Stripping baskets are needed in 2 different places. You cannot fish the specific techniques without them. 1) There are lakes (mostly reservoirs) where wading is not allowed. So, you have to cast from the shore and most cases the bushes and brushes are at the knee or thigh level. If you are using 2 handed spey/switch rod and want to cast 80-90ft or above, then you have to use a stripping basket. If you try to manage more than 50ft or running line on top of a bush, most of your time will be dedicated to dealing with the tangles. 2) If you are fishing at the Pacific surf, you would be wading ankle to thigh deep at the same time. The waves are strong and change your wading depth instantly and constantly. The returning waves from the beach are strong too. And you have to use sinking lines to go deep quickly and stay there. It also helps to beat the surf wind. In this environment, if your full sinking line goes under the water, you are not casting more than 20ft.
I have to say that full sinking lines at the coast require a stripping basket if you want to be able to cast when wading, unless you are happy just lobbing the leader out. On the dry fly powder stuff... this stuff is great when the fly is already wet, since I don't feel that liquid floatant will ride the fly high enough unless the fly is completely dry first. Those other techniques you mentioned are great, and if I camp in the backcountry save weight for me, but if I want to maximise time fishing and I want that dry fly to float nice and high while supporting a nymph then that shake and bake followed by lochsa or similar works great for me
All great advice…I’m always learning and thinking in this game so thanks for your thoughts. A lot of this stuff is targeted at the angler and when you think back 30 years you probably did fine without it. Keep up the great work. 🎣
What’s your take on fluoro tippet? I use it at times, but I also use a bunch of p-line 100% fluoro regular fishing line as tippet. It works great a majority of the time. And it’s ~$20 per 250 yards. And besides tippet, I also use it for various quick sink rigs, etc.
Flouro tippet is one thing that I splurge on. Only while nymphing though! I just haven’t found anything cheaper that is as limp and as strong as SA flouro tippet. When i swing flies, then I can use the regular stuff(Seaguar, Sufix etc). Hope that helps!
I enjoyed the video, even though I have some disagreements... Fly rods, I will purchase the best I can afford with a warranty... Just had some older rods that broke, and were replaced with rods that I would likely currently not spend the money on, and they are VERY NICE rods to fish with... Also purchased a mid-range rod, and not under warranty, tip broke off before I even used it, and I am out of luck. While I might agree with you on floating line and stripping baskets, not so much with sinking lines or even shooting heads with a basket.... Wading in a current with a sinking line is a mess (for me), and a stripping basket is appealing for line management (shad fishing, and surf fishing with a fly come to mind).
Ok so I’m looking for a 5wt. Can’t get myself to pay even $400. Not for how much I fish. So what rods are you using then. I’ve looked at cheap like maxcatch, then stuff like fenwick, redington, orvis, and etc. all at 200ish. Thanks for any input
I have tried them all and still have a few mentioned above. I have a video that might help narrow it down. Link will be at the bottom of my comment. Here’s the deal, performance aside for second, which warranty is the best? That’s huge for me, can’t stand buying something and it fails. On top of that if the company won’t stand behind their product then I won’t invest in their products period! Fenwick warranty is only 5 years, Maxcatch can be sketchy with warranty But for $120cad you get the whole kit and it’s amazing. Orvis warranty is great, i have used it and it’s quick turnaround. Redington makes great rods, never dealt with their warranty but have heard mixed reviews. Don’t forget TFO absolutely great rods and amazing warranty! Cabelas, if you wreck your rod and have the original receipt they will just swap the rod out too. Man for the most part you can’t go wrong nowadays. I am just a stickler for a good warranty especially living in Canada, it’s hard with logistics. Hope this helps! ruclips.net/video/qFMhJnWHDIk/видео.htmlsi=xOc59uZEZHE7Rxzp
@@greenhornflyhorn most appreciated. TFO was another one. I’ve seen or heard that some warranties are a discount on part but not to sure which ones. I’ve been watching way too many vids on rods to remember. Started out with a cabelas kit yrs back. Broke the tip no receipts. Ok thanks I’ll check vid out. Great vids
I fish often and tend to be hard on my things. I have several Maxcatch products and have been mainly using a 3wt rod from them for the last 6 months with not a single issue. I've had a blast with it so in my mind, it has already paid for itself many times over. Unless it is gifted to me, I don't think I'll ever own an expensive rod.
I liked this because it made me think. My main takeaway is that dry shake floatant will no longer be a part of my angling. And thank you for pointing out that fishing isn't fun for fish. BUT...fly anglers are mostly good for watershed and fish conservation.
Yeah. To be honest, if they were THAT much better….I would have no problems spending the cash. But the differences don’t warrant the price tag. Just a weird concept in fly fishing that I can’t get behind.
Yes, and in some cases, more expensive ones can be worse, designed to maximize profits over function (excluding the hook keeper, skimping on cork diameter of the grip, etc). As mentioned before, fish-fighting feel is very poor compared to many of the older fly rods - lots of folks that have not fished with some of the older fly rods to compare, will never realize the difference.
Should you add the Cast Zapper 3000 to this list? The electronic fly casting tool that zaps you with 3000 volts when you don’t use proper fly casting form. Just wanted to know what you think. Seems like it might be useful for some folks - but, the idea of using an equivalent to a dog training collar for fly casting, seems absurd, but maybe not. I will say, I agree with the store-bought leaders, most of them really do suck - with some brands I have tried, all of the taper is within a short 1 foot section in the middle, and the tippet has virtually no durability. Once you have tried the blood-knot leader formulas, most will never go back.
I think fly rod companies are like ski companies, all they do is slap some different graphics on the S.O.S. (same old ****) to hoodwink you into thinking they've come up with something new. I have a pair of 12 yr old XC skis that handle exactly the same as the new ones bought last year (same model), the only difference is a new paint job, a few grams of weight and about a hundred bucks. I always have found mid price point rods to be the best bang for the buck.
That was my take home message but just little nit picky stuff. It was accurate but i had to have about 25ft of line out to really start noticing that. Fishing anything closer was not delicate because you have to load the road to get it to behave. One huge positive I want to make mention is the performance in the wind. Probably the best rod i ever used in the wind. Just wasn’t enough to keep the rod though. Tightlining with it wasn’t fun either, it was too damp to feel what you were doing(drop shotting for example). Always pros and cons to all rods
No hook keeper, and an ugly white label that will spook fish during some fishing scenarios. Those are both a big deal for me. And, already had a few previous Helios versions. If you take care of your equipment, then you don’t need to keep buying new rods. Yup, silly concept, these rods don’t really wear out if they are made well. I love the Fenwick Aetos and any of the Greys rods, these often go on sale and you can get them for less than $200. I am not an expert, I just own way too many fly rods and I love to lawn cast them often (test different lines, etc) as well as fish with them, both just for fun. Nothing wrong with getting used rods from the auction site either, if you know what to look for.
If there is ONE thing, I would never want to live without, than it´s my "cat toilet". Sure, if you are wading all the time (and use a floating line) it might indeed be more an obstacle than a help. But I usually only fish in, tiny lakes, mostly in forest or moors or climb over the rocks of the Norwegian fjord coast. My line would tangle all the time in branches or sharp edges or seaweed (it still does...🙄). YOU might be able to keep your line under control the whole day, but I am not. And Murphy´s Law tells me, that, even if you could: Eventually it WILL happen, And it will happen in the worst situation, you can imagine...😜
I get it if you're talking $70 dollar stripping baskets...but I'll wear my 3 dollar dish pan with a 3 dollar baseball belt and zip ties proudly. Can't effectively fish the salt from shore without one.
The new fly rods are way overpriced. No way they should cost that much. Big named companies are taking advantage of gullible fly fisherman. They can charge these prices because they are willing to fork out the dough . Its ridiculous
Stripping baskets are needed in 2 different places. You cannot fish the specific techniques without them.
1) There are lakes (mostly reservoirs) where wading is not allowed. So, you have to cast from the shore and most cases the bushes and brushes are at the knee or thigh level. If you are using 2 handed spey/switch rod and want to cast 80-90ft or above, then you have to use a stripping basket. If you try to manage more than 50ft or running line on top of a bush, most of your time will be dedicated to dealing with the tangles.
2) If you are fishing at the Pacific surf, you would be wading ankle to thigh deep at the same time. The waves are strong and change your wading depth instantly and constantly. The returning waves from the beach are strong too. And you have to use sinking lines to go deep quickly and stay there. It also helps to beat the surf wind. In this environment, if your full sinking line goes under the water, you are not casting more than 20ft.
A lot of your observations and points are well taken and I can agree with you but, a stripping basket is a definite advantage if you fish in the surf.
I agree. The jetty rocks also. 👍👍👌🎣
I use it all the time from my boat, makes it a lot less frustrating. Especially with a lot of wind. I rather catch fish than cleats, Seats etc
I just can’t do it fellas!!😆😆
I have to say that full sinking lines at the coast require a stripping basket if you want to be able to cast when wading, unless you are happy just lobbing the leader out. On the dry fly powder stuff... this stuff is great when the fly is already wet, since I don't feel that liquid floatant will ride the fly high enough unless the fly is completely dry first. Those other techniques you mentioned are great, and if I camp in the backcountry save weight for me, but if I want to maximise time fishing and I want that dry fly to float nice and high while supporting a nymph then that shake and bake followed by lochsa or similar works great for me
The more I watch your videos, the more I like the direction you're going in.
All great advice…I’m always learning and thinking in this game so thanks for your thoughts. A lot of this stuff is targeted at the angler and when you think back 30 years you probably did fine without it. Keep up the great work. 🎣
I bet you’re right!
What’s your take on fluoro tippet? I use it at times, but I also use a bunch of p-line 100% fluoro regular fishing line as tippet. It works great a majority of the time. And it’s ~$20 per 250 yards. And besides tippet, I also use it for various quick sink rigs, etc.
Flouro tippet is one thing that I splurge on. Only while nymphing though! I just haven’t found anything cheaper that is as limp and as strong as SA flouro tippet. When i swing flies, then I can use the regular stuff(Seaguar, Sufix etc). Hope that helps!
I enjoyed the video, even though I have some disagreements... Fly rods, I will purchase the best I can afford with a warranty... Just had some older rods that broke, and were replaced with rods that I would likely currently not spend the money on, and they are VERY NICE rods to fish with... Also purchased a mid-range rod, and not under warranty, tip broke off before I even used it, and I am out of luck. While I might agree with you on floating line and stripping baskets, not so much with sinking lines or even shooting heads with a basket.... Wading in a current with a sinking line is a mess (for me), and a stripping basket is appealing for line management (shad fishing, and surf fishing with a fly come to mind).
Ok so I’m looking for a 5wt. Can’t get myself to pay even $400. Not for how much I fish. So what rods are you using then. I’ve looked at cheap like maxcatch, then stuff like fenwick, redington, orvis, and etc. all at 200ish. Thanks for any input
I have tried them all and still have a few mentioned above. I have a video that might help narrow it down. Link will be at the bottom of my comment. Here’s the deal, performance aside for second, which warranty is the best? That’s huge for me, can’t stand buying something and it fails. On top of that if the company won’t stand behind their product then I won’t invest in their products period! Fenwick warranty is only 5 years, Maxcatch can be sketchy with warranty But for $120cad you get the whole kit and it’s amazing. Orvis warranty is great, i have used it and it’s quick turnaround. Redington makes great rods, never dealt with their warranty but have heard mixed reviews. Don’t forget TFO absolutely great rods and amazing warranty! Cabelas, if you wreck your rod and have the original receipt they will just swap the rod out too. Man for the most part you can’t go wrong nowadays. I am just a stickler for a good warranty especially living in Canada, it’s hard with logistics. Hope this helps!
ruclips.net/video/qFMhJnWHDIk/видео.htmlsi=xOc59uZEZHE7Rxzp
@@greenhornflyhorn most appreciated. TFO was another one. I’ve seen or heard that some warranties are a discount on part but not to sure which ones. I’ve been watching way too many vids on rods to remember. Started out with a cabelas kit yrs back. Broke the tip no receipts. Ok thanks I’ll check vid out. Great vids
I fish often and tend to be hard on my things. I have several Maxcatch products and have been mainly using a 3wt rod from them for the last 6 months with not a single issue. I've had a blast with it so in my mind, it has already paid for itself many times over. Unless it is gifted to me, I don't think I'll ever own an expensive rod.
Ever spray rain x on flies and let them dry? I’m curious now
Ben! Never thought of that! I guess once the alcohol flashes off it should work. I wonder if the tying materials can handle it🤔
My main concerns would be odor (putting off fish) and potential toxicity to fish?
I liked this because it made me think. My main takeaway is that dry shake floatant will no longer be a part of my angling. And thank you for pointing out that fishing isn't fun for fish. BUT...fly anglers are mostly good for watershed and fish conservation.
Appreciate you watching the video! I do agree about the awareness that fly anglers have and also the dollars we pour into conservation.
Good video. You're on point about the fly rods. I want to have fun fishing and not worry about much money I spent on the rod.
Yeah. To be honest, if they were THAT much better….I would have no problems spending the cash. But the differences don’t warrant the price tag. Just a weird concept in fly fishing that I can’t get behind.
Yes, and in some cases, more expensive ones can be worse, designed to maximize profits over function (excluding the hook keeper, skimping on cork diameter of the grip, etc). As mentioned before, fish-fighting feel is very poor compared to many of the older fly rods - lots of folks that have not fished with some of the older fly rods to compare, will never realize the difference.
Should you add the Cast Zapper 3000 to this list? The electronic fly casting tool that zaps you with 3000 volts when you don’t use proper fly casting form. Just wanted to know what you think. Seems like it might be useful for some folks - but, the idea of using an equivalent to a dog training collar for fly casting, seems absurd, but maybe not. I will say, I agree with the store-bought leaders, most of them really do suck - with some brands I have tried, all of the taper is within a short 1 foot section in the middle, and the tippet has virtually no durability. Once you have tried the blood-knot leader formulas, most will never go back.
Cast Zappers have been sold out since April 1st!!! 😆😆
@@greenhornflyhornWow, that’s interesting. Either they didn’t make very many, or fly fishing is increasing in popularity!
I think fly rod companies are like ski companies, all they do is slap some different graphics on the S.O.S. (same old ****) to hoodwink you into thinking they've come up with something new. I have a pair of 12 yr old XC skis that handle exactly the same as the new ones bought last year (same model), the only difference is a new paint job, a few grams of weight and about a hundred bucks. I always have found mid price point rods to be the best bang for the buck.
Haha! Yup! Snowboards are the same! Sometimes, those graphics are 🔥 😆
I remember you saying that the helios took the fun out of fighting fish, anything else you didn't like about it?
That was my take home message but just little nit picky stuff. It was accurate but i had to have about 25ft of line out to really start noticing that. Fishing anything closer was not delicate because you have to load the road to get it to behave. One huge positive I want to make mention is the performance in the wind. Probably the best rod i ever used in the wind. Just wasn’t enough to keep the rod though. Tightlining with it wasn’t fun either, it was too damp to feel what you were doing(drop shotting for example). Always pros and cons to all rods
@@greenhornflyhorn Good to know, if I'm going to pay $1,000 or more for a fly rod, I wouldn't want it to have flaws like that.
No hook keeper, and an ugly white label that will spook fish during some fishing scenarios. Those are both a big deal for me. And, already had a few previous Helios versions. If you take care of your equipment, then you don’t need to keep buying new rods. Yup, silly concept, these rods don’t really wear out if they are made well. I love the Fenwick Aetos and any of the Greys rods, these often go on sale and you can get them for less than $200. I am not an expert, I just own way too many fly rods and I love to lawn cast them often (test different lines, etc) as well as fish with them, both just for fun. Nothing wrong with getting used rods from the auction site either, if you know what to look for.
If there is ONE thing, I would never want to live without, than it´s my "cat toilet".
Sure, if you are wading all the time (and use a floating line) it might indeed be more an obstacle than a help.
But I usually only fish in, tiny lakes, mostly in forest or moors or climb over the rocks of the Norwegian fjord coast.
My line would tangle all the time in branches or sharp edges or seaweed (it still does...🙄).
YOU might be able to keep your line under control the whole day, but I am not.
And Murphy´s Law tells me, that, even if you could:
Eventually it WILL happen,
And it will happen in the worst situation, you can imagine...😜
What hat is that!? Great Video!!! But Seriously Hat source haha
Vortex - Thee Peaks in brown
If your not using dry shake. I probably wouldn’t be using Rainx either.
I think what he's saying when you put the powder on the fly the fish takes it into its mouth. The fish wouldn't be taking rain x in its mouth
As for #1 give the fish a gulp of Gatorade or body armor sports drink, that'll recharge the fish😅😅😅
Probably be better than that spray!! Hahaha
Go old school use a amadou patch to dry your flies 😊
I get it if you're talking $70 dollar stripping baskets...but I'll wear my 3 dollar dish pan with a 3 dollar baseball belt and zip ties proudly. Can't effectively fish the salt from shore without one.
Throwing down a diy rig like that. You got my respect man. 👊
Loons stripping basket is even worse then some of the others I've seen. Like what the double H?
The new fly rods are way overpriced. No way they should cost that much. Big named companies are taking advantage of gullible fly fisherman. They can charge these prices because they are willing to fork out the dough . Its ridiculous