Float & Fly Help

[Chubminnow]

As far as reference material is concerned, anything mentioned by Redneck, Elwood or any of the other regulars here is a safe bet. You may also want to pick up the latest issue of In-Fisherman. In it is an article on the Float-N-Fly. Fred McClintock who's a very well known guide on the Cumberland River has a few words and suggestions regarding float-n-fly technique's, the types of bobber's used as well as lure's, line and equipment.

I was surprised to read that Fred uses 14lb FireLine and then attaches a smaller fly-line leader to it. I hadn't seen anyone here mention using anything over 6 or 8 lb for the FNF. Apparently a line that foats (Fireline) is better for FNF that a line that sinks? Fred also goes on to say that very few smallmouth over 6lb are caught on the FNF method, he says he thinks there are other methods that are just as good or better for catching the larger smallmouth. Oh well...not trying to stir the pot on the 12 pounder not being caught on the FNF, it's just what I read in the article from "The Man". Get the latest issue and check it out for yourself.

[elnutsmalljaws]

I talked to Fred a while back and he sounded shocked that I caught 2 over 6 last winter on the fly. He agreed that there are few over 6 caught on the fly. He fishes for trophy smallies in 40-60 feet deep water vertical jigging. He even told me that he had 2 over 8 last year but was trolling big 8"-12" muskie plugs when he landed these 2 monsters. This supports my theory that a Smallmouth fisherman will never land the record due to the type of line and tackle we need to catch them in the first place. Muskie fisherman, 7'Rod, 17lb test line, 12" Rainbow Trout Imitation plug in about 40 foot deep over the river channel is my theory of who lands the record. Maybe I should start fishing for Muskie at Dale instead of Smallies........................NEVER!!!! The 3 -4 pounders on the fly is the best fight going and I will take plenty of these all day long.

[redneckshadrap]

I'm pretty satisfied with the way I do things right now. I know one day I'm going to get into a fight with a wood pile and lose one day I know, but until then it's 4lb all the way for me.
Billy Elkins

www.thecreekbank.com
Not everything that gets wet is pretty, but sometimes it gets pretty wet.