[quote author=sholgate link=topic=1574.msg11294#msg11294 date=1208712162]
Nemeisis and God Send.

Lets talk a bit about bug and weight distance. Pending who you talk to, some say about 6" some say 12". To me that is a huge difference. Too short would seem to constrict "natural" movement, yet too long would make too much "slop" to impede the strike. All I know is I generally do not catch as many fish as some around me.
[/quote]

My opinion is that if you use shot as your weight form them you should only use enough to break through the surface current...use your casting and line management to finish the deal. When I guide for steelhead where I can only use one fly, shot placed about 8 to 10-inches from the fly. But, steelhead are not exactly difficult fish . When I guide for trout, when I teach about the use of shot I use pretty much dust shot only. I'll put it between my client's point and middle dropper (about 10"). I will then stress presentation and line management and hopefully get them away from using shot altogether, since in most places in the east we can use at least 2 flies. By starting with minimal shot I find I can convince my folks with confidence that reducing the added weight is beneficial.

I also think many guys newer to fly-fishing spend more time fishing resting lies than they do feeding lies because they may be prettier. Also, move around. With water temps now getting out of the 40's the fish will be getting much more responsive...