Tackle, including fly rods, reels, lines and leaders, are not covered in this course.  There is a separate course for each of these topics.

Strike Indicators

 

The purpose of “strike indicators” is to provide the angler with a visual indication of what might otherwise be a hard-to-detect strike from a fish.

When fishing under the water with sinking flies (nymphs & wet flies) the fly is most often not visible to the fisherman.  The fly is “out of sight”.  In order to detect a strike by a fish, the angler must be ever alert to the slightest movement of his line and/or leader.

By placing a highly visible, floating device on the leader several inches above the submerged fly, the fly fisher gains the benefit of being able to see subtle strikes that might otherwise go undetected.  Because of their visibility on the water’s surface to the angler, much greater success in hooking fish is the main reason for using strike indicators.

They also serve as a “bobber”: i.e., by adjusting the distance the indicator is placed above the fly on the leader, the floating substance regulates to some extent the depth to which the fly sinks as it is fished.
What do I need? . . .
To give you an idea as to quantity, cost, etc., for this item, outlined below are very broad guidelines.  The School of FlyFishing has partnership alliances with tackle, clothing and equipment manufacturers, dealers or retailers that enable us to make many products available directly to students.

Quantity:

1 or more types

Material:

Putty, yarn, cork, plastic, foam

Size:

Variable, but small enough to avoid casting problems

Color:

Normally brightly colored

Cost:

$3-$10

Substitutes:

Homemade facsimile

Source:

Catalogs: Bass Pro Shop, Cabela's ,  fly fishing retailers

Mfr.:

numerous

Several different types of strike indicators are available:

  • Molded cork or foam…held in place with a toothpick, rubber band, etc.; best for deep water use
  • Yarn or synthetic treated with waterproofing; more wind resistant to cast, but easily seen
  • Slip-ons . . . this type requires the threading of the leader or line; secured with glue or knot; least wind resistant
  • Some fly fishers use a dry fly as an indicator; these are wind resistant, but also serve as another “bait”
  • Putty types are our favorite; they are easy to apply; easy to cast & see; and reusable

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