Hi folks,

my loch fishing learning curve continues...

I'm struggling to get to grips with how to retrieve traditional wets when fishing from the bank.

Based on advice so far received.I'm casting with the wind, about 45 degrees to the bank. IS it best to let the flies swing into the bank, just keeping tension on the line? Or to actively retrieve?

And, to be honest, I'm haing the same problem with nymphs. The only takes I've had have been when actively retrieving - with quite a jerky action, in defiance of everything I've previously been taught about still water nymphs!

Any and all advice very gratefully received!

Matt

Yes to both and see what is the best on the day.

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It is in truth not glory,nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting,but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with his life.(Declaration of Arbroath, 1320)

Best to split the imitative side and the pulling into two different categories Matt.If you bear it in mind that you are trying to provoke a reflex,aggressive reaction from the fish rather than doing anything imitative when pulling wets you wont go far wrong.Doesnt hurt to experiment with retrieve speed but in my experience, a fairly brisk pace is best....

The only time we are doing anything imitative with trads is when holding the bob and middle fly in the surface or dibbling them at the end of the retrieve.

Thanks for that.

Have to say I was under the impression that at least some wets were imitative - for instance, been told that Pennels are a pretty good emerging buzzer mimic (and have to say they do look pretty 'buzzer-y'

Anyway - after the first post, had another bash, and did far better. 4 fish in an hour, with masses of missed takes. All on a single black hares ear swung on the breeze. The simplest of fishing!

They might well look buzzery swung round on the breeze but not when they are being pulled at an unatural speed.....do ye see where I'm coming from...?

Completely!

Do they (pennels) then work best in an imitative role, or as a retrieved lure? It seems that could probably divide all the wets up into the more imitative ones and the more lure like ones - and treat them accordingly?

Mate stop giving yourself a headache, getting to deep. Just get out there and try things

All the best,
Graham

__________________
It is in truth not glory,nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting,but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with his life.(Declaration of Arbroath, 1320)

Matt....I thought we were talking about trad wet style.......forget about imitating anything.Cast them out,pull them back and cover a lot of ground....sorted.....

Got it!!

More fun too - I get bored watching the line blow round

The best advice you will get.

__________________
It is in truth not glory,nor riches, nor honours that we are fighting,but for freedom - for that alone, which no honest man gives up but with his life.(Declaration of Arbroath, 1320)