The brook trout that didn't get away

4 habits of highly successful fly anglers

Advertisement

#4  CHECK YOUR LEADER

Both the fight with a fish, and removing the hook can damage your leader. Fortunately, detecting a leader problem takes just seconds. By simply running the leader through your fingers, you can feel even the tiniest nick. Also watch for wind knots—those little overhand knots that can appear in your leader after a sloppy cast. They will tighten under the pressure of a fish, causing the monofilament to cut into itself. If you do find a nick or knot, take five minutes to cut it out and replace the bad section.

Advertisement

Believe me, it beats a lifetime of wondering just how big that lost brook trout actually was.