Optimum Usage of Fluorescent Material in Flies...

[HappyHooker]

Here's a question for ya...

What is the optimum amount of fluorescent material to use in a fly?
I find too much seems to put the fish off.

I've been researching this and can't seem to come up with much. I think this might be related to fly tying material proportions but I'm not sure.

From what I've read fluorescent material is used for a couple of different reasons...

1. To help the angler see the strike better
2. To attract the fish

So, the question is about how much fluorescent material to use without spooking the fish...

Any help you could provide would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Duke

[crobarr]

there really is no simple answer to your quandry. individual fish and water conditions all have an effect.

you can throw hot pink flies all day long in clear water and catch salmon, but the next day (or a particular salmon/pod of salmon) will run from it. some fish may like just a spot of bright (like a green butt skunk), while others shy away.

the best rule of thumb i've found is:
low light and/or dirty water= more tolerance to florescent colors.
bright light and/or clear water= more natural or non-florescent colors.

same as above applies to flash

salmon and steelhead regularly blow those "rules" out of the water, but they hold generally true for most other freshwater species.

experimentation is the key to finding what your local fish seem to prefer. there are no hard and fast rules in fly tying. when in doubt..... throw black. ;)

[sixfinger]

Really depends on what species your targeting. If its rainbows in a creek, yeah you probably arent going to catch much with a hot pink mayfly pattern.
But you can get away with a bright colored post on a parachute pattern if your goal is visibility. I think white works just as well and isnt as intrusive though.

[fredaevans]

With one exception, I've found "a little goes a long way." The exception was last October up on the Harrison and Vedder chasing Chums (et. al.) Without exception the 'go to fly' was done in all flo. green on a silver hook.

This fly probably accounted for 70++ per cent of the hook ups of all four of us regardless of the salmon involved.:confused:

[Keith Hixson]

Strange Question:

I thought you hookers knew all about fluoresent condoms. :rofl: You are talking about those condom flies?:D
Just too many puns in that question.
With Salmon and Stealhead you can use more than with trout. Trout generally are feeding and you need something more natural. Salmon and Stealhead tend strike out of instinct. Don't over do it. Especially with trout.

K.