Question:

days.  I would guess the tire needed more brakes for some reason in each case. You said it was the home base and the base is notorious for the effect of sudden brakage.

The first plane was a Fed-Ex A-300 out of Newark. They stopped in less than 4000′ of runway. All 8 main tires were blown. Jacks had to be trucked in to raise it up to change the tires. Once it was raised, the brakes wouldn’t disassemble. It was on the runway about 12 hours. Interestingly, it isn’t in the FAA’s incident listings. The second plane was a DC-3 based at nearby airport. Flat tires on taildraggers can be tricky. Fortunately they didn’t ground-loop it. The local newspaper reported that no flights had to divert. You know I sent a sarcastic e-mail to that editor. D.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It was a clear calm morning. The sun was just coming up over the ocean. The temperature was around 70F. I had an easy commute in to work. The employee parking shuttle bus driver waited for me to walk over and board instead of making me wait 15 minutes for the next one. I had only one Jeppeson update to do. There weren’t any nasty memoes from the chief pilot. No one was running their noisy APU, so I did the pre-flight exterior inspection. For once, I didn’t find any discrepencies. The only way it could have been better is if I started the day fishing instead of waiting until I got off work to go fishing. After the pre-flight, I was standing next to the plane chatting with a friend. He and I used to tow banners together. As we were talking, a big cloud of smoke rolled across the airfield. It was tire smoke but too much for a normal landing. Then a gate agent motioned for me to come up the jetway because the boarding passengers were concerned about the smell. I gave them an explanation that worked. After I hung up the PA, my helper-pilot told me that the main runway was shut down because of a disabled aircraft. We made a bet on which airline it was. It turned out to be my turn to buy lunch. Our departure time is at the start of the morning rush of departures, but the morning rush wasn’t happening because many flights were having headaches trying to get their weight down so they could use the short runway. We launched from the short runway in good time. The trip up to the Northeast was pleasant. We called the field insight from 60 miles out. Our turn time was good. We were ready to board when my intuition made the other pilot call clearance. Sure enough, we had a 2 hour gate hold because of delays due to a disabled airplane at our destination. That was going to cut into my fishing time. After the first hour passed, and the greasy spoon diner they call a restaurant had started serving lunch, I sauntered up to the gate area to get a bite to eat. I was surrounded by anxious passengers wanting more information. The gate agent had been instructed not to say anything. A certain irritable streak deep inside was starting to wiggle around because, unlike management, I know how to run an airline. I picked up the PA and gave the folks the information they craved. Just as my speech was winding down, the gate agent wispered to me that our gear-up time had been moved up. I keyed the PA again and told everyone that we had 20 minutes to be in the air or else ATC would send us to the end of the list. Those people must have liked my speech. They ran down the jetway. They stuffed bags in the overheads with super-human strength. I think I saw them shove the last standing passenger into a seat. We set a record for boarding a full plane. They must have liked my speech. Number 2 engine was lit and spooling up as we ran the runway. We made it into the air with less than a minute left of our edict. Maybe I should use that speech more often. The flight southbound was just as nice. ATC was giving vectors and speed restrictions to other traffic in order to get the required in-trail spacing, but they left us alone. All was going well. Too well. On the arrival, 30 miles from the airport, we were given holding instructions. It caught us by surprise. I had to fly the first orbit by hand until my helper-pilot programmed the hold into the FMS. Then he called the tower for more information. He turned to me and said, "What are the odds?". The main runway was still shutdown because it still had an airplane on it with 8 blown tires. The second runway was now shutdown because it also had an airplane on it with blown tires. What are the odds? The second plane was a DC-3. I know that the last DC-3 towbar left the airport a long time ago. The first disabled plane was still on it’s axles. The airport wouldn’t be open anytime soon. We decided that holding wouldn’t change anything, so we diverted to another airport. I never did get to go fishing that day. It was a beautiful day for fishing and I was stuck at the airport. What are the odds? D.

Two blown tire incidents in one days.  I would guess the tire needed more brakes for some reason in each case. You said it was the home base and the base is notorious for the effect of sudden brakage. And fishing at your homebase is a passtime so maybe it has to do with water near the end of the runway. I remember Boston for this problem in the news papers. Is Boston your base?? I remember the Massacheustts solution for the Boston runway problem was to keep the old one and add a second without water as the overrun. Except the new one solved the noise polution problem only and is a poor use for the new North End. Somebody had Mayor White’s old crowd mad at them way back.

Response:

It was a clear calm morning. The sun was just coming up over the ocean. The temperature was around 70F. I had an easy commute in to work. The employee parking shuttle bus driver waited for me to walk over and board instead of making me wait 15 minutes for the next one. I had only one Jeppeson update to do. There weren’t any nasty memoes from the chief pilot. No one was running their noisy APU, so I did the pre-flight exterior inspection. For once, I didn’t find any discrepencies. The only way it could have been better is if I started the day fishing instead of waiting until I got off work to go fishing. After the pre-flight, I was standing next to the plane chatting with a friend. He and I used to tow banners together. As we were talking, a big cloud of smoke rolled across the airfield. It was tire smoke but too much for a normal landing. Then a gate agent motioned for me to come up the jetway because the boarding passengers were concerned about the smell. I gave them an explanation that worked. After I hung up the PA, my helper-pilot told me that the main runway was shut down because of a disabled aircraft. We made a bet on which airline it was. It turned out to be my turn to buy lunch. Our departure time is at the start of the morning rush of departures, but the morning rush wasn’t happening because many flights were having headaches trying to get their weight down so they could use the short runway. We launched from the short runway in good time. The trip up to the Northeast was pleasant. We called the field insight from 60 miles out. Our turn time was good. We were ready to board when my intuition made the other pilot call clearance. Sure enough, we had a 2 hour gate hold because of delays due to a disabled airplane at our destination. That was going to cut into my fishing time. After the first hour passed, and the greasy spoon diner they call a restaurant had started serving lunch, I sauntered up to the gate area to get a bite to eat. I was surrounded by anxious passengers wanting more information. The gate agent had been instructed not to say anything. A certain irritable streak deep inside was starting to wiggle around because, unlike management, I know how to run an airline. I picked up the PA and gave the folks the information they craved. Just as my speech was winding down, the gate agent wispered to me that our gear-up time had been moved up. I keyed the PA again and told everyone that we had 20 minutes to be in the air or else ATC would send us to the end of the list. Those people must have liked my speech. They ran down the jetway. They stuffed bags in the overheads with super-human strength. I think I saw them shove the last standing passenger into a seat. We set a record for boarding a full plane. They must have liked my speech. Number 2 engine was lit and spooling up as we ran the runway. We made it into the air with less than a minute left of our edict. Maybe I should use that speech more often. The flight southbound was just as nice. ATC was giving vectors and speed restrictions to other traffic in order to get the required in-trail spacing, but they left us alone. All was going well. Too well. On the arrival, 30 miles from the airport, we were given holding instructions. It caught us by surprise. I had to fly the first orbit by hand until my helper-pilot programmed the hold into the FMS. Then he called the tower for more information. He turned to me and said, "What are the odds?". The main runway was still shutdown because it still had an airplane on it with 8 blown tires. The second runway was now shutdown because it also had an airplane on it with blown tires. What are the odds? The second plane was a DC-3. I know that the last DC-3 towbar left the airport a long time ago. The first disabled plane was still on it’s axles. The airport wouldn’t be open anytime soon. We decided that holding wouldn’t change anything, so we diverted to another airport. I never did get to go fishing that day. It was a beautiful day for fishing and I was stuck at the airport. What are the odds? D.

Response:

Question:

Eastern Canada’s fly/spin casting championships, $$$$ in prizes. Limited entry. 3rd. Annual Fly Tying  ’MAIL-IN’  Competition, great prizes. NO ENTRY FEE Atlantic Outdoor Sports and RV Show http://www.flyschool.net/rv.htm

Response:

Oh well, if it

Question:

This report

"Grin" Very enjoyable read!! jim

Response:

[snip] I had a great time.  Walt and Jeff were fine gentlemen and wonderful fishin’ buddies.

Yadda, yadda, yadda, now tell us the truth, eh!  :) Peter

Response:

[snip] I had a great time.  Walt and Jeff were fine gentlemen and wonderful fishin’ buddies.

You had me going up until this statement. I expect the two guys you fished with were really Leigh Perkins and Lefty Kreh out slumming, they like to do that to stay in touch with the little people<g. (You didn’t buy any books, videos or dog beds from them did you?) — Charlie…

Response:

(You didn’t buy any books, videos or dog beds from them did you?) — Charlie…

All three items, why do you ask? Opus

Response:

All three items, why do you ask?

In that case, they *will* be back<g. — Charlie…

Response:

This report is the fault of Steve Zimmerman and Jeff Connelly. Well that’s cool, it was worth it.  I could practically taste the beer and feel the cold water.  That’s why we argue so much you know, because we’re stuck behind our computer, bitter and cranky because we’re not actually

fishing. Speak for yourself, Jeff Actually, I did go fishing yesterday morning at the pond and caught a bunch. Not trout, but satisfying nonetheless. Afternoon fishing has been really good so just lemme know when you want to go again. –Steve

Response:

Steve, At the very least you could have noted the *substance* of my report. You bitch. <G Opie

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – This report is the fault of Steve Zimmerman and Jeff Connelly. Well that’s cool, it was worth it.  I could practically taste the beer and feel the cold water.  That’s why we argue so much you know, because we’re stuck behind our computer, bitter and cranky because we’re not actually fishing. Speak for yourself, Jeff Actually, I did go fishing yesterday morning at the pond and caught a bunch. Not trout, but satisfying nonetheless. Afternoon fishing has been really good so just lemme know when you want to go again. –Steve

Response:

This report is the fault of Steve Zimmerman and Jeff Connelly.

Well that’s cool, it was worth it.  I could practically taste the beer and feel the cold water.  That’s why we argue so much you know, because we’re stuck behind our computer, bitter and cranky because we’re not actually fishing. Regards, Jeff

Response:

Speak for yourself, Jeff Actually, I did go fishing yesterday morning at the pond and caught a bunch. Not trout, but satisfying nonetheless. Afternoon fishing has been really good so just lemme know when you want to go again. –Steve

Sure!  Really good for *you*!  (This is an inside joke people.  Last time we went Steve caught a bass on his first cast, before I even was rigged.  On that shiny new bamboo rod of his, no less.  I proceeded to catch nothing.  He even gave me his exact fly.  The only thing I hooked was a rock which busted my line.  I think it was a native though, while Steve’s was stocked.) OK, maybe I’ll give it another shot…. Regards, Jeff

Response:

This report is the fault of Steve Zimmerman and Jeff Connelly.  Steve’s fault because of his no *substance* post last evening, Jeff’s because he had the audacity to e-mail me asking about the trip.  My hand was forced.  What follows is tedious and mind numbing, read at your own risk. Opie REPORT:  Fishin’ with Walt Winter and Jeffrey Miller We met at the confluence of Howard’s Creek and Wilson’s Creek.  I arrived first.  I was promptly accosted by dos game wardens.  I was handing over my fishin’ license, when the ranger dude said, "I smell the strong odor of marijuana, do you have any marijuana in your possession?" I had just finished a beer, and at first, I thought he was actually asking about the odor of alcohol.  I regained my composure, and told him I did not have any pot and that he was welcome to search my Suburban.  He declined.  I was wearing a skull bandana, and I sport a goatee.  There was no odor of pot present, eight or so years ago there would have been, but alas no longer.  I can only assume that I was profiled.  I was unaware that the rangers service had an *idiot* profiling program. I was still waiting for Walt and Jeff Miller, so I decide on another beer. I was leaned over in the front of my truck (that’s what I call my Suburban, no need to tell me its not a truck) reaching into the cooler for another beer, when someone said, "Had any luck?"  I spun around to see who it was, as I had not heard another vehicle pull up.  It was another game warden.  I dropped the beer I was holding back into the cooler.  I frantically started out of the truck and said that I had started fishin’ yet. He said, "but I see your boots are wet."  Shit these guyz are sticklers for detail.  I had been in the stream, while waiting on Jeff and Walt.  I proceeded to stammer well yeah, I had actually been in the stream casting a fly, but was really waiting on some buddies to really get started fishin’. I rambled nervously about having met Walt and Jeff over the internet at ROFF .  He was totally disinterested and probably thought this was some strange gay flyfishin’ site.  He asked for my license.  I stated that I had already been checked and wanted to know if he smelt the strong odor marijuana.  He look at me very puzzled, so I explained the previous rangers comments.  He declined to see my license since I had already been checked. However, he did want to search my truck for contraband.  He peered in, saw the all the shit I keep in my truck and waived any further search.  Gotcha! Walt and Jeff finally drove up.  I couldn’t help but notice when they stepped from the truck that they both used walkers.  Greeting were exchanged I was proffered a beer.  Still trembling from my last encounter with the ranger, I declined.  Walt proceeded to eat everything in site. Finally, we hit the stream.  I had tied on a dry fly with dropper nymph in tow.  I believe both Walt and Jeff had tied on straight nymphs.  The wind whip at gale force.  The Sun shone brightly.  We moved up the stream takin’ turns casting to unseen fish.  There were small mayflys buzzin’ about here and there, but no real hatch to speak of. I, being the magnanimous sort, said I would defer to the masters.  Walt proceeded to get hung-up in a tree, Jeff was having trouble casting and maintaining his walker too.  I decided then and there, I could fish with these guyz. To be perfectly honest, not much happened fish wise for me.  Walt did catch a few nice Browns.  The wind blew incessantly all day.  Jeff and I had a few hits but no landings. We decided to head back around five-ish.  We looked for a trail out.  I found an old loggin’ trail that led us into the thick of the mountain laurels.  We got back on the stream believing cliff climbing beat bushwhacking.  After a bit more rock hoppin’, Walt found a marked trail which we took.  It led us right back to the stream about fifty yards or so beyond where we had begun the trail.  Agreeing now that we would just rock hop and cliff climb our way out, I said follow me boys and proceeded across the stream.  Two steps and I was lying flat on my back in the stream.  They left me to flounder about, and took a dryer route. We made it back to the trucks before dark, popped the tops on some beers. They drank  some vile shit, I chose to drink an import (Coors Light).  They declined my offer of beef jerky, I declined their offer to go fuck myself. We drove to the top of the mountain stopped had another beer together, talked a bit, froze a bit, and finally parted ways vowing to never meet again!  The End. I had a great time.  Walt and Jeff were fine gentlemen and wonderful fishin’ buddies.

Response:

Question:

My buddy and I want to schedule our first trip out west to flyfish for trout.Spring or summer will be the plan. We will probably hire guides most of the time. We are looking for suggestions on where you guys would go if you had the chance.I have been saving for a long time to travel out west to fish for good size trout. I have been flyfishing for 15 years and have never fished west of New York. I am not looking for the most expensive trip but I dont mind spending some money for a quality experience. Thanks in advance br

Response:

Go to Ennis Montana from July 21-31.  It should be a lot of fun and very good fishing.  Other ROFFians will be there.  Check it out at the following url http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/sp_ROFF_people/wclave/wclave.html — Vern Before you buy.

Response:

Why not try coming the the Northwest?  Here in British Columbia we have ton’s ‘o’ trout, even some bass, and lots of secluded lakes and rivers to try.  Plus the Canuck buck is cheap for you guys.  If I had the time and money I’d hit the Elk and St. Mary’s river systems in July, do some lake fishing "anywhere", but if you stick to the Kootenays, there’s Whitetail Lake and a number of other "trophy lakes" that are reasonably accessible. Check out www.anglingbc.com  or  www.sportfishingbc.com   or www.bcadventure.com   for some links and fishing guides or lodges. Cheers.

Response:

Bruce,     The fishing in the Southwest corner of Montana is terrific.  I fish the Beaverhead, the Ruby, and the Big hole.  All have proved to be very good to me.  I have a friend who guides with Frontier Anglers out of Dillon Montana. His name is Garey Avis.  He has hooked me up with many nice fish.  If you are interested I could pass along his home phone number.     Make the trip, you’ll be glad you did. "Catch you Later" David Lloyd

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – My buddy and I want to schedule our first trip out west to flyfish for trout.Spring or summer will be the plan. We will probably hire guides most of the time. We are looking for suggestions on where you guys would go if you had the chance.I have been saving for a long time to travel out west to fish for good size trout. I have been flyfishing for 15 years and have never fished west of New York. I am not looking for the most expensive trip but I dont mind spending some money for a quality experience. Thanks in advance br

Response:

The fishing in the Southwest corner of Montana is terrific.  I fish the Beaverhead, the Ruby, and the Big hole.  All have proved to be very good to me.

Not any more.  The fish are all gone due to whirling disease.  The only fish left are the secret stashes I have and will only reveal to those that show up at the Western Conclave in Ennis (Jul 21-31) Warren Western Conclave Guru For info: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/sp_ROFF_people/wclave/wclave.html

Response:

I just received my "Fly-Fishing" magazine yesterday.  In it they have a good article about Henry’s Fork which is just across the south- western state line of Montana. According to "Fly-Fishing" magazine, the Henry’s Fork has rebounded to become one of the best fly-fishing rivers in America.  In fact, "Sports Afield" rated Henry’s Fork in their April 1999 issue as one of the top fly-fishing rivers in the USA and "Trout" magazine recently rated Henry’s Fork as the BEST trout stream in America. (I know that the names of the magazines should not be in quotation marks but underlined or italicized instead.  However, I don’t have that ability when using deja.com) I know that Henry’s Fork is not in Montana, but it is almost in Montana.  At least, it’s on the same place of the globe. I’m going to fish Henry’s Fork on August 1 after the western conclave. If any of you have a little extra time after the western conclave, join me.  It should be fun. — Vern ROFF page: http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/ResortRd/v_deloy/ROFFintro.html Before you buy.

Response:

I’d recommend the Green River just below the Flaming Gorge Dam down to Little Hole in NE Utah.  Fantastic fishing along with spectacular scenery. Rich Utah Fish Finder http://www.utahfishfinder.com/flyfishing.shtml

Response:

Rich wrote I’d recommend the Green River just below the Flaming Gorge Dam down to Little Hole in NE Utah.  Fantastic fishing along with spectacular

scenery. I really like section A of the Green too, but pack your elbow grease. You’ll need it for rubbin up next to the guy upstream and downstream from you. —                                                       -dnc-

Response:

It really depends on what you’re looking for…and sometimes, where there are lot of trout – there are also lots of people. You may want to try Northwest Montana as an option (lots of trout and not many people) – The Kootenai River (45 minutes south) has some great troutfishing – a couple of years ago a 30+ pound rainbow was caught! In addition, in our area – just to the west of Glacier Park – there are plenty of local trout lakes, rivers, streams, and higher alpine lakes that are tremendous…I enjoy fishing them because I’m usually the only person in the area – and they produce great rainbow and native cutthroat trout. On the Kootenai River – I would recommend Dave Blackburn (see the link on my links page) – he knows the river extremely well.  Several of the other lakes and streams are accessible by forest service trails – and are well marked – there really isn’t a need for a guide. Good luck on finding that special place! Keith and Dona The Montana Cabin http://www.TheMontanaCabin.com Rich wrote I’d recommend the Green River just below the Flaming Gorge Dam down to Little Hole in NE Utah.  Fantastic fishing along with spectacular scenery. I really like section A of the Green too, but pack your elbow grease. You’ll need it for rubbin up next to the guy upstream and downstream from you. —                                                       -dnc-

Before you buy.

Response:

I really like section A of the Green too, but pack your elbow grease. You’ll need it for rubbin up next to the guy upstream and downstream from you.

You can skip the elbow grease if you fish downstream of little hole, but even then, plan on hiking several miles to escape the hordes. Stay upstream of red creek, especially if rain is in the forecast. — Rusty Hook Laramie, Wyo Before you buy.

Response:

–                                                       -dnc- Rusty Hook wrote I really like section A of the Green too, but pack your elbow grease. You’ll need it for rubbin up next to the guy upstream and downstream from you. You can skip the elbow grease if you fish downstream of little hole, but even then, plan on hiking several miles to escape the hordes. Stay upstream of red creek, especially if rain is in the forecast.

Thanks for the advice.  I’ll be there in May.  I threaten to try the B section every year but still have not, maybe this year.  Red Creek is downstream from Little Hole I take it.  Is this a safety warning (like, if it rains too much it may be difficult to get home) or just a fishing warning (like, if it’s raining, Red Creek turns the Green to Red)?

Response:

Question:

For any of you who haven’t read the book it is a fun read.  Nice way to spend a couple of those cold winter nights.  Here is part of my entry from "Books of the Black Bass. "Author says he was "raised in the Redneck Way of Fishing."  What he was saying is that numbers and size of fish caught became more important than anything else, thus turning his hobby into work.  Raines grew up in Alabama fishing for Bass, bluegill, crappie, etc.  There is some fly fishing for trout in this book but there is more about the Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass than any other fish.  As you wander through the book you find stories on ex-presidents of the United States, fly fishing legends such as Wulff, Marinaro, McClane, Fox, Kreh, and some Bass world notables such as Ray Scott and Rick Clunn.  Author relates a couple of instances where Scott suffered from foot in the mouth disease as he tried to help his friend, President George Bush, get re-elected.  Raines fished for Bass with Bush although throughout the book he is critical of Hoover, Reagan and other republican presidents.  Time is spent with all the fishing presidents from Hoover and Cleveland down to George Bush and Jimmy Carter.  He speaks out on everyone he writes about and is not afraid to take on the bureaucrats, all in all, an enjoyable read." Clyde Black Bass Book Collector http://members.aol.com/BassBks/index.html

Response:

I currently have for sale a nice copy of "Fly Fishing Through the Midlife Crisis" by Howell Raines. A very clean softcover copy, published in 1994 by Anchor Books. The 352 page book is fresh and clean inside and out, except for a gift inscription inside the front cover. Available for to reserve. Thanks, and best regards. Dave    http://www.newsfeeds.com       The Largest Usenet Servers in the World!

Response:

Question:

Really nice fly shop in Schroon Lake. Friendly, helpful shopkeeper. Adirondacks is God’s country. One warning, get repellent… the blackflies are big and hungry. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am planning a trip to New York’s Adirondacks this July and wonder if anyone had info on fishing in the area.  I have never been there but understand there are tons of rivers.  I’ll be in the Old Forge area near the Moose River (just west of Raquette Lake).  Any info on fly shops, public access to rivers and the hatches I might expect to see in late July would be appreciated. Thanks. Steve

Response:

I am planning a trip to New York’s Adirondacks this July and wonder if anyone had info on fishing in the area.  I have never been there but understand there are tons of rivers.  I’ll be in the Old Forge area near the Moose River (just west of Raquette Lake).  Any info on fly shops, public access to rivers and the hatches I might expect to see in late July would be appreciated. Thanks. Steve

Response:

Question:

iI would like to thank all who responded to my request for books on "fly patterns". I now have a realy good list to choose from. I’m sure it will keep me busy all winter. Thanks Again

Response:

Hi Gerald Happy to help, that’s what this newsgroup is all about. — Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (97 catalog) http://www.flyshop.com/Expo/Specialty/BTsPdcts/index.html

Response:

Question:

I am tring to build a kite to use for offshore fishing.  The ones I have seen are just a square kite with the spars in a x configuration. I need the kite to fly in wind between 5 an 10 mph.  Im looking for water proof material and strong lightweight spars.  I figure the kite would need to be about 30 inches by 30 inches.  Any help anyone could give me with parts selection would be greatly appreciated.. Thanks Kent D. Bottorf

Response:

: I am tring to build a kite to use for offshore fishing.  The ones I : have seen are just a square kite with the spars in a x configuration. : I need the kite to fly in wind between 5 an 10 mph.  Im looking for : water proof material and strong lightweight spars.  I figure the kite : would need to be about 30 inches by 30 inches.  Any help anyone could : give me with parts selection would be greatly appreciated.. Hmmm. None of the commercial offerings would work? Last time I was at the beach, I was pleased to see Gala was still selling some variety of the "Bat Kite" I remembered as a child. That would seem strong enough to work. On a side note, some shark fisherman use a Life-Saver<tm (the candy) and a big plastic garbage bag. They inflate the bag, and tie it closed. The baited line is rigged through a candy. If the wind is right, it blows the bag out to sea, and eventually the candy dissolves, dropping the bait in deeper water than they could otherwise cast to. I’m opposed to this littering, since the bag isn’t recovered, but they theory is interesting….

Response:

I am tring to build a kite to use for offshore fishing.  The ones I have seen are just a square kite with the spars in a x configuration. I need the kite to fly in wind between 5 an 10 mph.  Im looking for water proof material and strong lightweight spars.  I figure the kite would need to be about 30 inches by 30 inches.  Any help anyone could give me with parts selection would be greatly appreciated.. Thanks Kent D. Bottorf

Kent,   My suggestion would be to just buy a Bob Lewis fishing kite.  I kite fish quite a bit here in S Fla, and I think you’ll get to spend a lot more time fishing by just buying instead of building.  My wife and I tried several times to figure out a better kite system, but gave up in frustration. —                  |                 |    |                           /    |   Nothin’ Fancy          /

Response:

Question:

Has anyone had any experience fishing in the Caymans or Cozumel? I’ll be there this Xmas and would like to do a little bit of fishing.  I heard there are bonefish and tarpon opportunities. Thanks for your help. Bill

Response:

I was in Grand Cayman last Feb. You are probably staying on 7 mile beach. If so, go north and find Papagallo Restaurant. It, by the way, is the only really fine restaurant we found on the island if you’re into that. Keep going past the place and suddenly you’er in bush on rough dirt roads. There are tons of canals that were dug to keep mosquitos down. There are supposed to be small tarpon  in them and if the lake at the reastaurant is any indication they are there. Whats even prettier is the shore along the north in this neighborhood. There is a reef way off with breakers and very large expansive flats and NO CROWDS at all which is very welcome from the 7 mile beach scene. It gets you into the island thing "Mon" and the fly fishing thing all very quickly ( and close to the hotels) and is really beautiful. When you get to the end of the first road past the restaurant go left to get to the shore here. Anothyer place thats even easier and very pretty, but not as wildernessesque, is to go through and south of Georgetown and take the road that goes along the south shore. There are a few parking areas where you can walk 30 feet to the flats and its gorgeus. The areas I found are after the road turns east, about 10 minutes after you have passed where the cruise ships dock. Check out the guy who is the doctor of the black coral clinic you pass on your way. Neat fellow with great prices on stuff he carves himself. I found grand cayman to be very civilized and without these fishing excursions, would have hated it. They balanced it perfectly. Its not a breathtaking place like the Virgin islands, but now you know where to find really inspiring places. Have a good time. Clair

Response:

Has anyone had any experience fishing in the Caymans or Cozumel? I’ll be there this Xmas and would like to do a little bit of fishing.  I heard there are bonefish and tarpon opportunities. Thanks for your help. Bill

You can catch bonefish on Cozumel anytime. There are some real good guides that can take you out to the remote north end of the island. I have fished with Victor, Papo, Enrica(sp) and Alex. You can stay at the Southern Cross Club on Little Cayman Island. They have bonefish and small land-locked tarpon. A 9′#8,  3 or 4 piece outfit is the most popular size for light salt water travel. It is a good size for most fish to 30#. I use a Mastery Bonefish floating line because it is stiffer and works better out of a boat. Take a varity of bonefish flies and some 2/0 streamers. I always take a few poppers. Polarized glasses and a hat are needed. If you have any questions you can e.mail or call me, 800/4000FLY (USA). William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

Response:

Was in Cayman Brac in 94 and stayed at Brac Reef. Main purpose was diving however, righty there in front of the hotel was a wadeable rip where one could cast to Tarpon, Lemon sharks and Barracuda ! In addition, Little Cayman was a short boat ride away and offered large Tarpon and Bonefish. — "The true Angler is content to fish alone" Brian Di Carlo

Response:

Question:

i am planning a trip to northern minnesota sometime in june or july and would greatly appreciate information re: fly fishing for northern pike, muskies or any of the other exotic species that inhabit the lakes in the area.  i am bored with trout.  i am from washington state and would be happy to exchange info and tips with some minnesota person interested in visiting my part of the world.

Response:

i am planning a trip to northern minnesota sometime in june or july and would greatly appreciate information re: fly fishing for northern pike, muskies or any of the other exotic species that inhabit the lakes in the area.  i am bored with trout.  i am from washington state and would be happy to exchange info and tips with some minnesota person interested in visiting my part of the world.

Well, I flyfished _hard_ for a week in northern Minnesota in August in a lake that is absolutely loaded with pike and caught not a one. It was very saddening. (Yes, I know what I’m doing and used all the best flies and techniques for pike!) The problem, from what I learned, is that pike hold in deep, cooler water in summer.  It’s hard to get down to them with a fly rod, even with a full sinking line (I tried one). Between June and July, I’d go in early June.  You might have better luck than I did! On the other hand, I had success catching some nice yellow perch and smallmouth.  My advice: go planning to fish for smallmouth and you’ll be happy.  Go in spring or fall and you’ll catch pike. Scott in DC

Response: