A Nice Way To Start

[fessiewig]

I was thinking about the folks on this board. We have quite a mix, with folks who have been around and folks who are just starting out on the fly fishing journey. I thought it might me nice if we discuss (not preach) the things we can do for each other while on stream which will make everyone's experience a little more pleasurable. I'll start it off.

When you come across someone already fishing a pool which is large enough to hold more than one person (if it's not, move on) extend the courtesy to ask the person in the pool if you could also fish it. I've never been turned down, however, often I've been asked to either fish upstream or downstream of the person already there. That request has a lot to do with the way the person is fishing. Don't enter the water right away, take the time to see how far the person is casting and then wade in where his fly and your fly will never meet. When wading in, move slowly and quietly so you do not disturb the pool.

A little courtesy goes a long, long way.

[Venzulo]

Mine is a simple suggestion; know the rule book. I have seen guys debate NH rules all day long, only to find they were all wrong. Don't get me wrong, the NH DFW rule book needs a decoder ring at times, but if you are perplexed, as I have been about certain rules, simply pick up the phone and if you still don't agree, make sure you get the officers name and location; a printed off email is even better. There are general rules, and many that pertain to exact bodies of water. Try to know them all; it is very awkward to see someone breaking the rules in person (somewhat common @ the Lamprey) because you never want to be the bad guy and some guys could take it personally.

[FishcaneNH]

I'll chime in too, for the fun of it.

For me it's all about courtesy. Don't crowd a pool, leave junk lying around, or shout at the top of your lungs. I occasionally puff on a pipe or cigar while I'm fishing or traveling from pool to pool- some folks don't like smoke, so I try to stay downwind or otherwise keep from fumigating them. It's easy to show a little courtesy, and I've found that it goes a long way...

Thanks for listening!

Dan

[fessiewig]

Anytime your smoking your pipe you can stand upwind of me.

[overmywaders]

If you see someone quietly sitting by a pool, he may just be resting it. Ask him if he is "resting the pool" -- phrased that way you give him the most latitude, not forcing him to dive right in and start flogging away. If he says no, then enquire whether you might fish that water and tell him what conditions were like downstream or up, depending on your direction of travel.

If you see someone with a freshly dressed trout on a forked stick, salute him as a comrade, not a barbarian -- no matter how you feel about killing fish. Bite your lip and be a gentleman.

"Twice cursed is help unlooked for." Don't offer advice of any kind unless it is requested.

If you are working your way upstream and notice someone ahead of you also fishing upstream, go up on the bank and try to stay clear of the water as you work your way past him -- and leave at least one pool above him untouched, so that he can fish unsullied water. He may then decide to leapfrog you similarly.

Share flies with youngsters.

Some of us have been fishing for many years and know a few things about trout --- but still can't cast worth beans. Please don't critique our (my) casting, we (I) feel discouraged enough.

Kill your fish quickly.

Share your noonday fire.

Best regards,
Reed
www.overmywaders.com

[Flyfish99]

All good stuff so far. Basically it all boils down to treating other anglers the way you would want them to treat you under existing conditions.

Also, pick up litter, share flies and tips with those not having as much success as you are, and respect your quarry.

[fessiewig]

it all boils down to treating other anglers the way you would want them to treat you

Part of the reason I started this thread is because some of this stuff will have never occurred to some folks. Also it's good to talk about this stuff. it gives us all something to think about. Sometimes the world just wears you down with it's rudeness and you start to forget this stuff and then everyone's experience on stream becomes a little less pleasurable.

[Tangled Tippet]

Well said.

[FishcaneNH]

Thanks, fessiewig! The pipe seems to make more friends than enemies, but the black flies like the cigar less sometimes ;-)

Good thoughts, all; I especially like Reed's input- always a gentleman. I tried to buy a nice 9' 3 wt Hardy from him some time ago on eBay and have only had positive interactions since. Missed the rod, but met someone I'd fish with anytime. Nice to see such cool folk hanging out here.

Keep up the good karma on this thread- it may improve the season for all of us!

Best~

Dan

[Tom Jutras]

One thing I always try to do is pick up any trash I see while traveling up or downstream and stuff it in my back pocket of my vest. I have in the past walked by trash that someone else had left behind. I can't walk by now without feeling that I should have picked it up. Think about it next time you see this in your travels. If everyone of us helps, it makes it a pleasant adventure for all who enjoy the special places that our fine sport takes us to. If you see me in your travels and your vest is heavy you can share the load with me!

Tom Jutras
Fly Fisherman
Part time trash man

[Blake P]

Fessy iam am so glad youbrought this up. this only happend to me a couple of weeks ago. I was standing upon a pool looking down watching for fish. I usually do before I throw my line in.
I decided what I would fish with and began to tie up my rig. On the last fly a guy came towards me and asked me to move my stuff so he could get by, I stated that I was going to fish down there he stopped looked at me and said it was a big river..... Well let me tell you that got my blood boiling.. After a while I chilled and went to the other side of the river. Thank god I am a good caster because I was able to still fish almost the same runs that I wanted to from the other side.
Anyway that was the rudest thing that ever happend to me flyfishing.
In my opinion there is always room for everyone. Just ask.

[fessiewig]

Blake,

Faced with the same situation, I hope I am able to react the same way. That gets you one huge "attaboy"!

[Tommy Boy]

If you are doing good and know that someone else you talked to earlier hasn't caught a thing, give them a couple flies that you were slaying them on. It might not make a difference if they are new or don't know how to use the fly, but it will be appreciated and is a good way to start a friendship or just to make some conversation. At the very least, if you see the guy on the river he is more apt to give you something more than a "few small ones" and probably will ask you to come join him.