Question:

BTW- Moby, I’ve killfiled you based on all your moans and groans. Have a great life tho!

I seem to have developed a cult following….  Must be my irresistable charm and stuff. Does this mean I get a percentage of the gross sales? Moby. The dry wit of ages….

Response:

I seem to have developed a cult following….  Must be my irresistable charm and stuff. If you had "irresistable charm and stuff" then "cult following" would be spelt slightly differently… Alvey

You broke me up with that one.

Response:

BTW- Moby, I’ve killfiled you based on all your moans and groans. Have a great life tho!

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For those ppl to whom I have been an evil bitch…. I am sorry.   There is no excuse for the way I ripped into you.  No matter how much I disagreed with your posts, I should not have ’spoken’ to you in that manner. I suspect that those who should receive this apology have added me to their killfile, but no matter, I will have to rely upon word of mouth. I certainly don’t think this is the last time I will have to apologise to somebody for being ‘evil’ but hey…where’s the fun in 100% manners 100% of the time?

Response:

I certainly don’t think this is the last time I will have to apologise to somebody for being ‘evil’ but hey…where’s the fun in 100% manners 100%

of the time? Yeah… just ask some of the Aussie cricket team. : ) Nick

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For those ppl to whom I have been an evil bitch…. I am sorry.   There is no excuse for the way I ripped into you.  No matter how much I disagreed with your posts, I should not have ’spoken’ to you in that manner. I suspect that those who should receive this apology have added me to their killfile, but no matter, I will have to rely upon word of mouth. I certainly don’t think this is the last time I will have to apologise to somebody for being ‘evil’ but hey…where’s the fun in 100% manners 100% of the time? The ability to apologise is a rare (and treasured) thing in newsgroups. Good onya. Now all you need is a catchy sig and you’ll be away… Alvey In Brisbane, unable to think of a catch sig right at this point in time.

It’s certainly enough for me to remove a poster from the kill-file It’s probably the one thing that separates the decent ng members from the riff-raff: the ability to apologise and admit mistakes. Although I have nfi which particular one you’re apologising for. Moby.

Response:

For those ppl to whom I have been an evil bitch…. I am sorry.   There is no excuse for the way I ripped into you.  No matter how much I disagreed with your posts, I should not have ’spoken’ to you in that manner. I suspect that those who should receive this apology have added me to their killfile, but no matter, I will have to rely upon word of mouth. I certainly don’t think this is the last time I will have to apologise to somebody for being ‘evil’ but hey…where’s the fun in 100% manners 100% of the time?

Apologise to people in this group ?  You are not anevil bitch but a stupid one

Response:

For those ppl to whom I have been an evil bitch…. I am sorry.   There is no excuse for the way I ripped into you.  No matter how much I disagreed with your posts, I should not have ’spoken’ to you in that manner. I suspect that those who should receive this apology have added me to their killfile, but no matter, I will have to rely upon word of mouth. I certainly don’t think this is the last time I will have to apologise to somebody for being ‘evil’ but hey…where’s the fun in 100% manners 100% of the time?

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – For those ppl to whom I have been an evil bitch…. I am sorry.   There is no excuse for the way I ripped into you.  No matter how much I disagreed with your posts, I should not have ’spoken’ to you in that manner. I suspect that those who should receive this apology have added me to their killfile, but no matter, I will have to rely upon word of mouth. I certainly don’t think this is the last time I will have to apologise to somebody for being ‘evil’ but hey…where’s the fun in 100% manners 100% of the time?

The ability to apologise is a rare (and treasured) thing in newsgroups. Good onya. Now all you need is a catchy sig and you’ll be away… Alvey In Brisbane, unable to think of a catch sig right at this point in time.

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Well, all summer I have laughed at the Aussies as they lost relentlessly to the Kiwis, whom I rated as third rate. Boy, what I fool I look now. The Kiwis have just beaten world class cricketers England in a series somewhere. While the Aussies seemed to be addicted to losing to the Kiwis the Poms never lay down and nor did the easybeat South Africans. Now that New Zealand have tri-dicked the Aussies and dished up good serves to the Protias and won a series, albeit at home, to a classy side like the pom, I have to confess that New Zealand seems to have found 11 blokes with what it takes to play the game well. Well done to them, let’s hope it catches on and we learn to beat the Aussies at real sports, like fly fishing. – - – http://www.crackersport.com

I knew the title was too good to be true. You got me Oswald! Rourkster

Response:

Well, all summer I have laughed at the Aussies as they lost relentlessly to the Kiwis, whom I rated as third rate. Boy, what I fool I look now. The Kiwis have just beaten world class cricketers England in a series somewhere. While the Aussies seemed to be addicted to losing to the Kiwis the Poms never lay down and nor did the easybeat South Africans. Now that New Zealand have tri-dicked the Aussies and dished up good serves to the Protias and won a series, albeit at home, to a classy side like the pom, I have to confess that New Zealand seems to have found 11 blokes with what it takes to play the game well. Well done to them, let’s hope it catches on and we learn to beat the Aussies at real sports, like fly fishing. – - – http://www.crackersport.com

Response:

Question:

I have 4 floating fly lines (DT5 and DT4 sizes) that have been on reels since they were last used in 1985.  They were never used very hard (maybe 2 to 3 weeks each year for about 5 years), and I would like to save them if I can.  I’m not sure of the manufacturer, but I know they were "premier" lines. My concerns are (1) they are dirty and will not float, and (2) they will have a permamnent "curly" set to the size of the spool.  Can they be salvaged (cleaned and straightened), and how?

Response:

I have 4 floating fly lines (DT5 and DT4 sizes) that have been on reels since they were last used in 1985.  They were never used very hard (maybe 2 to 3 weeks each year for about 5 years), and I would like to save them if I can.  I’m not sure of the manufacturer, but I know they were "premier" lines. My concerns are (1) they are dirty and will not float, and (2) they will have a permamnent "curly" set to the size of the spool.  Can they be salvaged (cleaned and straightened), and how?

I managed to save an old level sinking line that I found in my mum’s basement.  I had purchased the line in ‘70 and tried it a few times then wound it up in a skein and tossed it in a box.  When I found it, it was hopelessly kinked and dirty.  After repeated applications, this cheap line ended up looking new. I lated cut it up and used it for sinking heads. Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://members.home.net/pcharles/streamers/index.html

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You could try washing them in plain soap and water, drying them, and coating them. 3M makes a nice line cleaning kit. You may be able to remove the curls by holding about 3-4 feet of  between your hands, pulling tightly, the taking the next 3-4 feet and repeating. Tim Lysyk – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My concerns are (1) they are dirty and will not float, and (2) they will have a permamnent "curly" set to the size of the spool.  Can they be salvaged (cleaned and straightened), and how?

Response:

there are a number of good line treatment products on the market that should help restore your line – Russ Peak’s Glide works well as does Gherke’s Pz. Apply a small amount to a clean soft cloth and run the line through the cloth several times under hand tension. Prior washing in mild soapy water and running through a moist cloth will remove a lot of dirt as well. recently I’ve found Scotch brand micro fibre cloths very effective for cleaning fly lines. RalphH – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have 4 floating fly lines (DT5 and DT4 sizes) that have been on reels since they were last used in 1985.  They were never used very hard (maybe 2 to 3 weeks each year for about 5 years), and I would like to save them if I can.  I’m not sure of the manufacturer, but I know they were "premier" lines. My concerns are (1) they are dirty and will not float, and (2) they will have a permamnent "curly" set to the size of the spool.  Can they be salvaged (cleaned and straightened), and how?

Response:

  Does a wf-3 work on the three forks rod, or does it do better with a 4wt?

I prefer a 3WF with my 3WT Three Forks rod. Some people (at least one, anyway) think that WF lines are a marketing scam, and that you’re a fool unless you buy a DT and cut it in half.

Response:

I prefer a 3WF with my 3WT Three Forks rod. Some people (at least one, anyway) think that WF lines are a marketing scam, and that you’re a fool unless you buy a DT and cut it in half.

Well, I ain’t no fool and I didn’t cut my DT in half.  I folded it over and can now cast two flies without using a dropper.  Hah!  Doesn’t load very well though.  Kinda gets stuck in the guides. Ya, know, sitting here, writing this, I think of those long nights around a campfire at a clave and trying to figure out who would jump up and try this after it was mentioned.  Okay, so that would mean you use a DT4 on a 8wt rod for it to load?  Who’s gonna be the first to make a fly rod with spinning rod guides so we can do this?  Why is Miami wearing those god-awful uniforms? Frank "Eggnog and Tequila" Reid Reverse email to reply

Response:

Well, I ain’t no fool and I didn’t cut my DT in half.  I folded it over and can now cast two flies without using a dropper.  Hah!  Doesn’t load very well though.  Kinda gets stuck in the guides. Ya, know, sitting here, writing this, I think of those long nights around a campfire at a clave and trying to figure out who would jump up and try this after it was mentioned.  

Sorry to hear that Frank. Okay, so that would mean you use a DT4 on a 8wt rod for it to load?  Who’s gonna be the first to make a fly rod with spinning rod guides so we can do this?  

One of Peter’s canons or a saltwater 10wt should be able to cope with a couple of 5wts.  or 3x 4’s on a 12 … or … Why is Miami wearing those god-awful uniforms?

Marketing.  Uniforms must change regularly for to maintain sales.   Occasionally (every other change of strip IME) someone gets it wrong, hence the god-awfulness. Frank "Eggnog and Tequila" Reid

Cripes, they must be if  they look bad after eggnog and tequila! Steve

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  If you have any questions ask these guys they know what they are talking about. Zack  

Well, at least about ff. Russell

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I live on a boat and my mom wrote a book of activities for kids to do while on the water. Needless to say, I do a lot of fishing.As for the my family’s domain name

And a fine one it is. Does your mom know you read ROFF? If I were 14, it would intimidate the heck out of me! — TL, Tim (Just between you and me, these guys aren’t NEAR as scary in person.)

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s a web site for a boating activity book written for families who enjoy being on the water. Seems harmless to me. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com I dunno guys. . .  you were very gracious in your info.  But . . . Dave, what the helly are you talking about? The kid’s family has a  domain name… and? What’s so freaking sinister about that? Paranoia is alive and well, eh? — TL, Tim I live on a boat and my mom wrote a book of activities for kids to do while on the water. Needless to say, I do a lot of fishing.As for the my family’s domain name Alex

Alex, Sorry if I weirded you out with my prior post.  You just keep asking questions,  of anybody and everybody who will listen. That is how I tried to do it.  Still trying. . . many . . . many years beyond 14. BestWishes, DaveMohnsen Denver

Response:

I live on a boat and my mom wrote a book of activities for kids to  do while on the water. Needless to say, I do a lot of fishing.As for  the my family’s domain name And a fine one it is. Does your mom know you read ROFF? If I were 14, it would intimidate the heck out of me!

What is ROFF? I have been trying to figure it out. Is it some kind of accronym? I acctualy have done a little Fly fishing with a cheap wal-mart set, but the level line is really hard to cast, and its a little heavy for small stream work. Does a wf-3 work on the three forks rod, or does it do better with a 4wt? Thanks, Alex

Response:

Why is Miami wearing those god-awful uniforms? Frank "Eggnog and Tequila" Reid Cripes, they must be if  they look bad after eggnog and tequila! Steve

I’ve spewed better colors and I think I will again soon. Nighty nite – — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply

Response:

Why is Miami wearing those god-awful uniforms? Frank "Eggnog and Tequila" Reid Cripes, they must be if  they look bad after eggnog and tequila! Steve I’ve spewed better colors and I think I will again soon.

*splork* Nighty nite –

hooroo Frank, 2:30 PM here and not a bad day weather wise. Steve

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I prefer a 3WF with my 3WT Three Forks rod. Some people (at least one, anyway) think that WF lines are a marketing scam, and that you’re a fool unless you buy a DT and cut it in half. Well, I ain’t no fool and I didn’t cut my DT in half.  I folded it over and can now cast two flies without using a dropper.  Hah!  Doesn’t load very well though.  Kinda gets stuck in the guides. Ya, know, sitting here, writing this, I think of those long nights around a campfire at a clave and trying to figure out who would jump up and try this after it was mentioned.  Okay, so that would mean you use a DT4 on a 8wt rod for it to load?  Who’s gonna be the first to make a fly rod with spinning rod guides so we can do this?  Why is Miami wearing those god-awful uniforms? Frank "Eggnog and Tequila" Reid Reverse email to reply

<splork! Russell Thinking perhaps Frank had done a few too many Full Reids.

Response:

Hi, I am a 14 year old kid who has just bought a clearwater 3/4 reel, rio classic 3wt line, and am looking to get the much talked about Cabelas three forks 3wt. What i was wondering is: Is this a good outfit for a beginer who will be fishing mostly small sreams? Is the three forks rod a fast or slow action, and how much does it weigh? Any help would be much appreciated, Alex

Response:

Hi, I am a 14 year old kid who has just bought a clearwater 3/4 reel, rio classic 3wt line, and am looking to get the much talked about Cabelas three forks 3wt. What i was wondering is: Is this a good outfit for a beginer who will be fishing mostly small sreams? Is the three forks rod a fast or slow action, and how much does it weigh? Any help would be much appreciated, Alex

Hi Alex, from a collector and user of Three Forks rods, I highly recommend the 3 wt 3 piece..it’s a 7 footer and ought to be ideal for fishing small streams. I can’t tell you for sure what it weighs, but it is a light rod and one you can handle with no problem. I would class this rod in the medium action, maybe even a tad on the slow side of medium. In any event, how could you go wrong with a rod that costs 40 bucks?  If it turns out you are not happy with it, Cabela’s has a liberal return policy, so you really are risking nothing. All the guys here who have purchased and used the rod seem to be happy with it, including me. Good luck, and let us know how this works out for you. Frank Church Elkhart, IN

Response:

Cabela’s Three Forks Fly Combo Model Length Pieces Weight Qty Price 763 7′6" 3 3  $49.99 805 8′ 2 5  $49.99 865 8′6" 2 5  $49.99 866 8′6" 2 6  $49.99 907 9′ 2 7  $49.99 908 9′ 2 8  $49.99

Response:

Hi, I am a 14 year old kid who has just bought a clearwater 3/4 reel, rio classic 3wt line, and am looking to get the much talked about Cabelas three forks 3wt. What i was wondering is: Is this a good outfit for a beginer who will be fishing mostly small sreams? Is the three forks rod a fast or slow action, and how much does it weigh? Any help would be much appreciated,

Based on what their web site says, it’s probably a medium to medium/slow rod.  That might be just what you want.  Or you might find your casting style tends toward a faster rod.  If you don’t like it, return it and try a faster one.  I would usually recommend a 4 wt. as the lightest beginners should try.  Lighter than that it starts getting hard to control the line because it’s so light.  For small streams, you’ll be making a lot of short 10-25 foot casts.  Remember that a rod is rated at about 30 feet of line in the air.  I recommend you get a spare spool (inexpensive for Clearwaters) and get a 4 wt line as well if you can afford it.  Then try both lines on the rod.  In any case, even if you return the rod for a different action or size, you’ll still be in good shape.  You’ll probably own another rod someday anyway if you stick with the sport

Response:

What is ROFF? I have been trying to figure it out. Is it some kind of accronym? I acctualy have done a little Fly fishing with a cheap wal-mart set, but the level line is really hard to cast, and its a little heavy for small stream work. Does a wf-3 work on the three forks rod, or does it do better with a 4wt? Thanks, Alex

The WF-3 line will do just fine on the Three Forks rod Alex, assuming you get the Three Forks 3 wt rod. There is a whole line of Three Forks rods, from 3 wt up thru 8 wt. You could overline the rod with a WF-4, but given the kind of fishing you’ll be doing, I don’t see the necessity of that. ROFF is the initials of the usenet group, Rec.Outdoors.Fishing.Fly, now do it make sense? Frank Church

Response:

What is ROFF? I have been trying to figure it out. Is it some kind of accronym? I acctualy have done a little Fly fishing with a cheap wal-mart set, but the level line is really hard to cast, and its a little heavy for small stream work. Does a wf-3 work on the three forks rod, or does it do better with a 4wt? Thanks, Alex

The WF 3 should be fine on your 3wt rod.  Often, the older rods would be "over lined" with a heavier line to get the max benefit.  Most modern rods are matched to the line weight marked on them.  Keep it simple and keep the 3wt line. ROFF stands for Rec.Outdoors.Fishing.Fly, the newsgroup you are in.  You may also read about ROFFT, which is ROFF.tying or ABPF: alt.binaries.pictures.fishing. Welcome to the sport, your soul now belongs to the stream and your wallet to the tackle retailers. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply

Response:

Hi, I am a 14 year old kid who has just bought a clearwater 3/4 reel, rio classic 3wt line, and am looking to get the much talked about Cabelas three forks 3wt. What i was wondering is: Is this a good outfit for a beginer who will be fishing mostly small sreams? Is the three forks rod a fast or slow action, and how much does it weigh? Any help would be much appreciated, Alex

It is cool to see some other people around my age getting into the sport. I started when I was 13. I am now 16, and the same rod I bought then 7′6 3 wt Sage DS series I still am using, I have had numerous chances to buy another supposedly better rod, but there are way to many memories put into that rod. I am sure your first rod will be the same. Good luck in all your fishing. Stay with it at first and you will a fly fishing addict like the members of this post. If you have any questions ask these guys they know what they are talking about. Zack  

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s a web site for a boating activity book written for families who enjoy being on the water. Seems harmless to me. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com I dunno guys. . .  you were very gracious in your info.  But . . . Dave, what the helly are you talking about? The kid’s family has a  domain name… and? What’s so freaking sinister about that? Paranoia is alive and well, eh? — TL, Tim

I live on a boat and my mom wrote a book of activities for kids to do while on the water. Needless to say, I do a lot of fishing.As for the my family’s domain name Alex

Response:

Hi, I am a 14 year old kid who has just bought a clearwater 3/4 reel, rio classic 3wt line, and am looking to get the much talked about Cabelas three forks 3wt. What i was wondering is: Is this a good outfit for a beginer who will be fishing mostly small sreams? Is the three forks rod a fast or slow action, and how much does it weigh? Any help would be much appreciated, Alex

I bought the 7 1/2 foot three piece 3wt. a few months ago as a backup for a trip to North Carolina.  I haven’t actually fished with it yet, but I spent an hour or so test casting it side by side with a two piece St. Croix Legend Ultra in the same length and weight.  The Cabela’s rod definitely has a slower action, which is a considerable advantage when fishing a very short line.  The rod loads easier with twenty feet or less of line out.  With a moderate to long line….up to about fifty feet, I could detect no significant difference in performance.  For those who like to cast a really long line, and are able to, I suspect that the stiffer St. Croix will perform better, but that’s not what a short three weight is for anyway. The weight of this rod is not printed anywhere on the rod itself, and a glance at Cabela’s website didn’t turn up any information either.  But, aside from satisfying curiosity, the weight of a small rod like this one really isn’t much of an issue…..ALL short three weights are going to be VERY light. One serious shortcoming of this rod hasn’t been mentioned yet in this thread.  A number of people have mentioned that the reel seat has a tendency to come off.  As a matter of fact, the components for the reel seat are obviously cheap, and this is a serious drawback at least in terms of esthetics.  However, I believe that all those who have suffered this mishap were able to fix it pretty easily with a bit of epoxy. Good luck and let us know how it works for you. Wolfgang

Response:

Hi, I am a 14 year old kid who has just bought a clearwater 3/4 reel, rio classic 3wt line, and am looking to get the much talked about Cabelas three forks 3wt. What i was wondering is: Is this a good outfit for a beginer who will be fishing mostly small sreams? Is the three forks rod a fast or slow action, and how much does it weigh? Any help would be much appreciated, Alex

I dunno guys. . .  you were very gracious in your info.  But . . . Any 14 year old now days normally uses a spell checker better than us, and it is automatic, and they have better computers than most of us. . .when they were younger. Coincidence perhaps? Yeh . . .I guess so. But nice to know some of youse guys can be nice, DaveMohnsen Denver

Response:

Hi, I am a 14 year old kid who has just bought a clearwater 3/4 reel,

    (considerate, thoughtful advice to newbie snipped) Good luck and let us know how it works for you. Wolfgang

    now, see there:  you *can* be a nice man! yfitons wayno  (but it ain’t like i’m gonna hold my breath waiting for the next exemplar…)

Response:

I dunno guys. . .  you were very gracious in your info.  But . . .

Dave, what the helly are you talking about? The kid’s family has a domain name… and? What’s so freaking sinister about that? –Steve

Response:

I dunno guys. . .  you were very gracious in your info.  But . . . Dave, what the helly are you talking about? The kid’s family has a domain name… and? What’s so freaking sinister about that?

Paranoia is alive and well, eh? — TL, Tim

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I dunno guys. . .  you were very gracious in your info.  But . . . Dave, what the helly are you talking about? The kid’s family has a domain name… and? What’s so freaking sinister about that? Paranoia is alive and well, eh? — TL, Tim

Heh . . .heh.  I guess you’re right.  Uh . . .and why are you watching my posts anyway? . . .Geesh they are everywhere! Dave (cripes . . .can’t even post on the internet anymore without people reading my drivel. ’spect we’ll even see surveillance cameras soon . . .I’ll keep looking to warn ya all . . .they’re comin’ I tell ya . . .they’re comin’ . . .sshhsh . . .quiet . . did you hear somethin’? . . .I think they are even in the ‘puters!)

Response:

It’s a web site for a boating activity book written for families who enjoy being on the water. Seems harmless to me. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana www.diamondnoutfitters.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I dunno guys. . .  you were very gracious in your info.  But . . . Dave, what the helly are you talking about? The kid’s family has a domain name… and? What’s so freaking sinister about that? Paranoia is alive and well, eh? — TL, Tim

Response:

I’ve fished lake with a worm and stuff from shore but this flyfishing thing sounds cool and I wanted to know how to get started.  You see Christmas is coming soon and I’ve been good this year.  I need to tell Santa what I want so he can check it once and check it twice.  What do I need to get started and how do I get started?  I don’t want a lump of coal in my sock this years. JA

Response:

http://ezflyfish.com/outfits1.html

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve fished lake with a worm and stuff from shore but this flyfishing thing sounds cool and I wanted to know how to get started.  You see Christmas is coming soon and I’ve been good this year.  I need to tell Santa what I want so he can check it once and check it twice.  What do I need to get started and how do I get started?  I don’t want a lump of coal in my sock this years. JA

Response:

I’ve fished lake with a worm and stuff from shore but this flyfishing thing sounds cool and I wanted to know how to get started.

Josh, someone already posted the link to where you can get the gear (ezflyfish.com), but here are some links to info which you might find helpful. http://www.flyanglersonline.com/ http://www.anglinguk.net/beginners/fly.htm http://www.iflyshop.com/flyfishing-beginners.htm http://www.flyanglersonline.com/begin/101/ http://www.fishin.com/sale/woodsandwaters/articles/fly-fish-beginners.ht m http://home.mcn.net/~n2trout/mff/flyfishi.htm http://www.flyshop.com/skills/ — Warren www.geocities.com/troutbum_mt

Response:

What might be the way to go, is to join you local fly fishing club, or hire the local fly fishing pro to take you fishing and see what gear is being used on your home waters.  What you buy will depend on what you are fishing for, how much money you want to invest, and personal tastes.   Padishar Creel — Hard not to suggest a rod or two for him…

Response:

A good way to get started with quality yet low priced gear (IMHO) is to check out the rod combo’s at Cabelas (www.cabelas.com). For +- $100 you can get into a rod that you can fish for a few years, see if you like the sport and then upgrade. I would start with a 9′ 5wt. Its a nice all-purpose rod. Well, as close to all-purpose as one can get. I personally think 3 rods in the minimum. I have a 7′ 3wt for small water, a  9′ 5wt for bigger water and a 9′ 8wt for steelheadin’. Just my $.02, Randy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve fished lake with a worm and stuff from shore but this flyfishing thing sounds cool and I wanted to know how to get started.  You see Christmas is coming soon and I’ve been good this year.  I need to tell Santa what I want so he can check it once and check it twice.  What do I need to get started and how do I get started?  I don’t want a lump of coal in my sock this years. JA

Response:

your local flyshop guy can help if you can tell him the kind/size fish you are going after and your budget…in my opinion, spend more on a rod and less on a reel…it is really your most important tool and makes a big difference…avoid the temptation to go too light…when I started fly fishing with some seriousness, I used a 6 weight Fenwick rod and a cheap reel.  It was a little heavy for the stream I was fishing, but it was an easy rod to learn to cast with.  My brother, Salvelinas Fontinalis, uses that rod now and is as happy about it as I was before he got his hands on it.  I’ve since bought more rods than you want to know and spend most of my streamside time with a Ted Knott bamboo rod, 4/5 weight, 7′, which has become a good friend.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – A good way to get started with quality yet low priced gear (IMHO) is to check out the rod combo’s at Cabelas (www.cabelas.com). For +- $100 you can get into a rod that you can fish for a few years, see if you like the sport and then upgrade. I would start with a 9′ 5wt. Its a nice all-purpose rod. Well, as close to all-purpose as one can get. I personally think 3 rods in the minimum. I have a 7′ 3wt for small water, a  9′ 5wt for bigger water and a 9′ 8wt for steelheadin’. Just my $.02, Randy I’ve fished lake with a worm and stuff from shore but this flyfishing thing sounds cool and I wanted to know how to get started.  You see Christmas is coming soon and I’ve been good this year.  I need to tell Santa what I want so he can check it once and check it twice.  What do I need to get started and how do I get started?  I don’t want a lump of coal in my sock this years. JA

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Question:

Hi, could anyone suggest a stream, pond, or other fly fishing within a short drive from Monterey CA?  I will be there in October and hoped I could try some western fishing.  (I live and fish on the Gulf Coast.) Thanks in advance, john

Response:

There are a few rivers in the area…. You should check the regulations before coming but here they are- Big Sur River, San Lorenzo River and Soquel Creek.  You may be a bit early as these are Steelhead rivers but it would be fun to wet a line.  If you don’t mind driving 2 hrs I could really list tons of great water. Thanks,Forrest — Forrest http://www.FlyFishingREVIEW.com FlyFishingREVIEW.com Win any Sage Rod at FlyFishingREVIEW.com!!! Hi, could anyone suggest a stream, pond, or other fly fishing within a short drive from Monterey CA?  I will be there in October and hoped I could try some western fishing.  (I live and fish on the Gulf Coast.) Thanks in advance, john

– Forrest http://www.FlyFishingREVIEW.com FlyFishingREVIEW.com Before you buy.

Response:

If you want to try fishing the surf, you can fish for surf perch right off a number of beaches.  I have seen a number of discussions on this on Dan blanton’s web site, www.danblanton.com.  Check out the archives for previous discussions.  I have fished Manrissa, (sp??) Beach a few times and have had a great time. Chris

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Question:

Hi All, I just spent a week at a wonderful little cottage on the edge of Glacier National Park, MT. The fishing was outstanding! It was the perfect place for a fishing base in the Glacier area – convenient location near restaurants, stores, etc. near some of the best fishing in Montana.  I’d highly recommend it to all anglers. http://www.GlacierParadise.com –Skoop

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, I just spent a week at a wonderful little cottage on the edge of Glacier National Park, MT. The fishing was outstanding! It was the perfect place for a fishing base in the Glacier area – convenient location near restaurants, stores, etc. near some of the best fishing in Montana.  I’d highly recommend it to all anglers. http://www.GlacierParadise.com –Skoop I

Question:

Hi all, lost the ‘alt.flyfishing’ newsgroup and when trying to add it again, it was removed again. Is it still there or has it been terminated for lack of interest? Bert

Response:

I guess it t-boned.. (to t-bone: to disappear abruptly, only to reappear even more unexpectantly) OBROFF: I’ll be leaving on holidays in only tree days from now, staying almost on the banks of the biggest reservoir in the Netherlands (Veerse Meer). Any tips on patterns still welcome.. Hi all, lost the ‘alt.flyfishing’ newsgroup and when trying to add it again, it was removed again. Is it still there or has it been terminated for lack of interest? Bert

– Cheers, Herman Herman Nijland Daytime webmaster Lifetime flyfisher

Response:

Hi Herman something Have a good time my friend Cheers Hans – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I guess it t-boned.. (to t-bone: to disappear abruptly, only to reappear even more unexpectantly) OBROFF: I’ll be leaving on holidays in only tree days from now, staying almost on the banks of the biggest reservoir in the Netherlands (Veerse Meer). Any tips on patterns still welcome.. Hi all, lost the ‘alt.flyfishing’ newsgroup and when trying to add it again, it was removed again. Is it still there or has it been terminated for lack of interest? Bert — Cheers, Herman Herman Nijland Daytime webmaster Lifetime flyfisher

Response:

It’s there and it’s profound as hell. — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

Response:

It’s there and it’s profound as hell. Silence *is* profound I suppose<g.

If a newsgroup fails and there’s no one there to hear it does it still make a sound? …you bet it would….if it landed on top of your head, your head, if it landed on top of your heeeeaaaaadddd… Sorry, violent cartoon flashbacks, disregard,      - Ken — "During my service in the United States Congress, I took the  initiative in creating the Internet."  - Al Gore

Response:

No, no, you can’t do that! The verb t-bone has already been defined…

Yep. From the _Chicago Tribune_ Thursday July 8, 1999. Quotables "It takes intense concentration just to stay in my lane. And when you’re covering a mile every five seconds, you just hope that security has cleared the course so you don’t T-bone some Winnebago that’s out there." -Race driver Craig Breedlove who has set five world land-speed records and plans to try to break the 760 m.p.h. sound barrier in September in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. Sorry, Tim, but the verb T-bone hasn’t made the OED… yet. — Ken Fortenberry

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It’s there and it’s profound as hell.

LOL! Good one, TBone. In the last 30 days there have been 63 threads started on alt.flyfishing. 48 of them never received even a single response from anyone (probably because most of them are advertisements. Leaving 15 threads with actual followups – mostly 1 or 2, a few between 3 and  5. Mostly pure beginner stuff, mostly going unanswered. I didn’t count the cross-posted troll from the alt.romath group with the 410 followups… It took me a while to find the "profound as hell" thread, but here it is in case anyone else missed it. Not easy. Not easy.

But methaphoric as hell. "Methaphoric"?  Whoa – you’re right, TBone. That’s profound as hell… /daytripper (killing time waiting for a compile to finish)

Response:

[snipped] Gov. Johnson was quoted as saying something close to (as close as my memory can get me), "I was skiing down the slope, and the next thing I knew, I got t-boned by this kid". Anyways, this definition probably has its uses on ROFF as well

Given TBone’s predilection for gay references, the verb form must only apply when struck from behind. /daytripper ;^)

Response:

Question:

Bob, While not in the Akron area, I can give some advice re:  fly fishing in Ohio. Recommend you fish a stream in the tailwaters downstream from a dam.    Barring that, get in the middle of any rocky stream with riffles and fish the pools right up against the bank.  My fishing buddies and I are doing well with a 4 or 5 wt. rod with floating line.  We’re catching smallmouth bass, sunfish and crappie with size 6 or 8 surface pan poppers, Sneaky Pete’s and crickets.  I also have had some luck with a size 6 minnow streamer.  Best time is from sunup ’till late morning. Largemouth don’t appear to be at all active in this summer heat; you can try but I wouldn’t spend a lot of time on them.  It’s not Montana or Wyoming, but we’re having a lot of fun!  Forget the lakes; they’re for boat and bait fishing.  And contrary to what the shops tell you (remember, they sell bait), we fly flingers appear to be the only ones catching fish this summer!  The bait people aren’t doing so hot (unless you like catfish and carp), and people going for the big stuff are walking away empty handed.  Even a lot of the big, bad bass fishermen with their 4 quadrillion horsepower motors are docking their boats during July and August.  The only trout stream is the Mad River west of Columbus in the springtime and steelhead up by Lake Erie in the late Fall.  Good luck and good fishing. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – On my way to ohio for a week 1 Aug, anyone know of any flyfishing to be done there?  I have made some phone calls and the shops all seem to say bring my spinning outfit, which I don’t want to do.  I will be around the Akron area but I will travel to get to a good spot.  Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Bob

Response:

On my way to ohio for a week 1 Aug, anyone know of any flyfishing to be done there?  I have made some phone calls and the shops all seem to say bring my spinning outfit, which I don’t want to do.  I will be around the Akron area but I will travel to get to a good spot.  Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Bob

Response:

If you mean fly-fishing for trout, check out the Clear Fork (south of Mansfield) of the Mad River (around Urbana).  You can find a good write-up of both on the Virtual Flyshop at http://www.flyshop.com/Centers/Midwest/7-98Mad/index.html : On my way to ohio for a week 1 Aug, anyone know of any flyfishing to be done : there?  I have made some phone calls and the shops all seem to say bring my : spinning outfit, which I don’t want to do.  I will be around the Akron area but : I will travel to get to a good spot.  Any info would be greatly appreciated. : Thanks Bob —                        http://members.tripod.com/~trunculo/index

Response:

Sorry to follow-up my own post, but I meant to say Clear Fork *or* Mad River. : If you mean fly-fishing for trout, check out the Clear Fork (south of : Mansfield) of the Mad River (around Urbana).  You can find a good              ^^ —                        http://members.tripod.com/~trunculo/index

Response:

The Mad river is said to be one of the finest trout rivers in the state, however it is a several hour drive to get to it. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – On my way to ohio for a week 1 Aug, anyone know of any flyfishing to be done there?  I have made some phone calls and the shops all seem to say bring my spinning outfit, which I don’t want to do.  I will be around the Akron area but I will travel to get to a good spot.  Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Bob

Response:

On my way to ohio for a week 1 Aug, anyone know of any flyfishing to be done there?  I have made some phone calls and the shops all seem to say bring my spinning outfit, which I don’t want to do.  I will be around the Akron area but I will travel to get to a good spot.  Any info would be greatly

appreciated. For trout your best shot in the near-Akron area would be the Clear Fork of the Mohican, down around Mansfield.  I’d guess that’s about 50 miles from Akron, though, so it’d be a long haul. Lately the pond and small lake fishing hasn’t been too good.  Bluegills will still bite, but of course bluegills will *always* bite.  The water has warmed up and the largemouths have developed lockjaw, although you might get lucky.  Try some of the ponds in the Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area north of Akron.  Stay OUT of the lower Cuyahoga River – too polluted to mess with. If you can get into the upper Cuyahoga (anywhere upstream of the dam in Cuyahoga Falls) you can probably do alright.  Best of luck. — Bob Jarvis Mail address hacked to foil spammers!

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Question:

Joel, you are a man after my own heart.  About the only difference is I fish dry flies and I do have a #1 Hoffman grizzly saddle which ties magnificent dry flies, and each hackle will tie 4 to 7 flies.   Ernie Harrison I’ve learned to become an ecconomical tyer over the years. I have a real

difficult time spending $60 plus on a chicken skin, so when I fish dries it usually comparaduns,

sparkle duns, LaFontaine – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Emergers, terrestrials, etc. They all work and float great and there’s no expensive hackle involved. jka

Response:

 Discounting my time, I figure a fly costs me $0.05-0.10 each to make.

Where do you buy your hooks? I pay over 10 cents each buying them in 100 packs? Willi

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve learned to become an ecconomical tyer over the years. I have a real difficult time spending $60 plus on a chicken skin, so when I fish dries it usually comparaduns, sparkle duns, LaFontaine Emergers, terrestrials, etc. They all work and float great and there’s no expensive hackle involved. <Snip If you got to have all the bells and whistles and if you refuse to improvise a little, sure, you’ll spend a fortune on this hobby. But at this point in the game I spend far less a year on materials than I would on "quality" flies at $1.75 or more each. jka  Have you tried the Tom Thumb? It is THE dry fly in British Columbia. Can be fished as a caddis or mayfly imitation and uses three materials: hook, working thread, and deer hair. It is described in The Gilly. — Vic Brockett Vic’s Fly-By-Night http://www.navicom.com/~vic I’ve learned to become an ecconomical tyer over the years. I have a real difficult time spending $60 plus on a chicken skin, so when I fish dries it usually comparaduns, sparkle duns, LaFontaine Emergers, terrestrials, etc. They all work and float great and there’s no expensive hackle involved. <Snip If you got to have all the bells and whistles and if you refuse to improvise a little, sure, you’ll spend a fortune on this hobby. But at this point in the game I spend far less a year on materials than I would on "quality" flies at $1.75 or more each. jka

 Have you tried the Tom Thumb? It is THE dry fly in British Columbia. Can be fished as a caddis or mayfly imitation and uses three materials: hook, working thread, and deer hair. It is described in The Gilly. — Vic Brockett Vic’s Fly-By-Night http://www.navicom.com/~vic

Response:

<Bulk of excellent reply snipped  Then there are the "secret" patterns, a few of which are not available anywhere but on my vice and that of a couple close friends. Discounting my time, I figure a fly costs me $0.05-0.10 each to make. The time is no big deal, I usually tie on those slow Sundays when I’m actively not watching some sports megaevent on TV, or during the long cold winters here in Maine. tight lines!

Dave I think you hit it right on the head. Tying gives you the ability to produce exactly what you need to catch fish on a consistant basis on your local streams/rivers.  Plus it’s fun, plus, what do you do in Wisconsin when it’s -30 with wind chill in Wisconsin in February???? Tight lines, Steve Hering

Response:

I notice that the responses to this original post are now starting to take on the notion of defending fly tying for its own sake.  A cause which I believe I showed support for in the original post.  Please understand that I love tying flies and that I think it worth every penny I’ve ever spent (and will continue to spend) in the future.  Also, I’m not surprised that some of you out there who fish more often actually do manage to get a ‘volume discount’ on your flies by tying them yourselves. My original intent was meant to coax a wry smile from fellow tiers who are still ‘over capitalized’ with regard to their supply of fly tying materials….and probably will remain so for some time.  My hats off to all of you who have managed to tie economically.  (Actually, I don’t envy you so much for your money saving acumen as I do for the fact that you are probably saving because you go fishing a lot more than I do!)–                                                            -dnc- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here’s one in the "jokes-on-me" category. How many fly tyers out there got started, like me, because you thought you’d save a lot of money? (Don’t get me wrong.  I get a lot of fun out of tying, and it’s hard to think of anything better than site casting a dry you tied to a fish and having him get fooled.  But I still have to laugh at myself about my initial misconception about tying.)                                                                -dnc-

Response:

D., You obviously haven’t bought your first #1 neck yet.  It’ll more than double your initial $60 outlay.  (And getting that vise for free is cheating!).  If you really get into tying, and you are interested in tying many different patterns, let me know how it all works out, a couple years from now (after your s.o. has left you for a more frugal s.o.).  The $10000 may be an exaggeration (or maybe not, maybe the guy bought some Dodo feathers???), but I have spent at least $500 so far, and I’m not nearly as well set up as some of the really good tyers I know. If you are economically able to tie a variety of flies, and you aren’t lucky enough to have your buddies give you all the necessary materials, I’d be more than happy to suffer the slings and arrows of a ‘told-you-so’ from you (just as long as it’s accompanied by some useful hints on how I might likewise economize)–                                                            -dnc- – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – < 10k in equipment?  Not saving money tying flies?  Where you guys shopping?   Just started tying.  ….  [snip] have a total investment of 60 bucks.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many fly tyers out there got started, like me, because you thought you’d save a lot of money? …….But I still have to laugh at myself about my initial misconception about tying.)                                  -dnc- I completely disagree with you.  I figure it costs me less than 50 cents per fly, and I have a less than $10,000 in equipment and materials.   Paul < 10k in equipment?  Not saving money tying flies?  Where you guys shopping? Just started tying.  Vise was free, used, but holds a hook no problems. Bobbin, couple types of scissors, thread, tinsel, wire, dubbing, herl, shaved a few bunnies at a friends ranch, mask, pheasant tail, etc….  I have a total investment of 60 bucks.  I have tied about 40 flies so far. Where I live  40 flies = 40 bucks, at least.  How could you not save money, even eventually as Paul (10k ??? are you serious?  Nah, can’t be.) pointed out.  I spend about 15 bucks avg on flies each trip, at least. Figure30-40 trips a year of varying degrees and I save lots of money every year. Ok, I’m ready to justify that Renzetti to my s.o. D. Howell

Denial!!! Plus, "I’m ready to justify that Renzetti to my s.o."… That’s a sure sign that there’s another one hooked pretty good…. You should save your note and review it and your inventory of tying stuff in five years…. Greg

Response:

– dave’s homepage madness http://www.ime.net/~dbottom  Discounting my time, I figure a fly costs me $0.05-0.10 each to make. Where do you buy your hooks? I pay over 10 cents each buying them in 100 packs? Willi

I got hooks coming out my ears for most styles…but the last box of hooks I bought, 94840’s were about $5.50 so maybe the estimate was slightly low..given that those hooks cost 5.5 cents each, 10 cents is still pretty close on the cost dave — dave’s homepage madness http://www.ime.net/~dbottom

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve learned to become an ecconomical tyer over the years. I have a real difficult time spending $60 plus on a chicken skin, so when I fish dries it usually comparaduns, sparkle duns, LaFontaine Emergers, terrestrials, etc. They all work and float great and there’s no expensive hackle involved. <Snip If you got to have all the bells and whistles and if you refuse to improvise a little, sure, you’ll spend a fortune on this hobby. But at this point in the game I spend far less a year on materials than I would on "quality" flies at $1.75 or more each. jka

 Have you tried the Tom Thumb? It is THE dry fly in British Columbia. Can be fished as a caddis or mayfly imitation and uses three materials: hook, working thread, and deer hair. It is described in The Gilly. — Vic Brockett Vic’s Fly-By-Night http://www.navicom.com/~vic

Response:

How many fly tyers out there got started, like me, because you thought you’d save a lot of money?

Initially, I thought that I would save some money.  And in fact, I do (or I will after I tie many more flies).  My problem is that I enjoy tying new and different flies, therefore, I am always adding new materials that keeps the cost per fly high.           I have found that tying my own flies adds a dimension to my fishing.  Every time I tie one, I end up imagining where and what I will catch with it.  Most of all, I enjoy the satisfaction of tying a good fly.  The response from others to what I do has been phenomenal. I love to see the look on people’s faces when I show them a good fly and tell them that I have tied it.  It makes for some great conversation.   All in all it is unbeatable M. Richardson

Response:

Good point.  Actually, given a moderate inflation rate, you may actually break even a few years earlier.  Me too.  Gosh.  I guess I don’t feel so bad now! —                                                            -dnc- Here’s one in the "jokes-on-me" category. How many fly tyers out there got started, like me, because you thought you’d save a lot of money?

Paul Wilson responded – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I completely disagree with you.  I figure it costs me less than 50 cents per fly, and I have a less than $10,000 in equipment and materials. What the heck, after the age of 150, I’ll be saving money buddy!

Response:

Its not about saving money!!  If that were the case we wouldn’t be in this sport.  It’s about fooling the bass (trout) into believing that what you tied is for real.  It’s about relaxing and expounding you horizons – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Here’s one in the "jokes-on-me" category. How many fly tyers out there got started, like me, because you thought you’d save a lot of money? (Don’t get me wrong.  I get a lot of fun out of tying, and it’s hard to think of anything better than site casting a dry you tied to a fish and having him get fooled.  But I still have to laugh at myself about my initial misconception about tying.)                                                                -dnc-

Response:

I’ve learned to become an ecconomical tyer over the years. I have a real difficult time spending $60 plus on a chicken skin, so when I fish dries it usually comparaduns, sparkle duns, LaFontaine Emergers, terrestrials, etc. They all work and float great and there’s no expensive hackle involved. Actually, I fish nymphs about 70% or better of the time. You can tie a lot of Pheasant Tails and Hare’s Ears for next to nothing. I figure each fly probably cost me 10-20 cents. The main kicker is that once you a become proficient tyer, you can tye a heck of a lot better fly than you buy I also refuse to spend the extra money for Tiemco hooks. Mustad’s quality and the styles offered have improved over recent years and they’re a heck of a lot more reasonably priced. If you got to have all the bells and whistles and if you refuse to improvise a little, sure, you’ll spend a fortune on this hobby. But at this point in the game I spend far less a year on materials than I would on "quality" flies at $1.75 or more each. jka

Response:

Sandman, When I got into fly fishing it wasn’t expensive.  My entire outfit cost less than $100, and that included fly tying equipment.  I still have much of it today and still use it.  Of course the addiction today is the same as it was then. Ernie Harrison – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Its not about saving money!!  If that were the case we wouldn’t be in this sport.  It’s about fooling the bass (trout) into believing that what you tied is for real.  It’s about relaxing and expounding you horizons

Response:

How many fly tyers out there got started, like me, because you thought you’d save a lot of money? …….But I still have to laugh at myself about my initial misconception about tying.)                                  -dnc-

Well I did. over the past 15 years I’ve paid out probably between $600-800 for tools and materials, and at an average cost of $1.50 a fly I’ve probably saved alot. I now have most materials in abundance, perhaps more than I’ll use for the rest of my life. About all I purchase now are hooks, head cement, and occasional spool of thread and hackle every few years, though I do lust after a really good rotating vice, maybe this year…. I go through 50-100 flies a year, and usually give a bunch away to some budding angler, which makes their day. I Also feel that the quality of my flies is much higher than commercial flies, even those bought at premium shops like LL Beans. I have also modified many patterns to fit the local hatches better, and as a result I believe that I catch more and bigger fish. Tying gives you the option to experiment with materials like white skunk, which is very straight and translucent when wet, or to tie up maribou versions of popular streamers like a grey ghost that work much better in moving waters. Then there are the "secret" patterns, a few of which are not available anywhere but on my vice and that of a couple close friends. Discounting my time, I figure a fly costs me $0.05-0.10 each to make. The time is no big deal, I usually tie on those slow Sundays when I’m actively not watching some sports megaevent on TV, or during the long cold winters here in Maine. tight lines!

Response:

In tying, unlike fishing, if you do everything just right, you will definitely be rewarded – with a nice fly! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many fly tyers out there got started, like me, because you thought you’d save a lot of money? D. Howell

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – How many fly tyers out there got started, like me, because you thought you’d save a lot of money? …….But I still have to laugh at myself about my initial misconception about tying.)                                  -dnc- I completely disagree with you.  I figure it costs me less than 50 cents per fly, and I have a less than $10,000 in equipment and materials.   Paul < 10k in equipment?  Not saving money tying flies?  Where you guys shopping?   Just started tying.  Vise was free, used, but holds a hook no problems. Bobbin, couple types of scissors, thread, tinsel, wire, dubbing, herl, shaved a few bunnies at a friends ranch, mask, pheasant tail, etc….  I have a total investment of 60 bucks.  I have tied about 40 flies so far. Where I live  40 flies = 40 bucks, at least.  How could you not save money, even eventually as Paul (10k ??? are you serious?  Nah, can’t be.) pointed out.  I spend about 15 bucks avg on flies each trip, at least. Figure30-40 trips a year of varying degrees and I save lots of money every year. Ok, I’m ready to justify that Renzetti to my s.o. D. Howell

Response:

Here’s one in the "jokes-on-me" category. How many fly tyers out there got started, like me, because you thought you’d save a lot of money?

I did save a lot of money.  The first year I lost so many flies in the trees and bushes that I found they had started their own hatch when I went back the next year.

You are the man, Ernie!  Do you give classes?

Response:

How many fly tyers out there got started, like me, because you thought you’d save a lot of money? …….But I still have to laugh at myself about my initial misconception about tying.)                                  -dnc- I completely disagree with you.  I figure it costs me less than 50 cents per fly, and I have a less than $10,000 in equipment and materials.   Paul

< 10k in equipment?  Not saving money tying flies?  Where you guys shopping?   Just started tying.  Vise was free, used, but holds a hook no problems. Bobbin, couple types of scissors, thread, tinsel, wire, dubbing, herl, shaved a few bunnies at a friends ranch, mask, pheasant tail, etc….  I have a total investment of 60 bucks.  I have tied about 40 flies so far. Where I live  40 flies = 40 bucks, at least.  How could you not save money, even eventually as Paul (10k ??? are you serious?  Nah, can’t be.) pointed out.  I spend about 15 bucks avg on flies each trip, at least. Figure30-40 trips a year of varying degrees and I save lots of money every year. Ok, I’m ready to justify that Renzetti to my s.o. D. Howell

Response:

Here’s one in the "jokes-on-me" category. How many fly tyers out there got started, like me, because you thought you’d save a lot of money?

I did save a lot of money.  The first year I lost so many flies in the trees and bushes that I found they had started their own hatch when I went back the next year. Ernie Harrison

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Here’s one in the "jokes-on-me" category. How many fly tyers out there got started, like me, because you thought you’d save a lot of money? (Don’t get me wrong.  I get a lot of fun out of tying, and it’s hard to think of anything better than site casting a dry you tied to a fish and having him get fooled.  But I still have to laugh at myself about my initial misconception about tying.)                                                                -dnc-

I completely disagree with you.  I figure it costs me less than 50 cents per fly, and I have a less than $10,000 in equipment and materials. What the heck, after the age of 150, I’ll be saving money buddy! Paul

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Here’s one in the "jokes-on-me" category. How many fly tyers out there got started, like me, because you thought you’d save a lot of money? (Don’t get me wrong.  I get a lot of fun out of tying, and it’s hard to think of anything better than site casting a dry you tied to a fish and having him get fooled.  But I still have to laugh at myself about my initial misconception about tying.)                                                                -dnc-

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Question:

I’m going to be in Ft. Myers, Florida in August.  Does anyone have any suggestions for fly fishing spots that are accessible on foot in the Ft. Myers beach, Sanibel Island area? –

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-  GEORGE ,

You can cast for snook and trout right from the beach in the morning. It’s fun! Stop in at a fly shop and ask for some local patterns. You may even see some tarpon. Best of luck, Gary C. Floridian Fly Fisherman "Lie ? Me ? Never!  No, no, no, the truth is far too much fun !" – Captain Hook

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Question:

Any fly as long as it’s big and bright. Don’t tie a complicated fly because pike beat up a fly real quick.  I like to use 10X long streamer flies and cover the tube body or wrapped tinsel body with clear epoxy glue otherwise the pike’s teeth get caught in the body thereby preventing the hook point from penetrating. I like easy economical patterns like Mickey Finns, Red and White, Tri-color. Add flashabou if you want.

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Dave Wilson wrote I’ve been volentered (sp?) to tye a bunch of pike flys for a friend, the only trouble is, What the heck patterns do I tye? If anyone has had experience here please respond.<< Have been doing a fair amount of fly fishing for Northern Pike for about 40 years now. Most important things I’ve learned are that pike will quickly tear up your flies (so doing it cheap is a big consideration) and that large undulating patterns work best. Trying to tie lots of flies cheaply I’ve found that using hooks in the 2/0 to 5/0 sizes with long shanks are the best starting point. I like the Eagle Claw Lazer Shark hooks made for bass fishermen rigging rubber worms the most cost effective. They have a shank as long as very long shank streamer hooks, come out of the package as sharp as you can get a hook and are very cost effective. The sproat is just about perfect. If you go down to your local craft store you’ll find 3" to 4" chicken feathers and marabou feathers sold in bulk for a really low price. I buy them in red and white. I wrap the whole hook shank from the start of the bend back to the hook eye in a single layer of thread wrapped quickly, then I tie in one feather each (approximately the same size) by wrapping over the exposed quill and back 1/2" to 3/4", this double wrap ending just at the hook eye. You can tie in a cone shaped nose if you like, but it’s not needed. Secure with a whip finish and you’ve got a simple, cheap yet highly effective streamer for toothy critters. Fair winds and following seas, Pat in Pawtucket  RI

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I’ve been volentered (sp?) to tye a bunch of pike flys for a friend, the only trouble is, What the heck patterns do I tye? If anyone has had experience here please respond. Thanks in advance Dave Wilson

Big 2/0 red/yellow or white marabou or bunny streamers. Big deer hair or caribou hair mouse patterns with weed guards for top water fishing. I would put 6 to 12 inches of wire leader on them. I am not an expert on the subject but that’s what I have seen. Dan Blanton has a trip to Canada for pike and you might look for his web site for some answers, too. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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I’ve been volentered (sp?) to tye a bunch of pike flys for a friend, the only trouble is, What the heck patterns do I tye? If anyone has had experience here please respond.  Thanks in advance Dave Wilson

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Question:

I am going to visit my daughter in Lansdale, PA over March 8 for a few days. I have fished the Little LeHigh a couple of times but would like the names of other streams which are open this time of the year and fairly close to Lansdale since I have use of her car between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. while she is working. What patterns might be useful at this time of year.  Thanks in advance.   Jim

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I am going to visit my daughter in Lansdale, PA over March 8 for a few days. I have fished the Little LeHigh a couple of times but would like the names of other streams which are open this time of the year and fairly close to Lansdale since I have use of her car between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. while she is working. What patterns might be useful at this time of year.  Thanks in advance.   Jim

Jim, the trout season will not be open here at that time of year.  Your only bet for flyfishing at that time of year is to try some of the many special regulation areas that are open year-round.  These will be listed in your fishing regulation summary that you get when you buy your license.  I’d try to stick to the spring creeks that time of year, (Little Lehigh, Valley, and Monocacy), as the freestoners are not at their best yet.

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