re: The Fly Fishing Thread: Questions, pics, discussion all here

How do you like them?

One bit of advise I can give is less is more. Also, buy the thinnest thread you can find. Makes it much easier.

Can anyone recommend a good case for being around saltwater?

I like this one, but I'm worried the zippers will go to shite

I use a Simms double rod case as well. I haven't used it around saltwater, but Simms makes quality products. I'd be surprised if it didn't hold up. Also a quick rinse with freshwater will help reduce the salt effect.

I am trying out Postfly box for the next few months. Specifically trying out the bass fly tying box. They send the materials and directions to tie various bass flies. Will post pictures when I get my first one.

I've been using aluminum tubes from clear creek for a while now with no issues. They are the factory tubes for Sage but can be bought custom cut to any length you need, even if you need one for a 9ft one piece. I usually keep reels that aren't on rods in a simms headwaters reel case but just recently got a pelican case.

I don't bring any cases on the boat so I can't really comment on which will hold up to salt. Is the factory rod tube and a neoprene reel case not enough protection?

A couple of websites I recommend are Stillwater Fly Shop and Jax Mercantile Company

Finally.




I've spooled just about every other kind of reel but this is my first fly rodeo. Any tips for spooling? Nail knot to the backing, set drag and guide it on evenly?

Anyone fooled with that Scott Meridian yet?

People are losing their minds over it.

Why an albright knot? I've always used a nail.

The other FF thread reminded me I haven't posted in here lately. Finally got out for some steelhead this past weekend but didn't do very well, managed just 2 fish all day. Not terrible considering it was 9 degrees when I got to the river and the high was 24. No pics tho- the gills freeze when its that cold so no time for camera. Will post if I get some this weekend

Are you using a whip finish tool? Pretty easy with those once you get it. Also, if you find your flies are getting too bulky bc of your thread and you don't want to use weaker thread or you often break off right at the end, rendering the fly useless, consider giving gel spun polyethylene a try. GSP is a tad more expensive but wow. Lays very flat so it's not bulky and is strong as can be with minimal thread diameter.

Standard black stoneflies are very time consuming for me so I feel your pain on that.

On another note, I ordered some 2x strong hooks for steelhead off amazon. Ordered 1 box of 50 hooks size 10. They accidentally sent me 10 boxes of 50 hooks size 10 = 500 hooks for like $6!