We have just about everything a fly fisher could want on this board. Heck we got just about anything an outdoors person could want. I love FAOL! One thing we seem to be missing though that is directly linked our sport is a Camping/Hiking forum.
The best fishing spots normally require a hike of some distance and or a stay overnight that involves camping. In a lot of circumstances both are a necessity of our sport. The information shared in such a forum by experienced campers and hikers would not only make the trips more fun but it could actually be the difference between life and death.
This could also open up a whole new thing to be enjoyed by those of us who think it too difficult to do or never really gave it much thought. The pictures of remote areas of great beauty and the occasional talk about campers, camp cooking, gear and such things gave me the idea to ask why not a forum for Camping/Hiking?
I’m not opposed to either, but I think there would be more use for a Camping/Hiking Forum than a furling forum. I use furled leaders so that’s not where I’m going. I think a lot more people hike and camp than build furled leaders. Just my opinion.
Bruce
Even though I don’t use furled leaders, personally I have used them just can’t stand them, I would not be opposed to a forum for them. Then again the qusetion asked had absolutely nothing to do with a forum for furled leaders. I think there is already a thread on here somewhere dealing with that issue.
Really Norman an I can’t get mine so you shouldn’t get yours way of thinking…very unbecoming of a fly fisher. Just say no and leave it at that.
The vast majority of times when I (or we) go fishing it usually involves camping. Not always, sometimes there’s my buddy’s place right there on a lake, but then he & I will shuffle off to another place and do our camp/fish thing. And there are places that are a tad closer and we’ll just pack a lunch. Now, I still have my tent … and have stayed in same on occassion … but to get up off the ground and have a little more comfort I bought a little Starcraft popup camper and it just fits what I do very well. It’s an easy tow, mount the canoe right on top of it during travel.
I should think a fourm covering camping and hiking in would go well. I’d be for it … of course that and a couple of bucks will get you a coffee at Starbucks!
Here’s a favorite spot for me … right next to a mountain creek … can catch trout right out a ways from the camper. And sleeping at night (and awakening in the morning) with the sound of that stream rushing down over those rocks is a rare pleasure. And down stream from this spot, maybe a mile and a half, this stream empies into a lake … hence the canoe. Fishing the mouth of that creek will produce some “heavy” fish!
Very similar to where my late husband JC and I and Trav and his late wife Bonnie camped on the Au Sable in Michigan, called Keystone Landing…since revamped away from the stream, darn. Wonderful memories, make them while you can!
On the furling topic, as per my agreement with Betty we have reconsidered the topic and it will be added as soon as Mr. Tidd and get to it.
Thanks everyone for your interest - let’s see how much interest this one gets before I make a decision on it please.
… connection between fly angling and camping / hiking to warrant a separate forum here on FAOL.
To make a distinction regarding the proposed furled leader forum, whatever form it takes when finally established, there really is no purpose for furled leaders aside from fly fishing ( best I know, bait and spinning gear anglers don’t use them ). But camping and hiking are an activities unto themselves, and a lot of people hike and don’t camp and a lot of folks camp and don’t hike. Hiking can mean anything from a leisurely stroll on a level paved path to off trail mountaineering in a hostile environment. And camping can mean anything from sleeping on a tarp on the ground for days on end in the backcountry to pulling a 45’ RV or trailer into a manicured “campground”, hooking up all the appliances and the entertainment center, and sitting back to ( insert whatever here ).
Actually there could be a new section of fora called something like The Crafts of Fly Fishing. In it could reside fora for fly tying, rod making, leader and line craft, and a catchall category for the rest.
I think I would prefer this to be a hiking and camping forum. I think it’s a great idea. Having someplace to post on campgrounds, camp recipes, and the like would be fine with me. Some of us have a lot of camping experience, some don’t. I think it is related. Who knows? perhaps it could tip the scales for sponsors like Sportsman’s Warehouse, Cabela’s, or Bass Pro?
Respectfully isn’t paddling an activity all to it’s own. Yet we have a forum for that which I happen to like too. Also camping and hiking are directly related to our sport. I respectfully remind you of a reply you once posted about my new vehicle only being suitable for fly fishing where there are paved roads. You then explained to me that the the streams and rivers you often fish require hiking of some distance. I believe you were implying at the time that everything east coast is paved and easy access. I can introduce you to many, many people that hike the Appalachian trail with a fly rod packed along. I can take you along paved trails where you will catch trout like crazy and I can also drag you through the woods in 1,000-2,000 foot deep ravines where you have to crawl on your belly to catch 3"-5" adult native brook trout. The whole point is you have to hike to get there, you probably will want to camp to stay on location and you better have the right gear along with a bit of local knowledge to do it or you will be miserable. Your life may also count on it.
Look if you don’t want to share knowledge in a forum that is fine by me. That doesn’t change the fact that Camping, Hiking (of just about any type) and fly fishing go hand in hand. One more point. If you ever have to fly a search and rescue mission for someone who went hunting/fishing in the wilderness without proper hiking and camping equipment, skills or knowledge you would know why our sport and camping, hiking, mountaineering are indeed related no matter where or how big the wilderness is. Perhaps you have done that. If so then you know that knowledge is the key not only to comfort and success but survival as well. It isn’t any fun plucking bodies, living or dead, from the wilderness while hanging from a jungle penetrator risking your own life as well as that of the helicopter crew when a little shared wisdom on a fly fishing board perhaps would have avoided all of that.
Well I won’t be getting into the big box thing… However your recipes would be most welcome. Might even help the fly fishing novice camper prepare their own meals in the field. Could lead them to attaining knowledge on how to build a fire, pick the right campsite, give them a forum to ask questions about the right gear for that particular area in a particular season. That may lead them to buying the proper gear for the hike, if any, in and out of the area they are going too. hey information on safe camping might help someone avoid or survive a bear attack or encounter with other dangerous flora and fauna too.
I say YES to Your idea Nighthawk…Great idea !!!
Dont let any negativity get in your way Sir.
Some folks will learn things that they would never learn unless they see it here…
For instance,
Some are completly lost in the woods,and dont even know what poison Ivy,Sumac or poison oak looks like or what it can do if burned in a camp fire etc., etc.,that is just one of the dangers.
I think it ought to be takin to the Boss Lady !!!
Ya got my vote…YES Please.
Camping and Hiking is very important to all of us.
I’m for camping, hiking and orienteering! How about combining it with paddling? Just my .000001 cent worth.
Best regards, Dave S.
Ok - 1st camping trip tip - If you are camping with a dog who has a ‘thing for skunks’, DON’T put the dog in your nylon tent to keep it from getting into El Stinky! It won’t hold him. Ask me how I know? Oh yeah, it’s funny now!!!
I think it’s a great idea. Having someplace to post on campgrounds, camp recipes, and the like would be fine with me. Some of us have a lot of camping experience, some don’t. I think it is related. Who knows? perhaps it could tip the scales for sponsors like Sportsman’s Warehouse, Cabela’s, or Bass Pro?