Question:

Frank Reid writes: 2nd week of June for me too.

Are you going to drive up, Frank? Dave

Response:

Don’t know.  Was thinking of taking the fast train to Boston and a bus to the stop near your house.  That would save me 11 hours on the road. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply. .

Response:

2nd week of June for me too. — Frank Reid Reverse email to reply.

Response:

Peter Charles writes: I’ll give her a ring tomorrow.  2nd week of June sounds right for us – will Jo be there then?

Well, we planned on her going the first week.  We have Angler’s cabin (by the water).  So, if you could make it then, so much the better. Some days that woman knows how to twist the knife.  

Hey, she’s   taken some lessons from the Pirate, dontchaknow? Dave

Response:

[sounds like a bit of tough sledding but even so – it’s Lakewood so who cares, eh? For all you folks planning on going to Lakewood in June:  I have made reservations for the first, second, and fourth weeks.  There was some talk about having a non-clave gathering – Peter, wayno, Jeff, et al.  If youse guys are serious about it, better call Maureen at 207-243-2959.   You’ll need to send her a deposit.  Also, Frank Reid – pick a time.  How about 3rd week?  Or, whenever. Gotta go fix dinner.  What a drag……. Dave

I’ll give her a ring tomorrow.  2nd week of June sounds right for us – will Jo be there then? Suzie labouriously looked through her datebook to see if she was ‘otherwise occupied"  then with a whoop, she announced that she was free those weeks because *she* was retired!!  Some days that woman knows how to twist the knife.   Peter Visit The Streamer Page at http://www.mountaincable.net/~pcharles/streamers/index.html

Response:

I’m glad your friend liked my rod, Dave.  I am fixing to build one for myself that is a copy of yours, I liked how that taper cast so much. I took a terrific vacation with a couple friends in Alberta and British Columbia a couple weeks ago.  The fishing and the scenery was how you would imagine it being in Heaven.  I fished bamboo almost exclusively the whole while I was out there, using an 8 1/2 foot 6 weight I made for a friend who kindly let me use the rod on that trip.  One of our guides eyed the rod as we loaded up the drift boat in the morning.  He made a vary tactful but mistrustful remark about it, saying,"You know, there are bull trout in here envisioned cane splinters flying should I hang a hog.  I assured him that the rod – against my pleading – had been used to land chinook salmon by its owner, so I din’t forsee any problems on this trip.  I was happy with the 6 weight’s performance.  We had a good dose of that western wind I have read so much about.  I did fine by waiting in between gusts and firing a cast out there.  I landed a 2 foot long bull trout on that drift.  It was considered small by the locals, but the thrill of getting my first bull wasn’t small. It looked and acted like a giant brook trout while I reeled it in. It will be a long wait until we all get to go back there next year, I’m telling you! Pete

Response:

Thanks for the report, Dave.  Sounds like a nice time.  How many folks are out there on the river this time of year? Pete Collin

Response:

Peter Collin writes: How many folks are out there on the river this time of year?

Lots.  There were 11 Lakewood guests fishing (and about 12 kids/wives who weren’t), plus some folks boated in on Sat and Sun. BTW, I let my friend try the rod.  He fell for it.  His wife wants to buy him a boo rod for Christmas/birthday, but he’s always said no.  But after trying your’s, he is sold on it. He was surprised when he found out that it was not as slow as he thought bamboo would be.  <g Dave

Response:

Got in this afternoon after four days at Lakewood.  River was running at 800 cfs, ideal for wading and fishing.   First thing I did was to find out the river temps.  Down-stream it was 74 at 2nd Current, and a very warm 75 at Lower Dam.  I checked out Upper and found it to be 71 at 6 a.m., and it worked up to 74 around noon.  So, it was fishing early and up-river.  My friend Bob McDonald and I hit the dam and immediately got into some small (10-12 inch) salmon.  We were both fishing the same pattern – LaFontaine Caddis Emerger.  Bob was fishing it dry and I fished it as a nymph.  They weren’t fussy – they liked it either way.  We both caught some nice 14+ inch salmon, feisty as hell.  We played them short because of the temps. I called Dave Bottom Saturday night and told him about the noon/afternoon water temps down-river, and we agreed it best if he not make the trip and the walk-in.  We’ll meet up in October and fish the Kennebec at East Outlet. Both Sunday and Monday were the same – warm, humid, and the fish hitting consistantly only on the LaFontain pattern.  I hate to tie that pattern, and since I was running short, I tried other patterns.  No deal!  They wanted only the emerger pattern.  Bob left after lunch on Sunday and knowing I was running short of that fly graciously gave me five from his box – he’s a better tier than I.   Monday night/early Tuesday morning a much needed rain came through. I love it when it rains at Lakewood; the cabin is warm (if you’ve made a fire!), and you can hear every drop on the roof.  Wonderful sleeping.   When I awoke at 5:30, it was cool with just a sprinkle coming down.  After a quick cup of coffee from my thermos and letting Henry out to take a leak, I hit the dam.  Absolutely beautiful in the mist of early morning.  I took up station at Zimmerman’s Run, so named because roff’s very own Steve Zimmerman fished it for three straight days without taking a leak, dump, or eating/sleeping.  <G  First cast produced a small salmon, but it got better with the next fish, a respectable 14 incher. I returned after a great breakfast, and fished this run and two or three other feeding lines accessable from the rocks.  I continued to catch some nice landlocks and a 15 inch brookie.  When the sun came out at 10 a.m., fishing ceased!  I took one more salmon before returning to camp for lunch.  I don’t know what put them down. The sun?  It was bright from Sat – Mon.   After a terrific lunch and a much needed nap, I returned to the dam around 4 p.m. and fished until 6.  Fishing was great, but the catching was scarce.   I spoke to some camp guests who had been fishing down-stream both Mon and Tues, and the only thing they caught were *bass* and yellow perch at both the 2nd Current and Lower Dam.  They killed them per posted instructions from Maine F & G.   The lake level is down 4 feet from full.  Input from Upper Dam is 220 cfs (their minimum flow), while Middle Dam is 800 cfs.  It doesn’t take a math major to see that the lake will be empty come September if they don’t get rain or change the flows. For all you folks planning on going to Lakewood in June:  I have made reservations for the first, second, and fourth weeks.  There was some talk about having a non-clave gathering – Peter, wayno, Jeff, et al.  If youse guys are serious about it, better call Maureen at 207-243-2959.   You’ll need to send her a deposit.  Also, Frank Reid – pick a time.  How about 3rd week?  Or, whenever. Gotta go fix dinner.  What a drag……. Dave .  

Response:

Question:

What are your best colors to make deerhair poppers and why? What size hook do you find the best? Have a great day, go fly fishing! Tight lines Craig Moore The English Fly Fishing Shop www.flyfishing-flies.com < < < < < < <

  < < < < < <

Response:

Both questions depend on what type of terrestrial bait you are imitating with the deer hair popper….   Early in the year there are a lot of green grasshoppers around and later in the year most grasshoppers you see out are darker colors.  Check your local areas to find out whats local that may be imitated by the poppers and go from there.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What are your best colors to make deerhair poppers and why? What size hook do you find the best? Have a great day, go fly fishing! Tight lines Craig Moore The English Fly Fishing Shop www.flyfishing-flies.com < < < < < < <   < < < < < <

Response:

I am new to fly fishing and just learning to tie I took up fly fishing just to learn to make a 7 year locust.  (Zakadia?) Does anyone know of a pattern? — Highlander

Response:

I think you guys might have stumbled into the wrong newsgroup. Bass fisherman don’t normally tie lures. You might want to try alt.fly-tying or something else. — Jerry Barton Be nice to your kids, they get to pick your nursing home. http://members.home.net/jbarton248/

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What are your best colors to make deerhair poppers and why? What size hook do you find the best? Have a great day, go fly fishing! Tight lines Craig Moore The English Fly Fishing Shop www.flyfishing-flies.com < < < < < < <   < < < < < <

Response:

Take a look around this search (the spelling is "cicada"), and see if you can find anything. http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=fly+tying+cicada+pattern Jamie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I am new to fly fishing and just learning to tie I took up fly fishing just to learn to make a 7 year locust.  (Zakadia?) Does anyone know of a pattern?

Response:

Not.  In the past  I have  used fly’s on a spinning bubble I use anything for bass I am a all around fisherman and fish for pure pleasure In the past I was die hard bass man I use purple worms, Rapalas, and jitter bugs, and now use any weapon in my arsenal including a fly rod. I probably dont catch as many fish as I could But there is something about that water exploding with top water I love. Largest fish to date in southern Indiana stripper pits 7.5 Lb largemouth with my sons in the boat banging their toy trucks on the bottom in a clear lake (15 foot deep) around noon. So much for the rules I tried for years to get my wife interested and couldn’t Two years ago I finally got her out and on the second cast she caught a 6.5 pound bass Did I create a monster If I could only get her to put on her own crickets for gills I have found the postings on changing the hooks interesting. I started checking the sharpness several years ago and increased my catch by double Years ago I was fishing a pit off of a hill. I could see this bass following my worm. He followed it to shore where the only thing I could do was drop it pause and twitch. That sucker grabbed it ran dived come out of the water with a tail walk and spit it out. Dull hooks  Id give a hundred dollars for the vidio — Highlander

Response:

What brought this line up was years ago I got in the middle of a seven year locust hatch. We were using them for bait As fast as they hit the water they was gone Bass gill crappie. I had to quit fishing because my hands were bleeding from taking fish off the hook. Could stand some more of that. One time occurrence — Highlander

Response:

The two most popular patterns are a basically all black hairbug and then a frog pattern (green on top and yellow on bottom) then put rubber legs out the sides and neck hackles out the back. Not too big and not too small. — Bill Kiene Kiene’s Fly Shop Sacramento, CA, USA www.kiene.com

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – What are your best colors to make deerhair poppers and why? What size hook do you find the best? Have a great day, go fly fishing! Tight lines Craig Moore The English Fly Fishing Shop www.flyfishing-flies.com < < < < < < <   < < < < < <

Response:

Question:

Can anyone suggest a good web site for info/maps/reviews on fly fishing within a short drive of the Northern VA area? Thanks. Phil Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

Can anyone suggest a good web site for info/maps/reviews on fly fishing within a short drive of the Northern VA area? Thanks. Phil

www.murraysflyshop.com — Wayne To fish is human….To release Divine! Before you buy.

Response:

Phil asks: Can anyone suggest a good web site for info/maps/reviews on fly

fishing within a short drive of the Northern VA area?< http://www.murraysflyshop.com/

Response:

You should get a copy of the January issue of Virginia Wildlife, which contains a comprehensive list (and maps) of wild and stocked trout streams throughout Virginia.  Much of this information, including stocking schedules, is also available at:  http://www.dgif.state.va.us Accotink creek, near Springfield/Burke (accessible from Wakefield Park off Braddock Road–very close to the Braddock Rd S/W exit from 495) is a delayed harvest stream in the Northern Virginia area, but aside from a large pool near the south end of the park, there isn’t much action here, and the water is usually pretty low (though I’ve rarely fished this and would defer to other peoples’ experiences). Your best bet is to head west, towards Shenandoah National Park.  From the beltway, you can be in the Rose or the Hughes in a little over an hour, though this time of year the stocked sections of the stream are pretty well fished out and you’ll have to hike up into the park for the natives.  You may also want to descend from Skyline drive on the top–the Hughes river near Corbin Cabin can be a particularly fine spot.  But be warned–fishing in Virginia during the summer months can be rough going.  That’s not to say that you won’t enjoy some beautiful wilderness, and may wade miles of stream without seeing another fisherman (even on a weekend), but the water is often quite low in the summer, and although you’ll find large groups of native locked into pools at various points, you have to be at the top of your game to hook one in July or August. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Can anyone suggest a good web site for info/maps/reviews on fly fishing within a short drive of the Northern VA area? Thanks. Phil Got questions?  Get answers over the phone at Keen.com. Up to 100 minutes free! http://www.keen.com

Response:

 but the water is often quite low in the summer, and although you’ll find large groups of native locked into pools at various points, you have to be at the top of your game to hook one in July or August.

Be careful fishing pools like that during low water, you can kill a lot of fish that took years to grow. Better slide on down to the South Fork (of the Shenandoah) and fish for smallmouth. Lotsa smallies and they bite good. The commute is not any longer, so it is worth a try. Just my two cents worth. John still in the Shenandoah Valley

Response:

Question:

He’ll be learning in the warmwater venue.  Bluegills, sunfish, rock bass, etc.  I’m wondering if it would be easier to learn the "feel" of casting with the heavier rod, or if the heavier rod would be a setback for the little guy.  I know a buddy I converted to fly fishing prefered the feel of an 8 when learning to cast.  He said he couldn’t feel what was going on as well with a 5. Share your experience…. Bob Scott

Bob:   I would guess your buddy was bigger and stronger.  To an eight year old, I still think a typical eight weight would feel like a telephone pole, as another responder noted.   I liked the six, because the rod was light enough, but the line weight seemed to be enough to get them going.  I wouldn’t go longer than 8 ft., either.      Just read Mr. Popp’s post, and everything he said is very true and worth remembering.  Particularly the part about not bothering to bring a rod yourself for the first few times out, at least.  It removes temptation, and allows you to really focus on making sure the kid has the best time possible.  And, patience, patience, patience…… when he’s had enough by his standards – not yours, you fishing fool – call it a day and get some ice cream. Mark Faulkner

Response:

      The rod is not as important as patience as long as he can handle it. The first thing to do is get him interested in fishing and the best way to do that is for him to catch fish. Fly fishing is a bit much for an 8 year old but a zebco closed face spinning rod fishing a bober and worms is ideal. Kids learn quick but when the action slows they lose interest quickly too. Pick a place with plenty of bream, leave your rod at home (you will be too busy helping him to fish). Catch enough to fry up for one small meal and go home (during a lull in the bites).

Many people who have successfully taught children to fish find a reel is unnecessary and a confusing complication for small children.  Either a cane pole or a fly rod with a fixed length of line, say 15 ft., allows the child to fish bait to a depth of say 6 ft. without bothering about the reel, and to present a fly on or near the surface anywhere up to 20 ft. distance.  The child can then concentrate on presentation first, or hooking and playing afterward, without needing to think about letting out more line or winding it in. — |  Donald Phillipson, 4180 Boundary Road, Carlsbad Springs,  | |        Ontario, Canada, K0A 1K0, tel. 613 822 0734         |

Response:

Hi, I missed the first post, but I disagree a bit with some of the info in the follow up. I have been teaching kids fly-fishing for a lifetime, and I have tried many methods. the first thing i would mention is that I do agree with a 6 or 7 wgt rod (and line obviously, you HAVE to have a balanced outfit).On the other hand, make it an 8′6" or even 9′. I don’t know if you’ve ever tried an 8′ but there is a significant diffeence. As I’ve said before, the best rod set-up is one that can cat easily, and to me an 8′6" 6/7 wgt is perfect. I think the small kid, small rod thing is a carryover from shooting – start ‘em on a .20 gauge shotgu, yadda, yadda… I also agree with the thought that you not bring a rod the first times, and would add, take ‘em somewhere their bound to catch fish – any fish !! Last summer taught my 7 yr. old cousin, his first fly fish was a smallmouth bass, and he loved it !!! I have taught as young as 4 yr olds, so go for it, and have fun!!! Bill Bill Curry Tight Lines Guide Service Lockeport, Nova Scotia, Canada http://www.tightlines.ns.ca

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m setting up an outfit for my girlfriend’s 8-year-old son for Easter.  She said "Don’t buy a rod…"   –actually, she said ‘fly fishing pole’  – "my brother-in-law has one he doesn’t use.  He’s sending it up for Easter with his daughter when she visits.  He says it’s fiberglass, and about 6" taller than he is."    He’s about six feet. I got it today.  If it’s not a spinning rod, it’s a dead ringer.  It’s 6′6", with a 12"-long, fat, untapered cork grip, 1"-wide sliding blue-anodized rings, and conventional two-footed guides.  It’s labeled "CONOLON live fiber AIR FLITE 412,  NARMCO, INC,  COSTA MESA, CA"   I guess I better pick up something else. Anyway, at WalMart, they carry a Cortland 8′6" 6-weight IM6 rod for about $37.  They also have a cheaper "graphite composite" Garcia (I think) for about $22.  It’s an 8-weight.  I have an older St.Croix 8′6" fiberglass 8-weight I’d be willing to part with.   It seems like the lighter rod would be better for the little guy (He’s pretty small).   I’m a bachelor, and never taught a child that age to cast.  I’m very anxious to get him started. Should I buy the better rod for a child that age?  Or should I give him my old St.Croix?  What level or proficiency should I expect, or strive for? Please give me a little advice, Dads out there! — Bob Scott

       The rod is not as important as patience as long as he can handle it. The first thing to do is get him interested in fishing and the best way to do that is for him to catch fish. Fly fishing is a bit much for an 8 year old but a zebco closed face spinning rod fishing a bober and worms is ideal. Kids learn quick but when the action slows they lose interest quickly too. Pick a place with plenty of bream, leave your rod at home (you will be too busy helping him to fish). Catch enough to fry up for one small meal and go home (during a lull in the bites).         I’ve taught a son 3 daughters, and 4 grandsons to fish and am starting on a great grandson who is 2 1/2 his attention span has increased to 10 minutes none started on flys and the son and only one grandson are really interested in fly fishing that much so far.          Remember the important thing is he have fun, catch fish and learn the simple things in fishing. He can develope the rest as he gets older. Have Patient he’ll learn if it’s fun and not too complicated.                                                          John Popp                                                        in Sanford Fl.

Response:

Hi Robert, I started my son casting and fishing at age 8. I gave him a fiberglass 7 1/2′ rod for a 5 line. It worked great for him.  Graphite was not available at that time. I suggest an inexpensive, light rod. At 8, Those heavy 8 wt and above feel like swinging a telephone pole to a small kid. Spring is around the corner, be sure to find some spawn areas with Bluegill for him to catch. The best and sure way to give a kid a good time catching fish. Good Luck ! — William Endicott – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m setting up an outfit for my girlfriend’s 8-year-old son for Easter. She said "Don’t buy a rod…"   –actually, she said ‘fly fishing pole’ — "my brother-in-law has one he doesn’t use.  He’s sending it up for Easter with his daughter when she visits.  He says it’s fiberglass, and about 6" taller than he is."    He’s about six feet. I got it today.  If it’s not a spinning rod, it’s a dead ringer.  It’s 6′6", with a 12"-long, fat, untapered cork grip, 1"-wide sliding blue-anodized rings, and conventional two-footed guides.  It’s labeled "CONOLON live fiber AIR FLITE 412,  NARMCO, INC,  COSTA MESA, CA"   I guess I better pick up something else. Anyway, at WalMart, they carry a Cortland 8′6" 6-weight IM6 rod for about $37.  They also have a cheaper "graphite composite" Garcia (I think) for about $22.  It’s an 8-weight.  I have an older St.Croix 8′6" fiberglass 8-weight I’d be willing to part with.   It seems like the lighter rod would be better for the little guy (He’s pretty small).   I’m a bachelor, and never taught a child that age to cast.  I’m very anxious to get him started. Should I buy the better rod for a child that age?  Or should I give him my old St.Croix?  What level or proficiency should I expect, or strive for? Please give me a little advice, Dads out there! — Bob Scott

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text –       The rod is not as important as patience as long as he can handle it. The first thing to do is get him interested in fishing and the best way to do that is for him to catch fish. Fly fishing is a bit much for an 8 year old but a zebco closed face spinning rod fishing a bober and worms is ideal. Kids learn quick but when the action slows they lose interest quickly too. Pick a place with plenty of bream, leave your rod at home (you will be too busy helping him to fish). Catch enough to fry up for one small meal and go home (during a lull in the bites).        I’ve taught a son 3 daughters, and 4 grandsons to fish and am starting on a great grandson who is 2 1/2 his attention span has increased to 10 minutes none started on flys and the son and only one grandson are really interested in fly fishing that much so far.         Remember the important thing is he have fun, catch fish and learn the simple things in fishing. He can develope the rest as he gets older. Have Patient he’ll learn if it’s fun and not too complicated.                                                         John Popp                                                       in Sanford Fl.

John,     This guy is ready to progress from the Zebco stage already.  He lives, eats and breathes fishing, and fly fishing is what he wants to learn.   I bought him a fly tying kit for Christmas… you should see him go at it! Some very interesting stuff comes off that vise!     We will definitely be starting out with the local bluegills… when the water temp gets out of the 40s.  I think I’ll buy him the nice, light Cortland IM6 rod.  He’s casted my soft Orvis 9′ 5-wt with my hand over his, but not alone.  That’s the extent of his experience so far.  This intense interest in fly fishing developed this winter.  I gave him a beginner’s book on fly fishing, and his Mom’s been reading it to him.  He told me he already knows how to cast; "From ten o’clock to noon!" he says.     Should be fun. Thanks everyone for the suggestions. Bob Scott

Response:

I’m setting up an outfit for my girlfriend’s 8-year-old son for Easter.  She said "Don’t buy a rod…"   –actually, she said ‘fly fishing pole’  – "my brother-in-law has one he doesn’t use.  He’s sending it up for Easter with his daughter when she visits.  He says it’s fiberglass, and about 6" taller than he is."    He’s about six feet.

If he is 6 ft tall at 8 years old, Bob, you are in BIG trouble if he doesn’t take a shine to you by, say, age 12.  Accordingly, I would probably be looking at a Sage, Loomis, Winston, etc. Anyway, at WalMart, they carry a Cortland 8′6" 6-weight IM6 rod for about $37.  They also have a cheaper "graphite composite" Garcia (I think) for about $22.  It’s an 8-weight.  I have an older St.Croix 8′6" fiberglass 8-weight I’d be willing to part with.   It seems like the lighter rod would be better for the little guy (He’s pretty small).   I’m a bachelor, and never taught a child that age to cast.  I’m very anxious to get him started. Should I buy the better rod for a child that age?  Or should I give him my old St.Croix?  What level or proficiency should I expect, or strive for? Please give me a little advice, Dads out there! — Bob Scott

Seriously, having worked with a few kids (and my daughters) on introductions to fly casting, I would suggest the lighter rod (but not too light).  I have a 1970’s vintage 6′6" Eagle Claw fiberglass that was pretty good when they were 8-10 years old, and would gladly lend it to you if that was feasible.  But at 10 or so, I started them on an 8 ft six weight "old" graphite – actually, an Orvis purchased about 1979.  This turned out to be a very good rod for them to work with.  However, since I gather you do a lot of surf/ocean fishing, and all my experience in teaching is on Pennsylvania trout streams, none of this may be relevent. Mark Faulkner

Response:

I’m setting up an outfit for my girlfriend’s 8-year-old son for Easter. She said "Don’t buy a rod…"   –actually, she said ‘fly fishing pole’ (  – "my brother-in-law has one he doesn’t use.  He’s sending it up for Easter with his daughter when she visits.  He says it’s fiberglass, and about 6" taller than he is."    He’s about six feet. If he is 6 ft tall at 8 years old, Bob, you are in BIG trouble if he doesn’t take a shine to you by, say, age 12.

No… I meant my girlfriends BROTHER-IN-LAW is 6-feet!   – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Anyway, at WalMart, they carry a Cortland 8′6" 6-weight IM6 rod for about $37.  They also have a cheaper "graphite composite" Garcia (I think) for about $22.  It’s an 8-weight.  I have an older St.Croix 8′6" fiberglass 8-weight I’d be willing to part with.   It seems like the lighter rod would be better for the little guy (He’s pretty small).   I’m a bachelor, and never taught a child that age to cast.  I’m very anxious to get him started. Should I buy the better rod for a child that age?  Or should I give him my old St.Croix?  What level or proficiency should I expect, or strive for? Please give me a little advice, Dads out there! — Bob Scott Seriously, having worked with a few kids (and my daughters) on introductions to fly casting, I would suggest the lighter rod (but not too light).  I have a 1970’s vintage 6′6" Eagle Claw fiberglass that was pretty good when they were 8-10 years old, and would gladly lend it to you if that was feasible.  But at 10 or so, I started them on an 8 ft six weight "old" graphite – actually, an Orvis purchased about 1979.  This turned out to be a very good rod for them to work with.  However, since I gather you do a lot of surf/ocean fishing, and all my experience in teaching is on Pennsylvania trout streams, none of this may be relevent. Mark Faulkner

Mark,     He’ll be learning in the warmwater venue.  Bluegills, sunfish, rock bass, etc.  I’m wondering if it would be easier to learn the "feel" of casting with the heavier rod, or if the heavier rod would be a setback for the little guy.  I know a buddy I converted to fly fishing prefered the feel of an 8 when learning to cast.  He said he couldn’t feel what was going on as well with a 5. Share your experience…. Bob Scott

Response:

I’m setting up an outfit for my girlfriend’s 8-year-old son for Easter.  She said "Don’t buy a rod…"   –actually, she said ‘fly fishing pole’  – "my brother-in-law has one he doesn’t use.  He’s sending it up for Easter with his daughter when she visits.  He says it’s fiberglass, and about 6" taller than he is."    He’s about six feet. I got it today.  If it’s not a spinning rod, it’s a dead ringer.  It’s 6′6", with a 12"-long, fat, untapered cork grip, 1"-wide sliding blue-anodized rings, and conventional two-footed guides.  It’s labeled "CONOLON live fiber AIR FLITE 412,  NARMCO, INC,  COSTA MESA, CA"   I guess I better pick up something else. Anyway, at WalMart, they carry a Cortland 8′6" 6-weight IM6 rod for about $37.  They also have a cheaper "graphite composite" Garcia (I think) for about $22.  It’s an 8-weight.  I have an older St.Croix 8′6" fiberglass 8-weight I’d be willing to part with.   It seems like the lighter rod would be better for the little guy (He’s pretty small).   I’m a bachelor, and never taught a child that age to cast.  I’m very anxious to get him started. Should I buy the better rod for a child that age?  Or should I give him my old St.Croix?  What level or proficiency should I expect, or strive for? Please give me a little advice, Dads out there! — Bob Scott

Response:

Question:

will be in outer banks for the thanksgiving holidays.. would like to find small  blues etc.. any recommendations would help.. also is there the possibility of  a trout stream near that area.. Kevin

Response:

will be in outer banks for the thanksgiving holidays.. would like to find small blues etc.. any recommendations would help.. also is there the possibility of a trout stream near that area.. Kevin

At Thanksgiving there should be some small blues about but what about the big boiyz!  they are going to be there at that time.  AS wellas striped bass and red drum.  There will be plenty of trout, speckled sea trout, at the lighthouse for a person fishing a clouser minnow with a sinking line. No streams within 8 hour drive, sorry.  Check my website for NC flyfishing stuff. — Flyfish NC                                                   Gordon Churchill                                        http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Rapids/3853                                                                     Dragon’s Hope Publishing Heidi Dragon Churchill                                               Business cards, ad design, forms and all manner of desktop publishing.      

Response:

Question:

I’m planning of visiting Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks at the end of September.  Any advice on rivers and fly selection would be appreciated!  I’ll be staying in Three Rivers and Bass Lake.   Thanks Very Much!

Response:

I’m planning of visiting Yosemite and Kings Canyon National Parks at the end of September.  Any advice on rivers and fly selection would be appreciated!  I’ll be staying in Three Rivers and Bass Lake.  

The streams in that end of Yosemite will be too low at the end of Sept. , but it’s about an hour over to the Merced just outside the park at El Portal.  The Merced has been ok in some years and poor in others, but fishes best at this time of year.  Check with Bob at Sierra Anglers in Modesto for an up to date report.  Out of Three Rivers your best bet is the Middle Fk. of the Kaweah above Buckeye Flat campground.  Both rivers are free stone streams with lots of pocket water.  Use Elk Hair Caddis , stimulators or Humpies, the basic western Sierra drill. Good luck. …Dick

Response:

Question:

The Beaverkill is in need of urgent help from those who Love to Fly Fish. I went last year and the fishing was lousy but I can see why it is the most notorious fishery in the world. The Orvis company and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will match your donation to the Local Trout Unlimited for this effort. IT IS A 2 TO 1 MATCH If you donate $10.00 dollars they make it $30.00 Not Bad Make all checks  Payable to: Trout Unlimited/Beaverkill Restoration Project Mail to Orvis Route 7A Manchester, VT 05254 Department RS Thanks for the support of our waterways Bob Burbage

Response:

The Beaverkill is in need of urgent help from those who Love to Fly Fish. I went last year and the fishing was lousy but I can see why it is the most notorious fishery in the world.

A lot of this had to do with the damage done from the big freeze-thaw last January.  That was merely nature doing it’s work and it’s likely that nature will take it’s course and the fishery will improve. The Orvis company and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will match your donation to the Local Trout Unlimited for this effort.

Details snipped.  Since I consider the Beaverkill one of my near home waters this article had some interest. However, before sending in a check I’d like to know exactly how this money is going to be spent.  

Response:

I wish it was merely nature doing it’s work last January. However, after the flood, the NY DEC indiscriminately handed out hundreds of permits to landowners for "stream improvements" to "correct" the flood damage to many streams in the Catskills, including many that feed the Beaverkill and both branches of the Delaware River. These ignorant people bulldozed many of these important feeders and did infinitely more damage than the flood. The DEC was totally negligent in not monitoring much of this destruction. Nature will take it’s course, but I’m not convinced that the fishery will improve for many years to come. For more info on this, see the latest issue of Trout Unlimited’s Trout magazine. That article is enough to make a grown man cry.  

Response:

Question:

Want the finest flyfishing experience of your life?  Little Grizzly Creek Ranch, Walden, Colorado, features outstanding new accommodations, gourmet food, fine wine, hosted bar, 7 miles of private streams at the headwaters of the North Platte, five varieties of trout, guides and instruction, all for one price.  Check out our home page at: brochure.  Reservations are being accepted for July, August and September or 1997.

Response:

Want the finest flyfishing experience of your life?  Little Grizzly Creek Ranch, Walden, Colorado, features outstanding new accommodations, gourmet food, fine wine, hosted bar, 7 miles of private streams at the headwaters of the North Platte, five varieties of trout, guides and instruction, all for one price.  Check out our home page at: brochure.  Reservations are being accepted for July, August and September or 1997.

and when you’re done over there, come on over and we’ll murder some stockers and rip the tops off some homebrews. TimW Never a fee to my ‘clients’

Response:

Question:

Why not deal with a local fly shop. That way you get personal service and help the local economy. You never know what the loss of a local shop means until you lose one that has been undercut on prices by one of the large mail order chains. I dont own a shop but our area recently lost one and now every one realises what we had but have now lost. Jack

Response:

This is gonna sound like a minor problem, given everything else we have to deal with. But ya know how a little something, if left to it’s own accord, tends to grow and gnaw at you, just bugging the crap out of you until you have to bitch to somebody. Last year around this time, I called L.L. Bean’s 800 number and asked for their fly fishing catalog. They said they would send it when it was done. Couple months later, nothing, so I called again. "Oh sure, send it right out." Few more months…nothing. So I filled out a form from a magazine. Nothing. Month later, sent my own postcard requesting the catalog. Month or so, nothing. Called again. "Gee, don’t know what the problem is. We’ll get one right out to you." Needless to say it’s one year on, and I’ve received every stinking catalog those people put out except for the one I want. At this point I’m disinclined to buy from them, I just want the catalog to chalk up a moral victory, and add it to my growing collection. Have I done something wrong? Am I not the L.L. Bean type and they know it? Have they checked my credit rating before sending the catalog? Has anyone else had this problem? Does anyone know anybody at L.L. Bean with some weight? Thanks for letting me waste bandwidth. I do feel much better Roger Backlar

Response:

Question:

A friend of mine (not online) just passed on to me the strangest dressing for a fly I’ve ever seen called the Regal Eagle. In my 50 years of fly fishing I’ve never seen anything like it: Regal Eagle dressing: Hook: Taokao 3902 (Korean made, apparently great strength in thinness) Size: 10 to 20 Thread: 6/0 black pre-waxed Tail: Pheasant Hackle fibers Body: Olive Chenille ultra thin wound together with peacock herl. Hackle: American Bald Eagle Hackle (taken from behind the neck). I was shocked at the Balk Eagle as I had thought this was a protected bird. Now I am told that some are raised in captivity for the express purpose of fly tying. I am also told that this simple fly REALLY catches fish. Has anyone else heard of it? I also have heard several fly tying catalogs out of Missouri are offering Bald Eagle feathers for sale. –Wal.

Response:

writes: A friend of mine (not online) just passed on to me the strangest dressing for a fly I’ve ever seen called the Regal Eagle. In my 50 years of fly fishing I’ve never seen anything like it:

It sounds to me like this fly was developed to sell bald eagle feathers and catch suckers (and I don’t mean fish:) Ernie Harrison

Response:

The American Bald Eagle is a C.I.T.E.S. class 1 protected species.  Anyone portending to sell or posess these feathers is either a) not selling the real thing or b) playing with fire. A class 1 listing simply means that under no circumstances is anyone allowed to posess/barter/sell any plumage from the bird nor the bird itself, be it alive or dead. There are other Eagle species, however that are Class 2 and Class 3, notably the Golden Eagle, which, by the way, makes the most incredible Spey hackles you’ll ever see! Let’s have a GREAT time, but let’s be careful out there!  :-) ~Spider  <<**

Response: