Airhead

Sorry Will, Those were a few I kept to eat. Lord knows I didn't keep any of the Bass. My hands still stink!

As many of you know this was to be my first season without spinning gear, near the end of April I lost my vest stuffed full of flies I had tied over the winter. Well... What can I say, thank you really doesn't cover it! You guys really came through for me. My time has been very limited due to work and family obligations, but because of your generosity it has been a flies only summer for me. I had more than enough flies to get me through the summer and I was covered for nearly every situation. Here are a few of the fish I caught on the flies you so generously sent to me! And the best for last, My Daughters first Trout, on a dryfly no less. There were plenty more to boot, just not any pictures. Thanks again, I'll try to return the favor to each and every one of you someday!

Wonder why there are 0 bids? LOL

I agree with shortening and stiffening your leader. I had a lot of trouble turning over streamers with my 5wt, until I changed my leader. 18" 20lb and then 18" 10lb. If the water is very low and clear or fish are spooky add 18" of 8lb. I have used this all summer for Smallies and Trout with good success on my sink tip. Early mornings with unweighted (or lightly weighted) streamers and floating line has also worked well, 12lb butt and 8lb leader. I originally had cut back whatever leader was on at the time, but leaders suited to dries or small nymphs/wets, just collapsed under the weight of a streamer. Recently I left on the heavy butt section and tied out to 12' and 6x and a #14 bwo, it worked very nicely for 30' casts and fooled some nice Brookies.

I am a relative beginner (2 years). I bought a St Croix Imperial 5wt, 8'6" and a Cabela's SR2 reel, I am very happy with this setup. I also bought a spare spool with a class IV sink tip to go with the WF5. 2 minutes to change spools. With this setup I can fish all but the smallest of dries (WF5 doesn't exactly lay out delicately) and the heaviest of streamers (won't turn them over). For an all around setup it serves me well, around $300 bucks total, with lifetime warranty on all! Get him a mid flex rod. It takes longer to learn to cast, but he will be happier in the long run. Lord knows my casts are still pretty sloppy, but effective, and it's more fun fighting fish on the limber rod! The only thing I might have changed about my 5wt is a DT5 floating to start, but again that would make learning to cast more difficult yet.

Magellan GPS330M, waterproof, compact, accurate, inexpensive.

The Chatooga river along the S. Carolina border is a fine trout stream and a beautiful area not to mention the site of the filming of 'Deliverance'. "you gotta purty mouf' boy, uh huh". Enjoy! Seriously, my Brother lives on the S.C. side of Lake Hartwell. Lots of great places to explore in the mountains in that region. Chatooga headwaters, Chatahootchie tribs, Senaca river near Lake Jocassi (sp). Be sure to see Stumphouse Mountain, if you are near the Ga. State fish Hatchery (also on the Chatooga). I'll try to get some pics up of the area, as soon as my better half shows me where she's stashed them.

Nice fly! I could have used one the other night. I have a pattern with clear antron for the wings on my winter list.

Cute little boat Ralf! Did you get a jet on that?

I can't believe no one mentioned BEER! Gotta have a cold one to celebrate the first fish! But I bring a few, so if I don't catch any, I don't much care! Come to think of it, maybe thats why I don't catch many fish.

Clay, fancy meeting you here! These guys are a lot of, thats what it's all about anyway!

You're a sick man John!

Nice pics Dan! Sleeping Bear Dunes are definitly a beautiful sight! Is that Mission Point? I remember walking out from the beach, about a 1/2 mile and never getting over my waist. You could climb on rocks and be ankle deep, Smallies swimming all around you chasing bait.

Bright stuff during low light and stained water, Springs Wigglers, Skunks, Woolyworms etc. I would probably swing some streamers through the deepholes too!

Welcome Jerry. Don't overlook the Chatooga near the Hatchery, some beautiful country and plenty of fish!

Great pics. I have handled many a Helgrammite in my day, but never got that close to an adult. I have only stirred up a few adults crashing the brush in well shaded areas, even near stretchs of river with tremendous nymph populations. Never really gave it much thought till now though! LOL You've got me curious, If I had to guess, I'll bet the adults are crawlers as well. They seem to be suited to clinging to rocks.

Welcome Mike. Ralf, we already discussed a Smallie trip out his way later in the summer.

Heres my order Will: 3906B- 100ea sizes 8,10,12 37160- 100ea sizes 10,12,14,16 94859- 100ea sizes 14,16,18 K3A- 25ea sizes 10,12,14,16,18 Thanks!

Thanks SD, I'm not sure Will meant to add them to the group purchase. If so, I need a couple other styles too! Will?

I'l take 1 box of each, 10 thru 18. How do I order them? I didn't see them on GreenCaddis.

What sizes do you have available Will? I'd like to order 14,12,10 and 8 if you can get them.

This is definitly a stretch! I'm looking for Swedish Dryfly Hooks. They were made by Partridge, I understand Mustad has bought them out. Are they available to you Will?

I got some really nice streamers in the mix. I hope I don't hurt anyones feelings if I have a moment of weakness and catch a couple Bass on them this summer! I could show you some pretty nice "no kill" water (for Bass) if you wander up this way in the late summer Will.

Happy birthday dude! The jugs on me Sunday!

Personal messages were sent out tonite. I bought a few new boxes and I'm happy to say they are pretty well stocked. I still have a couple patterns to tie, but I feel confident that I am covered. No more excuses for worms in the flies only! LOL I hope I didn't miss anyone. Thank you all again. Thanks to our fearless leader Will, for holding this forum where we can express our profound love of Flyfishing.