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This article was originally published in Midwest Outdoors, November, 2003
Those readers who have been watching developments at Dale Hollow know that float and fly time is just around the corner. Have you thought about it on your home waters? If not, maybe you should. This technique will work on nearly any species of game fish that suspends in cold water. That is just about all of them.
The float and fly is really a simple fishing technique. A small jig is tied on a leader to a three-way swivel with a bobber attached. This rig is cast on a long limber rod with light line. The jig is allowed to suspend, between nine and 15 feet below the bobber, in front of the fish. When the fish takes the jig the bobber goes under and you set the hook.
Simple it may be, but like all successful angling techniques it has its subtleties. To get started you will need the correct equipment. The equipment is not expensive, but it is specialized. Recommendations begin by consulting the boys at the Hollow – that is Stephen Headrick, owner of Punisher Jigs, LLC (1-931-243-6133) and professional guides Bob Coan (toll free 1-866-233-2471), Ralph Sandfer (toll free 1-877-214-9698), and bobby Gentry (1-270-427-4078).
Let’s begin our discussion with jig selection. Float and fly jigs are small, very small. The heads are, however, poured on large hooks – needed for quality game fish. Standard sizes run between 1/16 ounce and 1/32 ounce heads with at least a #2 open hook. Such a design is not found everywhere.
Headrick uses craft hair for a variety of reasons. Perhaps the most important is that it does not absorb water. As a result it maintains its buoyance throughout the day. This buoyance allows the hairs to remain separated. They float and move with a slow, light, and gently action, just what is needed for lethargic fish.
Jig color is important according to the guides who have and perfected this technique. Coan, Sandfer, and Gentry, to a man, recommend natural or light colors in clear water or when the sun is shining. Recommended colors for these conditions include white and smoke. The Little Punisher comes in a number of combinations featuring these colors with contrasting accents such as red, pink, or chartreuse.
For stained or dark water, or under heavy cloud cover, they recommend brighter colors. Blue is a universal favorite, especially when tied with bright accents. The Little Punisher offers a variety of jigs to meet their requirements.
Reels are the least important part of the equation. Almost any reel will do so long as it is an open-faced spinning reel in a light or medium light category. It is, however, important that the reel be high quality. It needs to work smoothly with a minimal amount of trouble under difficult conditions.
Of particular importance is the drag. Whatever make reel you select, and whatever style of drag you prefer, it must, absolutely must, work smoothly. This is light action fishing for big fish. Mistakes will not be tolerated.
Line selection is important. The guides all recommend 10-pound-test. Fireline from the reel to the swivel. They recommend Vanish Fluorocarbon in six-pound-test from the swivel to the jig. Coan, Sandfer, and Gentry are firm in these recommendations. The Fireline is strong and think which improves casting ability and distance. The Vanish Fluorocarbon disappears in the water.
According to Headrick, the invisibility of the drop line from the swivel to the jig is especially important. He points out that the fish is suspended and is simply taking advantage of an opportunity. As such, if something does not look right he or she will ignore your offering.
Bob Coan has developed a specialized bobber for this technique, Bob’s Bobber. His construction details remain a secret but basically he inserts a weight inside the Styrofoam of an ordinary round bobber.
The bobber and weight are calibrated so that the bobber remains upright, showing only red, when the jig is suspended below the bobber. If the jig is dragging bottom, or if a fish should inhale it, the bobber will rotate and show white. (Many strikes come when the fish just inhales the jig without moving it or pulling it under.) This bobber is essential if you expect to be successful.
Last, but very important, is rod selection. You will need a rod that is long and limber. It must be both light in weight and light in action. Finally, it must be tough enough to withstand hard use under adverse conditions.
After much trial and error, the Dale Hollow group has settled on Luxor rods. They meet all the necessary qualifications and are reasonably priced to boot. There are a number of models, lengths and actions. Each one is suited to a particular type of angling. Contact Headrick for a detailed recommendation considering your needs.
Headrick is a firm believer in scent products. As he says, “It’s only common sense–if the fish smells something he likes he will hold on longer.” A popular choice is Fish Dope. It comes in garlic, shad, and crayfish scents although most anglers use garlic. It is made with a petroleum jelly base so it sticks. Smear a little on the head of the jig. It will improve your catch.
Contact these men over the Internet: Headrick: http://www.punisherjigs.com Coan: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Sandfer: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Gentry: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ; Dale Hollow Guide Site: http://www.dalehollow-lake.net/guides.
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