There was a strict logic behind all this.  To get un weighted mini flies down to the fish in such narrow, confined runs and so rapid a stream, and to have any hope of a hook up, requires pretty desperate measures.  The addition or subtraction of one shot could, and did, make the difference between backing ripping runs and blank indifference.  In fact I have to admit to an almost mesmeric fascination with the indicator, which was simply a bunch of yarn strips tied together and combed out into a sort of blushing red lily shape.
-All mod sons-
Most of the fishing is done from drift boats and after the habitual, leaking, creaky old rowing boats on Scottish lochs, these are pure self indulgence.  They sport swivel seats and back rests – you can fish all day in complete comfort, which makes a big difference!  If there is a particular enticing “hole”, you anchor up, hop overboard and wade, using the tension cast.  You lob the rig out, mend upstream, let it drift, mend back up and over the indicator, then feed line and mend downstream as the rig drifts away below you, still “hunting”.  When drag becomes inevitable you just point the rod straight at the fly, lift and swing the whole lot upstream.  < previous - next >


Farlows Magazine
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