I only started fly fishing last April so this will be my first winter. I have fished my local small fisheries up to now using a floating line. The water is a max of 8 -10 feet deep, and as the fish are probably nearer the bottom in this cold weather, I was wondering if I should try a sinking line. I have a couple of boobies and would like to give them a try. In view of the water depth what length of leader should I use?

Any help would be appreciated.

Terry

Hi Terry
With the depth you mention you should just stick with a floating line, as long a leader as you are able to cast and use weighted patterns to get down to the fish more quickly (assuming they're trying to stop shivering and so lying on the bottom)
grey

I agree with GHG,but if you are determined to try boobies try a Intermediate with a very fast sink polyleader(unless you have a fast sink line) and about 24'' leader with a fig of eight retrieve.Takes can be slow draw.Tap Tap till locks up or fierce pulls.

Jim

__________________
The Fishermans Friend is the Flirty Fly,Fickle Food for Fleeting Fish.

Just a thought but whilst we are often told to expect the fish to be in deeper water at this time of year, if there is a head of fish that have naturalised in water with good aquatic life, they could be well be in the shallows searching for what food is available, (which can be quite prolific, even in winter).

__________________
"Take not out your 'ounds on a werry windy day" Surtees.

Yes Bill it's not uncommon to find trout in the margins, but i think it's also to do with weather conditions; at this time of year the optimum time is lunchtime(ish) when the sun gets through to the shallows. Then thinking about it there are probably other considerations too - spring fed lakes etc???
grey

Agree that just using the floater or even an inter with a weighted flee on the point bounced along the bottom will be just fine, although a sinker with say a 4ft leader and a booby, cast out and allowed to settle then twiddled back can and will be deadly.

The Pirate.

__________________
Sonik Sports Team Pitsford Pirates - No pressure, just pleasure! Pip pip!

http://www.flyforums.co.uk/trade-cla...e-bonanza.html

http://www.soniksports.com/

http://www.flyforums.co.uk/fly-lines...unkistbob.html

Thank you for all your input. I shall have to see how cold it is next week and fish accordingly.

Terry

If booby style fishing is allowed on the water.
Make sure the booby is buoyant ( the eyes are big enough to float the fly well).
If the lake bed is free from snags and weeds try.......
Using a Di 7 fast sinking line or similar and tie on a very short leader say 12" with a single booby. Cast out, let everything settle and try a slow figure of 8 retrieve, or short pulls and stopping to allow the booby to dip and rise in the water. This will keep the fly above but near to the bottom. The try lengthening the leader in 12" increments and repeat. Trout have a habit of swallowing deep boobies so stay alert.
Don't forget you can fish a floating line and weighted nymph to get down in the water and also the booby method to fish up from the bottom.
Hope this helps.

hi mate

abacus18 has got the right idea thats how i fish a booby and i get my fair share all year round give it a try you'll be suprised so hold on tight .

cheers grahame