Fly Fishing For Dollies

[woodch0p]

I have a fly rod a brought 6months ago after a cracker night at the casino (to many beers and a fish shop open at 4am!) And have decided I need to get some use out of it, and am wanting to set it up for dollies for next summer at the FADs. Its 9ft 7-8w, most places I've searched recommend a 9-10w but think it will be ok unless I hook a thumper. The questions I have what sort of leader/tippet should I run? Also is there anywhere I can get some good flies from? Planning to make my own but just want to get an idea of size/style. Any other pointers anyone can offer?

Cheers

Daniel

[slinkymalinky]

G'day WoodchOp,

A 7/8wt will be fine. The main reason for using heavier is more so you can cast bigger flies and cope better with wind, although the power for fighting fish is another difference.

You didn't mention whether you have a floating, intermediate or sinking line. For the salt, an intermediate or sinking line would be more useful.

To start out with, just keep it really simple. For a simple salt water leader a straight length of 10kg mono is fine or taper it from 10kg down to 6kg. Keep the overall leader length to about 2 to 2 1/2m and the easiest way to connect it to your flyline is with a 'loop to loop'. You can buy a packet of braided loops specifically for the purpose. You don't need to worry about delicate presentation of ultra-light flies when chasing fish like Dollies so a carefully tapered leader isn't necessary.

Keep the flies simple too. Just get yourself a selection of Clouser Minnows (for fishing a bit deeper); some polar fibre minnows, flashy profiles or similar for shallow water, and some small poppers or even better 'Crease flies' for the surface (you might find chucking poppers hard with a 7wt unless you keep to very small sizes). Colours for all can be white, white & chartreuse, white and tan, or similar and a bit of flash helps. Sizes should be up to about 2/0 (but take some smaller ones too). You might find bigger flies harder on that gear.

Cheers, Slinky

[woodch0p]

G'day WoodchOp,

A 7/8wt will be fine. The main reason for using heavier is more so you can cast bigger flies and cope better with wind, although the power for fighting fish is another difference.

You didn't mention whether you have a floating, intermediate or sinking line. For the salt, an intermediate or sinking line would be more useful.

To start out with, just keep it really simple. For a simple salt water leader a straight length of 10kg mono is fine or taper it from 10kg down to 6kg. Keep the overall leader length to about 2 to 2 1/2m and the easiest way to connect it to your flyline is with a 'loop to loop'. You can buy a packet of braided loops specifically for the purpose. You don't need to worry about delicate presentation of ultra-light flies when chasing fish like Dollies so a carefully tapered leader isn't necessary.

Keep the flies simple too. Just get yourself a selection of Clouser Minnows (for fishing a bit deeper); some polar fibre minnows, flashy profiles or similar for shallow water, and some small poppers or even better 'Crease flies' for the surface (you might find chucking poppers hard with a 7wt unless you keep to very small sizes). Colours for all can be white, white & chartreuse, white and tan, or similar and a bit of flash helps. Sizes should be up to about 2/0 (but take some smaller ones too). You might find bigger flies harder on that gear.

Cheers, Slinky

Cheers for the reply slinky, I am acually unsure on the line I got on it, it was already spooled and was to far under the weather to remember. Ill have to check it out but guessing its floating. Will get it changed to sinking. I've never fly fished before just wanting to get some use out of it and have some fun. Will have a look at the flies you've mentioned and see how I go knocking some up.

Thanks again

Daniel

[slinkymalinky]

Cheers for the reply slinky, I am acually unsure on the line I got on it, it was already spooled and was to far under the weather to remember. Ill have to check it out but guessing its floating. Will get it changed to sinking. I've never fly fished before just wanting to get some use out of it and have some fun. Will have a look at the flies you've mentioned and see how I go knocking some up.

Thanks again

Daniel

If you can only have one line, Daniel... get an intermediate line. Intermediate lines sink very slowly so you can actually use them with poppers if you strip fast and fish quite deep if you're patient. 80% of my salt water fly fishing is with an intermediate line.

Cheers, Slinky

[taloyoak]

Hey,

I know you posted this a few weeks ago.

For places to get good flies - yeah poppers or streamers are going to be the go, check out online places such as Mike Tenner's troutfliescomau or flyworldcomau. Also one of the BEST tiers around is Felty from Mona Vale I think. His flies are superb. Expect to pay good money for good streamers, but better than buying dud poorly tied rubbish that won't last.

One question I have is what on earth has you buying a flyrod to fish for Dollies???- never heard of anyone starting out of the gate with that scenario.

Good luck, and look forward to seeing your big catches and broken rod!...LOL better get a lot of backing!