Fly Swap Recipes

For the fly tying and fly fishing enthusiasts:
Fly Swap

Very cool
Thanks D.A.

#22 Hooks !!??!!

It’s pretty discouraging to know that trout have much better eye sight than I do. #22 hooks??? Jeez. I tied up 3 dozen Bass bugs last weekend and the smallest hook I used was a #4. But a #22 hook? I feel old…

Rootski

If it’s any consolation, one of tyers who is a master with tying awesome little flies like the #22, is 71 years young

Happy holidays,
D.A.

DA,

Seriously, how do you keep a good fish from straightening out a little hook like that? I can imagine a situation where that 18 inch Brown heads for a snag and boinks the hook lets go.
I continue to stand in awe of those who throw tiny flies into crystal clear water and successfully land trout.

I hope Santa brings you that new 4 weight you always wanted

Rootski

To be honest, I have hardly ever had a case where thehook has caused me trouble like straightening out. To each is own in the hook department, but I use TMC (Tiemco) hooks only, and have never had that problem. The playing of a fish is really what comes in to play, not the hook. The fly line stretches, the leader stretches, and the tippet stretches. The key is understanding breaking points (which I think is a “feel” situation), or use fluorcarbon .

When that 18″ heads for cover, you either have to guide him out before he gets there, or pray that your mono doesn’t have a nick in it .

It’s actually easier to play a large fish and confine it to a relatively small area once you get the hang of it. I know this sounds weird, but through rod angle and tension, you can prevent a fish from moving too much.

Take care,

D.A.

PS Unless Santa is goint to pony up $560 for that Sage SLT 8’9″ 3 weight, four piece rod I’m drooling over, I don’t think a new fly rod is going to appear on Christmas Eve night .

Dave,

Thanks for the info. I’ve had similar discussions with Bass guys. They can’t believe that an 8 weight will whip a big old Bass as fast, or faster, than their baitcasters.

If I see him, I’ll put in a word with Santa about the Sage.

Rootski