26 replies to this topic

[silvercliff_46]

I figured on writing this after posting some comments on river fishing small mouth. A real fun fish to take on a fly rod.

Fishing with a fly rod can be a real hoot, for everything from bluegill to largemouth, as well as trout or salmon..., and it AIN'T that awful hard to learn.

For to many years the scotch drinkers have kept the average guy from using a fly rod because it's touted as an ART..., HOOEY! (not the scotch, I like that)


I started fishing with a stainless steel rod, and direct drive reels. Your choice in line was black nylon, or black nylon. Dare Devil spoons, Pike Minnows, and Bass-A-Reno's were standard with maybe a Hawaiian Wiggler thrown in for good measure. The tool for fishing bass in heavy cover was the fly rod. You could toss a big deer hair bug across the pads or in the reeds dance it around a bit, and tease a bass or two into striking. It was fun. "What was that?" FUN!..,It was, and is fun, it worked, and still does.

Did you get that part "The Tool" that is exactly what it is.., a tool. Just like you wouldn't use a putter for a driver, a 30-06 to shoot a squirrel, or a 410 on turkey, you don't fish 30 feet of water with a fly rod. It's not a tournament tool either.

I watched a Television show, and the guy said the hardest time to catch bass or any fish was when there was a big fly hatch going on. Five will get you ten it wouldn't be for me. I'd put down the old cast, and crank, go into my rod storage, break out the old Fenwick heavy weight 9 foot wand and do some battle.

When it comes to bluegill, not even live bait can compare when a hatch is on. I have caught fish dropping my fly NEXT to another guys bobber, while he got nothing (I'll only do that to mess with a friend though).

Anyone who can chew gum, and stand upright (although I have seen guys in wheel chairs use them) can learn to use a fly rod in a couple of hours practice. You can get started on the cheap, Berkley has a fine Cherry Wood rod that is economically priced. Fly reels are just line holders (Not in the case of salt water) so you can go on the cheap there. Line should be the best you can afford (Weight forward for you when starting, and general use), but you can get started on economy line, a handful of Chinese flies will get you in the game. If you know someone who fly fishes all the better, but with all the videos on the Internet you'll figure it out.

I got started using a fly rod before todays snooty cadre' of upscale poetry reading purists were born. I learned first because it was an effective tool, then kept at it because it was fun (I still can't give you the Latin names for the flies, but I can catch trout with them). I started by teaching myself without any help when I was 12, that's some 54 years ago, and it's still fun. Give it a try.

[flukemaster]

All I can say is AMEN!!!!!

[loodkop]

All I can say is AMEN!!!!!

X2. I always have a fly rod in the rodbox. In some situations it can be the only way to get a bite.

[jj'sbassinforfun]

Top water poppers are fun as all heck with a fly rod. Even if your only catching dinks its still a riot!

[Redlinerobert]

I got started using a fly rod before todays snooty cadre' of upscale poetry reading purists were born.

Truth!

[guitarkid]

always wanted to try fly fishing, might have to try this out now



-gk

[SirSnookalot]

Fly fishing on the flats (bonefish,permit,snook, juvie tarpon) is the "in thing" now..............
This is where I'd like to go http://www.costadecocos.com/

[K_Mac]

Great post!

[silvercliff_46]

Enjoy it guys and gals. I will be glad if my ramblings help someone get started on a fun part of our sport. Bluegills, crappies, bass ET AL can be as fun as any exotic. I once nail a 15 pound carp during a hatch, (almost anything that swims eats bugs) when I was a kid. I thought I had a world record bass. I was a little disappointed when I got it to the boat, but I haven't ever forgotten the fight, and thrill it gave me.

[silvercliff_46]

Fly fishing on the flats (bonefish,permit,snook, juvie tarpon) is the "in thing" now..............
This is where I'd like to go http://www.costadecocos.com/

Just about this time of year, (although winter has been mild) I wish I could feel the warm of the Key West sun bake the sore from my arthritic back. I love the north country, but a few days down there this time of year, has to feel like you just been baptized.

[islandbass]

Wow, that was a great read! Thanks for sharing. My greatest fear of trying flyfishing is that while I know I will truly love it, it might turn the rest of my gear into glorified dust collectors.

I know I will be giving a try sooner than later.

[SirSnookalot]

Just about this time of year, (although winter has been mild) I wish I could feel the warm of the Key West sun bake the sore from my arthritic back. I love the north country, but a few days down there this time of year, has to feel like you just been baptized.

No baptisms for me, but the weather has been outstanding in Florida this winter. I have been thinking for quite some time about replacing my lost fly rod, I have several friends that flyfish exclusively. I know the exact species I want to catch, don't even have to go far to find them.

[0119]

I could go for some freezing weather myself. 2+ weeks over 85 sucks. Tell me theres no global warming. winter doesnt even exist done here anymore.

[silvercliff_46]

I could go for some freezing weather myself. 2+ weeks over 85 sucks. Tell me theres no global warming. winter doesnt even exist done here anymore.

Global warming maybe, at least one computer model says so, on the other hand both the ice core sampling from Antarctica, and the tree ring data show our climate was warmer 1000 years ago then now. There wasn't much fossil fuel use back then, but what you believe, is what you believe.

I guess I just differ on your opinion, as I have with the gentlemen fly fishermen.

[BradH]

you don't fish 30 feet of water with a fly rod

I am guilty of blasphemy. I have been fishing flies in 30 feet of water this winter on a spinning rod, hahaha. I doubt if I'm the first guy to try it but I don't read much about it so I like to share. I enjoyed reading your post!

No bass pics but you get the idea.