Question:

I know exactly how you feel, I do this to my husband, and then I feel awful. We will go out and have a nice evening, and if I eat too much, I get angry and take it out on him.  (Although he is usually the one who orders the extra food, and when it’s in front of me, I don’t have that much willpower.) But he realizes that I do not mean what I say, and that I love him.  I think that because we are so close and comfortable with our SO we tend to go off on them more easily than we would someone else, or even ourselves, when it is really ourselves we are angry with.  I’m sure he loves you and will forgive you.  I try to not react so strongly and to hold back a little more now.  It doesn’t always work, but most times it does.  I take a second and think to myself, it’s really me I’m angry with, why should he pay.  I know you can’t see him soon, but maybe  you could send him a nice card, and write your feelings in that.  Good luck. —           -Ren

Question:

I’m considering purchasing a sit-on-top kayak for flyfishing the flats and marshes on the Texas Coast.  The model I’ve been lusting after is the Ocean Kayak Frenzy.  Does anybody have any input re: fishing from these kayaks, or any type of kayak?  

I have a Wilderness System’s Ride and it’s great to fish from. I don’t think I could tip it over if I wanted to. — Charlie…

Response:

My experience with SOT’s is that they are wet and you need to wear neoprene on cool days. I have fished from my Folbot double kayak with OK results. Too bad inflatables are deflatables. I am now looking at the Kiwi Lobo and the Poke Boat.  Duck hunters like the Poke, so it is probably the most commodious.  However, the Lobo is supposed to be way nicer to paddle. Ken (to reply via email remove "zz" from address)

Response:

I recently purchased a Cobra Explorer Sit on Top.  These sit on tops are great and I already been doing very well both in salt and fresh water with it.   Damian NuWave Tackle Innovative products designed by fishermen for fishermen Fly Tying / Rod Building Equipment, Tackle… http://www.nuwavetackle.com/

Response:

I’ve been using a Prism by Perception for about four months now and am pleased with the overall performance. It tracks well,is quiet, and quick. Did an overnighter float from below Austin, Texas to Bastrop and was pleasantly surprised by just how many unnecessary items I could fit into the two large hatches. …downsides: The bottom of the boat where your feet rest always has water in it. easily two inches of water. Can’t stand up on it. If you have decent balance, you can stand up to cast with a Malibu 2, but try paddling one of those tankers. I’ve also seen the front end dip under water when paddling with and riding some small waves kicked up by the wind. and this is on a lake, no telling how it would do in surf.   Casting sitting down is not a problem, I just can’t cast as far. It’s fun to fish from  and( a decent sized fish will drag you around), to me, the space in the hatches outweighs the water at my feet. I’ve taken to placing a couple of those car-top foam blocks under the footpegs… keeps the feet dry. Good luck, PZ – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m considering purchasing a sit-on-top kayak for flyfishing the flats and marshes on the Texas Coast.  The model I’ve been lusting after is the Ocean Kayak Frenzy.  Does anybody have any input re: fishing from these kayaks, or any type of kayak?  Has anybody tried casting from these kayaks? The Frenzy is appealing to me because (1) it is relatively inexpensive ($400); (2) it looks quite versatile (can be used in whitewater and the surf as well); and (3) it appears to be easily transported. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, RD

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m considering purchasing a sit-on-top kayak for flyfishing the flats and marshes on the Texas Coast.  The model I’ve been lusting after is the Ocean Kayak Frenzy.  Does anybody have any input re: fishing from these kayaks, or any type of kayak?  Has anybody tried casting from these kayaks? The Frenzy is appealing to me because (1) it is relatively inexpensive ($400); (2) it looks quite versatile (can be used in whitewater and the surf as well); and (3) it appears to be easily transported. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, RD

Talking it over with the SO (she says the only real advantage to the Frenzy is smaller females can rack it easily, but I agree it is more river-friendly, FWIW) and another kayaking friend, we agree with your points 1, 2, and 3, but have you looked at the O.K. Scrambler?  A little bigger, more stable – done the Yucatan, Alaska, Keys, Texas Coast, etc. on one, you can even easily dive from one – but again, not quite as easy handling on a river.  Have you talked to Southwest Paddle Sports?  They have a website I think.  Talk to Patty and tell her Eliz and the gang from Ft. Worth set ya.   HTH? TC, R

Response:

I’m considering purchasing a sit-on-top kayak for flyfishing the flats and marshes on the Texas Coast.  The model I’ve been lusting after is the Ocean Kayak Frenzy.  Does anybody have any input re: fishing from these kayaks, or any type of kayak?  Has anybody tried casting from these kayaks? The Frenzy is appealing to me because (1) it is relatively inexpensive ($400); (2) it looks quite versatile (can be used in whitewater and the surf as well); and (3) it appears to be easily transported. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, RD

Response:

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I know nothing of kayaks but so long as you’re soliciting feedback please allow me to congratulate you on one of your quips that has long been one of my favorite quotes: When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro.                                   -Raoul Duke- — Ken Fortenberry

Response:

sitting in (a kayak not music) has to be more stable (secure not horse) than sitting on top ( boats not se…..never mind) john (I’m fishin out of a keowee) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m considering purchasing a sit-on-top kayak for flyfishing the flats and marshes on the Texas Coast.  The model I’ve been lusting after is the Ocean Kayak Frenzy.  Does anybody have any input re: fishing from these kayaks, or any type of kayak?  Has anybody tried casting from these kayaks? The Frenzy is appealing to me because (1) it is relatively inexpensive ($400); (2) it looks quite versatile (can be used in whitewater and the surf as well); and (3) it appears to be easily transported. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, RD

Response:

Question:

I just arrived in L.A., and after picking up the rental car, drove by Bob Marriott’s en route to my hotel.!  How’s that for addiction??? I’m here for one week (work-related, not fishing), so I thought I’d enter into the spirit of things and wish all you ruffian ROFFians a happy 4th July. — Pete, Brisbane, Australia To reply by email, remove the "SPAMLESS" from the address in the header.

        thanks, mate…up the empire! wayno

Response:

Thanks, Pete.  On behalf of the yanks on ROFF I’ll extend a welcome to the US – even though LA is (in my opinion) not necessarily representative of the rest of the country.  Go east, young man! (at least to the Rockies!) Mark Faulkner – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I just arrived in L.A., and after picking up the rental car, drove by Bob Marriott’s en route to my hotel.!  How’s that for addiction??? I’m here for one week (work-related, not fishing), so I thought I’d enter into the spirit of things and wish all you ruffian ROFFians a happy 4th July. — Pete, Brisbane, Australia To reply by email, remove the "SPAMLESS" from the address in the header.

Response:

Happy 4th to you too.  I am planning to trip to your country in November.  Any fly fishing that way?  

Response:

says… Happy 4th to you too.  I am planning to trip to your country in November.  Any fly fishing that way?  

You betcha!  Try Tasmania, home of some huge wild brown trout.  I can recommend London Lakes Lodge. http://www.londonlakes.com.au/domino/londonlakes/londonlakes.nsf/html- v/home This is run by Jason and Barbara Garrett – Jason was the captain of the Australia flyfishing team, and is extremely knowledgable.  The London Lakes complex is 5000 acres of privately owned and superbly managed fishery.  Sight-fishing for huge brownies at its best!  Tell them Pete from Brisbane sent you. ) Also, excellent stream and large lake fishing in the Snowy Mountains and the Monaro district on mainland Australia in New South Wales.   The world flyfishing championships are being held in the Snowy region this year, particularly on Lake Jindabyne and some of the excellent trout streams high up in the mountains. Depending on the time of year of your visit, closed season is usually June to August, re-opening in September or thereabouts. — Pete, Brisbane, Australia To reply by email, remove the "SPAMLESS" from the address in the header.

Response:

I just arrived in L.A., and after picking up the rental car, drove by Bob Marriott’s en route to my hotel.!  How’s that for addiction???

Last time I was in LA for a weeklong vacation, I lept out of bed at 5:30 every morning, didn’t brush my teeth, didn’t bother getting out of my sleeping clothes and immediately hopped into the rental car with my buddy from Boston and drove straight for the ocean. ( Took one day to go fish San Diego and another to ride a party boat with some non-fishing friends).  Came back at noon and raided my host’s kitchen, took a shower with my fly lines and then hung them up to dry.  I was a groomsman in a wedding party on the last day I was there.  We went fishing that morning too. Landlocked Mu

Response:

I just arrived in L.A., and after picking up the rental car, drove by Bob Marriott’s en route to my hotel.!  How’s that for addiction??? I’m here for one week (work-related, not fishing), so I thought I’d enter into the spirit of things and wish all you ruffian ROFFians a happy 4th July. — Pete, Brisbane, Australia To reply by email, remove the "SPAMLESS" from the address in the header.

Response:

Question:

Hello, I’m going to Toronto next summer, and I would like to know where I can fish trout with my fly rod     Thanks, Mark

Response:

Hello, I’m going to Toronto next summer, and I would like to know where I can fish trout with my fly rod    Thanks, Mark

Can I recommend some provincial politictians that will gobble a fly if it resembles a dollar bill?  Try the front lawn of Queens Park. Seriously, to the east, Duffins Creek and the Ganaraska, to the north west, the Credit River and the Forks of the Credit. to the west, the Grand River and its tribs.  To the way north, brookie streams north of Sudbury, to the way west, ‘bows and steelhead on the Maitland and the Saugeen and their tribs.  Call John Valk at Grindstone Angling (905) 689-0880 if you need more info or a guide. Peter

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, I’m going to Toronto next summer, and I would like to know where I can fish trout with my fly rod    Thanks, Mark Can I recommend some provincial politictians that will gobble a fly if it resembles a dollar bill?  Try the front lawn of Queens Park. Seriously, to the east, Duffins Creek and the Ganaraska, to the north west, the Credit River and the Forks of the Credit. to the west, the Grand River and its tribs.  To the way north, brookie streams north of Sudbury, to the way west, ‘bows and steelhead on the Maitland and the Saugeen and their tribs.  Call John Valk at Grindstone Angling (905) 689-0880 if you need more info or a guide. Peter

  I lived on the bank of the Ganaraska for 25 years.  If you come in the spring it’s packed with steelheaders.  But if your in to natives then it’s really good from mid may to mid june in the upper reaches of the Ganny.  The part of the river in Port Hope is good for steelhead but not so good for native trout because of the reconstruction after the flood.  Anything north of Highway 16 is good for natives. I find this the best time for brown.  BTW the Ganaraska is located in Port Hope.  One hour east of Toronto on the 401.  If you ask some of the land owners in Welcome (village name) or Canton  nicely they will let you fish on their land.  I have family that owns land on the Ganny.   If you like Fly Fishing and would like to go about thirty minutes further east then I’d recommend Cold Creek north of Brighton.  I’m just learning flyfishing and have just started exploring this stream so I can’t really give you much advice about it. Tight Lines Scott

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Question:

Hi: hope to be in Key West 8/16 and 17.  I’m looking for a guide to take me inshore flyfishing.  I’ve been to Belize many times, but never to KW. would appreciate any suggestions and would also like to know if it is worth it in the summer heat.  I don’t mind the heat, but are the fish there? Adam

Hi Adam, I would call Nat Ragland as he will give you the straight scoop. 305/743-5806 Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento,CA,USA 800/4000FLY

Response:

Try Florida Keys On-Line Guide. They have information about everything you could imagine in the keys.  I found it using Yahoo but you might be able to get the URL from any Chamber of Commerce in the Keys (I think there are 3 or 4) – all of them have 800 numbers as well.

: Hi: : hope to be in Key West 8/16 and 17.  I’m looking for a guide to take me : inshore flyfishing.  I’ve been to Belize many times, but never to KW. : would appreciate any suggestions and would also like to know if it is : worth it in the summer heat.  I don’t mind the heat, but are the fish : there? : Adam : : Hi Adam, : I would call Nat Ragland as he will give you the straight scoop. 305/743-5806 : Bill Kiene : Kiene’s Fly Shop : Sacramento,CA,USA : 800/4000FLY — Lori Dubay

Response:

Hi: hope to be in Key West 8/16 and 17.  I’m looking for a guide to take me inshore flyfishing.  I’ve been to Belize many times, but never to KW. would appreciate any suggestions and would also like to know if it is worth it in the summer heat.  I don’t mind the heat, but are the fish there? Adam

Response:

Question:

After checking out some books at the library, I went out to Wal-mart and spent about $65.  I bought an 8′ rod, a Martin reel, and Cortland line, backing, and a few leaders.  I also picked up an assortment of flies. After setting up the rod and doing some false casts,  I felt like the rod was very, very fast.  Can I do anything with my line and leader to neutralize the fast action, or this a result of a $20 rod?  Currently I have a WF6F and 7.5 4X on the rod? I am fishing rivers and streams in central KY preferrably for trout or smallmouth. Any help and advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Brian

Response:

It’s the design of the rod.  I guess you could try WF7F but that could limit your casting distance.  But if it’s really bothering you take the rod back, Wally World is usually pretty good on returns.  Try picking up a rod from a store that has knowledgeable flyfisherman.  You might be able to find a quality used rod from a local fly shop, otherwise try G.I. Joe’s (I set my dad up entirely for $130) or maybe even Bi-Mart. Also, you might want to try 9′ leaders instead of 7.5, I’ve found them a little more effective.

Response:

No, you can’t neutralize it, just go with the flow.  Use this outfit for casting larger and heavier flies and pick yourself a medium to soft action rod the next go-round.  Go to a fly shop and try out different weights, lengths and actions and then use that to plan your next purchase.  The action you have is build into your rod and you can not dampen the action.  You could use a heavier line to flex you rod more but then you are defeating the purpose. Gunner – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -After checking out some books at the library, I went out to Wal-mart and spent about $65.  I bought an 8′ rod, a Martin reel, and Cortland line, backing, and a few leaders.  I also picked up an assortment of flies. After setting up the rod and doing some false casts,  I felt like the rod was very, very fast.  Can I do anything with my line and leader to neutralize the fast action, or this a result of a $20 rod?  Currently I have a WF6F and 7.5 4X on the rod? I am fishing rivers and streams in central KY preferrably for trout or smallmouth. Any help and advise would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Brian

Response:

…

Olemiss, Learn to cast this 8′ stick. Learn to catch fish with it. Try not to get caught up in the need to buy more stuff. There will be plenty of time for that later, believe me. Mitch

Response:

After setting up the rod and doing some false casts,  I felt like the rod was very, very fast.  Can I do anything with my line and leader to neutralize the fast action, or this a result of a $20 rod?  Currently I have a WF6F and 7.5 4X on the rod?

How far were you trying to cast?  In my experience, the Wal-mart/K-mart type rods aren’t usually very fast.  If you’re a newbie, you probably aren’t casting very far (*I* didn’t anyway!).  As you work more line out, the rod shouldn’t seem so fast.   The other problem could be that the rod really wants a heavier line than it’s rated.  That can be a problem sometimes.  My nephew had a Cortland 3/4 weight that really wanted a 5 weight line.  You never know unless you try it out. I used a K-mart rod for years, and caught a bunch of fish on it.  You may just need to work on your timing.   Have fun!! Lee — Lee Hiers, AA4GA Cornelia, Georgia http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/4473

Response:

Question:

As I am new to flyfishing,(nearly 1 year), I have become an avid fly tier market today? If all of the Pinot Noir wines were set in front of me I’m sure I couldn’t tell one from the other after I got to a certain priceSt.Croix $50.00 blank and a Sage $250.00 blank. Is Thomas and Thomas really different from a Powell, or a Sage, or a Scott, or an Orvis? I would like to hear your response, and hope perhaps that the ability to define the differences is something I can look forward to as I get more proficient in my casting. Thanks. DLowe21757

I’m sorry to hear you cannot tell the difference between Pinot Noirs.   You picked a good one to work with tho’, maybe someday you will be able to appreciate the many differences.  The same is true of flyrods.  A Winston or T & T do not cast anything like a Sage or Loomis or Orvis.   Actually Loomis makes rods for a great majority of rod companies, built to their (other Co.) specifications.  At you stage of development a Sage or Orvis would probably be a good choice.  You will soon wish you hadn’t wasted your time, if you build a rod from a cheap noodlely brank.  Go to a shop where you can cast these rods.  Their actions are quite different, and the deciding factor would be your casting style. -Burton

Response:

As I am new to flyfishing,(nearly 1 year), I have become an avid fly opposite problem.  The moral of the story is, you have to try the rod (or have an experienced caster try it for you) before you buy a rod, line, reel combination..  The line ratings on cheap rods can be very misleading.

Not only can the ratings be misleading, but some of them specify a range of ratings like 4,5 wt. or 4,5,6-wt.  So where do you start if you don’t happen to have a collection of lines laying around both in DT and WF (these can load the rod differently), especially if you are a beginner.   I would never buy a rod that was given a multiple rating, since it gave me the impression the builder wasn’t quite sure which wt. it was intended for. -Burton – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Peter Charles

Response:

Dear Mr. Lowe Mr.Burton told you correctly, except of course that the St Croix is an excellent blank for the money.  Believe it or not, Lee Wulff Fished St Croix fly rods I never fished a St  Croix I didn’t like. Mr. Gink

Yo George, Sorry I omitted one of your favorite rods.  I am not familar with St. Croix myself, the ones I have tried were too soft for my taste.  However, I will hasten to add that St. Croix blanks are quite popular here in Oregon for building inexpensive tough salmon rods. -Burton

Response:

Dear Mr. Lowe Mr.Burton told you correctly, except of course that the St Croix is an excellent blank for the money.  Believe it or not, Lee Wulff Fished St Croix fly rods many, many times and regarded them as top of the line equipment.  I’m sure, if they were good enough for Lee Wulff they will be good enough first choice for you.  Build it, try it, fish it and then let me know how you ‘REALLY’ like it.

I never fished a St  Croix I didn’t like. Mr. Gink

Response:

Question:

I have reservations at the West Branch Anglers on the Delaware for the first       week in June. Any thoughts on fishing this stretch or should I         check out other sections of the west branch or possibly the east branch. I do have maps with other areas. But since this is my first trip I want to make the most of it, i do realize that you can’t get to know a river on your first trip but any help would certainly be appreciated. Thanks!            

I was there yesterday 5/28. The water was normal and 60.3 F. It was around 50F, ambient, with a bitter wind that made it feel like high 30s. I have never seen anything like the hatches that were there. The following were on the water all   around the same time: Cream Caddis #14, Light Hendrikson #14, Brown Drake #10 (?), Pale Evening Dun (#14), BWO (#18 or #20), March Brown (#16), Gray Fox (#16). I fished the main branch below Hancock. There was no spinner fall that I could see in the daylight hours. The hatches themselves were not very plenitful but it was enough to get fish moving. I got six fish including a 14" brownie an 18" Rainbow (the largest wild fish I have ever caught).  Truly memorable for me. I observed another fisherman land a 20" brownie. I think you are in for a good time, but do get some advice on the hatches as my understanding is that everything is a couple of weeks behind. You’ll have a lot of fun.

Response:

Phil, I agree with your advice about going to the Delaware River Club.  It sounds like you fish the Delaware fairly regularly, so I have a question for you.  Have you ever caught a trout in the big pool at the junction of the East and West branches?  I once spent an entire day fishing there without catching anything even though fish were rising all over.  Last weekend, my dad and I each caught one riser from that pool and they both turned out to be suckers.  When the sun came out and I stood up on the banks, I could see a lot of suckers, some rising, but not one trout.  I wouldn’t be surprised if I couldn’t see trout on the bottom in the deep water, but I’m sure I could identify them if they were rising.  I’ve never encountered rising suckers before, so up until now I assumed the pool held plenty of rising trout.  Now I have to wonder.  BTW, we did catch plenty of trout a little downstream of the junction pool.

Response:

And don’t forget to catch Al Caucci’s web site online at www.mayfly.com for advice and the interactive match-the-hatch chart. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I have reservations at the West Branch Anglers on the Delaware for the first    week in June. Any thoughts on fishing this stretch or should I check out other sections of the west branch or possibly the east branch.    I do have maps with other areas. But since this is my first trip I want to make the most of it, i do realize that you can’t get to know a river on your first trip but any help would certainly be appreciated. Thanks! I prefer Al Caucci’s Delaware River Club, on the W. Branch closer to Hancock.   W.B. Anglers have better accomodations, but Caucci’s knowlege of the river and its inhabitants is unequalled.  You might want to stop in at Caucci’s fly shop f or some advice and flies. I fished up there 5/22, in the area of the PA state woodlands between Caucci’s and W.B. Anglers.  The river had only become fishable in the preceding day or so, as extremely high water brought on by seemingly incessant rains subsided.  The river was still high, but definitely wadeable and fishable.  There was a lot of hendrickson hatching and spinner-falling, but not a lot of fish activity on the surface.  Emergers seemed to work best. Normally the hendricksons are gone by early May, but everything is late this year.  You’ll probably have excellent fishing, with luck a sulfur spin ner fall which has provided me the best fishing on that river.   Also fish the Main Stem of the  Delaware below the junction of the E and W Branches in Hancock.  There are big trout there if you can cast far enough. Good luck Phil Holt

– — Steven Schwartz Bella Vena, Inc. www.panix.com/~tarpon/bellahome.html

Response:

I have reservations at the West Branch Anglers on the Delaware for the first    week in June. Any thoughts on fishing this stretch or should I check out other sections of the west branch or possibly the east branch.        I do have maps with other areas. But since this is my first trip I want to make the most of it, i do realize that you can’t get to know a river on your first trip but any help would certainly be appreciated. Thanks! I prefer Al Caucci’s Delaware River Club, on the W. Branch closer to Hancock.   W.B. Anglers have better accomodations, but Caucci’s knowlege of the river and its inhabitants is unequalled.  You might want to stop in at Caucci’s fly shop for some advice and flies.

Ditto.   The West Branch seems to be trying too hard to be this exclusive flyfishing destination complete with the exclusive price.   Granted, the cabins at W.B.A. might be real nice but it’s the same river and the section at D.R.C. just *looks* a lot more fishable. I’ve also found that Bob and his wife (they run the flyshop) to be extremely congenial and very willing to share information.  When I was there with my girlfriend (who doesn’t fish) last year they asked her if she’d like to borrow some waders (not rent!) so that she would wade in the river with me.  While we were staying in the lodge there was a flyfishing school taking place and as I wandered by the dining area where the class had just had breakfast I asked if they had any coffee.  He said come on in an have whatever you want and the just left.  We had our choice of cereals, fruits and some breakfast rolls, or all three.   It’s these kinds of little things that makes staying in a place much more enjoyable. I also got a chance to see Al Caucci showing someone how to do a double haul.  He was amazing. — John Fereira Isis Distributed Systems – Ithaca, NY

Response:

I have reservations at the West Branch Anglers on the Delaware for the first    week in June. Any thoughts on fishing this stretch or should I check out other sections of the west branch or possibly the east branch.        I do have maps with other areas. But since this is my first trip I want to make the most of it, i do realize that you can’t get to know a river on your first trip but any help would certainly be appreciated. Thanks!

I prefer Al Caucci’s Delaware River Club, on the W. Branch closer to Hancock.   W.B. Anglers have better accomodations, but Caucci’s knowlege of the river and its inhabitants is unequalled.  You might want to stop in at Caucci’s fly shop for some advice and flies. I fished up there 5/22, in the area of the PA state woodlands between Caucci’s and W.B. Anglers.  The river had only become fishable in the preceding day or so, as extremely high water brought on by seemingly incessant rains subsided.  The river was still high, but definitely wadeable and fishable.  There was a lot of hendrickson hatching and spinner-falling, but not a lot of fish activity on the surface.  Emergers seemed to work best. Normally the hendricksons are gone by early May, but everything is late this year.  You’ll probably have excellent fishing, with luck a sulfur spinner fall which has provided me the best fishing on that river.   Also fish the Main Stem of the  Delaware below the junction of the E and W Branches in Hancock.  There are big trout there if you can cast far enough. Good luck Phil Holt

Response:

I fished the West Branch and the main stem just below the junction of the east and west branches this weekend.  There was a sparse Hendrickson hatch above Balls Eddy (I didn’t fish upstream of the PA line, but I imagine the hatch was better upstream).  There were a few caddis in the afternoons, but not enough to bring up many fish.  Sunday afternoon there was a good caddis/hendrickson/march brown (?) hatch in the afternoon and evening on the main stem.  The water level went down at lest eight inches between Thursday and Sunday.  Since I saw mostly Hendricksons, I guess all of the hatches are probably running a few weeks later than usual.  I wish I could go back in two weeks.

Response:

I have reservations at the West Branch Anglers on the Delaware for the first    week in June. Any thoughts on fishing this stretch or should I check out other sections of the west branch or possibly the east branch.        I

The people at West Branch will be able to direct you to various areas.   You can move around freely – find your own spots.  Right now fishing is less than ideal and fishing pressure less than usual.   See http://www.castle.net/~sglad/fishnet6.htm for additional info.

Response:

I have reservations at the West Branch Anglers on the Delaware for the first    week in June. Any thoughts on fishing this stretch or should I         check out other sections of the west branch or possibly the east branch.        I do have maps with other areas. But since this is my first trip I want to         make the most of it, i do realize that you can’t get to know a river on your first trip but any help would certainly be appreciated. Thanks!                

Response:

Question:

Any info on possibilities of small lake or stream fishing here. I have heard there’s some bass possibilities here.

Response:

There are lots of ponds with LM and Peacock bass in them.  I’ve personally only caught them on a spinning rod, but there’s no reason they wouldn’t take flies.  There may be some bass or other interesting creatures in the larger streams.  There sure are a lot of them on Kauai, and there are some nice flats areas that ought to be fishable for Ulua (Trevally) and their younger brothers, Papio.–Crashjibe

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Only stream fishing when i was there ran through Kokee State Park.  Purely "put & take" trout.  Definite for Peacock.  Don’t expect to find ANY gear there, though.

I fished some of the freshwater reservoirs in cane fields (get a permit…they’re free from the sugar co.). Largemouth and peacock a’plenty *:) I thought I remember reading where Kokee has a very short fishing season….did I remember right?

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There are ways to get a Sage for cheaper than the normal price.  I got my 590 RPL+ for quite a bit less than retail and its the same rod, brand new, not a second and I love it.

Don’t keep us in suspense…. I’m looking for a RPL Rick

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You mean the inverse of capitalism – capitalism is when market demand determines the price not when a supplier controls the price. If all of us stopped buying because the price was too high then the prices would come down. That would be capitalism at work.

Exactly!  If Sage can’t send enough rods out the door, they’ll go to their distributors and lower the price.  In addition, your point is also an example of why the "price-setting" issue is legal.  As long as consumers have an opportunity to purchase other manufacturer’s similar goods (Orvis, Redington, etc), without fear that manufacturers are working in concert to keep prices high, the system (capitalism) will work.  I also think that many of us draw capitalism out to more than it truly is.  Your example shows only a possible by-product of capitalism.  The only inherent principle in capitalism is that of an economic system that allows for the private ownership of industry. My original intent with the first post was to show that, at least under the current laws, Sage’s (and others) policy on rod prices is legal. Federal Anti-Trust and price-fixing laws deal specifically with a group of manufacturers acting together to either restrict trade or keep prices high (or both).  What a single manufacturer does or doesn’t do with their products is, for the most part, entirely up to them and not currently addressed under law (as far as I know).  The moral or ethical considerations of a manufacturer’s policy is another thing entirely, and one that I probably agree with you on. Jerry Cobb Nashville, TN

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two of my favorite rods are a 3 an 5 wt. redington.  great action and the price is right ( for me).

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David, I have the model 490, 4 weight, Sage RPL+.  I’m not an experienced flyfisherman, and only have two other rods I’ve used extensively.  I started with a Wal-Mart special, moved up to the Sage, and also own an Orvis superfine 6 weight.  The Sage is stiffer, more powerful, and I fish it the most.  The Orvis flexes more easily and I have to force myself to wait longer between the backcast and forward cast to use it effectively. I would recommend you definitly try different rods and find one that suits your style or speed.  I can’t cast that far and still find that the majority of the fish I catch are within half my maximum range.   Look for a rod that you enjoy casting and you wouldn’t mind using all day. Good Luck. Ronny

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: I am thinking about trying a RPL+, and have recently been looking at : some of the spring catalogues for prices.  Does everyone charge list : price (or close to it) or is there someplace that offers at least some : discount?  There must be some entrepreneurs out there  who are willing : to take a little less to make a sale. Sage sets the price. — Jeff Smith                                     Graduate student http://www.msc.cornell.edu/~jeffs         Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

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Smith) writes: : I am thinking about trying a RPL+, and have recently been looking at : some of the spring catalogues for prices.  Does everyone charge list : price (or close to it) or is there someplace that offers at least some : discount?  There must be some entrepreneurs out there  who are willing : to take a little less to make a sale. Sage sets the price.

Although I’m not an antitrust lawyer, I seem to recall from lawschool that such "prics setting (i.e., price fixing)" is illegal and can land one in Leavenworth.  I recognize that Sage (or Orvis etc.) can suggest a retail price but I believe any effort to enforce it on independent dealers would be illegal.

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I currently own several Sage SP rods and din’t even look twice at the new RPL+ rods when they came out.  I spent two weeks in Montana last October and my partner was fishing his brand new RPL+ 590-4.  I asked to cast it one day while we waited to load our drift boat, well the short story is that my wife is currently fishing with some darn nice Sage SP’s and I own two RPL+ series rods. 590-5 and 896-4, I have not been a big fan of four piece rods in the past, but I think you will find that these rods are amazingly easy to cast and shoot lots of line.   I kept my 390sp for my BWO & PMD fishing, but for most of my fishing the RPL+ is my new rod of choice. Cast one! Pask

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: Smith) writes:

: : Sage sets the price. : : Although I’m not an antitrust lawyer, I seem to recall from lawschool : that such "prics setting (i.e., price fixing)" is illegal and can land : one in Leavenworth.  I recognize that Sage (or Orvis etc.) can suggest : a retail price but I believe any effort to enforce it on independent : dealers would be illegal. I talked to a guy at Dan Bailey’s who told me that Sage tells them what price they can sell the rod for.  As I did some looking around, I found that Bailey’s had the same price as everyone else.  You can check the sage website (http://www.sageflyfish.com/) to get the prices.  Prices are "suggested retail", but maybe if you undercut the price Sage might forget to supply the retailer the next year.  We’ve had a discussion about this before- I forget what the final upshot was. — Jeff Smith                                     Graduate student http://www.msc.cornell.edu/~jeffs         Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -: Although I’m not an antitrust lawyer, I seem to recall from lawschool : that such "prics setting (i.e., price fixing)" is illegal and can land : one in Leavenworth.  I recognize that Sage (or Orvis etc.) can suggest : a retail price but I believe any effort to enforce it on independent : dealers would be illegal. I talked to a guy at Dan Bailey’s who told me that Sage tells them what price they can sell the rod for.  As I did some looking around, I found that Bailey’s had the same price as everyone else.  You can check the sage website (http://www.sageflyfish.com/) to get the prices.  Prices are "suggested retail", but maybe if you undercut the price Sage might forget to supply the retailer the next year.

 I wonder if any lawyers at the Justice Department are flyfisherman or read this group. Mike Ray Atlatna, Ga Cashiers, NC  

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There are ways to get a Sage for cheaper than the normal price.  I got my 590 RPL+ for quite a bit less than retail and its the same rod, brand new, not a second and I love it.  If anyone was paying attention about 3 months ago I was trying to sell one for under retail but got no takers so I basically gave it to my fishing partner for Christmas.  

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Although I’m not an antitrust lawyer, I seem to recall from lawschool that such "prics setting (i.e., price fixing)" is illegal and can land one in Leavenworth.  I recognize that Sage (or Orvis etc.) can suggest a retail price but I believe any effort to enforce it on independent dealers would be illegal.

Michael Both "trust" and "price-fixing" refer to two or more parties acting in concert.  For example, if Sage and Orvis execs were to conference call and set a price for an indentical product (or very similar product), it would in all likelyhood be price-fixing and is illegal.  Similarly, if the same two companies were to attempt to organize their efforts in an attempt to dominate a market or industry, they are working in "trust," and is considered illegal.  The industrial giants of turn-of-the-century railroad and steel businesses come to mind. Any given manufacturer can REQUIRE its distributors to sell at a certain price, as long as it is part of the agreement to distribute the product, although typically the agreements state a retail price that cannot be lowered.  Any distributor can REFUSE to sell a manufacturer’s product if its terms do not meet the dist.’s needs/wants, such as too high a retail price, not enough margin, etc.  The whole thing reeks of capitalism if you ask me <VBG. Jerry Cobb Nashville, TN

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Although I’m not an antitrust lawyer, I seem to recall from lawschool that such "prics setting (i.e., price fixing)" is illegal

Its not illegal as long as the pricing philosophy is applied to all vendors.  This practice is less common than it used to be, but is not uncommon with "premium" products whose image is based in part on a fixed, high, price. I’m going way back now — but I beleive this one went to the Supreme Court in the 70s. It was a hair-care manufacturer.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Any given manufacturer can REQUIRE its distributors to sell at a certain price, as long as it is part of the agreement to distribute the product, although typically the agreements state a retail price that cannot be lowered.  Any distributor can REFUSE to sell a manufacturer’s product if its terms do not meet the dist.’s needs/wants, such as too high a retail price, not enough margin, etc.  The whole thing reeks of capitalism if you ask me <VBG. Jerry Cobb You mean the inverse of capitalism – capitalism is when market demand determines the price not when a supplier controls the price. If all of us stopped buying because the price was too high then the prices would come down. That would be capitalism at work.

Capitalism is rule by those who own the capital i.e., by the shareholders of Sage and Orvis.  We also own capital which we can invest, and this gives birth to free markets.  Strictly speaking though, capitalism is not the rule of the market, the market is a product of capitalism. — Keep your stick on the ice.

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It’s ridiculous to call this price fixing.  Setting the price keeps Walmart and other big volume "businesses" from undercutting the price. It has been tried in the courts and found ok.     If you don’t like the price DON’T BUY IT!!!! An expensive fly rod is hardly an essential item.  They do cast better, but most any rod will cast better than the caster.  What’s sad is that the public can’t get enough of these expensive rods!  I’m sure that the materials, engineering, and demand are driving up the cost, but as long as people continue to be shell out the big bucks the manufacturers are not going to look for ways to cut costs.  I bet if someone came out with a rod with laser aligned guides people would buy it.  Americans just *have* to have the best.   Just my opinion, Rob Gregoire

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Any given manufacturer can REQUIRE its distributors to sell at a certain price, as long as it is part of the agreement to distribute the product, although typically the agreements state a retail price that cannot be lowered.  Any distributor can REFUSE to sell a manufacturer’s product if its terms do not meet the dist.’s needs/wants, such as too high a retail price, not enough margin, etc.  The whole thing reeks of capitalism if you ask me <VBG. Jerry Cobb Nashville, TN

You mean the inverse of capitalism – capitalism is when market demand determines the price not when a supplier controls the price. If all of us stopped buying because the price was too high then the prices would come down. That would be capitalism at work.

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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Any given manufacturer can REQUIRE its distributors to sell at a certain price, as long as it is part of the agreement to distribute the product, although typically the agreements state a retail price that cannot be lowered.  Any distributor can REFUSE to sell a manufacturer’s product if its terms do not meet the dist.’s needs/wants, such as too high a retail price, not enough margin, etc.  The whole thing reeks of capitalism if you ask me <VBG. Jerry Cobb Nashville, TN You mean the inverse of capitalism – capitalism is when market demand determines the price not when a supplier controls the price. If all of us stopped buying because the price was too high then the prices would come down. That would be capitalism at work.

AMEN!

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writes:  If you don’t like the price DON’T BUY IT!!!! An expensive fly rod is hardly an essential item.  They do cast better, but most any rod will cast better than the caster.  What’s sad is that the public can’t get enough of these expensive rods!  I’m sure that the materials, engineering, and demand are driving up the cost, but as long as people continue to be shell out the big bucks the manufacturers are not going to look for ways to cut costs.   Just my opinion, Rob Gregoire

Rob, thats the reason I’m trying to get one at less than MSR.

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My buddy and I both have a 590 RPL+ and I am amazed at the difference it has in the casting and overall sensitivity.  Seriously they are unlike any rod I’ve ever thrown.  It takes some getting used to the new feel it has, but now I won’t put it down for my other rods.  Besides I’m not a big fan of noodle rods and the RPL+ rods are nice and stiff but forgiving in the tip.  Plus you can’t beat the warranty.  I’d definitely recommend one.

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I am thinking about trying a RPL+, and have recently been looking at some of the spring catalogues for prices.  Does everyone charge list price (or close to it) or is there someplace that offers at least some discount?  There must be some entrepreneurs out there  who are willing to take a little less to make a sale. Atlanta, Georgia Cashiers, North Carolina

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Has anyone out there had any experience with the new SAGE RPL+ flyrods.  Although I will cast before buy, Im relatively new to flyfishing and would appreciate comments.

I have cast but never fished an RPL+.  It is a hell of a parking lot rod.  It’s fairly easy to cast a lot of line with a nice tight lope (even for a lousy caster like me.  It’s a very fast action rod.  Whether it will work as well on the water depends, I think, on what type of fishing you will be doing with it and what sort of action you prefer.  Logically, it would seem to be a better big fish rod (e.g. steelhead) where long casts amy be necessary than a spring creek brook trout rod. I casted the 8 wt. and while it was lots of fun in the lot, I generally like a some what slower rod (I prefered the Sage SP). Anyway, that’s my $.02. Andy

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Has anyone out there had any experience with the new SAGE RPL+ flyrods.  Although I will cast before buy, Im relatively new to flyfishing and would appreciate comments.

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