Sensei

Oh My Grasshoppers;

The lakes you worry about now.  Flattery I see you use to get answers!  Correct you are to say that opportunities await he who pursues the “Oncorhynchus mykiss” in the winter lakes of Missouri.  The mykiss may roam the shorelines which would allow for use of an “indicator” but not my preference. The mighty mykiss will chase his food so the Woolybugger I highly recommend.  Make him chase his next meal and feel the tug.  A leech pattern can cause the mykiss to smile. More important is your casting you will be able to practice!

Grasshoppers:

Yes, fishing at home in ponds you find can be rewarding and a way to sharpen your skills. Trout need water temperatures below 70 degrees or they will “die”. Understand I do know that some of your local lakes are stocked with trout but only in late fall through winter when water temperatures are lower. But happiness I can tell you that fishing for bluegills and bass are well underway in the Spring and Summer. Different flies you must use (poppers/streamers) for these species. Local ponds in subdivisions can bring many surprises. Spring is good time throughout the day but when summer arrives try before sunset (or early morning) for bass/gills with poppers along shore line. Excellent practice this can be for casting, setting hook and bringing in fish. Fishing for all kinds of fish on the fly rod makes one better in all situations.

Grasshoppers:

A new kid is on the block. The Redington Strike Euro Nymphing rod that your FATC Sensei will be “testing” soon. I understand one of your members owns Woolybugger Fly Company which is now carrying this new Euro rod. Discount he offers to all FATC members which should put this rod on top of your list. Comes in 3-4 wts and 10ft – 11 ft long.

Grasshopper,

Loop knot, Double Davy, Clinch knot or whatever, most important to do is tie your knots well!!

Oh Grasshopper kenny,

Fun you make of Tenkara? We used to fish Tenkara before we could afford “real” fly rod.

Now that we can afford I agree – “What’s Dat?”

Ah, grasshoppers,

Locked down in Dojo I am.  Happy for me to see grasshoppers are thinking about fly fishing still.

As the saying goes, dark and murky, go big and gaudy. If fishing in the middle of murky water you find yourselves I recommend throwing larger than normal flies – rubberlegged stonefly choice is a good one.  But don’t forget along shore line where many big fish will line up – less murky there because of depth and speed of current. Fish that are down low in the middle can see those bigger flies but you must get flies to them. Along shoreline don’t forget to fish also.

Italian subs you say. Authentic you say. Interesting this is. Approve I will if one lands my way too!!!

Oh Grasshopper,

Scientific studies fly fishers do not make. The euro nymphing master’s ideas understand we can not but catching fish they do. Believe they do about less drag/less mass.

Ha, .002 inch diameter makes a difference you ask? To you maybe not but to the Olympic runner who lost a gold medal because of .002 of a second it does….