Using #22 And #24 Scuds

[laker67]

I will say this at the risk of being slam banged against the wall, In my lifetime of catching big fish on light tippet, I have seen no adverse effects. With light tippet you are at the mercy of the fish, you fight his battle on his terms. Landing and fighting the fish is more of a gentle persuasion rather than a rip around tug of war when you are using heavy tippet with more hook strength. Survival has more to do with what "you" do after the fish is landed on any type of tackle. In my opionion, it is impossible to overpower and stress a fish on 7x tippet.

[Phil Lilley]

I need a lesson, Ken. I'd be the first to admit I have a lot to learn.

[Mr. Ed]

On one of my few fly fishing trips to CO all we used was size 20 and 22 flies… only way you could catch a fish. That was about the most frustrating fishing trip I ever took. Just tying those darn things on is hard enough… let alone catch and bring in a trout on them. I’ll leave the micro gear to those able to use it.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

The article deserves the most attention...take with it what you will.

Just remember - shuffling of the stream bottom hurts the growth of sowbugs and scuds both - and worst of all, the trout.

[XP 590]

" And that was on water where rainbows will collect around your boots to scoop up scuds and sowbugs dislodged from the stones every time you move your feet."---Wow, the observant writer makes a comment based on his fist time fishing this tailwater, and now it's being implied that he's shuffler! Believe me, I dislike the unethical practice of shuffling as much as anyone, but to bring up shuffling based on that observation is a bit of a stretch to me. Maybe he's talking about while walking, or simply re-adjusting your feet so you don't stand lock-kneed in one uncomfortable position too log.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

Stretch it all you want.. better yet - come out and see it happening.

Live and in person.. Enough said.

[DaddyO]

I had to go back and read the article, again, to see what Brian was referring to. If this is the quote:

"It was that tough. And that was on water where rainbows will collect around your boots to scoop up scuds and sowbugs dislodged from the stones every time you move your feet."

That's a little bit of a stretch to assume that the writer was saying that he's a shuffler. I interpreted that quote to imply how tough the fishing was. I have had several days on Taney, when I couldn't figure out what pattern to fish but could wave my rod over 50 fish at any given time. I'm not a shuffler, but I do stand in the water and have had trout bump my legs with their noses to get me to move.

I have also witnessed people, purposely, shuffling their feet and fishing the chum line. It angers me and I pity the person that has to do this to catch fish.

[Fly_Guy]

on tough, sunny low water days, I used 20-22 gray and brown scuds for best effect. Also size 22-24 black ants on top. Back when we lived in the ozarks... Miss Taneycomo!!

[Phil Lilley]

If you walk through water almost anywhere below the dam, you could say you're "shuffling" cause you can't walk on gravel and not move bugs. But the term used as an adjective to mean someone kicking up bugs so that he can catch those fish attracted to your feet is what we call a "shuffler".

The article and it's writer - I wouldn't jump to conclusions. I always give people the benefit of the doubt.