Question:

Perfectly true, I also started with a seven weight rod. Far too heavy for most things I do, but I had no choice at the time, and was completely uninformed in any case.  I do feel that people tend to divorce the equipment from the intended purpose too much.  It may well be easier for a beginner to cast with a nine foot six weight rod and a weight forward line, but this is rarely the optimum equipment for actually fishing. If possible for stream fishing, I would probably choose a four weight about eight feet in length, if I was restricted to one rod. This offers delicacy and lightness, which are more conducive to stealthy fishing. I have several six weight rods, and although I do use them occasionally, I have not used them for stream fishing for a long time, they are just too heavy. This is not to say that they can not be used, but for me the experience is enhanced by the use of light delicate equipment which is suited to the job at hand. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de This is not directly about rod choice, but indirectly it is.  Especially

<SNIP

Response:

This is not directly about rod choice, but indirectly it is.  Especially for someone fishing small to medium sizes streams and rivers for trout, distance casting is not as important as the ability to place a short cast where you want it and in a relatively delicate, controlled manner. When trying out a new rod, the natural inclination seems to be to see how long of a cast you can make with the rod.  The fact is most of your fishing is going to be on casts thirty feet or less. The rod that is best for belting a cast may not be the best for you at close distances.   Based on my definition of a small to medium stream or river, I would recommend a four or five weight to start. I started with a six weight but now find it is either too heavy or too light for most fishing. It is my least used rod. For me, control in close is easier with a moderate or slower action rod. Willi

Response:

 I would start with an 8 1/2′ five weight. You can fish almost any water with that size rod and fish it comfortably.

….a rod like this one Wayne?    john http://www.ezflyfish.com/grfoutfits.html

Response:

….a rod like this one Wayne?    john http://www.ezflyfish.com/grfoutfits.html

Tis what I started with. — Wayne Knight Expert in creating tailing loops and windknots Otherwise Fishless in Kansas

Response:

As an instructor (ahem) I find that most of my adult male clients prefer a fast actioned 9′0 5/6wt rod. Floating line (because of its bright colour) is usually easier to see – and I reckon for a beginner FF is an extremely visual sport. Ladies seem prefer a lighter rod to start with. Around 8′0 and 4/5 wt is ideal. Not meaning to be sexist but I find that the ladies don’t like to wave a heavier rod around for too long. The longer you can keep the rod in their hands, the easier it is to keep them interested. Kids up to the age of 10ish or 11ish go for the shorter rods – 7′6" 3/4 wts. They understand that you don’t have to cast too far out to catch a fish. I spent an interesting weekend watching a 5 year old cast tighter (and further) loops on his 2/3wt 7′0 rod than most adults could. Allways fast actioned is the secret though in my opinion. Most beginners hava a tendency to false cast too rapidly, which can be a problem on slow rods. Ari Ari Bert                                        Gaelle Bert +27 (0) 83 232 9903                             +27 (0) 83 236 5308 Flyfishing Corner +27 (0) 11 447 7230                             Shop 94, Admirals Court +27 (0) 11 882 8537 (fax)                       Cnr Craddock & Tyrwhitt www.troutfishing.co.za                                Street, Rosebank P.O.Box 79067 Senderwood 2145 South Africa

Response:

With all the manufacturers to choose from, I can sure use some assistance. I’ve  read all kinds of interesting things about what to purchase. Here’s what I’mlooking for. I fish small to medium sized streams for trout. I read that an 8′6wt is a perfect first setup. I also read that if you’re over 5′8, buy 8.5′rod and under 5′8 buy a 7.5 rod. All advise a slow to med action rod.

First off, forget that height to rod length crap unless you’re 10 years old. Myth Second, While I personally beleive a slow-medium action rod is a better rod, until you have a casting stroke it is a moot point. There are some people who say a fast action rod is a better rod to learn to fish on. Third, eventually several folks will ring in suggesting everything from a Cabelas to a top of the line Sage, In your price range there are several good rod and reel combos available from many makers. But each rod is a little different and each will require an adjustment from the fisherman. What might be a good rod to your buddy or one of us could be a poor tool for you. I would ignore and stay away from the Cabelas and the Bass Pro’s unless you are near one of the stores, because one, I have a minority view that they are pieces of crap and secondly read the next paragraph. I believe the best way to learn to fly fish is to obtain lessons from someone, while some colleges and clubs offer lessons, and some folks can even learn from video, the place you are going to get the most help initially is probably your local fly shop. If you must, buy your third and fourth, etc (its’ a disease I own some 30+ rods and reels)from the mail houses, but to start use a local dealer, have them give you the basic lessons in how to get started, (many schools or shops with lessons supply the equipment), try as many rods as you can once you get the basic stroke down and then decide what fits your needs and your style. You can save yourself a big headache later. I’ve been eyeing the Orvis Clearwater and the St. Crouix Pro- graphite.

About 6 years ago, St. Croix rods had a breakage problem, but they have a good following, Orvis speaks for itself. Also look at Reddington, Scott Alpha, Sage Discovery, T&T Emerger and Courtland among others. I would start with an 8 1/2′ five weight. You can fish almost any water with that size rod and fish it comfortably. – Wayne Knight Expert in creating tailing loops and windknots Otherwise Fishless in Kansas

Response:

With all the manufacturers to choose from, I can sure use some assistance. I’ve read all kinds of interesting things about what to purchase. Here’s what I’m looking for. I fish small to medium sized streams for trout. I read that an 8′ / 6wt is a perfect first setup. I also read that if you’re over 5′8, buy 8.5′ rod and under 5′8 buy a 7.5 rod. All advise a slow to med action rod.

An 8′ 6wt??? Really? How big is "medium sized" for crying out loud? To me, small stream means there are certain sections I can jump across. Medium means I can’t jump across, but I can wade across just about anywhere. Large means, well, I have no idea what "large stream" means Regardless, unless you’re planning to fish exclusively with streamers or very-heavily-weighted nymphs, a 4wt or a 5wt would be better. In fact, based on *my* definitions of small and medium, I prefer something on the order of a 7.5′ 3wt or 4wt. –Steve

Response:

With all the manufacturers to choose from, I can sure use some assistance. I’ve read all kinds of interesting things about what to purchase. Here’s what I’m looking for. I fish small to medium sized streams for trout. I read that an 8′ / 6wt is a perfect first setup. I also read that if you’re over 5′8, buy 8.5′ rod and under 5′8 buy a 7.5 rod. All advise a slow to med action rod. I’ve been eyeing the Orvis Clearwater and the St. Crouix Pro-graphite. I’m looking to spend around $200 for rod/reel combo. Since this is my first fly outfit, any advise on what to look at would be appreciated. Thanks.

Response:

Question:

Congratulations, Darin. You will have a lot of fun with your new fishing buddy! Tim Lysyk – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

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Congratulations Life as you knew is over. Fortunately the best is yet to come. BJ Conner

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Congratulations from the Left Coast! Merry Christmas and I know you’ll all have a Happy New Year! John – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

Response:

A hearty Congrats to you and the Missus! — "Of what service would militia be to you, when most probably you will not have a single musket in the State; for as arms are to be provided by Congress, they may or may not furnish them?" -Patrick Henry,  5 June 1788

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Thank you all. May you all have a wonderfull Christmas. Mines already been perfect. Darin still the proud new father

And I must remind you to bring a big box of cigars to the next Clave.  :-) Joe F.

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Now, remember to be a nice Dad and make her birthdays special.  Two of my sons, and my wife have birthdays within 2 weeks of Christmas, and every year at least one of them reminds me that they feel like they are being overlooked because of the holidays. Congrats, and good health to you and your family, Darin! –Stan – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – That’s exactly what we were thinkin’. She was due Jan. 2, but due to a few circumstances she was induced 2 weeks early. Darin

Response:

Congratulations, and best wishes to you all. Does he have a name yet?  ("Lefty" is nice <g) JR – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

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Way to go Darin Dave

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Thank you all. May you all have a wonderfull Christmas. Mines already been perfect. Darin still the proud new father

Response:

Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

Congrats Darin!  What a fine way to ring in the holiday season.  Best of luck and health to you and your family. Cheers. Natty

Response:

Hey hey ! Congratulations, old man. And just in time for that nice tax deduction too. — Ken Fortenberry

That’s exactly what we were thinkin’. She was due Jan. 2, but due to a few circumstances she was induced 2 weeks early. Darin

Response:

Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

Response:

Congratulations. I guess if you have to give up fishing for a few years the SJ clave was a good way to end. Paul

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

Response:

"Darin Minor" wrote Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son?

    Congratulations, and I hope mother and son are doing fine. Send "Uncle Charlie" your shipping address by e-mail, I think I may have what the boy needs.

Response:

Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them.

Congratulations.   ‘Tis a fine thing. Joe F

Response:

Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

Hey hey ! Congratulations, old man. And just in time for that nice tax deduction too. — Ken Fortenberry

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Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

Congratulations, and best to all. Happy Holidays, R

Response:

Congratulations to you and your wife Darin, you’ll make an awesome dad. bruce h — bare your soul let your spirit burn out along the road to no return – r.e. keen

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Congrats!! I have a couple of fly rods that have been "accidentally modified" if you’d like a short rod! <g Congratulate the happy mother for us too.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

Response:

Darin Minor writes: Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

Congrats, Darin.  My best to the mom.  Actually a 1 weight, 2 if he’s big, would be better. Dave LaCourse, ROFian Grandpa

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Congrats Darin!!! Willi – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

Response:

Congratulations to you and your wife, Darin! –Walt Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

– Ezflyfish.com: http://www.ezflyfish.com Blue Ridge Book Gallery: http://users.boone.net/wgw/brbg.html

Response:

Congratulations Darin. TL MC — "Where fishing is concerned, most anglers are basically manic excessives" http://www.mikeconnor.de – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

Response:

Congratulations!  Outstanding. Bruce Thomsen

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Congratulations from all over the pond! Herman Those of you who met me at the Western Clave knew that my wife was pregnant, well that is no longer the case. My son was born at 8:12pm last night. Mother and child are doing great and I couldn’t be happier. I will try and post pics on the web when I can and post the address for those of you who would like to see them. Anybody know where to get a 4 or 5′ rod for my new son? Darin the proud new father

–         Cheers, Herman         Herman Nijland         Daytime webmaster         Lifetime flyfisher

Response:

Question:

Does any one know when the spring releases begin on the San Juan in New Mexico? JK

Response:

From a post on the Compuserve Fly Fishing Forum: This is the latest flow information for the San Juan received yesterday from the Bureau of Reclamation Through March – 500cfs Through April – 690cfs Through May – 1370cfs June through December 500cfs These flow plans are based on the current low snow packs in the higher elevations and are subject to change. Will let you know of any changes. Bill Wayne

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does any one know when the spring releases begin on the San Juan in New Mexico? JK

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<snipped I think in May. bc. — ROFF is like a herd of performing elephants with diarrhea — massive, difficult to redirect, awe-inspiring, entertaining, and a source of mind-boggling amounts of excrement when you least expect it."

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Question:

Roffians, A friend of mine wants to get on ROFF but doesn’t really know how to do it. He is using AOL, which I’m not familiar with. I was hoping one of you who have AOL could give him some guidance. His name is Dennis, his email is Thanks Tim Apple — "Bamboo is Better"

Response:

A friend of mine wants to get on ROFF but doesn’t really know how to do it. He is using AOL, which I’m not familiar with. I was hoping one of you who have AOL could give him some guidance. His name is Dennis, his email is Thanks

From the task bar, Click on Internet, Click on Newsgroups Click on Expert Add Type in rec.outdoors.fishing.fly, press enter he will be subscribed To read Click on Internet Click on Newsgroups Click on read my Newsgroups Wayne who if he could ever get his other ISP to work right on text based newsgroups would leave aol in a heartbeat. Wayne Knight (remove nospam to respond via mail) Expert in the creation of  wind knots and tailing loops.

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Question:

        A friend of mine is looking for feathers/skins for some art she’s doing and I thought that someone on this list might have some that they would be willing to part with…                                 Thanks in advance                                 Kneil Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at:         http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/

Response:

        Your friend should check a good fly fishing store. Visit the rec.hunting and rec.hunting.dogs FAQ Home Page at:         http://sportsmansweb.com/hunting/

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Question:

Maurice writes: <Anyone know of a good book or guide service to begin exploring

flyfishing in Washington state? Maurice, there is a book out called something like "Flyfishing Washingtons Lakes" and is in most fly shops.  The book is well written and appears to be a source of accurate information.  It covers both West side and East side lakes. I don’t seem to recall any information about rivers but I am sure many of the West side anglers can give you a rundown here in this newsgroup. If you need information regarding East side lakes such as Lenice, Lenore, Dry Falls, Potholes, Amber etc or information on the North Central Lakes such as Chopaka or Blue, let me know and I will email you some information. Mike Wilson Spokane, WA

Response:

Anyone know of a good book or guide service to begin exploring flyfishing in Washington state?

Since flyfish4770 has the eastside covered, I can offer advice and places on the west side (west of seattle, olympic peninsula).  Lots of good lakes and some good rivers in the area.  There’s a couple of books that describe most of the body of waters in Washington.  They aren’t neccessarily flyfish specific, but they’ll give you an idea of whats available and how to access them.   Unfortunately all my guide books are in my car and I can’t recall the names… matthew           Matthew W Kaphan    http://home.sprintmail.com/~mwk            Silverdale, WA

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Anyone know of a good book or guide service to begin exploring flyfishing in Washington state?

Response:

I just moved out not too long ago.  I picked up Washington Fishing from www.amazon.com.  It covers more than 1000 spots on streams, rivers, lakes, and the coast.  It covers fishing in general (not just fly fishing), but was a good place to start.  I also got a lot of help from people on this newsgroup on places to go. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Anyone know of a good book or guide service to begin exploring flyfishing in Washington state?

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Question:

I hate to burst anyones bubble, but yuppification is passe, out, history. The term is now about as happening as preppies. The real trend in flyfishing, as in life and especially music, is alternative. While we obsess about the coming invasion of Eddie Bauer Explorers to our secret spots our sport is slowly being infiltrated and destroyed by the angst generation.         It happened quietly, on streams most flyfishers would never frequent, but that’s just the thing with alternative. Bored with their pierced noses and pawn shop Sears guitars these lost souls now prowl the carp fisheries of the world dressed in oversized waders they wear backwards, torn flannel shirts and stocking caps. Kicking aside old shopping carts they cast their alternative flies to the bottom feeders of the piscatorial world because they see it as a projection of their own bleak so called life. One of the pioneers in alternative flyfishing is known as "Mr. Black". His anti-innovation sets the pace for the movement. Mr. Black has modified many of Joe Brooks’ Blonde patterns for use by his followers, coming up with such patterns as Suicide Blonde, Throat Slashed Blonde, No Reason To Even Bother Blonde and Black Blonde (a Dennis Rodman tribute fly). "Yeah, I cast them out on this old Philipson parabolic glass rod I found at the dump, sometimes I catch a fish. I guess the ultimate would be to snag a carp, pierce it’s anal fin, then slash my wrists" he told me when I met him in the outflow of a local tannery.         Much of what the alternative flyfishers indulge in; casting without rhythm, using 10 weight lines on 4 weight rods, using butt sections lighter than the tippet, doesn’t really bother anyone, but the practice of piercing may become an issue. The Charles River in Boston is rumored to have a huge population of carp boasting pentangle studs in ther anal fins. There is much concern that these impromtu piercings will result in infections that will endanger other populations. Mr. Black doesn’t see this as a big problem, however, "Well like everything is pretty much doomed anyways so at least the carp get to feel pretty while descending into the inevitable depths of hell." Thus far the alternative flyfishers have ignored such species as trout, salmon, etc., but it’s only a matter of time before we start pulling in fish wearing earrings. When this happens we’ll see the yuppies as ‘the good old days’. Be afraid, be very afraid.                                                                 jc

Response:

Frikken Preppies, ruinin’ flyfishin… TimW – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I hate to burst anyones bubble, but yuppification is passe, out, history. The term is now about as happening as preppies. The real trend in flyfishing, as in life and especially music, is alternative. While we obsess about the coming invasion of Eddie Bauer Explorers to our secret spots our sport is slowly being infiltrated and destroyed by the angst generation.         It happened quietly, on streams most flyfishers would never frequent, but that’s just the thing with alternative. Bored with their pierced noses and pawn shop Sears guitars these lost souls now prowl the carp fisheries of the world dressed in oversized waders they wear backwards, torn flannel shirts and stocking caps. Kicking aside old shopping carts they cast their alternative flies to the bottom feeders of the piscatorial world because they see it as a projection of their own bleak so called life. One of the pioneers in alternative flyfishing is known as "Mr. Black". His anti-innovation sets the pace for the movement. Mr. Black has modified many of Joe Brooks’ Blonde patterns for use by his followers, coming up with such patterns as Suicide Blonde, Throat Slashed Blonde, No Reason To Even Bother Blonde and Black Blonde (a Dennis Rodman tribute fly). "Yeah, I cast them out on this old Philipson parabolic glass rod I found at the dump, sometimes I catch a fish. I guess the ultimate would be to snag a carp, pierce it’s anal fin, then slash my wrists" he told me when I met him in the outflow of a local tannery.         Much of what the alternative flyfishers indulge in; casting without rhythm, using 10 weight lines on 4 weight rods, using butt sections lighter than the tippet, doesn’t really bother anyone, but the practice of piercing may become an issue. The Charles River in Boston is rumored to have a huge population of carp boasting pentangle studs in ther anal fins. There is much concern that these impromtu piercings will result in infections that will endanger other populations. Mr. Black doesn’t see this as a big problem, however, "Well like everything is pretty much doomed anyways so at least the carp get to feel pretty while descending into the inevitable depths of hell." Thus far the alternative flyfishers have ignored such species as trout, salmon, etc., but it’s only a matter of time before we start pulling in fish wearing earrings. When this happens we’ll see the yuppies as ‘the good old days’. Be afraid, be very afraid.                                                                 jc

– TimW Halfordian Golfer

Response:

I hate to burst anyones bubble, but yuppification is passe, out, history. The term is now about as happening as preppies. The real trend in flyfishing, as in life and especially music, is alternative. While we obsess about the coming invasion of Eddie Bauer Explorers to our secret spots our sport is slowly being infiltrated and destroyed by the angst generation….

Busted! Ya nailed us, dude! "Get the hell out of my drift, you BOOMER sonofabitch, or I’ll send Trent Reznor to your house to collect your pets!" Piercing carp….I’ll be laughing about that for days. Maybe now that style is a factor, I won’t bother getting the guides replaced on my old Simpsons-Sears fibreglass POLE after all… As a proud member of Generation X (Douglas Coupland’s definition — he’s 36 now), I salute you Mr. Cloyd for accurately identifying the next big fishing demographic! — K.G. (Kat) Cruickshank, Slacker. Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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more snip Not to worry about the GenXers.  They aren’t going to have time to fish or the money to do it.  They are all going to be too busy scrambling to keep their jobs at McDonalds and Burger Chef.  Yuppie as a "hip" term in popular culture may be passe’, but their sure as hell are a lot of ‘em showing up at my favorite fishing holes these days.  I prefer the GenXers, earrings or no.   — Indy http://realindy.com

I almost never see "yuppies" fishing, and wonder how one identifies them in the field. A "Field Guide to Yuppies" thereya go. I see people out there who are my age (41) and people older and younger, but have never seen any blatantly obnoxious behavior from any of them, so tell me Indy how I can tell. Anyways, IMO earrings are cool but my faith in the GenXers was shaken when I heard Slash playing on "adult contemporary radio (muzak)". What the hell is this world coming to….

Response:

I hate to burst anyones bubble, but yuppification is passe, out, history. The term is now about as happening as preppies. The real trend in flyfishing, as in life and especially music, is alternative. While we obsess about the coming invasion of Eddie Bauer Explorers to our secret spots our sport is slowly being infiltrated and destroyed by the angst generation.

snip,snip,snip  Thus far the alternative flyfishers have ignored such species as trout, salmon, etc., but it’s only a matter of time before we start pulling in fish wearing earrings. When this happens we’ll see the yuppies as ‘the good old days’. Be afraid, be very afraid.                                                                 jc

Not to worry about the GenXers.  They aren’t going to have time to fish or the money to do it.  They are all going to be too busy scrambling to keep their jobs at McDonalds and Burger Chef.  Yuppie as a "hip" term in popular culture may be passe’, but their sure as hell are a lot of ‘em showing up at my favorite fishing holes these days.  I prefer the GenXers, earrings or no.   — Indy http://realindy.com

Response:

Question:

(Steve Westre) writes: I decided that I would start fresh this year and go with only Rio tippet. Bought Rio leaders and tippet and then discovered that I bought a bunch of Orvis leaders last year.  Does anyone know if the two are compatible? From past experience I know that there is no strength if you have certain mixes.  Seems one cuts the other.  Steve Steve, The problem is joining theco-polymers to older type softer monofilaments.  

The co-polymers (Orvis,Rio, Umpqua, Climax, etc.) are harder materials and can cut through thesofter regular mono such as Maxima, Ande, etc. (trim)… Dan: I’ve been using a combination of Maxima for butt section and Umpqua for tippet for several years now with no apparent problem.  The stiffness of Maxima is offset nicely by the Umpqua, and the combination makes for a great leader.  So far, I haven’t had one saw through the other. John

Response:

I decided that I would start fresh this year and go with only Rio tippet. Bought Rio leaders and tippet and then discovered that I bought a bunch of Orvis leaders last year.  Does anyone know if the two are compatible? From past experience I know that there is no strength if you have certain mixes.  Seems one cuts the other.  Steve Steve Westre Denton, MD

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(Steve Westre) writes: I decided that I would start fresh this year and go with only Rio tippet. Bought Rio leaders and tippet and then discovered that I bought a bunch of Orvis leaders last year.  Does anyone know if the two are compatible? From past experience I know that there is no strength if you have certain mixes.  Seems one cuts the other.  Steve

Steve, Both are co-polymers and should be compatible, but for the surest connection, use all of one or the other.  The problem is joining the co-polymers to older type softer monofilaments.  The co-polymers (Orvis, Rio, Umpqua, Climax, etc.) are harder materials and can cut through the softer regular mono such as Maxima, Ande, etc. You should be able to use up your current supply with no trouble, but would probably be a good idea to replace it as you use it up with either entirely one or the other.                                                                 Dan Dan Gracia                                                               Orvis West Coast Fly Fishing Schools If you kill that big fish you can’t catch ‘em again.  So what if they eat other fish?  If you kill the big ones there will only be little ones left (funny how that works!).

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Anyone have any tips on flyfishing for Mooneye in the Caledonia, Cayuga area of the Grand River. Many Thanks in Advance — gp

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Anyone have any tips on flyfishing for Mooneye in the Caledonia, Cayuga area of the Grand River.

My experience on the Ottawa R. has been: 1 — can be caught only when rising to some sort of a hatch (otherwise live deep, it seems.) 2 — need fine tippets and matching at least size of natural. 3 — feed in schools but are easily scared;  when you wade towards a school they sheer off;  you have to wait until they come within casting range. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

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writes: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Fly rodding in Hawaii is still relegated to a few weirdos and tourists. There  is a small planted population of trout on Kauai and a short fly fishing season for them in very remote stretches of the Waimea river. I have fly fished from the beaches and in some "flats areas" with out great success, but that was probably due to me , not the potential as there are some really good predators out there that people regularly get on spinning artificals, Ulua and Papio are jacks (papio is the younger 1-3 pound, they grow up to 20 pound Uluas), there are pacific barracudas and other reef fish that are probably fun to catch.  The big game activity off the Kona Coast is starting to attract fly fishers for the bill fish there, and the guides don’t all look at you like you have 3 heads if you mention fly fishing.  Good luck–Crashjibe

Thanks for the response, Crashjibe.  Do you have any info on where to try?  I’ll be on Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii.  Are there any beaches, flats, or accessible reefs that you know of? Thanks again.                 Bill

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Fly rodding in Hawaii is still relegated to a few weirdos and tourists. There  is a small planted population of trout on Kauai and a short fly fishing season for them in very remote stretches of the Waimea river.  I have fly fished from the beaches and in some "flats areas" with out great success, but that was probably due to me , not the potential as there are some really good predators out there that people regularly get on spinning artificals, Ulua and Papio are jacks (papio is the younger 1-3 pound, they grow up to 20 pound Uluas), there are pacific barracudas and other reef fish that are probably fun to catch.  The big game activity off the Kona Coast is starting to attract fly fishers for the bill fish there, and the guides don’t all look at you like you have 3 heads if you mention fly fishing.  Good luck–Crashjibe

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Hi everyone: I’m going to a meeting in Hawaii in mid-October, and am wondering whether I should bring a flyrod, and if so, what weight.  The meeting is on Maui at the Ritz-Carlton Kapalua (in case that helps with location), and I’ll also be on the Big Island of Hawaii for a few days. Are there any reasonable flyfishing opportunities along the beaches? Any significant freshwater fishing that could be done without a boat? Any fly guides out there? (I really had no intention of bringing a rod but my wife insists that I post this message–she wouldn’t want to miss a special opportunity! How about that for a wife?  Last weekend she just kept insisting that I take her out on the boat for bass even though we had limited time and the weather was threatening.) Thanks for your help.                 Bill P.S.  I’ve not been following the newsgroups very religiously lately, so I’d appreciate an email response if possible.  Thanks again.

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