Question:

"LAST GAS BEFORE YOSEMITE.  NO GAS IN YOSEMITE VALLEY!"  Their regular unleaded was $2.309.  Both statements were absolutely true – they were the last station before the Yosemite West entrance and there is no gas in Yosemite Valley.   What they

didn’t mention was that about 10 miles inside of the gate, at Crane Flats, there is a gas station selling unleaded regular for $2.019. This reminds me of something I learned the hard way….. on I-95 heading north in Florida there’s a billboard…. LAST CHANCE TO BUY GAS IN FLORIDA… Oh, I think to myself… better buy now. So I did. Then I crossed into Georgia and gas is much much cheaper…. oops. Hunter

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "LAST GAS BEFORE YOSEMITE.  NO GAS IN YOSEMITE VALLEY!"  Their regular unleaded was $2.309.  Both statements were absolutely true – they were the last station before the Yosemite West entrance and there is no gas in Yosemite Valley.   What they didn’t mention was that about 10 miles inside of the gate, at Crane Flats, there is a gas station selling unleaded regular for $2.019. This reminds me of something I learned the hard way….. on I-95 heading north in Florida there’s a billboard…. LAST CHANCE TO BUY GAS IN FLORIDA… Oh, I think to myself… better buy now. So I did. Then I crossed into Georgia and gas is much much cheaper…. oops. Hunter

You forgot the "<g", right? Tell me you forgot the "<g". — bill Theory don’t mean squat if it don’t work.

Response:

You forgot the "<g", right? Tell me you forgot the "<g".

Nope, It was my first visit driving to Florida….. and driving back out of Florida.  I wasn’t pulling the trailer, I was in my 1996 Suburban.  I didn’t know about the price difference, I hadn’t bought gas in GA on the way down. /-: I thought it was funny that they had that LAST CHANCE TO BUY GAS IN FLORIDA sign….. it cost me, but it was funny. Hunter

Response:

You forgot the "<g", right? Tell me you forgot the "<g". Nope, It was my first visit driving to Florida….. and driving back out of Florida.  I wasn’t pulling the trailer, I was in my 1996 Suburban.  I didn’t know about the price difference, I hadn’t bought gas in GA on the way down. /-: I thought it was funny that they had that LAST CHANCE TO BUY GAS IN FLORIDA sign….. it cost me, but it was funny. Hunter

I have successfully restrained myself from commenting further. — bill Theory don’t mean squat if it don’t work.

Response:

FWIW, we drove through portions of NC, VA, WV, MD, PA, NY, CT, MA, and VT. (We didn’t hit NJ, RI, NH, or ME.) The highest prices we saw were in CT and NY.

I probably should have posted a link in my previous message. Here it is: http://www.taxfoundation.org/variousrates.html — Don Bradner www.arcatapet.net

Response:

FWIW, we drove through portions of NC, VA, WV, MD, PA, NY, CT, MA, and VT. (We didn’t hit NJ, RI, NH, or ME.) The highest prices we saw were in CT and NY. I probably should have posted a link in my previous message. Here it is: http://www.taxfoundation.org/variousrates.html

        I assure you those tax rates are *way* wrong- heck, we have a $.05/gallon *county* tax. The table at http://www.eia.doe.gov/oil_gas/petroleum/data_publications/wrgp/gasol… (which is from a little more than a year ago) give the Florida state gas tax as $.136/gallon-($.259 for diesel)  with a footnote that various other taxes add an average of $.123/gallon.         That said- Florida has no income tax, so gas taxes are, IMHO, the best way to charge the user for the service. — Chris Bryant Bryant RV Services- http://www.bryantrv.com

Response:

I saw a clever gimmick when we were in California in July.  We were staying just outside of the west entrance to Yosemite and there was a gas station there with a big sign – "LAST GAS BEFORE YOSEMITE.  NO GAS IN YOSEMITE VALLEY!"  Their regular unleaded was $2.309.  Both statements were absolutely true – they were the last station before the Yosemite West entrance and there is no gas in Yosemite Valley.   What they didn’t mention was that about 10 miles inside of the gate, at Crane Flats, there is a gas station selling unleaded regular for $2.019.On the other side, at Wawone, there is also a station selling for the same price – just nothing in the valley.

Response:

Last year when prices took a big jump some here posted that they were going to have to cancel their vacations.  I remember pointing out that for the trip they planned the extra cost would be less than $20.  All they would have to do is pass up one of the T-Shirt counters.

Well, that works for folks who routinely hit the T-shirt counters. But what about those of us who already pass them up? Does this mean we can no longer afford to travel? <g WalMart might figure they can charge $10 a night for parking!

Can’t do it. If they did, they’d be in the campground business, which is not what their zoning and business licenses would permit (I’d bet). And the local campground owners would then have a legitimate complaint. Wal-Mart can give it away, but they can’t charge for it… GB in NC

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Last year when prices took a big jump some here posted that they were going to have to cancel their vacations.  I remember pointing out that for the trip they planned the extra cost would be less than $20.  All they would have to do is pass up one of the T-Shirt counters. Well, that works for folks who routinely hit the T-shirt counters. But what about those of us who already pass them up? Does this mean we can no longer afford to travel? <g WalMart might figure they can charge $10 a night for parking! Can’t do it. If they did, they’d be in the campground business, which is not what their zoning and business licenses would permit (I’d bet). And the local campground owners would then have a legitimate complaint. Wal-Mart can give it away, but they can’t charge for it… GB in NC

I’m sure most people do the same as we do.  If traveling gas is higher than expected, we just cut back in other areas, usually dining out.  Too bad for the restaurants but we allot a certain amount for traveling and we would rather cut back on dining out than miss some side trip.  We’ll remember the scenery long after we would have forgotten the meal. LZ

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Last year when prices took a big jump some here posted that they were going to have to cancel their vacations.  I remember pointing out that for the trip they planned the extra cost would be less than $20.  All they would have to do is pass up one of the T-Shirt counters. Well, that works for folks who routinely hit the T-shirt counters. But what about those of us who already pass them up? Does this mean we can no longer afford to travel? <g WalMart might figure they can charge $10 a night for parking! Can’t do it. If they did, they’d be in the campground business, which is not what their zoning and business licenses would permit (I’d bet). And the local campground owners would then have a legitimate complaint. Wal-Mart can give it away, but they can’t charge for it… GB in NC

Wail, down here WM’s gone into the used car business – put up a building in the parking lot for a sales office, roped off a couple of lanes, and installed a heavy-duty turntable. Of course, if the CGs in the area are getting $10 for full hookups, WM might only charge $3 for dry camping and $7 for full … (c8

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Took a day trip up to the Detroit Lakes area of Minnesota yesterday to spend a day fishing with two of the kids and their families. They have a cabin rented for a week but we had some appointments so didn’t want to take the motorhome up for just a day or two. Gas prices vary quite a bit in only 50-60 miles.  The entire Detroit Lakes area has gas at 1.33 which is not bad for Labor Day weekend.  As you get closer to the Koch refinery at St. Paul, the price goes up instead of down.  Half way there you are up to 1.50 a gallon. You will never convince me that local cabals don’t huddle and set gas prices.  That hogwash about transportation costs just doesn’t fly.  If that were true, the gas stations near refineries would have half price gas. LZ Gas prices are set by one criteria: "What the market can bear."  I see this all the time where I live. The places closest to me always have matching prices which are some of the highest in the area. Price drop by as much as ten cents/gal on down the road, and can vary more greatly between the stations. I almost never fill up locally because of that. Yep, and everything else we buy.  How come we don’t get big posts about what hamburger, milk and other stuff costs all over the country?  I would guess one reason is because the stores don’t post their prices on big billboards outside the supermarkets.

Nope.  It’s because there are alternatives and therefore competition. If beef is high, you buy pork or chicken and soon beef comes down.  If you need gas to go to work, you jolly well pay the price.  I appreciate those who stop traveling when gas prices go up, as it takes the pressure off those who still want to travel. The part about what the market can bear is only partly true where food is concerned.  Many foods are seasonal in nature, so you eat your fill when they are cheap and pass them by when they are expensive.  Freezers allow you to take advantage of sales and stockpile food but it is not easy to stockpile gasoline and still have it with you on the road.   It’s true our gas is cheap compared to most other countries but we don’t tax gasoline to pay a good share of our social welfare costs as these countries do. LZ

Response:

How come we don’t get big posts about what hamburger, milk and other stuff costs all over the country?  I would guess one reason is because the stores don’t post their prices on big billboards outside the supermarkets.

True, they don’t. But gas stations need to post only four prices to cover just about everybody. Anyway, to answer your question, assuming you were serious (and maybe you weren’t): RVers are probably more aware of fuel prices than food prices, because we have lifestyles that can be directly affected by fuel prices (over which we really have no control) — and while everybody has to eat, on the road and at home, there are food choices to suit every budget and taste. GB in NC

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How come we don’t get big posts about what hamburger, milk and other stuff costs all over the country?  I would guess one reason is because the stores don’t post their prices on big billboards outside the supermarkets. True, they don’t. But gas stations need to post only four prices to cover just about everybody. Anyway, to answer your question, assuming you were serious (and maybe you weren’t): RVers are probably more aware of fuel prices than food prices, because we have lifestyles that can be directly affected by fuel prices (over which we really have no control) — and while everybody has to eat, on the road and at home, there are food choices to suit every budget and taste. GB in NC

Yeah, I do the same thing.  I buy where I get the best price.  Always have.  And it is not just RVers that complain about the prices.  I used to commute 35 miles to work.  Fuel price was pretty important to me then too.  But when you get down to it the extra cost for gasoline is not as much as one might expect.  Of course it depends on how much travel you do.  Assuming 20K miles per year and if you get 10 MPG = 2000 gallons. If you pay as much as 20 cents extra that is $400 a year.  A little over a dollar a day.   10K miles per year would probably be more reasonable = $200 a year extra.   Last year when prices took a big jump some here posted that they were going to have to cancel their vacations.  I remember pointing out that for the trip they planned the extra cost would be less than $20.  All they would have to do is pass up one of the T-Shirt counters. But as with any commodity you charge what you can get.  The like the hotels the RV parks would charge $100 a night if they thought they could get the customers.  Watch out!!  WalMart might figure they can charge $10 a night for parking!  I guess they figure the goodwill is worth that much.

Response:

   I assure you those tax rates are *way* wrong- heck, we have a $.05/gallon *county* tax.

I see that, and that some counties are over 10 cents. It is clear that Florida is grossly represented in the table I pointed to, but many other states are right on or very close. It is probably impossible to compile a simple table that takes everything into account, since some states tax only on dollar amount (fuel-specific, not referring to the general sales taxes), and many add sales tax, including tax on the other taxes. The net effect, though, is that with only a couple of exceptions, most states have "final" rates in the 15-30 cent range, with the point being that it does not come close to explaining the 70-80 cent range typically found around the country. — Don Bradner www.arcatapet.net

Response:

You will never convince me that local cabals don’t huddle and set gas prices. I believe you.  That is, I believe you’ll never be convinced to anything about which you’ve made up yer mind.  It is, of course, foolhardy to believe there are NO "local cabals", but what some folks perceive as conspiracy is more often snooping around to see what the market will bear. Not illegal OR immoral. Will KD3XR

In that case I need to hang a big sign on the side of a truck and park it near the freeway.  I could let people know that gas is 15 cents per gallon cheaper not too many miles down the road. Wonder how they would like THOSE apples?  Think gas prices would come down?  I bet they would. LZ

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Took a day trip up to the Detroit Lakes area of Minnesota yesterday to spend a day fishing with two of the kids and their families. They have a cabin rented for a week but we had some appointments so didn’t want to take the motorhome up for just a day or two. Gas prices vary quite a bit in only 50-60 miles.  The entire Detroit Lakes area has gas at 1.33 which is not bad for Labor Day weekend.  As you get closer to the Koch refinery at St. Paul, the price goes up instead of down.  Half way there you are up to 1.50 a gallon. You will never convince me that local cabals don’t huddle and set gas prices.  That hogwash about transportation costs just doesn’t fly.  If that were true, the gas stations near refineries would have half price gas. LZ Gas prices are set by one criteria: "What the market can bear."  I see this all the time where I live. The places closest to me always have matching prices which are some of the highest in the area. Price drop by as much as ten cents/gal on down the road, and can vary more greatly between the stations. I almost never fill up locally because of that.

Yep, and everything else we buy.  How come we don’t get big posts about what hamburger, milk and other stuff costs all over the country?  I would guess one reason is because the stores don’t post their prices on big billboards outside the supermarkets.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Took a day trip up to the Detroit Lakes area of Minnesota yesterday to spend a day fishing with two of the kids and their families. They have a cabin rented for a week but we had some appointments so didn’t want to take the motorhome up for just a day or two. Gas prices vary quite a bit in only 50-60 miles.  The entire Detroit Lakes area has gas at 1.33 which is not bad for Labor Day weekend.  As you get closer to the Koch refinery at St. Paul, the price goes up instead of down.  Half way there you are up to 1.50 a gallon. You will never convince me that local cabals don’t huddle and set gas prices.  That hogwash about transportation costs just doesn’t fly.  If that were true, the gas stations near refineries would have half price gas. LZ You might check on variance in local taxes. Some Metro areas include extra taxes for mass transit or anything the govmint decides.

Not applicable in this case.  I don’t know where Detroit Lakes is, but seem to remember lots of Indian Reservations in Manysoda.

The White Earth reservation is not far north of there but I doubt that is the reason.  Last week I took the same roads and bought gas for $1.30 only 45 miles up the road, at least a hundred miles from the nearest res.  We have one in East Texas selling gas with no taxes, so much cheaper.

We travel through many Indian reservations and I have never seen a significant difference.  A few cents at most. LZ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – MTV — "MTV" Reply needs modification to work, or in Outlook Express send New Norton AV for any virus.

Response:

Prices over here vary by state, largely due to variations in the state gas taxes. That is commonly mentioned, but hard to work out in reality.

Okay, I bow to your greater wisdom. I haven’t bothered to check tax rates — I just watch the prices as I drive. You saw a variation of 26 cents per gallon. As of December 31, 2001, only two states had rates less than 4 cents per gallon, Florida and Alaska, neither on your route. North Carolina was 24.3 cents, and Vermont was 19 cent.

That’s interesting. Gas at stations throughout VT was a nickel to a dime more than at comparable stations that I know about in NC. And while of course I didn’t encounter GA or FL on this trip, GA always has *far* lower prices than FL. I would have assumed the tax to be lower in GA. (I know — that’s what I get for assuming.) I don’t know your route, but the highest I can find in states you might have passed through was Rhode Island at 28 cents (highest state of all). Connecticut was 25 cents per gallon. At the other end, the lowest would be New Jersey at 10.5 cents.

FWIW, we drove through portions of NC, VA, WV, MD, PA, NY, CT, MA, and VT. (We didn’t hit NJ, RI, NH, or ME.) The highest prices we saw were in CT and NY. We paid the most in CT and MA and the least in VA — but of course we didn’t buy gas in every state. We have a range of "up to" <g 500 miles, but I usually refuel at between 250 and 400. GB in NC

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Took a day trip up to the Detroit Lakes area of Minnesota yesterday to spend a day fishing with two of the kids and their families. They have a cabin rented for a week but we had some appointments so didn’t want to take the motorhome up for just a day or two. Gas prices vary quite a bit in only 50-60 miles.  The entire Detroit Lakes area has gas at 1.33 which is not bad for Labor Day weekend.  As you get closer to the Koch refinery at St. Paul, the price goes up instead of down.  Half way there you are up to 1.50 a gallon. You will never convince me that local cabals don’t huddle and set gas prices.  That hogwash about transportation costs just doesn’t fly.  If that were true, the gas stations near refineries would have half price gas. LZ

Gas prices are set by one criteria: "What the market can bear."  I see this all the time where I live. The places closest to me always have matching prices which are some of the highest in the area. Price drop by as much as ten cents/gal on down the road, and can vary more greatly between the stations. I almost never fill up locally because of that.

Response:

We drove 2600+ miles in nine days and averaged 15+ mpg — using mostly secondary roads and driving more slowly than usual. We paid anywhere from $1.199 to $1.459. (Prices over here vary by state, largely due to variations in the state gas taxes.)

That is commonly mentioned, but hard to work out in reality. You saw a variation of 26 cents per gallon. As of December 31, 2001, only two states had rates less than 4 cents per gallon, Florida and Alaska, neither on your route. North Carolina was 24.3 cents, and Vermont was 19 cent. I don’t know your route, but the highest I can find in states you might have passed through was Rhode Island at 28 cents (highest state of all). Connecticut was 25 cents per gallon. At the other end, the lowest would be New Jersey at 10.5 cents. Out here where I am in California, the state gas tax is 18 cents. Prices locally vary between 1.839 and 1.859, down about 4 cents over the past 3 months. Reason given is the cost of barging it into Humboldt Bay is high. There are only two distributors (regardless of the brand of station you go to, you will find the same plain silver tankers filling them up). The argument falls apart, though, when you visit smaller communities 50 miles away serviced by the same tankers filled from the same barges, and the price will be lower. Presumably, as Will says, the demand/supply ratio is higher here in the population centers around the bay, so we pay more because they can get more. — Don Bradner www.arcatapet.net

Response:

Hi from a newbie,

Hi, Andy, and welcome. $1.50 a gallon, makes me wish I lived in America, prices over here in UK are

Question:

Fly fishing woman wanted…. I’m a 41, slim, intelligent  (I hope) Australian male, who’s gainfully employed, passionate about life, the universe, travel & fly fishing. You – hopefully similar to the above & relax – no need to know how to scale or gut fish, as I let them go to catch another day.

Response:

Fly fishing woman wanted….

Well, best of luck to ya, mate — but if anybody offers to meet with you while wearing a pink satan evening gown, run like hell… In the meantime, you might want to do a Google search for Angie the Fishing Goddess. Kevin, Roffian matchmaker

Response:

Thank you Kevin Pink’s never been my favourite color anyway

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Fly fishing woman wanted…. Well, best of luck to ya, mate — but if anybody offers to meet with you while wearing a pink satan evening gown, run like hell… In the meantime, you might want to do a Google search for Angie the Fishing Goddess. Kevin, Roffian matchmaker

Response:

In the meantime, you might want to do a Google search for Angie the Fishing Goddess.

She’s married and having a baby. — Warren change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

Response:

Fly fishing woman wanted…. I’m a 41, slim, intelligent  (I hope) Australian male, who’s gainfully employed, passionate about life, the universe, travel & fly fishing. You – hopefully similar to the above & relax – no need to know how to scale or gut fish, as I let them go to catch another day.

You forgot "Send picture of rod"…;-) Wish You luck, having a partner with the same interest would make life a lot easier, trust me… (are You going fishing again…, I never get out anything…) Stefan

Response:

In the meantime, you might want to do a Google search for Angie the Fishing Goddess. She’s married and having a baby.

She has friends! — I fly fish so therefore I am.

Response:

Make sure she will clean the fish! — Fly Fisherman With a Furless Naked Cat named Dub.

Response:

She’s married and having a baby.

Orvis Boy?

Response:

Orvis Boy?

Yep. — Warren change addy to yahoo for email Henry’s Fork Clave info and Bozeman, MT fishing info http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt3/HFclave.html

Response:

Question:

If you fish lakes for trout and other species, this is for you. Whether a pro or a beginner the articles will be welcomed. Fly patterns techniques, how-to and all the pitfalls when selecting equipment and where to use it and when. Best of all it’s FREE!

Response:

Ok it’s free, but where the heck is the site? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you fish lakes for trout and other species, this is for you. Whether a pro or a beginner the articles will be welcomed. Fly patterns techniques, how-to and all the pitfalls when selecting equipment and where to use it and when. Best of all it’s FREE!

Response:

Ok it’s free, but where the heck is the site?

I can’t help you with the URL for the original poster’s magazine (can’t find it myself), but there is a decent on line magazine at http://www.fishandfly.co.uk , if you’re interested. Brian Cass

Response:

Ok it’s free, but where the heck is the site? If you fish lakes for trout and other species, this is for you. Whether a pro or a beginner the articles will be welcomed. Fly patterns techniques, how-to and all the pitfalls when selecting equipment and where to use it and when. Best of all it’s FREE!

Try http://www.rural.escape.ca/angling_north/ and click on "fly fishing".

Response:

Try http://www.rural.escape.ca/angling_north/ and click on "fly fishing".

And it will be well worth your time — set aside an evening for it. Bob Sheedy knows more about flyfishing for trout in lakes than all the rest of us put together, and I suspect he catches more 20+ inch trout before lunch on the average weekend than I have caught in my life. Be sure to get a towel to wipe the drool off your keyboard when you see the pictures of the trout he catches.  Bob, if you’re listening, you want to set up a Prairie Clave sometime? Kevin

Response:

What’s the address dude?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – If you fish lakes for trout and other species, this is for you. Whether a pro or a beginner the articles will be welcomed. Fly patterns techniques, how-to and all the pitfalls when selecting equipment and where to use it and when. Best of all it’s FREE!

Response:

Question:

I have offered flies occasionally, but usually only do so when asked, and I would never try to give anybody casting lessons etc unasked, I think this might be akin to asking for a punch on the nose.  The skill or lack of it which one possesses, is a very personal thing, criticising a complete stranger is a no no in my opinion. TL MC

Response:

I have offered flies occasionally, but usually only do so when asked, and I would never try to give anybody casting lessons etc unasked, I think this might be akin to asking for a punch on the nose.  The skill or lack of it which one possesses, is a very personal thing, criticising a complete stranger is a no no in my opinion.

And you know that no matter how carefully one was to couch any assistance to avoid it being taken as criticism, the risk is still high that someone’s feelings are going to be injured. I just don’t see the high-percentage up-side to offering unsolicited casting assistance. And frankly, I’m on the water to enjoy myself, not to risk the ire of a flogger… /daytripper

Response:

I only help when asked (fly choices, where, ect).  I have never given casting lessons while I am trying to fish nor do I plan to start that practice. I can understand wanting to be helpful and all, but let a beginner plot their own course. Some of the best lessons I have learned on my own.  If it is someone you know (like I just taught my brother), then don’t plan on fishing much and sure as hell don’t show off your expertise and catch a lot of fish using the same fly, in the same place.  That will just them turn them off thinking they are a failure. Warren

Response:

I tell you truly, I try not to intrude. Women are more willing to take advice about it, naturally, but even they have to make at least one plaintive eye-contact before I’ll offer up a fly or a suggestion. If they want help, they’ll tell you somehow. W.E.S. Harman – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Many of us have been on a stream or lake and watched a beginner thrash the water in frustration. Bad casting or presentation culminating in a temper tantrum and no fish caught. The question is do you offer help, or stay the hell away? I have helped a few people (usually young men or woman) by offering them a fly and maybe one little hint about their cast. I’ve usually been greeted with despirate thanks.  For adult males its usually like approaching a mad bear. I’ve often been told to go get f**ed. Do any of you have tactics to approach new fisherman with a little advice?  My only success is usually to catch 10 fish under their nose and let them ask what am I doing. For you new to fly fishers,  I’d suggest that you do approach more accomplished fisherman on the stream for advise or fly selection. As soon at your told the secret is a 16 calibaetis emerger and you give a blank look, the fisherman will usually get more basic without you needing to ask the obvious question. Watch the guy fishing for a while before you ask what fly since its seldom the fly but how he/she is fishing that makes the real difference. Is he fishing upstream or across, in the seems or off the bank, wet or dry, with extra weight or not, with a dropper or single fly, dead drift, slow or fast retrieve???

Response:

I tell you truly, I try not to intrude. Women are more willing to take advice about it, naturally, but even they have to make at least one plaintive eye-contact before I’ll offer up a fly or a suggestion. If they want help, they’ll tell you somehow.

I wish I could get any eye contact from any women on the stream, then again I have yet to see a woman on the stream : ( Tim Apple — "Bamboo is Better"

Response:

Many of us have been on a stream or lake and watched a beginner thrash the water in frustration. Bad casting or presentation culminating in a temper tantrum and no fish caught. The question is do you offer help, or stay the hell away?

Snip<<< Generally, I’ll laugh out loud a few times and then start in with the verbal haranguing. "Nice tailing loop, loser! froth up the water a little more. Where’d you learn to cast, the Walt Winter school of casting. I’ve seen better back casts on a drunken, cross eyed bait dunker!" I have found this to be very helpful…… Matt M.

Response:

Whassis, Matt?  Smoking that stuff again?  And, Im NOT cross eyed! Myoptic, yes, but strabismus, not!  And HEY, I tyed my own shoes!  A *real* guide would show a little humility.  The lessons are worth the Tom — Tom Brown The Signal Group Wake Forest, NC – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Snip<<< Generally, I’ll laugh out loud a few times and then start in with the verbal haranguing. "Nice tailing loop, loser! froth up the water a little more. Where’d you learn to cast, the Walt Winter school of casting. I’ve seen better back casts on a drunken, cross eyed bait dunker!" I have found this to be very helpful…… Matt M.

Response:

I went out to my home river last night at about 7:30 to fish the evening hatch. I was fishing a run that usually holds some good fish when there’s a hatch on. They come out of a deep pool down below to feed in the shallower, swifter water. I’ve been fishing this stretch of the river for about fifteen years and feel I know it very well. A young, blonde woman in hippers was fishing upstream and saw me catch a couple of little ones. She came down to ask me what I was using.  I gave her a couple of flies, showed her one of the mayflies the trout were feeding on and wished her luck.  She then told me that the fish were rising "like crazy" in the pool down below but she couldn’t wade out far enough because she was too short. I explained to her that there was a school of very small Browns that surface feed in the pool every evening but that the better fish move up into the head of the pool and into the run I was fishing. Fishing was fairly slow where I was and there was only about fifteen minutes left before I couldn’t see my fly any more. So I thought I’d go down stream and catch a few of those "little browns" that were rising "like crazy."  When I got there, they WERE rising like crazy and were feeding on the same small dun mayfly that was hatching in the run above. On the second or third cast, I had a solid take. Expecting a little Brown, I wasn’t ready for the strong down stream run and I broke off the fish. A few minutes later I got another hook up, I was a little better prepared and after a nice battle landed a Rainbow of about 16". It was then pretty dark, but the fish were still rising. Although I couldn’t see my fly, I could make out the rise forms, so I took a few more casts and hooked and landed a Rainbow that was pushing 20".   Nice way to end the evening but I had another little treat in store. Wading back to shore I tripped on a boulder and took a dunking. While I was swearing at myself for being so stupid, I thought about my conversation with the young woman. She gave me a nice evening of fishing and I felt like an ass for being such a know it all. Willi

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Tim,    The last woman I saw on a trout stream was when I was fly fishing up the middle of a small stream and came around a large rock and there was a woman nude sun bathing on her back with her feet pointed at me.  I expected her to grab a towel or roll over, but she just watched me fish on through.  I don’t know if I got any strikes in the next twenty yards or not. Ernie Harrison – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I wish I could get any eye contact from any women on the stream, then again I have yet to see a woman on the stream : ( Tim Apple

Response:

Tim,    The last woman I saw on a trout stream was when I was fly fishing up the middle of a small stream and came around a large rock and there was a woman nude sun bathing on her back with her feet pointed at me.  I expected her to grab a towel or roll over, but she just watched me fish on through.  I don’t know if I got any strikes in the next twenty yards or not. Ernie Harrison

Yes, but did you get a rise ? TL MC

Response:

What ? a beginner trashing water in frustration ? Most of the people I see on streams fish like this: ^^^^^ back-cast … splash … forward cast … splash (repeat about 10 times to get 40 yards out) drag drag drag. Ok, just kidding. I sometimes offer flies when asked what I am using.  Sometimes I relinquish my spot if I sense that the other angler feels that I have the best spot and he is fishing dead water. A slightly different problem is the lack of stream etiquette that beginners seem to have. I rarely had a problem sharing streams with old timers, however, new fishermen are often a pain in the butt.  Aside for people moving close to me and cast at the same trout I am working on, I had people crossing streams just where I was, or, in some cases, going near the place I was casting to, to see if there was a trout there …. What do you do in those cases ?  I usually move to the next pool: the few times I made a comment about the behaviour, I received blank stares in return. Now, as FF has become increasingly popular with wealthier people in the recent years, who often buy Orvis stuff, I wonder if the dislike that this group has shown towards Orvis is really due to the dislike of new fishermen lacking stream etiquette and dressed in rather expensive outfits ….. -Vittorio – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Many of us have been on a stream or lake and watched a beginner thrash the water in frustration. Bad casting or presentation culminating in a temper tantrum and no fish caught. The question is do you offer help, or stay the hell away? I have helped a few people (usually young men or woman) by offering them a fly and maybe one little hint about their cast. I’ve usually been greeted with despirate thanks.  For adult males its usually like approaching a mad bear. I’ve often been told to go get f**ed. Do any of you have tactics to approach new fisherman with a little advice?  My only success is usually to catch 10 fish under their nose and let them ask what am I doing. For you new to fly fishers,  I’d suggest that you do approach more accomplished fisherman on the stream for advise or fly selection. As soon at your told the secret is a 16 calibaetis emerger and you give a blank look, the fisherman will usually get more basic without you needing to ask the obvious question. Watch the guy fishing for a while before you ask what fly since its seldom the fly but how he/she is fishing that makes the real difference. Is he fishing upstream or across, in the seems or off the bank, wet or dry, with extra weight or not, with a dropper or single fly, dead drift, slow or fast retrieve???

Response:

ah, mike…that must be the germanic influence engorging your brit nature…soon you’ll be postin about teen-y flies… jeff (worshiping at the mons venus) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Tim,    The last woman I saw on a trout stream was when I was fly fishing up the middle of a small stream and came around a large rock and there was a woman nude sun bathing on her back with her feet pointed at me.  I expected her to grab a towel or roll over, but she just watched me fish on through.  I don’t know if I got any strikes in the next twenty yards or not. Ernie Harrison Yes, but did you get a rise ? TL MC

Response:

you mean all that stuff walt taught me was wrong?  he said it was in the orvis book… jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Many of us have been on a stream or lake and watched a beginner thrash the water in frustration. Bad casting or presentation culminating in a temper tantrum and no fish caught. The question is do you offer help, or stay the hell away? Snip<<< Generally, I’ll laugh out loud a few times and then start in with the verbal haranguing. "Nice tailing loop, loser! froth up the water a little more. Where’d you learn to cast, the Walt Winter school of casting. I’ve seen better back casts on a drunken, cross eyed bait dunker!" I have found this to be very helpful…… Matt M.

Response:

Tim,    The last woman I saw on a trout stream was when I was fly fishing up the middle of a small stream and came around a large rock and there was a woman nude sun bathing on her back with her feet pointed at me.  I expected her to grab a towel or roll over, but she just watched me fish on through.  I don’t know if I got any strikes in the next twenty yards or not. Ernie Harrison

Mr. G.   ‘all’s fair with fur or feather’ http://www.gink.com http://www.rodbuilding.com http://www.xink.com 509-243-4100 or 5500

Question:

under different conditions and different geographical locations, with us reporting back every week/month. (George, you have 2 volunteers right now). Waddaya think? Big Al…….

I will volunteer to cover the North Texas area. I can count on about a dozen members of The Roadkill Roundtable to help with the project. Big Dale

Response:

I would be more than will to test rod breaking strength, warranty compliance and retrieval from forgotten locations, aspects often overlooked about – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – under different conditions and different geographical locations, with us reporting back every week/month. (George, you have 2 volunteers right now). Waddaya think? Big Al……. I will volunteer to cover the North Texas area. I can count on about a dozen members of The Roadkill Roundtable to help with the project. Big Dale

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Nahh, man, you’re missing the obvious gold mine. According to Matt, all we need to do is certify each other as guides and we’ll get 60% off everything! Heck, you guided me and others on the RF. Come on down and I’ll guide you in the Gila. The NC boys are about to guide a whole clave! We’ll all join the Sage Tackle Team. Jon "I was CPR-certified 15 years ago if that counts" Cook.

    always good to hear from a colleague!  how’s business, fellow guide?     for the firm ol 60% himself, wayno

Response:

I would be more than happy to write articles "from the beginner’s perspective", i.e., chronicling the abuses beginning anglers put on equipment, through humorous anecdotes.  I would also apply to be one of the Washington (the one with Steelheads, not softheads, I’ve lived there too) corespondents but there may be some competition, I hear there may be one or two other anglers in the state :0) Hatch – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy All. If any of you are in the flyfishing tackle manufacturing or retail business, I just wanted to let you all know that I provide excellent and comprehensive field testing and critical review of any/all products. Simply mail me the equipment you need tested and I promise I will. Of course, the equipment can not be returned. Always glad to help out where I can. Your pal, — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

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<<Your pal, — TimW, Halfordian Golfer

T-Bone, I think you may be on to something there. We need to start a new business, (costing us nothing of course). At least 10 ROFFIANS from each state should be field testing equipment, including the Bastard and the Grand Am. This would give a companies a wide variety of hands on usage under different conditions and different geographical locations, with us reporting back every week/month. (George, you have 2 volunteers right now). Waddaya think? Big Al……. Man, you guys are gonna get in trouble.  I can hear the black helocopters hovering and the Usenet Gestapos waiting to getcha!  

Response:

Howdy All. If any of you are in the flyfishing tackle manufacturing or retail business, I just wanted to let you all know that I provide excellent and comprehensive field testing and critical review of any/all products. Simply mail me the equipment you need tested and I promise I will. Of course, the equipment can not be returned. Always glad to help out where I can. Your pal, — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy All. If any of you are in the flyfishing tackle manufacturing or retail business, I just wanted to let you all know that I provide excellent and comprehensive field testing and critical review of any/all products. Simply mail me the equipment you need tested and I promise I will. Of course, the equipment can not be returned. Always glad to help out where I can. Your pal, — TimW, Halfordian Golfer

T-Bone, I think you may be on to something there. We need to start a new business, (costing us nothing of course). At least 10 ROFFIANS from each state should be field testing equipment, including the Bastard and the Grand Am. This would give a companies a wide variety of hands on usage under different conditions and different geographical locations, with us reporting back every week/month. (George, you have 2 volunteers right now). Waddaya think? Big Al…….

Response:

Question:

What makes the best strike indicator the old styrophome or the yarn? I have always used the florecent ones but several people I talked to have said that the yarn works as well and doesn’t scare the fish.

Hi Patrick I like a yarn indicator if I’m fishing big, heavy nymphs deep or a larger dry fly on an in-line dropper if I’m fishing a nymph in the first 2-3 feet of water. Often you will catch a fish on the indicator fly – my favorite for the Yellowstone or Madison is a #8 or #10 Royal Wulff. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

Response:

Corke Vs. Yarn         ..they use bobbers we use strike indicators..many streams don’t allow a fly as an indicator…I use "Biostrike"…works pretty good except when I aggressively cast then I may lose it…but NTL it works fine for me steve – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What makes the best strike indicator the old styrophome or the yarn? I have always used the florecent ones but several people I talked to have said that the yarn works as well and doesn’t scare the fish. Hi Patrick I like a yarn indicator if I’m fishing big, heavy nymphs deep or a larger dry fly on an in-line dropper if I’m fishing a nymph in the first 2-3 feet of water. Often you will catch a fish on the indicator fly – my favorite for the Yellowstone or Madison is a #8 or #10 Royal Wulff. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

Response:

What makes the best strike indicator the old styrophome or the yarn? I have always used the florecent ones but several people I talked to have said that the yarn works as well and doesn’t scare the fish.

I like yarn.  I keep a couple of colors in my vest.  With yarn you can make a large indicator, a small indicator or several small ones to help you detect subtle takes.  Try mixing two colors to improve visibility in heavy water and bad light. Good luck – Jeff Schmitt

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Hi Patrick, I rarely use any thing but yarn these days.  For about $6, I bought a big spool of bright red yarn and pale yellow yarn from Ben Franklin. I have a feeling that even if I keep guiding for the next 10 years, I will still have alot left over.  Myself and the clients I guide prefer it much more so than the "bobber" strike indicatiors.  You can adjust the amount from the size of an Osprey’s nest if your in choppy water or have trouble seeing small indicators to a pinch for spring creek/fussy fishing.  Grease it up, and it floats high and dry for a very long time.  Plus, with the knot I use, it is easy to readjust it’s position and stays put (doesn’t fly off like most of the slip on indicators. But, I usually use a high floating dry or two for an indicator. What makes the best strike indicator the old styrophome or the yarn? I have always used the florecent ones but several people I talked to have said that the yarn works as well and doesn’t scare the fish.

Paul Williamson Emigrant, MT 59027

Response:

What makes the best strike indicator the old styrophome or the yarn? I have always used the florecent ones but several people I talked to have said that the yarn works as well and doesn’t scare the fish.

Response:

What makes the best strike indicator the old styrophome or the yarn? I have always used the fluorecent ones but several people I talked to have said that the yarn works as well and doesn’t scare the fish.

My favorite strike indicator is a #12 royal humpy.  Sometimes the fish will try to take the indicator.  Might as well have a hook in it! CQ

Response:

Question:

Anyone know where i can download a fly fishing or trout screen saver for free? thanks grant

Response:

kauffman streamborn web site – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone know where i can download a fly fishing or trout screen saver for free? thanks grant

Response:

Question:

I am closing in on spending about $1,000 on a kick boat – a very sobering prospect since i can’t try it before i buy it.  Am pretty close to picking the OUTCAST 800 – any comments on this or other kick boats would be appreciated – particularly interested in hearing from owners – goods points, bad points, gotcha’s – you know, the stuff you wish you had known before you spent YOUR money.

Response:

I am closing in on spending about $1,000 on a kick boat – a very sobering prospect since i can’t try it before i buy it.  Am pretty close to picking the OUTCAST 800 – any comments on this or other kick boats would be appreciated – particularly interested in hearing from owners – goods points, bad points, gotcha’s – you know, the stuff you wish you had known before you spent YOUR money.

I bought one recently and absolutely love it (as do my friends, who have various other contraptions).  My experience so far has been limited to fishing in Puget Sound (not what it was intended for, but works great for fishing for coho along the beaches).   Some specific observations:   – Very fast.  I can *easily* out-row someone walking on the beach. For short periods can probably overtake even a typical jogger.  Fast enough for running down cruising coho in any case.  As an indication of it’s low drag, it will glide (coast) for a long time (maybe a minute), if you have your feet on the rests.  I have found it necessary to brake with the oars on occasion to avoid overshooting.   The 6 1/2" Carlisle oars are perfect, but be sure to get the open oarlocks.   – Kicking.  In spite of the high seating position, it kicks comfortably and efficiently.  Once again, very fast.  I can kick faster than some other 1-person craft can row (eg. Float and Tote’s or Water Master’s).  Way faster and more comfortable than float tubes.   – Very manueverable.  In spite of its 8′ length, it turns on a dime.   – Adequately portable.  I taped a piece of pipe insulation to the rear (foot rest end) cross member.  I can comfortably carry it on my shoulders, grasping the foot rests with my hands to balance and stabilize it, even up and down fairly steep banks.  Is at the high end of the comfortable weight range though (probably about 50-55# with anchor and gear).  Of course it breaks down beautifully (four pins breaks it down into 3 pieces – very quick) and inflates and deflates very fast.   – Casting.  Excellent position;  high enough to get extra reach. Casting apron holds the line very well, with upturned edges.  Seat is very comfortable, as is the foot rest system (seat position is adjustable).   – Anchor system.  Great.  Very easy to operate and requires very little weight to anchor (I use a 5# ball).   In general, very well thought out and constructed, and seems to be well backed.   A couple of caveats:   – Is directionally somewhat unstable and has a tendency to turn when gliding.  This isn’t a major problem, as long as the boat is properly trimmed (keep frame well back on tubes;  ie, toward the foot end) and good oarsmanship is practiced (pull evenly on both sides).  I suspect this is due to the  pronounced rocker in the tubes – which also contributes to its maneuverability and ease of rowing;  not a bad trade-off, IMHO.   –  Oars must be shipped behind when kicking or sitting, since they tend to get in the way of casting if allowed to float.  Also, have a tendency to bind against the locks in waves, popping the oars free. (I’m thinking about devising some holders at the ends of the tubes). Fortunately shipping the oars behind is easy and quick to do.    - Frame finish (powder finish) isn’t nearly durable enough.  With less than 10 outings, I’ve already got numerous chips.  Oh well, it’s an alumimum frame and at least it won’t rust <g.   – D-Rings are nickel plated, not stainless steel, and have tendency to rust, particularly in salt water.   I feel (based on the occassional waves we get on Puget Sound) that it will handle very well in most rivers (probably will need the 10" model though for serious white water stuff).  Lakes (after Puget Sound) will be a breeze.   In short, I thinks it’s a super boat and have no regrets about spending the premium $$.   Still, for $1K, I’d strongly suggest you try one out yourself before forking over the $$.  Where do you live?  If you can get to Seattle, Swiftwater (206-547-3377) handles them and may let you borrow their demo unit for a trial on one of the local lakes.   -Wes Wes Neuenschwander Seattle, WA

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I’ve had a Buck’s Bag Bronco for a little over a year and couldn’t be happier.   Well maybe, my oarlock system kinda sucks.  This problem I believe has been taken care or in the new models.  The problem was that in shallow water the oars would sometimes come out but for the most part this really isn’t a problem, you just have to pay attention from time to time. The anchor system unless improved sucks.  I love all the storage you get on the Bronco.  I have a pocket for everything from lunch to my camcorder and have extra room to spare for shoes, jacket (in case of rain) and of course all my fly gear, a camera, etc..  To get this kinda of storage on the Outcast is gonna cost a lot extra.  The new Bronco’s are made of stainless steel so the won’t rust.  I lend my pontoon out from time to time and some of my friends are pretty tall 6′5".  The extend the foot rest out all the way for comfort.  The Outcast is a one size fits all.  If you are real tall you may find it uncomfotable.  Make sure you check it out before you buy.  The Outcast has a better bladder system than the Bronco but I don’t know if matters.  I take my Bronco through the worst looking parts of the river and bang’em into trees when grabbed by fast eddies and haven’t had a problem.  No matter which raft you plan to buy, I say buying one of these crafts is the best money I’ve spent on fly-fishing (except my rod).

Response:

I am closing in on spending about $1,000 on a kick boat – a very sobering prospect since i can’t try it before i buy it.  Am pretty close to picking the OUTCAST 800 – any comments on this or other kick boats would be appreciated – particularly interested in hearing from owners – goods points, bad points, gotcha’s – you know, the stuff you wish you had known before you spent YOUR money.

LOVE IT, LOVE IT, LOVE IT!  It’s really a cool rig!  I’ve had it for about a month now & really enjoyed it.  People are always asking questions about it.  I’ve seen a few others out on the water that are smaller; they seem to have to work harder when rowing, & have less space than the PAC-800. There’re some guys I’ve run into who are in a float-tube bass club in the San Jose, CA area (‘Bass-n-Tubes’); they say the kickboaters are begin- ning to outnumber the float-tubers.  I’ve seen several of their rigs; some have these 6- or 7-rod holders, depthfinders, etc.  Of course, Bass-n-Tubes won’t let them compete in their tournaments with motors attached, but I saw some motorized units at the recent Sportsman’s Expo in San Mateo, CA (where I first saw the Outcast models). I’ve been having some *minor* problems dealing with the park rangers & reservoir operators who don’t know how to classify the durned thing (e.g., am I a float tube or a rowboat?  Do they restrict me to certain portions of the lake?  Do they charge me to launch?).  All in all, though, I’m extremely satisfied with my purchase.  It’s so versatile & mobile, with *greatly* improved range over a float tube, especially with the added cargo space. I tie down mine on my Honda Accord roof rack; it’s a bit of a wind-drag, but it holds on just fine (poor gas mileage notwithstanding; wish I had leased a pickup truck rather than an Accord!).  I’ll be using mine primarily on the local reservoirs fishing for bass, but I’m sure it would be a kick flyfishing for trout on the rivers. I say, GO FOR IT!  It’s a BLAST! (Oh — and don’t let ‘em persuade you into buying the air pump.  For one thing, the Bass Pro Shops catalog has the same one for almost $10 less. But I won’t even consider filling it with one of those anyway; the local filling station air compressors are much more effective — and less tiring!). Jo-Bob says: Check it out! Good luck, & tight lines! J Smith Sunnyvale, CA

Response:

Hi searuncut, I couldn’t agree more. My wife and I love our water otters. We’ve used them on every type of water you can usually find here in Montana. I’ve take mine through every type of water I take my drift boat through. If I were to make another purchase on a pontoon boat I would probably buy the Buck’s Bronco because of it’s adjustability. The River Otter is almost the same but a little more expensive. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response:

Question:

I would appreciate any info on fishing the Carson river arrount the junction of 88 and 89.  Will be there in about a week. Thanks Mike

Response:

Suggest trying the flyfishing section of the West Fork east outside of Markleeville.  Also consider Pleasant Valley creek, which you access from mid Markleeville.  Probably get directions from within town.

Response:

several times I have had very enjopyable fishing on the Carson during the first week or two in September.  I have headed west up the river from the eastern side of the Sierras on highway 4 (or what turns into 4 when it gets to the top.  Easy access from road.  pretty water and moderately easy wading.  I’m guessing they were hatchery rainbows (because I generally do not catch so many 13-14" wild trout (by a long shot), but they were pretty, not stupid, and somewhat selective (but luckily not too selective).  Best of luck.  Bill Mack.

Response:

(WFMack6317) writes: I’m guessing they were hatchery rainbows (because I generally do not catch so many 13-14" wild trout (by a long shot),  Bill Mack.

They generally stock cutthroat in the East Carson.  You can tell a hatchery trout, their dorsal fins are chewed down.  There are some big browns in the river below hangman bridge where it leaves the road.   I have caught rainbows, browns and brookies in the West Carson.  The brookies are small and live in the river along the road to Blue Lakes. There was a beaver dam in the meadow one year that had some promise of bigger trout in this area.  I never went back too see if they tore it out or not.  This is a place that would really benefit by fencing the cattle back from the river like they did at Yellow creek by Lake Almanore.  The before and after fencing on Yellow Creek really showed me how much damage grazing cattle do to a stream. Ernie Harrison

Response:

Question:

Sorry about the subject error, but does anyone know of any WWW sites about fly fishing

Response:

The only ones I know of are: http://www.geo.mtu.edu/~jsuchosk/fish/fishpage http://www.indirect.com/ftplink/jshannon.indirect.com.html http://www.unm.edu/pub/flyfish/flyfish.html http://www2.ecst.csuchico.edu/~jschlich http://oeonline.com/~rmarsh/fishpg.html http://www.mind.net/vmt http://www.getnet.com/salmoart http://rmii.com/~flyshop/flyshop.html http://zebu.uoregon.edu/cgi-bin2/Mckenzie/Mckfrontend.pl http://www.peak.org/~robertr/fishing.html http://eagle.dfw.or.gov I hope it is appropriate to publish these.  I started to just email them to you, then decided others might be interested.  I make no guarantees on the effectiveness of these addresses.   If my typing skills don’t get you, some are untested, some are just dated.  I haven’t actually tried all of these since I generally get into this group before getting on the WEB and then I run out of time after reading all the posts on how we hate YUPs.  I need to start a thread on Lawyers…… Have fun, Charley

Response: