Question:

<snip Nice read, Sam. — TL, Tim

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Howdy Sam     As a sometime resident of Pa. i have a camper in Coburn close to Penns Creek wife is from Scranton where would this lovely little stream be i would like to check it out. Email me if you want.                    Handyman Mike           Standing in a river waving a stick

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I finished up my summer vacation at my boyhood home in eastern Pennsylvania late in the evening of July 3. I planned to rise before dawn on Independence Day and fish my favorite little creek. [HISTORIC ASIDE] I fished this creek as a boy some twenty five years earlier. Then, it was at best, marginal water.  Smelly, appearing nearly devoid of anything alive, and in places, algae nearly choked the stream due to phosphate pollution from industry far upstream. But it had trout, and I could walk there. Twenty five years ago that’s all I needed. In the intervening years, I went off to college, moved several times, got married, and had several jobs. I visited the creek whenever I got back home. Never to fish, just to try to recapture some of those boyhood memories I guess.  Over the past 6 or 7 years, I noticed that the smell had gone and so did the algae. Not surprising, since the upstream industry, and all the related jobs, disappeared. That is why most of my contemporaries and I left the area in the first place. Over the past 3 years, I was able to follow stocking reports, Pennsylvania state water reports and even fishing reports via the internet.  The stream was definitely on the mend. In fact, recently it was supposed to be removed from the list stocked streams due to a "Class B or better designation, and sizable wild trout population" according to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PAFBC). The decision to not stock was later reversed because of a public outcry. Knowing some of the history of this stream, and knowing some of the troubles of the PAFBC, I was skeptical to say the least. [END OF HISTORICAL ASIDE] Before dawn came and went (as it sometimes does) and I was still in bed. However, I was on the creek by 6:00am. It was already hot, opressively hot. I was to pay dearly for that extra hour of sleep. Should have gotten up at 4:30 like the alarm clock said. It was the tail end of week long 90+ degree streak. The water had a good flow but promised little relief from the heat. As I entered the water, I was pleasantly surprised by the cool press of my breathables against my bare legs.  Stream thermometer read 66 degrees, not too shabby! I waded upstream about 100 yards or so, and stood in an ankle deep riffle. I gazed upstream at a 50 yard stretch of knee deep flat water, with another riffle at the head. There were about a dozen fish rising in front of me.  I could not tell what they were feeding on, but I did notice that most of the bugs I saw were gray. So I tied on a #16 gray EHC. There were at least two fish between the biggest riseform and myself, and it was under a low hanging branch.  Not going to get that one. I decided to cast to the closest one, which I spooked after a few casts.  I crept forward to cast to the next one that was still feeding.  On the second cast, there was a kamakazee rise to my fly.  As I set the hook, I thought "little fish, big ones don’t crash that hard…probably not a trout anyway". I had it, or wait, did it have me? It was not quite the little fish I imagined. After a savage but brief fight, I brought a beautifully colored, fully finned, and yes, wild 15 inch brown trout to hand. After a quick and admiring look, I released it, and it darted upstream.  I was so happy I laughed out loud. I waited for about 15 minutes for the fish to start rising again, but they never did.  It was 7:45am, and the heat was intensifiying.  I briefly though of moving on upstream, but then thought I should just go home. Landing more fish on that day would make me no happier.

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Question:

ROFF Experts — Need some advice. I’m getting ready for some adventures and need some advice on best months for the following types of fish: Snook Permit Tarpon Bones I’m considering Florida Keys, Bahamas, Yucatan, Belize, etc. Any advice to offer?  Could also use some tips on good, reliable flyfishing guides in these locales. Regards Mike

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ROFF Experts — Need some advice. I’m getting ready for some adventures and need some advice on best months for the following types of fish: Snook Permit Tarpon Bones I’m considering Florida Keys, Bahamas, Yucatan, Belize, etc. Any advice to offer?  Could also use some tips on good, reliable flyfishing guides in these locales. Regards Mike

Easter Island. No regards, George Gehrke "go for the gold"

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I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anyone flyfish Easter Island.  Are you serious? (My questions were) Mike

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – ROFF Experts — Need some advice. I’m getting ready for some adventures and need some advice on best months for the following types of fish: Snook Permit Tarpon Bones I’m considering Florida Keys, Bahamas, Yucatan, Belize, etc. Any advice to offer?  Could also use some tips on good, reliable flyfishing guides in these locales. Regards Mike Easter Island. No regards, George Gehrke "go for the gold"

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Question:

I have guide trips booked on the Bitterroot and Beaverhead in late August. Some of the fly shop reports say don’t bother going. My guides say there will be plenty of water and that the Bitterroot will start having more water in the next few days from dam releases. What is the real story?? Thanks.

Response:

It’ll be worth it no matter what. One of the more beautiful places in the world you can spend time sitting in a boat. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have guide trips booked on the Bitterroot and Beaverhead in late August. Some of the fly shop reports say don’t bother going. My guides say there will be plenty of water and that the Bitterroot will start having more water in the next few days from dam releases. What is the real story?? Thanks.

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The Beaverhead is absolutely not fishable!  Just kidding, actually there have been some good reports.  It looked easier to fish from a boat than wading though. Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

Fishable from ‘dam releases’??? The Bitterroot is a freestone. There is Painted Rocks Reservoir but it’s not a large body of water and I don’t think they are going to increase the release from it any time soon (at least till rain and/or September comes. I even question it then. There is still water in the river but the lower portion is less than half its normal flow. FWP has already requested people not fish or restrict their fishing to early morning/late evening. What with the dry conditions and all, don’t be surprised if they temporarily ban fishing. The Blackfoot, for example, reached it’s ‘drought implementation plan’ level yesterday. Now they are asking people to stop irrigating, etc. so they can keep a minimum flow in there for the fish. — Tight Lines! Brian D. Nelson Diamond N Outfitters, Missoula, Montana http://www.montana.com/dno/dno.htm 406-626-4022

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have guide trips booked on the Bitterroot and Beaverhead in late August. Some of the fly shop reports say don’t bother going. My guides say there will be plenty of water and that the Bitterroot will start having more water in the next few days from dam releases. What is the real story?? Thanks.

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Question:

Will be fishing at Spinney and/or Eleven Mile in a few days.  Any info on northern pike or other fishing would be appreciated.  Thanks

Response:

Will be fishing at Spinney and/or Eleven Mile in a few days.  Any info on northern pike or other fishing would be appreciated.  Thanks

Big spoons in the 2-3 ft deep weedy shallows if you are casting. Black or yellow zonkers or BIG wolly buggers in the same place if you are fly fishing. If you have to fish from shore, you are pretty much out of luck. cheers oz

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Call this number for info- 1-719-748-3424  Elevenmile Store This is an article(1997) from Fishng & Hunting MAG Sleep Late, then fish the shallows at Elevenmile Resevoir and you’ll catch Northern Pike.  Pike aren’t noted for being early feeders so theres no point in fishing the lake until after 10 am.  The bite gets underway in late morning, then it tapers off in early afternoon and picks back up again around 5:30 pm. Elevenmile is loaded with pike.  The majority of them are in he 18-26 inch range but there are some fish over 30 inches in the lake, and probably some are getting close to 40 inches now. Some of the favorite spots include: Parking lot cove- west of the Corral Cove parking lot East Bay The Columnist, Ed Marsh prefers to use Stickbaits, like the Luhr Jenson Minnow in the fire tiger pattern(4 1/2 inches) All of the coves mentioned are shallow and weedy, and you definetly need waders to fish them properly.  From the shoreline you simply cannot cast far enough to cover enough water for fishing. Another bit of advice.  If you go there, the afternoons here in Colorado are very windy, so don’t go too far in a belly boat(Experience!) Most people I know who go to Elevinemile for pike use large Rapalas colored like Rainbow Trout and do pretty well. Also, if you use smaller spoons, you’ll probably hook up with some of the trout that haven’t been eaten by the Pike! Dan Dow Check my page- http://community-2.webtv.net/dandow/KINGFISHEROFTHEWORLD/page2.html thanks!

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Going to Colorado next week to fish for northern pike.  Any tips would be appreciated.  Thanks, Ed.

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where do you expect to find northern pike in Colorado? there  are a few lakes on the front range where the tiger musky has been stocked but i never heard of any northern in colorado.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Going to Colorado next week to fish for northern pike.  Any tips would be appreciated.  Thanks, Ed.

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What lakes are you fishing?  Bring your coat! Going to Colorado next week to fish for northern pike.  Any tips would be appreciated.  Thanks, Ed.

Before you buy.

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From what I’ve heard, there’s plenty of pike in various Colorado lakes, albiet I’ve heard there somewhat over populated and sizes tend to run on the hammer handle size. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – where do you expect to find northern pike in Colorado? there  are a few lakes on the front range where the tiger musky has been stocked but i never heard of any northern in colorado. Going to Colorado next week to fish for northern pike.  Any tips would be appreciated.  Thanks, Ed.

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Spinney Mountain Reservoir has plenty. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – From what I’ve heard, there’s plenty of pike in various Colorado lakes, albiet I’ve heard there somewhat over populated and sizes tend to run on the hammer handle size. where do you expect to find northern pike in Colorado? there  are a few lakes on the front range where the tiger musky has been stocked but i never heard of any northern in colorado. Going to Colorado next week to fish for northern pike.  Any tips would be appreciated.  Thanks, Ed.

Before you buy.

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Question:

Hi John, Steffen Rods are built by the Steffen brothers, their company is located in Northern Arizona near Lee’s Ferry.  They build extremely fine rods. You may have gotten that one for a steal, if it was cheap in a swap meet.  These rods should easily compare to Scott, Sage, Loomis, etc. in quality. The only difference, naturally is the action of the rod.  Steffen Bro’s do build their own blanks. These rods are not too well known, because the boys aren’t very dependable in shipping rods out to their retailers. Certain times of the year, fishing on Lee’s Ferry is more important than making an income.  A lot of retailers will not stock their rods for this reason. Although, sometimes I have to agree with their attitude about fishing before working. It must depend on how much cash you have in the bank. Good Luck Bill — William Endicott – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently acquired a rod at an estate sale.  The seller didn’t know the history of it.  It is graphite, marked Steffen Rod Co.  The blanck is unsanded gray, reminiscent of a Scott Power Ply.  Does anyone know anything about the Steffen Rod Co.?  Are they still in business?  Is this just a custom built Powerply or is it actualy a blank made for this company?  Any help you can give me would be appreciated.  BTW…it doesn’t cast half bad. John Woodling Sacramento, CA

Response:

Does anyone know anything about the Steffen Rod Co.?  Are they still in business?  Is this just a custom built Powerply or is it actualy a blank made for this company? John Woodling Sacramento, CA

John; Steffen Rod Co. is based in Arizona, but I’m not sure of the town. Their rods are much more popular out there in the West than they are here in the East. However, they are gaining in popularity.  They "roll their own" at Steffen.  They are very competent rods.  They are certainly still in business, but you don’t hear much about them.  They forego national advertising to keep their overhead at a minimum.  They also don’t offer an unlimited warrantee, but will repair rods at a reasonable price.  Right now, they only offer 2 series of rods.  One is like yours and the other is sanded and with fancier hardware, but it’s the same rod, essentially.  We have a guy here in eastern PA who sells their stuff.  Very good casting rods for $250.  Compared to my Scott Alpha, they are significantly slower; not that it is a *bad* thing. Jason Beary

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I recently acquired a rod at an estate sale.  The seller didn’t know the history of it.  It is graphite, marked Steffen Rod Co.  The blanck is unsanded gray, reminiscent of a Scott Power Ply.  Does anyone know anything about the Steffen Rod Co.?  Are they still in business?  Is this just a custom built Powerply or is it actualy a blank made for this company?  Any help you can give me would be appreciated.  BTW…it doesn’t cast half bad. John Woodling Sacramento, CA

Dear John: Mark Steffen, of Steffen Brothers, lives in Flagstaff, Arizona. He sells his rods locally through Peace Surplus Sporting Stores, 779-4521. Mark is the current President of the our local fly fishing group…. Northern Arizona Flycasters, Inc. Besides making great rods, he is an all around good guy, hardcore fisherman and fly fishing activist. Give him a call if you have any questions. Dawson Henderson

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I recently acquired a rod at an estate sale.  The seller didn’t know the history of it.  It is graphite, marked Steffen Rod Co.  The blanck is unsanded gray, reminiscent of a Scott Power Ply.  Does anyone know anything about the Steffen Rod Co.?  Are they still in business?  Is this just a custom built Powerply or is it actualy a blank made for this company?  Any help you can give me would be appreciated.  BTW…it doesn’t cast half bad. John Woodling Sacramento, CA Dear John: Mark Steffen, of Steffen Brothers, lives in Flagstaff, Arizona. He sells his rods locally through Peace Surplus Sporting Stores, 779-4521. Mark is the current President of the our local fly fishing group…. Northern Arizona Flycasters, Inc. Besides making great rods, he is an all around good guy, hardcore fisherman and fly fishing activist. Give him a call if you have any questions. Dawson Henderson

I have fished Steffen steelhead (8wt) and 4-piece 6-wt rods for years. They are marvelous. I use the 4-piece in New Zealand just about every day for 4-6 week trips and find that it handles innumerable large fish, horrendous wind, and roll-casting very heavy nymphs on the Tongariro like no other rod.The Midge in Los Altos Calif carries the rods. If you have trouble with a Steffen, the maker repairs them very well. Try it, you’ll like it!!

Response:

Hi ! Does anybody know, how to purchase one of these rods here in europe witout knowing a pal who travels the US frequently ?? TIA

Response:

I recently acquired a rod at an estate sale.  The seller didn’t know the history of it.  It is graphite, marked Steffen Rod Co.  The blanck is unsanded gray, reminiscent of a Scott Power Ply.  Does anyone know anything about the Steffen Rod Co.?  Are they still in business?  Is this just a custom built Powerply or is it actualy a blank made for this company?  Any help you can give me would be appreciated.  BTW…it doesn’t cast half bad. John Woodling Sacramento, CA

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Question:

Hi I just planned a 5 day, 4 nite trip to Cancun.  I don’t have a lot of time there and I have heard about all the great things to do, but I’d like to hear from others about the top 3 or 4 excursions to take. E mail Thankx

Response:

Hi I just planned a 5 day, 4 nite trip to Cancun.  I don’t have a lot of time there and I have heard about all the great things to do, but I’d like to hear from others about the top 3 or 4 excursions to take. E mail Thankx

Hello, I have been there quite a few times and really enjoy it. There is something for everyone. I would try to spend a day on Cozumel and/or Isla Mujeres, small island just off shore. Take an all day air conditioned bus tour south to the ruins at Tulum. There are lots of water sports, boating, snorkeling, scuba, fishing and yes, lots of shopping. We specialize in fly fishing trips all over the world and this is on of our favorite places. Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

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Hi I just planned a 5 day, 4 nite trip to Cancun.  I don’t have a lot of time there and I have heard about all the great things to do, but I’d like to hear from others about the top 3 or 4 excursions to take. E mail Thankx

Isla Mujeres and/or Cozumel are nice excursions.  Tulum and Xel Ha are usually packaged together as a single tour and are also interesting. Xel Ha is a place where you can snorkel in a big natural aquarium (a giant pool carved out of the rock by a river) with mixed fresh and salt water and lots of beautiful fish.  It would probably be a bit lame to experienced divers, but if you haven’t seen tropical fish close up before it’s an easy way to do it..  I would hesitate to go inland to the big ruins a Chichen Iza (spelling?).  This time of year can be murderously hot.  When I was in Cancun in May, the people who went inland to that trip felt like they would barely make it out alive – they were burnt through their shirts, probably just from the heat of the sun.  Stick to the coastal areas. I haven’t done it myself, but I know two friends who recently took an excursion where you travel through underground rivers.  They both enjoyed it tremendously.  I would put this at the top of the list. Sorry I don’t have more details. Christine

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Any favorite places to eat either in Cancun or Isla Mujeres? I’d appreciate any info.           Sue

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Question:

Looking for tips, patterns, rivers, fly shops, etc. in the vicinity of Brevard and Asheville, North Carolina.  We’ll be there for a few days the end of April, and want to get on the local waters.   Thanks in advance.

Response:

Hi Keith I’ve found two sites on the internet that work well for me when traveling or preparing to travel. They are Switch Board and Map Quest. A quick Lycos search should get you the addresses. With Switch Board you get telephone listings for any area either by individual or by type of business. With Map Quest, you can print out a map on how to find any address. Good luck. Al Looking for tips, patterns, rivers, fly shops, etc. in the vicinity of Brevard and Asheville, North Carolina.  We’ll be there for a few days the end of April, and want to get on the local waters.   Thanks in advance.

Tight Lines ….. Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products http://www.btsflyfishing.com

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Looking for tips, patterns, rivers, fly shops, etc. in the vicinity of Brevard and Asheville, North Carolina.  We’ll be there for a few days the end of April, and want to get on the local waters.

In asheville, there’s Hunter Banks. They should provide you with the info you want. I know that they have an occasional net presence but I’m not familiar with it. Might be worth a search using Hunter Banks as the subject. Hope this helps. DA

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Looking for tips, patterns, rivers, fly shops, etc. in the vicinity of Brevard and Asheville, North Carolina.  We’ll be there for a few days the end of April, and want to get on the local waters. Thanks in advance.

Appalachian Angler – 164 Old Shull’s Mill Rd. Boone, NC 28607. (704-963-5050 Haden and his brother run the oldest guide servive in the area.They guide float and wading trips in NC, Tenn, and also run float trips in Alaska 100 days a year. Hope to be heading up there soon myself. BTW, there is an Orvis shop just down the road from them, but they wern’t nearly as informed or as helpful when I have stopped in to talk with them. I don’t remember the shops name or have their address, but it is located in Banner Elk, NC. Hope this helps, Steve Hike the Florida National Scenic Trail   For information: www: http://www.florida-trail.org/~fta Florida Trail Association P.O. Box 13708, Gainesville Fl. 32604 (800)343-1882

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Question:

I’ve had good success with both a wicker creel (with moss or damp grass) and an ‘ArtiCreel’ (soaked canvas bag). The canvas bag is easier to carry around and probably doesn’t look as pretentious as the wicker so it is probably safer to use<g. Charlie…

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I’ve had good success with both a wicker creel (with moss or damp grass) and an ‘ArtiCreel’ (soaked canvas bag). The canvas bag is easier to carry around and probably doesn’t look as pretentious as the wicker so it is probably safer to use<g. Charlie…

It’s really a bummer that the ff industry (ok, Orvis) has made something like a wicker creel pretentious. I always fished with an old wicker creel my grandpa gave me when I was a lad, and would like to use one on any occasional trips I might want to take a couple, but I would feel like a fool carrying one these days. I should be able to say "screw it, I like ‘em, I grew up with ‘em, and I’m using one," but I guess I would hate to give people the wrong idea. Fish on, Allen

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Ralph Heidecke writes: When I kill a fish or two to take home I do the following to keep it fresh: (snip) Share other tips you have please!

To me, a canvas creel is indispensible.  Any fish you decide to eat are kept fresh and cool.  Great beer keeper also, as George mentioned earlier.  When you’re not using it for either, it’s a convenient place to stow litter left by others.   Best of all, the sight of a well-used creel over your shoulder keeps away those pesky Orvis Grand Cherokee types, who refer to all the insects by their Latin names.  ;^) CQ

Response:

I should be able to say "screw it, I like ‘em, I grew up with ‘em, and I’m using one," but I guess I would hate to give people the wrong idea.

Yeah, I know what you mean. I still use mine on occasion, depends where I am fishing and how much I care about people think that day<g. Course I usually carry a cloth diaper to use as a rag (they’re great for cleaning fly lines and cameras, etc) so I suppose some folks may think I’m wierd anyway. Charlie…

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[rip !] I do no use stringers as in my experience trout kokanee etc will die with in a quarter hour or so thus there is little gained from their

Yeah, those kokes are sure prissy fish….pretty damned good smoked though. A metal clasp stringer, I feel, is not all that cruel, the fish seem pretty calm generally and an old brown trout will stay alive and fresh all day, catfish and other sturdy species could be released after all day on a stringer and survive.  Stringers are indeed best suited for lake use.  I have also caught and stringered brookies while backpacking that stay alive a long, long time. Whatcha do, see, is you go down, take one of the stringer, clean it and cut off its head.  Then you can insert a ‘weenie’ stick and roast them with salt and pepper…nothing is better in this world… — TimW Halfordian Golfer

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It’s really a bummer that the ff industry (ok, Orvis) has made something like a wicker creel pretentious. I always fished with an old wicker creel my grandpa gave me when I was a lad, and would like to use one on any occasional trips I might want to take a couple, but I would feel like a fool carrying one these days.

Jeez, I sometimes lash a sawed-off, perforated gallon milk jug to my fannypack, and I’ve never felt dumb about it once…er…well, the point is, go ahead and use the things if you like ‘em.  I won’t laugh, and I have to wonder how many people *would* really care.  What if they did, anyway?   Dave DeLacey – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Fish on, Allen

Response:

Moe Skeeter writes: A metal clasp stringer, I feel, is not all that cruel, the fish seem pretty calm generally and an old brown trout will stay alive and fresh all day, catfish and other sturdy species could be released after all day on a stringer and survive.  Stringers are indeed best suited for lake use.  I have also caught and stringered brookies while backpacking that stay alive a long, long time.

That’s true, as long as you’re using it right. If you’re using a stringer to keep your catch fresh, forget the common method of stringing ‘em through the gills.  The fish will stay alive a lot longer if you string it through the thin part of the lower jaw (near the center). I don’t use a stringer anymore, but when I did, stringing the fish through the jaw worked much, much better.  A gill-strung trout usually dies so fast that you might as well knock it on the head in the first place.  (catfish, OTOH, are damn near unkillable, strung through the gills or not.) CQ

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s really a bummer that the ff industry (ok, Orvis) has made something like a wicker creel pretentious. I always fished with an old wicker creel my grandpa gave me when I was a lad, and would like to use one on any occasional trips I might want to take a couple, but I would feel like a fool carrying one these days. Jeez, I sometimes lash a sawed-off, perforated gallon milk jug to my fannypack, and I’ve never felt dumb about it once…er…well, the point is, go ahead and use the things if you like ‘em.  I won’t laugh, and I have to wonder how many people *would* really care.  What if they did, anyway? Dave DeLacey

Yeah, like I said in the clipped part of my original post, I know it’s a bit stupid to give much thought to that. I wouldn’t be embarassed to be seen anywhere with the milk jug – at least the people I meet on the stream wouldn’t be trying to sell me mutual funds. I keep hoping that this whole fishing craze will die out by the time I’m an old man and I can strap on my wicker creel and fish alone… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Fish on, Allen

Response:

When I kill a fish or two to take home I do the following to keep it fresh: 1) stream fishing; place the fish in a plastic bag and either    cache the fish either in the sand or gravel of the bank or

I store the fish in a wet burlap sack out of the sun and clean ASAP. 2) float tube or boat:

Never kept one from a float tube trip!  See below for boat. I do no use stringers as in my experience trout kokanee etc will die with in a quarter hour or so thus there is little gained from their use: Share other tips you have please!

We used a stringer only once or twice for Kokanee. Very poor!  Instead we opted for a cage with chain attached with a little door.  This tied off to one of the cleats at the rear of the boat and could be lifted out of the water to insert another fish.  A few die, but several survive unless badly injured.  This is the best we could come up with to keep them fresh. -Burton — L. Burton Hawley         2330 NW Hummingbird Corvallis, OR

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When I kill a fish or two to take home I do the following to keep it fresh: 1) stream fishing; place the fish in a plastic bag and either    cache the fish either in the sand or gravel of the bank or    gather some grass etc and place the fish amongst this in my    pack. 2) float tube or boat:    in my tube I put the fish in a side pocket of the tube and keep    the fabric wet; evaporation will keep it cool and fresh    in a boat I do much the same; keep the fish out of the sun and keep     it wet; ie cover with a wet cloth; again evaporation will keep it    very cool I do no use stringers as in my experience trout kokanee etc will die with in a quarter hour or so thus there is little gained from their use: the deterioration of the flesh will actually be quicker even if the air is warmer than the water because the transfer of heat from water to fish is much easier than from water to air. In all cases evaporation uses heat hence keeping a fish out of water but moist to encourage evaporation will help keep the fish cool and  fresh. It is advisable to clean a fish as soon as possible; keep the fish out of direct sun and put the fish on ice or refridgerate as soon as possible. Share other tips you have please! Ralph H  

Response:

Question:

I am new to flyfishing and heard through a local fly shop that a women’s organization is starting up in the Phoenix,AZ area.  I left my info w/ someone’s husband at the shop but haven’t heard anything. maybe someone out there knows who I can contact. My husband doesn’t really fly fish, but I expect I’ll have him converted soon.

Response:

scribed: I am new to flyfishing and heard through a local fly shop that a women’s organization is starting up in the Phoenix,AZ area.  I left my info w/ someone’s husband at the shop but haven’t heard anything. maybe someone out there knows who I can contact. My husband doesn’t really fly fish, but I expect I’ll have him converted soon. Yes…you sound as if you will. Whether he wants it or not. – "It is seldom that liberty of any kind is lost all at once."                                                     -Hume

That is exactly my point: if he chooses not to convert from baitcasting, that’s fine, which is exactly why I’d like to follow up on this info.  If he chooses not to join me in my new found hobby, I would like to find a place where friendly FF information is available. I’d like to think that once he sees how much fun it is, he’d like to come along.  If not, that shouldn’t impede my quest for knowledge or a nice walk in a creek.

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Question:

Boca Paila and Casa Blanca have great permit, some Tarpon and  lotsa bones.  The bones are on the smallish side but you should get more chances a permit than in the Bahamas or Florida.  I’ve fished Boca Paila twice. Good folks.  Casa Blanca is just to the South of Boca Paila. Best day — 13 bones before lunch.   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone tell me where is the best lodge to goto for BIG Permit & Bonefish? Robert Wong                        1993 Honda Civic Si Hatchback                                          Advanced Timing Visit My New & Improved Homepage  http://www.gate.net/~foxer           Atkid – 48 days – down 20

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A great, and less expensive alternative to fishing at Asencion Bay is the CUZAN GUEST HOUSE at $1450 per week, double occupancy. Contact me for more info.    Gene Kelly

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writes: Can anyone tell me where is the best lodge to goto for BIG Permit &

Bonefish? If you want really big permit, the biggest are found in Ascension Bay on the Yucatan Penninsula of Mexico (Carribean side).  There is currently a world record pending from the area.   I fished there in June and stayed at the Ascension Bay Bonefish Club (great place for small parties – no more than a max of 6).  Joe Sugura is an excellent host.  Did a lot of looking and almost no casting to permit (one cast 5 feet behind a permit as he left the area).  One of the guys that week took 5 permit the biggest being around 26 lbs.  On the last day my fishing partner got off about a dozen casts to two permit that were over 30 lbs ( if only I’d been on the other side of the boat!). Kaufmann’s book is way off in its description of permit fishing in the area.  They have a great picture in the lodge of a triple on Permit (this is real unusual). Bonefish are plentiful there, but not nearly so big as the singles and doubles you’ll find in florida.   They make up for it by traveling in schools.  Some beautiful flats fishing. Food was great by the way. You can contact them through Fishing International (1-800-950-4242).                                        Good Fishing,                                               Dan 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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Can anyone tell me where is the best lodge to goto for BIG Permit & Bonefish? Robert Wong                        1993 Honda Civic Si Hatchback                                          Advanced Timing Visit My New & Improved Homepage  http://www.gate.net/~foxer           Atkid – 48 days – down 20

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Can anyone tell me where is the best lodge to goto for BIG Permit & Bonefish? Robert Wong                        1993 Honda Civic Si Hatchback                                         Advanced Timing Visit My New & Improved Homepage http://www.gate.net/~foxer           Atkid – 48 days – down 20

I think the biggest permit are caught in southern Florida. They catch pretty nice ones in Ascension Bay, Yucatan, Mexico. I think the biggest average size for bones is in southern Florida and the Bahamas. They are both very difficult on a fly and I would recommend working your way up the ladder by fishing for more plentiful, smaller fish that are much easier to catch. Personally, that is what I have been doing for the past fifteen years. Call us and we can tell you about many flats destinations. 800/4000FLY William Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA

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