FISHING THE FORGOTTEN WET FLIES
When the term “wet flies” is used many anglers think of the bright and gaudy patterns that were employed for brook trout in the late 19th and early 20th century. They figure that this type of fishing has gone the way of the passenger pigeon. Nothing could be further from the truth!!
I love fly fishing wet flies, and I agree that the secret is getting the flies to the correct depth.
I fish a three hook set up with a anchor fly that is weighted to keep the tapered leader taunt, along with two side lines for the other two patterns. I use a furled leader, and can insert the side sweeping lines where ever I wish on the furled leader.
Speaking your knotted leader line, I do not know where people get their section measurements, but for a balanced parabolic knotted leader that is better balance with a constant percentage taper I crunch some numbers using Dave Ulmer (Slicfoot) "Big Leader Formula)
You have …
.022 dia - 32"
.020 dia - 18"
.017 dia - 11.5"
.015 dia - 8"
.013 dia - 7.5"
.012 dia - 8"
.010 dia - 8"
May I suggest that you use a…
.022 dia -30"
.020 dia -20"
.017 dia - 15"
.015 dia - 11"
.013 dia - 8"
.012 dia - 5"
.010 dia - 4"
I would use my calculations, using the Dave’s formuala. if I still did knotted tapered leaders.
I converted Dave Ulmers Big Leader Formula over to Furled Leaders, and it is only 25% as much number crunching. The construction of the furled leader takes longer, but is simpler in construction.
Currently I am writing a book on furled leaders; 5 peg, 6 peg, 7 peg, & 8 peg layout versions. So when I have it finished, I will offer it to FAOL for their (free) use.
Parnelli 