OT: Any avid fly fishermen on the board?

[msl819]

I am getting back into fly fishing after some time away. Curious who our knowledgeable members are to bounce some questions off of.

[parallelfish]

Yep. Pretty much exclusively saltwater anymore.

[metalheart]

Fresh and saltwater, fished mostly in western US, Alaska, Canada, Honduras, Mexico, and Belize. Happy to answer anything I know about! A few years ago on the Tsiu River in Alaska, Silver Salmon (Coho) taken on an 8wt on the surface with a pink pollywog. Caught them all day long like this......

[alembical]

I wouldn't say avid, but I did just fish 9 out of the last 14 days. I hardly fish anymore though, unless on vacation, which I was in Wyoming.

[msl819]

My reels and line have been sitting for the past 5-6 years. How do I know when I need to replace the line? And what suggestion would you guys make for good line that won't break the bank -think the Ultegra of fly line. I'll probably start with replacing the 4 wt. line but may need 6 and 8 wt. too.

[p nut]

Not avid, but love it. I was just in Wyoming last weekend. Good times.

I order lines from http://hookhack.com/ and have been very pleased with them. Fairly cheap prices.

[Shoeman]

I get out several times a year for Rainbows. I fish the Missouri Trout Parks, Taneycomo and the Winter Urban Fishing Program here in St. Louis. I've been a fisherman most of my life but only Fly Fishing for about 5 years.

[Stephani]

I have my Dads 15' Surf i can tie line on end and fish streams.

[arazate]

Happy to help out; point you in the right direction.

Cheers,
AJ

[jds108]

Just had this out on the Yellowstone last week:

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8846/28001809764_ed22bf97cd_b.jpg

The folks here: http://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/general-discussion/ are helpful.

[HenryA]

Used to be in the industry. Happy to help.

As to your line question -- if its been stored under reasonable conditions its probably still good to use. Go find some water and see for yourself. if it floats well and picks up off the water ok, you are good to go.

You will want to buy all new tippet material or leaders which ever you use.

[arazate]

Run the line through your fingers, it should be smooth. If not, you may feel cracks, that will require line replacement. Once that outside coating is compromised, water will get into the inner core.

Rio makes a solid line.

[RFC]

LOL! Remember the movie "The River Runs Through" and the scene where the young boys, at the order of their father, were standing on the dock practicing their casts? That was my childhood. And we loved it!

[Exonerv]

Count me in...have been flyfishing FL, AK, PA, & NC for the last 15 years. I'm heading back to the Kenai Peninsula in Aug/Sept to fish for Silvers, Rainbows, Dollies & Grayling.

There are a number of line treatments you can buy to help rejuvenate fly lines. I clean mine with Dawn in a bucket of warm water by pulling the line through a microfiber cloth, rinsing, and applying a line dressing.

Arazate is correct about a cracked line needing replacement. However, it can still be useful for casing practice.

[wtex]

Just got into it myself, mostly in NM and Colorado.

[gomango]

Yes, but I mostly fish warm water species the last three summers.

I moved to a Sage 11 weight rod called the Musky.

So far, I've caught 9 Muskies in waters near the Twin Cities and Hayward, Wisconsin this summer.

It's pretty much like catching a torpedo when they hit. :)

[arazate]

Just got into it myself, mostly in NM and Colorado.

Lucky you!! I spent a lot of time on the San Juan. Miss that place.

[gomango]

Rio makes a solid line.

That's all I have been using.

Their Pike/Musky line is an 11 weight made just for the big, toothy critters we fish for nowadays.

It's a weight forward line that casts great with the larger Musky flies we toss.

Very nice line indeed.

[numbskull]

I've done more than my share of NE saltwater stuff if that is of any use to you......although in recent years I spend more time plugging for striped bass and save the fly rod for false albacore.

[guido]

I'm a lapsed saltwater fly fisherman. Since I moved inland it is hard to make the morning tide when it is a over an hours drive to my favorite spots...

[Lewis Moon]

This is how I fish:
http://www.azgfd.gov/w_c/images/clip_image002_104.jpg

[Bradford]

I fish mostly back country with my 10 year old. We are heading into the Flat Tops for 4 days next week to fish for Greenback Cutthroats.

I consider it one of my finest acts of parenting that his first fish was a Greenie on a fly rod, that he had to hike in to catch, when he was 7.

(William, please insert a fishing banana here)

[Mzilliox]

Yes,
I mainly swing 2 hand rods for steelhead using classic flies. I also fish trout in New Zealand, and saltwater in Belize, but steelhead is my passion.

My back yard is a steelhead stream.
https://c6.staticflickr.com/6/5636/23103562765_958a81b8d3_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/BczNi4)Big fish 11-17 (https://flic.kr/p/BczNi4) by Matt.zilliox (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41573599@N06/), on Flickr

on Classic flies I tie like this:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y16/funstarfish/big%20butcher.jpg

[saf-t]

Yep- started SWFF around 30 years ago. Just picked up a 2-hander (TFO 12x12) to see if that makes my shoulder a little happier, but will have to wait until I'm off of crutches (long, sad story) to try it out.

[11.4]

To the OP, you might clarify the kind of info you're looking for or the kind of fishing you want to do. It'll help with responses. Someone who is mostly doing 10-12 weight SWFF isn't as well equipped to respond about 4 weight spring creek fishing, and certainly not vice versa.

On lines, the market has matured with so many customized lines and different tapers and coatings that you may want to think about just what you want. An 8-weight floating line, for example, can come in a dozen or more configurations just for freshwater, and as many or more for saltwater. You may enjoy a line a lot more for $10 more if it's designed around the particular fishing you want to do and is matched to your cast. I used to teach flycasting in the Northeast and the Northwest and found completely different needs between the two, even when going after similar fish. Styles, wind, water, and so on all create differences. And fishing with a line that isn't really a match to your style and your conditions really sucks. I remember when all we had were Scientific Anglers plastic floating lines, pretty much one variety with a couple different colors. We still fished and our casts were successful, but that's like saying that we'd do better on 1970s skinny-tubed steel frames than on the frames we can get today. You can make up for many shortcomings in a so-so rod with the right line, plus you can rig it right to get further gains. There are budget lines and they aren't necessarily bad per se, but you can improve your casting and fishing more with the right line. It's like finding the right saddle.

[Mzilliox]

My reels and line have been sitting for the past 5-6 years. How do I know when I need to replace the line? And what suggestion would you guys make for good line that won't break the bank -think the Ultegra of fly line. I'll probably start with replacing the 4 wt. line but may need 6 and 8 wt. too.

40 bucks is the sweet spot for new lines these days, you can pay more but not sure you get much more... also ebay has some lightly used lines for good prices.

5-6 years isn;t long, the lines should still be good i'd think.

have fun out there

[msl819]

To the OP, you might clarify the kind of info you're looking for or the kind of fishing you want to do. It'll help with responses. Someone who is mostly doing 10-12 weight SWFF isn't as well equipped to respond about 4 weight spring creek fishing, and certainly not vice versa.

On lines, the market has matured with so many customized lines and different tapers and coatings that you may want to think about just what you want. An 8-weight floating line, for example, can come in a dozen or more configurations just for freshwater, and as many or more for saltwater. You may enjoy a line a lot more for $10 more if it's designed around the particular fishing you want to do and is matched to your cast. I used to teach flycasting in the Northeast and the Northwest and found completely different needs between the two, even when going after similar fish. Styles, wind, water, and so on all create differences. And fishing with a line that isn't really a match to your style and your conditions really sucks. I remember when all we had were Scientific Anglers plastic floating lines, pretty much one variety with a couple different colors. We still fished and our casts were successful, but that's like saying that we'd do better on 1970s skinny-tubed steel frames than on the frames we can get today. You can make up for many shortcomings in a so-so rod with the right line, plus you can rig it right to get further gains. There are budget lines and they aren't necessarily bad per se, but you can improve your casting and fishing more with the right line. It's like finding the right saddle.

I live in North Louisiana and will mostly be doing warm, freshwater fishing in ponds for bream, bluegill, and bass. But I will also do a trip or two a year up into Arkansas to hit some smaller water to fish for trout. I mostly use weight forward floating line.

[msl819]

40 bucks is the sweet spot for new lines these days, you can pay more but not sure you get much more... also ebay has some lightly used lines for good prices.

5-6 years isn;t long, the lines should still be good i'd think.

have fun out there

What would it take to get one or two of those steelhead flies? Those are beautiful!

[11.4]

I live in North Louisiana and will mostly be doing warm, freshwater fishing in ponds for bream, bluegill, and bass. But I will also do a trip or two a year up into Arkansas to hit some smaller water to fish for trout. I mostly use weight forward floating line.

Think about double taper lines for this use? You double the lifetime on the line because you can use both ends. You aren't casting far and the extra flotation can make it easier to mend and pick up lines, and you can manage your cast really well. These fish don't run far so you don't need much backing. The only drawback is that you need enough room on your reel for the bulkier line. I know WF lines are more popular and more evolved these days, but you can do a lot for this kind of fishing with a simple DT.

[msl819]

Think about double taper lines for this use? You double the lifetime on the line because you can use both ends. You aren't casting far and the extra flotation can make it easier to mend and pick up lines, and you can manage your cast really well. These fish don't run far so you don't need much backing. The only drawback is that you need enough room on your reel for the bulkier line. I know WF lines are more popular and more evolved these days, but you can do a lot for this kind of fishing with a simple DT.

Can you suggest a couple of double taper lines that would recommend? Let's say 3 wt this go round. I have a spare spool for one of my reels so I can downsize to a 3 wt Rod.

[MagicHour]

A decent budget DT trout line is Hook and Hackle company's house brand H&H Classic High Floater line. I have this on 3 reels - 3-5wt for several seasons. They seem to cast and hold up great for the money, and I especially like that they come in Olive, which I personally prefer over more garish colored floaters, at least for smaller trout streams -YMMV.

Made in USA too - possibly by Cortland?, as they also sell a lot of Cortland stuff. Keep an eye out for Sales, otherwise $39.95.

http://store.hookhack.com/HH-Double-Taper-Lines/products/715/

Can you suggest a couple of double taper lines that would recommend? Let's say 3 wt this go round. I have a spare spool for one of my reels so I can downsize to a 3 wt Rod.

[Mzilliox]

What would it take to get one or two of those steelhead flies? Those are beautiful!

give me some time and ill shoot a couple your way. my vise needs a pick me up, some broken bis after traveling with it.

:hello:

[11.4]

Can you suggest a couple of double taper lines that would recommend? Let's say 3 wt this go round. I have a spare spool for one of my reels so I can downsize to a 3 wt Rod.

You can get some really inexpensive DT3F lines. You may find a DT, because of the continuous thicker section, will cast just a bit heavier than a WF3 so it may load your rod a bit more or even work well on a 4wt rod. As always, you want to try it out. But you can get budget Cortland DT3's and the same lines that they relabel for a number of major sporting goods houses and be very happy with them. High-end DT3's offer a slightly softer cast and a bit more delicacy, but for what you're fishing for, you don't need to spend that extra amount.

[msl819]

If you guys were going to spend between $200-$250 on a set of stocking foot waders, what would you buy?

[RFC]

If you guys were going to spend between $200-$250 on a set of stocking foot waders, what would you buy?

Converse -- I particularly like the red ones.

[Mzilliox]

If you guys were going to spend between $200-$250 on a set of stocking foot waders, what would you buy?

the orvis sonic seams in that budget

[jds108]

Do you have a body shape that's out of the norm? Then you might want to buy some pricey waders as they'll come in long, short, and king sizes.

Otherwise, just buy something cheap: most everything is breathable with neoprene feet at this point. And buy some aquaseal to patch up the inevitable holes.

The only way that you'll get your money's worth out of pricey waders is if you fish 50+ days a year.

Costco periodically sells waders, and I think Walmart does as well. Get whatever they've got and spend your cash elsewhere, like on having a wider selection of flies for whatever you'll be fishing for.

[msl819]

Bumping this old thread. Anyone doing any fly fishing lately. Our weather is starting to warm so we will be back on the water before too long.

[Mzilliox]

Its winter steelhead here, im about to suit up to go freeze my nuts off. the run is taking its time getting here but some recent rain should bring in the fish. lets hope for the big tug today. also been back at the vice, ill post some fly pics later on.

[saf-t]

Waiting for April and the return of the schoolies.

[msl819]

Its winter steelhead here, im about to suit up to go freeze my nuts off. the run is taking its time getting here but some recent rain should bring in the fish. lets hope for the big tug today. also been back at the vice, ill post some fly pics later on.

Post up some pics of some steelhead if you land any.

[gomango]

I've been doing the catch and release winter season. These pics are from southeastern Minnesota. Right in the same neighborhood as the Almonzo 100 gravel ride in the spring. The day I took these pics it was -13 and I didn't last very long. I usually pick up a few Brookies, Rainbows and a Brown or two. Most are very small, but you can occasionally find some plump Browns.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4711/26057356618_673f430352_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FGALih)[/url] by gomango1849 (https://flic.kr/p/FGALih), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4648/39219503764_95fbd35709_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22KGd5L) by [url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/36270004@N06/]gomango1849 (https://flic.kr/p/22KGd5L), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4722/26057356568_8b32ba3ec2_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/FGALhq)Whitewater State Park in southeastern Minnesota. Middle Branch of the Whitewater River. (https://flic.kr/p/FGALhq) by gomango1849 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36270004@N06/), on Flickr

[msl819]

I’d rather be fishing in. -13 than on a bike but either way that is cold. That’s makes a hot shower and warm fire feel all the better.

[gomango]

I’d rather be fishing in. -13 than on a bike but either way that is cold. That’s makes a hot shower and warm fire feel all the better.

I parked 150 feet from the river and followed the deer paths.

Falling in with waders at that temp is ill advised.

I set up the line in the truck and just walked out with the gear ready to fish.

I fished three 45 minute stretches. In between, I had hot coffee in the truck and some sandwiches.

Two couples were fishing the next pool and they stood out in the river for two straight hours.

Yuck.

[msl819]

I parked 150 feet from the river and followed the deer paths.

Falling in with waders at that temp is ill advised.

I set up the line in the truck and just walked out with the gear ready to fish.

I fished three 45 minute stretches. In between, I had hot coffee in the truck and some sandwiches.

Two couples were fishing the next pool and they stood out in the river for two straight hours.

Yuck.

I think my next fishing related purchase will be a roof mount rod vault. Rigging up by the water is my least favorite part when all you want to do is go fishing. That would certainly be more true at -13. I always break my rods down after fishing and for storage for safety.

[gomango]

I think my next fishing related purchase will be a roof mount rod vault.

I just missed a Rod Vault on our local CL last fall.

It would a fantastic idea and save some time when we arrive.

Plus the fact it would keep the rods safe in transit is a big bonus.

The rods are so expensive, I can't afford to beat them up.

[Mzilliox]

Back out again this am, lots of folks out fishing yesterday, expecting the run to come after the drop. nobody hooked up yet! its a ticking clock now, the fish have to show up soon!

here are some offerings, majestic fish deserve the best flies. I make these patterns up based off vintage patterns. I also tie some replica patterns fomr time to time, i just prefer my on stuff.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4610/39915416232_9faa476ef2_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23PbWBA)Party time (https://flic.kr/p/23PbWBA) by Matt.zilliox (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41573599@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4719/39049271695_09d33ab627_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22uDJ26)keep at it (https://flic.kr/p/22uDJ26) by Matt.zilliox (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41573599@N06/), on Flickr


Gomango, i got your flies you sent in the mix too, i fished one of the heavier ones while it rose couple days ago.

[gomango]

Those look great. Very nice work.

I use a mix of store bought, hand me downs and some I tried to tie.

Lately, we've been adding warm water fish to the mix.

Mainly Muskies, Northern Pike and Smallmouth Bass.

I use a Sage 11 weight "Musky" rod and an old Hardy reel I picked up many years ago. We toss some pretty big stuff and I use these for salt water as well when we visit my wife's family in Costa Rica.

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4351/36840978646_d4ed3c2324_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y8vDr1)Fly fishing for Muskies. Crazy, crazy fun. (https://flic.kr/p/Y8vDr1) by gomango1849 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36270004@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4393/36840978596_4f6a7342d5_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/Y8vDq9)Fly fishing for Muskies. Crazy, crazy fun. (https://flic.kr/p/Y8vDq9) by gomango1849 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/36270004@N06/), on Flickr



Back out again this am, lots of folks out fishing yesterday, expecting the run to come after the drop. nobody hooked up yet! its a ticking clock now, the fish have to show up soon!

here are some offerings, majestic fish deserve the best flies. I make these patterns up based off vintage patterns. I also tie some replica patterns fomr time to time, i just prefer my on stuff.



Gomango, i got your flies you sent in the mix too, i fished one of the heavier ones while it rose couple days ago.

[old_fat_and_slow]

Is it possible to learn the various casting techniques for freshwater fishing from reading books and watching videos, or is a coach necessary to teach you the basics? (I am already a long-time freshwater fisherman with spinning gear.)

[Mzilliox]

Is it possible to learn the various casting techniques for freshwater fishing from reading books and watching videos, or is a coach necessary to teach you the basics? (I am already a long-time freshwater fisherman with spinning gear.)

I learned both single hand and 2 handed casting on my own, but a coach certainly helps speed things up. like anything else, it will depend on your effort level, interest, and coordination if it comes easy or not. Its not difficult to learn, but it is difficult to master

[msl819]

Is it possible to learn the various casting techniques for freshwater fishing from reading books and watching videos, or is a coach necessary to teach you the basics? (I am already a long-time freshwater fisherman with spinning gear.)

I am pretty much self taught as well and I have taught others as well. That said, I have some bad hibits that had I been taught correctly I am sure my casting would be a bit more efficient.

[msl819]

Back out again this am, lots of folks out fishing yesterday, expecting the run to come after the drop. nobody hooked up yet! its a ticking clock now, the fish have to show up soon!

here are some offerings, majestic fish deserve the best flies. I make these patterns up based off vintage patterns. I also tie some replica patterns fomr time to time, i just prefer my on stuff.
https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4610/39915416232_9faa476ef2_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/23PbWBA)Party time (https://flic.kr/p/23PbWBA) by Matt.zilliox (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41573599@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4719/39049271695_09d33ab627_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/22uDJ26)keep at it (https://flic.kr/p/22uDJ26) by Matt.zilliox (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41573599@N06/), on Flickr


Gomango, i got your flies you sent in the mix too, i fished one of the heavier ones while it rose couple days ago.

I received a Peak vise and tying tool a little over a year ago. I have started tying basic patterns like a wooly bugger. Next on my list is to learn to tie larger streamer patterns and and how to spin deer hair - oh and some sweet poppers. My all time favorite bass fly is a Dahlberg diver which for some reason are getting harder to find for purchase. I like the idea of spending cold winter nights at the vise tying flies to entice fish Spring-Summer. My oldest will turn 9 next month so it won’t be long until I start to teach him to fly cast and we can hit some water together. The closest trout water to me is about a three hour drive but is a easy and fun overnight trip.

I would love to learn to Spey cast and get into some steelhead and/or salmon.

[christian]

I like fly fishing and expect to be back out in the NY/VT area as soon as bird season is over. For now, we're having too much fun hunting over my buddy's springer spaniel.

[arazate]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef8Sdi-3gEY

[Mzilliox]

First winter steel of the season! and a doozie of a wild hen. Caught on one of the above patterns i tied. hooked on that old reel too. 3 jumps and some fierce runs later and

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4618/40127175302_a150ee6980_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/248Ugd3)14987 (https://flic.kr/p/248Ugd3) by Matt.zilliox (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41573599@N06/), on Flickr

[Luwabra]

Wild native steelhead on the swing. There’s very few better things in life

[msl819]

First winter steel of the season! and a doozie of a wild hen. Caught on one of the above patterns i tied. hooked on that old reel too. 3 jumps and some fierce runs later and

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4618/40127175302_a150ee6980_b.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/248Ugd3)14987 (https://flic.kr/p/248Ugd3) by Matt.zilliox (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41573599@N06/), on Flickr

Awesome... she is incredible. I bet that is a blast.

[Mzilliox]

Wild native steelhead on the swing. There’s very few better things in life

You are gonna have to come join some day brother, steel n wheel

[Luwabra]

You are gonna have to come join some day brother, steel n wheel

Be prepared:) !!!! I would love to take you up on that. Wow.
Fly rod and reel -Spring 2011. a former life before Kids. Hoh river Olympic peninsula,wa. My favorite place on earth probably (that I’ve been to)

[Mzilliox]

Be prepared:) !!!! I would love to take you up on that. Wow.
Fly rod and reel -Spring 2011. a former life before Kids. Hoh river Olympic peninsula,wa. My favorite place on earth probably (that I’ve been to)

Rad! we could have ridden our bikes from my house to where i caught this one... there's also a steelhead stream in the back yard.:eek: they just haven't shown up there quite yet

[saf-t]

I'm pretty sure a fly rod would be ignored there ;-)

Seems like mostly FW folks here, but if anyone's interested in a mint (as in fished exactly once) St. Croix Legend Ultra 3 pc. 12 wt that's been sitting in my house since my shoulder surgery, I'd be happy to let it go for $150. + shipping.... Trust me- this *is* a deal.

Pix available on request

[Mzilliox]

My Biggest Oregon Steelfish yet

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4721/25541400317_42cf3e2c51_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EV1msZ)brute (https://flic.kr/p/EV1msZ) by Matt.zilliox (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41573599@N06/), on Flickr

https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4677/25541398427_aca6a79fdb_h.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/EV1kUp)paddle tail (https://flic.kr/p/EV1kUp) by Matt.zilliox (https://www.flickr.com/photos/41573599@N06/), on Flickr

[Luwabra]

WOW!!! Beautiful fish Matt Congratulations. GD i miss this so much. thanks for taking me back out west for a moment.

[Mzilliox]

WOW!!! Beautiful fish Matt Congratulations. GD i miss this so much. thanks for taking me back out west for a moment.

This big ass Buck was caught 40 steps out my back door, right in the back yard crick

[msl819]

This big ass Buck was caught 40 steps out my back door, right in the back yard crick

That’s awesome... “crick”. Haven’t heard that since I lived in California.

[numbskull]

Beautiful fish, beautiful picture. Congrats on both.

[metalheart]

I have fly fished for about 40 years, mostly stream fishing for trout and salmon and some fishing for bass, muskie, and assorted lake fish. My work took me to some spectacular fishing spots in Alaska, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Florida and elsewhere.

In my later fishing years, much to my surprise, I became passionate about salt water fly fishing and especially permitt and bonefish. Tarpon were ok for me, but I found stalking permitt was something that pulled me to Belize and Honduras time after time. Some of my fondest memories are standing waist deep in turquoise water on Bread and Butter Caye in Belize with a permitt fin swimming toward me and I could hardly breathe with the anticipation of a cast. And, then there were those trips to Alaska, usually in September, with a wind whipped rain in my face, throwing a Pink Pollywog to rising silver salmon who readily took the fly on the surface. And, then there was that one special day in Montana on a small stream in the middle of summer when I took a break from work and found a bend in the river and caught cutthroat trout until my arm could throw no more. Wonderful days and memories.

My right shoulder has finally exceeded the manufactures warranty and there is a second upcoming surgery to help, but it seems my days of casting for hours to trout, permitt, and salmon are in the past. Fly fishing has been an enriching experience that I regret is in the past.

I plan to divest of most of my fishing gear, starting with some reels, a spectacular Dave McNeese 7-8 weight reel, some Abel trout and Big Game reels, and some other trout reels, including an Ari Hart with some spare spools. I would like to see these pass on to folks who appreciate fine gear, like the folks here. If anyone is interested, PM me for details.

[Mzilliox]

I have fly fished for about 40 years, mostly stream fishing for trout and salmon and some fishing for bass, muskie, and assorted lake fish. My work took me to some spectacular fishing spots in Alaska, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington, Florida and elsewhere.

In my later fishing years, much to my surprise, I became passionate about salt water fly fishing and especially permitt and bonefish. Tarpon were ok for me, but I found stalking permitt was something that pulled me to Belize and Honduras time after time. Some of my fondest memories are standing waist deep in turquoise water on Bread and Butter Caye in Belize with a permitt fin swimming toward me and I could hardly breathe with the anticipation of a cast. And, then there were those trips to Alaska, usually in September, with a wind whipped rain in my face, throwing a Pink Pollywog to rising silver salmon who readily took the fly on the surface. And, then there was that one special day in Montana on a small stream in the middle of summer when I took a break from work and found a bend in the river and caught cutthroat trout until my arm could throw no more. Wonderful days and memories.

My right shoulder has finally exceeded the manufactures warranty and there is a second upcoming surgery to help, but it seems my days of casting for hours to trout, permitt, and salmon are in the past. Fly fishing has been an enriching experience that I regret is in the past.

I plan to divest of most of my fishing gear, starting with some reels, a spectacular Dave McNeese 7-8 weight reel, some Abel trout and Big Game reels, and some other trout reels, including an Ari Hart with some spare spools. I would like to see these pass on to folks who appreciate fine gear, like the folks here. If anyone is interested, PM me for details.


Brother, Lets talk:beer:

[parallelfish]

My right shoulder has finally exceeded the manufactures warranty and there is a second upcoming surgery to help, but it seems my days of casting for hours to trout, permitt, and salmon are in the past. Fly fishing has been an enriching experience that I regret is in the past..

Have you considered learning to cast with the other arm? Not that difficult to do. Or two handed rods? Much easier on the shoulders and a blast in the salt.

[saf-t]

My right shoulder has finally exceeded the manufactures warranty and there is a second upcoming surgery to help, but it seems my days of casting for hours to trout, permitt, and salmon are in the past. Fly fishing has been an enriching experience that I regret is in the past.


When my casting shoulder decided it didn't want me using anything bigger than a 9 wt (note the ad for the 12 wt above), I snagged a 2-hander for tossing bigger flies in the salt. There are loads of folks using spey or switch rods in fw as well.

No need to stop what you're doing, imo- just find another tool that lets you do it.

[saf-t]

.

[zlin]

Hello, gentleman! I'm packing up for a yearly trip to MI to fish the Pere Marquette just east of Luddington, MI.

My father in law books a cabin for the himself and the boys (myself and brother in laws) for a week of flys, food, cigars and scotch. It's a great week and I'm hoping this year is much better than last. Last year we were washed out with all the rain and super high and fast water. It rained the whole week and was quite cold. This year the weather looks much better.

Anyone fished in the area have a report? What are you using? I'll be in waders as the cabin is on the river, no boat this year.


Anyway, packing up the Hampsten today for some riding in or around the Huron-Manistee national forest mixed with fly fishing and some great time with the fam.

tl dr: heading to the Pere Marquette for a week on the river with time on the bike mixed in!

[Mzilliox]

Have Fun, Never fished that area!

Hello, gentleman! I'm packing up for a yearly trip to MI to fish the Pere Marquette just east of Luddington, MI.

My father in law books a cabin for the himself and the boys (myself and brother in laws) for a week of flys, food, cigars and scotch. It's a great week and I'm hoping this year is much better than last. Last year we were washed out with all the rain and super high and fast water. It rained the whole week and was quite cold. This year the weather looks much better.

Anyone fished in the area have a report? What are you using? I'll be in waders as the cabin is on the river, no boat this year.


Anyway, packing up the Hampsten today for some riding in or around the Huron-Manistee national forest mixed with fly fishing and some great time with the fam.

tl dr: heading to the Pere Marquette for a week on the river with time on the bike mixed in!