Bass fisherman… i need some casting help.

[barrybarry]

I do hate touching river dragons though(hellgramites)

I hate messing with them myself. They can hurt. Once they become Dobson Flies, though, they are pretty harmless.
I once watched a big one of these guys flopping downstream on the Yellow Breeches. Not a single trout rose to eat it. I probably watched it for almost 40 yards. They even intimidate the stockers.

 

[Bamboozle]

I once fed a female mallard that was following me a 3"+ hellgramite I picked up under a rock along the Delaware. She swallowed it like nothing while I watched & winced.

My definition of intimidation - Having a Dobson fly land on your head while you are standing in the middle of the Susquehanna fishing in total darkness around midnight... 😱

 

[Redfin]

I hate messing with them myself. They can hurt. Once they become Dobson Flies, though, they are pretty harmless.
I once watched a big one of these guys flopping downstream on the Yellow Breeches. Not a single trout rose to eat it. I probably watched it for almost 40 yards. They even intimidate the stockers.View attachment 1641243825

That’s exactly why I call them river Dragons.
Believe me at night.. I cat fish. Having one of those come flopping on you in the dark under lantern light will make you jump up and dance funny! 🤣

 

[Bamboozle]

That’s exactly why I call them river Dragons.
Believe me at night.. I cat fish. Having one of those come flopping on you in the dark under lantern light will make you jump up and dance funny! 🤣

True story...

A friend of mine and myself were fishing the White Fly hatch very late one night on the Susquehanna. We were both stranding on HUGE flat rocks about 20 - 30 yards apart from each other fishing White Fly imitations.

All of a sudden he starts screaming like an 8 year old girl on a playground and starts running back & forth on the rock waving his hand by his head to swat away a Dobson Fly.

I was laughing my a$$ off and if that wasn't funny enough, he stepped on his fly line with his studded wading shoes and severed his fly line... 🤣

.

 

[Fredrick]

The Bob Clouser fly leader formula is a popular setup for fishing with weighted flies, such as the Clouser Minnow. It is designed to help the fly turn over effectively and sink properly. Here's a simple breakdown of the formula:​

Clouser Leader Formula​

1. Butt Section:
   • Length: 60% of the total leader length.
   • Material: Stiff monofilament or fluorocarbon (e.g., 30-40 lb test).
   • Purpose: Transfers energy from the fly line to the leader for smooth turnover.
2. Taper Section:
   • Length: 20% of the total leader length.
   • Material: Medium-weight monofilament (e.g., 20-25 lb test).
   • Purpose: Gradually reduces stiffness to maintain energy transfer.
3. Tippet Section:
   • Length: 20% of the total leader length.
   • Material: Lighter monofilament or fluorocarbon (e.g., 10-15 lb test).
   • Purpose: Provides stealth and flexibility for the fly presentation.

Example for a 9-Foot Leader​

• Butt Section: 5.5 feet of 30-40 lb mono.
• Taper Section: 1.5 feet of 20-25 lb mono.
• Tippet Section: 2 feet of 10-15 lb mono.

This formula can be adjusted based on fishing conditions, target species, or fly size. For instance, heavier flies or stronger currents may require a shorter leader or heavier tippet. Always ensure your knots are strong and secure for optimal performance!