it was the most common. Possibly not so. Other folks? Lurkers? riverman

improved clinch jeff

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Oops. The Turle was Lazarus. Sorry.

I don’t even know how to tie a Turle knot. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Since so many folks started posting what terminal knot they use at the fly, I started keeping track. Some folks had multiple answers for different situation, so I just counted each one. Here’s the results so far. Feel free to post yours and I’ll keep the running tally. Clinch Knot: 4 (Charlie Choc, rw, Bob Weinberger, daytripper) Uni Knot: 3 (Lazarus Cooke, Mike Connor, Vaughan Hurry) Homer Rhode: 2 (Charlie Choc, riverman) Palomar: 1 (Danl) No-Slip Loop Knot: 1 (rw) Improved Clinch: 1 (rw) Turle: 1 (rw) The Improved Clinch is suprising; I’d have thought it was the most common. Possibly not so. Other folks? Lurkers? riverman

Improved Clinch G.C.

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Improved Clinch for me, Occasionally the Turle. Clark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Since so many folks started posting what terminal knot they use at the fly, I started keeping track. Some folks had multiple answers for different situation, so I just counted each one. Here’s the results so far. Feel free to post yours and I’ll keep the running tally. Clinch Knot: 4 (Charlie Choc, rw, Bob Weinberger, daytripper) Uni Knot: 3 (Lazarus Cooke, Mike Connor, Vaughan Hurry) Homer Rhode: 2 (Charlie Choc, riverman) Palomar: 1 (Danl) No-Slip Loop Knot: 1 (rw) Improved Clinch: 1 (rw) Turle: 1 (rw) The Improved Clinch is suprising; I’d have thought it was the most common. Possibly not so. Other folks? Lurkers? riverman

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I like the Trilene knot, especially on bigger hooks. http://www.fish4fun.com/TrileneKnot.htm Kevin

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Clinch mostly. 6 turns on 6x and above. 5 turns on 5x. 4 turns on 4x and below. Loop jam for swinging flys. None other needed. Joel Axelrad **DFD**

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  The Improved Clinch is suprising; I’d have thought it was the most common.   Possibly not so.     Other folks? Lurkers?   Mostly improved clinch sometime just a clinch. Willi

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Mostly improved clinch sometime just a clinch. Willi

Ditto.  Occasionally a Trilene knot too, depending on the size of the eye. I start with a clinch, and if it holds when I test it, I don’t worry. –Stan

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Question:

And I suppose to you it is an earth shattering event?? To me it don’t mean a damn thing. The death of my father,obscure and never publicised,was of enormously greater import.  Maybe you need to get a life.

losin a father, of course, is significant. how did you feel when you heard john lennon was shot? john kennedy? how did you feel when someone you admired and considered a hero died? listless? happy? don, maybe you need to get a life…. a real life. walt

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BTW, Dale Earnhardt was a native North Carolinian! — Opie  –Planning for the Past–

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just returned from Raleigh.  I took my dad his somewhat new golf cart.  I listened to the Daytona 500 on the way down and upon my return. Though I have never been a big NASCAR fan, I will truly miss Dale Earnhardt. He was one of the best loved and hated in his sport Opie  –Very Sad–

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I have just returned from Raleigh.  I took my dad his somewhat new golf cart.  I listened to the Daytona 500 on the way down and upon my return. Though I have never been a big NASCAR fan, I will truly miss Dale Earnhardt. He was one of the best loved and hated in his sport Opie  –Very Sad–

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I was about to post the following when Mark  beat me to it.  Cut and paste" Sad news in NASCAR racing, today.  Dale Earnhart, 7 time NASCAR champ, died after a crash on the final lap of today’s Daytona 500.  Michael Waltrip and his team-mate Dale Earnhart, Jr., came in 1st and 2nd.  Earnhart would have been third except for the incident that caused him and Kenny Schraeder to crash out of the race on the final lap.  The crash wasn’t that bad.  I’ve seen Earnhart walk away from far worse.  My heart goes out to all you Nortch Carolina boys, especially Pamlico Jim who was a wonderful Earnhart fan. The irony of it:  Michael Waltrip has been Cup racing for 15 or so years and never had a good car or someone to trust in him. He had never won a Nascar race. Earnhart saw the talent in Waltrip and owned the car that Michael drove today. I only hope he new that both of his cars, Waltrip’s and Jr.’s, came in 1st and 2nd. Dave L.

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Yeah, well, don’t count your elephants before they hatch! Opie  –Presently rosy cheeked–

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I don’t think too deeply….. Beginning to suspect there is little truth to this assertion. Wolfgang

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Joe F. wrote… <snip <snip   I guess if your number’s up… Friend, how about a little respect?  Lets not treat this mans death as some meaningless happening.

I think it’s pretty strange when drivers race cars at about 200 mph around an oval, within inches of one another, and then people get all surprised and upset when someone gets killed. The danger is really the POINT of auto racing. If somehow the powers that be could contrive to make it perfectly safe, interest in the sport would drop like a rock. It would have about as much interest as watching teenagers play video games. These guys race because paying customers like to see them risking their lives. They probably enjoy it, too, but they wouldn’t be doing it unless a lot of people were paying for the spectacle. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

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I feel miserable about the passing of Dale.  Last evening I was planning on tying a few flies and relaxing for the evening.  I then heard the news from a buddy of mine on the phone.  I still am in shock over the untimely death of a man that I hated, loved and admired.  I hated him on the track for his dirty ways.  I loved him for his zealousness, competitiveness and what he has done for the sport of stock car racing and apart from him racing ‘dirty’ at times, he appeared to be a true gentleman. All who watched the Daytona 500 on Sunday were able to witness a ‘new’ Dale Earnhardt, in that he was protecting the lead for either Michael Waltrip or his son, we don’t know which one, but we can all attest to the fact that that was very uncharacteristic of  the ‘Intimidator’ and I was very happy to see Dale race in that fashion.  He left us with an image of what he was probably like as a father, husband and friend— a real man, one who is loving, protective and gracious, even though in the past that picture wasn’t painted on the race track.  But, it is evident that Dale was a gentleman and he will be greatly missed!!!! Growing up I attended many NASCAR races at Michigan, Bristol, Charlotte and Daytona and he was always the thorn in this fans side because he always was winning, or preventing one of my favorites from winning—I was always happy to see him a lap down, running out of gas or with a blown tire, but never, ever did I wish any harm to him, nor any other driver.  I remember talking with my father during a Sunday race about Earnhardt and that he drove us nuts…..then we both agreed it was fun seeing him run his tank empty or blow a motor (which was rare for RCR Enterprises Engine Building Team) but we would never like to see him be injured because of a mishap.  I have lightened up over the years concerning Dale, and I actually enjoyed seeing him win the Daytona 500 a few years back.  I thought, "Good for you Dale, you have definitely earned it!!!" I sat last night in shock and tears because, reflecting on past conversations with my father about racing and Dale, I remember us agreeing that NASCAR wouldn’t be the same without Dale out there doing what he does best. I’m sad and I hurt for the whole community that was so close to him, his dear and close friends, and his family. To Dale:  It won’t be same without you!  Thank you for many years of fun filled and exciting races. You are and will be missed.  Richard may have been the King, but that never stopped you from making it to the top! God Bless the family, friends and partners of Dale, DEI and RCR.

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And I suppose to you it is an earth shattering event?? To me it don’t mean a damn thing. The death of my father,obscure and never publicised,was of enormously greater import.  Maybe you need to get a life. —  Don Thompson Another of the Thompson Boys

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Joe F. wrote… <snip <snip   I guess if your number’s up… Friend, how about a little respect?  Lets not treat this mans death as some meaningless happening.

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I don’t think too deeply…..

Beginning to suspect there is little truth to this assertion. Wolfgang

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Joe F. wrote…

<snip <snip   I guess if your number’s up… Friend, how about a little respect?  Lets not treat this mans death as some meaningless happening.

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Well sure he was a great personality. No doubt about it. But would you classify his death as noble? Ever read the short story entitled "The Lottery"? NASCAR reminds me of that.

Don’t know about ‘noble’ but I guess if I had to die young, a sudden death while fishing wouldn’t be the worst way to exit. I never met Dale Earnhardt, but I kind of think he felt the same way about racing, or he would have retired after Neil Bonnet’s death. As it was, Earnhardt wasn’t the same for some time after Bonnet died. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have just returned from Raleigh.  I took my dad his somewhat new golf cart.  I listened to the Daytona 500 on the way down and upon my return. Though I have never been a big NASCAR fan, I will truly miss Dale Earnhardt. He was one of the best loved and hated in his sport I hadn’t heard until your post.   I couldn’t believe it.   I’m not a NASCAR fan either; but I have to appreciate anyone who’s done what Earnhardt has done in their particular venue.   Damned shame. Odd though, that in the news coverage, the crash that killed him didn’t look so bad compared to many of the flip in the air, acrobatic, car-disintegrating wrecks that some drivers walk away from (including the Home Depot car in that race).   I guess if your number’s up… Joe F.

Not to be flippant about a serious matter, but it’s like the old saying, "It’s not your parachute not opening that kills you, it’s the sudden stop that does it."  A "wild" crash certainly looks spectacular, but look more closely – the cars flip and/or spin, all the while losing speed and inertia – Earnhardt, basically, "instantly" decelerated (not "instantly" in the absolute, but you get the idea) from 180 MPH when he hit the wall at maybe 25 degrees from perpendicular and then the other car "drove" his.  If the other car had not driven his car sideways, I’d guess the "seriousness" would have been more readily apparent.  When I saw the crash the first time, I thought what most were saying – it didn’t appear too bad, but when I saw it in slower motion, looking critically, it looked pretty bad. TC, R

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Odd though, that in the news coverage, the crash that killed him didn’t look so bad compared to many of the flip in the air, acrobatic, car-disintegrating wrecks that some drivers walk away from (including the Home Depot car in that race).   I guess if your number’s up… Joe F.

Actually the ’spectacular’ crashes are sldom fatal because all of the acrobatics tend to scrub off speed and dissipate the force of the inpact. The truly deadly crashes are the sudden decelleration type that killed Earnhardt. 180 to 0 mph in less then a second. The human body simply wasn’t designed to deal with those kind of g-forces. The two drivers killed at Loudon, NH last year suffered the same type of injury, and niether crash appeared ’serious’. There is really no safety equipment that can be added to the car or driver that would prevent fatalities from this type of injury. Track design, (’soft walls’, water barriers, etc, might help. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

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He was a *great* sportz personality, regardless of Zimbo’z *opinion*! While I have never been fascinated by celebrity, nor have I ever had a hero, I must say that Dale Earnhardt’s death has affected me for some reason.

Well sure he was a great personality. No doubt about it. But would you classify his death as noble? Ever read the short story entitled "The Lottery"? NASCAR reminds me of that. –Steve

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I have just returned from Raleigh.  I took my dad his somewhat new golf cart.  I listened to the Daytona 500 on the way down and upon my return. Though I have never been a big NASCAR fan, I will truly miss Dale Earnhardt. He was one of the best loved and hated in his sport

I hadn’t heard until your post.   I couldn’t believe it.   I’m not a NASCAR fan either; but I have to appreciate anyone who’s done what Earnhardt has done in their particular venue.   Damned shame. Odd though, that in the news coverage, the crash that killed him didn’t look so bad compared to many of the flip in the air, acrobatic, car-disintegrating wrecks that some drivers walk away from (including the Home Depot car in that race).   I guess if your number’s up… Joe F.

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I don’t think too deeply, nor do I dwell upon the aspects that might make a *sport* appealing to varying people.  NASCAR is a *sport* and one that has in recent years drawn a good deal of attention from BIG MONEY sponsors.  The fact that some of its participants die is regrettable, but no more so than in other sports.  Dale Earnhardt knew the dangers involved and chose to race anyway.  I don’t lament the way in which he died, but the fact that he did die! Steve, people die everyday playing, for money and/or enjoyment, one or another otherwise *meaningless* sports.  If folks gain something from participating in a particular sport or from merely observing said sports, I have no qualms with it. Why would you suppose that I might think any death as noble?  I rarely use the term, when referring to humans! Opie  —-

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – He was a *great* sportz personality, regardless of Zimbo’z *opinion*! While I have never been fascinated by celebrity, nor have I ever had a hero, I must say that Dale Earnhardt’s death has affected me for some reason. Well sure he was a great personality. No doubt about it. But would you classify his death as noble? Ever read the short story entitled "The Lottery"? NASCAR reminds me of that. –Steve

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Zimbo writes: The really sad thing is that in addition to the fact that Dale was killed (he didn’t *die*, he was *killed*), this news will only bring more popularity to one of the world’s stupidest sports. –Steve

Give me a break!  It is the most popular sport in the world.  I would guess that more people are killed fly fishing every year than in organized automobile racing.  Bull fighting, mountain climbing and auto racing are the only sports. The rest are games (according to Hemingway).

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He was a *great* sportz personality, regardless of Zimbo’z *opinion*!  While I have never been fascinated by celebrity, nor have I ever had a hero, I must say that Dale Earnhardt’s death has affected me for some reason. Opie  –Planning for the Past–

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Kelly writes: I love Winston Cup racing, but for me, a big part of the thrill is gone. It’s been said he could see the air.  There wasn’t anyone like him, probably never will be.

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Kelly writes: I love Winston Cup racing, but for me, a big part of the thrill is gone.

It’s been said he could see the air.  There wasn’t anyone like him, probably never will be.

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Kelly writes: I love Winston Cup racing, but for me, a big part of the thrill is gone. It’s been said he could see the air.  There wasn’t anyone like him, probably never will be.

    When they put Waltrip’s car on display across the street from the speedway, tragically absent will be the donut Dale would have put on the driver side door.                    Kelly

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The sudden stop from 180 mph seems to be what killed him. The sudden decelleration caused severe head injuries. There really is no way to protect against this type of accident. Dale’s best friend, Niel Bonnet died under similar circumstances a few years ago.

The really sad thing is that in addition to the fact that Dale was killed (he didn’t *die*, he was *killed*), this news will only bring more popularity to one of the world’s stupidest sports. –Steve

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The sudden stop from 180 mph seems to be what killed him. The sudden decelleration caused severe head injuries. There really is no way to protect against this type of accident. Dale’s best friend, Niel Bonnet died under similar circumstances a few years ago. NASCAR might take a hard look at the recent changes in the "aero package" that causes the cars to stay bunched up for 500 miles. It makes a great show for the fans, but with an 18 car wreck, and then the fatality, it has proved very costly. Ironically, Earnhardt has been a vocal critic of restrictor plate racing for many years. A very sad day indeed. George Adams

    When they first ran the new aero package last fall at Talladega, and Dale made that great run from 15th or so to the victory in 5 laps, I’ll admit I thought the new rules were terrific. But I agree with you. Something needs to be looked at. Talladega is a lot wider than Daytona. I think the cleaner aerodynamics are safer at Daytona, where there is less room to bounce around. The big wreck was bound to happen. I know Dale hated the follow the leader plate races that he was so good at. I didn’t catch his feelings about running under the new rules, but I thought most of the Dodge and GM guys were favorable to them. NASCAR did indeed get the show they wanted, at least until the last lap, and it was one of the most thrilling races I’ve ever watched (even my wife watched a good part of it), but that’s not the kind of racing I like if this is how it ends.                      Kelly

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Forgive the spelling mistakes in that last post.  Very shook up over this.  I can hardly believe it.  It was a joy to see Earnhardt racing his son and protecting him.  I’m going to have to find a new hero……. and Earnhardt is going to be difficult to replace…

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The sudden stop from 180 mph seems to be what killed him. The sudden decelleration caused severe head injuries. There really is no way to protect against this type of accident. Dale’s best friend, Niel Bonnet died under similar circumstances a few years ago. NASCAR might take a hard look at the recent changes in the "aero package" that causes the cars to stay bunched up for 500 miles. It makes a great show for the fans, but with an 18 car wreck, and then the fatality, it has proved very costly. Ironically, Earnhardt has been a vocal critic of restrictor plate racing for many years. A very sad day indeed. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was about to post the following when Mark  beat me to it.  Cut and paste" Sad news in NASCAR racing, today.  Dale Earnhart, 7 time NASCAR champ, died after a crash on the final lap of today’s Daytona 500.  Michael Waltrip and his team-mate Dale Earnhart, Jr., came in 1st and 2nd.  Earnhart would have been third except for the incident that caused him and Kenny Schraeder to crash out of the race on the final lap.  The crash wasn’t that bad.  I’ve seen Earnhart walk away from far worse.  My heart goes out to all you Nortch Carolina boys, especially Pamlico Jim who was a wonderful Earnhart fan. The irony of it:  Michael Waltrip has been Cup racing for 15 or so years and never had a good car or someone to trust in him. He had never won a Nascar race. Earnhart saw the talent in Waltrip and owned the car that Michael drove today. I only hope he new that both of his cars, Waltrip’s and Jr.’s, came in 1st and 2nd. Dave L.

    As a big fan, I thought our run was over a few years back when, during his long winless streak, Dale passed out on the pace lap during the Southern 500 at Darlington and hit the wall coming out of turn 4. But then he came back at Daytona the next year with a truly spectacular victory. As the other drivers of his generation ended their careers just trying to make laps, he was still the best one on the track. He was amazing and thrilling to watch. Nerves of steel and will of iron. I thought the Goodwrench team was going to do it again this year.    DEI did an incredible thing today putting a brand new team in the winners circle at the 500. But I feel just awful for the Earnhardts, Michael and DEI, and RCR. This really is a very, very sad day for me and a lot of other motor-heads. I love Winston Cup racing, but for me, a big part of the thrill is gone.                                  Kelly

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Question:

Any thoughts on the best of the intermediate casting videos?  I need to debug my casting and would like to try this before investing in an instructor.  mike

You’d be surprised what you local libray might have; and you might be able to put a hold on one that’s not in, or order it from another library.    I’ve checked out a number of them over the years.   Some fly fishing shops also rent them out. Before I teach someone how to fly fish, or even to cast, I always insist they watch the videos, first. Max http://www.inetarena.com/~mwi

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Any thoughts on the best of the intermediate casting videos?  I need to debug my casting and would like to try this before investing in an instructor.  mike

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There are a number of good casting videos.  Some of our favorites are:  "Joan Wulff’s Dynamics of Fly Casting", which is still fairly new on the market.  It covers "from solid basics to advanced techniques." $24.95 And… "Fly Casting with Lefty Kreh" ($29.95) and "All New Fly Casting Techniques", also Lefty Kreh ($19.95) Both Joan Wulff and Lefty Kreh are renouned for their casting ability. I couldn’t give you a clue on how to choose one over the other, as they are all excellent–but different. If you don’t mind spending the $, get Joan’s and one of Lefty’s.  It would be worth it. Lauren Hart, Brazos FlyFishers  http://www.brazosflyfishers.com Check out our Spring Specials posted on our website!!! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any thoughts on the best of the intermediate casting videos?  I need to debug my casting and would like to try this before investing in an instructor.  mike

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Question:

In article <Pine.GSO.3.96.980414223331.5121C- writes The cost is $36 bucks

A simple but effective, and adjustable, strap can be made from a strip of suitable material and some Velcro.  This will cost a lot less that $36. Just a few pence in our money (U.K.)  The strap is not vital for novice casters, who should learn the basics of casting without a strap. However some older, arthritic, or otherwise weak-wristed person will gain some benefit from the use of a strap. I apologise for entering the thread so late in the day, because some of the above has already been suggested. Regards from Wales — Bill

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Has anyone one used a product called ‘Easy Cast’? It’s a type of wrist band that wraps around the base of the fly rod and your wrist. The add claims "Casts will feel 50% lighter and 100% more comfortable and be more effective." The cost is $36 bucks (at least in the catalog I’ve seen them in). If anything, it looks like it’s make an expensive ’sissy strap’, but then again, if it does what it claims… Thanks in advanced!

Hi Robert, This sounds al lot like the "Wrist Lock" that Joan and Lee Wulff sold for years.  From time to time I use one in my schools for people who have extreme problems with their wrist.  They usually have no idea how much wrist movement they’re using. You can also wear a long sleeve shirt and tuck the butt of the rod into your sleeve to accomplish the same thing.  This limits the amount of movement your wrist can make and brings it to your attention.   It is a poor substitute for good technique and not a permanent or a good solution.   After a student sees how much he was using his wrist and and feels how much easier it is to cast by limiting their wrist movement, they can take it off and do as well without it.   If you rely on it to make your casting better, it will help in the short term, but you’ll soon compensate for it and your wrist problems will get worse instead of better.   The only way it can make the rod feel lighter is by making you use your forearm instead of so much wrist.  Less pressure on your wrist would make the rod feel lighter.  Better technique accomplishes the same thing.  If you leave your crutch behind, your fishing is ruined.  If you learn how to cast efficiently you don’t need it, plus you always know where your arm is (hard to lose).                        Hope this helps,                                Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools Mt. Shasta Fly Fishing Schools http://www.thegrid.net/flyfish

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These wrist bands have been around for years. I first saw one in 1968. All they do is prevent you from moving your wrist while casting. This is an absolute necessity for the beginning caster. When you bend your wrist the rod tip goes in a circle. the line follows creating a wide loop or even hitting the ground in back and in front of you. Preventing the circular wrist motion avoids these beginners problems. Any strap that holds the rod butt against your forearm will provide the benefits claimed by the product. However,  36 bucks seems a little high when a piece of tape will accomplish the same thing. Two Points: 1) It would be better to learn how to cast correctly without the use of a crutch. Try strapping the rod butt to your forearm just to see how it improves your casting and then produce the same results without the crutch. 2) One advanced distance casting technique is to apply a greater amount of line speed by bending the wrist at the appropriate time late in the cast. This cannot be accomplished if you are dependent on a strap to keep you from bending the wrist at the wrong time. There really is only one way to learn how to cast well. It’s called Practice, Practice, and more Practice. Good Luck, — William Endicott – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone one used a product called ‘Easy Cast’? It’s a type of wrist band that wraps around the base of the fly rod and your wrist. The add claims "Casts will feel 50% lighter and 100% more comfortable and be more effective." The cost is $36 bucks (at least in the catalog I’ve seen them in). If anything, it looks like it’s make an expensive ’sissy strap’, but then again, if it does what it claims… Thanks in advanced! -Robert | Robert Cid | | Department of Applied Science | University of California, Davis | -!Andale Aggies!- |

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This is one of those things that has been around for years.  It falls in the category with all of the other little gadgets that people buy.  If you buy one I have some swamp land I would like to talk to you about buying. — Ernie Harrison Remove NOSPAM to send E-mail GO TO http://users.ccnet.com/~emh FOR TRAVEL TIE BOX PLANS – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Has anyone one used a product called ‘Easy Cast’? It’s a type of wrist band that wraps around the base of the fly rod and your wrist. The add claims "Casts will feel 50% lighter and 100% more comfortable and be more effective." The cost is $36 bucks (at least in the catalog I’ve seen them in). If anything, it looks like it’s make an expensive ’sissy strap’, but then again, if it does what it claims… Thanks in advanced! -Robert | Robert Cid | | Department of Applied Science | University of California, Davis | -!Andale Aggies!- |

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Has anyone one used a product called ‘Easy Cast’? It’s a type of wrist band that wraps around the base of the fly rod and your wrist. The add claims "Casts will feel 50% lighter and 100% more comfortable and be more effective." The cost is $36 bucks (at least in the catalog I’ve seen them in). If anything, it looks like it’s make an expensive ’sissy strap’, but then again, if it does what it claims… Thanks in advanced! -Robert | Robert Cid | | Department of Applied Science | University of California, Davis | -!Andale Aggies!- |

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You can get much the same effect by wearing an elasticated wrist band and hooking it over the end of the rod handle. If nothing else, it’s worth trying first as it is MUCH cheaper! — Regards Peter Kay (Remove "nospam" to email)

: :Has anyone one used a product called ‘Easy Cast’? It’s a type of wrist :band that wraps around the base of the fly rod and your wrist. The add :claims "Casts will feel 50% lighter and 100% more comfortable and be more :effective." The cost is $36 bucks (at least in the catalog I’ve seen them :in). If anything, it looks like it’s make an expensive ’sissy strap’, but :then again, if it does what it claims… : :Thanks in advanced! : :-Robert : Robert Cid Department of Applied Science University of California, Davis -!Andale Aggies!- : :

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I don’t know what you are flying but when flying my instructors Turbo Aztec, six full grown american people and topped off I can hold 15,000 on one engine, well, or as long as my leg holds out. cg It is most certainly feasible and is done all the time. Wether done single engine or twin is really no consideration. In some respects, a single may be better than a twin because in a twin you need to carry much more fuel to feed two engines. That second engine does not give you any more chances to remain airborne, if one should fail, until such a time that you are back down to normal weights. During the early phases of the flight you would be so heavy with fuel that one engine could not possibly keep you in the air. Reinhard

First off, I would have to see that to believe it. Secondly, to fly OAK-HNL in a Turbo Aztec (14 hrs plus 3 hrs reserve), you would carry a lot more weight in fuel than the load you described here. Reinhard

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I have this fantasy of flying to one of them deserted SP islands (Robinson Crusoe Syndrome).  Has anyone tried this in a single engine airplane, is this feasible at all?  Which route would one take? Thanks, James The two longest legs are Oakland to Honolulu 2100 NM and from there you have another long leg, either HNL to Majuro, Marshall Islands, or HNL to Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati, the latter one being a good stop, but almost again as far as OAK-HNL. After that you can choose your legs more easily and they are considerably shorter.

You could also go up to Alaska, across and down through Russia, over to Japan and then on to the South Pacific.  It is a much longer journey, but no 2000 mile over water legs. (I wonder how far the jump to Palau would be, I’ve always wanted to go there…) Brian

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First off, I would have to see that to believe it. Secondly, to fly OAK-HNL in a Turbo Aztec (14 hrs plus 3 hrs reserve), you would carry a lot more weight in fuel than the load you described here. Reinhard I only show from OAK to PHNL to be 2089 nm that would only be about 10 hrs in the air.

My rounded off 2100 NM was only a paltry 11 NM off from your very accurate 2089!! well within range 300 gal, 1800 lbs, but you would not be flying  more than 5 hours on one engine. cg

It is quite obvious to me that you are an armchair pilot who has never done anything like this before. Your numbers are all wrong, and I hope for your sake that you never try it. You would most certainly get your feet wet. It took me 13 hours in a Baron 58 and 15 in a Twin Bonanza. Your turbos in that Aztec would most likely do very little if anything for you since westbound to HNL most frequently you need to stay at 10K or below lest you catch the prevailing westerlies which are very strong at altitude. So you would do well to get 150K over the water. Reinhard

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I only show from OAK to PHNL to be 2089 nm that would only be about 10 hrs in the air. well within range 300 gal, 1800 lbs, but you would not be flying  more than 5 hours on one engine.   cg First off, I would have to see that to believe it. Secondly, to fly OAK-HNL in a Turbo Aztec (14 hrs plus 3 hrs reserve), you would carry a lot more weight in fuel than the load you described here. Reinhard

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First off, I would have to see that to believe it. Secondly, to fly OAK-HNL in a Turbo Aztec (14 hrs plus 3 hrs reserve), you would carry a lot more weight in fuel than the load you described here. Reinhard

I thought for IFR you only needed 45 min reserve.  – Doug  -  Kingfisher plans are here…Now, about that Garage… …cruising between 150 to 200 miles per hour… Greater cruising speeds are possible, but the size of the earth does not warrent greater speeds. -Igor Sikorsky in 1934

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It doesn’t matter a great deal what the legal reserve is.  Winds over the Pacific on that flight are usually against you.  If you go high at all to minimize fuel consumption the head winds increase.  The Aztec is NOT a fast airplane for its fuel consumption.   To fly that leg without considerably MORE than a 45 minute reserve, is to seriously invite wet feet.  The 3  hour reserve is not bad.  The 14 hours is quite optimistic, in my opinion.  I think I would use something like 18 hours for flight planning purposes in an Aztec.  Then I would add another three hours for reserve.  That looks like about 21 hours of fuel. I think you could get it in, but not without some pretty special ferry tanks!   John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – First off, I would have to see that to believe it. Secondly, to fly OAK-HNL in a Turbo Aztec (14 hrs plus 3 hrs reserve), you would carry a lot more weight in fuel than the load you described here. Reinhard I thought for IFR you only needed 45 min reserve.  – Doug  -  Kingfisher plans are here…Now, about that Garage… …cruising between 150 to 200 miles per hour… Greater cruising speeds are possible, but the size of the earth does not warrent greater speeds. -Igor Sikorsky in 1934

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OK, so its been done before in factory planes, how about homebuilts?  I am considering the KR2, which has an advertised range of 1600sm, can this be extended with additional tanks to the 2100nm required to fly to HNL? James – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have this fantasy of flying to one of them deserted SP islands (Robinson Crusoe Syndrome).  Has anyone tried this in a single engine airplane, is this feasible at all?  Which route would one take? Thanks, James James, It is most certainly feasible and is done all the time. Wether done single engine or twin is really no consideration. In some respects, a single may be better than a twin because in a twin you need to carry much more fuel to feed two engines. That second engine does not give you any more chances to remain airborne, if one should fail, until such a time that you are back down to normal weights. During the early phases of the flight you would be so heavy with fuel that one engine could not possibly keep you in the air. The two longest legs are Oakland to Honolulu 2100 NM and from there you have another long leg, either HNL to Majuro, Marshall Islands, or HNL to Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati, the latter one being a good stop, but almost again as far as OAK-HNL. After that you can choose your legs more easily and they are considerably shorter. Reinhard

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What did you assume that I would try it without any  preflight planning?? cg It is quite obvious to me that you are an armchair pilot who has never done anything like this before. Your numbers are all wrong, and I hope for your sake that you never try it. You would most certainly get your feet wet. It took me 13 hours in a Baron 58 and 15 in a Twin Bonanza. Your turbos in that Aztec would most likely do very little if anything for you since westbound to HNL most frequently you need to stay at 10K or below lest you catch the prevailing westerlies which are very strong at altitude. So you would do well to get 150K over the water. Reinhard

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First off, I would have to see that to believe it. Secondly, to fly OAK-HNL in a Turbo Aztec (14 hrs plus 3 hrs reserve), you would carry a lot more weight in fuel than the load you described here. Reinhard I thought for IFR you only needed 45 min reserve.  – Doug  -  

Surely you jest, Doug. Kidding aside, the special flight permit that you get for the overload condition and he temporary fuel tank installation requires you calculate in a 3 hour reserve on transoceanic flights. Things can happen while on such a long flight; the forecast winds can turn out different, you might have equipment problems that cause you to burn more fuel for less airspeed than you had planned, etc. I have had several a couple of occasions when I was glad for the extra fuel. Remember, there is only one time when you can have too much fuel: when you are on fire. Reinhard

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It doesn’t matter a great deal what the legal reserve is.  Winds over the Pacific on that flight are usually against you.  If you go high at all to minimize fuel consumption the head winds increase.  The Aztec is NOT a fast airplane for its fuel consumption.   To fly that leg without considerably MORE than a 45 minute reserve, is to seriously invite wet feet.  The 3  hour reserve is not bad.  The 14 hours is quite optimistic, in my opinion.  I think I would use something like 18 hours for flight planning purposes in an Aztec.  Then I would add another three hours for reserve.  That looks like about 21 hours of fuel. I think you could get it in, but not without some pretty special ferry tanks!  

How do you get 21 hours of fuel into an Aztec?  I’m not familiar with the type, but at an avg fuel burn of 8-10 GPH – we’re talking about 168-210 gals. Where would you put it all?  Another question springs to mind – how do you add oil in flight? I’ve seen club aircraft burn as much as a 1/2 qt/hr. The sump would be bone dry after 21 hrs with no additional oil.

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I think I would use something like 18 hours for flight planning purposes in an Aztec.  Then I would add another three hours for reserve.  That looks like about 21 hours of fuel. I think you could get it in, but not without some pretty special ferry tanks! How do you get 21 hours of fuel into an Aztec?  I’m not familiar with the type, but at an avg fuel burn of 8-10 GPH – we’re talking about 168-210 gals. Where would you put it all?  Another question springs to mind – how do you add oil in flight? I’ve seen club aircraft burn as much as a 1/2 qt/hr. The sump would be bone dry after 21 hrs with no additional oil.

If you stay below 10k feet, you will frequently find winds that are not too bad. You often find about 10 knots of help down low.. Under no circumstances would I start out with ANY headwind on that leg. Then you could make HNL in about 14-15 hrs in an Aztec. Taking a Baron to Fiji last year, I flew at 6K feet to HNL and did quite well. (13 hrs.) Fitting all that fuel into the plane is really not so difficult. There are professional tanking outfits that install ferry tanks in the cabin in a day. You are certainly correct when you adress the oil issue. It is absolutely essential that you know the oil consumption of your engines. And there is also a way to rig an oil replenishing setup to that you can add oil in flight. Reinhard

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OK, so its been done before in factory planes, how about homebuilts?  I am considering the KR2, which has an advertised range of 1600sm, can this be extended with additional tanks to the 2100nm required to fly to HNL? James

Well Jon Johanson has done it both ways (make that crossed the Pacific … ) in an RV-4 during his round the world trips. Check out his Web site at http://www.mag-net.educ.monash.edu.au/saaa/head.html. He has also published his autobio called "Aiming High", Wakefield Press, South Australia, ISBN 1 86254 424 7. Highly recommended reading for anyone building their own plane. Rgds JD   …… I’d rather be flying ….. John Duncan M.C.N.E.  PPL(A)  J.P.  AOPA(Aust)#42745 EAA#548147 J & J Network Services Pty Ltd P.O. Box 109 Minto N.S.W. 2566 Australia

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My tongue was firmly in cheek.  I don’t fly VFR without at least 1 hour reserve. — Doug  -  Kingfisher plans are here…Now, about that Garage… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It doesn’t matter a great deal what the legal reserve is.  Winds over the Pacific on that flight are usually against you.  If you go high at all to minimize fuel consumption the head winds increase.  The Aztec is NOT a fast airplane for its fuel consumption.   To fly that leg without considerably MORE than a 45 minute reserve, is to seriously invite wet feet.  The 3  hour reserve is not bad.  The 14 hours is quite optimistic, in my opinion.  I think I would use something like 18 hours for flight planning purposes in an Aztec.  Then I would add another three hours for reserve.  That looks like about 21 hours of fuel. I think you could get it in, but not without some pretty special ferry tanks!   John I thought for IFR you only needed 45 min reserve.  – Doug  -  Kingfisher plans are here…Now, about that Garage… …cruising between 150 to 200 miles per hour… Greater cruising speeds are possible, but the size of the earth does not warrent greater speeds. -Igor Sikorsky in 1934

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No idea about a KR2, but you might want to read Sport Aviation (past few issues) and look for the 2 part round the world story by the author and Burt Rutan, who flew their Long EZ’s around the world. Very informative (and nice pictures – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, so its been done before in factory planes, how about homebuilts?  I am considering the KR2, which has an advertised range of 1600sm, can this be extended with additional tanks to the 2100nm required to fly to HNL? James

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, so its been done before in factory planes, how about homebuilts?  I am considering the KR2, which has an advertised range of 1600sm, can this be extended with additional tanks to the 2100nm required to fly to HNL? James Well Jon Johanson has done it both ways (make that crossed the Pacific … ) in an RV-4 during his round the world trips. Check out his Web site at http://www.mag-net.educ.monash.edu.au/saaa/head.html. He has also published his autobio called "Aiming High", Wakefield Press, South Australia, ISBN 1 86254 424 7. Highly recommended reading for anyone building their own plane.

James, You are considering a monumental task here ol chap, this sought of feat requires a hell of a lot of homework and I would suggest you’re really stretching it in a KR-2. With a large amount of retro-fitting you could possibly carry out this adventure, however the stakes are extremely high! I would also endorse the above, ie read Jon Johannson’s book and while your doing that bare a thought for the planning both technically and enroute that goes into these voyages. You may also wish to contact the "Mick & Dick" of "Round the World Friendship Tour":- Sport Aviation Feb edition Pg 76. For a start, unless you’ve got heaps of "Bucks" behind you, just go build your A/C and enjoy flying it around the "States". Whilst I’ll admit, I don’t have an intermit knowledge of the KR-2 and its weight & balance etc, it is only small by any standards. Its payload excess does not go down well with the number crunching required when you consider such additions as fuel, extra redundancy systems req’d, and ESPECIALLY CONSIDER ENGINE RELIABLITY etc, etc. To say the least, 18 plus hours is a long time to spend in the close confines of a KR-2 cockpit, surrounded by custom built ferry tanks around your ears. I have two buddies that were involved in Ferry Flights across the Pacific in their younger days. One of them did get his feet wet mid Pacific (1200 Nm from nowhere & at night) when the nut on the Alternator pulley worked its way loose. Lucky for him he had spotted a fishing boat a couple of hours before and was able to back track and relocate it. All be it, he was now down to torch and compass. That was in a brand new production A/C as well. Glenn now does his long transcontinental flights the same way I do, the only way:-In style at 43,000 ft. James, whilst your challenge is a commendable one, the golden rule is to keep your feet dry. Best way to do that is travel the South Pacific the same way most of us do, In a 747, 767 etc, and don’t forget you can have the added advantage of sipping champagne or other adult beverages!! If you’re considering going on from HNL to other South Pacific destinations, then you have a hole heap more challenges in front of you. Regards Ray (Just my 2 cents worth) J.

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I don’t know what you are flying but when flying my instructors Turbo Aztec, six full grown american people and topped off I can hold 15,000 on one engine, well, or as long as my leg holds out. cg It is most certainly feasible and is done all the time. Wether done single engine or twin is really no consideration. In some respects, a single may be better than a twin because in a twin you need to carry much more fuel to feed two engines. That second engine does not give you any more chances to remain airborne, if one should fail, until such a time that you are back down to normal weights. During the early phases of the flight you would be so heavy with fuel that one engine could not possibly keep you in the air. Reinhard

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How do you get 21 hours of fuel into an Aztec?  I’m not familiar with the type, but at an avg fuel burn of 8-10 GPH – we’re talking about 168-210 gals. Where would you put it all?  Another question springs to mind – how do you add oil in flight? I’ve seen club aircraft burn as much as a 1/2 qt/hr. The sump would be bone dry after 21 hrs with no additional oil.

The Aztec would burn considerably more than 8-10 GPH.  Probably closer to 25 GPH.  So we are talking about over 500 gallons.  The Aztec is a rather slow twin with a pair of 250 HP flat engines.  It is Pipers upscale Apache, just as the Beech Baron is the high power version of the Travelair. John

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What is the availability of av-gas in Russia. I hear that it’s non-existant. D.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I think I would use something like 18 hours for flight planning purposes in an Aztec.  Then I would add another three hours for reserve.  That looks like about 21 hours of fuel. I think you could get it in, but not without some pretty special ferry tanks! How do you get 21 hours of fuel into an Aztec?  I’m not familiar with the type, but at an avg fuel burn of 8-10 GPH – we’re talking about 168-210 gals. Where would you put it all?  Another question springs to mind – how do you add oil in flight? I’ve seen club aircraft burn as much as a 1/2 qt/hr. The sump would be bone dry after 21 hrs with no additional oil. If you stay below 10k feet, you will frequently find winds that are not too bad. You often find about 10 knots of help down low.. Under no circumstances would I start out with ANY headwind on that leg. Then you could make HNL in about 14-15 hrs in an Aztec. Taking a Baron to Fiji last year, I flew at 6K feet to HNL and did quite well. (13 hrs.) Fitting all that fuel into the plane is really not so difficult. There are professional tanking outfits that install ferry tanks in the cabin in a day. You are certainly correct when you adress the oil issue. It is absolutely essential that you know the oil consumption of your engines. And there is also a way to rig an oil replenishing setup to that you can add oil in flight. Reinhard

Reinhard is exactly right.  You notice in the original post that I did mention that it would take some fancy ferry tanks to get the fuel in! When my airplane flew across the Atlantic from Brazil to Cornwall, they added a special fancy ferry tank.  A 50 gallon drum on chocks where the back seat goes, with a wobble pump to pump fuel up into the wing tank. They recommended that you run the wing tank down to less than a quarter full before pumping fuel up to it.  They said watch the gauges so you do not overfill it and pump fuel overboard.   The also recommended the long distance power setting of 1800 RPM and 23 inches of manifold pressure.  That was supposed to get the fuel consumption down to 14.7 gallons per hour.  That gave a little over eight hours in the air.  At that power setting, you get 100 knots! Still wouldn’t make Honolulu! John

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I have this fantasy of flying to one of them deserted SP islands (Robinson Crusoe Syndrome).  Has anyone tried this in a single engine airplane, is this feasible at all?  Which route would one take? Thanks, James

James, It is most certainly feasible and is done all the time. Wether done single engine or twin is really no consideration. In some respects, a single may be better than a twin because in a twin you need to carry much more fuel to feed two engines. That second engine does not give you any more chances to remain airborne, if one should fail, until such a time that you are back down to normal weights. During the early phases of the flight you would be so heavy with fuel that one engine could not possibly keep you in the air. The two longest legs are Oakland to Honolulu 2100 NM and from there you have another long leg, either HNL to Majuro, Marshall Islands, or HNL to Tarawa, Republic of Kiribati, the latter one being a good stop, but almost again as far as OAK-HNL. After that you can choose your legs more easily and they are considerably shorter. Reinhard

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I have this fantasy of flying to one of them deserted SP islands (Robinson Crusoe Syndrome).  Has anyone tried this in a single engine airplane, is this feasible at all?  Which route would one take? Thanks, James I think someone tried this in a twin.  Her name was Amelia something….. Sorrry, it was too easy to pass on  :-)

Like minds I guess, but I resisted.  Abacus.com has an add-on for MS Flight Simulator that follows her route.    It wasn’t/isn’t an easy flight. John J. Miller

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I have this fantasy of flying to one of them deserted SP islands (Robinson Crusoe Syndrome).  Has anyone tried this in a single engine airplane, is this feasible at all?  Which route would one take? Thanks, James

Da Plane, Boss, Da Plane! (sorry, just couldn’t help myself) John Galban====N4BQ (PA28-180)

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I have this fantasy of flying to one of them deserted SP islands (Robinson Crusoe Syndrome).  Has anyone tried this in a single engine airplane, is this feasible at all?  Which route would one take? Thanks, James

I think someone tried this in a twin.  Her name was Amelia something….. Sorrry, it was too easy to pass on  :-) Jeff Oslick

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I have this fantasy of flying to one of them deserted SP islands (Robinson Crusoe Syndrome).  Has anyone tried this in a single engine airplane, is this feasible at all?  Which route would one take? Thanks, James

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Check out http://www.calle.com/aviation/airports.cgi Allows you to specify departure, destination, range and speed, and displays a nice table and map of the results. Lots of material for dream flights… BTW you probably don’t want a totally deserted island; food, water, fuel, runway and women should be minimum requirements (the website allows you to specify 2 out of these 5 Eric – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have this fantasy of flying to one of them deserted SP islands (Robinson Crusoe Syndrome).  Has anyone tried this in a single engine airplane, is this feasible at all?  Which route would one take? Thanks, James

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Question:

Does anyone know any books published on the topic of flyfishing and/ or tying for the trout of New England? Bill W

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Does anyone know any books published on the topic of flyfishing and/ or tying for the trout of New England?

Bill, Vermont Trout Streams by Farrow Allen is an excellent resource.  It is published by Northern Cartographic in Burlington Vermont.  Fly Tiers Heaven website is a local fly shop that stocks many regional books.  Hope this helps. James Ehlers Underhill, Vermont Uncle Jammer’s Guide Service Vermont Fly Fishing, Hunting, River and Woodland Outings http://pobox.com/~uncle

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Does anyone know any books published on the topic of flyfishing and/ or tying for the trout of New England? Bill W

Hi, A really good book, but just for Vermont is : Fishing Vermont’s Streams and Lakes by Peter Cammann, published by Backcountry Press. I assume there are similar books for other N.E. states, but my sister lives in vermont, so there you go. Bill

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At least for Maine there are some books by a guy named Al Raychard, "Allagash" by Dean Bennett, and "Complete Guide to Fly Fishing Maine" by Bob Newman. Chris

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Question:

Do you want to blow your mind, try fishing for monster pike with a fly rod.

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Question:

        I’ll second the Wekiva River Trip from Katie’s Landing.  Did that in a private boat last year with their shuttling….  Their’s is a good and responsible operation.  If you haven’t seen Florida rivers much this one’s a good intro.  I saw all the FL species of herons, plus limpkins, etc. on this run.         Joe P.

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If you want to drive a little further south (typically warmer as well) to North Palm Beach, you can rent Kayaks from The Adventure Times. They have regular guided tours to the Everglades and other local spots including intracoastal and ocean Call em at 407 881-7218 I’m going to be in Orlando the first week in January and am looking for paddling opportunities within say a 60 mile radius.  I won’t be taking a boat so I’m interested in outfitters or state parks that rent equipment. Thanks. Jason

Bob Denton President Gulf Stream International Boynton Beach, Florida Manufacturers of Sink the Stink The Water Sport Deodorizer That Really Works! For information on Boynton Beach, FL Scuba: http://www.flinet.com/gulfstream/scuba.html

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I go to the Cape Canaveral area often.  Fishing for redfish on the flats there is nice.  There is a non-powered only area north of 528 on the Bannanna river also.  You can rent from Extreme Sports, but they are not on the way, being about twenty south from the Cape.  Patrick AFB also rents to military types.  But all they have is small sit on tops.   If you want somethind exciting, the St Johns river, which runs from near the coast where I live, North through Deland.  The Manatees winter at Blue Springs by Deland.  They rent boats there. I’ve gone just North of lake Washington near the coast.  It is very small at that point, so all you will see is the occasional airboater.  The gators there are the biggest I’ve seen.  I fly helicopters for a living, so I’ve seen plenty.  They will probably be staying under the water in early Jan.  In late Feb, they are laying out.  Seeing them on the shore is not scary.  What is is when they shoot down the twenty foot wide stream right under your boat, leaving a wake like the Creature from the black lagoon. I will only take my big two person there, as my 14′ single might lead a big bull gator to think "Yea, I can take him".  

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I’m going to be in Orlando the first week in January and am looking for … Jason

PalnJones is right on with Wekiva.  This is a fantastic paddle (for Florida-no ww).  There is a Wekiva State Park & they rent canoes (not sure about kayaks) through a concessionaire (Kings Landings Canoe).   Kings Landing is the Place to put in and go to the Marina (I’ve been, I had my own kayak with me).  Fabulous river (for Florida).  There is a kayak/canoe/outdoor store in Orlando called something like Travel Country – in yellow pages under canoes – they can help with directions & maybe rentals.  It is 10-20 mile paddle depending where you go and the Kings Landing folks will run shuttle for you. kevin

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I’m going to be in Orlando the first week in January and am looking for paddling opportunities within say a 60 mile radius.  I won’t be taking a boat so I’m interested in outfitters or state parks that rent equipment.

Jason: I would second the recommendation David made about Wekiva Springs; just north of Orlando but literally a wilderness area along the edges of the city.  Wekiva State Park has a well stocked canoe livery and there is also a private company called Katies Wekiva River Landing that rents canoes.  Katies has routes of 6, 9, 12 or 19 miles.  I’ve hiked all along Wekiva and have seen the operation…very professional.  However, I personally have not taken the trips.  Never heard anything bad though.. Katies Info: Toll free from Orlando 628-1482      Other calls 407 332-4470 Ranger station Wekiwa River State Park    407 884-2009 If kayaking is your game, Travel Country Outdoors in Orlando 407 831-0777 does not rent anything but they do have a half day guided trip to Cape Canaveral NWR.  Another kayaking outfitter that does half-day guided trips (maybe rentals) is Agua Azul in Clearwater (near Tampa) 813 530-7555.  They have one trip "closer" to Orlando that is on the historic Hillsborough River out of the Tampa area.  It takes us 1.25 hours to get there from where we live near Disney.  My wife and I have done both of these trips and from a purely novice point of view had a GREAT TIME! Happy Holidays! Robert   Orlando

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I’m going to be in Orlando the first week in January and am looking for paddling opportunities within say a 60 mile radius.  I won’t be taking a boat so I’m interested in outfitters or state parks that rent equipment. Thanks. Jason

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I’m going to be in Orlando the first week in January and am looking for paddling opportunities within say a 60 mile radius.  I won’t be taking a boat so I’m interested in outfitters or state parks that rent equipment. Thanks. Jason

There is a nice flat water (what else would it be) paddle on the Wekiva River, putting on near Apopka.  The water is crystal clear, and we saw alligators (small) the time we did it. There is at least one canoe livery, but I don’t remember the name.  Check the Yellow Pages. David

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I am headed down to Bend, Oregon this weekend and wanted to do a little fly fishing.  I know only portions of the Deschutes are open at this time (Bend north to Lake Billy Chinook) and was wondering if anyone had any advice on where to go and what to use.  Email me directly…and thanks in advance. Kevin Curry Linfield College

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I am headed down to Bend, Oregon this weekend and wanted to do a little fly fishing.  I know only portions of the Deschutes are open at this time (Bend north to Lake Billy Chinook) and was wondering if anyone had any advice on where to go and what to use.  Email me directly…and thanks in advance. Kevin Curry Linfield College

Kevin and other Deschutes flyfishers: Check out the Online Gillie section at Flyfishers Online.  A long-time guide on the river has begun writing monthly articles as well as contributing condition reports for the river. Online Gillie is at: http://www.flyfishers.com:80/flyfishers-online/flyfishers-gillie.html Condition Reports are at: http://www.flyfishers.com:80/flyfishers-online/flyfishers-reports.html Cy Happy, a guide and partner at Ray’s River Dories (also at Flyfishers Online) floated Trout Creek to Maupin a week ago and reported that the high water flow had changed the bank topography quite considerably. For instance, at the favorite island lunch stop just south of North Junction he reported that the water had swept a good number of the bankside trees away, leaving the channel quite navigable; a change, indeed, from the past few years. Hope this helps. Best, Peter Yoakum, Editor Flyfishers Online

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I just got back from a two week vacation to the Bighorn & the Henry’s Fork.  The fishing was great! The Bighorn: Running at twice the volume that I’ve ever fished it before.  My objective was to put my girls into large rainbows and browns.  With the high water there places for them to wade on the right side looking downstream were extremely difficult.   BTW the volume flow was 6500 cfs.  I took the girls out with Frank Johnson from the Bighorn Trout Shop the first day.  The girls both caught Brown’s to 18 inches.  The long line releases ran about 5:1, but they did great under difficult conditions.  The nice gravel bars I expected them to be able to put them on were either four feet under water or completely washed out.  Many of my favorite dry fly areas (side channels and backwaters were completely washed out, never to be seen again).  Lets hear it for the DWR.  Frank feels that in ten to twenty years of the current mismanagement the bighorn will be a nice smooth irrigation ditch with no character. The next two days I took the oars and really enjoyed myself.  My twelve year old took a twenty-one inch rainbow male on the second day.  The fishing was good but not what I really like (too much lead). Henry’s Fork (July 3 thru July 9):  The weather turned cold and wet.  Sleet, hail and snow at higher elevations.  The only warm weather was on Thursday my last day. July 3: Fished the Fire Hole in wet cold weather.  Lots of PMD’s comming off, but not profusely.  Lot’s of small fish raising all over on the PMD’s. A few big fish were porposing regularily.  Looking closer I noticed Baetis were hatching and the big guys were keyed into the size 18 & 20’s.  I fished downstream with dry baetis emerger and had a ball with fish to 16 inches. Everyone else in my area was using the larger PMD’s and catching dinks. The rest of the trip I fished the Fork, concentrating on the Ranch.  Great hatches and great dry fly fishing.  At on point below the Osborn bridge there were five insect hatches in progress (micro caddis, evening caddis – size 18, large Caddis with speckled wings, PMD’s and Flav’s).  The fish keyed into different hatches as the light conditions changed. I’ll get on my soap box for a second.  The Fork is still a mighty sick river.  Lot’s of silt and Brown Drakes in the Millionaires Pool area where I remember only gravel.  Also a lot of the fish in the river a lake fish from the Res. that was drained last year.  You know immediately when you have a river fish, they jump 3 or 4 times and take you into your backing immediately.  The trout from the lake are much less robust.  The increase in trout numbers is great for the outfitters, but I miss the quality.  I missed having my clock cleaned by big trout on the Ranch, ripping line and rubbing me off in a weed bed.  The trout have to win sometimes to make it interesting. My only regret was that I had to leave without a spinner fall.   It was just too cold in the evenings, except for last Thursday.  I spent a beautiful evening on the ranch waiting for spinners and had to settle for a Brown Drake hatch.  The big trout were up for about thirty minutes before the White fish moved in and the trout were gone. It’s always fun  to spend the evening in Church (The Ranch)! If you want some great guides for the Ranch I’d recommend  Mate (The last name escapes me, if I ever knew it), who guides for Mike Lawson’s Henry’s Fork Anglers at last chance.

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I forgot to mention that the area from the end of the Box to the Ranch was fishing great on drys (Caddis, PMD’s and Flav.’s).   Fish to raisers, don’t just cover water.  

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