Harpeth Today

[paddyrunelite]

Fished the Harpeth today in Franklin. I think the spots I have been going to are not that great. I see a few tiny bass, maybe 5", and catch lots of very small bluegill, but nothing like the rumors I have heard about that river. I suppose I am just not in the right place casting the right fly yet...

They say necessity is the mother of invention. Well today I proved that. I also decided never again to use those damn loop to loop connectors for attaching my leaders. Even with proper installation and a spot of glue, the damned things still keep popping off. So on the water I am, my last loop connector still attached to my leader which is attached to my tippet, which is attached to my fly. The fly, of course, is attached to a decent bluegill somewhere in the deepest part of the hole I am fishing. I have no more loop connectors and its been over 8 years since I did any serious fly fishing. Took dang near a half hour to remember, but the blood knot was tied and more fish were caught. Nothing of any size but it was a pretty fun way to relieve a little stress.

If any of you know a decent place to fish on the Harpeth, with easy wading access and at least a gnat's ass chance of catching something over 10", please let me know...I will forever be grateful.

[grubbah]

Were you down by the dam?  I was down there several weeks ago when I was bored - with very similar results.  Caught some bluegills I wouldnt even use as bait...

And what kind of loop connectors were you using?  I use loop to loop connections for most of my stuff but I do not use those el cheapo quick connect jobs.  Surgeon's loop or a perfection loop tied on the leader does the trick nicely.

[paddyrunelite]

Nah, I was down off of Hillsboro Rd. At the canoe launch place near the rec center. 2nd time I have been there with similar results. Fun for an hour to two to get some stress relief, but leaves you wishing for even a small largemouth or smallmouth.

I was actually using the el cheapo loop connectors. I need to learn to tie my own loops for sure. Suggestions? My leaders all have loops already but obviously need a solution for the end of the fly line. Grumpy mentioned something about a mono loop....I need to go back by there. I will probably come home with more fly tying crap though haha.

Also, was practicing the ole hopper/dropper technique a bit today in hopes I make it out to the Caney sometime. Not as hard to cast as I thought it was going to be. Actually caught three bluegill on a size 18 zebra midge. I tied a variation that has a black bead up front, then a silver bead (both 3/32"), then the typical zebra midge body. Might not catch a trout but the bait sure loved it 

[toddro]

The Harpeth is running low and slow right now, but some largemouth have pushed into the areas I frequent, and I got 2 bigguns when I went out last Sat, evening.  I didn't see or catch any smallies, but they will be up and running when we get some rain and fresh water into the river (and we need it!).  They like to fatten up a good bit before winter, and in the fall they really hit the little chubs, shiners, and darters hard until the water starts getting into the 50's - so be ready, and you will need some streamers!  Leave those midges at home, you need flies with some profile!

[grubbah]

hit up youtube and search for perfection loop and surgeon's loop.  Practice both of those with mono until you have it down pat and experiment with those until you find which one you prefer for your setup.

For what its worth, I use perfection loops on heavy material, and surgeon's on light material.  Perfection loops are straighter which is important for your fly line to leader connection, and I feel as though surgeon's are a bit stronger on light material.

[MikeA]

Practice this over and over till you can tie in the dark. I used it for years and never had it break when it shouldn't have. It can save you if your loop comes off and its stupid easy to tie.

[Aquaholic]

Tie a butt-section of Maxima to your fly line, add a a perfection loop, attach leader with loop to loop connection and go fish.

[MikeA]

The problem with tying anything to your fly line is that it can and will eventually cut through the line and slide off the core. I've had this happen many times. Granted it isn't as likely on a 3 or 5 wt catching dinks but I still want a better system. That's why I never tie directly to a fly line.

I prefer the welded lops or braided loops because they are just easier. When I have to do something in a hurry the castwell knot is my go to. If you put a 60# leader on with the cast well and tried to break it you will break your fly line first.

grubbah if your loops are coming off you are doing something wrong. Don't use the heat shrink. Attach the correct sized braided loop with two or three blood knots and it'll be solid.

[paddyrunelite]

Thanks guys. All great advice and tips. That castwell knot seems easy enough. I will have to give it a try tonight.

Mike, when you say to attach a braided loop to your line with two or three blood knots, could you elaborate a bit on what you mean? I am new to these loops and an example what you are talking about would help.

Thanks.

[MikeA]

I said Blood Knot but I meant to say nail Knot. Put the nail knots on the braided loop where it is on the fly line. I like to use two, one at the top where the frayed end is and one just below that

Check out this video from Zach.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNKRidC75RI&feature=related

[Steve H]

Castwell is pretty bomb proof. Mike showed it to me and I use it whenever there is not a welded loop. No issues.

[grubbah]

grubbah if your loops are coming off you are doing something wrong. Don't use the heat shrink. Attach the correct sized braided loop with two or three blood knots and it'll be solid.

No problems here, I dont even use the things.  I think you meant paddy  :p

[paddyrunelite]

Thanks a lot for the link Mike. That explained it all quite nicely. I think I will continue to use that method. The nail knows seem to help it with added strength. The castwell is a solid second option. Blood knots and double uni knots make up my third option. Great to be equipped different solutions. Thanks again to all.

Now if I could just find a dang bass on the Harpeth...

[grumpy]

Bring your reel by one day & we'll practice a few knots, the knot Mike showed ya works & will get you by, it's so simple, i can almost do it

Grumpy