On Indicators and whatnot

[Mikey]

Hey guys. I searched a bit and didn't find anything on this: what strike indicators work the best? I've got some of the cheap walmart yellow foamies, but I don't like them too well. If the water is too choppy I lose them, and really don't like their presentation on the water. I've read up some on yarn style indicators and an old timer I work with has said he used to use yarn as an indicator. What's your take, everyone? Also, if posting anything in particular, lemme know where I can come up with them.

[Terry Beeson]

Lot of guys here use half a palsa (stick on foam) indicator. I use those or a very small football with the rubber in the center to hold it in place. Davy Wotton recommends using yarn, but he has a "special" type of yarn he uses that he says doesn't get as wet.

The best advice I can give you is to try several types and find what you like best.

[Growler]

I don't use indicators very often, but when I do, I use a yarn one I "tie" myself.

I start with a piece of yarn in whatever color you want about 4 inches long.

I simply fold it in half and wrap a few turns of thread creating a loop (I leave the loop large enough to slip over a fly).

At this point, cut it to whatever length you want it.

Using a toothbrush (or whatever), fray the ends.

Now thoroughly soak it with floatant & let it dry. You can also use more floatant streamside.

I hold it on with rubber bands, the type used for braces. Put the loop through the small rubber band, slip your fly through the loop and cinch down the rubber band. This type is easily removed and also easy to adjust.

I don't have any pics, but the concept is simple.

I was shown this by a guy on the Blue river in Silverthorne Colorado. The river you can fish while your wife shops at the Factory Merchants Mall within view.

G

[jjtroutbum]

Ive used all of the above, but currently Ive started using the Umpqua O-ring Foam indicators, there very similar to the indicator described buy growler but in stead use small closed cell foam fingers they may not be as sensitve but float all day long....

JJ

[Thom]

If you have or can get cabela's latest 2007 flyfishing catalog page 77 shows the ones described above. I really like the ones that Terry described (football). They come in three sizes and can be easily removed by stretching the rubber tubing inside the float. Good descriptions in the catalog.

I am in the market for a new supply of everything including indicators. The last trip to Taney someone stole my soft side tackle box which I had most all of my fly boxes and other accessories in from my boat at the dock. All I had left was a few things which were still in my vest.

The bright side..........I will get all new fishing gear. Luckily I had removed my two back up reels and my sinking line reel to make room for more fly boxes.

Whoever it was is probally still trying to figure out how to get power bait and earthworms to stay on a size 18 or 20 hook.

[LostMyWife]

As the rookie in this post you can take this with a grain of salt, but I have tried about 5 different indicators. Here is what I have found. I will reference them with Bass Pro when possible so you can see them online. I am NOT plugging Bass Pro. Get the indicators at your local fly shops, not the big boxes.

The Palsa Strike Adhesive Indicators tabs, Bass Pro #38-450-000-00 are a pain. They are really sensitive, a huge plus, but they cannot be moved once they are attached and they leave a sticky residue on the leader or tippet. They come in several colors, but I would pass.

The football foam indicators, Bass Pro #38-421-949-01, are nice, but they are not very high on the sensitivity scale. You have to really practice with them to determne what's a strike and what is not. You will miss a lot of hits using this indicator until you can truly lock in on it. They can be moved up and down the line, but they have a tendency to move on their own. They also come off easily, so buy a lot of them if you plan on using this one. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, which makes them easier to see on the water.

The next is called a Turn on Strike indicator. Bass Pro #38-400-089-88. They come in 3 sizes. It also has the rubber insert, but it is also split and cut into two halves. This allows you to lock it in by twisting the two section in opposite directions. I have also only seen them in one color. They can be moved up and down the line, but also have a tendency to fly off.

The Yarn Strike indicators, Bass Pro# 38-400-088-52, are sensitive, can be moved up and down the line, and come in a lot of colors and sizes. I have not figured out an easy way to attach and move them, but I am sure there is a way. This one is high on the list. I loop the leader thru the rubber loop and pass the indicator thru the loop. It works, but it isnot all that asy to move.

The next 2 are both stick type indicators. The Teardrop Strike Indicators, # 38-400-093-12 and the Round Strike Indicator, #38-200-340-01. I have not tried the tear drop yet, but I do like the round. They come is 3 sizes and several colors. They can be threaded on the line before you tie on your fly, and easily moved. I was also shown a neat trick by Dave at the NYD gathering. Throw out the stick. Loop the line and feed it thru the center of the ball. Run a small piece of rubberband thru the loop in the line on the other side. Pull the line back thru and the rubberband seats the indicator. This way you an very easily move it up and down the line you don't have to worry about the stick damaging your line. The smaller the better for most dead drifts with scuds, but the larger ones work well with heavier flies. I really like this one.

When you get really good at this, a phase I look forward to, you can use a dry fly as an indicator. talk to one of the pros about that. It's out of my league.

What I lack in experience I do gain in pure moxy and the total lack of fear to ask questions. I reas and try a lot of dfferent things. You will find one that works for you, but you may find that a different type works in different situations.

Hope this helps. First time I felt comfortable adding my 2 cents.

LMW

[Thom]

Pretty good summary LMW.

It's pretty much different strokes for different folks. I even change my mind from season to season but have used all of the above and found most satisfactory. This is one area where size is important. too large a problem with some presentations and too small a problem with larger presentations.

when the fishing gets tough or water still and clear any small element can affect the bite.

[Danoinark]

One more sidenote about Palsa indicators. I typically use only half of one. I think fish are spooked by bobbers, so using the half lessens the spook factor. I use them in white only to match the foam on the water. 1/2 palsa also is easier to remove. Take the two ends and simply slide it up and down and normally it will cut right through for removal.

Dano

[Mikey]

Thanks greatly for the replies. I'm getting more excited every day I get on here and read the stories and reports. I may end up going with half palsas if I can find them in white like dan mentioned. Again, you guys are really helpful. I hope my own knowledge here can grow enough to help someone else in my shoes.

Mikey

[Terry Beeson]

Mikey,

Most palsas are white foam with a color "glued" to them. If you can't find white, just buy the ones with the color and shave off the color with a knife.