Ninja Fishing=Excellent Day and My Personal Best Park Bow

[Greenie]

This is only my second year of flyfishing in the park, so I have much to learn. But up until yesterday, there was one piece of advice I had refused to listen to: be sneaky. Not that I splashed around and was loud, but I never did the hiding, staying low thing.

Yesterday, however, I decided to give it a try. I would scout the creek ahead to see where I next wanted to cast. I would then wade up to the spot and hunker over as I approached closer. Once I reached a good spot from which to cast, I would get on my knees, butt, or whatever was more convenient (I also did a lot of hiding behind large rocks), and I would cast from that position. I will admit I felt a bit crazy acting like a ninja while fishing, but man did it pay off.

I only fished for about 2 1/2 hours and brought 8 fish to hand, 5 of which were keepers, although I released them all. And, one of those 5 was the guy pictured below: my best rainbow in the park to date.

Now, it may be just a coincidence, as it could have been a good day regardless, but I will definitely be ninja fishing from here on out.

[GrouseMan77]

Originally Posted by Greenie

This is only my second year of flyfishing in the park, so I have much to learn. But up until yesterday, there was one piece of advice I had refused to listen to: be sneaky. Not that I splashed around and was loud, but I never did the hiding, staying low thing.

First off...nice going. That's a good looking rainbow. I have had people laugh at me when I offer the advice above. I bet those folks don't catch a lot of fish.

[Greenie]

Originally Posted by GrouseMan77

First off...nice going. That's a good looking rainbow. I have had people laugh at me when I offer the advice above. I bet those folks don't catch a lot of fish.

Oh, I'm sold now. Granted, I bet a lot of people who drove by while I was fishing looked at me and thought I was crazy, and my knees are bruised today. All in all, though, I'd say it was worth it.

Funny thing is, I thought I had spooked the one pictured there, because as soon as I casted I saw him dart from a ripple of water not 3 feet beside me, but it turned out that he was darting toward my fly.

I imagine I will get even more ninja-like with practice. That, and hopefully my knees toughen up a bit.

[ifish4wildtrout]

Stealth is the key when hunting wild trout. Notice i said hunting, not fishing. You have to stalk them. Using stealth will produce more fish and bigger fish. The better your stalking techniques become, the more you will catch.

[Dawgvet]

Ifish, I got to say I totally agree with your experiences. I saw alot of the TeamUSA guys with heavy-duty knee pads while judging the US Nationals in Cherokee last weekend. Some had full knee and shin guards from paintball stores on over their waders. Maybe a little much but I have been starting to eye some kneepads from Home Depot!

[joe a]

Well done. I bet that beauty fought like a champ.

[No Hackle]

how long is that bow. He looks very long for the park. Well done.
Lynn

[yonder]

nice fish......and real good advice!!!!!

[Greenie]

Originally Posted by Dawgvet

Maybe a little much but I have been starting to eye some kneepads from Home Depot!

You just gave me an idea!

[Greenie]

Originally Posted by No Hackle

how long is that bow. He looks very long for the park. Well done.
Lynn

I didn't measure him, but I'd guess he was probably around 14 or 15 maybe. He extended from the tip of my index finger to about 2 inches from the bend of my arm.