weighty question

[frogge]

OK,
I realize that it is important to get my nyphms down. Question is whats the best way. I have an aversion to split shot,but have used them. I've seen new systems that use magnetic weights that attach to a tube allowing easy ajustment and positioning. I hate weighting my flies, for a variety of reasons. Anyone have experience with the magnetic systems. Any commments on the use of dropper tags to avoid losing your flies when you hang up? Any way around using additional weight?. Thanks,Frogge.

 

[theartoflee]

Froggy

i have used the tubes system that i belive you are describing and was not wild about them. if you are like me and do a majority of your nymphing in the winter they are more so a pain. it is a bit of a project to slice the plastic sleave break out the magnet and slide the little weights into the tube. one advantage of them is that it is fairly easy to reposition your weight once the tube is assembled and on the line.

If you dont like split shot then you may want to try tying "sacrifice flys" heavily weighted flys whomes sole purpose is to get your other flys into the zone.

As for dropper tags i used to use them allot on the salmon river while bottom bouncing. However i have found that if one is able to work a longer line and mend the fly is able to get in zone much easier with considerably less weight.

if you are dead set on not using weight or using minimal weight try longer casts with longer leaders combined with mends. Another thing you may want to experiment with is soft weight putty but remember in the winter it can be very difficult to use the soft weight without a lighter or something else to make the weight pliable.

 

[JeffK]

A couple of Euro options.

British anorexic flies are nymphs tied a size or two smaller than the hooks they are tied on. It's a tying style not a pattern. For example, tie a size 18 sized PT on a size 14 hook. The PT will be just like you normally tie it, just sized small for the hook. I also like lacquered nymphs. i.e. tie a slim PT and lacquer (clear nail polish) the body so it is nice and smooth and sinks well. The flies sink well, but mending is still needed. Some guys who mend well can get ordinary soft hackles down pretty deep.

The Czech nymph system of weighted nymphs works great, but it is not for everbody.

The "sacrifice" fly can also work as an underwater strike indicator. For example, I commonly tie a small scud or midge behind a white Honey Bug (either unweighted or lightly weighted). Watching the white honey bug allows one to mend the fly tothe right drift and you may be able to see it move when a fish takes the other hard-to-see fly. Nothing helps learning to mend a fly quicker than using a bright nymph that you can follow underwater.

 

[flyman23]

I use split shot, but don't like it much either. I wish there were some way to remove the shot easily, because I do adjust the weight depending on the water. A lot of times I just have to cut back the tippet and and new.

 

[AKSkim]

I wish there were some way to remove the shot easily

Try using your hemostats and pinch the split shot at a 90 degree angle to the slit, it should open it up enough for you to get a finger nail in and pry the spilt shot off your line.


As always, more than willing to give anyone or anything the finger.

AK Skim

 

[Karel]

I use the smallest available "green" shots (non-lead) and sink putty. The shot will stop the putty from sliding down and is easily removable with a finger nail. And the putty will allow you to add more or take off weight easily. I adjust weight and depth of my rig for each pool or run I fish (which means constantly) to get to the right spot.

 

[flyman23]

Thanks for the tips guys, I'll give it a try.

 

[vince45]

i'm also new to using nymphs, for years i avoided nymphs, dries can be seen on top of the water, but it is in my opinion, that using a nymph, is much harder cause you can not see the fish hit, i think all the info written on the post was very help full, .... one question where can i buy sink putty, since i have never heard of it until i read all the posts.. thank you all Vince

 

[Karel]

You can get sink putty in any fly shop or online. There are a couple labels out there like Orvis, Loon etc. If you have difficulties finding it, let me know. -K

 

[theartoflee]

Vince

Karel is right about most of the shop having sink putty or soft weight as it is refered to by manufactureer loon. You can also find it refered to as tungston putty by other manufaturers. The older sink putty was an excelent concept but was not the right texture. The newer putty is much better in terms of ability to mold and shape.

The inventor for the RS2 fly mixes the older putty with new sink putty because he feels it is the best of both worlds so to speak. Feel free to check out his site for intresting info.

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