Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - July/August 2017 - 54
When the
HEAT
is on,
BIG Flies = BIG Fish
by H. Bumper Bauer
photos by the author
When after a big fish, whether trout or Smallmouth Bass,
offering them an "hors d'oeuvre" when fish want a meal is
a waste of time and energy. I'm aware that my statement
will likely raise a few eyebrows among anglers who have
relied on hopper and cricket patterns during this time of
year, but you simply cannot argue with proven success.
A sure sign that the "big bite" theory will work is when
larger chubs and sculpins become more active in mid-July
or August.
Big flies tied on a size 2 or 4 streamer hook that's 4x
long have accounted for many of my river Smallmouth
Bass. Some were 3 pounds or better, and some were big
Brown Trout, up to 6 pounds.
In most cases, big flies are easier to tie than smaller
flies, but big flies require a little more work and different
techniques to fish. When fishing medium-sized rivers,
line size can be 5, 6 or 7. I prefer the 6 with a 9-foot
54
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * July/August 2017
medium-action rod, but 8- or 81/2-foot rods are also popular
and can be used. Longer rods seem to handle the weighted
flies better and will provide longer casts with better accuracy.
The line used should either be a weight forward or rocket
taper line. I do not recommend double taper lines for this type
of fishing.
I suggest five flies that have repeatedly produced for me
over the last several years and offer a few suggestions on
fishing each.
Woolly Bugger
The Woolly Bugger is certainly the best known and most
fished fly amongst fly anglers. Its versatility and ease of tying
are its most popular attribute. For Smallmouth Bass and big
trout, tie in your favorite color on a size 2 or 4 streamer hook
www.gonefishingpa.com
http://www.gonefishingpa.com
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