So I think I'm finally good enough at fly casting to start trying to actually catch some fish. I watched a decent DVD about flyfishing for bass over the weekend, and there's a bass or two in the pond across the street.
My only question is what size flies should I be using for bass? I've got a 5-weight rod...is a deer hair popper on a size 2 hook too big?
My only question is what size flies should I be using for bass? I've got a 5-weight rod...is a deer hair popper on a size 2 hook too big?
timmy a size 2 hook is ok you will get large bass to bite it if there hungry. when i use my fly rod for bass i like to use large poppers that are weedless for them. you can also use streamers to in a size hook ive cought them on them two but i cant give a way all my secret tips on catching big bass on a fly rod. basiclly any large hook will do but look at the water coverage
I was using a size 8 hopper the other day in shallow water in front of some lily pads and had the best catch. a Northern Pike at about 18 inches. It hit the fly and instead of the fish getting air, it immediately sunk, when it got close and I noticed what it was, I couldn't stop laughing. Good Luck.
Personally I say go simple. I've caught the majority of my bass on size 8 to 4 hooks, using a variety of hopper patterns, dragonflies and wooley buggers. The big bass poppers are overrated imo, yes you will catch on them but they are much harder to cast especially in windy conditions and on a 5 weight...
In fact one of my largest bass have been since going simpler;
This is my typical bass box, notice the left side pattern which is what I caught this great fish on. Most of these flies are around size 6 and I can cast them a country mile if need be, something I cannot do with a large bass popper.
A few others as well, these were on hopper patterns on a breezy day.
On a breezy day while the bass are active you can't beat a good hopper pattern in my opinion. With the variety of foam out there now you can make simple, quick and effective grasshoppers for bass and pickerel that are almost indestructible
When the bass are low a good wooley bugger, with some foof and rubber legs can be devastating on a slow drift then quick strip. I've found in my waters at least, using sunfish colors has worked very well. Deep greens with a bit of brown/orange and a blue sparkle...hold on for some hard strikes.
Others have said..size 6 is way to small for a bass. I say that on hook-up I've landed 90+% of the bass. The only really issue I get is heavy weed with a fly rod, and these fish I think I would have lost to the weed regardless of hook size. I tell you though the ease and accuracy of casting a small fly verse tossing a golf ball sized popper is amazing, and at least worth the mention.
In fact one of my largest bass have been since going simpler;
This is my typical bass box, notice the left side pattern which is what I caught this great fish on. Most of these flies are around size 6 and I can cast them a country mile if need be, something I cannot do with a large bass popper.
A few others as well, these were on hopper patterns on a breezy day.
On a breezy day while the bass are active you can't beat a good hopper pattern in my opinion. With the variety of foam out there now you can make simple, quick and effective grasshoppers for bass and pickerel that are almost indestructible
When the bass are low a good wooley bugger, with some foof and rubber legs can be devastating on a slow drift then quick strip. I've found in my waters at least, using sunfish colors has worked very well. Deep greens with a bit of brown/orange and a blue sparkle...hold on for some hard strikes.
Others have said..size 6 is way to small for a bass. I say that on hook-up I've landed 90+% of the bass. The only really issue I get is heavy weed with a fly rod, and these fish I think I would have lost to the weed regardless of hook size. I tell you though the ease and accuracy of casting a small fly verse tossing a golf ball sized popper is amazing, and at least worth the mention.
I have been catching smallies on natural color wolley buggers and a maribou muddler minnow.
sometimes you can get them on top water, but I think this summer has already heated the water so much a lot of fish are sticking to pools and hanging deep, just patrolling for food up top.
sometimes you can get them on top water, but I think this summer has already heated the water so much a lot of fish are sticking to pools and hanging deep, just patrolling for food up top.
Here is some fly bassin' porn
http://www.mafishfinder.com/bass-fly-fest-at-buckmaster-6974-trip.html
Nice box of flys blackstone
http://www.mafishfinder.com/bass-fly-fest-at-buckmaster-6974-trip.html
Nice box of flys blackstone