Janette Vince asked:

It’s your girlfriend’s birthday or your first Christmas together, and you want to get her the best gift she’s ever had. Gifts mean a lot to women. The right gift tells her you’re thoughtful, observant, and you really understand her. The wrong one, however, can tell her just the opposite. Don’t get stuck in her Bad Boyfriends Book of Records. Here’s a list of the six worst gifts to give your girlfriend.

Exercise equipment. Nothing says, “I think you could stand to lose weight” like a Stairmaster. The same goes for a set of barbells, a Pilates instructional video, or a gym membership. Even if she’s talked about getting fit, this kind of gift will make her wonder whether you like her body the way it is.

If you really would like to see her exercising more, lead by example. Join the gym yourself. Chances are, when she sees how great you look and feel, she’ll be inspired to join as well. You could also take up a physical activity you could do as a couple, such as cycling, jogging, or hiking. To increase the chances she’ll get into it, pick an activity she’s expressed interest in before. It should also be one you can do relatively easily. Don’t decide to take up sea kayaking if you’re two hours’ drive from the ocean, for example, and don’t pick one that you need a lot of expensive equipment to get started in.

Cookware. The subliminal message here is “Get in the kitchen and make me some supper, woman!” This is a bad gift even if she’s expressed interest in cooking—or if you’d like her to. If you have a master chef for a girlfriend, it’s especially important to pass on this kind of gift. It’s likely she has everything she needs already, and most high-level cooks are picky about their equipment.

If you really would like to encourage her to cook more, start with some positive reinforcement. Praise the meals she does cook. If you tell her you see her as a great cook already, she’s more likely to take more of an interest in the culinary arts.

A vacuum cleaner. The same goes for feather dusters, mops, bottles of Pine-Sol, oven cleaner, Lemon-Scented Joy, and any other household cleaning products. These gifts tell her that you see her as more of a maid than a girlfriend.

A puppy. Animal gifts are tricky. Sure, puppies and kittens are adorable—but they’re also a lot of work. Food and vet bills can be expensive, and many pets require a change in lifestyle to take proper care of. For these reasons, it’s best not to surprise your girlfriend with a new pet.

Part of the fun is choosing the pet yourself. If your girlfriend has told you she wants a dog or cat, offer to take her to the local animal rescue shelter instead and pay for the pet she picks.

Something you want for yourself. You know you’ve been tempted to buy her that subscription to Fly Fishing magazine, new set of golf clubs, or Playstation II. Don’t do it! She’ll see through it instantly.

Jewellery. Jewellery has a great deal more meaning for most women than other gifts. If you give the right one, she’ll see it as a sign that you’re the right guy for her. If you get it wrong, however, at best she’ll laugh about it with her friends for ages. At worst, she could see it as grounds for doubt about the relationship. If you’re going to give her jewellery, you’d better get it right the first time.

What makes giving jewellery so difficult is that every woman has distinct tastes. The jewellery you pick could be too chunky, too eccentric, too classic, too delicate, too cheap-looking or expensive-looking for her. Some women never wear gold, some never wear silver, and most women have a preference for certain precious stones over others. If you really do want to give her jewellery, casually take her into a few stores. See how she reacts to the merchandise. Make note of any pieces she especially likes. Then go back later to buy them.

Most women don’t want practical gifts from their boyfriends. They want gifts that send a positive message about how you see them. A sparkling diamond bracelet tells her you see her as precious and beautiful. Elegant lingerie can tell her you see her as sexy and desirable. A book about something she finds fascinating tells her you take her interests seriously. However, it’s important to take her unique tastes into account before buying her any present. If you do, and if you follow our tips, you should be able to find her the perfect gift.

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Richard Chapo asked:

The more you fish, the happier you are. So goes the saying. While few of us would dispute this notion, it often helps to keep a record of your fishing exploits to preserve your experiences.

Far too often, we forget about the good times as the years pass by. I can’t tell you how often I have completely forgotten some good time or hilarious event until someone raises it at a party. Suddenly, I am awash in memories and laughing like a madman. Ah, but what about the times that people don’t mention and are slowly lost to time?

If you fish a lot, it makes sense to start keeping track of your fishing trips if for no other reason than reading about your past experiences will bring back a lot of memories. While that may be a good enough reason, there are plenty of other ones.

Primary among these is that writing about your fishing experiences helps preserve lessons learned. You should keep notes on the conditions you fished in, bait use, rods, time of day, weather conditions and so on. When it comes time to head back to the same spot, you can refer back to your notes and review what you did the previous times. This lets you consider whether another strategy should be used, perhaps different bait and so on. The more you do this, the more of an expert you will become. Once you become known as a guru for a specific spot, you can stop lying about how big your catches are!

There is a secondary reason for keeping notes on your fishing experiences. If you are not already a father, there is a good chance you will become one at some point in life. Yes, even those of you who swear you will not. Regardless of how it happens, you will inevitably introduce your kids to fishing. As you take trips together, your shared experiences are something you definitely want to keep a record of. Eventually, your fishing note will become an heirloom you can pass down to your kids who can pass it on to theirs. It may sound hooky, but it is one of those things you can share with your kids that they will appreciate and think is cool. Imagine that, a parent doing something cool!

When keeping notes on your fishing trips, it is best to use something that can take a beating. After all, you want the priceless knowledge to survive the test of time.

Take Your Fly Fishing Skills To A Whole New Level

Troy Hogg asked:

May 5th is just around the corner and most people are thinking Cinco de Mayo. Yet, there happens to be another important holiday that is celebrated in Japan on GOGATSU ITSUKA, (5/5) – Children’s Day!

Actually, May 5th began as Boy’s Day, the counter part of Girl’s Day (3/3). Today it is known as KODOMO NO HI (Children’s Day). This holiday falls during the first week of May which is referred to as Golden Week in Japan. During this time many Japanese companies are closed for a week or longer and most Japanese people are traveling locally or overseas.

While the Japanese people are celebrating Children’s Day, you may notice some of the following:

1.) KOI NOBORI (Carp Flags) – Around this time of the year you will see numerous KOI (Carp) Flags being flown throughout Japan. These flags range from simple to quite elaborate. When I lived in Japan, I was often able to see huge fish waving in the air from a mile away. These KOI flags are meant to represent the boys in the family. Usually, you will find that the number of fish flying in the breeze is equal to the number of young boys running around inside the house!

2.) KABUTO NINGYO (Samurai Helmet Dolls) – If you’ve seen Tom Cruise’s The Last Samurai, then you know the helmet I am talking about! Most Japanese homes will display either the helmet (KABUTO) or a doll wearing a helmet (KABUTO NINGYO).

3.) TORA. (Tiger) – In addition to the Samurai Helmet Dolls, you may also find tigers displayed in Japanese homes. Very often, these are bobble head figurines where the head of the tiger (TORA) bounces up and down!

If you are interested in seeing pictures of KODOMO NO HI items, please visit my blog at http://www.japan2america.com, or you my check out my website, [http://www.tenchi.us].

So, while you are out enjoying a Margarita Fiesta on Cinco de Mayo, be sure to raise your glass and give a toast to the children in your life as well! You may also decided to forgo the worm in the Tequila and have a goldfish (KOI) instead!

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Richard Chapo asked:

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year unless you’re having problems coming up with gift ideas. Here are a few fly fishing gift ideas.

Okay, I’ll be the first one to admit publicly that buying gifts for the holidays can be a pain in derriere. When it comes right down to it, how well do you know someone and how do you know what he or she likes? Buying for kids is great because you can always peak at the letter to Santa. Unfortunately, most adults have given up writing to Santa and you really don’t want to read through there other letters. Fortunately, this isn’t a problem if you are buying for a fly fishing enthusiast.

Fly Fishing Gifts

Fly fishing is an extremely popular sport and a good way to become one with nature. Of course, you probably don’t care about any of that. Instead, you want to know what you should buy for guy or gal in your life that loves to go fly fishing. Well, here are a few ideas.

1. Flies – You lucky dog, the top gift you can give a fly fisherman is a fly. Flies are the “bait” that go on the end of the line and are used to attract fish. Flies come in a variety of types and forms. The most basic are Nymphs and Mayflies, which mimic a type of bug that lives in rivers and is considered fine dining by bass and other fish. You can expect to pay a couple of bucks per fly, so feel free to buy more than one.

2. Local Specialty Fly – Okay, this will take a bit of effort on your part. Every fishing area has a specialty fly that is known to have fish leaping out of the water before casting even begins. Since the exact fly varies from location to location, you need to stop by a local fishing store and ask for advice. Try to pick a beat up looking shop with gentlemen of an older persuasion. They’ll talk your ear off, but you’ll get something unique.

3. Fly Station – Okay, this is going to be a more costly item. A fly station looks like a small desk and for a good reason. The fly station is where your beloved angler will sit and create his or her own flies. Part of the allure of fly fishing is tying your own flies and fly stations are built for this purpose. You can expect to pay as low as $75 and as high as anyone has the never to charge.

4. Nomad Fly Fishing Journals – A little self-promotion here. Nomad Fly Fishing Journals are compact writing journals that let anglers keep notes on their efforts. They can note the fishing conditions, which flies worked the best, who the fished with and notes on what they should do differently next time. You can click the link at the bottom of this article to see the journals and expect to pay $25 for the journal and waterproof case.

If you’re looking for fly fishing gifts, consider yourself lucky. The equipment tends to be inexpensive and last a very long time.

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Trevor Kugler asked:

If you’re the type of angler that I am, you where a fishing vest. And if you don’t…..you should. Fishing vests are much more convenient than lugging around a tackle box. Flea flickers have been using fishing vests for years, but my fishing mentor used a fishing vest and he was no flea flicker. I’ve been using a fishing vest for years and I wouldn’t go fly fishing if you paid me. My point is that fishing vests aren’t just for fly fishermen anymore. When you get out on the water, you need to have these 6 things at your disposal.

Hemostats – Hemostats are perfect for removing hooks from a fishes mouth. Especially small hooks. Needle nose pliers will suffice, but hemostats are great. One of the two are imperative for hook removal.

Pocket Lure Holders – I’m referring to the small tackle boxes that will fit in the pockets of the fishing vest. You must have one or two of these small boxes with your favorite lures in said boxes. They are a perfect way to carry lures, such as rooster tails and small spoons.

Extra Hooks and/or Lures – If you’re a bait fisherman, like me, you need to have extra gang hooks with you. And extra single hooks as well (in case you need to tie gang hooks on the fly). You should also have extra’s of your favorite lures and lure colors. You will invariably get snagged and lose whatever color is working best, so you need to have a back-up with you on the water.

Small Flashlight – You should have a small flash light in your fishing vest at all times. You never know when you may need it, and it’s great to have when you’re really in need.

Matches – The bottom line with this one is that you have a way to start a fire, if necessary. It could be a lighter or fire starter rather than matches; you just must have a way to start a fire if needed. Remember to put whatever form of fire starter you choose into a waterproof container.

Retractors – A retractor is used to hold things like nail clippers or hemostats. The item hangs on your vest and you use it as needed. When you are done using the item you simply let it go, and it zips right back into place. Retractors are one of the most convenient gifts that flea flickers have given us. If you’ve never used a retractor, it’s time to get out of the dark ages.

If you have these six things in or on your fishing vest, you should be safe and happy on your next fishing excursion. There are obviously many more items that you can and should have in your fishing vest, but these six, I think, are imperative. These six will definitely have you on your way.

Top Secret Pro-Bass Fishing Techniques Exposed

Richard Chapo asked:

The weather is warming up, which means it is time for some fishing. If Michigan is your destination, you can’t do worse than the Lake Hubbard Fishing Resort.

Tucked up in the Northeastern part of Michigan is an 8,800 acre lake called Lake Hubbard. The lake is the 2nd largest inland lake in the State and is a poplar destination for both vacationers and serious fishermen. The lake was important in the early history of Michigan as military outposts along its shores were used during the Indian wars in the area. In recent years, several full service resorts have been built in the area. These resorts offer all the amenities from restaurants to golf course, but it is still the natural lure of the cold and scenic waters of the lake that make a Lake Hubbard Fishing Resort a nirvana for an angler.

The large is large. It spans a full 7 miles across at its widest point from North Bay to Backus Beach. It is stocked with bass, perch, pike, and trout. The real treat here is that strange northern cold water fish called the walleye. The walleye gets its name from its strange eyes that reflect light in the same manner as a cat. This strange eye gives the walleye extraordinary vision especially in dark and unclear water.

This is why the walleye is most active at night and many fishermen like to take advantage of this trait and pursue them at night. However, this misses the chance to combine the hunt for this elusive game fish with a chance to view some of the most scenic views in North America. National Geographic Magazine had an article that selected the ten most beautiful lake views in the World, and the view from Mt. Maria along Hubbard Lake was on the list.

The way to get both the view and a good chance for successful walleye fishing is to take advantage of something the experienced walleye fisherman calls the “walleye chop.” This is a condition that occurs when the sky is overcast and the wind is blowing a bit churning up the water. Although windy conditions generally mean poorer fishing, it is just the opposite for going after Walleye. The walleye takes advantage of his better vision to feed during this period and your lure might just be on his menu.

You can find just about anything you could want from an ideal fishing vacation when you plan that trip for one of the Lake Hubbard fishing resorts. You can play golf and take scenic rides along the roadways that skirt the lake. Although it gets quite cold and the lake usually freezes over in the winter, ice fishing and winter sports are available. The changing colors of fall are breathtaking. Everyone knows the advantages of summer weather in the North. Yet it may be the spring that is the best simply for the fact that it is then that Mr. Walleye gets really hungry.

Top Secret Pro-Bass Fishing Techniques Exposed

A.J. Klott asked:

Just when you thought you had seen it all. Just when you thought what in the world can I get for a unique and different Christmas present,Fathers Day gift,or executive gift– along comes a fun and unique gift just in time for this years’ Christmas season. FLY TACKS, a new product from TWO GUYS WITH FLYS, INK, previously the makers of nothing!! FLY TACKS are handsomely, hand-tied flies from Oregon, that are PUSHPINS. That’s right, no more boring bulletin boards around the office. Who wouldn’t like to have the latest company memo held in place by the ever present – GREEN BUTTED SKUNK? Everyone will notice the latest pay scale increases when they are posted by the always popular – EGG SUCKING LEECH. Got a co-worker that always claims he couldn’t find your message? Stick it to his pile with a MUDDLER MINNOW, and he is sure to get the point!!!!

All kidding aside, fishermen and non-fishermen alike, will enjoy these conversation pieces,and the gold plated pushpins are a handsome addition to any bulletin board.

FLY TACKS are the brainstorm of two really bored fishermen in Oregon who obviously have been spending too much time playing with their flies. After deciding their flies were obviously not going to catch any fish, they found the best use for them – holding up their losing lottery tickets, and thus FLY TACKS were born.

The two corporate moguls, who obviously have no sense of timing, have come out with their product just in time to miss all the Christmas catalogs. They have no budget for advertising and are hoping to cash in on the lucrative free business article strategy. Stoly Hackle, winner of the annual CEO coin flip, is hoping to get thousands of orders so P.D. Good, Production Manager, will be forced to spend the holidays assembling FLY TACKS in his living room. Not to mention the five-dollar bet that Hackle will cash in on if he manages to get five orders from this venture.
FLY TACKS are the perfect gift for every fisherman or fisherwomen on your holiday giving list. FLY TACKS make a great conversation piece in the office, and are the perfect way to liven up the usually dull bulletin board. Your boss will love them!

Fly Tacks have already been featured in numerous newspapers,like the Times Picayune,Reno Gazette, and Sacramento Bee.The “Two Guys” have appeared on the Portland Oregon morning show as well as several radio interviews.They have even been recommended by Cosmopolitan Magazine as: “One of the gifts to get that NEW GUY you are dating.”

If you can’t trust Cosmo–who can you trust!!!

TWO GUYS WITH FLYS, INK. also have t-shirts and bumper stickers available, as well as several other fly products. All flys are beautifully hand-tied. Some are tied by” ex-friends” who had to meet the original deadline for production!!

FLY TACKS come in two flavors – I mean styles, TROUT FLY TACKS and STEELHEAD FLY TACKS. For $19.95 + $5.00 shipping, handling, and first aid costs. You will receive four beautifully hand-tied flys on gold plated push pins, sent to you in a plastic case, which can be used as a fly box for your “outdoor fly experiences.”

If you get tired of looking at those flys on your bulletin board–simply grab a hammer and destroy your fly tack–and you will have common ordinary hand tied flys that you can go fishing with. PLUS you still have 4 gold plated pushpins that a guy named “Franco” in Rhode Island worked so hard to produce… BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE… no wait….. I guess there isn’t more–so hurry up and order before P.D. does that “nanner-nanner I told you so thing”– I hate that.

Order from: TWO GUYS WITH FLYS, INK., 9 east 4th st., Medford, Or. 97501 http://www.twoguyswithflys.com

Or you can call a live person at: 541-941-0139

“Used” Fly Tacks available for media upon written request.

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Richard Chapo asked:

Fly fishing for trout? Salmon? Bah! For a different experience, it is all about tarpon fly fishing in Florida.

There are a lot of different types of fishing experiences. There are also many ways of gauging the success of any fishing trip. To many anglers, the number of fish that you have in your live well, cooler, or stringer is the way you measure a successful trip. To others it is the enjoyment of the external surrounding environment and the immersion into nature that makes the experience successful. To others, it is the sport. It is the challenge of taking a large fish on light tackle. Fly fisherman understand the idea of challenge.

Tarpon fly fishing in Florida is a good example of the idea of sport. Many people have compared this form of fishing to hunting. The tarpon is a saltwater fish that comes to the shallow offshore flats and coastal rivers to feed. Many tarpon grow up to 8 feet long and some can weigh as much as 200 pounds. The top of their mouth, where the hook must be set, is covered by a bony plate that some have described as being a bit like concrete.

The tarpon is usually sought in the coastal waters of the Florida Keys in a small skiff. The fisherman stands in the front of the skiff and the guide positions it to intercept schools of tarpon that are moving in from deeper waters to feed. The fish are swimming fast, bearing down on the skiff in small schools of giant fish. The fisherman must make an expert cast to drop a fly in the path of the oncoming fish and hope one stops to strike it. Then the hook must be set in that bony upper mouth. In most cases, the fish will throw the hook rather quickly.

If the hook is set, the challenge has really just started. The tarpon is a feisty fish. It may be one of the hardest fighting fish pound for pound anywhere. It will make long wild runs and then suddenly pull with stubborn bull dog tenacity. And they will jump. The tarpon is known for their high arching jumps that can set the fisherman’s heart to racing wildly. In fact, it is common to ask the returning fisherman how many fish he “jumped” rather than how many he caught.

It is really not the catching that is important in tarpon fly fishing in Florida or along the coastal waters of the other Southern states in the tarpon’s range. It is the hunt that is the thing that draws the fishermen. The flesh of the tarpon is bony and not good eating and in many places the fish is protected and catch and release is the norm. It is the human being against the denizen of the sea that this is all about, not putting food on the table.

Great Deals at America’s Favorite Fly Fishing Gear Outlet

Richard Chapo asked:

Sometimes, fly fishing is all about heading off to a foreign and exotic locale. Fly fishing at Lake Taupo is one such example.

There is a place where the fly fishing is excellent. Clear blue lakes and steaming fast moving streams yield up large numbers of monster brown and rainbow trout with breathtaking snow covered mountain peaks in the background. It is the ultimate fly fishing get-away place. You could call it that because it is located on the most remote landmass in the entire World. This is the Island Nation of New Zealand.

Fly Fishing on Lake Taupo, or in the many streams that feed it, has to be considered one of the most exciting and satisfying fishing experiences available. New Zealand is located in the South Pacific Ocean separated from even far off Australia by 1,200 miles of ocean. It is thought that the Islands of New Zealand are also one of the most recently settled areas in the world. People first came to the area within the last thousand years. Its isolation has led to the development of a large amount of both flora and fauna that are not found anywhere else on the world.

It may seem surprising that brown trout and rainbow trout are found here. The two prime fly fishing species were introduced to New Zealand waters in an experimental stocking program that was successful beyond anyone’s wildest dreams. The fish took to this new environment like it had been created specifically for them, and began to reproduce and grow large almost immediately. The result is that the fly fishing around Lake Taupo has become a major industry in the country.

There are two or three other prime fly fishing locations in New Zealand, but most locals consider the Lake Taupo region to be the best. There are large selections of first grade resorts in the Lake Taupo area that cater to fly fishing. Like fly fishing resorts everywhere, these provide everything that is needed by either the expert or the beginning fly fisherman.

This includes equipment, training in proper technique, and most important, qualified guides that can lead you to the best fishing locations. Your fly fishing expedition to New Zealand is going to involve a bit of travel. It is a long airplane flight away. There may be some who wonder if traveling to what is very much like the end of the earth to fish is really worth it. Those who have sampled this experience know the answer. This rugged paradise is certainly worth the trip.

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Robert R Smith asked:

So you made the investment in a Bamboo Fly Rod and with the proper care and maintenance your Bamboo Fly Rod will give you years of enjoyment and service. Taking the time to follow these maintenance tips will ensure that your Bamboo Fly Rod will endure the demands that fly fishing puts on the fly rod.

These tips will ensure your purchase of a bamboo fly rod was an excellent choice, after all you have moved up to Bamboo and I’m sure that you don’t want to have to switch back to some other type of Fly fishing Rod!

Cleaning the metal ferrules

I like to use Vaseline petroleum jelly putting a small amount on the male ferrule and putting it in and out of the female ferrule a few times the petroleum jelly loosens the build up and protects the metal from oxidation. Use a small cotton swap or Q-tip to remove any excess Vaseline in the female section and a clean dry cloth on the male section and out side part of the female ferrule. For stubborn stains and dirt build up you can use denatured alcohol just be sure not to get this on the varnish. If you happened to purchase a used Bamboo Fly Rod and the ferrules have oxidized you can use a very fine grit sand paper to remove the oxidation. Use caution not to remove to much metal as this will affect the way the ferrules fit together.

Polishing bamboo fly rods

The Bamboo Fly Rod is more then just a fishing rod it is a piece of art. You should wipe them clean with a clean dry cloth, this is a must if you want to keep it looking great and protected from the effect of the elements like rain, water, and dust. Use a paste type furniture polish and a soft cloth to help protect the bamboo and bring out the shine and gleam of your Bamboo Fly Rod

How to clean cork grips

You can use toothpaste, dish soap, or a mild bleach cleaner what ever you use make sure that you have removed all of the cleaner by wiping it well with a damp cloth. You don’t want to leave the cleaner on the corky as it will dry the cork out excessively and make it start cracking. If the cork grip has a large amount of build up, you can use fine grit (200 or so) sandpaper to remove this build-up just use caution so you don’t damage the cork.

Storing bamboo fly rods

Be sure you wipe your Bamboo Fly Rod with a clean soft cloth to make sure it is clean and dry.
If the rod is going to be store for an extended time it would be a good time to wax the rod. Separate the pieces and put them in a soft rod sack and then slip this into a protective tube. Avoid storing your Bamboo fly Rod in extreme conditions like excessive heat or moisture. Laying the tube flat is the best way to store the rod.

Buying used bamboo fly rods

Used Bamboo Fly Rods can be found at flea market and garage sales some of which are true bargains just make sure you look them over carefully. Check out the Bamboo and make sure that there are no cracks and that the seams are not starting to separate, check the grip for missing pieces insure the cork is not dried and cracking or the section are starting to separate. Put the fly rod together and check the fit of the ferrules they should be snug but not excessively tight, check the guides and windings making sure they are in good condition. If you find a Bamboo Fly Rod that passes these then you have found a true treasure.

By following these few tips I’m sure that your Bamboo Fly Rod will give you a life time of enjoyment and use. Thank you for taking the time to read this article and may you enjoy your Bamboo Fly Rod for years to come

Take Your Fly Fishing Skills To A Whole New Level