Bass Fly Fishing Technique For Catching Smallmouth

The smallmouth bass is an exciting species that gets lots of attention from anglers of all ages and skill levels. One of the most popular methods used for catching this species is fly fishing. There are different methods of fly fishing used by anglers to get the best results in any given situation.Aside from choosing the right fly you also need to use different techniques. There are six methods of retrieval that are used by anglers that are fishing for the smallmouth bass. They are listed below.

Steady Retrieval Technique - This method mimics a baitfish dashing across the water in a panic to get away.

Strip and Pause Technique - The strip and pause method is the most commonly used and simple to perform. Have the tip of the rod slightly above the top of the water pointing downward. While the rod is in this position pull or strip the fly upward and this will force the fly to move upward. It should move about six inches before you relax the rod and pause a couple of minutes in-between stripping the fly. The smallmouth bass will strike the fly when it's paused so be ready.

Skating Retrieval Technique - This method is excellent for getting the attention of the smallmouth bass and it's also very simple to use. You basically skate the fly across the surface of the water and this captures the attention of the fish. Cast the fly downstream at an angle and follow the fly with the tip of your rod until it reaches a point below you. At this time you need to jiggle the fly for a couple of minutes to give the smallmouth bass a chance to take the bait.

Pop and Drift Technique - The pop and drift method is used mostly in clear water where the smallmouth bass tend to scare easier. Cast out your fly and allow it to drift on it's own across the surface of the water. If you don't get a bite you can try wiggling it just a bit to get their attention.

Dead Drift Technique - This method requires that you cast the fly up and across the water and as soon as the fly hits the water, allow it to randomly drift downstream. Many times the smallmouth bass will follow it for a little ways and then strike. This is an excellent method to use on days when the wind is strong.

Pop and Stop Technique - This method is most effective in clear slow moving water. Instead of stripping the fly across the water you use a popping method that will make the fly bounce up and down.

You can experiment with the different techniques to learn which ones work the best for you.

Types of flies

There are many different types of surface flies designed to capture the attention of the smallmouth bass in a variety of ways. They are designed to be fished at different depths and they each have a specific characteristic that makes them special and attracts the fish in a different ways. They are also designed to be fished in certain types of water conditions.