SMB follow fly, not many takes

[jkilroy]

Iv'e been going out quite a bit lately in the evevings trying to slay the SMB not to much avail. Iv'e been getting more follows than anything. Anyone else have this problem and what should I do? Iv'e been getting some nips also.

[Eight Thumbs]

Hi jkilroy,

Sorry to be stupid but what does SMB stand for? I know EHC and GRHE but I just can't put SMB together. Thanks, 8T

[ELHead]

SMB= Small Mouth Bass
LMB= Large Mouth Bass

[Clay]

I'm thinking Small Mouth Bass. You are doing everything right as far as fishing where the fish are, and they are being attracted to your presentation. That's most of the battle man. Now to try something else. I would try a different retrieve or stripping pattern. Switching up between shorter and longer strips, and quicker and slower strips might just flip their switch and get them to bite. Another thought would be to show them something different. Smallies are known for their aggressiveness so show them a different look and that might make it happen as well.

One of the most rewarding parts of fly fishing is unlocking the key to what makes a fish bite. Remember the saying that says, "if you continue to do what you have always done, you will get what you have always gotten" or "the definition of insane is that those who do the same thing, but expect a different outcome"? Both of those relate well to fishing.

If you are fishing a smaller fly, change size, try a different color, do a google search on what are popular smallie flies. Try a different time of day.

You're going to feel great when you unlock the key. It's a great sense of satisfaction. Like I said at the beginning, location is most of the work, you're really close to making it happen.

Give us the update and what it took to make it happen on the particular day that you have success. Good luck.

[sagefisher]

Clay,

You covered that very well, good job.

jkilroy,

Give what Clay suggested a try, you will find the hidden key, for that day or that week. Then the great part about all this is you will get to start the search all over again, because the mood of the SMB will change.

Once I have found a fly that the trout or bass really like and I have caught a number of them, I will sometimes start changing flies just to see what else they will hit.

The main thing here is you are out there fishing!!!!

Larry ---sagefisher---

[jkilroy]

Iv'e been doing all of that. Last night I bet I tried 10 different flies, and different retrieves. When I first got to the area the fish were hitting and I missed a few, then they stopped hitting. Maybe they were spooked. It was very flat and clear water and the sun was overhead. I was fishing for smallies by the way.

[Clay]

Buy the best fly fishing accessory for under $10. It will increase your fishing landing ability drastically. All of your buddies will wonder what you are doing that is different than they do. It's called a, drum roll please -

Hook file. Then learn how to use it. When you do get bites, you will be able to capitalize on them. Wear drab colors and don't talk loudly around your fishing areas. Don't cast shadows over your fishing spots. There are lots of good tips to try and it probably isn't just one thing.

A great investment is to hire a locally successful guide. Many people try to buy this new rod or that new line to increase their catch. Instead of a new outfit, new knowledge is a fantastic tool. They will not only show you some new spots to fish, but the techniques that are hands on is worth the money alone. Have fun with your fishing, and guess what, all the fish don't know that they are suppose to bite when X+Y is presented. They don't all read the same fly fishing magazines.

Sometimes, it's just tough on the water. Keep trying and you will be successful.

Rick

[OttoDita]

If they're following it and not taking it, try a the same pattern just a size smaller. It was suggested to me a while back, and it worked great.

Smallies are great, but can be a pain at times

Good luck,
Shane

[jeremy.badgett]

I fly fish for SMB often and I find that when I have them chase but not commit I change my presentation to a stop and then go fast style. it seems to work best when they are waiting to ambush prey from behind rocks or logs in slight current, not out cruising in open water. I will let the fly drift and strip it slowly and then once I see them chase I strip it faster and give it erratic action, then slow down again. It doesn't always work, but works fairly often. Clay brings up a good point. change up your tactics and experiment, that is the fun of our sport

[jkilroy]

These fish were cruising in open water, maybe that's the problem, bigs ones none the less. I hope they start to feed more in the fall. I actually put on a 7" bright yellow and red saddle hackle fly and I got a good drive-by. Pain at times....how about most of the time, I think right now their worse than trout. What's eveyones choice of fly and retrieve this time of the season?