strike indicators for steelies

Hey all...I have been reading the forums for a few years, following news and information on steelhead fishing. I am, however, new to the site. I have only used a spinning outfit for steelhead, and have done o.k. I have purchased a fly rod and reel, and have been doing some research for as much helpful info as possible. I have the fly line, leaders, tippett, and fly patterns figured out. So, my question is about strike indicators. Whether to use them or not, and some opinions on which ones to use would be appreciated.

All depends on what and where your drifting.
I use thingamabobbers when drifting sucker spawn and egg patterns, mainly in the deeper runs..
I don't use them for streamers, buggers or triple threats....

Yeah! What he ^ said. Really the proper placement of the split shot on your line will make a world of difference in how your fly is presented. You can do a search of topics on here and get some really good information on split shot placement. And don't be afraid to add/move/remove weight depending on current conditions and depth. A good rule of thumb is one small shot at 8-12" above the fly, one at 24" and then one (heaviest) right below your indicator. Generally the water in a creek is moving faster on the surface and slower along the bottom due to friction and turbulance along the bottom, and the fish like to hold in the slowest moving water they can find. after selecting your shot, you then put on an appropriate sized float to compensate for the weight of the shot. Too small will just get pulled under and be almost useless, UNLESS you are high sticking, or free drifting with two flies using the top fly as an indicator. then you want both to sink. This technique is best used in clear water. Are you hopelesssly confused yet? Later on I'll explain the importance of the sollunar calendar and it's effect on the size of powerbait you should use.

If I use one in fast current or muddy water I use the foam ones you peel off the card and fold over the line with glue on the inside.  They work well, but when you take them off be sure to put them in your pocket, don't toss them in the stream like many do.  In low clear water I don't use anything.

Yeah , what Anadramous said. I like the thingamabobber in white or black. Doesnt seem to spook as many fish.
 
Hey Dennis, do you know where I can get some more TMB's

Bing, I've done a similar deal, but rig it a little different. Also, I've rigged it with a duel rig dropper directly before the TMB for a more vertical rig. I love those things. Incredibly sensitive

IMO it simply has to be beach balls & silly putty ..... ThingaMABoobER in white looks like an air bubble !

ORIGINAL: bingsbaits

Helps to tie the TMB's on with a short dropper...
Tip I got from a couple "OLD" duffers.

Dropper works great bings. Solves the problem of a looped on indicator cutting through the plastic around the O ring. I rig it by tying a 3 or 4 turn overhand knot around the butt section of the leader and then tying on the thingamabobber with a 3 turn improved clinch knot. when done correctly the thingamabobber should be no more than 1/2" from butt section of leader. 20 lb butt section, 20 lb dropper. Slides easily up and down leader with just the right amount of tension to stay in place while drifting. Fished all last fall and only used 2 indicators. Haven't found line, leader twist to be a problem rigged up this way.

One of the old duffers. The other old duffer still loops his on and wears out about 1 a day.

As far as strike indicators go. Not on my fly rod. Tried it , dont like it. Thats just me.

+1

Though I've been told by many that I miss oodles of strikes this way...and I'll likely try to teach myself to love one again this fall...I have never yet caught a steelie using an indicator. I see the logic, but I guess I just dont have confidence in that little ball of foam or plastic telling me when. I also don't feel I get as good of a drift that way.

From what I saw of deetz's fishing last fall tho, both of us prefer to fish faster water where (IMHO) the effectiveness (is that a word?) of an indicator is diminished and that of "feel" is increased. For the slow, deep pools full of fish and bordered by a dense undergrowth of neoprene though, an indicator is probably a good idea. The more vertical presentation would also (I'd think) reduce snagging too.

The more vertical presentation would also (I'd think) reduce snagging too.

You nailed it .... Also keeps the offering in the strike zone longer IMO so I would say depending on conditions usually more fish to hand .

ORIGINAL: Cold

As far as strike indicators go. Not on my fly rod. Tried it , dont like it. Thats just me.

+1

Though I've been told by many that I miss oodles of strikes this way...and I'll likely try to teach myself to love one again this fall...I have never yet caught a steelie using an indicator. I see the logic, but I guess I just dont have confidence in that little ball of foam or plastic telling me when. I also don't feel I get as good of a drift that way.

From what I saw of deetz's fishing last fall tho, both of us prefer to fish faster water where (IMHO) the effectiveness (is that a word?) of an indicator is diminished and that of "feel" is increased. For the slow, deep pools full of fish and bordered by a dense undergrowth of neoprene though, an indicator is probably a good idea. The more vertical presentation would also (I'd think) reduce snagging too.

Are you going to set the hook?> > > Why? Cause your line has stopped and is moving upstream! Sets hook > > > WOW! > > > fish off. LOL Ah the olden days.

ORIGINAL: AOOsteelie

Thanks for all the info so far. I will more than likely stick with egg patterns for now. The only thing that was confusing was a reply about not using a tapered leader, but only using tippet. I currently use a 3/4" foam float for spin fishing. I will try the thingamabobbers on my fly setup.

Get the 3/4" size TMG