Float n Fly Line ?

[Moose1am]

Are you guys using Flies or Jigs? Flies as in Trout Flies? If that's the case then I now understand what El was saying about the fly not pulling the line through the slip bobbers. A fly won't weight enough to pull line though the bobber without adding some split shots to the line. And that would be bad as they would get the line all tangled up.

If this is the case then has anyone considered using a fly rod with a sinking tip line and a short P-fluorocarbon leader nail knotted to the fly line and then looped to a short 4lb tippet? Put a sinking fly on the end of the 4lb tippet and let her sink to about 10ft. You can then add a float to the fly line so that the fly stays at a certain depth. They make these soft foam strike indicators that can be attached to the leader and that with a floating fly line and a 9ft long tippet would be perfect.

I wonder what it would be like hooking into a cold winter smallmouth on a #6 10ft long fly rod?

I think I see what you guys are doing and why they call it float and fly. For some reason I got it stuck in my head that the fly was a small 1/16 to 1/32 oz lead head jig.
Regards,

Moose1am

[redneckshadrap]

I fish 1/16oz F-n-F Jigs. Hand tie them all. NOTHING in my box is store bought.

Billy

[Bonefish]

Moose, I see the confusion here. As far as I know Gigs are only used with the F-n-F, and when the term Fly is used it does become confusing. Actually, they should be called a Feather or Hair Jig, I think. As long as the jig looks like a shad, it works. I have been a fly fishman since a kid, I have all kinds of fly rods and lines that suspend at different levels. The problem may be with a sinking fly line is you may not get a strike indicator or float in a positon to the level of the fish without a lot of trouble. There is not another rig like the F-n-F rig that can be used as easily without a lot of hassle. However, it would be fun to hook up with a big SM on a #6 Fly Rod, and even more exciting, a #2. I have two #2 Orvis rods. One is an ultralight #2 for bluegills and the other is a Western #2 with a lot of guts that I have caught over 20 bass 4-8 lbs on this rod. This rod is way too much fun for any one person to handle. That is why the F-n-F rods gives a person so much fun. It's the battle...its always the battle and challenge of the big fish we dream about and these light rods are the ticket.

[STONEWALL]

I use the 3-way swivel but I also use a small (#12) snap swivel to attatch my leader to the 3-way. It allows me to change leader lengths and color of my flies in seconds without having to retie anything. I always have extra leaders with flies already tied up in my box. I found it works really well and really does not change the movement of the fly or the float. I also use the fish dope and it does make a difference I have proven that on many trips with my buddies using the same line, fly and leader distance and I still out produce them.

[Moose1am]

OK that clears things up. Yes I agree the fight is the most fun for me. Never knowing if the fish will get off or not add to the enjoyment. I like the challenge that ultralight give me 95% of the time. It's those times when a big 6 lb er gets on my 2lb test line and runs only to snap my line without me ever seeing what the he** that was that gets me. Some times it could be a Bowfin. LOL

Does anyone have a picture of these float and fly bobbers that you all were talking about in the above thread? I am wondering if that is what make the rig so productive. All bobbers are not created equal. There are lots of different types out there.

So a picture or link to a web site with the pictures of the bobbers you all use would be great.


Thanks

[Grumpy]

Moose, go to Jim Dicken's web site on the FnF, it has a lot of really good information and specificially an explantion about the bobber.

http://www.floatandfly.com/

Grumpy

[elnutsmalljaws]

Moose, I posted in Jan or Feb step by step instructions how to take a foam bottom weighted bobber and modify it into a FNF bobber. It takes a few minutes and sure beats paying $4 per pair for Bobs Bobbers. I can buy the normal bottom weighted bobbers for less than 50 cents per and spend no time in modifying them. All you need is an exacto knife, needle nose pliers and glue. You may do a search and find my post.

[JimDicken]

Ohhhhh..... Guys, $2.00 to catch a 5 pound smallie.. That is cheap and 2 of them should last you the entire season or more if you can put them where you can find them.
I am exacto knife allergic since I had a Bobber Making accident that left me with enough pain and suffering that I could not fish for a week or so with the stitches.. Well worth the price and they last. (disclaimer: They last as long as they are NOT IN A TREE.)

[Moose1am]

Thanks Jim.

I enjoy learning new stuff and sounds like you are going to do a good job of teaching those that show up how to float and fly fish.

The trip to Dale Hollow sounds like it will be fun. Can't beat the prices. $20/night for a room and only $3 for breakfast.

Funny thing was just yesterday afternoon I was thinking to myself about the times I and dad went down to KY lake to fish. This was back in 1958 when the lake was still very rugged and not so commercialized. Back in those days the boat docks were owned by people that farmed the land before they built the dam. They farmed and also built docks and small cabins to help make more money.

We stayed at Oscar Kline's Place on Cypress Creek. And his wife Thelma would cook breakfast for the fishermen each morning. I can still remember the country bacon smell, the Eggs cooking and the country biscuits that she made. The big breakfast made it worth while getting up a 4 am to go fishing.

So I hope the guys that go with you to Dale appreciate your home cooking breakfast for them. You don't see that much anymore.

In fact I as going to make a post yesterday asking if anyone knew of any fishing resorts that still cook 4 am breakfast for the fishermen in their camps. I'll bet that there may be a few that still provide that service. If not then they should. Those were some of the best times in my life. While I was still only 8 or 10 years old at that time I still have fond memories of sitting around the breakfast table and listening to all the stories told by the guests. At times there were 10 people eating breakfast together.


Regards,

Moose1am

[elnutsmalljaws]

They sure don't last all winter for me. When I fish the bluffs I want my jig right up against the face of it at times and therefore find myself banging the bobber off the wall multiple times a day. That little spring inside can only take so many poundings before giving away or the bobber comes unglued at the seam.

[Moose1am]

OK thanks:
I just read some more on F&F in the thread above this one. The one where Jim is talking about going to Dale Hollow in Dec. I will search for the Bobs Bobbers and on Float and Fly bobbers and see what I can find. Looking forward to reading more about this method of fishing for smallies.


Regards,

Moose1am