RE: Fly line management
2008/10/26 11:15:22
(permalink)
Okay, my question to you is; Are you primarily nymphing under an indicator or are you swinging streamers, speys, etc. The thing to ponder is that if you are nymphing, primarily you'll be working closer than you would with the swing. You shouldn't have more than 20' of fly line off the reel if you are nymphing/indicator fishing, in most scenarios. Now, if you're using a 9-11' leader, figure that you'll really only have about 10-15' of fly line outside the rod tip. If your rod is a 9'er then just have a little loop of about 3' of line pinched in your finger, against the cork. Then, to set the hook when the indi stops, just let go of the loop. The 3' of line will be pulled through the guides as you strike upwards. The shock of the line hitting the reel will be what sets the hooks. More often than not, this will be enough to drive the hook home, if you are using good, sharp hooks. If you are swinging flies, then the same idea is put into play. Have a 3' loop pinched and when you feel the fish strike, let go of the loop, but don't set the hook with an upward strike. Let the fish take the line and again, the shock created by the line connecting with the reel will, more often than not, be sufficient to drive the hook home. Although, you can give it a couple of side strikes towards the shore closest to you. Reason being, steelies will typically take a fly and turn back into the middle of stream. Striking towards the shore closest to you will allow you to strike against the direction the fish is travelling. I hope that the above makes sense. It sounds to me that you are pulling too much line off of the reel. Good luck! -O.C.T.