Question:

Two places in paradise. Does anyone have any tips for flyfihing the Animas River around Durango. We are vacationing in the area the 2nd week in June. My plans also include a day on the San Juan but my concern is that the water will be high with spring run-off and extra water released for irrigation. Any input appreciated. guy

Response:

Yes.  My tip of the day is stop in the Durango Fly Shop. George Gehrke

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Two places in paradise. Does anyone have any tips for flyfihing the Animas River around Durango. We are vacationing in the area the 2nd week in June. My plans also include a day on the San Juan but my concern is that the water will be high with spring run-off and extra water released for irrigation. Any input appreciated. guy

Response:

Two places in paradise. Does anyone have any tips for flyfihing the Animas River around Durango. We are vacationing in the area the 2nd week in June. My plans also include a day on the San Juan but my concern is that the water will be high with spring run-off and extra water released for irrigation. Any input appreciated. guy

There will be no runoff in that part of Colorado. There is VERY little snow or no snow left in the southern mountains. They are predicting major fish kills in southern Colorado this year because of lack of snowpack. Things might be OK in mid June, but things will get bad soon after. Willi

Response:

I’d go to Duranglers, right on Main St. http://www.duranglers.com bruce h

Response:

Two places in paradise. Does anyone have any tips for fly fishing the Animas River around Durango. We are vacationing in the area the 2nd week in June. My plans also include a day on the San Juan but my concern is that the water will be high with spring run-off and extra water released for irrigation. Any input appreciated. guy

IMHO: Be prepared with alternatives close by such as Delores, etc.  I have found that the Animas is a 50/50 if there is a lot of rain at the time you want to fish.  It gets rather roiled and can be a tough nut to crack if there is a lot of rain.  Same with the San Miguel. SJ should be good, but watch the flows, again a lot depends on good old CO getting some badly needed rain. K

Response:

Thanks all! (The upper Delores is on my list also. Did pretty good there last year on caddis and terrestrials. Lower Delores skunked me – tough river in the summer). guy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Two places in paradise. Does anyone have any tips for fly fishing the Animas River around Durango. We are vacationing in the area the 2nd week in June. My plans also include a day on the San Juan but my concern is that the water will be high with spring run-off and extra water released for irrigation. Any input appreciated. guy IMHO: Be prepared with alternatives close by such as Delores, etc.  I have found that the Animas is a 50/50 if there is a lot of rain at the time you want to fish.  It gets rather roiled and can be a tough nut to crack if there is a lot of rain.  Same with the San Miguel. SJ should be good, but watch the flows, again a lot depends on good old CO getting some badly needed rain. K

Response:

Your ace in the hole is the San Juan River.  If you can afford it, hire out a guide and go there for a couple of days with or without one.  This is tail water and there is enough talent always fishing it that you can talk too. It’s a shame if you don’t plan enough time to stay in the area long enough to smell the roses. George Gehrke

Response:

George, Don’t worry about the roses. I will be smelling plenty of them with the family there. I will have 3 days to fish, possibly 4 if I beg. The smell of trout water – kinda like heaven – is much preferred over roses. (We are splitting our 9 days between Telluride and Durango). guy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Your ace in the hole is the San Juan River.  If you can afford it, hire out a guide and go there for a couple of days with or without one.  This is tail water and there is enough talent always fishing it that you can talk too. It’s a shame if you don’t plan enough time to stay in the area long enough to smell the roses. George Gehrke

Response:

Thanks all! (The upper Delores is on my list also. Did pretty good there last year on caddis and terrestrials. Lower Delores skunked me – tough river in the summer).

The DOW is predicting a "total" fish kill on the Delores this summer. Willi

Response:

George, Don’t worry about the roses. I will be smelling plenty of them with the family there. I will have 3 days to fish, possibly 4 if I beg. The smell of trout water – kinda like heaven – is much preferred over roses. (We are splitting our 9 days between Telluride and Durango).

Telluride is too high and it’s mostly "upper water" and actually hard to breath there.  It takes 30 days just to acclimate.  Durango is almost like going for the bull’s-eye.  That Gunnison Black Canyon is, "interesting". Well, you know what you’re doing. George

Response:

Telluride is too high and it’s mostly "upper water" and actually hard to breath there.  It takes 30 days just to acclimate…..

Two years ago Becky and I went on a little trip.  We drove from our home in Milwaukee (the highest point in Milwaukee is 816 feet above sea level) to a parking lot on the western edge of Rocky Mountain National Park.  From there, we commenced a six day backpacking trip (her first ever) in the Never Summer Wilderness which took us to over 12,000 feet on the third day…..we started at 9,000 and reached 11,200 on the first day.  It was a tough first day, and the third wasn’t much better, but we "acclimated" within twenty-four hours or so. As always, George is entirely full of shit and absolutely incapable of rendering an opinion on ANYTHING without a boatload of factual errors, and worse.  There is more to be said with regard to this matter, but I am content to let it rest here for the moment unless anyone who hasn’t been here long enough to get to know him would like a bit of background……or unless George insists. Wolfgang your move shithead.

Response:

The DOW is predicting a "total" fish kill on the Delores this summer.

What about any of the other rivers in the region?  I’m really concerned about a number of SWern Colorado trout streams and rivers.  I spent quite a bit of time in the region last year and it was in pretty bad shape.  That was in a year where they had above average snowfall, but still experiencing the effects of drought conditions from previous years.  My favorite high mountain stream might become a nice little sand creek…. — remove all x and y’s for reply email. To worry is folly so let us be jolly.

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Question:

Hi All, We went to BC last week and the water was high because they have had a lot of  unusual rain the past month or so. I had a customer by that lives in Great Falls, MT and he said they were in a draught? What is happening out your way? — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

Response:

My favorite rivers flooded last week, so we fished bluegills and went out for draughts afterwards (BBC Pale Ale – heavy on the Cascade hops this summer).  Definitely no drought in Massachusetts this year.  It hasn’t hit 90 degrees (F) in over a month.

Raining like heck in Juneau, Alaska and it hasn’t hit 90 degrees since we’ve been keeping records.

Response:

It is still hot in Dallas. Duh!! remember we are not all that far from Wichita Falls which has the claim of one of the most appropriately named bicycle races in a few weeks, The Hotter Than Hell 100. Lake Lewisville is still over 13 feet low. Big Dale .

Response:

My favorite rivers flooded last week, so we fished bluegills and went out for draughts afterwards (BBC Pale Ale – heavy on the Cascade hops this summer).  Definitely no drought in Massachusetts this year.  It hasn’t hit 90 degrees (F) in over a month.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – We went to BC last week and the water was high because they have had a lot of  unusual rain the past month or so. I had a customer by that lives in Great Falls, MT and he said they were in a draught? What is happening out your way? Bill Kiene

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What is happening out your way?

Serious drought in Georgia. — Charlie…

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Wet and cool in Ontario – all of the rivers are high and we’ve had a few floods. Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

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What is happening out your way?

reporting from north carolina:         it’s been a great year for bermuda grass.  the golf course fairways are lush and green.  of course, i live in paradise.  in fact, there is a little town about 20 miles northwest of here by the name of "eden". wayno

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Hi All, What is happening out your way?

Big Dale covered the DFW area (hotter’n hell, 11 or 12 days over 100, and dry) and it was hot (mid 90s), with a little rain in Orlando area, raining to beat all hell on the MS/AL Gulf Coast, particularly Mobile. TC, R – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

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Well, in Ohio farmers are expecting exceptional corn crops…….spring rains have been the pits. Of course this is smallmouth bas country which is some fine fishing.  This spring as the fishing started to heat up we began having rains.  Oh, you could find a place to fish but my usual haunts were high and muddy.  About the time you thought you could go fishing tomorrow, put a hurtin on me. So for a month I was unable to fish….and this while the wife and little girl were out of town.  By the time the water was fishable again, boom, summer was here….algae, green water the whole bit. Early morning and late evening were the ticket….I just missed out on a whole spring of fishing…….john – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, We went to BC last week and the water was high because they have had a lot of  unusual rain the past month or so. I had a customer by that lives in Great Falls, MT and he said they were in a draught? What is happening out your way? — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

Response:

Lotta Summer rain here in Maryland.  Some of the stockies are still around, as the rain has kept the rivers cool.  Temp was in the 70s yesterday.  Nebraska on the other hand is in draught and its sizzlin’ hot in the 100s.        Frank Reid Before you buy.

Response:

 in fact, there is a little town about 20 miles northwest of here by the name of "eden".

When I lived in Kansas I used to fish by a little town named ‘Climax’ not far from ‘Eureka’. — Charlie…

Response:

 in fact, there is a little town about 20 miles northwest of here by the name of "eden". When I lived in Kansas I used to fish by a little town named ‘Climax’ not far from ‘Eureka’. — Charlie…

        "climax" is about 15 miles southeast.  in the nether regions, one might say. wayno

Response:

 in fact, there is a little town about 20 miles northwest of here by the name of "eden". When I lived in Kansas I used to fish by a little town named ‘Climax’ not far from ‘Eureka’. — Charlie…

Not far from Friends University, I take it? <G R

Response:

When I lived in Kansas I used to fish by a little town named ‘Climax’ not far from ‘Eureka’. — Charlie…

  When I lived in Nebraska and owned a 90 hp Super Cub, my flying buddy and I talked about establishing a record for the quickest time in a Super Cub on a flight from Colon, Nebraska to Athol, Kansas:) Bob Skinner   Buffalo, WY — —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Ya’ll keep your pre-verted towns away from the home of my dear, sainted mother.  She lives in Virgin, UT.  As a matter of fact, I was jus’ thinkin’.  There’s this lady, lives down the street, name’s Mary.  Then again, she CAN’T be that Mary, ’cause she moved up from Las Vegas.    Virgin is the only place in the world with an actual Virgin Recycling Center.                       Frank Reid Before you buy.

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The trout in Northern California are plentiful and in great condition after four years of good rain and snowfall.  River runoff has reduced to the point where dry fly fishing is good and will remain that way for the rest of the year.  This is the year for those 100 trout days. Ernie

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Not far from Friends University, I take it?

About 75mi (or so) east of Friends University of Central Kansas<g. (not the officially sanction name of the school). — Charlie…

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   "climax" is about 15 miles southeast.  in the nether regions, one might say.

Ah, you’ve been there<g. — Charlie…

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What is happening out your way?

Its looking like drought in CO.  Streams not controlled by dam releases are running quite low and warm, at least on the eastern slope.  Hopefully at least some of the fish will survive.

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Up here in the Lakes District it has been raining off and on all summer. The last 5 days or so it’s been sunny. I haven’t been to any rivers in a couple of weeks just fishing the lake so I can’t say how they are. One plus though if the water is high it usually brings record runs for the fall.             Ian – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hi All, We went to BC last week and the water was high because they have had a lot of  unusual rain the past month or so. I had a customer by that lives in Great Falls, MT and he said they were in a draught? What is happening out your way? — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

Response:

What is happening out your way?

I have only been able to fly fish our local river on two occasions in the last three months becasue it’s so muddy.  We watered the lawn only once this entire summer.  Not flood per se, but steady precipitation. Mu

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What is happening out your way? I have only been able to fly fish our local river on two occasions in the last three months becasue it’s so muddy.  We watered the lawn only once this entire summer.  Not flood per se, but steady precipitation. Mu

Today, will be (provided we don’t get rain) the  144th consecutive day without measurable precipitation in Las Vegas – Going for the record of 150 set in 1950!  So I guess you could say that we are having a drought.  BUT!  20 minutes after it starts raining, we will be in a flood.  I normally fish in Utah – about 3 hours north of here.  Creeks and ponds in that area are near or at record lows.  Fire danger is rated at Extreme+.  

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What is happening out your way? In The Southern Tier of Vermont,  We had three months of nearly

continuous rains.  The rivers and streams were quite high and not very fishable.  This has settled quite a bit in the past month and the fishing is the best that it has been in my experiance. There has been a fairly steady Sulfur hatch and #10 & #12 sulfers are highly reliable and productive. The Trout are very numerous, well distributed, and in excellent health.   They are deep, broad, and remarkably brightly colored.  They are also guite long winded, makeing for some outstandingly long fights.  Some of the jumps are spectacular. The health of the fisheries is probably due to higher than average streamflows. In fact, fishermen should be extra aware of the weather. Because of the high water table, flash flooding can be an important consideration.  You want to be sure that you leave yourself a ready escape if you are fishing in the rain. If it has rained, the rivers and streams will be high for a couple of days.  The best times to fish are when the water has cleared and receded some.  Evening is the best time, with the last hour of light being the peak time.   So, just choose a water and hang on!                                     Mike Don’t forget to let them go.

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Question:

There are a lot of great trout streams in the UP. I fish the streams around Iron county as that is where I live, these include S. Branch of the Paint, Cook’s Run, and The Iron River. One of the highest rated streams is the Fox River but I have never fished it. I lived in the PNW for a year, the rivers here are alot smaller but also seem to hold alot more trout. You will find Brook, Brown and a few Rainbows. There are also some Steelhead runs in the streams that flow into lake Superior. Depending on where in the UP you plan on going you will find alot of fishing of many different types. Let me know if you need more info. I am thinking about heading the UP of Michigan in the next few weeks for a little camping/fishing.  I am an avid fly fisherman, but all of my experience is in the Pacific Northwest and the

Montana/Wyoming region.  In other words, I am completely unfamiliar with that area of the country in terms of fishing other than a lot of people have told me it’s a great place to go.  Can anyone recommend some rivers, streams, or lakes that are good bets for fly fishing? Thanks, Tom

* Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

I am thinking about heading the UP of Michigan in the next few weeks for a little camping/fishing.  I am an avid fly fisherman, but all of my experience is in the Pacific Northwest and the Montana/Wyoming region.  In other words, I am completely unfamiliar with that area of the country in terms of fishing other than a lot of people have told me it’s a great place to go.  Can anyone recommend some rivers, streams, or lakes that are good bets for fly fishing? Thanks, Tom

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello All,     I must first say that have been reading ROFF rather religiously the past couple weeks and have found it to be extremely beneficial to my fly fishing. Many of my own queries have been addressed here.  Thank you.     Anyway, now to my question.  I have been fishing a particular stream with nice smallmouth in it for years now.  I have exclusively used ultra-light takle for this stream and have been extremely successful.  Now that I am more into flyfishing, I now want move on and try out some flys on this stream, but being as I have mainly flyfished for the rainbows of East Tennessee, I am somewhat at a loss for what types of flys to use.     I was wondering if anyone would have some suggestions for what are some good, general, "ol’ trusty" flys for catching smallmouth out of streams? Any bit of information will be greatly appreciated!                                                                 Thanks *BOB*

Hi Bob, I prefer to take them on top if I can. I would try something about one inch long like a hopper or dry muddler.  A friend that was working back East for a few years found out they liked the steelhead dry fly called the ‘Bomber’. It is spun and clipped grey deer hair body with a grizzly palmered hackle in about a size #6 or 8. I also used a light colored medium sized hard bodied popper on the lower umpqua River in Oregon. Early morning and late evening is best on top. Under water I would try a Whitlock Near-nuff Crayfish, weighted brown Wolly Bugger, Clouser Minnow or Big brown Rubberleg Nymph. Something weighted that is big, buggy and black or brown? I have also heard that they can be caught on most trout patterns at times.

Response:

   I must first say that have been reading ROFF rather religiously the past couple weeks and have found it to be extremely beneficial to my fly fishing.

LOL! We must be slipping! [snipped]    I was wondering if anyone would have some suggestions for what are some good, general, "ol’ trusty" flys for catching smallmouth out of streams? Any bit of information will be greatly appreciated!

My experience with stream smallies (eg: Housatonic, Contoocook) has been that whatever I’m using for trout will generally work with the small mouths (in fact when I’m aiming for the trout the smallies seem to get to my fly first). If I’m aiming to hook up with small mouths, big flies (especially soggy ones) seem to work best. Woolly Buggers/Bombers, Deceivers, Matukas, Muddlers (my favorite), Wool-head Sculpins, etc. For dry flies, terrestrials (hoppers, beetles, flying ants, etc) have worked for me, along with the more "trouty" patterns. hth! /daytripper

Response:

    Anyway, now to my question.  I have been fishing a particular stream with nice smallmouth in it for years now.  I have exclusively used ultra-light takle for this stream and have been extremely successful.

What did you use that was so sucessful?  Try imitating it.  Crayfish? Try a crayfish pattern (complicated to tie) or just a weighted woolybugger fished slowly in  crayfish colors.  Appropriately colored (weighted if necessary) wooly buggers can also imitate hellgramites or leeches. Floating Rapalas? A streamer in the colors of your most sucessful plugs might do the trick- a generic baitfish imitation will have a light underside and dark back, maybe some flashabou or a tinsel wrapped hooked or mylar body.  I find that smallmouths will eagerly strike dries and nymphs if drifting nearby, but are more likely to chase larger flies over some distance.  A floating muddler minnow, slightly waking the surface at the end of the downstream swing sometimes works really well.  In general I’ve had the best experiences with down-n-across presentations.  Since you have been an ultralight fisherman, you should be familiar with a "color" available in soft plastics called "pumpkinseed".  Some folks really like chartreuse but I typically stick to earth tones.  Was that too vague?  My best wooly bugger this year: #8 2x streamer hook.  Light olive, medium sized chenille body.  Very light olive (almost appears yellow in the water) marabou tail with (soft) red palmered hackle. Mu Young Lee             Ann Arbor, MI   USA

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Try size 8-4 clousers in brown orange and Chartreuse and white. Also, Woolly Buggers in brown, black, and olive in sizes 10-6 are good. And you can’t go wrong with deer hair bugs DAYGLOW York Team DBE

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Hello All,     I must first say that have been reading ROFF rather religiously the past couple weeks and have found it to be extremely beneficial to my fly fishing. Many of my own queries have been addressed here.  Thank you.     Anyway, now to my question.  I have been fishing a particular stream with nice smallmouth in it for years now.  I have exclusively used ultra-light takle for this stream and have been extremely successful.  Now that I am more into flyfishing, I now want move on and try out some flys on this stream, but being as I have mainly flyfished for the rainbows of East Tennessee, I am somewhat at a loss for what types of flys to use.     I was wondering if anyone would have some suggestions for what are some good, general, "ol’ trusty" flys for catching smallmouth out of streams? Any bit of information will be greatly appreciated!                                                                 Thanks *BOB*

Response:

I’ve had luck with such flies as Bitch Creek, Wooly Buggers, and streamers. I kinda concoct my own fly that is basically a bunch of dubbing wrapped aound the shank of the hook with a maribou tail, usually in black, size 4-6. You can weight them for deeper waters if needed. Minnow patterns usually work good, I’ll make that same fly and add some flashabou to it as an attractor. Hope that helps. Chris – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello All,     I must first say that have been reading ROFF rather religiously the past couple weeks and have found it to be extremely beneficial to my fly fishing. Many of my own queries have been addressed here.  Thank you.     Anyway, now to my question.  I have been fishing a particular stream with nice smallmouth in it for years now.  I have exclusively used ultra-light takle for this stream and have been extremely successful.  Now that I am more into flyfishing, I now want move on and try out some flys on this stream, but being as I have mainly flyfished for the rainbows of East Tennessee, I am somewhat at a loss for what types of flys to use.     I was wondering if anyone would have some suggestions for what are some good, general, "ol’ trusty" flys for catching smallmouth out of streams? Any bit of information will be greatly appreciated!                                                                 Thanks *BOB*

Response:

download headers until you get to the thread posted by Todd Arnold on July 15….folks responded pretty goo to that one and it contains a variety of tips… and then look for a book titled, "Smallmouth strategies for the

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Question:

I’ll be in Cork, Ireland the week of May 10th and am trying to decide whether or not to stay a few extra days for some flyfishing for native browns. I ran the standard searches thru dejanews and hotbot and found some interesting March salmon info but not much for May browns. I called the Cork fisheries guy for some info but any suggestions for books or web sites or guides or lodges? Thanks, Doug

Response:

Get hold of PeterO’Reilly’s books on the Rivers; Loughs and Flies of Ireland (all published by Merlin Unwin books). The Suir, in Co. Waterford (east of Co. Cork) is -in many opinions- one of the best wild brown trout rivers in Europe. Try Andrew Ryan at www.flyfishingireland.com Tight lines Tony D – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll be in Cork, Ireland the week of May 10th …. etc. (snipped)

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Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -My roomate and I want to go on a week long vacation sometime between 12/18 and 1/3   I want to be on a beach and outside of the US.  We’re flying out of NYC with a budget of approx $1100 each.  We may be able to use frequent flyer miles for the air.  Last year we went to Costa Rica and loved it, but want to try somewhere else. WE are flying out of New York and would like to stay within 5 hours of flight time. Everything either appears to be sold out or too expensive. Any recommendations? Thanks, Michelle

Michelle, I have been going to Belize for the last few years. Lots of eco/jungle stuff on the mainland, jungle rivers and Maya ruins. Life on the islands/cayes is very nice. Fishing, snorkeling, scuba, boating and sight seeing is great. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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The Dominican Republic.  It should fit nicely into your budget and that would be for an all-inclusive resort.  We went to Paradise Beach Club in Puerto Plata a few years ago for $900. each. There are flights now directly into Punta Cana and there are specials on three resorts there for under to just above your budget; again for all inclusive resorts – all meals, drinks, activities. This year we went to Punta Cana and loved the beach there.  Had a wonderful vacation.  If you want specifics, e me directly. Kathy Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.  Proverbs 3:5-6

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -My roomate and I want to go on a week long vacation sometime between 12/18 and 1/3 I want to be on a beach and outside of the US.  We’re flying out of NYC with a budget of approx $1100 each.  We may be able to use frequent flyer miles for the air.  Last year we went to Costa Rica and loved it, but want to try somewhere else. WE are flying out of New York and would like to stay within 5 hours of flight time. Everything either appears to be sold out or too expensive. Any recommendations? Thanks, Michelle

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My roomate and I want to go on a week long vacation sometime between 12/18 and  1/3 I want to be on a beach and outside of the US.  We’re flying out of NYC with a  budget of approx $1100 each.  We may be able to use frequent flyer miles for  the air.  Last year we went to Costa Rica and loved it, but want to try  somewhere else. WE are flying out of New York and would like to stay within 5 hours of flight  time. Everything either appears to be sold out or too expensive. Any recommendations? Thanks, Michelle

Have you looked at Cancun, Mexico. A few years ago we stayed at the Club Las Velas.  It was all-inclusive, under $1000. had real good entertainment and a young party mood crowd if that is what you like. The food was pretty good and the rooms were not fancy but clean.  They are not directly on the ocean but on  the canal and have a boat that takes you to a beach club. (They do have their own beach on the canal with kayaks, sailboats, snorkling)  There are a lot of other things to see in the area also. and you can hop a bus for 30 cents right in front of the hotel and go anywhere you want on the strip – shopping, beach, restaurants, clubs, other hotels.  We also felt very safe there as it is geared to the tourist.  Check with your travel agents.  Marianne — Visit "The Grand Isle Connection" http://www.GrandIsle.together.com

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My roomate and I want to go on a week long vacation sometime between 12/18 and 1/3 I want to be on a beach and outside of the US.  We’re flying out of NYC with a budget of approx $1100 each.  We may be able to use frequent flyer miles for the air.  Last year we went to Costa Rica and loved it, but want to try somewhere else. WE are flying out of New York and would like to stay within 5 hours of flight time. Everything either appears to be sold out or too expensive. Any recommendations? Thanks, Michelle

If you look at our BVI pages, below, you’ll see our preferences If you check with the major bareboat outfits, you might find an all-inclusive trip within your budget. They usually have a by-the-cabin charter running with one of their professional captains for a very reasonable price. Trouble is that you’re going during the absolute peak of the Caribbean season, but if you can swing it, all your land-based vacations will fade into a hazy memory. On my 4th trip, I introduced Pat to the BVI starting with 5 days onshore. Knowing the area, we hit all the good spots and she opined that it was up amongst her best vacations ever (and she’s got some good experience.) She Seemed a little sad as we prepared to take posession of our home for the next 8 days, leaving the shore behind. Two days later, her mind was completely and utterly blown. The time onshore had not prepared her for the intensity of sensations she experienced; anchoring for the night in a perfect little cove on a nearly deserted island. Waking up and sailing a short distance to The Baths and playing amongst boulders that seemed like a giant child’s blocks carelessly heaped an the shore; snorkling through virtual clouds of fish while examining coral (that she soon found out was not the most brilliant in the BVI). Then eating lunch and sailing into North Sound and the Bitter End Yacht Club, an upscale resort where they MUST rake the beach at least twice daily — not a cigarette butt to be found — and having dinner in those sumptous surroundings… And then it got better. And better. (44 days, 13 hours until we return….) — Jere Lull Xan-a-Deux — ‘73 Tanzer 28 #4 — out of Tolchester, MD Xan’s Pics & Specs:      http://www.dca.net/~jerelull/X-Main.html British Virgin Islands:  http://www.dca.net/~jerelull/BVI.html

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Question:

Hi,   Sage now owns Lamson. Give them a call at 1-800-533-3004 and ask for Lamson Repairs and they will take care of you. Tight Lines, Jim, NV Jim’s Outdoor Sports, Elko, NV

Response:

Sage took over Lamson and your reel is warranteed for life by sage.   Contact them. cheers gp

: I have a Lamson reel that has never been used.  When loading fly line on : the unit that creates the clicking sound (pahl?) fell out.  It is simple : affair with a small screw that holds a triangular piece of metal that : clicks as the clogs turn.  What appears to be the screw came out and I : cannoth get it to hold.  The drag still works so the reel still functions : but I would like to produce sound as it was made. : Lamson has gone out of business.  Does anyone have any idea where I might : get this repaired? — gp

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I have a Lamson reel that has never been used.  When loading fly line on the unit that creates the clicking sound (pahl?) fell out.  It is simple affair with a small screw that holds a triangular piece of metal that clicks as the clogs turn.  What appears to be the screw came out and I cannoth get it to hold.  The drag still works so the reel still functions but I would like to produce sound as it was made. Lamson has gone out of business.  Does anyone have any idea where I might get this repaired?

Actually, the good name Lamson is alive and well but now a part of through them, a suitable dealer/repair facility referral seems very likely. Regards,          Rx F Fish "For Your Good Health, Fly Fish" URL=http://www.xnet.com/~rxffish

Response:

I have a Lamson reel that has never been used.  When loading fly line on the unit that creates the clicking sound (pahl?) fell out.  It is simple affair with a small screw that holds a triangular piece of metal that clicks as the clogs turn.  What appears to be the screw came out and I cannoth get it to hold.  The drag still works so the reel still functions but I would like to produce sound as it was made. Lamson has gone out of business.  Does anyone have any idea where I might get this repaired?

Response:

I have a Lamson reel that has never been used.  When loading fly line on the unit that creates the clicking sound (pahl?) fell out.  It is simple affair with a small screw that holds a triangular piece of metal that clicks as the clogs turn.  What appears to be the screw came out and I cannoth get it to hold.  The drag still works so the reel still functions but I would like to produce sound as it was made. Lamson has gone out of business.  Does anyone have any idea where I might get this repaired?

Sage now owns Lamson, and are still producing the LP series of reels. David B.

Response:

Question:

The original remark may be humorous to a man, but not to many of the women who may be exploring fly fishing on the internet. This type of attitude and mind set on the stream or anywhere else is not always comfortable to everyone.

I dont’s intend to speak for everyone nor to make everyone comfortable.  All I know is that I only read one response (yours) that took offense at my little joke.  I know that there are quite a few women that read this group and none of them seemed to take offense at it either.  I did, however, see at least one response from a woman that takes offense that the industry seems intent on selling equipment "designed" specifically for women.  I contend that trying to turn flyfishing into a non-gender neutral sport is more damaging then my little joke could ever be.  I’d also like to believe that a sense of humor is a gender neutral attribute as well. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

Response:

The original remark may be humorous to a man, but not to many of the women who may be exploring fly fishing on the internet. This type of attitude and mind set on the stream or anywhere else is not always comfortable to everyone.

Uh Oh, someone’s going to save us all from the evils of politically incorrectness.  Lighten up. Jerry Cobb Nashville, TN

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Lighten up?…NO I DON’T THINK SO….saying something like tits on the grips is not funny, it’s not mature, and it doesn’t belong here.

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Seems to be any rod that can be taken apart has a male AND a female end!

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 guess some women just, want to be "Fashion Barbie"…

I’d like to point out that women have been less than pleased with the manufacturers who have tried to make them into "Fashion Barbie."   It has to be the most negative comments I’ve hear at women’s flyfishing club meeting.  Most, being conservationists, are into greens and browns and wouldn’t be caught dead in pink or purple on a stream.

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You ought to see what has happened to the diving equipment industry. All these wild colors for wet suits, fins, masks, snorkles, tanks, regulators, knives, gauges, bc’s. You’re supposed to be color co- ordinated for the fish! An then you go down…..guess what happens to all those colors at 80 feet? Yup, unless you have a strobe flash on all that fancy equipment, it all looks the same.  :) What you are seeing in ffing equipment is the same thing except it doesn’t go away when it goes into the woods. Bees and yellow- jackets do like yellow and pink, though. :OOO– Bill Fashion plate of leftover GI olive drab equipment…..

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The original remark may be humorous to a man, but not to many of the women who may be exploring fly fishing on the internet. This type of attitude and mind set on the stream or anywhere else is not always comfortable to everyone.

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Your remark regarding women’s rods possibly having breasts is rather ignorant…one would like to believe that even you would see that there is no place for that sort of comment in the fly fishing community. Good grief, are you suggesting that the "fly fishing community" is humorless? You know, now that I consider a good protion of the posts

Sexism, bigotry, and general boorishness is NOT considered humor in a public place.  This is a public forum, not the locker room.  Some humor will always be appropriate in the locker room and nowhere else.  It might serve some of you well to learn when and where such humor is appropriate. —— Mike Tucker-  The Virtual Flyshop Web: http://www.flyshop.com Phone: 970/225-6445

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The largest diameter grip I ever made on a fly rod was for a woman. The lady in question had tendonitus (sp?) in her hand and the small diameter grips on her factory made rods made it much worse. After using the rod I built her, she came back and had me replace the grips on all of her rods. Trying to generalize by gender is, IMNSHO, Bullsh*t. — Phil Koenig Manhattan Custom Tackle Ltd. http://fishdoc.com./ "I’m the boss,so WHATEVER I say is OK"

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Your remark regarding women’s rods possibly having breasts is rather ignorant…one would like to believe that even you would see that there is no place for that sort of comment in the fly fishing community.

Oh give me a break.  It was a joke, actually one I stole from George Carlin from his observation in describing a brand of womens cigarettes. I agree with the other person that mentioned that creating a flyrod for women is just a bit insulting.  Flyfishing is as a gender neutral sport as you can get and I don’t understand why people are trying to turn it into something otherwise.  Actually, I do.  Equipment manufacturers are just trying to sell more merchandise.  Women step into their waders the same way I do and can fart around on the stream as well as the next guy. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Sounds like hype to me…a little sand paper will make the grip smaller…I can almost live with the mauve vest, and the burgandy waders, but this idea that fishing has to be *marketed* to women seems like an insult to women to me.  When Orvis says "here you go women, a flyrod just for you", they sound as if they are saying all our other rods are for men and not for you. It’s a nothing but an insulting gimmick in my mind DAMN RIGHT, Craig.. All Orvis did was put on a smaller grip..Like ALL women have little hands (like Frenchmen;)). I don’t think so!!!! If I can handle a SAGE 9′8Wt .. and 7+" of real man;).. like most REAL outdoors women can.. and have done for years…It is down right insulting! It’s like Walker says,"A cash flow runs through it". By the way, I have brown waders and a green vest, I look like a cute little tree on the stream,(stealth…it’s an Art!); not like "Barney". I guess some women just, want to be "Fashion Barbie"…

Who knows.  Maybe there will be a market for "Catskill Barbie" and "Catskill Ken". I personally want to catch fish..that’s why it’s called fishing….that’s why I’m out there, and none of my equipment has a cute little white "O" on it!! ….and NO,John F. the rods don’t have little breasts on them..the grips are still the basic "penis" shape, they have always been… Tickles, &"Bear "hugs for Charley

And as someone pointed out awhile back,  "queer" flyfishers like to hold the rod with the other hand because it feels like someone else is holding it. In flyfishing size doesn’t matter. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

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Your remark regarding women’s rods possibly having breasts is rather ignorant…one would like to believe that even you would see that there is no place for that sort of comment in the fly fishing community.

Response:

Sounds like hype to me…a little sand paper will make the grip smaller…I can almost live with the mauve vest, and the burgandy waders, but this idea that fishing has to be *marketed* to women seems like an insult to women to me.  When Orvis says "here you go women, a flyrod just for you", they sound as if they are saying all our other rods are for men and not for you. It’s a nothing but an insulting gimmick in my mind

Response:

Your remark regarding women’s rods possibly having breasts is rather ignorant…one would like to believe that even you would see that there is no place for that sort of comment in the fly fishing community.

Good grief, are you suggesting that the "fly fishing community" is humorless? You know, now that I consider a good protion of the posts to this group you may be right. It seems that the computerized fly fisherman spending time on this group are endowed with an excess of selfimportance and no fun whatsoever. How about we all take a giant step back and a look at the big picture. We are really just a small, insignificant piece of that picture.  Just enjoy you days astream and not make it into more than it is – fishing.

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Sounds like hype to me…a little sand paper will make the grip smaller…I can almost live with the mauve vest, and the burgandy waders, but this idea that fishing has to be *marketed* to women seems like an insult to women to me.  When Orvis says "here you go women, a flyrod just for you", they sound as if they are saying all our other rods are for men and not for you. It’s a nothing but an insulting gimmick in my mind

DAMN RIGHT, Craig.. All Orvis did was put on a smaller grip..Like ALL women have little hands (like Frenchmen;)). I don’t think so!!!! If I can handle a SAGE 9′8Wt .. and 7+" of real man;).. like most REAL outdoors women can.. and have done for years…It is down right insulting! It’s like Walker says,"A cash flow runs through it". By the way, I have brown waders and a green vest, I look like a cute little tree on the stream,(stealth…it’s an Art!); not like "Barney". I guess some women just, want to be "Fashion Barbie"…I personally want to catch fish..that’s why it’s called fishing….that’s why I’m out there, and none of my equipment has a cute little white "O" on it!! ….and NO,John F. the rods don’t have little breasts on them..the grips are still the basic "penis" shape, they have always been… Tickles, &"Bear "hugs for Charley …..N.

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.Your remark regarding women’s rods possibly having breasts is rather ignorant…one would like to believe that even you would see that there is no place for that sort of comment in the fly fishing community.

First Day being a P.C. Cop in Owl Creek…Huh? Honey, if you think John’s comment was ignorant..maybe you should haul your ass over to R.O.F.F.PC ONLY!!! or R.O.F.F.H. (humorless);…  (Tim, these weren’t on your list…please add.) Some of us aren’t PC on the P.C., but don’t worry, after we die, we will burn in Hell….Remember, life’s a bitch, and 7X tippet breaks….. Tickles;) …N.  

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(PWullenweb) writes: A few brands offer a women’s version (e.g. Orvis’ Mary Orvis Marbury), but I’m not sure if there is a significant or logical reason to go with those other than the lighter weight.

Th only difference between the Orvis "MOM" rod and the Orvis "Trout" rod is the handle.  Both are 8 ft. 6 wt. fullflex rods made out of the same blank.  The MOM rod has a handle that has been turned down for smaller hands.   You would be best served by casting the appropriate rods for the conditions you will fish until you find one you like, and if you want a smaller handle on it, any custom rod maker can turn the handle smaller for just a few $.  Size and weight is not a problem. All three of my kids started with 8 1/2 to 9  foot rods when they were between 9 and 11 years old.                                                            Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

Response:

Hi Pluck, The ‘womens rod’ is a silly idea. I don’t believe that a rods purpose or application changes with gender. The rods purpose is to cast a line and play a fish. Seems as silly as a ’soft periwinkle’ fishing vest. My ideas on rods are governed by the fact that I build bamboo but for trout a 7 1/2 ft 4 or 5 in a fast action is a good place to start. For smallmouth bass I woul choose an 8ft parabolic action rod for a  5/6 weight. Good fishing, A.J. Thramer

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I’m new to fly fishing and am looking to buy a rod.  A few brands offer a women’s version (e.g. Orvis’ Mary Orvis Marbury), but I’m not sure if there is a significant or logical reason to go with those other than the lighter weight.  I’d like to make this rod somewhat of an "all arounder", at least for the present.  Most of the time I’ll be on a small upstate NY lake, fishing from shore or in a boat for panfish, trout, as well as smallmouth and largemouth bass.  I’d like though to be able to take this rod to fish in some nearby streams.  Info on length, line weight and/or model would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance. Puck Wullenweber Ithaca, NY

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Pluck, Women can fly fish better then men and its not the rod!! I suggest a week vacation in July, Aug. or Sept at the Hawley MT. Ranch, where you can Fly Fish, ride horese,hike or just read a book, Its just 25 miles north of Yellowstone Park.   We do a lot of things other than fishing. Just ask!!! BBlewett

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I’m new to fly fishing and am looking to buy a rod.  A few brands offer a women’s version (e.g. Orvis’ Mary Orvis Marbury), but I’m not sure if there is a significant or logical reason to go with those other than the lighter weight.  I’d like to make this rod somewhat of an "all arounder", at least for the present.  Most of the time I’ll be on a small upstate NY lake, fishing from shore or in a boat for panfish, trout, as well as smallmouth and largemouth bass.  I’d like though to be able to take this rod to fish in some nearby streams.  Info on length, line weight and/or model would be appreciated.  Thanks in advance. Puck Wullenweber Ithaca, NY

I think lighter weight is one critical factor, the other being the size of the grip. Rods not designed for women may have grips that are larger than you are comfortable with (depending of course on whether you have large hands.) If you can find a comfortable grip you can use it – most quality rods are pretty light anyways.

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The possible difference with woman’s rods would be in the grip.  Possibly smaller than normal.  I would suspect that it is generally hype and marketing.  Try both and let me know.   For suggestions for a rod, I would suggest a 5 or 6 weight.  You are asking a lot for a rod to do all you want it to do and still be fun.   I lean towards the 5wt for the fun factor with trout and panfish.  You would have to use small poppers & deerhair bugs with the 5 wt due to the wind resistance.  Also, make sure the rod is 9′. If your starting out you’ll ask for 1 rod to do it all.  After a few years thought, you’ll own about 4 rods (trust me, I’ve been there)!

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I’m new to fly fishing and am looking to buy a rod.  A few brands offer a women’s version (e.g. Orvis’ Mary Orvis Marbury), but I’m not sure if there is a significant or logical reason to go with those other than the lighter weight.

<snip Hi, My recommendation would be for you to locate a reputable local dealer and cast as many rods as possible in your price range. The rod that ends up working the best for you may or may not be a women’s version. I think it’s much more important how the fly rod works than what it says on the label. I hope this helps,   Alan.   Alan Barnard   Kiene’s Fly Shop   Sacramento, California   WWW Fly Tyer   http://www.ns.net/~barnard

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Pluck, Women can fly fish better then men and its not the rod!! I suggest a week vacation in July, Aug. or Sept at the Hawley MT. Ranch, where you can Fly Fish, ride horese,hike or just read a book, Its just 25 miles north of Yellowstone Park.   We do a lot of things other than fishing. Just ask!!!

Womens fly rods?  What, do they have little breasts on them or something? Just to clarify a couple of things.  The name was "Puck", not "Pluck". Since I also live in Ithaca I know that we can flyfish (a five minute walk for me to the nearest stream from my front door), ride horses (there’s a B&B place about 1000′ down the road of me that is a horse ranch), hike (across my driveway and 100′ in the other direction from the B&B are trailheads which go into a wildlife reserve, and I can read a book just about anywhere.  I’ll let you sleep on my couch for half of what your ranch charges. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

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Question:

Ron,   Try a bright light green, cream, orange, or hot pink glo bug and sink the fly so it drifts drag free across the bottom. Also try some bright colored western spey flies and steelhead flies. There is a person named Helvie that wrote a book on steelhead flies, look through that also . —

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  On the Puyallup river in Washington State I have seen several people    I have only seen one fly fisherman on this river and wonder   why?                                          Thanks Ron

    Ron – You don’t see many trying to flyfish the Puyallup River because, by the time the steelhead arrive in the Summer or Fall, the river is floured (like coffee with cream).  Once the snow melt on the glaciers is done and we start getting ice melt, only stink baits really work well on this glacier-fed river. The glaciers have volcanic ash in them that "flour" the water.                         – Jewelee                           Puyallup, WA

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On the Puyallup river in Washington State I have seen several people using spincasting gear with spinners to catch Steelhead.  I am new to fly fishing and am hooked.  I know I will never be a worm fisherman again!!!!  I would think that a fly rod would do a awsome job on this river.  I have only seen one fly fisherman on this river and wonder why?  I am going to try this weekend and would like any suggestions on types of flies and patterns to use?  The spinners that I have seen people use have had bright orange on them.                                        Thanks Ron

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Ron,    I have not fished the Puyallup yet, but I tie a wooly bugger pattern with black marabou and flashabou, and an orange marabou that are more successful overall than the classic Skykomish Sunrise, etc. An advantage for me is that they are easy to tie and when I lose one, it’s not like losing an art treasure. email me about your success. I could send you some flies in exchange for good wading locations. good luck!    Jack – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – On the Puyallup river in Washington State I have seen several people using spincasting gear with spinners to catch Steelhead.  I am new to fly fishing and am hooked.  I know I will never be a worm fisherman again!!!!  I would think that a fly rod would do a awsome job on this river.  I have only seen one fly fisherman on this river and wonder why?  I am going to try this weekend and would like any suggestions on types of flies and patterns to use?  The spinners that I have seen people use have had bright orange on them.                                        Thanks Ron

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Question:

I have a baitcasting technique question. I have been a fly fisherman for some time.  I recently added spinning gear and lakes to my fishing portfolio and have REALLY enjoyed it! This xmas I moved to a baitcasting reel (Inexpensive Abu Garcia reel available via Cabelas), and a nice IM7 Cabelas baitcasting rod. I have no baitcasting fishermen friends.  So, I am on my own. I read the instructions and started practicing casting.  Backlash city. All the time.  One cast — then 30 minutes of fusing — then cutting of line and one more cast…and so on. I want to get this, but think I must be misinterpreting something. The instructions with my reel tell me to adjust the manual brake and then the magnetic brake so the lure will move about 10 inches when I jiggle the rod.  Ok…I can do that. But, the question is….."what is the role of your thumb when you are casting.  That is, do you use your thumb to lightly put pressure on the reel/line while you are casting?  Or, do you take your thumb completely away while the lure is in the air and only use your thumb to suddenly brake when the cast hits water or whatever?  Are these mechanical brakes supposed to do the job themselves?  Or, am I to actively use my thumb the hole time the cast in in progress? HELP I know this is a stupid question, but I have no baitcasting gurus around here who can help me.  My only advice so far from my other fishing buddies is to go back to my spinning gear.

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Quoting johng from a message in rec.outdoors.fishing  jo Path:  jonews1.delphi.com!news.delphi.com!news2.near.net!howland.reston.ans.net!e  jo Organization: Duke’s Fuqua School of Business  jo Lines: 28  jo NNTP-Posting-Host: piscator.fsb.duke.edu  jo X-Newsreader: WinVN 0.92.3  jo I read the instructions and started practicing casting.  Backlash city.  jo All the time.  One cast — then 30 minutes of fusing — then cutting of  jo line and one more cast…and so on. Start out with easy lob type casts, until you get your hand to eye coordination down pat. The thumb is used primarily when you see the lure touch down, at this point the reel is still spinning, it doesn’t know that the lure isn’t still going.  jo I want to get this, but think I must be misinterpreting something.  jo The instructions with my reel tell me to adjust the manual brake and  jo then the magnetic brake so the lure will move about 10 inches when I  jo jiggle the rod.  Ok…I can do that. While you are learning I would suggest you turn the magnets all the way up and tighten the manual brake a little more, until you get used to it. Also don’t cast INTO the wind, that will cause problems every time. You may also want to cast a heavier lure while you are learning, it helps.  jo But, the question is….."what is the role of your thumb when you  jo are casting.  That is, do you use your thumb to lightly put pressure on  jo the reel/line while you are casting?  Or, do you take your thumb  jocompletely away while the lure is in the air and only use your thumb  joto suddenly brake when the cast hits water or whatever? Its really a little of both, as you gain experience you will learn to "feather" your cast with your thumb, and then stop the reel when the lure reaches the target.  jo Are these  jomechanical brakes supposed to do the job themselves?  Or, am I to  joactively use my thumb the hole time the cast in in progress? See above.  jo HELP I know this is a stupid question, but I have no baitcasting  jogurus around here who can help me.  My only advice so far from my  joother fishing buddies is to go back to my spinning gear. Also if its cold out the line will stiffen up and cause some problems. Remember to keep the handles up and make easy casts to start with. Once you get used to it you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it a long time ago…<G BTW: What model reel? Some cheapies will never cast well. Its not a stupid question, at all, its just a learning process. Good luck. Greg….

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I find that if you cast as far as you can then strip out a small amount of line add a small strip of tape <not very sticky tape can keep your backlashes from going deep down into the spool and causing you a lot of problems. The tape will come off if you happen on that BIG DAWG! and he pulls out the line past the tape.   but the best thing to do is practice practice practice and when you see that jig hit the water put the brakes on .

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For years I’ve done this.  hold the rod straight out in front of you. tighten the center nob on the LEFT hand side of the real.  This is not the magnetic anti- backlash on the Right hand side of the reel.  Hit the free spool button or thumbbar release, as if you were getting ready to cast.  Turn the LEFT hand nob Away from you (loosen) just until the weight on the end of your line starts dropping.  try casting.  If you have a magnetic anti-backlash on the right hand side, you may then loosen the LEFT hand nob a little more and compensate as needed with the magnetic adjustment.  this works fine on reels without a mag helper, but you will be able to achieve more distance by fine tuning if you have a mag adjustment.  Do this whenever you switch to a different weight. Andy S.

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: I have a baitcasting technique question. : I read the instructions and started practicing casting.  Backlash city. : All the time.  One cast — then 30 minutes of fusing — then cutting of : line and one more cast…and so on. Well, if it’s any comfort that’s how I spent my first day of practice. The trick on the thumb is to control the speed of the reel given a particular line, the rigging weight, and the wind. My advice: keep gentle pressure at all times and try and slow the cast gradually so that your lure/bait drops majestically where you want it to go. It’ll beome second nature, I promise. Then, once it is second nature, you’ll never have a backlash again. What you get then are called professional overcasts. <g Here’s a tip. Reel off enough line to cover the distance you intend to be casting. Put a strip of tape across the line on the reel at that point. Any backlash will at least stop at the tape.

Response:

I agree with practicing at home, however, when I first picked up a baitcaster, I was told that if you could cast a 1/4 oz. plug without overrun and with accuracy, you have won half of the battle.  Of course, your rod would have to be able to throw a 1/4 oz. plug (ie: be rated for it).  I have found that once I learned this, I not only learned the technique, but gained confidence as well.  I was even throwing rooster tails with my reels and catching fish.   One more thing, be sure to keep your spool control as tight as you can when first practicing.  I also think that casting the 1/4 oz. plug let me loosen the spool more after while and I was able to throw farther and with reasonable accuracy.  But this was only after a few weeks of practice.  Try it.  Just my $0.02. Just be patient and practice at home, not on the water. I suggest a lure weight of at least 1/2 ounce for starters with a rod designed for lures from 1/4 – 3/4 ounces.  The heavier the lure the easier it is to cast without backlash. I would also suggest a line rated at no more than 12 pound test, larger line backlashes easier.  Good luck and trust me, the practice is well worth it.

– Andrew R. Gherna                 |   Eastern Illinois University      |  "Keep them mowing blades sharp"

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