Question:

/daytripper (Cripes, I’d have to Google "PHP" just to find out if that’s some kind of pig tranquilizer or software!

Freakin’ chiphead. Got time to check out the Nissitisset Friday AM?  I have to be in Andover at 2ish and was going to try to be on the river from say 7-12 or so…

Response:

/daytripper (Cripes, I’d have to Google "PHP" just to find out if that’s some kind of pig tranquilizer or software! Freakin’ chiphead.

Been called a lot worse Got time to check out the Nissitisset Friday AM?  I have to be in Andover at 2ish and was going to try to be on the river from say 7-12 or so…

Ya know, there’s actually a possibility I could do that, and maybe drag Paul along as well. Stay in touch during the week and we’ll see how things develop. I’ll give Paul a ring and let him know what’s up. Forecast is for overcast and cool 50’s. Sounds good! /daytripper (NH season ends this weekend. Without me. Rats!)

Response:

Daytripper, Thank you. I was able to retrieve a tab delimited text file of a USGS site at:

http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ny/nwis/uv?dd_cd=04&format=rdb&period=1&sit… 427500 However, when I retreive let’s say – one day – of this data – I get the data every fifteen minutes or about 96 records. All I want is the *real time* data of *one*record each and every time a user wants that file without the previous records of the past 23 hours and 45 minutes. Is there any way to filter out all other data except for the last – or better – *current* record of data.

Sounds like a job for PHP dude.  Just loop through the records parsing off the flow and keep the last one you see before hitting EOF. –Stan (always up for brute force solutions)

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Daytripper, Thank you. I was able to retrieve a tab delimited text file of a USGS site at: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ny/nwis/uv?dd_cd=04&format=rdb&period=1&sit… 427500 However, when I retreive let’s say – one day – of this data – I get the data every fifteen minutes or about 96 records. All I want is the *real time* data of *one*record each and every time a user wants that file without the previous records of the past 23 hours and 45 minutes. Is there any way to filter out all other data except for the last – or better – *current* record of data. Please advise and thanks for your time.

Tony, I haven’t seen a way to get just the one record that you request.   However, if your able to parse the data in the format suggested by Daytripper, you should be able to quickly parse all 96 records and find the most recent entry.  I don’t know what PHP has to offer, but you could sort the data based upon the time and read the one entry.  You could also try reading the first record at the end of the file. the info you desire.  They are pretty good guys to work with, or at least they used to be.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Daytripper, Thank you. I was able to retrieve a tab delimited text file of a USGS site at: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ny/nwis/uv?dd_cd=04&format=rdb&period=1&sit… 427500 However, when I retreive let’s say – one day – of this data – I get the data every fifteen minutes or about 96 records. All I want is the *real time* data of *one*record each and every time a user wants that file without the previous records of the past 23 hours and 45 minutes. Is there any way to filter out all other data except for the last – or better – *current* record of data. Please advise and thanks for your time. Tony, I haven’t seen a way to get just the one record that you request. However, if your able to parse the data in the format suggested by Daytripper, you should be able to quickly parse all 96 records and find the most recent entry.  I don’t know what PHP has to offer, but you could sort the data based upon the time and read the one entry.  You could also try reading the first record at the end of the file. the info you desire.  They are pretty good guys to work with, or at least they used to be.

Goddamnit!  Hey Wayno!  What the hell are these guys doing?  Are they calling us bad names or what?    :( Wolfgang boy……they just better not be!

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Daytripper, Thank you. I was able to retrieve a tab delimited text file of a USGS site at: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ny/nwis/uv?dd_cd=04&format=rdb&period=1&sit… 427500 However, when I retreive let’s say – one day – of this data – I get the data every fifteen minutes or about 96 records. All I want is the *real time* data of *one*record each and every time a user wants that file without the previous records of the past 23 hours and 45 minutes. Is there any way to filter out all other data except for the last – or better – *current* record of data. Please advise and thanks for your time. Tony Ritter

Whew! It’s unnerving to see my handle as the subject. And tagged with an exclamation point, no less! (First reaction: "Oh shit! WTF did I say this time?" You’ll do better to use Stan and "Bouncer" to get you through parsing web data.  I’m a hardware guy with just enough software and networks knowledge to be a pita to sysops everywhere… /daytripper (Cripes, I’d have to Google "PHP" just to find out if that’s some kind of pig tranquilizer or software!

Response:

Daytripper, Thank you. I was able to retrieve a tab delimited text file of a USGS site at: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ny/nwis/uv?dd_cd=04&format=rdb&period=1&sit… 427500 However, when I retreive let’s say – one day – of this data – I get the data every fifteen minutes or about 96 records. All I want is the *real time* data of *one*record each and every time a user wants that file without the previous records of the past 23 hours and 45 minutes. Is there any way to filter out all other data except for the last – or better – *current* record of data. Please advise and thanks for your time. Tony Ritter

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Please include the link that you mentioned in your post below. Couldn’t find it in your original post. I sent another message earlier this morning and an email already!  Here is the link one more time. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/sw Rock, Thanks for the reply. I went to the URL that you mentioned and I’m still baffled. For example, here is a station I would like: 01427510 If I go the USGS website and query this station, I get the whole page (html – graphics) along with other information which I do not need. All I need is the following data string… 01427510  DELAWARE RIVER AT CALLICOON NY   10/07 17:30  3.14  1,210 1,285  –  17.2 Would I have to use a PHP regexp function to match the pattern I’m looking for in the string to weed out the extraneous information on that page or is there a straight CSV file from the USGS for this station? Please advise. Thank you. Tony Ritter You can get a tab-delimited data file by clicking in the right places, perfect for importing into Excel (for instance). It has a bit of header cruft but there’s enough formatting to be easily filtered to extract the data and ignore the cruft… An abbreviated example, taken from a smallish Maine river that I’m familiar with (the actual file had a month worth of data taken every 15 minutes): # The data you have obtained from this automated # U.S. Geological Survey database have not received # Director’s approval and as such are provisional # and subject to revision.  The data are released # on the condition that neither the USGS nor the # United States Government may be held liable for # any damages resulting from its use. # # Additional information can be obtained from the USGS at #   http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nh/nwis/help/?provisional # # # This file consists of tab-separated columns of data # The columns include the following fields # # column        column definition # agency_cd     Agency collection or maintaining the site # site_no       USGS site identification number # datetime      date and time in ISO format (YYYY-mm-dd HH:MM:SS) # # The remaining fields vary for each site.  The field names # uniquely define sensor (the ‘data descriptor’) and  the # used to collect the data used to collect the data # and the 5 number sequence is the ‘parameter_cd’ # that defines the type of data shown in the column. # # # Data for the following stations is contained in this file #  USGS 01052500 Diamond River near Wentworth Location, NH # # # # # # List of available data for this site.  Lines preceeded by # an asterix ‘*’ are included in the data file. # #  DD parameter – Description # *01   00060   – DISCHARGE, CUBIC FEET PER SECOND #  03   00065   – GAGE HEIGHT, FEET # agency_cd       site_no datetime        01_00060 /daytripper

Response:

RockTrout: Please include the link that you mentioned in your post below. Couldn’t find it in your original post. Thank you. Tony Ritter – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text —— Original Message —– Newsgroups: rec.outdoors.fishing.fly Sent: Sunday, October 06, 2002 10:59 PM Does anybody know if there is a source where I can get a csv – or comma separated file – from the USGS for particular stations on rivers in New York State. I don’t want to open a js pop up window of that particular USGS station but want to open their URL or FTP and use PHP to parse the data string into an array for output. Use this link and work your way to the appropriate stations.  You can obtain historical data in this fashion.

Response:

Please include the link that you mentioned in your post below. Couldn’t find it in your original post.

I sent another message earlier this morning and an email already!  Here is the link one more time. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/sw

Response:

Rock, Thanks for the reply. I went to the URL that you mentioned and I’m still baffled. For example, here is a station I would like: 01427510 If I go the USGS website and query this station, I get the whole page (html – graphics) along with other information which I do not need. All I need is the following data string… 01427510  DELAWARE RIVER AT CALLICOON NY   10/07 17:30  3.14  1,210 1,285  –  17.2 Would I have to use a PHP regexp function to match the pattern I’m looking for in the string to weed out the extraneous information on that page or is there a straight CSV file from the USGS for this station? Please advise. Thank you. Tony Ritter – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Please include the link that you mentioned in your post below. Couldn’t find it in your original post. I sent another message earlier this morning and an email already!  Here is the link one more time. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/sw

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Please include the link that you mentioned in your post below. Couldn’t find it in your original post. I sent another message earlier this morning and an email already!  Here is the link one more time. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nwis/sw Rock, Thanks for the reply. I went to the URL that you mentioned and I’m still baffled. For example, here is a station I would like: 01427510 If I go the USGS website and query this station, I get the whole page (html – graphics) along with other information which I do not need. All I need is the following data string… 01427510  DELAWARE RIVER AT CALLICOON NY   10/07 17:30  3.14  1,210 1,285  –  17.2 Would I have to use a PHP regexp function to match the pattern I’m looking for in the string to weed out the extraneous information on that page or is there a straight CSV file from the USGS for this station? Please advise. Thank you. Tony Ritter

You can get a tab-delimited data file by clicking in the right places, perfect for importing into Excel (for instance). It has a bit of header cruft but there’s enough formatting to be easily filtered to extract the data and ignore the cruft… An abbreviated example, taken from a smallish Maine river that I’m familiar with (the actual file had a month worth of data taken every 15 minutes): # The data you have obtained from this automated # U.S. Geological Survey database have not received # Director’s approval and as such are provisional # and subject to revision.  The data are released # on the condition that neither the USGS nor the # United States Government may be held liable for # any damages resulting from its use. # # Additional information can be obtained from the USGS at #   http://waterdata.usgs.gov/nh/nwis/help/?provisional # # # This file consists of tab-separated columns of data # The columns include the following fields # # column        column definition # agency_cd     Agency collection or maintaining the site # site_no       USGS site identification number # datetime      date and time in ISO format (YYYY-mm-dd HH:MM:SS) # # The remaining fields vary for each site.  The field names # uniquely define sensor (the ‘data descriptor’) and  the # used to collect the data used to collect the data # and the 5 number sequence is the ‘parameter_cd’ # that defines the type of data shown in the column. # # # Data for the following stations is contained in this file #  USGS 01052500 Diamond River near Wentworth Location, NH # # # # # # List of available data for this site.  Lines preceeded by # an asterix ‘*’ are included in the data file. # #  DD parameter – Description # *01   00060   – DISCHARGE, CUBIC FEET PER SECOND #  03   00065   – GAGE HEIGHT, FEET # agency_cd       site_no datetime        01_00060 /daytripper

Response:

Question:

Dave Whitlock offers some of his artwork free for use for non profit organisations.. have a look at www.davewhitlock.com.

Thanks, I inherited a bunch of those from the previous editor.  Now at least I know hwere they came from and can credit the source. Mu

Response:

Dave Whitlock offers some of his artwork free for use for non profit organisations.. have a look at www.davewhitlock.com. Clark – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’ve taken over newsletter duties for our local fishing club and I’m looking for photos or artwork of flies, fish, anglers, equipment, etc, that I can use as filler graphics when I have some empty space at then end of an article.  If you’ve got any then let me know.  I’ll send you a copy of the newsletter if I use your image. The kind of things that would be interesting are: sunset behind the silhouette of an angler, the head of a trout as it is being released, mayfly sitting on your rod, saltwater fly stuck into a piece of flotsam, you get the idea.  Something general enough that it can basically be placed anywhere without being related to a particular piece of text. Don’t worry, it won’t be for commercial use. Mu

Response:

Mu,   I can send you a few trout and some green drake photos. How small a file size do you want them to be. Only have digitalized stuff around, however, no film.                          Tom L

Response:

I’ve taken over newsletter duties for our local fishing club and I’m looking for photos or artwork of flies, fish, anglers, equipment, etc, that I can use as filler graphics when I have some empty space at then end of an article.  If you’ve got any then let me know.  I’ll send you a copy of the newsletter if I use your image. The kind of things that would be interesting are: sunset behind the silhouette of an angler, the head of a trout as it is being released, mayfly sitting on your rod, saltwater fly stuck into a piece of flotsam, you get the idea.  Something general enough that it can basically be placed anywhere without being related to a particular piece of text. Don’t worry, it won’t be for commercial use. Mu

Response:

Question:

I have a friend who’s been breaking my balls about how he’s been hooking up consistently with winter largemouths.(He’s a spin fisherman)The winters haven’t been very cold in the northeast lately so many lakes and ponds have yet to freeze over.I’ve tried a few different things with my flytackle but I haven’t been able to hook up.I did get a bass once two years ago,while fishing for hatcheries,using a large dry with a hares ear dropper size 12.If anyone out there is having sucess in this area I’d appreciate the info.I want to shove a nice size bass right in that smug bastards face.

Response:

Even if the water hasn’t frozen, you need to go deep and slow for these northern winter largemouths. Not really what you would call typical fly-fishing.  You might want to try a slow sinking line.  It would take forever to get your fly down into the strike zone but unlike a fast sink line you’ll be able to fish slowly and still keep the fly in the fish zone once it gets down there. A Carolina rigged plastic worm or salamander would be my recommendation. Mu

Response:

I am in the south fishing in temps of the 40’s.Tp our bass thats the same as hanging out wit Ms. Pauls. I go to a pattern I tie called a Crystal Puff. It is White long cactus chanille head with X lg bead chain eyes, with a tail of whit bucktail and crystal flash with wide white hackle feathers (3 together on each side) or my favorite silver badger feathers. All of this on a mustad 2/0 – 3/0 hook #7766 Fish it slow with quick darts. On days that the temp does rise look for flats and shoals with dark bottoms with EZ access to deep drop offs. They will come up to warm up there. Good luck. It has been working for me.

Response:

Question:

   Ok folks, tommorow will be a one day snapshot of flyfishing accross the globe, all to be posted here for the world to enjoy.  I will not be anywhere near a computer until Monday morning, so let’s decide what the header will be for our results so they’re all in one thread.  I know some participants may post over the weekend, so for simplicity’s sake, let’s call it Fishing Day Results.  Yes?  No?    I’ll be heading up to some high desert lakes myself, feeling pretty good about the prospects.  We’ll see on Monday! JE

And for those who can’t fish tomorrow, Sunday the 18th will automatically be deleted and the 17th will carry over for another 24 hours. Big Al

Response:

   Ok folks, tommorow will be a one day snapshot of flyfishing accross the globe, all to be posted here for the world to enjoy.  I will not be anywhere near a computer until Monday morning, so let’s decide what the header will be for our results so they’re all in one thread.  I know some participants may post over the weekend, so for simplicity’s sake, let’s call it Fishing Day Results.  Yes?  No?    I’ll be heading up to some high desert lakes myself, feeling pretty good about the prospects.  We’ll see on Monday! JE

Lucky b—-r, I’ll  be stuck battling a fibreglas hatch on the Credit. Cheers Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.cgocable.net/~pcharles/index.html

Response:

    Ok folks, tommorow will be a one day snapshot of flyfishing accross the globe, all to be posted here for the world to enjoy.  I will not be anywhere near a computer until Monday morning, so let’s decide what the header will be for our results so they’re all in one thread.  I know some participants may post over the weekend, so for simplicity’s sake, let’s call it Fishing Day Results.  Yes?  No?     I’ll be heading up to some high desert lakes myself, feeling pretty good about the prospects.  We’ll see on Monday! JE

Response:

Question:

When I was young, a teacher of mine read from a book about fly fishing on the Brule river in Wisconsin.  Wondering if anyone knows the name of that writer or the name of any of those books.   — jm

Response:

Gordon MacQuarrie stories, published in the 40’s and 50’s in outdoor magazines, were collected in 3 volumes as "Stories of the Old Duck Hunters", "More Stories of the ODHs" and (I think) "Last Stories of the ODHs".  About half the stories are hunting, half are fishing, mainly on the Brule.  Then there was a fourth volume, "Lost Stories of the ODH", which was stuff they missed the first time thru. Gordon MacQuarrie is my favorite fishing author.  Traver and Gierach and others get as good occasionally, but every MacQuarrie story is excellent.  Henry VanDyke is a close second.   Frank Stetzer                        "…a cheerful comrade is better Employed by, but not speaking for     foot-warmer."  Henry Van Dyke, Univ of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA     "Fisherman’s Luck", 1899. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – When I was young, a teacher of mine read from a book about fly fishing on the Brule river in Wisconsin.  Wondering if anyone knows the name of that writer or the name of any of those books.   — jm

Response:

When I was young, a teacher of mine read from a book about fly fishing on the Brule river in Wisconsin.  Wondering if anyone knows the name of that writer or the name of any of those books.   — jm

Its a good bet that it was Gordon MacQuarrie. Check out this book (info from http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1572230258/t/002-4166657-7704468) I got this book for Christmas and have read it twice already. Jim Fly Fishing With MacQuarrie by Zack Taylor, Gordon MacQuarrie List: $19.50 Our Price: $13.65 You Save: $5.85 (30%) Availability: This title usually ships within 2-3 days. Hardcover Published by Willow Creek Pr Dimensions (in inches): 0.97 x 10.26 x 7.23 ISBN: 1572230258 — Jim Jacoby Mt. Horeb, WI To send a reply, remove "-take_this_out-" from the address.

Response:

When I was young, a teacher of mine read from a book about fly fishing on the Brule river in Wisconsin.  Wondering if anyone knows the name of that writer or the name of any of those books.  

Beats me!  I used to fish the brule a lot when I was a kid, and learned to flyfish there. To me it still stands as one of the most beautiful trout rivers on this planet – absolutely gorgeous.   I don’t reacll anyone writng about it at length.  There has been an article or two, and honorable mentions in guidebooks. It was in it’s time VERY popular nationally.  Teddy Roosevelt fished the Cedar Island water.  Calvin Coolidge liked the Brule so much they named the hwy that follows it south from US 2 after him.  Dwight Eisenhower had friends with a house at the lower end of Big Lake, and fished there often. I suspect that many other notables fished there too. If there is a book out there that speaks of the Brule, I’d love to find a copy. BTW:  what prompted this teacher to use that book.  Why did it stick with you?  have you ever been there?  A thread on the Brule would be a pleasant diversion – I do have a story or two of my own about her. </chaz

Response:

Perhaps we had the same teacher.  My fourth grade teacher read me "Rascal", by Sterling North.   This is a heart-rendering book set in Southern Wisconsin, during the 1910’s, about a boy and his pet racoon.  Part of the book relates the wonderful trip that Sterling and Rascal had to northern Wisconsin, much of it along the Brule.  I recently read the book to my children and they love the story as much as I did then and still do now.  A definite top ten book in my life.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -When I was young, a teacher of mine read from a book about fly fishing on the Brule river in Wisconsin.  Wondering if anyone knows the name of that writer or the name of any of those books. — jm

Response:

Thanks for the help from folks.  To answer Chaz’s questions.  I think he read from it because he loved fishing.  I think I remember it because it sounded like such a great place and it was in Wisconsin.   My question was prompted because I work at Wisc Public Television and we are working on a show about fishing in Wisconsin for Aug 99 and the Brule will be featured in the show.   jm – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – BTW:  what prompted this teacher to use that book.  Why did it stick with you?  have you ever been there?  A thread on the Brule would be a pleasant diversion – I do have a story or two of my own about her. </chaz

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Gordon MacQuarrie stories, published in the 40’s and 50’s in outdoor magazines, were collected in 3 volumes as "Stories of the Old Duck Hunters", "More Stories of the ODHs" and (I think) "Last Stories of the ODHs".  About half the stories are hunting, half are fishing, mainly on the Brule.  Then there was a fourth volume, "Lost Stories of the ODH", which was stuff they missed the first time thru. Gordon MacQuarrie is my favorite fishing author.  Traver and Gierach and others get as good occasionally, but every MacQuarrie story is excellent.  Henry VanDyke is a close second. Frank Stetzer                        "…a cheerful comrade is better Employed by, but not speaking for     foot-warmer."  Henry Van Dyke, Univ of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA     "Fisherman’s Luck", 1899. When I was young, a teacher of mine read from a book about fly fishing on the Brule river in Wisconsin.  Wondering if anyone knows the name of that writer or the name of any of those books. — jm

This is my first post in a NG.  Absolutely, yessir, right on, AMEN. MacQuarrie is without peer.  Every one of his short stories a classic. I fished the Bois Brule in Northwestern WI (not to be confused with the "Border Brule" in Upper Michigan) for the first time last summer.  It was just great visiting the places MacQuarrie mentions in his writings.  It was like visiting an old friend.  I will be back again this year.  Then maybe someday the Roaring Fork and Frying Pan in CO and maybe someday the Yellowstone area with all the great spots out there.   Then maybe ….?

Response:

<snip   My question was prompted because I work at Wisc Public Television and we are working on a show about fishing in Wisconsin for Aug 99 and the Brule will be featured in the show.   jm

Kewl! If you have any say in what gets filmed take a look at the water around Cedar Island.  Used be a resort/lodge – lately owned by the Ordway family.  Classic, beautiful trout water.  I used to sneak into the lower end when I was a kid, and fish my brains out. Teddy Rooselvelt fished there.  Stories tell that before teddy arrived, the folks at the hatchery downriver in Brule netted out a bunch of big brood fish they usually kept in a big pool, put them in one of the rearing runs and starved them for a couple days.  The day before The Man arrived at Cedar Island they turned these hungry monsters loose in a side channel with pools the lodge owners had dug for their guests.  The President would be assured of "good fishing". Another good run would be just below Big Lake.  Wildcat Rapids.  There’s no public access to this water except by canoe, so it won’t be real crowded.  This was my favorite stretch as a kid.  The Caretaker for one of the properties there was a friend of my Grandpa’s and would let us in when the owners weren’t around.  I’d give my eyeteeth to get back in there, I can tell you.  In fact there could be an angle here – local boy returns to his favorite water after 30 years – hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm – pay my way out and I’ll talk to my agent;-).  After we’re done filming, we’ll ditch the camera ops and I’ll take you over to the White. And I’d love to see your show. </chaz

Response:

This is a copy of a press release about a Wisconsin fishing program in current production.  If you have stories or if you know great story tellers, we’d like to see and hear it.  Get your hands on a video camera and follow the instructions below.  Thanks.   xxx :-  xxx :-  xxx :-  xxx :-  xxx :-  xxx :-  xxx :-  xxx :- xxx :-  xxx :-  

FISH TALES SOUGHT FOR Wisconsin Public Television SPECIAL         It’s been said that every angler has a great story to tell, and Wisconsin Public Television wants to hear yours!         WPT is preparing a special on fishing in Wisconsin that will air in August 1999.  As part of the effort, we’re seeking fish stories from anglers all over Wisconsin.         "We’re looking for all kinds of tales," says producer JoAnne Garrett. "Not just the stories about the biggest fish or the longest struggle, although we’d like those, too.  We also want to hear about how fishing helped form family bonds and family memories, stories about fishing that touch the heart."         Tale spinners with humorous stories also are sought.         Stories should be documented on VHS tape with a video camera.  Send tapes to: Fish Tales, c/o JoAnne Garrett, Wisconsin Public Television, 821 University Ave., Madison WI 53706.  Deadline is Sept. 1.  If you want your tape returned, please enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Jon Miskowski Wisconsin Public Television

Response:

Question:

I am coming to San Francisco, the Nappa Valley and Yosemite National Park in September for a holiday. I am looking for a venue (preferably in Yosemite), where I can fish for a day and also hire some tackle and maybe a guide? Can anyone help me, I don’t think I can take ten days without a day fishing!! Thanks for the help . . .

Response:

I am coming to San Francisco, the Nappa Valley and Yosemite National Park in September for a holiday. I am looking for a venue (preferably in Yosemite), where I can fish for a day and also hire some tackle and maybe a guide? Can anyone help me, I don’t think I can take ten days without a day fishing!! Thanks for the help . . .

 You can fish the river right in Yosemite Valley for trout.  There are 1 day a licenses available for about $7 as well as a 7 day license, non-residence licenses are expensive (hell, the residense license is expensive – $27.50). There are lakes in the Upper areas of Yosemite also, they fish very well with a wax worm.  The Merced River, in the valley is good with both fly and worms. Don’t know of guides in Yosemite.  Just North of the Napa Valley is Clear Lake, is a great Bass lake, guides are available, Just to the East of the lower end of Napa is Lake Berryessa, trout and bass, guides available.  In San Francisco, you can go out on the party (head) boats for both Salmon and Rockfish, they have rental tackle available ($6) the license is required and the cost of the trip is about $35 for Rockfish (3-20#) fish and $50 for Salmon. See these URL’s for additional info.  http://usafishing.com/fleet.html  http://www.anglernet.com/web/selectlk.htm  http://www.fishsniffer.com/  http://www.dfg.ca.gov/ Regards, Bill — Opinions expressed are mine not necessarily my employers. All other standard disclaimers apply! Remove nospam. To email reply.

Response:

You could fish in a lake that has a world record largemouth in it.  That lake would be Spring Lake in Sonoma County.   Take a Rainbow Trout lure and you may get your picture on the cover of a magazine.  There is for sure at least one 24 pounder in the lake. P.S.  If anyone is thinking of emailing me and telling me that I don’t know what I am talking about, you better get your facts straight first then come off of the porch.  Just a friendly word of warning. BigDaddy

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Boy, Big Daddy…the "friendly word of warning" sounds like an invitation to flaming for some real bummers out there.   Let’s hope not.  But uh, could you share some information?  Has there been a lot of hoopla?  Do you plan to go for it? Injun Jim USN (Ret.) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You could fish in a lake that has a world record largemouth in it.  That lake would be Spring Lake in Sonoma County.   Take a Rainbow Trout lure and you may get your picture on the cover of a magazine.  There is for sure at least one 24 pounder in the lake. P.S.  If anyone is thinking of emailing me and telling me that I don’t know what I am talking about, you better get your facts straight first then come off of the porch.  Just a friendly word of warning. BigDaddy

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Injun, I only say that because the last time I told the story on this group I got email from nuts all over the US telling me that I was crazy and that I had lost my grip on reality.  Even some people threatened me.  You would think that all fishermen would be interested to know about what would be the new world record but I soon found out that was not the case.  I thought that I was doing a service to the people in this group by telling what I was able to find out through about 2 weeks worth of investigation.  Many people did not see my information in the same way. That is why I am reluctant to tell it again, because inevitably I will get the same batch of emails that I did before.  It is the actions of a few idiots that keep people like me who are truly interested in very large Bass from publicly talking about what I have learned. Sorry for the ranting but I felt it necessary to explain.  I am not at all inviting anyone to flame me.  It was just merely a precaution. I will be glad to privately email you what I was able to learn and send a picture also if you are interested let me know. Thanks and Keep your worm wet. BigDaddy

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Big Daddy, I thought that I was doing a service to the people in this group by telling what I was able to find out through about 2 weeks worth of investigation.  Many people did not see my information in the same way.

What ever happened with that record.  Last I knew they were checking the bathroom scales.  It was obvious they weren’t going to let the record stand, but I never heard anything official. Richard

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Question:

<< So if anyone is willing to share a little expertise, I’d appreciate it – as in, any advantages of an open U boat syle vs. a closed tube, any features that are really useful to look for, is one fin as good as another, etc? Cabela’s carries several types of Caddis tubes including the Stalker series, a Creek Company U Boat, and their own Yellowstone tube. Spending other peoples’ money is fun… Sam Sam, here is what I like to look for in a float tube.  It must be at least triple stitched (I fish 40+ days a year in my tube so durability is a big issue for me.), able to support my weight and have a several safety chambers incorporated into the tube for safety.   U-boats are much easier to get in and out of and many feel that they are more stable in rough water.  The Caddis Stalker series is more of a triangle shape and appear to be a decent tube if you are not a large person.  I weigh 240 pounds so am not as comfortable with them as others may be.  The Creek Company offers some great buys on tubes and their quality is good.  Their 97 models included a U-boat that was triple and quad stitched, held up to 300 pounds and was priced under $130.  Definetly a good buy.  Not sure about their 98/99 catalog. Hope this helps. Mike Wilson Fishing!! What else is there?

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For my fishing, the Caddis Premier, a U style has been perfect. I fish mostly lakes. I had two other donut tubes and a pontoon boat. The pontoon might be ok if you are going to concentrate your fishing on rivers, but for hands free sneaking around ponds and lakes, with some relaxed trolling in between the rises, the U shaped tube has done it all for me. I tried several different fins and I end up usng the Caddis as they are the easiest and most comfortale for water entry and for all day fishing. Bigger fins place more strain, not less on my calves. If you choose a float tube, get the bladder style…not the inner tube. inner tubes are under pressure and if holed, leak rapidly. The bladder which is low pressure slowly gets softer and lets you keep on fishing. I put a salmon fly into mine (a long story) and after twenty minutes noticed that the tube was soft, I grabbed the inflation tube and with a few breaths restored the bladder. Fished nearly all night and only had to inflate the bladder every 20 minutes with a few breaths. Any other style and I would have been through for the day. I called he factory the next day and immediately I had a new bladder on my doorstep.  I’m going to grow old with this Caddis tube as it deflates easily and inflates in just a few minutes (5-6) even without the little 12 volt that operates off the car battery. I back pack with it regularly. The Pontoon advantage was greater height above the water, oars for long distance and a dry seat. What it gave up was you had to stay further away from the fish. Wth a tube you can get within 15-20 feet. The oars always seem to make it easy to abandone one place to try another. Now that I float tube only..I catch more fish in more parts of the lakes. More big fish also. I often wondered how many fish I missed as I rowed from one stop to another. With a float tube, the rod is always in your hand and not in the holder. Little strikes from big fish are not longer missed. With todays quality waders, my seat is always dry now anyway. Dollar for dollar, fish fo fish, for my lowland lakes, alpine lakes and everything from beaver ponds to plunge pools, from resevoirs to pot holes, the U shape tube has been the better choice for this fisherman. Only when I am fishing salt water would the extra height seem an advantage, but even there the fish are only 30 feet of the beach and a float tube can fish the same weather as a pontoon boat..under 12 knots of winds. Actually I can stay in the rips better than the higher more windage pontoons. they do stay a little dryer.. ccb – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi again all – after the good advice I got about 3 weight rods last week (my rod is on the way), here’s another question: I just recieved a birthday gift certificate from Cabela’s, and want to buy a float tube. The problem is, I know nothing about tubes and don’t really know what to look for. So if anyone is willing to share a little expertise, I’d appreciate it – as in, any advantages of an open U boat syle vs. a closed tube, any features that are really useful to look for, is one fin as good as another, etc? Cabela’s carries several types of Caddis tubes including the Stalker series, a Creek Company U Boat, and their own Yellowstone tube. Spending other peoples’ money is fun… Sam

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Mike and Charlie, thanks for the replies. After your advice and that of a friend, I’ve ordered the Creek Company’s U Boat – it seems to fit the specs everyone recommended.  –Sam

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Hi again all – after the good advice I got about 3 weight rods last week (my rod is on the way), here’s another question: I just recieved a birthday gift certificate from Cabela’s, and want to buy a float tube. The problem is, I know nothing about tubes and don’t really know what to look for. So if anyone is willing to share a little expertise, I’d appreciate it – as in, any advantages of an open U boat syle vs. a closed tube, any features that are really useful to look for, is one fin as good as another, etc? Cabela’s carries several types of Caddis tubes including the Stalker series, a Creek Company U Boat, and their own Yellowstone tube. Spending other peoples’ money is fun… Sam

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I looking for a float tube! I’d would like to have anyone’s oppinion on which is the best out there in the 100-250 $ range.  Round as opposed to Open (v) float tubes..etc..

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DIA.CA (GHERI CELIN) writes:

: :I looking for a float tube! I’d would like to have anyone’s oppinion on :which is the best out there in the 100-250 $ range.  Round as opposed to :Open (v) float tubes..etc.. : : Any of the Bucks float tubes are fine and fairly reasonable in price, your going to waste money if you spend over $150 and can get very good Bucks for around a $100.  Only the ‘v’s and the pontoons run over $150 from a reasonable source.  Sports Authority, Sport Mart or mail order from Cabellas for example. Jerry Shepherd

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I’m trying to buy a float tube (V tube?) from the wastes of Norway. Since it is a subject that I know nothing about I need some help. I can get a Fenwick V tube locally for ~$290 is this a reasonable tube? and just for fun what is the price in the states? any answers greatfully received thanks, Ian

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I’m trying to buy a float tube (V tube?) from the wastes of Norway. Since it is a subject that I know nothing about I need some help. I can get a Fenwick V tube locally for ~$290 is this a reasonable tube? and just for fun what is the price in the states? any answers greatfully received thanks, Ian

Ian, I don’t know about the Fenwick V tube but prices in the States range from about $50.00 for an inexpensive tube to around $400.00 for the so-called "U-boat" style.  Generally, a good quality tube with features like an adjustable seat, rod holders, storage, etc. is around $100.00 to $150.00.  Products from a company like Orvis are generally more expensive than local companies in America like Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops.

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Which is better donut shaped tube or U,V shaped tube also who makes the best tubes ??? and what tube would be good for a person that weighs 260LBs

I’m driving a U shaped tube. I guess the V shaped might cut through the water a little faster, maybe say 0.05 knots. I’d look at the overall package, rather than just the U vs V. I’ve got a Buck’s Bag Mustang that I like a lot. Well made, and though you’ve got a few pounds on me (I would describe myself as "portly"), my elbows stay dry. John Nesselrode Shawnee, KS

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Which is better donut shaped tube or U,V shaped tube also who makes the best tubes ??? and what tube would be good for a person that weighs 260LBs

At 260#, I would use both.

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U-boats and V-boats are very safe and comfortable, but for large flyfishers like you and I a larger craft is desirable. There is a new tube by Outcast called the "Fat Cat" that should be considered.  It is right between the U/V boats and the small pontoon boats in size,performance, and price ($239.00).  I personally use a pontoon boat called the "Supercat 60" ($539.00).  A more expensive boat but it is the most versatile craft on the market. If you desire more information check out http://www.flyfish.com

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I’m 6′4" and weigh 265 lbs.  I’ve been a float tube fisherman for many years.  In fact, my wife and I have six float tubes at the present time. My dad (who is as large as I am) and I began working with Pete Ross, owner of the WoodRiver Co. that makes, among other things, "U" boats and, more recently, "V" boats.  We tried them all and found them to be a bit on the small side.  So…we agreed to be testers for Pete and began working with him on a prototype tube for big anglers.  The "Bull Rider" tube was born. It’s an oversized "V" tube that is made for guys that are bigger than the norm.  It’s the absolute best float tube I have found…bar none!!!  My dad and I have spent many hours fishing in them and have nothing but praise. I’d suggest contacting Pete Ross at Wood River (Chico CA) and talking to him.  Tell him that you talked to Barry Brown from Eureka CA about his tubes and that you’d like to buy one for a "big guy".  You can’t go wrong and Pete is a great guy to work with. Barry Brown – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Which is better donut shaped tube or U,V shaped tube also who makes the best tubes ??? and what tube would be good for a person that weighs 260LBs At 260#, I would use both.

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Which is better donut shaped tube or U,V shaped tube also who makes the best tubes ??? and what tube would be good for a person that weighs 260LBs Thanks for any info supplied !!!!

   Barryb.

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Which is better donut shaped tube or U,V shaped tube also who makes the best tubes ??? and what tube would be good for a person that weighs 260LBs

If I weighed 260 lbs, I would stay away from the donuts Pete

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Which is better donut shaped tube or U,V shaped tube also who makes the best tubes ??? and what tube would be good for a person that weighs 260LBs

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Which is better donut shaped tube or U,V shaped tube also who makes the best tubes ??? and what tube would be good for a person that weighs 260LBs Thanks for any info supplied !!!!    Barryb.

Funny how here in the Usenet you can get responses without info. Personally I prefer to be up out of the water and use a pontoon boat. One main benefit is easy in and out and directional speed stability, so a U boat or V boat are good too. Wood River makes a large UBoat that is big enough for that size. I do not know weight ratings on pontoon boats but the advantages with them are higher position for easier casting, warmer comfort up out of the water, and less water resistance and underwater profile for better trolling (offensive to some that people could flyfish without knowing how to cast but hell, it works). Mark Vinsel — http://www.lanminds.com/local/vinnie/gallery.html

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Question:

Any recommendations on lightweight float tubes? I have a conventional one but am looking for one to backpack into the MT backcountry lakes that I am  fortunate to live near. I’ve rigged this one on a aluminum frame but anything 3 miles it gets a bit heavy. Caddis makes an ultralight – basic tube w/ no pockets or back. Is this worth the weight savings. Or should I get the Caddis U-Boat? Any thoughts on quality or cost? Thanks.

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Any recommendations on lightweight float tubes?

Even my big ol’ Caddis is backpackable, at least for short distances. Aside from that, spend a little more than you can afford, you’ll be glad you did. Anglerboy

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(John Kelley) writes: Caddis makes an ultralight – basic tube w/ no pockets or back. Is this worth the weight savings. Or should I get the Caddis U-Boat?

My first tube was a caddis ultralight.  It had no backrest and thus only one inflatable compartment.  Two compartments is minimum required by law to use on many lakes in both CA and OR. Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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Question:

Will be cruising the BVIs in Feb. Thought that some light surface fishing or fly fishing would be fun. Do i need a license? Any details you can help with on tackle etc.? Thanks

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Will be bare boating Feb. Thought that light spincasting or flyfishing might be fun. Any experience? Do I need a license? Will be using the Moorings. Do they supply any fishing gear?

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Question:

A friend of mine needs some information on fly fishing the Chesapeake, near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. He wants to know if anyone knows any good spots, how to access them, what flies to use, etc. Any information on guide services in the area would also be appreciated. Thanks!

Try Anglers Sport Center (410) 252-0556 in Annapolis, Tochtermans in Baltimore is at (410) 522-4237, Wolfs (410) 378-1112 in Ellicott City or The Fisherman’s Edge (Joe Bruce) is at (410) 719-7999 Catonsville.

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A friend of mine needs some information on fly fishing the Chesapeake, near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. He wants to know if anyone knows any good spots, how to access them, what flies to use, etc. Any information on guide services in the area would also be appreciated. Thanks!

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