SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity
SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity
Day Time Hex Eater
A new line was introduced in the past month the SA Amplitude Smooth Infinity and have had the pleasure to test it out over the last month. Line showed up during Hex Season, even though my go to line for Hex is the Glow Line , but I have a few days each year that allow daytime fishing of the Hex Hatch. Turning over big dry flies into tight quarters is a must and the New Smooth Infinity was up to the task.
Location, Location, Location
During the last thee weeks the line continues to bring it’s A game to Northern Michigan. With the foam bite (hoppers, ants, and beetles) mixed in with twitching (small streamers on a floating line) these two methods are a huge part of my summer program for trout. Having a line that can deliver dry flies to within inches of a log, but still has the energy to turn over a small weighted streamer with a tungsten cone head into a deep pool. Is a must for me, nice to have confidence that the SA Smooth Infinity can do both without missing a beat.
Local Fly Shop
If you have ever spent much time with me in the boat, and we talk equipment you know how I feel about fly lines, it is the most important part of your equipment! Make sure to stay on top of the latest technology and check them out at your local fly shop. Also if you see me on the water and want to take a test cast just ask.
Amplitude Smooth Infinity from Scientific Anglers on Vimeo.
There’s a reason we call this line the Infinity: there is no end to what you’ll be able to do with it. The Scientific Anglers Amplitude Smooth Infinity taper is a half-size heavy freshwater line built for everything from panfish to pike. With a long rear taper and extended front taper, it’s delicate for dry flies, has enough power for streamers, and can mend line for nymph rigs with equal ability. Built with the AST Plus slickness additive, Infinity lines are 50% slicker than any other SA line, and will last, on average, eight times longer than any line from the competition.
Remember: REAL NERDS GET ALL THE FISH.
Gobies–Everything Eats ‘Em
Over a decade ago, zebra mussels invaded our rivers, and left a trail of destruction in our Great Lakes and their tributaries, altering the resource. In their wake, something that preys on these mussels also arrived, the round goby. Round gobies are an invasive species, and as such they squeeze out native fish. However, they have become a food source in any river attached to the Great Lakes. In some of the bigger rivers, such as the Muskegon and Manistee, they have become a primary food source.
Fly anglers should take advantage of the presence of this bait fish! They are most commonly a sandy tan, and can be found just about anywhere. They are most commonly found in areas with high concentrations of the mussels (especially in proximity to dams). You can fish them with a sink tip or with an indicator, they work well either way.
I most commonly use them for smallmouth bass and for steelhead in a sandy tan.
Don’t hesitate to try them in an inky black, as the males will carry this color through the late winter and through the summer as they breed. They can naturally be quite large, and can grow up to 10 inches in length. Check out how big this one is; it is being consumed by a merganser:
Like so many invasive species, gobies have worked their way into our food chain, and will probably be here indefinitely. Even the snakes eat them!
As far as invasives go, these are useful ones. Add some gobies to your fly box; big things love to eat them!
Thanks for looking!
Nervous Net Job
Not too often a trout makes me nervous when I’m in charge of the net, but a new PR on a Michigan Brook Trout.
Big Eyes Means they are close
Recently learned that as mayfly nymphs grow, especially March Browns, Cahill’s, and Hex the eyes really get big right before the hatch. A macro shot of a Hex nymph we found in the mud looking for what else is hatching. Based on his eyes, we are not too far away. Want to learn more about bugs in the Mid West make sure to pick up Ann Millers Book.
Spring Clearance Sale
Have limited sizes left on two of our popular Long Sleeve Performance shirts. The remaining sizes are now 50% off . Check out the Shop Page
Streamer season back to tying big flies
I’m back on the vise, after 6 months of steelhead flies, back to the big flies that can be used for trout, smallmouth, pike and muskie. Had the last few days off and playing around with a few new patterns. Working on dialing the weight so that the patterns will swim correctly. While most of my water is still frozen (the northern Michigan inland lakes), getting a few patterns wet in the bath tub helps.
Picture above is the seeing eye rattle weight , curious what this guy does. While most patterns that incorporate rattles have them lying parallel to the shank, thought I would try a little perpendicular , allowing the rattles to tumble from side to side. Now will this cause the fly to walk the dog more?
Can’t really tell until you get out on the water and throw it with the sink tips and floating lines. But the creative juices are once again flowing, and for the guys who have been checking out the site. I’m sorry for the lack of content. Promise to kick it up a notch for a while. Thank you again.
JR
Finished Huron Drifter
Here is a link below to the Finished Huron Drifter on their Facebook page, if you followed along in the building process post. A don’t be worried I’ll be taking many more water pics with this craft in the coming months. Happy with how she turned out, thank you Jason and Tracy for all your hard work. Any questions about this boat give Tracy a call, let them know I sent ya, you will be well taken care of.
Jon Ray
Thoughts for a new Top Water Fly
These flying fish have me inspired to work on a new fly pattern and retrieve, defiantly two handed retiree to the match speed needed, and just need to figure out how to cast a fly that has wings. No mater this is a cool little video.
Booking Smallmouth Trips on Traverse Bay
Grand Traverse Bay Smallmouth Bass