Just a few thoughts on some "stuff". For years I've used a braided leader. I have always found them to be one of the better innovations to come into fly fishing. They are attached to the fly line by a loop, and then your tippet is attached at the other end. Changing is very easy and does not require that somewhat difficult nail knot. It's all about simplicity. The braided leader I have always used was an Orvis Braided Leader, but I've seen a similar leader offered called a furled leader by FeatherCraft. I purchased a couple in various sizes and have been using these on my last several outings. They differ from the Orvis leader in that they have a micro ring connector at one end instead of a loop. They come in various lengths which I find useful on some real small streams. They have great pickup on the water and do not cause a spray when casting. Another plus is the cost. The Orvis leader is 14.95 and the Feather Craft is 12.95.
I purchased this fine chair a week or so ago. It's a slider chair that's so comfortable. It's placed in a spot with lots of natural light, great for reading, napping, or watching TV.
This book was purchased about a week before the chair. While I don't fish for steelhead I do enjoy reading about this wonderful fish. This book is almost finished, and it is a great read. It's like reading this mans journal. A good title, maybe for someones Christmas stocking.
We have been out checking on several of those "thin blue lines" I love, and we have found them to be in not to bad a shape. There are spots where the water is thin but there are also some pools with deep water.
Brk Trt,
ReplyDeleteNice chair!
I tried fishing a small stream on Saturday. The wind was whipping very hard and a tree came crashing down about 50 yards from where I was fishing. Spent most of my time untangling my leader and tippet from the branches. Will a furled leader cut down on my time spent in the trees?
Pete
Peter Carlson,
DeleteThanks.
It was a bit brisk Saturday Peter, and Ma Nature is doing some necessary thinning of dead wood.
Unfortunately those tangles are part of small stream angling. While the leader alone will not solve this problem, what may help is to use a shorter rod. Cutting down on your cast will help, keep it short. A rod that will roll cast is a big help on these small brooks. But my friend you were out there and able to enjoy the day.
Good stuff my friend.
ReplyDeleteI'm picking up some of those Feathercraft furled leaders. I've used them in the past and they are great. They last a long time as well.
I'm also looking into another brand of fluorocarbon furled leaders for a little more stealth & quicker sink when fishing streamers for sea run brown trout.
Gonna check on that big sea run brown I lost awhile back this coming Sunday and see if he is back in his holding spot.
Boy we need rain badly.
Hope you're feeling better.
John
Apache Trout,
DeleteThanks.
I was really impressed with them. Yeah you have to keep a sharp eye on the tippet when fishing big trout "they know where to take you and brake off".
I spent a few hours on a Prosek stream. Beautiful water.
Feeling good now John, got some painting needs to address.
Glad you are feeling better.
DeleteGood news, Feathercraft has fluorocarbon furled leaders, now I can get what I need in one place.
How was the water level on that stream?
Hoping for some rain this week.
I'll be in touch about fishing soon.
It was flowing very nicely.
DeleteThe fish were cooperative, but the hookups were few.
Hey Alan, just testing out my new account. My blog got hacked, so I closed it down. Will be starting a new blog. I'll keep you posted.
DeleteJohn I just checked out the new blog. Works OK
DeleteAlan, my new blog is Wild Trout Angler.
DeleteI use the Feather Craft braided leaders with a small o ring on it for throwing streamers, along with a 3-4 foot length of fluorocarbon.
ReplyDeleteTROUT1,
DeleteThanks.
That's a good setup Pete.
your new header photo is GORGEOUS!
ReplyDeleteTexWisGirl,
DeleteThanks.
That's a beautiful spot.
Alan
ReplyDeleteI will be going to a furled leader as soon as I used up all the leaders I bought when Wal-mart discontinued their line of Scientific Angler fly fishing equipment. As for the tippet ring I have been using it about a year now and find it extremely useful, because of no knot tying. In fact I have only tied on a couple of new leaders this year on some of my fly reels. The ring helps you stay with a leader much longer. I see the leaves are slowly taking over the streams--Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
DeleteThanks.
I should have tried them earlier.
In one pool the leaves completely covered the surface. It's tough to present a dry fly there.
Hey Alan. I did a profile on Mr. Hardie some time ago. http://cofisher.blogspot.com/2011/02/windknots-profile-eldridge-hardie.html. If you haven't his artwork, you don't know what you're missing.
ReplyDeleteHoward Levett,
DeleteThanks.
While I don't have any of his art I have several books with his art in them. One in particular is and old LL Bean cook book.
I like those furled leaders as well Alan , they pick up nicely and will turn over a fly well even when you cast like I do!!
ReplyDeleteHighPlainsFlyFisher,
DeleteThanks.
I was really impressed with them.
I like your stuff.
ReplyDeleteYou know I've never used a braided leader..I think it's about time I tried one..your new chair reminds me that my old recliner is about ready to give up the ghost..I'll have to drop some hints..
ReplyDeleteCan you use these for all types of fly fishing (dry fly, nymph, streamer)?
ReplyDelete