Question:

An interesting novel that I found with some great fly-fishing sequences. Not only about fishing, a murder mystery, but ties fishing in as a part of life – right on! Its an E-Book. http://www.spiritvirtualbooks.com/Trone.htm Learn the recipe for a hot new fly. "The Blonde Armpit"  :)

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http://www.getfishy.com/picks for the top ten fly fishing books.  –ed – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – An interesting novel that I found with some great fly-fishing sequences. Not only about fishing, a murder mystery, but ties fishing in as a part of life – right on! Its an E-Book. http://www.spiritvirtualbooks.com/Trone.htm Learn the recipe for a hot new fly. "The Blonde Armpit"  :)

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Question:

<<I’m about to start building my second rod, but I seem to have forgotten just about everything I learned last time.. The cork handle (complete set) is a bit loose, already got the squeaks. (Damn thing I used for expanding the hole in the cork, wasn’t 100% aligned with the tapering of the blank, so the butt section of the cork is too big) Is (a little bit of) masking tape under the cork handle ok? I think I applied some tape at the first rod, but that St.Criox piece of  #*!#/&^# broke before any side effects was given reasonable time to appear.. I do however remember that mask tape was not a great idea for assembling the parts of the pacific bay reel handle.. Mask tape did work well for mounting the reel handle on the blank, though. — Christian Figenschou – Christian, using masking tape really isn’t a great idea when you build rods. The reason is that over a short period of time, that tape compresses down flat and you still end up with a loose handle or reel seat.  This in turn can put stress on the blank and cause it to weaken eventually resulting in a broken blank.   I have only built a few rods but my mentor (who was featured on the cover of Fly Fishing Magazine for his rod work) taught me to never use masking tape.  If the handle gets botched then invest in another $16 for a new cork handle and redrill it. Mike

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I’m about to start building my second rod, but I seem to have forgotten just about everything I learned last time.. The cork handle (complete set) is a bit loose, already got the squeaks. (Damn thing I used for expanding the hole in the cork, wasn’t 100% aligned with the tapering of the blank, so the butt section of the cork is too big) Is (a little bit of) masking tape under the cork handle ok?

Since this is only going to be a thin layer of masking tape I don’t think you’ll run into any problem. I would apply the tape really tightly if you have to use more than one winding or layer and I would saturate it really well with the glue you plan to use.I’ve said it before on this group: The company U 40 makes a superb 2 component glue for rod building (handle and grip) which forms a paste, that does not flow like your typical 2 component epoxy glue. If you used that you could apply a thick layer of this paste and wouldn’t even need to build up the difference with masking tape. Hope this helps, Tom.

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using tape is fine as long as you are using a paste glue not a liquid glue like flex coat just make sure you find all the gaps dm

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using tape is fine as long as you are using a paste glue not a liquid glue like flex coat just make sure you find all the gaps dm

I’ve used masking tape under the reel seats on about a half dozen rods, both fly and spinning, and also under a couple of the handles with no problem….yet. I use a 2-part epoxy that we use for setting fasteners etc in the construction industry. It’s the kind that’s in the 2-compartment dispesnsing tube and mixes in the tip. Very nice stuff. There’s many of you who have made many many more rods than me but, I’d tend to say the adhesive you use is a lot more important than if you put tape under the handle/seat. And, like dm says, make sure you fill all the gaps! pete

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m about to start building my second rod, but I seem to have forgotten just about everything I learned last time.. The cork handle (complete set) is a bit loose, already got the squeaks. (Damn thing I used for expanding the hole in the cork, wasn’t 100% aligned with the tapering of the blank, so the butt section of the cork is too big) Is (a little bit of) masking tape under the cork handle ok? I think I applied some tape at the first rod, but that St.Criox piece of  #*!#/&^# broke before any side effects was given reasonable time to appear.. I do however remember that mask tape was not a great idea for assembling the parts of the pacific bay reel handle.. Mask tape did work well for mounting the reel handle on the blank, though. — Christian Figenschou – http://home.sol.no/figen/

I’ve only built two rods, and I was tought to use masking tape to build up the blank under the handle. The 1/2 inch tape is applied in segments with about 1/2 inch spacing between segments. A liberal application of Rod Builders Epoxy results in a tight fitting handle that won’t loosen up. Regards, Chuck

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I regularly use masking tape under cork handles when I am overly zealous about the filing. I don’t space the tape however, I just build the entire blank area up that is too narrow for the handle. I really saturate it with epoxy. I’ve found that if you use anything besides the five minute epoxy, that it penetrates the tape sufficiently to make it waterproof and the epoxy seems to actually bond to the rod shaft. I take no particular care when fishing with my rods and the handles get immersed frequently with no problems. — Hope you always have the time to go fishing! Jerry in Lodi Al & Jerry’s Excellent Adventures http://www.softcom.net/users/dorado Al & Jerry’s Fishing Forum http://pluto.beseen.com/boardroom/m/19629

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I’ve built 6 rods using very thick masking tape under the reel seat. Like others say, keep the tape spaced and use an epoxy liberally. You will not have any problems other then keeping the epoxy on the inside. Have rubbing alcohle or mineral oil handy for immediate cleanup. Don’t want to leave any on the reel seat to screw up the threads of the lock down. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m about to start building my second rod, but I seem to have forgotten just about everything I learned last time.. The cork handle (complete set) is a bit loose, already got the squeaks. (Damn thing I used for expanding the hole in the cork, wasn’t 100% aligned with the tapering of the blank, so the butt section of the cork is too big) Is (a little bit of) masking tape under the cork handle ok? Since this is only going to be a thin layer of masking tape I don’t think you’ll run into any problem. I would apply the tape really tightly if you have to use more than one winding or layer and I would saturate it really well with the glue you plan to use.I’ve said it before on this group: The company U 40 makes a superb 2 component glue for rod building (handle and grip) which forms a paste, that does not flow like your typical 2 component epoxy glue. If you used that you could apply a thick layer of this paste and wouldn’t even need to build up the difference with masking tape. Hope this helps, Tom.

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To keep that epoxy off the reel seat and out of the threads, just wrap masking tape around the outside of the reel seat too.  Then, before the epoxy dries, peel the masking tape off, along with any epoxy that squeezed out. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve built 6 rods using very thick masking tape under the reel seat. Like others say, keep the tape spaced and use an epoxy liberally. You will not have any problems other then keeping the epoxy on the inside. Have rubbing alcohle or mineral oil handy for immediate cleanup. Don’t want to leave any on the reel seat to screw up the threads of the lock down. I’m about to start building my second rod, but I seem to have forgotten just about everything I learned last time.. The cork handle (complete set) is a bit loose, already got the squeaks. (Damn thing I used for expanding the hole in the cork, wasn’t 100% aligned with the tapering of the blank, so the butt section of the cork is too big) Is (a little bit of) masking tape under the cork handle ok? Since this is only going to be a thin layer of masking tape I don’t think you’ll run into any problem. I would apply the tape really tightly if you have to use more than one winding or layer and I would saturate it really well with the glue you plan to use.I’ve said it before on this group: The company U 40 makes a superb 2 component glue for rod building (handle and grip) which forms a paste, that does not flow like your typical 2 component epoxy glue. If you used that you could apply a thick layer of this paste and wouldn’t even need to build up the difference with masking tape. Hope this helps, Tom.

Response:

I’m about to start building my second rod, but I seem to have forgotten just about everything I learned last time.. The cork handle (complete set) is a bit loose, already got the squeaks. (Damn thing I used for expanding the hole in the cork, wasn’t 100% aligned with the tapering of the blank, so the butt section of the cork is too big) Is (a little bit of) masking tape under the cork handle ok? I think I applied some tape at the first rod, but that St.Criox piece of  #*!#/&^# broke before any side effects was given reasonable time to appear.. I do however remember that mask tape was not a great idea for assembling the parts of the pacific bay reel handle.. Mask tape did work well for mounting the reel handle on the blank, though. — Christian Figenschou – http://home.sol.no/figen/

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Question:

Hello, Getting ready to move to Missoula Montana and was looking for information on Fly Fishing in the area.  How far do you have to travel to find good fly fishing that can be done from shore/wadding?  I’ve seen "A River Runs Through It" but don’t know how accurate the movie was in this regard.  Any info on the area and fishing would be appreciated. Thank you, Ray Trautman      "I’m the NRA"             NRA Life Member ** I filed my income tax electronicly to speed things up. It worked, I got my audit notice in half the normal time. **

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Hello, Getting ready to move to Missoula Montana and was looking for information on Fly Fishing in the area.  How far do you have to travel to find good fly fishing that can be done from shore/wadding?

Ray: I come from Pennsylvania, but have been to Missoula enough to safely say only this – you are moving to flyfishing nirvana, and depending on where you put your bedroll, you will have to travel… oh, let’s see….how about a hundred yards? I’ll leave the rest to the many guys in this group who really know Montana; of course, they may not want any more competition. Mark Faulkner

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Getting ready to move to Missoula Montana and was looking for information on Fly Fishing in the area.  How far do you have to travel to find good fly fishing that can be done from shore/wadding? Ray: I come from Pennsylvania, but have been to Missoula enough to safely say only this – you are moving to flyfishing nirvana, and depending on where you put your bedroll, you will have to travel… oh, let’s see….how about a hundred yards? I’ll leave the rest to the many guys in this group who really know Montana; of course, they may not want any more competition. Mark Faulkner

Try Rock Creek, close to Missoula and potent. Be sure and hit the stone fly season. You wont be able to keep them off the line!              Angler Al

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Hi, The movie "relocated" the family to Missoula, and filmed the river shots not on the Blackfoot or Missouri, but on the West Fork of the Gallatin.  So while the movie played loose with the book and with history, you will not go astray with the fishing around and about Missoula.  Great country in every direction. Jess Thompson – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Getting ready to move to Missoula Montana and was looking for

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Nirvana is a good description. In the area (5-30 minutes drive) The Clark Fork The Blackfoot The Bitterroot "Where great trout rivers meet" that is a very accurate description Rock Creek is close I moved here a year and a half ago ( been coming for 5 years) that s how good it is! In Missoula visit  "The Grizzly Hackle" in Hamilton visit "Riverbend Fly shops" they will set you straight Bo – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Getting ready to move to Missoula Montana and was looking for information on Fly Fishing in the area.  How far do you have to travel to find good fly fishing that can be done from shore/wadding?  I’ve seen "A River Runs Through It" but don’t know how accurate the movie was in this regard.  Any info on the area and fishing would be appreciated. Thank you, Ray Trautman      "I’m the NRA"             NRA Life Member ** I filed my income tax electronicly to speed things up. It worked, I got my audit notice in half the normal time. **

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Gee I hope you are independently wealthy, or a college kid living on next to nothing, or mom and dads money.  There’s a saying around here…"whats the difference between a rich Californian and a poor Bitterrooter?"   "About two years!" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Nirvana is a good description. In the area (5-30 minutes drive) The Clark Fork The Blackfoot The Bitterroot "Where great trout rivers meet" that is a very accurate description Rock Creek is close I moved here a year and a half ago ( been coming for 5 years) that s how good it is! In Missoula visit  "The Grizzly Hackle" in Hamilton visit "Riverbend Fly shops" they will set you straight Bo Hello, Getting ready to move to Missoula Montana and was looking for information on Fly Fishing in the area.  How far do you have to travel to find good fly fishing that can be done from shore/wadding?  I’ve seen "A River Runs Through It" but don’t know how accurate the movie was in this regard.  Any info on the area and fishing would be appreciated. Thank you, Ray Trautman      "I’m the NRA"             NRA Life Member ** I filed my income tax electronicly to speed things up. It worked, I got my audit notice in half the normal time. **

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Question:

anybody fish belize lately? i am planning to go in march.

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anybody fish belize lately? i am planning to go in march.

Just returned from the Turneffe Flat Lodge about 30 miles off the coast of Belize. This country has lots of fishing and wildlife to offer. It is still very wild and untouched. Lots of little cays off the coast and great salt water flats fishing. Email me and I can try to help you. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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anybody fish belize lately? i am planning to go in march.

I flyfish in Belize a lot. Where are you going in Belize?

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – anybody fish belize lately? i am planning to go in march.Might be able to help. Where are you going?

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve read about a trouts field of view and its ability to sense vibration/disturbance through its lateral line. Does anyone know how well a trout can distinguish one object from another? Where I fish there are a lot of boulders and laurel. If I’m wearing subdued clothing and not splashing around, can a trout pick me out from the surrounding terrain? Find a copy of "In the Ring of the Rise" (Vincent Marinaro). More than you’ll ever want to know about trout vision… Cheers! /dave

Hi Dave I sure agree, V.Marinaro explains things very well. I especially remember him explaining about "one" hackle fiber on a pattern making the difference on catching or not catching fish. As I remember the hackle fiber was misplaced and extended over the eye of the hook or some-such. Good tying &… — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

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I’ve read about a trouts field of view and its ability to sense vibration/disturbance through its lateral line. Does anyone know how well a trout can distinguish one object from another? Where I fish there are a lot of boulders and laurel. If I’m wearing subdued clothing and not splashing around, can a trout pick me out from the surrounding terrain?

Find a copy of "In the Ring of the Rise" (Vincent Marinaro). More than you’ll ever want to know about trout vision… Cheers! /dave <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< < Digital Equipment Corp.       Alpha Server Engineering < < Parker Street Campus            Maynard, Massachusetts   < <        Charter Member of "Curmudgeons Unlimited"       < <<<<<<<<<<<< AMA 548313 <<<<<<<<<<<< Disclaimer: Opinion and content is mine alone, and unlikely             to be shared by my employer, etc…

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I am of the belief that if I can see a fish, the actual fish spots ‘n all, not shadows or riseforms, then they can definately see me. The problem then becomes one of threatening behaviour ie moving

I think you’ve got it about right there, Steve. Andrew

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How well can trout REALLY see?

Too damn well! -AR

Response:

How well can trout REALLY see? Too damn well! -AR

After 15+ years of testing how well wild brown trout see…here are some basic conclusions IMHO: 1) they react to objects no farther than 45 feet left, right, and front in ideal visibility conditions 2) they react to objects (birds) as high as 80 ft. overhead in ideal visibility conditions 3) their optimum eyesight is about 8X that of a human’s from 4 ft. to 1 inch. BobE.

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92 degree window of vision….the deeper they are, the bigger this window gets. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How well can trout REALLY see? Too damn well! -AR

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I’ll tell you what…I’m planning on taking a dark brown magic marker to those damned white letters on the waders I got for christmas. TimW

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Re: How well can trout REALLY see? How well can trout REALLY see? Too damn well! -AR

After 15+ years of testing how well wild brown trout see…here are some basic conclusions IMHO: 1) they react to objects no farther than 45 feet left, right, and front in ideal visibility conditions 2) they react to objects (birds) as high as 80 ft. overhead in ideal visibility conditions 3) their optimum eyesight is about 8X that of a human’s from 4 ft. to 1 inch. BobE. <<<<<<<< How do you define "8X that of a humans?".  What experiments did you actually perform?  Have you published in a peer review journal? William Buchman

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TimW — Ha! Ha! Just stay downstream…no need to worry. Seriously, I’d like to apologise to those who read my previous post about 8x vision…while I truly believe that *wild* browns (at least in my home waters) have this effective vision, the techniques I used to "prove" this to myself are not based on the kind of scientific procedure that I’d be willing to defend in public. I have done many of my own tests over the last 15 years to satisfy myself that the 8x figure is the accurate *effective* vision of a wild brown in certain (if not, most) feeding conditions…the theory has served me well, because using this principle my catch rate dramatically improved when I was actively fishing browns from 1982-1990, especially in spring creek and clear water habitates. It’s a long and complicated story that many flyfishers more knowledgeable than me (especially Dr. Bachman, TimW, Mr. Zink, Al Beatty, and a whole bunch more) could shoot a lot of holes thru. (Even I can shoot holes thru it.) When all is said and done, I don’t know for certain what and how well brown trout see. I just use the 8x as a rule of thumb to gage the quality of all brown trout flies I tie. Simply stated, I believe that if all tyers considered the 8x as a standard measurement to gage the quality of their flies they would catch a lot more trout …but only Seth Green knows this for sure. And, all of us have stories about the biggest trout we ever caught hitting a ragged and torn fly that looked terrible. From now on, I’ll be a little more cautious about spewing me theories. Thanks for your understanding. BobE. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ll tell you what…I’m planning on taking a dark brown magic marker to those damned white letters on the waders I got for christmas. TimW

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I’ll tell you what…I’m planning on taking a dark brown magic marker to those damned white letters on the waders I got for christmas. TimW

No Tim,  Those white letters are called Christmas cards.  All you need do is unstick them from your waders. If you have any further problems I am sure that there is a club nearby who hold beginners evenings and would be willing to help. Cheers Bruce….<g

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How well can trout REALLY see?

Really well, but not nearly as acutely as human’s.  There is evidence that trout see farther into the ultraviolet and infrared at least while fingerlings and again during spawning.  If Ralph Cutter happens to read this, he could probably give you the specifics of the color spectrum studies.  No one can really tell you exactly what they see though, because no one has ever come back from being a fish – at least not with any memory of it.   However, based on the biological make-up of their eyes  we have some good guesses.   On the human eye, the fovea (sp?)  is a small indentation "" on the back of the retina that is covered with cone cells (color receptors).  They are in a very high concentration in this spot with very few rod cells (black and white or low-light receptors) in evidence.  The lens of the human eye focuses light on this fovea and that’s what gives us the visual acuity (sharp & clear vision) we enjoy – at least for a while.  In low light the rod cells expand allowing us to see in black & white.  Because there are few rod cells in the fovea,  you will often see an object more clearly in low light if you look slightly off to the side of it.  This puts more light on the surrounding rod cells and allows you to see the target better even if it is with your peripheral vision. Trout’s eyes have both rod cells and cone cells on the retina of their eye.  During normal light conditions the cone cells are expanded – during low light, the cone cells recede and the rod cells expand allowing them to see by starlight.  The retina does not however have a fovea, nor does the lens of the eye focus the light on any one small spot on the retina.  Best guess is that although trout can see color all around and can judge distances well within a 30 degree cone in front of them (binocular vision) everything is still blurry even from 2" away.  Acuity is somewhat lacking. This is perhaps one of the reasons why they take a fly that has an otherwise obvious hook hanging from it.  Also helps explain why impressionist or imitative flies usually work much better than "realistic flies" which may match the natural perfectly.                                  Hope this helps,                                             Dan Dan Gracia Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools

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, I know that I’ve seen trout streak 8-10 feet, from deep down, to take a small dry fly in moving water.  I’ve also seen one rise to a cigarette butt.  And I’ve scattered them from just far enough away for a good cast.  Suffice to say, that a trout’s vision in water is analogous to your vision in air–they’ve adapted to survive and flourish, as have we (assuming I’m a human and not a fish).  I can’t tell you if trout have 20/20 vision, what we think they see is just the best guess, only the trout know for sure.  I don’t pay much attention to what I wear under my vest, but I am careful about moving slowly and casting shadows. Anglerboy

And don’t forget they can see behind underwater objects like rocks and tree branches by using the reflective mirror of the surface film outside the ‘window’, where they see through the surface. Avoid heavy footfalls on the river bank or when wading as their lateral line vibration sense is acute. I think that may be how seatrout (anadromous browns) can detect my size 14 black pennel on a pitch black night…. Pete Marrow   work:  http://www.gsrg.nmh.ac.uk/   play:  http://www.gorp.com/gorp/activity/scottish_ff_faq.htm

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There have been a number of recent posts presuming to know how well trout see.  My guess is that they are all WRONG!  Who can tell us about *experiments* that increase the liklihood of any of these assertions to be true. There are optical effects produced by a small flies that may attract trout even if they cannot see the fly clearly.  Certainly, even small dry flies dimple the surface of water causing light to refract in strange ways and cast fairly large shadows.  Glints off of peacock and various reflective materials may also attract attention.  A selective fish does not have to see the fly clearly.  It can wait until it gets close before making an eat or flee response. I make no assertions about how trout see or process information. William Buchman

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Well put – no one really knows (and hence the vendors can sell us anything…). However, I DO know that a golf ball has eyes and a brain.  Having tried to play golf I do know that balls that I find in the woods while looking for my ball soon will return there.  It would seem that these "wild" balls differ in their genetic makeup from the store-bought put-n-putt cousins… but I digress….. — Tim Wohlford, DO NOT SEND JUNK E-MAIL: "By US Code Title 47, Sec.227(a)(2)(B), a computer/modem/printer meets the definition of a telephone fax machine.  By Sec.227(b)(1)(C), it is unlawful to send any unsolicited advertisement to such equipment.  By Sec.227(b)(3)(C), a violation of the aforementioned Section is punishable by action to recover actual monetary loss, or $500, whichever is greater, for each violation." – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – There have been a number of recent posts presuming to know how well trout see.  My guess is that they are all WRONG!  Who can tell us about *experiments* that increase the liklihood of any of these assertions to be true. There are optical effects produced by a small flies that may attract trout even if they cannot see the fly clearly.  Certainly, even small dry flies dimple the surface of water causing light to refract in strange ways and cast fairly large shadows.  Glints off of peacock and various reflective materials may also attract attention.  A selective fish does not have to see the fly clearly.  It can wait until it gets close before making an eat or flee response. I make no assertions about how trout see or process information. William Buchman

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I’ve read about a trouts field of view and its ability to sense vibration/disturbance through its lateral line. Does anyone know how well a trout can distinguish one object from another? Where I fish there are a lot of boulders and laurel. If I’m wearing subdued clothing and not splashing around, can a trout pick me out from the surrounding terrain?

Though clothing is definetely a big consideration, I wouldn’t worry too much. You see, apparently even today’s most advanced trout can’t see well enough to detect the bend, point and barb of a hook. It’s amazing how these cunning, fabled creatures we pursue -which can supposedly detect the most microscopic details in color and size of the insects they are feeding on- somehow, time and time again, fail to notice the large, metallic-brown, bent, nasty-looking organ that is protruding from the crotch of every artificial fly that has ever been created. Fly fishing or lock-picking… Spinolio

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: I’ve read about a trouts field of view and its ability to sense : vibration/disturbance through its lateral line. Does anyone know how : well a trout can distinguish one object from another? Where I fish there : are a lot of boulders and laurel. If I’m wearing subdued clothing and : not splashing around, can a trout pick me out from the surrounding : terrain? : : Thanks in advance. Yes, no and maybe All the following occurred in bright sunny conditions about mid-day: Anecodote 1: at least 40 feet downstream of a fish tailing in 12" water … waved a fly away from my face, bow wave … one annoyed fish. Anecdote 2: next to, standing, a fish picking tasty morsels off a submerged log for 5 minutes.  Approached from downstream *verrrry* slowly with the sun behind and casting shadows away from the fish, probably could have tailed it if I’d been that way inclined, moved my rod arm something caught his eye … gone. Anecdote 3: fish hard against a bank in a riffly run, I’m within a rod length, a birds shadow made it change position then return after a minute or so.  Watching it feed, yup taking nymphs, scratched my nose … Gone. All three have a common thread, sudden or unexpected movement.   I am of the belief that if I can see a fish, the actual fish spots ‘n all, not shadows or riseforms, then they can definately see me. The problem then becomes one of threatening behaviour ie moving Steve Still in Melbourne, Australia.

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I’ve read about a trouts field of view and its ability to sense vibration/disturbance through its lateral line. Does anyone know how well a trout can distinguish one object from another? Where I fish there are a lot of boulders and laurel. If I’m wearing subdued clothing and not splashing around, can a trout pick me out from the surrounding terrain? Thanks in advance.

Response:

 Does anyone know how well a trout can distinguish one object from another?

G & A, I know that I’ve seen trout streak 8-10 feet, from deep down, to take a small dry fly in moving water.  I’ve also seen one rise to a cigarette butt.  And I’ve scattered them from just far enough away for a good cast.  Suffice to say, that a trout’s vision in water is analogous to your vision in air–they’ve adapted to survive and flourish, as have we (assuming I’m a human and not a fish).  I can’t tell you if trout have 20/20 vision, what we think they see is just the best guess, only the trout know for sure.  I don’t pay much attention to what I wear under my vest, but I am careful about moving slowly and casting shadows. Anglerboy

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     Trout have excellent vision, especially character recognition.  I’ve found that they usually read the fishing regulations before the season opens, and on opening day take an extended vacation to parts unknown. el coyotero was here

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writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –  Does anyone know how well a trout can distinguish one object from another? G & A, I know that I’ve seen trout streak 8-10 feet, from deep down, to take a small dry fly in moving water.  I’ve also seen one rise to a cigarette butt.  And I’ve scattered them from just far enough away for a good cast.  Suffice to say, that a trout’s vision in water is analogous to your vision in air–they’ve adapted to survive and flourish, as have we (assuming I’m a human and not a fish).  I can’t tell you if trout have 20/20 vision, what we think they see is just the best guess, only the trout know for sure.  I don’t pay much attention to what I wear under my vest, but I am careful about moving slowly and casting shadows. Anglerboy

They can see better in smooth water vs. rippled water so you are more likely to spook trout in pools. Their eyes are placed on the sides of their heads so they have a wider angle of vision than we do. They can pick out a size #28 nymph without any problems. My best guess is that they see movement much better than we do. Their natural enemies (birds etc.) strike from above and food is also often found on the surface so they’re tuned into motion from above. Also they hear very well with a band of "ears" along their sides and can easily hear you stomping around on the banks long before they can see you in some cases. Good thing their brain is only the size of a pea. <G Don Burns

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Question:

Pick up the latest edition of Western Fly Fishing. There is a piece on "Wine Country Steelhead" that might interest you.

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I’m looking for information on fly fishing in the California "Wine country" area.  Where to go during early April.

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I’m looking for information on fly fishing in the California "Wine country" area.  Where to go during early April.

The Russian river has smallmouth bass, maybe some early shad and maybe a couple of stripers at this time? Good bass pond if you can get on them. Coastal winter steelheading is over in March. Trout season in Sierras opens the last Saturday in April but water will be high. Some lake will be OK for trout. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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Question:

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

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

Yes, both horse mane and horse tail.  Back in the 70’s took a one day class at a local JC in Oregon.  Older fellow who taught the 3 hour session had a collection of various materials in coffee cans and tin cracker boxes.  Part of his selection was horesehair dyed in various colors.  We tied up some caddis using some dyed green horse hair tied on and then wrapped like floss for one of the flies and then twisted to give a segmented body on another one.  It was actually pretty easy to handle. Need to be a little careful when twisting the horsehair as it goes from "twisted nicely" to "broken by twisting too much" very quickly.  Evidently it used to be easily available.  I haven’t seen any since that one time.                                  Good Luck,                                      Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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

tying some Mr. Ed Beadheads ? TimW

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

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

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Question:

I’ve often seen the advice posted to ask a local fly shop about what flies are currently on a stream where I intend to fish and what a good stretch of water is.  If the fly shop is not near my home and therefore I don’t usually take my business there, what is the fair way to compensate them for their advice?  Should I buy a fly or two?  Some fur or feathers?

Sure that’d be good.  But lets say your headed there maybe next month.  In the mean time, give them a call and get their address.  Send them $20 or so, and ask them to gather up a few flies that should be working when you arrive and mail them to you.  Also ask them for a tip on locations, etc. Typically, you’ll get good stuff, probably more than what you actually paid for (lets say the $ covers 10 flies, most times you’ll get a dz anyway), plus you’ll have models for your own tying bench. When you get there, stop in.  You will be warmly greeted by the guy or gal who filled your order, and they’ll remember you as a friend.  Trust me on this- it always has been effective! — Mike Tucker- The Virtual Flyshop, The Complete Resource              Web Page:  http://rmii.com/~flyshop/flyshop.html              Tel. 970-498-8779   FAX 970-491-2585 If you try 970 and it doesn’t work use 303.  Leave it to US WEST to change our area code and not tell the rest of the world……

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I’ve often seen the advice posted to ask a local fly shop about what flies are currently on a stream where I intend to fish and what a good stretch of water is.  If the fly shop is not near my home and therefore I don’t usually take my business there, what is the fair way to compensate them for their advice?  Should I buy a fly or two?  Some fur or feathers?  (I tie my own flies.)  Or do they really not mind some guy coming in, asking about flies and good spots, then walking out? Thanks for the advice/opinions, Dave

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Braunegg) writes: I’ve often seen the advice posted to ask a local fly shop about what flies are currently on a stream where I intend to fish and what a good stretch of water is.  If the fly shop is not near my home and therefore I don’t usually take my business there, what is the fair way to compensate them for their advice?  Should I buy a fly or two?  Some fur or feathers?  (I tie my own flies.)  Or do they really not mind some guy coming in, asking about flies and good spots, then walking out? Thanks for the advice/opinions, Dave

Buy only what you need and try to give them some feedback on your experience so your not the only one getting something out of this. They aren’t running a community service, they are in business! Sharing good locations and tips keeps *customers* comming back so it makes good business sense, but, after a while, they may find that they take a bit longer to get to you…

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I’ve often seen the advice posted to ask a local fly shop about what flies are currently on a stream where I intend to fish and what a good stretch of water is.  If the fly shop is not near my home and therefore I don’t usually take my business there, what is the fair way to compensate them for their advice?  Should I buy a fly or two?  Some fur or feathers?  (I tie my own flies.)  Or do they really not mind some guy coming in, asking about flies and good spots, then walking out?

This is really a nice question to see.  Without deteriorating into a rant, if you go into a fly shop and someone won’t give you the time of day until you flash your AMEX, leave and go elsewhere.  There are too many people who run shops who simply don’t deal with anyone but their perceived "good customers."  Let ‘em starve.  In our shop, everyone I’ve hired remains employed primarily on a customer service basis.  The sales people are not commissioned.  In my mind and the vision of our store, we treat a purchase of a tippet and the purchase of an outfit are equally important.  If I catch someone short-answering any customer, I point out proper behavior. (and most of those guys got jobs with other fly shops . . . strange how that works.) Of course, store-folk are human.  We deal with the 20 questions about this knot, that fly, or those fisheries, many asked in the most unbelievably rude and offensive manner, and every once in a while, our heads start to whirl a bit.   So, as  a previous poster noted, it is nice to call back and return information.  Luckily, this business is still one in which relationships can develop between customers and shop owners.  As a customer, if you feel someone treated you well, return the favor.  If they were unhelpful and rude spend your money elsewhere.   Many times my eventual "best customers" came from a 15 minute phone conversation in which I didn’t make any money at all. Well, got to go open the shop — hope this helps –jim *                                                     *

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If I catch someone short-answering any customer, I point out proper behavior. (and most of those guys got jobs with other fly shops . . . strange how that works.) Luckily, this business is still one in which relationships can develop between customers and shop owners.  As a customer, if you feel someone treated you well, return the favor.  If they were unhelpful and rude spend your money elsewhere.  

Good to see this response from a fly shop owner. Where I live we have three fly shops.  I frequent two of them, and these tow are as happy to see a customer when he’s buying a sppol of tippet (or nothing at all) as when he’s buying a new rod.  The other shop just doesn’t have a friendly atmosphere.  I think the main thing that makes anyone a repeat customer in a fly shop is that they are comfortable there, even if they don’t spend their money.   As consumers, it’s only fair that we support the shops we like.  Don’t go cast a rod at your local shop, and the buy it through mail order because you can save a few bucks.  It’s low class, and it may result in the fly shop not being there the next time you really need something.  Want to wait three weeks for mail order when you need something for the weekend. Just my $0.02

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: I’ve often seen the advice posted to ask a local fly shop about what : flies are currently on a stream where I intend to fish and what a good : stretch of water is.  If the fly shop is not near my home and : therefore I don’t usually take my business there, what is the fair way : to compensate them for their advice?  Should I buy a fly or two?  Some : fur or feathers?  (I tie my own flies.)  Or do they really not mind : some guy coming in, asking about flies and good spots, then walking : out? : Thanks for the advice/opinions, : Dave         The easiest thing to do is to buy some of the flies that they recommend whether you tie or not there has to be something that you don’t have.         Rick

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Braunegg) writes: I’ve often seen the advice posted to ask a local fly shop about what flies are currently on a stream where I intend to fish and what a good stretch of water is.  If the fly shop is not near my home and therefore I don’t usually take my business there, what is the fair way to compensate them for their advice?  Should I buy a fly or two?  Some fur or feathers?  (I tie my own flies.)  Or do they really not mind some guy coming in, asking about flies and good spots, then walking out? Thanks for the advice/opinions, Dave Buy only what you need and try to give them some feedback on your experience so your not the only one getting something out of this. They aren’t running a community service, they are in business! Sharing good locations and tips keeps *customers* comming back so it makes good business sense, but, after a while, they may find that they take a bit longer to get to you…

Hi, I hate quoting quotes, but to follow this up… We welcome people just dropping in and chatting about NS and where to flyfish. I even went so far as to put in a map and a bl;ackboard and some markers for the map, and we made a "community fishing bulletin board- the old style not electronic!). Why I don’t mind, even if you don’t buy then, is that someday you will weant to buy, and hopefully you’ll remember us – In the meantime…. Tight Lines Bill Curry Tight Lines Tackle Shop and Guide Service Lockeport, Nova Scotia Canada   B0T 1L0 902-656-3329 (ph and fax)

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Question:

I’m going to Silver King and Quepos in Costa Rica at the end of the month.  If you’ve been there I’d like to hear from you as to what I should expect. The Quepos portion of the trip is very open so if you have any suggestion on how I can rent a boat I’d welcome your suggestion. Thanks, -steve

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I’m going to Silver King and Quepos in Costa Rica at the end of the month.  If you’ve been there I’d like to hear from you as to what I should expect. The Quepos portion of the trip is very open so if you have any suggestion on how I can rent a boat I’d welcome your suggestion. Thanks, -steve

Your FAQ in In Quepos

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Has anyone ever been???  [to Costa Rica] Along the Cordillera Central (central mountain range), there are a number of rivers.  The two that I recall are the Sarapiqui and the Reventazon, but you’ll need to check for trout.  Yes, there are trout in Costa Rica, but there’s also a local fish that originally occupies that niche, although the name escapes me.  There are also Guapote, a gigantic member of the chichlid family similar to peacock bass (they *love* poppers).

A strange coincidence — a coworker of mine got back today from a trip to Costa Rica, and brought me a bit of a brochure with flies appropriate to the fish.  It shows everything from standard trout flies (hare’s ear, humpy) to bass poppers to saltwater flies.  It also lists the fish; unfortunately I don’t know the Spanish names. At least now I know what a guapote is.  Anyone know what kind of fish a tepemachin, machaca, bobo, mieja, or mojarra are? — Hewlett Packard Co.                         Fort Collins, Colorado       "Midnight shakes the memory as a madman shakes a dead geranium."                                             – T.S. Eliot

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A strange coincidence — a coworker of mine got back today from a trip to Costa Rica, and brought me a bit of a brochure with flies appropriate to the fish.  It shows everything from standard trout flies (hare’s ear, humpy) to bass poppers to saltwater flies.  It also lists the fish; unfortunately I don’t know the Spanish names. At least now I know what a guapote is.  Anyone know what kind of fish a tepemachin, machaca, bobo, mieja, or mojarra are? — Hewlett Packard Co.                         Fort Collins, Colorado "Midnight shakes the memory as a madman shakes a dead geranium."                                        - T.S. Eliot

Trout in spanish is normally "trucha" – Did the brochure look to be a complete list of game fish in Costa Rica, or maybe just saltwater fish or some other subset??? — Pat Dowler UVic Astronomy

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Has anyone ever been???  I am interested in knowing what kind of fish and aquatic  insects can be found there…

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Has anyone ever been???  I am interested in knowing what kind of fish and aquatic  insects can be found there…

I’ve been, and they’ve got all kinds.  On the upper Carribean coast, there are snook and tarpon.  On the Pacific coast, there are sail fish, marlin, and rooster fish (kinda depends on how far you’re willing to go with the flyfishing definitions). Along the Cordillera Central (central mountain range), there are a number of rivers.  The two that I recall are the Sarapiqui and the Reventazon, but you’ll need to check for trout.  Yes, there are trout in Costa Rica, but there’s also a local fish that originally occupies that niche, although the name escapes me.  There are also Guapote, a gigantic member of the chichlid family similar to peacock bass (they *love* poppers).  Pretty good guapote fishing can be found at Lago Arenal, right under the Arenal volcano.  (The Rancho Corcovado is a really nice place to stay, the owner fishes as well).  Arenal volcano is near the town of LaFortuna. I thought Costa Rica was just lovely – great people and outstanding wilderness.  If you go and don’t take some time to just look at the critters, plants and the country, you’d be doing yourself a real disservice.  If you like birds, the place is mind-blowing.  I’m not an incredibly avid bird watcher, but I took time away from fishing to bird watch and will never regret it as long as  I live – stunning! The only not great part was San Jose, the capital city, which was, well, a capital city.  Stay at the Don Carlos if you need to stay over – it’s very charming.  Anyway, I could go on for pages, but don’t miss the chance to go if you get one. Cheers, John C. Crow

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Question:

Could someone please give me the subscription address (or phone #) to fly fisherman magazine? Also any other fly fishing publications that can be recommended would be appreciated. And as a final request, I would like the address or phone for some good mail order fly fishing companies.  Thanks a lot in advance, Brian D. Hadley            

Fly Fisherman PO Box 3474 Mount Morris Il 61054-9937 If you live in California a fairly recent publication that is very good is the California Fly Fisher. The subscription address is: California Fly Fisher PO Box 40429 San Francisco, Ca 94140 John

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 Could someone please give me the subscription address (or phone #) to fly fisherman magazine? Also any other fly fishing publications that can  be recommended would be appreciated. And as a final request, I would like  the address or phone for some good mail order fly fishing companies.   Thanks a lot in advance, Brian D. Hadley            

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