I think I'm going "Fly only"

[gimmeumpqua]

I just spent 3 fantastic days on the Deschutes with my 9 year old son. This was our second annual fly trip. I can honestly say that this trip brought it all together for me...I am no longer of the view that you catch more fish on gear....I have finally felt the "zone"...the culmination of years of mediocrity with fly angling, the frustration, the learning curves....I was unable to keep very large trout off my line, and my son, devoid of me teaching him all my self taught bad habits that have taken me years to relinquish, has flourished with exacting instruction from a masterful guide, and was frequently casting drys 30-40 feet and landing 18" rainbows.

We caught over 30 Rainbows from 16-20" in 3 days from TC to Harpham....90% on dries. To top it all off, on the very last stop of the day, I pulled out a 5wt with an indicator, a #12 pheasant tail with an 18 copper jon dropper.
At the end of the drift, the indicator went down and within seconds I was down to 1/2 of my backing. Attempts to turn this with a medium action 5 wt. were impossible. I knew a 6# tippet was not going to hold this fish, whatever it was. Then it jumped at least 6 feet out of the water about 100 yards down stream. It was a big super chrome steelie in July! He then ran back at me and I couldn't strip line back in fast enough so the guide grabbed line and help strip with our mouths just hanging open. It then turned again and broke off. Our guide estimated that fish at 10#.

So, as I finally realized that over the years my finest moments have been with a fly rod, and that many of my gear experiences were facilitaed because of my fly fishing insecurities in the past, I'm going fly only. Expect lots of primo non-fly tackle in the classifieds soon. It feels so good!

Kurt

[AndyK]

So, as I finally realized that over the years my finest moments have been with a fly rod, and that many of my gear experiences were facilitaed because of my fly fishing insecurities in the past, I'm going fly only. Expect lots of primo non-fly tackle in the classifieds soon. It feels so good!



Fly fishing is the only way. The only fish in Oregon or Washington I haven't figured out how to catch on a fly is a sturgeon; some day.

Fly fishing requires more physical and mental talent and every fish you catch is therefore more rewarding.

Pity the bait monkeys.

[TroutGirl]

That was a great story.

I mostly flyfish, but dabble regualarly with gear. I'm not snobby about any of it, its fishin. And, I think fly fishing is mighty fine, the thrill and the action are amazing.

Congrats to you and your son. Sound like a great trip down the D.

[wayout]

Fly fishing is the only way. The only fish in Oregon or Washington I haven't figured out how to catch on a fly is a sturgeon; some day.

Fly fishing requires more physical and mental talent and every fish you catch is therefore more rewarding.

Pity the bait monkeys.



Hey, AndyK. Check out Troutgirl's post below yours. She has the right attitude. Yours on the other hand... "bait monkeys"?? How clever. Lots of mental talent indeed!

For that sturgeon you're seeking I'd suggest a Wooly Bugger tied on a 10/0 barbless hook, with a 100 lb braided dacron tippet. You'll need a 16 oz to 32 oz splitshot to get your fly down to where the fish are. Might take a little extra physical talent to cast that rig. Good luck on that quest. If you get it done your physical and mental superiority will be duly acknowledged.

[mandinga]

Andys comment may have been over the top a bit, but I couldnt agree more with what he said! Snobby, no...i'm positive Andy would show just about anyone what he knows.

Congrats on going fly only.

I cant remember when I did it, but now when I pick up another kind of rod I get turned off. Its just not nearly as interesting. Challenging yourself with a fly only attitude is definitely making a commitment to excellence and not catching as many fish.

I enjoy the mental challenge when fly fishing...although some people say I'm mentally challenged.

[clacksteel]

I would have to agree with Andy on practically all counts. Fishing some areas where bait fishermen were really gives me a clear view of why I fly fish. I have no hard feeling for bait fisherman; I was one once and I fish with plenty of them. It is my goal to never fish with anything other than a fly.

[john montana]

i used to gear and bait fish when i lived in MN, but i enjoy the fly rod more. to me it isn't about which is more effective, or which is more challenging, etc. it is simply about which is more enjoyable. i enjoy casting, using light gear and imitating a natural food source. it is a personal choice, and i would not get into an arguement about which is more difficult or rewarding, as each type of fishing has its rewards and challenges. I will repeat what i read once on westfly from a guy who was teaching his kids to fly fish..."is it more fun to feed a fish, or fool a fish?" for me, it is more fun to fool them. to each their own though...

eventually you'll get after carp on the fly...then you'll really be in trouble! good report on the D, and good luck with the flyrod!

[lost_sailor]

I've been to "fly only" and back again. I prefer the broader horizon.

Love those redband trout though. zzzzzzzzzzzzzing

[frankenfish]

Kurt,

Excellent choice. Someone once said that the satisfaction one derives from an activity is directly proportional to the level of skill needed to be proficient in it. (Or something to that effect). I believe that to be the case.

Frank

[Otolith]

I don't know if Sturgeon use their sight to feed at all - or only feed by smell - but if they do "look" for food, I bet an epoxy crab (juvenile dungeness looking) dragged around on the shallows of the Columbia estuary might get their attention.