Question:

Michael: I know I may be venturing into dangerous territory with this next question, because I’m a catch & release practitioner about 92% of the time. But, are any of these fish edible? I seem to recall reading something about a toxin in bonefish caught in that part of the world. Doug

Bonefish and tarpon are no good for the table at all: absolutely stuffed with small bones.  That’s probably why there seem to be more of these two species around than the more edible fish.  Jack are pretty tasty indeed and so long as you only eat the smaller ones <4lbs you won’t get the cigatera (spelling??) poisoning.  Apparently the larger fish have more toxin accumulated in their flesh and are best to be avoided.  A really nice fish to eat is any snapper:  the mangroves will be full of them upto 5lbs or so. Baracuda are also a good eating fish,  but again only eat the smaller ones <8lbs to avoid the cigatera poison risk.  The toxins originate in some algae or other that the little reef fish eat.  The toxins don’t affect the fish, but gets accumulated in fish flesh.  When a baracuda eats the flesh of fish that have been eating the algae, the toxins are transferred to the baracuda. The toxins have a fairly nasty effect on humans that can last for years, so it is best to avoid eating big reef predator fish in these tropical waters. Regards, Michael.

Response:

Michael: Thanks for the info! Doug – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Michael: I know I may be venturing into dangerous territory with this next question, because I’m a catch & release practitioner about 92% of the time. But, are any of these fish edible? I seem to recall reading something about a toxin in bonefish caught in that part of the world. Doug Bonefish and tarpon are no good for the table at all: absolutely stuffed with small bones.  That’s probably why there seem to be more of these two species around than the more edible fish.  Jack are pretty tasty indeed and so long as you only eat the smaller ones <4lbs you won’t get the cigatera (spelling??) poisoning.  Apparently the larger fish have more toxin accumulated in their flesh and are best to be avoided.  A really nice fish to eat is any snapper:  the mangroves will be full of them upto 5lbs or so. Baracuda are also a good eating fish,  but again only eat the smaller ones <8lbs to avoid the cigatera poison risk.  The toxins originate in some algae or other that the little reef fish eat.  The toxins don’t affect the fish, but gets accumulated in fish flesh.  When a baracuda eats the flesh of fish that have been eating the algae, the toxins are transferred to the baracuda. The toxins have a fairly nasty effect on humans that can last for years, so it is best to avoid eating big reef predator fish in these tropical waters. Regards, Michael.

Response:

Michael: I know I may be venturing into dangerous territory with this next question, because I’m a catch & release practitioner about 92% of the time. But, are any of these fish edible? I seem to recall reading something about a toxin in bonefish caught in that part of the world. Doug – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In late July, I’ll be visiting friends in Puerto Rico (southwest part of the island), and I’m curious whether anyone here has done any beach/jetty fishing there. What kinds & sizes of fish might I expect to find? I need this info so I can evaluate whether my existing equipment will be appropriate, or whether it’s time to invest in something different (always a pleasurable idea!). Doug if anything there are probably going to be some jacks (bar, horse-eye & yellow) lurking around beaches & jetties.  These can be had on 7 weights at a minimum, although if you have anything heavier than this (10 weight is preferred as there may be small tarpon ~  <60lb  around), then take that in preference to the no. 7.  For catching  jack,  you will need at least 150 yards of backing on your reel, preferably more, and I recommend 30lb gel spun braid for backing.  Jacks are absolutely excellent fun on a fly rod, and a 10lb fish will be a severe opponent:  don’t let them get snagged up in a coral head, or else you’ll lose some line and possibly damage your flyline too.  Flies are more or less steamers (deceivers and so on) 2" – 4" in length, and you need to be able to fish as deep as 15 feet or so at times, so be sure to have an outfit that can cover surface waters to 15 feet as appropriate. Simply fishing for jacks is enough fun for me in tropical waters, though you can suppliment the jack with occasional forays into the bonefish flats or tarpon mangroves for variety.  I take a 4 piece 9 foot 10 weight rod with a big 10/11 reel with me to tropical waters.  I also have an 8 weight 9′ 4 piecer as a back-up / bonefish special. For leaders I simply use a 6 foot length of 15 lb mono for the jacks on the surface, and tapered leader (8lb tippet) for bonefish,  and a reverse tapered leader  for the tarpon (i.e. 5 ft  20lb leader butt section and 1 foot 60lb shock tippet.  Tarpon have very abrasive jaws (no teeth as such, but very finely serrated) that can seriously chafe away at the tippet. For fishing deeper down the choices are a sinking polyleader attached to your regular floater, a commercial sink tip, or a variable tip line / shooting head assembly  (though I have not yet tried this, I like this concept and will be aiming to have one reel that is comprised of a big reel that also has a lot of backing and a decent drag, and upon which I have a length of running line terminating in a loop.  I wish to have a number of shooting heads that singularly link up to this loop so that I can have one reel that will fulfil a great number of roles). Flies vary from 1 to 2/0 in hook size.  It is sensible to be sure to have a pair of polarising sunglasses so that you can see into the water better; with these you can study where the fish are and watch how they behave when they see your fly being presented to them. Have fun,  and tightlines, Michael.

Response:

In late July, I’ll be visiting friends in Puerto Rico (southwest part of the island), and I’m curious whether anyone here has done any beach/jetty fishing there. What kinds & sizes of fish might I expect to find? I need this info so I can evaluate whether my existing equipment will be appropriate, or whether it’s time to invest in something different (always a pleasurable idea!). Doug

if anything there are probably going to be some jacks (bar, horse-eye & yellow) lurking around beaches & jetties.  These can be had on 7 weights at a minimum, although if you have anything heavier than this (10 weight is preferred as there may be small tarpon ~  <60lb  around), then take that in preference to the no. 7.  For catching  jack,  you will need at least 150 yards of backing on your reel, preferably more, and I recommend 30lb gel spun braid for backing.  Jacks are absolutely excellent fun on a fly rod, and a 10lb fish will be a severe opponent:  don’t let them get snagged up in a coral head, or else you’ll lose some line and possibly damage your flyline too.  Flies are more or less steamers (deceivers and so on) 2" – 4" in length, and you need to be able to fish as deep as 15 feet or so at times, so be sure to have an outfit that can cover surface waters to 15 feet as appropriate. Simply fishing for jacks is enough fun for me in tropical waters, though you can suppliment the jack with occasional forays into the bonefish flats or tarpon mangroves for variety.  I take a 4 piece 9 foot 10 weight rod with a big 10/11 reel with me to tropical waters.  I also have an 8 weight 9′ 4 piecer as a back-up / bonefish special. For leaders I simply use a 6 foot length of 15 lb mono for the jacks on the surface, and tapered leader (8lb tippet) for bonefish,  and a reverse tapered leader  for the tarpon (i.e. 5 ft  20lb leader butt section and 1 foot 60lb shock tippet.  Tarpon have very abrasive jaws (no teeth as such, but very finely serrated) that can seriously chafe away at the tippet. For fishing deeper down the choices are a sinking polyleader attached to your regular floater, a commercial sink tip, or a variable tip line / shooting head assembly  (though I have not yet tried this, I like this concept and will be aiming to have one reel that is comprised of a big reel that also has a lot of backing and a decent drag, and upon which I have a length of running line terminating in a loop.  I wish to have a number of shooting heads that singularly link up to this loop so that I can have one reel that will fulfil a great number of roles). Flies vary from 1 to 2/0 in hook size.  It is sensible to be sure to have a pair of polarising sunglasses so that you can see into the water better; with these you can study where the fish are and watch how they behave when they see your fly being presented to them. Have fun,  and tightlines, Michael.

Response:

In late July, I’ll be visiting friends in Puerto Rico (southwest part of the island), and I’m curious whether anyone here has done any beach/jetty fishing there. What kinds & sizes of fish might I expect to find? I need this info so I can evaluate whether my existing equipment will be appropriate, or whether it’s time to invest in something different (always a pleasurable idea!). Doug

Response:

Question:

Further, the waters recounted in the TR?article are not unique to that area, there is fishing like that all over this country.

Clark, just watched a FF program on OLN (tv station) in New Zealand with a kiwi guide called Dick Frasier. Have you heard of his lodge? Said it was 3 hours north of Queenstown. It look sort of rain foresty, so I figure it was near the west coast. Some amazing browns and bows. I was serendipitously reading your post at the same time. Tell ya, I gotta get back there and soon before the missus tell me it is time to   start to replicate ourselves (time to turn off those old Hawkwind records) …. Best, Gary PS Do you know your stuff is on Morpheus, the MP3 sharing program?

Response:

As I no longer have a guiding business that would be inpossible.

Well, that IS interesting in light of; "Well as I am fully booked this season I doubt it’s really an issue." I am pleased to announce that by this logic I am fully booked for the season as an Italian-English translator, an AK-47 pilot, a brain surgeon, and a double naught spy. Wolfgang wanna buy some red-hots?

Response:

As an employee of a lodge, I am no longer in business. I am an employee. Sorry that’s so hard for you to follow. I can quite honestly state to anyone here who wishes to retain me as a guide that I cannot take the booking. Further, if anyone here wishes to book at Poronui they should do so through appropriate channels, but I would recommend that they should be looking, at peak times, a good deal of time away as the lodge space is at a premium. If they cannot get in there then there are a number of great lodges happy to look after them. My recounting of fishing in the area was only because I thought it was of interest. As I have stated previously I am happy to provide information to anyone coming to areas I know who do not use a guide or lodge. Further I would add, Poronui is without doubt the leading lodge in New Zealand, many say, the world. Space is at a premium, it is difficult to get space there for any angler. They certainly do not need me to run infomercials for them and I do not. If you wish to book there you would not do so through me. My bookings with them, as an employee are done and I am solidly booked until the end of the season. These things aren’t up for debate, but your desire to do so makes me question your motives.. do you fish or just try to piss people off who do? Clark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As I no longer have a guiding business that would be inpossible. Well, that IS interesting in light of; "Well as I am fully booked this season I doubt it’s really an issue." I am pleased to announce that by this logic I am fully booked for the season as an Italian-English translator, an AK-47 pilot, a brain surgeon, and a double naught spy. Wolfgang wanna buy some red-hots?

Response:

As an employee of a lodge, I am no longer in business. I am an employee. Sorry that’s so hard for you to follow.

That makes complete sense. At first, I actually thought you were going to quit fishing to resurrect your professional singing career. Fishing seems like the way to go if you ask me. –Steve

Response:

The singing career is going great, I just missed fishing. I am fortunate that I can record my new album in winter, perform at some festivals, maybe even do a small tour during the winter months. If my time away from fishing told me anything it was how much I enjoyed helping others enjoy their ‘trip of a lifetime". There is no greater joy for me. To be paid for it is a bonus. Since I was small I have been consumed by catching trout. I still am, but having experienced near all of it’s thrills in this country my best way to enjoy the passion is to help others experience those things as well. Some here try to bring me down for that passion, I make no apology for it. That said, I have similar passion for my music, Country music, no matter how much I love it, and no matter how much recognition I have got for it just doesn’t pay the bills.  I don’t know you Steve, but I am assuming your post was an attempt at a dig at my singing career. If not, I got you wrong. I approach my singing career pretty simply. I do it for those who enjoy it. Those who don’t aren’t in the picture. I bear you no ill and hope all your fishing adventures are good ones. Clark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As an employee of a lodge, I am no longer in business. I am an employee. Sorry that’s so hard for you to follow. That makes complete sense. At first, I actually thought you were going to quit fishing to resurrect your professional singing career. Fishing seems like the way to go if you ask me. –Steve

Response:

As I no longer have a guiding business that would be inpossible. Well, that IS interesting in light of; "Well as I am fully booked this season I doubt it’s really an issue."

I thought that was interesting too. <g — Charlie…

Response:

. Since I was small I have been consumed by catching trout. Some here try to bring me down for that passion, I make no apology for it.

        i have tried to follow your posting pattern, and those posts that you must be referring to, above; i can find no evidence that would support your conclusion.         i just think you walked into a barroom brawl and made a hasty decision concerning who you punch first. wayno

Response:

Nonetheless, the way I see it, and that is what truly matters to me; if Mike’s ISP had cut him off, then they would have believe they had seen wrong doing on his part–according to their policies, if Mike decides to leave ROFF and return again, a million times, for whatever the reasons, that is his prerogative.

Certainly he does, but just as a few get all worked up over Ginkles, and some just a little miffed, the same applies to Mike and his constant, overly-dramatic Sarah Bernhardt exits and returns, and on more than one NG/board – he’s pulled this same crap on several of them.  It tends to be a pattern for Mike, and as far as I’m concerned, just as he has the prerogative to do that, others have the prerogative to call his tantrums as they see them.  IOW, basically, if he’s going to make his leaving a topic, he should expect it.  Why, assuming completely pure motives, should he always feel the need to make "an exit" and not simply quit reading, posting, of whatever, for such time?  If he didn’t do it for the attention, craving and wanting the "oh, no, please don’t leave!" nonsense, he wouldn’t do it. Mike and all you Euros, enjoy your ‘clave!

Absolutely!  And the non-Europeans who may attend, as well. TC, R – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Op

Response:

About to be posted in about 5 minutes. About the spamming.. can you show me one instance of it? Clark

About the lying and duping….  can you show me one instance of it?

Response:

About to be posted in about 5 minutes. About the spamming.. can you show me one instance of it?

If an informercial is SPAM, you just posted the instance. — Charlie…

Response:

As I no longer have a guiding business that would be inpossible. Clark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – About to be posted in about 5 minutes. About the spamming.. can you show me one instance of it? If an informercial is SPAM, you just posted the instance. — Charlie…

Response:

Further, the waters recounted in the TR?article are not unique to that area, there is fishing like that all over this country. Clark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As I no longer have a guiding business that would be inpossible. Clark About to be posted in about 5 minutes. About the spamming.. can you show me one instance of it? If an informercial is SPAM, you just posted the instance. — Charlie…

Response:

About to be posted in about 5 minutes. About the spamming.. can you show me one instance of it? Clark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mike didn’t lose his ISP, he closed his accvount. The ISP posted here saying they weren’t shutting him down. You have been duped by Connor’s lies and please for sympathy. Clark Well Mr.  I don

Question:

Anyone here have any sage advice on how best to get a fly fishing club started? How would one go about applying to become a FFF club? Robert http:www.wwjournal.com WarmWater Fly Tying and Fishing Its there waiting for you!

Response:

I have started about 3-4 fly fishing clubs all of which are still going today in various parts of New Zealand. All I have done is obtained a suitable public venue, advertised at sporting goods stores and flyfishing shops and in the local newspaper. (keep receipts so the club can make reimbursement once established) At the first meeting just lead the way and conduct it like an AGM with an initial election of officers and away you go. Affiliation to the FFF is a grand idea but should probably wait until you have a committee or membership to make that decision. However more information can be obtained here… http://www.fedflyfishers.org Clark

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone here have any sage advice on how best to get a fly fishing club started? How would one go about applying to become a FFF club? Robert http:www.wwjournal.com WarmWater Fly Tying and Fishing Its there waiting for you!

Response:

Nice post and thanks for the info. a lurker, Ronald

Response:

first determine if you have enough people interested.  Call a organizational meeting. Your local paper will probably carry the notice free. If you have enough interest Write other clubs for their by laws..modify for your club..put all of the power with the board of directors Register or incorporate in your state as soon as your formed..takes the liability off of the officers To keep peple interested you have to have a program or speaker at your meetings Becoming a FFF club just takes money…not too much though

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone here have any sage advice on how best to get a fly fishing club started? How would one go about applying to become a FFF club? Robert http:www.wwjournal.com WarmWater Fly Tying and Fishing Its there waiting for you!

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Question:

Tuesday morning found only RW, Bruce and me in camp.  At breakfast, we met Kerry Evans a roffer from Colorado.  We headed back to the Texas Hole to fish the riffles in front of the first handicap ramp.  I started fishing without Bruce directing me — caught nothing.  When he came down, he placed me at the side of the main current.  On my first cast I was into a nice fish and managed to land a 20 inch bow, again with beautiful colors.  After awhile, Bruce moved us upstream to Big Rock Hole and the main current of the river.  RW, Bruce and I took some beautiful fish here.  We also lost two for every one we landed — the current was quite strong and with iddybiddy hooks it was difficult to land these big fish.  One brought me downstream about 50 yards.  As I stumbled/waded over the slippery rocks, RW hollered, "Hey, bring us back some chips and salsa and a couple of beers!"  I managed to finally net this giant football and in my excitement  reviving the fish, my net floated away!   I broke for lunch, but the two river maniacs stayed and continued to catch fish.  I met them in the flats above the KP after lunch and couldn’t believe that I was catching 20 inch fish in 16 inch deep water!   I moved back to the Texas Hole after awhile, and rigged up for some dry fly fishing.  I tied on a size 22 Adams parachute (Forty’s SJ fly) and cast to rising fish.  I managed to hook a few, but never landed one.  RW and Bruce collected me just before dark and we made our way back.  I left them at the parking lot and went back to the former Clave Central.  It was a lonely dinner and evening with no roffians about.  I fell asleep at 7:30 and awoke at 5:30. Apparently I was tired.  Happy, but very tired. Dave LaCourse Dave LaCourse

Response:

(snip great report) Apparently I was tired.  Happy, but very tired. Dave LaCourse

Now THAT is the way to finish out a road trip!  :-) — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine!

Response:

Dave, i couldn’t imagine a better day than tuesday.  you caught more fish than i ever did in my first few days on that river.  it is fun in that current by the big rock – we lost several more each than we landed.  steve’s side is real tough because the fish are there, but you’ve only got about ten feet square of reasonable water around you and if the fish leaves the area, your chances are slim.  nice also that we all tended to pop out of the fish rather than break off, although our pockets were picked a few times each.  the flies are so small, louie thought he broke off the entire rig in a pig once, only to say "wait, i’ve still got one fly… no, maybe i’ve got both… yep, i’ve bruce h — bare your soul let your spirit burn out along the road to no return – r.e. keen

Response:

Nice report Dave, thanks.  I share your feelings about catching beat up hatchery trout, even though they may be large ones taking tiny flies.  That’s what happens when a place becomes popular.  Keep all your honey holes a secret or they may turn out to be like the kiddy pool.  There is no substitute for wild trout. Ernie

Tuesday morning found only RW, Bruce and me in camp.  At breakfast, we met Kerry Evans a roffer from Colorado.

<great trip report snipped – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dave LaCourse

Response:

[deleted] There is no substitute for wild trout.

The last week of November found me in a tourist town at the gates of a National Park near where I live.  There was a pond and a parking lot. In the parking lot was a large lit sign on a pole which read "Catch Wild Trout". And so I am left to conclude agreement with you on your sentiment Ernie. The one possible exception being the imagination. Your pal, — TimW Halfordian Golfer & Urban Forager It is impossible to catch and release a wild trout. A cash flow runs through it.

Response:

Question:

Hello, Does any one have any suggestions for white water rafting or freshwater fishing in the Cairns area? My wife and I will be renting a motorhome for two weeks in may. Also what is the cost and procedures for obtaining a fishing license for a US citizen? Thanks Terry Guerrero

Response:

Terry, There are many options in Cairns for both activities. Most of the whitewater trips are on the Tully River – though others use the south Johnstone River also. The best freshwater fishing is in Lake Tinaroo – mind you that’s not fly fishing, the target fish are barramundi. John Hello, Does any one have any suggestions for white water rafting or freshwater fishing in the Cairns area? My wife and I will be renting a motorhome for two weeks in may. Also what is the cost and procedures for obtaining a fishing license for a US citizen? Thanks Terry Guerrero

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Response:

There is also White Water Rafting on the Barron River and there are some multi-day rafting adventures. The most popular one and supposedly the best is the Tully River, it is a full day trip and is being offered by 2 companies, Raging Thunder and R&R. Both are exactly the same price (app. AUD 130,-) and raft exactly the same stretch of river and have lunch at exactly the same spot. Both offer a light meal afterwards, have videos and pictures on sale etc. I have done the trip with both of them and the only real difference I could detect was the "clubhouse" not that one was better than the other but Raging Thunder had a little bit more atmosphere. Most important for your trip are the equipment, appeared to be in good condition at both companies, and the river guides. I had 2 completely different individuals as a guide but both seemed to be very competent. You will find plenty of brochures of both companies once you get to the area, they are also on the internet (somewhere). good luck, Peter – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Terry, There are many options in Cairns for both activities. Most of the whitewater trips are on the Tully River – though others use the south Johnstone River also. The best freshwater fishing is in Lake Tinaroo – mind you that’s not fly fishing, the target fish are barramundi. John Hello, Does any one have any suggestions for white water rafting or freshwater fishing in the Cairns area? My wife and I will be renting a motorhome for two weeks in may. Also what is the cost and procedures for obtaining a fishing license for a US citizen? Thanks Terry Guerrero   http://www.newsfeeds.com       The Largest Usenet Servers in the World!

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Response:

Hi Terry For White Water Rafting I went with Raging Thunder on their full day Tully River option, talk about fun!!! http://www.ragingthunder.com.au For Fishing I would recommend Fishing the Tropics. They offer river and estuary fishing depending on what you want to do. They are local guides with alot of knowledge on fishing in the Cairns area. http://www.fishingthetropics.com.au Enjoy your stay. Shil – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Does any one have any suggestions for white water rafting or freshwater fishing in the Cairns area? My wife and I will be renting a motorhome for two weeks in may. Also what is the cost and procedures for obtaining a fishing license for a US citizen? Thanks Terry Guerrero

Response:

Do you recommend the day trip on the Tully River? Is it quite exciting? Last summer we made a rafting day trip on the Zambezi River in Vic Falls Zimbabwe, that was great fun but also quite dangerous. Every raft flipped on this river. Anne Marie

Response:

Question:

In response to Joe McClain One of the best videos to learn to fly cast is done by Chico Fernandez. His company goes by the name of penguin. But the best advice is to get up out of your chair, go to your nearest fly shop and have them pop the video in their VCR. Check it out before you buy it! Kathy Robinson Robinson & Sons Outfitters

Response:

Hi Kathy, Where do you fit in the Robinson & Sons Outfitters? Where are you folks located? Counsel

Response:

Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there, I’ve tried my hand at catching Sockeye but have not had much luck.  I’m not even sure what the best technique is to catch them. Could someone give some tips as to how best to fish for these elusive creatures? What patterns work best? Floating line/Dry line? Down stream drift or greased line technique? Thanks, Dave.

Hi all, A good friend that guides in Alaska says that they really don’t take flies. They can be caught on a fly when they are real concentrated. The fly and leader swing across their open mouth and when it come up tight they are hooked on the opposite side on the outside of the mouth. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

Response:

A good friend that guides in Alaska says that they really don’t take flies. They can be caught on a fly when they are real concentrated. The fly and leader swing across their open mouth and when it come up tight they are hooked on the opposite side on the outside of the mouth. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

Here on the Fraser near Vancouver BC this is called the ‘flossing theory" The leader may get caught in the fishes mouth and or teeth and then the current draws the fly into the mouth. Like flossing the fishes teeth. It may happen but a couple of facts argue against it: – if the fish are not mouthing the bait hook-ups in pods of salmon are usually foul hooking ; the body of the fish is a larger ‘target’. I fished in this situation a lot and can’t remember a single snag hook yp near the mouth but pleanty elsewhere. It’s a bad sign as taking fish this way isn’t sport: it’s a form of poaching or harassment. – the Fraser runs are made up of a variety of runs to many different tributaries: the Stuart (upper and lower) the Quesnel and Horsefly, the Chilcotin, the Adams, Birkenhead, Weaver Creek and many others. Some of these runs have reputations as "Biters" (ie the Horsefly) others are not known as biters (the Adams) the Stuart fish ‘bite’ but not to the extent of the Horsefly fish.    if the "flossing theory" holds this shouldn’t be the case. Sockeye are also taken in saltwater. Some anglers using light tackle have fished visible surface schools and actually seen the sockeye chasing lures. On the other hand some anglers have  -  to prove a point – fished with bare hooks and taken their share of sockeye fairly hooked, from the murky  Fraser. What fish bites a bare hook? Ralph H  

Response:

Hi there, I’ve tried my hand at catching Sockeye but have not had much luck.  I’m not even sure what the best technique is to catch them. Could someone give some tips as to how best to fish for these elusive creatures? What patterns work best? Floating line/Dry line? Down stream drift or greased line technique? Thanks, Dave.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there, I’ve tried my hand at catching Sockeye but have not had much luck.  I’m not even sure what the best technique is to catch them. Could someone give some tips as to how best to fish for these elusive creatures? What patterns work best? Floating line/Dry line? Down stream drift or greased line technique? Thanks, Dave.

I’m scoring 0 for 3. Nobody along my bar even got a hit yesterday.  That like 20+ fishermen.  I’ve heard that the fish are holding in the current  and bar fishermen just aren’t getting any. — The views expressed are my own and does not represent those of my employer.

Response:

Next time I’m taking a shooting head and a spool of mono. – either that or I’m buying a drift rod! Ralph H

Hi Ralph:    Next you’ll be fishing with wigglers?   —

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi there, I’ve tried my hand at catching Sockeye but have not had much luck.  I’m not even sure what the best technique is to catch them. Could someone give some tips as to how best to fish for these elusive creatures? What patterns work best? Floating line/Dry line? Down stream drift or greased line technique? Thanks, Dave. I’m scoring 0 for 3. Nobody along my bar even got a hit yesterday.  That like 20+ fishermen.  I’ve heard that the fish are holding in the current  and bar fishermen just aren’t getting any.

Huge numbers of fish were caught on the bar I was on yesterday. Trouble was the fish were 100 feet out or better and were all but impossible to reach will standard fly tackle. I was the only fly chucker of about 6 who touched a fish. However the drift boys were using standayd pencil lead and reaching the outer current break with 150 foot casts; flourescent chartreuse and emerald wool was the usual lure often boyed with a corky or spin ‘n glo. The fish I hooked was on a marabou pattern size 1 emerald wound over chartreuse. I used half a deep water express 550 looped to a floating line and a 6 foot leader. (all the drift guys used a long leader) I am having sockeye for dinner tonight –  one of the drift fishers took pity on me and gave me a fish. He said he had no luck morning and some other fellow offered him a pair –  so he took them. Then about one o’clock he started hooking fish – he landed 4 and then went home. Everyone I met on the trail in had fish – some to 12 lbs. The drift fisherman were all very free with advice and help and let us few fly boys right in to the line. Another guy even gave me lots of advice and a free corky. don’t stay on one bar if the fishing is slow – move on. Sockeye are school fish and move in huge groups of hundreds or even thousands. Some bars may be hot when others are slow. Ask the drift guys how far out the fish are. Next time I’m taking a shooting head and a spool of mono. – either that or I’m buying a drift rod! Ralph H

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                A Reminder of How Treacherous in Wading Can Be <snip Maybe this story of my carelessness and close call will make others more aware of the ever present possibiliy of a lethal surprise. And particularly aware of the prison of waterfilled waders. You can’t jump. or do much of anythimg.

Glad you survived to tell the story.  As for me, been there, done that!  Not in neoprene waders either – old heavy rubber ones with no belt.  And it was dark to boot.  Ah the thoughts you have. -Burton — 2330 NW Hummingbird Corvallis, OR

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                A Reminder of How Treacherous in Wading Can Be <snip Maybe this story of my carelessness and close call will make others more aware of the ever present possibiliy of a lethal surprise. And particularly aware of the prison of waterfilled waders. You can’t jump. or do much of anythimg.

Glad you survived to tell the story.  As for me, been there, done that!  Not in neoprene waders either – old heavy rubber ones with no belt.  And it was dark to boot.  Ah the thought you have. -Burton — 2330 NW Hummingbird Corvallis, OR

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                A Reminder of How Treacherous in Wading Can Be I was wading  alone in knee deep water in upper  Lake Taneycomo (the White River), Missouri last Saturday fly fishing for Rainbow.. The third one I caught seemed to large to get in without a net, so I was nursing it to shore. When I got within about ten feet of the shoreline I quit looking down, and that’s the last thing I remember real clearly. I was immdeiately gulpimg water, ,couldnt see, and couldn’t get my head above water by thrashing and dog paddling. I  must have thrashed for a minute or so, because I got to where I thought I’,ve got to give up because I can’t hold my breath any longer. Then I realized if I took a breath it would be my last. I had no idea of my location or orientation by the, so  I quit movng, descended to the bottom and kicked/crawled in whatevr direction I was pointed. The ground seemed to be rising in front of me, so I gave another  lunge or two, stood up and gasped for air.all at once. I got more air than wter, and after a bounce or two had mu head above water.          I got a few more feet and cokllapsed in shallow water, breathing very rapidly and shallow. I still wasn’t sure I was out of trouble, but in 15- 10 minutes my breathing was about normal. I had to walk 1/4 mile to get my gear ang go home (still no one around.) I couldn’t walk on the shore because my boots were nearly full of watr, and I couldn’w walk without them. So I waded back, collapsed again down there for 1/2 hour, then slowly got up the hill and home. While wading back I found my fly rod floating, with the trout still attached         When I got hom my blood pressure  was 180/120. But 24 hours later my only ailments were a bitten tongue, some coughimg and general soreness.         I had on chest waders and a belt, but no flotation equipment. I’m not a swimmer, but have always been able to stay afloat in a pool. I think the wader probably made the difference betwen getting out and not, because my waders only half filled with water.belt.         I recovered quickly, got a fishing vest/life jacket and went back the next day to checkout the hole I stepped in. It is in Lake Taneycomo, about three hundred  yards east of the 21 mile marker (for any local fisherman), and on the downstream side of a very large tree stump. It apperas to be about eight feet deep at the very lowest lake level (701ft) , and roughly 8X8 square, with pretty abropt entry stepoff. Maybe this story of my carelessness and close call will make others more aware of the ever present possibiliy of a lethal surprise. And particularly aware of the prison of waterfilled waders. You can’t jump. or do much of anythimg.

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Question:

I have a business meeting in Pullman, Washington June 28 – 21.  Are there any trout streams in the area (3 – 4 hour radius) which won’t be flooded out during that time with reasonable access to wading. Thanks for any advice. Brent Buckley

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: I have a business meeting in Pullman, Washington June 28 – 21.  Are : there : any trout streams in the area (3 – 4 hour radius) which won’t be flooded : out during that time with reasonable access to wading. Sure, take a look through the entire N. Idaho region.  St. Joe, Lochsa, Selway, St. Maries, Marble Creek, Clearwater (all forks), …etc. All will be very high water.  I would guess the St. Joe might be the best option by end of June. — Rick T. Rick Fletcher   –   http://www.chem.uidaho.edu/~fletcher/ Associate professor of chemistry  |  That’s Idaho, not Iowa.    | ad hominem University of Idaho               |  Upper Left Hand Corner.    | ad hominem Moscow, ID 83844-2343             |  No, I don’t grow potatoes. | ad hominem

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   Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly    : I have a business meeting in Pullman, Washington June 28 – 21.  Are    : there    : any trout streams in the area (3 – 4 hour radius) which won’t be flooded    : out during that time with reasonable access to wading.    Sure, take a look through the entire N. Idaho region.  St. Joe, Lochsa,    Selway, St. Maries, Marble Creek, Clearwater (all forks), …etc. But don’t neglect the Washington side of the Clearwater and lakes such as Lenore, Lenice, Amber to the west.  There are some pleasant small lakes around Lewiston, too.   — Laboratory for Applied Logic    Dept. of Computer Science University of Idaho             http://www.cs.uidaho.edu/~foster pgp key available at: ftp://ftp.cs.uidaho.edu/pub/foster/pgp-key.asc

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I dunno what the numbers are, but it is my understanding that you are 3 times more likely to drown in Yellowstone then get eaten by a bear there. Have fun, TimW

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I dunno what the numbers are, but it is my understanding that you are 3 times more likely to drown in Yellowstone then get eaten by a bear there.

Also, if you are going to worry about the animals around here, *many* more people are gored by bison, often fatally, than get hurt by bears in Yellowstone.   Bear attacks in Yellowstone are extremely rare.  More people get kiled on the Gallatin Road driving to Yellowstone, you are more likely to die of a heart attack from working too hard carrying your float tube in a few miles, etc. It is worth taking the obvious precautions like raising your food cooler and cooking stuff up on a bear pole if you are camping on Shoshone Lake, but bear dangers are not high. Denbigh

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 I’m heading to Yellowstone in about 3 weeks. My partner wants to carry the  float tubes back to a couple of prime lakes, some with grayling. We’ll be  checking closely with the rangers, but I was wondering if any of you have  had any first hand experience there with bear sightings? It IS grizzly  country, after all…yikes! When my friend and his wife went there a few  years ago they WANTED to spot bears for photo ops, but never saw a one.

Although 2 to 5 bear attacks are experianced annually in Yellowstone, It is unlikely you will see a grizzly.  No firearms are allowed in the park. If you follow the recommended precautions with food, and a large enough group(making noise as your walking) you should be ok. you will more likely see alot of buffalo(respect them and keep your distance)

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I’ve heard that more people are attacked by moose each year than by bears.  In Yellowstone you are far more likely to be killed by a bisson than a bear.  Buy some spray if you want a bit of added security and wear a bell to prevent any close encounters.  Otherwise go have fun fishing, its an amazing place to catch trout.

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I saw a TV show on Alaska fly-fishing once where a fellow was into a large salmon for quite some time.  A Ranger came by and informed the gent he would have to leave the area temporarily as there was a grizzly bear coming.  The guy looked up to see the aforementioned grizzly a mere 100 yds upstream and coming his way.  He looked at his line, the end of which held the salmon of a lifetime, then looked back at the bear.  His hesitation caused the Ranger to again advise him of the gravity of the situation.  The man again looked longingly at his line and again at the closing bear.  The Ranger, becoming a tad more frantic in his demeanor, told the man more loudly and more forcefully that he should leave!  Once more the man struggled with his desire for the fish.  Finally, the Ranger unsheathed his knife and cut the anglers line, thus ending his inner turmoil.  Now THAT’S a true fly-fisher!!!

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No but I got chased and snapped at by a very angry swimmin cow moose while rafting near the headwaters to Earthquake Lake.  It was durin stonefly hatch and we think she had a calf in the willows. Only a paddle smack on the nose turned her away or she would have had the rubber raft.

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I’m heading to Yellowstone in about 3 weeks. My partner wants to carry the float tubes back to a couple of prime lakes, some with grayling. We’ll be checking closely with the rangers, but I was wondering if any of you have had any first hand experience there with bear sightings? It IS grizzly country, after all…yikes! When my friend and his wife went there a few years ago they WANTED to spot bears for photo ops, but never saw a one.

Don, You should check out the thread: bear repellent for Yellowstone   (38 long and counting) Does anyone have the stats for the number of bear attacks in North America or USA each year?  Im sure its not many considering the number of people that are constantly in bear country!   IMHO bears are not the horrible monsters most seem to preceive them as!  I planted trees for 5 months in several remote parts of Bristish Columbia one year.  (I was young and figured it was my last chance before hitting the real world) (I was right).  Bear encounters were very common.  Neither I or anyone else carried bells or anything like that. (all the foreman carried spray).  You were usually about a 1/4 mile from anyone else.  We never had a single problem that year! Usually the bears were more afraid of you than you of them, and took off.  At that time the company I worked for had not had a single attack in its 14 year history. I (and 3 others I was with) ran into a small griz in YNP last week. It really didnt seem to care that we were there and had obviously seen people before.  Yet, we keep hearing these stories of people treed in YNP by bears!?!  Maybe the bears in YNP get really irratated by all the people??  I know I did!  :)   (20 min traffic delays becuase there is a bear in view from the road) I will try to find the bear attack stats and post them.  In the meantime if you have some please post em! Enuff Rambling for Now, Jason

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I’m heading to Yellowstone in about 3 weeks. My partner wants to carry the float tubes back to a couple of prime lakes, some with grayling. We’ll be checking closely with the rangers, but I was wondering if any of you have had any first hand experience there with bear sightings? It IS grizzly country, after all…yikes! When my friend and his wife went there a few years ago they WANTED to spot bears for photo ops, but never saw a one.

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