Is The World Off Its Axis?

[Quillback]

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.

What he says (except for the compensation part ) - you don't want the jig to touch the water, or worse sink a bit, on the back cast. This can cause the medical condition known as "jig stuck in back of head".

[dtrs5kprs]

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

Bo... All the fnf guys swear you need that long stick and preset rig, but yes it definitely will work with a slip bobber and standard rod. Had a gentleman do it in the back of my ranger last April. He was trying to slip float a few crappie and had to beat the brown fish off with a paddle.

We did it for deep walleye and crappie up north, and of course also caught...bass. Shocking.

I know there are nuances that the big rod probably enhances, but for the other way gives you a shot without installing a ladder up front so you can lob your cork.

[merc1997 Bo]

Bo... All the fnf guys swear you need that long stick and preset rig, but yes it definitely will work with a slip bobber and standard rod. Had a gentleman do it in the back of my ranger last April. He was trying to slip float a few crappie and had to beat the brown fish off with a paddle.

We did it for deep walleye and crappie up north, and of course also caught...bass. Shocking.

I know there are nuances that the big rod probably enhances, but for the other way gives you a shot without installing a ladder up front so you can lob your cork.

thanks for the feedback. i just never could figure out why having a set leader length would have an advantage over using a slip bobber. our local fly fisherman, tim's fly shop, can make the right jigs for that system. just like crappie, bass can get really zeroed in on very small baits in cold water. one other thing about floating a tiny jig around during cold weather is you can keep you hands covered up and not freeze to death.

bo

[dtrs5kprs]

thanks for the feedback. i just never could figure out why having a set leader length would have an advantage over using a slip bobber. our local fly fisherman, tim's fly shop, can make the right jigs for that system. just like crappie, bass can get really zeroed in on very small baits in cold water. one other thing about floating a tiny jig around during cold weather is you can keep you hands covered up and not freeze to death.

bo

There are tons of specialty floats for the walleye guys. I have some that have weighted rings to adjust the floats buoyancy and position in the water. A little heavier head helps too. Like a 1/8oz.

Good point on the hands.

[Quillback]

Problem I have with a slip bobber is that when you move the cork, you'll pull the jig up.

[Ham]

Problem I have with a slip bobber is that when you move the cork, you'll pull the jig up.

that AND sometimes a light jig doesn't want to feed thru the slip float. Your fly (jig) isn't working the depth or water you want it at.

I'm really kind of disappointed witht he success I've had with a FNF. Most of it is my fault. I've figured out I'd rather go catch dozens of trout when its cold than struggle to catch a few fish on FNF. I haven't put enough time in to figure out where to fish it since I have other things that have proven to be more productive.

[abkeenan]

that AND sometimes a light jig doesn't want to feed thru the slip float. Your fly (jig) isn't working the depth or water you want it at.

I'm really kind of disappointed witht he success I've had with a FNF. Most of it is my fault. I've figured out I'd rather go catch dozens of trout when its cold than struggle to catch a few fish on FNF. I haven't put enough time in to figure out where to fish it since I have other things that have proven to be more productive.

I think they left out the other item you need for the F n F technique. Irish Coffee while you wait.

[Quillback]

that AND sometimes a light jig doesn't want to feed thru the slip float. Your fly (jig) isn't working the depth or water you want it at.

I'm really kind of disappointed witht he success I've had with a FNF. Most of it is my fault. I've figured out I'd rather go catch dozens of trout when its cold than struggle to catch a few fish on FNF. I haven't put enough time in to figure out where to fish it since I have other things that have proven to be more productive.

Yeah, not enough time in a day or days in the year to fish all the techniques and all the places I'd like to fish. I'll try my best however.

[gitnby]

I have used the F n F quite a bit. I use a 9' 6" rod and fireline (can't remember #, maybe 8?) on the spinning reel with either 6# Maxima or 8# Seaguar leader.

I usually start off with a 12-13 ft leader, and will re-tie to 10' if nothing happens.

It is definitely a challenge landing the fish when you're fishing solo with a 13' leader on a 9' 6" rod, but it CAN be done. A net with a long handle is a definite plus. A bigger plus would be a partner with long arms, wearing a wetsuit and snorkel gear.

My best luck has been on both sides of bluff ends. I'll even tell you 4 good places near KC.

1. the bluff just under the Plaster glass house, just to the right of their dock.

2. the bluffs and the small deep cove to the right on the other side, I guess S or SE of the first place?

3. Bluff end W (towards 13 bridge) of Pt 7, just past large gravel cut where you can pass thru when lake is down.

4. Both bluff ends directly E of bridge on N side, right below Harter House sign. (caught a monster there 2 years ago)

Last Winter kinda sucked for some reason, but 2 years ago, it was deadly!

The reasons for the long pole, as mentioned, is definitely for casting and help in fighting the fish on light line, but mainly to allow you to slightly "pop" the bobber in place to give the light jig the right action.

The problem with a slip bobber, as mentioned, is that it doesn't always 'slip' with the light line and light jig, and when you lightly pop the bobber, you are actually bobbing it up and down quite a ways, and the fish don't seem to like it as much?

Haven't tried it yet this year, but I think it's about time?

[dtrs5kprs]

The weighted Thill floats help get the jig through the float. Makes it float straight up so the line flows better.