Frustration Relieved.

[Gavin]

Fly rods can really slay on top at times though....For those times...I bring a 6-7wt, and a selection of poppers in the 2-1/0 range.. The Gaine's Sneaky Pete size 2 and my Leroy Brown in 1/0 are my two favorites......Presentation wise...Dead Drift usually catches bigger fish than a more active retrieve...but sometimes they want action on the bug, not very often but they do...If they wont come up...try a sparkleminnow in pearl, brown, or olive....wont eat that...fish plastic...a small plastic under a big float works really well on a fly rod. Cheers.

[flytyer57]

I had good action on a gurgler last week by casting into the fast water and letting it drift. When the line came taught and started draging the fly across the current, the smallies would slam it.

[Fredrick]

I know this may just add to your frustration. But I have been catching small mouth like crazy on my ultra light spinning rod in the creeks around branson. Green pumpkin finesse worms no weight. I handed my rod to my girl friend to put on sun screen look the other way and she has a nice little mouth on . Its been like catching bluegill they are crazy for it i caught one with the rig i had snagged a few mins before in its mouth. Its like crack to these creek small mouths its unbelievable.

[crawfly]

"Presentation wise...Dead Drift usually catches bigger fish than a more active retrieve..." bingo!! Coupled with a long line to minimize your presence is also a big plus. Especially if you are wading.(hint: you don't have to cast 70-80' to fish that length)

Equally as important ..... the hook. Gammy is most definitely your friend. I say go ahead and try to spit that hook past yer rubber lips.

I'm no eggspurt, just my experience fishin' for 'em. For me, the fish are just a bonus anyways.