Fly Rod Bass

[ozark trout fisher]

I think I actually like tying bass flies a bit more, I see a lot more room for innovation and expansion, things seem a bit less explored, it has a new territory feeling.

I know what you mean. I have to say I like tying bass patterns more as well. I haven't come up with any really cool patterns yet, but I have tied up a few relatively original patterns that will catch a fish or two on a good day. Fun stuff.

[patfish]

I've been really looking into warm water opportunities a lot here recently as well, mostly cuz I think that it will be easier for me to access quality warm water locations, as I can no longer get into many of the good trout waters.

I have looked at getting a separate rod as well, but haven't made up my mind on anything I would like to get. However, one thing that I would surely stray away from is the Bass Series by Sage. Don't get me wrong, they look like quite a good quality setup, but the rod weights seem to definetly be overkill. They measure the lines by grains not by rod weight. There are 230, 290 and 330 grain rods to choose from. If you look at the grain weights of other fly lines, a 5 weight usually runs at aproximately 140 grains, an eight at 210, give or take. That would mean using those outfits for bass could be like throwing as heavy as a 12 or even a 13 weight.

I think Sage was on the right idea when they came up with this concept, however I believe it would be wise to lighten things up a bit.

But yeah, I have really gotten into the trout alternatives, and I think I actually like tying bass flies a bit more, I see a lot more room for innovation and expansion, things seem a bit less explored, it has a new territory feeling.

Good to see you on the board Zach. Hope your lack of posts is because you're fishing or sittin at the vise. Post some pics of your bass flies if you get a chance. I'm intrigued.

[Kyle]

If I can put in my .02, I would have to say that if I am fishing for bass on the fly (and I do fairly often) I am a big fan of getting up early or staying late and getting them on the top water. Don't get me wrong catching a trout sipping dry flies is a lot of fun, but it lacks the explosion of a bass hitting the top. Plus, if you miss a bass, you can usually toss back to it and get a second chance. I have caught some nice ones and always toss them back. If you want another thrill this spring hit the banks throw some buggers at the shore line when the crappie are on. It is a pretty good feeling to be pulling out 12 inch fish, and on a good day faster than the guy in the front of the boat.

Thanks for listening.

[ozark trout fisher]

If I can put in my .02, I would have to say that if I am fishing for bass on the fly (and I do fairly often) I am a big fan of getting up early or staying late and getting them on the top water. Don't get me wrong catching a trout sipping dry flies is a lot of fun, but it lacks the explosion of a bass hitting the top. Plus, if you miss a bass, you can usually toss back to it and get a second chance. I have caught some nice ones and always toss them back. If you want another thrill this spring hit the banks throw some buggers at the shore line when the crappie are on. It is a pretty good feeling to be pulling out 12 inch fish, and on a good day faster than the guy in the front of the boat.

Thanks for listening.

That's ironic because this evening, while fishing a Woolly bugger for largemouth, I also managed to catch a few crappie by accident. They are a lot of fun.

I'm so happy warmwater has finally gotten going. I haven't had any luck yet on surface bugs, although I have tried them. I think the water temps are still on the chilly side for that.

[drew03cmc]

I recently picked up a Ross Flystik 7'11" 6wt and it is an amazing rod. The power is there for long casts to carp on the other side of that pool in front of you or for throwing that size 2 Clouser you want to throw. I paired it with a Ross Flyrise 3 and a WF6F Rio Grand and I couldn't be happier (other than to have more time to fish).

[zsmith62]

Good to see you on the board Zach. Hope your lack of posts is because you're fishing or sittin at the vise. Post some pics of your bass flies if you get a chance. I'm intrigued.

I had gotten a lot of tyin in there not too long ago, and have fished a bit...just been busy on all fronts, lol...

I have a picture of this one right now, I recently did it in one of the swaps here, its a spinnerbait fly...

[Flysmallie]

I had gotten a lot of tyin in there not too long ago, and have fished a bit...just been busy on all fronts, lol...

I have a picture of this one right now, I recently did it in one of the swaps here, its a spinnerbait fly...

I still love this fly!!!

[RSBreth]

If you were going to limit yourself to catching whatever you come across Bass-wise, I think the lighter weights are fine.

But to be serious about Bass on fly gear I set two "minimums", that is, the basic rod/line weight to cast some of the flies needed to get hooked up with the big boys. For Smallmouth it's a 6-weight, and for Largemouth it's a 7-weight. You can fight a big Bass easily on a lighter rod, but it's casting the flies needed to entice good sized specimens versus the average "pounder".

Yes, you can catch a big Bass on a bugger or something cast on your 4-weight, but generally, bigger flies=bigger fish.

[patfish]

I had gotten a lot of tyin in there not too long ago, and have fished a bit...just been busy on all fronts, lol...

I have a picture of this one right now, I recently did it in one of the swaps here, its a spinnerbait fly...

Dude! That is awesome! Its the fly version of one of the best dollar lures ever, the beetle spin. Where can I order some Zach?

[flytyer57]

I've got to say I've gotten the fly fishing for bass bug pretty bad lately. I doubt if they'll ever replace trout in my mind as the coolest fish imaginable, but I must admit they are a lot of fun on a light fly rod. I guess there's not much point to this post, but I guess I'd thought I might as well start a general thread about any and all things fly fishing for bass.

Also, while I'm at it, I hope you don't mind if I ask a question. The heaviest fly rod I have right now is a 6-weight. I'd really like to not have to buy another rod, but if I'm going to get into this seriously, will I need a heavier fly rod? I only fish relatively small streams and lakes, and I don't plan on fishing super large flies.

I have 3 rods. A 5wt, 7wt, and a 9wt.

For smallies, I usually use the 7wt. Occasionally I'll use the 5wt if I'm catching a lot of dinks and panfish. If I'm throwing big poppers for largemouth, I use the 9wt. Yeah, the nine is a little overkill. If I could have afforded it, I would have bought an 8wt too. I bought the 9wt primarily for northern pike, muskie, steelhead, salmon etc.