Re: {Tidal Potomac Fly Rodders} microfishing with flies = regular-sized fun

I had a friend once ask me what species of fish minnows turn into when they get older.  I think the dace below is attempting something like that with that appetite.

On Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 8:31:21 PM UTC-4, Carl wrote:

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And this isn't even using a microfishing fly.  They make special hooks where the gap is even smaller compared to the shank.

Carl

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Carl Zmola

On Tue, Sep 26, 2017 at 12:34 PM, TurbineBlade <doubl...@gmail.com> wrote:

I suspect microfishing receives about as little respect as regular fishing does at an average PETA meeting.  So anyone wanting to criticize should be well-aware of just how stupid all catch and release fishing really is to most bystanders ;).  However, I've found micro to be an absolute blast and wanted to share some experience with it since it is relatively new, fringe, and has no real rules or accepted practices, at least as far as I can tell. 

Why it is fun:

- virtually all waters have smaller fish species, even if void of larger-growing species

- virtually no one is doing this, so you're unlikely to be bothered by other people fishing

- you're already weird for wearing a rubber suit, so you might as well become more weird

- gear is not technical

- contrary to what you might think , it is NOT at all easy to catch some of these dudes....really, try it. 

- teaches you a lot about streams, even the ones you've fished for years (e.g., which habitats or microhabitats are utilized by different species, fish behavior) 

- promotes the same experience/love for nature that any other outdoor activity does

- is no less predatory than any other stalking/fishing activity; possibly is more so

- if you keep native fish in aquariums like I've done for 2 decades, it is a no-brainer

So far I've only caught a handful of species, including blacknose dace, tiny sunfish species, creek chubs, satinfin shiners, and a mosquitofish.  Since I'm fishing over water I've kick sampled, I know what species are there and where they tend to be located, so I expect this list to grow.  I'm targeting tessellated darters and yellow bullheads soon. 

Tackle:  So far I've used my Carl Z 6' fiberglass fly rod, which works very well for this kind of fishing.  I've also used a 11' "fixed line" pole, and a 6' "fixed line" pole.  All 3 work just fine -- an UL spinning rod would also work, and some people prefer that. 

Flies:  Anything small works, with stuff in the #24 range being ideal.  I've mostly used midges behind a larger dry fly as a "bobber".  For benthic species, the same midge with a bit of shot works better.  I need to get some paint for my split shot so I can see it better.

Note that hook shape is important, with basically the shortest hook point being the best option, if you have them.  If you check out tenkarabum, you'll see "tanago" hooks which are basically made for this kind of fishing, and they tend to have very tiny hook points.  I've not used them, but plan to soon. 

(I may use bait at some point to increase my species and add some variety -- so cover your ears if you don't like that)

Leader/tippet: not critical in my opinion thus far, but I've used 6-7x because it goes through the hook eyes. 

I'm happy as a clam going out and targeting mummichogs or creek chubs -- not everyone will be interested in this, and that's fine with me.  However, I suspect some number of fly fishermen probably have at least a mild interest in this kind of thing, so here is a topic for anyone searching the forum for "microfishing" in the future. 

I did get out and do some regular fishing "somewhere off the Potomac" recently and caught a mess of small LMB (nothing over 12") and hooked my first ever koi, but the fish escaped!!!  I was very, very disappointed.  Calico one -- probably released by someone. 

Note - The golden shiner and yellow bullhead were fly-caught, but not on purpose via microfishing. 

TB

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