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Welcome back to the new NEFF. Take a break from Twitter and Facebook. You don't go to Dicks for your fly fishing gear, you go to your local fly fishing store. Enjoy!

Few questions

C

creth

New member
Hey Guys,

My names Stefan. I'm new to the forums and fly fishing as well.

I'm really excited for the fall season and would like to be ready for it.

I've been doing some practicing by going to a few local streams and practicing my casting with some success. (caught my first ever brown trout last week).

I know the waters are pretty warm in the late summer months so i've been going out at 6 in the AM and fishing only til around 10:00 AM and then just going to a local pond for some bass fishing for the rest of the day.

As a nooby I have a lot to learn and I would like to soak up as much information as I can so I can have success out on the rivers/ streams / and lakes in the coming months.

I just have a few questions:

1. This might be a dumb question but our of the three types of flies dry,Nymph,and streamer what is easiest to use as a nooby?.

2. What are some good flies for bass? Ive been doing some fly fishing at some local ponds with a few random flies and have been successful with panfish just not any bass. Any suggestions on what to use would be greatly appreciated.

3. And finally what are some other suggestions that you have for a person just starting out.


Thank you in advance I look forward to your comments.

Stefan
 
creth said:
Hey Guys,

My names Stefan. I'm new to the forums and fly fishing as well.

I'm really excited for the fall season and would like to be ready for it.

I've been doing some practicing by going to a few local streams and practicing my casting with some success. (caught my first ever brown trout last week).

I know the waters are pretty warm in the late summer months so i've been going out at 6 in the AM and fishing only til around 10:00 AM and then just going to a local pond for some bass fishing for the rest of the day.

As a nooby I have a lot to learn and I would like to soak up as much information as I can so I can have success out on the rivers/ streams / and lakes in the coming months.

I just have a few questions:

1. This might be a dumb question but our of the three types of flies dry,Nymph,and streamer what is easiest to use as a nooby?.

2. What are some good flies for bass? Ive been doing some fly fishing at some local ponds with a few random flies and have been successful with panfish just not any bass. Any suggestions on what to use would be greatly appreciated.

3. And finally what are some other suggestions that you have for a person just starting out.


Thank you in advance I look forward to your comments.

Stefan
Click to expand...

I'm a relative nooby as well Stefan....I have been fishing my entire life, but picked up a fly rod about 10 years ago.......let's just say I am an addict now.
Just have fun, and don't ever, under any circumstances listen to MACFLY or DDLuver, they will lead you to the darkside....:)
Bass=woolybuggers. or pretty much any large streamer(small ones work too)..
I have also caught bass sight fishing with large stimulators, they look at it, but would only strike after I twitched it....

I also recommend reading anything about fly fishing you can get your hands on.......DDluver will be offering picture books, please get books that have print so you can actually learn something.

By all means, if a fellow named Catskill Mountain Man, or Golden Beetle approach you, run as fast as you can to the nearest decontamination center and get de-loused...if you don't the fish will smell you coming and you will never catch anything.

As for a beginner, Rusty Spinner is the god of all thing fly fishing.........he know eevvverything, kinda' like encyclopedia Britannica.....
and from what I have heard, if you need awesomely tied flies, ask Matt Grobert...he knows who can tie them well, but don't accept flies from him...he uses contaminated thread....


Now on the serious side...just have fun and keep your fly outta the trees!!!!
 
lightenup said:
I'm a relative nooby as well Stefan....I have been fishing my entire life, but picked up a fly rod about 10 years ago.......let's just say I am an addict now.
Just have fun, and don't ever, under any circumstances listen to MACFLY or DDLuver, they will lead you to the darkside....:)
Bass=woolybuggers. or pretty much any large streamer(small ones work too)..
I have also caught bass sight fishing with large stimulators, they look at it, but would only strike after I twitched it....

I also recommend reading anything about fly fishing you can get your hands on.......DDluver will be offering picture books, please get books that have print so you can actually learn something.

By all means, if a fellow named Catskill Mountain Man, or Golden Beetle approach you, run as fast as you can to the nearest decontamination center and get de-loused...if you don't the fish will smell you coming and you will never catch anything.

As for a beginner, Rusty Spinner is the god of all thing fly fishing.........he know eevvverything, kinda' like encyclopedia Britannica.....
and from what I have heard, if you need awesomely tied flies, ask Matt Grobert...he knows who can tie them well, but don't accept flies from him...he uses contaminated thread....


Now on the serious side...just have fun and keep your fly outta the trees!!!!
Click to expand...

Thank you lightenup for your suggestions. I immediately got hooked when I caught my first brown last weekend.

And as you suggested I will make sure to be careful of Catskill Mountain Man and Golden beetle. :)
 
Hi Stefan, welcome aboard.
1) Yes, basically that's the 3 types of flies but there are sub categories to each of them that'll start to make your head spin. IMHO the easiest to use are streamers and they work well. Nymphs are very effective because apparently that's what trout eat the most of but they're more difficult to fish with finding the right depth and snagging on the bottom. Dry flies are easy to fish and definitely the most fun but they're not the most effective because trout are fickle with them. Terrestrials dry's in the form of ants, beetles, daddy long legs, etc, work really well.
2) Different style poppers with a slow retrieve and a twitch now and then always work with bass as well as streamers.
3) Advice? Just get out there, see what works, learn from your mistakes and enjoy the scenery.
Most importantly, don't look for advice from this forum, for the most part you'll just get snarky comments from the regulars that think they're finally sitting at the cool guys table in the school cafeteria.
 
Trout:
Trout are cold water species.
If you intend to release your catch, especially during the summer, get a stream thermometer. If the water is too warm, a released trout is unlikely to survive being caught.

The "rule of thumb" is to stop fishing when the water is 70 F (or 20 C) or higher, but a lot of guys use a lower cut-off temperature.

Bass:
Panfish can be fun, but to avoid them use streamers, that are a too bug for panfish, or at night floating bass bugs. The woolybugger is a good all purpose choice, but if you know the forage fish in the waters you fish, imitate it.

If you're using a trout rod for bass, you might have some problems casting large bass bugs.

Bass are a warm water fish, temperature isn't a factor in our climate.
 
cocopelao said:
Hi Stefan, welcome aboard.
1) Yes, basically that's the 3 types of flies but there are sub categories to each of them that'll start to make your head spin. IMHO the easiest to use are streamers and they work well. Nymphs are very effective because apparently that's what trout eat the most of but they're more difficult to fish with finding the right depth and snagging on the bottom. Dry flies are easy to fish and definitely the most fun but they're not the most effective because trout are fickle with them. Terrestrials dry's in the form of ants, beetles, daddy long legs, etc, work really well.
2) Different style poppers with a slow retrieve and a twitch now and then always work with bass as well as streamers.
3) Advice? Just get out there, see what works, learn from your mistakes and enjoy the scenery.
Most importantly, don't look for advice from this forum, for the most part you'll just get snarky comments from the regulars that think they're finally sitting at the cool guys table in the school cafeteria.
Click to expand...

Thank you very much for the comments and suggestions. I'm going to pick up some streamers and poppers this week and hopefully catch some bass this weekend :).
 
Pete said:
Trout:
Trout are cold water species.
If you intend to release your catch, especially during the summer, get a stream thermometer. If the water is too warm, a released trout is unlikely to survive being caught.

The "rule of thumb" is to stop fishing when the water is 70 F (or 20 C) or higher, but a lot of guys use a lower cut-off temperature.

Bass:
Panfish can be fun, but to avoid them use streamers, that are a too bug for panfish, or at night floating bass bugs. The woolybugger is a good all purpose choice, but if you know the forage fish in the waters you fish, imitate it.

If you're using a trout rod for bass, you might have some problems casting large bass bugs.

Bass are a warm water fish, temperature isn't a factor in our climate.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the comments and suggestions Pete. I'm going to stick to bass fishing for now unless temperatures drop dramatically in the next few weeks.
 
Were you ever a spin fisherman?

If so, build on the skills you may already have.
  • Fish nymphs like bait.
    Fish streamers like lures
    Drys are a bit different, like bait that floats.
 
Pete said:
Were you ever a spin fisherman? If so, build on the skills you may already have.
  • Fish nymphs like bait. Fish streamers like lures Drys are a bit different, like bait that floats.
Click to expand...

I've been spin fishing since I was a kid. So those suggestions helped alot.
 
cocopelao said:
.
Most importantly, don't look for advice from this forum, for the most part you'll just get snarky comments from the regulars that think they're finally sitting at the cool guys table in the school cafeteria.
Click to expand...


There are never any snarky comments on this board......we are all serious, and everyone sits at the cool kids table here, as there are only 9 of us.....:nose-picking:
 
Welcome aboard brother.

I'm pretty new myself, and due to a geographical change, the nearest bodies of water are lakes - as such I've been trying my hand for bass as well (and by proxy have caught sunnies, crappies, white perch and pickerel).

My heaviest rod is a 5 wt so I've been using that for the bass - I found that a popper fly is pretty productive especially around dusk/evening (This is my first popper that I've tied, and it is a monstrosity, but the bass seem to love it. Similarly to the previous posts - twitching the fly and popping it along the service seems to generate the most attention.) The good thing (at least for me cause my tying leaves much to be desired) is that bass don't seem to be as picky as trout.

Sorry - Can't upload pics - you'll have to copy and paste the link

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/q750/thursthouse/popper_zpsd676jgmj.jpg


My second favorite fly at the moment is a streamer like the one below. (a Black Ghost variant) It is light and doesn't soak up a lot of water so it's really easy to cast and has a fairly slow sink rate which I like either to strip and stop like an injured fish or if there is high weeds that don't grow all the way to the surface, you can scoot this fly along top of the weeds with minimal effort.

http://i1357.photobucket.com/albums/q750/thursthouse/black ghost variant_zpszcjkjbzl.jpg

My other suggestions for being new are:

Be patient: Suddenly one day things will just start to click and it gets even MORE addicting.
Ask a lot of questions on here, at your local fly shop and guys/gals that you meet on the river/lakes. I've found almost everyone to be extremely helpful and have even had some on stream lessons from random encounters I've had with other fishermen.
Practice your knots, cause when the fish start rising at dusk and your adrenaline starts pumping, you want to be able to tie on a new fly without any issues.
Always wear sunglasses (polarized of course) cause pirates aren't in at the moment
Barbless hooks are easier to remove from your net, clothes and skin - you can pinch the barbs down with plyers
Be as stealthy as possible, not only when moving through the water, but also when approaching from the banks - watch a heron to get a good idea of stealth
 
Creth.

To answer question #2 - good flies for bass. Largemouth or Small Mouth?

Here is a good selection for both via ORVIS online catalog:

Bass, Pike & Panfish Flies -- Orvis

I like to see what ORVIS pattern are provided, but prefer, if I do not tie my own flies, to purchase from local shops as they typically are more effective.

I particularly like this Crayfish pattern: Delaware River Club Online Fly Shop — Jeff's Messy Craw

Crayfish are a particular food source that Smallmouth will hammer. I like the DRC Messy Crawfish design.

Wooly Buggers in Black or shades of Olive are popular streamer patterns to use to as imitation of Hellgrammite (Dobson Fly) nymphs or leeches that bass of both types will target.

In reference to Largemouth bass - I prefer to cast hair bugs along banks of ponds / lakes in very early morning hours (or dusk). You are going to need a 7 weight to 9 weight rod to turn over these air-resistant type of flies.
 
Last edited:
Creth,

Responding to (1) "This might be a dumb question but our of the three types of flies dry,Nymph,and streamer what is easiest to use as a nooby?."

I would keep it open minded and use all three. Why? This will give you the skills and flexibility to fish in all types of conditions. Also, you should seriously consider Wet flies as another viable choice.

In early June, I guided a gentleman on a very difficult tailwater fishery in Maryland. We started with a Dry fly, moved to a wet fly, and settled on a nymph pattern during a light Sulphur hatch. The nymph, fished just under the surface was the ticket. Sometimes, we have to be flexible in order to be successful. Food for thought.

HLR
 
Creth,

Respond to (3) "And finally what are some other suggestions that you have for a person just starting out."

I would first understand that a lot of fisherman talk smack, but do not know what they are doing.

In reference to trout and fly fishing, approach and presentation are most important. If possible, watch the water, read the water, study the type of food sources available. Successful fisherman practice these habits continuously. Then, after you have a good understanding, fish areas where fish will be positioned to feed, with the proper approach, presentation and appropriate imitation.

This is a very basic answer, but being flexible to approach, presentation and imitation choice are basic tenants of tactics no matter where you fish.

My early years were spent fishing a small, sticker bush choked put and take trout stream. On one hand, I learned how to cast into tight quarters while wading in mud up to my waist. The upside is that I needed to present my basic flies (picket pin, lead winged coachmen, ants, beetle, hares ear nymphs, Light Cahill) with focus on accurate short distances. The downside is that my development in knowing how to cast across larger rivers and streams was stunted. Moral of the story, just fish and - if possible - fish with someone who is experienced and patient.

Observe, read and study what successful fisherman habits and strategies are employed.

HLR
 
HydeLowRider said:
Creth,

Respond to (3) "And finally what are some other suggestions that you have for a person just starting out."

I would first understand that a lot of fisherman talk smack, but do not know what they are doing.



In reference to trout and fly fishing, approach and presentation are most important. If possible, watch the water, read the water, study the type of food sources available. Successful fisherman practice these habits continuously. Then, after you have a good understanding, fish areas where fish will be positioned to feed, with the proper approach, presentation and appropriate imitation.

This is a very basic answer, but being flexible to approach, presentation and imitation choice are basic tenants of tactics no matter where you fish.

My early years were spent fishing a small, sticker bush choked put and take trout stream. On one hand, I learned how to cast into tight quarters while wading in mud up to my waist. The upside is that I needed to present my basic flies (picket pin, lead winged coachmen, ants, beetle, hares ear nymphs, Light Cahill) with focus on accurate short distances. The downside is that my development in knowing how to cast across larger rivers and streams was stunted. Moral of the story, just fish and - if possible - fish with someone who is experienced and patient.

Observe, read and study what successful fisherman habits and strategies are employed.

HLR
Click to expand...

Once again thank you for all the information and advice. I really appreciate it!
 
creth, don't listen to all these pussies, get yourself a spin rod and a can of nightcrawlers if you wanna' catch fish. Fly fishing is an elitist sport (if you call it a sport) and if you go down that road you'll wind up looking like an Orvis mannequin like the rest of theses snooty bastards.

Now getting down to the stuff. I'm in East Hanover and you can stop by my shop anytime to talk fly fishing. Hell I'll even twist up a few for you (flies LU), I got flies hanging off the walls that need a home. PM sent.
 
FIN-ITE 34 said:
creth, don't listen to all these pussies, get yourself a spin rod and a can of nightcrawlers if you wanna' catch fish. Fly fishing is an elitist sport (if you call it a sport) and if you go down that road you'll wind up looking like an Orvis mannequin like the rest of theses snooty bastards.

Now getting down to the stuff. I'm in East Hanover and you can stop by my shop anytime to talk fly fishing. Hell I'll even twist up a few for you (flies LU), I got flies hanging off the walls that need a home. PM sent.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot Conrad I appreciate it. I sent you a PM back.
 
As the youngest, coolest, and most attractive poster on this board, let me be the 9th person to welcome you.

I would also like to let you know that I am physically capable of doing a wheelie on a motorcycle -- so don't fuck with me.

Making fun of my children is off limits and will not be tolerated until they leave for college next fall.

That being said, I will be happy to guide you on the Ramapo any Wednesday in October.

Best,

-Jon Stewart
 
moosekid said:
As the youngest, coolest, and most attractive poster on this board, let me be the 9th person to welcome you.

I would also like to let you know that I am physically capable of doing a wheelie on a motorcycle -- so don't fuck with me.

Making fun of my children is off limits and will not be tolerated until they leave for college next fall.

That being said, I will be happy to guide you on the Ramapo any Wednesday in October.

Best,

-Jon Stewart
Click to expand...

Thanks Jon. I'll contact you if i decide to try the Ramapo.

and I can do a wheelie on my bicycle with training wheels so back off :).
 
lightenup said:
There are never any snarky comments on this board......we are all serious, and everyone sits at the cool kids table here, as there are only 9 of us.....:nose-picking:
Click to expand...
Are you sure there are that many left? 9 is a bit optimistic, don't yah think? Hey... Someone offered to purchase the site a few weeks ago for $500.00!
 
lightenup said:
everyone sits at the cool kids table here, as there are only 9 of us.....
Click to expand...

Not true. Beetle and Moosekid and Barleywine and I have started our own table since MacFly kept throwing Beetle's lime jello on the floor. (He calls himself MacFly but he's really more of a Biff.) Creth we only speak Klingon at our table and Moosekid always has to be spock or he throws a tantrum - if that's alright with you, come on over.

dcabarle said:
Are you sure there are that many left? 9 is a bit optimistic, don't yah think?
Click to expand...

It depends on whether you count the guys with multiple personalities twice.

Then, others have only half a personality. I won't name names. :)

I say, 8.75. Final answer.

dcabarle said:
Someone offered to purchase the site a few weeks ago for $5.00!
Click to expand...

fixed it.

Creth there's a better site for learning about fly fishing. It's called GB mag. Surprised nobody has mentioned it yet.
 
Beetle and Catskill Mountain Man are the only ones here who know anything at all. The rest are just aliases for some retard named KLG Neighbor.
 
Macfly and i are planning a hostile takeover. There will be some big changes once our investment group takes over.
 
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