The float n fly

[Devils Horse]

Heard a lot of people talk about this cold weather method, but I have yet to try it. I'm wondering if someone who's good at fnf would be willing to let me tag along sometime this winter and learn the technique.

[elnutsmalljaws]

Devils Horse, I don't know what you would consider Good but I did fish it a bunch last year from the end of Nov thru Mar mainly at Dale Hollow and a little at Cumberland. Stayed 2 full weeks at Dale and probably 30 more days on the water religiously FNF. Had some very good luck, could have a lot to do with the Dale Hollow fisheries, but did learn a lot. Hired a guide the very first day that taught me a tremendous amount, John Davis of Smallmouth Specialties. Had a 5-4 and 5-2 on back to back cast, with several over 4. Took my best friend on a couple of trips and he landed several good ones including a 5 flat. Not saying I am a pro but I know what to do. Plan on spending the first full week at Dale Hollow when the water temp hits 50, probably the first full week of December. Will mainly fish KY Lake the rest of the time due to moving to Evansville a few months back. You can reach me at [email protected] if you want to arrange to fish together. Water temp is the key, 50 degree water temp is when it gets real good.

Tight Lines

[redneckshadrap]

Jim,
Our annual trip is Jan15-22 at Dale...

Billy


Redneckshadrap
www.thecreekbank.com
[email protected]

[jeremys]

smalljaws..
what would you reccomend for FNF rig? I may have already messed up but I bought a Browning 6 Rivers 9'6 UL rod from BPS last week, it's rated for 6lb line and have it paired up with a Daiwa Samari spinning reel, do you think it'll do??

[elnutsmalljaws]

I have a Silstar Lexus IM7 9'6" rod and pair it with a Quantum TI-30 spinning reel. I am not familiar with the outfit you have. The quality that you are looking for is a fast and limber tip with some backbone to it as well. The rod does most of the fighting of the fish. When you get that 5-6 pounder on 4 or 6 lb test you will need a good rod plus know how to back reel. I have only bought one FNF rod but like mine so much my best friend and brother in law purchased the same setup. The rod was about $50. The reel is the same one I use year around on my normal spinning tackle. It is verstile enough to hold 4lb up to 12lb with not much trouble. The good thing about the TI-30 is I have a spare spool. For FNF, I keep one spool with 6lb and the other with 4lb, for when the bite really gets tough.

Tight Lines

[redneckshadrap]

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Oct-02-05 AT 08:43AM (EST)[/font][p] The most important thing to remember when shopping for a F-n-F rod is the sensitivity plays ABSOLUTELY no role in at all. So don't think that you need to go out and buy a Bronzeback or and IMX....the fellow with the 50 rod will probably land just as many if not more....
The one thing to look for is the size of the eyes. ALL PRO rods have done just that and the eyes on their rods are bigger than most. You will need these for distance for sure. Clear water, no wind, and blue bird skies is not a nice scenerio to have F-n-F fishing. You really have to stay off the bank a good ways. So the farther you can cast the bigger advantage you will have when it comes to not spooking the fish.

8.5-10.5 ft rods are what to look for. I, personally, like 10ft....it's just me.

When fishing a 10ft+ leader the 10fter gives me more control of the fish close to the boat. You have to remember. Once you reel the bobber up to the tip. You are done..........You can't take anymore line up. So if you're by yourself, it's going to be interesting trying to net that fish by yourself or hoisting it up in the boat.

Folks, it's a learning process. You have to get out there and see for yourself. I've made a lot of adjustments since I first started and many of you will.

Your drag set properly will save you the trouble of trying to back reel. If you're alone and are back reeling, how can you reach for the net????? If you let go of the handle.....**^&%&^$....Having a 5lb smallie on creates all kinds of panics...LOL!!!!

DRAG....DRAG...DRAG....and when setting it set it so that it's so loose it irritates you. If you do that, it'll be perfect. And don't reel when the fish is taking line........

BIlly






Redneckshadrap
www.thecreekbank.com
[email protected]

[opie]

What size flys and what colors do you like to use the best or have the best luck with?

[jeremys]

I think I gave $50 for my Browning rod. It's not very sensitive, but it seems to have a good backbone and a fast tip, it's made out of a matrix graphite. I myself think it'll do fine, I handled a silstar like smalljaws has and they feel about the same the Browning has a longer foregrip, the only thing I questioned was it's rating for 6lbs line but after reading all the posting 6lbs is the biggest I'll be spooling with. The Daiwa reel is something cheap I found on sale for like 29.99, it has a spare spool, 7 bearings and a pretty good drag...the only thing is the size, it's a little bulkier than I prefer.

Opie, I bought some punisher jigs from BPS, I think they're 1/16 ounce, some of these FNF vets will have to help you with the colors, I just bought 3 to start with..smoke shad, B/W/P and B/W/C I hope they work.

Thanks for all the help redneck and smalljaws!!!!!

[JimDicken]

I would highly recommend a fishing trip with Bob Coan, if you want to learn to Floatn Fly Fish. Bob has developed his own way to rig the Float and fly and it works extremely well. Bob is well known for his rig and his ability to catch fish on the Float and Fly.
Call Bob at 1-913-243-3827

Jim Dicken

[jeremys]

What lake does he guide on Jim???? I've been lookin into a guided trip.

[JimDicken]

Dale Hollow Lake. Bob is an excellent guide that I use whenever I am on Dale Hollow.

[Devils Horse]

I'll be in touch Elnut. Thanks.