Question:

After finally purchasing most of the needed equipment, I was hoping to get poll on  knot’s others would use/recommend. I use a clinch knot. I think that 60% breakage figure is low. Make sure you lubricate the knot with a little spit before tightening. Willi

Arrrrrrrrrrrrggggggggggggguuuuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhhh !!!!  You are kNot-Perfect!

Response:

I break off far more fish  (and bushes and trees) on my tippet to leader knot than I do at the hook eye knot (improved clinch for me). Of course, I am quite lazy and use a double surgeons knot instead of a blood knot for my tippet/leader connection, which probably explains that. Actually breaking off on anything is fairly rare with the stronger mono now in existence. The stuff I used  30 years ago was another matter. G.Cleveland – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After finally purchasing most of the needed equipment,  spending hours practice casting, and reading everything I can find about fly-fishing, I’m almost ready to go. Some articles state that the clinch knot (for tying fly to tippet) is only 60% as strong as the tippet it is tied to. There also seems to be debate over whether improved version is actually better. Even so, it seems to be at the top of the list when looking at knot tying articles. After losing practice flies using this knot, I started tying uni-knot, but it takes longer  to tie. My knot tying ability and casing smoothness have both improved somewhat, and I plan to start actually fishing with improved clinch version. Set-up will be 5x tapered (sci. anglers 7 1/2 ft) tip with12-16 size flies with 5 wt wt-forward line. I was hoping to get poll on  knot’s others would use/recommend.

Response:

"william hughes" wrote… Set-up will be 5x tapered (sci. anglers 7 1/2 ft) tip with12-16 size flies with 5 wt wt-forward line.

All the info that everyone has given you about knots will serve you well.. apply it. One other thing you should consider is a longer leader for dry fly fishing for trout.  7-1/2 feet is short.  9′ and up would be better.   Joel Axelrad **DFD**

Response:

DON’T PULL ON THE TAG END!!! I think lubrication is overrated.

I believe these two lines are in the running for my favorite ROFF quotes of 2002. Of course the year is still young. : ) -eddie http://www.guidetracker.com Go Fish…

Response:

"william hughes" wrote… Set-up will be 5x tapered (sci. anglers 7 1/2 ft) tip with12-16 size flies with 5 wt wt-forward line. One other thing you should consider is a longer leader for dry fly fishing for trout.  7-1/2 feet is short.  9′ and up would be better.

Yep. What I do is buy 7.5′ 3X tapered leaders then use tippet material to build leaders anywhere from 8.5′ to 15′. Ernie Harrison’s little red thingy is good for this. What in the hell ever happened to Ernie ? Did he get his knickers in a twist over that "rod loading" bullshit ? — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

I use the improved clinch on smaller flies, but I find that it tends to slip on larger hooks.   I like the Trilene knot for big stuff.  My rule of thumb is if the hook eye is big enough to get the line through it twice, I use the trilene knot, otherwise I use the improved clinch knot. Kevin

I use neither and I certainly stopped using the clinch knot many, many, many years ago.  I have never used a knot that has cost me more lost fish than the damned clinch knot.  It is a stupid knot, a lazy knot, and only uneducated knot makers use it. I suppose with fishing LINES your rule of thumb would surfice but when it comes to dry flies and the hooks used in fly fishing, the amount of steel and drag used has a better scientific result determined by fifty years of testing by this author and it is this.  When a TIPPET can be thraded through the eye of the hook THREE TIMES, you have established the proper tippet diameter for that hook.  It is not correct to use an example that states, if your tippet material is .010 diameter it should slip through the eye of a .030 diameter hook.  However; if your tippet will squeeze through three times it works just fine.  That is three strands in a triangle configuration. There are physics involved that determine why this works but I’m not up to explaining it right now.  It simply works Kevin and it works wonderfully. I use ONE KNOT on all my flies and that is the Duncan Loop or Uni-Knot. I use FIVE turns through the loop and I snug the knot up to the tippet line without drawing the knot TO THE EYE OF THE HOOK.  When I put the Uni-Knot up to the eye, I leave a sixteenth of an inch of slack because I don’t wish to bottom the knot against the eye.  This way, my flies have movement as does my nymphs but especially my nymphs.   I have never, never lost a fish due to the 100% Uni-knot.  It has never come undone, it has never fail me in any way, shape or form. This IS the one knot any fly fisherman can stake their faith in any place on this planet.  This and the blood knot. Once a fish is hooked, the strike and weight of the fish draws the Uni-knot down to the eye of the hook for battle.   George Gehrke

Response:

One other thing you should consider is a longer leader for dry fly fishing for trout.  7-1/2 feet is short.  9′ and up would be better.

Especially in deeper or bigger water, I usually use a long leader when nymphing. I especially like to use a very long tippet. The thin tippet sinks much more readilly than the heavier sections of the leader and allows for easier strike detection and better control. Willi

Response:

There are physics involved that determine why this works but I’m not up to explaining it right now.  

Well, color me surprised… Kevin — Check out the Pike Clave Website: <http://www.misu.nodak.edu/~vang/PikeClave/

Response:

most of the tests I’ve seen on the clinch report 85 to 90% usually towatrds the higher number. The improved gets the strength up to about 95%. A stronger knot is the trilene. With any knot make sure you use the correct number of turns for the strength of tippet material. I suggest you consult a book or article by Lefty Kreh as I’ve found what he writes about knots to be the most reliable. RalphH

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After finally purchasing most of the needed equipment,  spending hours practice casting, and reading everything I can find about fly-fishing, I’m almost ready to go. Some articles state that the clinch knot (for tying fly to tippet) is only 60% as strong as the tippet it is tied to. There also seems to be debate over whether improved version is actually better. Even so, it seems to be at the top of the list when looking at knot tying articles. After losing practice flies using this knot, I started tying uni-knot, but it takes longer  to tie. My knot tying ability and casing smoothness have both improved somewhat, and I plan to start actually fishing with improved clinch version. Set-up will be 5x tapered (sci. anglers 7 1/2 ft) tip with12-16 size flies with 5 wt wt-forward line. I was hoping to get poll on  knot’s others would use/recommend.

Response:

Make sure your tippet material is in good shape. It deteriorates with age, especially if it’s exposed to sunlight.

        now *that’s* the truth.  and probably the primary reason for the failure of *any* knot. your friend in the old north state wayno

Response:

I use ONE KNOT on all my flies and that is the Duncan Loop or Uni-Knot.

        how neat.  i use only one knot, myself.  the improved clinch. well, just goes to show that two great fishermen can differ—right, george? I have never, never lost a fish due to the 100% Uni-knot.  It has never come undone, it has never fail me in any way, shape or form. This IS the one knot any fly fisherman can stake their faith in any place on this planet.  This and the blood knot.

        how telling.  you know what one half of a blood knot is, don’t you, george?  that’s right:  an improved clinch.         i just knew we’d find a common ground. wayno

Response:

I was hoping to get poll on  knot’s others would use/recommend.

Most of the guides I’ve hired (especially the ones who are aggressive about changing flies) use the regular clinch knot. Whether it’s as strong as the improved clinch knot I don’t know, but it’s sure easier for me to tie, especially with fine tippets. If I’m changing flies a lot I use it. DON’T PULL ON THE TAG END!!! I think lubrication is overrated. If you tighten the knot slowly and carefully lubrication is unnecessary, IMHO. Make sure your tippet material is in good shape. It deteriorates with age, especially if it’s exposed to sunlight. — visit my web site: http://home.earthlink.net/~royalwulff/

Response:

I was hoping to get poll on  knot’s others would use/recommend.

I use the improved clinch on smaller flies, but I find that it tends to slip on larger hooks.   I like the Trilene knot for big stuff.  My rule of thumb is if the hook eye is big enough to get the line through it twice, I use the trilene knot, otherwise I use the improved clinch knot. Kevin — Check out the Pike Clave Website: <http://www.misu.nodak.edu/~vang/PikeClave/

Response:

After finally purchasing most of the needed equipment,  spending hours practice casting, and reading everything I can find about fly-fishing, I’m almost ready to go. Some articles state that the clinch knot (for tying fly to tippet) is only 60% as strong as the tippet it is tied to.

That is odd.  A few quick experiments should tell you if you’re tying them that weak. After losing practice flies using this knot, I started tying uni-knot, but it takes longer  to tie.

Hmm, I find it as easy, if not easier, to tie.

Response:

After finally purchasing most of the needed equipment,  spending hours practice casting, and reading everything I can find about fly-fishing, I’m almost ready to go. Some articles state that the clinch knot (for tying fly to tippet) is only 60% as strong as the tippet it is tied to. There also seems to be debate over whether improved version is actually better. Even so, it seems to be at the top of the list when looking at knot tying articles. After losing practice flies using this knot, I started tying uni-knot, but it takes longer  to tie. My knot tying ability and casing smoothness have both improved somewhat, and I plan to start actually fishing with improved clinch version. Set-up will be 5x tapered (sci. anglers 7 1/2 ft) tip with12-16 size flies with 5 wt wt-forward line. I was hoping to get poll on  knot’s others would use/recommend.

Response:

After finally purchasing most of the needed equipment,   I was hoping to get poll on  knot’s others would use/recommend.

I use a clinch knot. I think that 60% breakage figure is low. Make sure you lubricate the knot with a little spit before tightening. Willi

Response:

I use a clinch knot. I think that 60% breakage figure is low. Make sure you lubricate the knot with a little spit before tightening.

Same here…..five turns, well lubricated. Additional turns, or the "improvement" of pulling the tag end through the loop, seem to me to make the knot harder to tighten properly and more likely to unravel. The key is to make sure the knot is tight. George Adams "From the rockin’ of the cradle to the rollin’ of the hearse, the goin’ up was worth the comin’ down." ___Kris Kristofferson "The Pilgrim/Chapter 33"

Response:

William Hughes writes: After losing practice flies using this knot, I started tying uni-knot, but it takes longer  to tie. My knot tying ability and casing smoothness have both improved somewhat, and I plan to start actually fishing with improved After losing practice flies using this knot, I started tying uni-knot, but it takes longer  to tie. My knot tying ability and casing smoothness have both improved somewhat, and I plan to start actually fishing with improved

I have used the clinch knot for many years.  Never moved up to the improved clinch, and like you say, the uni-knot takes a little longer to tie (especially with arthritic hands).  If you tie the clinch correctly, lubricating the tippet before you pull the knot tight, it should not fail.  I have landed some very big fish with 5x tippet and the clinch knot.   Once you get the knot tightened and trimmed the tag end, pull on the fly to see if  the knot will hold.  Like tens of thousands of fly fishermen before you, the clinch knot should be all you will need. Dave

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After finally purchasing most of the needed equipment,  spending hours practice casting, and reading everything I can find about fly-fishing, I’m almost ready to go. Some articles state that the clinch knot (for tying fly to tippet) is only 60% as strong as the tippet it is tied to. There also seems to be debate over whether improved version is actually better. Even so, it seems to be at the top of the list when looking at knot tying articles. After losing practice flies using this knot, I started tying uni-knot, but it takes longer  to tie. My knot tying ability and casing smoothness have both improved somewhat, and I plan to start actually fishing with improved clinch version. Set-up will be 5x tapered (sci. anglers 7 1/2 ft) tip with12-16 size flies with 5 wt wt-forward line. I was hoping to get poll on  knot’s others would use/recommend.

The Uni is quick and easy to tie – it you add one step.  Assuming you’re right handed, normally one threads the tippet into the eye of the hook and leaves about 3" of a tag.  Hold the eye of the hook, the tippet and the tag with the left thumb and forefinger.  Now wrap the tippet around your left index finger a couple of times.  This keeps the short length of tippet above the eye nice and taut, making it easier to form and thread the loop to finish the knot. HTH Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://home.cogeco.ca/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

I agree with Dave et al…lubricating the knot is the key issue.  I don’t lose many trout because of knot problems. Eugene

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – William Hughes writes: After losing practice flies using this knot, I started tying uni-knot, but it takes longer  to tie. My knot tying ability and casing smoothness have both improved somewhat, and I plan to start actually fishing with improved After losing practice flies using this knot, I started tying uni-knot, but it takes longer  to tie. My knot tying ability and casing smoothness have both improved somewhat, and I plan to start actually fishing with improved I have used the clinch knot for many years.  Never moved up to the improved clinch, and like you say, the uni-knot takes a little longer to tie (especially with arthritic hands).  If you tie the clinch correctly, lubricating the tippet before you pull the knot tight, it should not fail.  I have landed some very big fish with 5x tippet and the clinch knot. Once you get the knot tightened and trimmed the tag end, pull on the fly to see if  the knot will hold.  Like tens of thousands of fly fishermen before you, the clinch knot should be all you will need. Dave

Response:

There are two things to keep in mind when tying the clinch knot.  1) lubricate it. 2) tighten it slowly.  Thightening (a new word?) the knot quickly will cause heat to build up in the mono and weaken the tippet. Chris Richer – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – William Hughes writes: After losing practice flies using this knot, I started tying uni-knot, but it takes longer  to tie. My knot tying ability and casing smoothness have both improved somewhat, and I plan to start actually fishing with improved After losing practice flies using this knot, I started tying uni-knot, but it takes longer  to tie. My knot tying ability and casing smoothness have both improved somewhat, and I plan to start actually fishing with improved I have used the clinch knot for many years.  Never moved up to the improved clinch, and like you say, the uni-knot takes a little longer to tie (especially with arthritic hands).  If you tie the clinch correctly, lubricating the tippet before you pull the knot tight, it should not fail.  I have landed some very big fish with 5x tippet and the clinch knot. Once you get the knot tightened and trimmed the tag end, pull on the fly to see if  the knot will hold.  Like tens of thousands of fly fishermen before you, the clinch knot should be all you will need. Dave

Response:

Set-up will be 5x tapered (sci. anglers 7 1/2 ft) tip with12-16 size flies with 5 wt wt-forward line. I was hoping to get poll on  knot’s others would use/recommend.

William, I count being knot-challenged amongst my various and sundry handicaps. Some days I just can’t seem to make a freaking clinch knot work, improved or otherwise. If the ratio of tippet diameter vs. hook-eye diameter allows, I always use a Palomar knot. This is a very simple knot to learn and is very strong. I don’t remember this knot ever failing me. For smaller flies, you (and I!) had better learn to tie the clinch. I have noticed a marked improvement in clinch knotting since I started using my forceps as a tying tool, I’m not sure why. Danl

Response:

After finally purchasing most of the needed equipment,  spending hours practice casting, and reading everything I can find about fly-fishing, I’m almost ready to go. Some articles state that the clinch knot (for tying fly to tippet) is only 60% as strong as the tippet it is tied to. There also seems to be debate over whether improved version is actually better. Even so, it seems to be at the top of the list when looking at knot tying articles.

William, For some time, I used the improved clinch knot. When I started getting into bigger fish, it seemed too many were breaking me off. I mentioned this to my local friendly flyshop owner one day and he told me he uses the regular clinch knot. He explained that the improved clinch is a stronger knot when tied properly, but many times during tying it can get twisted, and when it does, it becomes much weaker. So since that day, I’ve been happily using the standard clinch. The number of bigger fish breaking me off has been greatly reduced! As others have said, lubricate well and tighten slowly. After trimming the tag-end, always test the knot by gently pulling on the fly and tippet. Sometimes it looks like you’ve tied it correctly, but a pull will reveal a bad knot and the fly will come off the tippet. And it’s much better to find a bad knot by your pulling than by a trout’s! And yes, I’ve learned this tip the hard way! Fish on, my friend. Danny McMillin — Danny McMillin — Remove XX from email address to reduce spam.

Response:

There are two things to keep in mind when tying the clinch knot.  1) lubricate it. 2) tighten it slowly.  …

I would add a third, tighten by pulling the line end away from the eye and not by pulling on the tag end. I switched from an improved clinch to a clinch several years ago based on something I read here in ROFF. Works for me. — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

All knot failures I’ve had with the improved Cinch have been do to my stupidity in tying the knot, not the design of the knot. Lou

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – After finally purchasing most of the needed equipment,  spending hours practice casting, and reading everything I can find about fly-fishing, I’m almost ready to go. Some articles state that the clinch knot (for tying fly to tippet) is only 60% as strong as the tippet it is tied to. There also seems to be debate over whether improved version is actually better. Even so, it seems to be at the top of the list when looking at knot tying articles. After losing practice flies using this knot, I started tying uni-knot, but it takes longer  to tie. My knot tying ability and casing smoothness have both improved somewhat, and I plan to start actually fishing with improved clinch version. Set-up will be 5x tapered (sci. anglers 7 1/2 ft) tip with12-16 size flies with 5 wt wt-forward line. I was hoping to get poll on  knot’s others would use/recommend.

Response:

Question:

Care to share your hobbies?

Large format B&W photography 4-Season camping Fly fishing Hunting Trapping Botony Geology Thomas Vodacek Stagnant Brewery Brewing Since 1982

Response:

Care to share your hobbies? Large format B&W photography 4-Season camping Fly fishing Hunting Trapping Botony Geology Thomas Vodacek Stagnant Brewery Brewing Since 1982 Street Rodding and motorcycle riding.

collecting trains and cooking. Brewing since1995

Response:

Care to share your hobbies?

Brewing’s about it anymore, and I don’t get as much time to do that as I’d like. I used to love photography, especially sports photography.  I used to go to hockey games alot and take pictures of the players.  I live in Philadelphia.  I have an autographed 8 x 10 that I took of Flyers goalie Pelle Lindbergh that may actually be the very last autograph he ever signed before he died.  I wish I could prove it.  I caught him outside the stadium right after the last game he played, which was against Washington.  He signed the picture, then I watched him get in his car, and I heard the next morning he was dead.   I also have lots of old hockey, baseball, and football cards. Aside from beer, I also make some wine, but mostly just from kits. I like to cook, and make bread.  Actually made bread before I made beer.  Would like to try making cheese at some point.  It all seems to go toghether.  I always wanted to learn to make desserts, like cakes and stuff. Bill

Response:

collecting trains and cooking. Brewing since1995

Just *do* you cook a train? :0) I’m hoping to swing by Valley Park, MO on this summer’s vacation to see the "Whittle Shortline" folks and their wooden trains. My son’s not old enough for highly scaled N gauge yet.

Response:

Care to share your hobbies?

Computers & networking Photography Competitive pistol and rifle shooting Reloading for pistol and rifle Cooking Read a lot Racquetball Billiards/Pool Politics Kingfisher NRA-ILA, GOA, JPFO, SAF, CCRKBA, COA, LSAS, LEAA.  Money is a weapon. When guns are outlawed, politicians will still have armed bodyguards. It’s not who votes that counts; it’s who counts the votes.

Response:

Let’s see now….. 1. Home brewing……Oooorah! 2. RC model building (and flying). 3. Keeping planted aquariums. 4. Gardening. 5. Woodworking….or as SWMBO calls it….screwing around in the garage. Dan

Response:

Pinball machines Radio Controlled aircraft Robotics Hunting Fishing Camping while hunting/fishing Restoring a 1968 VW God, I need to trim my hobbies down a bit! Darren Brewing since 1995

Response:

Care to share your hobbies?

Swimming Reading Writing Photography Driving my Miata Cooking Gardening Cat — The Cat House http://www.feline.org Phone+Fax: 877.278.8075

Response:

Care to share your hobbies?

Computers Brewing Biology & Genetics in general Physics Science Fiction & Fantasy Classical Music Photography — Fred Stone

Response:

Care to share your hobbies?

Child care and graduate school. Phil

Response:

Tinkering with computers, and collecting obscure (mostly jazz/rock) CDs.  And I will be adding meadmaking to the list any day now! —

Response:

Care to share your hobbies?

Collecting Military Vehicles (M35A2 Deuce-and-a-half, and a Hummer) Ham Radio Cooking — Rich Weinkauf, N8QLT Cruise Missile Coordinates: 42d 28.05′N 083d 22.87′W HummerID 97.5 Fly Yellow Wagon 1971 Kaiser M35A2  **  MVPA #20486 Load Warrior Website http://msnhomepages.talkcity.com/Terminus/loadwarrior/ M35 Cool Stuff Site     http://www.highprofilevehicles.com

Response:

Care to share your hobbies?

Member of the SCA (renaissance re-enactment) Leatherwork Digital photography candle/perfume/balm making (I seriously dislike the aromatherapy tag) Winemaking

Response:

Question:

Enjoyed your report, I was up that way a couple of weeks ago and went to Steep Banks. 12 guys standing around casting into one small pool, it might be famous but it did not interest me. Waded on up the river but had no luck except in a couple of small pools.  ;The word was that the fish would be in the river in a couple of weeks, but I could not wait  so moved over to Upper Dam and caught a couple of 15inch salmon and three trout close in but was not interested in standing out in the flow for three hours in one spot to catch a fish.  The one thing I have to say was that the whole area was dead drop beautiful  but guess I still prefer the mountains of North Carolina , climbing over the rocks to catch a 8inch trout.     Indian Joe Wilmington N.C.

Response:

Great report, Allen.  Too bad you could not make it to the Rapid.  I am heading up to the East Branch of the Kennebec this week with a couple of friends.  And, yes, I’m bringing warm clothes. Dave L.

Response:

Dave and Injun, The whole trip really cemented in my mind where my wife and I will end up living in a few years. Hope youu don’t mind sharing the fish and birds! Allen – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Great report, Allen.  Too bad you could not make it to the Rapid.  I am heading up to the East Branch of the Kennebec this week with a couple of friends.  And, yes, I’m bringing warm clothes. Dave L.

  gaepps.vcf

< 1K Download

Response:

Folks, Work has been keeping me from even lurking the last few weeks but SWMBO and I have just returned from a trip north to RI for her folks 50th anniversary and then up to Rangeley ME for a week to help a friend winter prep his camp and wet a line for a bit. I’ve never been up that way before but from all the folks I talked to the water was way low and the fishing slow. Our friends camp is "Fiddlehead" just below Bald Mtn on Rangeley lake but ended up fishing the Kennebunk pretty far down. "Steep Bank" came highly recommended but "take a number" fishing is not my bag anymore. We hiked up the stream a bit and despite having spent a lot of time in the woods it’s pretty easy to see how folks become lost in the Maine woods. Thick does not begin to describe it and had to restart the heart once due to flushing Grouse. Upstream was shallow and no real cover so back down to what we found later was called "Trout Rock" Gorgeous little pool with a steep rock pile on one side and about 6′ deep. Started by casting #10 Black Ghost (might as well start local). Ended up going up and down a bit and finally settled on a #16 Brassie. That turned out to surprisingly be the ticket. 4 nice Brookies all about 12-14 inches. Such gorgeous fish my hands trembled releasing them. Finally a Salmon showed some interest. The barest tap and I was on to a 19" fish that explored all corners of the pool before coming to net. Again, I was awed by the colors and spirit of the fish. My wife and I got up early the next morning and headed to the the stream running from the Little Kennebago. Bright day but cold (28 F) and no wind. If you didn’t see the ice forming in your guides you wouldn’t have noticed the cold. A couple strikes but no fish did see a beaver and had to come to a complete stop on the way home to let a brace of Grouse get out of the road. Just before we joined rt. 16 again had a cow Moose stop right along side the road and stare as we stopped to take her picture. This was the first time my wife has fly fished and I think she got the picture that’s its not just the fish. Sorry for the general disjointness of this report but as we just got home I thought I’d drop in and try and break up the politics Before I lost the mental pictures I brought home. With work being all consuming at times we have to stop and spend time afield with rod or gun to put things in perspective. Allen Epps Catonsville MD

  gaepps.vcf

< 1K Download

Response:

Question:

Anyone know of a source for flyfishing clip art?  thanks in Advance

Response:

Anyone know of a source for flyfishing clip art?  thanks in Advance

Check out the Fly & Field website at: http://www.flyfield.com/clipart.htm — Steve Vaughn

Response:

Question:

Peter, I was reading a recent post of yours and I thought you could be of help.  I am planning a trip to Vietnam and I would like to visit sometime between Nov-February, depending on how I can best schedule my frequent flyer.  I am a male, age 32 and I’ll be traveling alone.  I am in very good physical condition (run, swim everday).  I have traveled worked and traveled in Asia, but I have never been to Vietnam.  I wonder if you could review some interaries I downloaded from Sobek travel and give me your impresssions–are both of these itineraries great, or do they include stops that you might avoid?  I probably need to pick some highlights from each, so what would you choose? If we put a cultural excursion on one end of the scale and adventure on the other, I want something closer to the adventure.  While I like to see temples, pagodas, etc., I don’t need to go out of my way to find them.  I would rather make a very hard hike than spend a day touring churches.  This isn’t to say that I want to avoid the cultural part of the trip.  I must see some of the war museums, for example. I will probably have only two weeks in Vietnam.  I certainly can’t see everything I would like.  I want  good taste of the cities and the French colonial architecture, the war museums (and a feeling for the war legacy in general), and nightlife.  I am also attacted to the floating villages I’ve heard about, and especially the kayaking described in the Sobek interary that takes you through sea caves only accessible by kayak. Is it worthwhile to tour both Saigon and Hanoi in this short time frame?  I’ve heard that Hanoi has more engaging architecture.  If you had to pick only one city to visit which would it be?  Is a side trip to Ankor Wat worth giving up a few days in Vietnam?  Is it difficult to find a canoe or kayak without a tour group? I apologize for what is a message with too little focus, but I hope you have some impressions that you can share.  Below I have listed two separate itineraries–any insights would be greatly appreciated. Intinerary #1: ITINERARY                                      Day 1 — Leave your home town and fly to Hanoi, Vietnam (your                                      air itinerary will be coordinated by a member of the Mountain                                      Travel – Sobek Air Desk).                                      Day 2 — En route.                                      Day 3 — Arrive in Hanoi in the afternoon. You will be met at the                                      airport and transferred to your hotel for a rest after your long                                      journey. The remainder of the day is free to rest, relax, or                                      explore on your own. Hanoi is a picturesque city of more than a                                      million people. Its tree shaded streets are filled with lovely                                      examples of French colonial architecture. Our hotel is situated                                      on one of the narrow bustling streets of the ancient commercial                                      quarter. Welcome dinner and orientation.                                      Day 4 — Today we will have a full day tour of Hanoi. We will                                      visit the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the Temple of Literature,                                      and Fine Arts Museum, where we see displays of tools and                                      costumes of the ethnic minorities of Vietnam, plus some                                      classical and modern art. We’ll wander the downtown area,                                      visiting the colorful Hanoi market and the market district,                                      where each street hosts vendors of a particular trade: metal                                      workers, funerary wreaths, and electronics. Dinner on your own.                                      After dinner we’ll attend a Vietnamese folk performance of the                                      water puppets.                                      Day 5 — Travel to Bai Chai by van. Lunch in one of the many                                      restaurants along the beach. In the afternoon we take a ferry to                                      Hon Gai, a busy fishing port set in a beautiful natural harbor. We                                      spend the night in a hotel overlooking the expanse of Ha Long                                      Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy dinner at one of                                      the local seafood restaurants.                                      Day 6 — In the morning we board our support vessel, a                                      traditional wooden boat, and after a seafood lunch head for the                                      eastern edge of Ha Long Bay. We arrive at a beautiful beach                                      where we have lunch and set up camp. In the afternoon the                                      guides will teach paddling techniques and rescue procedures.                                      Day 7 — We spend the day exploring an island group known as                                      the Medusa. Conditions permitting, we skirt the exposed side of                                      the group with its sea caves and arches.                                      Day 8 — In the morning we follow a string of islands, taking our                                      time to stop at shell beaches, small sea caves, and hidden coves.                                      After lunch we navigate a maze of limestone islets rising                                      vertically from the depths of the sea. By late afternoon we arrive                                      at a beach where we set up our camp.                                      Day 9 — We choose a previously unexplored route through                                      several island groups, and arrive at a beach with a tiny temple                                      nestled among stone pillars. After setting up camp near the                                      temple, we join local fishermen at moonrise as they make                                      offerings to the deities of the sea. If conditions are favorable, we                                      undertake a moonlight paddle.                                      Day 10 — An opening in one of the sheer rock walls of an island                                      near our campsite leads us to an intricate labyrinth of tunnels                                      and hidden lagoons. Then we follow the serpentine coastline to                                      the exposed side of this island. The afternoon is free for relaxing,                                      swimming, fishing, or exploration in small groups. Return to                                      camp in the evening.                                      Day 11 — En route to Cat Ba Island we paddle through rock                                      gardens and along coral beaches. Upon our arrival, we have time                                      to experience the bustling fishing port of Cat Ba, where we can                                      take a woven bamboo boat to tour the harbor. In the evening we                                      compete with local fishermen in their favorite pastime —                                      karaoke! We spend the night in a hotel.                                      Day 12 — We travel first by kayak and then aboard our support                                      vessel to Tuan Chau Island. This charming place with its French                                      colonial architecture is of particular historical significance                                      because it was the favorite retreat of Ho Chi Minh. We spend the                                      night in one of its old French villas. (The accommodation is                                      basic but evokes nostalgia for a bygone era.)                                      Day 13 — After a morning paddle we visit some legendary                                      grottos, such as "Hang Dau Go" and "Hang Bo Nau." We return                                      to Bai Chai where we celebrate our successful navigation of Ha                                      Long Bay in a local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.                                      Day 14 — Return to Hanoi by van. Farewell banquet in the                                      evening at the traditional Indochine restaurant. Overnight in                                      Hanoi. Itinerary #2 ITINERARY                                      Day 1 — Leave your home town and fly to Ho Chi Minh City                                      (Saigon), Vietnam, via Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong (your                                      air itinerary will be coordinated by a member of the Mountain                                      Travel – Sobek Air Desk).                                      Day 2 — En route.                                      Day 3 — HO CHI MINH CITY. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. You                                      will be met by a member of the Mountain Travel – Sobek staff                                      outside the customs and immigration area at the airport. This                                      representative will answer questions, brief you on the immediate                                      arrangements, and escort you to your hotel. We will meet this                                      evening for a welcome dinner and briefing. Overnight at the                                      hotel.

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Response:

Peter, I was reading a recent post of yours and I thought you could be of help.  I am planning a trip to Vietnam and I would like to visit sometime between Nov-February, depending on how I can best schedule my frequent flyer.  I am a male, age 32 and I’ll be traveling alone.  I am in very good physical condition (run, swim everday).  I have traveled worked and traveled in Asia, but I have never been to Vietnam.  I wonder if you could review some interaries I downloaded from Sobek travel and give me your impresssions–are both of these itineraries great, or do they include stops that you might avoid?  I probably need to pick some highlights from each, so what would you choose? If we put a cultural excursion on one end of the scale and adventure on the other, I want something closer to the adventure.  While I like to see temples, pagodas, etc., I don’t need to go out of my way to find them.  I would rather make a very hard hike than spend a day touring churches.  This isn’t to say that I want to avoid the cultural part of the trip.  I must see some of the war museums, for example. I will probably have only two weeks in Vietnam.  I certainly can’t see everything I would like.  I want  good taste of the cities and the French colonial architecture, the war museums (and a feeling for the war legacy in general), and nightlife.  I am also attacted to the floating villages I’ve heard about, and especially the kayaking described in the Sobek interary that takes you through sea caves only accessible by kayak. Is it worthwhile to tour both Saigon and Hanoi in this short time frame?  I’ve heard that Hanoi has more engaging architecture.  If you had to pick only one city to visit which would it be?  Is a side trip to Ankor Wat worth giving up a few days in Vietnam?  Is it difficult to find a canoe or kayak without a tour group? I apologize for what is a message with too little focus, but I hope you have some impressions that you can share.  Below I have listed two separate itineraries–any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Doug Intinerary #1: ITINERARY                                      Day 1 — Leave your home town and fly to Hanoi, Vietnam (your                                      air itinerary will be coordinated by a member of the Mountain                                      Travel – Sobek Air Desk).                                      Day 2 — En route.                                      Day 3 — Arrive in Hanoi in the afternoon. You will be met at the                                      airport and transferred to your hotel for a rest after your long                                      journey. The remainder of the day is free to rest, relax, or                                      explore on your own. Hanoi is a picturesque city of more than a                                      million people. Its tree shaded streets are filled with lovely                                      examples of French colonial architecture. Our hotel is situated                                      on one of the narrow bustling streets of the ancient commercial                                      quarter. Welcome dinner and orientation.                                      Day 4 — Today we will have a full day tour of Hanoi. We will                                      visit the mausoleum of Ho Chi Minh, the Temple of Literature,                                      and Fine Arts Museum, where we see displays of tools and                                      costumes of the ethnic minorities of Vietnam, plus some                                      classical and modern art. We’ll wander the downtown area,                                      visiting the colorful Hanoi market and the market district,                                      where each street hosts vendors of a particular trade: metal                                      workers, funerary wreaths, and electronics. Dinner on your own.                                      After dinner we’ll attend a Vietnamese folk performance of the                                      water puppets.                                      Day 5 — Travel to Bai Chai by van. Lunch in one of the many                                      restaurants along the beach. In the afternoon we take a ferry to                                      Hon Gai, a busy fishing port set in a beautiful natural harbor. We                                      spend the night in a hotel overlooking the expanse of Ha Long                                      Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy dinner at one of                                      the local seafood restaurants.                                      Day 6 — In the morning we board our support vessel, a                                      traditional wooden boat, and after a seafood lunch head for the                                      eastern edge of Ha Long Bay. We arrive at a beautiful beach                                      where we have lunch and set up camp. In the afternoon the                                      guides will teach paddling techniques and rescue procedures.                                      Day 7 — We spend the day exploring an island group known as                                      the Medusa. Conditions permitting, we skirt the exposed side of                                      the group with its sea caves and arches.                                      Day 8 — In the morning we follow a string of islands, taking our                                      time to stop at shell beaches, small sea caves, and hidden coves.                                      After lunch we navigate a maze of limestone islets rising                                      vertically from the depths of the sea. By late afternoon we arrive                                      at a beach where we set up our camp.                                      Day 9 — We choose a previously unexplored route through                                      several island groups, and arrive at a beach with a tiny temple                                      nestled among stone pillars. After setting up camp near the                                      temple, we join local fishermen at moonrise as they make                                      offerings to the deities of the sea. If conditions are favorable, we                                      undertake a moonlight paddle.                                      Day 10 — An opening in one of the sheer rock walls of an island                                      near our campsite leads us to an intricate labyrinth of tunnels                                      and hidden lagoons. Then we follow the serpentine coastline to                                      the exposed side of this island. The afternoon is free for relaxing,                                      swimming, fishing, or exploration in small groups. Return to                                      camp in the evening.                                      Day 11 — En route to Cat Ba Island we paddle through rock                                      gardens and along coral beaches. Upon our arrival, we have time                                      to experience the bustling fishing port of Cat Ba, where we can                                      take a woven bamboo boat to tour the harbor. In the evening we                                      compete with local fishermen in their favorite pastime —                                      karaoke! We spend the night in a hotel.                                      Day 12 — We travel first by kayak and then aboard our support                                      vessel to Tuan Chau Island. This charming place with its French                                      colonial architecture is of particular historical significance                                      because it was the favorite retreat of Ho Chi Minh. We spend the                                      night in one of its old French villas. (The accommodation is                                      basic but evokes nostalgia for a bygone era.)                                      Day 13 — After a morning paddle we visit some legendary                                      grottos, such as "Hang Dau Go" and "Hang Bo Nau." We return                                      to Bai Chai where we celebrate our successful navigation of Ha                                      Long Bay in a local restaurant. Overnight at hotel.                                      Day 14 — Return to Hanoi by van. Farewell banquet in the                                      evening at the traditional Indochine restaurant. Overnight in                                      Hanoi. Itinerary #2 ITINERARY                                      Day 1 — Leave your home town and fly to Ho Chi Minh City                                      (Saigon), Vietnam, via Bangkok, Singapore or Hong Kong (your                                      air itinerary will be coordinated by a member of the Mountain                                      Travel – Sobek Air Desk).                                      Day 2 — En route.                                      Day 3 — HO CHI MINH CITY. Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. You                                      will be met by a member of the Mountain Travel – Sobek staff                                      outside the customs and immigration area at the airport. This                                      representative will answer questions, brief you on the immediate                                      arrangements, and escort you to your hotel. We will meet this                                      evening for a welcome dinner and briefing. Overnight at the

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Response:

Question:

I have seen the thread on the San Gabriel River. Where else can you flyfish in the LA area?  Would appreciate equipment needs as well since I am new to the sport.

Response:

If you really want a kick, try King Harbour when the Bonito are in. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have seen the thread on the San Gabriel River. Where else can you flyfish in the LA area?  Would appreciate equipment needs as well since I am new to the sport.

Response:

Here is what you need to fly fish the San Gabriel River, especially the west fork: 1. 3wt. rod 2. 7x tippet 3. elk hair caddis in #18 4. Glock 19 9mm semi auto pistol have a good one… : I have seen the thread on the San Gabriel River. Where else can you : flyfish in the LA area?  Would appreciate equipment needs as well since : I am new to the sport.

Response:

Question:

I fail to see how you can consider his god politically correct. The homophobia in the writing comes across loud and clear.

G’day Yerself Quentin I’m not so sure he is a he but *his* god, if indeed he is a he, is definitely he/she for it is written ..by he/she, and that makes it true doesn’t it?  Reinventing the deity to fit the superstition is standard stuff of course and can’t be expected to meet with your approval or mine. Whoever wrote the thing is by definition homophobic and speaking from the other camp, no, no, no pun intended, oh, all right I’ve been working it in all along, I have to wonder about his/her friends, and how he/ she goes about categorically sorting them, I mean to say, would it be all right to be just a little bit gay?  Sheila’s had her hair cut short better keep an eye on her, that voice, and Troy, well would you just look at her, ..sorry, carried away, it’s all these gay pals of mine cluttering up the prose synapses, and what about Mervyn the Moustache OK bad example but you know what I mean.  The homophobia you have to live with my friend, its the homo sapiens phobia worries the shit out of me. See you in the war zone. — Robert

Response:

I am the Voice of the Lord of the Cats i am the voice of the  Dogs and the Rats And the Word of God you have now heard…..

You are the voice of a pig-ignorant wanker it seems to me but your pc god is a bit of a bastard so I better not say too much.  You don’t fly-fish by any chance?  No, no, of course you don’t, silly of me.  Well, here’s to pain sunbeam, and keep taking the tablets. — Robert Maughan

Response:

I am the Voice of the Lord of the Cats i am the voice of the  Dogs and the Rats And the Word of God you have now heard….. You are the voice of a pig-ignorant wanker it seems to me but your pc god is a bit of a bastard so I better not say too much.  You don’t fly-fish by any chance?  No, no, of course you don’t, silly of me.  Well, here’s to pain sunbeam, and keep taking the tablets. — Robert Maughan

G’day G’day Robert, I fail to see how you can consider his god politically correct. The homophobia in the writing comes across loud and clear. Life on Earth has evolved in such wondrous ways preceding by millions of years many of the tenants of nlp,  such as "When something doesn’t work, do something else."  "The element with the most flexibility ….etc  "       Consider this. Some species of mushrooms have thousands of sexes. This makes it easier for the wind bourn spores to find and engage another individual in sexual reproduction.  For those who follow the path that creation by design implies a designer, denial of this sexual diversity is blasphemy.   Denying the creation, denies the creator created.   Tut tut. Quentin Grady       ^  ^  / New Zealand,       #,#< [                     / /     "… and the blind dog was leading."

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I fail to see how you can consider his god politically correct. The homophobia in the writing comes across loud and clear. G’day Yerself Quentin I’m not so sure he is a he but *his* god, if indeed he is a he, is definitely he/she for it is written ..by he/she, and that makes it true doesn’t it?  Reinventing the deity to fit the superstition is standard stuff of course and can’t be expected to meet with your approval or mine. Whoever wrote the thing is by definition homophobic and speaking from the other camp, no, no, no pun intended, oh, all right I’ve been working it in all along, I have to wonder about his/her friends, and how he/ she goes about categorically sorting them, I mean to say, would it be all right to be just a little bit gay?  Sheila’s had her hair cut short better keep an eye on her, that voice, and Troy, well would you just look at her, ..sorry, carried away, it’s all these gay pals of mine cluttering up the prose synapses, and what about Mervyn the Moustache OK bad example but you know what I mean.  The homophobia you have to live with my friend, its the homo sapiens phobia worries the shit out of me. See you in the war zone. — Robert

Gosh, you ARE homophobianly gay!  Worries you?  Who thinks they have anything worth bringing to your attention to ‘worry you?"  You flatter yourself darling. Mr. G./the Critic.

Response:

Hate could not win, but fought at length,                       page 7 till near to death in Soul-reserves of strength (which "death" is far worse in Significance, than the relatively pleasant Transition from earth to here), the devils finally  Submitted to our way, and Set himself even tries to help today. So be Inspired, and never get tired and work  towards that final State which god for all has kept in wait : Eternal life beyond Orion’s star is not a dream, nor even so far; Tis the lotus of your heart which at This instant grows and is the only thing you`ll take, when you pass So make sure its facets are bright and clean, and the Flower within is fit to be seen. These features are, in you controlled by Moral decisions with such powers as you hold; your Mind in fact, is a shimmering light entrapped within the Physical plight you call a body and bury – rather than burn. Tis a bit strange, it sometimes seems to us that your self-Respect so dulled  in sight oft thinks that "you" could be eaten by worm. Raise up your confidence !  improve your Goals  ! "death" is but a lengthened sleep; In minor form you die each night so why think of it with so much fright ? From dust  to dust, your  body by Knum is raised then thrown but "you" go on from life to Life, until you`ve grown in Status enough to remember  All just  Who you were and why did you Fall, But  great  shocks are in store for the murderous heart who thinks that the Animals dont have a part. for most of the  humans now  alive if tracked back far enough  thru the Hive, were once in Four-legged forms on earth and struggled like them to assert your worth. So watch your step with each love you abuse, the Quadrupeds are younger you’s. They have their rights, and Will be paid for all the misery that you’ve laid on their  Route, no fault their own as trying to be like people, they’ve grown. Disgusting Race – its time you evolved                          page 8 The eating of animals, and sexual Mal-acts blood-lust and enslavement, were the primary facts put to the Gods  by satan’s  rage, and now its taking us  many an Age to clean up the mess and  restore  THE PLAN; Anyway, – play your part and help us if you can. But if good advice you cannot see in what i  say, youd better to throw your computers away your ’science’  books are naught but Mire, to minds that that refuse to see the higher purpose of their  place in life. Enough for  now, Return to Silence. meditate ….. I am the Voice of the Lord of the Cats i am the voice of the  Dogs and the Rats And the Word of God you have now heard….. Think on this as you go to bed, and in the morning prepare to Reform or resign; change your job and Seek  love’s  Peace. Altho *some* experimentation can have proper purpose of course, the wholesale Butchery of this narration is beyond  the Pale of  moral toleration. More honour would be thine to sweep the streets, than to draw your salary from such Hideous behaviours as we have seen, but the prime Responsibility is with your Governments, so let them  know – if your support is ours…..                               Aten Kaman,       internet    October 96                               extract from the  Book of  Kamanism 1982 ALT.PAGAN,   alt.religion.wicca, sci.philosophy.meta, alt.psychology.nlp, soc.religion.bahai, talk.origins, talk.philosophy.humanism, christnet.poetry,

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Question:

There is a fly tying cd (perhaps 2) available in both Mac and PC-compatible format (but not necessarily the same cd). Anyway, has anyone know of or have seen a reputable mail order firm that offers these at a discount? — dept of math/cs ut martin

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There is a fly tying cd (perhaps 2) available in both Mac and PC-compatible format (but not necessarily the same cd). Anyway, has anyone know of or have seen a reputable mail order firm that offers these at a discount?

Hi Jim I think the CD you are looking for is Tying Flies for Trout by Dick Stewart and Farrow Allen.  It’s available through Bob Mariotts at 800-535-6633 (orders) or 800-367-2299 (fax orders).  Also get his catalog, it’s the most incredible catalog/information source you’ll ever see. Tight Lines Al Beatty BT’s Fly Fishing Products Bozeman, MT (96 catalog)

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Question:

I’m considering buying a pair of stream cleats. Are they worthwhile ??? Better than the felt soles ??? There are a number of different types ranging from stubs that look like football cleats to long metal "V" shaped irons…is there any advantage to which type is best ??? Any info is much appreciated.

One thing you should keep in mind is that if you are wearing cleats you must be aware of where your line is .As in don’t step on your line.I have ruined many a line . The cleats will cut right into the line. Good fishin to you,and watch your step.           Lou H.

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The Surfcaster in Connecticut offers an new design in korkers that does not slip off.  ….bought a pair this past winter and have been quite pleased. DBZ

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I have a pair of the felt soled sandles that I’m not too proud of They don’t stay on the boots too well and flop around out of the water.  I have used the "V-cleats" that were on a slip-on rubber shoe…looked like the rubbers your grandpa wore over his sunday best shoes.  They worked great…would recommend them to anyone. Cleats or swimmin?, an easy decision for me Bill

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Kiene) writes: They are a little heavy and tend to come off in the water if your not careful.

They’re more than a little heavy, but if laced across the top of the boot correctly they never come off.  Back in the mid 80’s folks would lace them around the edges (old directions used to suggest that as the proper way) instead of crossing the laces like a regular pair of shoes and that’s where the problem came from.  I specifically bought mine because I fished the North Umpqua a lot, and you don’t even want to think about wading that river without some kind of cleats.  On a scale of 1 to 10 in wading difficulty, it’s a solid 9.  Even with cleats I would often end up swimming at least once a day.                                                              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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One thing you should keep in mind is that if you are wearing cleats you must be aware of where your line is .As in don’t step on your line.I have ruined many a line . The cleats will cut right into the line.

This is true with the stream cleats that are bent aluminum bars set in rubber galoshes. The edges are real sharp when new and will cut your line in a flash.  After they’ve been distorted a bit from use they don’t eat lines quite so quickly but watch your step.  The Korkers (sandals with carbide tipped steel studs) won’t cut the line but are a lot heavier.                                                     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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I’m considering buying a pair of stream cleats. Are they worthwhile ??? Better than the felt soles ??? There are a number of different types ranging from stubs that look like football cleats to long metal "V" shaped irons…is there any advantage to which type is best ???

I have used the original Korker sandals from Oregon.  They are a little heavy and tend to come off in the water if your not careful. They have carbide tipped,  replaceable studs and grip very well. They were made famous buy steel headers on the North Umpqua river in Oregon. The original ones had nylon laces, but they have a new model with adjustable web straps with buckles.   Dan Bailey’s Stream Cleats from Montana are rubber goulashes with aluminum grids.  They work well and slip on and off easily.  The rubber can tear and the aluminum wears out,  but the are effective on large rivers. Today, most people use wadding shoes with studded felt soles for large rivers.  They are all one piece and wear well.  Not everyone likes metal on the bottom of the wadding boots.  Some still prefer felt.

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I’ve used korkers and they’re fine- a bit expensive and heavy but they work well in very slick streams.    I dont like the extra weight, so I’ve taken to placing a couple of dozen small hex headed sheet metal screws in the boot felt.  (the exact size escapes me but they are about 3/8" long +/-)   I’ve set some in expoy but to be honest it didnt seem to make any difference.  Most of the screws will last a season before they wear off or pull out.   All things considered, its a 50 cent and five minute solution.

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   I bought a pair of "CORKERS" yes that’s the brand name. 40.00 per pair, but I love-em !!!  Never had a slip problem, and the tie right onto your existing boots. (i leave em tied right onto the boots all the time).  I bought them for fishing for steelies in the winter time up in pulaski N.Y. on the salmon river. (all the river banks are frozen big time, and They’re steel tipped, so I never slip.  Look em up, they’re worth every penny.                        Hugh

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I’m considering buying a pair of stream cleats. Are they worthwhile ??? Better than the felt soles ??? There are a number of different types ranging from stubs that look like football cleats to long metal "V" shaped irons…is there any advantage to which type is best ??? Any info is much appreciated.

I fished for several years with aluminum cleated overshoes (from Dan Bailey, I believe).  Excellent traction; much better than felt.  They look really goofy, though.  I now have been using Orvis wading boots with felt soles and boron tips.  Best of all worlds and a little snugger fit overall.  Price is just about the same; the shoes are a bit more expensive but last longer (I’d rip the hell out of the overshoe).  Most importantly, with the shoes on I look like a FF poster child  :-)

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Stream cleats and spikes are incredibly effective on some rivers and streams, particularly for aggressive waders who end up needing the equivalent of four-wheel drive to get out of trouble. One piece of river etiquette that is forgotten all too often, however:  if you are floating, your guide or host would appreciate being asked whether or not it’s appropriate to wear cleats or spikes in the boat, since they can make quite a permanent mess on someone’s floorboards or non-scuff paint. As an alternative you might look at either the removable kind (sort of like shoe rubbers) or a folding wading staff. Good Luck, Peter Yoakum, Editor Flyfishers Online — Flyfishers Online at http://flyfishers.com

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I’m considering buying a pair of stream cleats. Are they worthwhile ??? Better than the felt soles ??? There are a number of different types ranging from stubs that look like football cleats to long metal "V" shaped irons…is there any advantage to which type is best ??? Any info is much appreciated.

   Depends on what you do and where you go. Cleats are hell on a drift boat or raft, useless in sand, mud or gravel and tend to trip you up (especially when they’re new and sharp).  On the other hand felts on slick grassy banks, polished granite boulders or when it’s below freezing are not much fun.    Hardened steel studs or Korkers are the best for walking around on pock marked volcanic substrate or when walking on slimy logs. For hard slick stuff like polished granite or marble, aluminum is best because it smears against the rock to provide traction where hard points skid.    -Ralph —

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Corkers for Wading Yes, they’re great but here’s a couple of tips: Put a wood screw horizontally through the corker into the heel of your wader or wading boot from each side. ( 2 on each boot, # 8 x1 1/4 " wood screw  works O.K. ) This will save replacing corkers lost in fast water. Say a prayer before descending a steep snow-covered hill, corkers are like skis on snow.

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I’m considering buying a pair of stream cleats. Are they worthwhile ??? Better than the felt soles ??? There are a number of different types ranging from stubs that look like football cleats to long metal "V" shaped irons…is there any advantage to which type is best ??? Any info is much appreciated.

Response:

I’m considering buying a pair of stream cleats. Are they worthwhile ??? Better than the felt soles ??? There are a number of different types ranging from stubs that look like football cleats to long metal "V" shaped irons…is there any advantage to which type is best ??? Any info is much appreciated.

Since I’ve first worn ‘Korkers’ 15 years ago Salmon fishing..I never go into a stream without them unless it’s a sandy bottom or like that. I’ve gotten so used to being able to worry less about my footing and concentrating more on the fishing that I feel uncomfortable in the stream without them. The Korkers brand by far is the best as they use carbide caulks that outlast any of the others I’ve tried. A good investment…. Tight Lines!! JAPPLE

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Question:

Hello, I am new to this newsgroup and fly fishing.  Please provide me with any information on fly fishing in south central Pennsylvania.  Any help at all would be greatly appreciated. Tight Lines, Wendel

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Head for the Yellow Breeches near Carlisle, PA.  It’s beautiful and it’s convenient…in fact too convenient on weekends wwhen way too many folks show up.  My suggestion, take a day off from work and check it out.  Also, be sure and swing by Yellow Breeches Outfitters. Some really nice helpful folks who can tell you where to fish, etc.  Cold Spring Anglers also helpful. Good luck, and have fun! Kevin

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Don’t neglect the top-notch smallmouth fishing in the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers.  I drive past the potomac (which I love) several times a year to tangle with those porkchops. Dave

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There are several streams in the area, some are stocked andd several have fly fishing only sections. A great reference is Penn. Trout Streams by Meck, available at most fly shops.E-mail me for more info.

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