Fly fishing

[dick tabbert]

Looking around in the barn and found that fly rod that I didn't know I had. I was going to go to Bass pro and get a new fly rod so that I could learn how to use one. Lucky for me I went to the pole barn first. I don't know a thing about it but hope it will be good for gills and sunfish. It's a Gander Mountain Guide Series. I tried to look it up and found no info so i'm thinking it must be discontinued. Its a Gander Mountain Guide Series- Plateau PL9044 9' line wt 4. If anyone can tell me if this is a good gillen rod and maybe what these different number mean let me know. I know nothing about fly rods this is a whole new can of worms for me.

[Lynn Holley]

A 4wt. will work good for gills it will turn over a pooping bug just fine. My favorite set-up is a hopper or small popper with a deer hair ant or black spider soft hackle tied about 18" behind it. 

[dick tabbert]

Thanks John. I haven't got it out to try it yet but I feel the time is coming near. Thank you for the info I'm sure when I get going I will have many questions.

[John Pruitt]

Dick, I use a simple technique that any beginner can use. 

Short version:  Roll cast a popping bug on top of the bed.

Long version:  A popping bug is a cork top water fly with rubber legs on the sides and a feather in the back hiding the hook.  Periodically check to ensure that the rubber legs haven't gotten tucked into the hook, cause no fish will hit it unless all four legs are free and sticking straight out.  A roll cast is very easy.  Bring the rod back to about 1 o'clock (just a little bit behind you) and tilted just a little to the side away from you.  The line will slide through the water toward you.  When the line passes the rod and when the fly stops making a wake, snap it sharply forward trying to go no further than 11 o'clock. The line will roll out lifting the fly out of the water and dropping it back down.  Wait a full 10 seconds.  Active bluegill will hit it within a couple of seconds.  Don't twitch it or swim it.  Bluegill rarely hit a moving popping bug.  Bass will and Green Sunfish will, but moving a popping bug spooks Bluegills.  If the fly makes a lot of noise when it lifts off the surface, try reeling in some of the line.  As with any top water lure, make sure the fish has it before setting the hook.  I wait until I see the line moving.  Of course, dawn and dusk are the best times, especially when the Solinar peaks and the wind is less than 4 mph. 

[Greg McWilliams]

Dick, If I were you and you all ready have the 4 wt. get it rigged up and use it!!!! I prefer the smaller weight rod the smaller the number  the lighter the rod. They are usually lighter in weight and I would a lot rather cast a 2 wt. all day than a 5 wt.. The difference in a four and a five weight is not that much.. A lot of it depends on the action of the rod and not so much the line weight of the rod!!!! I prefer an mid-flex and slower action!!!!! But I have fast and slow action  rods they just take a little change in you stroke when you change up!!!!!!

 That is probably as clear a mud now, Bottom line is use what you have and enjoy and learn!!!!!!!

Go with the 4 wt. I agree about getting the 5 wt. fly line.

[dick tabbert]

Greg if I ever see you in person I'll get you one as long as I'm not fishin

[Greg McWilliams]

Dick, I will do my best to keep you in line!!!!!!!!!  I am working at getting a SMILE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[dick tabbert]

Greg you keep me going, Don't stop

[Greg McWilliams]

Dick, Is it a leather hat???? It is quite FETCHING!!!!!

[dick tabbert]

Regardless what kind of hat we have when your on the water you kneed a hat to protect you from the sun especially when your head is a little scarce of hair like mine. I usually will wet a rag put it on my head and hide the back of my neck put my hat on with a big bill on it and a good pair of polarized sunglasses with UV protection. With that set up you came really see the fish in the water another good advantage.

[dick tabbert]

David that is my fishing face like the wife tells me I always look so serious when fishing. Waiting for that little tap on the line or some kind of line movement and I found the older I get the slower I get so I concentrate extra hard.