Today I conducted an experiment on one of my favorite mountain creeks in SWVA. I would call it a success, but I am unsure as to how I will use what I learned today. I almost always fish this creek with one of my tenkara rods, but today wanted to see how much of a difference it would make with my Orvis Recon 10’ 2wt and the troutbitten mono rig.
I caught fish, once I got warmed up. My observations:
There is no doubt that at close range the ability to quickly adjust the length of leader out of the guides is a big advantage.
I was fishing the standard mono rig with a 20lb butt section and felt like I could accurately place the fly anywhere I wanted to and was able to get decent dead drifts with nymphs.
There is definitely less feel vs. a tenkara rod…the direct connection from the Lillian to the level line is superb when it comes to sensation.
I am more accurate with the tenkara rods and that is an advantage in the micro pocket water I love to fish.
What is the verdict? I don’t know.
It was good enough that I will definitely have to do it again sometime this year. I don’t, however, think it will be anytime soon.
I caught a bunch of wild rainbows (no native brookies which was a bummer) and had a good time. Next friday, hopefully, I will hit the same creek with a couple of my tenkara rods for the day.
I will also be fishing with a fiberglass rod in the next few weeks to see how that goes as well.
Do you all like to try different things and test to see if you like one better than the other? Btw, I tried out a new pack and the jury is still out on that one.
All the best and tight lines,
Mike
Part of the joy of messing around in mountain streams is the chance to fool around with new gear and techniques. ;-)
Enjoy the fiberglass! Fishing glass a while back really rejuvenated my fly fishing enthusiasm. Tight lines, thanks for writing.