I came across this entry while browsing our site and thought it should be re posted to keep it current. Many times when we are looking for fishing information, our efforts are hampered by the engine we are using. I like to use HotBot when Google comes up short. What ever the case, have fun fishing. Here is a reposting of Dick Penney's Article:

Chris Henson at Kittery Trading Post's fishing department says that there are a lot of misconceptions about trolling streamer flies for salmon and trout. "You have to judge the mood of the day to the variances of what you do to become a steady, productive streamer fly troller."

"If you are trolling with more than one line, it's important that they both be the same type of line, as mixing fly line or leadcore lines with mono lines is going to produce a lot of tangles. Mono line cuts through the water but fly lines more or less follow the path of the boat. So the mono will cut across the path of the fly line or leadcore lines and produce the tangles. Also, leadcore will track somewhere between what mono and fly line will do and is not compatible with either at times."

"Smart fly trollers will never start with duplicate flies on each line. You want to have a dark fly, such as the gray ghost or nine-three patterns on one line and a brighter fly such as the black ghost or Mickey Finn on another line. If you have more than two lines out, make sure that third line has a different fly pattern. When you find out what colors are working, then change over."

"Only on rough days would we recommend fishing with a floating fly line and then a light split shot may be needed to keep your fly in the right depth. Sink tip lines are okay for dark and rough days. For the bright, calm days, a long full sinking fly line is the key, along with a leader that can be as long as you choose, but should be at least the length of your fly rod."

"Fish your fly lines at different lengths from the boat. You'll want to try a short line off the back of the boat that rides deep enough to stay in the prop wash that can be back from 10 to 15 feet to around 40 feet. Your other lines should be back from 50 to 100 feet, depending on the length of your fly line. Cortland makes a trolling, sinking fly line that is 50 yards long and is very popular among fly trollers."

"Try to keep your boat on structure, either over schools of smelt or ledges or humps. Don't just take a boat ride with a predetermined destination! If you catch a fish don't just keep going. Turn around and hit that same place again at least a couple of times and if you keep catching fish there, stick with them until they stop hitting and then head to a different location."

"Trolling in a straight line isn't the best idea as making turns will vary the speed of your flies. On a turn, if you get a hit on an outside line, you know the fish liked the faster fly speed. A hit on the inside line should acknowledge the fact that hit came on the slower fly. Vary your speed accordingly. Keeping your rod in hand and imparting a jigging action will almost always increase your luck."

"Some people don't realize what the difference is between a single hook fly and a tandem hook fly. A fish hooked on a long single hook has a lot of leverage on the hook and often enables a fish to twist and throw the hook. Because the back hook of a tandem hook streamer is flexible, a fish is less apt to be able to shake that hook. For smaller flies, it's okay to go with a single hook. For the larger flies, stick with the tandems," Chris said.

The verdict is out and it is guilty! Vexilar is guilty of making its flashers easier to use. The new FL-12 and FL-20 take a huge portion of the learning curve away from flasher usage. Comparing Vexilar's new FL-12 and FL-20 was a breeze.

When I first reviewed the FL-8 and FL-18, I found myself emerged in the complexities of the flasher's screen. The FL-8's screen is made up of two bands. One band reads 0' to 20' and the other band reads 0' - 30'. There are multipliers associated with each band dependent on the flashers settings. For instance, if you wanted to read the scale from 0' to 80', you would select band A with a multiplier of four. If you wanted to read from 0' to 120', would select band B with a multiplier of four. Sound confusing? It can be until you get the hang of it. I borrowed a unit for several weeks before I finally was comfortable with using it.

While reviewing Vexilar's FL-12 and FL-20, I learned one thing; life made simple = the FL-12 and FL-20. I do not yet own a Vexilar, but I am very impressed with the new screen design. The Vexilar FL-12 & FL-20 have more scales and brighter flashers that can be viewed in full sunlight. Also, the cup that shades the FL-8's and FL-18's screen has been done away with on the FL-12 & 20. The LED's used in the new Vexilar units are strong enough to be viewed in full sunlight. The removal of the cup also does away with the annoying trouble of having to clear away the snow while fishing in stormy weather.

The Vexilar FL-20 also comes with a dimmer for its LED's. This comes in handy for those night fisherman among us. Another option the Vexilar FL-20 comes with is an auto zoom that will zoom to the bottom 6' or 12' of the water column. Think of this Vexilar as your ice pack unit for winter and trolling motor unit for summer. The new screen is design to have 50% more visibility for side viewing. Both new units are compatible with Minn-Kota's built in transducers. Do I have to say more? I'm already drooling for one.

The scales are now easier to read on the Vexilar FL-12 and FL-20 because they are color coded. Each band is has a different color that corresponds with the band selection knob. A Vexilar SL-8 can read from 0'-20', 0'-30', 0'-40', 0'-60', 0'-80', 0'-120'. The SL-12 can read from 0'-20', 0'-40', 0'-60', 0'-80', 0'-200'. You loose one selection band, but look at the ease of the scale. On the Vexilar FL-12 and FL-20, the only multiplying you do is on the 0'-200" setting, where you multiply the 0'-20' scale by ten. I like it!

Another point I like are their totally variable amplifier settings. These Vexilar flasher units matched with the right carrying case will provide years of reliable and flexible service.

I hope Santa is listening, because one of these units is going to be on my wish list.

Have fun fishing; let's all be safe. Check ice conditions prudently before venturing out on the ice!

Hi!

Just a short New Year hello! I hope your plans for the coming year proceed with the zest they deserve and the care that you provide for them. I'm still in the throngs of my career search; since this is going to many of my friends, some of you may not be aware that I left my business ownership. And, I'm currently in search of a career that will fit a spot in my heart yearning for fulfillment. Some of my current interest have surrounded conservation, writing, and recently education.

You can never be too sure of where life will lead you, but my good friend Barbara Babkirk has taught me to trust my heart and follow it. It can be hard at times. I left a business that was created by my father over forty-five years ago; it was a heart wrenching experience. Running the business was a fulfilling job that provided a family of customers to tend to. I miss that family at times, but I know that the future has a bright and exciting path for me to follow. A path guided by the light of my heart.

We all have cross roads we come to in life. They can be viewed as mishaps or as adventures. It all depends on how you focus your lens. The past year has brought many surprises for me. I found out that I was diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age; thank God for the computers that help me with my writing adventures. I also found out that my eyes are faltering, my mid-life drift is expanding, and I have strong desire to consume chocolate.

I want to wish you well in your adventure of life. Remember, if you want to change something, it takes work and courage. But you can do it. I know you can. That little engine inside you can dig its way out of any hole. Just give it a chance and you'll see how strong The Little Engine That Could will become The Little Engine That Can.

God Bless and Happy New Year

Mrac - I mean Marc.....