ROUGH DAY
It was early Sunday afternoon, and when I turned on the Weather Channel I discovered that there was a 100% chance of storms on Tuesday. My better half suggested that I go out now instead of being out in the rain. Who am I to argue?
I decided that I needed to head out with a few rods that I had not used this year so I took a bamboo rod and the 1 weight that I built. I was not sure the 1 weight was going to work in the wind, but it is the only way to learn to cast it in the wind. I quickly grabbed a few other things and headed to a pond.
As I was walking in I saw that the water was fairly dingy. The results of all the rain that we have been getting but it was not as bad as some places to the east of us, but more than will let the ponds stay clear.
I decided that it would be a Goldie Jr and a black fur tailed leech. Opposite ends of the visibility scale, but a quick way to let the fish tell me which they like. I headed to the dam to fish the break line where there was the best chance of clearer water.
I made several cast and didn't have any success with either fly so I decided that I needed to move. I cast the fly out and start to reel it in. The fly is just under the surface and moving fairly fast when a gill tries to take it. Hit the back of the leech, so missed the hook point. Could it be that a faster retrieve is needed?
I try casting and retrieving the fly faster. No success. I cast the fly out and start to reel it in and a crappie takes the fly. This fish gets into my hand and into the basket. Why do the fish take the fly when it is being reeled in and not on a retrieve? My guess is the steady speed of the fly. In reeling the line in it is a steadier speed than trying to strip the line in at the same speed.
I find a fish or two at each placed that I stop. Not very fast fishing, but it is fun to finally figure out what the fish want. If I was in a boat this would be called run and gun fishing.
I got back to near where I came into the pond and looked to the southwest and saw the rain coming. I decided that it was time to head home. I was very near the truck when I heard the first thunder.
I arrived at home, got the fish filleted and the guts buried just before the rain hit.
Not a lot of fish, but still a lot of fun. I even gained some expertise in casting the 1 weight in a 25 mph wind. Not long casts, but enough to catch fish.
Hope you can get out on the water.
Rick