Viking Lars | Saturday, 7 October 2023
That is the question, but not for me - at least not for now. Generally speaking. Autumn on the Danish coast can be full of fish that can be notoriously difficult to catch. Often they’re not particularly spooky to the point where take off. They often show them selves and apart from the split second decision whether to cast to one side or the other of the rise, they’re often close enough to be covered easily.
As always, several methods are effective, but one is, I find, a little more effective than others. Blind fishing over shallow water, very slowly with not-too-big-flies. They don’t have to be minute, although that often works as well. I’m not sure if it makes a big difference if they are in dull colours or hot orange. Whether you choose one or the other, it’s does need to be tied in a way that allows you to fish the fly very slowly in shallow water. In other words, it needs to sink very slowly.
That can be achieved in two ways. Either by introducing a little buoyancy to the fly or simply lightly dressing light wire hooks. I can’t say I prefer one over the other, nor can I say one is better than the other.
A fairly good imitation of a shrimp with a foam back (left on the PoD) is a popular choice in Denmark. The foam back keeps the fly looking like the natural, at least to some degree. It’s not nearly enough to float the fly, but perfect for a fly that almost hovers in the water.
Another choice is a simple palmer fly, dressed on a light wire hook, this one if the came colour scheme as the shrimp imitation. Close enough that as far as the pattern goes, I’ll guarantee that one is not better than the other. The only weight is the light wire hook and as the fly sinks, the after resistance of the dressing is enough to keep is almost hovering. At least sinking very, very slowly. Slow enough that you can let the fly hang for 5-6 seconds with out catching a snag.
There is another consideration. The first fly takes maybe 10-12 minutes to tie, the other less than five. And you will lose the occasional fly when fishing shallows, so that is a factor to take into consideration.
One last thing - long leaders with a thin point helps greatly if the weather is calm, but a some waves and am awkward wind makes the fish much less picky.
Have a great weekend!
Lars