More fish

Oh Grasshopper,
Correct, the wise man is!!! Being one with His glory is what we must achieve. But you are also correct in that adding a few of His beautiful creatures into our nets make His glory all that much better.

Trying too hard, we must avoid. It is here where we lose our total concentration. Like a slumping baseball player, he too, will get back in the groove with time. Recommend I would, to concentrate on a certain “technique” and only work on it. For example, if nymphing (trout feed mostly underwater) use an indicator and concentrate on mending (getting good dead drift) and depth of fly. Change your depth often until you constantly drag bottom then bring indicator up 6 inches. Just work on that only. The fly can be any small nymph – doesn’t matter. Once you find that particular depth then set the hook ANYTIME there is any movement other than the slow drift of the indicator, i.e. if the indicator slows, stops, bounces, and yes, goes under. Remember hook sets are free. So 1) concentrate on one technique (preferably dead drift nymph at first), 2) use an indicator and change depth constantly until the true bottom is found, 3) set hook when there is anything different than the ordinary drift of the indicator.

This is what I would start with first to get out of your slump. Relax and make it fun. And oh yeah, grab that knucklehead of a “leader” you guys have in your group and have him fish with you and watch you. I’m sure he would be happy to do that – just tell him that he can’t fish for an hour and he must just stay with you or you will tell me. He doesn’t like when I scold him….

Ah yes, the meaning of life! Unfortunately, I have answered that question so many times, I just don’t do it anymore. Sorry, figure it out yourself!

Barry,

The easy question you asked “What is the meaning of life” is really quite easy.

Answer: 42 Reference: See hitchhikers guide to the galaxy!

I thought I was the only one not catching fish in this group. So I guess I will follow the same advice given to Barry and concentrate on nymphing my next trip out. I do have trouble with a few other things, one being the twist I keep getting in my tippet at the tippet and  leader connection and if I am using an indicator I get twists at that point. I’ve also noticed that when I pull new tippet off of the spool it tends to have a lot of curl in it. If anyone has advice on these issues please clue me in. I’m spending way to much time with the line out of the water.

Thanks Steve Baker

Oh Grasshopper,

It’s good to ask before frustration sets in.  Your twist could be caused by several things since I can’t watch how you are fishing. Twist could be from tying your knots incorrectly. A double or triple surgeon’s knot should be straight and not “add” any twist to your line. Or you could be getting twists in your tippet from your casting. When using an indicator with flies and maybe split shot to boot, one must do a good “lob” cast where there is no slack in the line during the cast.  Slack in line or very little tension in the line during your cast could cause the leader to whip all around especially with all the “weighted points” along the leader, i.e. indicator, split shot weighted flies.  Pulling off tippet that is “curled” – stretch the tippet straight and pull on it gently but apply “heat” from your hands by rubbing up and down on the tippet – this should straighten it out.  Next time you see Master Kenny on the water let him see what is happening and I’m sure he can help you get “straightened out:!!