Nick Moore | Wednesday, 1 December 2021
Fishing has been rather poor recently, with the trout moving a considerable distance from the bank whilst shoaling up. If you don't land the fly within a few feet, you have no chance at all, and this isn't exaggerating. I often hear that still waters are "too easy" and an elitist will come along and say "proper anglers fish rivers". This snobbish inherent attitude is more common than you think, especially when it comes to fly choice and tactics. I think it's fly fishing in general.
I believe fly choice and tactics are chosen based on two things. Medical reasons and the experience and knowledge of the angler. I have met a lot of very experienced people that have fished all over the world, hiked up mountains and hills just to be in with a chance of seeing their quarry, and they come back home to retire. It's amazing to hear how many have injuries. When it comes to fishing, it's usually the arms and/or not being able to stand up for any length of time that is the reason for not getting out as much. For example, i was talking to one fellow salmon angler on the river wye that broke his back! Fortunately (and luckily) he made a full recovery and is going fishing as much as he can.
Going back to still waters, there is something a lot of UK anglers use quite a bit, and it's called "the bung" (or a strike indicator if you are overseas). It can be absolutely deadly where they have been hammered by streamers, as it's something different. I personally use one on a team of three and place it right next to the tip of the fly line so i can detect any subtle movement as my eyesight isn't great. The yarn/wool ones are excellent, as they cast just like a dry fly, unlike the foam ones that require a heavier line to cast them (these are common in the UK). Regarding tackle, the only #4 line i liked that was a long belly was dark olive, which i must say is a stupid colour for detecting takes, especially when the tip is 90-100' away from you. Fly line colour makes zero difference to your catch rate, it doesn't spook fish. The only thing that spooks fish is line, leader and rod flash, or a cast that's gone a bit wrong. This is why it's not a great idea to use a slime line (clear intermediate for everyone overseas) in bright sunshine.
The bung causes a lot of controversy in the UK where people will say phrases like "that's not proper fly fishing" or "that's cheating, are you using maggots?" The argument is that it's supposedly like coarse fishing, which is true i suppose. However, if the fishery allows it, then why not? New Zealand style is exactly the same, except you use a decent-sized dry, which acts as a float, and a competition bung is something that floats wrapped around a hook. Why isn't tying nylon off the bend of the hook to another fly controversial? After all, most of the time we are fishing in artificially dugout lakes stocked with triploid trout that aren't indigenous to the UK, so if the elitists want the natural experience, then they should go hiking and camp out for a few days. The great thing about the bung is that it enables anglers with a disability to get out and enjoy themselves, which is incredibly important, as it means that they can fish for much longer. After all, fishing should be all-inclusive, and we should do our best to make sure people can have the best time possible.
There are a lot of tactics when it comes to fly fishing, and some work better than others. The most important thing is to find credible sources that detail how to do these properly, so you can learn the right way the first time (even then you can get some variation. Have a look at my last FP about leaders!) However, you are less likely to find misinformation that can really set your fishing back. The bung, by itself, is really a last resort tactic for me (or when i can't see), as there is a wealth of entomology to study which i do find really fascinating. One of my favourite tactics is to fish a single corixa on a sweep line (a line that sinks in a U shape, I.E. belly first). These insects breathe air, and dive to the bottom of the lake. The takes are vicious, and if you don't pick your tippet correctly, then you'll get snapped off. The ideal thing to do is to study your craft, it's the same when it comes to casting as well. For most its a means to an end, which is ok until the wind picks up or you are in an awkward position on the river.
So yes, the bung does have many benefits especially for disabled anglers, but for me it isn't the very first thing i set up when going for a days fishing. On its day, it will outfish all other methods, but our sport is so rich, and there is always new things to try. Never stop learning, and remember that no one knows it all.
Tight lines everyone!