Scuds, weighted or unweighted?

[SGFChief]

Okay, I agree with the weight but what's your opininon on how close to the scud you place it? I've heard some say right up against it and others saying an inch or so away.

Confused on this one.

[mizzouflyfisher]

With regard to the question about weighted scuds, I tie most of my scuds without weight. Especially in smaller sizes (18 and smaller). This is because I like to sight fish really shallow water with small scuds, and any weight at all will drive the scud straight into the rocks. If i need weight, I add split shot till I get it right, or use a weighted scud/ tungsten zebra midge as my weight. With split shot, I always put them 6-8 inches above the fly. Also, I always put the weight above the top fly if I am using a 2 fly rig. This reduces the number of snagged fish.

Mizzouflyfisher

[loo10]

I've fished weighted scuds, bead-head scuds, and un-weighted scuds.

Truth is.....

the fish want what they want.

Some days, one is hot-hot-hot.

Tomorrow it's a whole different pattern.

Just keep tying...

just keep trying something new.

I think Yogi Berra said, "In one word...youneverknow."

[KRflyfisher]

Sitting at the feet of the Dr. Statler is a great learning experience. In my opinion some of this stuff like indicator or no indicator, is just a mental thing. What is important is to fish what you have confidence in, and to keep at it when that confidence fails. Unweighted, lightly weighted, or heavily weighted, one thing is for sure each design out there was developed to catch fish in all different situations, water conditions, or whatever. For each fly out there, there is a different method of presentation, and that is the fun of it all: finding solace in what has been consistent and thrilling over the new technique that may just be blind luck or just might be the next best thing to 'ol reliable. I for one am just enjoying the ride along the way. This thread has been a great read.

KR