Joe Staggenborg

Dry fly boxes

I’m not sure what the prevailing opinion is on dry fly boxes (not nymphs, streamers, pupae, terrestrials) but I’m not sold that the lime green silicon backed fly boxes are the most economical use of space for dry flies. Does one size fit all?

Thoughts vs alternatives.

Best,

Jstag

Steve:

First off it was great getting to know you on the Spring River trip. I look forward to many more!

I read your post and it reminded me of an observation. I go long stretches (sometimes 6 months) between fly fishing and I noticed the first day back is usually slow but picks up by the end of the trip. One thing that helped me expedite this progression is being trigger happy on setting the hook, especially the first day. I’ll set the hook on any bump, pause or perceived snag. I know its most likely not a fish but it heightens my senses and hones my reflexes to the point I don’t even think about setting the hook. It just happens. I got this from an old Lefty Kreh book on casting. Two of his many points were to maximize your fly’s time in/on the water i.e. let a bad cast drift as opposed to recasting, and set your hook on anything even though you know it’s not a fish, as it will heighten your senses on hook setting.

As far as “feeling the fly”, strikes come in a variety of ways besides the tug. The tug is great but not always the most prevalent. Strikes can vary by water, weather and season, and can range from nothing to having the rod yanked out of your hand.

My suggestion is to expand your idea of what indicates you have a fish on the line. One exercise I highly recommend is to get to a spot where your standing above clear water (essentially looking down into a barrel of fish), have polarized sunglasses and a lure you can pick out in the water. Watch how the fish react to it. You may find that you are getting bites without your indicator budging. That taught me that I generally underset the hook. It will also teach you about the importance of depth. I found this exercise to be an excellent learning experience, although some consider this type of fishing as “dirty pool.”

Setting the hook is just one of many reasons why you might not be successful, but ‘takes’ come in all shapes and sizes and heightening your setting senses to the point of being a reflex can only help. I truly believe the number one cause of not catching fish is reluctance to set a hook – but that’s one man’s opinion.

When you have it “all figured out yet” please contact me because its’s been 30 years and I haven’t been able to!

Best regards,

Joe Staggenborg