Indicators (Where do they go?)

Oh Grasshopper,

I’m sure Kenny discussed this in your fly fishing class but I am positive that the FATC members will definitely help you with your question.

Chris,

Don’t mind the great ‘Sensei of All Fly Fishers’. He likes to make you think.

Reference your question on where to put your indicator. First, it goes below the fly line and leader connection on your leader. Second, the standard answer is put your indicator around 1 1/2 times the depth of the water you are fishing from your bottom fly. This will make sure your fly gets near the bottom. But, the long answer is it depends on the speed of the current, the flies you are fishing (beaded or not beaded), the amount of split shot you added, and where you want your flies in the water column, and more. Time for you to get on the water and “experiment”!

The Sensei will also tell you to place the indicator wherever it needs to be (but not on the fly line) to get your fly/flies down just above the bottom. So, how do you know precisely where THAT is? You keep adjusting it until you indicator tells you that your fly/flies are dragging the bottom. Then, move the indicator down a couple inches. Now you should be really close to where you want to be. Naturally, you have to keep adjusting the indicator as you move from spot to spot as water speed and depth change.

• This reply was modified 6 years ago by Jim Craig.

Chris, let’s call them what they really are bobbers! Seriously, if during the drift the fly hits the the bottom the bobber is too high and if it goes to fast it might be too low. There really is no more to know than that other than I hate flyfishing with them, but sometimes you have no other choice! Kenny catches a lot of fish because he is good at using a bobber so I am making it a goal to use them more often and I know along the way I will be catching more fish!

“Bobbers”??? seriously Sid?? Yeah, we call them that when Kenny can’t hear us, but putting it on the forum…I think you just poked the bear (Sensei). Better duck. 🙂

• This reply was modified 6 years ago by Jim Craig.

STRIKE ONE!