Filling a Reel with Line and Backing

On the loose end of the fly line you will find a tag reading “this end to reel”. You can tie it directly to your reel if you prefer or you can add backing to the fly line. Most reels are design to have backing wound onto the reel before the line is. Since the fly line can not fill a reel, backing helps to fill it up. With the backing on the reel first, the fly line will not reel out in small circles making casting more difficult. Plus you might need the backing if you ever hook a large fish.

750732_fishing_gear.jpg Tie the end of your backing to the center of the arbor of your reel with an arbor knot. Wind the backing around the arbor at least two times to ensure it doesn’t slip. Tighten it well and carefully reel the backing to about ¼ inch from the top edge of your reel and attach the fly line at the “this end to reel” tag. Tie the backing to the fly line using an Albright knot. Then carefully wind it on the reel. The reel should be full and the loose end ready to be attached to the leader. Tie the fly line to the thick end of the leader with a nail knot. A blood knot is often used to tie on a section tippet material.

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Fishing Tips: Leaders and Tippets

A “leader” is a length of tapered monofilament; the thick end is tied to the end of the fly line. The “tippet” is a length of level monofilament, one end is tied to the thin end of the leader and the other end is tied to the fly.

276902_fly_fishing.jpg The leaders are about nine feet long and transfer the power of the cast gently toward the fly. A numbering system was designed to match the diameter of the end of the rod because this is the part that is important. When looking for a leader the number system is backwards. The smaller the diameter the larger the number. It makes it easy that the tippets are number the same way. A 6X leader will fit with a 6X tippet. An end of the tippet is tied to the smaller end of the leader.

Most of the knots that develop close to the end of your line near the fly are called “wind knot “ and since you get these when casting in the two feet ahead of the fly. The knots weaken things. If the knots develop in the leader, it can get expensive cutting off the knots, and changing flies. By tying on about 2 feet of tippet material, you can save your leader. The tippet material is not expensive and when it gets too short, you can just ties on a new length.

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Caring for Your Fly Lines and Backing

No matter which kind of fly line you choose to use, you will need to take care of your fly line to ensure that it will last you a good long time. Fly line is not indestructible, and it will need a little care and a few precautions to ensure the life of your fly line. Fly lines get damaged in several ways. Most of the time a fly line will get damaged through mechanical wear and tear. Ripping through the ring guides, getting stepped on, running the line across coral, sand and mud.Even the UV rays from the sun along with excessive heat can be damaging. We can’t forget that exposing the fly line to chemical substances, such as suntan lotion, gasoline or insect repellant will damage the fly line. These chemicals can also damage the finish on you fly rod, so you will want to take extra precautions when using these products around your fly fishing equipment.

Fly line manufactures create the fly line so there is a lubricant inside the fly line coating. The porous coating allows the lubricant to slowly release which will keep the line sticky and leave it with the ability to float. Sand, mud and dirt will clog the pores blocking the lubricant so it can’t do its job. It is important to keep your floating line clean.

When the outer coating starts developing small cracks, it will be your first visible sign that a fly line is reaching the end of its life. Once you see the cracks, water will get into the line and the deterioration will progress rather quickly.

Leaving the fly line wound on a small spool, usually the reel, for long periods of time will create line memory. When the line will stay coiled when removed from the spool. If your line is coiled like the tail on a piglet, casting ability is hampered in turn it will affect the fly delivery.

With out proper care a fly line will only last for one season. With the proper care fly line will last for several seasons. It only requires a small amount of effort to take care of the fly line.

When fishing even in clean water there are microscopic particles of dirt that will stick to the floating line adding weight that will prevent the natural tendencies of the line to float. Some manufacturers include cleaner pads in the package with the line. They recommend that the working part of the line be wiped with the cleaner pad every time before it is to be used. The pads clean the surface of that line and leave behind a thin layer of lubricant to assist the line in moving through the rod guides. Other manufactures suggest washing the line using a mild soap and water and drying with a soft dry cloth afterwards. The floating line will ensure the expected performance of the line no matter how it is cleaned.

Backing hardly needs any maintenance when being used for freshwater fishing, but saltwater can effect the backing along with the UV rays and mildew. Backing should be inspected often for damaged or weak spots. When drying up, salt crystals can encrust the backing together.

Here are some other tips for line care.

Rinse the fly line in tap water before the salt and dirt dry. It should be stored on a large arbour, vented spool until the next fishing trip.

ly line and backing should be soaked in hot soapy water for several hours several times a year, more if you are saltwater fishing. This will loosen the dirt and salt.

he soap used to clean the fly line should be baby shampoo or natural hand soap.

Read the manufacturer’s instructions when apply a silicone based dressing to the fly line.

Sometimes they can do more harm than good.

By stretching the line before you take it out fishing, casting the line will be much easier.

Pick up the line rather than dragging it over rocks, sand, docks and deck which will cause damage to the coating.

Try not to step on your fly line.

When you need to practice casting, practice on a lawn, not dirt or asphalt.

When your fly line is not in use, keep it covered not exposed to the sun.

If you are using a double taper fly line, it is best stored on a large arbor, vented spool during you fishing down time. Do not leave on your fly reel.

When twist and kinks develop in your fly line, they can be removed by removing the leader and fly. Allow the line to troll behind the boat for a few minutes. If you are on a river, let it hang in the water. Then take a soft cloth and remove the twists by pulling the fly line between your fingers always from the rear to the front taper. This procedure may have to be repeated to remove all the twists and kinks.

Never store fly line wet. The damp fly line and backing place in an enclosed space can cause the line to become stained and mildewed. This will attack the outer coating resulting in poor casting and floating ability. Fly line is best stored on a large arbor, vented spool.

Catching a large fish is only possible with fishing gear that is in perfect working order. Use these tips to keep your fishing gear in the best condition possible, so that you will not let the BIG ONE get away.

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Royal Christmas Fly Fishing Lures

Julie Nielson designed this pattern for brook trout, but it also interests cutthroat, browns and the occasional rainbow or two or three, etc. Years ago it was expressed that if you want to catch brook trout, put red on your fly.

Materials List
Hook: Tiemco TMC100 or equivalent, sizes 12 to 18
Thread: Red, Griffith 6/0
Tail: Brown, Hoffman Tailing Pack
Wing/Post: White, Hi Vis from L & L Products or Para Post from Hairline Dubbing Co
Body: Metallic green, Krystal Flash
Hackle: Brown
Thorax: Mahogany dubbing

Tying Instructions
If you want, smash down the barb before you start tying.

1. 1. Attach thread near front of hook, and wind it smoothly to bend. Spin bobbin and make a tight micro-bump, two wraps, just past the bend. Wind thread forward of bend a little.
   
2. To prepare the tail fibers, hold feather by the tip and stroke the fibers downward. This makes the barbs angle out from the shaft and evens tips of the barbs. Pull off a dozen or so fibers and attach them on top of the hook to make a shank length tail. Splay the barbs by winding the thread rearward against the micro-bump. Trim butts and wind thread forward to the 2/3rds point on the shank.
   
3. Since the post material will be doubled, select an amount that is one-half of what you would normally use. If the strand of material is too thick for doubling just split it before tying it on. Lay a small amount of material parallel to shank and tie it in at the 2/3rds point with two thread wraps. Pull up both sides of the material and put two thread wraps in front of post and two in back. Wind thread neatly up and down the post to build a smooth base for the hackle. Wind thread back to just in front of tail.
   
4. Attach three strands of metallic green Krystal Flash above the barb. Wind thread forward and leave it hanging at hook point. Wind two of the strands together, wrap them forward to thread and secure. Bring third strand forward over the rear bump and secure. Wind thread forward over Krystal Flash to make red segment. Hold up Krystal Flash and wind thread forward toward post. Twist all three Krystal Flash strands together and wrap them forward to make the front green bump. Secure tightly.
   
5. Wind thread forward to eye, form a head and then wind it back to the post.
   
6. Select a brown hackle with barbs about 1-1/2 gap widths long. Modern saddle hackle is best. Prepare the feather by trimming barbs close to the shaft, leaving a little stubble. Lay the feather shiny side up on the near side of the post with the feather tip pointed toward the rear. Tie it in securely. Hold feather up along post and wrap thread smoothly up and down post securing the feather to the post.
   
7. Put a little dubbing on the thread; make one or two wraps behind the post and the rest in front. After wrapping thorax, return thread to the post. Keep a thin layer of dubbing on thread to hide the color.
   
8. Wrap hackle clockwise around the post. Use more hackle wraps for wilder waters and fewer for calmer waters - (Western VS Eastern? Maybe) Tie two dubbed thread half hitches against the post and over the hackle tip. Trim hackle tip and thread. The dubbed thread half hitches are hidden in the thorax. Trim post.

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Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River

by Don Fine

Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River named after William Clark of the Lewis and Clark fame has Wyoming’s only designated Wild and Scenic River. It originates high in the Beartooth Mountains on the northwest borders of Wyoming and southwest Montana and then flows southeasterly into Wyoming for approximately 40 miles before re-entering Montana where it flows north to join the Yellowstone River near Laurel, MT.

The Clark’s Fork headwaters are near Cooke City, MT and the river is less than 50 feet in width. The river is fast flowing with eager brookies along with Yellowstone cutthroats and rainbows. The Middle Section of the river begins below Hunter Peak Campground. Here the river is wider with long runs, some pocket water and riffles. Just below the Campground, the river begins to plummet through a thousand foot drop referred to as the canyon section.

Along the canyon section additional excellent trout streams, like Crandall Creek and Dead Indian Creek add their flow to the Clark’s Fork. Wading in this section can be treacherous. The canyon section’s recommended fishing period starts by August 1, but later is safer. Near Dead Indian Creek one finds the Sunlight Basin near the site where the Nez Pierce Indians fled south through the canyons to escape pursuit by the U.S. Calvary.

In the Lower Section of the Clark’s Fork, the river slows and widens considerably. Here are found long runs, deep pools and fair numbers of Yellowstone cutthroat, along with some Rocky Mountain whitefish.

The ride along the Clark’s Fork is picturesque throughout and one of our favorite roads to travel on our way to Yellowstone Park. Rock formations in the area where the Chief Joseph highway joins route 120 north of Cody features red sandstone formations that originated hundreds of thousands of years ago.

Access to the Clark’s Fork can also be from the Beartooth Highway junction with the Chief Joseph Highway. Originating south out of Red Lodge, Montana, the Beartooth Highway is a well-known route to the northeast entrance to Yellowstone National Park. The highway’s reputation is one of America’s most scenic highways climbing to 11,000 feet before descending to the Chief Joseph Highway.

We fish the Upper Section each time we travel to Yellowstone Park. On several occasions when we fished the upper section near Hunter Peak Campground, we caught all three of the trout species listed here. In general, the upper water holds trout in the 6-12 inch range, albeit I understand fish in the Canyon area range from 12-20 inches. Flies commonly used in the Clark’s Fork during the late summer months include caddis, golden stoneflies, gray drakes, PED, PMD, and terrestrials. For Ruby and me on the warm afternoon of August 12, 2004, the fish liked stimulators, with caddis pupae droppers, as we caught numerous colorful brookies, rainbow and cutthroat. On a previous trip, a good hatch of blue wing olives (BWO) was present. Beetle and hopper patterns work in late summer too.

There is relatively little fishing pressure on the Clark’s Fork as compared to other streams in Yellowstone Park. Add the Clark’s Fork to your list of western rivers to fish when you next travel to the Park. Though you probably will not catch a trophy, you will love the clear, cool water, and the peaceful surroundings that the Clark’s Fork has to offer.

Just a tip, remember when fishing the Clark’s Fork, the BWO rules.

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Health And Safety Tips When Visiting Padre Island National Seashore

In case of emergency, dial the park’s dispatch office at (361) 949-8173, extension 0. If a dispatcher is not available, hang up – then dial 911.

Loaded firearms are strictly prohibited. A Concealed Handgun License issued under the authority of the State of Texas, or another state, is not valid at the National Seashore. Unloaded weapons may be possessed only when such weapons are rendered temporarily inoperable, or are packed, cased or stored in a manner that will prevent their ready use.

You cannot drive to South Padre Island or the Rio Grande Valley along the beach. The only way to reach these destinations is to return to Corpus Christi and follow state Highway 358 (South Padre Island Drive) to state Highway 44. Take Highway 44 to Robstown. Then take U.S. Highway 77 south to the Rio Grande Valley.

Camping is available at several locations and is by permit only. Camping permits are available at no cost at the Visitor Center, Entrance Station or from a park ranger.

The 50 site Malaquite Beach campground is paved and suitable for both RV and tent camping. Restrooms, potable water and cold showers are here, as well as a dump station for RV’s. The cost is $8.00 per night or $4.00 per night with a Golden Age or Golden Access Passport. Small fires are permitted in enclosed containers at these campsites. A 30 day camping limit is in effect at Malaquite Beach. At the end of 30 days, campers must vacate their site and leave the park for a minimum of 48 hours before returning to camp.

Visitors may camp at no charge on both North Beach and South Beach. There are no facilities at these two locations. Small fires are permitted in enclosed containers; however, please remember that neither camping nor fires are permitted in the dunes, grasslands or mudflats. A 14 day camping limit is in effect at these two locations. At the end of 14 days, campers must vacate their site and leave the park for a minimum of 48 hours before returning to camp.

Camping is also available on the Laguna Madre at Bird Island Basin, a prime windsurfing location, and at Yarborough Pass, which is accessible only by 4-wheel drive vehicle. Restrooms are the only facilities available. Small fires are permitted in enclosed containers. Please note that a user fee of $5.00 per day (or $10.00 per year) is required to use Bird Island Basin. Golden Age and Golden Access Passport holders receive a 50% discount. A 14 day camping limit is also in effect at these two locations. At the end of 14 days, campers must vacate their site and leave the park for a minimum of 48 hours before returning to camp.



If you have a medical emergency during your visit, contact a park ranger immediately or go to the First Aid station at the Malaquite Beach Visitor Center. Several park employees are Emergency Medical Technicians and can provide advanced care while obtaining assistance from the Corpus Christi emergency medical system. If an employee is not immediately available, you may summon assistance for any emergency by dialing 911. Pay telephones are available at the Malaquite Beach campground and in front of the Visitor Center.

The closest hospital is Columbia Bay Area Medical Center, located at the corner of South Padre Island Drive and Rodd Field Road in Corpus Christi. This facility is 24 miles from the Visitor Center.

Beaches are Texas public highways. Only street legal and licensed vehicles may be driven in the park. All Terrain Vehicles (ATV’s) are prohibited. Driving in dunes, grasslands or mudflats is prohibited. Drive with caution and strictly observe posted speed limits. Pedestrians have the right-of-way at all times and do not always watch for approaching vehicles.

Portuguese Man-of-War are found at the park throughout the year. These attractive, blue jellyfish cause a painful sting, which is usually accompanied by redness and some swelling of the affected skin area. If stung, seek first aid. A very small percentage of those stung will experience an allergic reaction, which can cause difficulty breathing, numbness in the arms, legs or elsewhere, severe pain and/or disorientation or unconsciousness. Visitors experiencing these or other symptoms should notify a park ranger immediately and seek medical attention.

Two species of rattlesnakes live in the dunes, grasslands and mudflats. Visitors should avoid walking in these areas.

Hunting is not permitted at the park, except for the taking of waterfowl in the Laguna Madre in accordance with applicable state and federal regulations. The transportation of lawfully taken wildlife, including exotic species, through the park, is prohibited, except for waterfowl and fish.

Both a Texas state fishing license and salt water stamp are required to fish. These may be obtained at the park’s concessionaire at the Visitor Center along with complete fishing regulations. Commercial fishing is strictly prohibited. Fishing Guides using park facilities or fishing in park waters are required to possess an Incidental Business Permit, which is available at Headquarters.

Jet skis, air boats and kite surfing are prohibited. For the safety of all visitors, boaters launching from Bird Island Basin must avoid the NO BOATS buoy line west of the boat ramp near the windsurfing area.

Alcoholic beverages may be consumed at the park; however, open containers are not allowed in moving vehicles. Be safe. If you drink, don’t drive. Visitors found to be driving under the influence are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Use caution when swimming and never swim alone. Strong currents flowing parallel to the beach, tides flowing to and from the beach and sudden drop-offs in the surf can be dangerous for swimmers and waders alike. If caught in a riptide, do not panic. Swim parallel to the beach until you are free from the flow, then swim to shore. Do not attempt to swim to shore against the flow. You will not make it.

Hazardous materials periodically wash ashore. These range from 55 gallon barrels containing unknown substances to used medical products. If you come upon hazardous materials, note the location and alert a park ranger.

Possession or use of metal detectors is prohibited in the park. Items such as seashells and driftwood, washed in by the tide, may be collected as long as the items are not used for commercial purposes. All other collecting is prohibited.

Pets must be on a leash and under physical restraint at all times. Pets are not permitted at the Visitor Center area including the designated swim beach.

Gray water and sewage must be disposed of only at the dump station at the Malaquite Beach campground.

Nudity is not permitted anywhere in the park. Fireworks are prohibited.

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Self-Employment and Subsistence Hunting and Fishing in Alaska

Self-Employment
Jackie Bisbee is the coordinator of the Tanana Chiefs Conference (TCC) Vocational Rehabilitation Program in Fairbanks, Alaska. The program currently serves Athabascan Indians living in 27 Alaska villages, seven of which are on the road system, the others only accessible by commuter airplane or boat. The land encompasses approximately 37% of the state of Alaska or 235,000 square miles.

“About 25% of our cases go to self-employment,” said Bisbee. The grant under which they operate is focused on providing competitive employment, self-employment and subsistence outcomes to clients with disabilities. She and two staff members carry an equal share of the 77 cases active at this time.

Clients who seek self-employment must prepare a business plan. “We want them to think it out and write answers to questions like these: Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How?,” said Bisbee. For more formal business plans, the program contracts for the service.

If clients need training or instruction before they can start a business, the program staff will find someone to provide the training. Typically, a Memo of Understanding is drawn up between the training provider and the rehabilitation center so that both parties understand what is expected.
The medical needs of clients are met through various means, sometimes simultaneously with the pursuit of a self-employment goal. In one case, a neurological expert made visits to a man who suffered a stroke in order to assess and monitor his condition. At the same time, a computer expert was paid to visit the client weekly and teach him computer skills.

Tanana Chiefs Conference has a Minority Business Office (MBO) for further self-employment assistance. The MBO offers business loans to new entrepreneurs. “The loan office really makes clients think about their project because of the documentation they require before any loans are approved,” said Bisbee.

The vocational rehabilitation office will buy equipment and supplies to help clients start a business. No provision exists for the return of things purchased if the business fails. “It would be bad public relations for the program,” said Bisbee. “The people we buy equipment for really want to succeed.”

Subsistence
“Subsistence hunting, fishing, and trapping is a viable outcome for us, on par with self-employment” emphasizes Bisbee. Subsistence fishing and hunting is a big self-determination issue. Being able to provide food from for one’s family from the natural environment is culturally appropriate. “People depend on subsistence hunting and fishing,” said Bisbee. “It contributes to their livelihood – ensures their survival. There are no full service grocery stores in the remote villages, especially those off the road system.”

Villagers will catch and dry salmon to eat over the long winter months. Those with dog teams will feed salmon to their dogs. Those lucky enough to secure a moose will freeze the meat or make it into jerky.

The last few years have been tough for those trying to make a living off the land, either by subsistence or self-employment means. Poor salmon runs have been compounded by ever-lower prices for commercially caught salmon. “Fur prices have bottomed out so much that it is not economically feasible to trap anymore,” said Bisbee.

The Tanana Chiefs Conference Vocational Rehabilitation Center will finance the purchase of boats, motors, snowmobiles, and other tools for the people to hunt, fish, and trap. The Center has purchased glasses, dentures, hearing aides, and prostheses for people who need them to perform successfully in either the self-employment or subsistence venue. One elderly man was able to go moose hunting again after receiving a hearing aide.

Success Stories

• A client with his right arm amputated started a fishing guide service on the Kenai River. He had several years of experience working for another guide on the Kenai. “He knew exactly what he wanted to do,” said Bisbee. “Having done it before made it easier for him. He was focused.” The man received financial assistance to purchase a used boat and motor, the necessary licenses, marine training, and fishing gear. In his first year in business, he accepted the customer overflow from his former employer-guide.

• A successful banker was confronted with a stroke that suddenly changed his life and his career. He had to come to terms with his decreased cognitive ability after the stroke. After five years of learning to deal with his disability, he decided to start his own computer consulting business. He used to use a computer when he worked for the bank. The man developed a business plan and went to work. A computer systems person was hired through the vocational rehabilitation program to help train him. Six months later, he was in business for himself. One of his first requests for service was to install a new computer system for an organization near his home.

• A skilled carpenter with chronic mental illness wanted to make dog sleds the way his dad used to make them when his dad was still alive. His first step was training himself. He read books on sled-making and studied doll-sized models of sleds that his father used to make before building real ones. The client’s first product was a small model sled that he sold to a person who works for Tanana Chiefs Conference. He recently completed his first pair of snowshoes to add to his product repertoire.

• One man sells gas and oil to people using boats and seaplanes on a lake in the summertime.

• A woman uses her sewing machine to make kuspuks (summer parkas) and other types of traditional Native Alaskan clothing.

Consumers unsure of what type of business they wish to form can easily start out as a wood vendor or an expeditor. A wood vendor uses a chainsaw and ax to cut and chop firewood for sale to others. An expeditor transports equipment from one place to another via snowmobile, four-wheeler, dog sled, boat, or motor vehicle.

Jackie and her staff foster a personal relationship with the clients they serve. When in the field, Jackie and her staff make it a point to visit former clients, say “hi,” see how they are doing, and remind them that they can open up their files again if they need anything. Informal visits of this nature are part of the culture of the Athabascan Indian population served and provide feedback on how well the vocational rehabilitation program is meeting consumer needs.

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