FlyRod

I guess I've told this tale at least a dozen times on various forums, but here we go again. My largest bass weighed 8-something (wish it were bigger, but, unlike the big 'uns some have caught or lost at the boat , mine hasn't grown over the ensuing 20 years) and was caught on a 6 Wt. fly rig, using a 3 lb. tippet and a teensy little poppin' bug whilst in pursuit of the wily bluegill. I also took a 3 lb. smallie some years after catching that largemouth, the only diff being that it was on a slightly heavier tippet and a slightly larger popper. Anyway, I'd very much like to get after 'em again with a fly rod but, being a backseater, it's not always convenient or safe to do so. That being said, in 2003 I invested in an 8 Wt. Loomis, with a power tip, so I could drive flies into the winds at the Texas coast. I've caught some seatrout and a couple of reds on it and it was great fun. Yes, a weight-forward OR "bass taper" line is pretty much essential unless one is making shorter casts in small water, especially if armed with poppers, which are something less than aerodynamic. The added stiffness of fluoro leaders seems to help as well, although I'd prefer the floating qualities of regular mono leader stock for "dry' bugs. I had hopes of using the fly rig for white bass as they came up into the shallower reaches of the Guadalupe River (Canyon Lake, TX) this spawning season, but events assured I never got the opportunity. One fact stands; No ONE system will suffice for variety of flyfishing environments and target species. Much like our baitcasting and spinning gear, diversity is the key. That, however, means more cash outlay. Another proven fact is that one needs to be willing to take the hit for the very best fly tackle he/she can afford AND it must be balanced for the purpose. A flyfishing wannabe, no matter how seasoned he/she in the use of our usual "tools", is certain to be utterly bewildered by the choices that must be made in selecting fly tackle. Just as any other beginner, he/she would be wise to seek info and guidance from a variety of of sources. Consultation with seasoned fly anglers, with experience in the SPECIFIC type of fishing (See: Species and Environment) that will be done, is essential. "Pro" shops are useful, but with the caveat that they are there to sell tackle. Individuals are a great source of info, but some might be less than knowledgeable, so beware. Maybe the best source of guidance are the various sites and forums that proliferate on the Web, as well as magazines that cater to the fly crowd. Learning to cast with fly tackle is where qualified instruction is paramount. It's a beautiful thing, aesthetically, but harder to master than any other form of casting...harder to become even reasonably proficient when compared with baitcasting or spinning gear. If you aren't willing to forget EVERYTHING you THINK you know, take lessons, and if you don't have a place to practice, forget it. Note: Pavement and gravel are not suited to the purpose. Enough for now, but I'll be happy to help to whatever degree my humble skills will allow. You may PM me if you wish. Friendly caution: If you are one of those guys that breaks a lot of rods...fuggitaboutit! Fly tackle, by virtue of the length of the rods and relative fragility that imposes, is more vulnerable to car doors, size 12 shoes, ceiling fans, and rambunctious kids, than our more common toys. F.Rod A title not particularly well-deserved!!! PeeYess: One nice thing is that even when you aren't catching anything on fly tackle, you can look so good trying! Can you say "Chick Magnet"?

Avid, If one of these is affordable, problem solved. I test "drove" one in '03, at the Texas Coast. WOW! These things will flat move! 'You can use double-ended paddles as well with them. http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaking/ Mebbe yew kin find one used. Best wishes, F.Rod

Avid, Learn to cast "other-handed"! I wish you a speedy recovery. F.Rod

Don't be afraid to experiment! For example, a few months ago I persisted in tossing a topwater, despite rain, wind, cold, the time of year, and the conventional wisdom that argued against it. Result: Some darn nice Fayette Lake slot fish that I otherwise would not have had the pleasure of catching and releasing. One of my partners refers to me as the "R&D Department" 'cause I fish "Outside the box", at least compared to his rigid adherence to the same old lures and tactics. When I succeed he is complimentary but still stays within his narrow scope. It took me five years and actually gifting him with more modern gear to get him to use reels with thumb bars and rods over 5'6" in length. Well, so long as we're having fun and sharing the great gift of fishing and freedom that The Lord has granted us, all is well. F.Rod

A regular Gucci, that LBH boy! Good luck and we'll be looking forward to the latest in Fishin' Fashion! F.Rod Peeyess: Why not some stuff specifically for the lovely :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* of the Bassin' world? I was thinking transparent stuff, mostly...they could work on their tans.heh! :

"Hiawatha!" "Hiya Joe." "What you do'um last night?" "Me Pocahontas." "Hontas' hubby find out, you in heap big trouble!" " Well, gotta go attack wagon train now." "Seeyawatha" "See ya Joe." The End F.R.

Here's a thought... Why not hand her 2 day's worth of the monthly boat, truck and insurance payments, the cost of the gas to, on, and from the lake, plus some flowers, then ASK if you can fish both days. Explain that you'll spend the coming weekend doing anything (with her) she wishes, including sitting through a chick flick, BBQ-ing(and cleaning up after,) and any two "honey-dos" she's been riding you about. That other activity you mentioned might just be on her list (if you're lucky.) Just suggestin', F.Rod

Welcome, Follow the way of the Basser, Grasshopper, and pay heed to his teachings. Listen as he imparts his vast wisdom and relates the lore of the wily Bass. Read the written words of those who have gone before you and commit them to memory, for they shall serve you in moments of need. Be not afraid to question. Be eager to learn. Oh, and don't forget to chip in for gas! Your Kindly Uncle FlyRod Master Rodsman and Seeker of Truth

Unless, of course, you are casting left and NOT changing hands to crank. In other words, using a "rightie" reel, like a 'Rado 200 instead of a 201. Then, it's "handles down". Of course, if casting right, and using a "lefty" reel, (201) and NOT changing over to crank...."handles down". Your wrist does not have enough rotational ability in the "palm down" position (unless you REALLY liked "Brokeback Mountain" :-X) to cast well and with control. Good luck, and practice, practice, practice! F.Rod

Fly, I have gathered you are without a doubt, someone I would love to tell jokes with and just cut up. At the same time though.......come on. (and I think you know what I mean) And truthfully I did laugh, but I know some people who, well............ BeadeE, I jess lyuk tu hep noo frenz wit thi lil detayles. bESize, 2 menny fokes thunk us basSSerz kaint SPel gOOd. Allseau id kIPs me awn mi toze ebbowt ma ohn spillang an grAmmer.. yEr komPAdry, fLiRahd

Welcome! Feel free to use the complimentary spell-check feetcher! F.Rod

Buddy, with a 9.9HP it ain't nevah gonna plain. If you're only fishing small water OR staying close to the ramp or sheltered water on larger lakes, just go fishing and be glad to HAVE a boat. You'd need, as a guess, a 20 or 25HP to plane that boat. Good fishing! F.Rod

Coach, Read topic entitled "This Just In" below. F.Rod Some guy who thinks he's funny.

Danica Patrick's hot tub.

"Famous Jewish Athletes" .... (from the movie Airplane) Sandy Koufax-Baseball Amy Alcott-Golf Mitch Gaylord-Olympic Gymnast Bud Greenspan-Writer, Producer, Director of sports films/Sports Historian Mark Spitz-Olympic Swimmer (7 Golds) Kerri Strug-Olympic Gymnast Marv Levy-Head Coach, Buffalo Bills. Hall of Fame Just a sampling. F.Rod Lutheran

Look out, Ron! He's a recruiter! FlyRod

You betcha! Congrats! F.Rod Opinionated but fairminded...mostly

Cajun, On most F n' S boats the windshields are wider, taller, etc, and are rather close to the front swivel seat as compared to the lower shields found on a pure bassboat. Let's just that, on most F n' S boats say they intrude into the casting arc moreso than the usual bassboat w'shields. So, one is more likely to smack a windshield on the backcast, or even briefly hang up on it. Nothing can cause a catastrophic overrun (See: Backlash) like a w'shield strike can and I've been eyewitness to at least two windshield crackings. Sidearm casters are particularly at risk. I know this all sounds like BS but the threat is real. Luckily,the misery can be avoided by being watchful and following the tips I mentioned. Enjoy the rig and I'm sure it'll work out just fine. Congrats on your new ride. F.Rod

Shortest Bass Fishing Book? "Ten Pounders I Have Caught" by Professor F. Rod Other great short books: "Two Hundred Years of German Humor" "Italian War Heros" "French Military Victories" "Polish Intellectuals" Here's a brain teaser for you! What do they do when they catch a homosexual :-* at Oklahoma U.? (Scroll down for correct answer.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ANSWER: Cut off two fingers and transfer him to YooTee (Austin) ;D. See: "Hook 'em, Whorns." F.Rod

Well, lemme see... I live in Texas, so of course I' ve fished here. I've also traveled so far as Tennessee, Kentucky, Kansas, Loozyanna, Panama, New Meh-hee-ko, Washington State, Korea, Old Meh-hee-ko, Germany, and Vietnam to fish. The best part? The taxpayers picked up the tab ;D, via the US Army 8-). Not to say there weren't some drawbacks...like trolling for some sort of tuna off Vung Ro in a high-speed patrol boat (Army) and having to spray an island with the boat's twin Fiddy Cal 'chineguns 'cause someone there took shots at us >....PETA Cong? Three long bursts and they became strangely silent :'(. FlyKillEmAllRod

8 lbs. 4 oz. On...what else? 8-)...Fly rod, #6 weight, 3 lb. test tippet, teensy little poppin' bug. Large stock pond (we call 'em stock tanks) in Texas while fishing for big bluegills. Was fishing from a little foot-powered paddlewheeler like you rent at a park. It took a while . F.Rod

I don't "hate" Ike, though some might come to that conclusion from reading any of my posts regarding him. I do, however, greatly dislike his behavior. Let me make this simple (that way I can understand it, ;D). If you have children, grandchildren, nieces and 'phews, which pro basser (or football player, opera singer, mortician, whatever,) do you want little Algernon to emulate? Let's say little Algie or Algette is gonna be featured on ESPN's "Bassin' for Adolescents" (in production as we speak!). You invite all of your friends over to watch and share your joy. You start the grill. Momma makes her famous Eggplant ala Alabammy, and Uncle Rufus brings a keg. Hurrah! By dint of astute lure selection, a sense of where the critters are hangin' out, and God's grace, Lil' Algie/ette wins the event with a lake record stringer! Now choose: Do you want to see the little champ(ette) conduct his/her/itself as Rick, Zell, or Dean would when accepting the trophy and a year's supply of Clearasil... OR... would you rather cringe in your LazyBoy as your shocked guests witness an "Ike Routine", complete with "bleeps", as performed by YOUR kid? See? All is made clear! 8-) F.Rod Spiritual Advisor To Hooters Girls

Kid, Welcome and a handshake! I hope you'll spend so many years in enjoyment of fishing and the outdoors in general as have many of us older chaps and ladies. I hope that as you grow in this sport that you'll mentor and encourage those younger than yourself. BTW, these are for you: .......... ,,,,,,,,,, ???? "Caps", use them wisely. (Miss Grinch, your English teacher, will love ya'! I hear she's a hottie.) Uncle Rod

CGS, Yeah! The ABA seems to be an great answer to some of the problems. I guess this thing will remain a semi-structured matter, at best, until it really takes off. I certainly hope it pans out. Wait'll The Pride Of Oklahoma (band) finds out it's gonna have to march on water for a halftime/weigh-in show :-?. Hmmmm...they can play: "We All Live In A Yellow Submarine". Theme from "Das Boot". Theme from "Titanic". "Under The Sea" from The Little Mermaid. "What Can You Do With A Drunken Sailor?" This is gonna be big! F.Rod And a very Boomer Sooner to all.