Is The World Off Its Axis?

[Quillback]

I think I remember that Bill Babler caught a pair of 9 lbers a few years ago on the Float-n-Fly.

[Champ188]

I've been threatening for several years to try it ... even before The Bills (Babler and Beck) just wrecked 'em on it that year. Last year, I went so far as to order the sho-nuff original Cumberland jigs. This year, I bought the poles. Maybe next year I'll buy the bobbers and we'll actually try it. Just kidding. We're gonna get after 'em soon as the poles get here and I pin Mr. Babler down for some tips.

More than anything, I want Donna to get ahold of one of those bruiser green or brown fish on that 9-6 pole. Should be more fun than Barnum & Bailey ever thought about providing.

[J-Doc]

Hybrids on 8 and 9ft B&M crappie poles with 6lb test. That's about what that's going to feel like. And it's a hoot!! Pulling drag like baby Tarpon.

I have not tried the float and fly. I just don't know if I have the patience for it but the rewards are big.

[J-Doc]

Next time you throw the spoon, just hop it off the bottom about 6" max. When they are deep that is. In the dead of winter in 34 degree water, they will bite it if you irritate them enough. Sometimes you have to change to a smaller spoon too. The green ones for seem to like the War Eagle I'm told. Must be supporting local business. :-)

[abkeenan]

Nice work Champ. First a 'Noles sweatshirt, then Float N' Fly rigs and now Donna claiming you have a sexy shad earring? What's next? Trading in your Ranger for a convertible Corvette?

[Feathers and Fins]

I have been spooning since I was a little boy, My Grandfather had a tackle box full of Dixie Jet Spoons in different colors ( I think he used grandmas nail polish on some of them ) of all lures I think a spoon is my favorite and highest confidence lure. Its what I was taught on. Spoons can be jigged, bounced, just left stationary or even swam. In my hands no other lure except maybe a bucktail or feathered bucktail gives me more confidence in catching fish.

Welcome to the dark side lol.

[denjac]

Sounds like a midlife crisis to me.

[merc1997 Bo]

champ

see how easy that was . the float n fly thing has proved its ability to catch bass, but i have just never grasped the need of the extra long rod. does that technique just not work with a slip cork?? i have dabbled with it a little bit, but used a slip cork, and it seemed to work, at least for me.

any float n fly experts that would care to explain why the 9' rod??

bo

[Champ188]

Definitely possible that abkeenan and Denny are on the right track ... mid-life crisis. You'll know for sure if I show up at the lake pulling the Ranger with a convertible 'Vette and sporting a new blonde back-deck ornament in place of Donna. #deadman #widowwithRanger

[abkeenan]

Bo,

I think there are a few reasons for the 9' rod from what I have gathered. I have no actual experience but have read up on it and am 1 step behind Champ as far as pulling the trigger on a F n F set up.

1- Mainly because of the leader length between the fly and the cork. If you have a preset length (usually 6-12 feet from what I've read) you need a long rod just to cast the rig.

2- With the light line the long limber pole gives you leverage and room for error when fighting/playing the fish.

3- When fishing this wimpy set up you need the long pole to overcompensate for something. Whatever that "something" is.