It's all about the fluorocarbon...

This whitey couldn't resist a perfect clouser presentation on fluorocarbon

Whether I'm fishing clousers in the spring to hungry white/smallmouth bass, chucking big gnarly jointed streamers at bows and browns, or delicately presenting a swimming nymph to a school of carp, my fly will be tied on to the end of a straight up piece of fluorocarbon.  Not only will casting and turning over these gaudy hunks of meat become much easier, You'll have more power and confidence to end the fight as soon as possible and get your fish back in the water to catch another day.

Many fly fishers only use the tapered leaders because that is what's sold in the stores.  I know I did when I first started out with a fly rod.  I thought,"oh, here's a leader they have conveniently labeled for me so I know what I can catch with it."  Blah!  I appreciate the fact that there are certain circumstances when a leader will make or break your day on the water.  To me, it only matters in nymphing and dry fly fishing...That's it!  I was oblivious to just how versatile the sport could be in the context of catching a wide range of fish species with very little learning curve.  With all the possibilities that exist, why would you decide to limit yourself to a leader specific to one species?

This time of year, I only carry fluorocarbon, tie on a 9' leader as needed, and go catch fish.  Here are the six (6) reasons why I use straight fluorocarbon leaders in almost all circumstances:

1.  No knots:  I hate it when things get caught up on the knots in my leader.  Whether it be line, slime or debris, they can be a hassle.  Not any longer!

2.  No tippet:  There is no more need to consistently add more tippet once you've cut it down.  Just put on a new leader after you wear it down a bit and you're good to go.

3.  Easier to cast:  It takes a bit getting used to, but it is much easier for me to cast than with a tapered leader.  I would even argue that my fly casting overall has improved since using it.  Casting a distance and turning over that fly, especially with big flies, is no longer an issue.  I would suggest everyone try it at least a few times to see if you like it.

4.  Stealthy:  It's been said that fluorocarbon line is less visible under water than its mono counterparts.  I'm not a fish, and I've not conducted any underwater visuals to test this hypothesis.  I take their word for it considering I catch a lot of fish.

5.  Fighting power!:  I prefer to fight fish as quickly as possible in order to lessen the stress put on their little fish bodies.  Fluorocarbon gives me the strength and confidence I need to make short work of my adversary and get them back in the water to freedom.

6.  Abrasion resistent:  I started using fluorocarbon leaders on all of my walleye rigs when an influx of hungry northern pike were making walleye fishing a bit of a chore.  You'd hook a northern, and after a few seconds, you'd be tying on a new hook.  Once I started tying my rigs with fluorocarbon, catch rates were up and lost fish went way down.  Then I started using it for big rainbows and northers on the fly, and the results spoke for themselves. Coincidence?  I think not!

Not a flashy tip by any means, but a good one if you want to improve as a fly fishing enthusiast.  Remember, it's ok to try new things, and it's ok to fail.  That's the only way we'll get better at our craft.

Fly fishing...The Next Generation

Hooking a capital city walleye

I firmly believe that fly fishing is the next big thing.  It's already big for those of us who are committed, but I'm talking about the majority.  Everywhere I go, people want to talk about fly fishing.  And this is a very GOOD thing.  More fly fishing enthusiasts means more conservation minded individuals to help protect our waterways and ensure future fishing possibilities.  But how do we get them hooked?  Heck, do we even want them hooked?

I get it...We like our fly fishing the way it is.  We don't know more anglers crowding up our rivers and streams.  But imagine how much nicer our waterways would be if we had a large majority of our fishing enthusiast friends joining the fight for conservation.  Pretty great feeling right?  Here are some tips to promote fly fishing in your community.

1.  Engage Youth:  If we were playing Family Feud, this would by far be the #1 answer!  Engaging youth means engaging the future generation of leaders (and their parents).  Get them active, invite them to participate, give them free things and help them catch fish.  We hosted a free kids fly tying clinic at which all kids were mentored by a fly tying enthusiast, got three nice patterns and a free fly rod out of the deal!  This summer, we'll be taking those same kids out on the water to test their new gear.  Kids free fishing weekend and outdoor university are both on the calendar this year as well.  Engaging kids can be like a snowball effect.  Get one rolling, and others are bound to jump on board.

2.  Dispel fly fishing myths:  This is easier said than done, but necessary nonetheless.  Free radio spots, letters to the editor, social media updates, and blog posts are great vehicles for telling a story about fly fishing.  Center this promotion around events and activities, provide great information, and offer free tips for fly fishing success, and you will have a much more informed public my friend.

3.  Make fly fishing easily accessible for all:   I have been very active in community events so far this year.  With the free fly tying clinic under my belt (story soon to come), and other events on the calendar,  it's easy to stay engaged while spreading a message about fly fishing and conservation.  One thing I'd like to do this summer is to set up a free fly casting lesson booth outside on a random weekend.  I would be very interested to see how many people would like to try or have questions.

4.  FISH!:  Leading by example is the best way to get the proverbial foot in the door of an angler's curiosity.  Once they witness your success via the fly, wax-nostalgia might bring them back to the old fly rod their grandfather gave them back in the day.  It might also prompt them to go home and take a look at that old rod to see what all the fuss is about.  Who knows, a few online video tutorials, casting practice in the backyard and the first time taking it out in the boat may send them on a crazy train straight to fly fishing fanaticism.    

Daydreaming of Home

Old marble-eye

As a kid who loved fishing (and knew nothing about fly-fishing) I clamored for anything fishing related.  When I wasn't able to get out to the local stock dams, or take a trip to the Black hills, television was my vise.  Walker's Cay Chronicles, Spanish Fly, Tony Dean Outdoors were some of my favorites.  These shows did not captivate me with huge fish and hero shots while rock 'n' roll or heavy metal music played in the background.  Rather, these storytellers painted a picture with words.  They told a story that sent me on a whirlwind adventure in my own mind.  So began a life of daydreaming.  Fishing in exotic locations for fish so beautiful you have to see them in person to believe their brilliance.  Traveling across state borders to be tested by the best fish that respective state has to offer.  But how often do we daydream of home?

One of my favorite snapshots of all time...

I'm ashamed to admit that it is not as often as I should.  Even when I daydream of my home state of South Dakota, It typically involves me standing in rapid creek as the sun dips closer to the horizon for what can only be described as kamikaze trout attacking the helpless insects that await on the surface.  There is a time, however, when the lilac's bloom, the water temperature warms, and the fish begin to feed on the river.  I then find that while I've been dreaming of fishing elsewhere, others have yearned for the chance to visit South Dakota's State Capital.  And why wouldn't they?  Smallies, white bass, largemouth bass, an amazing northern pike fishery in Lake Oahe, hungry carp, and don't forget the walleyes on the fly!  We even have giant rainbows in the winter/spring.  We have so much variety, so many fishing opportunities throughout the year, it's impossible to be bored in this city if you have a fly rod in your hand.

I believe this is likely true for many great fisheries in this country.  Taken for granted by local fly fishing enthusiasts, and somewhat forgotten as a dream-worthy fishery.  I won't let that happen to me anymore.

Next time I need a break, rather than daydreaming of a beautiful white sandy flat on South Andros Island surrounded by 8 lb bonefish, I may just be wading a sandy bay in Oahe Downstream recreation area with a school of common carp nose down headed straight toward me.  Time for me to make a cast...

Scouting for Success

Satellite image of one of my favorite holes...

Getting out on the stream often means getting into remote areas.  Before technology advancements, and fishing sources from around the state, I would have to be content with driving to an unfamiliar location regardless of what awaited me.  The fishability of a spot was only determined when I would arrive on location.  Not anymore...  Stop wasting time and gas money checking out new spots.  Sure, that is going to be necessary every once-in-a-while.  More often than not, however, these tips will help you make the most our of your scouting time so you can spend more time bringing fish to hand.

1 - Use satellites:

Satellite imagery has come a long way.  This is not only about scouting individual bodies of water and their fishability, but also access points, nearby properties, and fishing pressure.  You can see boats pretty well on satellite images...

2 - Call ahead:

If you are traveling to fish, don't hesitate to check on fishing condition ahead of time.  Call the local fly shops with an idea of where you are headed, and ask for an assessment.  Then, if they are helpful, stop in and say hi.  Show your support by grabbing some new gear (you deserve it).

3 - Check the web:

There are more fishing sites and web forums these days that you can shake a stick at!  A generic internet search for the spot you plan to fish may bring up some results that will help you determine its current state of fishability.  Doesn't always produce results, but you never know until you check.

4 - Multi-task:

Planning to travel soon for work?  Put an hour in the budget for a quick drive down to the river.  Family vacations are also a great time to scout new waters and gather information from local residents and fly-shops.  Fishing enthusiasts are everywhere and usually happy to discuss their home waters.  This can make planning for future trips that much easier.

Try out a few of these tips next time you are headed to an unknown location.  You may spend less time scouting and more time fishing on your next adventure.

Bighorn adventure

It's been a little under a month ago, now, that the Tuesday Tyers had embarked on their annual journey to the Bighorn River.  What a great experience!  I hope to have a cool video for everyone in the near future.  Until then, here is the video I put together from last year's trip.  Some beautiful fish last year in the snow.



Bighorn 2013 from Buddy Seiner on Vimeo.

Tips for Fishing Narrow Water

Gave my 3 wt and I a run for our money!

Clear, narrow-water fishing is some of my favorite.  Not only are the fish extra spooky because of the limited cover and lack of good hiding places, but the crystal clear water and few good casting areas make approaching these spooky fish very difficult.  I had a chance to fish Bear Butte Creek in Sturgis recently and it was a blast.  A nice baetis hatch had them preoccupied.  With their guard down, I was able to sneak in a few well placed casts.  Here are a few tips for the next time you find yourself on a small stream with spooky fish:

Small and wonderful

1.  Review the area from afar:  On these small creeks, you won't have the luxury of deciding how to approach the run streamside.  Set up scout camp at a distance to ensure the fish don't catch wind of your plans.

2.  Be patient:  Before you approach a run, take some time to see what the fish may be munching on.  The day I fished BBC was simple.  There were little sailboats on a scenic drift tour of the creek and plenty of fish munching.  If they are just dimpling at the surface, try an emerger pattern that fits the time of year.  If you see no active fish on top, get the seine net (or put a paint filter over your fishing net) out to see what bugs are active at that time.  You don't have the luxury of placing cast after cast in a run.  Better have the right bug so you can make each one count.

3.  Get low:  You don't see many anglers doing it.  Maybe because they fear looking a little silly.  I'm used to that, so I won't hesitate to approach a run with caution.  Crawling on my knees to get into a decent casting position while a school of browns feed upstream is an exciting task and very effective on these little creeks.

4.  Watch your backcast:  Anytime you find yourself among tall brush, numerous trees, or in a crouching tiger position, it's imperative to watch your backcast.  It's a sinking feeling when you are ready for the approach cast and you get hung up in a tree behind you.  It happens to the best now and again, but you can limit these occurrences by monitoring your line.  A good habit to get into for many occasions.

Follow these rules and you'll be saying goodbye to some pretty fish on your next outing.

The Comeback of the Century!!

Over a year...That's how long it's been since I've posted on this blog.  I guess I had to manage priorities, and I didn't make this blog one of them like I should have.  My original intent for this blog was a personal outlet for my fishing adventures (and misadventures) that would ultimately lead to me becoming a better, and more well-rounded fisherman.  That is still its primary intent.  I also hope it evolves into a resource for others seeking similar improvement.  With over a year behind me, and a number of adventures to recount, I'll start with a video showcasing it all.  I love looking back at these videos and re-living the moments.  Landing those special fish and being out in a world where there seem to be no wrongs, gives me a euphoric feeling that fellow fishing enthusiast likely know too well. Each replayed frame allows me to live that moment over again, and again.  Pass it on to anyone you feel might enjoy it.  It's a long one...

2013 Fishing Success from Buddy Seiner on Vimeo.