The ToFlyFish Podcast: Improving the Fly Fishing Experience

<div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_0 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_0"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_0 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_0 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>Fly fishing with chironomids is one of the most effective techniques for stillwater fly fishing. This type of fly fishing often doesn’t evoke images of high testosterone hundred-yard casts and ripping giant seven-inch streamers into the mouth of a toothy brown trout. Don’t be fooled though. The fish that are willing to eat these millions of aquatic insects are almost always no less mean and toothy. Sometimes big trout want a large steak, while at other times they prefer popcorn or M&amp;Ms. It’s up to you to be skilled enough to adapt to their moods and food opportunities. The tactics used to fish these smallish stillwater patterns require skill and patience, but they will pay off with not only trout, but other species. In this first of a two-part series, we discuss the fundamentals and fine-tuning of chironomid fly fishing. In part 2, we discuss some of the more advanced techniques with chironomids. The information in these podcasts will help you in any stillwater situation, including warm-water environments, and are a hugely important arrow in your fly fishing quiver.</p> <p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_1 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_1 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_0"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_3_blood_worm.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1025" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_3_blood_worm.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_3_blood_worm.jpg 1500w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_3_blood_worm-735x502.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_3_blood_worm-768x525.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_3_blood_worm-610x417.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_3_blood_worm-1080x738.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" class="wp-image-2359" /></span></a> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_1"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_pupa.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1025" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_pupa.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_pupa.jpg 1500w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_pupa-735x502.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_pupa-768x525.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_pupa-610x417.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_pupa-1080x738.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" class="wp-image-2362" /></span></a> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_2 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_2"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_4_blood_worms.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1025" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_4_blood_worms.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_4_blood_worms.jpg 1500w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_4_blood_worms-735x502.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_4_blood_worms-768x525.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_4_blood_worms-610x417.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_4_blood_worms-1080x738.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" class="wp-image-2360" /></span></a> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_3"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_2.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1025" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_2.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_2.jpg 1500w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_2-735x502.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_2-768x525.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_2-610x417.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_2-1080x738.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" class="wp-image-2358" /></span></a> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_3 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_4"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_5_chromie.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1025" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_5_chromie.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_5_chromie.jpg 1500w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_5_chromie-735x502.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_5_chromie-768x525.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_5_chromie-610x417.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_5_chromie-1080x738.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" class="wp-image-2361" /></span></a> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_5"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_smallmouth_bass.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1025" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_smallmouth_bass.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_smallmouth_bass.jpg 1500w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_smallmouth_bass-735x502.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_smallmouth_bass-768x525.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_smallmouth_bass-610x417.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/fly_fishing_chironomids_smallmouth_bass-1080x738.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" class="wp-image-2357" /></span></a> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_2"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_4 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_1 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h3><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS: FLY FISHING WITH CHIRONOMIDS</strong></span></h3> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Midge/Chironomids are everywhere within most fisheries.</li> <li>They make up a huge portion of the biomass.</li> <li>Always look for active fish near the surface because active fish are very often feeding fish.</li> <li>Spend around 15-30 minutes in one place before moving.</li> <li>When fish feed on chironomids, they often congregate.</li> <li>Phil believes that the response to chironomids is Pavlovian, meaning that the fish will take midge/chironomid imitations even when the naturals are not present.</li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>CHIRONOMID LIFE CYCLE: LARVA</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Chironomids have a complete metamorphosis: larva, pupa, and adult.</li> <li>The larva is often called the bloodworm because many retain hemoglobin which turns them red.</li> <li>The larva can be 100 to 200 feet down and in oxygen-depleted areas where detritus is present.</li> <li>Many larvae are free-living, but many also construct tubes along the mud-water interface along the bottom.</li> <li>You find the larvae in muddy bottoms as well as over weedbeds.</li> <li>To begin with, start near the bottom when imitating the larval stage or concentrate near the weedbeds that they may be using.</li> <li>Think about currents and wind and how they may be pushing dislodged larva toward the surface.</li> <li>Time of season and day are important for the larval form: low-light periods, early in the season, early in the morning, summer when fish have moved into deeper water, and late fall when other food sources are less available.</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="color: #1e73be;">CHIRONOMID LIFE CYCLE: PUPA</span></strong></p> <ul> <li>The pupa is exposed during its entire stage, so it becomes particularly important for trout and other fish.</li> <li>Apolysis is the separation of the shuck, which traps gas between the shuck and adult inside causing the pupa to be very shiny.</li> <li>Pupa often stage for days, suspending just above the bottom in dense clouds. As the pupa elevate toward the surface trout will follow them through the different levels of the water column.</li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>CHIRONOMID LIFE CYCLE: ADULT</strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Mornings and evenings are normally the best times to experiment with adult patterns.</li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>TARGETING SPECIFIC WATER LEVELS</strong></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Identify major areas that are likely habitat.</li> <li>Identify areas that are active with chironomids through signs. This is &#8220;the Field of Dreams&#8221; idea; if the conditions are right, the fish will eventually be there. <ul> <li>Moving fish</li> <li>Other anglers having success</li> <li>Pupal shucks</li> <li>Adults flying around</li> </ul> </li> <li>Begin to experiment with various depths through different presentations. <ul> <li>Indicators have two advantages: depth control and variable speeds on retrieve.</li> </ul> </li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_3 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_5 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_6"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_pupa_pattern.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1459" height="997" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_pupa_pattern.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_pupa_pattern.jpg 1459w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_pupa_pattern-735x502.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_pupa_pattern-768x525.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_pupa_pattern-610x417.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_pupa_pattern-1080x738.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1459px) 100vw, 1459px" class="wp-image-2365" /></span></a> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_7"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_quick_release_indicators.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1025" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_quick_release_indicators.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_quick_release_indicators.jpg 1500w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_quick_release_indicators-735x502.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_quick_release_indicators-768x525.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_quick_release_indicators-610x417.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_quick_release_indicators-1080x738.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" class="wp-image-2366" /></span></a> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_6 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_8"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_chromie.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1025" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_chromie.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_chromie.jpg 1500w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_chromie-735x502.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_chromie-768x525.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_chromie-610x417.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_chromie-1080x738.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" class="wp-image-2368" /></span></a> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_9"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_chironomid_pattern.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1025" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_chironomid_pattern.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_chironomid_pattern.jpg 1500w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_chironomid_pattern-735x502.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_chironomid_pattern-768x525.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_chironomid_pattern-610x417.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_chironomid_pattern-1080x738.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" class="wp-image-2367" /></span></a> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_7 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_10"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_fly_pattern.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1025" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_fly_pattern.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_fly_pattern.jpg 1500w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_fly_pattern-735x502.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_fly_pattern-768x525.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_fly_pattern-610x417.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_fly_pattern-1080x738.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" class="wp-image-2369" /></span></a> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_11"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_indicators.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1025" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_indicators.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_indicators.jpg 1500w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_indicators-735x502.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_indicators-768x525.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_indicators-610x417.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/fly_fishing_chironomids_indicators-1080x738.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" class="wp-image-2364" /></span></a> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_4"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_8 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_2 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><strong><span style="color: #1e73be;">FLY SELECTION</span></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Flies should be at least a little different from the naturals to attract attention to your patterns.</li> <li>Small differences can make a huge difference in success.</li> <li>Size, color, aggressiveness of retrieve all work together.</li> <li>The longer adult chironomids are alive, often the darker they will become.</li> <li>Throughout the hatch, there is a gradual down-sizing, so if you see #12 adults, the pupae may be #10, etc.</li> <li>Often larger flies may help you to stand out in the hoard of midge in the water.</li> <li>Start from dark to light (black to chrome). <ul> <li>Black with a red rib works everywhere.</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>SOME TOP FLY PATTERNS</strong></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Patterns featuring white beads, such as Chan’s Chironomid Pupa, are great for turbid and slightly stained water, but fish will often shy away from the stark white beadhead patterns in really clear water.</li> <li>Phil’s Black Sally is great for clearer water situations when patterns featuring white beads seem too overt.</li> <li>Chromies in lots of different variations can be very effective.</li> <li>The collaborator is a good all-round pattern.</li> <li>Attractors like Chan’s Beadhead Chironomid Bomber can the ticket at times.</li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>PRESENTATION</strong></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <ul> <li>Depth and retrieve are the most important steps to get right (it always trumps pattern).</li> <li>Use double fly rigs when possible.</li> <li>Speed of retrieve can vary from dead-drift to rise and fall of the chironomid pattern when using indicator rigs.</li> <li>With light winds, cast against the wind and let it drift your chironomids back toward you, almost as if you were in a river.</li> <li>Attention to detail is critical, particularly when it comes to depth and speed.</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="color: #1e73be;">RIGGING</span></strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;">Lines</span></p> <ul> <li>Lines for close in and short casts of awkward indicator rigs <ul> <li>Rio’s Extreme Indicator</li> <li>Rio’s Trout/Salmon</li> </ul> </li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;">Leaders and Rigging</span></p> <ul> <li>Rio Indicator leader</li> <li>Barrel Swivel #12, #14, #16</li> <li>2 feet from swivel to point fly</li> <li>If necessary, add fluorocarbon tippet from the 10 foot leader to the swivel to extend the depth.</li> <li>Another option is to add a full level leader (10 to 13 feet of level 1x to 3x) to the swivel.</li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;">Double Rigs</span></p> <ul> <li>Sliding dropper</li> <li>You can do a similar setup with a bloodknot or a triple surgeons knot.</li> <li>He prefers the sliding dropper to flies that are dropper style, i.e., tied from the point fly.</li> </ul></div> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_3 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nJG68h2Cdwo" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_5"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_9 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_4 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h3><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>LINKS AND RESOURCES FOR THE PODCAST<br /> </strong></span></h3> <p><a href="http://www.flycraftangling.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Phil&#8217;s Website</a>: Fly Craft Angling</p> <p>Phil&#8217;s Email Address: <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a></p> <p>Phil and Brian&#8217;s <a href="http://www.stillwaterflyfishingstore.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Stillwater Store</a></p> <p>Brian Chan&#8217;s <a href="http://www.riseformflyfishing.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">website</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/FlyCraftAngling" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">YouTube Channel</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/PhilRowleyFlyFishing/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Facebook</a></p> <p><a href="https://twitter.com/FlycraftPhil" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Twitter</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/flycraftphil/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Instagram</a></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_6"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_10 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_5 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>Fly fishing with chironomids is a great fly fishing skill in itself, but you can also take these ideas and skills into other areas of your fly fishing, primarily when fishing for trout, Great Lakes steelhead and browns, and many different warm-water species. As far as stillwater fly fishing is concerned, chironomids are hugely important in most bodies of water, and because they are so prolific, trout will at times key on these and ignore nearly all other food sources. Fly fishing with chironomids is not for everyone, but if you prefer catching lots of big trout to going for a boat ride, then give them a try when it’s obvious that you need to be fishing them. If you have any questions about indicators or anything else having to do with chironomids and fly fishing, feel free to ask a question in the comments below. Good luck!</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <span class="et_bloom_bottom_trigger"></span><p>The post <a href="https://toflyfish.com/fly-fishing-chironomids/">FLY FISHING WITH CHIRONOMIDS PART 1 WITH PHIL ROWLEY [PODCAST]</a> appeared first on <a href="https://toflyfish.com">ToFlyFish</a>.</p>

Musky Fly Fishing with Rick Kustich

<div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_1 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_7"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_11 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_6 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>Musky fly fishing has become so popular that it is almost common to find someone in your fly fishing circle who fly fishes for muskies almost exclusively. The payoff with musky on the fly is a toothy fish with arguably the biggest appetite of any species taken on a fly, pound for pound. There are a lot of barriers that get in the way of success, when it comes to fly fishing for muskies. The scarcity of fish, the huge flies, accessing where muskies live, and even handling the fish once it has been caught are all challenges for most fly anglers. To aid in your musky fly fishing, there are a handful of anglers who really know as much as any angler in the world. Rick Kustich is one of these anglers, and he brings decades of experience in musky fly fishing. His <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hunting-Musky-Fly-Rick-Kustich/dp/0811713571" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">new book</a> is now the standard for musky fly fishing and is filled with lots of musky knowledge. In this podcast, he discusses all things musky and, particularly, how to tackle specific types of water.</p> <p> </div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_8 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_12 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_12"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly_fishing_3.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1400" height="875" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly_fishing_3.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly_fishing_3.jpg 1400w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly_fishing_3-735x459.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly_fishing_3-768x480.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly_fishing_3-610x381.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly_fishing_3-1080x675.jpg 1080w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly_fishing_3-600x375.jpg 600w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly_fishing_3-200x126.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px" class="wp-image-2318" /></span></a> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_13 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_13"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="980" height="613" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly.jpg 980w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly-735x460.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly-768x480.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly-610x382.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly-600x375.jpg 600w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly-200x126.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 980px) 100vw, 980px" class="wp-image-2319" /></span></a> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_14 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_14"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly_fishing_2.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1400" height="875" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly_fishing_2.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly_fishing_2.jpg 1400w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly_fishing_2-735x459.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly_fishing_2-768x480.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly_fishing_2-610x381.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly_fishing_2-1080x675.jpg 1080w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly_fishing_2-600x375.jpg 600w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/musky_fly_fishing_2-200x126.jpg 200w" sizes="(max-width: 1400px) 100vw, 1400px" class="wp-image-2320" /></span></a> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_9"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_15 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_7 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h3><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS: MUSKY FLY FISHING<br /> </strong></span></h3> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>BASICS OF HUNTING MUSKIES WITH A FLY<br /> </strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Have proper expectations when fishing for muskies.</li> <li>In general, practice weight training and exercise regularly, practice your casting, and possibly use a two-handed rod to be able to keep yourself on the water with as much comfort as possible.</li> <li>Use follows and other musky encounters as victories and as valuable knowledge for the next time you’re out. Learn from these experiences.</li> <li>Muskies are at the top of the food chain, have a swagger, and are quite curious.</li> <li>Triggering fish is incredibly important, particularly at the boat.</li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>FINDING ACTIVE MUSKIES<br /> </strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Timing is hugely important for finding active muskies since they eat larger meals most of the time, so they don’t have to eat as often.</li> <li>Moon rises and sets are prime times for musky.</li> <li>Rick’s go-to method is to fish prime spots, trying to find the most aggressive fish.</li> <li>Possibly fish those prime spots multiple times per day.</li> <li>At key times, like when muskies pod up in the winter, you can spend a lot of time on these particular places, even anchoring here.</li> <li>Bait is critical to finding muskies, and the bait are attracted to places like weedbeds, i.e., cover/structure where the food chain can thrive.</li> <li>Visual food-chain activity in general is really important too.</li> <li>Musky “prime lies” with depth and cover/structure are great places to spend your efforts.</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="color: #1e73be;">FLIES FOR MUSKY FLY FISHING<br /> </span></strong></p> <ul> <li>Small flies are often good early in the season (post spawn).</li> <li>Begin with natural colors in clear water and in general. Then experiment after this.</li> <li>Action is hugely important. Kick/walk-the-dog action is a must.</li> <li>Multiple shanks and a larger head help achieve great fly action.</li> <li>Rick often begins with 10 to 12 inch flies.</li> <li>Use smaller flies if the fish aren’t committing.</li> <li>Use smaller, less wind resistant flies when you are tired.</li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>AT THE BOAT<br /> </strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Water temperature dictates retrieve speed as much, if not more, than prey items.</li> <li>Getting fish to lock in is critical to converting fish at the boat.</li> <li>Retrieve right up to the shock tippet/wire knot at the rod.</li> <li>Rick retrieves his fly with his rod tip about two feet under the water before he goes into his figure eight.</li> <li>Rick uses 2 to 4 figure eights, and maybe even 6, if the fish are coming in lazy.</li> <li>He often just does a big oval with wide turns for his &#8220;figure eight.&#8221;</li> <li>Give the fish a side profile with the fly.</li> <li>He speeds up the fly going into his figure eight.</li> <li>The turn is very important, and he speeds up on the turn.</li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>DEEP-WATER POOLS<br /> </strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Use the proper sink tip.</li> <li>Possibly use a weighted fly if there is current.</li> <li>Count down the tip so that you’re in the bottom third of the pool.</li> <li>Possibly slow down the retrieve to keep the fly down.</li> <li>Concentrate on unique structural and cover features of the pool.</li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>DROP-OFFS AND BOULDERS<br /> </strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Rick fishes from shallow into deep water.</li> <li>Boulders are important for creating soft water, particularly in current, which is hugely important for muskies.</li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>REEFS<br /> </strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Reefs are drop offs/humps with their own ecosystem.</li> <li>Similar to drop offs in that he casts to the deep water.</li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>SANDY BAYS AND BARS<br /> </strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Early in the season, smaller flies are normally effective.</li> <li>Lead the fish a lot in sight fishing scenarios.</li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>MAN-MADE STRUCTURES<br /> </strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Dams and breakwalls are almost always very good places to try.</li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>WEEDBEDS AND WEED EDGES<br /> </strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Possibly the most productive cover/structure to find muskies.</li> <li>Whenever you find weeds, fish them.</li> <li>If you encounter heavy weed growth, concentrate on the edges by deep water.</li> <li>Thick weedbeds with water over them to around 6 to 10 feet can be extremely productive.</li> <li>Also, pockets in thick weedbeds can be great too.</li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>TIMBER AND BRUSH<br /> </strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Always give timber and brush good coverage.</li> <li>Make multiple casts at different positions, and don’t cast to the same spot multiple times.</li> <li>It is incredibly important for small to medium sized rivers, but should always be a focal point.</li> <li>Fallen logs are great places for muskies.</li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_10"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_16 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_8 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h3><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>LINKS AND RESOURCES FOR THE PODCAST<br /> </strong></span></h3> <p><a href="http://www.rickkustich.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Rick&#8217;s Website</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Hunting-Musky-Fly-Rick-Kustich/dp/0811713571" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Rick&#8217;s Book</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blanechocklettfishing.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Blane Chocklett</a></p> <p><a href="http://nickpionessa.wixsite.com/americansweatshop" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">Nick Pionessa</a></p> <p><a href="https://toflyfish.com/fly-pattern-action-fresh-and-saltwater-fly-fishing/">Different Fly Actions</a></p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_11"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_17 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_9 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><p>Musky fly fishing is an extreme form of fly fishing. With advancements in gear and in musky fly fishing tactics, we are more capable of catching muskies on the fly than ever before. Many, many muskies on the fly over 50 inches have come to hand, with the current world record measuring in at 57 inches. You yourself may be an unsuspecting victim of the musky bug, when, after hours of launching wet socks, you experience that first musky on the fly. That one musky might be enough for you, but then again, “normal” fly fishing life may have just ceased, and you may now count yourself as one of the ever increasing obsessive musky bums. If you’ve already done this, you know where you stand full well. Either way, life is better than ever when fly fishing for muskies.</p></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <span class="et_bloom_bottom_trigger"></span><p>The post <a href="https://toflyfish.com/musky-fly-fishing/">MUSKY FLY FISHING: THE HUNT with RICK KUSTICH [PODCAST]</a> appeared first on <a href="https://toflyfish.com">ToFlyFish</a>.</p>

Bull Redfish on the Fly and Planning a Trip to Louisiana with Meredith McCord

<div class="et_pb_section et_pb_section_2 et_section_regular" > <div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_12"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_18 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_10 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">The bull redfish, &#8220;bull reds,&#8221; of Louisiana have occupied some of the most exciting fly fishing videos to date.  These leviathans are the stuff of dreams, and every fall and winter, we see countless pictures of these humongous beasts scattered throughout the social media feeds.  The Louisiana marsh and beyond is an amazingly unique fishery, but nothing in fishing is a sure thing.  Weather can destroy any saltwater trip.  Many variables go into making any trip a successful one.  In this episode, Meredith McCord shares her knowledge and gives us detailed suggestions on how to plan a trip to Louisiana for bull redfish.  She will really help you avoid problems and make any fly fishing travel to Louisiana a much more pleasurable one.</p> <p></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_13 et_pb_gutters1"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_19 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_15"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BULL_RED_LOUISIANA.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1025" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BULL_RED_LOUISIANA.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BULL_RED_LOUISIANA.jpg 1500w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BULL_RED_LOUISIANA-735x502.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BULL_RED_LOUISIANA-768x525.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BULL_RED_LOUISIANA-610x417.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BULL_RED_LOUISIANA-1080x738.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" class="wp-image-2055" /></span></a> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_16"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/FLY_FISHING_LOUISIANA.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1025" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/FLY_FISHING_LOUISIANA.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/FLY_FISHING_LOUISIANA.jpg 1500w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/FLY_FISHING_LOUISIANA-735x502.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/FLY_FISHING_LOUISIANA-768x525.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/FLY_FISHING_LOUISIANA-610x417.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/FLY_FISHING_LOUISIANA-1080x738.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" class="wp-image-2058" /></span></a> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_20 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_17"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BLACK_DRUM_FLY_FISHING.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1025" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BLACK_DRUM_FLY_FISHING.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BLACK_DRUM_FLY_FISHING.jpg 1500w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BLACK_DRUM_FLY_FISHING-735x502.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BLACK_DRUM_FLY_FISHING-768x525.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BLACK_DRUM_FLY_FISHING-610x417.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BLACK_DRUM_FLY_FISHING-1080x738.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" class="wp-image-2056" /></span></a> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_18"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LOUISIANA_BLACK_DRUM.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1025" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LOUISIANA_BLACK_DRUM.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LOUISIANA_BLACK_DRUM.jpg 1500w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LOUISIANA_BLACK_DRUM-735x502.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LOUISIANA_BLACK_DRUM-768x525.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LOUISIANA_BLACK_DRUM-610x417.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LOUISIANA_BLACK_DRUM-1080x738.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" class="wp-image-2060" /></span></a> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_3 et_pb_column_21 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_19"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BULL_REDFISH.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1025" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BULL_REDFISH.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BULL_REDFISH.jpg 1500w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BULL_REDFISH-735x502.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BULL_REDFISH-768x525.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BULL_REDFISH-610x417.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/BULL_REDFISH-1080x738.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" class="wp-image-2057" /></span></a> </div><div class="et_pb_module et_pb_image et_pb_image_20"> <a href="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LOUISIANA_REDFISH_FLY_FISHING.jpg" class="et_pb_lightbox_image" title=""><span class="et_pb_image_wrap "><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1500" height="1025" src="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LOUISIANA_REDFISH_FLY_FISHING.jpg" alt="" title="" srcset="https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LOUISIANA_REDFISH_FLY_FISHING.jpg 1500w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LOUISIANA_REDFISH_FLY_FISHING-735x502.jpg 735w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LOUISIANA_REDFISH_FLY_FISHING-768x525.jpg 768w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LOUISIANA_REDFISH_FLY_FISHING-610x417.jpg 610w, https://toflyfish.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/LOUISIANA_REDFISH_FLY_FISHING-1080x738.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" class="wp-image-2061" /></span></a> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_14"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_22 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_11 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h3><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>KEY TAKEAWAYS: PLANNING A TRIP FOR LOUISIANA BULL REDFISH<br /></strong></span></h3> <ul> <li>Major areas of Louisiana: Chandeleur Islands, the Biloxi Marsh, Empire, Buras, Venice, the area surrounding Houma</li> <li>When planning a trip for Louisiana bull reds, remember that the weather and water clarity are everything!</li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>SEASONS AND A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO BOOKING TRIPS<br /></strong></span></p> <ul> <li>The fishing in Louisiana for redfish of all sizes is excellent year-round.</li> <li>The bull red season is September to early March, normally, but this can change a bit, depending on the weather.</li> <li>The best &#8220;popper season,” in Meredith’s opinion, is September to October .</li> <li>Early part of the season is &#8220;a little&#8221; more predictable as far as the weather and water clarity is concerned.</li> <li>The latter part of the season, which is often overlooked due to winter storms, will often produce some of the largest fish of the season.</li> <li>Book at least four days of fishing, and plan on the possibility that half of those days may be lost to the weather.</li> </ul> <p><strong><span style="color: #1e73be;">SOME PLACES SHE LIKES TO STAY<br /></span></strong></p> <ul> <li>Good central location: Woodland Plantation (see links below)</li> <li>Hopedale: The Dogwood Lodge (Southern Way Charters: see links below)</li> <li>Venice: Sportsman&#8217;s Lodge (Southern Way Charters: see links below)</li> <li>Venice: Eric and Moe Newman just opened a place (Journey South Outfitters: see links below)</li> <li>Chandeleur Islands: Live aboard charter boats, Southern Way or the Southern Cross (Southern Way Charters: see links below)</li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>SUGGESTIONS ON GETTING AROUND AND STANDARD GEAR EXPECTATIONS<br /></strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Rental cars are normally the best solution for local transportation giving you flexibility, but when staying at a lodge, you might be able to just take a taxi from the airport.  However, a rental car is suggested.</li> <li>Always talk to your guides to get rod and fly recommendations if you are bringing your own gear.  Backup rods are highly suggested.</li> <li>Meredith likes a 9wt and a 10wt for these fish.</li> <li>Meredith follows IGFA recommendations and uses 20lb. test.  Some guides will go as high as 40 or 60 lb. test.</li> <li>6 to 9 foot leaders are typical.</li> <li>Basics on <a href="https://toflyfish.com/louisiana-redfish-flies/">Louisiana redfish flies</a>.</li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND FOR BULL REDS<br /></strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Practice casting from 20 to 50 feet.  Accuracy is most important.</li> <li>Be ready!  When you’re talking to your guide, keep your eyes forward looking for fish.</li> <li>If your guide changes course suddenly, look at where he is looking, and you may spot the fish before he even says anything.</li> <li>Know your clock when on a given guide&#8217;s casting deck.</li> <li>Make sure that you and your guide agree on what a given casting distance is before you see the fish.</li> <li>Don’t let go of your slack line when you cast because you need to have control immediately.</li> </ul> <p><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>CHOOSING GUIDES AND OUTFITTERS<br /></strong></span></p> <ul> <li>Meredith works with Tailwaters Travel, which puts about 400 people in the marsh and specifically with Woodland Plantation, so she recommends Tailwaters and Woodland Plantation, of course. <ul> <li>It’s great for a larger group.</li> <li>Great for the ladies in your life, due to comfort and excellent food.</li> <li>Guides are great.</li> </ul> </li> <li>Shallow Water Expeditions</li> <li>Fly Water Expeditions</li> <li>Redfish Dynasty</li> <li>She recommends getting guides who have been down there for many years and recommends talking to someone who has fished with a particular guide down there.</li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_15"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_23 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_12 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/33872683" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_1_2 et_pb_column_24 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_13 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><iframe loading="lazy" src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/49735462" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_16"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_25 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_14 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner"><h3><span style="color: #1e73be;"><strong>LINKS AND RESOURCES FOR THE PODCAST<br /> </strong></span></h3> <p>Meredith on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/meredithmccord/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Instagram</a></p> <p>Meredith on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/meredith.mccord.7?fref=nf" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Facebook</a></p> <p>Meredith&#8217;s <a href="http://meredithmccord.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Website</a></p> <p>[email protected]</p> <p><a href="http://travel.tailwatersflyfishing.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Tailwaters Travel</a></p> <p><a href="http://tailwatersflyfishing.com/travel/saltwater-destinations/louisiana-redfish/woodland-plantation/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Woodland Plantation</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.southernwaycharters.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Southern Way</a> Charters</p> <p><a href="http://www.journeysouthoutfitters.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Journey South Outfitters</a> (Venice Lodging)</p> <p><a href="http://www.flyfishinginlouisiana.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Redfish Dynasty</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.shallowwaterexpeditions.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Shallow Water Expeditions</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.louisianaflyfishing.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Fly Water Expeditions</a></div> </div> </div> </div><div class="et_pb_row et_pb_row_17"> <div class="et_pb_column et_pb_column_4_4 et_pb_column_26 et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et-last-child"> <div class="et_pb_module et_pb_text et_pb_text_15 et_pb_text_align_left et_pb_bg_layout_light"> <div class="et_pb_text_inner">The allure of those huge bull reds from the marsh is pretty hard to resist.  Fuel is added to the fire with the many amazing videos floating around out there.  The marsh is everything that has been written about it and more.  However, it’s not a sure thing.  A practical approach to these fish will save you time and money and help you to plan the best trip you can for these amazing fish.  Any questions or comments?  Feel free to leave them below.</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <span class="et_bloom_bottom_trigger"></span><p>The post <a href="https://toflyfish.com/louisiana-bull-redfish-fly-fishing/">BULL REDFISH ON THE FLY: PLANNING A TRIP TO LOUISIANA WITH MEREDITH MCCORD [PODCAST]</a> appeared first on <a href="https://toflyfish.com">ToFlyFish</a>.</p>