Plumb, would be pleased and honored to be added to the Air Force list:

MtFlyTyer74
Served 1964 to 1994

Just a suggestion...in case you're not doing it already. Ensure that when you cut
tippet...you cut it at a 45 degree angle instead of directly across. That makes a
finer point to thread through the hook eye. Hope it works for you.

JB....maybe forsake that pretty pond, and take that rod & Medalist reel to some of the local
streams. Most streams are starting to settle down -- although temperatures later this week
might cause some to muddy up & rise. Streams I fish were in good shape last week, trout
were looking up, and we had good luck. Tight lines.

Kerry....just 3 things:

1 - What a wonderful gesture!
2 - You do great work!
3 - Where were you when I was growing up? ;-)

Certainly looks like you know what you're do'in -- good job!

BJ - Here's the latest (April 12th) fishing report for the Bitterroot, weather is changeable though -- we've had a
cold Spring - so the typical rise in water due to snow melt hasn't really happened yet. Right now the Bitterroot is fishing well, but things may change.



The Bitterroot is dropping into great shape and the weather this week looks great. Skwala’s are still out, but we are seeing more BWO’s and March Brown’s. Bring the Skwala patterns like Rogue Stones, Rastaman’s and Water Walkers, but don’t forget your mayfly box. Sz 16-18 P-Hazes, BWO Comparaduns, Adams for the BWO’s and sz 14 Para-Wulff’s, Parachute March Browns and Brindlechutes for the March Browns. Nymphing and streamers in the mornings and switch to dries in the afternoons. 20 Inchers, Rubberlegs, Double Bead Stones, Perdigons, Jig PT’s and San Juans under a bobber or under a Skwala. Streamers when the clouds are out. keep them smaller like Mini-Dungeons, Cousin It’s, EP Minnows, Mason’s Juniors and Zonkers.

Thumbs Up neighbor ;-)

bric - Nice looking Rainbows...now I have the "itch". Tight lines to ya.

Looks to me like you're doing just fine -- welcome to the "Brotherhood".

flyguy....Crappies on a fly rod are a blast, and the larger ones fight as though they think they are
big Bass. So what if people think you're crazy -- let'em think it, we know better. Tight lines!

Well, by this time I'm sure you know you got a keeper -- ain't life grand!

12 plus 3 species of Salmon.

I'm not sure I qualify as a "real" fly fisherman...I'm 75 years old and have ben
fly fishing for the past 65 years -- so at least I can say I am "experienced".

I have, and use on really small streams, a Pflueger President auto-reel...it works well
when casting short distances, or tight line nymphing. It (and most) auto-reels are
heavy, and impact the balance of the rod too much. At one time they were the
"cat's pajamas", now not to much. All my other reels are single action Orvis,
Redington, or Martin. As a previous poster stated...the reel is for line storage,
so chose what you wish.

Not only no, but heck no...you're not the only one -- not by a long shot. I find that I carry
fly boxes that I don't even open ;-) I tie almost all my own flies, and have a few that
always produce. I buy flies from time to time...compulsive I suppose, and there are a few
of those patterns that I do use. Like almost all fly fisher folk...I have way more "stuff"
that doesn't get used very often.

Jerry,

You've received some sound advice from one and all. I'm 75 and fly fish from a Wilderness Systems "Pamlico", it's a sit in, not a sit on top, and weighs around 60 lbs. I can load and unload it by myself, and carrying it to launch isn't too bad unless it's a long way -- then I grab the bow rope, and drag it. Getting in it and sitting for a few hours doesn't bother me, but getting out can be a chore...and an interesting balancing act at times. Over the years I've learned that "Youth is a feeling, not an age" and spending time in my kayak is still a good "feeling". Hope you're able to find, and keep that "feeling" too...for a long time to come.