fly rod hybrids

[sparkleminnow]

Hey Bill do these fish bite in the winter in the tailwaters? I know there are spillways in IL that have them but where in MO can they be found? That Jacomo place looks inviting since I visit family in KC once in a while.

SIO3.

Clinton Lake spillway, in Illinois has them. Not just that, but they were averaging 10 lbs/ea, in '01(hybrids). The drought years messed up the fishing for them, for about 5 years. They were back in '07, but this years' floods messed up the season, again. Though, I caught a few up to 8lb. I think a comparison of fly patterns would be interesting.

I'm posting some pics, and will add more as I get them uploaded to my computer.

The first is a firetiger/perch deceiver, 5-6" long on a 3/0, 3x heavy saltwater hook.

The next is a Coffey Grinder, floater, 3-4" long. Directions later if you want them.

The last is my staple fly for wipers & whites. It's a sparkleminnow. On my waters at least, it far, FAR, outperforms a Clouser. Don't let the billowy appearance in the vise fool you. It will slick down to a very minnow-ish profile that they just LOVE.

[Okieflyfisher53]

The above mentioned flies all work at times. This fly has worked very well for stripors and hybrids in the Arkansas River here

I also tie it in chartreuse over white for stained water.

Steve

[sparkleminnow]

Most striper flies that people use will work most places....with exception. Where I fish, you will REDUCE your catch rate by adding a red throat...as most people want to do. I have had fish hit on every other cast...add red to the throat...and STOP catching them. Switch flies BACK to the original state (without any red on it), and get right back into fish. Not, once. Not twice. But, every time! Might be the waters I fish, but flourescent orange seems to produce FAR better, as a substitute color for the throat. No idea why. Just a first hand observation.

Often, I simply delete the red throat, (or, orange) and do very well. In cloudy conditions, dark yellow produces better. It was the same info given to me by a bait shop near Clark's Hill resivoire, in S.C./Georgia.

BUT, as we all know (if you fish for striper), they can have their moods. Think you have them pegged, and they throw you a curve ball!

[Bill B.]

That "Coffey Grinder" could also be called a "single-hook Heddon Torpedo." Interesting.

[Flysmallie]

That "Coffey Grinder" could also be called a "single-hook Heddon Torpedo." Interesting.

It actually has at least two hooks. I've seen the tying instructions that sparkleminnow posted on another forum and I thought he talked about using a double hook on the back.

I've been using something similar with great results, it's better than a Torpedo and doesn't have the splash down that the Torpedo has. Mine only has one hook point and does not have the prop. This is something that I was trying to figure out add when I ran across the Coffey Grinder a couple of months ago.

Thanks for the great design sparkleminnow!

[sparkleminnow]

That "Coffey Grinder" could also be called a "single-hook Heddon Torpedo." Interesting.

Actually, I DID get the IDEA for the Coffey Grinder from a Heddon Torpedo. However, The Heddon Torpedo, willl not cast very well on a flyrod. The Coffey Grinder will. AS such, you can use it to catch smallies, whites, or wipers on a flyrod. THAT....is the attraction. You do NOT need to use a spinning rod to catch them on top. As well, you do not need to use a the conventional popper, or slider. I have found that the buzzing tail prop on MY WATERS is far more effective than the conventional popper, or slider. They all can work, BUT there are times when the tail buzzer will work far better. A buzzbait is the best on my waters, for smallies in summer, but unless you want to switch to the spinning rod.....

The wipers like the Zara Puppy..but if you make the Coffey Grinder with a long, slender profile, it will work the same as a Z.P. Just substitute a solid bead for the hollow bead, at the tail. A little lead on the wire body (near the tail) will help.

I have to take some pics of my wiper poppers to post. I also have a few other patterns to post, also. I just have to find the time.

[Bill B.]

I fished Truman on Friday evening and caught some nice whites while wading on gravel points. There were some small hybrids (12-16 inches) mixed in with the whites. The fish wouldn't touch a Torpedo but were KILLING a white twistertail trailer (on a 1/8-ounce leadhead) running about 18 inches behind the lure. The fish came shallow in the last couple of hours before dark. I love to fish for whites in the shallows on Truman this time of year. The fishing usually peaks in late October and stays good until real cold weather arrives in early to mid-November.

[snagged in outlet 3]

Nice Bill!!!!!!!!!

SIO3

[redbird]

Nice Bill!!!!!!!!!

SIO3

You are right on Bill. I have been a conventional tackle chaser of whites on Truman and Pomme for years. Recently I was converted into a fly fisherman after a couple of trout trips to the mountains in Wyoming. Now I am chasing my favorite fish on fly and Truman is my favorite place to do that. Maybe Ill see you out there.

[jdmidwest]

Do you mind posting the instructions for the coffey grinder? I use a torpedo alot and the fly version looks like it would be fun.