Question:

overloading a rod by one line wt is one of the oldest tricks in the book. You’ll do fine.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   Hi Walt,   Normally, if a reel is rated for a #5 outfit, it should hold a WF6F with   at   least 50 yds of quality 20# braided darcon backing.   There are exceptions, though.  I recently bought an Okuma Sierra reel for my   3 weight rod.  It is supposedly sized for 4 and 5 weight lines, but it is a   great deal smaller than the Orvis reel I bought about the same time.    Even   with the 3 weight WF line there is only room for about 50 yards of backing. That’s weird. I have the same reel loaded with a 5 weight WF and I have at least that much backing on it. You got one of those fat 555 lines on it?

I’ve got Teeny WF 3.  Don’t know remember any more about it than that.   I just went outside and stripped all the line off.  It turns out that I actually have about 75 yards of backing, but it’s 15 lb. Spectra or Spider wire or one of those new super strong small diameter lines instead of the braided dacron I’ve used in the past.  As a matter of fact, I bought this stuff because I was concerned about not having enough backing. The backing line on this Okuma Sierra (rated at 4/5 wt.) mics at .011 inch as compared to .015 for the braided dacron on my Orvis Rocky Mountain (rated at 5/6).  Of course, the dial caliper I used to check them mashes the line a bit, but the difference is still significant, I think.  There’s 120 yards of backing on the Orvis compared to 75 on the Okuma.  The diameter inside the posts is 2.538 for the Okuma and 3.025 (estimated because I couldn’t quite get the calipers inside the four posts on this reel) on the Orvis.  Inside width of the spool in .680 for the Okuma and .790 for the Orvis.  Both reels have an exposed rim, roughly 2.90 for the Okuma and 3.475 for the Orvis.  These comparisons may not read like there’s a great deal of difference between them, but visually the difference is quite dramatic and the Okuma reel has about as much line on it as is possible without interference while the Orvis could easily take another hundred yards of the finer backing, and this with a 5 wt. DT on it.  In short, the difference is startling; much greater than the difference in rating would suggest.  The Orvis reel appears about typical of the size I’d expect for a 5/6 wt., while the Okuma reel is tiny for a 4/5. Wolfgang

Response:

    Hi Walt,     Normally, if a reel is rated for a #5 outfit, it should hold a WF6F with     at     least 50 yds of quality 20# braided darcon backing.       There are exceptions, though.  I recently bought an Okuma Sierra reel for my   3 weight rod.  It is supposedly sized for 4 and 5 weight lines, but it is a   great deal smaller than the Orvis reel I bought about the same time.    Even   with the 3 weight WF line there is only room for about 50 yards of backing. That’s weird. I have the same reel loaded with a 5 weight WF and I have at least that much backing on it. You got one of those fat 555 lines on it? Willi

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi Walt, Normally, if a reel is rated for a #5 outfit, it should hold a WF6F with at least 50 yds of quality 20# braided darcon backing. There are exceptions, though.  I recently bought an Okuma Sierra reel for my 3 weight rod.  It is supposedly sized for 4 and 5 weight lines, but it is a great deal smaller than the Orvis reel I bought about the same time.  Even with the 3 weight WF line there is only room for about 50 yards of backing. Most reel manufacturers seem to be, shall we say, optimistic about the capacities of their reels.  I usually make a point of buying the reel about one size larger than the manufacturer’s specs indicate that I should buy. Kevin

Well, it also depends on what line was used is the capacity determination.  One of the "by-products" of the "new" system (weight, as opposed to size) is that diameter is not relevant, and so, it’s entirely possible to have a reel that will hold a particular brand of line, of a given weight, and X yards of backing, just as the maker indicates, and yet, not even be able to hold a full line of another type.  Granted, such a large variation is not likely, but in a smaller sized "large arbor" with a narrow spool, such a thing is possible, however unlikely. For a current example of the extremes, look a smaller _size_ silk compared to roughly equivalent, in _weight_, Cortland 555. TC, R

Response:

Hi Walt, Normally, if a reel is rated for a #5 outfit, it should hold a WF6F with at least 50 yds of quality 20# braided darcon backing. There are exceptions, though.  I recently bought an Okuma Sierra reel for my 3 weight rod.  It is supposedly sized for 4 and 5 weight lines, but it is a great deal smaller than the Orvis reel I bought about the same time.  Even with the 3 weight WF line there is only room for about 50 yards of backing.

Most reel manufacturers seem to be, shall we say, optimistic about the capacities of their reels.  I usually make a point of buying the reel about one size larger than the manufacturer’s specs indicate that I should buy. Kevin

Response:

Hi Walt, Normally, if a reel is rated for a #5 outfit, it should hold a WF6F with at least 50 yds of quality 20# braided darcon backing.

There are exceptions, though.  I recently bought an Okuma Sierra reel for my 3 weight rod.  It is supposedly sized for 4 and 5 weight lines, but it is a great deal smaller than the Orvis reel I bought about the same time.  Even with the 3 weight WF line there is only room for about 50 yards of backing. Wolfgang

Response:

Thanks for all the feedback … consistent message … I will check on the backing and if sufficient I will go with the #5.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am fairly new to flyfishing. I have a 5/6 wt rated graphite rod and am considering a buy on a 5 wt reel.  I also have quite a bit of 6 wt line. Is it okay to put 6 wt line on a 5 wt reel?  I am assuming/thinking that since the rod is a 5/6 wt combination … it should be okay? thanks, Walt

Response:

I am fairly new to flyfishing. I have a 5/6 wt rated graphite rod and am considering a buy on a 5 wt reel.  I also have quite a bit of 6 wt line.  Is it okay to put 6 wt line on a 5 wt reel?  I am assuming/thinking that since the rod is a 5/6 wt combination … it should be okay? thanks, Walt

Response:

I am fairly new to flyfishing. I have a 5/6 wt rated graphite rod and am considering a buy on a 5 wt reel.  I also have quite a bit of 6 wt line. Is it okay to put 6 wt line on a 5 wt reel?  I am assuming/thinking that since the rod is a 5/6 wt combination … it should be okay?

It’ll be fine.  You might need a bit less backing than they recommend.

Response:

I am fairly new to flyfishing. I have a 5/6 wt rated graphite rod and am considering a buy on a 5 wt reel.  I also have quite a bit of 6 wt line.  Is it okay to put 6 wt line on a 5 wt reel?  I am assuming/thinking that since the rod is a 5/6 wt combination … it should be okay? thanks, Walt

Shouldn

Question:

  I think that a sense of being crowded has much to do with the size of the stream. On many small streams it is futile to fish behind another angler without a significant wait and there is no way that two people could share even the largest pool. Larger streams and rivers can accommodate many more anglers per mile without the sense of crowding. As the streams and rivers have become more crowded over the years, especially on the more famous waters, many anglers have accepted this over crowding as part of angling.

I consider a river to be crowded when you can’t rest a pool or a run after someone has fished it because someone else will jump in there. Unfortunately you have to get used to it on most of the rivers around here. I don’t fish too much smaller water, but I probably should.  I like fishing the big water and can usually drive to a spot that isn’t as crowded.  Even on the big rivers, people seldom venture to areas that require hiking to get at or that will require a longer drive down a dirt road. One of the best things about fishing smaller water is that you can often have them to yourself. The drawback is that even one other angler can spoil things.

Fishing smaller water to me means smaller fish, but possibly more of them so what they lack in size you make up for in numbers.  They can be a great source of enjoyment, but I fear I am getting lazy with so much water in easy walking/driving distance.  The last 2 years has not seen me doing much hiking to get at fish.  I get enough hiking in during hunting season. Besides, if things are good on a big river you can still get plenty of fish and bigger ones too.  I do miss the innocence displayed by fish in the smaller water that doesn’t get pounded. — Warren Findley Shut up and fish! For Yellowstone Clave info: http://www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt/YNP.html

Response:

If anyone is fishin’ the sections of Upper Creek that I fish, I consider the stream to be crowded!

I think that a sense of being crowded has much to do with the size of the stream. On many small streams it is futile to fish behind another angler without a significant wait and there is no way that two people could share even the largest pool. Larger streams and rivers can accommodate many more anglers per mile without the sense of crowding. As the streams and rivers have become more crowded over the years, especially on the more famous waters, many anglers have accepted this over crowding as part of angling. One of the best things about fishing smaller water is that you can often have them to yourself. The drawback is that even one other angler can spoil things. Willi

Response:

If anyone is fishin’ the sections of Upper Creek that I fish, I consider the stream to be crowded!

Opie, if you are fishing within 2 states of me I considered things getting too crowded Warren

Response:

If anyone is fishin’ the sections of Upper Creek that I fish, I consider the stream to be crowded! Opie, if you are fishing within 2 states of me I considered things getting too crowded

Hell, I’ve fished AND hiked with the boy.  He is a crowd unto himself, whether or not anyone else is in the crick!  About the only thing about him that ain’t crowded is the top of his head!!      :) Wolfgang amazed at what he can remember about a person in light of a promised absence at an upcoming event

Response:

If anyone is fishin’ the sections of Upper Creek that I fish, I consider the stream to be crowded! Op

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –   You guys should be glad to have so many wusses around.  Every November and December I go off for some late season steelheading on the Deschutes, in windy freezing rain, only to find it hard to lock into one of my favorite runs.  Often, once I get onto one, I look upstream: a fishermen. Downstream:  a fisherman.  "What the hell are these people doing out in weather like this?" I ask myself. Oh believe me, I am thankful.  I have started to notice more people going out in the winter time though.  I fear that the waters I like to fish will be crowded year around before too long.  Of course what I consider to be crowded during the winter is about 10 people on the mile stretch I fish <g — Warren Findley Yellowstone Clave info at: www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I can’t believe what a bunch of wusses Colorado fishermen are. I had to run down to Mike Clark’s shop today to pick up a set of ferrules for a Leonard restoration. I drove the scenic route, which followed most of the Big Thompson and St. Vrain drainages. On a normal Saturday morning I’d have seen at least a hundred guys in the water, but today it was snowing, and I didn’t count a dozen fishermen out. I got home, bundled up in wool and goretex, and went back up to slaughter them. The fish were feeding like they were expecting something bad was about to happen, and I think they were right. It looks like runoff could get started any day now.

I notice much the same thing here too.  As soon as the weather is nice, the place I normally fish has a dozen people in it.  If it is crowded, I go to my alternate spot which is actually better, but a longer drive and more hiking. I did notice today that the river was a little darker than normal.  It was kind of funny though because you could see how the water level had dropped since the rain and warm weather we have been having.  Now that it is cold and snowing again, the water levels dropped but there is still some sediment in the water giving it a murky tinge.  I fear runoff is just around the corner for us too. Glad to hear you slayed them.  The fish up here seem to know that tomorrow is another day and are in no hurry to chow down just yet.  It is kind of funny, I think they are tired of midges after having fed on them all winter.  Now that they have tasted other flies, they have become really picky and mostly ignore the midges.  Thank God there are always some dumb ones <g — Warren Findley Yellowstone Clave info at: www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

Response:

I can’t believe what a bunch of wusses Colorado fishermen are. ….snipped I notice much the same thing here too.  As soon as the weather is nice, the place I normally fish has a dozen people in it….

You guys should be glad to have so many wusses around.  Every November and December I go off for some late season steelheading on the Deschutes, in windy freezing rain, only to find it hard to lock into one of my favorite runs.  Often, once I get onto one, I look upstream: a fishermen. Downstream:  a fisherman.  "What the hell are these people doing out in weather like this?" I ask myself. JR

Response:

  You guys should be glad to have so many wusses around.  Every November and December I go off for some late season steelheading on the Deschutes, in windy freezing rain, only to find it hard to lock into one of my favorite runs.  Often, once I get onto one, I look upstream: a fishermen. Downstream:  a fisherman.  "What the hell are these people doing out in weather like this?" I ask myself.

Oh believe me, I am thankful.  I have started to notice more people going out in the winter time though.  I fear that the waters I like to fish will be crowded year around before too long.  Of course what I consider to be crowded during the winter is about 10 people on the mile stretch I fish <g — Warren Findley Yellowstone Clave info at: www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

Response:

……. I headed back upstream to check some productive dry fly water.  When I got there I didn’t see any fish rising so I sat on the bank and watched for a few minutes to see if anything was going to happen….

It took me a very long time, at the beginning of my fishing life, to figure out that a day ends up being a lot more enjoyable the more I take time for these 5-10 minute sit-downs just to watch what is happening.  Sounds like you had a real pleasant day, despite the weather. JR

Response:

Nice report, jarhead. I can’t believe what a bunch of wusses Colorado fishermen are. I had to run down to Mike Clark’s shop today to pick up a set of ferrules for a Leonard restoration. I drove the scenic route, which followed most of the Big Thompson and St. Vrain drainages. On a normal Saturday morning I’d have seen at least a hundred guys in the water, but today it was snowing, and I didn’t count a dozen fishermen out. I got home, bundled up in wool and goretex, and went back up to slaughter them. The fish were feeding like they were expecting something bad was about to happen, and I think they were right. It looks like runoff could get started any day now.

Response:

Well, I was sitting around the house wishing I could be out fishing and decided I wasn’t going to let the weather stop me.  It has been snowing off and on since yesterday but it isn’t too cold out.  The wind has been pretty bad and was the real reason why I had not ventured out.  After milling around the house and constantly staring out the window, I decided to make a go of it anyway.  The urge to fish far outweighed any weather considerations so I grabbed my gear, loaded up my fly boxes, grabbed the six weight and hit the door. I haven’t been able to fish in a couple of weeks and the lack of fishing has really taken its toll on me.  Despite the crappy weather I was really jazzed about getting out on the water.  I arrived at the access on the Gallatin and scanned the surface while I was getting ready.  I did not see any fish rising, but I did see quite a few midges out and about.  When I finally reached the water I couldn’t believe how many midges there were.  All the little pockets and back eddies were just filled with midges. I fished my way downstream and came to a spot that I wasn’t able to wade so I climbed up along the bank.  I was kind of walking a little too close to the private property so I dipped down a little lower so as to not piss the land owner off.  The bank is really steep with several logs, trees and log jams along the bank.  The water is really deep too. I came up to a spot that had a little log jam with a couple of trees hanging over the bank.  I saw several piles of midges gathered in this little sheltered position.  A really nice sized fish was working this area and was coming up quite often.  He was in a position that I could not cast to however.  I tried doing some commando fishing and dapping a griffith’s gnat in the area but I put the fish down. I headed back upstream to check some productive dry fly water.  When I got there I didn’t see any fish rising so I sat on the bank and watched for a few minutes to see if anything was going to happen. Several minutes went by and not one rise.  I just couldn’t resist making a few casts to a little pocket that I can usually pull a fish out of.  Second cast and I was able to get the fly in there despite the wind.  A short drift and a silver bullet darted up from the bottom and slammed the fly.  I set the hook and the fight was on.  It felt so great to have a fish on after such a long period without being able to fish.  I landed a nice little rainbow of about 10-11" after he made several jumps and runs.  After releasing him, I sat on the bank to kind of soak in the feeling of being out on the water again and catching fish. I moved up to the next big section of dry fly water and saw a few rises while I was there but was unable to get the fish interested in what I was offering.  After about an hour of fishing/observing and only seeing 7 rises I decided to move back downstream.  The snow started coming in a lot harder and the wind picked up.  The snow was falling almost horizontally because of the wind and began picking up in intensity.  It was enough to finally drive me off the water and back to the truck. Even though I only caught one fish, it was great to be back out.  I wish the weather would have cooperated a little more, but perhaps tomorrow will hold better weather and the fish will be a little more eager.  Until then, I guess I will just have to tie up some more flies that I will be using in the not so distant future. — Warren Findley Yellowstone Clave info at: www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

Response:

Question:

I have updated my site designed around collecting, fishing, and repair of bamboo and fiberglass fly rods. I have new articles, stories, photos, and information. The forum is a good source of information about the above topics, and there is a board to get a free appraisal as well as a board to list classic tackle that you have for sale or you wish to buy, which is also free. You can visit the site at  http://www.clarksrods.com Hope you enjoy the site. Regards Clark

Response:

Nice site. Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have updated my site designed around collecting, fishing, and repair of bamboo and fiberglass fly rods. I have new articles, stories, photos, and information. The forum is a good source of information about the above topics, and there is a board to get a free appraisal as well as a board to list classic tackle that you have for sale or you wish to buy, which is also free. You can visit the site at  http://www.clarksrods.com Hope you enjoy the site. Regards Clark

Response:

Now *that* is a nice site! Tom – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have updated my site, added many new graphics, information, stories, improved the forum, and added some rods to the list that are for sale or trade. If you are interested in collecting, fishing, or repairing classic fly rods, you might be interested in visiting the site. The url is http://www.clarksrods.com  Hope you enjoy the site, and if you have any suggestions for improvement, please email me.

Response:

I have updated my site, added many new graphics, information, stories, improved the forum, and added some rods to the list that are for sale or trade. If you are interested in collecting, fishing, or repairing classic fly rods, you might be interested in visiting the site. The url is http://www.clarksrods.com  Hope you enjoy the site, and if you have any suggestions for improvement, please email me.

Response:

Question:

Danke. Any in striking distance of Portland (left coast)?

Response:

Danke. Any in striking distance of Portland (left coast)?

There will be for sure if you decide to host one. Regards, Jeff

Response:

Great responses, all. Wunnerfully creative minds at work (??) here. Now, anyone care to answer the original question itself? Thanks!

Response:

Great responses, all. Wunnerfully creative minds at work (??) here. Now, anyone care to answer the original question itself? Thanks!

I did sort of.   Conclave – 1. a private meeting.  2a. the assembly of cardinals for the election of a pope.   2b. the meeting place for the conclave. (Hint:  It ain’t meaning #2) Now the new definition, a ROFFian meeting of assorted reprobates, alocholics, and womanizers in a location near water known to hold trout. HTH Peter

Response:

"Clave" is an abbreviation of "Conclave", which is usually taken to mean the gathering of cardinals who assemble to elect a new pope. It also means any closed gathering. As far as ROFF is concerned, a clave is a get together where hopefully fun is had by all, and some fishing is done. TL MC — "If you have tried everything you know, and nothing works, then perhaps it is time to accept that you don

Question:

[stuff I agree with snipped] With the Fuji’s you don’t really lose anything over a conventional snake guide, but you pick up some advantages.

[more good stuff snipped], but… one thing about snake guides is that for a given "size", the hole is actually "bigger" than a comparably sized Fuji guide since the Fujis are closed circles and the snakes are helical. My experience is that knots and tangles more easily shake free through snakes than through Fujis.  However, with knots that have a tag end that sticks out a little, the snakes (since they are thin wires) tend to grab them more often than do the Fujis.   Mu

Response:

I don’t know about wood grips outside of cork, but for guides, go with the Fuji ring guides.  I learned something this weekend that will help a bit even with them.  If you use 3 or more of the LSG-7J’s, make the one nearest the tip a UNSG-7J, on a 9′ rod use this guide for your last 2.  Also use an FST-7 tip.  These guides and tip are part of Fuji’s new concept line, and while the ring size remains unchanged, the ring height is lower, helping to bring the line closer to the blank in the last foot or so of the rod rather than all at once between the last guide and the tip.  The frame on the UNSG is also lighter than that of the LSG. If you want to use single leg wire guides, go for one that is coated rather than plated.  Plating will almost always peel, while coated (metal sprayed) guides should last quite a while.  There are many varieties of coatings available today and it’s a six of one, half a dozen of the other situation as to which is best.  As long as they come from a reputable source, you can choose for color and still get a great performing guide.  For salt water applications, I would go with a wire guide of some sort.  The insert guides will foul with salt buildup much quicker than wire guides. A good place for wood on a fly rod is in the reel seat.  For a 3 wt, a cork or wood seat with rings would be the thing to have.

Response:

For salt water applications, I would go with a wire guide of some sort.  The insert guides will foul with salt buildup much quicker than wire guides.

I’ve heard that before.  I wonder why it’s so.  Is it just becasue there is greater surface area on a ceramic guide? Mu

Response:

I’ve heard that same thing, but I’ve fished both types of guides quite a lot in salt water and have never found there to be much of a difference.  in either case, if salt DOES crust up on the guides, just swish it through the water back and forth a couple of times and it will be clear again. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For salt water applications, I would go with a wire guide of some sort.  The insert guides will foul with salt buildup much quicker than wire guides. I’ve heard that before.  I wonder why it’s so.  Is it just becasue there is greater surface area on a ceramic guide? Mu

Response:

I am in the process of building my ulitmate lightweight rod and I have the ability to examine a few options I haven’t been able to afford in years past. I have never fished with a rod that has a wood handle but I like the look of the rods that are built with them.  Is Cocobolo or rosewood going to add significant weight to a 3 wt. rod compared to cork?  Any disadvantages to fishing with wood vs. cork handles?  Do they get uncomfortable after awhile? Next question.  I think I want to build this rod with single foot guides vs. double.  Again, I have never owned a rod with single foot guides.  The reduction in weight and the increased flexibility in the rod are attractive traits to gain.  What do I loose compared to a double foot guide? Last question.  I have had a fly shop owner try to tell me that the gold guides wear out a lot faster then the titanium coated guides.  Has anybody had first hand experience with this or was he just trying to sell me what he had vs. losing my buisness. Thanks

Response:

– "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

I am in the process of building my ulitmate lightweight rod and I have the ability to examine a few options I haven’t been able to afford in years past. I have never fished with a rod that has a wood handle but I like the look of the rods that are built with them.  Is Cocobolo or rosewood going to add significant weight to a 3 wt. rod compared to cork?  Any disadvantages to fishing with wood vs. cork handles?  Do they get uncomfortable after awhile?

Complete wooden handles get slippery and difficult to hold very quickly, especially after handling fish or with wet hands. They also feel much colder to the touch, and the sensation of cold hands is very unpleasant after a while. Next question.  I think I want to build this rod with single foot guides vs. double.  Again, I have never owned a rod with single foot guides.  The reduction in weight and the increased flexibility in the rod are attractive traits to gain.  What do I loose compared to a double foot guide?

Basically some stability.  If you knock a single foot ring it will be more liable to slip than if you knocked a double foot ring. There is no appreciable increase in flexibility when using single foot as opposed to double foot rings.  The best rings for small lightweight fly-rods are probably snakes. Last question.  I have had a fly shop owner try to tell me that the gold guides wear out a lot faster then the titanium coated guides.  Has anybody had first hand experience with this or was he just trying to sell me what he had vs. losing my buisness.

Gold plated guides are useless, gold is a very soft metal, and will wear out in no time.  Titanium nitride is a gold coloured coating often used to protect HSS cutting surfaces. It is commonly used in industry for the tips of drill bits and similar tools as it is extremely tough and hard. Many modern guides have this protective coating.  Various oxides of metal are used as protective coatings for various metals, aluminium oxide for instance, among others. These vary in colour, but in the natural state are usually a dull grey. Many modern high performance guides have highly polished ceramic inserts made of sintered ceramic/metal oxide mixtures. Some snake rings are coated with special coatings, such as Titanium nitride for toughness and hardness. Practically any top quality guides from a reputable maker are suitable for fly-rods. Many people like the Fuji titanium guides or the gold cermets, which are expensive, but according to many people the best available. The URL is    http://www.fujitackle.com/eindex.html Further info is at :   http://www.mudhole.com/docs/fuji.html and  :   http://www.shofftackle.com/fujialum.html This should provide all the information you require. TL MC

Response:

Wooden handles are also a lot heavier than cork handles. ( I forgot that in the previous post ).  Often a combination of hardwood and aluminium is used as a butt and reel seat, with cork as the grip. One other URL which might be of interest to you is : http://www.jannsnetcraft.com — "In order to achieve what is possible, one must constantly attempt the impossible" http://www.mikeconnor.de

Response:

Practically any top quality guides from a reputable maker are suitable for fly-rods. Many people like the Fuji titanium guides or the gold cermets, which are expensive, but according to many people the best available.

I use the Fuji’s (cermets) on my 5wt. They absolutely sing. Flexability isn’t necessarily the issue, it’s drag on the line. Fuji’s have much less drag than snake eyes. Flyfish

Response:

I am in the process of building my ulitmate lightweight rod and I have the ability to examine a few options I haven’t been able to afford in years past. I have never fished with a rod that has a wood handle but I like the look of the rods that are built with them.  Is Cocobolo or rosewood going to add significant weight to a 3 wt. rod compared to cork?  Any disadvantages to fishing with wood vs. cork handles?  Do they get uncomfortable after awhile?

I wouldn’t advise the wooden handles.  I’m an avid woodturner as well as a flyfisherman, and I’ve tried to do this in the past.  Wooden handles are hard on the hands, tend to be slippery, and are cold in the winter.  They also have a tendency to absorb water and check/distort.  Lastly, they are rigid, which can be a problem, especially with slower action light rods.  A cork handle will flex with the blank, while a wooden handle will remain rigid and concentrate stress at the upper end of the handle where the blank exits. Next question.  I think I want to build this rod with single foot guides vs. double.  Again, I have never owned a rod with single foot guides.  The reduction in weight and the increased flexibility in the rod are attractive traits to gain.  What do I loose compared to a double foot guide?

This is a religious issue.  I build a lot of rods, and personally I prefer the Fuji single-foot guides.  I don’t recommend the "single-foot snake" guides that have shown up in the last few years, as I’ve found them to add little value and to be a bit fragile.   With the Fuji’s you don’t really lose anything over a conventional snake guide, but you pick up some advantages.  Among these are fewer wraps, which will reduce both time to build the rod and weight.  You also get better line control, improved shooting characteristics, and longer life from the guides.  Keep in mind, though, that’s my opinion – your mileage may vary. Last question.  I have had a fly shop owner try to tell me that the gold guides wear out a lot faster then the titanium coated guides.  Has anybody had first hand experience with this or was he just trying to sell me what he had vs. losing my buisness.

I’m not aware of a true "gold-coated" guide.  The golden colored guides that I’ve seen are plated with titanium nitride, which will substantially improve their wear resistance.  Personally, I tend to use Fuji’s solid titanium frame guides, with a silicon carbide insert ring.   They’re lighter than snake guides, and the titanium frames are virtually immune to corrosion – something to consider for extremely light rods or those that will be used in salt water environments. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Thanks

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I use the Fuji’s (cermets) on my 5wt. They absolutely sing. Flexability isn’t necessarily the issue, it’s drag on the line. Fuji’s have much less drag than snake eyes.

I’ll second that! They are bloody expensive, but I have Fuji cermet lined titanium framed rings on only three of my rods – the three that I use most. In future, I probably wouldn’t bother specifying Ti frames on the big butt stripping rings (or the next one up) since these guides are so far back down the rod and close to the rod hand that the few grammes saving in mass makes bugger all difference to anything. Tight Lines, Tony Deacon

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Question:

The roads are dirt most of the way, but they don’t endander your oilpan. The drive from the Roach over to the dam would be about 45 minutes or a bit less. Nesowadnehunk Falls is down stream from the dam several miles, approximately at mile marker 22. As you head toward Millinocket, there is a pull-off on the right for the falls. It is marked on the Maine Map and Gazeteer (de Lorme). -Rich – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Oops.   I got my rivers mixed up.   I was thinking about the West Outlet of the Kennebec out of Moosehead.   I’ve fished below Ripogenous Dam before. I got skunked, but it’s a beautiful spot. You’re talking "not far from the Roach" in sort of North Woods terms, right? I seem to remember it being about an hour’s worth of logging roads.   Is that about right? I ended up at Nesowdehunk Lake once while getting lost on the way to Baxter SP.   That was fun, but my oil pan doesn’t want me to do it again.   (Missed my turn in the dark on the way back, too.   Ended up in NE Carry before I realized it.)   Where’s N’hunk Falls? If I can squeeze out the time, I might have to head on up there. Thanks and tight lines, Joe F.

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Thanks, Rich.   I do remember that the road was pretty good most of the way to the dam.   Last time I was up there, I took a side road down to check out Frost Pond after crossing the dam.   That one was pretty tough.   On the other hand, the Taurus SW wasn’t really the ideal off-road vehicle. Joe – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – The roads are dirt most of the way, but they don’t endander your oilpan. The drive from the Roach over to the dam would be about 45 minutes or a bit less. Nesowadnehunk Falls is down stream from the dam several miles, approximately at mile marker 22. As you head toward Millinocket, there is a pull-off on the right for the falls. It is marked on the Maine Map and Gazeteer (de Lorme).

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Thanks, Rich.   I do remember that the road was pretty good most of the way to the dam.   Last time I was up there, I took a side road down to check out Frost Pond after crossing the dam.   That one was pretty tough.   On the other hand, the Taurus SW wasn’t really the ideal off-road vehicle.

Frost pond road is bad coming from Rip but if you go the long way around it’s not too bad. (Telos road and take a left just before {or was it just after?} Harrington Lake) The Kakadjo road (Roach to Golden Road) was in pretty bad shape last summer, take it slow and you’ll be fine, go 45 and you’ll get bounced around a bit… flyfish

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Peter Charles: <<I’m off to Labrador with my grandson in two hours.   Dave LaCourse

Good luck, we’ll be thinking of you. Peter I’m baaaaaaaack.  Wonderful trip.  Colder than a well digger’s kapootee, but a wonderful experience for my grandson.  Report Dave LaCourse

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Oops.   I got my rivers mixed up.   I was thinking about the West Outlet of the Kennebec out of Moosehead.   I’ve fished below Ripogenous Dam before. I got skunked, but it’s a beautiful spot. You’re talking "not far from the Roach" in sort of North Woods terms, right? I seem to remember it being about an hour’s worth of logging roads.   Is that about right? I ended up at Nesowdehunk Lake once while getting lost on the way to Baxter SP.   That was fun, but my oil pan doesn’t want me to do it again.   (Missed my turn in the dark on the way back, too.   Ended up in NE Carry before I realized it.)   Where’s N’hunk Falls? If I can squeeze out the time, I might have to head on up there. Thanks and tight lines, Joe F. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well- You should go up the Greenville Road to the Golden Road and turn right and head toward Ripogenus Dam. You can fish at McKay power station (streamers, quill minnows, nymphs) or lower down at Holbrook pool (best with caddis nymphs, try light or dark olive, usually 14 or 16, with bead heads) Fishing at Nesowadnehunk Falls with streamers can be good (Stand right at the falls) or fish below with nymphs. The warmer the weather, the closer to the dam you fish. A good rain will drop the temperature and pick up the fishing. Hope for thundershowers! Good Luck! -Rich I returned from the West Branch, not too far from the Roach, just over a week ago. Water temperatures were high and rising and the fishing was slowing down. The Roach is a small river and it heats quickly. When I fished there last year in late June, warm weather turned the fishing off. Try driving over the West Branch and fishing some of the deeper and faster water with nymphs and streamers there. Good luck. Sounds as if I may have little choice but to abandon the Roach.   Let’s s ay I head over to the West Branch instead.   Assuming I park on Rt. 15, where would you suggest I go? Joe F. — Remove "nospam" from address if emailing direct.

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Well- You should go up the Greenville Road to the Golden Road and turn right and head toward Ripogenus Dam. You can fish at McKay power station (streamers, quill minnows, nymphs) or lower down at Holbrook pool (best with caddis nymphs, try light or dark olive, usually 14 or 16, with bead heads) Fishing at Nesowadnehunk Falls with streamers can be good (Stand right at the falls) or fish below with nymphs. The warmer the weather, the closer to the dam you fish. A good rain will drop the temperature and pick up the fishing. Hope for thundershowers! Good Luck! -Rich – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I returned from the West Branch, not too far from the Roach, just over a week ago. Water temperatures were high and rising and the fishing was slowing down. The Roach is a small river and it heats quickly. When I fished there last year in late June, warm weather turned the fishing off. Try driving over the West Branch and fishing some of the deeper and faster water with nymphs and streamers there. Good luck. Sounds as if I may have little choice but to abandon the Roach.   Let’s say I head over to the West Branch instead.   Assuming I park on Rt. 15, where would you suggest I go? Joe F.

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[snip] I’m off to Labrador with my grandson in two hours.   Dave LaCourse

Good luck, we’ll be thinking of you. Peter

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I returned from the West Branch, not too far from the Roach, just over a week ago. Water temperatures were high and rising and the fishing was slowing down. The Roach is a small river and it heats quickly. When I fished there last year in late June, warm weather turned the fishing off. Try driving over the West Branch and fishing some of the deeper and faster water with nymphs and streamers there. Good luck.

Sounds as if I may have little choice but to abandon the Roach.   Let’s say I head over to the West Branch instead.   Assuming I park on Rt. 15, where would you suggest I go? Joe F.

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advice snipped< I’m off to Labrador with my grandson in two hours. Dave LaCourse

Thanks, and good luck. Joe F.

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I returned from the West Branch, not too far from the Roach, just over a week ago. Water temperatures were high and rising and the fishing was slowing down. The Roach is a small river and it heats quickly. When I fished there last year in late June, warm weather turned the fishing off. Try driving over the West Branch and fishing some of the deeper and faster water with nymphs and streamers there. Good luck. Obviously I’ve scheduled the family vacation by factors other than optimal fishing conditions, but I’ll nonetheless find myself on the Roach River in late July.   I’ll check in at Maine Guide Fly Shop when I hit Greenville, but any helpful suggestions from anyone who’s been there would be appreciated. TIA, Joe F.

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Obviously I’ve scheduled the family vacation by factors other than optimal fishing conditions, but I’ll nonetheless find myself on the Roach River in late July.   I’ll check in at Maine Guide Fly Shop when I hit Greenville, but any helpful suggestions from anyone who’s been there would be appreciated. TIA, Joe F.

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Joe F.: <<Obviously I’ve scheduled the family vacation by factors other than optimal fishing conditions, but I’ll nonetheless find myself on the Roach River in late July.   I’ll check in at Maine Guide Fly Shop when I hit Greenville, but any helpful suggestions from anyone who’s been there would be appreciated. I think you will find the Roach just a little warm in late July.  I fished the Rapid (a tail water) two weeks ago and the temp was 70 degrees.  The temp for July/early August would normally be 70 — much too warm.  Much of Maine is suffering from high temps this year.  The water temp coming out at the Middle Dam should have been in the low 50s on the 1st of June.  Instead it was 63. Major hatches (Hendrickson specifically) normally occur at 53 degrees on the Rapid.  Fishing was outstanding until the water temp reached 70 and it began to slow down.  I would count of using nymphs and streamers in the deeper holes of the Roach, although caddis hatches may come off sporadically.   I’m off to Labrador with my grandson in two hours.   Dave LaCourse

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Question:

I’m planning a familiy trip down to Islamorada this summer. Since I’m on a budget I can unfortunately only afford to hire a guide for one day. How good are the opportunities for doing some solo wade-flyfishing in the Islamorada area. Too vast and crowded? Tips are appreciated, Tor Larsen

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Spme State Parks w/ood access South of there

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Rook2, I was there last year and had a fine time fishing from the road side. If you head on out towards Key West not very far from Islamorada there’s a number road side areas you can fish where the boat cuts come close to shore. I pulled two fine bone fish out this way. Good luck – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Spme State Parks w/ood access South of there

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Pleats Dockers Faggots Gierach Orvis Ralph, Dave, Ken, John K, lil ol me Catch & Release TU Money People who don’t contribute enuff to ROFF ROFF Flyfishing I gotta wonder what you do like, and why you spend so much time here? I also gotta wonder if the reason for your break from here was because that pleated pants east coast faggot asshole John K wouldn’t let you play on company time?

Normally I would not respond to this sort of taunting,  but I like you because you are from Kansas. I have been gone becaue my mother died very suddenly and I am crushed. — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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Pleats Dockers Faggots Gierach Orvis Ralph, Dave, Ken, John K, lil ol me Catch & Release TU Money People who don’t contribute enuff to ROFF ROFF Flyfishing I gotta wonder what you do like, and why you spend so much time here? I also gotta wonder if the reason for your break from here was because that  pleated pants east coast faggot asshole John K wouldn’t let you play on  company time? Back to work.. . John Nesselrode Shawnee, KS

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Pleats Dockers Faggots Gierach Orvis Ralph, Dave, Ken, John K, lil ol me Catch & Release TU Money People who don’t contribute enuff to ROFF

People who do contribute, but have the gall to disagree with him. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ROFF Flyfishing I gotta wonder what you do like, and why you spend so much time here? I also gotta wonder if the reason for your break from here was because that  pleated pants east coast faggot asshole John K wouldn’t let you play on  company time? Back to work.. . John Nesselrode Shawnee, KS

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Question:

Has anyone had any experience using horse hair, (mane in particular), in fly tying.  Any input would be appreciated. Tight line!

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writes: Has anyone had any experience using horse hair, (mane in particular), in fly tying.  Any input would be appreciated. Tight line!

Yes, both horse mane and horse tail.  Back in the 70’s took a one day class at a local JC in Oregon.  Older fellow who taught the 3 hour session had a collection of various materials in coffee cans and tin cracker boxes.  Part of his selection was horesehair dyed in various colors.  We tied up some caddis using some dyed green horse hair tied on and then wrapped like floss for one of the flies and then twisted to give a segmented body on another one.  It was actually pretty easy to handle. Need to be a little careful when twisting the horsehair as it goes from "twisted nicely" to "broken by twisting too much" very quickly.  Evidently it used to be easily available.  I haven’t seen any since that one time.                                  Good Luck,                                      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!).

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Has anyone had any experience using horse hair, (mane in particular), in fly tying.  Any input would be appreciated.

tying some Mr. Ed Beadheads ? TimW

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Has anyone had any experience using horse hair, (mane in particular), in fly tying.  Any input would be appreciated.

Horsehair bodies (over painted hook shanks) were the basis of J.W. Dunne’s theory of imitation (approx. 1920) and remained in use in Britain for some time (cf. Robert Hartman, About Fishing, 1935) — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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Question:

While looking through some fishing catalogs that have recently made it to my mailbox, a question came to mind… I know that a tapered leader is an option…and so is a knotted taper… my question is, can I use "regular" monofilament for the taper or even the tippet for that matter…I mean, isn’t it all essentially the same stuff? Also, I stumbled across a "Hobbs Creek Combo" in the Bass Pro catalog… it’s a 8-1/2 ft 7 wt w/ a rod bag, wf-7-f line, 100 yd backing and a tapered leader thrown in…all for the unbelievably low price of $94.95…that’s right, only 94.95…so call now…uh, sorry…sales pitc mode…does anyone have any experience with this combo?  or any other combos in this "super-cheapy" range?  There’s also a graphite rod combo for $179.94 that might be a better "investment"…anyhow, if you have the catalog, look on page 50 and 51 and let me know if any of these are worth looking at… Fish on!, JC

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Yes, it’s "all the same stuff".  However, remember that the taper relates to the diameter of the material, not its breaking strength.  And since manufacturers don’t necessarily produce a uniform diameter to strength product, you have to watch it. Four pound test may not be thinner than six pound test from a different manufacturer. Charley

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Yeah it’s all the same stuff. Unless you buy a tapered leader the mono you buy is all level. There are pros & cons to buying as well as tying your own leaders, but as a general rule I would stick to buying tapered. They are certainly more convenient and easier to deal with and I havn’t found a situation where they wouldn’t work. Save yourself the effort of tying, unless you really need a specialized leader (long & fine for drys…etc.).      As per the rod you probably should try to decide how serious you want to be before you buy. Save yourself the money of buying two outfits (a cheap one now & an upgrade later)esp. if you intend to persue the sport for life. I recommend a Sage 590 RPL and a Ross Gunnison reel. This outfit will cover you for 90% of the freshwater fishing you will encounter and will last a lifetime. If you are still concerned about the price check out the Sage Discovery Series (rod, reel, and line) for around $250 the extra investment is definately worth the enjoyment of fishing with better equipment.    TIEFLIE

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