coComments related to TCWriter

I’ve heard rumors that the fis

2009-11-25T00:34:51.350+01:00

I’ve heard rumors that the fishing’s good at the higher altitudes, but most of what the rest of the World knows about Montana can be summed up in a small handful of rivers. Guy: Don’t despair — lots of good fishing, and if you visit Josh’s blog (click on his name), or the Yellowstone Fly Fishing blog, you’ll find plenty of information. Reply

You know why the weather is so

2009-11-25T00:34:43.850+01:00

You know why the weather is so hot and they’re closing all the streams don’t you? It’s cuz I’m going there next week for seven days!! That’s my luck! Oh well. Guess I’ll just have a relaxing week away from all the hustle and bustle. Reply

I’ve been in MT the whole summ

2009-11-25T00:34:36.350+01:00

I’ve been in MT the whole summer, and fishing is great. Yeah, the big rivers are closed, but go to any mountain stream that feeds those big rivers and the fishing is great. The cutthroat were incredibly active the past few days in the upper Boulder, and creeks feeding into the Clark Fork have been productive as well. All you have to do is be willing to go off the beaten path. Reply

Blain: Greetings Tom- I recently purchased an 8 ft Phillipson Pacemaker.Being a newcomer to bamboo I have two questions for you: 1. Rod is flawless, except for a very small chip out of the varnish on the butt section (roughly 2 mm). Should I varnish over this, or can rod be fished as is?2.The only inscriptions on the butt section are “Phillipson Pacemaker” and a small number “68.”No rod length, weight, or line size.These are all listed on the paper label on the original tube.Was this the norm for early model Pacemakers?Thanks.I keep a small vial of a fast-drying, water-based “varnish” handy to repair just such chips (Gudebrod’s rod varnish is good for this, though not much else). In your case, repair may not be critical, but remember that water isn’t exactly a bamboo fly rod’s friend, so keeping the varnish intact is a good thing. The trick is to apply a tiny bit, and to not muck up the finish around it. I used a toothpick.Good luck! It’s a wonderful rod. Reply

Greetings Tom- I recently purc

2009-11-23T16:34:03.893+01:00

Greetings Tom- I recently purchased an 8 ft Phillipson Pacemaker. Being a newcomer to bamboo I have two questions for you: 1. Rod is flawless, except for a very small chip out of the varnish on the butt section (roughly 2 mm). Should I varnish over this, or can rod be fished as is?2. The only inscriptions on the butt section are “Phillipson Pacemaker” and a small number “68.” No rod length, weight, or line size. These are all listed on the paper label on the original tube. Was this the norm for early model Pacemakers? Thanks. Reply

Fishing with Great-Grandpa’s P

2009-11-23T16:33:54.803+01:00

Fishing with Great-Grandpa’s Phillipson – priceless… Reply

Trisha Lloyd: We just recieved my great grandpa’s 9′5” 5/8, it was used maybe 5 times if that. We were just curious on the value of that rod.There was no 9′ 5″ Phillipson rods (that I know of). It’s probably a 9′ (5 5/8oz), and value on the 9′ Phillipsons wasn’t great – probably less than $450. The bamboo market has definitely come down some lately, so may be a couple hundred less… Reply

We just recieved my great gran

2009-11-23T16:33:36.623+01:00

We just recieved my great grandpa’s 9′5” 5/8, it was used maybe 5 times if that. We were just curious on the value of that rod. Reply

I’ve answered most of the abov

2009-11-23T16:33:27.533+01:00

I’ve answered most of the above comments via email. Grant Somers: I have a Phillipson Premium 7.5 ft with the letters HEH on the butt section. Does this refer to the line weight to use and what might that be, perhaps a 5 wt.It is a 3 3/4 oz rod in perfect condition.Thanks so much for any information.It’s probably going to take a 5wt. I had a 7.5′ Phillipson Premium and found it to be a pretty strong 5wt. Reply

I have a Phillipson Premium 7.

2009-11-23T16:33:18.443+01:00

I have a Phillipson Premium 7.5 ft with the letters HEH on the butt section. Does this refer to the line weight to use and what might that be, perhaps a 5 wt. It is a 3 3/4 oz rod in perfect condition. Thanks so much for any information. Reply

8-12-’09 Cadiz, OhioI have a 9

2009-11-23T16:33:09.353+01:00

8-12-’09 Cadiz, OhioI have a 9′ or 91/2′ Phillipson Paramount, 4 piece, flyrod with original cloth sleeve and aluminum case. This was pruchased new in Port Angeles, Washington in 1958 when participating in the Student Conservation group as a graduate student. This rod has been used c. only three or four times and stored since ‘58-’59. Ohio is not fly fishing country! I would be interested in selling it to someone who would use and appreciate it for a reasonable price. If interested e-mail me at–cado43@gmail.com or call 1-740-942-2401 Reply

i just found in an old friends

2009-11-23T16:33:00.263+01:00

i just found in an old friends shop a phillipson paragon,39 9-5 5/8 HCH.this is a three pice in a vinyl over cloth case,all in good condition. could you give me an appoximate value . thanks butch Reply

Greetings. Trying to figure ou

2009-11-23T16:32:51.173+01:00

Greetings. Trying to figure out this old Phillipson. The aluminum tube states “Phillipson P64S Spin Rod” but you can mount a reel in either of two places. Am I correct in my assumption that this is a “Combination” rod? Is this model bamboo or is it fiberglass? And the enevitible is it worth anything? I’m staging a tag sale next week for the benifit of the son of a recently departed friend and don’t want to undersell (grossly) the item. Hope to hear from you but understand if you find it a bother. Thanks. regards, s.o’n Reply

TO Bryan Thank you for phone n

2009-11-22T23:57:32.640+01:00

TO Bryan Thank you for phone no. Yes i am related to them .But donot know them.I Live four hours south on the coast of Maine penobscot bay Dennis Reply

Hello Dennis Sprague. Are you

2009-11-22T23:57:22.974+01:00

Hello Dennis Sprague. Are you related to any of the Sprague’s in Grand Lake Stream, ME? Try Loren Sherman 810-394-0400. He built my 20 Grand Laker and may want to sell his mold. Reply

I looking for a 20ft. form or

2009-11-22T23:57:13.308+01:00

I looking for a 20ft. form or mold.The V.A. is sending me to wooding boat but they are not giving a form class. Reply

Geoff thank you for the reply

2009-11-22T23:57:03.642+01:00

Geoff thank you for the reply and I’ll be in touch within the week….Mike Reply

Assuming most folks remove the

2009-11-22T23:56:53.976+01:00

Assuming most folks remove their motors when the boat is on the trailer. Does anyone make a motor mount for trailers? Reply

MIchael, I do know a few build

2009-11-22T23:56:44.310+01:00

MIchael, I do know a few builders in Grand Lake Stream. As I just purchased one last year. Feel free to email me and I can give you some contacts.geoff_mitchelL@brettgm.com Reply

Does anyone have knowledge of

2009-11-22T23:56:34.644+01:00

Does anyone have knowledge of who is currently building Grand Lakers other than Island Falls Canoe Co. and how to contact them? Reply

I would be interested in a new

2009-11-22T23:56:24.978+01:00

I would be interested in a new or used Grand Laker. I live in New Hampshire. Reply

I mayt be reached at 410-628-7

2009-11-22T23:56:15.312+01:00

I mayt be reached at 410-628-7019 or mdpaddler@aol.com Reply

I would be happy to answer any

2009-11-22T23:56:05.646+01:00

I would be happy to answer any questions off the blog. Please return with your address…email address and phone number. Thanks Bryan Reply

Bryan…..How old is the Grand-l

2009-11-22T23:55:55.980+01:00

Bryan…..How old is the Grand-laker? and where is it located? and how much would you want for just the boat and trailer? Craig Reply

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sixm7glK5PgSome video of the maiden voyage of my Pop Moore/Bill Shamel Grand Laker a few weekends ago. (you can ignore the dialog as we tend to get a little foolish when the camera is rolling!!) But just the same, there’s some great footage of how beautiful these canoes really are and how stable they are even while fishing standing up. Enjoy!MITCH Reply

I have a nice Grand Lake to se

2009-11-22T23:55:36.648+01:00

I have a nice Grand Lake to sell. I do not know the builder. I have a 7 1/2 HP Johnson motor… and a trailer. The boat need some work…I can supply all the parts…OR…I can restore the boat that it would be the best it can be. I can sell the boat as is…with parts…with parts and motor or what ever suites. Bryan Wilhelm 410-628-7019 Reply

I have a Dale Tobey Grand Lake

2009-11-22T23:55:26.982+01:00

I have a Dale Tobey Grand Laker built in the winter of’ ‘06-’07. I believe that it was #3 boat. It is just about my most prized possession and has worked flawlessly. I live in Keene, NH and take it to GLS each year in May to fish. This year it will be May 14th. I have been running a 4 stroke Nissan 6 HP for the last two years and it does the job just fine. I had the motor from a previous boat and had considered going to a 9HP but have found I do not need to, even with it fully loaded with three large people. The 9s will pull away after awhile but the way I look at it I am not looking for a race boat anyway. Dale does a tremendous job with the boats and also knows the lakes very well having been a master guide in GLS for many, many years. Would be happy to post photos of the boat if someone can direct me where to put them. Edward Kunttu Keene, NH Reply

We presently still own a grand

2009-11-22T23:55:17.316+01:00

We presently still own a grand laker.. Great canoe.. Many found memmories fishing from it. My grand father Bud McGrath owned a fishing camp @ the mouth of grand lake stream (heading into big lake. Red camp on the right.. ) I spent many summers there. Miss it very much.. But still have my gramps canoe.. Will always keep it.. Reply

Thanks Tom: Maybe all us GL’rs

2009-11-22T23:55:07.650+01:00

Thanks Tom: Maybe all us GL’rs could meet to fish and enjoy our boats. I live in MD but travel all summer fishing all ovver N. America. I have a camp at Indian Lake NY (Adirondack Park). There are plenty of opportunities there. We could take non Boat owners too. Camping in the adirondacks is just great after fathers day. I enjoy Bass fishing with a fly rod. I have two Laker at present…but there is a chap talking to me about buying one of them. Regards, Bryan Reply

Canoes and rough water don’t o

2009-11-22T23:54:57.984+01:00

Canoes and rough water don’t often go together, but the Grand Lakers prove they can… Reply

3-14-09 Hello all: I have had

2009-11-22T23:54:48.318+01:00

3-14-09 Hello all: I have had several in my life…one an original Pop Moore. I often would go on canoe trips alone but with other couples. When the wind blew, we would all get in the grand laker and go…canoes in tow. Weather was not a problem. Those were the days! Gotta say, Grand lakers are GRAND. Fly fishers who live a block from Lefty and drive a grand laker are (like myself) are blessed (and I am greatful). Have one here…if I decide to sell it, I will write here again. Regards, Bryan W. retired guide Cockeysville, MD ReplyCanoes and rough water don’t often go together, but the Grand Lakers prove they can… Reply

>is it still for sale?And i

2009-11-22T23:54:38.652+01:00

>is it still for sale?And if it is, how much of a cut does the Underground get? Reply

is it still for sale?Bill Mattei: I have a Grand Lake Canoe that I would like to sell.It is about 20 years old and I used to fish in Maine with my brother . Since he passed away I haven’t used it.It’s in mint condition.What would it be worth? Reply>is it still for sale?And if it is, how much of a cut does the Underground get? Reply

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgV9vkyav0UI obviously have too much time on my hands! Anyway, here’s a quick video clip of my Grand Laker’s arrival to my garage and the process of having it built! I thought the patrons of this thread may enjoy a close up look at what is sincerely a masterpiece built by Bill Shamel off the “Pop” Moore mold. The intermitent photos are of Bill, his workshop and the “pop” Moore mold itself. Enjoy!MITCH Reply

I imagine iceout seems like a

2009-11-22T23:54:09.654+01:00

I imagine iceout seems like a long ways away when you’ve got a new Grand Laker to float. Building a site for people to share Grand Laker photos would be kinda cool, but I’ve got enough unpaid projects going already. Reply

Just thought I would add my co

2009-11-22T23:53:59.988+01:00

Just thought I would add my comment to the list, as I just purchased my first Grand Laker! It was built by Bill Shamel of GLS and has yet to hit the water…. Spring can’t come soon enough! And to comment on the Grand Lakers made in Florida and other parts of the country I’ll quote long time builder George “Sonny” Sprague: “‘One thing’s for sure, If it ain’t built in Grand Lake Stream, it sure as hell ain’t a Grand Lakah!!.”Great article and thread, too bad we don’t have a place to share photos of our canoes and restoration projects… Anyone have any ideas?MITCH New Brunswick, Canada ReplyI imagine iceout seems like a long ways away when you’ve got a new Grand Laker to float. Building a site for people to share Grand Laker photos would be kinda cool, but I’ve got enough unpaid projects going already. Reply

M J Nylander Brian Wilhelm in

2009-11-22T23:53:50.322+01:00

M J Nylander Brian Wilhelm in Cockysville, MD does canoe restorations and specializes in Grand Laker restorations. If you’re interested in contacting him email me at magicanoe@yahoo.com and I’ll send you his information Loren Reply

Hi there MJ – if you don’t hav

2009-11-22T23:53:40.656+01:00

Hi there MJ – if you don’t have any luck with Dale Tobey I might be able to help you out. I am located just outside Bangor, Maine. Call me at 848-3797 Fred Reply

Hello M J, I had a Grand Lake

2009-11-22T23:53:30.990+01:00

Hello M J, I had a Grand Laker restored by a guy named Dale Tobey. He is a nice guy and does excellent work. You may want to contact him and his phone # is 207-796-2884. Maybe you could email some photos to him and he could give you some idea of cost. However, you would have to get your boat to him in Grand Lake Stream, ME. Reply

I have inherited a Grand Lake

2009-11-22T23:53:21.324+01:00

I have inherited a Grand Laker. It needs Maintenance but I don’t know what to do. I have not been sucessful in finding any on the internet. Any help, I live in the Boston area…thanks, M J Reply

I really enjoyed your article.

2009-11-22T23:53:11.658+01:00

I really enjoyed your article. These are very beautiful canoes. I am sure canoes like this exist in Florida, where i am from, but there is so little that is truly traditional to Florida. I will have to make the trip just for the experience Reply

Very beautiful canoes. Fantast

2009-11-22T23:53:01.992+01:00

Very beautiful canoes. Fantastic essay. It was a great educational read. Isn’t it good to know that some things never completely change. i am refering to the river guides. Reply

Ed: Forgive me then. I’m seein

2009-11-21T18:47:11.157+01:00

Ed: Forgive me then. I’m seeing a lot of “blame the indians” from dam removal opponents, and don’t find it very attractive. As for the return rates, it’s clear that water quality is playing a big role in the loss of the salmon runs. Removing the dams opens up the spawning habitat and has the added benefit of improving the truly awful water quality below the lower reservoirs. Water problems are hammering the fish, so even the few that make it into the river from the hugely degraded Scott and Shasta rivers are suffering in the main stem of the Klamath. There are a host of problems, and I’m as guilty as anyone of focusing solely on dam removal as the solution, but it does deal with two of the worst issues. As for your return rates, I’m not sure where the 2% figure comes from or how much the wild fish returns figure into that, but a huge majority of the fish aren’t supposed to make it back.Besides, what’s important are the “wild” fish numbers, and those are in terrible shape too.Still, the overall numbers do seem to be in an decline, and the fishery is clearly ailing. Like a lot of environmental problems, this one’s the result of a lot of smaller issues, which — when added up — result in a population teetering on the brink. Add in one more thing (drought years, dewatering, poor ocean conditions, etc) and the whole thing falls down.As for “experts” I had lunch with one. He laid out the problems, but thought the Klamath Recovery plan probably would bring salmon populations back, provided we haven’t screwed up the oceans somehow. Reply

i do not think the indians are

2009-11-21T18:47:02.067+01:00

i do not think the indians are the problem at this point. it appears that roughly 2% of the smolt released from irongate hatchery return as adults.if this is correct then what happened to the other 98% ? predation,native american harvests,returning to a different location.these things may explain a portion of it,but certainly not 98%.how about foreign fishing vessels? whats their take? i dont know…maybe nothing…maybe more than we can believe. all i am saying is that if the salmon aren’t making it back to the hatchery,how is removing the dams going to improve things. Reply

Ed: Why don’t enlighten us as

2009-11-21T18:46:52.977+01:00

Ed: Why don’t enlighten us as to the “real” issues. If you mean keeping enough water in the river to support salmon is one critical issue, then I’d agree. If you’re suggesting that the Indians are the cause of the problem, then perhaps you’d like to prove it. Reply

i hope they do remove the dams

2009-11-21T18:46:43.887+01:00

i hope they do remove the dams along the klamath river so 10 years from now when the lower river is in much worse shape…..the indians have claimed the river from i-5 to the oregon border as their native ritual site….no one will be allowed to fish that stretch of river and the salmon will still be gone because no one will address the real issues…i will be laughing my ass off watching all the “experts” scratching their heads saying “well that did’nt work” Reply

i am doing a school project on

2009-11-21T18:46:34.797+01:00

i am doing a school project on the klamath river dam. we have to go in front of judges (our teachers) and debate on weather we want the dams up or down. i take place as a native american woman from the yoruk tribe named kevin costner. i did not know about the klamath dam until this school project. can anyone give me any sort of information on it? i dont care if its why the dams should be up or down. Reply

See what I meant about “imagin

2009-11-21T18:46:25.707+01:00

See what I meant about “imagination”? Reply

Hold on! I believe Underground

2009-11-21T18:46:16.617+01:00

Hold on! I believe Undergrounder Latham has stumbled on the answer. Hollywood is always looking for “The Big Stunt” to build their next woodenly written carefully scripted blockbuster around, and what could be better than the simultaneous demolition of four dams? That’s gotta be worth what… $30 million to PacifiCorp? Problem solved!Still, while Force 10 and Dam Busters are classics (the original Star Wars was largely built around Dam Busters), I’m afraid Latham’s naivete is showing.Both movies lack a certain mass appeal. In short, we need sex. And lots of it. Something like “Terrorist Fur Bikini Bomb Squad” — a sobering tale about Ultra-Nationalistic Russian Supermodels who seduce key members of the US Air Force Command and steal the latest American bomber technology.Their intent is to take out four key hydroelectric facilities (bordering nude beaches, of course) and then blame it on the Canadians, at which point the two countries will stand on the brink of war. I could go on (hell, this baby practically writes itself) but why give the painfully obvious suspenseful ending away?You’ll just have to wait for the movie.Bravo Undergrounders! We’ve solved yet another problem. Reply

money money money– for the rig

2009-11-21T18:46:07.527+01:00

money money money– for the right PRICE$$$$$ I know someone who will drop a few nukes and rid this world of this world Reply