Njardar

Since I started fly fishing two years ago I've always gone trout fishing at Montauk or the Big Thompson in CO; however, living in central IL opportunities for trout fly fishing are limited, and about four hours away. So, I've been thinking (strike 1)... what can I do to increase my fly and spinning fishing opportunities, and fishing from a kayak came to mind (possibly strike 2?). I love to kayak and while I would not use the 17’ sea kayak I made I would use one our shorter Pungo’s (avoided strike 3 as the Admiral thought it was a good idea). Can someone give me advice on fishing from a kayak and in particular: setting it up the kayak (this is a sit in not sit on kayak), what do you fish for, and any other pertinent advice. My primary use would be at IL lakes such as Sanchris and Lake Springfield. Fishing for smallies come to mind, but I clueless at where to start. Any advice and recommendations are appreciated. Thanks in advance! - Charlie

When I bought my 5wt TFO two years ago the Sage representative (long story) recommended that I use 6wt line and I've never changed it out, it jusy worked with the rod and how I fish. - Charlie

Received my 5/6 Alpha today... very, very nice. Well worth the wait. I'm even going to spring for an extra spool. Still waiting on the hooks though. - Charlie

From what I've been told, two main factors are oxygen content and temperature. When the temperature rises the dissolved oxygen level goes down, which is why trout released in non-trout streams/lakes will not survive much past the spring release. This is waht I found for brown trout: "Oxygen levels - The trout thrives on high dissolved oxygen levels therefore running water is essential in its production. The brown trout extracts 80% of the dissolved oxygen that passes across its gills and a minimal requirement of a 6 ppm saturation level is needed (Stevenson 1987). Temperature - There is a direct relationship between dissolved oxygen and temperature with large fluctuations creating serious problems. The ideal temperature for growing trout is around 15°c, which holds a 9.96-ppm oxygen solubility level, but temperatures exceeding 24°c are lethal." - Charlie

I bought a Kindle this summer and love it. I was a diehard traditional book lover until I could not find something to read at air port shops. With the Kindle I've got many titles to chose from and they are only a WiFi signal away. One plus for amazon is that they will send a sample book to try, and if I like it I can buy the book. The sample is usually long enough to know if i want the book. A downside of the Kindle is that I cannot share books with a friend, only with my wife because her Kindle is registered to the same account. I do find myself reading much more. - Charlie

Dano, The Kindle does allow highlighting and annotations, and the file can be downloaded to a PC for further editing. I was originally oposed to ebooks but ince I picked uo the Kindle I haven't but it down, in fact I'm reading more. - Charlie

The series may not be as old as some you've mentioned, but Patrick O'brian's Aubrey/Maturin series is great. I felt like I was on a ship in the royal navy during the napoleonic wars. I'm hoping they come out as ebooks sood so i can read the series again. With all the traveling I do I really appreciate my Kindle, and I can skip the airport kiosk and the trash (for the most part) they are selling. - Charlie

OB, Addy please. - Charlie

Jeff, Kudos to you for doing the right thing. I tip my hat to you. - Charlie

I'm still patiently waiting on my 5/6 Alpha and hook offer, but the drag cap was not up to Justin's exacting standards which explains the delay. Patience may be a virtue, but not when waiting for a fly reel. - Charlie

After your waders are cleaned and dried how do you store them? I keep mine in a dedicated duffle bag with nothing heavy on top of them so they don't crease, but I'm wondering if this is OK or if there is a better way to store them during the off season. - Charlie

As usual, many good techniques and ideas. Between my vision and carpel tunnel I might give them a try. - Charlie

Does anyone use Mini Tippet Rings? Saw them on J Stockton's website and was wondering if they are worth trying. They are very small rings used to tie a tippet to a leader, but to me the only thing I think I would save is tippet knot material. However, doing a modified blood knot on a ring in the water might be easier than a double blood knot splice. Just curious? - Charlie

If you will have it, and since we are doing park flies, I'll do a mohair leach. - Charlie

Jerry, Nice "meeting" you here as well. Given where you live, you needed to be on this site... - Charlie

Welcome Jerry, Great people on this site so feel free to ask lost of questions. - Charlie

How many flies are we tying for the swap?

Great report and it sounds like a wonderful time.

Sold.

It helps to think in terms of FF dollars where $1FF=$100. That way you can come home from the fly shop and say you only spend $4.

Works for me.

I'm interested...

Just reduced the price to $40.00. This pack is in excellent condition and unlike the current Orvis version it has a mesh pocket and zippered pouch on the back. Very comfortable and well thougt out.

Since this post was hijacked by the starter... how about close encounters as well? This spring the Big Thompson, past Estes Park, was up... really up, and the guide decided that the week we were there it was just starting to become wadeable...barely. To make a long story short, he took me out into the middle of the river, with me hanging on to him, where he left me... to go work with my friends... up river. Which didn't bother me at the time. This was after several hours of fishing and my legs were already like rubber. Fortunately, thye guide loaned me a Simms wading staff, and I had to use both hands to maintain my balance in the current while still preserving my new rod and old dignity. Fortunately I made it to the bank and promptly bought a wading staff that afternoon in town. It took all I had to get out of that river and in hindsight, it was probably dumb not to have stayed in eye sight of someone. Sometimes we don't realize how dangerous a situation is until we are out of it. - Charlie

Snagged, Not knowing where you are or what you have makes it hard to give advice... have you done internet research? My wife has done that with guns and bottles successfully.