Newbie

[jwpage]

Being new to the sport, I am hoping that this forum will give me some much needed advice. I have fished the lower Illinois for a couple of months now and have yet to catch anything. Maybe I am using the wrong flies. I have read quite a bit on here and realize right off that the sizes that I have been using are way too big. Of course I don't know what kind of flies I need as I am not a tier either. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[DaddyO]

Please don't take this as an insult, I'm just trying to establish a reference point.

When you say that you don't know what kind of flies to use, do you understand the difference between a #20 midge and a #16 midge? The #20 is smaller than the #16 even though the number is larger. So, when you see reference to the flies being used, you will usually see the size, type and color of fly being used or sometimes the type of fly implies the coloration. i.e. #18 Zebra Midge (Zebra meaning black and white/silver) or #14 Hair & Copper (Usually, Brown dubbing and Copper wire for the rib)

If you will use this site and read all of the Lower Illinois posts, it will familiarize you with what is being used to catch fish. If you see the name/type of fly being used and you don't know what that looks like, go out to google and search for it. You can also go to YouTube and search for it by typing "How to tie a Zebra Midge" or plug in any other fly name that you are searching for.

If you don't know how to tie your own flies, doing the things that I mentioned above will, at least, familiarize you with what the fly looks like. I would encourage you to do all of the research that you can and to think about starting to tie your own flies.

There is a wealth of information on the internet and YouTube is a great resource. Go to YouTube and type in "How to fly fish for trout" in the search box and watch the 6 part series by Gary Borger. The information that he shares with you will apply to any river that you fish.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask more questions.

DaddyO

[jwpage]

Thanks for the help "Daddy-O'. I know that the higher the number the smaller the fly. I have learned the basics of fly fishing such as how to cast and other basics. My biggest problem is not knowing which flies to use and how to fish them.

[DaddyO]

OK. There is a wealth of information on the internet and YouTube is a great resource. Go to YouTube and type in "How to fly fish for trout" in the search box and watch the 6 part series by Gary Borger. The information that he shares with you will apply to any river that you fish.

Watch all 6 parts. He will show you various techniques which will answer some of your questions.

[jwpage]

Thanks for the help. I will certainly watch the videos on You Tube.

[jwpage]

I wanted to let y'all know that I went fly fishing on the LI on Sunday afternoon. I had a wonderful day. I caught over 20 small trout on a #18 red zebra midge and a copper john. It was exciting. The most fun I have had fishing. Thanks for the advice on watching "Fly fishing for Trout" by Gary Borger. Lots of great info. Tight Lines.

[DaddyO]

You are now on you way to a great way to pass the time. Next thing you know, you'll be asking what kind of Fly Tying vise you should buy.

[OKFlyFisher44]

You are now on you way to a great way to pass the time. Next thing you know, you'll be asking what kind of Fly Tying vise you should buy.

Oh boy...its all downhill from here. Fair warning, stay away from EBay. I've recently re-discovered it and I have been bidding on stuff left and right! All these "good deals" on lightly used equipment is driving me crazy. I almost got a pair of Simms waders for $76 the other night, got out-bid at the last second! I don't know why I feel the need to buy another pair of waders, i have a great pair in my Orvis Silver Labels. I keep telling myself I need a "back-up" pair of waders...

Boy, I gotta stop while I'm ahead!

[jwpage]

Oh boy...its all downhill from here. Fair warning, stay away from EBay. I've recently re-discovered it and I have been bidding on stuff left and right! All these "good deals" on lightly used equipment is driving me crazy. I almost got a pair of Simms waders for $76 the other night, got out-bid at the last second! I don't know why I feel the need to buy another pair of waders, i have a great pair in my Orvis Silver Labels. I keep telling myself I need a "back-up" pair of waders...

Boy, I gotta stop while I'm ahead!

I have already done that I bought flyfishing stuff on ebay and numerous other places. It is very addictive. Time to slow down though and enjoy the sport. One thing I have noticed is that flyfishermen are considerably different than the rest of the fishing world. They seem to be very apt to help someone and even tell them what they are biting on and even willing to share there spot. It has really been more than I expected and feel very lucky to have happened into the sport.

[OKFlyFisher44]

That is all true in most cases. Most guys enjoy meeting others that enjoy the same sport. Also, most of us are always looking for a new fishing buddy. Phil and I had a great time on our 1st outing on the lower illinois and we're from completely different generations.

I will say, beware, as you'll probably run into some of the ol' crabby purists that frequent our sport. I've ran into a few on Taneycomo...think they own the whole river. Oh fun times on Taney...