Apr 07 2008
The Bottom Line
Every year, it seems that there are a number of reoccurring problems that every fisherman faces when fly fishing. One of the most common problems is in relation with the lines. Besides the problem of windknots and ‘birdsnests,’ there is an even greater problem that can arise to to dirt, dust, and other foreign substances adhering to the line.
When line gets old, and is used more and more, it becomes dirty, and a layer of grime builds up on the PVC surface of the line. This layer of dirt causes the line to become less easily flexible, and therefore will result in the line not laying flat on the water. The waves in the line will cause the line to more readily disturb the water, and will spook the targeted fish.
Furthermore, this layer of buildup will cause the floating line to sink, making it harder to fish with dry flies.
Although dirt and grime are, for the most part, inevitable, there is a very easy solution to this problem. The best way to clean a line is to wipe it down with a paper towel that is dampened with deluded window cleaner. It is very important to not use straight cleaner due to the fact that the PVC coating on fly line is easily worn away.
After wiping down the line, it is best to them wipe of any excess cleaner with a damp papertowel. This will ensure the safety of the line. When the line is entire cleaned off, I like to straighten my line using a small piece of leather. By folding the leather over the line, and then pulling the line through the pinched leather, the line will become straighter, and will more easily lay out on the water when fishing.
This past week I spent time scouting out, and fishing, a local pond here in northeastern Connecticut. It was my first time fishing this specific body of water, so I met up with the owner of the property to discuss the ins and outs of fishing there. After a few minutes of conversation, he began [...]
Although I enjoy the reliability and strength of my modern graphite, Pfueger rod, there tends to be a great joy in casting my grandfather’s handcrafted split bamboo rod. The rod is a ten and a half foot bamboo rod that he acquired long before I was born. My grandfather passed away before I was old [...]
As we are approaching fishing season, there are certain etiquettes that should be discussed.
One of the most important rules of fly fishing is that a fisherman should never, under any circumstances, ‘cull.’
Culling is the very inconsiderate practice of keeping a trout in a creel, and then, after catching larger trout, returns the spent trout to [...]
Spot fishing is a good technique when you find yourself in a situation where there are a number of visible fish rising. The basic idea is to always be ready for a repositioning of the fly to the place of the most current activity, whether that is along the shore, or toward the mid current [...]
The Usual is a very simple fly to tie, and can easily be accomplished by anyone who is starting to tie flies, due to the fact that it is very forgiving. When I tie the Usual, I prefer to use a #10 Mustad hook. I have found this size to be most efficient when fishing [...]