for you guys that tie flies...

[northrn-duck-assassin]

Im not big on the fly aspect for pan fish, in fact ive had two flies in my jig box for about 6 yrs now, just used one, two days ago for the first time. Played around with it in shallow water sight fishing, and i really like the action to it.

Now, im thinking about deeper waters and this discussion of tactics and methods has come up before. These last few years tungsten has really taken off. Here is my question... Could a guy get away with making a fly that has a tungsten head on it? Would that effect the action too much? Effect the cadence of the drop too much?

I ask this, to hear some simple feed back and theories some may have, again im not big into flies and looking to open my horizons to them a bit more especially after witnessing the appearence and outcome of it from the other day.

AND, GO!... lol.

[stag]

I would think the tungsten would defeat what I think is one of the best aspects of the ice fly....the sllooowww decent....but I am not an ice fly expert.

[Cool Cat]

If you come to the Derby on Loomis a week from Saturday I'll show you my range of sizes as far as flies go.  I build them from size 10 hooks down to size 14 hooks.  On the size 10 hooks I use a brass hourglass type of weight.  It's the smallest of these weights.  The size 10 hook is about as big as I would want to use and the larger hooks would be the ones you use for making snelled hooks, the eye is turned up.  I've made some really nice flies with these and I'm looking forward to handing them out to the kids at the derbies.  And if I were to fish deeper water, say down to 20 feet, maybe a lil more, this jig/fly would be the one I'd want.  Sorry, I don't have the capability to show pics, yet.  I'm hoping to solve that in a couple of weeks when I get with the Friends of Fishing group when we have our derby the 24th. 

[bramabull]

I would say that adding the tungsten would kill the action for sure. You would be better off using a split shot about 14-18 inches above the fly. This way you get the advantages of having the weight to get down deeper faster but it still allows the fly to fall naturally and it won't effect the action much. You could also use a small tungsten jig in place of the split shot and it would give you 2 offerings for the fish. I often use this method because I think it makes more sense to have a 2 hook rig over a split shot. You will find that at times you may get more strikes on the top rig than the bottom one or vice versa but the other jig/fly may actually be the presentation that is bringing in the fish in.

However, if the fish are very negative and only the most finesse presentations are effective you want to go with the most natural presentation that you can. In these situations, I will go with a small fly size 14 or 16 with no split shot and fish very slow. It is kind of a pain especially if you are fishing a little deeper water but it is a deadly presentation!!

[northrn-duck-assassin]

If you come to the Derby on Loomis a week from Saturday I'll show you my range of sizes as far as flies go.  I build them from size 10 hooks down to size 14 hooks.  On the size 10 hooks I use a brass hourglass type of weight.  It's the smallest of these weights.  The size 10 hook is about as big as I would want to use and the larger hooks would be the ones you use for making snelled hooks, the eye is turned up.  I've made some really nice flies with these and I'm looking forward to handing them out to the kids at the derbies.  And if I were to fish deeper water, say down to 20 feet, maybe a lil more, this jig/fly would be the one I'd want.  Sorry, I don't have the capability to show pics, yet.  I'm hoping to solve that in a couple of weeks when I get with the Friends of Fishing group when we have our derby the 24th.

You willing to trade a few for cash offerings?.. besides what you are setting aside for the kids OF COURSE. LOL. i may have to show just for the fun it all anyways. I know friends kid would enjoy the derby actually. Sounds like a plan already!!

[northrn-duck-assassin]

The general answer here so far is some of which i had figured, was just brain storming this evening on the ride home from the ice. Still interested to hear more or any input on the topic.

Im really beginning to like the flies as i think back and dream of the possibilities.

[wax_worm]

I agree with everything bramabull said.  I also never use a split shot but instead put another horizontal lure above the fly to help it get down when fishing more than about 12 ft deep.  Using thread or 1 lb line will help it fall to greater depths faster.  There are times when just the shape of the fly (depending on how tied) is enough to trigger bites.  When they are feeding on something similar and biting the fly like that, the tungsten bead would probably not hurt.  But most times the slow fall or the subtle action you can put on the fly would be ruined by the weight of the bead.  Ice flies are deadly when sight fishing or when around heavy pressured fish.  When the fish are on the feed using a light ice fly can be counter productive.  If you can get away with something that allows you to get up and down the hole faster, by all means do it.

[Cool Cat]

You willing to trade a few for cash offerings?.. besides what you are setting aside for the kids OF COURSE. LOL. i may have to show just for the fun it all anyways. I know friends kid would enjoy the derby actually. Sounds like a plan already!!

Well I have to decline any offering and say I'm sorry.  All the lures, flies, and jigs I'm putting together are just for the kids, unless I like one then it goes into my box LOL.  I'm going to put these words on the box for the flies, "  Jigs for Kids- Dads Drool"  LOL.  I'm also going to be handing out some spoon type lures I just brain stormed today.  I have a feeling these things just might do the trick for perch and walleye if used right.  So bring your drool towel LOL.  I have been known to take pity on adults LOL  My late wife taught me how to be compassionate. 

[northrn-duck-assassin]

Well I have to decline any offering and say I'm sorry.  All the lures, flies, and jigs I'm putting together are just for the kids, unless I like one then it goes into my box LOL.  I'm going to put these words on the box for the flies, "  Jigs for Kids- Dads Drool"  LOL.  I'm also going to be handing out some spoon type lures I just brain stormed today.  I have a feeling these things just might do the trick for perch and walleye if used right.  So bring your drool towel LOL.  I have been known to take pity on adults LOL  My late wife taught me how to be compassionate.

Im gonna have to round up all the neices and nephews on this one!!! Hahahahaha. All joking aside i will still have to check them out at least.

[ftwwalleye]

The heavy fly at the top and then another smaller one 8 or so inches below has treated me well the last few trips
 Also there are some weighted scuds that you can tie on that still retain awesome shape and add some good weight. You can even just solder them on and paint. They look a lot like maggots. I think the lighter small flies do seem to get the most action. I've had good luck this season with size 18s that are used as trailers