Michael Phillippe
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I fish the Upper Delaware as well, and can attest to the ridiculous behavior of rafters and rental canoe folks, But, one of my pet peeves is the fisherman in a canoe. As you Delaware guys know, there are a few select spots that hold nice fish. So, you’re drifting into the head of one these spots and here comes the guy in a canoe, who flies by and sets up about 50 yards below you! Makes you want to whack him with an oar as you go by!
I’ve not had a problem with rude guides on the Delaware. Most that I know are nice enough guys and just trying to make a living in a very tough environment. But, I’m also sympathetic to guides since my son is one in Montana.
Before you go and try to patch them , call Simms. They may send you a brand new pair if it’s a seam leak.You shouldn’t have tried to fix it yourself first or it voids the warranty. Generally a wet foot means a seam leak. Call first!
Michael
When I built my boat a couple years ago, the closest trailer I could find was Colorado. I ended up paying $500 to gave Hyde ship one to me.
David,
In the shot of the fisherman at sunset, do you you meter on the sky and then fill flash the person? (Can’t you tell I’m new at this?!)
Michael
The Winston B2X 9 ft 5 wt is probably one of the best fly rods of the past 10 years. The 8’6″ version is not…. size does matter.
On the other hand, I love the longer B2X rods because they are faster. Most of my rods are either classic Winstons or cane so the B2X is my big water rod.
I’m a big fan of supporting the local shop when possible, but where I live it is usually more impossible than possible.
The best mail order place – and I’ve been buying materials for over 30 years – is Whitetail Fly Tieing Supplies (And, yes, he spells it that way!) in Toledo, OH, 800-579-5549, http://www.whitetailflytieing.com.
I could never tie good comparaduns until I started ordering from this guy. You call him up and tell him what you want to tie – he’ll send you the right hair, thread, etc.
Mick,
Thank you for the thoughtful and encouraging advice. Your mention of your state’s Casting for Recovery program was interesting. I am a “two-time-survivor” who has worked as a ‘buddy’ in the program in PA.
Michael
Roderick Haig-Brown. I stayed in his home on the Campbell River on Vancouver Island – now a historic B&B. He must have been a truly great man in addition to being one of the greatest writers of our time.
Keep you chin up guy! A fellow down the road from me got fired from an editor’s job at a high profile magazine at Rodale Press a few years ago. Tried to make a living as a freelance newspaper writer. In his spare time, he wrote a book about the yellow Lab he loved so much. Called it “Marley and Me” ….and the rest is history….
LC,
Good advice. I actually have no interest in selling my work. I simply believe that if one chooses to do something, you should do it to your best of your ability. And to that end, I want my photography to be on the same level as my fly tying, boat building or my casting.
Thanks guys – you are all most gracious and fantastic.
One consistent suggestion – which other beginners might heed – is putting the camera on full manual and experimenting. I shall do that.
I am only 40 minutes from Hawk Mountain, PA – a major stop in the migration path of raptors – so in the spring I’ll head up there. Ironically, I see several bald eagles whenever I float the Delaware. Would love to photograph them in a way that does them justice.
I did buy a new lens last summer – the Cannon EFS 17-35 with IS. I’m trying to figure out what my next addition should be. Telephoto?
More advice is welcome. And, if anyone gets to NE PA, I’ll float you down the Delaware in my wooden drift boat.
I’ve been using 7.5 ft rods from L.L. Bean for the First Cast program (TU program for kids) and they function very well for young folks. I think they currently retail for $75.
A friend of mine built a Montana Boat Builders’ skiff at the same time. He paid to have Linex (the truck bed stuff) sprayed on the outside and inside bottom. MBB does this for some of the boats they custom build. I just used graphite and epoxy on the bottom to keep weight down. With just me in the boat I only draw about 4 inches of water and can get through soime pretty skinny stuff.
That said, I may have the outside sprayed with Linex just so I don’t have to keep recoating the bottom myself. I’m not sure if it makes the boat stronger — there is 1/2 plywood with three layers of fiberglas and epoxy ove it — but the maintenance may be older for an old guy.
Michael
Many years ago I thought about making the effort to get FFF certified — then I went fishing instead.
However, I will say that the Wulff School is a wonderful experience. You stay at the Beaverkill Valley Inn about a mile down the upper Beaverkill from Joan’s home and the school.
I was there several years ago when Joan was still actively teaching so I feel somewhat blessed to have had her personally yell, “No! No! No!” at the sight of my cast.
If you get a chance (and can afford it) go!
Michael (aka, Old Tight Loops)
Zach,
Here’s an example of a shot that I think should have been much better.
By the way, it is on the Palena River in Chile and is now buried under several inches of ash from the Chaiten volcano!
Michael
