Fishing pocket water

I like to use dry flies when fly fishing pocket water in a small stream. The fish will usually be holding out of main current but close enough to grab any food that comes floating by, and a drifting fly is often too tempting to resist.

Often it is not necessary to match fly closely to whatever is hatching. Instead I like to fish a fly that is visible enough for me to see in fast moving water. Something like a light elk hair caddis works well. When strike comes I can see it and I catch more fish this way than missing strike by using a less visible, hatch matching fly.

Fly fishing small stream usually requires a more sensitive approach and a finesse that is not necessary in larger rivers. Experience and practice are great tellers here. Ability to read water is more critical as fish are often more easily spooked than their big water cousins. But when you make your way home at end of a successful fishing day in back country you know that time spent learning to fly fish small stream has been worthwhile.

Step #4 We are now going to make our practice swing. This can be done either while you are still behind ball, or you can step up beside ball. The idea at this moment is to practice and feel swing you want to make. If you envision a high cut shot, then practice a high cut swing. If you see a low punch, then practice a punch swing. This helps your body do what your mind sees.

Step #5 Finally we are going to address ball. This meaning that we are going to step up to ball and get ready to hit shot. This is important because you must be totally committed to your shot by now. You can do whatever you want to make yourself comfortable. Some people waggle club, bounce with their knees, or take a deep breath. Do whatever works for you. Put club on ground, line it up with your target, and get ready to pull trigger.

Well, there you have it, “The 5 ‘Keys’ to a Highly Effective golf pre shot routine you can learn immediately”.

The best way to learn it is to use it next time you play. Make a concise effort to do steps outlined above and you will see how quickly it becomes a habit.