Rob G

Checked out a local pond to see if the ice had come off and found these little goodies on the dock.  🙁

Local pond owners have taken matters into their own hands as they're tired of seeing their catfish ponds cleaned out over the matter of a week or less. The problem is there are no natural Predators other than maybe a coyote, but I'm not sure they could take on an adult easily. Therefore they will procreate to the point of the available food supply. Which means that you'll be seeing less fish, simple as that.

Terry,

very creative and resourceful.  

May I ask what size Ahrex hook you are using in your tutorial and do you feel you could tie the same fly on a size smaller without giving up something ?  Thanks

Another wonderful looking pattern and thank you for the tying tutorial.  Really nice.  

As to the Gamy B10S alternative, I may have mentioned this before and if so I apologize but Mustad has a newer hook out, the Heritage C61S streamer hook that is Exactly the same size and shape as the Gamy B10S, and I mean exactly.  It also comes with Mustad's newer point which is really sharp and a nice gray like finish, and of course the Mustad is much less expensive.  The problem is they are not widely distributed yet though I know J. Stockard often carries them.

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I agree with Ben in all regards. I would inspect the fly line carefully for any small micro cracks, then I would clean it with warm soapy water like Dawn dishwashing detergent. After wiping it down really well I would probably consider applying some floatant to the last 10 feet of line before use. If you watch enough fly casting videos, you will probably find somebody that you can relate to and find it easier to implement what they are saying or imitate their style. It's interesting that Ben found Lefty's style of casting as something that stuck with him. A good friend of mine who is an excellent caster once said that the only person who can cast like Lefty is Lefty, ha.

Obviously, I'm not familiar with all the rods listed but the two that I am very familiar with, the TFO 6 wt. and the Fenwick 5 wt. would be excellent to start with, the slight nod going to the TFO 6wt.  I would save those 2 and 3 weight rods until later on as really light weight rods can be more difficult when battling any  wind.  Just my opinion and I'm sure others will have different thoughts.  Any decent fly shop should have competent instructors but don't hesitate to start viewing any of the hundreds of Youtube videos out there for a lot good tips.

Very nice craw ! 

I don't know why but I stink at fishing craws, I'm probably just not patient enough to work something slowly and I hate not seeing the take as so often I set the hook well before I feel anything but rather the moment my baitfish "disappears".

Ben, I own a couple of the Lamson reels and when I was up in Montana a week ago, I put every "Bow" and Brownie that I hooked on that reel in order to make use of the drag as the current flow was up.  To me, that's when a reel's smooth drag really shines.

Urbs, I also built up the 8' 5 wt. Moonlit blue colored blank this winter.  I have never fished it but it is definitely softer and a much slower action than their 6 wt. blank above.    

Finally got a chance to christen the new glass rod that I built this winter.  No pigs like some of you have landed recently but I'll take fat 17's all day long on glass.  Lotta fun.  

These are becoming a regular sighting on our lower Vermilion River.  Hate them.  While recently taking a walk in Kickapoo State Park, I saw one come up out of a drainage ditch, run across the road and jump into one the ponds.  It was only a few feet away so obviously I got a great look and it was huge.  I see smaller ones fishing in packs frequently but never realized they could get this large.  I can't imagine how much fish this thing could eat in a day.   And yes I also know of a local farm pond that has been heavily impacted by the otters (with evidence of more than just a few scales and scat left behind)    

I attended 2 or 3 of the INSA banquets, always had a great time, met many fine people and learned bunches.  Was sad to see it fade but hopefully interest will improve with the warmer weather.

Should have mentioned it makes for a decent leech pattern as well. Excellent in my local stained or clear waters, but especially up north where leeches are more common.

I've used this pattern the last several years with excellent results for both smallies and largemouth.  It has the nice profile of a baitfish and when it's retrieved with a quick twitch and pause, it exhibits a realistic wounded minnow action.  Below is the link where it's shown how to tie this Deadhead Minnow.  Truthfully, I'm not convinced that the last step, applying the coating of fabric glue to the head does all that much for it.  I've tried it numerous times and I'm still not sure if it's worth the bother, as the naked craft fur fly fishes so well on its own.  Btw, I'm tying this on a Gamy Octopus hook 1/0.  If you try this pattern, let me know what you think.

https://caseysmartt.com/2010/08/01/tying-the-deadhead-minnow/

4 hours ago, John Gillio said:

Great idea! Pretty slick Tom.

Couldn't agree more 

Rich, what if you had no indicator, and gave it that jerk and pause retrieve? I'm thinking you might not get as much porpoising action,but I could be wrong. 

Rich, can you or anyone out there that has used these balanced flies tell me, what is the action of the fly when you're tying into the hook eye above and midway on the shank (as with these flies) and you're actively retrieving with a quick jerk and pause ?  Does the fly dart around randomly since you're not tied to the direct front of the fly ?  I'm sure I'll be tying some up to see for myself but maybe someone can give me preview.  Thanks

Another arrow in the quiver.  Just finished building a new glass rod intended for smallies, built on a Moonlit S-Glass 8'2" 6wt rod blank.  It is a tip over butt ferrule design and 4 piece.  It has a fairly fast action and is lightweight for a glass rod.  I have yet to fish with it but as to yard casting, I'm impressed.  

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In the past I've tied what I thought to be very attractive Gurglers and have rarely done any good with them...... and I haven't a clue why.  

Colin, we need to get out some time so you can show me how it's done.

Rich, I had to look it up but yes, exactly the fly I was thinking about would seem to work perfectly in this scenario where a fly needs to remain level while slowly moving.

John, you bet, we've got to get together and fish again as I so enjoyed our time on the water in the past.

Has anyone tied the type of fly where the fly looks like what John has above but has also tied on a piece of wire or a shank in front of the eye of the hook along with possibly some weight in order to ensure that it does ride level? In other words, the eye of the hook is more centered above the fly

I've often wondered why this same technique is not often used during the summer months on days when the fish are more lazy and just not up for a chase.  Seems to me it ought to work but I never hear of anyone advocating this technique at any other time than when the water is cold and the fishes metabolism is slow.

And John apologizing because his flies have been so beaten and eaten up, you're killin' me here, Ha

So very sorry to hear