Recently in Fly Fisherman magazine the current World Fly Fishing Champion, Howard Croston, gave some impressive tips on how to improve your ESN. Euro-Styling Nymphing, or more accurately known as tight line nymphing, is becoming increasingly popular amongst many fly fishers. Here are a few of his “tips” to improve your catch on the water using ESN.
- “Using thinner flies, tippets and leaders will reduce interference, improve your presentations and boost your success.”
- The majority of us fishing ESN use two or three flies. Croston says master the single fly. A single fly can more effectively reduce interference, improves drift and detection.
- Carry flies that you have confidence in and carry them in different weights and sizes.
- Use the proper ESN gear, i.e. longer rods (10′ – 11′), 2-4 wt rods, long leaders (up to 20′), etc.
- Do not be afraid to fish where others do not. Practice throwing your flies in the raging waters, skinny riffles and under the deepest cover.
- This one I think is particularly important – become the “neurotic striker.” Set the hook often even when you think a fish just might be in a certain area, but the sighter does not necessarily show you a strike. Too many of us think that you must “feel” the take. Not true! If the sighter does ANYTHING out of the ordinary set the hook. Set the hook if something tells you that there has to be a fish there. Set, set, set!
Ultimately, Croston says be a well-rounded fly fisher. Every method of fly fishing has its time and place. ESN cannot do it all.