FlyTalk

Seriously. Wanna hit the river with Tim and me? Full-day float down the Colorado River (or on the river of "what's happening now" in Colorado). And what's more, we'll take photos, write a mini-story, and post your exploits right here on Fly Talk, for the whole world (of web-surfing, Fly Talk junkies) to see. I'll be honest ... I'm already conjuring up headers like "Bob foul-hooks record quantities of whiteys" ... or "Susie sets world mark for slow reaction on dry-fly takes." But who knows, you might pull a stunner, and I'll be honest about that also. In either regard, I can promise it will be a very fun, interesting and informative day you'd enjoy and remember. You'll get our very best effort.

We've donated this trip to an important cause, the Sportsman's Alliance for Alaska, which is working to stop the Pebble Mine that may ultimately threaten the last great wild salmon fishery on the planet. All joking aside, it is a very important issue worth your support, on any level. Fish with us, and you'll also pick up a pair of wicked-good Kaenon shades and other goodies ... like learning "Deeter's Death Rig" which will never be printed. And who knows, if you fall out of the boat, maybe Romano will track you with his "helmet cam." (See the current issue of F&S if you're wondering.) If you want to talk about writing...photography...we'll be your captive audience.

Please check out the group's auction link RIGHT HERE to see a full slate of numerous quality trips and great items you can bid on to support a worthy effort. Or if you just want to cowboy(girl) up and go right for the Romano-Deeter ride, click THIS LINK HERE.

We hope to see you on the river!

Deeter

Ah, spring. That wonderful time of year, when the rivers crest with snowmelt, and the byways and river towns of the American West experience that special phenomenon we affectionately call the “guide hatch.” The guide hatch is an annual migration of sorts, when a fresh crop of peach-fuzz-bearded newbies pours forth from eastern universities, hell-bent on applying those liberal arts educations to the most noble of all professions: being a trout guide. I am often asked by “hatchlings” what the secrets to successful guiding are. Not being a successful guide myself, I have scant few answers. But I have at least learned from experience 10 things not to say to clients on a guide trip. I offer these nuggets of wisdom as a public service to those intrepid young souls, who at this very moment are beating a hot path westward in an overstuffed Volkswagen with a used kayak duct-taped to its roof …

Do not say:

Man, Dude, Bro, Holmes, Chief, Buster, or Cuz to a total stranger. (Female client no-no’s include, Toots, Honey, Sugar, Baby, and Doll.”)

“Hey, nice polarized glasses…did you steal those from Elton John?”

“Maybe you should try the next cast with your dominant hand.”

“Nice fish, pretty colors.” Ever.

“This is where Tripper found the corpse.”

“Sweet!” more than 74 times in one 8-hour float.

“Wiggle that a few more times, the knot might come out.”

“Wow, your daughter is hot,” unless you know for sure she’s his wife, and he’ll take that as a compliment.

“How much are you thinking about tipping me?”

“Holy crap, I bet you’ve never caught a fish like that before!” Even if it’s not meant as commentary on their fishing skills.

Deeter

By the way, besides all those hot Texas bass picks from Tim, and the quizzes and teases I throw your way, some of you may have noticed the fancy window dressing (by way of banners and ads) we have on the Fly Talk blog now, courtesy of Simms.

I've worn Simms gear for over 15 years; they've has taken care of me (knowingly or not) from the Arctic Circle to Tierra del Feugo. We're proud to have them. Thanks, Simms.

Deeter

Well, the season is officially on. I buried my first hook shank-deep in my thumb on a guide trip yesterday. Barbless, thank goodness, but a size #10 nonetheless. I had to super-glue it to stop the bleeding. That won't be the last time I get stuck this month, I'm sure, and I expect to have my ears pierced by flying woolly buggers in the coming weeks, also.

The experience made me want to hear from you ... who has the best "war wound" story from the river to share? I'll put up a #4-weight line for the best story.

Deeter

The Copper John. The quiz answer is red, size #16, which easily sells around 2,000 dozen (in just that one size, in just that one color) every year, not counting knock-offs and self-ties. Nobody nailed it, but M.T.E. wins the line. Hit me at [email protected], and we'll get the line out (with yours, too, Steve C.).

Speaking of the Copper John, developed by our friend John Barr, I have a cool story to share: Barr says he basically invented the fly by accident. J.B. is big on the hopper-dropper approach, and his real "killer" fly is the Barr Emerger, an often tiny, but deadly, pattern meant to imitate PMD and BWO emergers. But that's a light fly, and J.B. figured he needed an "intermediate," fast-sinking nymph to get the emerger down in the strike zone. So he developed the heavy, wire-bodied Copper John, basically to serve as an anchor. The hopper-copper-dropper approach was born. And, as for the Copper John, it was, at it genesis, an afterthought, spun from necessity. But that sucker proved to catch fish in its own right, and is now a hands-down producer all over the world.

And here's how much so: Last year, I found myself on a very remote river in Chile, with guide Ricardo Ellena. Now, in Chile, flyfishing is basically all about streamers and dry flies ... nymphs aren't nearly the rage they are here in America. But we chanced upon a juicy-looking run that seemed ripe for the hopper-dropper attack. I reached into my fly box and suggested (in broken Spanish) if we might try the nymph. My "money bug" was (of course) a Copper John ... red ... #16.

"Ah, Claro que si (or course)," Ricardo said, immediately recognizing the pattern. "El Cobre de Juan!"

(The Copper of John!)

Deeter