- When you catch your first fish of the day rub the slime from the fish over your fly or lure and the first few inches of the tippet. This will make the lure taste and smell more natural. For those fishing with a sinking line or sub-surface lure, rub the slime along the sinking part of the line. Fish slime contains a natural whetting agent and sinkant.
- When tying on flies or nymphs make sure you use a knot that is small and fits into the hook eye. Large knots are visible to the fish – particularly if they extend beyond the fly.
- Many of the world’s fly-fishing records are held by women. There is some suggestion that human female pheromones are attractive to trout. Luck is a lady! A lock of her hair in your fly box may be enough to add that vital pheromones scent to your flies. Ask first!!
- Don’t become obsessed with casting – it is merely the means of delivering the fly. If you can’t cast accurately and gently over long distances either get closer to the fish or leave them for another day. If you cast beyond your abilities you will frighten all the fish in the immediate area.
- Some 80% of a trout’s food is taken sub-surface, although this varies between locations. If the dry fly doesn’t get results try a nymph.
- Always test your knots and hooks before fishing with a good tug – or the first fish you hook will test it for you!
For pages and pages of useful tips see the books on my main Sawyer Nymphs site.