The Unleaded Belly

The Unleaded Belly

The Unleaded Belly (Whetted to Show the Beads)

Recipe
Hook:  2/0 Mustad Hook (Saltwater)
Thread:  White Flat Waxed Nylon
Tail:  Gray Marabou
Sparkle:  Gray Ghost Krystal Flash
Body:  Gray/Tan Saddle Hackle
Counter-Wrapping:  Copper Wire
Belly:  Seven Strand Braided Wire w/ four 4mm Plated Copper Beads
Collar/Head:  Gray Deer Body Hair

Earlier today I posted The Redfish Slider on the blog...great video by Matt Wirt.  I love the pattern because it is relatively simple and has great mass in the water.  The Unleaded Belly is my Smallmouth Fly Box Version of Matt's pattern.  The picture above is whetted down because the dry streamer is bushy and hides the beads.

At just over 4 1/2" long this streamer is not the biggest offering, but it should get the job done!

Cookin' Some Garbage
I have piles of really webby saddle hackles in my collection - stuff I have been hoarding for a few years.  You know the stuff I'm talking about....long fibers and sometimes a little funky colored.  The Unleaded Belly will help you use those saddles up!  The body is a mass of counter wrapped, closely palmered saddle hackle that creates a chunky and active mid-section.

The Belly
I tie flies and my wife makes jewelry...  We share the same bench and while my fur and feathers have no real application in her hobby her beads have occasionally disappeared if the roll on my side of the bench.  The braided wire used for fishing is used in jewelry making for a fraction of the cost.  I took a small length of seven stranded wire, created a belly loop on the streamer.  I then dropped on a few el cheapo copper plated beads to eliminate bead chain, hourglass or cone heads.  The belly loop really turns the fly over quickly and rides well in the water.

This is my first attempt at this pattern and I wanted to try something different.  The belly weights are non-toxic and the cost is virtually nil.  They actually rattle a little too!

On my next attempts I think I might tighten up the belly and add a small weed guard.  I'm also going to consider a little more flash as well as maybe a few lateral saddles to spice things up.  Let me know what you think!

Olson's Slider

Umpqua's Olson's Slider

I spoke with Gabe Schubert a few days back and he mentioned this pattern as being a real winner.  The Olson's Slider is commercially available through Umpqua, tied by David Olson.  I am going to pick one up from my local fly shop and give it a gander.  Looks straight forward, but i want to see the physical size of the pattern to see if we can "go large" or maybe make a few alterations.  All in all a really nice pattern....deer hair, flash, hackle - smallmouth magnet.

More on this fly soon.

<<UPDATE>>

I stopped by Bob Mitchell's and picked up a few Olson's Sliders in red and white.  This is a very neat pattern that reminds me of a cross between the Wilderdilch and Ward Bean's Red Faced Wobbler.  See what I mean?

Wilderdilch

Red Faced Wobbler

 Gabe is right, this looks like a fantastic smallmouth pattern.  I'll be using it this weekend for sure!

The Sea Pickle Floats!

New Interior

For those of you that have hung around this blog for a while, you know I bought an old Lund last year.  I have never owned a boat and thought it would be nice to get a fixer upper for me and my boys to work on together.  I found the old boat in White Bear Lake and paid next to nothing for it.  Once we got it home we ripped out the floor and nasty old water-logged foam.  Everything was painted black, so the boat was always hot to the touch!  We decided to go with a lighter color to help keep temps down.

I opted for a cedar floor and MDO hatch doors.  The seats will be replaced with light brown units, but the black ones will work for now.  My boys learned how to properly varnish exterior surfaces, pop rivet aluminum, use a router, drills, a grease gun, various saws and learned how to care for and use many other critical tools needed to become men.  They also learned how to disassemble the steering column and properly maintain the cable system. 

The real fun was cleaning and tuning up the motor.  The boys changed the plugs and cleaned off years of grease.  You should have seen their faces when they turned the key and she fired right up.  We serviced the lower unit and replaced the impeller too.

They loved working on the electrical.  They installed a horn, electric anchor, electric trolling motor, lights, pumps, stereo...all hooked up to a breaker panel. 

What a great project!  We will take her out tomorrow for a ride on the river.  Planning on painting the exterior a light brown color because my boys named the boat The Sea Pickle.  Their Uncle Dan calls turds sea pickles....what a fitting name for this boat!

Here are a few of the original pictures of the boat (1980 18' Lund Mr Pike).

1980 Catalog Picture

The Day I Picked it Up

Rotted Interior

Favorite Fly Lines

Like many of you I hate buying fly line.  The stuff is expensive and I never know if I'm going to like it until after I cracked the seal and flipped it on the water.  Most times I let price dictate whether I buy line, but on occasion I'll splurge and get the good stuff.  I'd like to discuss what I think makes up a good fly line and detail a few of my favorites.  If you are a smallmouth guy I think you'll like the same types of line I do.

Expectations

Before we get too far in this post I want to let you know what I expect from a fly line.  My expectations may be different than yours, so it's good to get this out in the open.  As I mentioned above, I expect line to be affordable.  Affordable to you may be different than affordable to me.  I expect to pay under $75 for a spool of line.  Now I want to be clear when I say $75....that is my absolute high.  The closer I get to $75 the crabbier I get.  I have spent $70 before and to be honest it was the best money I have ever spent.

I expect to be able to cast flies in the wind with a quality line.  Nothing worse than having wimpy fly line.  I had a spool of Cabela's Prestige line that was an absolute turd.  I think I paid $25 for it - a total waste of time and money.  The line was limp and could hardly turn over a tiny trout fly.  The wind pushed it everywhere.  So for that reason I don't buy Cabela's Prestige line.

If I pay boku bucks for line and I take care of it (keep it clean) I expect it to last a 3+ years.  So far the higher end lines have been incredible and many have lasted over 5 years.

The key here is to keep the line clean and conditioned.  If you do that it has been my experience that high end lines will meet and/or exceed your expectations.


Line Weights and Fly Rods
One thing I learned right away is that every rod has a favorite line weight and taper.  I have a rod that is only happy with WF Rio Clouser line.  I don't think this phenomenon is uncommon, especially if you use vintage gear.  Sometimes you need to poke around and find the line that bet matches your rod. Sometimes a double taper works better than weight forward...

My local fly shop recommend that you match the line weight with the line weight listed on the rod.  Makes sense doesn't it?  I have a 6 weight rod...I'll buy 6 weight line....well not necessarily.  Many people I fish with (including myself) over-line our rods.  Over-lining means you pair up a heavier line than is listed on the rod.  For example, you match a 7 weight line to a 6 weight rod.

Why over-line?  Well many times it helps you cut the wind and cast better.  Trout guys will recommend you take 6 months of casting lessons before over-lining, but if a slighltly heavier line makes me cast better....bring it on.  Here is what Tim Holschlag has to say about over-lining:

"Another common mistake is not using the right weight line for smallmouth bass fishing. A fly rod's line weight rating is suited to the shorter casts and delicate presentations used in traditional (trout) fishing, but this line weight does not properly load the rod to drive out a heavy fly. So many smallmouth bass fishers end up struggling with an underloaded rod. The correct line weight for smallmouth bass fishing is at least one weight up (9-weight line for an 8-wt rod), or even 2 weights up (8-weight on a 6-wt) for a beginner."

Cut to the Chase Already
I have 3 lines that serve me very well.  All three are weight forward, floating lines - one with shooting heads.  There certainly are others lines out there, but I have found these to be my go-to products for river smallmouth fishing.

Rio Coldwater Clouser

Rio Clouser Fly Line

The first high quality line I purchased was the now famous Rio Clouser fly line.  Rio teamed up with Bob Clouser to formulate a line that man-handles weight forward flies.  The bullet taper of this line cuts the wind like a knife.  This line lives on a Pflueger Medalist 1495 reel that is pared with a vintage Fenwick FF85.  The 8wt version works wonderfully with my setup.


Airflo 40+ Extreme Distance

Airflo 40+ Extreme Distance Fly Line

This line was a real surprise for me because I thought it was too good to be true.  A line can really help me cast farther,,,uh huh....right? I gave this line a whirl and was very pleased.  Even a hack like me can cast with this line.  The head portion of the line is 35' long with a low diameter running line.  Don't take my word for it, watch the clip below - seeing is believing.

Airflo knocked it out of the park with this line.  I use this line of my Lamson Konic/Ross FlyStick setup.  One of my favorite lines yet!

Airflo Supple EX

Airflo Supple EX

This is my bargain line of choice.  I picked this up at Cabela's for $30 - this is an outstanding deal!  The line itself is excellent, but what makes this line special is it comes with two shooting heads.  The poly-leaders give you options on the water.  All loop-to-loop connections allow you to adapt to water conditions.  If you want a sink tip, just loop on the leader and shoot away!  Here is the blurb from the Cabela's website:

"Made of a PVC-free polyurethane, this advanced taper line performs over a wide range of fishing conditions. It has low stretch properties that enhance pickup and hooksets. Factory-welded loop on front end for quick loop-to-loop connections. Resistant to DEET and other chemicals. Dry PTFE coating doesn’t leech harmful chemicals and ensures long-lasting line slickness. Includes two free 5-ft. Airflo poly leaders (a slow sink and a fast sink) for additional versatility, a $16.98 value."

This line lives on my Bronson Royalist reel and Fenwick F806 combo.  This line is a great value  - really good stuff.

Rio Smallmouth

Rio Smallmouth Fly Line

This is my newest fly line.  At the top end of my price range ($75) this line appears to be more than a marketing gimmick.  I have only spent a few days with this line on my Dream Rig, it has been nothing but a dream.  As the name suggests this line was designed specifically for smallmouth bass fishing.  From poppers to clousers this line flipped everything with ease.

The Rio Smallmouth line completed my dream rig.  It just seems fitting that I used smallmouth line on my ultimate smallmouth stick.  Any of the lines in this post would have worked perfectly!

Building My Dream Smallmouth Rig

Vintage Fiberglass Browning 322980

I am in the process of building my dream smallmouth rig.  After many hours on the water and a little advise from my friends at Fly Fish Ohio and Fiberglass Fly Rodders I have settled on what I feel is my dream rod/reel/line setup for smallmouth bass. 

The Rod
If you have read my blog you know I like fiberglass fly rods....I always have.  Per Joe Cornwall's recommendation I have been looking for a Browning Silaflex 322980 for a few years.  The 322980 is Joe's favorite smallmouth rod, here is what he had to say about this rod in his article Bulletproof Glass, Fiberglass Fly Rods and the 21^st Century: 

"This 8 foot two-piece rod is designed for a 6 or 7 weight line. It’s efficient with either, but I like it best with the 7 weight. The Browning Silaflex is the rod shown in the photograph with the smallmouth bass at the top of this page, mated to a Pflueger 1495DA and Pat Ehlers Bass Bug taper line.

This is a marvelous casting tool, one of the most enjoyable rods I own. It’s ideal for chasing smallmouth and largemouth bass, and has challenged and beat pike of more than 36” and smallmouth up to 23”. It can cast a 1/0 flat-wing streamer or a size 10 Humpy with equal aplomb and fine accuracy out to distances of about 60 feet. I like this rod so much that I’d jump on another one just to have a back up!

The guides on this Silaflex are large enough to accommodate a modern fly line. This is a real problem on some rods. Old glass rods used snake guides that were so small they created tremendous amounts of friction and severely limited casting efficiency. Of course, many of these older rods were designed for silk fly lines, which are much more dense than modern nylon lines.  Back then the smaller guides simply weren't a problem!

The one drawback to this rod is the grip. The cork on my example is of outstanding quality, but it was made in a diameter appropriate for someone who can easily palm a basketball. This is easy enough to “fix” with a bit of fine grit sandpaper, however."

I have a few other Browning Silaflex rods in my collection and they are fantastic, but the 322980 is a real gem.

I scored this rod on Ebay for more than I wanted to pay, but the rod is in perfect shape and I know I'll have it for a lifetime.  I broke my budget rules on this one paying $150 with shipping. Still not bad for a "dream rod."

The Reel

Shakespeare Speedex Multiplier Reel

Finding the right reel for my dream setup was more of a chore than the rod.  I needed a reel that would properly balance the Silaflex - that took a little digging.  My initial choice was the most obvious for a vintage rod, a Pflueger Medalist (1495).  The Medalists are the no brainer reel for just about any rod, but I wanted something different for this outfit.  Maybe something a little more unique....so I turned to my friends at Fiberglasss Flyrodders for a solution.  CrustyBugger replied with a recommendation for a Shakespeare Speedex reel?  I immediately thought Shakespeare?....no way!  After a little research I knew I was wrong to rule out this reel.  Here is what Crusty had to say:

There are many good choices, but for smallmouth, I'd go with a reel with an adjustable drag. I also think you'd be very pleased with a multiplier that will balance nicely with your 322980. Look for a version of the Young 1505 or it's kin like the Shakespeare Speedex (made by Young) or Orvis Magnalite (Young version). I put a Speedex on mine...works great. You can find Speedex's for very little money. You'll spend more for the Young branded 1505's. Be sure to get the narrow spool version for a 7wt line though. It won't hold a 7wt double taper with much backing left so go with a long bellied WF like a RIO Smallmouth line... fantastic smallmouth line.

I went with the Speedex and found it on Ebay (new in the box) for $37.50.  A great deal for a very nice reel.

G Loomis Venture

The other reel I seriously considered was a recommendation from followers of this site, Bill Trussell and Jestep.  Bill and Jestep spoke very highly of the G Loomis Venture fly reel.  They both gave this reel glowing reviews and my research has completely backed up their experiences.  I chose the Speedex over the Loomis because of price.  The Loomis in size 7 was $125 on Ebay, almost $100 more than what I paid for the Speedex.  The Venture will be added to my collection, but I'm going to wait for a better price point on Ebay.  Like I said above I paid too much for the rod, so my funds were becoming restricted.

This is a very handsome reel, don't you think?  For the price I don't think you'll find a sharper looking reel.

Here is what Bill and Jestep had to say about the G Loomis Venture:

Bill TrussellJuly 8, 2012 5:18 PM

Have you tried the free spool form Gloomis? It picks up the line really fast with just a spin of the reel face.

JestepJuly 18, 2012 9:45 AM

G loomis discontinued the Venture line. You can still get them on ebay and a few shops have old stock. In my opinion, there is no better reel for the money both in function and aesthetically. I started using the original adventure model about 10 years ago, and that reel still works perfectly. I own all 3 models now for my rods, run a 3wt, a 5wt and the 7 for 8 and 10wt lines.

I want to personally thank Bill and Jestep for the recommendations.  You guys were spot on about this reel - you'll see it attached to a Fenwick FF756 in the coming months!  Thank you.

The Line

Rio Smallmouth Fly Line

 I like buying fly line like I line getting a root canal.  The stuff is getting so darned expensive, but I know it is a key component, so I had to get over it to complete my rig.  Should I go with Airflo Distance +, Rio Clouser, or Cabela's bargain bin Airflo line with shooting heads?  In the end the answer was none of the above.

I ended up settling on the Rio Smallmouth line (7 wt).  I know, I know.....I fell for the marketing junk and went with the $75 line "specially made" for smallmouth bass.  The decision was based on comments from CrustyBugger and from a blog review posted on Lunker Hunt.  Check out the review if you need more information on this line....it is very well done!

Conclusion
I needed another rod like I needed a hole in my head, but that's why I go to work!  Someone commented on my blog this week that I didn't know anything about smallmouth bass and that I should just focus my efforts on my 40 hour per week job.  He went on to state that my efforts were a waste of time.  Maybe this post solidifies his comment, maybe I should quit my job and spend all my waking moments on the water and stop worrying about fly fishing gear.

Whenever you express your opinions about gear, fly shops, fishing spots etc. you always open yourself up to criticism.  I hope most of you understand the gear featured and discussed in this post (and everything else on this blog) represents my opinions, experiences etc.  I would never claim to be an expert on anything (not even things I do at my dreaded 40 hour per week job!).  This setup was purchased largely on the recommendations of others, friends I have met through this blog along the way.  All I can say is this setup is exactly what I was looking for and I am very, very happy.

Special thanks to Joe Cornwall (Fly Fish Ohio), CrustyBugger (and all at Fiberglass Flyrodders folks), Bill Trussell, Jestep and Clif G at Lunker Hunt for your help with this setup!

Vintage Browning 5230 Reel

Here is my newest vintage reel, the Browning 5230.  Great match for my Browning 322980, 8' glass rod....  Can't wait to get this set out on the river this weekend!

Thanks to all of the members on Fiberglass Flyrodders site for their help choosing this reel.  I can always count on the members on FFR to steer me in the right direction.

The Menominee Mud Bug

Nelson Ham's Menominee Mud Bug

Recipe

Hook:  90 Degree Jig Hook

Thread:  6/0 Uni

Tail:  Rabbit Zonker (Rear Portion Slit For Added Action)

Body:  Dubbing Brush

Legs:  Sili-Legs

Flash:  Fine Krystal Flash

Head:  Non-Toxic Painted Jig Head (Tin Instead of Lead)

Eyes:  Paint

I visited the Tight Lines Fly Fishing Company in DePere, Wisconsin yesterday and picked up a few Menominee Mud Bugs tied by Nelson Ham.  This is a great pattern for a ton of reasons, but I like it because the head is cast tin rather than lead.  When I read about the tin head I immediately thought the creator must be in touch with water quality and the impacts of lead....it is something that always bugged me about the use of lead shot and dumbbell eyes.

I have a degree in Water Quality from the University of Minnesota and have always had a real interest in water ways and living systems.  To make things worst my wife is a hydrologist, so you could imagine our nerd-like happiness to see tin used in place of lead on this dredger.  Turns out the creator of this patterns has an interest in water as well!

Nelson Ham - Mr. Mud Bug

Nelson Ham has lived and fished in Wisconsin for more than 20 years, spending his summers as a fly fishing guide with Tight Lines Fly Fishing Company. Nelson's profession is as a geologist who teaches hydrology, earth-surface processes, and environmental science at a St. Norberts College in northeast Wisconsin.  During the summer he is a driftboat guide, fishing for river smallmouth bass on the Menominee, Oconto, and Peshtigo Rivers.

Here is one of Nelson's articles titled Achigan published in the Summer 2006 issue of Fly and Fish Magazine.30-41-achigan_f

Slit in the tail

We were amazed of the cast-ability of the Menominee Mud Bug, it is a dream to cast compared to weight forward patterns using lead.  This fly is all about details....the action is outstanding because of the slit in the tail section of the fly (see right).  The forked tail enables the tail section to dance nicely.  The texture and flash is also very cool, Nelson has achieved the perfect balance of flash and movement making this one of my favorites of the 2012 season.

Small World
One last coincidence about this pattern....  In January 2011 I participated in a smallmouth fly swap on the Fiberglass Flyrodders site.  I got a box of flies a few weeks later and saw a neat little jig-type fly in the bunch.  I put the box of flies on the shelf and forgot about them.  A year and a half later I saw the Mud Bug at Tight Lines it looked strangely familiar.  On the way home from Green Bay I remembered where I saw it!  Once I got home I found the box and sure enough....there was a Menominee Mud Bug right in my collection! 

How I Fish the Mud Bug
I fish the Mud Bug under a strike indicator, so I can hop it off or near the bottom.  I took it out this morning and had a blast!  The tin headed jigs make this one hard to replicate one-for-one, but if you have a buddy that casts lead maybe you can get them to throw in some tin.  You never know....the Smallmouth Fly Box may be putting up a bunch soon!