-----Original Message-----
From: Bigboyforry@aol.com [mailto:Bigboyforry@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 13, 2007 8:09 AM
To: Director
Subject: what is a cast of flies?

Good morning Sir,
I have a question that I hope you will answer for me if you would please. It is regarding flies.
would you please give me the State of New Hampshire Fish and game departments definition of a "cast of flies" and if you could explain how one would be used to comply with the state law, how many flies can be used streamers, singles, tandems, nymphs etc. I thank you for your time and help in this matter.
Forrest Currier
Bigboyforry@aol.com


Forest,
The term "cast of flies" is part of the definition of Angling under RSA 207:1.
207:1 Definitions. – Words and phrases used in this title shall be construed as follows:
I. Angling: The taking of fish by line in hand, or rod in hand to which is attached a cast of artificial flies, or an artificial bait, or hooks or other devices for the attachment of bait. A person may have in use not more than 2 such lines at one time. Nothing in this title shall prohibit the use of a rod-holder in a boat.
Flies is pleural in the definition, so more than one fly may be used on a line, but the definition does not limit the number above one. RSA 207:9 limits the taking of fish to angling, unless otherwise permitted.
207:9 Angling, Restriction of Fishing to. – Fish shall be taken only by angling unless otherwise specifically permitted. If a fish is unintentionally taken contrary to the prohibitions or restrictions contained in a provision of this title, such fish shall be immediately liberated and returned to the water without unnecessary injury.
There is a rule under the Brood Stock Salmon regulations that mandates a fly used for brood stock shall be "a single or double pointed hook", but it does not limit the number of those flies on the line.
In summation, legal "angling" allows for the use of a "cast of flies" on a line, and does not specify an upper limit. Although it is common for fishermen to use a second "dropper" fly, I've not seen anyone using more than 2 flies on a line, although there is clearly no law to prohibit that.
I hope this answered your question.
Lt. Bruce Bonenfant
Administrative Lieutenant
Law Enforcement Division
NH Fish and Game Department
11 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-3127

-----Original Message-----
From: Bigboyforry@aol.com [mailto:Bigboyforry@aol.com]
Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2007 6:06 AM
To: Bruce Bonenfant
Subject: Re: what is a cast of flies?

thank you for your reply. may I have your permission to share this information with my fellow anglers on a fishing web site?
thank you
Forrest

Forrest,
My only concern is that I answered a specific question for you, in the context you asked it. If the entire exchange will be posted, I have no problem with it. However, it has been my experience that our responses have been paraphrased and taken out of context on these websites in the past, leading to confusion. Slight variations in the way the question is asked could result in a different answer. I prefer you post that if anyone has any questions about any regulation, they should call Fish and Game for clarification.
Lt. Bruce Bonenfant
Administrative Lieutenant
Law Enforcement Division
NH Fish and Game Department
11 Hazen Drive
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 271-3127

Be careful, there is two definition of a dropper fly. The most common is



From Dropper

and what Lt. Bonenfant is referring to is



From Dropper which has flies in series that John Viar described in his REPLY.

Gus great pictures.I belive that as soon as you cut the main line I would think that would be considered a droper line.Because you would have to tie on the other fly/lure.I saw this only one time on a fly fishing show they were trolling 2 flys on one line the front fly had a little weight on the front of it so the front fly ran a little deeper than the back fly so they wouldn't tangle.I have never tried this I have a hard enough time with one(LOL).

Erin

in the past john viar has said that both were legal, the first (Blood knot dropper, he was really refering to the use of 3 way swivels when he talked about droppers while trolling) could be used if only one rod was employed and he counted that as 2 lines. this was only in regards to flies. it still leads to different interpretations of what the law represents to the angler and to different members of fish and game, maybe the rule book needs to put in more pictures with whats right and wrong so that we all can interpret things the same. the wording is confusing, theres definately a difference saying 2 rods verse saying 2 lines. even the term cast of flies sounds more like casting flies while fly fishing rather than trolling flies thru the water. i doubt anyone here wants to do anything wrong, but it is frustrating when we dont know whats really right and start fishing in a way that is safest because we just arent sure. picked up my liscense on line this year so i dont have the book and thats frustrating as well, need to pick one up soon and start reading and rereading. fishing is supposed to be a relaxing sport

I hear you Fishlessman. it is very frustrating and confusing.

I think the handbook should be able to be interpreted by the 16 year old angler that has to buy a license. Never mind grown men always having to check with the fish and game every time they have a question. I think the wardens have enough to do. Maybe the guys that word the laws should get the calls and emails


just my .02

I feel like that reply came out of law and order. It is amazing that the fishing rules can be so latigous
in there pronunciatios. Maybe instead of going for hunters safety this fall I will go for a crash course in law school. Nah I will just stick to fishing and hope I dont break any laws. Good luck fishing as I have not been since august. This school stuff is killing me.
wayne,
the above comments are lack of sleep humor thats it.

Years ago I trolled mackeral rigs (flies) with Sutton spoon on the end, worked pretty good on salmon, stopped because I was told by awarden that it was illegal but reading the response to a cast of flies it looks like it is legal, after all not "breaks or cuts" in the line

Any thoughts?

I don't know how the flies are attached, you might be legal, But once you add the sutton spoon you are definetly in violation. it is for flies only.

iLucas thanks for the laugh this morning.Your right on the $$ It is sad that at our age we have a hard time interpting a fishing law.But your right it should be able to be read by a 16 year old kid then maybe we could understand it or at least we could ask a kid to help us out and not the F&G(LOL)

Erin