When does a flyrod outperform a casting rig?

Post by **Reel Slow** » March 18th, 2006, 10:39 am

Thinking mostly of reds, but big trout too, curious under what conditions is it an advantage to use a flyrod versus traditional tackle? I suspect one situation would be very clear, shallow flats < 12" when traditional lures can spook likely prospects?

Thoughts any flyrod afficinados?

Post by **RodBow** » March 18th, 2006, 11:43 am

RS, well we ain't gonna do it like this sitting here on the computer on a beautiful fishing day! I suspect anytime especially coming up when they're hitting on top but some dudes have a sinking clouster or whater...

I think you real flyfishers need to post some pictures of what yall use for the rest of us non afficionduds!

Post by **Reel Slow** » March 18th, 2006, 12:21 pm

RodBow wrote:RS, well we ain't gonna do it like this sitting here on the computer on a beautiful fishing day! I suspect anytime especially coming up when they're hitting on top but some dudes have a sinking clouster or whater...

I think you real flyfishers need to post some pictures of what yall use for the rest of us non afficionduds!

1 -I know, bad timing

But, the truck was a mess, the yard needs raking, and to beat all BD goes and kills a nice one - wasting some of his good fortune on a turkey instead of a mess of trout next Sat

2- Good idea - how bout it fly fishing experts?.

Post by **snook** » March 18th, 2006, 10:15 pm

about the only time i ever hear of them being more productive,is at night fishing around the dock and bridge lights--the real light entry along with matching the hatch"little streamers"

nautigator · Post by **nautigator** » March 18th, 2006, 11:07 pm

Flyrod? Redfish? I can't keep the line out of the trees in the river by the house. I quit using a fly and went to a peanut. Deadly on them squirrels!!!

NoleFear · Post by **NoleFear** » March 19th, 2006, 12:27 am

Clear shallow water is one advantage and depending on the fly, being able to hold the bait within the fishes visual range while still imparting movement. However, in general I don't think there is that much of an advantage or disadvantage between conventional tackle and fly. I approach fly fishing as more of a hunt and stalk method or game. For me its all about spotting the fish, presenting the fly, and watching them track it down. In reality (particularly redfish) when the fish are actively feeding they'll eat just about anything as long as it looks easy to catch. I've had times, while wading where I have had to kick a school of redfish out from under my feet just so I could cast to them.

flyrodder · Post by **flyrodder** » March 19th, 2006, 9:07 am

snook wrote:about the only time i ever hear of them being more productive,is at night fishing around the dock and bridge lights--the real light entry along with matching the hatch"little streamers"

and when there is a big school busting all around you. with a fly rod you can simply cast and then pick it up and cast again instead of having to reel in all the way like on convintional tackler.

Post by **Reel Slow** » March 19th, 2006, 9:34 am

Good points. Keep em coming

Post by **noleflyfisher** » March 19th, 2006, 10:22 am

NoleFear pretty much nailed it. I'm relatively certain that most of the fish I catch on a flyrod would munch a DOA shrimp or jerk worm if given the chance. The only exception would be fish that are laid up. I think a small fly is hard to beat in this situation. Otherwise, fish that are on the move are generally receptive to any properly presented artificial.

In my opinion, once you've honed your casting skills, a flyrod is as effective as conventional gear in most all shallow water applications. With that being said, I choose to flyfish because of everything that happens before you hook the fish. It's about casting. I enjoy it (hell, I do a lot of it in my backyard). It's about seeing a fish at 60 feet and dropping a virtually weightless feathered hook (that you created) in his feed zone. It's watching a fish see the fly and peel off from his schoolmates to have a looksy. It's the painful seconds where he tracks your bug and contemplates his next move. It's the moment when he commits, flares his gills, inhales your fly and you come tight. Everything after that point is secondary. Tears are coming to my eyes.

Post by **birddog** » March 19th, 2006, 10:24 am

That says it all, Nole.

Post by **devans850** » March 19th, 2006, 10:28 am

I've never fly fished for trout or redfish, but after reading noleflyfisher's post I don't think my heart could take it. I about had a stroke just reading the article

nautigator · Post by **nautigator** » March 19th, 2006, 11:06 am

devans- me too. I had a tear trickle down. What passion Nole has. So beautiful!

Post by **Reel Slow** » March 19th, 2006, 11:58 am

Thanks all

. Nole, I appreciate your spirit! You should open a flyshop.

I can see that the stalk and approach is where it is at.

Post by **Cranfield** » March 19th, 2006, 5:29 pm

To be able to drop a fly gently on shy fish, especially in shallow water, is the biggest plus of fly fishing.
Use a minimum 10ft leader and the fish won't even know you are there.

This applies to freshwater as well as the flats.

flyrodder · Post by **flyrodder** » March 19th, 2006, 10:22 pm

[quote="noleflyfisher"] It's about seeing a fish at 60 feet and dropping a virtually weightless feathered hook (that you created) in his feed zone. It's watching a fish see the fly and peel off from his schoolmates to have a looksy. It's the painful seconds where he tracks your bug and contemplates his next move. It's the moment when he commits, flares his gills, inhales your fly and you come tight. Everything after that point is secondary. Tears are coming to my eyes.

[/quote
especially with a fly that you yourself tyed. How many people can say that on conventional tackle

that brought several tears to my eyes. especially thinking about the times when they don't commit