casting small anchor flies

[wwelz]

I am on a mission to become competent at casting and fishing the smaller anchor flies. I have a question about leader construction. I lengthened the fourteen pound test stren section of the leader by about six feet and I got more distance. It appears to me that the longer the fourteen pound section is the farther I can cast small flies. Am I right or wrong? .I have the loop 11 ft three weight on order. That should help also.

[alanb_ct]

(I hate to jump in on Aaron, but I will answer.) You should try the Rio 15ft Steelhead & Atlantic Salmon Knotless Tapered Leaders leading up to your sighter. I'm not sure what you mean about the length of your 14lb Golden Stren; as a sighter that should be only about 6in long. If you want more length on your cast, add an additional butt section above the Rio leader using some hard mono like Masons in about 30lb.

That Loop rod is the best all around Euro nymphing tool in my opinion, but I hate to tell you, I don't think it is best for casting the tiny weighted flies. The Greys Streamflex 10ft 3wt actually "casts" the tiny two fly tandem better, especially in French nymphing situations. If there is any downstream wind, casting these flies is nearly impossible and forces you to go with a heavier anchor.

[wwelz]

Thanks Alan - I will give that Rio leader a try. I am currently using the Greys 10ft 3weight. I guess I have no good excuse

[AaronJasper]

Wwelz,

I will get in touch with you about the guide trip. I can show you some other means to present small flies in addition to the Euro techniques.