Any flyfishermen on here?

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Small Block

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Very curious if any of you here enjoy that method of fishing as much as i do. Father taught brother and i this technique when we were 12 yrs old and we've been doing it ever since. I've fished all over the country and Alaska and have caught many species of fish and still more to come. At this stage of my life i'm even considering building a bamboo rod just to see if i can. Now dont get me wrong. I'm not a purists as many are. I will fish bait as well as flys but you can bet, if i'm on the water i will more than likely have a flyrod in my hand. I do collect fly rods and fly reels just for fun and other fishing parafinailia. I've even found me a rod builder that has made my own label of graphite rods for me. They are most times in the very small, slow action types in weightss of 000, 00, and 1's. Caught some pretty thuster fish on some pretty small rods. The rods i call the "Surgeon Series". The guy building em ask if i was a Doctor hearing the surgeon series comment. I told him NO and the reason for that name was because when anyone using these rods hits the water they are usually capable of surgically removing the fish from the water. This method of fishing is a passion for me and was wondering if there are more of us here. Chime in with your experience with fly rods.
Small Block
 
I have been fly fishing since I was a kid. I am about to start teaching my nine year old. I mostly fish for trout, steelhead and salmon.
 
I cut my teeth on flyfishing when I was 6 (42 years ago :sad1:), my Dad was really into it and a great teacher. Was really into it for many years then got into ultra-lights. I still light pulling out my flyrod to entice largemouth bass to hit a poppe ron the surface. And the occasional pike on streamers. Now adays I typically bring a variety of rods out when I hit the lake, i.e. ultra-light, flyrod and spincast set-ups. Bottom line, as long as I am on the water, I am a happy man!

Pat
 
Hey small block i to love fly fishing.I fish only in Pa. mainly my area and Tioga pa around the Pa. grand canyon.Now here lies the problem i know i n use a 6'6" rod its a very inexpensive rod reel combo that i do very well with.My best bud left me use his rod one time after many years of me watching him use it.Just so happens i know very little about setting up my own rod but i'm a natural with the motion and have very good fly placement on the water.I rely heavily my buddies experience on what to use and what fly will work .The pisser is i catch 5 to one compared to him with fly rod and with ultra light spinner set up he got me 10 to 1 go figure.I know i have drowned many worms with spinner!
 
I love to flyfish, learned how about 10 years ago. Mostly for trout, salmon and when I'm really feeling brave steelhead.I really enjoy tying my own flys.Caught this rainbow last summer after work on a 6 wieght rod.
 

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Done very little fly fishing but I love to fish... Lots of good trout fishing up in Arkansas not far from me but I just never got into it much.. But I love catching crappie, bream, bass, and big river cats...wouldn't mind seeing some pics of your fly fishing rigs..
 
I have my fly rod on the ready Bill, I like popping bugs on top of ponds and watching the fish swirl at it, sad to say I have not got my line wet this year.
I will see if Treva still has a picture of an old bamboo rod I bout at a rummage sale about 4 years ago for $10 in an old green felt case, She sold it on E-Bay for $267 plus shipping, I believe it went toward my Holley double pumper 390 cfm carb.
I wish I knew you collected them brother, you would love to have it hanging on the wall.
I will take a picture of mine if the electricity stays on.
A must see movie for you Bill, Look it up , it's called A river flows through it. Or was it flows threw it..
 
Hey Smallblock - I dont flyfish but I have my fathers old gear. The reel is a "the perfect" Hardy Bros 2 and 7/8 reel with the leather pouch circa 30's or so - any idea what its worth ?

also have a hexagon bambo rod in the canvas pouch and also in an aluminum floating case with its own canvas pouch - dont know the make though

just wondering , thanks Jimmy
 
I love this old Shakesfhear Alpha 2C27 Reel it has never let me down, Browning Gold Medallion 8 foot rod. I enjoyed a few good days with it a year ago.. Let's hit a fishing hole soon Bill :cheers:
 

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Jimmy, look on the butt of the reel seat and see if there is a name on it. Maybe something just in front of the cork grip. It may need a restoration to be functional but non the less it is an heirloom. Keep it unless money is tight. Check ebay for an idea on the value. Let me know if you want to sell em.

Mike, You have an "Automatic" reel. Great for quick retrieves. I think i have 4 or 5 of em but never use em. We hit Mammoth Springs on a very regular basis. In the summer i've been known to fish at least 4 days a week, maybe more. Rock Bridge is also fun. Google it. 11 and 12 lbers. To say the least they can be fun on a #1 rig. I'll post some pics after i get the camera out. I've got some relic bamboo stuff and some old glass rods. Most times i'll use a graphite ultra lite #1 in a very slow action. I've got my reel for the 00 rod and it's already loaded with line and backing but i dont have the rod yet. The blank is $311 and now ya gotta get it built. Told the wife i thought i could make it all happen for around $750. Mike do you have any neopene aders?

Took a casting class at Bass Pro this weekend with my son and brother just to see where i ranked in the world of casting. The instructor gave one on one instruction as he walked down the line. When he came to me he just walked on by and said "Never mind". Maybe i was unteachable. Who knows. I then pulled other members aside and assisted Rob, the instructor. This was great fun with my son and brother.

Yes i do ty my own flies and poppers. Try tying up a deer hair mouse and catchin those channel cat on a flyrod.

Cuda20, nice fish. You are definatly in the fishing zone. Try a smaller weight rod and learn to fight the fish. You'll love it. Learn to feather or palm the reel and finger the line for the drag system. IMO the reel is for holding the line, nothing else.

I haven't posted any pics on my new computer in the shop so it looks like i'll have to get down to the task at hand. Thanks for the replies guys. Good stuff.


Small Block
 
thanks smallblock

definately keep you in mind , its something thats been sitting around my closet for years and collects dust, I should let someone have it that appreciates it
 
I sure could use some help on casting Bill, sounds like a great time you had with your son.
I use floating line with a 2 foot leader of 4lb line, I can roll it, I think that is what they call it, its moving the fly left or right just a couple feet by rolling the tip of the rod, I have walked back to the house just to get m fly rod when the Croppy is not hitting jigs..
I bet the channel cat sure is a blast to catch on a fly rod!! A must do some time
 

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I like to fly fish as well Bill. I pretty much stick to trout and Atlantic salmon. I have been known to catch the odd small mouth though by mistake. I have tied my own flies for years. Unfortunately I tore my shoulder up pretty good a few years ago and I can only stand casting for a couple of hours before the pain gets to bad. There is nothing like seeing a fish swirl and plunking your fly down on top of him and having him explode on it. Here's a pic of a 36 inch spring Atlantic from a couple of years ago. The biggest I have got was 48 inch's. That sure was fun.

Jack
 

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I love it. I use a 5 out here for trout. I bought a 9 for Alaska but never used it when I went up. Guess I'll have to plan another trip.
 
For all of you die hards i'll let ya in on a great read. For Christmas my son bought me a book that for me has been very dificult to lay down. I have it laying on the small table in front of my reading area, the toilet. Always get up with a ring around my backside if ya know what i mean. I dont read much unless it has to do with hunting, fishing or maybe things of a political nature but this is good. Find yourself a copy of "Casting A Spell". George Black is the author and it has to do with the developement and history of the bamboo flyrod and all the great craftsmen that built them. It starts back in the days of Hiram Leonard and gives great detail and insight into the economics and lifes of the gentlemen of that time clear up to todays makers. You wont be able to put it down.
Another great opportunity has presented itself to me. I got a call from a guy that wants to rent my manlift for a month. I got a map off the internet of his location as i need to make the drive to check overhead clearances and road conditions for hauling purposes. This thing weighs 28,000 lbs. Come to find out this guy owns tree houses on the North Fork river and it just so happens it's in the trophy trout area of this great midwest fishery. treehousecabins.com if ya want to look it up. We talked and i mentioned my neighbors name, whos big into bamboo, and come to find out his cabin is just across the river at the same location. He has promised me a guided venture to show me the ins and outs of that river. Seldom fished it before. Wild rainbows and stocked browns. Read the book, you'll love it. Watch out for the rings though.
Small Block
 
Coyote Jack said:
I like to fly fish as well Bill. I pretty much stick to trout and Atlantic salmon. I have been known to catch the odd small mouth though by mistake. I have tied my own flies for years. Unfortunately I tore my shoulder up pretty good a few years ago and I can only stand casting for a couple of hours before the pain gets to bad. There is nothing like seeing a fish swirl and plunking your fly down on top of him and having him explode on it. Here's a pic of a 36 inch spring Atlantic from a couple of years ago. The biggest I have got was 48 inch's. That sure was fun.

Jack
Click to expand...
That sure is a dandy Jack :cheers:
We have a river here not fare away called Current River that is full of 3 and 4 lb brownies and they sure put up a fight and taste good, and then there is Spring river that is feed by Mammoth Spring up close by Small Blocks place that is full of trout. I use my fly rod as a jig pole these days because of the same reason around the ponds here on the hill.
They say things are bigger in Texas, But it looks like Canada has them beet :D
 
Jack, that is a dandy. Reminds me of the fishing in Alaska. How about a 31" Arctic Char? My biggest Char to date.
Small Block
 
That is a big Char. I wish I could afford to go hunting and fishing all over the place. I can't complain though, I have one of the best Atlantic Salmon fisheries 3 hours from my door and it's public water. Besides we have lots of trout and Landlocked Salmon as well.
I've been tying a few flies lately. Wooly worms, nine-threes, black ghosts, gray ghosts and muddler minnows. I will probably tie about 100 before the season starts. Always a few experimentals to try as well.

Jack
 
Jack, that experimental comment brings a smile to my face. Experimentals is all i tie simply because i cant tie one to look like something it's suppose to look like. But they do catch fish. Maybe because they look like a tore up , handicapped, dismembered portion of the family. LMAO. If they catch fish they are exactly right.
Small Block
 
I have the Credit River near my farm and it is suppose to be some good fly fishing, but I am not a much of a fisherman, and would love to try it. If any mem's are around my neck of the woods and are willing to put up with a green horn, let me know.

appreciated as always,,,,,,,,,,,,
 
06, there's gotta be a member close by that wont mind ya tagging along. Your welcome on any of my trips. There are some stuffed shirts out there in this game. I'm not. Always willing and ready to help a newby.
Small Block
 
Hey Smallblock,

I've been known to toss the odd fly around. Been at it over 30 yrs, with my dad being my mentor. RIP ya old fisherman.

I live in one of the best fishing areas in the world. Almost anything you want can be had within a few hours drive.

I have mostly 4-9 wt rods. Focus mostly on trout, with salmon and steelhead filling in when I get adventurous. Salmon on a flyrod are a hoot.

But I will, respectfully, disagree with the light rod comments of yours. While it's fine for smaller fish, using a light rod like your's on larger fish is too hard on the fish (unless you're keeping it, of course, but I'm mostly a catch and release guy). I certainly don't use my 8wt on trout, but I do try to bring them in with as little stress on the fish as possible.

Here's me on the Squamish River fishing my 7wt for Pink salmon. And one of my pontoon boat, my lake fishing machine.
 

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Mark, i've eye balled one of those little pontoon rigs you show us. That would be very useful in some of our streams. On the light tackle issue. I've never stressed a fish i didn't want to keep to the extent that the fight killed him. I like to refer to what i'm givin em as exercise. I do on occasion keep a few pan size stuff for the skillet but also some big ones for the smoker. Good stuff ya know. There's a great site on fly fishing at classictrout.com. Talk about some beautiful bamboo stuff. Look at the Frost rods. Check it out and surf around on there a bit. You'll like it.
Small Block
 
Read in the local paper this evening that Missouri was outlawing "Porous" type waders. They say they are responsible for the transfering of some type of algea that grows slime on the rocks at the bottom of streams. Does your state have a law like this in place? I guess i'll contact the Conservation dept to get the scoop on the correct type of wader that is allowed. I've been useing the neoprene sponge type and they seem to be porous. I wonder what will be next.
Small Block
 
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