Ideal set-up for reservoir bank fishing

[Anderoo]

Any advice here welcomed!

 

What would you say is the optimum set-up for bank fishing a reservoir? Usual tactics include fishing a team of buzzers on a floating line (often under a bung/bit of floating putty).

 

I've left it deliberately open-ended so as not to influence opinion, but I'm very interested in what you reckon. I'm looking for recommendations on rod (length, weight, action) and line (type, weight) mainly.

 

I would consider myself a reasonably competent caster.

 

Ta

[Sportsman]

Any advice here welcomed!

 

What would you say is the optimum set-up for bank fishing a reservoir? Usual tactics include fishing a team of buzzers on a floating line (often under a bung/bit of floating putty).

 

I've left it deliberately open-ended so as not to influence opinion, but I'm very interested in what you reckon. I'm looking for recommendations on rod (length, weight, action) and line (type, weight) mainly.

 

I would consider myself a reasonably competent caster.

 

Ta

 

My choice would be a reasonably fast taper 9'6" 5wt rod with any decent 5wt WF floating line.

This one is exceptional

http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/barrio-fly-lines.html

The mallard is good but the GT140 is the business

His rods are great as well but very pricey.

[Steve Walker]

The reservoir in question:

 

 

 

I've fished it twice with an 8'6 3/4 wt (once when I brought the wrong rod, once when I broke the other one). The fish are often close in - they were on both those occasions, and I had plenty of fish on my little rod.

 

There have been other days when the only guys really catching were putting out fast sinking shooting heads way beyond the distance I can cast.

[Anderoo]

Thanks for that Sportsman, that seems very good value for a good line. What's the reasoning behind the relatively light rod/line? I had assumed (incorrectly) that a #7 or #8 would be more appropriate?

[Sportsman]

Thanks for that Sportsman, that seems very good value for a good line. What's the reasoning behind the relatively light rod/line? I had assumed (incorrectly) that a #7 or #8 would be more appropriate?

 

casting distance is all about loop speed and loop dynamics. If the rod is too long it slows down the tip speed.(too much leverage working against you) If too short you have a smaller arc and the rod travels too slowly. 9'-9'6" is optimum. I think someone once worked out that 9'4" was best.

Regarding line weight it is, as always, a compromise. Firstly line weight should be proportionate to the fly size which is proportionate to the leader size. A size 18 spider looks silly on a 7lb tippet and an 8 wt rod will break the 3-4lb tippet that you need with a small fly, due to the lack of "give" in the rod. Balance is the key

Secondly although a slightly heavier line may generate slightly more momentum it loses out in loop dynamics because of its thickness / stiffness. A heavier line may be slightly more usefull if you are fishing in very windy conditions.

It is no coincidence that most tournament distance casting is done with a 5 wt.

Most of my fishing is done with a 3/4wt and I have caught a number of double figure trout on these rods. The heaviest rod I use regularly is a 5wt, and that is only when it is windy. To me fishing for 2lb rainbows with a 7/8 wt fly rod is like using a 3.5lb TC carp rod to catch 4lb Tench. Yes, you can do it but why would you want to?

Edited April 12, 2011 by Sportsman

[Anderoo]

Very helpful - thanks!