The Worst and Best Strike Indicators

They all have their intended purpose but one of these strike indicators are not my favourite. I go over in detail which one in this video and really don't hold back! I will say that yarn or wool indicators are one my favourites! Hope you all enjoy the video and we will catch ya on the next one!
Warmest regards,
Milan
Greenhorn Flyhorn

[@RustyNipples]

Years ago a friend lost the Peg from his indicator and didn't have a spare. He did have a small Juice Box drink with him. He took the straw, cut an inch off it and used it in place of the Peg. It worked so well that we just throw away the Pegs when the Indicators are new now. They cast better too.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

And that folks is why the comment section is pure gold! Thanks for sharing man!

[@RustyNipples]

Another use for the Juice Box Drinking Straws... I took a Crochet Hook and wrapped the butt end with electrical tape. Then I put 1/4" long pieces of the Straw over the Hook and pushed them over the flattened section (in the middle). This holds them in place on the Hook until needed. When I want an Indicator I hook my leader with the Crochet Hook and push a section of Straw off the Hook over the leader. Then I insert a 1" piece of bright poly yarn into the leader loop and pull on both ends of the leader, this doubles the yarn and pulls it through the short piece of straw, treat with Flotant. I got the Crochet Hook and Poly Yarn at the local Thrift Store, total cost $1 with a lifetime supply of Red, Yellow & White Poly Yarn. Just add Straws. This is a poor mans version of a NZ Strike Indicator.

[@SoggySleeves]

I use, and like all the indicators mentioned. Never had any problems with slip indicators. They do their job really well. Makes a world of a difference if you peg em on the bottom side. I’m still using the same half dozen slip indicators I purchased over 5 years ago.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

That's awesome! I use em sometimes but they aren't that good. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Tight lines!

[@troutbum21]

If I try to screw in a screw with a hammer, it won’t work very well. These indicators are great for their intended purpose. If you try to use them in other situations, it’s on you.

[@Gordon_River]

The Rowley foam indicator has worked fine for me in rivers and still waters for more than a decade. They are so easy to adjust the length. The smaller size is easier to cast. Who cares if the colour comes off? The fish will never see it. They are inexpensive and not intended to last more than a 10 or 15 days on the water. Remember to put a split shot on the line near the fly or the indicator can slide right into the fishes mouth forcing a release.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

All the other indicators i have shown(less the Orvis stick ons) all have lasted a full season. The Oros indicators just keep truckin. About the paint: I care. It’s just sloppy and can be done better. Of course this is just my two cents and can appreciate your opinion. Best of luck on the waters 🤙

[@JeffreyAguilar-lu8tg]

The cons you describe on the slip are so insignificant in comparison to the advantages! I use slip indicators o still waters exclusively. They work. I will go head to head with you on any lake and I garuntee I Will out fish you using a slip!

[@tudorpop961]

I use strike indicator for dry flies, for small ones (24-22-20 #) when I fish in fast streams for european grayling at distance; not to indicate the strike but to give an idea where to look for my small fly to spot the moment when the fish pick the fly,.. they tend to spit the fly out instantly so you have to be fast. Yarn indicators tend to be bulky and they don’t float very well so I thy them with deer hair.

[@CoachBreid]

I only use the Phil Rowley style on stillwaters when using long leaders: small bobber stopper on 9-12 ft of 1-3 x, the indicator/peg, a micro swivel or tippet ring, 4-12ft of tippet/droppers. This solves most of the functional problems you discussed. I agree the quality could be better, but for me they work until the peg disappears in to the foam. Having another "consumable" is less than ideal IMO. Agreed on the Oros for general use, including stillwaters with shorter leaders, and poly for finesse situations. Specific tools for a specific jobs. Keeping it tight.

[@Ericbyhookorbycrook]

Great little video. At this point. I think I'm going to try nymphing again. Might try adopting a little bit of your style in videos too. I never talk, because I don't wan't to come off preachy or narcissistic. I've told you before, I love the anti-ego approach to fishing. Great work!🤘🏼

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Thanks buddy! Nymphing is a lot of fun. Remember the days of being a kid and waiting for that bobber to go down? Never gets old! About the talking in your videos. Who cares what others think! Just have fun with it, that’s what i do. Nobody is an expert, that’s why we still have fish in the water 😆

[@bobbyk3937]

Once I find the depth, especially deep Stillwater fishing, I use a sharpie to mark the leader so I can reset the depth easily

[@greenhornflyhorn]

That’s a great hack! Thanks for sharing.

[@ChromeBulllet]

These indicators are the ONLY way to fish a depth greater then the rod length and be able to land your fish. Intended for still waters. For rivers, NZ indicator is the way forward. PS, you can cut everything needed with your serrated forceps.

[@waynespicer89]

Put micro swivel above your fly 18-24" and then you won't lose the bobber or the peg if you get broken off. None of the other indicators you talked about have the fishing deep water ability of the slip indicator.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

I agree Wayne! I just am disappointed in the quality of these the most. I still use them for stillwater but might change to Thill slip bobbers again this season. Thank you for the comment and watching 🙂

[@ryantherock7664]

Best is NZ strike indicator

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Not a fan. Have to cut the junction tubing and then i have to cut the wool(have to carry scissors). Just not my cup of tea personally.

[@pierevojzola9737]

⁠​⁠@@greenhornflyhornHi, don’t be such a wuss, I am 86 years old and have used this system before it became famous and have no real problem in tying the wool to the line. I find that buying the tube from aquarium pump supply shop and using the wider diameter tubeing helps. I get my wool off the fences that surround the sheep paddocks and the natural lanolin helps to keep the indicator floating. Over the years of usage I have found that it helps to use a comb to fluff up the indicator and use your folding scissors to trim it down to 3/4”. When casting into our winter sun its very glaring and I change the white colour into half orange and half green to make it stand out. Works for me and I have to trek to get to the rivers which are fast and deep in places or shallow at their tail, and the indicator can be moved easily and many times a day. Keep on perfecting your system, it’s worth it! Cheers mate. Harera

[@greenhornflyhorn]

@@pierevojzola9737 a wuss!?!? Excuse me! Hahaha!!! Hey man, if you enjoy your system then have at it. For me, i enjoy the other offerings but everyone has their opinion. Good luck out there🙂

[@pierevojzola9737]

@@greenhornflyhornHi, as you say, everyone has their own way. By the way, should you ever have the chance to come and fish here in the Taupo region of NZ, read Zane Greys book of his experiences here, the book is called Anglers Eldorado. Just make sure to read the local regulations as all those floating bobbers you may use in the States are not allowed in the Taupo Lakes region. Get caught, you could have your fishing tackle confiscated! But that’s angling! Cheers mate. Harera

[@multilecful]

Why are they painted? I will stick with the lambs wool, a bit of duck fat and it floats all day. We dont need any more plastic in the water.

[@greenhornflyhorn]

I have no idea. Whatever type it is, just peels off quickly. Good on you with sticking to the natural stuff. Those(wool) are great indicators 👍

[@Michael-fj9ht]

sorry bro but thats not how you put it on not the best but never had this problem with them.tight lines

[@greenhornflyhorn]

bro?!?!?! ahhaha. In all seriousness, I have put them on both ways, but to be honest my points in this video(other than the weight the bobber can handle) are valid no matter the orientation. I address this same comment below if you want a tad more detail. If they work for ya, that's just gravy! Appreciate you watching and wish you luck on the waters :)

[@briandrobe4637]

… and you rigged it wrong … upside down bud

[@greenhornflyhorn]

Oh buds. Done it both ways. Used the round ones too. Even then all my points are valid. Tight lines out there🤘