I'm set in my ways

[fsa313]

No man is more set-in-his-ways than an old fly-fisherman. I’m proud to think of myself as a pragmatist. I like to catch fish and I like using fly patterns that have proven that they catch fish. Don’t get me wrong, I fish soft-hackle flies, chironomid patterns, parachute patterns, boobies, etc. but I also think we don’t need fly boxes bulging with a hundred different flies. Here is a link information on my favourite five old-time wet flies that have proven to be consistent producers.

https://myalbum.com/album/GRqO6WhmjvrZ

[thumper]

Thanks for these! Most are 'oldies but goodies' that I tend to overlook when tying all the newer 'best' flys that come along! Great story on how your Pope evolved - I'll have to give that one a go when fishing the clear lakes of the East Kootenays!

[Fish along]

Originally Posted by fsa313

No man is more set-in-his-ways than an old fly-fisherman. I’m proud to think of myself as a pragmatist. I like to catch fish and I like using fly patterns that have proven that they catch fish. Don’t get me wrong, I fish soft-hackle flies, chironomid patterns, parachute patterns, boobies, etc. but I also think we don’t need fly boxes bulging with a hundred different flies. Here is a link information on my favourite five old-time wet flies that have proven to be consistent producers.

https://myalbum.com/album/GRqO6WhmjvrZ

Ive gotten trout on all these at one time or another, Montana is my favorite. Good selection.

[Stryker2]

You should have posted over on the "Fly fishing Discussion" forum you might have a lot more interest. Just sayin'

[fsa313]

Your thought of passing along information is my reason for posting.
Cheers,
Neil

[58thecat]

Can't argue with proven proven performers eh!

[Stryker2]

Originally Posted by fsa313

Your thought of passing along information is my reason for posting.
Cheers,
Neil

Not a problem with me as I'm also a flyfisher, and I understand the proven flies theory...with that being said..being a fly tyer as well... I love the art of tying and so for me more is better! I like trying new patterns and I become very excited when I catch fish with them!
Cheers!
Ann

[nimrod]

Great post love to go to fly's, Im also stuck in my ways, I for the last few years only fish with dry very fluffy fly's, love to "rise" just con't get enough of that. might not catch as much as most but when they are rising, thats the best.

[Mr Flyguy]

Any fly fisher worth his/her salt will carry at least 100 different patterns and in various sizes, gotta be ready to "match the hatch" whatever that might be

[Stryker2]

Originally Posted by Mr Flyguy

Any fly fisher worth his/her salt will carry at least 100 different patterns and in various sizes, gotta be ready to "match the hatch" whatever that might be

Now There's a guy who speaks my language! Hi Ian!

[fsa313]

Being scientifically-trained, I try to apply “The Scientific Method” to fly fishing. Here is a brief outline of The Scientific Method
The scientific method
"At the core of biology and other sciences lies a problem-solving approach called the scientific method. The scientific method has five basic steps, plus one feedback step: They are:-
1. Make observations.
2. Ask a question.
3. Form a hypothesis, or testable explanation.
4. Make a prediction based on the hypothesis.
5. Test the prediction.
6. Iterate: use the results to make new hypotheses or predictions.

The scientific method is used in all sciences—including chemistry, physics, geology, and psychology. The scientists in these fields ask different questions and perform different tests. However, they use the same core approach to find answers that are logical and supported by evidence."

Ok, how do we apply this to fly fishing.

Step 1 Observation. Before the first cast, look around, what can we see in and on the water. What are the birds doing? Are there fish “up”?
Step 2 What do you think the fish feeding on?
Step 3 If they’re feeding on ^%$#&. What would be a proven example of this bug?
Step 4 If I start to get hits, should I continue with my current fly or do I wish to change and risk fewer hits? Should I go to a different species or just tweak my selection?
Step 5 I’ll try for $**&^$ minutes to check the results
Step 6 Do I have to go back to the beginning?

[Mr Flyguy]

Well, I worked as a scientist for 45 years and went fishing to escape the boundaries of the scientific method.

[Freedom55]

I have grown too tired to walk my life away on a mountain stream. My fly rod hangs on the wall like a trophy from some long-over war; the flies a tangled mass of fur and feathers. I have heard a tree falling in the forest.

Now I have a boat and no regrets. Long lines and no flailing about. And a chair.

Free

[58thecat]

Originally Posted by Freedom55

I have grown too tired to walk my life away on a mountain stream. My fly rod hangs on the wall like a trophy from some long-over war; the flies a tangled mass of fur and feathers. I have heard a tree falling in the forest.

Now I have a boat and no regrets. Long lines and no flailing about. And a chair.

Free

Ohhhh but you miss the calling....sooner or later you will reach for the fly rod just for the peacefulness.