I use size 10-12 for smallmouth (which to me seems largish...but 6 or 8, wow, maybe I should try that). I think for the red fox squirrel a bigger size would be even better (though I tie these in a 12-14 most of the time), since you've got enough hook shank space to do more rubber legs. It would make a passable imitation of a crawfish that way.
For smallies, I usually go with a leech pattern. They'll move a long way to gobble up a leech!
My back up fly is the bead head red fox squirrel in size 8.
Take care,
chris
...
Nymphs are my game and I use a variety. Copper Johns 16-18, Shop Vac 16-18, Rainbow Warrior 18, Hare's Ear 16-18, Pheasant Tail 20-16, Pats Rubber Legs 6?, various midge larva- all colors of brassies, zebra midge, disco midge etc.
Get Em!
Wow, you guys are using some small stuff. I don't know anybody around here that is throwing anything smaller than a #6 for smallies.
Kevin
Not really a true nymph pattern but the lil' Bugger in black over black or most effective, brown over tan...sizes 10-12 work great with bead heads and a couple twists of lead on the hook.
They are tied with a body of Ostrich herl and tail of rabbit. BUT they are pretty much just as effective tied with chennille and marabou, like a tiny little wooly bugger.
The largest Smallie I ever caught was with a #12 in Black...I guestimate close to 6 pounds and all of 22" and it was awesome to see that little fly in the corner of it's mouth.
It is fished like a nymph, allowed to bumble and bounce along the rocks and bottom.
Bigger
I use a #4 marabou leech pattern that's not weighted and I use an 0x to 1x tippet. I cast
along the bank of the lake/river ahead of me
where I haven't tromped yet and mostly I cast within a couple or three feet from the bank.
I usually get to see the take as the leech pattern settles slowly down through the water
column...and that's the way I like to bass best.
For smallies it's a swinging thing though I've gotten plenty of
them in slack water, also casting straight upstream and
'shad rippin' the leech back to me.
Cheers,
MontanaMoose
Last edited by MontanaMoose; 02-08-2009 at 12:24 AM.
i must concur a size 12 seems awful small ..but if it works ...yeah ....i am not a fish in this life lol
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