Moffitt Angling

[troutchaser]

It still sounds like too much trouble. I'll just stick to my regular flies.

[strangercreek]

Circle hooks would probably be more apt to roll off the sides and gill plates, so you'd either get a jaw stabbed or miss them altogether. Dunno, just a thought.

That is the idea per the video. It looks somewhat effective as far as only hooking the outer jaw, but I would thing it could still catch a fin or outside of the gill. The point of the hook is pointed inward though, so that might help. Now that I look at it, there does seem to be a really long distance between the fly and hook....

As far as the dropper rig comment, I don't know because I don't fish them (I can't keep from getting them tangled, not to mention I have only fished nymphs a few times effectively. I just don't have the skill for it I guess). I stick to streamers, dries, and wet flies most of the time (I have been fishing barbless mostly after getting a size 14 barbed hooked buried in the palm of my hand).

I would be interested to see first hand wether or not this is something that would help with catch and release handling though. The ketchum release is also effective with an easier release.

[flyfishmaster]

I just read an article concerning the Moffitt Angling systems, that it has been approved by the Colorado Department of Natural Resources' on June 18th as a legal fishing method.

Here is the article:

MOFFITT ANGLING SYSTEM APPROVED IN COLORADO

Denver, Colorado --The Colorado Department of Natural Resources' Division of Wildlife Management has officially approved the Moffitt Angling System as a legal fishing method following a review by department biologists and law enforcement officials. In a letter to Pat Moffitt, the inventor of the Moffitt Angling System, Colorado Fisheries Chief Gregory W. Gerlich wrote, "We believe this method, when used as intended, is currently legal in Colorado".

The approval letter goes on to address the question of snagging, with the determination that the Moffitt System did not constitute snagging under Colorado law because "the system appears to comply with the intent of our regulations by requiring the fish to voluntarily strike the fly in order to be hooked."

"I am very grateful to the Colorado DNR for taking the time to so thoughtfully review our new fly fishing system," remarked Pat Moffitt. "Like many leading trout states, Colorado has taken strong steps to curtail the snagging of trout - a fishing practice I find disgusting. Unfortunately, many of the anti-snagging regulations are worded in such a way that it raises questions about the legality of the Moffitt System -- which is ironic because I spent so many years developing my method to not simply reduce trout mortality on released fish - but to make foul hooking, whether intentional or unintentional, almost impossible."

Later,

FFM

[Bman]

regardless of laker67's somewhat grouchy response.

I would like to thank Laker67 for his responce and insight. I found his replies informative, not grouchy.

[ozarkgunner]

A fish hooked outside of the mouth, according to MDC an IGFA, is not a legally caught fish. Judging by the length of the leader below the fly, I can't see it doing anything but foul hooking the fish. When the fish grabs the fly, the current will sweep the hook alongside of the fish. Just like a dropper fly that so many now fish, it's tailor made to "snag" fish. Did you know that any fish caught on a dropper rig cannot be accepted as a record? How many of you still want to keep fishing those dropper rigs?

If the hook is in the outside jaw it is legal. The reason the rule says "mouth OR JAW" is to specifically address fish caught on the outside of the jaw. Read every word in the law as if it has meaning.........(i.e. why mention jaw if you mean mouth...?)

"(6) Fish not hooked in the mouth or jaw,

except those legally taken by snagging, snaring,

grabbing, gig, bow, crossbow or underwater

spearfishing must be returned to the

water unharmed immediately."

I don't know about IGFA, but this would be legal in MO under MDC rules.

[fishinwrench]

This is one of those things that a bunch of people will try for awhile...and eventually dump. If it appears interesting and effective then you gotta play with it....it's part of growing up. So go ahead and get it over with so you can get it out of your head.

My prediction: A few years from now, if "moffitt system" gets brought up in a conversation you'll say "oh yeah I remember that....it was a waste of time".

[jOrOb]

First, I would like to say that Laker67 does not like the system. That is obvious. Therefore, his responses are not grouchy, but spirited.

Second, I tend to agree that using this system with such a long dropper hook would lend itself to foul hooking. Not knowing enough about tippet size and actual technique, I cannot say, but I see that potential. Having said that, a hook in the OUTSIDE of the jaw would do less damage than one on the INSIDE. However, a hook in the gill plate is a death sentence. Is it worth the risk?? I would guess circle hooks are the key, since gill plate hookups would be very difficult with a circle hook.

Third, I have to defend dropper fishing. One of my favorite rigs is a foam terrestrial (usually a yellow hopper of my own design) with a midge dropper about 12-18 inches below. Basically makes an indicator with a hook in it. Most of the fish hit the midge, but occasionally you get a hit on the terrestrial. I almost never foul a fish, and when I do it is because I reacted poorly. But the hopper is so big that the takes are violent, so most of the hookups are clean hit or miss. Also, the dropper is downstream, and hopper takes tend to be from an angle with a downstream turn after the take, clearing the midge pretty well.

I am sorry for the long winded post, but I had to defend the dropper. As for the original concept, I think it would be worth buying the established program if you really want to try it. That way you will be sure the rig is right.

Perhaps a group could purchase one and use it as a demo to develop the technique??

[Zack Hoyt]

Just as a second thought......

I dont believe this could be used in the fly fishing only areas. A bare hook does not, by any stretch of the imagination, constitue a fly. Also, this is not original.......just the first guy to market it as "his own". Google "pegging beads".