Watch for followers of a hooked fish, and have your partner cast quickly to catch these “shadow” bass. Hooked smallmouth that have been feeding heavily often have following fish. These followers “shadow” the hooked fish closely, looking to grab the hooked fish’s regurgitation. Most likely it will be just one follower of similar size, but […]
Archive | Fly Fishing Quick Tips
Shorter pieces, easy to read on your phone or computer when you have just a bit of time
Late Fall & Winter is Big Bronze Time
The cold water seasons of late fall and winter produce high percentages of big fish with the right techniques. Certainly big smallmouth can be caught all year long. However, if you really want to up your odds of hooking the largest specimens, fish during the late fall or winter periods. Strangely, most river anglers don’t […]
Load ‘Em Up– Use Heavier Line
To cast bass flies, use a line one or two weights over the rod’s “official” rating. Most rods will cast a bass fly much better with a line one or two weights over the rod’s “official” rating. Bass casting is some of the most challenging fly casting there is. We throw heavy flies 45 to […]
Get a Good Anchor
A good anchor system, that you can operate easily with one hand, is essential for river fishing. A good anchor system is essential for river fishing. Whenever a craft is not being controlled by oars, a motor, paddles or your feet, it will quickly drift out of position for effective fishing. Every time a solo […]
Clean It Up– Lube Your Line More
To cast easier and extend the life of your fly line, apply line dressing (lubrication) on your line regularly, and clean the line 2 or 3 times a season. Although shops or manufacturers seldom highlight this, here is a simple and inexpensive way to both cast better and lengthen your line’s life– apply line dressing […]