a 'dodger' for fly fishing - esp. in rivers.
I have been doing some reading and thinking about the action of streamers/bugger and possibly wet flies it river fishing. If one just lets the drift finish the fly hangs in the water and possibly moves a little bit. However, if there was a dodger above it the fly would dart about, although not move upstream or down. I expect this would be more realistic. I think I recall a thread here on the topic, but what do you think? Would a Dahlberg Diver or muddler create the action. Do I need to invent a fly fishing version (false fingernail - is it strong enough?). Something to put in the line that would make the fly a foot lower dodge and dart erratically. Your thoughts ??
Re: a 'dodger' for fly fishing - esp. in rivers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Greg H
Something to put in the line that would make the fly a foot lower dodge and dart erratically. Your thoughts ??
The Fly Rod Flatfish (F2, F3, F4, F5, F6 , and F7) does this dodging and darting very simply. Since it is the lure, you do not have to attach a fly trailer though you could. They have been around since around 1940; Worden now makes them. The F series ranges from 1 to 2 1/4 inches long.
Light fly rod spoons have been out there even longer, or you can make them from willow leaf spinner blades. Daredevles come to mind. Again these might serve by themselves or as a dodgers for small flies.
The smaller versions will handle on a 5/6 wt OK. More beaf required for the big ones. But they will never cast like fur and feathers. And you have the "conscience" issue of whether this is fly fishing or "mooching" with a fly rod. I won't touch that.
Some "natural" materials like mirabou plumes and bunny strips might give you all the action you are looking for without having to go over to the dark side.
Good luck.