Question:

I was probably coming into the conversation late – what’s new?! I usually use a duncan loop to tie tippet to fly. I usually start with a fairly loose knot in the hope that the fly will move in a more natural manner (and that that will make a difference), but it usually tightens up after a few casts. If I can ever get to the point that I can tell that my choice of fly-to-tippet connection makes a difference I’ll stop being a banker and become a guide. Bob

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – bob, i think they’re talking about a loop, instead of clinch, uni, or other knot, connection of tippet to fly.  anyway, on that assumption, several experienced and knowledgeable folks in the nc mountains suggest the loop allows wets, nymphs, and streamers to move about in the water better and allow more realistic presentation.  i use the surgeon’s loop at times.  i haven’t been able to tell if there’s much difference in the fish’s appreciation of my effort though… jeff //snip// Bill, do you have any sense of whether a loop makes a difference ?  I’ve gone back and forth with loop vs non-loop connections to clousers (read: am I too tired/ cold/etc to bother) and haven’t noticed a difference. I’m going through the same debate. Nail knots are a pain in the ass to tie. I’ve been upset enough with loop connectors (they get jammed in the guides) that I swear never to use them again, but then when it’s cold and I want to get a new leader on quickly I capitulate. Have never tried leader links, but Wolfgang was using one on our Hazel trip and it seemed to be a good compact connection. — http://rwpatton.home.netcom.com/

Response:

 Try the "non-slip loop", which is the Rapala loop without the final  step.  Both are supposed to be stronger than the Duncan.

Thanks. The main need I have for strength is for pulling flies out of brush. Bob Wondering if it’s better to break the line at the tippet-to-fly connection or at the tippet-to-leader . . .

Response:

I use a no-slip loop knot whenever I want a loop in tippet. It’s easy to tie and very strong.

Like Bill says below I’ve used it as a loop knot on a fly works great and very strong. Good idea to use as a tippet connector I’ll have to try.

Response:

I’ll stop being a banker and become a guide. Bob

    liar, liar, pants on fire.  we all know you’re an accountant! yfitons wayno

Response:

Wayne Knight suggested that Leader Loops are for those people who’s fingers are too arthritic or disabled to tie a knot, otherwise one should use a damn bloodknot for a leader connection. I have been having problems tying small flies on to tippet (especially dry flies), so I now pre-snell/tie them, at my tying table with plenty of light and magnification, to about 16" – 18" of tippet and store them in a thing called a "Pip’s Box" made by Mack’s Lure of Leavenworth, Washington State US (You can hold better than a dozen flies or so with this thing without tangling the tippet, and it comes in colors with a see thru lid.  I organize my flies by the color of the box.)  My eyesight, especially at twilight or later, is not so good even with a flashlight.  I just can’t seem to get the tippet thru then I have a hell of a time tying the knot IF I get it threaded.  I am using Fluorocarbon tippet, these days, and I feel that a blood knot is not adequate for this material.  I then use a Tie-Fast Knot Tying tippet to the leader with their double splicing knot or double nail knot as some have described it, which I believe is considerably stronger than the blood knot, or at least my blood knots anyway…be curious to see if anyone else has the same experience. Just my two cents worth, anyway Padishar Creel

Response:

  we all know you’re an accountant! Always prospecting for business, huh? Bob

Response:

I think I will, Wayne. I made a leader, per Lefty Kreh’s directions, for casting big bugs. However, I used uni to uni knots. I think I will make another one with blood knots and attach it. I mastered nail knots a long time ago. Now, I am trying to expand my knot repertoire. I still maintain that the perfection loop is a myth… Bug, et al. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – cut the fly line, tie the nail and then tie the blood knot, you’ll feel much better

Response:

Hi All, Connecting the smaller tippet material to the leader we sometimes use a surgeons loop because it is stronger than a perfection loop.

it is but not by much.(perhaps 3 to 5%). Perfections should give a strength of 90 to 95% of the line vs 95% plus for a surgeon. The surgeons is a bit easier to tie though. An attribute of the perfection is that it is perfectly straight while a surgeon loop may put a bit of an angle in the line. The strongest loop you can tie is the bimini or some of the variants of this loop. It’s complicated and not usually used for a tippet loop in most applications

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, Connecting the smaller tippet material to the leader we sometimes use a surgeons loop because it is stronger than a perfection loop. it is but not by much.(perhaps 3 to 5%). Perfections should give a strength of 90 to 95% of the line vs 95% plus for a surgeon. The surgeons is a bit easier to tie though. An attribute of the perfection is that it is perfectly straight while a surgeon loop may put a bit of an angle in the line.

I use a no-slip loop knot whenever I want a loop in tippet. It’s easy to tie and very strong.

Response:

Ralph, — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, Connecting the smaller tippet material to the leader we sometimes use a surgeons loop because it is stronger than a perfection loop. it is but not by much.(perhaps 3 to 5%). Perfections should give a strength of 90 to 95% of the line vs 95% plus for a surgeon. The surgeons is a bit easier to tie though. An attribute of the perfection is that it is perfectly straight while a surgeon loop may put a bit of an angle in the line. The strongest loop you can tie is the bimini or some of the variants of this loop. It’s complicated and not usually used for a tippet loop in most applications

Response:

Steve, Lefty really promoted the non-slip loop knot and now I see most of all using it with flies we want to move freely like a Clouser minnow. Thanks. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi All, Connecting the smaller tippet material to the leader we sometimes use a surgeons loop because it is stronger than a perfection loop. it is but not by much.(perhaps 3 to 5%). Perfections should give a strength of 90 to 95% of the line vs 95% plus for a surgeon. The surgeons is a bit easier to tie though. An attribute of the perfection is that it is perfectly straight while a surgeon loop may put a bit of an angle in the line. I use a no-slip loop knot whenever I want a loop in tippet. It’s easy to tie and very strong.

Response:

Nice contribution. Very helpful. I hope you continue to foster goodwill in this group and for the sport of fly fishing. Bugged – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – cut the fly line, tie the nail and then tie the blood knot, you’ll feel much better Better strength-test it on your dick first, Collier.

Response:

//snip//  Bill, do you have any sense of whether a loop makes a  difference ?  I’ve gone back and forth with loop vs  non-loop connections to clousers (read: am I too tired/  cold/etc to bother) and haven’t noticed a difference.

I’m going through the same debate. Nail knots are a pain in the ass to tie. I’ve been upset enough with loop connectors (they get jammed in the guides) that I swear never to use them again, but then when it’s cold and I want to get a new leader on quickly I capitulate. Have never tried leader links, but Wolfgang was using one on our Hazel trip and it seemed to be a good compact connection. — http://rwpatton.home.netcom.com/

Response:

bob, i think they’re talking about a loop, instead of clinch, uni, or other knot, connection of tippet to fly.  anyway, on that assumption, several experienced and knowledgeable folks in the nc mountains suggest the loop allows wets, nymphs, and streamers to move about in the water better and allow more realistic presentation.  i use the surgeon’s loop at times.  i haven’t been able to tell if there’s much difference in the fish’s appreciation of my effort though… jeff – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – //snip// Bill, do you have any sense of whether a loop makes a difference ?  I’ve gone back and forth with loop vs non-loop connections to clousers (read: am I too tired/ cold/etc to bother) and haven’t noticed a difference. I’m going through the same debate. Nail knots are a pain in the ass to tie. I’ve been upset enough with loop connectors (they get jammed in the guides) that I swear never to use them again, but then when it’s cold and I want to get a new leader on quickly I capitulate. Have never tried leader links, but Wolfgang was using one on our Hazel trip and it seemed to be a good compact connection. — http://rwpatton.home.netcom.com/

Response:

cut the fly line, tie the nail and then tie the blood knot, you’ll feel much better

Better strength-test it on your dick first, Collier.

Response:

I’ve found its hard to beat a perfection loop for most leader connections. The perfection (if tied properly) stands straight out from the standing line with no offset, and the knot strength is near 100%. I use it on all leader butts (with a whipped loop on the fly line), & on all tippet connections down to 4x.  5x & smaller I use a doubled surgeons knot.  I think its easier to tie than a surgeons loop, and, well….. it looks cool! B.J.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I personally think the perfection loop is something of a myth or some type of black magic. For leader loops, is it any better than a surgeon’s loop? Bug

Response:

Hi All, In larger diameter mono like attaching leader to a butt section we use perfection loops because they are a smaller, cleaner knot and strength is not an issue. Connecting the smaller tippet material to the leader we sometimes use a surgeons loop because it is stronger than a perfection loop. In larger diameter mono like attaching a leader to a butt section we also use a blood knot because it is a smaller, cleaner knot. Connecting the smaller tippet material to the leader we also use a triple surgeons knot because it is stronger. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I personally think the perfection loop is something of a myth or some type of black magic. For leader loops, is it any better than a surgeon’s loop? Bug

Response:

Can someone direct me to a site that will show how to tie the perfection loop and the surgeon’s loop?? Tony – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I personally think the perfection loop is something of a myth or some type of black magic. For leader loops, is it any better than a surgeon’s loop? Bug

Response:

Can someone direct me to a site that will show how to tie the perfection loop and the surgeon’s loop?? Tony

Hi Tony, Go here for any knot you’re apt to use: http://www.flyanglersonline.com/begin/knots/ Frank Sr.

Response:

I personally think the perfection loop is something of a myth or some type of black magic. For leader loops, is it any better than a surgeon’s loop? Bug

Response:

I personally think the perfection loop is something of a myth or some type of black magic. For leader loops, is it any better than a surgeon’s loop?

Leader Loops are for those people who’s fingers are too arthritic or disabled to tie a knot, otherwise one should use a damn bloodknot for a leader connection.

Response:

Leader Loops are for those people who’s fingers are too arthritic or disabled to tie a knot, otherwise one should use a damn bloodknot for a leader connection.

Actually, leader loops are used between the flyline and the butt section, where you aren’t likely to tie a blood knot. You could use a nail knot, a "nailless" nail knot, a needle knot, or a Zap-a-Gap connection, but not a blood knot, unless you’re either crazy or desperate or stupid. I’ve even heard of one person using two clinch knots, incredibly enough, but I don’t recommend it. I’d rather use a blood knot. I usually tie a new leader onto the butt section (attached to the flyline with a leader link) with a blood knot. After quite a few leader changes I eventually need a new leader link and butt section, but that takes quite awhile — maybe once a year on my workhorse rig.

Response:

I speaking only from the leader end, agree blood knot to attach a butt section to a leader.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Leader Loops are for those people who’s fingers are too arthritic or disabled to tie a knot, otherwise one should use a damn bloodknot for a leader connection. Actually, leader loops are used between the flyline and the butt section, where you aren’t likely to tie a blood knot. You could use a nail knot, a "nailless" nail knot, a needle knot, or a Zap-a-Gap connection, but not a blood knot, unless you’re either crazy or desperate or stupid. I’ve even heard of one person using two clinch knots, incredibly enough, but I don’t recommend it. I’d rather use a blood knot. I usually tie a new leader onto the butt section (attached to the flyline with a leader link) with a blood knot. After quite a few leader changes I eventually need a new leader link and butt section, but that takes quite awhile — maybe once a year on my workhorse rig.

Response:

You’re talking about a blood knot to connect the leader to the fly line?? I wanted to use a nail knot to connect the leader, but the line came with a loop, and I justed couldn’t get myself to cut the flyline. Anyway, I’m not arthritic or disabled, but I am confused and thick-headed. Are you saying a loop to loop leader to flyline is bad? Sorry. Sometimes I am profoundly obtuse Bug, et al. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I personally think the perfection loop is something of a myth or some type of black magic. For leader loops, is it any better than a surgeon’s loop? Leader Loops are for those people who’s fingers are too arthritic or disabled to tie a knot, otherwise one should use a damn bloodknot for a leader connection.

Response:

cut the fly line, tie the nail and then tie the blood knot, you’ll feel much better

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – You’re talking about a blood knot to connect the leader to the fly line?? I wanted to use a nail knot to connect the leader, but the line came with a loop, and I justed couldn’t get myself to cut the flyline. Anyway, I’m not arthritic or disabled, but I am confused and thick-headed. Are you saying a loop to loop leader to flyline is bad? Sorry. Sometimes I am profoundly obtuse Bug, et al. I personally think the perfection loop is something of a myth or some type of black magic. For leader loops, is it any better than a surgeon’s loop? Leader Loops are for those people who’s fingers are too arthritic or disabled to tie a knot, otherwise one should use a damn bloodknot for a leader connection.

Response:

Question:

Ok here is my sob story. I am going to Phoenix to shoot the Kachina Open a skeet tourniment which ends on the 3rd of March. I cannot fly back to DC until the 5th of March. I have a whole day to kill anyone availalbe to take wayward Marine fishing? If I had the extra $$$$ I would go with a guide. I know that it is a shot in the dark. You can check out my webpage www.isoa.net/~rausman to find out more about me and what I do. Thanks for taking the time today . Ron

Response:

Ron, You might be in luck.  That very weekend is the International Sportsman Expo.  If you have some time to stop by the expo you there’s a lot people will be around that can give you some ideas.  Below are websites for my fly club and info about the sportsman’s expo.  Our club will have a booth at the show. Good Luck, Eric http://www.desertflycasters.com/ http://www.sportsexpos.com/consumer/pr.cfm?locationnumber=6

Response:

I will be up at Ben Avery working the registration desk and shooting. I wish that I had the time. If you get done early on sunday come up to the range the shoot offs will be going on and I will be getting read to ride up to flagstaff. Thanks Ron

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ron, You might be in luck.  That very weekend is the International Sportsman Expo.  If you have some time to stop by the expo you there’s a lot people will be around that can give you some ideas.  Below are websites for my fly club and info about the sportsman’s expo.  Our club will have a booth at the show. Good Luck, Eric http://www.desertflycasters.com/ http://www.sportsexpos.com/consumer/pr.cfm?locationnumber=6

Response:

Since I’ve relocated to Massachusetts, I can’t help. But I can tell you to head north out of Phoenix on I-17, take Rt. 260 toward Cottonwood, and head north on 89A. For the full effect, take Hwy 69 into Prescott and then follow 89A all the way to Flagstaff. Oak Creek Canyon is God’s Country – one of the most beautiful places on earth. Not to mention all the high desert and red rock area you’ll pass along the way. You may decide not to fish because you’ll be stopping every five minutes to take pictures. Believe me, you can easily kill the entire day. I’ve done it several times while (not?) attending seminars in Phoenix. Tim Very jealous, and longing for the Great West.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Ok here is my sob story. I am going to Phoenix to shoot the Kachina Open a skeet tourniment which ends on the 3rd of March. I cannot fly back to DC until the 5th of March. I have a whole day to kill anyone availalbe to take wayward Marine fishing? If I had the extra $$$$ I would go with a guide. I know that it is a shot in the dark. You can check out my webpage www.isoa.net/~rausman to find out more about me and what I do. Thanks for taking the time today . Ron

Response:

Yes I am retiring soon. So sign me up for that PFC program. Ron

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am going to Phoenix to shoot the Kachina Open a skeet tourniment which ends on the 3rd of March. I cannot fly back to DC until the 5th of March. I have a whole day to kill anyone availalbe to take wayward Marine fishing? If I had the extra $$$$ I would go with a guide. Hey Gunny, are you retiring from the Marines this summer?  We have some old decrepit retirees in this bunch, so welcome aboard as a PFC and a newly retired Marine. If you’re not retiring, then unregard the foregoing. Many years ago I did some competitive shooting in the Air Force, never made it to the Nationals though, they wouldn’t allow flintlock muskets.  Naw, we just fooled around with M1 Garands and 1917 03A3 Springfields. Can’t help you out with your dilemma in Phoenix though, but have a good time. Frank Church USAF RETIRED

Response:

I am going to Phoenix to shoot the Kachina Open a skeet tourniment which ends on the 3rd of March. I cannot fly back to DC until the 5th of March. I have a whole day to kill anyone availalbe to take wayward Marine fishing? If I had the extra $$$$ I would go with a guide.

Hey Gunny, are you retiring from the Marines this summer?  We have some old decrepit retirees in this bunch, so welcome aboard as a PFC and a newly retired Marine. If you’re not retiring, then unregard the foregoing. Many years ago I did some competitive shooting in the Air Force, never made it to the Nationals though, they wouldn’t allow flintlock muskets.  Naw, we just fooled around with M1 Garands and 1917 03A3 Springfields. Can’t help you out with your dilemma in Phoenix though, but have a good time. Frank Church USAF RETIRED

Response:

Question:

Since it seems my employeer is blocking post’s to UseNet – it is a little old but . . .

Neat report.  Sounds like you already had a chance to fly fish some quality water.  Tight lines. Mu

Response:

Nice TR, Marshall. Sounds like you had a pretty good guide.

Response:

Merced River:   This is the river that flows right through the middle of Yosemite, and gets heavy fishing pressure in the summer.  The guide I hired took us down below where most of the crowd fish.

Marshall, it was very close to there that I decided to take up fly fishing more seriously!  I had dabbled a little, but I was spinning on this particular trip to Yosemite.  I saw some trout in a feeding lane in a small clear pool, and there was no way I could catch them on my little spinner. It drove me nuts.  I decided then and there I was going to flyfish and next time I see some fish like those, I’m gonna get ‘em, dammit!  Fun trip.  I hiked down a trail (Tuolomne?) and ran into a couple guys camping who had a massive wild brown they caught on a Rapala in a deep canyon section.  Yup, different techniques are best for different conditions

Response:

Since it seems my employeer is blocking post’s to UseNet – it is a little old but . . . My first TR, so here goes . . . Location:  Merced River – Yosemite National Park, CA            Off Hwy 140, 1 mile below the 120/140 stop sign Elevation: 4,000 ft Date/Time: Saturday, Nov. 4th, 2001 [11am-4:30pm] Pictures located at: http://homepage.mac.com/mkrasser/PhotoAlbum4.html This is still my freshman year of flyfishing, [I started last Aug. 2001 on the Big Wood River in Sun Valley, ID.  Followed by a trip in Sept to the Feather River [Ca], 5 weeks ago I was at Putah Creek, [Ca], 4 weeks ago the Russian River [Ca], and 2 weeks ago a trip on the Klamath River [Ca] (K.R. pictures included at above web location). A quick Mini-TR on the Kamath,  the Salmon fishing was hot!  BUT, since we were NOT using flies I will not detail the 20 fish we caught and released [barbless hooks and roe] we did keep 2 for the smoker. I will mention the Steelhead that we were targeting with flies in the fast water . . . I forgot to "bow to the fish" do I need to say more? I lost the nice 6-7 pounder (guide est.) when it jumped for joy.  I had another major slam that I missed [using a mossback fly] as well.  We did manage to catch/release several nice native trout in our quest for Mr. Steelhead [top lft picure]. Merced River:   This is the river that flows right through the middle of Yosemite, and gets heavy fishing pressure in the summer.  The guide I hired took us down below where most of the crowd fish. This was mega-pocket water!!!  This late in the year, the water level is rather low and is super clear [16 ft leaders, ouch].  Lucky for us, the valley received a light rain the Wed. before our arrival, so the system received a last minute boost before winter.  Anyway, we were climbing over bus size granite boulders and rock hopping cross-stream, to get the perfect angle for the pockets.   I should mention that I dragged my wife along on her first flyfishing outing this day.  I was hoping that I could provide here with a positive experience on this trip, but according to the guide . . . this time of year, and on this river, a PHD is required.  The guide was very hands on and worked with both of us to get the technique down, but he tended to want to do most of the casting himself [we could hold the rod under his hand, though].  Using this technique, he was able to get her hooked into a nice bright orange native male – I was too far away to snap a photo   Even on this cool November day [30's rising to the mid 60's] there was a Baetis and Caddis hatch happening.  When we arrived at the first pool, our guide went nuts – there were at least 5 trout rising to the hatch at the head of the pool and at least one was a brown.   He worked with both of us at this pool, and we both missed our strikes – we then headed up stream to rest these fish.  And found others just as eager to miss our flies as well. I could just NOT see the sz18 Baetis fly in the pocket water.  Cool a swirl, guide say’s ah that was your fly he was swirling at!   We then went back down to pool #1 for try #2 at the fish – same result.  So we headed back upstream again.   We climbed up on this huge boulder and butt dragged to look over the edge – wow TWO 18-20 inchers directly below us.  Hmmm the Guide forgot to warn my wife as to why he and I were moving this way . . . so she walked right up to the edge and said, "oh look – fishies", and they said, "oh look human – goodbye".  Luckly this boulder was so huge it was in 2 zip codes, so they crawled [see pic: guide w/wife] to the head of the rock, and worked that pool. They just could not get the distance needed from here, so the guide and I moved down to water level and I missed another nice one.   We split sides here and I headed to a pool on the left and they headed to what looked like a prime pool.  With the guide’s assistance, BAM – she hooked-up and landed the bright male [14 incher].  On that note we headed back down to pool #1 again [my wet leg and all <grin].   The fish were happily slurping up the emergers and this time I connected.  As my wife pointed out . . . mine was not as big or as pretty as her’s [whatever].  We then hopped in our 4×4’s and headed downstream to what would be prime pocket water for me.   The guide worked a little more with my wife on her casting, but he was not quite patient enough [in my opinion], and I could tell she was getting bored and frustrated.   She said, go on ahead – I’ll rest here – ya right . . . she whipped out her knitting from her backpack and that was the end of that.   The guide and I headed into the land of small pocket water [I was casting rather well un-assisted by now - the guide was surprised - I was one with the line].  Interesting note that probably has no bearing on my flycasting targeting – but I was a deadly bait caster from my Table Rock Lake days – growing up in Missouri – I could flip that plastic worm or jig-n-pig right were I wanted it in the fallen/flooded timber at rather great distances [no use here in California].   Anyway,  I pulled 2 nice ones out of the first pocket just above the main pool and missed another 3 as well.  We figured they had moved up out of the still water to feed.  I was using a caddis pattern [that I could see] for these puppies.   We moved on up to one more small pocket, and the guide made me call where the strike would occur [he nailed it exactly in the previous pocket].  I called it, but after 4 casts and no take – the guide said let’s go home – must not be there.  One more cast I pleaded and that one did it – right where I called it <grin.   As the light started to fade we walked back to our vehicles and called it a day, in this land of giant rocks and golden sunlight. Sorry for the length, Marshall

Response:

Question:

I just knew it!  If I expanded on Zimmerman’s type of humor I would raise a lot of bottom dwellers.

Boy, how sad to try and push that one over. Good Mo-o-orning!  VietNam!

Sadly, you’re much more Bruno Kirby than Robin Williams.

Response:

Sadly, you’re much more Bruno Kirby than Robin Williams.

Jeff, old pal, I’m just George.

  george.vcf

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Response:

I am a pathetic ass.  But I’m a hell of a fly fisherman!

George, hell just called and said to come back. ginksux

Response:

I have a friend who once fished with you, he said you were a good fisherman. That friend is the best fisherman I know, matter of fact one of the people you speak of knowing mentioned his skills in one of his books, but to talk to him about fishing, not once will he tell how good he is. Good fishermen don’t have to brag about how good they are and in the overall scheme of things, it is just not that important George. Wayne

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a pathetic ass.  But I’m a hell of a fly fisherman!

Response:

Wayne, you’re so correct and I agree 100%.  I didn’t realize I ever gave that impression or did that.  I’ve made a note of your constructive suggestion. Thanks, George – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have a friend who once fished with you, he said you were a good fisherman. That friend is the best fisherman I know, matter of fact one of the people you speak of knowing mentioned his skills in one of his books, but to talk to him about fishing, not once will he tell how good he is. Good fishermen don’t have to brag about how good they are and in the overall scheme of things, it is just not that important George. Wayne I am a pathetic ass.  But I’m a hell of a fly fisherman!

  george.vcf

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Response:

I am a pathetic ass.  But I’m a hell of a fly fisherman! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yup, You got us… However,  I suspect that if I wrote that "Gherke is a Pathetic Ass" not a single soul would rise to your defense How does that feel.. I just knew it!  If I expanded on Zimmerman’s type of humor I would raise a lot of bottom dwellers.  Besides, look how good his name looks strung out almost 20 times in the longest thread Steve has seen regarding himself in a long time. It takes a master to kick start this group out of its duldrums. mend . . . *sigh* . . . staring at drift . . . twitch! Good Mo-o-orning!  VietNam! Mr.G. "george, who is stir frying dog meat . . ." :  )

  george.vcf

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yah, you’re right.  *sigh* – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – George Gehrke : "george, who is stir frying dog meat . . ." Don’t eat it, George.  Cannibalism is illegal.

  george.vcf

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Response:

George Gehrke : "george, who is stir frying dog meat . . ."

Don’t eat it, George.  Cannibalism is illegal.

Response:

Yup, You got us… However,  I suspect that if I wrote that "Gherke is a Pathetic Ass" not a single soul would rise to your defense How does that feel..

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just knew it!  If I expanded on Zimmerman’s type of humor I would raise a lot of bottom dwellers.  Besides, look how good his name looks strung out almost 20 times in the longest thread Steve has seen regarding himself in a long time. It takes a master to kick start this group out of its duldrums. mend . . . *sigh* . . . staring at drift . . . twitch! Good Mo-o-orning!  VietNam! Mr.G. "george, who is stir frying dog meat . . ." :  )

Response:

I just knew it!  If I expanded on Zimmerman’s type of humor I would raise a lot of bottom dwellers.  Besides, look how good his name looks strung out almost 20 times in the longest thread Steve has seen regarding himself in a long time. It takes a master to kick start this group out of its duldrums. mend . . . *sigh* . . . staring at drift . . . twitch! Good Mo-o-orning!  VietNam! Mr.G. "george, who is stir frying dog meat . . ." :  )

  george.vcf

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Question:

I am a commercial  bush pilot living in Canada, I fly floats in the summer and wheel/skis in the winter.  I  do all of my fueling, cleaning, loading, basically im a one man show.   I love the float season, i love flying into little lakes, beaching on a island, dumping my passengers off and then swimming or fishing for a while if I have time before my next flight.   My problem is this;  I know that if I want to make any money I will probibaly have to move into the multi ifr stuff in the next couple of years before i get too old (im 26).  And the problem with that is I have done the ifr ground school twice (3-day cram fest in Vancouver for $200) and have not completed it either time.  I am bored shitless and cant concentrate!  I just cant get into it and I’m not sure why?  For you comm pilots out there flying ifr all the time; does it suck?  are you bored most of the time?  I go up to the cockpit on air canada A320 sometimes and visit the pilots and they dont seem to have much to do….or see. Any float drivers turned ifr drivers out there who can give me some encouragement?   Are there any fun ifr jobs where i dont have to dawn a shirt with those prissy gold bars?  Am I doomed to choose between a job I hate for the money or a job I love and poverty? Help, jon

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 …And the problem with that is I have done the ifr ground school twice (3-day cram fest in Vancouver for $200) and have not completed it either time.  I am bored shitless and cant concentrate!  I just cant get into it and I’m not sure why?

Skip the book stuff for now and try IFR flight training for a while-that’s where the challenge is. If it still bores you, go back to what you love. If you make good money doing something you hate, how well off are you, really? Dan N9387D at BFM

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John.  I have a private homebuilt floatplane and suffer with a similar malady. In my case it’s eliminating one rat from the urban rat race and going north to make a meagre living by flying.  I encountered the following, which while not right for me, might help you out.  About a year ago, the ontario government was looking for conservation officers to fly small aircraft in northern ontario enforcing hunting and fishing regs, and doing all those other things that conservation officers are supposed to do.  Might be worth checking out.  IIRC, they were flying Maules. Mike – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am a commercial  bush pilot living in Canada, I fly floats in the summer and wheel/skis in the winter.  I  do all of my fueling, cleaning, loading, basically im a one man show.   I love the float season, i love flying into little lakes, beaching on a island, dumping my passengers off and then swimming or fishing for a while if I have time before my next flight.   My problem is this;  I know that if I want to make any money I will probibaly have to move into the multi ifr stuff in the next couple of years before i get too old (im 26).  And the problem with that is I have done the ifr ground school twice (3-day cram fest in Vancouver for $200) and have not completed it either time.  I am bored shitless and cant concentrate!  I just cant get into it and I’m not sure why?  For you comm pilots out there flying ifr all the time; does it suck?  are you bored most of the time?  I go up to the cockpit on air canada A320 sometimes and visit the pilots and they dont seem to have much to do….or see. Any float drivers turned ifr drivers out there who can give me some encouragement?   Are there any fun ifr jobs where i dont have to dawn a shirt with those prissy gold bars?  Am I doomed to choose between a job I hate for the money or a job I love and poverty? Help, jon

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OK I’ll bite, even though floats are still on my "someday" list… I love it all.  I fly all-weather all-night air ambulance operations (IFR, of course), freight, and passengers.  That’s fun.  So is taking my Taylorcraft and hand-propping it, stopping at grass strips, and paying cash for gas (usually whatever cash made it through the laundry in my jeans pocket covers my fuel bill). I also really enjoy giving passengers a super-smooth ride in challenging weather (or at least trying).  I did a life flight the other day with a very ill little girl and her mother and really felt like I was helping them by making the flight as comfortable as possible, even though the destination was barely above minimums.   And, I think I fly each operation better from the experience in the other.  They taylorcraft makes me acutely aware of aircraft limitations (no lights, no radios) and the twins make me aware of the aircraft’s possibilities.  I like both! You’ll need to pursue your IR in order to get full satisfaction.  I know the Canadian system is different from ours but put your head down and get your exams done, then enjoy the flying! Jim Wolper ATP/PhD/CFII

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For you comm pilots out there flying ifr all the time; does it suck? are you bored most of the time?  I go up to the cockpit on air canada A320 sometimes and visit the pilots and they dont seem to have much to do….or see.

No, I’m not bored.  Terror tends to concentrate the mind.  :-)   Not much to see, except the instruments, but you have to watch them VERY closely.  Just because there isn’t much movement doesn’t mean nothing is happening.  Try some flying under the hood & see if you don’t enjoy it.   Admittedly, the ground school isn’t that exciting, but I do enjoy the flying.  If you don’t enjoy precision flying, it won’t be as much fun, but I enjoy the challenge.  A night ILS to minimums makes it seem better.

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Question:

I am relocating to the Boston area (North Shore) and I am looking for good trout spots as well as some hotspots for Bluefish and Strippers. Any ideas are most appreciated. Mike

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I am relocating to the Boston area (North Shore) and I am looking for good trout spots as well as some hotspots for Bluefish and Strippers. Any ideas are most appreciated. Mike

My web site has links to the area fish finder reports, including Reel-Time, for whom I write the Metropolitan Boston report. Additionally, I carry stocking reports and fishing reports from local anglers.  I’m in the midst of updating the page, but you’ll find plenty of info that can get you started.  Feel free to e-mail me with any questions. Welcome to the area. — Mark Cahill For E-mail remove the _Remove_This from the reply to address. http://www.geocities.com/Baja/3297/fishing.htm Mark Cahill’s Fishing New England – Daily Fishing News http://www.reel-time.com/ The Internet Journal of Saltwater Fly Fishing – Metropolitan Boston Regional Editor

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: I am relocating to the Boston area (North Shore) and I am looking for good : trout spots as well as some hotspots for Bluefish and Strippers. : Any ideas are most appreciated. : Mike For trout try the Nissitissit C&R area in Pepperill. For SW try southern ME and Plum I and Crane’s Beach in Ipswitch.

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Question:

I have a  book  by Henry Van Dyke, entitled " Fishermans Dream", 1906 model with gold trout on the cover. This book is in excellent conditon, what is it worth? and who would buy it? Thanks, Jerry

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I have a  book  by Henry Van Dyke, entitled " Fishermans Dream", 1906 model with gold trout on the cover. This book is in excellent conditon, what is it worth? and who would buy it? Thanks, Jerry

Recheck the title. Sounds like you’re talking about one of the many editions of "Fishermans Luck" (1899) by that author- a $20-$25 (retail) item a few years back when I was into this sort of stuff.                                 Ray

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Several fly fishing books for sale from my collection.  E-Mail me for a listing of books with prices. JWTrout

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Question:

Heading for the Salmon River next week. Any info on the fishing would be appreciated. Thanks Mike

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Mike writes: Heading for the Salmon River next week. Any info on the fishing would be appreciated. Thanks Mike

I can’t speak for all the Salmon Rivers of the world, but the one in New York is covered by a call to 315-298-2993 to either Dave Patrick or Malinda Barna who also keep as update under the FFBN AOL fishing conditions section.   They run the excellent Altmar Smokehouse fly shop right on the river.   Also Bill Fling keeps an excellent page updated at http://www.salmon-river.com Was there 2-4 May and had poor water (Very high) conditions, but with a few steelies produced on flies after a great deal of very hard work.   Am returning next week.  The fish are clearly in the water and nice fish too… But with 2000 cfs flowing were scattered badly and very difficult to get close to or find.   Corkers are highly recommended as is a good wading staff.  Small nymphs and small bright, Eztaz type flies on 5 pound long tippets … Water may be high but is exceedingly clear.  Tightlines, Alan E. Hoover Anglers’ Rest Powhatan, Va        *the trout teach many, lessons*

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Mike writes:

Water on the Salmon River has been high 1700 cfs or better. Fish have been difficult but some have been taken. Four fish were taken at DSR yesterday. I’d try big, egg imitations and others in bright colors. We do have a minor stonefly hatch on currently. Bill — Bill Fling                     Tel. (315) 298-3044 SALMON RIVER ANGLERS LODGE     FAX  (315) 298-2619 P.O. Box 353                   Rt. 13, Rome Road Pulaski, NY 13142-0353   ‘SALMON RIVER/LAKE ONTARIO SPORTFISHING REPORTS’             ‘http://www.salmon-river.com’

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Anyone have anything good or bad to say about the Orvis DXR anti-reverse reels??

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Question:

Whats the best model/brand fly line? (wf5-floating)

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Whats the best model/brand fly line? (wf5-floating)

My vote is for the Ultra 3 by Scientific Anglers. Take Care,

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Whats the best model/brand fly line? (wf5-floating) My vote is for the Ultra 3 by Scientific Anglers.

Considering price as well, Cortland 333 (2nd choice 444) — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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I don’t know what the best line is but I can tell you to stay away from Courtlands Lazer Line.  I’ve got a DT5F that casts great….unfortunately it floats like a brick.  If I wanted a sinking line I would have bought one.  

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: Whats the best model/brand fly line? (wf5-floating) I am about to try out a WF6-F Mastery XPS.  Several fishing buddies and acquaintances think it is "the best". Cortland 444 lines last forever.  Cortland 444 SL lines tend to get sticky.  The Masterline series from Great Britain is not bad. — Burnaby, BC

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Whats the best model/brand fly line? (wf5-floating)

Hello William,         There are many good fly lines available to the angler today.  All of them have attributes that may or may not be what you are looking for. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the cortland lines.  The SL lines float well and sag very little in the eyes of your rod.  The Lazer lines have small dimples in the texture,(much like a golfball) to give you the maximum distance.  My favorite line is by Scientific Anglers.  It is the Mastery XPS.  It  is a supple line allowing great control.  Not a distance line, but I am not a distance guy.  You should go into your local shop and have them explain these subtleties. They may even haave these lines available for you to cast.  Good Luck. Paul J.

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Question:

I’ve only tied a couple of bead-head flies, and I’d like others’ input on how to do it well. Is it just as simple as slide the bead on and tie the fly as usual, but tying off behind the bead instead of at the eye? Anyone have any special tips? I’ve seen some bead-head mayfly nymphs where there’s a wing-case that stretches over the top of the bead, with divided hackle in front of it. I’m not sure how you would do that. Seems like it would be pretty awkward to tie. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Dave Guinee

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: I’ve only tied a couple of bead-head flies… : Any suggestions would be appreciated. — One tip I’ve had that really simplifies things is to slide the bead up against the hook eye and then use a few figure-8 loops over the bead to secure it.  I also paint the thread with head cement, although this may be overkill.  If you use tan thread on a brass bead (e.g. hare’s ear) you can hardly see the thread at all.  Even if you use a contrasting thread color (e.g. black), I’m not sure the fish know or care!  You might even be able to construct a "wing case" with a bit more wrapping, and even insert some hackle or dubbing for effect. The major advantage to securing the bead with a figure-8 is that: 1) it’s quick and simple, and 2) you don’t build up thread behind the bead, which later gets in the way of finishing off the fly. I’ve also tried some of the "fancier" ties, but they don’t seem to produce any better than good, quick, simple, fuzzy ones.  They were, however, an interesting exercise in fly tying. Hope this helps. Frank Gordon Atlanta, GA

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– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – : I’ve only tied a couple of bead-head flies… : Any suggestions would be appreciated. — One tip I’ve had that really simplifies things is to slide the bead up against the hook eye and then use a few figure-8 loops over the bead to secure it.  I also paint the thread with head cement, although this may be overkill.  If you use tan thread on a brass bead (e.g. hare’s ear) you can hardly see the thread at all.  Even if you use a contrasting thread color (e.g. black), I’m not sure the fish know or care!  You might even be able to construct a "wing case" with a bit more wrapping, and even insert some hackle or dubbing for effect. The major advantage to securing the bead with a figure-8 is that: 1) it’s quick and simple, and 2) you don’t build up thread behind the bead, which later gets in the way of finishing off the fly. I’ve also tried some of the "fancier" ties, but they don’t seem to produce any better than good, quick, simple, fuzzy ones.  They were, however, an interesting exercise in fly tying.

I’d also be interested in ideas.  I’ve tied some weighted nymphs and found that I could put on the bead first, then wrap the lead until right up against the bead and that really helped keep the bead in place.  I’ve never seen a commercial fly with thread over the bead and really would not trust that much since any abrasion could break the thread and the bead would be loose to mess up the rest of the fly. — | Dartmouth College                                  Home:  603-448-5677 | | 6211 Sudikoff Laboratory, Rm 108                                       | | Hanover, NH  03755                                                     |

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I’ve only tied a couple of bead-head flies… Any suggestions would be appreciated.

When I tie a bead-head I first size the bead so that it will slip over the barb but not over the eye of the hook.  Then I thread my string through the bead, thread the bead on the hook and clamp it in the vise.  Now I begin by leaving the bead at the back of the hook. I start my wrap (with tacky head cement) by the eye of the hook and build out the diameter until the bead slips forward and has a snug fit.  Then I apply some head cement to the thread and slip the bead forward while pulling the loop out from in front of the bead.  After that I wrap behind the bead to secure it and finish the fly with the string as normal. Hope it helps, Andy —   Research Electrical Engineer                US Mail : CAD-Research   University of Iowa                                    228 ERF   Phone : (319) 335-5723                                Iowa City, Iowa 52242

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Charles, Re: Figure 8’s over the bead. In theory, I think you’re right, abrasion might cut the thread and perhaps loosen the bead.  In practice, I haven’t had this happen yet.  I usually lose the fly to snags well before the thread (I use waxed monocord, not 6-0 dry fly thread) shows any sign of wear.  Even after 10-15 fish caught, the thread still seems OK.  The reason I think you don’t see commercial ties with figure-8’s is that it is not as pretty/perfect for retail sale as a shiny "naked" bead. — Frank Gordon Atlanta, GA

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: I’ve only tied a couple of bead-head flies, and I’d like others’ input on : how to do it well. Is it just as simple as slide the bead on and tie the : fly as usual, but tying off behind the bead instead of at the eye? Anyone : have any special tips? A drop of super glue can work wonders. I usually just slide the bead over the hook barb and place a drop of super glue at the eye then place the bead at the eye and wait a few seconds. After that, I start my thread and tie as I would normally. It seems to work pretty well and only takes a few seconds to secure the bead. I’ll also wrap a collar behind the bead with thread, just enough to hold the bead in case the glue ever fails. — Earl ‘Mac’ McReynolds              Fly Fishing Glossary: Citrus Heights, CA                 Drag— Gear worn by transvestite

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McReynolds) writes: Perhaps a dumb question, but where do I buy the beads.  Do they come in different sizes?  How do I know what size bead to use for each hook size?

Most good flyfishing shops are now carrying them.  Otherwise, try a arts and crafts shop.  They do come in several sizes with different size center holes.  You’ll find that the larger sizes will not go around the bend in the hook and that crimping the barb on your hooks is required to get the bead up to the eye.  As far as getting them to stay in place, here’s what I do: 1.  crimp the barb and put the bead on the hook, then put the hook in the     vice. 2.  Tie on the thread and build up a few wraps just behind the eye, tie     it off and clip the thread.  Add a bit of cement. 3.  Push the bead up to the wraps. 4.  Tie on the thread behind the bead and build up a small amount before     wrapping the thread to your starting point.   5.  When finishing the fly I tie off behind the bead. Try gold and copper beads.  I’ve seen quite a few wooly bugger patterns that also use small red plastic beads as well. — John Fereira Pleasanton, CA

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I’ve only tied a couple of bead-head flies… Any suggestions would be appreciated. The primary bead head that I tie is also one of the simplest flies that I tie.  It proves to be the one I start with on most of the water that I fish.  I use a Tiemco 2487, a wide gap scud hook, in a size 14.  It’s a short shank hook, that except for the wide gap, could pass for a 16.  The problem with bead heads is getting them around the bend of the hook, and you’ll find that a 2487 solves the problem.  The best beads that I’ve found are "cyclops" that I think I got from Dan Bailey’s.  They have a small hole on the front side to snug up to the eye, and a large hole on the backside to help you get them around the bend. I use brass, in a medium size.  

                                                1.  Flatten the barb and slide the bead over the point and around the                                                                                                                                                         bend, smaller hole forward.                                                 2.  Put the hook in the vise, and attach thread.                                                 3.  Spin a dubbing loop of natural color Hare’s ear and wind to the bend and back to the bead.                                                   4.  Tie off behind the bead.  I wrap the dubbing up into the larges hole and whip with a materelli finisher. That’s it, nothing fancy.  But as a caddis imitation, It does great.  I’ve playued with different colors, or putting some wood duck, or ostrich, or soft hackle behind the bead.  But the above works well for me, and takes about 2 minutes to tie.  You’ll lose the fly on the rocks before it falls apart. On the South Platte last June I finnally switched to a size 20 dry because the bead head was taking fish on every other cast and just was too easy! Hope that your dries float high, and your nymphs drift low!. Preston Larimer  

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with Bead-heads.  I prefer to tie very simple patterns.  Some squirrel fur, hare’s mask, or P-Tail wrapped around the shank, and perhaps a bit of ribbing.  No legs, wingcase or anything else. Deadly, and simple!

You call _that_ simple? My favorite is even easier! I use glass ’seed beads’ to make the body. The whole fly is simply the metal bead head, followed by 5 or so of these glass beads, and just enough thread to keep them on the hook at the end. It gives a very nice, brightly colored, translucent, segmented body with _very_ little effort or expense! I get the beads at craft stores. They come in hundreds of colors, and a small box sells for about $2… enough to do hundreds of flies! Can it get any easier? <<grin — Joe Ellis         o/~ The Synthetic Filker o/~ |    TesserAct Studios

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with Bead-heads.  I prefer to tie very simple patterns.  Some squirrel fur, hare’s mask, or P-Tail wrapped around the shank, and perhaps a bit of ribbing.  No legs, wingcase or anything else. Deadly, and simple! I tried buying beads from craft stores for much lower cost.  They are not metal and so do not weight the fly much at all.  I also just bought some nice ones from Don Baileys for 2-6 size hook that have a notch on one side that the hook eye fits into.  I like these alot.  I wonder if trout like to see the fly sink head first through the water w/ a beadhead? Kent McCammon Lightwave Systems Engineer Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Just another crash dummy on the information superhighway

–  Have a marvelous time, and be sure to get a lot of roughage in your Diet! Chaz ;-

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writes: Thanks!  Encouraging report.

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 A little off the subject – my bead-head nymphs ride (swim?) upside down, point up that is, anyone else notice this? I usually tie a simple fuzzy type nymph sans wingcase so this is not a problem for me in fact it may be an advantage, fewer snags perhaps?  Any inquiring minds with scuba gear out there?  MT —             It’s not the bible that’s filled with contradictions,                  It’s our brains that are filled with them.                              J. Vernon McGee

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I tried buying beads from craft stores for much lower cost.  They are not metal and so do not weight the fly much at all.  I also just bought some nice ones from Don Baileys for 2-6 size hook that have a notch on one side that the hook eye fits into.  I like these alot.  I wonder if trout like to see the fly sink head first through the water w/ a beadhead? Kent McCammon Lightwave Systems Engineer Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Just another crash dummy on the information superhighway

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McReynolds) writes:

Perhaps a dumb question, but where do I buy the beads.  Do they come in different sizes?  How do I know what size bead to use for each hook size?

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