Question:

First of all, my apologies to those who did not get in this year, I wish we could sign up everybody that wants to swap. Now, I tried sending out this list via private email but 2 keep bouncing back, John Russell, I need your correct email address, and an unnamed from aol keeps bouncing.  Aol, in their own inimitable stye won’t say who it is. (!)  Anyway, here it is for better or worse. COPY BEGINS HERE…… Well folks, this will be the final tally on tyers unless someone else decides to drop out. Because of a screw-up on my part, we have wound up with 41 instead of "just" 40.  I trust this will not cause a problem for anyone. PLEASE, when you communicate with me, do it in private e-mail and just use FLY SWAP  in the subject line.  Depending on roff/rofft for communication has caused some problems for me in getting the info in a timely manner.  OK, I’m hitting the road in a few minutes and won’t be available to return messages until sometime this coming Saturday.  Have fun tying and for those who have yet to name your fly, no big deal, but it would be nice if you could remember to send me the name of your pattern when you decide what to tie. 2.   Randy Kane…….TBA 3.   Hans van der Stroom…….TBA 4.   Walter Huff……Deer Hair Bug 5.   Dave Martel…..(LaFontaine Emergent Sparkle Caddis) 7.   John Russell…….(Gold Butt Bear) 9.   Peter Collin……Mark’s Carpet Fly 10.  Lou Teletski…..Epoxyhead Baitfish 11.  Tim Lysyk……. Olive Mountain Midge 14.  Brian Nelson…….TBA 15.  Paul Goodwin……TBA 16.  Sam Stump…….Zug Bug 18.  John Whitely…….TBD 19.  John Brandt…..Royal Coachman Marabou Streamer 20.  Ronald Ausman……TBD 24.  Jamie Heim…….Canadian Killer 28.  Eugene Knapik…… Usual 29.  Jeff Gooldy….Altmar Sunrise 30.  Bob Beardall……TBD 31.  Chris Fanning…….Clouser Tube Fly 34.  Bob Weinberger…….Olive and Starling soft hackle 35.  Michael Hewitt…….Matuka type fly 36.  Charlie Wilson……TBD 38.  Wayne Hart…..TBD 39.  Willi Loehmann….TBD 40.  Warren Findley…..TBD 41.  Herman Nijland….TBD Your Benevolent Old Gray Swapmeister Frank Church in Elkhart, IN bassbugr AT yahoo dot com – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -}<((((o ~~~ }<((((o ~~~ }<((((o ~~~ }<(((o

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – First of all, my apologies to those who did not get in this year, I wish we could sign up everybody that wants to swap. Now, I tried sending out this list via private email but 2 keep bouncing back, John Russell, I need your correct email address, and an unnamed from aol keeps bouncing.  Aol, in their own inimitable stye won’t say who it is. (!)  Anyway, here it is for better or worse. COPY BEGINS HERE…… Well folks, this will be the final tally on tyers unless someone else decides to drop out. Because of a screw-up on my part, we have wound up with 41 instead of "just" 40.  I trust this will not cause a problem for anyone. PLEASE, when you communicate with me, do it in private e-mail and just use FLY SWAP  in the subject line.  Depending on roff/rofft for communication has caused some problems for me in getting the info in a timely manner.  OK, I’m hitting the road in a few minutes and won’t be available to return messages until sometime this coming Saturday.  Have fun tying and for those who have yet to name your fly, no big deal, but it would be nice if you could remember to send me the name of your pattern when you decide what to tie. 2.   Randy Kane…….TBA 3.   Hans van der Stroom…….TBA 4.   Walter Huff……Deer Hair Bug 5.   Dave Martel…..(LaFontaine Emergent Sparkle Caddis) 7.   John Russell…….(Gold Butt Bear) 9.   Peter Collin……Mark’s Carpet Fly 10.  Lou Teletski…..Epoxyhead Baitfish 11.  Tim Lysyk……. Olive Mountain Midge 14.  Brian Nelson…….TBA 15.  Paul Goodwin……TBA 16.  Sam Stump…….Zug Bug 18.  John Whitely…….TBD 19.  John Brandt…..Royal Coachman Marabou Streamer 20.  Ronald Ausman……TBD 24.  Jamie Heim…….Canadian Killer 28.  Eugene Knapik…… Usual 29.  Jeff Gooldy….Altmar Sunrise 30.  Bob Beardall……TBD 31.  Chris Fanning…….Clouser Tube Fly 34.  Bob Weinberger…….Olive and Starling soft hackle 35.  Michael Hewitt…….Matuka type fly 36.  Charlie Wilson……TBD 38.  Wayne Hart…..TBD 39.  Willi Loehmann….TBD 40.  Warren Findley…..TBD 41.  Herman Nijland….TBD 42.  George Gehrke ….The Bigot Special Your Benevolent Old Gray Swapmeister Frank Church in Elkhart, IN bassbugr AT yahoo dot com }<((((o ~~~ }<((((o ~~~ }<((((o ~~~ }<(((o

Response:

42.  George Gehrke ….The Bigot Special

george, you can’t help spewing yer vitriolic shit everywhere, can ya? you are one sad example of a homo sapien….. oneday soon, i’m convinced you will be received warmly in hell. –waldo

Response:

Walt?  Not true.  I don’t see how an old fart like you can continue with such nonsense?  Thing is Walt, it doesn’t take much to piss you off about ANYTHING! If you want The Bigot Special, just ask, I’ve always been tolerant of you Walt.   christ.  Lighten up man. George Gehrke To hell and back 42.  George Gehrke ….The Bigot Special george, you can’t help spewing yer vitriolic shit everywhere, can ya?

f*^# you Walt. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – –waldo

Response:

one of these day’s i’ll learn not to respond to the friggin’ village idiot. –waldo

Response:

<snip f*^# you Walt.

Exactly what I was talking about last week George. Same old cycle.  Show up, post a few relatively informative messages, try to act friendly, then resort to the same old insults and bombast.  Start a flame war, leave in a huff, promise to stay away for a while, then come back a day later for more.  The cycle repeats as it has since 1995. Somebody on the commercial side of flyfishing should think a bit more before making public postings in a flyfishing newsgroup, George.  Thousands of people read these messages.  You lose more potential customers every time you repeat this cycle.  You provide entertainment for your detractors, and hurt your business.  What’s the sense of that? –Stan – post followups to misc.business.marketing.clueless (gonna buy a Bud Lite for Waldo and let it sit on my car until May – freeze, thaw, heat up, repeat)

Response:

(gonna buy a Bud Lite for Waldo and let it sit on my car until May – freeze, thaw, heat up, repeat)

jeez stan, what the hell did i ever do to you to deseve *that*? –waldo, screw-it, ya’ll can find me at the wiekert sportsmans club come may….. yuengling on draft

Response:

jeez stan, what the hell did i ever do to you to deseve *that*? –waldo, screw-it, ya’ll can find me at the wiekert sportsmans club come may….. yuengling on draft

Winters, you are nothing more than a quibbler.  All of you carolina people are quibblers. Quibblers, quibblers, quibbler. So, their! G. Gehrke American Jet Warrior

Response:

Your vocabulary speaks for itself on the higher plains of roff.  Did you take college courses in swearing or did you just attend North Carolina University for a week? George – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – one of these day’s i’ll learn not to respond to the friggin’ village idiot. –waldo

Response:

Question:

I’m planning a 9 day flyfishing trip to the northern Calif area and plan to visit areas like  Hat Creek, McCloud, Truckee, Owens, etc. When would be the best time to do this between early August and October? Thanks.

Response:

Skiroc,    Any time after school starts. Ernie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m planning a 9 day flyfishing trip to the northern Calif area and plan to visit areas like  Hat Creek, McCloud, Truckee, Owens, etc. When would be the best time to do this between early August and October? Thanks.

Response:

To minimize backroad travel. I would checkout deer hunting seasons on the places you are going. FWIW, if you are going to fish Hat Creek, and maybe wonder on East and fish Fall River, then I suggest you head on East to Alturas in California’s most Northeast county then go South on 395 to Likely California and go East into the Warner Mountains Wilderness area.  They have a Red Band strain of the McCloud Rainbow that is truly a magnificent fish to catch and release. There are a number of lakes and streams in the area that are an easy hike in with float tube.  Due to the sensitive nature of the habitat of these very special animals, this is all of the info I’ll post but for more info e-mail me. Compared to the hordes of folk at Hat Creek, Truckee and Walker, this area will knock your socks off at the lack of people.  I think Alturas, the county seat of Lompoc county has, uh 3 stoplights?  This beautiful part of the West (NW Nevada, SCentral Oregon NE California) is remote 4×4, tent camping off the road fishing on small high mountain streams and high country lakes. Unlike those other places, when the jokers run out of Powerbait here, there aint no 7/11 nearby! Enjoy! John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m planning a 9 day flyfishing trip to the northern Calif area and plan to visit areas like  Hat Creek, McCloud, Truckee, Owens, etc. When would be the best time to do this between early August and October? Thanks.

Response:

Question:

Planning on Rock Creek, then to Libby, first week August.  Any info on the better campgrounds for us tent campers appreciated.  I was raised on Rock Creek, long, long ago– before electification.    Also info on guides in Libby for drifting, Also info on cabins, accomodations as well as campgounds  (if it rains us out)   Al Schuh-fly

Response:

I’d check on the water levels at Rock Creek first, if you mean THE Rock Creek East of Missoula.  The last report I heard was fishing could be over there for the season in the next week or so- water levels are way below normal – check with Doug at the Rock Creek Mercantile (406)825-6440 John

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Planning on Rock Creek, then to Libby, first week August.  Any info on the better campgrounds for us tent campers appreciated.  I was raised on Rock Creek, long, long ago– before electification.    Also info on guides in Libby for drifting, Also info on cabins, accomodations as well as campgounds (if it rains us out)   Al Schuh-fly

Response:

Planning on Rock Creek, then to Libby, first week August.  Any info on the better campgrounds for us tent campers appreciated.  I was raised on Rock Creek, long, long ago– before electification.    Also info on guides in Libby for drifting, Also info on cabins, accomodations as well as campgounds  (if it rains us out)   Al Schuh-fly

Bring your roller skates! — /* Sandy Pittendrigh                  –oO0  * http://montana-riverboats.com/  */

Response:

For river reports. check this URL: http://www.fourrivers.net/index.htm They’re saying that the flow of Rock Creek is down to 332 cfs, which ain’t too good. We’re going out there tomorrow (7/8) and will be back on the 16th. The campground where we’re staying is on Rock Creek, but we’re going to concentrate on fishing the Blackfoot and the Bitterroot. For tent camping, see the following: http://travelmontana.state.mt.us/faq/links.htm …it has links to all sorts of travel and accomodation sites all over the state. Regards, LR

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Planning on Rock Creek, then to Libby, first week August.  Any info on the better campgrounds for us tent campers appreciated.  I was raised on Rock Creek, long, long ago– before electification.    Also info on guides in Libby for drifting, Also info on cabins, accomodations as well as campgounds (if it rains us out)   Al Schuh-fly

Response:

http://montana.usgs.gov/rt-cgi/gen_tbl_pg for Montana streamflows. http://montana.usgs.gov/rt-cgi/gen_stn_pg?station=12334510 for current Rock Creek conditions. The creek is definitely low but then all the rivers are (at least this side of the divide). The bigger waters are fishing extremely well right now. Lots of Golden Stone and evening caddis right now with good PMD’s late morning to early afternoon. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana http://www.montana.com/dno/dno.htm 406-626-4022

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’d check on the water levels at Rock Creek first, if you mean THE Rock Creek East of Missoula.  The last report I heard was fishing could be over there for the season in the next week or so- water levels are way below normal – check with Doug at the Rock Creek Mercantile (406)825-6440 John Planning on Rock Creek, then to Libby, first week August.  Any info on the better campgrounds for us tent campers appreciated.  I was raised on Rock Creek, long, long ago– before electification.    Also info on guides in Libby for drifting, Also info on cabins, accomodations as well as campgounds (if it rains us out)   Al Schuh-fly

Response:

Question:

Double dittos on Eureka.  It’s not the brand it used to be, however: my 25 year old Timberline is still going strong even after putting some serious holes in the floor over the years (*don’t* bring a tackle box full of pike lures into the tent…).  My wife bought me a Eureka Sunrise 9 about 10 years ago, and even though I bitched at the time that it didn’t have a full fly, it has worked very well – it has survived 5 years of cub scout camping trips, and a bunch of fishing trips with friends and the family and it has never leaked in the rain.  And I’ve been through some serious weather including many tornado warning storms (we had to evacuate a campground with 400 cub scouts one weekend – tents were floating away and I never got a drop of water inside except from peoples’ clothes).  I really like the big windows – here in Massachusetts it’s often muggy and the ventilation is really important.  We used a Eureka Backcountry (essentially an updated Timberline) on a trip into the Boundary Waters last fall and had 8 nights of thunderstorms and high winds without ever a leak.  If I were going into serious outback carrying all my gear, I would look at a more extreme design with better coverage, but for car and canoe camping I’ve been very happy with my Eurekas. –Stan

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – or recommendations of other tents, I’m interested in hearing about them. I like the Eureka! Timberline models for car camping. Ditto a testimonial for Eureka.   I’ve been very happy with the quality of everything I have from them. Joe F.

Response:

Double dittos on Eureka.  

These votes of confidence in Eureka are heartening. I want a tent that’s very roomy and that I can easily stand up in. That’s why I like the Eureka Headquarters (6′11"). One Timberline model would work — the Timberline Outfitter 6. I’m not that worried about the fly. This will be a strictly car-camping tent, and if I get into really serious weather I can just get into my truck. I’d rather have a tent that’s very open for the 95% of the time that I’m camping in good, summer, Western weather. The Headquarters looks good for that. It has BIG windows. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

That’s a nice tent, but there’s a couple of problems. First of all, it’s about twice as expensive as the Eureka model. … An essential element of its snob appeal, donchaknow. — Ken Fortenberry

______ Question? When you and Wolfgangbanger crawl in the same high quality sleeping bag,  who wears the perfume? ; ) — MrG/American Sportsman (never sleep with your fly rod in a sleeping bag) http://www.gink.com/rod_facts/bastardjun00.html  LATEST BAMBOO FACTS "the saga continues"

Response:

Didn’t you just tell me in an earlier post that you were above such shit as the post below? What’s up?  Is your mind failing you? Opie  –Planning for the Past–

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That’s a nice tent, but there’s a couple of problems. First of all, it’s about twice as expensive as the Eureka model. … An essential element of its snob appeal, donchaknow. — Ken Fortenberry ______ Question? When you and Wolfgangbanger crawl in the same high quality sleeping bag,  who wears the perfume? ; ) — MrG/American Sportsman (never sleep with your fly rod in a sleeping bag) http://www.gink.com/rod_facts/bastardjun00.html  LATEST BAMBOO FACTS "the saga continues"

Response:

An essential element of its snob appeal, donchaknow.

Get a Moss Big Dipper then. If I was going to go nomadic, that’d be my choice. Otherwise I’d stick with Eureka! Timberline even though Wolfgang can’t seem to pitch them properly<g. — Charlie…

Response:

or recommendations of other tents, I’m interested in hearing about them. I like the Eureka! Timberline models for car camping.

Ditto a testimonial for Eureka.   I’ve been very happy with the quality of everything I have from them. Joe F.

Response:

Ditto a testimonial for Eureka.   I’ve been very happy with the quality of everything I have from them. Joe F.

I like Eureka too.  I have a Timberline 2-man tent and a Wind River 6-man dome and both have survived some hairy winds and rainstorms. The Timberline has never collapsed on me like a previous poster mentioned, and frankly I can’t see how it could.  I wonder if maybe he’s thinking of a different tent.  The nice thing about the Timberline is that one person can set it up single-handed in about 5 minutes, but the Wind River takes about 15-20 minutes and at least two people. As long as you are car-camping and weight isn’t a consideration, I recommend you get the biggest tent you can afford.  When you end up spending a whole day inside your tent waiting out a rain, those extra few cubic feet of space will seem worth every penny. Kevin

Response:

Gotta agree with the Milwaukee rat slasher on this one.

        hilarious.  only on roff would such a name be considered an appellation for a friend.  :)         wayno, aka "delerium tremens"

Response:

Eureka Timberline – the big one Ed Fox – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m shopping for a tent for car camping. I’m considering either Cabelas Truck Tent or the Alaknak tent (also from Cabelas). If anyone has experience with or opinions about these tents, or recommendations of other tents, I’m interested in hearing about them. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

For comparison, take a look at The North Face Bedrock http://content.thenorthface.com/index_products.html

That’s a nice tent, but there’s a couple of problems. First of all, it’s about twice as expensive as the Eureka model. That’s no big deal, but it’s also not sold over the web, and there’s no retailer anywhere nearby. (Ironically, there’s a big North Face store about five minutes from my house in California.) I suppose I could call a retailer and have them ship it. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

That’s a nice tent, but there’s a couple of problems. First of all, it’s about twice as expensive as the Eureka model. …

An essential element of its snob appeal, donchaknow. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

Eureka Timberline – the big one

My best friend and frequent backpacking companion bought his first timberline in the late 70s, if memory serves.  I have spent MANY nights in it and its successors.  The best thing about this tent was that it was Jay’s, and thus he carried it.  Next best was the roominess. However, the timberline with its relatively high profile and meager support system was prone to collapsing in the middle of dark stormy nights.  The natural and completely understandable tendency of the human brain to suppress horrible memories makes it impossible for me to remember with any precision how many times this happened, but it was a bunch. Wolfgang caveat tentor

Response:

For comparison, take a look at The North Face Bedrock http://content.thenorthface.com/index_products.html That’s a nice tent, but there’s a couple of problems. First of all, it’s about twice as expensive as the Eureka model. That’s no big deal, but it’s also not sold over the web, and there’s no retailer anywhere nearby. (Ironically, there’s a big North Face store about five minutes from my house in California.) I suppose I could call a retailer and have them ship it.

I suspect it IS sold on the web rw.  Just have to find the right retailer.  Start with Cabela’s or look at gorp.com for retailers

Response:

That’s a nice rig, Asadi, but I’ll be pulling a horse trailer, at least some of the time, so I need something that I can put in the back of my truck. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

 Could you put a tracer on that Fly Rod Ken? – MrG/American Sportsman http://www.gink.com/shopcart/index.html http://www.gink.com/rod_facts/bastardjun00.html  LATEST BAMBOO FACTS "the saga continues"

Response:

I’m shopping for a tent for car camping. I’m considering either Cabelas Truck Tent or the Alaknak tent (also from Cabelas). If anyone has experience with or opinions about these tents, or recommendations of other tents, I’m interested in hearing about them.

Seems like everybody in the world with a sewing machine is in the tent business these days.  Becky and I were shopping early this year in preparation for our Never Summer Wilderness trip later this month, and we looked at hundreds.  Over the course of a thirty year backpacking career I used many different tents and the vast majority of them, as well as most that we looked at this year, are crap.  The governing philosophy seems to be that unless you are a serious mountaineer you will be satisfied with something that will almost certainly leave you wet and miserable.  I don’t know if you remember seeing it at the NC clave, but the Mountain Hardwear tent we ended up buying is excellent. But the brand is not nearly as important as the features of the individual tent.  I would advise you to go for the oxymoron, the REALLY BIG backpacking or mountaineering tent.  Wherever you shop, talk to the people who have done some serious expedition work and then find the biggest thing you can that resembles what they use.  One thing you should never ever compromise on; be absolutely sure that the rain fly covers the entire tent!!  A fly which leaves even a small portion of the bottom uncovered is thoroughly useless, and a tent with a useless rain fly is a ticket for the express to hell. Wolfgang hypothermia and sleep deprivation are about 40 megahoovers each

Response:

Right now I’m leaning toward the Eureka! Headquarters.         http://www.vtarmynavy.com/eureka_luxury_family_tents.htm — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Right now I’m leaning toward the Eureka! Headquarters.         http://www.vtarmynavy.com/eureka_luxury_family_tents.htm

None of the models shown on that page has a fly that completely covers the tent.  You WILL be sorry.

Response:

Right now I’m leaning toward the Eureka! Headquarters.         http://www.vtarmynavy.com/eureka_luxury_family_tents.htm None of the models shown on that page has a fly that completely covers the tent.  You WILL be sorry.

Gotta agree with the Milwaukee rat slasher on this one. Don’t know how much attention you paid at the time but both of the tents Wolfie & I had set up on the Watauga had full coverage flies. When a thuderstorm dumps an inch of water on you in less than an hour, some of it arriving horizontally, you will appreciate having a full coverage fly. For comparison, take a look at The North Face Bedrock http://content.thenorthface.com/index_products.html — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

I’m shopping for a tent for car camping. I’m considering either Cabelas Truck Tent or the Alaknak tent (also from Cabelas). If anyone has experience with or opinions about these tents, or recommendations of other tents, I’m interested in hearing about them. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

or recommendations of other tents, I’m interested in hearing about them.

I like the Eureka! Timberline models for car camping. — Charlie…

Response:

I’m shopping for a tent for car camping. …

We’ve been real happy with The North Face. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

rw,    I made a nice rig for my Datsun pick up for camping.  It slept two people, had a table, stove, sink, water, cabinet and storage areas. It was really great for fishing trips.  Mounted my Honda Trail 110 on the back and an inflatable raft on the top.  I went all over the Sierras with it. Ernie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m shopping for a tent for car camping. I’m considering either Cabelas Truck Tent or the Alaknak tent (also from Cabelas). If anyone has experience with or opinions about these tents, or recommendations of other tents, I’m interested in hearing about them.

Response:

I pulled it with a four cylinder Pinto all over creation.  Seriously.  I could maneuver the little unit by myself and it contained all of the basic necessities….(pepper mill replaced….but I think the little lady bought to delicate of a set at the garage sale). Containing all of the necessary things and requiring nothing more than ‘folding up or unfolding’ it made, in essense, car camping much morer convenient. ‘Course, they don’t make my type….a "Cox’ anymore….they were made in Grifton, NC. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m shopping for a tent for car camping. I’m considering either Cabelas Truck Tent or the Alaknak tent (also from Cabelas). If anyone has experience with or opinions about these tents, or recommendations of other tents, I’m interested in hearing about them. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/ something bogus to avoid spam)

Response:

Question:

Ouch, time for bed.   I forgot to say that the C&R does help increase numbers of fish.  I also agree with the concept that too many = bad and some should be taken out. When my wife wants to eat fish I will keep a few if I am fishing in a spot that I know will not miss them.  I have fished certain streams, lakes and rivers that cannot afford to miss them so I C&R. I think 100% of either side is a little extreme. Now I can get some sleep.  Thanks for your patience. Warren (Ain’t life in the gray area GREAT?!?!)

Response:

Warren writes: I think 100% of either side is a little extreme.

..my point, exactly. Blaming one side or the other for overall complex ecological issues merely divides what should be a common interest group.                           Tom Littleton

Response:

Howdy gang, Sorry to vent but I don’t know where else to scream. I went to my favorite mid summer fishing hole.  This is a southern cal river that is mostly just some deep ponds during the summer months with some sunfish and smallmouth bass.  On Sunday I went to my favorite pond to cast flies to my "friends" (a small group of 2lb smallmouth) and to my horrors, they were all gone.  Some catchnkill moron had come through and taken those bass.  Ya know, they could provide great fun all summer and fall to fly fishers if some loon didn’t kill them.  Why is it people still do this? They probably took em home, cooked one, nearly puked on the result, and threw the rest in the trash.  Its a shame. -John

Response:

Some catchnkill moron had come through and taken those bass.  Ya know, they could provide great fun all summer and fall to fly fishers if some loon didn’t kill them.  Why is it people still do this? They probably took em home, cooked one, nearly puked on the result, and threw the rest in the trash.  Its a shame. -John

Did you see the fish removed from the pond??? Isn’t it even remotely possible that either some other factor caused your lack of success???  I primarily fish C&R, but I don’t feel it is right to label a person as a moron because he keeps a few fish to eat. The "meat fisherman" or "poacher" cleaning out a hot spot is the most cammon excuse for a lack of success where I live, and I guess where you live too. George Adams – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –

Response:

Personally, if your keeping fish from a river, I would say 85 is a bit high…..   Not to be confused with lakes and sustainable populations, and highly prolific species. With the numbers of fisherpersons on todays rivers…..I just don’t feel the math supports even keeping a few. fishermen ‘raise fish’ fisheaters buy fish fishkillers kill fish

Response:

Yea, what George and Jonathan said.. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Howdy gang, Sorry to vent but I don’t know where else to scream. I went to my favorite mid summer fishing hole.  This is a southern cal river that is mostly just some deep ponds during the summer months with some sunfish and smallmouth bass.  On Sunday I went to my favorite pond to cast flies to my "friends" (a small group of 2lb smallmouth) and to my horrors, they were all gone.  Some catchnkill moron had come through and taken those bass.  Ya know, they could provide great fun all summer and fall to fly fishers if some loon didn’t kill them.  Why is it people still do this? They probably took em home, cooked one, nearly puked on the result, and threw the rest in the trash.  Its a shame. -John

– Particle Salad/ Noom Room Studio http://home.earthlink.net/~psalad

Response:

Your letter is a prime example of a holier than thou catch and release attitude. Healthy fisheries survive angling. Stressed fisheries do less well. Heal your streams,limit your angling and encourage others to do likewise. Then, you may see better conditions, and appreciate the outdoors and angling for what it can offer.                            Tom Littleton

Blah blah blah (not being rude).  Catch and release is a viable option!  Just recently their was an article in the paper about how there were too many fish in the Big Hole because too many people practiced catch and release.  Fish and Wildlife was worried with the heat that too many fish would die which happened a while back. There are several other examples of how catch and release can improve the quality of fishing.  Albeit it is not a 100% solution, but sometimes every little bit helps. I keep a fish or two every year so I am not 100% C&R, but do see a lot of value in it. Warren

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John Lacell writes :                                   On Sunday I went to my favorite pond to cast flies to my "friends" (a small group of 2lb smallmouth) and to my horrors, they were all gone

One can only wonder if the friendship were mutual. Ya know, they could provide great fun all summer and fall to fly fishers if some loon didn’t kill them.  

No, they eventually would have been stressed to death with enough hooking and habitat invasion. Plus, how do you know that they were killed by angling as you infer. Highly unlikely it is that all of them would be caught. Your letter is a prime example of a holier than thou catch and release attitude. Healthy fisheries survive angling. Stressed fisheries do less well. Heal your streams,limit your angling and encourage others to do likewise. Then, you may see better conditions, and appreciate the outdoors and angling for what it can offer.                             Tom Littleton

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Question:

Are there any likely hatches in south and central Vt on the last weekend in April?

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With this being a mild year w/ relatively low water look for olives (#18-20), Paraleps, aka Blue Quills (#16-18), or Hendricksons and Red Quills (#12-14). Southern streams will see the hatches first. Good Luck

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Are there any likely hatches in south and central Vt on the last weekend in April?

Joe, A reader provided you with some good info in the previous message.  To add to that, the Quill Gordon hatch can be very prolific and is one those of us up here in the north will tend to get excited about as there is not much of Quill Gordon hatch up north.  Quill Gordons will follow the little black caddis, early stones, then bwo’s and blue quills and then Quills!  You will generally need water around 52 to see Quill Gordons.  Hendrickson (female) and the Red Quill(male) usually are not seen until May when water temps are reaching 55-58.  However as the previous reader mentioned water is low up here and the run-off is over.  Mild sunny days are lifting the water temps everyday.   The bwo’s and blue quills will come off in the high 40’s.   If I have not confused you come up with some parachute adams sizes 12-18 to cover the quills, bwo’s and blue quills and a Hendrickson pattern ( we almost always use a parachute and trailing shuck except during a spinner fall.  Beadheaded nymphs are the call. Email me if you have any questions. James Ehlers Uncle Jammer’s Guide Service 1997 Guide of the Year Vermont Fly Fishing, Hunting, River and Woodland Outings http://pobox.com/~uncle

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Question:

My wife picked up a bamboo rod as a gift for me from an antique store in Asheville last weekend.  The rod is a 7 foot split bamboo.  The label inside the wooden box says Grampus and identifies the name of the maker as Kiraku Co. of Japan.  It appears to be in unused condition and the guy who sold it said that the woman he bought it from said it had been used exactly once.  One of the male ferrules on one of the tips is loose.  Should this be glued on with epoxy?  Is there some other way this should be secured?  Also, I’m thinking the rod would probably look nice with a Pfleuger Medalist reel.  Any tips on determining line weight?

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My wife picked up a bamboo rod as a gift for me from an antique store in Asheville last weekend.  The rod is a 7 foot split bamboo.  The label inside the wooden box says Grampus and identifies the name of the maker as Kiraku Co. of Japan.  It appears to be in unused condition and the guy who sold it said that the woman he bought it from said it had been used exactly once.  One of the male ferrules on one of the tips is loose.  Should this be glued on with epoxy?  Is there some other way this should be secured?  Also, I’m thinking the rod would probably look nice with a Pfleuger Medalist reel.  Any tips on determining line weight?

I’d try casting the rod a few times before buying a reel for it. Those Japanese rods aren’t the best old rods around. It might "look nice with a Pfleuger Medalist reel" over the mantle. Dave — Visit Dave Teffeteller’s Fly Fishing Guides Home Page http://www.olfart.com

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DT My wife picked up a bamboo rod as a gift for me from an antique store DT in Asheville last weekend.  The rod is a 7 foot split bamboo.  The DT label inside the wooden box says Grampus and identifies the name of DT the maker as Kiraku Co. of Japan.  It appears to be in unused condition DT and the guy who sold it said that the woman he bought it from said it DT had been used exactly once.  One of the male ferrules on one of the tips DT is loose.  Should this be glued on with epoxy?  Is there some other way DT this should be secured?  Also, I’m thinking the rod would probably look DT nice with a Pfleuger Medalist reel.  Any tips on determining line DT weight? This happens on alot of old cane rods. First, you need to see if there is a pin that disects the ferrule and the cane. If there is you might see if you can remove it first. If not, try gently heating the ferrule over a flame while attempting to gently (or not so gently) pull it off. The heat both expands the metal and helps melt any heat senistive glue underneath. Heat only the tip area of the metal ferrule and back off the heat if you see the cane smoking. Be careful how you grasp the ferrule with pliers or vise so as not to distort or scratch the ferrule. Use soft cloth or whatever but don’t set yourself on fire. Once off, you can determine the extent of the underlying problem. Cracked, broken, just worn, or whatever, you will have to find a way to perfectly fit the ferrule on again. It will need to be very tight in the cool mode to withstand the pressures exerted during casting. If necessary, you may have to very carefully move the ferrule to a slightly different location by carefully carving around the rod with a very sharp knife, then carefully scraping the cane down to inside ferrule shape and length. This takes time but it best done by holding the knife 90 degrees to the rod and "shaving" very gradually. Remember you will be heating and expanding the ferrule to put it back on, just like you did when it came off. Don’t even think about epoxy… Ferrule cement is what you want. Most good fly shops will have it, but if you can’t find it there go to an archery shop as it is also used in arrow making. It looks like a stick of hot glue. It is used by heating and melting small amounts into the ferrule, quickly heatng the ferrule, and quickly shoving your ferrule onto your perfectly fit rod carving. If the taper of the rod, and the amount of cane removed causes an unsightly connection, you must fill and sometimes scrape cane until you acheive the desired result. Re-wrapping above the ferrule can cover some(but not many) mistakes in your fitting. Alternative methods: Buy an older reel and line at a garage sale and make a great wall hanger. If its really bad, use the bottom half of the rod and reel, and an old wicker creel on a wood lamp base and backboard to make a great flyfishing lamp. Line weight with cane rods is hard to determine except by casting. I’ll take a wild guess that your cane rod will probably take a heavier line to load up as they are a little on the stiff side. Guides may also be on the small side as the older fly lines were significantly smaller in diameter. You might start with a 6 and try a few from there. Fish with the 6 for a few hours and you’ll probably be worn out enough for one of the alternate methods mentioned above. Good luck. … nfx v2.6 [C0000]                                                        

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Question:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In order to promote a commonality of spirit and in rememberance of my late and great dear friend Lee Wulff, I offer the following contest and prizes. Rules: Tie FOUR WULFF FLIES. 1) The Royal Wulff 2) A Blonde or Cream Wulff 3) A Tan Wulff 4) A Grey Wulff 6) One Streamer 7) One Fly of tiers own choosing.  Unlimited Entry. Sizes of the entries choosing.  Small as well as large sizes have equal consideration

EXCELLENT !!!! Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes ! Thank you George…Looking forwards and not backwards. My bugs’ll be there !   *AND* my Grey Wulff will win… 8^) TimW Here’s hoping for snow on the slopes and a heater near the tying bench !!! [This is gonna be cool]

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In order to promote a commonality of spirit and in rememberance of my late and great dear friend Lee Wulff.This sounds like a nice contest.Contests don’t have to have huge prizes

to be well recieved! As a former rep. (Western Canada) and  outdoor columnist/writer (I do not get sick of talking about the outdoors), I always admire any manufacturer that shows support for the business in one way or another. As I muddle around with considering repping again in Onatrio, I applaud this initiative, and will mention it at Kingstons next flyfishing get together.F.Y.I. I am starting a new Canadian Outdoor Collector newsletter (I got fed up with the lack of Canuck perspective/content for outdoor collectibles, etc.) regards Outdoor Columnist 101 Bridge St. W. Napanee, Ont., K7R-2C8

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In order to promote a commonality of spirit and in rememberance of my late and great dear friend Lee Wulff, I offer the following contest and prizes. Rules: Tie FOUR WULFF FLIES. 1) The Royal Wulff 2) A Blonde or Cream Wulff 3) A Tan Wulff 4) A Grey Wulff 6) One Streamer 7) One Fly of tiers own choosing.  Unlimited Entry. Sizes of the entries choosing.  Small as well as large sizes have equal consideration Flies submitted to be postmarked by 2 January 1997 Prizes are as follows: 1st Place/Prize         $ 50.00 2nd Place/Prize         $ 40.00 3rd Place/Prize         $ 10.00 4th – 20th Place        Product of your choice. GEHRKE’S GINK will honor all prize/cash payments even if only four entries are made. All flies submitted to the contest become the property of GEHRKE’S GINK. A featured article in our World Famous Newsletter; "Uncle Gink’s Cave" will be published on the winning entries.  All entries should tell us somthing about their flies and of themselves.  How long they have tied, etc. Flies may be photographed for publication in "Uncle Gink’s Cave" which is circulated World Wide to over 6,000 dealers and wholesalers. All those who enter ‘George’s Great Gobs of Flies’ Contest will receive a copy of the Newsletter.  This contest is open to all fly tiers around the world.  The prize is not so much the money but rather the worth of being judged by and shown too a very large audience. Send all entries to the attention of: Mr. George Gehrke Presidents Fly Judging Contest Snake River – Hell’s Canyon Asotin, WA 99402 The contest starts now.  Each year’s contest will honor specific fly patterns invented by long honored tiers.  The ‘Unlimited Class’ will always remain a standard feature.  In this arena, a size .32 midge has every chance of winning as a Blue Doctor will.  It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a good, traditional and properly tied Salmon Fly. Good luck, one and all. Mr. George Gehrke

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Question:

Simple question–  is there any way to overcome the problem of wanting to cast a small, light floating lure out onto a lake–when the durn thing is too light to cast farther than the closest tule?   I’ve used split shot and put the lure on a real long leader, but that only works to a certain depth.  Any thoughts or tips appreciated! Randy

 I came by this by accident, when my nephew shut the car door on the tip of a flyrod of mine. It lopped off about 8 inches and made it tough to use as a flyrod again. During the big snow storms we had tthis winter I was messing around in the basement and found two old spinning reels Wasn’t using anymore and cleaned them up. Looking around, I spotted the old flyrod and decided what the hell and taped one on. I took it out two days ago and it acts like a 7 1/2 foot long ultralight. It’ll sling the smallest rebel minow a pretty far distance . Haven’t caught anything on it yet but I think it will do great for crappie and other small fish, and a small mouth will probably be something else. The rod seems to load itself, so the weight of the lure doesn’t matter as much. Bill C.

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: to cast a small, light floating lure out onto a lake–when the durn : thing is too light to cast farther than the closest tule?   : I’ve used split shot and put the lure on a real long leader, but : that only works to a certain depth.  Any thoughts or tips appreciated! : A very light, longish rod can help (spinning, of course…).  Or a flyrod… More practically, use a small bobber for weight. … greg pavlov

And I have heard of this baitfisherman’s trick: use an ice cube or a sugar cube as a "sinker".  You wrap the line around your ice cube in a double hitch and pull for a moment – the line is supposed to cut in a bit. Then you cast and the extra weight melts/dissolves. It sounds like it might work for baits that sit there for a while. I haven’t tried it myself…

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Simple question–  is there any way to overcome the problem of wanting to cast a small, light floating lure out onto a lake–when the durn thing is too light to cast farther than the closest tule?   I’ve used split shot and put the lure on a real long leader, but that only works to a certain depth.  Any thoughts or tips appreciated! Randy — Randy: The simplest solution is to attach a bobber about 36" above the lure. The bobber provides plenty of wieght for casting, but won’t sink your floating lure. If you’re concerned about the bobber spooking the fish, use one of the small clear plastic jobs. Good fishing…. Robert Maxwell

There are bobbers made specifically for this purpose, like the clear plastic ones Robert mentions.  They hamper your ability to control the lure, like for small poppers.  But, they do allow you to cast a very light lure without learning to use a fly rod. Of course, the other option is to buy a fly rod/reel and start practicing.   That’s something I can do when I retire. 8-] Richard

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Simple question–  is there any way to overcome the problem of wanting to cast a small, light floating lure out onto a lake–when the durn thing is too light to cast farther than the closest tule?   I’ve used split shot and put the lure on a real long leader, but that only works to a certain depth.  Any thoughts or tips appreciated!

I’d try the same technique for casting a fly (with a spinning rod) long distance.  Try a clear plastic bubble.  You can control the depth by changing the amount of water you put in it.  Fill it about halfway and it won’t sink.  Using an ultralight rod and reel with 2# test line (max) will make it much easier as well. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

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: Simple question–  is there any way to overcome the problem of wanting : to cast a small, light floating lure out onto a lake–when the durn : thing is too light to cast farther than the closest tule?   : I’ve used split shot and put the lure on a real long leader, but : that only works to a certain depth.  Any thoughts or tips appreciated! : Randy : — : Randy: : The simplest solution is to attach a bobber about 36" above the lure. You can also use a lighter test line.  Next, start fooling around with rod/reel combos, but that’s more expensive. — Jeff Smith                                     Graduate student http://www.msc.cornell.edu/~jeffs         Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

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Simple question–  is there any way to overcome the problem of wanting to cast a small, light floating lure out onto a lake–when the durn thing is too light to cast farther than the closest tule?   I’ve used split shot and put the lure on a real long leader, but that only works to a certain depth.  Any thoughts or tips appreciated! Randy —

Randy: The simplest solution is to attach a bobber about 36" above the lure. The bobber provides plenty of wieght for casting, but won’t sink your floating lure. If you’re concerned about the bobber spooking the fish, use one of the small clear plastic jobs. Good fishing…. Robert Maxwell

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Simple question–  is there any way to overcome the problem of wanting to cast a small, light floating lure out onto a lake–when the durn thing is too light to cast farther than the closest tule?   I’ve used split shot and put the lure on a real long leader, but that only works to a certain depth.  Any thoughts or tips appreciated! Randy —

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Question:

The house of Rep. in washington is considering a bill to establish a national fishing license, (snip) What do you think about the idea of a national fishing license?

        It will probably do the same thing the Federal commercial drivers license did!  I held a class A license since I was 21, but at $13 a year I could afford it even though I was no longer driving "big rigs".  The "Fed" came in and now the class A in Texas is $40!  I went back to a class c!         There is NO WAY I want the Federal Gov’t involved in "our" fishing, and if you take a look at what the NFWS is doing, you won’t either!!!

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The house of Rep. in washington is considering a bill to establish a national fishing license,  at this point it is only a bill to althorize the study of feasability of a national fishing license ( H.R. 406 ih) to read the actual bill go (http://thomas.loc.gov) do a search on the subject fishing.   At first I was upset at the thought of more goverment fees and regulations in order to enjoy my favort pasttime, but after really reading the bill, it may be a pretty good idea, we will be able to fish more than one state without having to buy out-of-state licenses What do you think about the idea of a national fishing license?

Up until a few years ago we had different licences for different areas in the UK. It’s a lot better now that there is only one license and only slightly more expensive. IMO one of the best things that happened to fishing in the UK. Compuserve:       100520,2042 Do not use a hatchet to remove a fly from your friend’s forehead. (Apparently a Chinese proverb)

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: What if the cost of a state license was around $16.25 (N.J. 1995 price) : and the cost of a Federal license were $18.00.

 in your example such a state would get 1/51 of $1.75, less the enormous amount the Federal government would pocket. Faced with a loss of revenue, the management programs such as stocking, would suffer in those places.  I personally would rather pay more, to fish some place good, than pay a little more just to be able to fish in more, mediocre places. As to those people who are not concerned the Federal government wouldn’t siphon off the money, check out Social Security. Last, the Federal government has no authority for creating such a law. Unless it is strictly a tax. If the states want to agree amoung themselves that’s another matter.

Each state would get 1/51 of 18.00 less the siphoned off funds (I would persume) not 1/51 of 1.75  why would the gov give the state 16.25? just because thats what they themselfs charge for a resident license? Most likely what will happen is the Fed gov will take over stocking operations, which will no doubt get mucked up and turn into a SUPERFUND waste.  Even though you say you will pay a little more for a state license in order to get better fishing,  others will not, and will be fishing right along side of you. there will be  no stocking done, the EPA will start screaming about LEAD,  the Attorny General will be screaming about Mercury, in the fish.   of course youll have to buy a saltwater license after that…. Personally I am begining to feel that it is not a good idea for the Gov to get involved within state fishing licenses.  the savings in order to fish in more than one state, does not compair to the costs that will be incurred with headaches.

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: What if the cost of a state license was around $16.25 (N.J. 1995 price) : and the cost of a Federal license were $18.00.

 in your example such a state would get 1/51 of $1.75, less the enormous amount the Federal government would pocket. Faced with a loss of revenue, the management programs such as stocking, would suffer in those places.  I personally would rather pay more, to fish some place good, than pay a little more just to be able to fish in more, mediocre places. As to those people who are not concerned the Federal government wouldn’t siphon off the money, check out Social Security. Last, the Federal government has no authority for creating such a law. Unless it is strictly a tax. If the states want to agree amoung themselves that’s another matter.

Each state would get 1/51 of 18.00 less the siphoned off funds (I would persume) not 1/51 of 1.75  why would the gov give the state 16.25? just because thats what they themselfs charge for a resident license? Most likely what will happen is the Fed gov will take over stocking operations, which will no doubt get mucked up and turn into a SUPERFUND waste.  Even though you say you will pay a little more for a state license in order to get better fishing,  others will not, and will be fishing right along side of you. there will be  no stocking done, the EPA will start screaming about LEAD,  the Attorny General will be screaming about Mercury, in the fish.   of course youll have to buy a saltwater license after that…. Personally I am begining to feel that it is not a good idea for the Gov to get involved within state fishing licenses.  the savings in order to fish in more than one state, does not compair to the costs that will be incurred with headaches.

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Personally I am begining to feel that it is not a good idea for the Gov to get involved within state fishing licenses.  the savings in order to fish in more than one state, does not compair to the costs that will be incurred with headaches.

Is it even legal?  The Constitution gives the federal government power to regulate interstate commerce.  Other powers it reserves for the states.  Is there some sort of precedent for this?  If there is, I’d think they’d want to make a national driver’s license before a national fishing license. | |                                                                       | | | John H. Kim          "Just try telling the IRS you don’t feel like    | | | Keeper of the Fishing FAQ        ftp://tuna.mit.edu/d/pub/fishing/faq |

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Personally I am begining to feel that it is not a good idea for the Gov to get involved within state fishing licenses.  the savings in order to fish in more than one state, does not compair to the costs that will be incurred with headaches. Is it even legal?  The Constitution gives the federal government power to regulate interstate commerce.  Other powers it reserves for the states.  Is there some sort of precedent for this?  If there is, I’d think they’d want to make a national driver’s license before a national fishing license.    John, they did!  It is the federal comercial drivers license (CDL)

and now costs $40 as opposed to the former class a license in Texas, which was $13!  Everything is legal if it’s unopposed!

Response:

The house of Rep. in washington is considering a bill to establish a national fishing license,  at this point it is only a bill to althorize the study of feasability of a national fishing license ( H.R. 406 ih) to read the actual bill go (http://thomas.loc.gov) do a search on the subject fishing.   At first I was upset at the thought of more goverment fees and regulations in order to enjoy my favort pasttime, but after really reading the bill, it may be a pretty good idea, we will be able to fish more than one state without having to buy out-of-state licenses What do you think about the idea of a national fishing license?

Response:

The problem with a national license is that all of the funds that are now generated by individule states for their particular fisheries managment programs would disapear.  

What if the cost of a state license was around $16.25 (N.J. 1995 price) and the cost of a Federal license were $18.00.  would you buy the federal license for a few more dollars and be able to fish anywhere,  or would you buy the state license?   I agree that there is much room for revenue abuse,  but would you make the purchase? Wally

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The house of Rep. in washington is considering a bill to establish a national fishing license,  at this point it is only a bill to althorize really reading the bill, it may be a pretty good idea, we will be able to fish more than one state without having to buy out-of-state licenses What do you think about the idea of a national fishing license?

The problem with a national license is that all of the funds that are now generated by individule states for their particular fisheries managment programs would disapear.  I’m sure that once Washington got ahold of the money it would somehow get diverted to some other use rather than fisheries managment.  Even though it would be nice to be able to fish anywhere with only one license, I think that this is a bad idea. MHO Bryan Stafford

Response:

: The problem with a national license is that all of the funds that are : now : generated by individule states for their particular fisheries managment : programs would disapear.   : What if the cost of a state license was around $16.25 (N.J. 1995 price) : and the cost of a Federal license were $18.00.  would you buy the federal : license for a few more dollars and be able to fish anywhere,  or would : you buy the state license?   This overlooks the fact that less populous states with good fishing benefit from the influx of non-resident license dollars. While it might save you some bucks, in your example such a state would get 1/51 of $1.75, less the enormous amount the Federal government would pocket. Faced with a loss of revenue, the management programs such as stocking, would suffer in those places.  I personally would rather pay more, to fish some place good, than pay a little more just to be able to fish in more, mediocre places. As to those people who are not concerned the Federal government wouldn’t siphon off the money, check out Social Security. Last, the Federal government has no authority for creating such a law. Unless it is strictly a tax. If the states want to agree amoung themselves that’s another matter.

Response:

       It will probably do the same thing the Federal commercial drivers license did!  I held a class A license since I was 21, but at $13 a year I could afford it even though I was no longer driving "big rigs".  The "Fed" came in and now the class A in Texas is $40!  I went back to a class c!        There is NO WAY I want the Federal Gov’t involved in "our" fishing, and if you take a look at what the NFWS is doing, you won’t either!!!

The way the bill reads ( H.R. 406) is that the Federal license would not replace the state license,  it would be available as an alternive. you could still opt to purchase the state license and fish only within the state,  or you could buy the Federal license and fish in any state.  also you would need to buy any additional spieces stamps that the state you wanted to fish in imposed, if you were going to fish for that spieces or in waters that were stocked with that spieces ( in N.J. you need to buy a trout stamp to fish for trout,   it costs about 8.75 and looks like a postage stamp,  you affix it to your license)

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