seanbritt

Hey Everyone- Saw an add for this system in the latest edition of Fly Fishing: http://www.moffittangling.com/control/main. You fish three hookless flies, with one plain circular hook at the end of your line. When a fish strikes, you pull the hookless flies through the fish's mouth and hook into it with the circle hook. From what is advertised, it is better for the fish as it provides cleaner hook-ins. It also proposes that you "outfish your buddies." I don't care about the latter statement, but as a conservationist the former is intriguing. Anyone try these or have any thoughts? Think I might order some.... p.s. pardon the post if its already been discussed, but I did a search and didn't come up with anything...

Banning of felt-soled boots is due to the transfer of aquatic diseases (such as whirling) and nuisances (such as the mud snail). The felt can actually trap this stuff for some time, which is why NZ and AK banned them. If you check out page 32 of the Feb. 2009 Fly Fisherman, you will see a review for the new Simms G4 Guide Boot which talks of this. It also mentions that TU is working with manufacturers to stop producing felt soles by 2011. Seems like some of the big manufacturers (Simms, Vibram, etc.) are taking this to heart and developing some really good technology.

Not sure about Banff, but do know of one in Canmore on Railway Ave. next to Safeway. Its pretty small, has hunting/fishing/fly-fishing gear. You can buy flies, etc. there, but has very limited tying stuff.

I like to have nymphs weighted too so I don't have to use splits. I haven't actually weighed the nymphs. I tend to experiment and see which ones work the best, then mimic the weight (usually lead or lead free weight and/or beadheads) with others. Once you have a pattern weighted the way you like, then you're usually set for similar patterns.

Thanks for all the tips guys! I'm pretty excited to be fishing in shorts again, also trying out the new 4wt I built this winter. I'm hoping to get my father in-law hooked (pun totally intended) and will be sure to post some pix when I get back in a weeks time.

Good thought provoking thread! I have to say, I'm quite fortunate in that I don't read newspapers or watch the television, so don't get trapped into the "lack" thought process that the media is driving across North America. Don't get me wrong, I have felt the impacts of the economy as I lost my job in Dec. and will be starting a new one April 1. I think the key is the mindset with which you approach it. If you think of always lacking, then often that will manifest. However, if you think positively that you will always have that which you need (not necessarily want) then I find things tend to work out. As for how the economy may hit the bow, I honestly don't expect much difference other than perhaps slower drift traffic and not as many new "big" purchases...such as a new rod, etc. Thinking back from personal experience, people tend to prioritize that which is important to them during these times....which often includes some type of hobby to keep your sanity. For some this is drinking, smoking, etc., while for others it may be biking or fishing. Despite my work situation, I still managed to feed the local fly-fishing economy and plan to do my annual b-day float again. One way to boost your income though is to prowl the banks and just report poachers all day long! Too bad they didn't have a volunteer co position where we could issue fines, etc. right then and there.

Hey All- Am heading to visit the in-laws in Phoenix next week and was wondering if anyone's done any fly-fishing in/around there. I'm hoping to take my father in-law out to get him into the sport. Ideally I'm looking for something where I can get him into a fish. I've tried similar fishing boards for Arizona, but am still waiting for my account info. I thought since so many canucks migrate south in the winter, you may have some advice. Thanks!

One thing I've noticed since getting back into fly-fishing about two years ago is that no matter how many beautiful fish you catch, or no matter how gorgeous of scenery you spend your time in while fishing, the mind tends to wander back to "the one that got away." I've read a bunch of books whose authors talk about this, but thought it would be a neat thread to see what everyone's individual take on this is. Personally, I think humans have a fascination with the unknown and we are drawn to it like a magnet to metal. This is what inspires so much innovation, but unfortunately also is part of the cause of much of the negative aspects of the world. Anyhow, I look forward to hearing what folks think.....

Thanks. I'm actually using my Marmot shell now, but in a day of rain last year on the Oldman I came back to camp a wet dawg...hence my desire for a fully waterproof jacket. I'll check out MEC stuff too...Thanks for all the tips folks!

Hey Everyone- Hoping I could get some advice on buying a new waterproof rain jacket for fishing. I've scoped out a few brands (Simms, Cloudveil, Patagonia) and think I am going to go with the Patagonia Guide Jacket. Anyone have this? If so, how would you rate it? Also, does anyone know shops in town that would carry Patagonia? Troutfitters does, but is currently closed, and the Patagonia store doesn't carry this particular product. Thanks!

You make a good point about "not wanting to have that fly I need!" Despite all the homework we do, there is often that time when there is that one fly that would work, but we just don't have it. For example, I made it out for about an hour yesterday and went really light, I mean maybe 6 flies total...based on what worked for me last and what I had been reading. Of course, it seems like the blood worm was the magic fly yesterday and I left all my worms at home. I guess that shows my still young age on the bow though (2 years) as I guess I should always have a SJW or variation thereof with me.

It depends what water I'm fishing and what time of year. This time of year on the bow I'll carry my nymphs and streamers in 2-4 boxes. Summer, I'll add dry. Upper headwaters of the Oldman, I'll take mostly dry and some nymph. All in all though, its usually about 2-4 regular size SA system x and 1-2 smaller boxes (likely with flies I just tied the night before and don't have time to put into the box). Good question though, as I too am thinking of changing from a vest to a pack this year.

As many of you may know, the Canadian Senate is considering legislation regarding changes to the Navigable Waterways Protection Act. From what I understand, the new provisions would redefine what is a "navigable water" so that more development may occur on smaller waterways (likely the ones we visit on the weekends to get our fishing fix). The Government has attached the provisions to weaken the Navigable Waterways Protection Act (NWPA) in C-10, the Budget bill and the economic stimulus package. Its a good time to investigate the proposed changes and make your voice heard if you wish.... MORE at: http://www.waterkeeper.ca/2009/02/11/resea...-act-bill-c-10/ http://netnewsledger.com/index.php?option=...6&Itemid=26 http://www.ispeakforcanadianrivers.ca/back...nwpa-issue.html

This was my first humble video and I loved it! I spent the next hour searching youtube for other ones....great work humblefisherman! Except now I just wanna fish....guess the movie worked.

When I was in middle school my friend and I used to play "baseball" with sunfish. My buddy was even crueler and would cut off one fin and throw 'em back just to watch them swim in a circle. Needless to say I've seen the light and feel much better about getting that off the chest! Also, I watched all 8 seasons of "charmed" and am now engrossed in "dr. quinn medicine woman"....because the wife has it on:)

I too have been a macman since 1996, and still have my powerbook (running strong) since 1998. My wife and I fully converted last year. If you don't need a laptop, I would recommend the imac desktop (http://www.apple.com/imac/). Slim design, super fast, lots of memory. Also bought a huge external drive to run weekly backups via the time machine application. I just can't believe how much memory is in these things nowadays. We have movies, thousands of photos, and over 900 cds on and its still got lots of room. As for viruses, there are definetly less viruses out there for macs than pcs. However, its because of sheer numbers. Essentially hackers get more bang for their buck developing viruses for pcs than macs. As soon as the % of mac users increases and comes closer to pcs, you'll likely see a surge in mac viruses (as explained to me by a tecchie). Also, as for pricing, mac's are standard priced. You won't see much difference from the mac store vs. future shop vs. westworld. Personally, I've enjoyed the folks at westworld as they know their stuff and aren't as busy as the mac store so you get more personal time with them.

Just wanted to thank whoever noticed the photo of me mishandling the cracker when taking my photo yesterday and directing me to the tips/good conversation that was archived. Although I've learned a lot this past year and a half fishing, I'm looking to learn more every day...particularly this type of info, which is one of the reasons why I joined the board. Didn't have a mentor, so been doing like most others and learning as I go. Too bad they didn't have a "fishing education course" that is a requirement for you when you buy your license. I remember having to take a hunter safety course when I lived in Massachusetts, and although I came from a long line of hunters, I still learned a lot. Anyone know of good books on etiquette/protocol when fly-fishing and practicing catch and release?

I'm in agreement that whities get a bad rap. They have certainly saved many days for me this winter and can put up a decent fight when they get big enough. I've enjoyed hearing people talk about how good they are smoked....will have to try that sometime this summer. Hooked into a football of a cracker yesterday. Not the longest one I've netted, but certainly the heftiest! I usually don't photograph fish, as I hate putting extra stress on them, but had to take one here. Don't worry, he was only out of the water for a few seconds. Any advice on shooting pix when you're flying solo??? The second whitie was taken from the Yellowstone last fall. Had a foul hook on the dorsal fin which prompted a 15 minute fight to the net! http://flyfishcalgary.com/board/index.php?showtopic=6266

Welcome to the board! Just found it myself about a month ago. Hope you'll enjoy it as much as I have.... As for the reel advice. My wife bought me a Sage Fli 690 two Christmas' ago and I ended up going with the Ross CLA 3, which balances the rod nicely. I've really enjoyed the reel and its helped me handle quite a few fish here and in MT. Also, I'm pretty rough on my equipment and I've taken a few nasty spills on rocks with it and it keeps on tickin'. I'm building a 4wt now and am planning to go with a Ross R2 for that one. In fact, Fishtales has a sale on some reels right now (Ross included) that you may want to check out.

I walk my dog down near Sandy Beach almost every day and have only seen one angler there all winter. Watched for about 20 minutes, and he didn't have any luck. As you likely know, that stretch seems to freeze completely over during the really cold spells, then open up when we get a break. I'm not sure if that impacts the fish or not. I'd be interested to hear how you fare. Good luck!

By the way, for dog owners, be careful. You have to have your dog leashed when crossing the pathway. THere were by-law officers there the other day issuing fines of $75 if you didn't have your dog on-leash for 4 feet while crossing the path.

I too was down there last week and noticed the new fencing. However, there are no signs that I've seen to date that say you can't walk on the other side of the fence. There is actually a few spots un-meshed, which allow you to access the river. I think the main reason the fencing was up was to contain the off-leash dog activity. I think its quite a nice balance, as the dogs have their place to run, the path is now free for bikers to ride unharrasased, and the fencing will help protect sensitive streamside areas. Look at it as a plus, there will be less dogs chasing after your flies now!

Ah! Gracias! Good thing I checked before getting on the wrong bus...LOL!

I agree with Redwiggler. If I were a landowner I would want to be compensated. What we're talking about here is direct access to the river from the property. You can always go around and access via the high water mark. In the states, private landowner access is not even a thought. If you were to go onto someone's property to access hunting or fishing you would likely be shot on the spot. I was surprised when I first moved to AB and found out all the differences to the states. I would also be in favor of paying more $$ for our licenses so we could get more policing of the river. I was in BC and stopped 2x on my trip for my license. Never been asked in AB. If we want to keep our fisheries, we need more protection of it!

That's a pretty good rate, about 200cdn for the trip and 50 for the tip (at an exchange of about 10-11 pesos to the dollar). I'm heading down in April and will be staying about 2 hours south of PV in Guayabito doing a Habitat for Humanity project. Westcoast, did you book in advance via phone or web? If so, could you pass on the contact?