I wrote this for the newest issue out today of Tenkara Angler magazine.
It may help, hopefully someone.
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@anon86692127 Check out @Brian_Miller. His entries above mine. That is why I pinged you. He was asking about lines that are around your length if not longer. 12m with the heavier flies he notes in entries above mine.
I suspect a #4 line or any line for that matter that length would be challenging to hold off the water but perhaps in current the drag would pull the line taught and lift it off the water. I have not tried any of this so whatever advise you can give him in your experience.
@Brian_Miller … you noted that you were converting fish with a sinking tipped line. It may be hard to get the same presentation depth and angle with a long rod and light line held off the water as the presentation angle height of the rod, matched with the current speed will probably lift the fly out of the strike zone. I am speculating here. but the fly posture and depth is probably different. You may actually try a lower rod tip angle and more line on the water in order to reduce this effect…which is contrary to the query.
When I fish the salt, I only fish weighed clousers with a very heavy 4 weight fly line on the kyogi (carp rod). I most often fish slightly deeper water and will swing and false strip the fly by point the tip lower (sometimes to about 20-30 degrees) and even point my rod tip from noon to as far as 5 o’clock to work the water in front of me. I am not an expert at this as I just make it up as I go…but that is what I do.
In general I feel that using fixed line fishing methods in any condition for any purpose can start imposing handicaps. It is fun and challenging, but the question is quickly asked Is it the right tool or engineering for the job??? Sometimes a fly or spinning rod might be the right choice for efficiency. I dont bring this up to be contrary or to discourage, but to rather note that sometimes there are limitations to methods that may not be overcome.
That said…saltwater fish are so strong and such a blast on fixed line.
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Ok, I’ve read the whole thread.
I’m not sure I can contribute much more to it specifically about his equipment.
Practicing at the house with fluorocarbon level lines he makes, sizes he wants at lengths he desires first is my suggestion. With rod and line lengths matched to the situation he is trying to address on the river at home, he can at least familiarize and ballpark first.
Cutting lines and re-tying a lillian slip knot standing in the river is easy but it isn’t doing your homework.
Big river rods are fun yet the physics involved are on a different scale. Replicating at home for 30 minutes, casting, cutting, trying at home prevents frustration.
Besides, he is doing well with it on his own. He writes about catching nice fish. One of the things I’ve learned is if what you are doing is productive, stop and spend a lot of time there before moving on.
If you feel your catch rate isn’t as good as it should be, but you are catching fish, often it isn’t the equipment but the approach or presentation.
Sounds like he is doing well on his own but wants to chit chat on some other lines. I suggest a methodical approach with different gauge of LL at home or try these at different lengths.
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I’ve taken this discussion pretty far down a rabbit hole. Thanks for all of the suggestions!
I’ve enjoyed reading your thoughts.
I like the length of that rod and the target size fish you are choosing.
That’s interesting to me.
I personally just upscale my equipment and use tenkara techniques.
It’s that simple.
Practice with your newly made lines in the front yard first. It’s literally good practice.
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