Question:

OK, maybe this is stupid, maybe its not. The reason I never did any big game hunting (deer, moose, etc) was I felt sorry for the animals. No problem whatsoever with my buddies who did it; I like deer meat. But I had this horrible empathy for them so I didn’t want to shoot them myself. Let someone else more steel-willed do it. Now, when I see pictures of trout on the fly, I see always notice them staring down at their mouths, like they are trying like hell to see what they have that is dragging them out of the water. Its like they are totally amazed or something. Not that I’m gonna quit fishing or anything, but when I see pics like this one http://www.ncffb.org/cgi-bin/ncffb.cgi?read=139220 I just sort of find myself feeling sorry for the poor bastard. Is this, like, completely abnormal? riverman

Response:

Not that I’m gonna quit fishing or anything, but when I see pics like this one http://www.ncffb.org/cgi-bin/ncffb.cgi?read=139220 I just sort of find myself feeling sorry for the poor bastard. Is this, like, completely abnormal? riverman

I read somewhere that the fish tries to keep its eyes pointing up so if it is lying on its side it looks as if it is looking at its nose, this is one way of telling if a fish in a picture is alive or dead. I wonder if that is why a fish stays still if you hold it lying on its back making it dissorientated. — Don`t Worry, Be Happy       Sandy —       Website:-  http://www.ftscotland.co.uk     IRC:- Sandyb in #Rabble  uk3.arcnet.vapor.com Port:6667      #Rabble Channel Website:- http://rabbled.cjb.net              ICQ : 41266150

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, maybe this is stupid, maybe its not. The reason I never did any big game hunting (deer, moose, etc) was I felt sorry for the animals. No problem whatsoever with my buddies who did it; I like deer meat. But I had this horrible empathy for them so I didn’t want to shoot them myself. Let someone else more steel-willed do it. Now, when I see pictures of trout on the fly, I see always notice them staring down at their mouths, like they are trying like hell to see what they have that is dragging them out of the water. Its like they are totally amazed or something. Not that I’m gonna quit fishing or anything, but when I see pics like this one http://www.ncffb.org/cgi-bin/ncffb.cgi?read=139220 I just sort of find myself feeling sorry for the poor bastard. Is this, like, completely abnormal?

Yes. Stop it. Go fishing. TL, Tim

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Not that I’m gonna quit fishing or anything, but when I see pics like this one http://www.ncffb.org/cgi-bin/ncffb.cgi?read=139220 I just sort of find myself feeling sorry for the poor bastard. Is this, like, completely abnormal? riverman I read somewhere that the fish tries to keep its eyes pointing up so if it is lying on its side it looks as if it is looking at its nose, this is one way of telling if a fish in a picture is alive or dead. I wonder if that is why a fish stays still if you hold it lying on its back making it dissorientated.

They are disorientated.  Next time you have a trout held inverted,  watch what it does with its dorsal and pectoral fins and to a lesser degree the ventral fin.  If you move the trout to different angles,  you can induce him to try to roll in the opposite direction.  The fish obviously uses its fins to manoeuvre in the current just like the rudders on a aeroplane.  The trout must be bewildered as to why he cannot control his position whilst in air ~ everything must feel wrong to the fish, and so he dedicates all his brain power into trying to get himself back the right way up before he uses his tail to swim away.  If a trout is delicately help upside down he is so easy to unhook and release ~  however, a grayling is a different matter altogether! Regards, Michael.

Response:

No need to feel sorry for the animals, they dont give a squat about you.  As far as the fish is concerned you are trying to relate to them in human terms…its a fish for pete sakes, its brain is the size of a pebble.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – OK, maybe this is stupid, maybe its not. The reason I never did any big game hunting (deer, moose, etc) was I felt sorry for the animals. No problem whatsoever with my buddies who did it; I like deer meat. But I had this horrible empathy for them so I didn’t want to shoot them myself. Let someone else more steel-willed do it. Now, when I see pictures of trout on the fly, I see always notice them staring down at their mouths, like they are trying like hell to see what they have that is dragging them out of the water. Its like they are totally amazed or something. Not that I’m gonna quit fishing or anything, but when I see pics like this one http://www.ncffb.org/cgi-bin/ncffb.cgi?read=139220 I just sort of find myself feeling sorry for the poor bastard. Is this, like, completely abnormal?

Considering your catch rate, Riverman, I don’t think you have anything to worry about. Think of it this way. If the fish weighed 500 pounds and you were floating down the river, he’d eat you. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

Not that I’m gonna quit fishing or anything, but when I see pics like this one http://www.ncffb.org/cgi-bin/ncffb.cgi?read=139220 I just sort of find myself feeling sorry for the poor bastard. Is this, like, completely abnormal? Considering your catch rate, Riverman, I don’t think you have anything to worry about.

If that weren’t so painfully true, it’d be funny. Actually, its pretty funny anyway. riverman

Response:

Question:

What are your recommendations for the best magazines on fly fishing/tying available today? — John Rowley I It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man. Jack Handy

Response:

What are your recommendations for the best magazines on fly fishing/tying available today?

Warmwater Fly Fishing has a laid-back attitude that I like.  British mag Fly Fishing and Fly Tying typically has lots of utilitarian info.  Hard to say which is the best.  There’s usually only one or two items that I seem to be interested in in any given issue of magazines that I see. Mu

Response:

Question:

______  Is active and getting repaired. We are having wonderful discussions around the camp site.  Some are snoring away in their tents. — Mr. G.   ‘all’s fair with fur or feather’ http://216.55.26.157/vchat/   http://www.gink.com http://www.rodbuilding.com (Bamboo Is Fun) http://www.xink.com 509-243-4100 or 5500

Question:

I’m going to be in Denver the last week of February. What would the weather and FF be like at that time of the year?

Response:

Hello friends, is there a possibility for flyfishing north east of San Francisco (tex Nappa Valley) between mars and april? Harry

Response:

The weather and FFING in february in Colorado is unbelievably variable.  One thing is certain…you can have both. Your pal, — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m going to be in Denver the last week of February. What would the weather and FF be like at that time of the year?

Response:

[deleted] If you can’t drive far, or weather precludes driving into the mountains, try Waterton Canyon (state park).

Excellent suggestion Jon….I cut my eyeteeth on waterton, way before strontia springs was a gleem in some corps of engineers eye…it is an exceptional resource…take a bike up…it has a HUGE population rattlesnakes so be careful.   The ponds south of Chatfield are excellent for perch & bass too and they should be thawed. Quincy reservoir is an OUTSTANDING fishery as well, as is Aurora and even Cherry Creek.. Post back. — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

Response:

[deleted] If you can’t drive far, or weather precludes driving into the mountains, try Waterton Canyon (state park). Excellent suggestion Jon….I cut my eyeteeth on waterton, way before strontia springs was a gleem in some corps of engineers eye…it is an exceptional resource…take a bike up…it has a HUGE population rattlesnakes so be careful.  

You have rattlesnakes in Colorado that are active in February? I’m impressed.

Response:

[deleted] You have rattlesnakes in Colorado that are active in February? I’m impressed.

Touche ! — TimW, Halfordian Golfer "A Cash Flow Runs Through It…" "Guilt replaced the creel…"

Response:

You have rattlesnakes in Colorado that are active in February? I’m impressed.

        all right, dammit, i’ll go ahead and say it before some other sorry bastard chimes in:  "hell, yes, we have rattlesnakes in colo. that are active in feb.:  in fact, statistics show that more lawsuits are filed then than in any other month!" wayno the self-effacing

Response:

Question:

I didn’t even mention her cloaca.

But you thought about it.  You have a one-track mind. azure

Response:

I don’t think anyone "grilled" Julia for anything – she ASKED for what people here thought. The only vaguely rude post I saw at all was Eric Cordian’s.

What did you find rude about my post?   I didn’t even mention her cloaca. — Eric Michael Cordian 0+ O:.T:.O:. Mathematical Munitions Division "Do What Thou Wilt Shall Be The Whole Of The Law"

Response:

Well I have been drinking more water lately, but even without it I’d still think this situation could have been handled better.  It seems to have calmed down though, despite this attempt of yours to get me going again. Rats.  It didn’t work.

LOLOLOL!  And it’s a good thing too…posting cuts into my bathroom time! You’ve no idea the strain a mere 2 gallons of water puts on my poor abused innards! azure

Ravenna, having a much needed laugh —       Kristen Kohlbecker    And I would choose to be with you                             But you can make decisions too       A Tyger and a Lady    And you can have this heart to break

Response:

x-no-archive: yes Holy Macheral andy, that was easy!  :-)         – Panther (glad to see ole andy back)

Groannnnnnnn Bwahahahahahhaaaaa /tigerbunny rolls on the floor, drowning in tears of laughter I thought I was gonna bust a gut laughing over the image of averti as Foghorn Leghorn in green suede shoes ("That’s a JOKE, son") oh, you people really are too much! tigerbunny

Response:

Yoah heah! yoah heah!  Let the bells ring out and the banners fly! Its too good to be true! but yoah heah!!!! Hey Tigerbunny! great to see your smiling face! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – x-no-archive: yes Holy Macheral andy, that was easy!  :-)         – Panther (glad to see ole andy back) Groannnnnnnn Bwahahahahahhaaaaa /tigerbunny rolls on the floor, drowning in tears of laughter I thought I was gonna bust a gut laughing over the image of averti as Foghorn Leghorn in green suede shoes ("That’s a JOKE, son") oh, you people really are too much! tigerbunny

Response:

Well I have been drinking more water lately, but even without it I’d still think this situation could have been handled better.  It seems to have calmed down though, despite this attempt of yours to get me going again.

Rats.  It didn’t work. azure

Response:

x-no archive: yes Hi Panther; Ok I’m back, with poster’s remorse. Moving on, to stage 3(?) Flame yourself. I feel Averti is giving "andy" far too much credit, 51%? Well perhaps that is true 49% of the time, on a very good day. And just who the hell does this "andy" think he is, anyway? All that fuss’n and a stomp’n. Snagged in the back I lack an attack. Well, that nasty remose, is over now. andy (Trout Mac Finnagan) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – x-no-archive: yes Come back lil Sheba.

Question:

Does anyone have any recent information of the runoff and snowpack for this year in the Yellowpine Idaho area? Any recent readings on the Krassel ranger station gauge (South Fork of the Salmon)? Also, what has been the general behavior of the runoff this year (early melt?, recent snowfall? etc etc- you know what I mean)? Thanks Jon

Response:

You might check http://www.webpak.net/~rafter/    Vince’s Idaho Whitewater Page.  I believe he has a very complete set of links to flow gauges among other things Penny Specialty Outdoors: Sewing and Repair for Outdoor Enthusiasts Tips for making your own gear! http://www.nextdim.com/users/pschwyn/tips.htm

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Does anyone have any recent information of the runoff and snowpack for this year in the Yellowpine Idaho area? Any recent readings on the Krassel ranger station gauge (South Fork of the Salmon)? Also, what has been the general behavior of the runoff this year (early melt?, recent snowfall? etc etc- you know what I mean)? Thanks Jon

Response:

Late runoff this year.  It has been cold and rainy/snowy up there.  I was in the area this weekend, and the pack is mostly gone finally. The creeks are running pretty good.  Johnson creek is running 1430 today.  Lots of rain has been keeping the ground saturated.   Does anyone have any recent information of the runoff and snowpack for this year in the Yellowpine Idaho area? Any recent readings on the Krassel ranger station gauge (South Fork of the Salmon)? Also, what has been the general behavior of the runoff this year (early melt?, recent snowfall? etc etc- you know what I mean)? Thanks Jon

patrickatcyberhighwaydotnet

Response:

Does anyone have any recent information of the runoff and snowpack for this year in the Yellowpine Idaho area? Any recent readings on the Krassel ranger station gauge (South Fork of the Salmon)? Also, what has been the general behavior of the runoff this year (early melt?, recent snowfall? etc etc- you know what I mean)? Thanks Jon

 try this: http://www.idwr.state.id.us/idwr/planpol/techserv/flows.htm flows are steady but not outrageous due to cooler than norm weather.

Response:

Does anyone have any recent information of the runoff and snowpack for this year in the Yellowpine Idaho area? Any recent readings on the Krassel ranger station gauge (South Fork of the Salmon)?

2200 cfs yesterday. Are you planning on kayaking there?  If so when?  We will be there some time near the end of June. Bob Langley Winters, CA

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone have any recent information of the runoff and snowpack for this year in the Yellowpine Idaho area? Any recent readings on the Krassel ranger station gauge (South Fork of the Salmon)? Also, what has been the general behavior of the runoff this year (early melt?, recent snowfall? etc etc- you know what I mean)? Thanks Jon  try this: http://www.idwr.state.id.us/idwr/planpol/techserv/flows.htm flows are steady but not outrageous due to cooler than norm weather.

Jim, Thanks. I had not seen this page before. The Krassel gauge readout has always been our benchmark for the area. Particularly because there are often large discrepancies between flow on the E.Fork of the S. Fork (below Johnson creek) and the Upper S. Fork. Its funny that this is available yet I have called out there are the rangers don’t even know the Krassel gauge reading. Excellent resource. Thanks again. Jon

Response:

Does anyone have any recent information of the runoff and snowpack for this year in the Yellowpine Idaho area? Any recent readings on the Krassel ranger station gauge (South Fork of the Salmon)? 2200 cfs yesterday. Are you planning on kayaking there?  If so when?  We will be there some time near the end of June. Bob Langley Winters, CA

Bob, Yes, we will be doing some paddling there. We are having a rendezvous of long time friends and will be at the Warm Lake campground from June 27-July 4. This group has paddled that area since the mid-70’s and has many long time class V paddlers. However, many of us the last 2 or 3 years have had kids and have backed off class V, primarily because we don’t have the time to paddle enough to maintain our edge to do class V safely and we tend to approach paddling with a group-oriented safety ethic. If you are around, come up to the site. We have the big group site at the Warm Lake campground. I don’t know if you will be able to scare up a group for class V but there will be paddling going on, as well as mtn. biking, flyfishing and general lounging. The trip has been structured to be more family friendly than our old hair trips. If you just want to paddle hair, this may not be your best group. Also, if you tend to be a solo wild card on the river, the may not be the best group for you as we are all very into 1) fun and 2) group safety. You decide. If you are around drop in a say hello and see what’s cooking. Jon McAnulty

Response:

Question:

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

Response:

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

Response:

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

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

Response:

Question:

My wife bought me a fly fishing rod and some gear for christmas. I have never fly fished before but have always wanted to. Where can I go in the San Diego area to get some lessions in fly fishing? Also, are there any good places to fly fish (for trout) in San Diego? Thanx in advance Mike — MGS

Response:

Call Jeff Solis at the San Diego Fly Shop 619-283-3445. Tell him Fritz told you.

Response:

Question:

I just thought that i would tell the world that my son got his first salmon last week a six pound hummpy. What a thrill for him.

Response:

I just thought that i would tell the world that my son got his first salmon last week a six pound hummpy. What a thrill for him.

Wow! That kid must have some arm casting a six pound humpy.  (does there really exist a humpy salmon?)

Response:

 I just thought that i would tell the world that my son got his first  salmon last week a six pound hummpy. What a thrill for him.  Wow! That kid must have some arm casting a six pound humpy.  (does there  really exist a humpy salmon?)

    Yes.  It’s another name for a Pink Salmon.

Response:

writes: (does there really exist a humpy salmon?)

In Alaska they call them "Humpies from Hell".  They come in every other year and take flies well.  Unfortunately they come in about the same time the silvers do and take the fly before it gets down to the larger silvers.  Great light tackle fish (6 or 7 wt.). Not as much fun on the 8 or 9 wt. you’d use for silvers (at least in Alaska).                                                      Dan

Response:

Question:

:      Now, in the same manner, I’d like to try fly fishing. :      Unfortunately, it doesn’s seme possible to fly fish "casually". :      Is there a "hacker" version of fly fishing? IMHO, No, there really isn’t a ‘casual’ level of flyfishing FOR THE BEGINNER.  Now, I don’t want this to come off as ‘elitist’.  That’s not the point.  What I’m getting at is the cost of entry.

I would dissagree. When I started flyfishing, my equiptment consisted of a Diawa "econo" flyrod ($20), an $18 flyreel, a level nordmark floating flyline (daddy’s old line), and a film canister of Tom Thumbs and Spratleys (made by my music teacher). It is only as expensive as you want it to be, getting Orvis beginners kits and other "matched systems". I gave my old rod, reel and line to another child, and he has learned well enough to outfish many of the tourists with their snazzy & expensive gear! If you just want to drag a spratley behind your kayak, this is all you really need. I think the amount of information required to reach a level of personal mastery leading to optimum enjoyment of the sport is, in itself, a barrier to ‘casual’ involvement.

The key word here is "optimum".  If you are just gonna putter, don’t buy the best first off! So, back to my opinion, it’s like getting shot with .44.  It may miss you, but if it touches you, even your little finger, it will take a large bite of your being.

Too True! If the bug hits you, be prepared to spend a lifetime aquiring the toys that one collecte in persuit of this hobby. . . I now have no less than 7 flyrods! Kryten// — @         0r

Response:

: IMHO, No, there really isn’t a : ‘casual’ level of flyfishing FOR THE BEGINNER.  Now, I don’t want this : to come off as ‘elitist’.  That’s not the point.  What I’m getting at : is the cost of entry.  I think the amount of information required to           ^^^^ Oops!  Poor choice of word.  What I was trying to emphasize here is the ‘knowledge’ component of the sport.  Granted, I’m slow.  So, it took me longer than two hours on my front lawn to learn to cast a fly rod.  Then I had to learn leader selection, fly selection, knots, presentation techniques, etc.  It wasn’t the kind of time and effort investment I would call ‘casual’. : reach a level of personal mastery leading to optimum enjoyment of the : sport is, in itself, a barrier to ‘casual’ involvement.  Folks pursue : the sport because of the personal challenge involved.  There are lots : of easier ways to catch fish–even with a fly.     : I disagree with no possible ‘casual’ flyfishing for the beginner.  I : own a custom rod that I bought thru the bargain ads for $100 : (including tackle) that turned out to be worth $300+.  Lucky move.     Lucky, indeed.  I’ve been in the sport for 25 years and own one custom-built 5 wt. that I spent $80 on components for and one $20 5 wt. that I picked up for my son to learn on.  I seem to spend all my money on raising three kids! :^) : That’s the rod I used to learn to cast on my front lawn.  Took about 2 : hours to get the casting down right (using a $10 book).  Then I took         You quick learners make me feel so stupid.  How do you do it? : my old canoe, went to a local lake and flyfished for bass and ‘gills. : CASUALLY! : I recently purchased a new fly rod (4/5# w/reel, line, backing, etc) : for a whopping $30!  It was a cheap package deal at the local sporting : goods store.  Is it a top of the line, high quality rod?  No, : obviously.  But it won’t bother me if it breaks in the back of my : truck and I can keep it ready for a few casts at lunch time!  Again, : casually. : I am no pro but I know what I like and enjoy it.  Yes, you can be a : ‘casual’ flyfisherman (or woman for that matter) without dumping a lot : of money.  Start out at your own pace and have fun!         Who’s talking about money?  We’re talkin investment here, and I consider my time and effort part of the investment–a pleasant part that I chose to invest.  This lad is asking about getting into the sport without investing himself.  My answer stands. : BA : P.S: Charley, you do sound like an elitist…         Well, it is the only thing in my life that I do well.  So, I like to crow about it once in awhile.  Don’t confuse trolling a fly on the end of a flyrod from a kayak with FLYFISHING.  That’s baitfishing with the wrong equipment! Charley

Response:

Don’t confuse trolling a fly on the end of a flyrod from a kayak with FLYFISHING.  That’s baitfishing with the wrong equipment!

Ah, the subtlety of distinctions.  Trolling, er, I mean "drifting" a bobber, er, I mean "strike indicator" from a dory, er, I mean drift boat, now that’s fly fishing.  Don’t confuse this with trolling a fly on the end of a flyrod from a kayak. Got it straight? — -Wayne Trzyna

Response:

: Don’t confuse trolling a fly : on the end of a flyrod from a kayak with FLYFISHING.  That’s baitfishing : with the wrong equipment! : Ah, the subtlety of distinctions.  Trolling, er, I mean "drifting" a : bobber, er, I mean "strike indicator" from a dory, er, I mean drift boat, : now that’s fly fishing.  Don’t confuse this with trolling a fly on the : end of a flyrod from a kayak. : Got it straight? OUCH!  Got me!  I knew as I typed that I was setting myself up.  But, I just couldn’t see the bullet. Thanks, Wayne, I needed that. : -Wayne Trzyna Charley

Response:

I sincerely hope flyfishing is casual; if it is not casual then it must be called a job. Haven’t I seen a bumber sticker reading something like ‘Work is for people who don’t know how to fish?’ Ditto on Curtis Creek Manifesto, absolutely the best brief beginners survey of the sport. And still in print. — Ken Clark Ft. Lupton, CO

Response:

 (trimmed) Being as I catch and release this will help me to have more fun with the time I have. How can you go wrong with that?

Bob: Obviously you haven’t been reading Tim Walker’s latest ravings. A cheap rod and a plan to practice C&R? If Tim doesn’t pounce on you here, he’ll undoubtedly strike when you least expect it; probably when you are going into a fish and chip place to turn in a coupon for a free reel. I’m afraid by Tim’s standards (whatever they are) you’ve already gone wrong. Terribly wrong. John

Response:

: IMHO, No, there really isn’t a : ‘casual’ level of flyfishing FOR THE BEGINNER.  Now, I don’t want this : to come off as ‘elitist’.  That’s not the point.  What I’m getting at : is the cost of entry.  I think the amount of information required to : reach a level of personal mastery leading to optimum enjoyment of the : sport is, in itself, a barrier to ‘casual’ involvement.  Folks pursue : the sport because of the personal challenge involved.  There are lots : of easier ways to catch fish–even with a fly.     : I disagree with no possible ‘casual’ flyfishing for the beginner.  I : own a custom rod that I bought thru the bargain ads for $100 : (including tackle) that turned out to be worth $300+.  Lucky move. : That’s the rod I used to learn to cast on my front lawn.  Took about 2 : hours to get the casting down right (using a $10 book).  Then I took : my old canoe, went to a local lake and flyfished for bass and ‘gills. : CASUALLY! : I recently purchased a new fly rod (4/5# w/reel, line, backing, etc) : for a whopping $30!  It was a cheap package deal at the local sporting : goods store.  Is it a top of the line, high quality rod?  No, : obviously.  But it won’t bother me if it breaks in the back of my : truck and I can keep it ready for a few casts at lunch time!  Again, : casually. : I am no pro but I know what I like and enjoy it.  Yes, you can be a : ‘casual’ flyfisherman (or woman for that matter) without dumping a lot : of money.  Start out at your own pace and have fun! : BA : P.S: Charley, you do sound like an elitist… Well without getting into name calling I think I can see both points here. It seems flyfishing is not for everyone because of the work it takes to be *serious* about it. On the other hand I see myself as the "casual" fisherman that wants to try something new so I also went out and got one of them $30.00 setups and my fiance went out and got me a set of 6 flies and a case for them for the hell of it. I guess if you have the time and money anything can become expensive but for a lot of us it may be a few hours to ourselves doing what we like to do. I for one look foward to learning something new when the other line is just sitting there waiting. I know I’ll lose a few nice fish this way but in the long run I should catch more. Being as I catch and release this will help me to have more fun with the time I have. How can you go wrong with that?

Response:

: IMHO, No, there really isn’t a : ‘casual’ level of flyfishing FOR THE BEGINNER.  Now, I don’t want this : to come off as ‘elitist’.  That’s not the point.  What I’m getting at : is the cost of entry.  I think the amount of information required to

Geeze, Bob.  You must have gone back months to get this.  It’s been dead and gone for awhile.  FYI, I did follow this up with a disclaimer that it was unfortunate that I used the term ‘cost of entry’.  I was referring to the learning curve, not the monetary hurdles.  Nonetheless, I was sort of glad to see this particular piece age off the net! :^( Well without getting into name calling I think I can see both points here.

Me, too! Charley

Response:

IMHO, No, there really isn’t a ‘casual’ level of flyfishing FOR THE BEGINNER.  Now, I don’t want this    [...] I disagree with no possible ‘casual’ flyfishing for the beginner.  I    [...] I am no pro but I know what I like and enjoy it.  Yes, you can be a ‘casual’ flyfisherman (or woman for that matter) without dumping a lot of money.  Start out at your own pace and have fun! BA

  Thanks for the encouragement! As I said in another post, I’ve spent $100 so far, including the rod I also use for casting and trolling. Since I ride a motorbike to most of my fishing spots, I need one rod that does it all, and I found the fly-rod (a "Mitchell" I bought at Canadian Tire for $30) is quite nice for casting (it’s a little thin for trolling, but I caught a few trout trolling with it anyway!).    Anyway, I’m off to see if any fish like my new flies! —    "I’m doing everything I can, and stop calling me Shirley!"  

Response:

    (I’ve looked at various books on the subject, but they all seem far

too advanced for me.) Get a copy of Curtis Creek Manifesto.  It’s a classic, done in a sort of a cartoon style, and teahces you what you need to know to fish at the level you describe.  It’s only 48 pages.  Costs 5.95 and I’m pretty sure it’s still in print.

Response:

    (I’ve looked at various books on the subject, but they all seem far too advanced for me.) Get a copy of Curtis Creek Manifesto.  It’s a classic, done in a sort of a cartoon style, and teahces you what you need to know to fish at the level you describe.  It’s only 48 pages.  Costs 5.95 and I’m pretty sure it’s still in print.

I couldn’t agree more.  I saw this book in the store and thought it had some very good beginner information presented in an extremely easy to understand manner. I bought a copy of it just so I have some easy to understand literature to give to prospective "recruits" when they ask me about fly-fishing. —     \      \   \    \  \   ^  Timothy D. Bouvia             ^    \      \    \   \\\    ^  HRB Systems, Inc., Dept. 112  ^     \      \    \   \   \    ^  State College, Pa. 16804-0060 ^

Response:

Fly fishing for Dummies? Hmm…I wouldn’t even know what fly to use

Response:

:      I’ve been "casually" fishing just about all my life ( eg. I drag a line : behind my kayak so that I don’t look like I’m just goofing off…). I’ve : caught a few fish, but I’m certainly not fanatic about it. I don’t even know : what weight the line is on my reel ( I think it’s 6 lb for trout, 25 lb for : salmon.) :      Now, in the same manner, I’d like to try fly fishing. :      Unfortunately, it doesn’s seme possible to fly fish "casually". :      Is there a "hacker" version of fly fishing? IMHO, No, there really isn’t a ‘casual’ level of flyfishing FOR THE BEGINNER.  Now, I don’t want this to come off as ‘elitist’.  That’s not the point.  What I’m getting at is the cost of entry.  I think the amount of information required to reach a level of personal mastery leading to optimum enjoyment of the sport is, in itself, a barrier to ‘casual’ involvement.  Folks pursue the sport because of the personal challenge involved.  There are lots of easier ways to catch fish–even with a fly.     So, back to my opinion, it’s like getting shot with .44.  It may miss you, but if it touches you, even your little finger, it will take a large bite of your being. Charley

Response:

IMHO, No, there really isn’t a ‘casual’ level of flyfishing FOR THE BEGINNER.  Now, I don’t want this to come off as ‘elitist’.  That’s not the point.  What I’m getting at is the cost of entry.  I think the amount of information required to reach a level of personal mastery leading to optimum enjoyment of the sport is, in itself, a barrier to ‘casual’ involvement.  Folks pursue the sport because of the personal challenge involved.  There are lots of easier ways to catch fish–even with a fly.    

I disagree with no possible ‘casual’ flyfishing for the beginner.  I own a custom rod that I bought thru the bargain ads for $100 (including tackle) that turned out to be worth $300+.  Lucky move. That’s the rod I used to learn to cast on my front lawn.  Took about 2 hours to get the casting down right (using a $10 book).  Then I took my old canoe, went to a local lake and flyfished for bass and ‘gills. CASUALLY! I recently purchased a new fly rod (4/5# w/reel, line, backing, etc) for a whopping $30!  It was a cheap package deal at the local sporting goods store.  Is it a top of the line, high quality rod?  No, obviously.  But it won’t bother me if it breaks in the back of my truck and I can keep it ready for a few casts at lunch time!  Again, casually. I am no pro but I know what I like and enjoy it.  Yes, you can be a ‘casual’ flyfisherman (or woman for that matter) without dumping a lot of money.  Start out at your own pace and have fun! BA P.S: Charley, you do sound like an elitist…

Response: