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BowLurker

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Posts posted by BowLurker

  1. Hi keet,

     

    These are just personal suggestions, but I've had good results. :D

     

    As far as the blood knot is concerned, I've used the Double Uni knot instead, both in fly fishing and 50lb test conventional fishing. I've only broken the connection if I had to break it on purpose during a bad snag. The knot itself didn't let go, it was the lighter tippet/line material below the knot that would break. Never had the DU knot slip either, and it works really well tying two different diameters together. Just a suggestion. :thumbup:

     

     

     

    Using splitshot, I was taught to clamp the SS directly onto the knot that holds the nymph you want to go deep. If you use something like a Nonslip Loop or Lefty's Loop, which both form a strong loop to have the fly moving freely, at the knot 1-2cm away from the fly, you could clamp the SS there. Can't get away from knots, but maybe this could simplify your rig a bit, and save a bit of tippet strength. Hope this helps!

     

    -M.

     

    nonslip_zpslwylkpvt.png

     

    leftysloop_zpskpqm0foh.png

     

     

     

     

  2. Not sure how I feel about the 'Fly Rod Chronicles' show being re-telecast on the WFN.

     

    However, Sir Nick was fishing in West Virginia with the Conservation and Trout Unlimited reps, along with the show hosts and attended as an amateur.

     

    He chose a 3W...and wore 'Beginner's' kit..then promptly did an upstream side cast, mended and caught the biggest Rainbow...so sly.

    Most of the hosts were using 6W - 8W and I saw some terrible 'rip-sets' as per fishing television. Sigh.

     

    I chose to turn off this show, minus the fact that I could watch a golf hero.

     

    There's something inherently wrong about a vinyl-stickered truck and trailer busting through the wilderness to show off a 'virgin' stream. F**k me, where will it end! Has respect gone downstream?

     

    -M.

     

     

    • Like 1
  3. There is an incredible wealth of information in the archives. I do not think anyone will slight you for using the 'search' function. :)

     

    For dries, I will use either 9' 4x mono to 45cm 5x fluoro tippet (for size 16 or smaller flies) or 9' 4x mono to 45cm 4x fluoro (for anything else). In both cases, I grease the mono, and I leave the tippet untouched.

     

    Something I have found to have a positive effect is using a Turle Knot if your fly hook has either an upward or downward eye. When tied properly, the Turle Knot line always comes straight out the eye of the hook. A clinch has a noose effect, and if the knot becomes shifted in the eye, it can drive your tippet into (or out of) the water.

     

    Hey, just noticed this scel,

     

    Searching through 1000+ posts for a relevant topic (archives) is like pulling teeth, and I'm sure the Oracles on this site would agree. I appreciate the forum's expertise, and I understand the 'dead horse' idea. But, maybe newbies like me could have some brains in us! :raz:

     

    I have found a happy medium with leader issues, and a new mend technique, but the deeper swirls are still challenging. Can't be perfect I guess ;)

     

    The Turle knot is fun to tie in a comfortable living room, but I use the 'Non-Slip-Loop' every time, and it has done me well. I have never tied a clinch knot on flies.

     

    -M.

  4. Great shots, Smitty!

     

    I had a similar experience in the early 80's with my Dad on Maligne, and I think it was the first time I had ever seen fly fishing.

     

    Our guide was nailing trout left and right on wets/dries while my Dad and I fumbled about with spin cast and 'grandpa-reel' setups.

    After getting skunked most of the day, and huge mountain weather moving in, the guide took pity on a frustrated 8yr old and handed me a bamboo fly rod (!) with what I know now as a streamer.

     

    We trolled back to the Lodge with the electric motor, and damned if I didn't catch a huge Rainbow! We shared the fish in the Lodge that night. Incredible.

     

    Thanks for sharing the photos, Smitty...it must have been amazing.

     

    -M.

    • Like 1
  5. One last semi-unrelated question; what kind of river conditions are streamers most life-like? Im sure it makes a difference whether you are trying to imitate a leech or minnow, but for arguments sake lets say a minnow /small fish. Where do they naturally live in the river for me to imitate? Along banks, deep pools, shallow runs?

     

    Hey Freshdub,

     

    Re: Streamer fishing - This is a bit of a long read, but very informative. Of course, Scientific Anglers will be selling their stuff, but that's how it goes. Best of luck!

     

    http://www.scientificanglers.com/streamer-tactics-trout/

     

    -M.

  6. Ditto to what Bron said

     

    Trout move up higher in the riffles when it's hot. The faster moving water over the riffle has much more oxygen than the deep runs. When the water temps approach critical levels, the trout will be looking for oxygen

     

    +1 RedBeard. I've had some great afternoons (and witnessed others) fishing riffles as well, when the deeper pools produced nothing.

     

    Getting stripped off to backing on a bluebird day, standing in knee-deep water...can't beat it!

     

    -M.

    • Like 1
  7.  

    ".....And then I got home. My Smeagol turned all Gollum. It was my precious lake. I learned the secrets. It was mine. I did not want to share it..."

     

    scel, I won't re-post all your eloquent words, but I can totally relate to this particular line.

     

    I'm new to the amazing art of fly fishing, and I learn many new things every day, partially because of trial & error, but also because of online resources such as FFC. ( For example, I had no idea this Forum has been around for so long! )

     

    I am also learning without a mentor, or casting buddy, so I can also relate. I'm sure the local fly shops are sick of my constant questions! :D

     

    When I started to figure out a little 1000M stretch of the side-channel at SHP, I was torn between telling all because I was so stoked, but also holding a few cards close. Then, of course, I watch a seasoned side-channel angler wade his arse off across river, catch 5 in succession and shrug his shoulders when I get yet another wind knot!

     

    I also agree with the occasional report, especially if it's somewhere unique, or if one is able to get pictures. My thoughts are similar to yours about having just enough difficulty at any spot to make it interesting. I hope that there are still places out there that are 'anonymous' clearwater streams, or bangin' stillwater... maybe most of us still have a few cards left.

     

    Thanks scel. :thumbup:

     

    -M.

     

     

     

    • Like 1
  8. I took a quick trip just West of Exshaw this morning and there was traffic backing up already due to new paving/painting and bridge construction. On the way back to Calgary around 1030, Westbound was bumper-to-bumper in 3 spots...and it's only Wednesday!

     

    Just a heads-up for everyone headed West this w'kend. Drive safe!

     

    -M.

  9. The New Fly Fisher is apparently not so new. It seems like it was once a TV program. I have not had cable television since 1992. On one hand, I know it is essentially a giant Orvis commercial and outfitter promotion, but I do not care. I have picked up tons of good tips for pike and bass on the fly. Tom Rosenbauer makes an occasional host appearance.

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk2DJldSE7hhQTU8rjNHeYw

     

    The New Fly Fisher is still producing new programs on the World Fishing Network channel. Last week they had a show about the world record 30+lb Brookie caught in the Nipigon River in Ontario. Pretty good show sometimes. They had a really good Steelhead show a while back.

     

    As for the Swedish shows, well..yeah. :blink:

     

    -M.

  10. Hey Fly Folks,

     

    Found this item on a trail while fishing at Sue Higgins Park. It still had a bit of water in it, but no luck on the trout food~!

     

    IMG_8887_opti_zpsakcv5ruf.jpg

     

    It was a while back, but I'm new to the Forum. Looks well used, and has a small split starting on the bell.

     

    -M.

  11. If I'm trying to revive a dead horse with this thread, my bad.

     

    Any thoughts on how to keep one's leader from getting sucked down while dry fishing?

     

    My fly seems to stay up well, but the leader goes down, causing a delayed drift. I know the Bow can be kinda freaky current-wise near some of the deeper banks.

     

    Perhaps I need to go to a lighter tapered leader? Now that the water is lower, maybe I can get away with a 5x into a fluoro tippet...hmm.

     

    -M.

    • Like 1
  12. Flyagra works, it does have a bit of smell to it sort of like kerosene. I use a stiff bristle paint brush instead of dunking flies right into solution.this way you are able to apply solution only to the wings without soaking entire body.

     

    One thing I noticed is it affects tippet material making it brittle.

     

    It does keep flies on top for long time if applied in advance. I guess it gets absorbed into natural materials instead of just being layered atop as a coating.

    I notice the brittle tippet part of treating flies as well.

     

    I use a "grease" style treatment, and prefer it because I can see when it's time to re-treat when my flies are sinkers.

     

    -M.

     

    PS- have you tried any 'spray-style' treatments?

  13. Hello FlyFish! First time poster, long time lurker.

     

    I use a TFO 4-W, and have broken a line guide. I have a repair kit. Never tried to fix one before, and I'm going to try and do it myself.

     

    Yes, I've heard that a new section is only $40 at TFO, but it's something I want to try.

     

    Any tips on repairing a line guide? Do I need to remove all the epoxy, the entire circumference? Can I just 'dig out' the old guide and re-epoxy?

     

    Thanks folks.

     

    -M.

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