Q&A | #33 - Rod & Reel Balance, Your River + Fly Presentation and Streamer Leader Setups

In this questions and answers video, Brian Flechsig at Mad River Outfitters breaks down the significance of having a properly balance rod and reel, how to read your river, properly present a fly and streamer fly line, leader and rigging solutions.
Thanks as always for watching and supporting!
Howler Brothers: www.madriveroutfitters.com/m-93-howler-brothers.aspx
Nautilus XS Fly Reel: www.madriveroutfitters.com/p-14532-nautilus-xs-fly-reel.aspx
Ross San Miguel Fly Reel: www.madriveroutfitters.com/p-16110-ross-san-miguel-34-fly-reel.aspx
Airflo Streamer Max Short Fly Line: www.madriveroutfitters.com/p-14458-airflo-streamer-max-short-fly-line.aspx
Airflo Kelly Galloup Streamer Max Long Fly Line: www.madriveroutfitters.com/p-14457-airflo-kelly-galloup-streamer-max-long-fly-line.aspx
Airflo Kelly Galloup Streamer Float Fly Line: www.madriveroutfitters.com/p-14456-airflo-kelly-galloup-streamer-float-fly-line.aspx
Maxima Ultragreen: www.madriveroutfitters.com/p-7980-maxima-ultragreen.aspx
Maxima Clear: www.madriveroutfitters.com/p-4241-maxima-clear.aspx
Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout: www.madriveroutfitters.com/p-669-modern-streamers-for-trophy-trout.aspx
Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout II: www.madriveroutfitters.com/p-16098-modern-streamers-for-trophy-trout-ii.aspx
~
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Have a question about this video or anything fly fishing? We're happy to help!
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Welcome to Mad River Outfitters, hosted by professional fly fishing guide, Brian Flechsig and his team of fly fishing guides at Mad River Outfitters. On this channel you will find honest fly fishing education, fly fishing tutorials and product reviews. We're passionate about fly fishing and that's what we hope to share here. More information about who we are can be found on our website (www.madriveroutfitters.com) and also on our Instagram (@madriveroutfitters).

[@christophercollins2330]

Cannot wait for your entomology videos, it's going to be great. I believe anyone from entry level to guide level can appreciate what you do for the fly fishing world. Thank you

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here. Stay tuned. Tons of cool stuff coming your way.

[@maximilianjon8930]

you all prolly dont care but does any of you know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account..? I somehow forgot my password. I appreciate any help you can offer me.

[@leonardterrance5987]

@Maximilian Jon instablaster :)

[@maximilianjon8930]

@Leonard Terrance Thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site on google and Im trying it out now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@maximilianjon8930]

@Leonard Terrance It worked and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my account!

[@anthonyfuqboi8211]

Started using streamers yesterday and caught the biggest fish I’ve caught so far while fly fishing. It was a big beautiful healthy 20 inch sea run cutthroat and it was in a spot I’ve been fishing all year. Had no idea he was in there! Had the best day of fishing all year so far. I’m absolutely addicted now and am currently filling up my Mad River Outfitters shopping cart with streamers.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the support.

[@foketesz]

A balance that leans a bit towards the reel side makes sense, specially considering that you will be fishing with most of the line out, so the spool will get quite lighter.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@ljackson8220]

Thanks for the video. Great info. Especially liked the streamer rigging. I've watched all the "getting started" videos and now going through the Q & A's.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Stay tuned.

[@kofitnesschicago]

Really appreciate all the quality information you put out on this channel.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks so much. We truly appreciate that. Stay tuned.

[@nomadicturtles815]

Thanks for covering rod and reel balance. Very informative.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@danielmcconkey6209]

Brian you're a bloody legend mate, from London, UK.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@farmerbob4554]

Really good information. Thanks for the informative video. I fish streamers on a floating line in still water during the damsel fly migration here in the West and for top water pike. That tip on downstream retrieve is one of the best tips of all time! Thanks

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@robertwright7501]

Thank you for the way you find a balance that way. I've been doing the same thing with my many spinning rod setups as well as my 3 fly rods. so, when I actually am out on the water with my kayak, when casting, I don't ever think about the imbalance because I don't feel or notice any. So because of the lack of imbalance, it doesn't trigger my brain in knowing it's out of balance. THIS is to me and to you the best and noticeable way to start.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and thanks for sharing.

[@gregbishoff3759]

Great video as always!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@thecityguy2199]

I live on the Russian River in California!! Awesome to hear you mention it in a video !!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@coreylies]

great vid as usual. Thank you!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@schadowolf]

Another great video!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@ronaldfisher5093]

Excellent video Brian, Howler Brothers is a good looking prduct

[@Madriveroutfitters]

"Heed the Call"- they make some really cool stuff. Thanks for watching.

[@akselheimbach7137]

can't wait to check out the new ross reels San Miguel!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

We have them in the shop and a video review coming this week. They are on the website now.

[@akselheimbach7137]

@@Madriveroutfitters Sweet that's awesome I live an hour away from Ross Reels in Montrose so I might have to go up there and talk to them and fish the San Miguel river on my way back. lol

[@denofearthundertheeverlast5138]

I fish baitfish streamers on a floating line (Bass taper) for bass with my 8wt. fast action rod, especially right before twilight from about 6-9pm parallel to the bank and a fan pattern from about 2-6' out, thats when the magic happens when all the schools of shad and other minnows are surfacing and the water becomes a dark mirror reflecting the picture of the sky above it...truly a sight to behold especially with a 5lb bass on the end of your line and everyone looking at what you have because they hear the splash the fish makes right before you bank him.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks Den but wow.....that is one long sentence. We're out of breath.

[@johnkinsfather64]

Streamers, I found I often didn’t want to bother changing over, out on the river, to a streamer, so I had to come up with a quicker change out to a sinking tip line 6wt and a quiky leader. So I take a 2x or 3x leader, cut off about 2ft and tie a 20/22 size swivel with the clip. I use a palmier knot. Now I can easily attach any streamer to the clip, quickly. The swivel gives it plenty of action and I can readily switch to any streamer I want to try. This simple rig catches some very nice fish but more importantly urges me to make the effort to change over to a streamer. Yes I will get the book as I love a good game changer. John K

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for sharing! We have the books!!!

[@andykjohnsonjohnson7622]

Nice video Brian 👍🎣, great information on Rod and Reel balance .

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@jeraanderson8173]

Great to speak with you today on the phone, Brian. Very good info and it will all be put to use with the 5WT in the very near future! I also did screen captures of the leader formulas in the video for use as soon as I can afford to add those fly lines to the 8WT arsenal. Meanwhile, a question on spooling up two of the three "cassettes" soon-to-be en route from today's order. I get the Airflo Streamer Max Short for streamers and big poppers(right??). How about that Airflo Kelly Galloup Streamer Float you mentioned above? Define "big, honkin' meat". What exactly are we fishing there? Hot dogs? Sirloins? Seriously, what lure is best on an 8WT set up with a floating fly line? And when/where can we learn more about this "jigging a fly for bass"? As mentioned on the phone, I'm covered up in smallies here on the Clinch River and am anxious to throw something besides a crankbait at them. May even get brave and hunt them with the 5WT! THANKS!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Best to send your questions over to the shop at [e-mail]. Or give Brian a call directly. He'll be happy to help.

[@tommilevo7814]

Great video, thanks for the clear view on balancing a rod with a reel! I have a top-heavy imbalance on my setup, the fulcrum point is about an inch up from the end of the cork. Is there an easy diy fix for this? Wouldn’t want to spend more money on a new reel.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Not sure about that. Check with the shop directly and they may have an idea for you?

[@kellyphillips4404]

So cool

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@kendawg44]

Another great video. Question about your streamer, leader.. I'm guessing you're just using a surgeon's knot to tie all the different diameters together? Thanks!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

No, he uses exclusively blood knots. Feel free to e-mail or call him at the shop if he can help further. Thanks for watching.

[@ddt1352]

Great video! long time viewer keep it up! Few questions around: 1. why maxima ultra and not Florou? and would you modify the leader for an area that sees lots of fishing pressure i.e lengthen it? and does the ratio stay relevant if you increase the leader to say 10 or 11 ft? thanks from Vancouver BC!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

As stated here, please send all questions over to the shop at [e-mail]. They'll get it there and respond quickly and properly. Thanks.

[@kevinwalter8019]

I am really enjoying all the videos. Would you still use the same formula to build your leader for a floating line, with either nymphs or dry’s? Then change out the last 1 or 2 feet with the corresponding tippet for the fly or streamers you are using?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Questions like that are surely best to go to Brian directly. He'll be happy to answer. Send to [e-mail].

[@RyanConrod]

I've learned so much the past few days watching these videos, by far the best anyone can find on the internet... Quick question, Would you be able to use the packaged tapered 9ft leaders, say 0x/1x (on a 9ft, 6wt rod) with a sinking tip line for streamers as well? Or is 9ft just too long for a sinking tip line?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Ryan Conrod As stated here, please send your questions over to Brian via email. He will answer you there for sure. Thanks.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Ryan Conrod And thanks for watching.

[@johnnylightning1491]

I know I'm not the smartest guy in the world, (that's why I'm do darn good looking), but how is it that a fish with a brain the size of a pea can outsmart me so often? Inquiring minds want to know. But more seriously thanks for the video, the part on rod balancing was great, I think it's the first time I've ever heard this discussed. Keep the good stuff coming.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

It's not that he's so smart. He lives in water and you don't. Simple as that. Thanks for watching and please stay tuned.

[@allkite]

for the streamer leader that brian puts together at 20:20, is he still adding flourocarbon to that leader as tippet and if so, what strength / length of tippet is he adding ? many thanks !

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Please send this over to Brian at the shop and he'll be happy to correspond there. E-mail is fine. Thanks.

[@landermatyus8958]

2 questions what knot do you tie when you are tying your different sections of leaders and what’s the purpose of using that type of leader compared to a heavier rio fluoro leader or something similar especially with the floating line at least

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Please send your questions over to the shop via email and they will get back to you there. Thanks.

[@jewelled0]

Would you use this floating line set up for Carp? Redfish? Do you use blood knots to connect them all?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Send your questions over to Brian at the shop, as he states here, and he'll be happy to answer. Thanks.

[@RavalOnline]

I use a 12wt behemoth reel on an imperial usa 10wt with sinking line.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Raval Seojattan Cool! Thanks for being here.

[@viettran5438]

Great video! Is the floating line leader 6' total? so should the leader butt section be 2' instead of the 4' written? Thanks!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Viet Tran He’s not real good at math eh? Should be around 8’ total. The butt is good at 4’.

[@viettran5438]

@@Madriveroutfitters Haha.Thanks for clarifying! U guys r awesome!

[@draftandcraft4659]

Hahaha..."oh s**t, says the bait"....funny as hell

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@pavleljutic9511]

I use 10' 2wt rod with a 5/6 wt reel. It's balanced perfectly. Can i use that?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

If it works....go for it!

[@AlohaRaceTeam]

What kind of rod is that yellow one? I broke mine and want to buy it as my new rod

[@Madriveroutfitters]

TFO Instructor rod that Lefty gave to Brian many years ago now. Not something that is available to buy though.

[@steelhead6368]

When you're making this leader, are you connecting these lines (25lbs - 15lbs - 10lbs) with double surgeon's knot?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Please send your questions over to Brian directly at the shop via e-mail, or give him a call. He'll be happy to help. Thanks.

[@MapleGoodness]

I don't understand the comment that the butt section of a knotted leader will basically never need to be replaced. If you occasionally need to change the narrower sections, that means you're cutting off the tips of, and having to retie onto, the thicker portions right? Doesn't that mean eventually even your butt section will be too short and need to be replaced?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Shawn Fennell Send Brian an e-mail or give him a call. He’ll be happy to clarify.

[@robertturner8184]

Great video as always! Love Howler Brothers! What vise is that on the shelf? Try as I may I can't identify it.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Looks like a Renzetti- www.madriveroutfitters.com/p-2784-renzetti-presentation-4000-fly-tying-vise.aspx. Thanks for watching. We love HB too...obviously.

[@italiantroutaholic8926]

lance Edgan hates Loops too and cuts them off and believes loops or Loop Knots really don`t make the fly move more or less!!!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Agree and disagree. Tie a Swinnin' Jimmy on with a clinch and watch it swim. Nothing. Tie it on with a loop knot and it comes alive. With certain flies he might be right, but with others he's dead wrong.

[@jimmyhintz8850]

Why the ultra green, why not the clear version?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

You’ll need to check with Brian directly on that. Send him an email or give a call and he’ll surely be happy to help. Thanks.

[@michaelmares2281]

I wonder where he gets his shirts...

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Michael Mares Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zp6UoGSqaMtmla8

[@blueshiftpks3811]

Ha ha ha...... I always thought my spiced leaders were because I was cheap!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Blueshift PKS Not sure what spiced leaders are. ?

[@blueshiftpks3811]

Mad River Outfitters Splicing line together to make a leader. I am interested in buying some of that line from you. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Blueshift PKS Thanks for watching.