Q:

Hello Sir,
I am a prodigal fly fisherman hoping to return to the fold. I have made many trips to the rockies in search of brook, brown, rainbows, heck, anything that'll fall for it. currently, however, I'm in NC and need advice about what I can do for fish. I would like to pond fish, but i don't know how. I would like to fish the outer banks, but i don't know how. Maybe you could lend some tips on non-stream/river fishing.

My sincerest gratitude for your help!
Chance Welfare

A:

Hi Chance,

Frankly, I would grab a little rod and head for the Blue Ridge ... some very good trout await you in the small streams.

For ponds, beware if a big largemouth awaits ... Think you would be well off fishing a 5-wgt. for perch as well as small bass. Of course, if world's record bass attacks, you might be a little outgunned.

For the outer banks, I suggest either an 8- or 9-weight fast action rod. If wind is likely to be your greatest adversary, even a light 10-weight would not be out of the ordinary. I teach folks to equip themselves for the most likely adversary and many times that is not the fish. The point? If you cannot get the fly to the fish, you aren't likely to catch many. A 10-weight with either an 8- or 9-weight intermediate line is a perfect wind fighter.

For more information I suggest you read my column on Active Angler, paying particular attention to, Of Tippets, Leaders, and Knots, and those articles dealing with the systems. Finally, check out, To Catch a Fish.

If you have a specific question, let me know.

Doug Macnair