Author Topic: Strike Indication: Sight vs Feel (Read 238 times)

Dejon Hamann · « **on:** June 09, 2011, 12:11:26 PM »

All though we try to use all our senses when detecting strikes, and many setups have a bit of both, it seems there are two relatively different approaches to strike detection: building a system that hinges toward "visual" movement or one that relies more on "feel/touch".

For instance, a softer tipped rod, long camou (Stretchy) leader, bouncy curly, all work to dampen "feel" while relying on the micro visual movements of the indicator.

While a very fast rod, braid core line, shorter maxima leader, and straight sighter put the angler more in touch with the flies, but possibly less visual cues.

What are your preferences? Thoughts?

Bob Lux · « **Reply #1 on:** June 09, 2011, 12:56:57 PM »

This only applies to my personal opinion and style, but I prefer the touch versus the sight of an actual take while Czech Style Nymphing. Not to say that I don't watch the sighter, but I rely more on sensation. I know many times I feel the slightest tick and set the hook with a fish. In many cases, I never saw the line move. Maybe the line moved, but it was so slight that it wasn't visible. I just feel like when I have that tight line anchored down through a run, nothing beats the feel in my fingers when detecting those oh so subtle takes.

Daniel Podobed · « **Reply #2 on:** June 09, 2011, 01:27:13 PM »

I'm in the same boat as Bob, I have still not become comfortable with a coily sighter, or any other sighter that is mainly visible. I think it goes back to an early age of bass fishing/ bait fishing, where my finger was always in contact with the line, and that gave it away sooner then *or what I thought was sooner than*, the actual visual clue.

I use a straight sighter 90% of the time.

Aaron Laing · « **Reply #3 on:** June 09, 2011, 02:02:04 PM »

Another straight shooter here, but with the acknowledgement that there's a time and place for the slinky. The fact that the slinky does dampen (and in some cases eliminates) the feel of a take is an annoyance, but one I'm willing to live with if it means casting over clear glassy water to spooky fish.

I shouldn't say I'm a total "touch" fisherman. I find that my straight sighter is still a sighter, and as I continue along I do rely on visual cues from it as well as the sensation of touch to key on a take.

Aaron

Todd Oishi · « **Reply #4 on:** June 09, 2011, 02:31:20 PM »

I swing both ways. It just depends on the water and lighting conditions. Fast water = straight sighters and slower water = a combination of coiled leaders and sighters...