Hey Reader,
Last week, I was talking about how dang cold it was, and now this week we have another warming spell. It feels pretty nice.
I saw fish rising on my way home from picking up my boys from school, too. Feeling excited to get back out there soon.
But that's the thing about excitement. It follows you right to the water. And sometimes right into your hookset.
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π― One Tip to Build Your Confidence
Match Your Hookset to Your Tippetβ
We've all done it.
You spend the morning indicator nymphing with a heavy tungsten fly, 3X tippet, and firm hooksets. You feel dialed in. Then an afternoon BWO hatch starts so you switch to a size 20 dry on 5X.
Fish rises. You're excited. You set the hook like you're trying to win a bass tournament.
Snap. Gone.
I still do this sometimes. Less often than I used to, luckily. It's always hardest right after you switch rigs from something heavy to a small dry fly rig. You're excited, the fish finally ate, and your muscle memory takes over.
Happens to everyone.
Here's a simple idea to have in mind: Light tippet, light lift. Heavy tippet, heavy hand.
With 5X, 6X, 7X and small dries? Think "lift" not "set." A smooth raise of the rod tip is usually enough. Small hooks don't need much force to penetrate. And light tippet can't handle a hard snap.
With 2X, 3X, 4X on an indicator rig? You can be more decisive. Bigger hooks need more force, and thicker tippet can take it.
The excitement is what gets you. That first fish after the switch. Knowing this ahead of time helps. So does saying it out loud before your first cast: "Light tippet, light lift."
You'll still break off fish. But building the awareness makes it happen less.
πͺ° One Fly to Try This Weekend
βPink Scud (Size 12-18)β
Scuds stay relatively active year-round. They don't hatch or emerge. They're just always there, crawling through weeds and gravel.
The Pink Scud looks bright, but stressed scuds actually turn pinkish. Trout know that color means easy prey. Fish it near weed beds and slow water, close to the bottom. Spring creeks and tailwaters with scud populations are prime spots.
πΈ One Inspiring Post
βSome days, the fish just don't cooperate.
In my latest video, we spent the afternoon grinding through slow fishing and murky water. Egg patterns and a cream mop finally got us going.
Then evening hit, and the browns started rising. A good reminder that the river gives what it wants to give. We just have to keep showing up.
π₯ Watch it hereβ
Tight lines,
Derrick Hicks
Founder, Confident Angler
P.S. If you're looking to upgrade your fly fishing gear, I put together a simple gear guide with budget, value, and premium picks. Itβll save you a ton of time and second-guessing.