This is one big ol' streamer with a a ton of materials, but it works for me. The tier says it takes over 30 minutes to tie!
I have fallen off the fly tying wagon because of work, but winter is here and I'll be hitting the vise very soon. My goal for 2012 is to tie up big flies for big fish. I recently read an article written by Bob Clouser that really stressed the importance of large flies when it comes to catching big fish. It doesn't take Bob Clouser to hammer the concept home, but most of the flies in my fly box are not over 4" long. Remember Bob Clouser's famous saying, "You want to give them the groceries." I have to keep reminding myself that bass are not trout - throw 6" flies instead of those 3 inchers.
My friend Gabe tosses big flies all the time and catches monsters. Every time I talk to him he has a new story of fish coming out of the shadows to hammer his gigantic patterns. I am fortunate enough to have some very productive rivers near my home, so I really should get on the big fly wagon.
2012 will be the season of the 8 and 10 weight rod for the Smallmouth Fly Box. I'll be throwing chickens for hog smallmouth and I might get lucky and land a big musky like Gabe!
Have a great holiday season everyone! I'll be posting on a regular basis again soon.
I agree big flies land big fish--my only problem is losing the big ones when I get them on. Looking forward the future post.
ReplyDeleteThanks Bill. I will do a post on rigging for big fish as well. My local fly shop had a seminar on rigging for big fish that was outstanding.
ReplyDeleteMore info on fluorocarbon leaders in the coming weeks too. Best to be prepared for big pike and musky when fishing for smallmouth.