Smitty

Good to see the Athabasca rainbows protected. About time. And now, I see (am I a year behind the times??) that you can't harvest any perch from any stocked trout lake. I wonder if that will really de-motivate / deter any future bucket biologists. With so many lakes "ruined" now anyways, I wonder how effective that regulation will be. I suppose we could wait for some of them to severely winterkill... Smitty

Did some of the pages of your proposal also provide details about supporting native fishes...like pike? Smitty

From another thread, I am quoting Harps: "Pictures and posts identifying exact location and technique have always been frowned on this forum." I get what Harps is saying, I respect and understand his point of view. But I disagree. (somewhat) I just checked; there are no less than 11 subforums on FFC dedicated to reporting where people of fished. How could we claim that location reporting is frowned upon? Ok, I deliberately just took his words out of context: he's saying both exact location and exact technique. Which I can see what he's saying. But nevertheless, all fishing reports are forms are hot-spotting - its simply a matter of degree. And while I don't care alot (but I do a little) about whether a hot-spot gets outed in Eastern Canada, or even some parts of BC (and these forums aren't used alot anyways), Harps got me thinking about the following: Is it time to curtail, limit, restrict, whatever label you want, the fishing reports section - particularly for Alberta? Sure, give us all the Bow-Crow reports you like - surely THOSE ships of sailed, but what about other waters - particularly flowing waters? Should the moderators develop a policy where 1st-2nd-3rd-4th stage tributaries are protected by not having them named (or the names whitewashed out)? Should sections of the other, lesser known but still-big rivers also be eliminated from being publicly mentioned? I can speak for northern Alberta; I wouldn't want to name several Atha-B tribs that contain those precious namesake rainbows, and, alternatively, I'm quite content to have everyone buy into the stereotype that the LSR is the "only" productive grayling fishery within 3 hrs of Edmonton. Selfish? Sure, but I'd like to think that all that water north of hwy 11 that seem so incredibly fragile should remain relatively anonymous. You won't see me naming any spots anymore (and haven't for awhile). Its a question I pose to moderators and the long-time and/or frequent users of the FFC. Thoughts? Comments? Smitty

I agree with your sentiment, but the posters who try hardest to make their constructive criticism tactful have a far better chance of being listened to, than those who make it personal and delve into ad hominen attacks and name calling. Make sure the goal is to educate; not much point in tearing a strip off someone and getting angry about it, unless its about making yourself feel better. Smitty

Dang. Too bad you're in Calgary. I have nearly 3 apartments worth of apt furnishings thanks to the Fort Mac Penhorwood condo fiasco (google it if ya want, not worth delving into details here). Anyways, all the stuff is in storage here in south Edmonton. I'd let a lot go for dirt cheap if you were willing to come and get stuff, and you could pick through what you wanted too. Smitty

Neat. I'm tying the exact same fly myself. Going to try and finish 3 dozen at the ski hill tomorrow. Anyhoo, I picked up some acetone at Wal-Mart the other day. $10 for a canister that should last the rest of my natural life. Found it in Hardware in the paint section. Smitty

So I am getting back into fly-tying after a very prolonged absence. About time. I trying to tie Jeremy Davie’s Acetone worm from an issue of Fly Fusion, and I am experiencing a brain cramp on beginner technique. So here’s the issue: after I tie in the floss tail, I have the following 3 materials to tie: the red wire rib, the lead body, and the acetate floss. My question is, I am going to tie all of those remaining materials at the back of the fly and wrap forward, correct? So the order would be (1) tie in the materials at the back (2) wrap forward with the lead underbody (2) wrap the floss over the lead, (3) wrap the red wire rib over the floss, tie off the right behind the bead and whip finish. Is that right? Or, put it another way; I would never tie in those materials at the front of the hook right behind the bead, and wrap “back” towards the bend of the hook would I? I got stuck trying to figure out if I should tie the lead wire in at the front or at the back… Help! Smitty

I've been eyeing that very rod too. However, I took a Czech nymphing course a couple of years ago with a member of the Canadian Youth Fly Fishing team. The way he taught the method leads me to believe, that to execute the technique properly, a drift boat approach would not be a suitable match. The method itself is more slow and meticulous, and the speed of a drift boat would greatly hamper the success (or at least, the technique) of the European nymphing approach. But! That's not to say you still couldn't use that model rod from a drift bod, or that it would be a bad choice - whatever method. I guess what I am saying is that I've never heard of Czech nymphing from a moving drift boat. Methods continually evolve though, so it wouldn't be surprising in the least to adapt some variation of the method to drifting. Smitty

I'm dizzy, lol. Never is easy as you might hope for... More seriously, I do sincerely appreciate the reply, because the different perspectives really give an idea of whats involved. Eventually, one video I'd like to produce is a fairly "cool" video for the fly-fishing club at school, as a recruitment tool. So ya, about a 2-3 minute video, preferably in HD (but not a deal breaker). So I suppose one very basic choice or fork in the road is whether I simply accept the quality I get with a p&s cam/go pro, versus having dedicated equipment. Another approach is using one of the school's high quality camera's an putting together a slick slide show of still images (but the images could easily be HD). Please keep the advice coming! Cheers, Smitty

Thanks for the reply Roast. Should have made that clear from the get-go; I own a PC. Keep the opinions coming! Cheers, Smitty

Hi all: I was inspired by the IF4 film festival, I am interested in shooting more video when I fish. So I am calling on all you pic-video-media experts and I'll ask this: 1. Best software to edit video (and pics too, but this is secondary) for newbies? Something simple to learn and straightforward (does that exist? Am I reaching?) 2. What's your pic to shoot video in terms of camcorders? Are most of you just using the video mode on your camera's, or are some of you carrying dedicated video camcorders? OK, thanks in advance - I look forward to everyone's opinions. Smitty

Anyone know how long the total running time of the IF4 film festival is? Today in Edmonton, doors open at 4:00pm, and 4:30 the show starts. Supposed to meet a friend tonight, but hard to make plans when I don't know when I'll be finished? Any help from anyone who has been this year? Is it 2 hours? Smitty

Anyone can give negative criticism on the net. Why don't you instead specifically state what you didn't like, how the show didn't meet your objectives? And to compare the boat and sportsman show to the WCFFE is unfair; and apples and oranges comparison. The boat and sportsman show caters to a wide variety of people with diverse interests in the outdoors. For example, you may have - I don't know, since you didn't say anything really - found that the show was somewhat lacking in flyfishing "stuff", "events", "seminars", etc. Well no doubt of course. That would be akin to a boating enthusiast attending the WCFFE and saying it sucked because of the lack of ski boats. Of course its an opinion, but how valid is the viewpoint? Bottom line, don't be a "hater" without explaining why, no matter what the situation in life... Cheers, Smitty

Besides wondering too, I also checked about dealers in Edmonton. Neither the Fishin' Hole, or Wholesale Sports, or Cabelas had any idea of what I was talking about when I inquired about tickets. Hmmmmmm...updates anyone? Smitty

Please consider my entry! Smitty

I'll bump once if that's ok. Coming down tonight for the Expo, and staying tomorrow, leaving Sunday morning Would be grateful for any help or donations, when I start the club up again in the spring at school. May not have a chance to check pm's, so I am leaving my phone number, in case you want to 'hook' up, lol. Thanks! Mike Smith, aka "Smitty" 780-970-7886 text or call.

I am reviving this thread, only in the spirit of strike while the iron is hot. I never did make it to Cowtown in a timely manner, nor did I follow up in terms of getting stuff/donations here. However! I am coming down this weekend from Edmonton to the FF Expo. So, it would be convenient for me - and any FFC members - to meet. That's assuming anyone is still interested. The query was if someone will donate any old or hardly-ever-use-it-anymore flyfishing equipment. I am looking for the following 1. Rod and reel combos suitable for kids from grades 6 to 9. Like 4 to 7 weight, mostly 5's and 6's. 2. Old flyfishing vests, same sizes as above. 3. Any form of wading equipment, hip waders, rubber boots, nylon, neoprene, etc. 4. Fly tying equipment; primarily vises and tools. A huge thank-you in advance! By all means, if you wish to stay anon, go ahead and pm me please! Thanks again! Mike

I'm from Edmonton, I'll be at that show, and I'm planning to go to the Calgary one the weekend after. Smitty

The West Wing. Best. Drama. Ever. Smitty

I think its ironic a guide would complain about shuttle prices. Most memorable in recent years was Bowcrow's detailed list of expenses in regards to guiding. Let me be clear; I am sympathetic to guides and what a tough living it can be. I too have owned business's and many members of the public are far too quick to equate "what I charge = what I put in my pocket", lol. They must have been employees all their life (note: I am an "employee" now, since I have gone back to teaching. And I don't get to deduct a damn thing! Like the 3241 pens and pencils I buy the kids every year. I digress...) Put it differently, over the years, we've had numerous guides tell us how much their expenses are and how little profit there is when you factor in x,y,z,a,b,c,d,e,f,g expenses. On top of that, factor in taxes. And yet, we can't look at the shuttle business through the same lens? They have expenses too. However, I will say that increased competition is a good thing. For sure a monopoly sucks; much better to at least have choice A versus B for customers as an absolute minimum. Just saying that making your living off a business associated with sportfishing tourism isn't going to make you rich; guide, shuttle driver, shop owner, whatever. One thing I'll say is don't begrudge an owner putting a money in his pocket; remember, being a capitalist means you assume risk, yes? Smitty

I know one of them; my best friend's older brother; James Rajotte: MP Leduc-SW Edmonton. No secret agenda, and he works harder than probably a lot of people on this board, including me (and I work pretty hard as a teacher). If there is a heaven,hell, or something in between, I'm putting hell as a distant third. So I am glad you said "MOST". There are poliitcians who are worth the money they are paid, and do have a sincere interest in contributing to the advancement of our society. Sorry. Naive, rose-colored, glass-half-full, rant-rebuttal thread-hi-jack done. Smitty

Ya know, I have been watching this thread the past few days. Here's what I've gleaned; 1) Dutchie's posts make me want to go steelhead fishing. Simple as that. And, with my school board's new proposed calendar for next year has a week off in November (relax, us teachers don't get off easily, kids would then come back one week earlier in the summer), looks like my dream steelheading trip may be do-able. Is the 2nd week of November a good time to go? 2) Rickr's comments about it being a fish of 1000 a-holes certainly seems to ring true. Won't point fingers, not necessary, we all know our regulars, but clearly "jackasses" are "jackasses", and "idiots" are "idiots". A little surpised the mods allowed the thread to continue on past some previous posts, maybe they've made a choice to relax the rules. If so, fine, but what gets lost in the name-calling is this: people probably have some good points, but the tone ruins it. We all know that to be true, obviously. Having said that, I have no doubt certain methods of angling for steelhead undoubtedly prove more fun, satisfying, fulfilling,...whatever. We all "evolve" - is that the word the steehead addicts would have me use? - to preferred methods for a variety of reasons, none of which have to more sophisticated than "I like doing it that way, because it pleases me to do so". But to assume you can judge who is or isn't a "douchebag" depending on whether they nymph versus swing, whether they use one handed rods versus two handed rods, whether they use centerpin or not, is ludicris. Full stop. End of story. Doesn't matter whether you're a newbie or have been fishing steel for 40+ yrs. Or, as my grade 8's would say "takes one to know one". Perhaps that's insulting to my grade 8's. Lord knows the more than a few of them have more maturity or tact than a few posters here. Sure, "encourage" people to try a method like the swing, which may deliberately decrease your numbers, but exponentially increase your fun/addiction. Sounds like a plan. But the "holier-than-thou" attitude that goes with that "encouragement"? Get. A. Frickin. Life. On the other hand, ah well, c'est la vie. Its the mods board, after all. The FFC belongs to all of us...sort of. So its just another upcoming season of shack nasties and the occassional (or rare, if you live in Edmonton like me) foray of winter fishing. One thing's for sure, I've put on some fat for the winter -its going to be a cold one - so I know my skin is sure thickening up. Smitty P.P.S. So, like Jeremie suggested, I think I'll plan next year's trip, first ever. First thing I'm gonna buy is a jet boat. Then some beads. And some roe bags. And some gas-propelled spear guns. P.P.S. I am making a plan to personally ban all dry-fly fishing for cutthroat for the 2012 season. In fact, I'm going to swing 3 wet-flies, and for that 2 week period in August, where legal, I'll bait my royal coachmans with a maggot. I'll be your huckleberry...

Clive: Do I have your permission to use your photos at school? Smitty

Can someone explain to me the difference between AWD and 4 wheel drive? I used to own a Dakota with shift on the fly into 4-High. Then park or neutral to get into 4-Low. Fine. No prob. But is AWD apply the same power to 4 wheels as when you are in 4x4? Are AWD vehicles always in AWD mode? Can I expect the same off-roading experience in AWD as 4x4 (probably not, right?) Just thinking ahead to my next vehicle. Smitty

Don, there is no issue with you providing any information to the biologists. Same goes for anyone else on this board who shares your views on otters. And yes, there is a "lot of talk" on the board. People rant and rave or discuss and opine. Well, of course! Its a forum. You're not compelling me to take action by admitting that you have no idea to what extent otters impact streams. Should we just blindly support an otter cull because you say so? Should we all grab the phone and start phoning biologists providing otter sightings, even though you can't substantiate the value of the information? Biologists already have a lot on their plate. Bottom line is that I respect your opinion, and I deeply respect your contributions to fish and wildlife management in this province, but pushing words back and forth - and you obviously know this - is part of the process of convincing people for support on any issue. I am not convinced, but am willing to be. Smitty