Sensei

Add or replace a loop on the end of your fly line you want to do. A new product out that will help you do this called Restorline ReLoop       https://anglersall.com/products/restorline-reloop?srsltid=AfmBOoqa7cYZRU7VgxA_Wa1JTk3VGy092xrXgccDRccAOoPCXqMwWVoX

If you don’t want to do this then:

Backing to fly line – try an Albright knot if no welded loop or a good tube (nail) knot will do.

Fly line to leader material – if no welded loop then try a nail knot by using a butt section of a leader but best for saltwater (12wt rod) to use hard mono with a diameter that is close to the fly line diameter to start. With a tube/nail knot you can make a loop and then add any bought leader material to it with a loop to loop.

A welded loop IS strong enough to do a loop to loop connection so DO NOT cut any fly line welded loop off  –  use it. To cast 12 wt line and for big fish you may need hard mono to build your leader (if you can afford to do it – jump on a slow boat to china and come to my palace for materials.)

If loop to loop were a weak spot then fly line companies would not add them. Check out the latest podcast on Orvis Fly Fishing Podcast, September 14th to “geek out” on leaders.

<p style=”text-align: left;”>If the water temp is 70 degrees or higher – Stay Away. Trout will be stressed if caught no matter if you release immediately. To find water temperatures somewhere – we are out of luck unless we are there measuring. Cool evenings can lower temps for morning fishing but you may have to stop early afternoon.
Thank you for bringing this up – very important if we want to keep our trout healthy and strong.</p>

Oh Grasshopper,

A root wad you want to fish! Hmmm, several ways to attack this there are. The hard part is to get the fly in the zone when the fly is at the “end of the line”.  Meaning if you cast right up to the root wad then the fly will sink and comeback towards you and thus out of the zone of the root wad. Using euro nymphing the same can happen. I would cast upstream of the root wad and closer to the shoreline of the root wad allowing the fly to sink before the root wad and hopefully when/if the fly “comes back towards you” it will drift under the root wad.

If using a dry fly I would measure my cast before release so that it lands in the exact spot I want it to. You do know that BIG fish hide in the root wads – that’s why they are BIG cause you can’t get to them. You will most likely get stuck which will spook the big trout out of the wad. BUT, if you do get a good cast close enough and the big trout comes out from the depths of the root wad you will be rewarded. The problem is the trout will head right back to the wad to get you tangled which you wanted to avoid in the first place. If it comes out to take your fly don’t give him any leeway to go back – bust off, tangle or big fish? Hopefully you will be rewarded. Same problem with undercuts. Tight lines!

Dear Grasshopper,

Rising fish you say you saw? Emergers or dries rising fish could be eating but “which” is why you ask?

Hmmm, this Baptist camp I have been to before many moons ago. The so called trout can be fickle here. The difference between sips and splashes you seem to know. The first I ask is – are the adult aquatic insects ON the water? If no, is the answer then I go to emergers first – a dry I am not saying is wrong choice. A dry – dropper could be a good choice or swinging small emergers may be even better.

BUT the problem I think could have been the “size” of your flies. 16 -18 size even though small may be too large for what these finicky fish want. The size 20 barr’s emerger that your Sensei throws at times could be a good choice but again too large? I can’t see those tiny flies you say? Try a 16 dry caddis and add a size 20-22 dry as a trailer? Swinging tiny flies 20 or less, throw 45 degree downstream and keep your line “taut” then wait for the strike (by feel or by sight) but set the hook “slowly” – just a lift. Keeping line “taut” throughout the swing is important. Feeling the strike is important. Lifting the rod to set the hook is important.

So Grasshopper, next time smaller flies you must try! Be patient and how do you say “tight lines”!!

Oh, the House of Payne you wish to know! Some secrets are better left unsaid. But to know, you seek to ask. To tie this fly exactly will be most difficult but copy you can. It’s only appropriate for the originator to respond than I.

Maybe he will – then maybe he will not!!

Grasshopper,

A new forum section, I see! Interesting concept you have.

Fellowship I believe we were made for. A Band of Brothers, I see, you have become. This forum section could become most valuable to all that participate.

Well done, Grasshopper!

Oh Grasshopper,

The age old problem of reaching my target.  Stillwater or wading the cast you talk about should be the same. Properly cast line should travel almost as far as FATC grasshopper on an “out of state” trip (hee, hee, kidding I am).

But to your problem I go back. Over weighting your line will not necessarily increase this distance that you ask for. If a fast taper rod you use then it might but many of my students have over-weighted their rods and the outcome they did not like. Recommend I do, these things for you.

1. Load your rod with proper technique by acceleration and stop! Make sure your rod tip is bending/loading on each acceleration – turn sideways and watch it!

2. Haul you must! learn to not only single haul but double haul for loading of your rod

3. When you “cast” your line work to get your best “energy” i.e. just cast enough line to get your best “load” and then SHOOT the rest of the line. You must have mucho line out of your reel to shoot it. Cast then shoot (allow the line to “flow” through your hand until it hits your target).

So my grasshopper, distance you want? Good casting technique with good “loading” of your rod you must have. Learn to “double haul” for greater distance but only use as much fly line as you are able to keep full of energy. Then grasshopper – shoot – your line on your forward cast. Allowing the line you have off the reel to flow through your non-rod holding hand.

This you must try before bothering the Sensei again!

I, too, wish this fellowship a merry Christmas.  Your website I read often and your fishing and service I follow. Proud I am to be associated with this great group of gentlemen.  Keep those lines tight all throughout 2021.