As kids, we began fishing a flyrod for bluegills on stillwater mostly, as our skills built ot the point we felt confident on moving waters. Having begun as spinfishermen on streams, we quickly found the benefits of the flyrod on the trout stream as well. However, back then when the fish were "hitting the top" we tossed dry flies. And when they were not, we switched over to a 4' leader, splitshot, baitholder hook, and "worm of choice". It was a product of our self-taught skills and confidence

We simply reached out and bounced that splitshot along the bottom, through the seams, just like when we were spinfishing bait....only with more reach & a more direct sense of feel.

Later, we moved to nymph fishing & employed the same methods. We always called it "tight line" nymphing, because that's what it was called back then. Seems to be the same durned thing.....only now with a Euro flare to it