Fly Fishing for Bluegill- How I Do It

I would love to hear from you guys on future videos that you would like to see. Maybe it is how I tie a nail knot, how I attach the hooks of an articulated streamer, or how I set up an 8 weight for hybrids/wipers or bass. Please feel free to leave a comment below.
Here's the first video that I made and it's about bluegill fishing. Hopefully the information is helpful and useful. The setting is pretty, the bluegill were biting, and my friend of 25 years, Jim, makes a special guest appearance. Some people think he's annoying while others find him funny. Hopefully you fall into the later category.
Please visit my merch store at teespring.com/stores/the-show... and my Etsy store at www.etsy.com/shop/TheShowMeFl... .
I created this video with the KZbin Video Editor ( / editor )

[@ronaldblair3236]

If your kinda new, don’t worry about doing like everyone else. You’re enjoying it and catching fish so have fun and just relax and have fun and enjoy it. . It’s good therapy for Dailey stress. Get rid of the crazy guy in your boat or have him behave and be quiet and enjoy the peace of being out there. Just have fun and catch some dinner.

[@dahutful]

I like you; some good tidbits, especially the bobber fly fishing. Some suggestions... 1. Don't use disclaimers. 2. Don't read from the script. 3. Get rid of the bug-eyed up close guy. 4. Use some establishing shots, 5. Show, without a constant narrative.

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Thank you for the feedback and constructive criticism. I always take comments like this under consideration for future videos and I'm not too proud to say I am still a novice and have a lot to learn.

[@dahutful]

No worries. Appreciate it. There’s a guy on KZbin, Damon Toney, his channel: “black warrior lures.” He has a number of videos on how to make better fishing videos... which sounds kinda weird, I suppose, but they are pretty useful. Especially for you, since you’re trying to teach, as well as catch fish. Check him out.

[@keiranrooker7981]

davhutton I completely agree with getting rid of the bug eyed close guy

[@BenMcDevitt]

I thought the bug eye close guy nailed it

[@panchovillasmith8218]

Just wanted to shoot a big thank you for this video, it's great for newbies like myself and my 3 year old. But an extra thank you for the step by step to make your own jig. You got a new subscriber

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Pancho Villa Smith wow! Thank you for the kind words and I am so happy that I could help. It might not come as a surprise to you that my day job is teaching middle school. Thanks again and the pleasure is all mine.

[@panchovillasmith8218]

@@TheShowMeFlyGuy No kidding.. You do this world a great service with the kids. Keep it up. You must have patience that is unknown to the rest of us. Gotta work on my end to get this lil monster to enjoy the outdoors instead of hiding behind a video game or phone! Again thank you.

[@elmoreglidingclub3030]

Love it!! Much appreciation for practical and plain and thoroughly enjoyable fly fishing. Nothing near where I fly fish except Bluegill and small Bass so your video gives me some new things to try.

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Thank you so much for the kind words and I'm glad it was helpful! I'm a teacher by trade so it makes me incredibly happy to know that I am helping people! Thanks again and if there is ever anything that I can help you with in the future, please let me know! I recently posted a fly fishing for largemouth bass video too and thought it might help. Here's a link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYO8ZJyNgNpnn6s

[@panfishin-fool8057]

Stay true to yourself big bro. Thanks for the simplicity. New to the flylife and its content like this that builds confidence. Now I can say its game on lol. Since I've started my mind was already made up to just use floro because all that tipet stuff is just kinda overwhelming geeesh🤦🏾. Anyhow I only wanted to fly fish for crappies and gills but as simple as possible so for that sir I thank you once again🎣. Just found you and just subbed 👍🏽

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

I am so glad that I was able to help, even if only a little. Fly fishing will get its claws into you and if I can be of any assistance in the future, please let me know. There a lot of info, techniques, and methods. I know a little about a lot of things but by no means an expert. Thanks for the kind comment and good luck on the water!

[@panfishin-fool8057]

@TheShowMeFlyGuy Thanks man don't be annoyed with me because I will reach out with questions if I'm stuck on something lol. Blessings to you and yours 🎣

[@thibod07]

Keep doing those as they give nice tricks to beginner like myself. I like fishing bluegill and yellow perch as they can be found anywhere. Thank you for sharing.

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Thank you for the kind words and I will try to get something out soon. I LOVE fly fishing for bluegill. They are aggressive, fight hard, and are pretty easy to catch. Good luck on the water and thanks for the kind words.

[@marcwatkins623]

Enjoyed this video, became a subscriber. Down to earth, sensible ideas that we need more of. As a host, you come across as genuine. I hope you don't loose that quality once you become rich and famous.

[@gabemoore3189]

Been fishing for a while but am just now getting into fly fishing. This video is a huge help

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

I am so happy that you found this useful and thanks for the comment! Is there anything that I can help you with specifically?

[@gabemoore3189]

@@TheShowMeFlyGuy now mainly it would just be tips on getting down casting with the fly rod. Thank you so much

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

@@gabemoore3189 I know Orvis has some good videos and Scientific Anglers have some great videos but the bottom line is practice. Do some grass casting and try to hit some hula hoops to practice distance and accuracy. That's how I got started and if you just put a piece of yarn on the end of your leader, you don't have to worry about hooking yourself!

[@jordanhagy6441]

I want to learn to fly fish, so many people ceach so much on flys and nothing else was working. This could help me keep up with my Papa when I am fishing with him.

[@sheppeyfishtales]

Never flyfished. But great tutorial. Easy to understand. Tha ks. Defi ate sub from the UK 🎣🇬🇧

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Wow! Thank you so much for the kind words. If you ever have any questions or I can help with anything, please let me know. It is an amazing sport that will pull you in and not let go once you start. Thanks for the sub too.

[@sheppeyfishtales]

@@TheShowMeFlyGuy No worries. I shall watch some more today 😎

[@hectormoreno9076]

Great info,but I felt like I was being hypnotized by that flickering reflection of the sun by your feet. 😂.

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Hector Moreno then my plan is working if you subscribed and then started clicking like a chicken.

[@Robert-hr6sh]

Sounds good!!

[@SoundFishing2020]

Awesome fly fishing video! Keep it up. Liked and subscribed.

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Bee Wise Outdoors thank you sir! I’ll return the favor!

[@andyfletcher3561]

Bottom line, do you catch fish. I'm self taught also, though I've only maybe 3-4 hours total going after bass, panfish, and the like, concentrating on trout cuz they are tasty to me while the others are not, and it's what I was raised catching. I'm in Oklahoma now, so trout are just too far away. I heven't really had time with working out of town for years. I'm retired now, and next SS check, getting my license and some poppers, etc, and I'm GOING to catch me some bass, and move from there... When I was a kid, and had folks to take me fishing and teach me, fly fishing was reserved for the grown-ups. After I got back to California after the service(1979) I was living ten minutes from a nice little trout stream coming out of the north side of the San Gabriel mountains. So I went and got me Zebco 606 some hooks, split shot, and worms, and did what I knew how to do. It was just too damn easy. I went to K-mart, spent 15 bucks on a glass rod/reel combo with some leaders and CHEAP flies, went to the library and borrowed a couple of books and VHS tapes, and kind of watched them. Left me with the impression it was going to be quite difficult. Roll cast, sky cast, double hauling blah blah blah blah blah. Fancy knots, sinking lines floating lines dries nymphs match the hatch and more blah blah blah. Don't get me wrong, all great stuff to know. Finally decided I just needed to get my ass to the creek. The nail knot and the clinch of course were on the leader packs to follow. Tied my leader on and a very poorly tied #12 Adams and second cast landed an absolutely beautiful 10" wild Rainbow. Spent many months carrying both the spincast and fly rigs, and sticking to where the land was open and easy access to the pools. Even with that, I lost many flies to the brush behind me. By limiting myself to clear-ish areas, I was MAYBE fishing 10% of the creek. That just wasn't acceptable to me. Eventually, I got to where I could lay out 30-40 feet of line in a literal tunnel of trees and brush and be on the water so late the bats would hit my flies mid cast. So dark I was tying on flies blind. And all through it, I caught fish. Don't limit yourself to the "basics". They're great to know and be proficient in, but pay attention to what you are doing. If it works, do it some more. If it doesn't, adapt.

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

What an amazing story and I couldn't agree with your philosophies and beliefs more! Every fisherman has an incredible reason for why they fish and how they got started and yours is what makes you...well...you! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@keiranrooker7981]

For anyone who likes bluegill on ultralight spinning rods pick up a 3 weight fly rod and fish for bluegill they fight hard on light fly rods

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Keiran Rooker it sure is fun when small fish feel big on light tackle!

[@tracyg1312]

Have you had any luck just bank fishing at Tobacco Hills? My husband and I have been a few times but have a boat so can’t hit some of those back coves

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

I have never bank fished there before, but if I did, I would hit that dam pretty hard. There are lots of fish to be caught over there but you're right, it is MUCH better out of a boat!

[@countrycreekcaster5020]

Need to try your set up next time I’m out.

[@nealleavitt6665]

What kind of strike indicator ar you using? I have some 3/4" Thingamabobber strike indicators. Would these work?

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

I use the teardrop lightning strike indicators. I'm not sure what the specific size is but it is 1/2 inch wide at its largest diameter. Here's a link: www.basspro.com/shop/en/lightning-strike-teardrop-strike-indicators

[@rockfieldlangley1955]

great vid! Thanks

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Rockfield Langley thank you! It is ALWAYS nice to hear a kind word! If there’s anything I can ever help with, please let me know.

[@SOUTHSEASIRON]

So is the total length of the fluorocarbon 6 ft. or is it six feet to the strike indicator, then an additional 2 ft to the fly? Sorry if that’s a stupid question your video has already given me a lot of insight 🙏🏻

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

SOUTHSEASIRON GREAT question! I have a six foot long leader. Then, I measure two feet up from where the fly is to place my strike indicator. I hope that helps! Glad the video helped!

[@paulmerritt7540]

Great video, those were some decent size bluegills. I love to occasionally keep some that size for a few fillets but when I don't, I just count how many I catch and release. By the way, try barbless hooks and they release so much easier......and actually hook better, but it'll be easier to unhook you or your buddy!

[@crux321]

I was using that orange slip-on indicator for the first time the other evening on my local lake and 2 times in a row a fish hit the indicator taking it underwater. The second time the fish stay on (on the indicator) for at least 5 seconds. He has nearly pulled it off the line. There is a chance it was a bass but there were so many trout in the area I think thats more likely.

[@rhabdob3895]

crux321 : put a hook on that indicator.

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Yep, that will drive you nuts. While it comes with the territory, that doesn't make it less maddening.

[@davidmatney7531]

I had trout go after my indicator at Bennett before and once a bullfrog took my indicator on some weeds and didn't let go until I nearly landed him :-)

[@crux321]

looks like in retrospect it could also have been a wiper as not long after i started catching them in that area. Ill still leave some hope it was a trout :P

[@keiranrooker7981]

I fish wooly buggers that I tied myself on a size 12 nymph hook for bluegill the other day and got some of my first bluegill on the fly rod

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Keiran Rooker thats great! Congratulations! But be warned, you have started down a long, time consuming, and enlightening path!

[@keiranrooker7981]

For sure man even just tying flies and casting nymphs for trout is super fun man

[@keiranrooker7981]

Even if your not catching anything it’s just beautiful to walk the stream in peace stalking fish enjoying the water the wildlife incredible

[@cheryladelmeyer8172]

Do you have to set the hook like on a spinning reel?

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Pretty much, but the only difference is that this is the same motion that you use to go into a backcast. If you miss a fish, then you're already in a casting motion and you can put fly right back where it was when you missed the fish.

[@ruthmoore3310]

Canada likes all fly fishing videos. I use homemade squirrel flies for bluegills

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

NICE! I can't get back to Canada to fish for pike fast enough!

[@nicholaspietrzak9992]

I’ve noticed the greens don’t fight as well as the bluegills and other sunnies

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

I agree but they sure are pretty!

[@nicholaspietrzak9992]

@@TheShowMeFlyGuy oh ya! Used to fish a creek where I grew up that had some that were half black

[@mikecushman7116]

I wish you would do a lot of these Video

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Thank you very much for the kind words. They are always appreciated. I haven't made a video in awhile now because they just weren't getting viewed as much as I was hoping and my online fly shop took off unexpectedly. However, if you would like to make a request, I'll see what I can do. What would you like to see a video cover?

[@jjcurran7672]

yes

[@screamingvteccc]

Use a chernobyl ant instead of the bobber and run a dropper wet fly or a squirmy wormy. The ant will work as a bobber and you will also get fish on top water.

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

screamingvteccc great call. I don’t do that enough!

[@marcwatkins623]

Thanks! A sensible solution, I love it.

[@larrychase1493]

I wish you got closer to the mic so we can hear you

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Larry Chase sorry about that. Still a newbie learning the ropes. Thanks for watching and I’ll try to keep getting better.

[@michaelblocker772]

I wish I wish apon a fish that I could be as good as him

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

It doesn't take much buddy! You need to aspire to greater things than me!

[@brucewelty7684]

I wish you had shown how you get that terminal mess out by casting.

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Honestly, I just grab a handful of line and the fly and toss it in the water. From there, I roll cast it further out and that's about it. Now that you mention it, I wish i would have included it too! Thanks for the view and feedback.

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

That's a good question that I get a lot. It's hard to describe because I don't have a real technique. I just kind of flick it out there with the rod tip. Sorry it took me so long to get back with you.

[@dennispearson7592]

Bruce Welty I

[@jefferyjordan1710]

So Facility Maintence = Janitor........Strike Indicator = Bobber..........................LOL gues it sounds better on the resume.

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Excellent call! You nailed it! I guess I am a videographer or film maker as opposed to a KZbinr then!

[@murrayseratt8589]

Give more info on the flies you use, and a bit more on how you rig your line. Also, leave your friend at the dock. He does nothing for your videos.

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Thank you for the critique and constructive criticism. While this video has more views than my others, I think I have included what you suggested in future videos. It is strange to me that this isn’t my best work but my most viewed!?!?

[@daleweller5193]

You should have your friend operate the motor seeing how he isn’t catching fish.

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

If I could trust him to do anything but say dumb things, I would!

[@coolkidcado7211]

i am youer biggest fan and chek out AlphaWolfMTD

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Caden Eschliman thank you so much and you’re right, that AlphaWolfMTD is pretty amazing!

[@bp1952]

You mention your fly is 2 ft down from your indicator, but looks like 4-5 ft

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Good catch! I actually did that for demonstration purposes at the start of the video but actually fished about 2 feet down later on. I will try to be more precise in the future, and thanks for the feedback.

[@email16v]

The first thing you need is a microphone

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

No kidding! Do you have a spare laying around?

[@jhgt6]

put a mic on your shirt hay

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

U Pete giardini if I had one I surely would! I just don’t have the money to sink into making better videos to be honest with you. Maybe I need to start a kickstarter or gofundme.

[@ceezit6626]

Only video I've seen say to dislike

[@jullstar]

Less talking more fishing

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Ernesto Sanchez gotcha

[@rhabdob3895]

The Missouri part was not obvious. Stop sounding so sorry for making videos.

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

That's an interesting point about sounding sorry for making videos. So I don't make the same mistake in the future, what exactly are you referring to? I appreciate the constructive criticism and just want to make better videos. Thanks again for the feedback.

[@cehodson]

Missouri is the show me state

[@rhabdob3895]

Oh I was talking about the “I’m not saying I’m the expert...this is just my opinion...” disclaimer every couple seconds. Cut to the chase, show us what you got and be the star of your own video.

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

I am actually working on a new video and took your criticism to heart. Great advice and thanks again. Hopefully your pointers make this next one better.

[@rhabdob3895]

No shit. That’s cool, man.

[@antlereric]

Just be quiet and fish!

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Just trying to help folks that are just getting started with fly fishing, that's all.

[@maxwyckoff7355]

Cmon man he is just trying to show people how to fish

[@maxwyckoff7355]

I dont know how to fly fish so this video was great

[@jackmckee9671]

you talk tooooo much. TMI

[@TheShowMeFlyGuy]

Jack McKee Thank you for the constructive criticism. I always appreciate it and take it to heart. What parts do you think I should have eliminated?