Fly-fishing for bass -be it largemouth or smallmouth can be one of the most exciting forms of freshwater fly-fishing. Though the equipment -an 8 or 9 stiff action rod- you use may be heavier, there is still plenty of action. Surface fishing with a dry fly, popper or bass-bug can be thrilling! When a big bass erupts through the surface, busting the lure turning cartwheels and shaking its head furiously from one side to the other, I guarantee your heart will rush!
Accuracy, while casting for bass along the edges of stumps, grasses or lily pads is all-important. Working these areas slowly and quietly is a must. When ever possible, I prefer wadding, to approaching this kind of situation from a boat. It can be quite arduous approaching shallow areas and using a fly rod from a boat.
Poppers have solid bodies with a concave front. They are typically made of cork or wood, some are even made of plastic. I prefer to carve my own from balsa wood, it is easy and quick to do and I can make them to my speciation. These lures are usually dressed with feathers, hair or rubber bands cut and inserted into the body. These lures are constructed to imitate grasshoppers, frogs or a darting minnow.
A popper should be laid down lightly on the water with an accurate cast. The rod should be immediately lowered and pointed toward the lure. Gently draw in the slack line. The lure should be allowed to lay still on the water for a few seconds, then, by pulling the line -without moving the rod- an inch or two at a time. By keeping the rod pointed at the lure and the slack line drawn in, you are always ready to set the hook by jerking the rod straight back and up and at the same time pulling the line.
For bass fishing a wet fly is usually a bucktail tied on a #2 hook or larger. Different anglers prefer different color combinations on different bodies of water. You probably know what colors work best -or what colors you have the most confidence in- on the waters you fish. When traveling -as always- you can consult the locals at the local tackle shops.
Where a floating line would be used for bass bugging, a weight-forward line is preferred for fishing the wet fly. Using a leader about the same length as the rod. Compared to a leader used for trout fishing, a leader used for bass fishing seems more like a rope. A level leader of 15 lbs. is often used. Often times it depends upon the waters you are fishing and how large the fish get in a given body of water.
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