Well, I don't like big boobies...

[ikilledflipper]

I would just like to ask if you could share your opinions on the more modern dressings. I may be relatively young, but I loath having to put a big stupid fritz or boobie etc on the end of my line. I think sticking with more traditional flies has no doubt hindered my success.

How much though?

Do you think with the introduction of so many flash, shiny, glitzy materials, the trout are being turned off to many of the more modest flies?

Oh well, I like my flies to look natural, understated and pretty - not big vulgar flash things.

Am I not alone?

[Highlander]

No you are not alone but such is the way. Many modern anglers today need the easy fix, the easy catch. You pays your money you catch your fish. Big is good but lots is more & if it is lots of biggie so much the better.
Places like Lawfield, Howood & the other put & take fisheries predominate the central belt & cater for this type of angler. Lures predominate in the main & the latest Fritz, Razzle & Dazzle will always catch Bows. It is just the way it is. There is room for everyone & every method & as long as it is legal & within the rules then fine. If you choose to not do something then do not do it.
Others have their way & right it is.
Tight Lines

[Scratch]

Originally Posted by ikilledflipper

I think sticking with more traditional flies has no doubt hindered my success....

Depends on your definition of success. How happy are you at the end of each day out? Don't dismiss all the modern materials though - traditional style flies can sometimes be given a real lift, and an interesting, effective twist by the addition of a bit of glitz here and there. Doesn't have to be full on, or 'vulgar', just a twist of straggle here, or a couple of strands of shiny stuff there, can make a difference.

[ikilledflipper]

Originally Posted by Scratch

Depends on your definition of success. How happy are you at the end of each day out? Don't dismiss all the modern materials though - traditional style flies can sometimes be given a real lift, and an interesting, effective twist by the addition of a bit of glitz here and there. Doesn't have to be full on, or 'vulgar', just a twist of straggle here, or a couple of strands of shiny stuff there, can make a difference.

Yeah, I'm all for including new materials, I do include some holographic tinsels etc. I do think however, some tyings are getting closer and closer to just being some kind of fly spinner (if you know what I mean).

I kind of feel a little disrespect is being shown to nature with some tyings, I don't want to sound like a snob or anything. I guess, sometimes you're better taking a little step back and viewing things from a different angle. Like, is this really how I want to catch a fish?

[Scratch]

Originally Posted by ikilledflipper

I kind of feel a little disrespect is being shown to nature with some tyings, I don't want to sound like a snob or anything. I guess, sometimes you're better taking a little step back and viewing things from a different angle. Like, is this really how I want to catch a fish?

I know exactly where you're coming from mate. Your attitude is a gift, not a hinderance.

[ACW]

Like, is this really how I want to catch a fish?

I know exactly where you are coming from ,just had a couple of days being boatman for the Grafham youth internationals,watched the lads hauling fritz bboby eyes and marabou,they worked exceeding hard.
Years ago I might have followed their example ,but I want a chilled day out, my self imposed rules are nymphs or tradish wets fished on the full floater,95% of the time on the drift !Much less like hard work !

[fishermanny]

as scratch said trads can be given a real lift with modern stuff, i had limited success with a good old bibio, put some red micro uv in there and wow! pulling big bright lures can be very exciting( im probably risking a lot saying that on here). fishing to me is not about right or wrong its about enjoyment, some folk take it too far and to be honest its a HOBBY.

[ikilledflipper]

Originally Posted by fishermanny

fishing to me is not about right or wrong its about enjoyment, some folk take it too far and to be honest its a HOBBY.

Totally agree, however, a quick fix might bring a false enjoyment - perhaps those who learned to read nature & started employing traditional flies when they should - might get a hell of a lot more enjoyment from landing a fish.

For me, there is nothing better than tying your own flies, scouting the water for life, duplicating that life, and then catching a fish.

Like you said the end game is enjoyment, but perhaps more avid fly fishermen should help others get the most out of the sport, by encouraging them to hold back on some crass patterns and try to understand more of what you're doing.

Nice to hear some like minded opinions though, I'm glad I'm not alone.

[leedsutdman]

fishing is personal sport just you and the fish you should use what works for you. i dont think there is right or wrong. i dont agree with using dynamite or harpoons though unless the buggers wont take sod all.

[christy27]

IKF I agree with you when you say do I want to catch fish like this. I do not. Equally, if some want to, that is their choice and I respect it. I've pulled a few gaudy creatures in my time ().

I think if you start on a stillwater where the majority fish lures and you can't catch through inexperience, anything will be tried. That's how it was for me.

Then I noticed some of the older boys always seemed to catch no matter what. I used to ask what they caught on and it was typically a nymph or buzzer of some sort. So I treid nymphs but did not catch basically because I had not done my homework! Back to the lures in desperation rather than go home fishless. That was twenty years ago.

Somehow I broke free and wouldn't fish a lure these days. I rarely fish still waters so have no need. My catch rate may have fallen a little but that is my fault through not presenting the fly well enough or making completely the wrong choice. However, every time I go down the river I learn a little more. It's remembering it is the problem . I'm happy to amble along drinking it all in. I have plenty of time.

As you said to catch on something you tied yourself that vaguely resembles something that exists is fulfilling.

C.