S C O T T S O M M E R L AT T E
F LY F IS H IN G
Going small Everybody has heard the saying…“Everything’s bigger in Texas.” But as fly-fishermen, we shouldn’t always think that way. Sometimes going small can make the difference between catching fish and heading to the dock smelling like a skunk. However, while downsizing has some distinct advantages, it can also have some equally distinct disadvantages. Let’s explore the pros and cons of going small, both in Texas waters and beyond. Tackle First- let’s talk rods and reels. There are most certainly times when downsizing line a size or two can be the difference between catching fish and not catching fish. It can also make the difference in how much enjoyment you get out of catching a particular size fish. For example: You’re fishing the flats in springtime and there are pods of tailing redfish everywhere but there is not one fish in sight over about 21 inches. Well it is springtime and the water is cool, so why not break out the 6-weight and have a little fun? Or, what if you’re in some back country creek in Mexico or Belize fishing for baby tarpon? I know I would want to have a 6-weight. Another great time to have a lighter rod on the boat is when you’re fishing super calm water for maybe a trophy trout when the water is slick calm, the fish are up shallow and spooky 54 | July 2016
as hell. A delicate presentation is required and this is a perfect time to go light. The above are all good examples of when going smaller is a good thing. Now let’s look at when it is best to leave the lighter rod either in the skiff or even at home, even when targeting smaller fish. Let’s say you have bailed out of the boat to go on a long wade, and with numerous pods of smaller redfish present have decided to take your 6-weight. Now you are a half-mile from the boat and the wind picks up. Well, you’re going to end up wishing you had your 8-weight. Another time to leave the small rod at home, even when there are smaller fish present, is during summer when water temperatures get high. The prolonged fight of a lighter rod and even lighter tippet when the temperatures are high means dead fish. Now let’s look closer at the whole small rod for small fish concept. What happens when you are using a 6-weight for 5-pound tarpon and a 20-pound snook comes out from beneath the mangroves and grabs the fly? I feel it’s a safe bet that we would all prefer to have a 9- or 10-weight in our hands when that happens. Another way to downsize your tackle is to go with either lighter leaders and/or smaller flies. Going this route can sometimes mean the difference in numerous eats from fish throughout the day to none. Over the years I have witnessed countless times that downsizing from a