These fish are more than substitutes or fall-backs.
Yes, time on the pond will give you a chance to improve your casting. You will have other fishing opportunities in the warmest months when it would otherwise be unwise to pursue trout. You will learn new things about fishing streamers and topwater patterns that you can bring with you on your next float trip. But bass are not the junior varsity team.
There is more in that smallmouth river or that farm pond than practice and alternatives.
Take the time to relax. Catching the biggest bluegill in the lake isn’t easy. Carp can be more finicky than spring creek browns. But there is something inherently chill about casting a popper or bouncing a crayfish. Chill, at least, in comparison to the approach many people take to the trout stream. Allow yourself to unwind. Grab your slowest rod and allow a pumpkinseed to give it a bend that rivals any trout under fourteen inches.
There is a link to the rest of the post, entitled How Cool is Warmwater Fly Fishing? after the jump.
But before you do that, be sure to check out the two videos I’ve included in today’s post. They’re both tying patterns, but they also include Tim Cammisa’s excellent “how to fish” commentary. One is a great stonefly, and the other is a contemporary (some might also add infamous) fly.
Watch the videos, and find a link to the article, below:
Head to “The Pursuit of Fish” on Trout & Feather to read my posts, including How Cool is Warmwater Fly Fishing?
Tim sits down and chats with Shawn Holsinger as he ties his variation of the Hot Spot Stone. There is a lot to like about this pattern: it gets down quickly, it isn’t too hard to tie, and there are a lot of elements that are going to get the attention of fish! Plus, they have a quick conversation about Holsinger’s Fly Shop.
Are we done arguing about mop flies yet? I hope so. Regardless, this style is great because it is a little more subtle. I’m a believer that, if fished well, small flies catch as many big fish as big flies do. Plus, they’ll entice the wary big fish. You could easily bang out a dozen of these in a half hour, and you will have flies that will catch trout, sunfish, and carp.
Have any tying or fishing questions for Tim or me? Please leave a comment below.
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Let’s be honest, warmwater fly fishing IS cool! You did a great job on this one and it made me immediately want to chase bass. Mission accomplished!
Yes! In April, I’m usually content with catching whichever fish happens to be willing to play ball.