Question:

Some few individuals prefer to save the cost of a reel and wind the line around their necks instead.  This is said to be a particularly effective method for salt water species like tarpon and sailfish as the large diameter of the neck (relative to that of a common reel arbor) ensures quick takeup of slack line. However, as this method is not widely practicesd (as yet) it is too soon to be certain of its efficacy.  We await your reports.

My understanding is that some individuals actually substitute very fine piano wire for fly line– something about eliminating memory IMR — Scott Reverse first field of address to reply

Response:

Not that I would ever stoop to a Cabela’s Three Forks, but, just for the sake of discussion, what reel would make a good fit? Bugger p.s. Curiosity…

There’s only one choice… http://www.dutchreels.com/triangle.htm /daytripper (Aim high, grasshopper

Response:

Should I try to remove the hook, or just cut the tippet? Bug – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not that I would ever stoop to a Cabela’s Three Forks, but, just for the sake of discussion, what reel would make a good fit? Bugger p.s. Curiosity…

Response:

Some few individuals prefer to save the cost of a reel and wind the line around their necks instead.  This is said to be a particularly effective method for salt water species like tarpon and sailfish as the large diameter of the neck (relative to that of a common reel arbor) ensures quick takeup of slack line. However, as this method is not widely practicesd (as yet) it is too soon to be certain of its efficacy.  We await your reports. My understanding is that some individuals actually substitute very fine piano wire for fly line– something about eliminating memory IMR

Correct.  But in either case the line catches on the ears when the fish is Wolfgang

Response:

Not that I would ever stoop to a Cabela’s Three Forks, but, just for the sake of discussion, what reel would make a good fit? Bugger p.s. Curiosity…

They sell a combo with a Prestige reel for $69. The Prestige is an Okuma Sierra with Cabelas name on it so you are basically paying $30 for the reel, about $5-$10 less than you can find it retail. Here’s a link. : http://makeashorterlink.com/?V66322B12 G.C.

Response:

<snipped educational material Some few individuals prefer to save the cost of a reel and wind the line around their necks instead.  This is said to be a particularly effective method for salt water species like tarpon and sailfish as the large diameter of the neck (relative to that of a common reel arbor) ensures quick takeup of slack line.  However, as this method is not widely practicesd (as yet) it is too soon to be certain of its efficacy.  We await your reports.

<SPLORK! — TL, Tim give a man enough fly line. . . .

Response:

Okay. You fellas have lost me again. What is the logic to putting a $400 reel on a $39 rod?

The basic principle which underlies fly fishing (as most of us practice it at any rate) is that a rod is used to impart a certain amount of kinetic energy to a fairly heavy line which, in turn, then causes that energy to be transferred to a leader and thus to the fly at the end.  The rod and line are then used to maintain some control over the action of the fly which, if all goes well, will entice a fish to impale itself on the hook, at which time the rod and line are used to draw the fish toward the fisher who then either releases it or bops in on the pate and transfers it to a creel or some other receptacle until such time as it is convenient to cook and eat it.  The reel holds the excess line.  Some few individuals prefer to save the cost of a reel and wind the line around their necks instead.  This is said to be a particularly effective method for salt water species like tarpon and sailfish as the large diameter of the neck (relative to that of a common reel arbor) ensures quick takeup of slack line.  However, as this method is not widely practicesd (as yet) it is too soon to be certain of its efficacy.  We await your reports. Reeling with confusion,

Oh, you ain’t seen nuthin yet. Wolfgang

Response:

Okay. You fellas have lost me again. What is the logic to putting a $400 reel on a $39 rod?

You said nothing about logic. You asked for a "good fit." My guess is it fits good. HTH, Russell Bet there are others that will fit as well.

Response:

Okay. You fellas have lost me again. What is the logic to putting a $400 reel on a $39 rod?

Oops…I must have neglected to include one of these     with my original reply.  Handy little things, really.  I find that they can often clarify even the most senseless posts.  HTH. Cheers, Bill

Response:

Okay. You fellas have lost me again. What is the logic to putting a $400 reel on a $39 rod? Reeling with confusion, Bug

Hook, line and sinker, and pole too! — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply

Response:

Okay. You fellas have lost me again. What is the logic to putting a $400 reel on a $39 rod? Reeling with confusion, Bug – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not that I would ever stoop to a Cabela’s Three Forks, but, just for the sake of discussion, what reel would make a good fit?  You might want to check out the San Miguel Vision by Ross or Abel’s Super Series.  I don’t think that you’ll be disappointed with either choice.  HTH. Cheers, Bill —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Okay. You fellas have lost me again. What is the logic to putting a $400 reel on a $39 rod?

The logic is that you spent way too much on a reel and you only have $40 to spend on the stinking fly rod….

Response:

Not that I would ever stoop to a Cabela’s Three Forks, but, just for the sake of discussion, what reel would make a good fit?

Ross San Miguel.  Perfect fit for that rod.  

Response:

Not that I would ever stoop to a Cabela’s Three Forks, but, just for the sake of discussion, what reel would make a good fit?

 You might want to check out the San Miguel Vision by Ross or Abel’s Super Series.  I don’t think that you’ll be disappointed with either choice.  HTH. Cheers, Bill —–= Posted via Newsfeeds.Com, Uncensored Usenet News =—– http://www.newsfeeds.com – The #1 Newsgroup Service in the World! —–==  Over 80,000 Newsgroups – 16 Different Servers! =—–

Response:

Not that I would ever stoop to a Cabela’s Three Forks, but, just for the sake of discussion, what reel would make a good fit? Bugger p.s. Curiosity…

Response:

Question:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Apparently, true devotees keep yaks.  Difficult to brush, but also suitable for a wide range of patterns What about llama fur (seriously)?   If I could catch the SOB, I could get plenty. Joe F. Friend of mine breeds em (and goats as well, angora, cashmere, cashgora…)– He’s been looking for a good market for the hair, and I’ve been telling him to go to flyshops.  He’s got the stuff all cleaned and carded for the people who spin the stuff. Scott

        jesus, how revolting.  and yet we have folks here who get nauseous over the appearance of penelope cruz’s name, for god’s sake. your friend in the old north state wayno  (i mean, why isn’t rock trout all over this, as his hero says, like a bad suit…)

Response:

I am not a true devotee but I  have some yak hair around.  The zoo in Bismarck ND had two yaks (Yak and Yill ) that shed great masses of hair about this time of year.  I think one could have easily picked up two or three gunny sacks of yak hair without crossing into their pens.   The Bismarck zoo was more like a farm yard than a zoo and the wind blew the hair about. Speaking of zoos.  I had a friend ( still a friend but he quit the zoo job ) that gave me some polar bear hair he got at  the zoo. Polar bears also shed and he got the hair out of a filter in the bears swimming pool system.  I don’t know if hair obtained that way is leagle or not.  If I remember the law forbids skin and fur but I don’t know about  hair.  I  don’t know how much hair a polar bear sheds but he did say cleaning the filter was done every day or two.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Apparently, true devotees keep yaks.  Difficult to brush, but also suitable for a wide range of patterns *****Snipped ****** TL MC

Response:

Apparently, true devotees keep yaks.  Difficult to brush, but also suitable for a wide range of patterns What about llama fur (seriously)?   If I could catch the SOB, I could get plenty. Joe F.

Friend of mine breeds em (and goats as well, angora, cashmere, cashgora…)– He’s been looking for a good market for the hair, and I’ve been telling him to go to flyshops.  He’s got the stuff all cleaned and carded for the people who spin the stuff. Scott

Response:

i have llama’s…….got a mother & daughter in trade for tax work…how much llama fur do you need? give me an address and its yours….(as long as it fits into an envelope)…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Apparently, true devotees keep yaks.  Difficult to brush, but also suitable for a wide range of patterns What about llama fur (seriously)?   If I could catch the SOB, I could get plenty. Joe F. Friend of mine breeds em (and goats as well, angora, cashmere, cashgora…)– He’s been looking for a good market for the hair, and I’ve been telling him to go to flyshops.  He’s got the stuff all cleaned and carded for the people who spin the stuff. Scott

Response:

Thanks a lot for the information. Now all I have to do is brush my cat more often. Seems like an endless source of dubbing material

Apparently, true devotees keep yaks.  Difficult to brush, but also suitable for a wide range of patterns Mr.Charles might be of assistance, or try; http://www.wigandhairpiecesupply.com/hair2.html http://www.fao.org/docrep/v9384e/v9384e00.htm For some really exotic flies try http://www.kats-korner.com/bigcats/clouded.html TL MC

Response:

Apparently, true devotees keep yaks.  Difficult to brush, but also suitable for a wide range of patterns

What about llama fur (seriously)?   If I could catch the SOB, I could get plenty. Joe F.

Response:

What about llama fur (seriously)?   If I could catch the SOB, I could get plenty. Joe F.

See my previous post!  and ; http://www.canadianllama.com/ http://www.modernflies.com/llama.htm http://www.thebentrod.com/dubbing.htm http://www.justflytying.com/llama_material.htm http://www.euro-fly.com/French_dossier/14_dubbings_naturels/e14_natur… ings.htm For general information, one may use any hair or fur, for dubbing etc. If it is the right colour and texture, simply use it.  Some are more suitable for particular purposes, ( Polar Bear hair, is a case in point), but all of it is usable. TL MC

Response:

You don’t happen to have some patterns that use it?

Nothing specific. My two cats have very different fur, and one of the cats (my favorite) has many layers, colors, and textures. The stiffer hair is good for tails and legs, while the finer is good for dubbing. I recently tied some #12 and #16 mayfly spinners with the light-colored fur as body dubbing. I’ve caught some fish with them, so fish must like cats as much as cats like fish.  :-) Tim and to hell with this "brushing the cat" stuff — scissors work just fine.

Response:

What about llama fur (seriously)?   If I could catch the SOB, I could get plenty. Joe F.

I’ve been making streamers from angora goat.  I can get the hanks for 99 cents an ounce, cleaned and ready to tie.  Its great stuff.           Frank Reid

Response:

What about llama fur (seriously)?   If I could catch the SOB, I could get plenty. I’ve been making streamers from angora goat.  I can get the hanks for 99 cents an ounce, cleaned and ready to tie.  Its great stuff.

Well, shoot.   Considering that this animal is damn near as smart as I am and a whole lot faster, I’m thinkin that 99 cents would be well spent. Joe F.

Response:

I’ve been making streamers from angora goat.  I can get the hanks for 99 cents an ounce, cleaned and ready to tie.  Its great stuff. Well, shoot.   Considering that this animal is damn near as smart as I am and a whole lot faster, I’m thinkin that 99 cents would be well spent. Joe F.

Goats don’t spit like llamas either. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply.

Response:

I’ve heard some people say so….?

Response:

I’ve heard some people say so….?

works for me  :-) Tim

Response:

You don’t happen to have some patterns that use it? – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve heard some people say so….? works for me  :-) Tim

Response:

You don’t happen to have some patterns that use it?

http://flytyingworld.com/PagesJ/jt-catcaddis.htm http://fly.hiwaay.net/~lmobbs/page12.html http://www.dicksfavoritesports.com/materialstips.htm http://www.flyfishinghistory.com/cottons.htm http://web.utk.edu/~ldecuir/tu/96sep.htm#l7 http://www.bobsflytying.com/mar02-julie.html http://freespace.virgin.net/howard.thresher/cpprhd.html http://freespace.virgin.net/howard.thresher/Ecdynymph.html http://www.beavers.ca/hmmm.html http://www.fly-fishing-club.co.uk/ibvar.html http://flytyingworld.com/PagesU/ug-m.htm http://www.visi.com/~mpv/FlyFishing/Adams/AdamsFOTM.html There are thousands more. Cat fur can be used for a whole range of patterns. TL MC

Response:

Thanks a lot for the information. Now all I have to do is brush my cat more often. Seems like an endless source of dubbing material – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You don’t happen to have some patterns that use it? http://flytyingworld.com/PagesJ/jt-catcaddis.htm http://fly.hiwaay.net/~lmobbs/page12.html http://www.dicksfavoritesports.com/materialstips.htm http://www.flyfishinghistory.com/cottons.htm http://web.utk.edu/~ldecuir/tu/96sep.htm#l7 http://www.bobsflytying.com/mar02-julie.html http://freespace.virgin.net/howard.thresher/cpprhd.html http://freespace.virgin.net/howard.thresher/Ecdynymph.html http://www.beavers.ca/hmmm.html http://www.fly-fishing-club.co.uk/ibvar.html http://flytyingworld.com/PagesU/ug-m.htm http://www.visi.com/~mpv/FlyFishing/Adams/AdamsFOTM.html There are thousands more. Cat fur can be used for a whole range of patterns. TL MC

Response:

Question:

Mike, I generally like dogpile too, but here’s another that searches 37 search engines at the same time. When I’m having trouble finding something, I resort to this. The only problem is taking the time to go through all the stuff it finds.

Do you have the URL? I have a couple of search systems, and I get plenty of hits on some of this stuff, but it takes hours sorting them out for anything useful. TL MC

Response:

Try www.prophish.com I think that they make something similar to what you describe.  As to it’s price and suitability for your purpose, I couldn’t say. I don’t know what search engine(s) you use, but try www.dogpile.com next

Thanks Tom, I have seen the prophish system, very nice but mainly for kayaks and catamarans, etc, far too expensive anyway. I simply need a right angled drive transmission in a sealed housing, on whichj a sprocket may be mounted. Ordinary bicycle bearings etc, and a stainless chain would complete the assembly.  I want to keep my hands free when driving the boat, and I do not wish to rely on engines. If absolutely  necessary I will build one, but experience suggests this also takes considerable time and money. Perhaps a lawn tractor transmission or similar would be appropriate. I will keep looking. Thanks. TL MC

Response:

Nobody else with even a little experience of the boats I mentioned?  I would be most appreciative. I must decide by Friday, and I hate making decisions without sufficient information, one invariably regrets them. TL MC

Response:

Mike, For the DH400 and Navigator II descriptions, see http://www.Caddis-mfg.com/pontoon.htm No experience with them but am interested in reports myself. Bob reply to ellisb at t e l e p o r t   d o t   c o m – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Nobody else with even a little experience of the boats I mentioned?  I would be most appreciative. I must decide by Friday, and I hate making decisions without sufficient information, one invariably regrets them. TL MC

Response:

(Hits forehead with palm of hand and says, "Duh!") (Not really, it was something a little stronger.) Sorry about that. I’m gettin’ old and having increasingly frequent brain farts. And I wonder why I can’t tie a fly… Here’s the URL for the "37-search-engine search engine:" http://www.compaweb.net/ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Randy, it might help if you actually gave Mike the url Mike, I generally like dogpile too, but here’s another that searches 37 search engines at the same time. When I’m having trouble finding something, I resort to this. The only problem is taking the time to go through all the stuff it finds. Randy One other thing which somebody might know.   I am looking for a pedal driven propeller. Pedal and chain drive as on a bicycle, but fitted with gears to drive a propeller shaft. Any ideas? TL MC Try www.prophish.com I think that they make something similar to what you describe.  As to it’s price and suitability for your purpose, I couldn’t say. I don’t know what search engine(s) you use, but try www.dogpile.com next time you’re looking for something.  Dogpile is a metasearch engine that searches something like 15 search engines for you.  Use a lot of quotation marks.  I searched for "fly fishing" "pontoon boat" and got a fair # of results back.  You can always add the boat name to this search string for narrower results.  Don’t use quotes unless you are positive that the boat name is exactly as you type it, otherwise you won’t get the results you want. Good luck, and watch out for those lorries! Tom G

Response:

Mike, For the DH400 and Navigator II descriptions, see http://www.Caddis-mfg.com/pontoon.htm No experience with them but am interested in reports myself.

Thanks Bob,  I will let you know what I decide and why, if that is of any use. TL MC

Response:

(Hits forehead with palm of hand and says, "Duh!") (Not really, it was something a little stronger.)

 Thanks !  ( Not for hitting your head, for the URL )) TL MC

Response:

Mike, I went to the site today and discovered that they’ve re-vamped it a bit. Now to find the 37-engine search site, you have to move down the menu on the left. ‘Took me a minute. It used to be prominently displayed in the middle of the page. Randy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – (Hits forehead with palm of hand and says, "Duh!") (Not really, it was something a little stronger.)  Thanks !  ( Not for hitting your head, for the URL )) TL MC

Response:

Randy, it might help if you actually gave Mike the url

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mike, I generally like dogpile too, but here’s another that searches 37 search engines at the same time. When I’m having trouble finding something, I resort to this. The only problem is taking the time to go through all the stuff it finds. Randy One other thing which somebody might know.   I am looking for a pedal driven propeller. Pedal and chain drive as on a bicycle, but fitted with gears to drive a propeller shaft. Any ideas? TL MC Try www.prophish.com I think that they make something similar to what you describe.  As to it’s price and suitability for your purpose, I couldn’t say. I don’t know what search engine(s) you use, but try

www.dogpile.com next – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – time you’re looking for something.  Dogpile is a metasearch engine that searches something like 15 search engines for you.  Use a lot of quotation marks.  I searched for "fly fishing" "pontoon boat" and got a fair # of results back.  You can always add the boat name to this search string for narrower results.  Don’t use quotes unless you are positive that the boat name is exactly as you type it, otherwise you won’t get the results you want. Good luck, and watch out for those lorries! Tom G

Response:

Hey Mike,   I have a Caddis float tube/pontoon and it seems pretty good.I haven’t gotten a chance to take it out yet but I did put it together and inflate it.The bladder tube comes with a lifetime warranty, which is good because I blew mine up the first day I had it because I’m used to a truck inner tube and I guess I overinflated it.The company sent me a new one within a week.Cabelas lists most of the pontoons that you mentioned and they do have an online catalog. Regards,Shawn

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Mike, For the DH400 and Navigator II descriptions, see http://www.Caddis-mfg.com/pontoon.htm No experience with them but am interested in reports myself. Thanks Bob,  I will let you know what I decide and why, if that is of any use. TL MC

Response:

One other thing which somebody might know.   I am looking for a pedal driven propeller. Pedal and chain drive as on a bicycle, but fitted with gears to drive a propeller shaft. Any ideas?

Hey Mike,  are you off after that there ferox again?  Want to spare your shoulders this time eh?

Response:

Mike, I generally like dogpile too, but here’s another that searches 37 search engines at the same time. When I’m having trouble finding something, I resort to this. The only problem is taking the time to go through all the stuff it finds. Randy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – One other thing which somebody might know.   I am looking for a pedal driven propeller. Pedal and chain drive as on a bicycle, but fitted with gears to drive a propeller shaft. Any ideas? TL MC Try www.prophish.com I think that they make something similar to what you describe.  As to it’s price and suitability for your purpose, I couldn’t say. I don’t know what search engine(s) you use, but try www.dogpile.com next time you’re looking for something.  Dogpile is a metasearch engine that searches something like 15 search engines for you.  Use a lot of quotation marks.  I searched for "fly fishing" "pontoon boat" and got a fair # of results back.  You can always add the boat name to this search string for narrower results.  Don’t use quotes unless you are positive that the boat name is exactly as you type it, otherwise you won’t get the results you want. Good luck, and watch out for those lorries! Tom G

Response:

My home made pontoon boat has given up the ghost,  a lorry backed over it this morning, as I was attempting to prepare it for a Baltic trip. I would like to get one fairly quickly, and don

Question:

I was noticing that someone posted a question earlier in this newsgroup asking if there were any books illustrating the lifecycles of flies in certain parts of the US at various times of the year.  I am also looking for info on a good beginning FF setup.  Therefore, if anyone has some good book suggestions on how to choose the right fly depending on where you are and what you’re fishing for as well as any books/catalogs that describe FF equipment and techniques, please post them. Thanks in advance, The Iceburg

Response:

FlyFishing for Dummies is pretty damn good and as simple as things get. Tim – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was noticing that someone posted a question earlier in this newsgroup asking if there were any books illustrating the lifecycles of flies in certain parts of the US at various times of the year.  I am also looking for info on a good beginning FF setup.  Therefore, if anyone has some good book suggestions on how to choose the right fly depending on where you are and what you’re fishing for as well as any books/catalogs that describe FF equipment and techniques, please post them. Thanks in advance, The Iceburg

Response:

Question:

Let’s Get Us a Real River! The Red Cedar is the second biggest feature of our local natural heritage (first being farmland). But the river is vastly under-maintained, even though it’s vital to us. We impact it a lot and have great expectations of it. Why not see if there might be a way to improve the situation and start reaping the benefits that a quality river can give? What’s the river like now? A muddy ditch with a mucky bottom that floods when it doesn

Question:

I have had this happen to me on occasion. I use a hemostat and open the gap of the hook a small amount as well as off-setting the point a bit. This seems to occur most often when I’m using very small flies, 18-24. Just my 2 cents worth and it helps my hook ups when I can’t seem to hook anything.

Response:

Mike, Maybe you should talk to your Doc.  I just had knee surgery and my Doc said fishing and in particular float tubeing is great therapy.  i.e. cold water for swelling and good low impact excercise.  Talk to a sports medicine specialist.  Which is all We have in Tahoe.   As to missed hook ups?  I miss just as many from a boat as from a tube go figure. Dick W.

Response:

Soft mouths may be part of the problem, it seems when this occurs, the sharper the hook, the larger the tear it makes in the tissue, resulting in a larger oblong hole, enabling the hook to let itself work free easier. Another problem may be fish caught and released rather frequently whose hmouth hasn’t had a chance to heal yet….I mean, I’m sure we’ve all been in a place where we’ve caught the same fish twice in one outing and you know what I’m talking about. What’s the answer? Hell, I dunno…it’s not barbed or duller hooks, that’s fersure! Larry #:)#

Response:

I have seen people dunk the rod tip in the water to prevent the fish jumping. Never tried it myself preferring to keep the tension on the line as the fish jumps. That is quite difficult, I don’t need to tell you. Good observation on the angle in a float tube. I had never thought about that

In salmon fishing, it is normal to "bow to the fish" by dropping the rod tip (not necessarily into the water) when he jumps.  With such large fish, it is prudent to reduce sudden shocks to the hook hold. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

Hi Dennis, Nice to see you on this newsgroup.  Sounds like you had a nice day fishing!!! As you can see, I am fairly limited this year due to the leg but still plan on taking my trip to the Mill Hole on the Kettle River this Summer!

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I had a really strange occurance happen to me this weekend.   I was fishing one of my favorite lakes from a raft (tore up the ligaments in my left knee so no float tube for me this Summer!) with my Sage SP+.  The fishing was really good and I hooked into about 18 fish.  Of these 18, 4 got off via jumping and tossing the barbless fly, 1 actually made it to the boat and the rest of them had the fly pull out of their mouths during the fight.   My hooks were sharp and I didn’t feel like I was doing anything different then normal.  The only thing I can think of is the combination of the odd angle I had to sit in the raft combined with using my 9 foot SP+ (The wrong rod choice for this situation in hind sight.  Should have used my softer DS II.)  I did speak to another angler who reported that his fishing party was having the same problems.   I know fish will develop soft mouths when the water gets really warm but this is a high mountain lake and the water was still quite cool.  Any other ideas? Mike

Mike I wouldn’t think the rod or the angle has much to do with it.  Sunday, I couldn’t get a hookup or land a fish to save my life.  I think it has more to do with what the fish are taking.  Emergers and duns they have to rush, spinners and cripples they can take their time. Yesterday, they were feeding on spent trico spinners.  In retrospect, I should have been slower on the hook set.  I was probably yanking the fly out of their mouths’.  I know, it’s tough to slow down when you’re keyed for the strike.  The previous few times that I have been out, the fish were consistently taking duns and emergers and I missed only a few. Worth a try. Peter

Response:

We have a different problem in the small streams in New Mexico and Colorado.  3 to 6 " small fish jump all over a dry fly and when you snap your wrist from the sudden and violent strike, the 3" to 6" small trout flies by your ear (right ear if right handed, etc.) and lands behind you.  We have found that these "flying" fish will shoot off when released so we assume they enjoy this. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I don’t know if this applies to your situation, but I’ve found that if you apply direct pressure when a fish is facing you, pullouts are much more likely.  I apply pressure to the side when a fish is facing me and try to get it turned and fighting away from me. This is especially true in streams and rivers where you want the fish fighting the current instead of using it to their advantage. Willi I had a really strange occurance happen to me this weekend.   I was fishing one of my favorite lakes from a raft (tore up the ligaments in my left knee so no float tube for me this Summer!) with my Sage SP+.  The fishing was really good and I hooked into about 18 fish.  Of these 18, 4 got off via jumping and tossing the barbless fly, 1 actually made it to the boat and the rest of them had the fly pull out of their mouths during the fight. My hooks were sharp and I didn’t feel like I was doing anything different then normal.  The only thing I can think of is the combination of the odd angle I had to sit in the raft combined with using my 9 foot SP+ (The wrong rod choice for this situation in hind sight.  Should have used my softer DS II.)  I did speak to another angler who reported that his fishing party was having the same problems.   I know fish will develop soft mouths when the water gets really warm but this is a high mountain lake and the water was still quite cool.  Any other ideas? Mike

Response:

Hi Mike, How are you? Sounds like you haven’t given up FF! Either have I, got several 20 to 22 inch brookies and bows last Monday on the Connetquot River. It was a great day. As for fast vs slow rods. I like slow rods for casting drys and faster rods for streamers. As for loosing fish. I can loose as many fish on a fast rod as can on a slow rod. Still casting flies and telling lies. Dennis

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -<<I don’t want to start a rod fight but I’ve seen fishermen of various experience levels have problems with Sage RPL+ and other very fast rods. As I understand it the SP+ is even faster. I watched a fishing friend last year on the Madison above Quake Lake lose fish after fish with a brand new RPL+. I gave him my Loomis GL-3 and he started landing fish. I admit last month I would have given my left something for the RPL+ on Gray Reef with the wind howeling in my face and the Loomis just wasn’t enough gun to reach fish that under normal circumstances would have been easy to cast to. I have used my SP+ for two years now and haven’t ever felt I lost a fish due to the rod being too stiff until this particular weekend.  In fact, on rivers, it is my rod of choice. Like I mentioned in my previous post, I normally fish in my float tube. Sitting in the tube is similar to standing thus I haven’t had a problem hooking and keeping fish.  This occurance in the raft was just unique enough that I thought I would share it and see if anybody else has ever has this type of problem who wasn’t in a full leg brace and sitting at an angle in a rubber raft <grin The most likely cause was my sitting position combined with having a stiffer rod but I wanted to find out if anybody had ever run across trout who seemed to have really soft mouths like a Silver does.  This particular lake was just rehabilitated last year so this is a different gene pool of trout and it is possible that this is a genetic characteristic of the trout that were planted in the lake. Anyway, it really doesn’t matter much.  I had a great time and the one fish I did land was the largest of the year so I have nothing to complain about. Mike

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I have seen people dunk the rod tip in the water to prevent the fish jumping. Never tried it myself preferring to keep the tension on the line as the fish jumps. That is quite difficult, I don’t need to tell you. Good observation on the angle in a float tube. I had never thought about that before. Gary

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I had a really strange occurance happen to me this weekend.   I was fishing one of my favorite lakes from a raft (tore up the ligaments in my left knee so no float tube for me this Summer!) with my Sage SP+.  The fishing was really good and I hooked into about 18 fish.  Of these 18, 4 got off via jumping and tossing the barbless fly, 1 actually made it to the boat and the rest of them had the fly pull out of their mouths during the fight. My hooks were sharp and I didn’t feel like I was doing anything different then normal.  The only thing I can think of is the combination of the odd angle I had to sit in the raft combined with using my 9 foot SP+ (The wrong rod choice for this situation in hind sight.  Should have used my softer DS II.)  I did speak to another angler who reported that his fishing party was having the same problems.   I know fish will develop soft mouths when the water gets really warm but this is a high mountain lake and the water was still quite cool. Any other ideas? Mike

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<<I don’t want to start a rod fight but I’ve seen fishermen of various experience levels have problems with Sage RPL+ and other very fast rods. As I understand it the SP+ is even faster. I watched a fishing friend last year on the Madison above Quake Lake lose fish after fish with a brand new RPL+. I gave him my Loomis GL-3 and he started landing fish. I admit last month I would have given my left something for the RPL+ on Gray Reef with the wind howeling in my face and the Loomis just wasn’t enough gun to reach fish that under normal circumstances would have been easy to cast to. I have used my SP+ for two years now and haven’t ever felt I lost a fish due to the rod being too stiff until this particular weekend.  In fact, on rivers, it is my rod of choice.   Like I mentioned in my previous post, I normally fish in my float tube. Sitting in the tube is similar to standing thus I haven’t had a problem hooking and keeping fish.  This occurance in the raft was just unique enough that I thought I would share it and see if anybody else has ever has this type of problem who wasn’t in a full leg brace and sitting at an angle in a rubber raft <grin The most likely cause was my sitting position combined with having a stiffer rod but I wanted to find out if anybody had ever run across trout who seemed to have really soft mouths like a Silver does.  This particular lake was just rehabilitated last year so this is a different gene pool of trout and it is possible that this is a genetic characteristic of the trout that were planted in the lake. Anyway, it really doesn’t matter much.  I had a great time and the one fish I did land was the largest of the year so I have nothing to complain about. Mike

Response:

I don’t want to start a rod fight but I’ve seen fishermen of various experience levels have problems with Sage RPL+ and other very fast rods. As I understand it the SP+ is even faster. I watched a fishing friend last year on the Madison above Quake Lake lose fish after fish with a brand new RPL+. I gave him my Loomis GL-3 and he started landing fish. I admit last month I would have given my left something for the RPL+ on Gray Reef with the wind howeling in my face and the Loomis just wasn’t enough gun to reach fish that under normal circumstances would have been easy to cast to. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had a really strange occurance happen to me this weekend.   I was fishing one of my favorite lakes from a raft (tore up the ligaments in my left knee so no float tube for me this Summer!) with my Sage SP+.  The fishing was really good and I hooked into about 18 fish.  Of these 18, 4 got off via jumping and tossing the barbless fly, 1 actually made it to the boat and the rest of them had the fly pull out of their mouths during the fight. My hooks were sharp and I didn’t feel like I was doing anything different then normal.  The only thing I can think of is the combination of the odd angle I had to sit in the raft combined with using my 9 foot SP+ (The wrong rod choice for this situation in hind sight.  Should have used my softer DS II.) I did speak to another angler who reported that his fishing party was having the same problems.   I know fish will develop soft mouths when the water gets really warm but this is a high mountain lake and the water was still quite cool.  Any other ideas? Mike

Response:

I don’t know if this applies to your situation, but I’ve found that if you apply direct pressure when a fish is facing you, pullouts are much more likely.  I apply pressure to the side when a fish is facing me and try to get it turned and fighting away from me. This is especially true in streams and rivers where you want the fish fighting the current instead of using it to their advantage. Willi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I had a really strange occurance happen to me this weekend.   I was fishing one of my favorite lakes from a raft (tore up the ligaments in my left knee so no float tube for me this Summer!) with my Sage SP+.  The fishing was really good and I hooked into about 18 fish.  Of these 18, 4 got off via jumping and tossing the barbless fly, 1 actually made it to the boat and the rest of them had the fly pull out of their mouths during the fight. My hooks were sharp and I didn’t feel like I was doing anything different then normal.  The only thing I can think of is the combination of the odd angle I had to sit in the raft combined with using my 9 foot SP+ (The wrong rod choice for this situation in hind sight.  Should have used my softer DS II.)  I did speak to another angler who reported that his fishing party was having the same problems.   I know fish will develop soft mouths when the water gets really warm but this is a high mountain lake and the water was still quite cool.  Any other ideas? Mike

Response:

I had a really strange occurance happen to me this weekend.   I was fishing one of my favorite lakes from a raft (tore up the ligaments in my left knee so no float tube for me this Summer!) with my Sage SP+.  The fishing was really good and I hooked into about 18 fish.  Of these 18, 4 got off via jumping and tossing the barbless fly, 1 actually made it to the boat and the rest of them had the fly pull out of their mouths during the fight.   My hooks were sharp and I didn’t feel like I was doing anything different then normal.  The only thing I can think of is the combination of the odd angle I had to sit in the raft combined with using my 9 foot SP+ (The wrong rod choice for this situation in hind sight.  Should have used my softer DS II.)  I did speak to another angler who reported that his fishing party was having the same problems.   I know fish will develop soft mouths when the water gets really warm but this is a high mountain lake and the water was still quite cool.  Any other ideas? Mike

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Question:

. net!cdc2.cdc.net!news.texas.net!news-xfer.netaxs.com!news.bbnplanet.com!cam -

Question:

I have a South Bend bamboo 9′ rod( 2-tips) with only the markings of 57-9′ on it. Can anyone tell me what the 57 means and what weight the rod is. Thanks,

Response:

I have a South Bend bamboo 9′ rod( 2-tips) with only the markings of 57-9′ on it. Can anyone tell me what the 57 means and what weight the rod is. Thanks,

From my limited knowledge, I belive the 57 refers to the rod’s taper and quality ranking within the South Bend family of rods. The 57 was a low to medium priced rod with South Bend’s Bass Action  (fast action). If there are no marking or decals on the rod itself (possibly removed in a prior refinish), its difficult to determine much more. — Visit Dave Teffeteller’s Fly Fishing Guides page http://www.olfart.com

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The "57" indicates that is, in-fact, a model 57 and the 9, well, you guessed it, it’s a 9 footer!  The 57 was a "bass action" rod and was at the low end of the South Bend line. With a little more info such as reelseat type, grip type, ferrule type and wrap color the date of the rod could be narrowed down a bit. Dave

Response:

I have a South Bend bamboo 9′ rod( 2-tips) with only the markings of 57-9′ on it. Can anyone tell me what the 57 means and what weight the rod is. Thanks,

The "57" refers to the model number (Model 57).  I would guess that it would take a 7 or 8 weight line. –Rich

Response:

In regards to the South Bend 57-9. It was their lowest quality level rod. It should cast a 7 or 8 weight line well and is worth about $50.00.

Response:

In regards to the South Bend 57-9. It was their lowest quality level rod. It should cast a 7 or 8 weight line well and is worth about $50.00.

I have a 59 -9′ Southbend Bamboo Rod (was my Dad’s) /w Pfluger reel, I would like to restore it.  I have both tips.  some  snake guides are missing.   any info?????

Response:

writes: In regards to the South Bend 57-9. It was their lowest quality level rod. It should cast a 7 or 8 weight line well and is worth about $50.00. I have a 59 -9′ Southbend Bamboo Rod (was my Dad’s) /w Pfluger reel, I would like to restore it.  I have both tips.  some  snake guides are missing.   any info?????

Buy a copy of Michael Sinclair’s "Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook" for $25.00 (US) – ISBN #1-882418-11-5 As for Snake guides, Try to find Perfection snakes, they’ll match the originals, but I’ve been told that Perfection has converted over to a new mfg. process and has had delivery problems. Order an Angler’s Workshop catalog for a good selection of silk thread, both Godebrod and YLI (sold as Angler’s brand). A.W. # — (360) 225-9445 Don B. PS – I’m looking for smaller size Perfection guides (smaller than #2’s) if anyone has them for sale – please e-mail me.

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     I just inherited a South Bend bamboo rod, rod #323, 9′ length. The rod has a cloth bag, and is a three-piece with an extra tip section.  Can anybody give me an idea how old the rod is, what the rod might be worth, and  what line weight might be best?     A couple of the ferrules are loose, but other than that everything seems fine.  Can I just epoxy the ferrules, or should I give the rod a more thorough refinishing? Ed Heist College Station, TX (140 miles northeast of one of several Guadalupe Rivers)

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –     I just inherited a South Bend bamboo rod, rod #323, 9′ length. The rod has a cloth bag, and is a three-piece with an extra tip section.  Can anybody give me an idea how old the rod is, what the rod might be worth, and  what line weight might be best?    A couple of the ferrules are loose, but other than that everything seems fine.  Can I just epoxy the ferrules, or should I give the rod a more thorough refinishing? Ed Heist College Station, TX (140 miles northeast of one of several Guadalupe Rivers)

Ed, Try this url:    http://www.gorp.com/bamboo.htm     Also, buy a copy of Michael Sinclair’s "Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook" a great book for do-it-yourself production bamboo rod restorations. If you try to remove the ferrules, look for small pins holding them on! Don

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Question:

Can anyone explain the secret to working with deer hair?  I can ty most other materials reasonably well, however the secret of working with deer hair escapes me.  I’ve had it demonstrated in classes, and have read various books – maybe there’s a simple trick I’m missing – what’s the magic? Thanks in advance, Jon Kreski — EDP Auditor 3 yrs experience (8 yrs Internal Audit)  -

Response:

Can anyone explain the secret to working with deer hair?  I can ty most other materials reasonably well, however the secret of working with deer hair escapes me.  I’ve had it

Classical answer is: — on bare metal shank (i.e. slippery;  thread coverage inhibits hair’s spinning uniformly) — place cleaned pinch of hair (fluff removed) — take not one but two turns of thread — initially loose, not tight — then tighten decisively, with a firm continuous pull. This should cause the hair to spin reasonably uniformly.  If so, then you can see about packing the whole rearwards with thumbnails, winding thread back and forward through the packed hair for extra firmness, etc. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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Can anyone explain the secret to working with deer hair?  I can ty most other materials reasonably well, however the secret of working with deer hair escapes me.  I’ve had it demonstrated in classes, and have read various books – maybe there’s a simple trick I’m missing – what’s the magic?

Hi Jon The trick in working with deer hair is the material being matched to the job.  If you are tying wings and tails you need one type of hair and if you are spinning the hair you need another type Wings & Tails – best hair is located on the hide along the back bone, the shoulder, and the rump.  In small packages this hair is best recognized by the dark grey color in the center part of the hair fibers. Spinning – best hair is located on the hide down on the rib and belly.   This hair is best recognized by the light grey color in the center part of the fiber. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

Response:

try wrapping loosely first slippin it in between yer thumband forefinger of the hand that yer holding the hair.  do this twice, successfully tighten and then buckle down.  Remember u can rebunch it and slide it back around the shank. stack it baby. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone explain the secret to working with deer hair?  I can ty most other materials reasonably well, however the secret of working with deer hair escapes me.  I’ve had it demonstrated in classes, and have read various books – maybe there’s a simple trick I’m missing – what’s the magic? Thanks in advance, Jon Kreski — EDP Auditor 3 yrs experience (8 yrs Internal Audit)  -

Response:

Question:

   I drove down to the Rapidan River today for the first time since the early summer flood to see firsthand what kind of shape it is in.    I followed my standard route to the upper sections of the river:      - Rt. 29 south from I-66      - Rt. 231 north at Madison      - Rt. 670 (left) at Banco (road follows Robinson River)      - Rt. 649 (left) just past Criglersville (follows Quaker Run)      - follow Rt. 649 past where pavement ends, up and over        Chapman Mountain, down to the Rapidan about 1.5 mi.        above where Staunton Run joins the Rapidan    First, the Robinson River, being wide and channelized already, didn’t seem to sustain any flood damage worth mentioning.    Rt. 649, along Quaker Run, obviously sustained a lot of damage; entire sections of previously paved road were recently replaced with gravel…homes along Quaker Run suffered damage to property but most had already recovered (re-grading, re-seeding, etc.)  No problem getting up Rt. 649, however.    The unpaved section of Rt. 649 that runs up and over the mountain is now in _better_ shape than before the flood, thanks to a recent re-grading.  From the point (at the top of Chapman Mountain) where 649 enters Shenandoah National Park, the road is not only re-graded but evenly covered with gravel.  Driving over it was a breeze (no more washboard corrugations).    At the intersection of the road that parallels the Rapidan (Rt. 662) and Rt. 649 (where the big pool and parking area is), Rt. 662 (that follows the river) has been closed to vehicular traffic my a massive pile of dirt that a HUM-V couldn’t even get over.    Happily, the Rapidan River upstream of the confluence with Staunton Run (I didn’t look below that point) shows virtually NO signs of flood-related damage.  The river bed (consisting of bedrock and car-sized boulders) is totally intact, and pretty much looks the same as it always has.    The only signs of a flood are occasional cobble/gravel bars at the tail end of pools where previously they were smaller or non-existent; also I spotted a few places where a huge torrent had obviously raged down the mountainside into the Rapidan, evident by the gravel washes and clutter of dead trees piled up next to the river.    The Rapidan inside Shenandoah National Park is now open for fishing. "Closed to Fishing" signs have been removed.  I saw two people flyfishing, both of whom confirmed that yes, there are still plenty of brookies left in the Rapidan.  Each had caught a few in the 6-8" range and reported seeing others, some larger.    Small pools were full of minnows (I couldn’t identify them) and insects were abundant.  So it looks like the Brook Trout just hunkered down during the flood, just as they have done for millenia.  Their numbers may be less than before the flood, but they’re still there, and I plan to get back there for some fishing soon!    — Scott Wilkinson        Washington, DC

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GREAT news about the Rapidan! #                         |  "But someday, man, someday…when you are     # #                         |   outta here, and you’ve forgotten about this  # #                         |   place, and they’ve forgotten about you, and  # #     Paul Graham         |   you’re wrapped up in your own pathetic life  # #                         |   I’m going to kick the livin’ shit outta you  # #                         |   man…I’m going to knock your dick in the    # #                         |   dirt!" – From "The Breakfast Club"           #

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