Uncategorized
The Eddy Line: Top five angler improvements
Published
11 years agoon
By Patrick Straub Explorebigsky.com Fishing Columnist
A guide buddy of mine on the Missouri River is nicknamed, “Super Guide.” When we call him that he scoffs, then smirks in a Cheshire Cat kind of way. He often out-fishes me when we work together, but even so, I enjoy working with him because I tend to learn something new every time we go out – even after guiding for more than 15 years, there is still much to learn.
In my time on the water, I’ve seen a lot of people have success. When they fail, it’s usually a result of a few missteps along the way.
Here are the top five places where most anglers could improve:
1. Not properly “loading the rod” on their cast
This principle is easy to explain, yet hard to master. It’s best described as a gradual acceleration and quick stop at the end of both your back and forward casts. A crusty saltwater captain once told me say “wuuuuump!” as you power the rod back-and-forth.
2. Not mending enough
Mends, either downstream or up, are essential to obtain a natural drift. Once your fly lands on the water, one mend isn’t enough; two might get it ‘er done, but constant mending and managing of the line is the only way to accomplish a natural drift.
3. Paralysis by analysis
Fly fishing has many variables, and that’s part of its appeal. But keep it simple: Stripped down to its brutal truth, you are trying to fool one fish into eating one pretend fly. Keep your fly selection to proven patterns and proven sizes. When matching a hatch, consider size first, profile second and color third.
4. Teaching a spouse, son or daughter to fish
Professional guides pay the rent by guiding and teaching neophytes. Do not put yourself or your loved ones, through the trauma of you trying to teach a challenging skill. Hire it out. Big Sky is home to some of the region’s best guides, take advantage of their knowledge, patience, and good humor.
5. Too hell-bent on fishing
Leisure time is precious. We work hard for the few hours or few days we get to fish. Before bursting into the stream and making that first cast, survey the scene. Check for a hatch: Are bugs in the air or on the water? If they’re in the air fluttering around, they are probably caddis flies. Read the water: If it’s shallow, crouch down to reduce your profile. Is the weather bright and sunny? If so, exercise even more caution as fish tend to be easily spooked on clear days.
For those new to the sport, fly fishing is a whimsical challenge that may or may not imbed itself in the psyche. For experienced anglers, it can be a passionate hobby filled with lifelong friendships, even if those friends are named Super Guide and live on the Missouri River and catch more fish than you.
Pat Straub is the author of six books, including The Frugal Fly Fisher, Montana On The Fly, and the forthcoming Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Fly Fishing* *but were afraid to ask. He and his wife own Gallatin River Guides in Big Sky.
Megan Paulson is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Outlaw Partners.
Upcoming Events
march, 2024
Event Type :
All
All
Arts
Education
Music
Other
Sports
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before 9/10/2024:
more
Event Details
Children turning 5 on or before
9/10/2024: Kindergarten
enrollment for the 2024-2025 school year can be completed by following the
registration process now.
Children
born on or after September 11, 2019: 4K enrollment is now open for
families that have a 4-year-old they would like to enroll in our program for
the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete the 4K Interest Form to
express your interest. Completing this form does not guarantee enrollment into
the 4K program. Enrollment is capped at twenty 4-year-olds currently
residing within Big Sky School District boundary full time and will be
determined by birth date in calendar order of those born on or after September
11, 2018. Interest form closes on May 30th.
Enrollment now is critical for fall preparations. Thank you!
Time
February 26 (Monday) - April 21 (Sunday)
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy
more
Event Details
My Barking Dog is a nightmare comedy that tells the story of Toby and Melinda, two lonely people whose lives are forever changed the night they encounter a starving coyote at their apartment building. Over time they grow to expect him, leaving ritual offerings to entice the coyote every night. Toby and Melinda forge a connection over this visitor and share curiosity and concern about his presence in the city. The coyote expands their world–until, one night, their world is shattered. Their lives are pushed suddenly into uncharted territory, sending them on a surreal odyssey that changes their city–and the world–forever.
Directed by LX Miller. Starring Max Schneider and Denise Hergett
Verge Theater is continuing their mission to provide accessible theater to our community. Tickets for My Barking Dog are Pay What You Wish with a suggested price of $35. Audience members are offered the opportunity to select the price point that is comfortable for them when purchasing tickets.
My Barking Dog runs March 15-17, 22-24, 28-30
Performances on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays begin at 7:00 p.m., with Sunday matinees offered at 3:00 p.m.
Suitable for ages 16 . No animals are harmed in the staging of this production.
Tickets are available online at www.vergetheater.com
Time
15 (Friday) 7:00 pm - 30 (Saturday) 8:30 pm
Location
Verge Theater
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm We will combine the heart-opening powers of cacao with the transcendental powers of breathwork and sound. Together, these practices will give us the opportunity for a deep
more
Event Details
Saturday, March 23rd 6:00-8:00pm
Time
March 23 (Saturday) 6:00 pm - April 23 (Tuesday) 8:00 pm
Location
Santosha Wellness Center
169 Snowy Mountain Circle
29mar3:00 pm4:00 pmGood Friday Mass: St. Joseph Catholic Mission3:00 pm - 4:00 pm Event City:Big Sky
Event Details
Friday of the Passion of the Lord St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Event Details
Friday of the Passion of the Lord
St. Joseph Catholic Mission
Time
(Friday) 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm