Episode 1 - How To Fish a Soft Hackle

[@hectatusbreakfastus6106]

After watching almost all of the Orvis fly fishing video's I've really been impressed with the video's that Rio puts out. The only thing I'm disappointed about is that I'm too broke to afford to head to the mountains to go fishing because Covid killed my job and we are still in lockdown mode in Canada.

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

Thanks Hectatus, glad you like our channel, though sorry you lost your job and are still in lockdown. Fingers crossed that things improve for you.

[@justal4844]

Simon, I've been playing a LOT with soft hackles / wet fly fishing this year. Any advice re: increasing hookup percentage? Unlike the hammering take of a swinging streamer, the soft hackles seem to get "poked" more than they receive a solid take. I've played with trying a little strip set, but am still missing a LOT of fish. I am throwing them with a 10'6" 3wt Spey, Skagit head, sinking tip leader, flies rigged up like you show. I don't know if it would help to put the presentation on my 9' 5wt or not. Thank you and ☮ from Idaho.

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

There's a few things you could try, but a lot of times this is just the case when swinging soft hackles! First, don't even move or set the hook when a fish eats, wait a moment, then gently lift the rod tip to apply pressure, it seems like the fish will get off after not setting the hook, but most of the time they will set themselves without any pressure. Second, you could try gently setting the hook in the same direction you're swinging. So if you're swinging L to R - try setting to the right after an eat. Hope this helps! Cheers!

[@Fintuition]

Is the floating single hand Spey strong enough to turn over a 7ft Versileader or am i better off getting the sinking option for swinging flies like soft hackles and wooly buggers.

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

The sinking option was designed to do exactly what you're looking for it to do, so I would suggest that! It will be much more pleasing to cast, also.

[@westryan1]

long distance release. Lol thats what I say to when I dont lane em

[@michaelkborozan4121]

Any suggestions to keep the second fly from becoming tangled in the longer section of leader? Looking forward to the upstream fishing how to with Simon..

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

Not really. It usually reaches a point where that hanging dropper twists enough around the leader that it can't twist any more, and fishes fine after that. A tippet ring helps over a knot, as it holds the dropper slightly further away, but it will still twist. Simon says he is filming the next episode of upstream soft hackles next month. It will be released sometime in the subsequent next 6 months...

[@CruiserlifestyleBlogspot]

Use the stiffer tag end to tie the dropper fly will help a bit.

[@iguanaamphibioustruck7352]

Well, your just walking and wading fly fishing store. Like to see you on some of the rivers in the Northwest. You crawl down into the canyon to a stream filled with moss covered boulders and a lot of white water. Water so clear you need to use a pound and a half tipit or they turn away. Anyway nice cast and hook up. Get rid of you net and use a gunny sack with a cut out. Iguana

[@commoncorysense1809]

Do you feel better now?

[@bigmick812]

What’s a good all around Fly Line. Can’t really afford to buy multiple lines. Thanks

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

Probably the best all around fly line we make is the RIO Perception. It really is a great line that will do just about anything well. Thanks for checking in...

[@MooshieGaming]

Or try the RIO Mainstream trout line. I use that one and its less than 30 USD on amazon

[@PaulTenenbaum]

Thumbs up if sometimes when you're fishing you pretend you're Simon, accent and all, delivering a fly-fishing tutorial. If you're not brave enough to admit it, it's ok.

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

This is incredible!🤣