05-31-2012, 01:57 PM
[quote riverdog]As has been pointed out with a 9 ft rod traditional casting can be tough on small brushy streams. Got to learn new techniques. If you do have a 6 or 7 ft rod you can probable do some casting in some stretches. I would suggest shortening your leader/tippet. Various companies sell 6 and 7 and a half foot tapered leaders. A leader already shorten from previous use is ideal. I'd suggest 6x leader and skipping the tippet altogether or limiting it to a foot or so if really needed. I enjoy casting as much as possible so this is usually my approach. You can still dapple the fly with a shorter rod if you need to at times. I'll occasionally use the bow and arrow technique in tight spaces. I'll cast with my left hand a few time most outings where the space constraints make that necessary. I find variations on the snake and reverse snake roll cast to be my standby techniques if there is some opening to either side but not behind me. Just do whatever you need to do to get the fly where you want it. Precision casting is a must. An inch difference means the difference in catching fish and snagging flies in many situations. Good way to develop such accuracy if you don't already have it down. It can still be tough at times so you also got to learn what stretches of water are going to be less productive with the gear you're using. Last winter somebody on a very small tight stream in Southern Utah apparently had all they could take and went through and pruned back an area of a stream I like to fish. While it was easier to cast the fishing wasn't better for me. Remember that when you get frustrated the first few times and you are tempted to bring the pruners with you next time[laugh].[/quote]
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Really?
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