i’ve been having problems casting the big bass bugs. the line keeps snapping all around and i’m having a difficult time laying out the line.
i’m using a 9’ 5/6wt rod, wf5 floating line, with a 8ft tapered leader to tippet. any suggestions?
Get a heavier rod and line i would recomend at least a 7wt but a 8 or 9 wt would be your best choice.
if you can afford a new rod/reel, BUY IT. the 8 weight will make it like a dream to cast those bugs all day!
and until then, use a wider open loop, and go slower with your casting.
Good advice from everyone so far. A heavier rod would definitely increase your ease of casting, your casting distance, and the your general level of fun. I started with a general-purpose #6 weight rod when I got back into fly fishing several years ago. I had the same problems you are discribing when I tried fishing for LMB with larger lures. With practice, you can cast some pretty heavy/bulky/air-resistant stuff forty or fifty feet, more if you have a particularly good sense of timing. I have since purchased two nine weight outfits for bass fishing and the difference is unbelieveable. Since I fish large, clear lakes, distance and ease of casting are very important to me. The heavier rods really let me reach out and touch someone. Try an eight or nine weight----you’ll like 'um. 8T 
When a rod is rated for two different line weights, the first is generally for a double taper line while the second is for a weight forward.
A wf5 line is probably too light for your rod. Try a wf6, or even even a wf7 instead. A line with a “bass bug taper” will help also.
Secondly, cut back on the length of your leader.
By using a piece of straight piece of heavy mono of about 6’, it will make it much easier to turn over a hair bug
Also, slow down your cast and use an open loop. Bass bugs are air resistant and will not cast well with a fast stroke and “normal” tight loops
No new outfit necessary… just a different line and shorter leader
(Most of the time I use an 8wt myself 8) )
thank you everyone for all the awsome tips. will give it a try today.
jerry
“When a rod is rated for two different line weights, the first is generally for a double taper line while the second is for a weight forward”
Interesting…I didn’t know that.
Wouldn’t the first 30 feet of a DT be the same as a WF? Do they do it that way because if you carry more than 30 feet in the air the DT adds weight “faster”?
yea, personally, i am not a very big bass bug person, but when i do use them, it is always an 8 weight.
The problem I find with casting the bass bugs… is the thing that got me hooked to it in the first place.
I started “bass” fishing with my fly rod when I caught several 2-3 pound bass this spring on my 5wt. I’ve caught bass on a spinnin rod a plenty, but here was something truly exciting. Those bass pulled me all over the place. 5X tippet no less, so no horsin em’ in.
Then I get to thinkin… if that was a hoot on my 5wt… what would it be on my 2wt? Because of the changin tempature, I have yet to hook up with another big un. But it will happen, and I guaruntee I will have my 2wt in hand when it does.
Now… have you ever tried throwin bass bugs with a 2wt? THAT, is a challenge. I have settled for wading slower, quiter, stealthier, and just living with shorter casts. Can’t wait to get a big guy on this rod!
Hi Mike,
I can say from experience that catching 2-3# (or greater) bass on your 2wt would be a blast.
You might be interested in reading the site of an expert in fishing for bass and panfish on ultralight gear:
http://www.byrdultrafly.com
Have fun!
Jeff
Try an 8wt line on your five weight. It is cheaper than buying a whole new setup. The heavier mass of the line will pull the bug though the air better. Plus if you really want to buy another rod later, you already got the line.
Todays rods can easily handle line weights three sizes up .
- Heavier tippet 1x to 0x, smaller flies, poppers rather than hair bugs. Be sure and pinch the barb down.
My 2 cents based on my bugging experience .
If your trying to toss waterlogged/wind resistant bugs in the 1/0-2/0 range you pretty buch NEED a 8 wt ( or 7 wt w an 8 wt line.) However, if you want to toss smaller (#2) bugs and to bugs with less wind resistance, you can get buy with something in the 6 wt range but your going to need a wf6f ( vs wf5F) line and a wf7F might be better still if the rod will handle it. On this topic, I often overline my bugging rods as this slows down the cast, opens the loop and generally tosses the bug slower but with more consistancy in distance and accuracy once you learn to slow your stroke. As for leaders, short and stout works. Don’t go under a 10# tippet for smaller bugs and stay with at least a 12-14# for bigger bugs. The stiffness of the leader is needed to turn over those bugs. When in doubt, 6’ of 12-15# Berkly big game mono will get you buy in teh thick stuff.
FWIW, I can think of nothing more satisfying than tossing hamster sized hair bugs at thick cover on a still summer morn/eve. Once you work out the mechanics, its very effective and makes for some great fishing moments!