My good friend Mr. Bob Clouser and the folks at Temple Fork Outfitters have put together a chart to help you understand what fly lines to use compared to the weight of the flies you will be throwing. This has been very helpful in matching the various techniques we sue in guiding, making the rigs we use very easy and accurate to cast. Hope this helps you understand how to rig your current rods, but also to help you with any additional rods you might be considering to purchase for new ways to fish.
CHART
We must understand that a fly line is used to move weight forward to the end of the cast, whether it be a hook, small dry fly or a heavy weighted streamer or nymph.
Fly lines are measured in weight by grains and this grain weight is used to move weight forward. For example; a 5 weight fly line weighing 140 grains is not capable of pulling the same weight thru the cast as a 210 grain 8 weight does. There are many variables to consider while casting such as wide open loops, chuck and duck, over powering or lobbing.
This chart is designed upon the ease of the cast plus normal tight loops that will cut the wind with ease. An oval back cast along with the use of the body is a must when casting weighted flies.
We will start with a 5 weight fly line, anything under that is specially designed to cast small light flies and is not suited for any type of weighted fly.
Lead Eye Weights most suitable for these line weights.
Line Ounce of weight
5 weight = 1/120, 1/80, 1/50
6 weight = 1/120, 1/80, 1/50
7 weight = 1/120, 1/80, 1/50
8 weight = 1/120, 1,80, 1/50, 1/30
9 weight = 1/120, 1/80, 1/50, 1/30, 1/24
10 weight =1/120, 1/80, 1/50, 1/30, 1/24
The above listing of course is not written in stone but if the formula is followed, long easy casts can be made. In many instances a heavier eye weight than listed can be used but it will test the caster and the capability of the rod and line.
Note” The above suggestion for choosing the right weight a fly line can move forward with ease has it variations of course, most variations comes with the style of casting being used. The most proficient style developed by Lefty Kreh where the body is involved in the cast will make casting weight more efficient.
Bob Clouser
We are being blessed with great weather this winter, temperatures in the 50’s and 60’s and the TVA is giving great flows on the Watuaga and South Holston Tailwaters. The closed spawning sections on the South Holston will re-open on Wednesday and with the weather calling for low 60’s it will be a great day to float and check out these sections.
When floating on high water and throwing streamers, you need to follow a few simple techniques that will give you better chances for success. Having the proper fly rod & reel matched to the appropriate fly lines and leaders for the situations you are fishing is step one. Have good casting accuracy is number two, step one helps you become a better caster when the rod system is balanced. Step three is where your memory comes into play. We use a series of depth counts and strips to see where the fish are in the water column. When a fish takes your presentation you will need to remember the depth and retrieve you were using and this usually will work for the majority of your fishing trip unless river or weather conditions change. The final part is enjoying the fight and landing the fish. Have a great drag on the reel, again back to step one, equipment, will make sure you have the best chance at landing your trophy. These are just a few helpful hints that will help you when going after trophy fish with streamers.
I will be giving a presentation on February 8th to the Atlanta Fly Fishing Club, this meeting is held at Manuel’s is located at 602 N. Highland Avenue, near the Carter Center. I look forward to seeing you there.
Then be sure to mark your calendars for “The Fly Fishing Show in Raleigh”, I will be splitting my time between the Temple Fork Outfitters and Chota Outdoor Gear booths. Be sure to stop by and say hey.
Hope you have a great week, get out there and get some tight lines and screaming reels.
We have plenty of rain the past several days and this will mean that the TVA will be pushing plenty of water to keep the lakes at winter poll levels. One thing this means for you is plenty of generation for floating the river on our Winter Trip Specials. We have various techniques to get you on those hungry trout. From using the 10 foot Temple Fork Outfitters BVK rods with the Big Ugly set-up to throwing big articulated streamers. We have a technique to match how you want to fish. Some days we will even be throwing Blue Wing Olive and Sulphur dry flies. Even the temperatures will be cooperative through the week.
I want to thank all those that attended the Great Southern Fishing Show and stopped by my booth as well as sitting through my presentation. I will be back to Atlanta on February 8th as the guest speaker for the Atlanta Fly Fishing Club meeting that evening, hope you can make it. The next show I will be at is the Fly Fishing Show in Raleigh North Carolina. I will be splitting time between the Chota and Temple Fork Outfitters booths. These are both great companies who support me, please be sure to support them with your next gear purchases.
Hope you have marked your calendars and will be attending the “Great Southern Fishing Show in Norcross, GA this coming weekend. I will be in attendance in the Troutfishers Guide Service booth (#331) as well as doing a presentation each day. I hope to see you there.
Click HERE for more information about the Great Southern Fishing Show
Just wanted to leave you with this picture, one of those good wintertime browns on the Watauga
As I sit listening to my favorite type of music, I sometimes think about how we can catch fish without ever having a rod in our hand. In my mind I am sitting on the bank or walking the river watching the fish work with and against the current as they forage for their food. They are very efficient in their efforts, using the rivers currents to help hold themselves in the proper positions, and meeting up with the food source at the proper time is impeccable. They have no other concerns or cares, only what is in front of them at that time. Isn’t that one of the reasons we all go fishing. To escape from the daily pressures and many other distractions in our lives. We see that fish working, we watch and try to figure out what they are eating, tie on the closest imitation we have and then serve it to them with the best cast we can make. All other things have fallen by the wayside and this is all we are focused on. I really don’t have to catch the fish, if he takes a look at my presentation then I have done what I have accomplished. I got my mind cleared out and can take a new step forward on to the next task. Now remember I am not standing in a river, I am using my minds eye to help clear my all those things from in front of me that are distractions.
Take a moment and do the same when things really get to bogging down you day. Hope you have a great week!!!
Here are a few client comments sent to me about recent trips:
Randy Ratliff was a pleasure to work with on a recent corporate event we sponsored at a trade convention in Kingsport. He set up a drift boat fly-fishing trip for 12 guests one afternoon. It’s refreshing to deal with someone that is straightforward and covers all the bases. Randy did exactly as he said he would with timely communications and no misunderstandings. Amazing how rare that is these days! We had a great experience and I’d recommend his company to anyone.
Mike Qualls
Chairman
INSBANK
Randy – George and I want to thank you for another great fishing experience. I do not think either of us have had a better day chasing and catching trout. As always, your advice and encouragment for me was invaluable. Every trip with you makes a me better fly fisherman.
Walt Anderson
I recently spent the day on the lower Watauga River with our guide Randy Ratliff. I have fished in rivers and lakes all over the United States, and have never had a more relaxing day. Randy’s knowledge of the rivers that he fishes would be hard to match. My friend and I have been out with Randy three times and never failed to have a great day filled with fish. I know that we will be on the water again with Randy Ratliff.
George Smith
Randy,
Just wanted to drop you a note and thank you for the pictures of my brown, got to say this is one of the nicest fish I have caught in the East. All thanks to you and your knowledge of the bugs and the water.
I would recommend you to any of my fellow fishermen and friends; it was a great float, excellent lunch, (think your wife needs some credit on that as well) and an all around good time. Love the knot you showed me along with the attention to detail in your every effort. You know Brad and I will be back.
Thanks again and feel free to post this so others can view.
Ron Bizick President
MRI of High Rock Lake
Denton NC 27239
These cold winter days setting at the tying bench with a fire going has me thinking of springtime and smallmouth bass fishing. I love to float the Holston Proper, Nolichucky and Pigeon River on the hunt for those hard fighting bronzebacks. Pound for pound they are the hardest fighting freshwater fish out there. Here is a video of Steve Hanna of the Carolina Fly Fishing Club from Charlotte, North Carolina. This was his first smallie on the fly. If you have a YouTube account be sure to subscribe to my videos to keep up with all the tying and fishing going on at Troutfishers Guide Service.
It was a great 2011 and we at Troutfishers Guide Service are looking forward to 2012.
We are again offering a 2 person Full Day Float Trip discount for the 2012 season. If you purchase three (3) two person float trips before March 9th, 2012, you will receive a 20% discount off of the total price of $1125. This represents a $225 savings on the combined trip fees, making the total price $900. This discount does not apply to multi-boat trips.
Here are some dates of fishing shows where we are exhibitors and seminar presenters. We are also giving presentations at several fishing clubs.
Mark your calendars and I hope to see you there.
Great Southern Fishing Show
January 21st and 22nd 2012
North Atlanta Trade Center
1700 Jeurgens Court
Norcross, Georgia
Atlanta Fly Fishing Club
February 8th, 2012
Manuel’s Tavern
602 N. Highland Avenue
Atlanta, Georgia
The Fly Fishing Show
February 11th and 12th, 2012
NC State Fairgrounds
1025 Blue Ridge Road
Raleigh, North Carolina
Northern Kentucky Fly Fishers
March 1st, 2012
Briarwood Banquet Center
2134 Petersburg Road
Hebron, Kentucky
Carolina Fly Fishing Club
March 14th, 2012
REI Store Community Room
9755 North Centre Parkway
Charlotte, North Carolina
Now is the time to get your Watauga Tailwater Caddis Trip on the calendar. We are already booking dates, so be sure to call and get yours scheduled. Don’t forget the new online booking system where you can use credit cards.
Here’s to a year of tight lines and heavy nets. Lets get out there and go fishing.
Randy Ratliff
Troutfishers Guide Service
www.trout-fishers.net
423-360-1468
Well the last float of 2011 was a Winter Trip Special on the South Holston. The weather was great and the brown trout were willing to play. The water was clear, lots of black midges and BWO’s hatching all day. There is nothing like the bull dog fight these browns give you. The Winter Trip Special price of $250 runs through March 9th. Here is a video of the days activity.
We are already booking trips for the springtime Mothers Day Caddis Hatch on the Watauga Tailwater. It usually starts on or around April 5th and continues through Mothers Day in May. Be sure to give me a call or email to get your trip set up. You can also use our new online booking system on the website, it allows us to take credit cards for deposits and trip payments.
Here is a video on the DepthCharge Caddis nymph we use during this hatch. It has a body full of lead making it the reason for the name. Using Czech style nymphing with our new TFO BVK 10 foot rods will make sure you get the fly in the right spots at the proper depth to get you hooked up on those fiesty Watauga Tailwater rainbows and browns.
Give me a call at 423-360-1468, or email me fishwithrandy@embarqmail.com to get your Caddis Hatch trip on the calendar before the dates are gone.
