RE: Steelheading and the strike loop

[jack cook]

Title: Message

I have, for the past few years, used a similar technique.  Instead of using a loop of line I simply keep the rod position high on the swing.  pretty much as we were taught for waking flies.  Alexander Grant talked about this high rod position technique back in the 1800s in Fine and Far Off.  He was convinced the hook up ratio improved as the fish had time to turn before the strike.  Like AG I also fish this way with a sunk line.  I am also convinced it results in more and better hookups. -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of J Paulson Sent: Wednesday, June 15, 2005 11:13 AM To: waflyfishers@waflyfishers.com Subject: Steelheading and the strike loop Fished the Snoqualmie a little today to try out my new 8 wgt sage speyrod. Good rod -- a little stiffer than even my 9 wgt but plenty of power and I was easily putting out over 90 feet on a single spey side. The river is up and clearing and I didn't touch a fish. Of course that could be my preference (like Leland's) to use a floating line and traditional style flies swung.   I've started using a strike loop after being introduced to it last year on the Deschutes. You simply keep a bit of line loose (~1.5 feet) between your hand the the reel. When a fish strikes, this line plays out first, giving the steelie time to take the fly and turn before you tighten up. Amazing how fast that bit of line disappears on a strike! Worked well on the Deschutes and Methow last year and I've heard it also works as well when skating a dry.   Anybody else use this? Have another technique you use?   Jay