Newbee Losing Some Brookies

[streamhunter]

Hey All,

Need some feedback:

I just started fishing small streams for brookies and connected with several today, but lost them. Just wondering what your leader length for small creeks is usually?

I was using a 7ft 6x leader on a 3wt 6'7ish rod. While kneeling down, there may have been too much slack. When I raised my rod to set the hook, the line didn't really tighten enough. I'm not sure if I just didn't raise it with enough oomf (was afraid to rip it out of the water) or high enough causing too much slack. I did pull one out, but it fell off in the air. I guess I don't have the magic touch yet. Fun dry fly fishing none-the-less.

Cheers!

 

[Pete]

In small streams it's often possible to see a fish just before it takes the fly.
Is it possible that you're striking too soon,, and snatching the fly away from the fish.

 

[lightenup]

Sharpen yer hooks...
Like Pete said, wait until they turn to go back down, then lift the tip. I know a spot with a lot of those little bastards.

 

[streamhunter]

In small streams it's often possible to see a fish just before it takes the fly.
Is it possible that you're striking too soon,, and snatching the fly away from the fish.

possibly, although the fly had been eaten a few times. I guess I'll just have to keep trying!

 

[FIN-ITE 34]

Just keep fishing, my guess is you aren't doing anything incorrectly. You'll land your share, as it is much easier to come unbuttoned with smaller fish because they just don't have the mass to keep a tight lock.

 

[streamhunter]

Just keep fishing, my guess is you aren't doing anything incorrectly. You'll land your share, as it is much easier to come unbuttoned with smaller fish because they just don't have the mass to keep a tight lock.

Well, I went back there and finally caught a nice Brookie. I also caught a bunch of creek chubs. That's what I think I was actually losing; I think they tend to miss the fly often. Didn't lose many fish this time around. Definitely takes practice for that gentler touch.

Anyhow, thanks for the feedback!