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The Fisherman

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Everything posted by The Fisherman

  1. You're both right! I geeked out and went back to my copy of the Jock Scott Greased Line Fishing book on AHE Wood. The Dedication is to AHE Wood of Glassel, which is in Scotland. Wood states in the book that the birth of the idea occurred in July 1903 on "an Irish river." The idea was then certainly perfected on Wood's home waters in Scotland where he racked up an extraordinary number of salmon using the GLS. Steve Culton
  2. The greased line swing is one of those things that's pretty basic to do on the water and far more difficult to describe in writing. For those who don't know, it got its name from the grease they used to have to apply to the line to make it float. Since you cannot mend a sinking line, you want a floating line for the GLS. Basically, you use the floating line as a controlling agent for the fly. A properly executed GLS makes the fly swim down and across the current, mimicking a baitfish or insect swimming from one shore towards the other. The angler uses mends to control the line. The mending is a continuous process for much of the drift. If the line is moving faster downstream than the fly, you mend upstream. If the fly is moving faster downstream than the line, you mend downstream. When I teach this on the water, I tell students to visualize the fly line from the rod tip to the junction of the leader as a line segment -- and to keep that line segment as straight as possible. You want to avoid bows and C-shapes in the line, which indicate drag. Near the end of the GLS, I stop mending and let the fly move into the dangle position. The diagram on my website shows only upstream mends because the majority of the time, that's what you're going to be throwing. My intention with the diagram was to keep it simple and give people a basic starting point. So, what's the tactical advantage? The fly remains broadside, in full profile to any fish in its path. The down-current speed of the fly is reduced; rather than racing down and across, it appears to be swimming or drifting at the natural speed of the current. And because the angler is in control of the presentation, he or she can bring the fly to the fish, or cover likely holding areas and ambush points. There are other nuances and complexities to the GLS, but that's a good, basic starting point. Hope that helps, Steve Culton
  3. You would think that, Mike. But I see it happen all the time. Steve
  4. They sure can, but that's not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the anglers who fish unproductive sections of river, spending an inordinate amount of time doing so, and wonder why they're not catching fish or are disappointed that they're not catching fish. Steve Culton
  5. Well, sure (Mike's rod). Nonetheless, there are times when I get out to a beach and I just don't like the idea of fighting the wind for hours -- or less. Sometimes I find it tolerable. Every situation is different. Mike's rod is a great tool for bigger wind and waves and of course covering water. I mentioned wind direction in my OP. That is often a huge factor in deciding where I fish. I'm fortunate to be able to fish with one of the best surfcasters in New England, Toby Lapinski, and some of the marks we fish are a no go with the wind in our face -- and Toby's using a surf spinning rod and throwing plugs and plastics. It's not all about casting, and especially not casting distance. As a guide and an observer of other anglers, I see people fish in the wrong place all the time. For example, I'm just beginning to get to know some Erie tribs for steelhead. From what I've witnessed so far, a huge percentage of anglers fish where they have little to no shot of hooking up. As far as stripers are concerned, it's the same thing. You can't simply say to someone, "Fish Beach X." I could show you spots on Beach X where I wouldn't waste my time, and other areas where I'm likely to find a fish. Those are where I'm going to concentrate my efforts. That's what you get for asking questions and studying marks and keeping a log and being far more focused on catching rather than casting. On the night I caught this bass, which was in a large river system, there were a half dozen anglers that fished within 150 yards of where I was over the course of an hour. In my experience, every mark they were at was a waste of time. And I can tell you that due to a stealthy presence, most of them never even knew I was there. They never thought to give it a cast. I also mentioned that last year -- actually the last two years -- have been less than stellar for me at this mark. So why go back? Because it's a proven big fish spot for me. Some of it has changed over the years, and yes, I was covering water systematically, but that fish hit right where she should be because it's a perfect ambush point. I hope this helps, Steve Culton
  6. Hi Numbskull, Sometimes when I give a talk I tell the audience that I don't expect them to accept everything I say. At the very least, I'd simply like to get them thinking...and thinking differently. Perhaps if I clarify a few points, it might benefit everyone. RE: Well sure, provided you stick to small estuaries and calm nights. You'll be pleased to know that the location for this fish was neither a small estuary, nor was it calm. :-) RE: But large striped bass feed in lots of places where mediocre casting and some mending skills are not going to cut it, particularly when the wind is blowing in one’s face. I agree. But by the same token, they also feed in lots of other places. The first advice I would give someone is to pick and choose your spots, and fish where you're comfortable and where it's most enjoyable. Some nights I can deal with a stiff wind in my face. Other nights, I reckon that's why they have spinning rods. RE: At that point all the other stuff becomes useless. Here we must agree to disagree. "All the other stuff" is far more important than casting. Unless you know where and when to look --and where to fish -- and then, how to fish -- you will not have success. So: big water, deep water, wind, and I still only had to make a 40-50 foot cast to catch that fish. She hit right where I thought she'd be. In my experience, many anglers fish in the wrong spot -- and not just for stripers. RE: If you want to consistently catch large striped bass on a fly rod I struggle to understand how learning to cast better is not useful. Learning to cast better is useful. It's just far from the most useful part of the equation. My belief is that is that if you want to consistently catch large striped bass on a fly rod, you need to study all those points I mentioned first and foremost. The casting is secondary. I can only tell you that that's what I've done, and as you can see, the results speak for themselves. RE: Indeed, I find it very strange someone with your experience would start such an otherwise good post with that suggestion. Well, I never wanted to be like everyone else. So I tend to fish how, where, and when others don't. RE: Whatever, congrats on a well-earned nice fish. Thank you. I hope this helped. Steve Culton
  7. I agree! But I'm saving this one for future publication, very likely in one of the e-zines I write for. Steve Culton
  8. Ray, it is not, and the top dawg was significantly bigger. (This is all wade/from shore). But this one's up there. Steve Culton
  9. If you want to catch big bass -- and make it repeatable -- you don't need a casting lesson. You don't need to be able to reach 90 feet. You don't need the latest in intermediate line technology. You need to study. And ask questions. Why would there be a big striped bass where I'm fishing? Is there current, cover, and food? Is it pre-spawn? Is it migration time? Is the bait spawning (and therefore gathering in large numbers)? Is it dark, so the fish feels comfortable coming in close? What's the barometer doing? Which way is the wind blowing? What's the tide, and how is it moving? These are all part of the equation. You also need the right fly. Does it look alive and like something good to eat, even when at rest? Don't forget presentation. You need to learn that, too. Big fish are lazy, and frequently unwilling to chase. How can you present the fly in a way that makes it easy for the striper to eat? What kind of line lets you control the presentation? Have you learned the greased line swing? Last but not least, you need to put in your time. There is no substitute for time on the water. You can do all of the above, check all the boxes, and still blank. (Ask me how I know.) Last year, I fished the mark I fished last week six times over three months and had only two tiny nibbles and no bass to hand for my efforts. But every year is different, and this is what I found on a greased line swing with an 11" Bombardier flatwing in March of 2024: 25 pounds, 39 inches of beautiful wonderful striped bass Man, that felt good. And what a battle! Steve Culton
  10. Somewhat off topic but I like reading about everyone else's experience with backing and fighting big bass. I tend to be of a medieval mindset when it comes to drag and striped bass -- that is, tighter is better. Looking back to the biggest fish from the shore I've hooked and fought and landed -- some of those were in the 25-35 lb class -- I never saw my backing. In fact, I don't think I've seen my backing while fighting a striper in over decade. IHMO, too many anglers set their drag too light and give stripers far too much quarter. Of course, YMMV, and tides and currents and fish size will ultimately play a large role in whether you see white twine or not. Steve Culton
  11. I like what Mike said, and I would also add: don't get hung up on what weight a rod blank says it is, or what line it needs, or what it's supposed to be used for. Find the blank that lets you accomplish what you want to do and be happy in your fishing. Fish do not care what rod or line you use. Yours is the only vote that counts. Steve Culton
  12. I will be making a Zoom presentation to the SJCFA for their April meeting. The subject will be wet flies, but much of it will be transferrable to fishing for stripers in outflows and marshes. Steve Culton
  13. Flatwings fish large and cast small. I believe most people fish squid patterns the wrong way...or at least in a non-optimal way...and that this bait and its behavior is widely misunderstood. But that's a whole other article to write! :-) Steve Culton
  14. Yes. My favorite for years now has been Ken Abrames' Mutable Squid, below. You can find the details on my website. And yes. Stripers love squid. What's most depressing is when squid are eating your flies...but there are no stripers eating the squid. Steve Culton
  15. Esa? I think his screen name was Crunch.
  16. I’ve fished those spots on those flats and the current can certainly be powerful. Mends, the right leader, and weight will do far more to get and keep your fly deep than a short, slowly sinking head.
  17. Don't be bamboozled into thinking a sinking line is the best or only solution for getting and keeping a fly deep. A weighted fly, a proper leader length, and strategic mends with a floating line can get your fly down and keep it down longer than many sinking lines. Remember that current will create drag against you line, and if you can't mend that line, you're going to have drag. It doesn't mean that a sinking line won't work. It just means you may have less control over the situation. I routinely dredge up oyster shells from the bottom at the mouth of the Hous in April on a ripping moon tide with a floating line...in water that is overhead deep. Steve Culton
  18. Chuck, In my experience, far too many crustacean flies are designed with anatomical accuracy in mind, rather than the actual bite triggers needed to catch fish. You can expect to do very well with impressionistic crab patterns. I would be more concerned with size, color, and profile rather than eyes and legs and claws. If I get a chance I'll post some photos. Steve Culton
  19. Before you spend money on a new line, ask these questions: what do you want the fly to do? What is your current setup lacking? How much do you value line control? Remember that lines don't catch fish. Presentation -- and the angler behind that presentation -- does. Hope that helps, Steve Culton
  20. I wouldn't choose a WF for these applications. I would recommend a DT profile. That's what I've been using on the Farmington (Cortland 444 Peach) for decades. It casts and mends exceptionally well. Steve Culton
  21. I had a fantastic time at the Edison Show and left with a smile on my face. I rekindled old friendships, started some new ones, walked the show floor when I wasn't speaking or teaching, bought some gear, got some books signed (yes, I'm a fan boy, too) and drew some excellent crowds at my seminars. My Friday morning wet fly seminar drew a large, enthusiastic crowd. I'm always delighted to see so many people interested in this ancient and traditional art. Photo by Landon Mayer. Joe Cordeiro has a new flatwing book out, and he's signing my freshly bought copy. You can get Joe's book off his website. I finally got off my butt and dragged some other books around to have the authors sign them. I also bough along a good stash of trout and smallmouth flies to hand out to various luminaries. Nothing like getting exceptionally talented angler third-party feedback! Jonny King is in the house! I'd never met Jonny, so I was thrilled when he tracked me down on the show floor because he wanted to meet me. We had a great, albeit short conversation. I've said it before and I'll repeat it again: the Fly Fishing Show is a fantastic way to meet and connect with some of the best tiers and anglers in the world. We're all there because we're enthusiastic about fly tying and fishing, so don't be bashful and come say hello. (Many thanks to everyone besides Jonny who came to say hello to me!) On For me, one of the biggest highlights of the Edison Show is my pilgrimage to Shanghai Dumpling for takeout. It doesn't get much more authentic than this. Both my classes were well-attended. I often wonder how much interest this particular class is going to generate, and I'm always delighted by the number of anglers who want to move beyond intermediate lines and weighted and/or opaque fly patterns. If you want to catch more stripers, the stripers that everyone else can't, or bigger stripers on a consistent basis, you've got to learn presentations other than cast and strip. I haven't been out for striped bass this year, but Joe's book and some upcoming tides have me greased line swing dreaming... I love Pat Dorsey and Chris Steinbeck, L-R bookends here, form the Blue Quill Angler. They let me park at their booth and hang out when I needed a seat. They also happen to be very talented anglers and tyers. Here's Pat and Landon Mayer Bogarting my wet fly presentation board late Saturday. See you next year! Steve Culton
  22. Look up Capt. Mark Giacobba and his Blue Claw streamer. I bailed Peacocks on that fly the one day I fished for them in a canal north of Miami.
  23. Congratulations Ray, go get 'em, and have a fun time! :-)
  24. Thanks for coming! That was a great crowd, and I'm both excited and grateful that so many people are showing an interest in wet flies. I'll post more on the show soon. Steve
  25. Do a search for "The Tick" and my name and you'll find a very nymphy-emergery pattern that looks like trout fly. I use it for crab larvae, very tiny shrimp, isopods, etc. You can also see the freshwater wet fly influence in the Grass Shrimp Solution. Size 8-10 mostly. I fish a Deer Hair Head shrimp that draws heavily from an Elk Hair Caddis dry fly. Those are just three of the many kinds of very small (by most people's standards) flies I fish for stripers. You will want to look into fishing a three fly team with these tiny creatures.Enjoy this wonderful exploration you're on! Steve Culton
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