I think I do understand something about nymphing. Nymph
fishing and wet fly and a few of the ways to get fish to
bite sub-surface. I will admit to having done some of it
over the course of my earlier years of fly fishing.
Someplace along the line I decided the dry fly was more
rewarding for me. I have not been able to find in literature
the exact coining of the phrases about dry fly fishers, but
I am sure we all know of them; Elitist, Purist, Dry Fly SOB
etc. These are only denied by those who actually only fish
dry flies. Everyone else who does not fish dry flies thinks
they are just dandy.
I must admit to being one of whatever name you have selected
or combination of names. And I have done so by choice. A
decision made after fishing both methods and making an
assessment of how I prefer to spend my time astream. I
like dry better than wet. If at all possible I will fish
the dry fly. Exceptions may be chucking streamers for
salmon or casting sinking shrimpy looking flies for bonefish.
It is rather obvious that there are a number of you who prefer
to fish wet stuff. Great. I recognize you and accept that. I
do ask for the same indulgence if you would be so kind. I do
not fish the dry, to in some way, feed anyone’s paranoia. Or
to reinforce any feeling of inadequacy where some must take
large amounts of fish to be satiated. The numbers game does
not excite me, nor does watching the tip of my fly line for
wiggles, pauses or sinking. I would rather follow the drifts
of a cocky fanned wing dry navigating the seams and currents
than imagine where my fly is going or went.
There are those who would suggest I utilize the tools of both
watery worlds; fish a nymph under a fluffy dry. No thank you.
That turns my lovely dry into a bobber. I chose not to do that.
No, if at all possible, the dry is the way for me these days.
Like I said, there are times when it is not possible, but I
do prefer it,. So much so in fact, that I may chose not to
fish at all if I can not present the dry.
Famous writers have extolled the virtues of fishing the dry
over the years. There is no way I can even attempt to add to
their scribing’s on the subject. Eloquence has been attempted
by many, I do not care to embellish. Needles to say, it is
enjoyable and I like it. I like it better than golf, bowling,
shooting skeet and nymphing. So therefore I do it. Whenever
I get the chance.
Some allege that “the hours spent fishing the wet fly are
indeed deducted from the dry fly fishers time.” I dare not
fiddle with fate. I shall fish dry. I am an Elitist Purist
Dry Fly fisher. ~ James Castwell
Originally published December 3rd, 2007 on Fly Anglers Online by James Castwell.