New Zealand Strike Indicator

[heelerdog]

Does anyone have experience with the New Zealand Strike Indicator? Looks like it would b great, but there has to be some down side to it, doesn't there?

[sagefisher]

Glad you asked that, I too am wondering about those. I have watched a couple videos about them, and I think the way they attach to the leader is great, should be virtually no kinking which is my only complaint about bubble type and the original yarn and foam type that attached with the 'O' ring method. I stopped using yarn type strike indicators many years ago for two reasons: (1) Too much wind resistance; (2) They sink way too fast. So I tried the foam type that worked the same as yarn but they had the same two problems, while they wouldn't sink they were very low in the water. Then I went to the twist on foam types but many of them just kept coming off so I ended up with the bubble type but they really kink the leader and as you adjust to different depths the kinks really become obvious. So, are there any NZ users out there? But I do fear that they will still have too much wind resistance and I suspect they will require a lot of floatant material on them as they become water logged. Larry ---sagefisher---

[oldster]

I like yarn type indicators and have used the NZ method. The pluses of this system is the ease of attaching and adjusting the depth and controlling the size of the indicator. Otherwise it performs like other yarn indicators as far as flotation and air resistance are concerned. I found no appreciable difference using the wool material over using polypro, and poly is a .heck of a lot cheaper. I use small sections of plastic tubing, IV tubing works great if you have access to some. As far as the insertion tool is concerned, I have not found it needed ( just fold the leader and push it thru the tubing, put the poly in the leader loop and pull the yarn into the tubing. I like it!

[okflyfisher]

I am always in the market for a new indicator. While this looks simple wouldn't it kink the leader? Some guides tie a small water balloon filled with a small puff of air to their leader. They tie off the balloon with an over hand knot on to the leader. They claim it does not kink leader

[Mike Thomas]

NZ style is always the way to go! Actualy I usually use a dry fly as an indicator, but the NZ style indicator is a good way to go, you can adjust it easily, it does not kink the line as much as some and if you use very small tubes and a small pinch of yarn it has little resistance in casting. Of course the smaller you go the less float ability you have.
All the best.
Mike

[farleycat]

I have tried EVERYTHING in the way of indicators and found they all have downsides EXCEPT the NZ indicators. Just absolutely love them. Easy to put on , adjust and take off. I have not noticed any waterlogging or kinking...seem to float all day log and don't seem to spook the "chubs" as much as others. Wouldn't have any others on the river...IMHO.
Bernie

[Icemanxxxv]

I copied the system. Got a needle cut a notch in the eye grabbed some 1mm I/D vinyl tubing and a wood bead used some fly tying wool treated with floatant works great I have a life time supply of the stuff now for about 10 bucks. I think its the cat's meow as strike indicators go.

[Allan]

There was a good discussion right here on these pages about this same 'indicator maker' starting back on 9/25/13. Some pros and cons mentioned.

I don't know why anyone would bother. I just place a simple 'slip knot' where I want along the tippet or leader and insert a piece of about 1-1/2 inches of Aunt Lydia's sparkle yarn in the loop. Center the yarn, or not in some cases, and slide the slip knot tight. Works great. Very little air and even less water resistance. Use 2 pieces in heavy water or with a heavily weighted nymph. Easy to see in several colors like orange, bright yellow, red, gold and white. And it costs virtually $0.00

Allan

[Steven]

In practice, not much difference between the Lightning Strike White River or Insta-Set ball type indicators with regards to kinking.

I also have to wonder why this couldn't be replicated by anybody with a bobbin threader and a straw.

[Vinny]

heelerdog,

I've used the NZ Strike Indicator system and it has worked very well. It is very easy to adjust the indicator for the proper depth. I also still use the dry and dropper method, as well as the slip knot method. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.

The dry and dropper method is the most sensitive, but takes longer to adjust for depth (i.e. put on a new tippet between the dry and dropper). Still, this is my favorite since you can catch fish on the indicator..

The slip knot method is an old stand by and has worked for years. It takes a little longer to adjust for depth, but does well with adding a lot of split shot to get your flies deeper.

The New Zealand indicator is easy to adjust, but getting the right amount of wool takes some time to experiment. Once you get it right, it works very good.

Vinny