Question:

I am going to try my hand at some Salmon fishing this year.  A friend of mine recommended that I get some running line for my reel.  He says that you can split in in half and make two running lines.  Questions:  1) Is this true?  2) What are the properties of a running line and what makes it different than other conventional fly lines? 3) Reputable brands?  Thank you in advance.

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I am going to try my hand at some Salmon fishing this year.  A friend of mine recommended that I get some running line for my reel.  He says that you can split in in half and make two running lines.  Questions:  1) Is this true?  2) What are the properties of a running line and what makes it different than other conventional fly lines? 3) Reputable brands?  Thank you

Your friend may have meant to recommend backing, e.g. 30 lb. test braided dacron, to fill up the fly reel under the fly line.  This is needed for strong fish like salmon which may take out more line than the 30-35 yards of the fly line. "Running line" used to be sold by Scientific Anglers (perhaps still is) and was a thin level fly line (0.029 inches diameter) used by people who liked to splice their own tapers, e.g. with a shooting head.  (British reservoir anglers used to use heavy mono for both backing and running line.  Perhaps 20 years ago British mono curled less than American.) — |        Carlsbad Springs, Ottawa, Canada        |

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         I am just starting to learn how to fly fish.  I am currently using my friends equipment.  As I was looking around for my own equipment,  I quickly realized it is not very cheap.  If any one has any older equipment sitting around collecting dust,  I would appreciate it if you would either sell it to me very cheap or give me it to me please. I would be more than happy to pay for all shipping costs.  Please E-mail for my address. Thank you  Scott    

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        I am just starting to learn how to fly fish.  I am currently using my friends equipment.  As I was looking around for my own equipment,  I quickly realized it is not very cheap.  If any one has any older equipment sitting around collecting dust,  I would appreciate it if you would either sell it to me very cheap or give me it to me please. I would be more than happy to pay for all shipping costs.  Please E-mail for my address. Thank you Scott    

Wait till the clave is over.  There are likely going to be a number of multi-piece rods (formerly two piece) that will be on the market – real cheap. Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

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         I am just starting to learn how to fly fish.  I am currently using my friends equipment.  As I was looking around for my own equipment,  I quickly realized it is not very cheap.  If any one has any older equipment sitting around collecting dust,  I would appreciate it if you would either sell it to me very cheap or give me it to me please. I would be more than happy to pay for all shipping costs.  Please E-mail for my address.

Get a Cabela’s catalog. If you can’t afford their stuff you need to find another hobby, — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

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Get a Cabela’s catalog. If you can’t afford their stuff you need to find another hobby,

Good advice.  You would do that by going to http://www.cabelas.com  You should be able to get started for less than $100, and it’s not bad stuff.  You might try e-bay too.  I’m sure there’s used stuff out there, but it’s hard to find. — Levi "So long, and thanks for all the fish."

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Good advice.  You would do that by going to http://www.cabelas.com  You should be able to get started for less than $100, and it’s not bad stuff.  You might try e-bay too.  I’m sure there’s used stuff out there, but it’s hard to find.

Hard to find?  Nah, there are 272 fly rods for sale on ebay right now.  This one’s about to end, $13.50. http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320507767 Regards, Jeff

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         I am just starting to learn how to fly fish.  I am currently using my friends equipment.  As I was looking around for my own equipment,  I quickly realized it is not very cheap.  If any one has any older equipment sitting around collecting dust,  I would appreciate it if you would either sell it to me very cheap or give me it to me please. I would be more than happy to pay for all shipping costs.  Please E-mail for my address.

I started out with a Martin outfit from Wal-Mart a few years ago.  It wasn’t the best, but for just starting out for something like $35.00 you get a 3 piece rod, a reel with backing, and fly line.  You have to buy some leaders and your flies to start, but what the hell for under 50 bucks you can be fly fishing.  Every couple of years I up date and get a new rod and reel set up…come to think about I feel I’m due again  Problem is It seems to keep getting more and more expensive… I just seen a nice 4 weight split bamboo rod at the shop selling for $500 and the reel was around $250….I don’t think the wife will go for this set up though.  I guess I’ll dream for just a little long for now…. anyone have the winning numbers for tonight’s lottery ahead of time? –Randy

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Question:

I will be going to Alaska this summer and would like to fly fish for anything.  I am an avid hiker and will be hiking in Denali National Park, the Wrangell-st.elias National Park as well as the entire Kenai Peninsula and Prince William sound region.  Rivers that I can hike to and fish would be ideal.  Is there anyone who has been to that region that might have any information about what there is to fish for and where I could access the best spots on rivers. Tight lines, Brent

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I will be going to Alaska this summer and would like to fly fish for anything.  I am an avid hiker and will be hiking in Denali National Park, the Wrangell-st.elias National Park as well as the entire Kenai Peninsula and Prince William sound region.  Rivers that I can hike to and fish would be ideal.  Is there anyone who has been to that region that might have any information about what there is to fish for and where I could access the best spots on rivers. Tight lines, Brent

You are hiking the entire Kenai and Prince Williams Sound. Are you sure you have a map that shows a scale? Anyway, I would be more worried about my boots then the fishing.  Walt in Juneau, AK.

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I apologize for the confusion.  These are general areas that I am considering.  I only plan on going to Denali for a week and then one other specific place for a week.  I would love some input as to which areas would give me the best opportunities for good hiking and GREAT fishing in July.  I would want to fish for trout or salmon.  (I’m not picky). Any response would be helpful. Thanks, Brent – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I will be going to Alaska this summer and would like to fly fish for anything.  I am an avid hiker and will be hiking in Denali National Park, the Wrangell-st.elias National Park as well as the entire Kenai Peninsula and Prince William sound region.  Rivers that I can hike to and fish would be ideal.  Is there anyone who has been to that region that might have any information about what there is to fish for and where I could access the best spots on rivers. Tight lines, Brent You are hiking the entire Kenai and Prince Williams Sound. Are you sure you have a map that shows a scale? Anyway, I would be more worried about my boots then the fishing.  Walt in Juneau, AK.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I will be going to Alaska this summer and would like to fly fish for anything.  I am an avid hiker and will be hiking in Denali National Park, the Wrangell-st.elias National Park as well as the entire Kenai Peninsula and Prince William sound region.  Rivers that I can hike to and fish would be ideal.  Is there anyone who has been to that region that might have any information about what there is to fish for and where I could access the best spots on rivers. Tight lines, Brent You are hiking the entire Kenai and Prince Williams Sound. Are you sure you have a map that shows a scale? Anyway, I would be more worried about my boots then the fishing.  Walt in Juneau, AK. Content-Type: text/html; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit <!doctype html public "-//w3c//dtd html 4.0 transitional//en" <html &nbsp; <blockquote TYPE=CITEI will be going to Alaska this summer and would like to fly fish for <branything.&nbsp; I am an avid hiker and will be hiking in Denali National <brPark, the Wrangell-st.elias National Park as well as the entire Kenai <brPeninsula and Prince William sound region.&nbsp; Rivers that I can hike to <brand fish would be ideal.&nbsp; Is there anyone who has been to that region <brthat might have any information about what there is to fish for and <brwhere I could access the best spots on rivers. <pTight lines, <pBrent</blockquote You are hiking the <ientire Kenai and Prince Williams Sound.</i Are you sure you have a map that shows a scale? Anyway, I would be more worried about my boots then the fishing.&nbsp; Walt in Juneau, AK.</html At Denali call Glacier Expeditions toll Free 1-877-880-9045 they kn

Before you buy.

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Question:

Introduce yourself and tell us the town you live in/near. Might be someone could arrange a lesson, but also would help with giving you advise and contacts. Dave

I’d second Dave’s advice.  The first time you go out, it’s best to go out with someone who knows what they’re doing.  If you can find a club, you may be able to find someone who’ll take you out. Worst case, if you can afford it, you may want to consider hiring a guide for a day.  He can generally lend (or rent) you the equipment you’ll need, and you’ll at least get an idea of what the sport is about.  You might even catch a fish or two.  The cost of guides varies by region, anywhere from about $150 to $300/day.  If he does a good job, it’s traditional to tip 15-20% (or more, if they’re on the low end of the pay scale).  You can find a guide through your local shop, via ads in fly fishing magazines, or over the Internet. Once you’ve been out once, you can make an informed judgement about whether this is something you want to do.  You could then consider a fly fishing school….Again, you’d have some guidance, and would also meet other beginners in the area. As someone else said, there’s no substitute for time on the water and making your own mistakes.  However, I’d argue you’re better off having some sort of foundation from a guide/school to jump-start your learning curve. Michael — www.geocities.com/yosemite/falls/3363 Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.

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I would suggest visiting your local fly shop.  They will have the staff and expertise to point you in the right direction.  You may also want to consider purchasing or looking at some books at the local bookstore.  What do you plan to fish for? Maurice Paquette

I was thinking about picking up the hobby of fly fishing, but i have no idea where to begin. Nor do i know of anyone who fly fishes. I was wondering if anyone could help me out here, it would be greatly appreciated. — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

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JAMFF Introduce yourself and tell us the town you live in/near. Might be someone could arrange a lesson, but also would help with giving you advise and contacts. Dave – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was thinking about picking up the hobby of fly fishing, but i have no idea where to begin. Nor do i know of anyone who fly fishes. I was wondering if anyone could help me out here, it would be greatly appreciated. — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

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Books are fine, but just get out there on the water and fuck up time and again. There’s no substitute for experience. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

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First of all you will have to tell us what type of fish you are going for and what kind of water you are going to fish. Ernie Harrison See Ernie’s Fly-Fishing Stuff:   http://home.pacbell.net/ernie2 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was thinking about picking up the hobby of fly fishing, but i have no idea where to begin. Nor do i know of anyone who fly fishes. I was wondering if anyone could help me out here, it would be greatly appreciated. — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

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I was thinking about picking up the hobby of fly fishing, but i have no idea where to begin. Nor do i know of anyone who fly fishes. I was wondering if anyone could help me out here, it would be greatly appreciated. — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

        looks like the start of a beautiful friendship… wayno – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

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And if you’re gonna buy a book and know absolutely nothing about FFing, buy: Curtis Creek Manifesto And if you’re gonna watch a video, don’t watch: A River Runs Through It

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I started out..and still basically have taught myself. Through reading books and watching videos. If possible though try to find a local shop or club and join in or just start chattin with people, most will be happy to help. If you put down the area you live in, maybe someone in this group is near enough to give you some instruction. But if all else fails, buy a book. Tim Apple — The fishing is always good, It’s the catching that’s sometimes bad"

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I was thinking about picking up the hobby of fly fishing, but i have no idea where to begin. Nor do i know of anyone who fly fishes. I was wondering if anyone could help me out here, it would be greatly appreciated. — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

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I was thinking about picking up the hobby of fly fishing, but i have no idea where to begin. Nor do i know of anyone who fly fishes. I was wondering if anyone could help me out here, it would be greatly appreciated. — Posted via Talkway – http://www.talkway.com Exchange ideas on practically anything ™.

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Question:

I have a flyfishing site on the web. Feel welcome. Turn on your sound if you have it.

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<<I have a flyfishing site on the web. Feel welcome. Turn on your sound if you have it. Uhhhh, I have sound, and I sure can see, but I don’t know how to get there without a url.  <g Dave LaCourse

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Question:

Float tube – suggestions?? Vest – days are usually very warm so I don’t really want to add another layer. Are there any mesh knit vests? thanks, Don

Don, there are mesh vests, and I wouldn’t be without one. Almost any FF’ing dealer will have them, and, of course, most all the large mail order catalogs, take your pick. They can run from 30 bucks on up to near a C note. If you’re approaching oldfartism, like me, then you might want to consider a V tube or U tube for ease of getting in and out of. Doughnuts are fine, but can be a hassle getting into them. There are plenty to pick from, again, check out the mail order catalogs. Frank Church Elkhart, IN

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(snip) then you might want to consider a V tube or U tube for ease of getting in and out of. Doughnuts are fine, but can be a hassle getting into them. There are plenty to pick from, again, check out the mail order catalogs. Frank Church Elkhart, IN

True, there are many tubes to choose from…but, 90% of them, in my opinion, don’t cut the mustard….built cheap, sewn cheap, cheap material, and cheap bladders.  Now if your serious about tubing, check out the V-tube ‘Whisper’ from Leigh Outdoors in Utah.  Modified 10×22" truck tube (not a bladder), comfortable adjustable hard seat…about $200.00  Mike’s got them at Mikes Fly Desk in Bountiful, Utah.  And no, I’m not a relative or employee of Mike’s….I just know a damn good tube when I see one.  Call him at 801/292-4736 or FAX 801/298-9442 for his catalog…you won’t be sorry. Greg Hardig

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If you’re going to carry the float tube any distance, get the lightest that will uspport you.  This generally means a donut with a bladder.  Only question is what diameter you need for yor weight.  I carry a Caddis 20" that only wieghs 3 lbs.  Uboats run 7 to 12 pounds.  Inner tubes are very heavy compared to bladders.  Breaathables are light but very cold for float tubing in high mountain lakes.  Often the weight you save is used up in carrying long underwear. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m new to fly fishing and just getting my gear.  One of my favorite hiking areas is the east side of the Sierra and I’ve got a few gear questions for use in this environment – spring – fall. Waders – something light for packing, comfortable to use all day (breathable?), also use in float tube. Float tube – suggestions?? Vest – days are usually very warm so I don’t really want to add another layer. Are there any mesh knit vests? thanks, Don

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I’m new to fly fishing and just getting my gear.  One of my favorite hiking areas is the east side of the Sierra and I’ve got a few gear questions for use in this environment – spring – fall. Waders – something light for packing, comfortable to use all day (breathable?), also use in float tube.   Float tube – suggestions?? Vest – days are usually very warm so I don’t really want to add another layer. Are there any mesh knit vests? thanks, Don

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Question:

Hi I am getting into bamboo rod making is there anybody out there that is selling planing forms? Thanks Dave

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Dave,         Try this link.   http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Coffeehouse/5262/forms.htm         Scott – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi I am getting into bamboo rod making is there anybody out there that is selling planing forms? Thanks Dave

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www.goldenwitch.com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Dave,         Try this link. http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Coffeehouse/5262/forms.htm         Scott Hi I am getting into bamboo rod making is there anybody out there that is selling planing forms? Thanks Dave

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O.K. I want to build a cane rod so I need to get some planing forms.  I have found metal forms for sale from $300 to $900 and I have read plans on how to make hardwood forms. I don’t mind spending the money for metal forms if they are worth it, and I don’t mind making hardwood forms if I have too, but I’d like to know what others have found before I make a decision.  What’s the best way to go? BTW, does anyone sell pre-built hardwood forms?

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writes: I don’t mind spending the money for metal forms if they are worth it, and I don’t mind making hardwood forms if I have too, but I’d like to know what others have found before I make a decision.  What’s the best way to go?

Wayne Knight Geneva IL                            

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    As you have found there is a broad range ($wise) in available planing forms. An overview would be this – the entry level forms are within .0015" accuracy – which for the beginer is as close as most will work – the top end forms as as  accurate as they come .0005".     The decision is a personal one – the entry level forms can be final tuned (about 3 hours of filing) to be as accurate as the high end ones. If interested in the details please e-mail me off the list – the best address properly.     FYI – if you aren’t aware of it there is a e-mail repeater especailly for bamboo rodmaking – the rodmakers list – you can find information of how to subscribe to the list at home1.gte.net/jfoster/ .     Additionally there are several get togethers these days for the rodmaker or would be rodmakers (beginners are always welcome) – excellent information is exchanged and they are very social – the one I’m most familiar with is the one in Grayrock (aka Grayling, MI) – officially the dates this year are June 25, 26 – unofficially it starts June 19 (  permission slip form the spouse required) – the Grayrock group might best be describes as a friendly group that hangs out on the tailgate of a pickup truck – having a good time – sharing the craft of rodmaking – and yet raised close to $30,000 at the now world famous TTBBBQ. A combination of rod makers – fly fishing fourm folks (aka Single Malt Drinking Team) – and others locals that let their hair down a bit with activities such as the Sporting Flies Bribery Contest – The Makers Rod – Body Hair Auction – Fisherman Toss – and other assorted events. It’s About Fishin’ Not Fashion Another Wayne

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Question:

We will be floating for 3 days on the John Day River in mid-July looking for smallmouth. I’ve never fished for smallmouth before and would appreciate any suggestions about the flies, poppers, etc. that I should bring. Sizes, color, types, etc.

The John Day is a magnificent smallmouth fishery, I used to fish it often when I lived in Washington. Now I’m stuck here in Montana and miss it dearly. Certainly go with traditional topwater flies, including deer hair/rubberleg bugs in the more natural colors (tan, white, brown, olive) that have a touch of flash in the tail or a bright stripe clipped into the body. I’ve always had better success with these types than with the bright yellow/green combos. But in mid-July, fishing can be tough if the weather is very hot. However, good news in that there is plenty of deeper water for the fish to cool themselves in. So, in this case, don’t hesitate to fish beneath the surface a few inches (the fish may be more receptive to a lure stripped just under the surface than one popping the top) and certainly don’t ignore deep (bottom) fishing (vary retrieve) if no surface action arises. For this type of fishing, try a Muddler Minnow with an orange collar and SILVER body (imitates baitfish that abound here) or similar streamer pattern (Mickey Finn with a thin but prominent clipped wool or deer hair head was always a favorite of mine here). There is one advantage to mid-July on the John Day during hot weather: you may run into a sparse to very good hatch of large (#12) caddis that often bring up "fishable" numbers of bass. In this case, go for the high floating patterns such as an elk hair caddis, but tie it in a size 8 or 10 and skitter it across the surface. The larger hooks make it easier to hook the "small"-mouth. For great fun, try skittering a large caddis to which is tied one of the above streamer patterns during the hatch. And whatever you do, don’t stop retrieving and hang on! (This is a good technique if the bass are cruising the shallows in the evenings for baitfish). Good luck! Ryan Jordan

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -We will be floating for 3 days on the John Day River in mid-July looking for smallmouth. I’ve never fished for smallmouth before and would appreciate any suggestions about the flies, poppers, etc. that I should bring. Sizes, color, types, etc. I’ll bring a 6/7 wt rod with 7WF line. Should I have a very heavy leader? How long? Should I fish surface or below? Lots of questions, and perhaps someone out there as a few answers. Thanks in advance, Mike —                     Michael S. Young The RREEF Funds, 650 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108          "Chaos is normal; normality is exceptional."

I also would like some information.  I am wondering what the average size of the fish in the John Day would be???  I have heard that there are some really nice Smallmouth in the river.  True?????                          MARTY MARTELLE                     Brittany’s, Chukars and Steelhead in                      Beautiful Boise, Idaho.                 and practicing law to support them             Homepage:Http://www.micron.net/~martelle

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We will be floating for 3 days on the John Day River in mid-July looking for smallmouth. I’ve never fished for smallmouth before and would appreciate any suggestions about the flies, poppers, etc. that I should bring. Sizes, color, types, etc. I’ll bring a 6/7 wt rod with 7WF line. Should I have a very heavy leader? How long? Should I fish surface or below? Lots of questions, and perhaps someone out there as a few answers. Thanks in advance, Mike —                      Michael S. Young The RREEF Funds, 650 California Street, San Francisco, CA 94108           "Chaos is normal; normality is exceptional."

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In article We will be floating for 3 days on the John Day River in mid-July looking for smallmouth. I’ve never fished for smallmouth before and would appreciate any suggestions about the flies, poppers, etc. that I should bring. Sizes, color, types, etc.

I have spent many, many days fishing the John Day, but all of it has been with conventional tackle.  The most effective lure I found was 3" Mr. Twisters, a grub like jig with a very supple tail, with a 1/4 oz lead jig hook.  based on this, I think that weighted wooley buggars would be your best bet, in black, white and yellow.  Some purple and olive buggars would be worth trying also.  I know that Cabela’s sells a wooley buggar like fly that has the same type of tail, and these would sure be worth trying. I’ll bring a 6/7 wt rod with 7WF line. Should I have a very heavy leader? How long? Should I fish surface or below?

The rod should be more than adequate.  As for leader, I would take both 7 1/2 ft and 9 ft leaders with a tippet breaking strength of around 8lbs.  I suspect that most of the fish you catch will be deep, but if you get a quite morning or evening, I’d sure be trying some poppers! Good Luck                Dan

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Question:

Going Boning June 25 in Mexico….anyone been who’s got a good story or advice? Flies, clothing, fish etc? Looks to be a great trip. Agator

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Was there in March and had a great trip. Flies for bonefish- The Gotcha or Crazy Charlie in light tan with no flash. Permit- the raghead crab in light tan or an epoxi crab in light tan, almost white. Clothing light cotton long sleeve shirts. I used a pair of hospital scrub pants for leg protection with Simms gravel guards and flats wading shoes. Your in for a treat. Good luck. Jack

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Going Boning June 25 in Mexico….anyone been who’s got a good story or advice? Flies, clothing, fish etc? Looks to be a great trip. Agator

Casa Blanca is one of the best flats destinations I have been to.  The lodge, food, service, boats, guides and location are all first class.  You will catch many bones, some tarpon, possibly snook, barracuda and permit. You can use a 7 to 8 weight outfit for bones.  I would use a 9 to 10 weight for tarpon, barracudas and permit.  We like Mastery Bonesfish/Tarpon floating lines for fishing out of a boat in warm climates. We used #6 tan to brown Charlies and Snapping Shrimp for bones.  #2/4 Tan crabs for permit ( Rag Head, Turneffe and McCrab ).  Needle fish flies with wire for barracudas. Tarpon liked 2/0 Seahabits, red/white  and red/yellow Seaducers and  Stu Apte style tarpon flies in orange/grizzly, orange/yellow or Cockroach.  Snook seem to like red/yellow or cockroach colors. I would recommend doing some casting in the wind before you go to get in shape. If you are well equipped with tackle and clothing the guides will really take care of the rest. William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

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Question:

A couple of years ago a group of us fished Boca Grande and we used a variety of guides.  By far the best one was Chris Klingel – I still have his card and the number is (813) 964-2165.  Last year I saw him on one of the flyfishing shows as the guide so he’s probably well sought after. Enjoy, it’s great fishing. David  

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