SilverDoctor

No one has really mentioned the type of fishing you do in regard to sharpening. When nymphing for example, where the fly is hitting rocks I tend to check every 4 to 5 casts, If I hook bottom, for sure a solid sharpening after that, or usually a change to a sharp fly. Fishing streamers will also dull a hook nicking bottom or wood. Fishing dries is a different matter, I don't check them as often as they are either in the air or on the water film. If my fly attracts a bush or grass, I usually do a check. Met a young fellow on the water who was complaining lots of short hits with no hookups. Checked out his nymphs and they where the dullest I've ever seen, but wouldn't take a bit of advice to touch them up. Funny how people will spend thousands on equipment and not address the one bit that actually does the most good, the point of the hook. I believe dull hooks will harm a trout, instead of a solid quick penetration, you can end up ripping before a hook penetrates if at all. Ive seen these ripping gashes on trout and I have too much respect for our fish to do that. I like my hooks sticky sharp, a great many flies you buy or hooks for tying are sharp but not to my liking. A couple of swipes is enough. At the end of the season during the winter is a great time to go through all your flies and touch them up for the season as a start. You can use stones and files, I use a small Diamond Flat File. Move the file towards the point across the bottom and two sides to form a triangle toward the point. You're looking for just a sharp point not to file down the integrity of the point, if you get the sharpened area too long it may fold or curl. The time to practice this is at home not on the water. Lots of good sharpeners out they but they are useless in your pocket.

Oh come on, I don't drink that much scotch....

Yep she'll be there.

Sounds good, I'll try to make it, have a couple of new lines to try out.

Weird, never experienced that one. Must be a non stable dye.

Go to the fishing Hole, they have it, will bulk fill for you if you want. I like red backing.

[beats my .22 long rifle.

Not hard to weave, lots of links on the web if you search, here's one

Oops sorry slip pf the key, I meant Spey. As for streamers I normally just use about 3 to 4 foot of mono, no taper. It's usually to short to affect turnover.

Very sorry for your loss, I wanted to express. My deepest sympathies.

It depends if you are fishing dry fly wet flies streamers or nymphs. Also if you are using a Spey setup. I do different leaders for each situation. As for products, in the end you do get what you pay for.

Sigh... it just goes on and on.

If you've ever seen those BC sedges you would think they where hogs.

I believe the Hedgehog is a traveling Sedge pattern. Its' a good one for BC lakes during those hatches.

Tip #1. Newer isn't always better Tip #2 Change the presentation before the fly Tip #3 Don't wade where the fish are Tip #4 Fish with your eyes and ears first Tip #5 Show old Doc where you favorite fishing spot is in case you forget.

What Makes A Rod A Saltwater Rod? The advertising.

You should never confront, its not you job, steamed or not, observe and report. I normally stroll by and have a peek, ask if they are having any luck and chat. Many times its been people on the other side of the river. I carry Binoculars to study rises so. Pretty obvious most of the time just the way people act, like packing up when you get close or guilty looks. Many times it's a stringer of trout in the water. If it is obvious I Phone RAP, I have it programed into my phone. The number is on the back of your license also and I have it memorized. As for pictures, personal discretion please, don't do anything that would put you in harms way or break the law. More info on how to report here. It's amazing how few people actually read their regulations and take into consideration water closures, bag limits etc. They often move to Alberta from elsewhere, sometimes out of country and bring their previous knowledge with them (well you can use live bate in Ontario). Or it's jut rank arrogance and stupidity with no regard for the waters or fellow anglers. Many eyes on the water help protect our fishery. Be careful on the water and keep well -------------------------------------------------

Reminder from old Doc, Your 2010 License expires on March 31, the new licenses went on sale today. Stop in to your local retailer or buy online. Please please read your regulations. Report a poacher, I made a few bucks last year reporting poachers. The phone number is on the back of your licence. Free fishing weekends for 2011 are scheduled for the following dates: * February 18-20, 2012 * July 9-10 On these dates, Albertans and visitors alike can fish without a licence on any public water body that * has an open fishing season * does not lie within a National Park Take care and keep safe on the water, have a great season guys and gals.

Fill em with water, look for the leak.

Yea I saw that, out of my budget for sure, I'm sure there is something out there that would work as well for touch dubbing. Just have to find it.

Love those small streams, but winged and wingless wets work on big waters too....

I tied commercially in another life. Mine are marked $3.50. This one will most likely last longer but I nee to research something to replace it. bhurt says I have to tie till I'm 116.

22 rods, close to 30 reels and counting. wife is fine with it. I didn't include hers in the count. Wow!! how many rods do you people have??

Always tying a few flies here and there. Love the Overtons for touch dubbing, cant find it any more, or anything matching it, bought a case of 12 in the 70's. Just cracked my last one.

Tying up a few winged wet highland caddis for the season.